Work Text:
This day was just perfect.
The big bad demon king was defeated, the Honmoon was restored, heck, Rumi didn’t even need to hide who she is anymore.
But as she stared at the ceiling of her room, she felt different. She should be happy right now, out in the streets with Mira and Zoey as they celebrated their victory. Yet like always, Rumi declined to join.
”There’s no need for you to hide now, Rumi,” Zoey had reassured her with a smile. “We won.”
“Yeah, come on, Rumi,” Mira had gestured towards her, her hand open and clearly waiting for hers. “Let’s celebrate.”
Rumi had smiled, but she doubt it reached her eyes. “No, you guys go on ahead. I’m tired from all of today.”
They had left then but not before sending concerned looks towards her. She ignored them, going back to her room, shutting herself in and crashing onto her bed.
She looked at her hands. The once purple pattern now white casted a soft glow in the room lit only by the city lights outside.
Old habits die hard, don’t they?
Before she could close her eyes, something caught her attention. She sat up, looking at her desk.
Rumi stared at the letter on her desk. Without thinking, she reached for it, holding it up to her face.
She could almost believe that this was another letter he sent through his tiger, another letter of invitation to let Rumi know that it was all a trick, that he had some master plan that meant he was alive.
But the weight of the sword on her waist reminded her of the truth. Rumi looked at it, the once purple glow now replaced with a brand new hue.
Light blue.
Like his soul was when he gave it to her.
Sighing, she put the sword away. She looked away as it dematerialized.
Just like he did right in front of her.
She felt something on her cheek. Reaching up, Rumi wiped herself only to realize her hand came back wet.
Oh.
She was crying.
Staring at her hand, the tears started to flow down.
Blinking rapidly to stop them, she made her way back to her bed, clutching the letter to her chest.
As she laid there, she couldn’t help but wonder, was there any way she could have saved him?
He sacrificed himself to save her. Why couldn’t she have done the same?
The tears were now flowing rapidly as she tried to hold back her sobs. Closing her eyes, she turned, continuing to hold his letter to her chest.
Jinu…
Was today really a victory? Rumi pondered on it before shaking her head, as she failed to stop her crying.
If it really was a perfect day, why did she feel so lost, so empty, so…
Rip
Opening her eyes, she looked down only to realize she accidentally tear the letter. She continued to stare as her fingers traced the part where the paper broke.
Broken.
Like her.
Closing her eyes once more, Rumi clutched the torn paper as she started to sob louder.
They may have won but at what cost? Her sanity? Her heart?
”Demons only live with their misery.”
God, she was having a hard time with that now.