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Rumi pulled Jinu hurriedly down the dim backstage hallway, their footsteps echoing softly on the polished concrete. Her heartbeat hammered against her ribs, fingers still tangled tightly with his, terrified he'd vanish again if she loosened her grip even slightly.
Bobby stormed toward them, clipboard flailing wildly and eyes wide with frantic disbelief.
“Jinu! Jinu, seriously ?” Bobby shrieked, voice nearly an octave higher than usual. He jabbed his pen in Jinu's direction. “We’ve got PR teams already calling me non-stop! Twitter’s exploding! #Rujinu is literally everywhere, and my phone won’t stop buzzing! Is this your idea of a joke?”
Zoey and Mira, still reeling from shock, stood just behind him, mouths agape, eyes flickering between amusement and disbelief.
“Well, it’s nice to see you too, Bobby,” Jinu replied casually, brushing imaginary dust off his shoulder. “Missed your charming voice.”
Bobby sputtered incoherently. “I—you—how—why—do you even understand what you just did?! Unauthorized stage entrances! Do you realize how many calls from reporters I’ve ignored in the last five minutes alone?!”
Rumi bit her lip, struggling not to laugh. She squeezed Jinu’s hand tightly, grateful he was here but also highly amused by Bobby's increasing hysteria.
Zoey finally cracked a smile, stepping forward and patting Bobby’s shoulder reassuringly. “Come on, Bobby, breathe. Deep breaths. In, out—”
“I don’t need breathing lessons—I need damage control!” Bobby wailed dramatically, eyes darting around backstage. “How did you even get past security?”
Jinu gave him a lazy shrug. “Guess I have my ways.”
“Oh my god, he’s impossible,” Bobby groaned, dragging a hand over his face. “Why is everyone around me impossible?”
“Natural talent?” Mira offered innocently.
Bobby shot her a glare before sighing heavily. “We’ve got to get out of here before reporters ambush us. Let’s go. Now.”
He spun around, leading them quickly through a maze of backstage halls, muttering to himself the whole way about lawsuits, angry executives, and mysterious disappearing boybands.
Zoey leaned over to Rumi, whispering loudly, “Think Bobby’s blood pressure will survive tonight?”
“Doubtful,” Rumi replied, hiding her smile behind her hand. Jinu chuckled, lacing his fingers gently through hers again.
When they reached the side exit, Bobby peeked through the crack, groaning. “Great. Paparazzi. Reporters. Cameras everywhere. This night just keeps getting better.”
“How many are there?” Mira asked curiously, trying to peer around him.
“Too many,” Bobby snapped. “Unless one of you can magically teleport, we’re stuck here.”
Jinu brightened suddenly. “Well, actually—”
Rumi elbowed him sharply, eyes widening in warning.
Bobby squinted suspiciously. “Actually, what?”
“He means,” Rumi interrupted quickly, “maybe we can find another exit?”
“No time. Someone saw us!” Bobby squeaked as a camera flash went off nearby. “Oh no—they're running this way!”
Jinu sighed dramatically, grabbing Bobby’s arm. “Everyone hold hands. This might feel a little weird.”
“What are you talking about—”
Before Bobby could finish, Jinu snapped his fingers, and the world blurred into streaks of pink smoke.
In a blink, they landed roughly in Huntrix’s penthouse living room.
Zoey immediately dropped to her knees, groaning loudly. Mira stumbled dramatically, clutching the nearest sofa cushion, her eyes spinning.
“Oh my god—teleportation is awful. Why does anyone teleport?” Mira moaned.
“I think I left my stomach backstage,” Zoey whimpered, flopping face-first onto the fluffy rug.
Bobby stood frozen, clipboard clutched to his chest, eyes wide and unblinking. “Did—did we just—was that—?”
“Magic?” Jinu grinned smugly. “Maybe.”
Bobby opened his mouth, closed it, then turned around and walked silently out of the room, mumbling something about vacation and therapy under his breath.
“Poor guy might actually snap tonight,” Mira said sympathetically, lying spread-eagle on the floor.
Zoey sat up weakly. “You couldn’t warn us?”
“Where’s the fun in that?” Jinu teased, laughing. “Rumi’s fine.”
Rumi rolled her eyes, but smiled softly. “I’m used to your chaos by now.”
Zoey pouted dramatically. “Sure, rub your cute relationship in our nauseated faces.”
Mira nudged Zoey. “Speaking of relationships—how exactly are you here, Jinu? Didn’t you vanish with the Saja Boys?”
Zoey perked up immediately. “Yeah! What’s the deal?”
Jinu smiled mysteriously, sitting casually on the sofa. “Well, funny story. I gave my soul to Rumi. When powerful and handsome demons like yours truly lose their souls, it takes time to reform. Most demons don’t come back, but obviously I’m special, so—”
Rumi playfully shoved him right off the sofa mid-sentence. Jinu hit the floor with an exaggerated "oof," pouting dramatically as he sprawled across the rug.
“You definitely lost a few brain cells reforming,” Rumi teased, summoning her sword with a mischievous grin. “Maybe we should reset again?”
Jinu’s eyes widened comically in mock horror. “Whoa, whoa, princess, let’s not be hasty! Mira, Zoey, help me out here!”
Zoey shrugged, grinning. “It was nice knowing you.”
Mira held up her hand eagerly. “Can I help smash his face?”
Rumi laughed, shaking her head as she unsummoned her sword and offered Jinu her hand. He stood, feigning a wounded expression until Rumi pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek.
“Aw, don’t pout,” she whispered softly. “Besides, two other people have really missed you, maybe even more than me.”
Zoey squealed happily as Rumi led Jinu towards her bedroom, whispering loudly to Mira, “She’s finally happy again. Oh my god, this is perfect!”
Mira nodded thoughtfully, but then paused. “Wait, where’s Jinu going to sleep?”
Zoey’s eyes widened comically. “Wait. He can't sleep in Rumi’s room…or the couch…that’s our chill spot! The kitchen’s off-limits too…”
As Zoey spiraled into her mental calculations, Mira sighed, shaking her head and pulling out her phone.
Inside Rumi’s room, the second the door opened, a giant furry shape barreled toward them.
“Derpy, wait—!” was all Rumi managed before the excited demon tiger knocked them both flat onto the carpet, joyfully slobbering over Jinu’s face and hair. Sussie, ever dignified, merely perched atop Derpy’s head, rolling their eyes at the chaos.
When Rumi finally managed to pry Derpy off and close the door behind them, she laughed at Jinu’s stunned expression. “Come on, you look ridiculous. Let me fix your hair.”
Jinu grinned mischievously, pulling her between his legs as she wiped away the drool with a soft towel. He stared lovingly at her glowing patterns, unable to hide his admiration.
“Jinuuuu,” Rumi whined playfully, squirming lightly. “I’m sweaty and gross.”
“Still beautiful,” he murmured softly, resting his forehead against her stomach. “Is your shower big enough for two people?”
She smacked him lightly on the back, her patterns flickering pink as she blushed. “Behave yourself.”
He laughed, releasing her reluctantly. “Teasing you is going to be so much fun now.”
She groaned, hiding her burning cheeks. “I need a shower. Behave.”
“Fine,” he pouted dramatically. “But I’ll definitely tease you more later.”
Once they’d both cleaned up, Jinu slid into bed beside Rumi, gently tracing the shimmering patterns along her arm.
“Why do you keep doing that?” she murmured softly, cuddling closer.
“Because I want to memorize every inch of you,” Jinu whispered lovingly. He pressed a soft kiss against her palm. “And maybe tease you just a little more.”
She smiled sleepily, warmth blooming in her chest. “You’re impossible.”
“Impossible not to love?” he teased lightly.
“Yes,” she replied earnestly, looking deeply into his eyes. “Exactly.”
Jinu’s breath caught gently, and he leaned forward, kissing her tenderly, full of gentle affection. “I love you, Rumi.”
She melted into his arms, whispering back softly, “I love you too.”
Yawning, Rumi snuggled more into his chest, eyelids growing heavy. “Tomorrow’s going to be chaos, isn’t it?”
“Oh yeah,” Jinu chuckled softly, wrapping his arms around her. “Totally worth it though.”
Rumi’s voice was sleepy but teasing. “You better not vanish again. I’ll kick your ass for real next time.”
He laughed softly into her hair. “Noted, princess. You’re scary enough when you're playful.”
She pinched his side lightly, earning a startled yelp. “Sleep now, troublemaker.”
Jinu pulled her even closer, sighing contentedly. “Goodnight, Rumi.”
Rumi smiled softly into his chest, murmuring back quietly, “Goodnight, Jinu.”
They drifted off together, wrapped in each other's warmth, chaos forgotten, hearts finally at peace.
Outside their door, Mira nudged Zoey, both having shamelessly eavesdropped.
Zoey whispered loudly, “Oh my god, they’re disgustingly adorable.”
“I know,” Mira giggled. “Think Bobby survived tonight?”
Zoey shrugged, amused. “Who knows—but tomorrow’s headlines are going to be incredible.”
They left quietly, leaving the reunited couple to rest, their laughter fading gently down the hall.
Rumi was floating in the soft haze of dreams, nestled deeply into Jinu’s warmth. His breath brushed gently against her hair, his arms wrapped protectively around her waist. Everything was peaceful. Quiet. Perfect.
Until it wasn't.
Suddenly, the mattress dipped alarmingly, blankets ripped away in a flurry of claws and enthusiastic paws.
“Derpy, NO!”
Too late. Derpy pounced directly onto their sleeping forms, his enormous tiger weight pinning them both to the bed. Rumi groaned as air was forced from her lungs, while Jinu let out a muffled yelp beneath the heavy, overly affectionate feline.
“Derpy!” Rumi laughed breathlessly, trying to push the ecstatic tiger off. “Good morning to you too, buddy.”
Derpy happily rumbled a greeting, slobbering eagerly across Jinu’s face as a personal good-morning kiss. Jinu spluttered, his arms pinned awkwardly beneath tiger paws.
“Okay, okay, I’m awake!” Jinu laughed weakly, squirming helplessly. “Derpy, if you want your dad alive, please let me breathe!”
Derpy seemed to consider it for a moment before rolling off dramatically, sprawling contentedly across their legs instead.
Rumi sat up, tousled hair falling messily over her face, and shot Jinu an amused look. “Welcome back to parenthood.”
“Forgot how enthusiastic he is,” Jinu groaned, scrubbing his face dry with the corner of the blanket. “This is a literal rude awakening.”
Rumi giggled, leaning over to kiss his cheek softly. “Still, better than waking up alone, right?”
His expression softened instantly. “Definitely.”
She smiled warmly, but their quiet moment was abruptly interrupted by loud banging on the door.
“Rise and shine, lovebirds!” Zoey called cheerfully. “Bobby’s on the verge of a nervous breakdown, so hurry up and save his sanity.”
“Preferably before he has an aneurysm,” Mira added helpfully from the background.
Rumi sighed dramatically, flopping back onto the pillows. “Do we really have to?”
“Unless you want to face Bobby’s ghost haunting us, probably,” Jinu joked, nudging her side playfully.
She laughed, shoving him gently. “Fine. Let's face the music.”
Five minutes later, they stumbled out into the kitchen, hand-in-hand, both still sleepy-eyed and disheveled. Zoey immediately gave them a teasing grin, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.
“Good morning, you two. Sleep well?” Mira smirked knowingly.
Rumi blushed furiously. “Don’t start.”
Bobby burst dramatically into the kitchen before anyone could tease further. His hair stuck up wildly, dark circles stark beneath wide, panicked eyes.
“Okay. Good, you’re up. Everyone’s awake. Great. Great! We have a catastrophe.”
“Good morning to you too, Bobby,” Jinu said pleasantly, casually pouring himself cereal.
Bobby stared at him incredulously. “A good morning? Did you say good morning? You—”
“Coffee first, panic second,” Mira interrupted calmly, handing Bobby a steaming cup. He clutched it desperately.
“Thank you. You’re my favorite today.”
Zoey feigned hurt. “Hey!”
“You didn’t bring me coffee, Zoey,” Bobby pointed out defensively. “You brought chaos.”
Jinu chuckled. “Technically, I brought the chaos.”
Bobby jabbed a finger accusingly. “Exactly. You. You’re my biggest problem. Do you know how many reporters are downstairs? How many phone calls I’ve fielded this morning? How many threats of legal action I’ve had to dodge?”
Jinu shrugged casually. “Enough?”
“Too many!” Bobby shrieked, clutching his mug tightly. “And I have executives from the label demanding immediate explanations about Huntrix’s new ‘collaboration.’”
Rumi winced sympathetically, laying a reassuring hand on Bobby’s shoulder. “We’ll handle it together. Just breathe.”
“Easy for you to say—you’re not the one answering calls every two seconds!”
Mira glanced at Zoey, grinning. “Someone’s drama queen levels hit an all-time high today.”
Zoey nodded seriously. “Bobby needs a nap and some chocolate, stat.”
Bobby glared at them both. “I need to move countries. Maybe change my name. Do you think ‘Javier’ suits me?”
“Not really,” Zoey replied instantly, “You’re more of a Ferdinand.”
Jinu leaned closer to Rumi, whispering conspiratorially, “Are your mornings always like this?”
She laughed quietly, leaning her head against his shoulder. “Usually worse.”
Bobby finally set down his mug and took a deep breath. “Okay. Here’s the game plan: we’ll call this a ‘special collaboration’ between Huntrix and Jinu. Say it was a surprise for the fans. We spin it positive. Understood?”
Zoey gave a thumbs-up. “Spin the truth until dizzy. Got it.”
Mira snorted. “PR genius.”
Bobby nodded, pacing anxiously. “Right. I’ll get the press release drafted. Just…stay indoors. Keep curtains closed. No social media until we sort this out!”
He vanished out of the kitchen, phone already pressed urgently to his ear again.
Jinu raised his eyebrows, amused. “Is he always so…high-strung?”
Zoey grinned brightly. “Nah, sometimes it’s worse.”
After breakfast, Rumi and Jinu escaped back to her room, locking out the world for just a little longer. She collapsed dramatically onto her bed, groaning into her pillow.
“Why did we choose idol life again?”
Jinu lay down beside her, gently poking her side. “Because we’re adorable?”
She smiled against the pillow, turning to face him. “Maybe a little.”
He gently brushed the hair out of her eyes, tracing the glowing patterns along her cheek with his thumb. “Definitely more than a little.”
Rumi blushed softly. “You’re sweet today.”
He grinned playfully. “I can tease you instead if you prefer.”
“You do plenty of that already,” she laughed, lightly pushing his shoulder.
“You love it.”
“Maybe,” she admitted quietly, cheeks pink again. “But I’ll deny it under oath.”
“Ah, perjury,” he teased, leaning closer until their noses brushed lightly. “Scandalous.”
“Shut up,” she whispered, smiling as he closed the space between them with a sweet, lingering kiss.
Before things could escalate, a gentle knock interrupted them.
Zoey’s muffled voice came through the door, mischievous. “Just wanted to say, Bobby’s on a call with someone important, so please no romantic noises!”
“Zoey!” Rumi shrieked, face blazing red.
Jinu chuckled into her shoulder. “Noted!”
Zoey giggled, footsteps fading down the hall.
Rumi groaned softly, burying her flushed face into his chest. “We’re never living this down, are we?”
“Probably not,” he admitted cheerfully. “But that’s part of the charm.”
She sighed, relaxing into his embrace. “Promise me you’ll stick around through the chaos this time?”
Jinu’s eyes softened, voice gentle and earnest. “I promise. No matter what.”
She smiled, heart full. “Good. Because you’re officially stuck with me now.”
He squeezed her affectionately, whispering against her hair, “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Outside the penthouse windows, reporters still clamored below, phones still rang, and Bobby still paced anxiously. But tucked safely together, Rumi and Jinu couldn’t find it in themselves to care.
For now, at least, the chaos could wait.
By midday, the penthouse had transformed into a buzzing hive of barely-controlled chaos.
Bobby paced circles around the living room, muttering anxiously into his phone and occasionally waving wildly at nothing. Zoey lounged dramatically on the couch, flipping through social media, giggling hysterically at the comments. Mira had calmly surrendered herself to her headphones, nodding along to music as if she hadn’t a care in the world.
Rumi and Jinu finally emerged from the bedroom, cautiously entering the madness. Rumi stopped short at the sight of Bobby, who now looked about ten seconds away from spontaneous combustion.
“What’s the damage?” she asked hesitantly.
Zoey perked up, holding her phone high, screen glowing. “The fans are loving it! #Rujinu is trending number one worldwide. We’re getting fan art, fanfics—oh, and some hilarious memes of Bobby’s face mid-freakout!”
Bobby froze in his tracks. “ What? ”
Zoey winced, pulling the phone back defensively. “Oops. Probably should’ve filtered that one first.”
Bobby groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose dramatically. “My reputation is officially ruined. I’ll never work in this industry again. I might as well quit, move to a remote village, and raise goats.”
Mira popped out one headphone casually. “Aw, Bobby, you'd make a cute goat farmer.”
He scowled. “Thanks for your unwavering support.”
Jinu chuckled softly, leaning closer to whisper to Rumi, “Should I tell him I have a place in the Underworld he can rent?”
She elbowed him lightly, smiling despite herself. “Don’t tempt him.”
Suddenly, Bobby’s phone rang again. He stared at it in abject horror. “It’s the CEO. It’s the CEO calling again. No, nope, someone else handle this.”
He thrust the phone desperately toward Zoey, who immediately passed it to Mira, who swiftly passed it toward Rumi. She instinctively ducked behind Jinu, leaving him holding the phone, bewildered.
Jinu raised an eyebrow, amused. “Oh, sure. Sacrifice the new guy.”
“Better you than me,” Zoey smiled sweetly.
Sighing dramatically, Jinu put the call on speaker. “Hello?”
An older man’s voice boomed, irritated. “Who exactly am I speaking to?”
“Uh, Jinu.”
“Right. You’re the cause of this media circus?”
Zoey whispered loudly, “Technically Bobby’s the clown.”
Bobby made frantic cutting motions with his hand, mouthing “stop it.”
Jinu chuckled nervously. “Well, I suppose—”
“You suppose nothing. This entire event was unsanctioned and disruptive. But our analytics team says it’s the best viral publicity we’ve ever had.”
Everyone in the room froze, eyes widening.
“Oh,” Jinu said cautiously. “That's…good, then?”
“Yes, very. But next time, notify us first before you pull such stunts.”
The call abruptly disconnected. Everyone stared at each other, stunned.
Bobby threw his arms into the air. “Oh, wonderful. Now the CEO loves you! I quit!”
Zoey hopped up, laughing, and patted Bobby’s back consolingly. “Come on, Bobby, admit it. You’d miss us.”
“Unfortunately true,” he muttered, slumping onto the couch with a defeated sigh.
Rumi giggled softly, leaning into Jinu. “See? All’s well that ends well.”
He grinned proudly. “I told you I’d make a memorable comeback.”
Zoey smirked, eyes glinting mischievously. “So, Jinu, does this mean you’ll be moving in permanently now?”
Bobby bolted upright again. “Absolutely not! No more surprise roommates!”
Mira waved dismissively. “Relax. If he stays, we can finally make him deal with Derpy’s morning wake-ups.”
Bobby paused thoughtfully, eyes narrowing in sudden consideration. “Actually, on second thought…”
Jinu held up his hands defensively. “Whoa, I didn’t sign up for daily tiger tackles.”
Rumi poked his side teasingly. “You’re stuck with us now, remember?”
He dramatically sighed, though his eyes sparkled warmly. “Fine. Guess I’m officially Huntrix’s new mascot.”
Zoey clapped enthusiastically. “Perfect! Someone get him a tiger costume!”
Mira smirked wickedly. “I’m already ordering it online.”
“Oh, you wouldn’t,” Jinu said in mock horror.
“Oh, we absolutely would,” Zoey grinned, thumbs flying across her phone screen. “The fans will love it.”
Rumi smiled, leaning closer to whisper softly, “Welcome home, Jinu.”
He turned, gently pressing a kiss to her forehead, his voice filled with warmth. “Best homecoming ever.”
“Ugh, they're so sweet it’s disgusting,” Zoey complained jokingly.
Bobby, finally calm, relaxed back into the cushions with a long sigh. “Well, disaster narrowly avoided. But I swear, any more surprises today, and I’ll—”
Suddenly, Derpy bounded into the room, happily dragging one of Bobby’s prized designer shoes behind him, chewing blissfully.
“NO! DERPY, NO!” Bobby leaped from the couch, chasing desperately after the playful tiger. “Not my new Gucci loafers!”
Mira laughed, casually sipping coffee as the chase ensued. “Never a dull moment.”
Zoey giggled, snapping pictures. “I’m posting this. Bobby vs. Derpy is premium content.”
Rumi shook her head fondly, leaning comfortably against Jinu’s chest. “Welcome to your new normal.”
He wrapped his arms securely around her waist, chuckling softly into her hair. “Honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Good,” she whispered back, eyes sparkling playfully. “Because now you’re never allowed to leave.”
“I think I can live with that,” he replied affectionately, pressing a soft, sweet kiss to her lips, ignoring the delighted squeals from Zoey and Mira.
Across the room, Bobby finally wrestled his slobbered shoe free from Derpy’s jaws, breathing heavily. “Okay. I’m booking a therapist. And maybe a professional animal trainer.”
Zoey leaned forward, teasingly conspiratorial. “Or maybe Bobby just needs a hug.”
“I do not need a hug!” Bobby snapped defensively. But after a long pause, he sighed softly. “Okay, maybe one.”
Zoey and Mira immediately tackled him into a group hug, laughing as he groaned loudly, pretending to be annoyed while secretly enjoying it.
Rumi smiled contentedly, soaking in the joy, chaos, and warmth filling their home. “This…this feels right.”
“Yeah,” Jinu murmured tenderly. “Feels like home.”
And despite reporters clamoring outside, fans flooding social media, and Bobby’s constant existential crises, Rumi couldn’t help but think that as long as they were together—Jinu by her side, their friends close, Derpy’s chaos included—everything really would be alright.
At least until tomorrow.