Chapter Text
For the first few years that HUNTR/X has been together, they weren't allowed to date like many other idols who had debuted before them. Let alone be seen with the opposite sex. Things had changed when they hit their seven-year mark of being an established idol group. Their manager, Bobby, had held a meeting with the group and announced that they were allowed to date if they were so pleased. The girls were shocked when this news came, as it was virtually unheard of for idols to be allowed to date publicly because of crazed fans who think they have a chance with their favorite idols.
Rumi was the first to embark on the dating journey. She had bumped into rising actor Jinu on the street, which was exactly like a scene in a Korean drama. When they bumped shoulders, she dropped her drink and tumbled slowly towards the ground in slow motion. Before she hit the solid pavement, he caught her, and they both stared into each other's eyes intensely. They’ve been inseparable ever since.
Mira’s situation was…interesting to say the least. It confused Zoey as she didn’t understand who Mira was really dating. It seemed like she had two boyfriends who would be by her side frequently. She wouldn’t be around them as much as Rumi was with Jinu, but Zoey suspected she would quickly get irritated with them and need a break from them. Zoey had met them both, and they were definitely clingy. Mira was introduced to them while on a modeling gig with renowned models Abby and Romance. They bickered like children, but when it came time to pose in front of the cameras, they were a natural fit for one another. Their differing shades of pink hair always made them stand out on magazine covers. Sometimes they would all be together, but then there were other times when it was just her and one of them. Zoey couldn’t help but think she was casual with both of them, maybe? She didn’t want to overstep and ask. She patiently waited for the day for Mira to tell her about it.
At first, when Rumi and Mira got their boyfriends, she was super happy for them, how could she not be? However, as more time passed and she saw them acting all lovey-dovey all the time, she began to feel jealous. She knew they weren't rubbing it in her face, but it sure felt like it when they would constantly visit in their shared condo, walk in on them making out, or when they were drunk and all over each other at idol parties. She was envious that they had those experiences while she was left behind and struggled to even talk to a guy. When's her fated meetup with her future husband going to happen? At this rate, she might die before that can occur. She wants a hot guy to wrap her arm around and show off on the red carpet. Is that too much to ask for?
Zoey was naturally a cheerful person who could talk about anything and everything. However, when in the presence of a hot guy, it's like she either lost the ability to talk altogether or she talked way too much and overwhelmed them. This happened at nearly every idol party she's attended. It always horrified her whenever she saw the look on their face, just screaming that Zoey was too much. She would make a swift escape and then scurry to Rumi or Mira, then think about every detail of the interaction that went wrong.
Zoey, being the youngest out of the three-member group, meant that the media wasn't as interested in her potential love interests, not that there was any for them to speculate about anyway. Whenever the group was talked about and their dating life, they always skipped over Zoey. Anytime they attended idol after parties, people’s attention would be on Rumi and Mira way more than it would ever be on her. She presumed it was the fact that she was a foreigner in the group, the only one from America. She tried not to let it get her down, but it was getting harder when she would be stranded in the middle of the event while the other two spent their time with their lovers. She couldn’t be mad at them; they were all adults and didn’t have to be attached at the hip at all times. But she was jealous. Jealous that they would get to be in love and hang out with their lover. But then she was also envious that they took Rumi and Mira away from Zoey. She was so jealous that it was starting to eat her alive.
Following a particularly difficult outing due to being alone the entire time and not feeling the vibe of the party, she called it an early night and got a taxi home. When she told her two other band mates, they tried to cajole her into staying a bit longer, but she didn’t quite believe they wanted her there. They were both with their boyfriends, so she really didn’t think she would be missed all too much if she headed out a bit early. It wasn't her scene anyway. At least that's what she told herself.
After dragging her feet into her room, she flung off her high heels dramatically from her sore feet and let out an exaggerated sigh. Next, she shimmied out of her tight dress and changed into a cute pajama set. She abandoned her clothes and shoes on the ground near her closet, not having the energy to put anything away properly. Feeling extra lazy, she didn’t take off her makeup and fell face-first into her soft and plush bed. She screamed into her pillow, knowing no one would hear her since Rumi and Mira were still out with their men.
Flipping over so she was now staring at her ceiling decorated with glow-in-the-dark stars, she whispered a mantra to herself, “You will get a super hot boyfriend and show him off to the world.” This went on until she tired herself out and went to sleep.
* * *
Zoey was attending a masquerade ball and adorned a mask over her eyes, as did everyone else present. She wore an elegant, navy blue silk ball gown with a fitted bodice and full-length skirt that made her feel like a princess. Her heels were silver and sparkly and at least 4 inches high. Surprisingly, though, her feet didn't hurt or ache. To fit the theme perfectly, she donned a matching navy blue mask with a feather embellishment on the left side and silver accents around the eyes. The strings to keep the mask up were hidden underneath her voluminous hair. She almost doesn't recognize herself with her hair in classic Hollywood waves instead of her iconic low twin buns. Embellishing her neck was a timeless pearl necklace and a pair of pearl earrings. She had long black gloves that started at the tips of her fingers and ended above her elbows to finish off the look.
She wasn’t sure what the event was specifically for, but it was perhaps a fundraiser. It wasn't uncommon for formal events to be fundraisers. It was in a ginormous castle that reminded her of the princess movies she would watch as a kid. It was dark when she arrived, but even at night, she could see how well-maintained and green the grass leading up to the castle was. The pristine white castle had bright lights illuminating the pathway to the doors. There was even a fountain with a swan detail on the top tier and flowing water over the sides of the tiers. When she arrived at the doors, some bodyguards let her in easily. She didn't come with Rumi or Mira, and upon entering, couldn't find them either. Just like every other party recently, she was left by herself.
Passing by the dance floor, she wandered around the various groups of people, exploring the hallways and the architecture. She couldn’t help but look in awe at how beautiful and enchanting the castle was inside and outside. She appreciated the clicking sounds her heels made with every step on the marble floor. There were even sword decorations on one of the walls! She always did have an interest in sharp objects.
Turning the corner and looking up at one of the scenery paintings on the vast wall, she bumped into a hard surface. At first, she thought it was a wall that she somehow missed, but when she looked up, it was a man. She held her head, and a slight pain shot through her skull. How was a man's body this hard to hurt her head like this?
“Oh my, I’m so sorry! I wasn’t looking and I–” Zoey cut herself off as she was able to get a clearer look at the man she bumped into. He was absolutely handsome! He had lavender hair that covered his eyes and was wearing a suave black tux that fit him in all the right places. No wonder her head hurt; she could tell this man had some muscle built underneath his tux.
The man reached out to her and gently held her arm in the space between the top of the long glove and the sleeve of her ball gown. His large hand wrapped around her bicep so easily, his middle finger able to touch his thumb around the circumference. And just this small contact alone made her face burn with heat and her heart race just a little faster.
“Are you okay?” He asked in a monotone and blunt tone.
She nodded her head furiously. “Yes!” She cringed at how overly enthusiastic that made her sound, especially when he sounded so laid back. “I mean, yes. Just a little headache now, but I’ll be fine,” she managed to say a little more calmly, failing to relax her heart beating out of her chest.
A tiny smile played upon his lips briefly before returning to a neutral face. “Good, wouldn’t want the press to find out I injured one of the HUNTR/X girls.” He gave her arm a light squeeze before letting go. She already missed the heat that his hand produced on her arm.
She tilted her head and pointed at herself. “You know who I am? How?” She couldn't believe he recognized her, even with her drastically changed appearance and mask covering much of her face.
The only answer he gave–if you can call it that–was a slight shrug of the shoulders. That didn’t satisfy her, but this man seemed like one who used very few words.
As he turned on his heel and began to step off, she reached for the sleeve of his tux jacket and tugged on it lightly. Feeling her pull, he turned to face her once more and tilted his head cutely. She had to control herself not to pull at his cheeks and pet him like a puppy.
“Um, I was just going to ask if you wanted to maybe dance with me?” She blurted out before he could run away.
His head remained slightly tilted, and his expression did not change. After a few awkward seconds, she dropped her hand from gripping his sleeve and started waving her arms frantically.
“Never mind! It’s okay, really. I know everyone would rather be with Rumi or Mira, I totally get it! I will just be on my merry way! Ha ha,” she added the forced, awkward chuckle at the end, wanting to bash her head against the concrete walls she was just admiring.
He shook his head a bit, and now there’s a slight frown upon his lips. “Sorry, I’ve never been asked to dance before. It just shocked me, is all.”
Her sullen face now lights up with delight, and she has the biggest smile she’s had at one of these parties in a while. She excitedly grabbed his hand in hers and pulled him through the corridors and to the center of the huge ballroom dance floor. The dance floor was dark, but had soft, colorful lights illuminating the area.
Taking the lead now, he gently kissed her hand and then raised it above her head. Her mouth opened in surprise as she wasn't expecting him to be such a gentleman. He spun her once before settling one hand on the delicate curve of her waist and the other holding her gloved hand parallel with their shoulders. She has her free hand resting on his broad shoulder. She wasn’t used to this type of dancing, but it was simple enough. She followed his footsteps and matched up to the peaceful ballroom music. Occasionally, he would add a twirl or two, and she truly felt like royalty when he did.
After swaying to the music for some time, she inched closer to him and rested the side of her cheek to his chest. She hoped her strong setting spray would prevent her makeup from smearing on his crisp, white shirt. She felt him trail his hand up to her hair, and he started to pet her head. She has never felt so comfortable with someone before, not like this at least. And it all felt so real, so loving. And with them dancing and not talking, she didn't have to worry about being too much or too extra.
Nearing the end of another song, he pulled away from her a bit to do a final set of twirls. Her dress raced as it followed her body with its twirls. On the final one, he caught her leg and dipped her down. And suddenly, it felt like all eyes were on them, but Zoey and this man only looked at one another. Well, she was looking at him at least. She couldn't exactly tell with his hair constantly covering his eyes. The spotlight shone down on them while the rest of the room remained dark.
She wanted to pull him closer to her, and she couldn't stop looking at his lips. She could almost feel his hidden eyes staring at her lips, too. The song dramatically ends, and she kept her eyes on him and his lips. In her mind, she was begging him to kiss her. Why wouldn't he kiss her already? She felt hot everywhere, from the dancing and the intensity of the moment. As he tilted her back up, it was like everything in the world resumed. The spotlight shut off on them, the colorful lights return, and everyone returned to minding their business, like the two never existed.
“Thank you for dancing with me,” Zoey said as she gracefully curtsied to him, cheerfully smiling at him.
Before he got to say anything back, though highly unlikely, Zoey saw the massive clock on the wall. It just struck midnight! Which meant Zoey had to be on her way home, of course.
She gave him a panicked look, “I have to go home!” She started to dash out of the place like it was on fire, and he trailed right behind her.
Reaching the front gate, she waved her hand to gain the attention of one of the carriages. As it pulled up, she stopped in front of the mini ladder leading up to the carriage.
“Can I please see your eyes? I’ve been dying to know all night what you fully look like,” she pleaded, not wanting to leave without seeing the rest of his face.
Complying with her request, he brought his hand up to his face and lifted his bangs to show only one of his eyes. Funnily enough, he also wore a masquerade eye mask despite his hair covering his eyes at all times. She got a glimpse of his golden eye before his hair plopped back down, draping over his forehead and eyes.
She was so captivated by his beautiful eyes and desperately wanted to see more of him. She wanted to see all of him. “You’re just my type,” she mumbled to herself, not caring if he heard or not.
She swore she saw a light blush dusting his cheeks, probably because he did end up hearing her words.
As he guided her up the small ladder and into the carriage, she waved at him from above once she was settled into her seat. “When will I see you again? I don’t even know your name!” She shouted towards him, her voice trailing as the horse started walking.
He coolly waved his hand once to bid her goodbye. She gushed at how effortlessly cool he is. “Soon." Lowering his hand back to his side, he said in the loudest tone she's heard him talk all night. “My name is Mystery.”
What a truly fitting name for the man.
* * *
Zoey felt slightly sad when she woke up the morning after her masquerade party dream. It was the best dream she’s had, like, ever, and she really liked the guy she met there, but then she felt a wash of dread because it wasn’t real life. He wasn’t real. What they had, the dance, feeling his body against hers, how utterly sweet he was to her all night. It all wasn’t real; it was just a sad, pathetic dream that was conjured up in her mind because her two best friends in the world had boyfriends, and she didn’t. What a sad reality she lived in.
She lay in her bed for an unreasonable amount of time, staring at her ceiling, almost wishing she could fall asleep and see his cute face again. She didn’t know how long she lay there, re-imagining their dance and every small moment over and over again until it's perfectly ingrained into her memory. She repeatedly felt giddy, thinking about how they almost kissed on their final dip, with all the dramatic lighting, and how everyone admired them! She couldn’t help herself; she finally got the romance she desperately desired. It wasn’t until incessant knocking on her door that she realized she had been in bed awake for hours.
“Zoey! Are you sick or something? You haven’t been out at all today,” Rumi shouted from the other side of her door.
Jolting up and scrambling to find her phone, she yelled back, “Yeah, I’m fine, just tired from the party!”
She didn’t particularly like lying, as this was a lame thing to lie about, but she didn’t want them worrying about her. She found her phone and saw that it was nearly noon. She usually wasn’t one to sleep in this late, even during their breaks between performances or tours.
She practically teleports out of bed with how fast she got up and made herself look presentable for people to see her. It wouldn't surprise her if one of their boyfriends lounged around their common area. Still seeing last night's discarded outfit lying on the ground, she kicked it into her closet and slammed the door. That would be a problem for Future Zoey to handle.
Walking into the living room and kitchen area, she grabbed a glass of water and downed it. Mira and Rumi were lazing on the couch watching a K-Drama that Jinu appears to be in.
“Do you guys want to go out to eat and maybe go to the bathhouse afterwards?” Zoey suggested. She truly missed hanging out with them. They hardly ever do it as much anymore with the two of them so preoccupied with their boyfriends. They also started having more solo opportunities that would take up their free time, making it more difficult to schedule around individual schedules. Sure, they saw and lived with each other, but she missed the casual hangouts that used to happen so frequently.
“Can’t, Abby and Romance wanted to go out tonight to some club downtown,” Mira said without taking her eyes off the screen before her.
Rumi turned to face Zoey and casually draped her arm over the couch. “I have a red carpet event with Jinu, sorry Zoey. But I’m sure we can plan something soon.”
Zoey was, of course, immediately saddened by this, but tried not to show it. She gave Rumi a half-baked smile. “No worries, you guys! We can go out some other time.”
She waited for Rumi to turn back around before sighing quietly to herself and holding back tears. She walked over to the couch and squeezed in the space between Rumi and Mira. She wouldn’t be fully satisfied with this, but at least she could spend time with them without their boyfriends clinging to them for once. They do all love sitting on their beloved couch, and being together was what she wanted. She wished it would last a little bit longer.
As time passed and circumstances changed, with each of them changing a bit too, Zoey realized that maybe they wouldn't always be each other's number ones. And maybe Zoey just wasn’t ready to face that yet.