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Chapter Text

It was a cold night in the penthouse and Mira was sitting alone on the couch lost in her mind. Zoey was away visiting her father and Rumi...

She looked at the closed door to the girls room. Rumi had been getting better since the Idol Awards but for the past week she had been wearing long sleeves again. Mira and Zoey had decided that the minute Zoey returned from her two days trip they were going to talk to her about it. Mira wasn't sure she could wait that long now that Rumi had hidden herself away in her room claiming to feel unwell.

Mira didn't buy it though. There was something else behind her eyes and it killed her the longer she sat here. Eventually she couldn't stand it anymore. She stood and walked to the purple haired girls room, hesitating a second before knocking softly. "Rumi? Are you okay?" She listened closely. Nothing. But then a quiet sob made her heart jump into her mouth. "Rumi? I'm coming in okay?" She reached for the handle. Locked. Mira frowned, trying to keep the panic from her voice. "Rumi open the door please."

A mumbled sentence came through the wood "I-I'm sorry..." That was it. With one powerful kick the door flung open and Mira ran in. Rumi's bed was empty but her bathroom light was on. Rushing over she froze in the doorway, eyes wide.

Rumi lay in the corner of the shower naked, her arms and legs red with blood and a terrifyingly large pool around her despite what the running shower had washed away. "I'm sorry.." she mumbled again and Mira leapt into action, yanking the towel off the rack and wrapping Rumi up as best she could before lifting her out of the shower and sitting her up against the bathroom cupboard. Her skin was ice and Mira's blood ran cold as she saw what Rumi had been trying to do as all the cuts ran along the edges of her patterns.

"Fuck Rumi!" Was all she could say as she went to grab more towels but a shaky, weak hand on her wrist stopped her.

"Mi-Mira..."

"I'm here Rumi I need to get Bobby and-" Rumi tried to shake her head but it just flopped unnaturally to the side.

"Too late.. m sorry..." It was then Mira noticed one of the cuts had ran across her wrist with the pattern. Mira's eyes widened as she felt tear pour down her face.

"No no no it's not too late I can still save you!" Mira wrapped the edge of the towel around the cut. Rumi's body sagged to the side and Mira had to catch her before she hit the ground. "Rumi! Rumi please stay with me! I can't loose you I can't!" She sobbed as she held her close in her lap.

Rumi tried to smile, "m sorry.. didn't-" she coughed violently. "didn't mean to go this far..." 

Mira held her head to her chest as she sobbed louder. "Mir?"

"Y-yeah?" Rumi lifted her hand weakly and she took it.

"Sing for me?"

Mira took a slow breath that felt like knives going into her lungs before she started slowly,

https://youtu.be/8VSFrl8c_d0?si=iyF7JQDa-C707MD

"I fell by the wayside like everyone else.

I hate you, I hate you, I hate you, but I was just kidding myself.

Our every moment, I start to replace,

'Cause now that they're gone

All I hear are the words that I needed to say.

When you hurt under the surface

Like troubled water running cold.

Well, time can heal, but this won't.

So, before you go,

Was there something I could've said to make your heart beat better?

If only I'd have known you had a storm to weather.

So, before you go.

Was there something I could've said to make it all stop hurting?

It kills me how your mind can make you feel so worthless

So, before you go."

Rumi smiled as best she could as she leaned her head against Mira's chest.

"Was never the right time, whenever you called,

Went little by little by little until there was nothing at all.

Our every moment, I start to replay

But all I can think about is seeing that look on your face.

When you hurt under the surface,

Like troubled water running cold.

Well, some can heal, but this won't.

So, before you go,

Was there something I could've said to make your heart beat better?

If only I'd have known you had a storm to weather.

So, before you go

Was there something I could've said to make it all stop hurting?

It kills me how your mind can make you feel so worthless

So, before you go."

Rumi's breathing had slowed and her hand became loose in Mira's tight grip.

"Would we be better off by now

If I'd have let my walls come down?

Maybe, I guess we'll never know

You know, you know...

Before you go,

Was there something I could've said to make your heart beat better?

If only I'd have known you had a storm to weather.

So, before you go

Was there something I could've said to make it all stop hurting?

It kills me how your mind can make you feel so worthless

So, before you go."

As Mira finished the only sound left was the running shower and her desperate cries.

Chapter Text

It was two weeks after Gwi-Ma's defeat and Rumi felt she was getting better. She showed her patterns more and her and the girls were closer than ever, she felt.. happy.

Today however when she woke up she felt overwhelmed by everything. When she stepped out of her room in a hoodie despite the heat the already awake and eating breakfast Mira and Zoey noticed. She smiled at them but when they started asking if she was okay she brushed them off, saying she wasn't feeling well and might head back to bed. They didn't argue but offered to be there should she need anything. She nodded and headed back into her room, falling face first on the bed and muffling a gron into her pillow.

Meanwhile out in the kitchen Mira and Zoey exchanged worried glances. "It's her patterns I bet." Mira said quietly glancing at the closed door. Zoey however just tapped her fingers together like a madman and giggled. Mira looked at her incredulously. "The fuck Zo? Not really a laughing matter?" Zoey blanked, realizing what she was doing.

"Oh sorry! No it's not that but..." She couldn't help a small grin and Mira saw a twinkle in her eye.

"But..?" Zoey jumped up and grabbed her hand, dragging the taller girl into her bedroom. Derpy and Sussie looked up from where they had been resting on Zoey's bed as they ran in and Zoey pushed the door closed. "Zoey.. What's going on?" Mira asked worried.

The shorter girl spun on her heels her whole face lighting up brightly. "Okay so! I was hoping we wouldn't need it but we-" she pointed to herself and the spirits watching them from the bed. "Have been planning for this exact problem with Rumi." Mira snorted amused.

"Of course you have a contingency plan for this. I hope I'm not going to regret it but alright show me."

"YAY!" Zoey ran over and pulled out a notebook from under her bed handing it to Mira. Mira grinned as she read through the plans outlined in the notebook before looking up to Zoey.

"Zo, you're a genius. Let's do it!"

A small knock awoke Rumi from her slumber and she looked around blearily. It was completely dark in her room. She reached out for her phone and saw that it was.. 7:00pm?! How in the hell had she slept all day?! And why hadn't Mira and Zoey woken her up?! Another soft knock came and she remembered the person at her door. "Yeah? What's up?"

"Hey Rumi, you've been asleep all day. You good?" Zoey's voice.

Rumi groaned, "I can't believe I slept all day." Mira laughed.

"Clearly you needed it but uhh." Rumi looked at the door. Why hadn't they come in yet?

"You can come in you know." There was hesitation.

"Actually Rumi could you come out here please? We have something to show you." Rumi frowned.

"Ookay?" Because that wasn't weird at all.

"Wait!" Zoey yelled. "Can you.. can you close your eyes and we'll bring you out? It's a surprise." Rumi moved to the end of her bed.

"You guys are making me worried but okay, I trust you." She closed her eyes. "I'm ready." She heard the door open and then felt them each take a hand, slowly guiding her out to the lounge room. 

"Quick go get the lights!" Mira said.

"Wait what are you do-" Rumi went to peak but Mira slapped a hand over her eyes.

"No peaking!" Rumi huffed but obliged. She heard the light switch flick. "Okay ready?" She nodded and Mira pulled her hand back and jumped to the side.

"Ta-da!" Both her and Zoey yelled as Rumi slowly opened her eyes. To her surprise the room was completely dark and her eyes adjusted quickly.

"Guys what-" her words caught in her throat when she saw her two best friends. Both Mira and Zoey had glow in the dark body paint across their whole body (that wasn't hidden by clothes) and the lines reminded her of.. she looked down at her own faintly glowing patterns.

"Surprised!?" Zoey asked eagerly but also nervous. Rumi laughed. She laughed long and hard until they were worried about her. Then she tackled the nearest glowing body, "I fucking love you guys!" She cried.

"Yes! Operation cheer up Rumi is a success!" Zoey quickly pressed a button on the speaker she was standing near before jumping on the pile of her friends. "Now come on let's dance!" 

Rumi laughed at the song that began blasting on the speakers as she and Mira stood before Zoey dragged them to dance as she sung along to the song with Mira joining in.

https://open.spotify.com/track/5J4WHWFvEWRd2FBVhcTcmi?si=xMWdTQ9qQ8SpPrVZZmzsJQ

"I wanna dance in the dark

(Come on)

We gonna light up the night

(Come on)

I wanna dance in the dark

(Come on)

We gonna light up the night

Underdogs dance in the middle of the night.

Can see the night skies in the mirror of your eyes.

If you don't dance make sure you got the rhythm.

Make sure that your heartbeat beats with the rhythm.

I wanna run wild in the middle of the night.

Right under the moon, bodies glowing in the night.

Nothing in between our skins but the rhythm.

Make sure that your heartbeat beats with the rhythm."

Rumi laughed even harder as Sussie flew past glowing and Zoey began dancing with a glowing Derpy.

"The night-time

Is the right time.

I wanna dance in the dark,

And never stop.

We gonna light up the night,

Like shooting stars.

Whenever you hear the sound,

Don't be alarmed.

Ooh, ooh, ooh

Dancing in the dark.

I wanna dance in the dark,

And never stop.

We gonna light up the night,

Like shooting stars.

Whenever you hear the sound,

Don't be alarmed.

Ooh, ooh, ooh

Dancing in the dark."

They all changed who they were dancing with multiple times and Rumi felt her chest swell with warmth and love.

"Underdogs dance in the middle of the night.

Out here with the stars like the creatures of the night.

If you don't dance make sure you got the rhythm.

Make sure that your heartbeat beats with the rhythm.

I wanna dance, dance in the middle of the night

And see the night skies in the mirror of your eyes.

If you don't dance make sure you got the rhythm.

Make sure that your heartbeat beats with the rhythm.

The night-time,

Is the right time.

I wanna dance in the dark,

And never stop.

We gonna light up the night,

Like shooting stars.

Whenever you hear the sound,

Don't be alarmed.

Ooh, ooh, ooh

Dancing in the dark.

I wanna dance in the dark,

And never stop.

We gonna light up the night,

Like shooting stars.

Whenever you hear the sound,

Don't be alarmed.

Ooh, ooh, ooh

Dancing in the dark."

Rumi joined Mira singing the secondary part while Zoey sung the main.

"I wanna dance in the dark.

(Come on)

We gonna light up the night.

(Come on)

I wanna dance in the dark.

(Come on)

We gonna light up the night.

I wanna dance in the dark,

And never stop.

We gonna light up the night,

Like shooting stars.

Whenever you hear the sound,

Don't be alarmed.

Ooh, ooh, ooh

Dancing in the dark."

The joined hands and spun around while Derpy pounced around behind them.

"I wanna dance in the dark,

And never stop.

We gonna light up the night,

Like shooting stars.

Whenever you hear the sound,

Don't be alarmed.

Ooh, ooh, ooh

Dancing in the dark."

On the last note they all fell into a pile on the floor in a fit of uncontrollable giggles until Derpy flopped on them. Sussie sat on the back of the couch and made a noise that sounded like amusement. As Zoey crawled out from under Derpy leading him away and Mira pulled her to her feet as the next song played, Rumi thought that this is how she wanted to spend the rest of her life and that everything would be okay as long as her friends were by her side.

Chapter Text

Zoey was atop Huntr/x Tower on the highest level balcony, there was a swimming pool and a few planters lining the edges. She sometimes came up here to get inspiration for lyrics but today she just came up here to get out of the penthouse. She had just gotten off the phone with some rich ass mega celebrity in America who was demanding she sell her the rights to one of Zoey's songs. And while Zoey regularly sold the rights to songs she wrote that Huntr/x couldn't use she had never dealt with such a self centered piece of shit! Who the fuck did she think she was?! If she had have asked nicely Zoey would have probably made the deal with no issues but to ORDER her?!

She growled and flopped into one of the beach chairs by the pool. Her feelings swarmed and she pulled out the small notebook she almost always kept tucked in her pocket and began scrawling away. After nearly five minutes of pouring herself onto the page she took a deep breath and stretched her now cramped hand. She read through her lyrics and without realizing she began to sing them.

"I've been so good, I've been helpful and friendly.

I've been so good, why am I feeling empty?

I've been so good, I've been so good this year.

I've been so good, but it's still getting harder.

I've been so good, where the hell is the karma?

I've been so good, I've been so good this year."

She got up and began pacing as she continued.

"Why, are you asking me why?

My days and nights are filled with disappointment.

Fine, oh no, everything's fine.

I'm not sure why I booked today's appointment.

I've been so good, I've been helpful and friendly.

I've been so good, why am I feeling empty?

I've been so good, I've been so good this year.

I've been so good, but it's still getting harder.

I've been so good, where the hell is the karma?

I've been so good, I've been so good this year."

She tapped a beat with her pencil on the page getting in the rhythm.

"What, am I normal or not?

Am I crazier than other patients?

Right, I've done everything right.

So where's the karma doc, I've lost my patience.

'Cause I've been so good, I've been working my ass off.

I've been so good, still, I'm lonely and stressed out.

I've been so good, I've been so good this year.

And I've been so good, but it's still getting harder.

I've been so good, where the hell is the karma?

I've been so good, I've been so good this year."

A small crescendo rose in her voice without her even intending it as she stood overlooking the whole city.

"Ah-ah-ah-ah

Ah-ah-ah-ah

Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah

Ah-ah-ah-ah

Ah-ah-ah-ah

Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah

I've been so good this year.

I've been so good this year.

Time, I know we're out of time.

But what if sad thoughts come and I can't stop it.

Bye, I don't wanna say bye.

If only I could keep you in my pocket."

She walked back towards her chair getting faster with her lyrics.

"To give me some diagnosis of why I'm so hollow.

Please give me instructions, I promise I'll follow.

I tripped on my ankle and fractured my elbow.

But doesn't that mean that the tour's gonna sell though?

I try to explain the good faith that's been wasted.

But after an hour it sounds like complaining.

Wait don't go away, can I lie here forever?

You say that I'm better, why don't I feel better?

The universe works in mysterious ways,

But I'm starting to think it ain't working for me.

Doctor, should I be good?

Should I be good this year?"

She fell backwards onto the chair laughing breathlessly. Damn it feels good to get all that out! Writing lyrics had always been her her way of de-stressing and a way venting but holy crap that felt good! She quickly pulled out her phone and rang the snobby bitches agent again.

"Yes hello? It the lyricist here, tell your boss to stick her 'offer' up her arse." Then she hung up.

She nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard clapping behind her. Mira leaned against one of the planters with a smirk on her face. "Damn Zo, I was gonna ask if you were all good after that song but I think you're better than good." Zoey grinned and jumped up, running over to her girlfriend and surprising her with a heated kiss.

"Oh I'm more than okay, I'm fucking amazing!" Mira shivered, she loved it when Zoey swore. "I am so pumped right now! Let's go find Rumi and cause some trouble!" Zoey dragged the bemused Mira into the elevator and they set off to cause some trouble before Zoey could even think about the deeper meaning behind her lyrics. Mira wouldn't forget though, she was definitely going to talk to her about it after the makane came down from her high and they had caused some chaos of course.

Chapter Text

Rumi stood in a dressing room taking a few deep breaths. A feeling she had waited an eternity for swelling in her chest as she began singing.

"Oh-oh-oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, this moment.

Oh, oh, oh, oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, this moment.

Oh, oh, oh, oh-oh-oh."

She met her eyes in the mirror definitely.

"Look in the mirror,

And I start to tear up.

I don't even know all that I see.

I'm not missin' the way thing's used to be.

But I wipe 'em away now,

'Cause I'm not afraid now.

I'm ready to find out who I am.

Even if the world don't understand."

She stood and straightened her necklace and flattened out the wrinkles in her dress.

"Cause after all this time, finally.

The stars might be alignin' for me."

She opened the door to her dressing room and Bobby stood waiting proudly as she inspected the goings on.

"Something 'bout tonight got me feelin' different,

I can see the bright lights in the distance.

Tell my old self, "Hey, you won't be missed"

Because I've been waitin' my whole life for this.

Something in my mind says to keep on goin,

The fire inside just keeps on glowin'

Give my old self a goodbye kiss,

'Cause l've been waitin' my whole life for this."

They headed out to get into a waiting car.

"Oh-oh-oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, this moment,

Oh, oh, oh, oh-oh-oh.

Oh-oh-oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, this moment,

Oh, oh, oh, oh-oh-oh."

The car began to move and she watched the world drive by.

"When all my emotions,

Run deep as the ocean.

Even if I laugh until I cry,

I'm not gonna lock them up inside.

My heart wont get broken,

And I'll keep on goin'.

Oh, places that I've never been,

No, no, I'm never lookin' back again."

Bobby took her hand as they got closer to their destination.

"Cause after all this time, finally,

The stars might be alignin' for me.

Something 'bout tonight got me feelin' different,

I can see the bright lights in the distance.

Tell my old self, "Hey, you won't be missed"

Because I've been waitin' my whole life for this.

Something in my mind says to keep on goin'

The fire inside just keeps on glowin'.

Give my old self a goodbye kiss,

'Cause I've been waitin' my whole life for this."

Elsewhere Mira stood nervously watching the crowd gather before her singing a quiet note.

"I've opened up my eyes, ooh, oh.

I'm doin' me this time, I won't apologise."

Zoey fiddled with the hem of her dress as she looked over herself in the mirror bouncing in her heels as she sung one line.

"I never thought I could be so alive!"

Bobby opened the car door and Rumi stepped out,

"Something 'bout tonight got me feelin' different,

I can see the bright lights in the distance.

Tell my old self, "Hey, you wont be missed"

But I've been waitin' my whole life for this."

Zoey stepped out and they each took one of Bobby's arms as Rumi continued singing with Zoey singing a line here and there.

"Something in my mind says to keep on goin'

The fire inside just keeps on glowin' (just keeps on glowin')

Give my old self a goodbye kiss (a goodbye kiss)

Cause I've been waitin' my whole life for this (oh)

Oh-oh-oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, this moment

Oh, oh, oh, oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, this moment

Oh, oh, oh, oh-oh-oh (oh)."

Then, Bobby lead them down the isle to the waiting Mira.

Chapter Text

Throughout the years Rumi had noticed things with Mira and Zoey, not necessarily important things but they were to her. The way there was a cup of tea made just the way she likes it on the bench when she wasn't the first one out of bed.

Or the way her favorite chocolate never ran out in the fridge, even when she knew she had eaten the last of it in the middle of the night after one of her nightmares.

The way Zoey twirled her hair when she was nervous.

The way Mira's fingers twitched when she wanted to hold hands but was too scared to ask.

Over the past couple of years the things she noticed had changed though. They was their goodnight kisses to the cheek lingered longer.

Zoey blushing when Rumi noticed her staring at either of them.

Mira's touch because so gentle it made her shiver.

And most importantly, the thing that she wasn't sure if she was supposed to see, the way they would sneak back to their own bedroom with tousled hair occasionally.

But it was fine Rumi had thought. If they wanted to be closer with each other then she was happy for them. As happy as she could be with the ache in her heart anyway. Above all though the strangest thing she noticed was what came after the first time she had seen Zoey returning to her room, hair wild and clothes back the front. After that they become more clingy with her. Which has confused Rumi for a while until she noticed the way Mira blushed one time after she had said she loved them. It wasn't like they hadn't said it to each other before but that night Rumi felt the words take on a whole new meaning. She came to the realization that they loved her and she loved them.

She had spent the whole night crying in her bathroom because she had so desperately wanted to confess her feelings then and there but as they had her entire life her patterns held her back. If they saw that part of her then she was certain they wouldn't love her anymore. So she made herself a promise. After the golden Honmoon was sealed she would go to them and tell them everything.

But things don't always go to plan.

Rumi sat in her room a year later, looking at her patterns in the mirror. It had been two days since the catastrophe with Gwi-Ma. Two days that they had all spent sleeping and recovering. Two days since they had discovered her patterns. Two days and her heart couldn't take any more. Today she was going to confess her feelings in the only way she knew she wouldn't chicken out of. She slipped into the outfit she had chosen, a black off the shoulder dress with little puffy, elbow sleeves. She gave a little twirl in the mirror and smiled as it flared out around her ankles showing her slip on shoes. She stamped out the feeling that she was overdressed and left her room before she had a chance to change her mind.

As she stepped out into the lounge room she saw Mira and Zoey already dressed and heard as they sharply inhaled. Rumi rubbed her arm self-consciously. "It's too much isn't it?" She mumbled. Zoey who had been staring closed her mouth and walked over.

"No! You look.. wow Rumi." She smiled shyly at Zoey who was herself wearing a black jumpsuit paired with a black wide brimmed hat (because she burned easy in the sun) and white sneakers.

Mira meanwhile was leaning up against the kitchen bench grinning, "Yeah Rumi, when you said causal but fancy I had no idea what to wear but you look gorgeous." Rumi blushed as she admired Mira's outfit. A white tank top with a loose flannel shirt, skinny blue jeans and knee high boots accompanied with her usual black cap and golden glasses. It was definitely casual but suited Mira to a T.

"Yeah well.. you guys look amazing too." She mumbled shyly." Mira came strutting over, leaning on Zoey's shoulder.

"So are you going to tell us what you have planned now?" Rumi smiled and shook her head.

"You're just going to have to trust me." For a second she was worried that they wouldn't but Zoey took her hand with a smile,

"Always."

So they headed down the elevator and Rumi surprised them again by heading to their rarely used car, an Audi A5 Cabriolet in the stunning golden color. Mira and Zoey exchanged a look. "Okay Rumi what's going on?" Mira said as she got in the passenger seat and Zoey climbed in the back.

Rumi blushed not looking at them as she did her seatbelt and started the car. "I want it to be just us." Mira nodded but didn't say anything more. Zoey was bouncing in the back,

"Ahh I love this car! We haven't used it since we filmed Golden!" Rumi chuckled at her excitement as she drove out of the underground car park and towards their destination.

                                      🎶🎶🎶

After close to an hour of driving (some of that being to loose a fan who had recognized the car and had started tailing them before they left the city) Mira's curiosity was killing her. "Where are we going?" Rumi smiled,

"It's a surprise." Mira groaned dramatically and Zoey patted her shoulder.

"Don't worry Mira, I'm sure you'll survive one early morning." Mira huffed but her lips twitched upward.

Another half an hour and they had arrived just after 9. Zoey squealed in delight when Rumi pulled up. "The Jade Gardens?! Oh my gosh I've always wanted to go here!" She scrambled out of her seat belt to lean into the front seat and hug Rumi. Mira looked around surprised at the lack of other people. "Rumi.. did you.?" Rumi smiled sheepishly as the climbed out of the car.

"I mean it was a bit rushed but but we have more than enough money to rent the place out for the day." She kicked a stone near her foot. "And refund everyone who had booked it already." Mira snorted amused.

"Come on already!" Zoey yelled excitedly, already over near the entryway. Mira held out her hand to Rumi and she took it with a smile.

They spent the next few hours roaming around but Mira noticed that Rumi had been avoiding a part near the river. Around about lunchtime she discovered why. She had asked them both to close their eyes and let them to that exact spot. "Surprise!" She stood proudly near a massive picnic blanket that had all kinds of foods spread out on little tables on it. For about the a hundredth time that day Zoey squealed and leapt into her arms. Mira felt the warmth in her chest swell.

"Sap." She teased, elbowing her gently as she pried Zoey off her. They sat and ate while chatting about the beautiful view but after a while Rumi shifted nervously.

"You good Rumi?" Zoey asked resting a hand on her knee. A nod and a smile unlike one they hadn't seen for years, a true happy smile.

"Yeah. I'm perfect but I actually have something for you both." She stood and walked over to a nearby tree. Zoey looked confused at Mira who shrugged. Rumi came back a second later with a simple classic guitar and sat back down. Zoey huffed dramatically,

"But we already have a ton of guitars at home." Rumi shoved her playfully.

"Hush." It took her a minute to tune it but eventually she took a deep breath and started by looking Zoey in the eye and began slowly and softly.

"Can't blame you,

For thinking that you never really knew me at all.

I tried to deny you,

But nothing ever made me feel so wrong.

I thought I was protecting you.

From everything that I go through,

But I know that we got lost along the way.

Here I am with all my heart.

I hope you understand.

I know I let you down,

But I'm never gonna make that mistake again.

You brought me closer to who I really am.

Come take my hand.

I want the world to see what you mean to me.

What you mean to me."

She looked Mira in the eye next.

"Just know that I'm sorry.

I never wanted to make you feel so small.

Our story is just beginning.

We'll let the truth break down these walls, oh yeah.

And every time I think of you.

I think of how you pushed me through,

And showed me how much better I could be.

Here I am with all my heart.

I hope you understand.

I know I let you down.

But I'm never gonna make that mistake again.

You brought me closer to who I really am.

Come take my hand.

I want the world to see what you mean to me.

What you mean to me.

You make me feel like I'm myself.

Instead of being someone else.

I wanna live that everyday.

You say what no one else would say.

You know exactly how to get to me.

You know it's what I need."

She looked down at the guitar fighting back tears.

"Here I am with all my heart.

I hope you understand.

I know I let you down.

But I'm never gonna make that mistake again.

You brought me closer to who I really am.

So come take my hand.

I want the world to see what you mean to me.

What you mean to me."

As the last note rang out she let out a shaky breath before looking up. Zoey was silently bawling and Mira's face was fully blushed but she took had tears streaming down her face. Rumi sat the guitar aside and the second it left her hand Zoey tackled her to the ground in a hug, still unable to form coherent words. While she sobbed into Rumi's chest Mira moved over and put a hand on Rumi's cheek before leaning down, lips millimeters apart and letting Rumi make the choice. She didn't hesitate as she connected their lips in a slow, emotionally charged kiss.

A sniffle from her chest and Mira pulled back. Rumi didn't even have time to catch her breath before her lips were locked with Zoey's. Once Zoey has nearly made her pass out from lack of oxygen she pulled back, wiping her face with a tissue Mira supplied. Rumi sat up and caught her breath, looking between the two. "I love you." All three said at the same time. Silence. Then they burst out laughing and fell back to the ground. Mira was the first to recover, "God this is so cheesy." But the grin on her face said it all.

"You love it." Zoey teased.

"I love you." Mira quipped back and Zoey blushed but grinned widely. They lay on the blanket together for ages, Mira and Zoey tucked against Rumi's side. Each one content and happier than they had ever been in their lives.

Chapter Text

It had been 8 months since Gwi-Ma's defeat and Huntr/x's rebrand. A long and chaotic 8 months of you asked Rumi but the last 2 weeks? Oh they were really the icing on the cake. What had gone wrong? Well.. nothing really, just that they had been declared the winners of the Album of the Year Award so they had to high tail it over to Los Angeles which was fine, not like they hadn't done it before. But what made it really really really hard you ask?

Mira and Zoey. The night before they boarded their (new and improved) private jet Mira and Zoey had come to to admit they had been keeping a secret. Which was okay, Rumi deserved to feel the same sting they had felt for years. But the secret? That they were in love with her. And Rumi? She laughed at them. To their faces. She had stopped when they both looked crestfallen, not believing they were serious. Dead serious if she were to quote Mira. Rumi had just sat there. She apologized for laughing at them and had said something along the lines of her patterns and scars and a whole bunch of other things she could rightly remember. Suffice to say she had run in her room and hidden there until the flight. Then she had sat alone on the plane with Mira and Zoey watched her nervously.

Mira had enough, she'd confronted Rumi about it and they had fought. While Rumi had conceded that she loved them too she didn't understand how they could love her. Zoey had gotten in between them and said that they were willing to wait for her to which, Mira had agreed but also had demanded to know what it would take to prove to her how beautiful she was? Rumi didn't answer. Didn't know how to answer. So Mira returned to her seat with Zoey and began planning something she was sure would get through to the purple haired girl.

                                      🎶🎶🎶

It was the night of the awards and they were sitting waiting through all the speeches and the other parties to be given their own accolades. Mira was having trouble containing her excitement with what she was about to do. What THEY were about to do. She looked over at Bobby and Zoey seated to her right and grinned. Then to Rumi on her left who was completely clueless. "This is going to be fun." Mira thought. Although she was also a nervous wreck but that didn't matter! Rumi was the focus tonight and damn it all she was stunning in her black leather dress!

She was so distracted she took a second to realize they had just been proclaimed the winners. "Show time." She whispered to Bobby on the way past. He nodded. The three girls stood to accept the award, Mira moving first then Rumi but Bobby pulled her back into her seat mumbling something about Mira having a speech. When she looked around Rumi noticed Zoey had disappeared. "Where's Zoey?" Rumi said nervously as everyone applauded for Huntr/x. Bobby shrugged and she growled in frustration. What were they up to?

By now Mira had accepted the award and was speaking. "Thank you all for coming and Huntr/x wants to thank you for your support. We may be a team but none of this would have been possible without our leader," she pointed. "Rumi!" The crowd cheered and Rumi sat upright waving slightly. She was going to kill Mira later.

"Now you all know our rebranding is centered around a slightly different style of music and Rumi's new look. Which is hot by the way," the crowd laughed and Rumi felt her face heat up under the spotlight. Bobby patted her leg comfortingly.

"But there are haters out there who will never be happy. I want to say I don't care what they think but what I do care about is how that makes Rumi feel." She looked dead at one of the cameras live streaming this to the world. "And I gotta tell you, those haters have made her feel like shit." Boos for the haters and cheers for Rumi sounded.

"So, I have arranged a special performance tonight to show Rumi just what a wonderful, kind, amazingly beautiful person she is." All the lights went out except for the one on Mira. "Rumi? This one's for you baby."

An upbeat track began to play and Mira began to sing and dance in a way Rumi never expected.

"You're insecure,

Don't know what for.

You're turning heads when you walk through the door.

Don't need make-up,

To cover up

Being the way that you are is enough."

Another spotlight lit up Zoey standing on a table on the side of the room, mic in hand and she sung too.

"Everyone else in the room can see it

Everyone else but you."

Then they sung together and the crowd roared.

"Baby you light up my world like nobody else.

The way that you flip your hair gets me overwhelmed.

But when you smile at the ground it ain't hard to tell.

You don't know,

Oh, oh

You don't know you're beautiful.

If only you saw what I can see.

You'd understand why I want you so desperately.

Right now I'm looking at you and I can't believe

You don't know,

Oh, oh

You don't know you're beautiful,

Oh, oh

That's what makes you beautiful."

Mira stepped down off the stage to stand in front of Rumi, eyes locked on her.

"So c-come on,

You got it wrong.

To prove I'm right,

I put it in a song.

I don't know why,

You're being shy,

And turn away when I look into your eye-eye-eyes."

Mira went over to take Zoey's hand and help her off the table as they continued singing.

"Everyone else in the room can see it

Everyone else but you.

Baby you light up my world like nobody else.

The way that you flip your hair gets me overwhelmed.

But when you smile at the ground it ain't hard to tell.

You don't know,

Oh oh

You don't know you're beautiful.

If only you saw what I can see,

You'll understand why I want you so desperately.

Right now I'm looking at you and I can't believe

You don't know,

Oh oh

You don't know you're beautiful,

Oh oh."

The came back to Rumi and Zoey leaned on Mira's shoulder, winking at Rumi.

"That's what makes you beautiful!"

Bobby stood and began clapping his hands and the whole crowd echoed it while Mira and Zoey harmonized.

"Nana nana nana nana,

Nana nana nana nana,

Nana nana nana nana."

Zoey continued quieter,

"Baby you light up my world like nobody else.

The way that you flip your hair gets me overwhelmed.

But when you smile at the ground it ain't hard to tell,"

Mira joined her again as they got louder.

"You don't know

Oh oh,

You don't know you're beautiful.

Baby, you light up my world like nobody else,

The way that you flip your hair gets me overwhelmed.

But when you smile at the ground it ain't hard to tell,

You don't know

Oh oh

You don't know you're beautiful!

If only you saw what I can see,

You'll understand why I want you so desperately.

Right now I'm looking at you and I can't believe.

You don't know,

Oh oh

You don't know you're beautiful!

Oh oh

You don't know you're beautiful!

Oh oh"

Back to back the both pointed at her winking.

"That's what makes you beautiful!"

The crowd cheered as the song finished but Mira, Zoey and Rumi never moved. Eyes deadlocked on Rumi and Mira could tell they had gotten through to her. Rumi stood wiping her face and hugged them, whispering so no one else heard. "You are both so dead later."

After the rest of the formalities (which didn't last long after that performance) were finished they drove back to their hotel in silence. Zoey was scared shitless, "What if we ruined everything?!" She had whispered to Mira when she thought Rumi couldn't hear. When they arrived at their door Rumi opened it and held it open for them. Mira quirked a brow but said nothing until they were inside and the door clicked shut.

"Look Ru-!" Mira was cut off as she was slammed against the wall, pinned by lips against hers and it took her way longer than it should have to see it was Rumi who had her pinned.

After a minute Rumi pulled away, looking her in the eye as Mira gasped for breath from the unexpectedly kiss. Rumi grinned as she turned to Zoey, her movements akin to a predator stalking prey. Zoey's eyes were wide as she slowly backed up against the wall at Rumi's approach, trembling under her gaze. Rumi leaned in, hovering millimeters away from the shorter girl's lips. Instead of kissing her Rumi dove in and nibbled at her neck, a squeal of surprise turned into a moan. Rumi pulled away, grin wide across her face.

"Just remember," she looked over her shoulder at Mira who had regained some composure. "You asked for this."

Chapter Text

Mira rolled her shoulders as she rode the elevator up to the penthouse, it had been a long day for her. Bobby had been contacted by a dance studio that had requested if Mira could come in and give their young students a few lessons. Mira wasn't the best teacher but as she had told Zoey and Rumi when they were surprised at her eager agreeance, 'She knew what not to do' when it came to dealing with kids. The young kids were actually really talented and most had picked up on what she was teaching quickly.

She chuckled to herself as she remembered the youngest student, a boy of 10 or so with scraggly hair. The whole class had shoved him forward encouragingly and told her that he was the best dancer out of all of them and a huge fan of Mira's. She had been extremely surprised when he was able to perform the entire choreo for How It's Done without a single stumble. Even their regular teacher had chuckled at her reaction, which was exceedingly unprofessional as Bobby had said.

She shook her head and stepped out of the elevator, kicking off her boots. She looked around surprised, normally Zoey would already be rushing over to greet her. The sound of a guitar caught her attention and she headed to the studio. As she was about to knock she heard them talking. "Rumi are you sure about this?"

A sigh, "No. I'm terrified. What if we've been reading the signs wrong? Mira is the one who's good at that not us."

Zoey chuckled a little, "If she was so good then how come she hasn't picked up on how we feel?" Mira felt her chest tighten. She had noticed. She was just too afraid of loosing them to say anything. They were all she had along with Bobby and she had nearly lost it all once before. She wasn't going to let her feelings get in the way of that. There was another sigh, "Wanna practice the song again?" There was no answer but Mira hears the sound of a guitar being picked up. Hesitantly she sits with her back against the wall next to the door and listens as Rumi begins to play and sing.

"I have a question,

It might seem strange.

How are your lungs?

Are they in pain?"

Mira felt her heart beat faster as Zoey took over.

"'Cause mine are aching,

Think I know why.

I kinda like it though.

You wanna try?

Oh, would you be so kind,

As to fall in love with me?

You see, I'm trying,

I know you know that I like you

But that's not enough

So if you will

Please fall in love.

I think it's only fair.

There's gotta be some butterflies somewhere.

'Cause I like you but that's not enough,

So if you will

Please fall in love with me."

Rumi;

"Let's write a story.

Be in my book.

You've got to join me on my page.

At least take a look.

Oh, where are your manners?

You need some time?

Let's swap chests today,

That might help you decide.

Oh, would you be so kind

As to fall in love with me?.

You see, I'm trying.

I know you know that I like you,

But that's not enough

So if you will

Please fall in love.

I think it's only fair.

There's gotta be some butterflies somewhere.

'Cause I like you but that's not enough

So if you will

Please fall in love with me.

Then they began harmonizing in a way that Mira had never heard before and she felt her eyes water.

"Oh, do me a favour,

Can your heart rate rise a little?

Do me a favour,

Can your heart rate rise a little?

Do me a favour,

Can your heart rate rise a little?

Do me a favour.

Oh, would you be so kind

As to fall in love with me?

You see, I'm trying.

I know you know that I like you

But that's not enough

So if you will

Please fall in love.

I think it's only fair.

There's gotta be some butterflies somewhere.

'Cause I like you but that's not enough,

So if you will

Please fall in love.

Oh I like you but that's not enough,

So if you will

Please fall in love with me."

They fell silent and Mira let out a trembling breath as she felt her face dampen. She wiped her eyes and pulled out her phone, opening their group chat and typing one simple message.

"I already do love you."

Chapter Text

Bobby was pacing in his office unsure of himself for the first time in a while. He wasn't sure if he had done something wrong or (more worryingly) that there was something wrong with the girls. He had brought them snacks while they were rehearsing for the Idol Awards but he had overheard them fighting. They never fought and he was worried. They had disappeared before he could find out what was going on and while he was used to them occasionally disappearing without any explanation this time it felt different. The text message he had got not long after did NOT elevate any of his worries as it was a simple "sorry Bobby we had to run but we'll be ready for tomorrow promise." That was it. No emotes no jokes or silly gifs, nothing. Zoey ALWAYS added little things to her messages.

He flopped down into his chair and smiled sadly at his coffee mug. The girls had given it to him a few months ago and he hadn't used another mug since. It was covered in hearts drawn by them and it read "world's best dad" but Zoey had changed the word to "Dadager" instead. He had cried when they gave it to him.

He sighed heavily. Now it felt like they were further away from him and he didn't know what to do so he just sat looking at the mug like it had all the answers. (It didn't.)

He had tried to run so many scenarios over in his head about what could be wrong and the only things he could come up with were.. unpleasant. He shuddered at the thought of why Rumi's sleeves had become longer over the years. He wanted to show them that they could trust him no matter what. He'd do anything for them even if it meant loosing his job.

He thought about Mira who had always been so afraid to open up to anyone but she was the first one to call him Dad. He didn't cry in front of her because he knew it would embarrass her but when he went home that night his wife had said he'd been unconsolable for hours.

Then there was Zoey, bright and beautiful. While the others were good at hiding their pain Zoey wore her heart on her sleeve and it was absolutely terrifying to see that light fading. He remembered all the crazy little stunts she'd pulled over the years that had Rumi, Mira and himself all aging a year each time. She was always going out of her way to show how much she cared whether it was something small (like the mug) or a grand gesture like how she arranged a party for Mira every year on her birthday and still managed to surprise the pink haired girl.

Bobby froze and sat up in his chair. He had an idea. An awful, wonderful (Zoey inspired) idea.

                                     🎶🎶🎶

Bobby was regretting his choices but as he stood here before all three of his girls and saw how distant they seemed he knew he had no choice. "Look girls.. I know things have been extra difficult these past few weeks." He looked at all three who were watching him curious. "I know I've said it before but I'm here if you need anything at all and well.." he rubbed the back of his neck as he pulled out his phone and walked to an open area of floor. The girls eyes following him confused. "I know I'm your manager but I don't care about that right now. I'm here to tell you that you guys are like daughters to me and I wanted to do something to show you how I feel. Zoey this was inspired by you." She looked confused,

"Bobby what-?" She stopped talking as music came from his phone and he looked them all individually in the eye before singing a song from his idol days.

"I'm only one call away.

I'll be there to save the day.

Superman got nothing on me.

I'm only one call away.

Call me, girls, if you need a friend.

I just wanna give you love.

C'mon, c'mon, c'mon.

Reaching out to you, so take a chance.

No matter where you go,

Know you're not alone."

He watched as the girls all reacted.

"I'm only one call away.

I'll be there to save the day.

Superman got nothing on me.

I'm only one call away."

Zoey cried.

"Come along with me and don't be scared.

I just wanna set you free.

C'mon, c'mon, c'mon.

You and me can make it anywhere.

But for now, we can stay here for a while.

'Cause you know, I just wanna see you smile.

No matter where you go,

You know you're not alone."

Mira was biting her hand nervously.

"I'm only one call away.

I'll be there to save the day.

Superman got nothing on me.

I'm only one call away.

And when you're weak I'll be strong.

I'm gonna keep holding on.

Now don't you worry, it won't be long.

Darlings, and when you feel like hope is gone.

Just run into my arms."

Rumi was hugging herself unable to meet his eye.

"I'm only one call away.

I'll be there to save the day.

Superman got nothing on me.

I'm only one, I'm only one call away.

I'll be there to save the day.

Superman got nothing on me.

I'm only one call away.

I'm only one call away."

He hadn't moved the entire song but he finished by holding out his hands towards them. Zoey was the first to react, stumbling and scrambling over the couch to launch herself into his arms and bawl into his shoulder. "Hey.. it's okay. I got you sunshine." He hugged her as he sunk to his knees.

Mira moved next, slow but sure as she collapsed next to him. "Dad..." Her voice shook as she cried and Bobby pulled her into the hug.

Rumi cried but when she moved she sat in front of them, not joining the hug. Bobby smiled softly at her but Rumi couldn't meet his eye. "Girls.." Rumi said her voice thick with emotion and tears. Mira looked up at her, her cheeks still damp. Zoey turned her head but didn't move from Bobby's chest as she but her lip to stop her sobs.

"Rumi?" Mira croaked, her throat tight with emotion. Rumi looked at her and shook her head.

"I'm sorry." Bobby reached out a hand but she flinched a little.

"Sweet pea you have nothing to be sorry for." He tried but Rumi tightened her arms around herself.

"I do!" She cried and they all watched as she backed up a little. "I've lied to you all for years!" Mira stiffened in Bobby's arms.

"What do you mean?" She tried to keep the anger out of her voice.

Rumi sobbed as she ripped off her hoodie leaving her in a crop top. Bobby heard Zoey and Mira gasp and he frowned when he saw why. "You have tattoos? That's not.. I don't understand." He said confused when he saw the hurt that lingered on Mira and Zoey's faces.

Zoey was the first to respond as she crawled out of his arms and towards Rumi. Rumi watched wide-eyed and afraid, looking like she would bolt at any second. Zoey stopped beside her and held out a hand. "Rumi I don't care if you have patterns. I.. I love you." Rumi's jaw fell open.

"You- I- What?" Zoey smiled softly.

"I love you Rumi. I always have. It hurts that you lied but it doesn't change how I feel about you." A blush dusted her cheeks now as she slowly reached out a put a hand on Rumi's knee. "But there is something you should know." She looked back at Mira, "I love you too. Both of you with all my heart."

Bobby sat in stunned silence as he watched Mira smile in a way he wanted to commit to memory. She gently pulled away from him and moved to hug Zoey. "Zo.. that makes me so happy." She looked at Rumi who was still stunned. "Because I love you both too."

Rumi shook her head utterly confused. "I.. but how? Why?" Mira rolled her eyes.

"Seriously Rumi? How could we not love you? You are one of the kindest people I've ever met. You were my first friend and the first person to ever care about me. You stood up for me and Zoey even when it meant Celine would punish you. Yeah I'm pissed that you lied," Rumi winced. "But Zoey is right. It doesn't change who you are or how we feel. But now you have to ask yourself, what do you want Rumi?"

Rumi's shoulders sagged as she looked between all three. "I... I want this but-"

"No buts!" Zoey launched herself at Rumi and kissed her making the purple haired girl squeak in surprise. "No buts Rumi." She said as she pulled away and looked Rumi in the eyes with a death grip on her shirt. "We love you."

Rumi cried and latched onto the smaller girl. "I love you both too!" She cried loudly. Mira scooted over to wrap her arms around them both.

"You deserve love Rumi." She whispered. "It doesn't come with conditions or expectations, it comes from the heart." Zoey looked at Mira her bottom lip trembling.

"Mira that's beautiful."

"Shut up Zo." There was no bite or tease but she did smile as she leaned over to kiss Zoey softly.

Bobby watched on, his own eyes full of tears and he tried not to sniffle. (He failed) The girls all looked over at him and Rumi smiled, "Come here, I need a Dad hug." He wailed loudly as he stumbled over to them and squeezed them tight.

There would be things to talk about and to sort out but for now there were all content just to hold each other in the warmth of family found.

Chapter Text

A month into Hunrt/x's hiatus was how long it took for a disturbance in the Honmoon to show itself. The girls had been relaxing on the couch enjoying their new found closeness after all secrets (and confessions) had been brought out in the open. Rumi had sensed the trouble first before the Honmoon rippled a few seconds later. Zoey groaned loudly from her position across her girlfriends laps. "But I was comfy.." Mira snorted and Rumi patted her leg in consolation as they all stood and headed for the balcony. Mira shot Bobby a quick text (as he had pleaded with them to do after they told him the truth about everything).

Before long they were running along the rooftops of Seoul towards the tear. It was only a small one but as they silently watched they could see that it has been opened by a dozen smaller demons who had been trapped on this side of the Honmoon. Rumi summoned her Saingeom, she could use the larger blade but she still wasn't used to it yet (although through training she had figured out she could change the blade whenever she wanted). "Ready?" Mira and Zoey nodded.

Rumi leapt off the roof and landed on a demon, killing it before it even knew what was happening. She didn't need to see them to know the the others had done the same thing before she charged into the fray. The demons weren't tough but they were fast. They began humming to seal the tear as Rumi blocked a claw swipe and then retaliated with a quick lunge. Her sword almost seemed to whistle as she swung but she brushed that off.

Soon there were only a couple of demons left and they both charged at Rumi whose humming had intensified. As she blocked a strike from one she swore she heard a voice from her sword. It distracted her for a second and the other demon took a swipe, grazing her leg. She hissed and kicked it away.

"Hold me tight and not let go."

Okay that definitely came from the sword and she heard Zoey yell from the other end of the alley where she and Mira we're standing near the tear to make sure nothing came through before it closed, "Was that your sword?!"

Rumi beheaded one of the demons,

"SYMPHONY!"

She almost dropped her weapon as it sung but there was still another demon to kill. As she fought her blade continued singing.

"I just wanna be part of your symphony!

Will you hold me tight and not let go?

Like a love song on the radio.

Symphony!"

It cried out loudly as she struck and killed the other demon. When it died the Honmoon sealed and Mira and Zoey walked over. Rumi held her sword up by the hilt and inspected it. "Okay am I crazy or was your sword singing? Literally?" Mira crossed her arms.

"I want my daggers to sing!" Zoey pouted.

Rumi poked the blade cautiously. "I have no idea what is-" she was cut off by a loud laugh from her sword and she dropped it.

"Oh my god you should see your faces!" Wait.. that voice.

"JINU?!" Rumi yelled. The laughter became more hysterical.

"I am so confused.." Zoey said quietly. Slowly the.. sword? calmed down and Jinu's voice came again.

"That was priceless." Rumi scowled,

"How in the hell are you talking from my sword?! I saw you die." There was a puff of smoke and a see through form appeared above her blade. Jinu smiled as he waved.

"No you saw me giving you my soul. Apparently now I'm bound to your sword." Mira groaned pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Great.. I can't hate him because he died for you but now he's here to haunt us forever and I can't even punch his stupid face." Jinu held up his hands in mock surrender.

"Hey I didn't know it was gonna happen but hey here we are."

"Sooo you're just gonna hang out in Rumi's sword now? Forever?" Zoey asked.

Jinu shrugged, "I guess so." With that he disappeared and her sword returned to the Honmoon. They all stood watching the spot where it had been.

"Well that happened." Mira said. Rumi nodded.

"I'm not exactly sure what's going on but let's go home, I'm starving."

                                     🎶🎶🎶

A week later and another small tear, there were less demons this time but unfortunately for Rumi it was still a difficult fight. She swung her blade and it was narrated with a "SWISH!" She thrust at a further away demon and received a "STAB!" She blocked an attack, "OW! THAT HURT!" And as the last demon fled she threw her blade at it and it spun cleanly in the air and into the demon with a "WOAH I'M GONNA THROW UP!"

She retrieved her blade with a scowl, "Are you gonna do that all the time?" She snarled at the sword.

".. maybe."

                                      🎶🎶🎶

The girls were training on the roof of Huntr/x Tower so Rumi could test her second blade. When she summoned it Jinu said, "Ooh! Look I got bigger!" Rumi and Mira groaned while Zoey stifled a giggle.

"You are going to get me killed." Rumi muttered as she took her stance across from Mira.

"Hey I'm providing emotional support!"

"You are distracting me!" Rumi yelled as Mira lunged.

"Ooh she's fast watch out!" Mira snorted as she dodged a swing.

They traded a few blows in peaceful silence before Mira tried lunging at Rumi again, "Hey Mira! You know you're blushing right?" Mira faltered and her strike missed entirely as she stumbled and fell out of their training ring. Jinu laughed as Zoey helped her stand.

"The fuck was that!?" She yelled at Jinu.

Jinu ignored her and said to Rumi, "See? Helpful." They all groaned.

"I think I'm gonna start fighting demons with my bare hands." Rumi mumbled.

"Aww who would hold my handle then?"

"WHAT!?" Rumi dropped her sword and it disappeared with an echoing laugh. Her face was red and her patterns flashed in embarrassment. "I'm going to kill him."

"Can't kill your own sword babe." Mira pointed out. Rumi sighed and resigned herself to her fate of an annoying talking sword forever haunting her.

Chapter Text

It wasn't a normal day in the Huntr/x penthouse with all three girls getting ready for a special monthly Livestream they had started a couple of years ago. It was Zoey's idea to try and strengthen the Honmoon in-between concerts and they were all surprised at how well it worked, they would chat with the fans and they could request a song for them to play. If the girls knew it then they were always willing to try even if it didn't necessarily work with their vocals they still gave it a shot. Even Celine had encouraged it after an abrupt phone call after the first Livestream to find out what they did as she could feel the way the Honmoon had reacted positively.

What made this time different though was this was the first stream since they had forged the new Honmoon and they weren't entirely sure how it would react. That and some of their fans were still unsure about the news that they hadn't in fact split up like everyone had thought at the Idol Awards a month ago. So suffice to say all three were rather nervous as they set up their studio.

Zoey fiddling with the camera, Mira their most used instruments and Rumi was warming up her voice a little, a constant requirement even for this when sometimes the fans asked for the use of her crazy high notes. When everything was ready they shared a look before Zoey started the stream. "Hi Hunters! How's everyone doing today?!" Zoey with her bubbly energy took over despite the earlier nerves and they all read the chat on her laptop that was sitting on the coffee table between them. A swarm of comments flew in and Mira frowned at some.

"Okay everyone calm down, I know this is our first stream since the Idol Awards but I'm gonna lay down some rules this time." Zoey and Rumi eyed her nervously, unsure what she was going to say.

"First, no we didn't disband Huntr/x so I don't want to hear any stupid questions about that when we're all literally sitting here doing what we always do. Second, no we're not going to talk about it. Third, we won't be talking about the Saja Boys either under the advice of our lawyer and the police as they are under official investigation. And mostly importantly if anyone has anything bad to say about Rumi's patterns you can just fuck off right now." She glared at the camera on the stand nearby, "Got it?"

Rumi blushed and her jaw fell open. Zoey dissolved into giggles, "Damn chat! Two seconds in and Mira's already whipping y'all."

clexagirly: She can whip me anytime.

Zoey snorted at the comment, "Get in line pal."

rice_is_life: Uhh is Rumi okay? I think Mira broke her.

Zoey and Mira turned to look at Rumi whose mouth was still open. "Ru, you all good?" Mira asked with a shit-eating grin on her face. The purple haired girl started.

"What?! Huh? Yeah I-I'm good."

"Uhuh, sure you are." Zoey said teasingly and Rumi buried her face in her hands.

"Can we just get to the part where we play music now?" Rumi pleaded. The two snickered but turned back to the laptop.

"Okay everyone! First in best dress, what song do you want us to play?" Within a millisecond of the question leaving Zoey's mouth a request came in.

Red729819: A Thousand Years by Christina Perri, the version with Steve Kazee.

Mira whistled, "Damn Red, you were quick on the mark at chucking us in the deep end."

Bigricemuncher: Oh oh I know you don't do it often but could you play the violin for that Zoey?

Little_Shadow1025: Heck yeah! With Rumi on guitar and Mira on the piano we would be in heaven!

The three girls shared a look, unsure about the intimate song, they'd done similar songs before though and a request was a request. Mira groaned dramatically. "Uhhh you know some days I regret telling you guys all the instruments we can play." She grumbled. "But fiiiine. If you guys are okay with it I don't mind." Rumi shrugged with a smile and Zoey nodded enthusiastically.

"We'll have to move out to the piano though so just give us five minutes to set up okay?"

The chat exploded with happy messages and Zoey laughed before she paused the stream. "You guys sure you're okay with this?"

They nodded. "I was more surprised you were." Rumi said.

"Yeah Zo, we know you're not that keen on the violin even if you can play it."

She shrugged as she retrieved said Violin from the rack that housed their spare instruments. "I'm not really but they don't ask too often so who am I to say no? Besides," she grabbed the camera and stand, looking at them with a wink. "They're right, this is going to be beautiful." With that she walked out of the studio and Mira and Rumi shared a look. Both blushed and looked away before rising to join Zoey in the den, Rumi grabbing her guitar on the way past.

Once Zoey had got the camera at the right angle so the could see Mira seated at the piano, Rumi on a bar stool from the kitchen and Zoey would be standing near the piano she unpaused the stream. "Aaaand we're back, did you miss us?" She grinned at the camera before moving to lean up against the piano carefully. "All right everyone ready?"

"Yep!"

"Yeah."

The first notes were Mira's as she began to play.

Rumi was the first to sing as she began strumming along.

"The day we met,

Frozen I held my breath.

Right from the start,

I knew that I'd found a home for my heart,

Beats fast.

Colors and promises.

How to be brave?

How can I love when I'm afraid to fall?

But watching you stand alone,

All of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow."

Zoey joined in on the violin and the next line,

"One step closer.

I have died everyday waiting for you.

Darling, don't be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years.

I'll love you for a thousand more."

Mira began singing the next verse, her face was hotter than she would have liked at singing such a intimate song with the two girls she- nevermind.

"Time stands still.

Beauty and all she is.

I will be brave.

I will not let anything take away,

What's standing in front of me.

Every breath, every hour has come to this."

When Rumi joined for the chorus her heart soared but she kept her gaze intently focused on the keys in front of her.

"One step closer.

I have died everyday waiting for you.

Darling, don't be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years.

I'll love you for a thousand more.

And all along I believed I would find you.

Time has brought your heart to me,

I have loved you for a thousand years.

I'll love you for a thousand more."

When Zoey added her voice to the harmony she felt her eyes water and did her best to blink it away so she could focus.

"Ooh-ooh

Ooh-ooh

I love you for a thousand more

Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh

Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh

One step closer.

I have died everyday waiting for you.

Darling, don't be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years.

I'll love you for a thousand more.

And all along I believed I would find you

Time has brought your heart to me

I have loved you for a thousand years

I'll love you for a thousand more."

As the final note rang out they felt the Honmoon swirl around them like nothing they had ever felt before. They gasped in surprise before remembering they were live. Rumi and Zoey quickly composed themselves but Mira turned so her face wasn't visible to them or the camera.

Zoey cleared her throat as she rested her violin down and picked up the laptop to read the chat. "So how'd we do?" Rumi asked quietly.

91Ravenclaw: ... That. Was. Beautiful 🥹

Stripy_Socks395: Wow. Just wow.

RunedMagpie: 🖤🖤🖤

nonexistent_6: You guys should play this genre more often, it really suits you 🥰

BookNerd_Lakes: Guys I'm crying over here help 😭

The_Literary_Lord: I have no words...

Whisps_of_Crow: Hey where'd Mira go?

The last comment caught their attention and they turned just in time to see Mira disappear into her bedroom. They shared a worried glance. "I'm sure Mira's fine everyone, you all know how tough she is." Zoey winked at the camera but this time it felt hollow. Outside of them, Bobby and Celine no one knew Mira was actually the most sensitive of them all, the one who felt everything deeply and with her whole heart. Behind her Rumi made a growling noise. Zoey turned to look at her slowly.

"Was that your stomach?!"

Rumi hid her face. "Maybe..."

Zoey laughed and turned back to the camera. "Alright everyone, looks like we're going to have to cut this short today. You do NOT want to see a hangry Rumi trust me."

"I don't get hangry!"

Zoey snorted. "See? Denial. Anyway thanks everyone for tuning in and remember, we love you all!"

Rumi waved goodbye before Zoey cut the stream. Putting the laptop down she turned to the purple haired girl again. "That wasn't your stomach was it?"

Rumi shook her head. "Was it convincing though?"

Zoey nodded. "Enough that I caught on to what you were doing." She reached out for Rumi's hand, "Come on, let's go check on her."

They padded down the hall and knocked on Mira's door. "Mira? It's us, can we come in?" There was no answer.

Rumi knocked again louder. "Sweetheart we just want to make sure you're okay?" When there was still no response she looked at Zoey who was chewing her lip nervously. "We're coming in okay?" When there was still nothing she slowly opened the door and they stepped in. Zoey gasped when she saw the state her other lover was in.

Mira was sitting on the end of her bed doubled over with her hands buried in her hair, tears flowed down her face in rivers and one leg bounced anxiously. They slowly moved over so they didn't scare her. "Mimi? It's just us baby." Zoey said softly as she sat beside her on the bed.

Rumi crouched in front of her, carefully resting a hand on her bouncing leg. Mira flinched and dug her nails into her hair. "Hey no," Zoey gently pried her hands out of her hair and held them tightly.

"Look at me sweetheart." Rumi said but Mira still couldn't hear them. Rumi pulled out her phone brought up Mira's calming playlist before starting it playing. Only Time by Enya softly began playing and she rested her phone on the floor below Mira. They began humming along with it to try and help the taller girl calm down.

By the time the first song finished she was visibly calmer but was still crying and her leg hadn't slowed. "Hey beautiful, just listen to the music and breathe okay?" Zoey said drawing random patterns on her hands to distract her. The second song Echo's In Rain also by Enya began playing. Rumi smiled as slowly Mira's eyes met hers while they continued humming along. She remembered Mira saying once about how the singers music and voice had always helped her calm down when she was still living with her parents so Rumi had taken it upon herself with Zoey's help to create a playlist just for her.

When the third song, One by One began playing Mira's tears had stopped and she reached out a hand to Rumi who took it. Zoey kissed the hand she still had and her leg stilled as she took in a slow, deep breath. "I-I'm okay. Thank you." She looked gratefully between her her two girlfriends. "I didn't mean to get so overwhelmed but that song..." She shook her head. "Did you guys feel it too?"

They nodded. "It was like the Honmoon was humming along with us. Almost like-"

"Like it was meant to be." Zoey finished for Rumi.

They sat in contemplative silence wondering what this meant for them as Rumi's playlist continued softly in the background.

Chapter Text

It seemed like a normal morning when Celine awoke, she got out of bed and followed her usual routine before exiting her bedroom silently. She hovered outside the only other occupied room in her house deciding wether to enter or not. It has been a hard 19 years since her beloved Mi-yeong had died and everyday she was reminded of the fact that she was no longer here.

She sighed heavily, hand lowering from the doorknob. Rumi didn't deserve her anger and scorn she knew that plain and simple but it was hard seeing an almost perfect copy of the woman you loved around everyday. With a heart heavier than stone she moved to the kitchen and made herself a cup of tea, loosing herself in thought.

Rumi had known that Celine was her mother's lover but what she had never known was that they were supposed to raise her together. Celine had cried while what was left of heart broke at Rumi's first word, Eomma. The poor toddler couldn't understand why she had been placed back in her crib and her mother-figure had stormed out.

When she had eventually composed herself Celine had the arduous task of telling a toddler she wasn't her mother and not to call her that. Celine was supposed to be one of her mother's yes but hearing it from the little girl had brought up far too many memories.

Resting her head in her hands Celine couldn't help but think how much Mi-yeong would hate who she has become and how she raised Rumi. She was prepared for motherhood yes, but never thought she'd have to do it alone and she had never intended to blame Rumi for something out of her control. Her temper had always been her weakness and the emotional instability of her loves sudden death had caused her to lash out. She hadn't stopped lashing for 19 years and she was tired. So tired.

She had tried to teach Rumi valuable and important lessons but it always felt like she was failing Rumi more and more everyday. Tomorrow was her 20th birthday and Celine had finally made her choice. She was going to apologize and explain everything, no more lies. If Rumi hated her afterwards then so be it, it was her own fault after all. But she had to try and make things right.

Needing to distract herself she got up and began making breakfast. Rumi would be awake soon and Celine wanted to make sure she had a good breakfast this morning. What was strange however was that by the time the food was ready there was still no sign of Rumi. Concerned but hesitant she headed to the girls room and knocked softly. "Rumi? Are you awake? I made breakfast."

Nothing. Complete silence. She knocked a little louder. "Rumi you don't have to let me in but at least say something so I know you are okay."

Still silence. "Rumi I'm coming in if you don't answer me." She waited an entire painstaking minutes before twisting the handle and stepping into the room. "Rumi? Are you in here?" Her voice was tinged with worry as she scanned the room. Her eyes landed on a envelope on the bed, her name neatly written on the front. With shaky hands she opened it and began reading.

"Dear Celine, if you are reading this then you will have noticed that I am not home. I will not be coming back. I don't know how else to say this but you once told me that if I couldn't talk about something to write it in song instead so here I go..."

                                      🎶🎶🎶

Rumi looked at the neatly sealed envelope on the bed, her final goodbye to the person who was supposed to love her the most. She thought about the way she had run from the actual ones who had admitted to loving her as she picked up her backpack and silently left her childhood home behind just before sunrise. Thanks to her athleticism she was in Seoul not long after and making a beeline for her first stop. The hairdresser.

As her long braid thumped to the ground her thoughts drifted to the song she wrote for Celine.

"I change my hair,

I change my clothes try to be someone you wanna know.

Say the right words laugh at your jokes but I'm still the shadow behind your cloak."

She pulled out her phone and flicked through old pictures of the two of them as the stylist worked.

"Scroll through pictures I'll never take,

Smiles I fake just to hide the ache.

You say 'I'm fine' but I can't relate.

'Cause your love always come too late.

And I keep reaching but you're not reaching back.

I keep bleeding while you just fade to black."

She left feeling lighter than ever as she continued on her way to the clothes store next.

"I'm never enough for you no matter what I do,

You love a version of me that I can't live up to.

I'm breaking in silence,

Drowning in kindness.

You don't even see me through.

I'm never, never enough for you."

Her new clothes in tow and on her she didn't hesitate to throw out the stuffy clothes Celine had her wear. The only thing she had brought with her were her diaries full of things she could never speak.

"Gave you my soul in every line but you just read between the rhymes.

Tried to be perfect all the time but I lost myself just chasing signs.

And I keep hoping that some day you'll see there's more to me that who I try to be."

She waved down a taxi and gave them an address across the city as her mind swam with what to say when she arrived.

"I'm never enough for you no matter what I do.

You love a version of me that I can't live up to.

I'm breaking in silence,

Drowning in kindness.

You don't even see me through.

I'm never never enough for you."

She stood outside the apartment, her thoughts collected and clear now.

"Maybe it's not just you maybe it's me.

Carving my words from what others believe,

But I'm tired of pretending I'm okay

When every mirror just looks the other way."

She knocked and waited patiently.

"I'm never enough for you but maybe I'm enough for me.

Someday I'll walk away from who you needed me to be."

The door swung open revealing a stunned Mira and Zoey.

"Rumi?"

She smiled, "I love you both too."

"I'll rise from the quiet,

Start my own riot.

Find love that sees me true,

'Cause I'm done not being enough for you."

As they rushed to embrace in newly admitted love that would never be broken, a figure elsewhere screamed in grief as she realized everything she had never said would never be said.