Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Tick. Tick.

Zoey sat alert in bed, her eyes focussed on the clock on the wall ahead of her, counting down the minutes until her destiny was sealed. The cool moonlight streamed into her room from her open window, bringing with it a slight chill. The moonlight cast an unearthly glow around the room, adding to the unsettling eeriness of her situation.

Two minutes.

Zoey felt her heart beat race as she realised that she’ll know her flower in merely two minutes. 120 ticks of the of the second hand. She can’t escape her fate. She knows that once she sees what’s on her wrist there’s no going back.

The past year hasn’t been easy on her. Ever since Rumi and Mira learned of their identical markings, it’s like Zoey has been sidelined; forced to play a side character in a spellbinding love story. Most likely the comic relief. 

It’s not like they intentionally left her out, there was just an aspect to their lives that simply had nothing to do with Zoey. The Human Resources meetings, the press conferences, the highly anticipated interviews; all necessary for the new couple but agony for Zoey. 

It seemed so easy for them. The public welcomed the couple with open arms and enthusiastic support, fan letters of encouragement and well wishes came flooding in. 

She’s glad they were supported and so readily accepted, but she can’t say the shift in public interest hasn’t hurt her. She was now always the last person people came to at fan signs, if they even bothered coming to see her at all. And the few that did see her only spoke about the couple, trying to get some insider knowledge about the relationship. 

She forced her tears away as she held her fan gifts in one hand while Rumi and Mira carried full boxes away. Of course she appreciated the gifts she received, but she knew the fans that did visit her only did so from some moral obligation, because they felt they had to visit all three. 

It even happened at their concerts and awards shows. When Zoey appeared on stage people would scream, but those screams seemed like whispers compared to the roars Rumi and Mira received. Grinning ear to ear at one another, striding on stage hand in hand. 

And when the company, who of course had sensed the dynamic shift in the fandom, found a way to monetise off of it. A subunit album. Just Rumi and Mira. 

Initially, they had protested. They claimed it was three or nothing. But Zoey didn’t want to prevent what was best for them. She encouraged them to go for it, claiming she was working in a solo mixtape. She still worked behind the scenes with them, writing lyrics and producing beats, but in doing so it felt like her heart was bleeding.

So the subunit album was released, sending shockwaves across the Kpop industry. It was official, they were immortalised as legendary soulmates. All songs achieved Perfect All Kills on the Korean charts, and the title track, ‘Yours Forever’ reached number one on Billboard Hot 100.

The song that Zoey had written most of the lyrics for, but everyone seemed to overlook that fact. 

Their love was for the ages. They didn’t even had individual photo cards, everything was adorned with both of their faces. Inseparable. 

They’re happy. They’re perfect. They’re made for each other. 

It hurt Zoey that because it became apparent to her that her presence wasn’t necessary for their happiness. She felt like a parasite almost, she needed so much from them and they didn’t need her. 

And they were never mean to her, on the contrary they were too nice to her. They usually noticed when she was left out and always did something to cheer her up. It was because of how lovely they were that made it harder. She can’t resent them, how could you resent angels? 

But when all the movies nights together ended, Rumi and Mira retreated to their room hand in hand, and Zoey was alone in her room, sobbing into a pillow, trying to be silent so Rumi and Mira wouldn’t hear her. So she wouldn’t spoil their time together. 

One minute. 

Zoey often yearns for the old Huntrix, in the time when none of them had their soulmate tattoos. The time when the three of them were inseparable; it was them against the world.

Music had saved her life, comforted her in her darkest times, it was the only thing she was truly passionate about. And to make best friends as well was a dream come true. Until the dream shattered, of course.

She thought back to her childhood in America, the constant bullying and loneliness, the feeling of being unwanted and worthless. She thought about how moving to Korea was supposed to be different. How she was supposed to be happy. 

She knew Mira and Rumi would want to hear from her soon, but she asked to find out her tattoo alone. They were a but taken aback by her request, but they respected their decision. But Zoey knew they were awake, waiting for her to bound into their room, protruding her wrist forward in relish, with multiple plans already concocted on how to hunt down her soulmate.  

Zoey wondered if there would be anything on her wrist at all. Maybe she’s meant to be alone. Maybe it would be easier that way.

A knot of confusion had festered in her stomach for quite some time now. You see, she really had thought that either Mira or Rumi would be her soulmate, but she couldn’t say which. She just always felt it would be one of them. 

Two years ago, when the violet bloomed on Mira’s wrist, she was certain that she would get a violet too.

She remembered last year, as they say around her on the couch with bated breath, eyes glued to the patterns forming, when the violet appeared on Rumi’s wrist. How Mira and Rumi had embraced one another. How Zoey had congratulated them and had even cried tears of ‘happiness’. 

How in that moment she realised she had deluded herself, that her secret dream was but that, merely a fantasy, never a reality.

Even the fact that their soulmate tattoo was a violet offended Zoey. The shade of the petals were a perfect mixture between the soft pink hue of Mira’s hair and the purple of Rumi’s. 

Her eyes flicked back to the clock and her heart sank. Ten seconds. Her heart pounded in her chest. 

Nine. Eight. Seven. Six. Five. Four. 

Three. 

Two. 

One. 

Zoey looked down to her wrist where colours began to swirl and mix. Shifting and moving together, their slow pace made Zoey feel nauseous. 

But then the colours stopped and the confusion started. 

“It can’t be,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. 

On her wrist lay a violet. It was unmistakable. It was the exact match to Rumi and Mira’s. 

How was this possible? No one can have two soulmates, can they? She must be imagining things. It must be her desires clouding her ability to think rationally.

She jumped out of bed and flicked on the light switch, squinting her eyes are she adjusts to the sudden brightness. But the tattoo doesn’t change. There’s no denying it, it’s a violet. 

She galloped into her ensuite bathroom and turned the taps on full blast. Maybe this is some kind of sick joke someone played on her? Maybe she fell asleep and one of the staff members placed a false tattoo on her wrist? 

She placed her wrist under the tap, the cool water sedating her nerves slightly. She grabbed a bar of soap and began scrubbing until her skin was red. It was real. It was permanent. 

The flower on her wrist was a violet. Her soul was bound to Mira and Rumi. 

Panic seeped into her mind. She has to hide this. She has to. 

If she told Mira and Rumi about this, it would ruin their relationship. She would spoil everything for them. She is their parasite, remember? 

“What should I do?” She said to herself in the mirror, her vision blurring as tears formed in her eyes and trickled down her cheeks. “What do I even say to them?”

Knock. Knock.

A knuckle rapt gently on her door. “Hey, we’re out here if you want to talk,” Rumi’s voice called.

”It’s alright if you’re not ready, we can talk in the morning if you like,” Mira continued. “We know it’s a big change, don’t feel like you have to tell us right away.”

Zoey gulped down her tears and wiped her eyes furiously. “I - I think I’ll talk to you guys in the morning,” she managed to stammer out.”

“Talk then.”

Zoey heard their footsteps retreat and she curled up on the bathroom floor and let her tears fall freely. 

“What am I going to do?”

Chapter Text

“You think she’s alright?” Rumi asked as she closed their door and slipped under their grey velvet covers. 

“I really hope she is. It’s a lot to process for her,” Mira replied, snuggling into her matching grey pillow. 

“I just wish we were in there with her,” Rumi sighed. She envisioned Zoey sitting alone in her room, staring at her wrist uncertainly, and her heart ached. 

”Me too.” Mira reached forward and tucked a loose strand of purple hair behind Rumi’s ear. “But we need to respect her privacy.”

”I wonder why she’s being so secretive about it though,” Rumi mused.

”Maybe she already knows the person with the matching tattoo. Maybe it’s another idol. It’s becoming more common for people to show them off when they appear.”

”Oof, I don’t know why people would do that. Wouldn’t some fans try to pretend they have matching tattoos?” Rumi grimaced at the thought.

”It must happen. Imagine, thinking you’ve met your soulmate but it’s all a lie.” Mira frowned. 

Rumi winced at the thought. She had been so fortunate with Mira, but what if in another timeline she trusted her fans, the people who supported her the most, with such a big secret and someone took advantage of her openness? 

“It would be horrible. Maybe we should tell Zoey to cover her tattoo in public, just to avoid all that nonsense,” Mira offered.

”We should definitely suggest it to her. A lot of idols do that, it’s probably the most sensible thing to do.”

Mira nodded. “Besides, if I was a fan, I would definitely take my chance to make Zoey my soulmate.”

Rumi giggled. “Me too. Who wouldn’t want Zoey to be their soulmate? Whoever they are, they’re so lucky.”

Mira curled into bed more, tucking the soft blanket under her chin, enjoying the cosy warmth their body heat gave off underneath. 

“We’ll help her find her soulmate.” Mira said decisively. 

“How do people even go about trying to find their soulmates? It was so easy for us, I never really gave it much thought,” Rumi said. 

“I think you can use websites, but I’m not sure how reliable or safe they are. I think most people do it the old fashioned way, through word of mouth.” 

A frightening thought struck Rumi. “What if her soulmate is one of her friends in America? What if they sent her a picture of theirs a while ago and now she knows that they’re soulmates?”

Mira raised her eyebrows, eyes unfocussed for a few seconds, lost in deep thought. “We definitely can’t rule that possibility out. That could be the reason she wants to be alone now. It would be a big change for all of us.”

”Do you think she’d want to move back to America?” Rumi asked as an edge of fear made her voice quiver. 

Mira sighed. “Maybe she would, or maybe they would move over here. But Rumi, we’re just theorising right now, don’t worry too much until we truly know what we’re dealing with.”

”Yeah, you’re right,” she said, bringing her hand to her mouth to block her yawn. Delicately, Mira took her hand, brought her fingers to her wrist and began to stroke her violet tattoo in a calming rhythm. 

“You know, it’s in instances like this that I realise how lucky we are,” Mira said softly, smiling slightly at Rumi. “I just want Zoey to be as happy as we are.”

”Me too.”

”She’ll have to explain to her soulmate about being a demon hunter, about her vital role in sealing the Honmoon,” Mira mused.

“I never even considered that,” Rumi said. “And if they’re not a celebrity, they’ll also have to get accustomed to our way of life.”

“She’s got a lot ahead of her, but we’ll be there for her.”

”Of course.”

“Do you think it’s possible that she didn’t get a soulmate tattoo? That her wrist was blank when she looked?” Mira asked slowly.

Rumi raised her eyebrows. She tried to imagine what her reaction would have been if she had been in that position. The waiting, the watching, the feeling of anticipation draining and in its place a cold hollowness. She shuddered. “Is that possible?”

”I’ve heard rumours,” Mira whispered. “I don’t know how true they are though.”

”What do those people do?” Rumi asked with wide eyes. “How do they cope?”

“I’ve heard tales of people getting matching tattoos with other people without tattoos. So it will look like they’re soulmates.” Mira said absentmindedly. 

“I hope Zoey doesn’t have to go through that,” Rumi said morosely.

“You know, thinking it through, Zoey has had a lot to deal with since we’ve discovered that we’re soulmates, it mustn’t have been easy for her.” Mira added pensively. 

“What do you mean?” 

“Think about it. All the interviews and magazine shoots with just the two of us, the subunit album, all of that! She must have felt annoyed by us and our affection towards one another, she must have been counting down the days until she gets her soulmate.”

Rumi nodded. “She’s probably fed up of our antics.” 

“She probably thinks we’re really embarrassing.” Mira smirked. 

“I can’t wait to tease her when she finds her soulmate.” Rumi smiled. They both laughed, already thinking of future plans that lay ahead of them.

“She worked so hard on our album, didn’t she?” Mira smiled, reminiscing about the process.

”All the lyrics she contributed were just perfect, she understands us and our relationship so well.”

”I hope her soulmate is a singer or a rapper so they can do an album together like we did.”

”That would be perfect!” Rumi said excitedly before yawning again.  

“Let’s get some sleep so we’re ready to deal with Zoey’s situation in the morning.” Mira said with a yawn, catching onto them too. 

Mira placed her arm around Rumi and drew her closer, until their forehead were touching, breathing the same air at the same pace, their inhales and exhales perfectly aligned, their timing impeccable. As though they were one, as though they completed each other. 

As Rumi drifted between the stages of awake and slumber, Mira planted a soft kiss on her forehead. “Let’s meet in our dreams, the thoughts of being without you for eight hours is too much for me to bare.”

Rumi laughed lightly. “I love it when you say cliché things like that.”

“It’s not cliché, it’s how I really feel!” Mira retorted indignantly.

”Sweet dreams, sweetheart,” Rumi said as she curled into Mira’s warm arms as she fell asleep.

Zoey awoke with a start, her face cold against the cool surface of the bathroom tiles. She felt a sense of dread creeping into her, and for a moment she could convince herself it was merely a product of a distant nightmare, until it all came rushing back to her with force. 

The tattoo on her wrist still showed a violet, still held all of its pain, glared up at her. 

Staring at herself in the mirror with her hands clutching the basin tightly for support, she realised how awful she looked. Her hair was a mess and her cheeks were tear stained. Her pyjamas were crumpled and her nose was running. She looked wrecked. 

Walking back into her room, she noticed that it was still dark outside. Glancing at the clock, she discovered it was only two in the morning.            

With a sigh of relief, she eased herself into her freezing bed and buried her head into her pillow, wanting to elongate the time before she needed to deal with her soulmate tattoo for as long as possible. 

Chapter Text

As sunlight glared into her room, Zoey awoke with a start and practically jumped out of bed; a sudden idea had seized her. Couldn’t she just pretend she didn’t have a soulmate tattoo? That way things can carry on as usual. 

She knew it would be hard for her to watch Mira and Rumi’s relationship develop from the sidelines, but she was really running out of options. It’s not like she can just tell them about her tattoo, that would be incredibly selfish of her. 

That would ruin everything.

Dashing into the bathroom, she reached up to her shelf and grabbed her makeup bag. The metallic purple material reflected a face full of pain. She paused for a second. Should she really go ahead with this? 

What would happen if she told Mira and Rumi the truth? For a split second she allowed herself to savour the idea of them being delighted, embracing her and accepting her as their soulmate. Of the three of them being happy as soulmates together. But she knew that would never happen. Three is an odd number, isn’t it?

Instead, they probably would grow cold and distant with her, disgusted by her and her intrusion. How dare she try to wedge her way between them, claiming both of them as her own? She shuddered. Her own greed sickened her. 

The trio would certainly grow apart and become awkward if Zoey mentioned her tattoo, even Mira and Rumi might repel from one another. Zoey would certainly have to leave the group in shame. But that would be such bad publicity for the group’s image, wouldn’t there be speculation?

That speculation could easily turn vile and cruel towards the remaining two members, furthering Zoey’s damage to their relationship. And if they broke apart, what would the fans do? Who would power the Honmoon? And if Huntrix broke up, who would fight demons? 

When she thought about her actions in depth, she realised she could put her entire country in jeopardy if she acted foolishly. If she indulged in her own personal desires. 

Maybe her life wasn’t truly up to her to decide. Maybe her life was just one big sacrifice for the greater good. 

Vaguely, she wondered if she was cursed. She’d never heard of anyone else having two soulmates, it was just not possible. It’s not the way things should be. 

She must be cursed because of how jealous she was of Rumi and Mira. Because of how she envied their relationship, she must have poisoned herself internally. Her tattoo was a testament to how rotten she was inside, her true colours revealed. 

She knew that she was unworthy of being loved, of having a soulmate. And this merely was the price she had to pay, the role she had to play.

She nodded at herself in affirmation of her idea, a newfound sense of courage rising in her. She needed to be noble about this, because this was her destiny. “This is going to work,” she said as she whipped out her concealer. “This is definitely a good idea.”

She lathered on a thick layer of concealer onto her wrist, gleefully watching as the tattoo disappeared, the purple flower blending into her skin, her true self being hidden. It gave off the illusion of redeeming herself, quite literally wiping her slate clean. 

When the concealer set, she placed another layer on top, just to be sure. Holding her wrist up to the light, the tattoo was completely obscured. She was thrilled at how well it worked. Hopefully she would be able to convince Rumi and Mira. 

Tentatively, she changed out of her fluffy pyjamas, opting for a baggy hoodie which covered her arms for even more protection. 

She slowly walked into the kitchen, swallowing the rising lump in her throat and letting out a low exhale. She can’t mess this up. She has to make them believe her lies. 

Rumi and Mira were already in the kitchen, seemingly waiting for her to come down. Mira stopped munching on her slice of toast and brushed crumbs gently away from her mouth. From her beautiful rose tinted lips. 

Stop Zoey! She told herself. Seriously, she had to get a better grip of herself. They’re not her soulmates, she has to drive that fantasy from her mind. 

Zoey looked across to Rumi who was finishing off a yogurt, bringing her spoon down sharply when Zoey entered, the smack reverberating around the kitchen. Followed by silence.

“Hey,” Rumi said softly with a light smile, like a person approaching a wounded animal or a lost child. “Is everything alright, with you know, your tattoo?”

Zoey froze for a second. This was her final chance. She could run to the kitchen sink and wash off the make up and reveal the truth right now. It was now or never. But she knew what was best for all of them. It had to be never. 

“It’s just, it’s not really fine,” she said as her stomach sank. She reminded herself that this was the only way forward, it was her duty to do this for her friends. Remember, you’re just a parasite leeching off of their happiness. 

Her stomach twisted as she saw Mira and Rumi’s eyes soften in concern for her. A concern she wasn’t worthy of. If only they knew the truth about me, they would despise me.

”Are you moving to America?” Rumi wailed dramatically, followed by a sharp nudge from Mira. 

America? Why would she go back to America? To the place she hated, to the place where she got treated as dirt. To the place she was constantly bullied and harassed, ridiculed and humiliated. She could hear the echoed sentiments of her bullies voices sounding in her ears. 

”Here comes loser Zoey with her stupid hair style.”

”Don’t push me, I nearly brushed off of the weird kid!”

“Teacher, do I actually have to work with her? Why are you punishing me like this?”

”What’s this, lyrics? Look guys, Zoey thinks she has talent! Let’s show her what she truly is, nothing but a worthless piece of shit.”

But Rumi didn’t know about that. No one did. Because that would require speaking about her experiences, something which she wasn’t strong enough to do. She didn’t see the point of it, it wouldn’t take back the pain, would it?

Sure, the cuts and bruises healed over time, but there were some scars that cut deeper. There are some things that even distance or time can repair. Some things that will never truly stop haunting her. 

Maybe Rumi and Mira suspected something about her tattoo and wanted her to move away. Maybe they didn’t even feel comfortable being on the same continent as them. Maybe they just wanted her to go away forever, so they could forget about her completely. 

Zoey’s silence prompted Mira to speak. “Rumi’s kinda got herself worked up thinking that your soulmate is one of your friends in America? Is that right, or have we got that totally wrong?”

Zoey pursed her lips. The irony was almost humorous to Zoey. Her soulmate being someone she knew growing up in America?

”Is your soulmate another idol?” Mira asked cautiously.

Rumi gasped. “Is it someone we know?”

What?

Why would her soulmate be another idol? Did they really want her to leave Huntrix that badly? Did they really want her to make music with someone else? Do they just want to continue to make music together without her? It’s not like she was needed anymore. The Honmoon was in pretty good condition, only strengthened by their duo album. She was dead weight. 

“My soulmate isn’t in America, or an idol, or anywhere really,” Zoey sighed with her head hanging low. 

“What do you mean?” Mira asked. 

“I didn’t get a soulmate tattoo.” There, the truth was finally out in the open. 

Mira and Rumi gasped and a heavy silence fell over them. Slowly, Zoey lifted her sleeve up and brought her arm forward. She lifted her head up to discover tears welling in both of their eyes. She couldn’t remember the last time she’s seen them cry. 

They were crying because of her. They were in pain because of her. But why? Now they could all carry on as they have been doing. Surely they can return to ‘normal’ now?

”I’m so sorry Zoey,” Mira said as her voice caught her in throat. 

Tears dripped down Rumi’s cheeks as she examined Zoey’s arm. “It can’t be…”

Eventually, Zoey retreated her arm and tugged her sleeve down firmly. Hidden once more. “It’s fine really, it’s probably easier that way,” she said through gritted teeth. Damn it, now tears were brimming in her eyes. She thought she had cried enough in the last twenty four hours. 

“Don’t say that,” Mira said. “It’s a really big thing Zoey.”

Zoey shrugged her shoulders and stared at her feet, willing her tears to evaporate from her eyes. 

Click.

A key turned in their apartment door and the door swung open, hitting the wall with a loud bang. 

“Happy birthday Zoey!” A cheerful voice bellowed. Bobby. Their manager. 

Zoey heard him shuffle into slippers in the hallway, making his way into the kitchen, humming ‘Forever Yours’ under his breath. Adding insult to injury. 

He set down the several presents he had brought with him on the breakfast bar and beamed at them. “Let’s see your tattoo Zoey, and get this party started!” 

His smile dropped when he looked at the girls’ expressions. “Girls, what’s wrong?” His eyes widened in fear. “Is it about…”

Rumi and Mira’s eyes pointed to Zoey. “The tattoo,” Bobby continued with a deflated sigh. “What happened?”

”I didn’t get one,” Zoey muttered. How many times did she have to go through this humiliating ritual?

”Oh,” Bobby said. “Oh no. Oh no, no, no. This is not good.” He whipped his phone from his back pocket. “But don’t worry, I’ve got this. I’ll figure something out.”

At least he didn’t ask to see her wrist, that’s something. Bobby walked out of the room with his phone to his ear, mumbling away to someone. 

Zoey slumped onto the couch in the living room and closed her eyes. She felt the couch shift beneath her as Rumi and Mira wordlessly joined her but she didn’t make any effort to acknowledge them. She kept her eyes firmly shut, hoping for a minute of peace. But that seemed too much to ask for. 

Bobby rushed into the room and sat down opposite them. “Really Zoey, it’s no big deal. Loads of people choose to hide their tattoos, you can just wear something in public over your wrist. No one will suspect a thing.”

”What happens if I just tell people about not having a tattoo?” Zoey asked. 

He winced, and sharply inhaled. “I’m not sure about doing that. You see, it’s very uncommon for someone not to have a tattoo, it’s practically unheard of. We cannot say how people would react to it. People could turn against you, demand you leave the group. You know what fans can be like…”

Zoey nodded in agreement. “I suppose you’re right.” She thought she had better just follow his lead, he was only looking out for her. He probably knew what was best for her.

”Alright then,” he clasped his hands together. “We need to get this birthday live started!”

The birthday live. It had completely slipped her mind. Their tradition of greeting their fans on each of their birthdays. How was she supposed to smile and talk to her fans when she was feeling so terrible? But she needed to get used to faking a smile, bringing out her bright persona for the cameras when it was called for. 

“We can do it with you, if you want,” Rumi offered. Mira nodded in agreement. Their willingness to help her cause her heart to twinge. They really were too nice to her. 

“Thank you,” she replied weakly, her voice barely audible. The thoughts of having to host a live by herself and respond directly to the ever present fan involvement in the comment section made her feel queasy. It wouldn’t be so bad if they were there with her.

Besides, the fans would enjoy the birthday celebration more with the others present. She couldn’t ignore the comments she received in other lives she had done in the past; the constant asking for Rumi and Mira, nothing that concerned her or her music. 

In the space of half an hour, the living room was transformed. Streamers hung from every visible surface, balloons of every colour hovered around and a large chocolate cake with Happy 20th Birthday Zoey! inscribed on it with blue icing. 

“Ready?” Mira asked as she reached forward towards the laptop they agreed to use for the live. She waited until both of them nodded in confirmation to start the live.

For the most part, Mira and Rumi did the majority of the talking, bouncing off of each other playfully and answering fan questions every once in a while. Zoey tried to engage, tried to smile and laugh, but the comment section loomed menacingly in her peripheral vision. 

Omg she’s covering her wrist

Show us your tattoo Zoey!

Zoey looks nervous and she’s quieter than usual, I wonder what’s wrong with her?

It’s your birthday, why aren’t you happy?

Zoey focused of joining in on their conversation, trying all she could to avoid glancing at the comments. All she wanted to do was bury herself under her blanket in bed and not face humanity for at least two weeks, but she stayed put.

She couldn’t even enjoy her cake. Despite it being her favourite flavour, it tasted stale and heavy in her mouth. With a slight grimace with every swallow, she managed to get a small slice down. 

After an excruciating hour, the live finally ended, with smiles all round, finger hearts and flying kisses to match. At last she was free.

Well, until tomorrow. 

“Hey,” Mira said. “Do you want to talk anymore about your tattoo?” 

“Or maybe just have a movie night together?” Rumi added.

”I just want to sleep,” she responded with feigned fatigue, yawning widely to support her claim. 

“Good idea,” Bobby quipped. “You girls have a busy day ahead.”

”Huh?”

”Zoey, you really need to sleep, ha! Tomorrow we have that interview ahead of the Idol Awards, remember?” Bobby motioned his hand around in a circular movement, apparently trying to physically bring her memory back. 

“Oh yes, I remember now.” An interview with an infamously prying interviewer, known for throwing curveball questions and being completely oblivious to any personal boundaries. Could her week possibly get worse?

“Goodnight,” Zoey waved them off as she escaped to her room, her only solace. She threw herself onto her bed but found she hadn’t any tears left to cry. 

Being without a soulmate was now her permanent reality, her future was destined to be lonely. 

After showering, the concealer was wiped down the drain and the violet was left staring back at her, the purple flower more defined than ever.

Had she made the right choice? 

Chapter Text

Zoey’s stomach churned for the entire car journey to the interview. She tugged at her sleeve once more, now a force of habit for her, as she stared out the window, watching the world zoom by.

As the car slowed in traffic, Zoey could make more of the flashing billboards shining outside. It was early morning and the sun was still creeping up, so the display boards still shone with a form of intensity. 

Zoey wouldn’t consider herself superstitious, but she looked for a sign that this interview, and every interview to come would work out for her. That her secret would be concealed forever. Her eyes locked on a poster of Mira and Rumi, Rumi standing in front of Mira, holding her hand and gazing into her eyes lovingly. The picture captured so much of their love for each other. 

Good. Zoey thought. A sign that it’s just the two of them, that I won’t interfere with them anymore. 

Her eyes flicked back into the interior of the car, where Rumi and Mira were cuddling together in the seats beside her. Despite herself, her heart still ached when she looked at how happy they were together. Then she reminded herself that it was this toxic mindset that got her in this predicament in the first place.

As the car slowed and eventually came to a halt, Zoey became aware of a large crowd gathered outside the building. Their fans. The sign of their smiles and encouraging shouts eased her nerves a bit. She needed to appear happy, for the fans. She plastered a fake smile on her face.

Before stepping out of the car, Mira grabbed her hand. “We’re here for you, Zoey, I mean it.”

Zoey flashed her a smile, a genuine one. Everything was going to be alright. Mira and Rumi had her back, and their fans were there to support them.

Her calm state of mind dissipated as soon as she stepped out. 

Hoards of people lay behind the barricades, pushing against it manically, causing it to shake. They were all chanting for her attention, screaming to be heard above the din. 

“Zoey, Zoey, look here! Show us your soulmate tattoo, we’ve camped here all night to see it!” A fan close to her said passionately, clutching the barricade tightly and leering forward. 

”Zoey I just know your soulmate is one of the Saja boys! The one with the shaggy purple hair? What’s his name? Mystery, right? You seem so close, I just know you guys are meant to be!” Another fan shouted, resulting in another roar from the crowd, especially from a fan holding a poster which read ‘Zoeystery’ in purple letters. 

But this outburst was met by some boos too. “Have you seen Zoey? She’s totally for the girls. You straights can’t get everything.” This retort was greeted with even more cheers. “Look at her, she’s blushing, it has so be true!”

Zoey’s heartbeat stammered with every hurled question, every shout, every flash of a camera capturing this moment. A hand reached out and seized her arm, trying to pull her sleeve up. Zoey’s heart leapt to her throat. She tried to pull away, but their grip was frighteningly tight.

Rumi yanked her hand from the fan’s grip and gave them a dirty look. “People are so vile,” she said with a venom in her voice that she had never heard before. “Let’s get inside and get this interview over with.”

The studio was filled with people fussing over them, touching up their hair and makeup and fixing their outfits. Self consciously, Zoey felt her space buns and was repulsed by the excessive hair spray making her hair sticky. Zoey wished that they were merely going to a radio interview, where her appearance and facial expressions wouldn’t matter so much. But it was vital that she kept not just what she said, but also her body language under control too.

A bead of sweat trickled down her temple and her blood ran cold. She cannot start sweating. What is she sweats so badly that the concealer comes away? She would be so exposed, only one slip or one invasive fan away from destroying her life. She breathed. She had to remain calm, everything depended on her composure.

Only when the director announced that the interview would be live in thirty seconds did the interviewer saunter into the studio. Early thirties, immaculate hair and an intimidating height, Choi Namra was a force to be reckoned with. Infamous in the industry for asking the hard questions, she had developed a devoted following eager to hear her make her guests squirm. 

But because of that large following, she was valuable. To be on her show meant people would pay attention. There’s no such thing as bad publicity, is there?

Namra sat in the seat opposite them and beamed into the camera. “Welcome back to the Catch Up Hour with me, Choi Namra, and if it’s your first time tuning in, have you been living under a rock for your whole life?” She laughed before looking over at them. 

“Joining me today are a very well known girl group, Huntrix! If you are unfamiliar with the name, I’m sure the hair colours are familiar, because you’ve probably seen their faces plastered all over Seoul. We have the pink haired one, the purple haired one, and lastly the plain American one. Unsurprisingly, Pink and Purple, or Rumi and Mira, as they are better known as, are soulmates. Yikes, that must be awkward for Zoey!” Echoes of laughter were scattered around the room. 

In the corner of her eye, Zoey noticed Mira’s jaw clench and Rumi crossed her arms firmly. 

“So girls,” Namra continued, seemingly unfazed by their lack of response, “we know the Idol Awards are fast approaching, so what can we expect to see from you guys?”

”We’ve been working hard on our new song, we’re going to debut it at the Idol Awards as a surprise for our fans.” Rumi stated.

Namra’s lip twitched into a smirk. “So will this song be a Rumi and Mira duet, or will all three be singing?” She blinked at them, eyes wide with feigned innocence.

Mira huffed out a loud breath. “No, of course it will be the three of us performing.”

Namra held her hands up. “Whoa, didn’t mean to touch a nerve. I just thought with how well the subunit album performed both domestically and internationally, it would simply make sense.”

Zoey’s stomach dropped. She knew that the album was extremely successful, but would she be a burden on them at the Idol Awards? Would she be a hindrance to their growth?

”Moving on,” Namra cleared her throat are reshuffled the paper in front of her. “I couldn’t help but notice a lot of eager fans waiting outside the studio today. And surprisingly, they all seemed to be calling for Zoey, which usually doesn’t happen too often. Care to share your thoughts on why this might be, Zoey?”

”I think, maybe because of my tattoo,” she replied wearily as her cheeks burned red.

”You wouldn’t be referring to your soulmate tattoo, would you?” The interviewer asked with a gaping mouth.

”Yes, it’s because of that.”

”I can see why that would interest them, I mean two members in the one group having matching tattoos is exceptionally lucky, too lucky even. It’s like you were destined to have bad luck with your soulmate, just to balance things out. It would be fair if you guys got everything, now would it?” She tilted her head backwards and barked out a laugh, causing Zoey’s shoulders to sink. 

“So Zoey, let’s give the fans what they want, and let’s face it, being the least popular member you have to cling to fame in some way. So tell us about your tattoo!”

”I’d rather keep that private, thanks,” Zoey blurted out, not making eye contact with anyone. 

“You Americans,” Namra rolled her eyes. “Always going on about your rights and what you’re entitled to. If you wanted that treatment, why not go back to the States?”

Zoey couldn’t help it. This interview was turning out to be confirmation of her worst fear. She was too American for Koreans and too Korean for Americans. She didn’t belong anywhere, she didn’t fit in anywhere. A single tear rolled down her cheek. She wiped it away quickly, but it was too late; Namra had noticed her weakness, her chink in her armour. 

She rolled her eyes and groaned. “You’re not seriously crying, are you? See, this is another thing about Americans. You have a laugh and they get offended by everything.”

She reached over and took Zoey’s hand in hers. “We’re all friends here, aren’t we?” She said in a saccharine tone. “I’m sorry if I offended you.” She pouted her lips and furrowed her eyebrows together; her fake sympathy felt like mockery. 

That phrase tossed up many unpleasant memories of America. Of her classmates making fun of her and if they were ever caught, they would put on the exact same act as what Namra was doing right now. The pout, the promise of being best friends, the apology. It sickened her to her core. 

“So,” Namra said slowly. “Let’s see this tattoo.” Her finger curled beneath her sleeve and slowly edged it up. Frantically Zoey leaned back, withering from her grasp, twisting her wrist in attempts of escaping. 

Rumi and Mira jumped up. “Get off of her,” Mira snarled, shoving Namra in the shoulder. 

Bobby ran in from backstage with his hand raised. “Girls, I think we can figure this out, don’t panic! But Namra, please let go of Zoey!”

But Namra wouldn’t budge. “You’re so boring to interview, give me something to work with,” she hissed viciously under her breath.

With one first tug her wrist was revealed. Her bare wrist. Namra gasped. “You really didn’t get a soulmate? So you really are that unlovable, huh?”

Rumi raised her hand and a loud smack reverberated around the room. Rumi; kind, gentle Rumi had hit Namra. 

Zoey’s eyes widened. She really was corrupting their purity, wasn’t she?

She couldn’t dwell in her thoughts for much longer as she felt herself being tugged at the shoulder. “We need to get out of here, away from that witch,” Mira said with tears in her eyes. 

Mira, crying? 

She got up from her seat and followed the others backstage where Rumi immediately embraced her with a tight hug. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that, that harassment! We should have left the second she asked you about your tattoo, I didn’t realise it would escalate to that.”

She felt someone hug her from behind. Mira. “I feel terrible that you had to experience that. We should have never agreed to come on this stupid show.” She lifted her head up from the hug. “Bobby, why did you think it would be a good idea to have us on here?” 

Bobby sighed. “It wasn’t my idea girls. Personally, and I know I shouldn’t be talking like this, I think that Namra is evil. I don’t see why people even like her show, they must all be narcissistic. But it was Celine who insisted you make an appearance, she said it would open Huntrix up to a wider audience.”

“But we don’t need more fans! We sell out concerts, we’ve gone on a world tour, what more does see need from us?” Rumi wailed.

“Let’s get you girls home. Look on the bright side, it wasn’t a live interview so who knows how much they’ll cut? Zoey’s secret might be safe after all.”

“You think so?” Mira asked, her voice perking up. 

“I’d assume they’d cut out the part where you shoved her and when Rumi bitch slapped her, so maybe her production team will.” Bobby sighed again. “It’s going to be a nightmare leaving this place, all the fans are still gathered outside.”

Zoey’s shoulders sank. “I don’t know if I can face that again.”

”I have an idea,” Mira broke away from the hug. “There surely must be a back door exit, right? We can leave that way.”

Mira’s plan proved to be successful. When the car pulled out onto the road, Zoey felt a bit ashamed of herself for having to take the easy way out, avoiding the fans that had waited so long to see them.

”Those people out there, they’re not our fans,” Rumi said as though reading her mind. “You cannot be a fan of a person and treat them like that. Don’t feel bad for not interacting with them.”

Rumi’s reassurance temporarily soothed her.

“Ugh, I would kill for go to the bathhouse right now,” Mira said as she leaned her head against the cool window. 

Rumi closed her eyes and sighed. “That would be lovely.”

Bobby shrugged his shoulders. I don’t see why not! You have nothing else scheduled for today.”

”You do you say, Zoey?” Mira grinned at her. Mira knew how much she adored the bathhouse, so she was probably convinced that Zoey would readily agree.

Zoey would have loved to have gone and soaked in the pleasantly warm water, feel her muscles loosen their tension and feel her mind relax. 

But she can’t go. Her tattoo would be exposed. 

“Sorry, I just don’t really feel up to it,” Zoey muttered. “But you guys should go! I just feel a bit tired.”

Rumi and Mira exchanged a look. “Are you sure you don’t want us to stay with you? Watch some turtle videos with you on the couch?” Rumi asked.

”It’s fine, really, I think I want some alone time,” she said defensively. She does not want to spoil their fun, she’s spoilt enough for them already. 

And so she finds herself alone in her room again, lying on her bed and staring blankly at the ceiling. She just wished that the Idol Awards could be over, for her fans to stop expecting things from her. She just needed an escape. 

But she knew that there was no way out of this.

Chapter Text

Mira eased herself into the hot tub and sighed. “Man, this is good.”

Rumi slid in opposite her, enjoying the warmth of the water. “Exactly what we need after that horrendous interview.”

“If only Zoey was here,” Mira groaned. “It’s so unlike her to turn a trip to the bathhouse down. It must be the first time she ever has, now that I think about it.”

Rumi nodded. “She’s always the one who’s the most eager for a trip, it’s strange that she didn’t want to go today. With all the stress of the interview and not getting a tattoo, I thought for sure she’d come with us.”

”Is she hiding something?”

Rumi’s head shot up. “You think so?”

Mira shrugged. “I might be overthinking, but it just doesn’t make sense.”

”We should maybe try to chat with her again later, see if she’s ready to talk more.” Rumi thought back to how quiet she had been in the car, how her shoulders curled forward and made her seem so small and vulnerable. She heart ached at the memory.

Mira splashed Rumi gently with the water. “Aww, you’re so kind Rumi, you always know what to do.”

Rumi smiled. “Don’t knock yourself down, you’re super kind too.”

”But I did see a different side to you today,” Mira raised an eyebrow. “Slapping that interviewer? Incredible. It’s now a core memory of mine, I keep repeating it in my mind.”

Rumi giggled. “I just had to do it for Zoey.”

“Yes!” Mira punched the air dramatically, causing more water to spill from the tub, a large wave sloshing down the side. “Anything for Zoey!”

The mirrors of the practise room clouded with condensation from the damp air as Zoey, Rumi and Mira rehearsed the choreography of their new song ‘Twilight’. In preparation, Zoey had carefully placed an armband around her wrist to conceal her tattoo, as she knew no amount of makeup would be able to withstand the amount of sweat dripping off of her.

”Don’t you think the lyrics are a little dark?” Mira panted as she reached for her bottle of water.

”It’s a bit late to say that now, the Awards are tomorrow,” Rumi grabbed her bottle and slumped down beside her. “And personally I like this new direction. It’s going to surprise our fans, that’s for sure.”

Zoey joined them, taking slow sips of her drink and hoping they’d change the subject. When Rumi and Mira had asked her to write the next Huntrix song, she had been in the height of her anguish over their relationship. She had initially intended for the song to be released on her upcoming mixtape, but she decided it could work for the group. And if Mira thought the lyrics were dark now, she really should have seen the first draft.

”It’s fine if everyone hates it, it won’t be eligible for the awards anyways, seeing as we’re debuting it there. Then we’ll work hard next year to make even better songs,” Zoey butted in, crossing her fingers that the conversation would soon veer in a different direction.

”I’m not saying it’s a bad song or anything, just that it’s more dark than our lyrics usually are. I mean My dreams of you could never come true, the illusion I painfully cling to. Come on, don’t you guys see what I mean?”

Rumi hummed and tilted her head, contemplating her soulmate’s argument. “I suppose it is, but I still think it will be a nice addition to our oeuvre.”

”Look, what I’m getting at is that the song might worry people. It sounds quite ominous, like a break up song or something. I just don’t want people to get the wrong idea.”

Rumi quietly sang the chorus under her breath. “When it’s twilight, I’m sinking deep into the night, I’m suffocating silently, surrendering to broken harmony…” She furrowed her eyebrows together. “Zoey, what was the inspiration for this song? Usually the songs you write are so bright and cheerful.”

Zoey froze, her blood running cold. She had to think of an answer quickly that would satisfy their curiosity. “It’s just that I wanted a change, that’s all! I wanted to experiment with the production and lyrics, prove I’m not just a one trick pony. Don’t you guys agree?”

Rumi and Mira nodded uncertainly, exchanging a sly glance but not disagreeing with her.

”I shouldn’t even have brought this up,” Mira said as she started stretching. “I guess it’s just my nerves playing up about tomorrow. Let’s practise one last time, it’s just that step in the pre chorus that keeps throwing me off.”

Zoey felt relief rush through her. She had convinced them somewhat, just enough for them to not pry for any more answers. Surely they’ll never figure out the true meaning of the song, of course they won’t.

The morning of the Idol Awards brought some good news. The interview had been severely cut, unfortunately painting Namra in a good light and making Zoey come across as reclusive and moody, but at least her ‘secret’ was safe. Prior talks of a lawsuit dissolved, and although Namra wouldn’t receive the backlash she deserved, at least Zoey could start tk out the ordeal behind her. 

Thankfully Mira had dropped her questions about the lyrics, both her and Rumi seemed to have grown a tolerance for them. She just hoped that the fans would like them too, because if they hated this new sonic direction, what was the point? Everything was for the fans. 

Rehearsals went well, Rumi’s vocals soared piercingly through the eerily empty stadium, and despite her previous concerns, Mira’s dancing was flawless. Zoey’s poured everything into her raps, furiously spitting out syllables in her perfect flow.

And the outfits played in her favour; long sleeved dark purple leather jackets over white tank tops and black shorts. Her tattoo was hidden from view but she still added makeup over it. She couldn’t afford to ever be relaxed about her secret.

When they were called to the stage for their performance, Zoey’s heart beat erratically in her chest. It was a feeling she’d experienced a lot in the past week, but it wasn’t quite the same. It wasn’t a product of nervousness, it was because she was thrilled to get back on stage. The only place she felt like she truly belonged.

The majority of the roaring crowd yelled for Mira and Rumi, but in between the cacophony of support for the duo, she heard others yelling for her. She smiled to herself. Everything was going to go well. The crowd got even louder as the trio made their way onto the stage, bright spotlights capturing them.

The glow of light sticks shined like a field of flowers on a windy day ahead of her, the colours flickering and flashing, changing from one to another. It was something that always seemed magic to her. 

As the ominous opening beats began, the crowd roared deafeningly, all their fans engrossed in the song merely from hearing a few seconds of the melody. 

Like rehearsals, the performance ran smoothly. Their choreography and singing was impeccable, an apt representation of the effort they had poured in. Based on the screeching fans, Zoey realised that they were enjoying her song. She smirked slightly, receiving validation for her songwriting abilities always pleased her.

As their voices harmonised, their bodies twisting in sync with each other, Zoey felt something she hadn’t felt in a long time. That this was her team, and her contributions were needed. She felt like she deserved to be in Huntrix. For once, her doubts were silenced.

But then it came up to her verse, her rap that served as an outro. It felt impossible to her to keep the tide of emotions at bay, as the feelings of the time reared their ugly heads.

The isolation, the fear, the loneliness came back to her in full force. Perhaps it felt more forceful now because choosing to keep her flower to herself meant that she chose this path of pain for herself. The pain she would have traded anything to escape when she was writing this song.

Was she selfless, or was she a prisoner to self pity? Was her plan a noble act, or was it merely because she didn’t allow herself to accept happiness? 

Huh. She had never looked at it that way before.

But she couldn’t give into the voices in her head, although they seemed less menacing now and more questioning. She had adjusted to the menacing ones so well that the questioning ones were the ones that made her uncomfortable. 

The beat for her verse to begin sounded in her in ear monitors so she closed her eyes and let the lyrics take over. “Your love was a bird with wings, my isolation is what stings. The illusion of happiness is daunting, my memories are constantly haunting, myself I’m wandering in a forbidden maze, my embers were once a formidable blaze.”

The last lyrics choked in her throat, barely audible as she squeaked them out. The audience didn’t appear bothered by it, the fervent applause continued as they bowed and left the stage. Zoey couldn’t make out the next announcement of what act will be performing, her ears felt clogged. 

“Zoey are you okay?” Rumi asked and she patted her back gently. “Just with your verse and the whole song in general, I couldn’t help but wonder whether you wrote the song about-“

”Girls, your seats are just out there, near the back of the stadium with the other idols!” Bobby waved frantically at them as he sprinted across to them. “Amazing performance, you guys stole the show out there! The awards will be announced soon, so best make your way out there pronto! We’ll have a big chat afterwards.”

And with that they were quickly ushered to their seats, handed drinks and some staff members fixed their non existent makeup problems. Zoey was glad to be spared from whatever Rumi was going to ask her, but she couldn’t relax yet. All idols’ reactions to performances and award recipients were always recorded, so one misjudged facial expression would result in a lot of hatred for the group. 

She cheered with fake enthusiasm when the last group of the night performed their song, a bland pop tune with uninspiring lyrics which she barely paid attention to. 

The immaculately dressed hosts returned to the stage to announce the awards. It was strange to not feel nervous, for the past five years they had withered in their seats anxiously awaiting their fate. It was good to have a rest this year, and return to their usual grind soon. It’s a shame she didn’t get to reap the benefits of their break, but she knew Mira and Rumi did, and that’s all that really mattered to her.

When the best rookie groups were called out, Zoey found a genuine smile on her face, proud of the junior groups. She recalled when Huntrix had received that award, and silently wished them well for the future.

The preoccupation of the awards gave her something other than her gnawing doubt to concentrate on, the voices she didn’t want to confront. 

”And now for the main awards of the night. Surprisingly enough, the winners of Song of the Year, Album of the Year, and Group of the Year are all the same artists,” the first host announced, earning many oohs from the captivated audience.

Zoey’s eyebrows furrowed together. It looked like they’d have some intense competition next year, a welcome one nonetheless. They had never received all three main awards in one year, that was practically unheard of. She grew curious as to who the group may be. 

“So the winners are… Mira and Rumi!”

Zoey’s stomach dropped. Of course she had completely forgotten that their album was released this year, that their album was eligible for these awards.

Mira and Rumi looked at each other in shock, then delight as they embraced each other. Their reaction made the audience cheer and coo, fawning over the couple. 

Remember the cameras. Zoey grinned broadly, clapping for her friends. A guilt consumed her, she knew she should be happy for them but she felt her whole world crush and shatter around her. 

As they took to the stage, accepting both trophies and bouquets of flowers, the truth she had run from for too long finally caught up with her. They didn’t need her. She was their parasite. She had thought of it before, but she realised those menacing voices weren’t evil, they were beacons of truth. She was holding them back from their full potential.

During their performance of “Twilight” a part of her wanted to run to Mira and Rumi and confess her secret. But this was just confirmation that she must never do that. 

Seeing the pair beaming onstage, being showered in love and praise felt like a stab to Zoey’s heart. She couldn’t bare it any longer, she didn’t care how conceited she would appear, she rose from her seat and quickly walked backstage, anywhere to escape.

Thankfully, Bobby was preoccupied in celebrating Rumi and Mira’s win so she didn’t have to deal with any questions. 

She raced to the only place her mind could think of; their dressing room. She flung herself onto a seat and gasped for breath, hot tears falling from her eyes.

Her thoughts were flashing by at a speed she couldn’t comprehend. What should she do, leave Huntrix? Or should she stay, and live in the agony of exclusion? She can’t live away from Rumi and Mira, they’re as vital to her as water and oxygen. But she can’t live a life where she constantly has to think about the scar on her wrist, to constantly tug at her sleeves and worry every time someone mentioned the dreaded word “soulmate”. The unwanted looks of pity, the shame of constantly lying. She couldn’t keep pretending that her wrist was bare, that her future had to be bare too.

What should I do?

A quick succession of knocks at the door brought her somewhat to her senses, violently wiping her eyes in a desperate attempt to look presentable. “Come in,” she called in a voice which sounded much higher than her natural tone. 

To her dismay, Rumi and Mira stood before. Wordlessly, they entered and hugged her, the action triggering her tears to fall again. 

“I’m sorry for being so selfish, it your big day! I should be out there, celebrating and feeling happy for you, it’s just-“ her voice caught in her throat.

”It’s okay, Zoey, we completely forgot about these awards, I didn’t even realise our album was eligible,” Rumi whispered and she slowly stroked Zoey’s back in a comforting manner.

”And it didn’t feel right, accepting those awards without you,” Mira added, her voice softer than usual. “Huntrix is a trio, not a duo.”

”So, we were thinking…” Rumi and Mira pulled back slightly, pausing as they shared a look before nodded at each other. “We were thinking that you could get a violet tattoo, like us. So we could all be soulmates, forever. Mira and I have realised that we’ve always loved you, but we were convinced that one day you would have a soulmate. That you would find someone better than us. That we would be holding you back.”

”Back then, neither Rumi or I would discuss it openly,” Mira continued. “It just felt like a taboo subject. When Rumi and I were confirmed to be soulmates, I guess we gave up on the possibility of you being in the equation. Because before Rumi’s tattoo was revealed, I really thought that my soulmate would be one of you guys, but I couldn’t decide who.”

”Then I realised, love doesn’t have limits. There’s no set way that love should appear and present itself. We don’t care that you don’t have a tattoo, I don’t need to see a stupid flower to know that I love you. Looking back, we’ve been so foolish, ridiculously so. We bought into the idea that love has a set order, we wasted so much time. We convinced ourselves that love must follow instructions. We hurt you, we hurt ourselves. I’m so sorry for everything Zoey, I really mean it.”

”Me too,” Rumi continued sincerely. “When I knew Mira was my soulmate I guess we shut you out a bit. Now I realise we both had feelings for you, but we couldn’t express them. I thought if I was completely honest with Mira, she would feel like I was cheating on her in some way. I suppose it was easier ignoring my feelings, and ignoring you, to a certain extent.”

“So I’m so sorry for everything we put you through. I know it sounds brash to ask you to get a matching tattoo to us, you probably hate us for everything we’ve put you through. But maybe we could try to figure this out?”

Zoey’s head spun with this information. All this time, Rumi and Mira had secretly liked her, loved her even? That they were afraid that in being completely honest they would lose their official soulmate? That they felt that ignoring some of their feelings was the only way to protect themselves. Tears brimmed in her eyes. How wrong she had been. 

“I have something to show you,” Zoey said bashfully, blush rising on her cheeks. “I guess I should have been honest with you from the start.”

Slowly, she lifted her sleeve and smudged the concealer away with her thumb, revealing the violet blooming brightly beneath. 

“So it’s really, you are-“ Rumi spluttered in disbelief.

”We’re soulmates?” Mira gasped. “It’s true? But how?”

”Well,” Zoey let how a shuddering breath. “I just thought that I’d intrude on your relationship if I told the truth. That I’d ruin your bond, that you’d feel forced into loving me.”

Rumi’s eyes welled with tears. “Loving you would never be forced. It’s the easiest thing in the world. We are all fools here, especially Mira and I. But most of all I hate the way we made you feel.”

Mira’s eyes starting watering too, a sight that Zoey was getting much too familiar with. “I hate that you thought it was best to hide from us. We’ve been selfish, enjoying our time together and not thinking about you enough.”

”It’s alright! I’m just glad you guys actually like me,” Zoey said defensively, relief flooding into her chest.

”Actually like you? Zoey, we love you! You complete us, no matter how perfect our relationship may have appeared, it was always missing something. And that something is you,” Mira declared, wiping her tears away before reaching her hands over to wipe tears from Zoey’s eyes with a gentle stroke of her finger.

The action, their words, the sheer belief that her future might actually be more than she ever could have dreamed of was too much for Zoey to handle. The tears streamed from her eyes against, and she wondered how many tears she had left to cry.

But these tears were different, they were a release from the shackles of her thoughts, the echoes of her mind. It didn’t undo the pain of the past, but it forged a new path forward. And that path was wide enough for three people. 

Rumi and Mira embraced her in a tight hug again, peppering her forehead with kisses and whispering encouraging words to her repeatedly. 

“We’ll get there. We’ll work this out,” Rumi whispered, the warmth tickling Zoey’s ear. “We were destined to be together.”

The three girls stuck close together, none of them wanting to be the first to let go. The air was delicate with the sense of new found hope, the sense that things could only improve from here. A cautious sense of old love renewed and brought to light, like violets pushing their way through soil to bloom on bright spring mornings.

Chapter Text

Approximately One Year Later, Zoey’s 21st Birthday  

“And you’re absolutely sure that you’re happy spending your birthday here? I mean, we do come here nearly every month,” Mira asked as she stepped into the hot tub.

Rumi joined her, and shortly afterwards Zoey did too. The incessant steam rose into her face and momentarily blurred her vision, the warm water taking her by surprise. 

“This is what I wanted,” Zoey nodded as she made herself comfortable, adjusting her sitting position. “The bath house is where I feel the most relaxed, and where I can talk to you guys the best. And that’s what I truly wanted to do for my birthday.”

”Aww, that’s so sweet,” Rumi replied, smiling at the girl beside her. “But don’t think that’s the only thing we’re doing today,” she said suspiciously.

”What do you mean?” 

Rumi and Mira smirked at each other. “We’ve got something else planned for later,” Mira revealed.

”Tell me!”

”Then it wouldn’t be a surprise,” Rumi said as the smile returned to her lips.

”Come on, just a little hint?”

Mira brought her fingers to her lips and pretended to zip them. Rumi mimicked the action, both of them remaining silent until they burst into a fit of laughter.

”But we’ve got something we’ve got to do now,” Mira said.

”Right now?” Zoey raised an eyebrow, unsure about the urgency.

”Like right now, this very second,” Rumi added passionately. “We need to give you your birthday kisses!”

Before Zoey realised what was happening, Mira and Rumi started peppering her with gentle kisses, counting them until they reached twenty one. 

It was moments like these, surprise bursts of happiness, did she truly realise how far she’d come.

Even after a year since they discovered they were soulmates, Zoey still couldn’t get used to this attention. It had been challenging at the beginning to fully convince herself that Rumi and Mira truly loved her, it took a while to finally silence the doubting voices.

Gradually, Zoey discovered that she was capable of love, and also capable of being loved. Slowly, she started to open up to them more too, from mundane things to heavier topics, such as being bullied in high school.

Before opening up, Zoey had never knew the importance of being understood, of someone hearing her story. It didn’t eradicate the pain she had endured, but it slowly healed the glaring wound inside of her. 

And Rumi and Mira opened up in return, revealing insecurities and fears she had never known about them before. 

Zoey was used to her typical moods swinging between sorrow, self pity and frustration, but recently she has experienced a much steadier and much pleasanter mood palette. Joy and excitement, fun and adventure but also a calmness she had never known before.

On lazy weekend mornings when the sun shone brightly through the blinds, she felt the warmth of Rumi and Mira’s arms around her. She felt safe and protected with them.

But along the way there had been downs too. Small arguments arose here and there and often at the start of their relationship, in those fragile first few weeks and months, Zoey doubted they would last. 

There had been many times she’d scrubbed her wrist under water and been amazed to see it still there. A reminder that none of this was accidental. 

Telling others about their relationship wasn't ad difficult as Zoey had expected. Bobby was delighted when he found out about their tattoos, not questioning anything in his typical trusting manner. Celine on the other hand had been a lot more inquiring, harshly questioning Zoey about why she had initially lied about not having one and not being entirely enthusiastic with Zoey’s heartfelt responses. But Rumi and Mira had stood by her side for all of it, ready to jump in at any given moment to back her up.

Surprisingly enough, the media had responded quite well to their relationship reveal. They were seen as advocates for polyamorous relationships. Their story encouraged others to speak out about having multiple soulmates, and it appeared that this situation was a lot more common than Zoey ever could have imagined.

Their very first project together was a re-recording of ‘Forever Yours’, with changed lyrics and a new music video to accompany it. They poured everything into that video, making it capture every detail of their budding relationship, subtle references spotted through out it, much to the delight of their curious fans.

The re-recording charted for even longer than the original, with Zoey’s rap verse proving to be particularly popular.

An album quickly followed in short succession, and promptly after its release they embarked on a world tour. Being on stage with her girlfriends singing in harmony to her was pure bliss, and it never failed to leave her with goosebumps. 

Their successful world tour had wrapped up three weeks ago and they were making sure to indulge in their break. 

As Zoey playfully fought her way other of Mira and Rumi’s antics she burst into uncontrollable laughter, unable to help herself. It was moments like this she enjoyed the best, snippets of joy sprinkled throughout her day.

”Should we move on to the next part?” Mira asked, staring intently as Zoey.

She shrugged. “I don’t see why not.”

As they quickly dried and get changed in their regular clothes, a sleek black car appeared to take them to their destination. They bundled inside, doors slammed shut as they rushed inside.

Mira’s gaze flicked to her watch. “We’ll make it in time,” she muttered under her breath.

Excitement built in Zoey as they drove to the city, the evening sun making the buildings glow in a dreamy haze. People rushed by outside and Zoey watched them with fascination.

It was a new hobby for her, taking random interest in the people around her. When she was trapped inside her own mind, she didn’t think she would ever be able to relate to the people around her, she felt completely alien to them. But as she gazed out the window, it was strange to think that all the people outside, and all the people around the world had their own set of worries and joys, troubles and pleasures. There was something grounding about that. 

The car stopped outside of an extremely decadent restaurant, chiseled white pillars and ornate gold finishings framing the grand entrance. It was the very restaurant that Zoey had caught sight of when she first moved to Korea, on her way to audition to be an idol. She had promised herself she would work hard enough to be able to dine here with the people she cared most about.

The girls had been silent when Zoey had revealed this detail to them, she had assumed that they had forgotten about it. But clearly not. 

She turned back to them, both of them studying her intently, trying to gauge her reaction.

”It’s perfect,” she said in a voice barely above a whisper. 

Rumi and Mira smiled passionately at her before high-fiving each other. 

Zoey giggled. “So are we just going to stay here or do we actually get to go in?” She asked.

They lead towards  a glass elevator, unveiling the grandeur of the building. As they reached their destination, the penthouse, Zoey vaguely wondered how much it had cost Rumi and Mira. A small fortune, no doubt.

Inside their suite was a long white table, with candles burning a golden glow at the centre. A candlelit dinner with her girlfriends. She couldn’t think of anything better than that.

There were also flowers scattered around the table.  In the low light, Zoey struggled to identify them. Roses, maybe? They would definitely fit the romantic theme.

She reached for one and held it to the candlelight. Of course.

They were violets.

”Do you like them?” Rumi asked, clasping her hands together excitedly.

”How do you feel?” Mira asked, perching an eyebrow.

An easy smile spread across her lips. She could finally stop lying, she could finally stop keeping secrets. She could finally speak her truth. 

“I couldn’t possibly be any happier.”