Archive of Our Own ^beta

It was one of those days, the ones where Jinu didn’t feel anything in particular, no pain, no shame, not even his own existence. That happened sometimes, even after centuries he never got completely used to being a demon. Sometimes he wondered if this was just a cruel nightmare and he would wake up to the sound of his sister’s laugh. Of course that was not the case.

On those days, Jinu tried to find some privacy, as much as he could, inside the demon realm, and play with his bipa, in all those years the music had been the only thing keeping him sane. Jinu had always loved music, there was a time he believed he could make a living from it and be his family’s hero. He was not that foolish now. 

Now he could pretend to be satisfied with the sound of his own voice, although Jinu was genuinely glad to know he was not the only one to enjoy his music. Derpy was happily purring next to him, Jinu can’t remember how he found the blue tiger or why he always seemed to be so excited to be with him -Jinu couldn’t say the same of the bird, why it was always with the blue tiger was a mystery to Jinu, but he liked both animals- and the moments Jinu dedicated to music were apparently the tiger’s favorites ones.

This was the closest thing Jinu had to peace, but he rarely could enjoy it for so long.

Today was no exception.

Jinu was about to sing the second verse, he heard something, Derpy sensed that because he was already on alert, the bird didn’t react but that was to be expected. Jinu stopped playing and put the bipa next to Derpy when he heard the sound again. 

“Can I help you with something?” he asked without bothering to hide the irritation in his voice.

The origin of the sound, which was a demon that was obvious, came out of his hiding and offered a calm smile; he was a tall man with long pink hair. Jinu was sure he had never met him before but then again he didn’t know everyone in the demon realm.

“Please pay no attention to me, I was just enjoying your music. It was quite refreshing”

“Really?” 

“Of course, it is a nice change from Gwi-ma’s complaints and the other demon’s screams” he said with indifference, that was new, -most of the demons were scared to even pronounce their king's name-.

Jinu wasn't convinced but he didn't believe the other demon was a threat,  so he kept playing, just a little more irritated than before.

The demon took Jinu's silence as an invitation to sit next to him, Derpy, trusting Jinu's judgement, walked to the stranger who just smiled, more sincerely this time.

"Adorable" he said while petting the tiger, it was the more sincere the demon had sounded "does he have a name?"

"Derpy" Jinu answered without paying much attention.

"What about the bird?"

"Not sure yet"

The stranger gave a subtle chuckle "that's fine"

"And you?" 

"Nothing that I remember" the demon didn't change his expression but there was something in his eyes that Jinu couldn't read. It was not unusual that demons forgot his previous life or most of it after being in the demon realm for so long.

"Fine. What do I call you then?"

"Oh I don't really care" there was a pause and the demon raised an eyebrow, it was when Jinu realized he hadn't introduced himself.

"Jinu"

"My pleasure" there was again a cocky smile and Jinu decided this was the end of the conversation so he focused again on his bipa. He was surprised when, after a while, the other demon started singing.

Jinu had to admit the demon had a beautiful voice, there was something charming about it, hypnotic even. And wasn't that interesting? A demon who wasn't able to remember his own name but could vocalize lyrics by heart. It made Jinu curious about the man's previous life. 

Not that he could ask. It was a non written rule, every demon was once a human, now tormented by their mistake and chased by their shame. No one likes to talk about what they did to end here.

At the very least, Jinu could admit to himself it was a nice change of routine. Even when the other stopped signing it was a comfortable silence.

After what could have been hours, and with Derpy almost asleep, the other one left "to our next time" he said before disappearing.

Derpy must have felt it cause he wake up almost immediately, looking at Jinu with curious eyes "I don't know either, but we may see him again" the tiger gave him an excited smile in return, the bird on the other hand didn't show any sign of emotion "I could think think in a name for you in the meantime". Truth to be told Jinu had a name for the bird -Sussie-, however, he doubted  the bird would respond to it.

As if reading his mind, the bird rolled its eyes "you don't know, you might like it"

.

Loyal to his word, the other demon visited Jinu quite often -well as often as he could, considering their free time consisted of them not being tortured by Gwi-ma- Jinu didn't find his presence as annoying as the first time but he couldn't help by wonder why the demon kept looking for him. Not that he cared anymore, in fact he was used to find the other one waiting for him sometimes, -Jinu won't admit it but he hadn't realized he had a specific place to play music until his meetings with the pink haired demon-.

Today was no different except by one detail, the other demon wasn't alone. The new demon also had pink hair just shorter than the other one, he was more taller and muscular than both of them. Jinu hoped for his own sake that this demon could remember his name, otherwise he would call them pink one and pink two.

"Hey Jinu" pink one said "please don't mind Abby"

"Abby?" Well at least that makes things easier.

"Not my real name" he explains. Before Jinu could ask anything the other interrupted "who cares, it suits him if you get that I mean" pink one said raising an eyebrow. And sure it didn't take a genius to see the joke, so fine Abby would be.

Which leaves Jinu to the bigger question "so Abby what brings you here?"

"He couldn't live without me for so long" said pink one.

"I was just curious about where you disappeared all the time"

"Fine, let me rephrase, he couldn't live without me next to him" the other said with confidence while invading Abby's personal space. Jinu wondered for how long these two had met each other, they seemed close.

"Shut it Romance"

"Romance?" Jinu asked.

"It suits him" said Abby, stealing Romance's words. 

And now that Jinu thought about it, the long haired demon was a bit of a flirt, Jinu noticed it every time the other smiled or the comments he dropped every once and then, even if he tended to ignore it half of the time. On top of that, his hair did look like a heart so yes, it definitely suits him. That being said Jinu never considered using such a word as a name but it was better than nothing.

Derpy and Sussie were fine, Romance was an usual, and no, Jinu didn't care about sharing his music with more people, yet he still didn't know why his audience kept growing.

"Seriously dude don't mind me" Abby sighed uninterested, although he did show some excitement at the sight of Derpy, who was already comfortably resting next to Romance.

"Whatever" Jinu said for once understanding Sussie's indignation, and just like the first time he met Romance, he limited himself to only playing the instrument on his hands, he found himself relaxing when Abby and Romance were humming  to the sound of the cords.

"You also know the song?"

"No" Abby answered. 

At the same time Romance said "Yes" 

"I don't remember it but I had heard it somewhere"

"A shame, you have a beautiful voice" Romance added, his tone was flirtatious yet there was some sincerity behind it. Even more when Abby rolled his eyes with no anger on it and a shy smile appeared on his lips. 

Jinu kept playing a little more and he had to admit Romance was right Abby's voice was clean and smooth. 

Just like it had happened before, this became a little habit. Sometimes Jinu would share his songs with Abby, sometimes with Romance and more often than not, with both. For Jinu, it was a pleasant change, the two demons made his eternal punishment more bearable.

"So you have known each other for a while" Jinu dared to ask one day. Demons aren't exactly social creatures and most of them used to be on their own. These two obviously didn't fit the standard.

"You're quite observant, I like that" Romance said.

"You could say that I've been stuck with him since-" Abby stopped immediately and something in his eyes changed, like he accidentally revealed something sacred. Romance for once showed some seriousness when he spoke "it's fine Abby" then he paused before explaining "it's nothing really, nothing important at least" that was a lie, Jinu could notice just by his tone "but you could say it was around the time I was starting to forget" you are lucky Jinu wanted to say, he would sacrifice a lot in exchange of losing his memories, ironically it seemed like Romance has the opposite problem "Abby has been with me since then" It was a vague explanation and it didn't justify Abby's reaction but Jinu knew better than push, he just gave a small nod and continued playing. 

Abby seemed grateful for the silence and returning to humming, as for Romance he stayed quiet while petting Derpy. They both left after a while and Jinu wasn't surprised when none of them disappeared and walked instead, Jinu didn't know why but he felt the need to go after them, he didn't but apparently Derpy, and by extension Sussie, decided to do it.

.

Abby knew he and Romance were being followed but he didn't really care, he was most worried about Romance's silence, not that he was very talkative to begin with but he wasn't exactly shy either.

"Even from a distance I can see how much you're overthinking and let me tell you it doesn't suit your image at all big guy".

That was more like him.

"Seriously my dear you need to relax, it just caught me out of guard"

"I wasn't going to tell him"

"I know” he confirmed without doubt, “but it doesn't matter, I can't really remember what happened so-" Romance stopped talking when he realized who has come after them "you're not supposed to be here" he said with no malice, in return Derpy was already purring right on Romance's leg.

Abby smiled at the sight "is the bird here too?"

"I suppose"

"Does the bird have a name?" 

"Not sure, Jinu didn't mention it"

"And is Jinu here too?"

As if answering his question they heard a chirp, although it sounded more like a screaming, suddenly they realized the bird was with two demons and it wasn't exactly happy about it.

The demons were an interesting duo to say the least, similar to them and unlike most of the demon realm, they still conserved their ‘human form’, the first that caught their attention was a tall slim demon with hair so long you couldn't even see his eyes, everything about his posture screamed nervousness, although Abby swore he was looking for something or someone else, he was proven right when he saw the lips of the demon formed a shy smile at the sight of the tiger who was now next to the bird. Understandable Abby though, Derpy was a cute distraction and it was also part of the reason he was curious about meeting Jinu in the first place -Romance had mentioned the tiger once or twice-. On the other hand, the demon next to the one with purple hair was smaller in comparison, but that was probably thanks to his features, the demon had fluffy turquoise hair and a round face, giving a younger appearance even when he probably was a couple hundred years old.

"Obviously not Jinu, so who do we own the honor?" Abby sarcastically asked.

"Hi" the purple haired demon simply said while raising his hand.

"Mystery wanted to see the tiger" the small demon explained with annoyance, his voice was exactly the opposite of his looks, being the deepest one of all the presents.

"Mystery?" Abby thought he and Romance were bad with names but apparently it was a demon thing.

"And how about you little one?" Romance asked, as expected, his tone made the other one furious "you're not much taller than me" he screamed, Romance laughed satisfied with the reaction.

"Why does the bird have a hat?" Mystery asked out of nowhere.

"Is that your biggest concern?!" The small demon said with even more exasperation than before.

"It belongs to the tiger but the bird always steals it" a known voice said.

Jinu stood behind them with an unreadable expression, the bird and the tiger immediately went to him.

"Missed us already?" Romance asked.

"I see, they're your guardians" the small demon said at the same time without taking his eyes away from the animals.

"Something like that" Jinu commented, Derpy and Sussie had been his companions since always and most of the demons tended to ignore them. Guardians animals were an anomaly but hardly the stranger thing in this place. 

Although it looked like it was exactly the case for the particular group in front of him.

"Well now we all know each other, Jinu met Mystery and Baby" Romance said with false enthusiasm.

"That's it I'm killing him" the blue hair demon, or Baby according to Romance's words, looked more than ready to fulfil his words until Abby stopped him with no much effort.

"No need to waste energy, we are already dead" he said in an attempt to calm the creature.

"Get off of me!"

"Is he always like this?" Romance asked looking at the other demon, completely unaffected by the situation.

The demon, Mystery, and Jinu hated to admit the names fitted both of them, gave a nod.

"Traitor" Baby murmured.

"By the way, you never answered the question? Why were you following us?"

"Technically you never asked that" Mystery said.

"I didn't, Derpy was taking longer than usual" Jinu answered even when the question wasn't directed to him.

"We were hiding from Gwi-ma" the small demon confessed in defeat.

That made everyone silent for a minute or two so he continued "then this idiot saw the bird and decided to follow it"

"Can he even see anything?" Abby asked in a small attempt to light the mood, the mere mention of the demon king was enough to put anyone on edge.

"Not that hard" Mystery explained.

"It's impossible to hide, not here, not in the human world, we can't ever be free from Gwi-ma" Jinu said after, completely unaware of Abby's intentions.

"Think we don't know that? But at least we can postpone being the target of his rage. He's more insufferable than ever" 

"Little one has a point" Romance admitted and for once the other demon said nothing in return "the huntresses out there get stronger with each generation and now they're closer than ever to reach the golden Honmoon"

Secretly Jinu wondered if that was a bad thing, sure they all will be damned forever to stay there but maybe it would mean the defeat of Gwi-ma and honestly, Jinu and every other demon wished for the death of their king. The only problem was the golden Honmoon also meant the end of him and Jinu wasn't particularly excited about it.

"The Huntrix girls right" Jinu said.

"Don't remind me" Abby said matching the other irritation.

"Blame their fans" Jinu reminded them. It was what made the Honmoon so special, the huntress on their own could only do so much. 

And it was when he said it out loud that he realized.

"Of course, it's so simple why did nobody noticed it before"

"Notice what?" Abby and Romance asked.

"Guys don't you see it? No fans no Honmoon"

"So?" Abby said still confused about the whole situation.

"It's not like we can get rid of them" Baby concluded.

"Which is why I suggest a different strategy"

"Steal their fans" Mystery finally deduced.

There was a minute of pure silence, in all these centuries no one has ever considered that possibility, at the very least it deserved a shot.

Jinu's words broke the atmosphere.

"A demon boy band. Beat them at their own game" 

"I like the idea. It's so ridiculous that it could work" Abby said.

"You're so unpredictable, I like your style Jinu. Count me in" Romance claimed.

"Sure" the two new demons exclaimed at the same time.

"I'm sorry who said you were included?" Romance interrogated.

Mystery said nothing but let out a sound that could only be described as a growl. Baby for once seemed in calm and proceed to talk "well obviously, you will need all the help you can get, so unless you want to search for demons conventionally attractive who can sing and willing to help with your crazy plan, I will say we're are the best option"

Jinu considered it for a second, the little menace had a point, humans would be more likely to be foolish if they have enough members to trick as many people as possible. However-

"There once was a mighty demon king" Jinu needed to confirm the most important thing "Stop me if you heard this song before" and to his delight the demons were quick to understand, "He was in total control. He feasted on souls" Romance and Abby continued "The world trembled when he roared. But then some Hunters sang some songs. Now all he does is starve. Can't get at the souls, and his flame grows cold" Mystery and Baby resumed. Even if it were only spoken lyrics Jinu could already tell this would work, everyone's voice was so unique yet they complemented each other perfectly "Just a whisper in the dark" and now it came the crucial part "And will he let the fire go out? Is this the end of him now? Dying king with a crumbling crown? Will he let the fire go out?"

Jinu was speechless, and apparently so were the others. The way they harmonized? Anyone would think they have been practicing together for a while. 

This was going to work. And Jinu would use it to his advantage, he knew Gwi-ma was desperate enough to accept any condition in exchange of getting rid of the enemy. He didn't care what the others could ask but for him it was crystal clear. He wanted his memories erased for good.

.

First thing first, Jinu needed to plan this carefully, they have to be good enough to make people forget about a Huntrix.

Contrary to popular belief, the demons were not completely isolated from the human world, even with the Honmoon, they have always found a way to be updated about everything. As a result, Jinu had at least an idea of what to do in order to succeed, a pop and colorful song would do it, that mixed with the angelic -pun not intended- of his new partners was everything they needed.

The song part was easy, not to brag but Jinu considered himself a real musician, he knew how to write and he was being careful in giving everyone their own moment so they could show their amazing vocals. On top of that, he had already decided everyone's role so it was good progress.

Of course not everyone was happy about it.

"What in the actual fuck do you mean by maknae" Baby -and yes thanks to demon's lack of memory, they'll be sticking to their demon's name- demanded in agony.

"You look the younger of us and the humans will eat it up" Jinu tried to reason.

"I'm more than three hundred years old!"

"Details"

The demon gave a defeated grunt "I swear I'll will kill all of you, staring with you Jinu"

"Adorable" Abby said.

"Where did you came from-" Baby stopped and looked at Abby from head to toe to make sure he wasn't hallucinating "and what the fuck are you wearing"

"Romance" was the only explanation the other gave. Jinu decided to intervene before any of them had to deal with Baby's fit of anger. "Since we'll be going to the human world as a boy band we have to make it believable and Romance offered his help with the outfits"

Baby rolled his eyes, as painful as it was, this was a battle he wouldn't win. Jinu was right even if he hated to admit it "alright fine but I better have the best part of the song"

"You will be rapper"

"Nice" this made the demon smile, an actual smile, not a sarcastic one. It was rare on him, so Jinu decided to encourage him a little "you can write your part if you want to"

"That's the best idea you've had. C'mon let me see what you've done" he said while cracking his knuckles.

And just like that Jinu was being dragged by the smaller demon.

“Once we finish this we need to think about the dance”

“I got you”

In Jinu's opinion it was amazing how compromised everyone was with the plan. He was almost done with the song, Abby had volunteered to do the choreography, Romance was working on his image, Mystery was helping both of them and now Baby will be doing the rapping. It was almost like they were a real group.

They just needed to practice how to behave like actual humans, which turned out to be the hardest part of the job.

“For the last time Baby” you are not allowed to curse in public.

“While we're not there I can say whatever the hell I want” 

On second thought this may take a while, but that's fine. Jinu would make it work.

.

"A demon boy band?" Gwi-ma asked with disbelief and laughed.

Jinu said anything in return and neither did the others, it only took a look at their presence to silence everyone.

"Yeah. That's totally gonna work" 

"Okay, I know you, Jinu. In 400 years, you've never done a single thing that didn't serve yourself. What do you want?"

"For them whatever they want. For me, the memories. I want them erased" he answered without hesitation.

Whatever we want? Was the others though. Sure they weren't doing this for free -although Baby insisted that defeat the huntresses was reward enough- but that was a greedy request. To their astonishment, Gwi-ma accepted Jinu's condition.

Failure was not an option.

.

"Did we just see gold?"

"Yeah. I can't believe we're doing it"

"It 's so exciting!"

"Okay. You know what this means. It's time to release the song!"

"Yes! It's finally time!"

And that was all that Rumi needed to hear. It may be selfish to announce the new single without asking them, especially when their break was just starting but Rumi couldn't wait any longer. The golden Honmoon has been a myth for decades, centuries even, yet they were close to making it a reality.

Besides, she had her own reasons. In another life she would have taken it easy and enjoyed the very deserved break, but unfortunately Rumi didn't have such luxury. With every day that passed she felt how her patterns got worse and if the golden Honmoon was her only hope then she couldn't waste a minute.

Zoey and Mira would understand.

They didn't. At least not at the beginning, then Bobby -bless him- announced how excited everyone was about the new song and well, everything for the fans. That made Zoey and Mira more happy -or not so disappointed about their break being interrumped- and Rumi could live with that. 

Things were doing fine until they didn't, because Rumi lost her voice at the worst possible moment.

Why now?

Was this punishment for being an abomination? 

It wasn't fair and she couldn't tell anyone about it, she hated to hide this -a small part of her still believed that Zoey and Mira would accept her and love her as she is, they were her everything and she trusts them yet Rumi can only think about Celine's words- but she didn't have a choice. It almost hurt Rumi to see the determination on Zoey's face, she was convinced that a visit to the doctor was everything she needed.

“He's got this special tonic. Apparently, it can heal anything from sore throats to relationships” 

Rumi didn't buy it and neither did Mira judging by her expression, but it was worth a shot.

They made it to the doctor's office with some difficulty since for some reason, there were more people than usual. As for Dr. Han, well he wasn't what Rumi expected, he just looked at her -really looked at her, that was weird- and then started talking about walks or whatever.

“In order to heal a part, we must understand the whole” and how does that relate to my voice ? Rumi wanted to scream.

“Wow, he's good” Mira said. 

Seriously, what does this have to do with anything? “Can I just have a tonic?” 

“She's also a workaholic, doesn't know how to relax”

“Mira!”

“I see”

Rumi didn't have the chance to say anything else before the doctor started to over analyze her friends. Seriously, where did Zoey find this guy?

“Uh-” Rumi said while faking a cough “tonic please”

“Of course”

“Yei” Zoey cheered.

“That was bizarre” Mira uttered once they were out of the office.

“Sure but now we can heal Rumi” Zoey happily declared.

“Quiet Zoey no one can't know we are here”

Just as if Mira's words jinxed it, the girls heard voices coming in their direction. And nothing could have prepared them for what they saw.

The girls notice a group of boys walking forward, two of them had pink hair -one short and styled while the other was long and almost resembling a heart-, one had sky blue hair with a yellow beanie, and the other one lilac hair covering his eyes.  

To clarify they were not the first group of boys they ever saw, even if that was what Zoey and Mira's reaction suggested. Sure, they were handsome that was obvious, but Zoey was one second close to having a heart attack while Mira had freaking heart eyes.

“So hot”

“Ugh you're so gross” 

Which of course, the universe took as a signal to make Rumi choke on her words. 

Right behind the four boys, a new figure emerged. He was a tall, handsome, black-haired boy who made Rumi see everything in slow motion -she could swear she heard some romantic song playing on the background- then, as if it was a movie, the boy bumped into her, causing her to fall while the tonics flew in the air.

Then the boy dusted his shoulder off instead of helping her and the fantasy was over.

“Watch yourself” the jerk had the audacity to say.

Rumi screamed at him for his lack of manners but they were already gone.

“They're not even that cute” Zoey lied but it was nice to see they're, once again, on the same page.

Rumi was calm until they heard some music, they were in incognito mode so they decided to check it out. The band performing was nothing less than the group they just met a second ago.

Worst of all, they were good. 

No, not just good, they were amazing. The song was catchy, the voices were hypnotic -seriously where these guys came from, it was a crime that they haven't heard of them before- and the choreography was fun.

Zoey was the first one to fall for the dance, yet none of the girls were pretending to be annoyed by it. 

It was cute until they saw it.

“They're demons!”

“Magicians! Demons. Obviously demons”

Now what in the world was this?

Why a demon boy band? It was confusing, sure the jerks were smart to know that none of them could attack them in public -no matter how much Mira wanted to- but what else?

Does this have to do with the Honmoon? No, it couldn't be. It would definitely take more than a pathetic -yet fun- song to break all their efforts.

They needed to get to the bottom of this.

.

“See you tonight on everyone's favorite variety show. Saja Boys love you!” Jinu said to everyone before disappearing.

“That was awesome!” Abby exclaimed with more enthusiasm than usual “I knew they would love the choreography”

“They loved the whole song” Mystery seconded, his tone lacked his typical indifference.

“But mostly my part” Baby proudly said.

“Yeah I will give you that little man” Abby agreed. Baby must be in a really good mood since he ignored the last comment.

“That went better than expected” Jinu admitted.

“Well of course it did, look at us! We are definitely something” Romance stated, he was as over confident as usual but there was something genuine this time.

“I can't wait to see the faces of these pathetic huntresses” Baby added. At that the group let a laugh out.

“Oh I'm sure they weren't ready for us” Abby chuckled “and they are already crazy about me”

“Now calm your horses my friend. Sure they are but let's not forget I was the first one to catch their attention” Romance interrupted while flipping his hair.

“In your dreams darling”

“Zoey was looking at me” Mystery said.

“Okay I'll give you that” Romance conceded and the purple haired demon returned a small smile “she was pretty” he added.

“Fine, fine, they're pretty, so what? none of that matters” Jinu said.

“Not so fast friend, don't think we didn't see how the vocalist felt for you” Romance, the bastard, mentioned.

“Literary” Abby acknowledged.

“Like I said. Unimportant” Jinu tried to defend himself. He wasn't blind of course Rumi was beautiful but she was their enemy. And so was the rest of Huntrix.

“We truly are surrounded by idiots my friend” Baby said while rolling his eyes, it took Jinu a while to realize Baby was talking to him. Not even once has he used the term friend for any of them -not even in a sarcastic way-. It made Jinu a little happy although he wouldn't admit it.

“Definitely” he answered “c'mon there is a variety show waiting for us”.

“Ugh do we have to?” Baby asked back to his usual irritation”

“It's for the fans” their leader admitted. 

Just after he said the last word the others dramatically posed even when no one else was watching. This may become a habit.

And no, Jinu wasn't really excited about the show in question but whatever it was hardly the worst he has ever done. 

“We better get ready” said Romance with more energy than necessary. 

He is enjoying this more than I thought.

“We should wear pink”

“I really love this guy” Abby mentioned, sharing their partner's eagerness.

“I like pink too” Mystery said.

“I know Mystery I know” said Baby, not really happy about the idea.

To Jinu's own surprise, he enjoyed it. None even the worst of Gwi-ma tortures would make him say it out loud, but the show was fun. Not because the games, unironically Baby was the only one who truly liked the games, who would have thought the little shit was a competitive bastard, hell the others were rooting for him at the end. But no, for Jinu it was the mere illusion of freedom.

This was the first time in literal centuries that he was allowed to have fun, to just act like an idiot and forget, at least for a minute, about everything else. On top of that, there were people laughing while he was doing it, Jinu was so used to the agony and boredom of the demon realm that he had completely forgotten about the feeling of just fooling around.

It was nice. Fake and temporary but nice.

And as far as Jinu could tell, the others were in a similar position. True they had to keep appearances and everything but Jinu had known them long to know some of their smiles were more than just an act.

Of course they were still demons trying to steal souls. It was a sudden noise that made Jinu aware of his reality. In any other circumstances, he would have been concerned, but he had the upper hand here.

“Why say goodbye when we have extra special guests coming up?” Jinu interrupted the host of the show “Please welcome Huntrix!”

And just like that he knew he had ruined their plans. The girls, as predicted, were forced to participate, and as gladly as their presence were to their fans, it was clear how uncomfortable they were -courtesy of their outfit choice, definitely not appropriate for the slides”-

None of the saja boys tried to hide their amusement, it was one of the perks of being a celebrity, it made them immune to public attacks. And on top of that-

“It was truly an honor to share the stage with you” Jinu said while he and the rest of the saja boys bowed down.

It was the perfect opportunity to gain more fans, it was hilarious how the most basic things made them giggle. Jinu could already hear how amazed the humans were at their chivalrousness. 

And it was also one of the moments where being a demon, because while Huntrix was suffering back pain, the Saja Boys were already running.

“You know we can just disappear right?” Mystery commented.

“Naa this is more fun” Baby refuted.

“Agree” Abby supported him, more than happy to carry the latter.

“Follow me” Jinu said while laughing.

“That's our leader” Romance cheered.

At the man's bathhouse, the Saja Boys waited for the huntresses, a normal demon would call it suicide but now that the Honmoon was weak enough Jinu knew they would be fine.

Luckily for him Huntrix didn't disappoint.

“Did you really follow us in here?” Jinu faked indignation.

“Of course they did. That one's always looking at me. 

“No. We're not”

Abby didn't hide his delight when Mira and Zoey failed to prove their point.

Jink decided that was enough so he proceeded with his plan. It was simple, the water demons would take care of the huntresses while they ran away. What happened instead was something Jinu would have never predicted.

Rumi went after him, and yes maybe that was his fault for slipping on water and being left behind the others but that was not the point.

Neither was that he was at a disadvantage in his current fight. No, the one thing Jinu could think right now was the huntress's arm. Those patterns would only be seen on demon's skin but that was impossible. 

“A part demon hunter?”

Jinu was convinced this must be a mistake, he was probably seeing things. That was until he saw Rumi's face, the shame and fear were unmistakable and Jinu should be happy, this was exactly what he needed, if her friends saw her like this they would probably destroy each other, he could win and the best part it was that he didn't have to do anything to claim his victory. 

Except he did. He hugged Rumi and used that moment to cover her arm so no one could see it, he escaped before he had any time to question his actions.

“Oh there you are” Abby said, there was some relief in his voice but Jinu didn't notice it.

“What took you so long?”

“I-” Jinu doubted this wasn't his secret to share, then again he shouldn't care -but he did and that's why he helped her to begin with-

“Jinu?” Mystery asked.

“I saw something” and fine, he didn’t need to elaborate any further, the others won't ask and even if they did Jinu could lie. However, that didn’t feel right, it wasn’t his story but maybe he needed someone who told him he was being irrational.

“One of the huntresses had demon marks” Jinu omitted the part he helped on purpose.

There was silence for a while and then Jinu was bombarded with questions, and Jinu was relieved to see he wasn’t the only one curious about it.  

“Was it Mira?” Abby asked.

“Definitely no” Baby interfered.

“It wasn’t Zoey right?” Mystery tried to guest.

“And why do you care?” Baby asked again.

“Alright, stop. And no”

Mystery and Abby were strangely disappointed yet alleviated about it. Jinu felt guilty about the whole situation, it somehow was like had betrayed Rumi’s trust, which was stupid considering they were enemies. At the same time he was glad of not keeping this as secret because he was already planning to meet Rumi again and now he wouldn’t have to lie to the boys to succeed.

“I’ll see her soon”

“And she won’t kill you?” Abby teased.

“I got it covered” Jinu smoothly answered.

“Derpy” Mystery, Abby and Baby concluded.

“Alright, idiots time’s up. We need to focus on our next performance" Baby said, clearly tired of the whole Rumi situation.

“I believe you want an excuse to leave”

“Shut it Mystery”

The trio of demons walked away and Jinu was left alone to think about what to do next. Or so he thought until he realized about Romance’s presence. The long haired demon had been unusually quiet, Jinu wondered if the others noticed. 

The demon took a seat next to Jinu before speaking “Jinu, do you think it’s possible for a demon to escape from Gwi-ma’s control?”

What strange change of topic "Obviously no” why do you ask he wanted to add, until he understood, if Rumi was part demon how was she immune to Gwi-ma. Out of all the questions Jinu had thought about Rumi, this was not the first one on the list. 

“There was a legend many years ago” Romance continued “about a demon who abandoned the realm and found peace in the enemy’s arms. The huntress was somehow convinced the creature was worthy of love and betrayed all her vows, she chose the demon and the demon chose her. Both traitors to their own but happy in their world. The demon who once hated humans was married with one and the woman who swore kill all demons was now giving life to one” Romance paused for a second, giving Jinu time to sit and process everything he was hearing before finishing his tale “as you can imagine his love couldn’t last, it was a friend of the huntress, her most loyal friend, the one who put an end to both of their lives. The child survived and the rest is history”

“Rumi” was the only word that came out of Jinu’s mouth after a while.

Romance just nodded. And Jinu was uncertain about how he should react or what he should say, in the end, his reply were a bunch of questions “does anyone else know this, and how is that you- why am I only now learning about this. Does she even know?”

Romance answered with a sad smile and it was the most emotion he has ever shown, Jinu was perplexed “well love stories aren’t really popular with demons and Gwi-ma hates the tales where he loses one of his precious puppets so the rumor died quickly. Me on the other hand, I feel a connection with this kind of stories”

You could say it was around the time I was starting to forget Romance said once; at that moment Jinu didn’t care but now the words hold a different meaning. Maybe he loved someone once and he couldn’t remember anything about that person. Is that why love stories were special to him?

Romance

The name suits him . Jinu understood better now.

In any case, one thing was clear, Romance was giving him a warning, both him and the demon of the tale shared a doomed destiny and it was because of one common factor.

I will be fine Jinu wanted to say, but he chose to reassure the concerned demon “thanks for sharing this with me” and he meant it, he hoped Romance knew it.

“Whatever” Romance said with no malice and a smile “let’s go before Baby starts throwing one his tantrums"

.

Rumi was not overthinking this. A demon -the worst of the jerks, mind you- saved her. And as much as Rumi hated to admit it, she wanted to talk with him. To demand answers of course, and then end with the bastard’s life.

As if she didn’t have enough things to worry about.

“Bobby, Zoey stop dancing the enemy’s song”

“I’m sorry it’s catchy” the maknae defended herself.

“No, no Mira’s right. But it’s fine I’m sure this is a trend” he was trying to cheer them up, but unfortunately he didn’t understand the gravity of the situation. 

Mira grunted in frustration “I hate those idiots”

“They are stealing our fans” Zoey agreed.

“And it’s not like they were handsome” Mira continued.

“Or pretty”

“Or hot”

“Or dreamy”

Rumi loved them with her soul but none of them were succeeding at hiding their admiration for the bastards/demons. Rumi couldn’t blame them. 

“WE NEED TO GET RID OF THEM” Zoey finally exploded.

“A comeback” Rumi suggested.

“A diss track" Mira agreed. 

“It will be the best song ever” Rumi said.

Which brings out her current predicament; the three of them tried to produce a song powerful enough to beat Soda Pop and therefore saved the honeymoon, all of this while the demons kept getting stronger and Rumi’s voice wasn’t entirely fixed.

Literally no pressure at all.

“Let’s take a break” Rumi suggested after hours of nothing. She went to her room trying to relax a little when suddenly she saw a bird with a hat staring at her, nothing out of ordinary until the bird revealed to have three eyes. As if that wasn’t weird enough, there was another creature at her balcony, a cute, fluffy blue tiger, which was for some reason, obsessed with her flower pot. Seriously what is today Rumi sighed and focused on the important question which was “what are you?” the tiger must have understood her cause he opened his mouth to reveal a note. Rumi expected an explanation, instead the words on the paper confused her even more.

Hello friend. Jinu.

“What? no. I’m not gonna meet you”

The tiger and the bird ignored her and vanished from the balcony before repairing at a close distance. “Okay, Jinu. Let’s meet”

After following the creatures for a while, Rumi realized how dumb this idea was. This could easily be a trap and she was alone. Why this Jinu guy made her take irrational decisions was beyond her. 

It was proven later that Rumi definitely left all her common sense at home when she finally met Jinu and she listened to him rather than killing the idiot. She, a huntress, was listening to a demon, and was actually trusting his words and feeling empathy for him. 

It didn’t make sense. What Jinu said contradicted every single thing she has been taught. Demons were evil creatures who deserved death, that was it. Knowing they were once humans changed everything. 

Could it be? The demons weren’t pure evil but victims of Gwi-ma?

No, Rumi couldn't doubt all her training just because of a sad story. She came here with a purpose and that was to kill Jinu. And of course, that was the moment the bastard disappeared.

Fine, this was a small mistake. Rumi wouldn’t hesitate the next time.

The next time she didn’t murder him either. Then twice became three times, then four, and eventually Rumi stopped counting. She couldn’t explain why but there was something comforting in just talking to someone without worrying about her patterns. Besides, and Rumi would die before admitting it, Jinu was fun. He was different from his idol persona, in reality he was stupidly adorable and it was charming in his own way.

This was worse than she thought. Ever since she met Jinu, Rumi was seeing demons in a different light. Not so long ago, while they were in the middle of a battle, she blundered Are you a prisoner, too? Is Gwi-Ma making you do this? Rumi asked. What a fool, a battlefield was no place to pity your enemy, Rumi was lucky to have Mira on her back.

Even so, she couldn't help herself. Jinu was a good person, he only made a mistake.

Rumi wondered if it was the same for the other Saja Boys. 

No. Let’s not go there. It’s already bad trusting one of them, it’s even worse hiding from the girls, let's not involve the whole group. Rumi had to remind herself.

“Hey” a familiar voice said behind her.

Rumi jumped in shock, apparently she was way too lost in her own thoughts. This was getting ridiculous how it was possible that she didn't realize a demon was so close to her. Rumi was on guard already materializing his sword.

“Relax. I'm here to fight” the pink-haired demon said.

“Abby what do you want?” she asked with annoyance. Rumi had no time for this, she left the house a few hours ago to meet Jinu on another date -due for lack of a better word- they talked a little and even ate ramyeon. It was nice, and Rumi enjoyed it a little too much which is why she decided to go on a walk and cleared her mind. 

In summary, she needed to get home quickly before the others suspected something.

“Just wanted to finally meet the one who has stolen our dear leader”

What do the others know?

“Calm down Jinu hasn't said anything about you two” this was a lie but Rumi didn't need to know that “but he's not subtle at all” this was actually not a lie “so me and the boys were curious”

“Nice but again I have no time” at this point Rumi had lowered her weapon, it was unlikely the demon attacked her but she wanted to have it just in case.

“Look I'll be quick” Abby sounded serious now so Rumi decided to listen “don't hurt Jinu”

“Huh?” 

Abby sighed. The truth was he, against his better judgement, wanted to trust Rumi. Jinu was -for some reason- ridiculously happy since he met her and Abby won't deny he liked the guy. He liked the boys in general and that's why he felt the need to protect them.

It was stupid they were demons and obviously they could take care of themselves, but Abby couldn't help it.

There was a time where he had been weak, a time he failed to protect the ones he cared about, and it was that failure that made his ambition grow. He needed to be strong, that was all that matters, he got what he wanted but the price was higher than he could ever imagine.

Now, al least, Abby wasn't weak anymore, this time he couldn't fail.

Then of course was Romance. The first time Abby met him the demon was in an inconsolable state. Sure agony in the demon realm was normal but there was something about the demon Abby couldn't ignore, so he decided to meet him, and even if the demon didn't show it, Abby knew he was grateful for the solace. Eventually Abby would learn that what got the demon in such desperation was love. The long haired demon made a deal with Gwi-ma on his past live, something about an impossible romance, and for a while they were both happy until the lover died, and the other man was left in total loneliness regretting every single decision he had ever made, he wondered if his lover would have survived if they had loved someone else.

Romance . It was a bit cruel to give such a name to someone who ruined his life because of it, but Abby couldn't think of anything better for the demon. I like it Romance admitted and Abby was okay with it. 

“You know the worst part? I can't remember them now. There was someone who once was special to me and now I forgot everything about them” Romance confessed one day.

As for Abby, he had no idea of love, he knew humans wasted their lives in the search of it and he knew how cruel it could be, but he didn't remember ever being loved or loving someone else. After meeting Romance he thought he understood it a little better but even so his concept of love hasn't changed that much.

Now there was Jinu. And even if he didn't say out loud, it was obvious he was falling every day a little harder for the huntress. That is love Abby was sure but he couldn't bear the thought of it being the reason for Jinu suffering.

There was no love for demons and there were no happy endings for demons who loved.

And he couldn't confess any of that to Rumi but at least he had to see her in person and ask for that one small favor. It was against his nature, but he could do it for Jinu.

“I get it, hunters kill demons, it's been like this for centuries. Just don't hurt him”

“I don't want to hurt him, I wanna save him” Rumi realized a second too late that she told him more than necessary, when Abby said nothing Rumi thought the conversation was over and decided to leave. She was glad the demon didn't follow her this time, cause honestly, she didn't know how to do that.

“Save him?”

“I know, I'm confused too” a new voice said, Abby knew who was even before the words were spoken. He was way too familiar with his presence.

“What are you doing here Romance?” 

“Same as you, I was curious about the lady who kept Jinu so distracted lately. Besides, I needed to get away from Baby ”

“Why?” 

“Because Mystery left to meet Zoey and he hated the idea and now he's writing lyrics like a psychopath. On the bright side we have material for at least twelve new songs”

“I'm sorry Mystery is doing what?”

Zoey! Rumi though. Panic took over her and she was just about to leave until she realized she would have to explain later how she knew Mystery was after Zoey. The maknae was smarter than people gave her credit for, it wouldn't take long for her to realize Rumi was lying, so against her better judgement, she would wait a little longer until she could go after Zoey -at least until she could come up with a decent lie-.

“Then I said I'll check on him but I realized you and the lady were close so”

“I get that part. Romance what about Mystery-”

Abby's concerned stare confirmed that she wasn't the only one worried here so she would use it as her queue to leave.

“Well gentlemen I think it’s time for me to leave” she did not wait for an answer and slowly walked away.

“Later”

Don't tell Jinu about this”

Both of them said, still too lost in their own conversation.

“Relax he'll be fine”

“Romance-”

“I'm serious. And don't pretend you wouldn't go after Mira if you had the chance”

Rumi wasn't that far away yet so she listened to the last part, she doesn't know if the others are aware of that but decided to spy just a little more.

Abby stopped death in his tracks but Romance didn't give him the chance to say anything “I know it cause I will do the same” he added in an attempt to calm him down.

There was something about how Romance said it that made Rumi wonder that maybe the demons were genuinely curious about Huntrix and, at least for now, they didn't mean any harm for her or her friends.

When did everyone lose his mind?  

Even so, Rumi wanted to check on Zoey, she runs to their building, she would wait for her outside then would go search for her if she felt something weird.

“You serious?” Abby asked once Rumi was gone.

“You like the way she looks at you” true but maybe I just have a thing for pink haired people Abby though yet he let Romance continue “and I get it, I truly do, seriously I doubt they hate us as much as they claim” debatable but go on “ Also, being here it's so different, everyone claims to love us and even if it's a facade, it feels nice” he said with a sad smile.

Abby understood it. Romance was getting attached to this, and he couldn't blame it for it. It felt like they were worth something, a feeling none of them were used to.

Of course Jinu would fall for Rumi. Even if he insisted it was part of the plan -and maybe that was true at some point but obviously wasn't the case anymore- Abby saw how sincere she was when she mentioned saving Jinu. What they had, whatever it was, it was real and clearly Jinu was trying to enjoy it while he could.

Of course Mystery would be curious about Zoey. She still looked at him with heart eyes even when she knew what he was. The guy always looked at her face a second longer than necessary when they shared the stage at the weekly awards.

And of course Romance, the hopeless idiot, would get drunk on the idea of being loved after centuries of being tormented by such feeling. Logically, the fool would focus his attention on the one person who claimed to hate him but lost her breath the first time she saw him. 

As for him, well, Abby wouldn't deny he found Mira attractive, and he enjoyed her reactions when he was being a show off. There was something fun about Mira hating him yet blushing when he was close to her.

No he couldn't judge Romance, if anything he shared his amusement.

Abby stayed in silence for a while, unsure of what to say, when he felt Romance's arm grabbing him by the neck. Abby didn't dare to admit it but he always appreciated the comfort the demon's touch gave him. 

“We'll be fine” Romance murmured.

It was a lie and they both knew it but maybe for now they could pretend that wasn't the case.

.

Zoey was starting to get really worried about Rumi, it's been hours since she left and this has been happening lately. There was something she wasn't telling them and clearly Mira was the most upset about it.

She was frustrated too but Zoey wanted to be patient and hopefully Rumi will tell them everything soon. Right now she needed to calm down and she knew exactly what to do.

“I'll go to get us some ice cream” 

Mira smiled for the first time in the whole afternoon “want me to go with you?”

Zoey appreciated the effort but it was true that Mira was stressed and maybe some time alone would help her. And maybe it would help her too, it was a win-win situation. “Don't worry you need to rest, I will be back in a minute. And I will bring your favorite”

“Sounds great. Thanks Zoey”

With nothing else to say she left the department. She was right, walking always helps, she could appreciate the beautiful sky, breath fresh air, listen the suspicious sound behind her, think about food-

Wait what?

“Who is there?” She asked. Seriously, why was everything so complicated now?

“I must warn you I'm not in a good mood”

To that, the owner of the sound finally showed itself, Zoey was thunderstruck by it. Yes, she was expecting a demon but not this particular demon.

“You-”

“Hi”

Zoey gave a nervous laugh then mentally scolded herself for it. This was a demon, her sworn enemy, it shouldn't matter how dreamy he was.

“Why are you-” she stopped screaming when she remembered this was a public place and she couldn't do anything too risky.

So she did exactly that. Grabbed the demon by the hand and led them to the closet alley she found. Then she would kill him with her shinkal and problem solved.

“Pretty” But of course the handsome demon had to ruin her plan with only one word and a stupid smile.

“What?” Zoey couldn't help but blush a little.

The demon opened his mouth but closed it immediately.

“Okay no. Not fair, you can't just your marvelous face out of nowhere and then call me pretty. I just wanted some ice cream and now I have to kill you and I don't want to”

The demon said nothing and just tilted his head.

I want ice cream he thought “you don't want to?” He asked instead.

“The best looking man ever with the most angelic voice and it's a demon!. So unfair-” 

“I was human once”

Zoey needed a second or two to truly process the words. This has to be a trick and she would be a fool for trusting him.

“No no just-”

“You don't have to believe me”

Now Zoey felt bad.

“Let's get your ice cream” 

Contrary to popular belief, Mystery wasn't bad at reading people, quite the opposite in fact, he was just bad at expressing himself, a trait that got him in trouble more than once and the main reason of why he chose to stay quiet half of the time -the Saja boys were the only ones who didn't truly care- today was one of those times.

He said too much, and not enough at the same time. It was clear how conflicted Zoey was so Mystery thought it would be better to leave her alone, that however, may not be the best for her so maybe some companionship would be good for her.

Even if the companionship was a mere demon.

Mystery offered his hand and to his surprise Zoey accepted.

“I'm only doing this for Mira” the worst lie Zoey has ever told.

And yes this was a bad idea. Everything inside Zoey's mind -from her training sessions to Celine's words- screamed this was wrong, demons were nothing but hideous creatures who belong to hell.

Yet here she was walking right next to one of said creatures to buy ice cream no less. 

“What's the trick?” Zoey asked.

“No trick”

“Then why you-”

“I wanted to meet you”

“But why?”

“Pretty”

“I need a clear answer” Seriously is the guy able to say a single sentence?

“Pretty soul”

Zoey froze. Coming from a demon that could mean a lot of things, Zoey thought about seven different possibilities and none of them were good.

“During Soda Pop you were enjoying the song, you smiled even when you realized what we were”

That was true at the moment Zoey even suggested they may be good demons. However she never thought any of the demons would notice it. 

Yet one did. “Pretty soul” the demon in question repeated. This time Zoey swears she saw a smile forming on the demon's face.

“Oh” she laughed nervously “that's really sweet”  not bad for a demon I guess.

None of them said anything else after that and if Myself walked closer than necessary to her, Zoey didn't mind. 

“See you next time” Zoey said without thinking, Mystery didn't answer but showed a shy blush. Although that could be Zoey's imagination.

There shouldn't be a next time idiot. You should have killed him. You never doubted before. Zoey cursed herself while going back to the apartment.

“AHHH” she screamed to no one in particular.

“Zoey what happened, are you alright?” another voice asked.

“Rumi” of course this has to be the moment she came back “yeah of course I'm just frustrated about the song you know. I bought us ice cream”

“Right” clearly Rumi suspected something else was going on but she didn't ask. Zoey loved her for that, she wouldn't been able to lie to her “let's go inside Mira must be waiting for us”

.

Between one thing and the other HUNTRIX was busier than ever, the Saja Boys on the other hand were only rising in popularity, one song was all that it took, to say the girls were stressed would be an understatement. Luckily for them, Bobby, once again, proved to be the best manager ever, he had organized a fan event so they could connect with their fans. 

“And who should I make this out to?” Rumi asked.

“To our biggest fans” answered a familiar voice.

Why the hell are you here and why do you always have to pose Rumi wanted to scream. Instead she handled the situation like the professional she was.

“The Saja Boys will sit with us” she didn't like the idea either but it was their best option. She hoped her friends agreed, Zoey at least seemed to be happy as for Mira, well, luckily she wouldn't murder anyone during the fansign.

“Did you really sleep outside all night?”

“It was worth it, besides I had a chair”

“What about the others”

“Unimportant” Rumi kicked him after that “ouch! It's fine. They're are enjoying this”

And that's what worries me .

“We keep meeting like this” Romance smoothly said, while Abby had that stupid smile on his face.

Why me? Mira silently cried. It was hard enough to hear about the Saja all the time, it was exasperating not being able to kill them when they were so close and it more than and annoying that she had to sit between the worst of them.

That day at the alley will haunt her forever. Mira was not easily impressed but even she had to admit those guys were handsome. Then they revealed their true colors and Mira wanted them dead.

Then again how could a demon sing so good and be so handsome? It wasn't fair.

Especially the long haired idiot. The bastard was a flirt and everyone was eating it up. Mira couldn't stand him, so what if you have beautiful hair, fancy jewelry, and a divine voice.

But the universe hated Mira, and not satisfied with putting said bastard next to her, Mira also had to deal with the fan service guy.

Again, Mira is a strong soul but she's not a rock and she is definitely not immune to beautiful and muscular guys with a smooth voice and amazing dancing skills even if they are demons.

And the way they kept looking at her it's definitely not helping.

Zoey got lucky since she was paired with the weird, cute quiet guys . 

Or so Mira thought until she heard someone barking and then being immediately scolded by Zoey.

Am I the only normal one here?

When Rumi stood up to root for the Saja Boys -well for Jinu but it was the same- Mira knew the answer was yes. 

The straw that broke the camel's back was their fans -or ex fans maybe- giving flowers to the Saja Boys. Why were they being rewarded for destroying everything that Huntrix was trying to protect?

“I would like to thank everyone” Romance suddenly said “staring by Huntrix and their generosity* the fans cheered, the bastard was charismatic “so I would like to give these flowers to the lovely Mira. It was an honor share the table with her” 

The fans went feral after such declaration, Abby gave half of his bouquet to Romance who was throwing flying kisses to the audience while Mira was standing completely frozen unable to pronounce a word.

They left with the rest of the Saja Boys -their abrupt going put an end to the fansign- but Mira wasn't paying attention anymore. 

“That's it I'm killing him and his stupid group!” Mira screamed to the flowers as if it were the cause of all their problems.

“I think it was sweet” Zoey said.

“It's not! It's part of their plan, to get into your head”

“And people love it” Bobby exclaimed.

“What?” The trio asked

“Look” the manager explained while giving them his phone. The Internet has gone while in a matter of seconds, their names were trending everywhere, but that wasn't what caught Mira's attention.

“The Internet loves this, and the Internet is never wrong! Rujinu! That's genius. Zoeystery. Where did they come up with that?” Bobby exclaimed, completely unaware of Mira's rampage.

“Miromabby?” She finally dared to say out loud. Because what in the world was this madness?

Why the two of them?

It was the pink hair right?

And most importantly, why was Mira blushing? She didn't realize before -her mind to focus on not murder demons in front of a crowd- but now thanks to the photos and the ridiculous amount of edits, she could see it.

Romance's and Abby's eyes were always on her, even if they weren't on camera and even before the whole bouquet fiasco. Mira was used to that kind of looks -she was an idol after all- but it had never been so close, so personal.

Because they're demons, that's it . She had to remind herself, even so she took the bouquet to Huntrix's dressing room and put it on a vase. She couldn't find any logical reason to do it so she tried not to care too much about it.

.

Baby was done with everything.

At that moment dressing up like an idol didn't sound like a bad idea, and honestly, all things considered, it was fine. Sure he wasn't a fan of the persona he was trapped in -he hadn't believed Jinu when he said the humans would love it, damn the bastard for being right- but in spite of it, it was fun.

It was the most fun he had ever had in centuries and he owed it to the idiots he decided to get involved with. 

Mystery had just appeared in his life -after life, whatever- and stayed with him after that, Baby was okay with that. Not being left alone on the demon realm was very much appreciated by anyone since it made the suffering at least more tolerable, besides Mystery was quiet and Baby liked that.

They eventually met Abby, Romance and Jinu, the mastermind behind this plan, so of course he had to participate. On the whole and even with the ridiculous name they gave to him, they weren't the worst group of demons to get sucked with.

He and Mystery had been together for a while so they were used to each other. He would always give him space if necessary, and always let the others know about it.

Abby was way more loud and energetic but he was also the one who cared the most, in one way or another, he checked on everyone and it took Baby by surprise at the beginning but it wasn't unwelcomed.

Romance was easily the most annoying one and unironically, Baby liked him exactly for that. He hated being the target of his teasing but they would team up more than once to irk Jinu just because they could. 

As for Jinu, he was unexpectedly compromised about this whole thing. He wrote a bunch of songs until he found one that could work and it was to everyone's liking.  Even when Jinu was the leader he always tried to get everyone involved, he had seemed genuinely happy when someone offered to get in charge of something.

And while he wasn't aware of how long they have been together -after all, all days looked the same and it wasn't like he was counting- Baby couldn't deny he had grown attached to them.

And now said idiots would get themselves killed. At first he thought they were genius, they were getting inside huntresses's heads or something else, but there was nothing hideous in the way Jinu talked about Rumi or how Mystery looked at Zoey -which was saying a lot considering the guy's eyes were always covered by his hair-, even Romance and Abby seemed to be interested in Mira. 

It angered him to no end. Baby wouldn't forgive them if they messed this up. It wasn't just about the plan, they were demons, they were supposed to be together against the huntresses. He couldn't lose them.

Baby didn't remember much about his past life but he does remember being alone. A mother that died even before he could meet her and a father that shared her destiny not so long after, he had siblings but everyone was focused on themselves. He couldn't blame them, times were hard and everyone was trying to survive even if that meant leaving someone behind, he lived in constant fear of not surviving to see another day. Eventually the fear became too much and he couldn't take it anymore, he made a deal with Gwi-ma, he wanted an eternal life not caring about the price it would take, his wish was granted but in a way he couldn't have predicted. The eternal life was a demon's life and he became another slave to Gwi-ma since then.

So when Jinu spoke, Baby took it as a chance, if they succeeded they would be rewarded and Baby knew what he would ask in return.

He never planned to become fond of any of them but that's exactly what happened.

When they left, he threw the flowers to the trashcan with a little more force than necessary, Mystery, for some reason, followed his example but it did nothing to alleviate his anger.

“What was that about?” he demanded.

“Relax Baby” Romance answered uninterested.

“I liked it”

“Thanks Abby”

“I hate both of you”

“No you don’t”

“Shut up Mystery” 

Jinu was the only one quiet and it irked him, Baby knew where his mind was, “Jinu please tell Romance he is an idiot” he asked just to expose his lack of attention.

“Huh?” he said like the idiot he was.

“Awww our leader is planning his next date” Romance teased.

“What?” he said with a tone of indignation.

“We won’t judge you” Abby seconded. 

“Who is we?” Baby said.

“I-”

“Shut up Mystery”

“Okay, That’s it, what’s got you so mad?” Abby asked raising an eyebrow. Baby never interrupted Mystery.

“What’s got me-? Are you listening to yourselves? You are all getting killed and I’m the only one who cares” without another word Baby left the place. Mystery went immediately after him, Jinu planned to do the same until Abby stopped him. Jinu looked at him in confusion “just give him a minute to calm down then you follow them”

“It’s fine I got this” Jinu said ignoring the advice.

“At least take Derpy with you” Romance suggested but Jinu was already gone. “Think they will be fine?” he asked.

“We will”

“So the little menace is worried about us, who would have thought”

“I know. But he doesn’t have to. I meet Rumi and she” he paused, he still couldn't believe what he was about to say “she really cares about him, I also doubt Zoey is indifferent to Mystery so he should be fine too”

“And us?”

“They hate us” he laughed “specially Mira”.

“I agree completely"

“I hoped at least she liked the flowers” Romance looked at the half bouquet and then at him, there was something about his stare that made Abby’s world stop for a minute “I know I did”.

.

 “You good?” Mystery asked.

“Yes, now leave”

“You don’t sound good”

Baby grunted in resignation “what do you want Mystery”

“We need to be together”

Baby couldn’t believe the hypocrisy of this guy but Mystery didn’t give him a chance to say anything else “we won’t leave you. I know I won’t”

The downside of being with Mystery for so long, he could read him like a book. Baby never talked about his past, but something about his behavior must have betrayed him. Baby sighed unsure of what to say to save his pride.

“He’s right” Jinu suddenly said -because of course life loved to make found of him- “look who knows what will happen with us once Gwi-ma takes over the world” I already have a plan for it Baby thought “but you won’t have to deal with it on your own”

“What about the huntress?”

Jinu considered his answer for a second before admitting the undeniable truth “it won't last”. He could have lied, say it was part of the plan and that she was using her, but he knew Baby wouldn’t buy it. Jinu, however, hated how defeated his voice sounded when he spoke, maybe because of it Baby groaned in resignation and said “then you should go after her”

“Baby-”

“Just go” there was no malice in his tone, Baby would be a liar if he said he couldn’t understand, he did. One couldn’t simply control how you feel about someone else.

Jinu looked at Mystery and got a small nod in return. 

“Okay, I'll be back later, we still need to practice our next song” he said before disappearing.

“Next song?” Mystery questioned.

“We can't sing Soda Pop forever”

“Not the point Mystery. We need to get more fans and- wait now that I remember could you tell me why the fuck were you barking before” 

Mystery opened his mouth but no sound came out of it I wanted Zoey's attention only on me wasn't an acceptable answer. Baby raised an eyebrow and then finally the other spoke “so this new song-”

“Oh for fuck sake”

.

Rumi was more than happy when she found the fluffy tiger on her balcony. She would be lying if she said she hadn't been waiting for another invitation. Once she made sure none of the girls were close, she immediately left.

“Okay, so I've been meaning to ask, why does the bird wear a tiny hat?”

“I made it for the tiger, but the bird keeps taking it”

He made it? that was adorable “I'm sure they both appreciate it” she said with a smile “Jinu I have a proposal to you” 

“I'm listening” 

“The idol awards would be soon, I need you to help Huntrix win”

That was not what Jinu expected and the mere idea sounded insulting “why would I do that” 

“Because I can help you, I can save you. Once the Honmoon turns golden Gwi-ma will be defeated and you could be free from his control”

“Rumi you don't know what would happen to me if the Honmoon is golden”

“You will be safe. You will be here with me”

Jinu was wonderstruck, Rumi truly believed someone like him could be saved “are you sure it could work”

“It has to” there was some familiar desperation in her voice.

“Is this about your patterns?”

Rumi hugged herself, clearly unsure about the answer “they'll disappear and I won't have to hide anymore” it sounded like she was holding to that statement even if she had no guarantee it would work.

“Rumi-”

“It will work” 

Jinu didn't believe it “it's sweet you think like that but I'm a demon Rumi, my soul has no salvation”

 “That's not true. You are a good person, you did what you could for your family” Rumi didn't know but her words cut like a knife.

“Rumi-”

“You just made a mistake. Besides if someone so good as you has no salvation then what does this mean to me” Jinu hated how sad her voice sounds now, it didn't feel right “I'm a mistake, I have been since the moment I was born” Rumi was close to tears now and something Jinu couldn't allow. He hugged her, he tried to give her as much comfort as he could”

“Please never say that Rumi. Nothing is farther from the truth” Rumi hugged him back and let out a quiet sob, Jinu held her tighter. It took a while, but slowly, Rumi calmed down.

Jinu let her go and looked at her, Rumi was smiling now and he decided this was his favorite version of her “happiness looks good on you” he said before he could stop himself.

Her smile turned brighter “thanks I can always be honest around you”

Jinu had to look somewhere else, he felt sick, here was Rumi opening her heart to him while he was nothing but a liar. He truly deserved to burn with Gwi-ma. 

Rumi, unaware of his thoughts, keeps talking about how her voice has healed since she met him. 

And then something happened.

Rumi was singing, and Jinu thought he was used to it -her voice was her main weapon after all- but this was different, more personal, more intimate.

Rumi was singing about her insecurities and at the same time asking Jinu to trust her. She truly believed in what they had.

So Jinu sang with her.

And it was like the world stopped moving. There was nothing else, no Gwi-ma and no inner voices in his head. It was only him and Rumi. 

Jinu never thought their voices would sound so good together. He loved every second of it.

“So?” Rumi asked once their song was over.

It took Jinu an embarrassing long time to understand what she was talking about.

“I-” before he could finish an old lady interrupted them. They tried to play it cool and failed miserably at it, the lady gave a disappointed stare to him and then gifted Rumi a bracelet “Go find yourself a better boy, this one's hopeless” the lady said before leaving.

Jinu lost any courage he had at that simple sentence. Rumi tried to comfort him a little while taking his hand.

“Don't take it so seriously. Here” she said, giving him the bracelet.

Then, because life loved to use him as a piñata-

“That was adorable” Romance said from a close distance.

Jinu felt backwards. Rumi screamed.

“Really dude?” Abby asked laughing.

“What do you see in this loser?” Baby asked without hiding his smirk.

Jinu, who was back on his feet, ignored the comments “how long have you been here”

“Since the old lady called you a hopeless idiot”

Rumi clearly relaxed at that. And so did Jinu, he would have hated anyone else hearing their conversation. 

Only then did he register the insults.

“She didn't said the last part”

“No but she thought it” Abby said.

“We all do” seconded Baby.

“Don't cry Jinu, we still love you” Romance tested, Mystery just nodded.

“I hate all of you”

“Wow now I'm hurt” Romance dramatically pretended to cry on Abby's shoulder.

Jinu would kill this guys at some point “can you go now”

“Shall we?”

“YES” Jinu finally exploded.

“Okay. Tell Zoey I say hi”

“Mystery!” Baby and Jinu said.

“Au revoir” was that French? Since when Romance spoke French.

“Leave now” Jinu repeated. And finally the four demons walked away.

You can literally disappear. Jinu wants to say but he's just glad they have finally left.

“Pretend that didn't happen”

“Sure” Rumi said but clearly lying about it.

“So?” She asked again once her laughter died.

“I will think about it”

Rumi's smile was full of hope, and it gave Jinu enough courage to ask something that has been on his mind for a while.

“Rumi, would you go on a date with me? A real date I mean” 

Rumi opened her eyes in surprise and, after seconds that felt like hours, answered “yes, I would love to”

“The aquarium this weekend”

“Great” Jinu simply said trying to hide his excitement “I'll be going before they come back”

They seemed fun Rumi though, forgetting for a moment what they were.

.

"What the hell was that?" Jinu exasperatedly asked.

"Our revenge " Abby and Baby explained.

"For the fansign situation" Romance added before Jinu could ask.

"Wha- that turned out fine"

"True but did we really have to wait outside for sixteen hours?" Mystery asked.

"It was absolutely necessary" 

"You didn't even get us chairs" Baby recalled.

"Leader privileges" Jinu explained.

"We don't care" the four of them said.

Jinu wonders if it's not too late to replace the members.

“Could you be useful for once and do something besides spy on me?”

“Rude” Mystery said taking no real offense on the accusation.

“I’m serious”

“Sure you are*

“Baby”

“Leave the little one alone” 

“Thanks Romance” there was no sarcasm in Baby's tone, maybe he was getting attached to the nickname.

“Besides we're one step ahead of you” Abby said with pride.

“Exactly, we choose our new song, then we come to spy on you” Romance explained.

“You did?” Jinu asked with more surprise than intended. True to be told, he took his role as the songwriter really seriously, Jinu took proud on Soda Pop's success but he was realistic enough to understand they will need more than that, as a result, he had been writing a lot lately, unfortunately that also meant it was more difficult to choose only one song to work with.

“We decided ‘dive in’ and ‘your idol’ were the best based on the lyrics. But we all liked your idol a little more”

“Specially the chorus”

“So now we just need a beat and voilà”

“I already have some ideas for the rap”

Well, that was unexpected. Jinu was aware of the others' enjoyment about their idol persona but he was amazed about how much they really care “your idol huh?” and honestly Jinu was really satisfied with the group's choice, they could make it a bigger hit than Soda Pop.

And sure, Rumi offered him an interesting choice, if he decided to accept then it would be pointless practicing a new song. However, Jinu still has to think about it, as tempted as he is, there is no guarantee Rumi's plan will work so it wouldn't hurt to have a plan B just in case. Besides, he hadn't mentioned Rumi's plan to any of the members and at least for now, he had no intention of doing it. 

And yes, a part of him was actually happy to work in the song and clearly so were the others. It was worth the effort. 

.

Rumi was going home, slowly walking next to Derpy, feeling the happiest she had been in a long while.  Jinu said he would think about her proposal and that already felt like a victory.  

Not even the Saja Boys's interruptions ruined her mood, if anything it had made her day better.  It was the first time she had the opportunity of meeting them without cameras or fans around them, and they were surprisingly fun -at least for annoying Jinu.

Rumi had the impression they were close considering how they always were together -even during the men's bathroom incident the Saja Boys- but she thought it was only part of the act.

She hadn't paid that much attention to them -unlike Zoey and Mira who were crazy about Abby's abs- until she met Jinu. That's when Rumi started to wonder if other demons were like him. Maybe Jinu wasn't the only exception, perhaps something similar happened to the rest of the Saja Boys.  

So of course, Rumi became curious about them and since her meeting with Abby her interest only grew. After today Rumi was sure, the Saja Boys, in their own way, cared about each other. 

Rumi was glad, even if they weren't as close as she was to Zoey and Mira, it was obvious they have each other's backs.

So lost was Rumi in her own thoughts, she didn't realize she stopped walking until she felt Derpy purring at her leg.

"Sorry little one, I was distracted"

.

Back at her room, Rumi decided to practice the new song, to her relief her voice was perfect. It was ironic how a demon was the one who helped to heal it, it was even more ironic considering Huntrix's new song was about their deep hate for demons.

Rumi hated it.

Zoey's pen was immaculate and Rumi didn't doubt her talent, so she felt bad about disliking the song, especially when they worked so hard to produce it but Rumi couldn't help it.

They may have written as a diss track for the Saja Boys, however, the song's verses confirmed every single one of her insecurities, how she would lose everything she loved if her secret saw the daylight. Even if Rumi tried to ignore her deepest fears, she just couldn't connect with the song.

Is a song about hate the best answer to make the Honmoon golden? Rumi doesn't believe it.

She didn't even hate demons that much now. 

Jinu was nice, funny and caring, being a demon didn't change any of that, the Saja Boys may not be that different, and who knows how many other demons were in a similar situation.

"Ahhhh" Rumi screamed in frustration.

"Rumi?" Zoey asked behind the door.

Right, she forgot she wasn't alone.

"C'mon in" 

"Hey you good?" She asked once the door was opened, behind her Mira was also looking at her with worry. 

Rumi hates how much she is hiding from them, but she will have to lie a little longer "yeah just stressed"

"Take it easy" Mira said "we have a dance practice now, but we can postpone it if you want"

"No, no it's fine" that would be fair for the girls and Bobby Let's go"

"Sure, just don't force yourself"

.

Rumi tries, she really does. But she can't focus, the song just doesn't convince her and she definitely doesn't want to perform it at the idol awards.

And clearly, her thoughts are affecting the practice.

"Alright Bobby stop the music. Rumi seriously what's wrong" Mira asked, tone kind but firm.

"It's the song"

"Okay" Zoey interferes not wasting a second "tell me which verse and I will change it"

"No. Zoey, it's not just a verse. It's the whole song"

"Oh" the maknae was disappointed by the answer yet tried to solve the situation, three notebooks already in her hands "fine, fine I can fix it. Let me-"

"No" Mira interrupted "Rumi the awards are around the corner, we don't have time for this"

"It's okay Mira we can-"

"No Zoey, it's not okay. Rumi what's going on"

"It's just-" Rumi breathes, she really needs to calm down.

"Hey girls" Bobby said "look I know things had been hard lately" you had no idea "but let's just take a break, right? And if you need anything please just let me know. I know, I will bring your favorite snacks, give me a minute"

The three girls tried to relax. Rumi was about to apologize for her behavior when she felt it, something was wrong. "We have to go now" she said instead.

They left in a heartbeat. This was terrible, the Honmoon has never been so weak, the three knew a tragedy was coming.

"The train" Zoey warned them. They didn't waste time.

"Think you can tell us what's wrong?" Mira asked, out of the blue.

"Seriously Mira?" This was literally the worst possible moment.

"You are distracted" she snapped back. It was true, Rumi was fighting but something about her was off.

"I told you, the song-"

"I'm not asking about the song, I'm talking about you! What are you not telling us"

"Not everything is about your insecurities Mira" the words left Rumi's mouth before she registered what she was saying. Rumi regretted it immediately. "Mira I didn't-"

"Could you two stop fighting? And focus, look"

Rumi's heart stopped beating. Right in front them there was a horde of demons, they have never confronted anything like this.

"If you are with us, prove it " was the last thing Mira said before fighting.

And Rumi did. She attacks with no mercy, demons falling at the rage of her sword, then she sings but he stops. Even with the danger of their current situation, Rumi can't sing the lyrics. 

Her hesitation cost her advantage at the battle.

"Rumi!" 

It only lasts for a second but Rumi swears she felt the death right in front of her. Zoey and Mira saved her from her fate, immediately killing what was left of demons on top of the train.

Unfortunately, that was not enough.

"The people on the train" Rumi screams in panic.

They hurry to open the door but it's already too late. There wasn't a single survivor inside the vehicle. 

Hundreds of lives reduced to nothing in a matter of seconds. When the train's door closed, they saw the faces of the Saja Boys painted on it, mocking them for their failure.

Mira leaves without saying a single word.

Zoey goes after her not so long later but not before asking Rumi to make up her mind.

We can't win without you. Her words burn inside Rumi's mind. She has failed them, and innocent lives pay the price.

Rumi understands now. She has been blinded by Jinu so much that she forgot how dangerous demons could truly be.

She can't let it happen again.

.

“Guys what the hell am I looking at?” Jinu asked.

Long story short, he had been in a good mood recently -courtesy of Rumi for the most part, Jinu was impatiently waiting for the weekend's arrival- so he had no trouble in finishing the song. The lyrics were done, Baby's part fitted perfectly and Jinu even had time to do the line distribution -he decided Romance and Mystery should have more harmonies together and they both were really satisfied with it-. So now, the only thing left to do was the choreography.

Which brings us to their current dilemma. Abby had suggested they should pose right in the Listen 'cause I'm preachin' to the choir part, which was a good idea and worked with the beat.

The poses on the other hand? Well, if humans hadn't realized they were demons, they definitely would after watching this.

“C'mon it's fantastic”

Not the word Jinu would use. 

“Baby and Romance look possessed”.

“Jinu my dear you need to see the vision” said the latter, because of course he did, leave Romance to support any of Abby's nonsense “the idol awards may be our last performance, let us show us how we truly are”

“Demons?” 

“Exactly, the lyrics scream control, the choreography need to portrait us as the mastermind behind it”

“It's that why you suggested using our real outfits for the performance?” Mystery asked.

“What?”

“Maybe not during the whole song, maybe during the last chorus”

“What's next, we should levitate?” 

“Brilliant!” Abby said not catching Jinu's sarcasm.

Maybe none of this will be necessary Jinu said to himself. Yes the Saja were way too excited about this performance and Rumi's proposal was all about the Saja Boys losing the awards.

He still hasn't decided about what to say to Rumi, but maybe if her plan included saving the Saja Boys he would accept.

.

The weekend arrives sooner than Rumi had liked and as tempted as she is to cancel her date, she knows Jinu deserves better, besides, this is the last chance he has to give Rumi an answer.

"Hey" he said in front of the aquarium's door, his smile was almost enough to make Rumi forget about his problems.

"I was starting to think you wouldn't come"

"I wouldn't have missed it for the world" her smile turned brighter when she realized Jinu was wearing the bracelet "But why the aquarium though, isn't closed today?"

"That's what makes it fun"

"What? No, Jinu we're definitely not doing this" 

Jinu just smirked and that's how she knows she lost the battle.

"I can believe you convinced me to do this"

"I'm a bad influence I know" Jinu proudly said.

You have no idea Rumi wanted to scream. 

And as much as she hated to admit it. Jinu was right. The aquarium was beautiful and it was so peaceful being the only ones there. They explored the place as if they had all the time in the world, Rumi was amazed by the beauty of the majestic creatures under water. 

Rumi even laughed when she saw a silly fish that looked just like Jinu, he indignantly sighed as if he had been insulted, Rumi laughed harder at his reaction.

"I have never been so disrespected"

"Why you have to be so dramatic"

"You love me just like this" Jinu said without thinking, only now realizing the words he had spoken "I mean-"

"You're right. I do" Rumi told him. Not a sign of hesitation in her voice. She was blushing hard but she refused to move his eyes from Jinu's.

That resolved any of Jinu's fears. He put his hand behind Rumi's neck, giving her enough time to consider this, to leave if she wanted to, when Rumi took a step closer, Jinu was sure. He lowered himself and kissed her. Rumi kissed him back a second later.

Jinu didn't know about kissing. He can't remember if he has done it before -no, his memories are full of pain and regret- but none of that matters. For him Rumi is his first.

The first huntress to be part demon.

The first human to have hope in him.

His first kiss.

And his first love.

The kiss was brief and Jinu was about to let her go when she felt Rumi grabbing him by the shoulders and pressing her lips against his once again.

Jinu closed his eyes, getting lost in the feeling we could get used to this. Jinu holds Rumi tighter, as he was afraid she would leave once the kiss was over. She didn't, Jinu opened his eyes, Rumi was still there and Jinu stopped the kiss so he could admire her in all her beauty.

Their foreheads were touching, Rumi was interlocking their fingers, the touch as gentle as the kiss. Jinu was sure he was smiling like an idiot but he didn't care, not when he felt so complete.

"I love you" he dared to say. He would say it every day if that meant Rumi would be looking at him like he was her entire world. 

Rumi gave a nervous chuckle in return and then she said "me too, I truly do, so you need to give me answer"

"I'll make the Saja Boys lose at the awards" he doubted for a second but he finally found the courage to ask "but what about them? They-" Jinu stopped himself.

They are the reason this was possible in the first place. I own them it, I can't leave them behind . He wanted to say. He didn't. Not when he could accidentally reveal too much.

"They can be here in the human world so they won't be trapped by the golden Honmoon"

Jinu didn't believe he could really have what he wanted, a life with Rumi, him free from the memories, and his friends -he couldn't deny the idiots grown on him- being safe.

It sounded way too good to be true. Even so, Jinu chose to believe her.

“We have a deal” he tried to not think about what happened the last time he said those words.

Rumi throws herself at Jinu's arm to give him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Jinu wishes this moment to last forever.

Unfortunately that's not possible, and Jinu should have known his happiness wouldn't last.

Right after his date was over and once Rumi was out of his sight, Jinu is abruptly dragged back to the demon realm. 

He hasn't been here in a while, none of the Saja Boys have. The last time Jinu was in the presence of Gwi-ma was right after the success of Soda Pop. At that time, Jinu was praised for his plan while thousands of demons cheered the Saja Boys, shouted their names.

Jinu finds none of that now. He's welcomed by an overwhelming silence.

“Turn around” one of the demons said with fear. When he does, he sees Gwi-Ma looming over him and only then he finally speaks.

“That's funny. I thought for a moment you actually believed you could be free”

“Yeah, funny” Jinu he tries to play dumb. It doesn't work.

“Because” Jinu can already feel his patterns burning “if you really believed her, if you really thought you could escape what you are, what you did, you would have told her the truth” and then it starts, his eternal agony. The voices inside his head, louder than it had ever been “You betrayed your own family. You left them behind. You killed your family” the screams and cries ring in Jinu's mind and it hurts than any physical torture Gwi-ma had impose on him before. It lasts for minutes, hours or maybe days, Jinu can't tell. Eventually, the demon king gives him some mercy, and the voices stop “Don't forget about our deal, Jinu, because I can turn those voices up. Or they can be gone. Don't think you can escape what you are”

Jinu can't even process Gwi-ma's warning, he still feels out of himself. Only when he remembers how to breathe, he leaves.

Jinu goes to the human world, he intends to go with the rest of the Saja Boys to the place they call home. Nothing special really, just a house they borrow after stealing the owners' souls, it's temporary, like everything else, but they all wanted to stay as far as the demon realm while they could and so far it's been fine. 

It's where Jinu should go but right now, he doesn't feel like he can move. He tries to calm down, he holds his own hands together and only then he realizes he is shaking. Jinu panics when he hears someone behind him until he sees who it is.

Derpy is looking at him with worry and hurries to him in an attempt to comfort Jinu. He pets the tiger more relaxed now, and it doesn't take long until he can finally get his breathing under control.

“Thanks” he murmurs, Derpy refuses to leave his side and even Sussie is staring at him with concern “I'll be fine” he tries to reassure them. It's a lie and they know it but at least he can pretend with them.

.

“Where is Jinu?” Baby asked with irritation.

“For the third time I don't know” Abby said at the same time Romance answered  “Aquarium. Date with Rumi”  

“What?” 

“How is that Jinu tells you these things?” Abby

“He didn't. He asked her when he thought we couldn't hear him” Romance reassured him.

“I'm gonna kill him” and just like if the threat had invoked him, Jinu opened the door at that very moment.

“Finally! What the hell-”

“Baby stop” Abby interrumped him when he noticed the state in Jinu was in.

“Gwi-ma” Mystery said. He recognized that stare, the fear only their king could impose in any of them.

“Do you want us to leave?” Romance asked.

“No” Jinu didn't elaborate.

No one else asked anything, they just sat next to Jinu until he was able to talk.

Jinu told them everything. How happy he was with Rumi, how unworthy he felt of her love and how despite everything Rumi still wanted to free him. He also told them about her proposal.

“Hold up you sell us? Baby asked.

“Don't say it like that” 

“Abby, that's what he did. I’ll call it what it is.”

“Only cause she promised me you will be safe too”

“And you believe her?” Mystery asked, his tone wasn't accuser, so Jinu answer with honesty “yes I did”

“Not anymore” he added after a pause.

Don't hurt Jinu Abby remembers himself saying and it was so naive to think he could do something, even if Rumi wasn't the one to blame, Abby was proven once again to be useless in protecting the ones he cares about.

“I guess we're not really made for someone else's love” Romance murmured to himself, Jinu heard it anyways but said nothing in return.

Romance felt like looking in a mirror, he wondered if this is how he looked so many years ago. No wonder why Abby took pity on him, he just wished he could say or do something.

Baby was no longer mad at Jinu, he still felt betrayed but it was comforting knowing Jinu had also thought about their freedom. He just was powerless about what to do next.

Mystery is unsure of how to feel.

He understood Jinu. Demon or not, none of them could choose how they felt about the huntresses. For Baby was easy, it was just hate, he wasn’t sure about Abby and Romance but at the very least they were somehow interested in Mira -then again Mystery never knew what exactly they were but they obviously were into each other-.

Him on the other hand, can’t find a proper word to describe what he feels for Zoey. She clearly is attracted to him and he would love to meet her better, and maybe in another life maybe, they could have tried something. He knew better than to dream about hypotheticals.

But Jinu found someone. Someone he could love. Someone who loved him back and Mystery should be happy for him. He was, of course, but Mystery knew how dangerous it was for a demon to go against their king. Gwi-ma would never waste a change to remind them how powerless they truly were.

No demon would have taken the risk of getting involved with a human let alone a huntress.

But somehow Jinu did.

Mystery shouldn’t care, the idols awards will be soon and that means the Honmoon would be golden or destroyed right off. Either way, what Jinu and Rumi had would end in no time.

Moreover, Jinu had asked for his memories to be erased and maybe Gwi-ma would also get rid of any trace of Rumi’s presence; unfortunately, the demon king was a master of manipulation so honestly speaking, there was no guarantee Jinu’s suffering would be over once his memories faded.

With this thought in mind, Mystery took a decision.

He teleports to the demon realm and levitates in front of Gwi-ma and speaks with a firm voice.

“I have made up my mind”

“And that will be?” Gwi-ma answers, still in anger.

Mystery is not intimidated and continues “Whatever we want. It's what Jinu asked in exchange for helping you. That and his memories”

The demon king laughed in mockery “so you speak for all of them?”

Mystery didn't answer, he knew Gwi-ma could see through him so there was no point in lying.

“Very well, what do you want?”

“Our freedom. You will be sated on souls soon, you won't need us anymore”

The king's reply was a soulless laugh, Mystery didn't back off.

“Greedy request”

Mystery had played this game before and he had lost. No matter what, Gwi-ma would always have the upper hand in any bargain, however, that wouldn't stop him from trying.

“No tricks” Mystery reaffirmed “once we're done so it would be your control over us”

“You are a fool if you think that would be enough to be free from the memories” Mystery felt his patterns burn “from the pain” he wants to scream now but Mystery refuses to give Gwi-ma the satisfaction “and the regret.”

“Still” he struggles to find his own voice, every part of his body feels in ache “whatever we want you said”

Gwi-ma bellows, every demon is paralyzed in fear. Finally the king says “fine but fail and all of you will burn for an eternity. And I will make sure they know you're the one to blame”

Mystery nods, unable to talk anymore.

“Tell the others to not demand anything, your avarice has been enough”

With nothing else to say, Gwi-ma throws him to the ground and Mystery leaves immediately.

As soon as he's out of the demon realm he starts to regret his decision. Not because he's wrong, he knows he did the others a favor, but he fears their reaction. 

Jinu gave them a choice. For the first time in forever they could ask for what they really wanted, and Mystery just took that from them. Whatever they could have desired is gone now and it's his fault. He wouldn't be surprised if they despised him once he told them the news but rejection was something Mystery couldn't handle twice.

Back to the days where he was human, he had a name, people who loved him and a purpose, until the fateful day where one of his beloved ones had tragically died. Mystery was consumed by the lost so when a voice suggested bringing them back to life, he thought he was doing good, he thought life had been unfair and he just wanted to see the smile of his dearest companion once again, he never had the chance. When people found out what he wanted to do they isolated him, called him a freak and physically punished him for his ignorance, the ones he had called his friends and family were now ashamed of being associated with him. It came to a point where he begged to disappear and Gwi-ma answered his prayers. Everyone forgot about his existence, he became a ghost and while he could finally live without the others' judgment, the person he once was was dead for good.

Like the coward he was, he ended up taking his own life. He wasn't surprised to find out no one in the world of the living could remember that he ever existed.

Demons were indifferent to his presence or at least it should have been that way until he met a blue haired demon with whom he shared the same empty eyes. Afterwards he wasn't that lonely anymore and he didn't complain, he was even grateful for it. But then they met more demons, all with their own regrets and Mystery got a little too close. He was happy, the Saja Boys made him happy even if it had started in the most unconventional way.

Mystery could not imagine what it would be like to be rejected for the ones who made him glad to be alive.

“I finally found you” Abby said behind him, it has been one of the few times he actually got him out of guard. But before Mystery could ask anything Abby was already hugging him.

“Sorry” he said even if he wasn't sure what he was apologizing for.

“Don't be, Baby told us you may have been doing something stupid”

“He is not wrong”

“Let's go in” Mystery never realized when they got home.

Inside of the room Mystery was faced with another three worried faces, so he decided to tell them the truth, he was grateful for having Abby behind him. 

Next thing he knew he was being bombarded with questions. That could be summarized in what in the actual fuck where you thinking.

“You could have told us” Baby demanded.

“Yeah dude you can't trust us” Abby agreed

“That was dangerous, why would you-” Jinu couldn't finish.

“What he did to Jinu was probably what was gonna happen to us once we were not useful anymore” he tried to explain there was much more but Jinu had had enough for one day.

The room was filled with an uncomfortable silence until Romance dared to talk “well seems obvious what we have to do”

“We are definitely winning this shit. Jinu get yourself together”

“Yeah I know this sucks but we have to focus”

“I'm perfect”

“No need to lie darling”

Mystery confused about everyone sudden excitement asked “you guys aren't mad at me?”

Everyone looked at him like he had grown a second head “why would we?” Baby said.

“You- you probably already knew what you wanted and I-”

“I wanted my memories back” Romance interrupted Mystery didn't fail to notice the sad tone on his voice “I wanted to know for whom I went through all this but” he paused for a second and even if Romance wasn't aware he was looking at Abby when he said “but that wouldn't have changed anything”

“I wanted to see your face” Baby said out of nowhere.

“You don't need Gwi-ma for that”

“That and being human again” Baby corrected, then continued “no need to be so shocked it's something I decided recently I don't know I guess I just wanted a chance to live. But I suppose a life without Gwi-ma on my freaking head all the time would be just as good”

“Point is” Abby started clearly still surprised by Baby's words “we would never get mad at you for doing something for us”

“Yeah, where did that come from?” 

“I never belonged anywhere, I thought I screwed things up” 

“Dude, we're demons. Pretty sure we already screwed ourselves” Baby said.

Mystery smiled, at that moment nothing else matters to him.

Jinu was exhausted just like everyone else, but while the rest of the Saja Boys were comfortably sleeping next to each other -the sight was quite sweet, at some point they have developed some physical affection for each other- Jinu was unable to doze off. He just can’t help it, Jinu still hears his mother and sister voices, now more than ever Jinu wants them gone.

Just a little longer he tries to convince himself yet it’s useless. 

He still hasn't processed what happened with the members. Jinu never thought Mystery would risk that way. Gave away the others' wishes just because what Gwi-ma did to him? Not only that, but none of the Saja Boys were mad about it. After what Romance told him so long ago he was sure he would have wished his memories back, and Jinu was right but Romance didn't seem upset about losing this opportunity, Baby also was okay with giving up his ambition, Abby didn't share what he wanted -and Jinu didn't want to ask as curious as he is- but even he must have abandoned something important for him.

At that moment Jinu didn't even ask, he just assumed they would figure it out later. Now, he wondered if had never gotten involved with Rumi, all of them could have fulfilled what they truly wanted.

Jinu had made a promise to Rumi but it was more than obvious he couldn't fulfil it. He knows now that he must finish whatever he had with Rumi.

Even if that means losing the trust of the woman he loves.

There is a lot at stake and Jinu can't take more risks. They must succeed in their mission no matter what, and for that Jinu has to make sure Huntrix will lose at the idol awards. And Jinu knows exactly how to do it.

.

Rumi couldn't believe it, her first kiss and it was with a demon. She should be ashamed of herself but the only thing she feels is joy. Jinu loves her and their plan is going to work, she will be free from her patterns and he will be free from Gwi-ma.

So right now, there is only one thing to do.

“Can we talk?” She asks, to her relief, Zoey and Mira agree, they all seem in a good mood today.

“First things first, I wanted to apologize. I know I haven't been at my best lately, I was worried about, well everything and my voice betrayed me at the worst moment. But that's not an excuse, I shouldn't get even with you”

“Rumi” Zoey said 

“No, it's fine. I guess we were really stressed, then the Saja Boys got in our heads and-”

“It's true, you never get rid off the flowers he gave you” Zoey interfered

“Not the point” if the others noticed her blush they didn't mention it.

“Sorry”

“Point is, times were hard on us”

“We just have to sing the right song, and takedown isn't…” Rumi hates to insist on the same topic but she needs to be honest.

“We agree”

“It's not the song that's gonna connect all our fans”

“It can't even connect us”

Rumi was glad they were on the same page, this brings her memories. When they just met each other and none of them knew how to act, it had been difficult but slowly, they started to get comfortable with each other. Now, Rumi couldn't imagine her life without Zoey or Mira, they mean everything to her.

And it was like they were thinking the same. This was one of those times Mira decided to open her heart. She may be the most sensitive of the three, she cares a lot, she loves with all her being even if she is not so expressive about it. Mira found a safe place in Huntrix.

And so did Zoey. It was awful how a kind soul like hers had been forced to pick sides before, she always tried to please everyone else but that wasn't fair, Zoey should be free to be herself and shine on her own. Just like Mira, she had found a home with Huntrix.

As for Rumi “I'm afraid of losing you guys too” she confesses “and that's why we have to finish this. All these fears, it's the demons talking” but that will end soon, and she won't have to lie to them ever again “when the Honmoon is sealed, we will be free of these demons. Free of these fears forever” free from the patterns “and then we can take a hiatus. Maybe go to the bathhouse?”

Zoey and Mira almost jumped in excitement at that, it was all the motivation Rumi needed.

“Golden” she and Mira said.

“It's a song about the best of us”

“And your voice” as per usual Mira was the one who worried the most. 

But this time Rumi wouldn't disappoint them “never been stronger”

“Happy fans?”

“Happy Honmoon!”

.

Today was the day.

Huntrix vs Saja Boys. 

Nothing would be the same after this.

Rumi was at the dressing room doing some vocal exercises while Zoey was practicing the choreography and Mira was fighting air pretending it was the Saja Boys. To say they were nervous would be an understatement.

“I NEED SOME AIR” Mira finally screamed before leaving the room.

While she walked in the hallways she tried to breath and calm down. She was the main dancer and she was a perfectionist, a real professional. 

“Relax Mira you will be fine” she told herself when someone grabbed her arm and cornered into the opposite wall. The touch was firm but didn't hurt her so she could free herself easily and she was about to do it until she realized who was in front of her.

“I'm really sorry for that” Romance said and then left her wrist go “I just wanted to say good luck”

“Yeah right” it took all in her to not punch the bastard.

“I'm serious, this may be last time we could saw each other”

“So you're accepting your defeat” 

“Not what I said”

“Great, now leave. I won't be listening to your nonsense just because of some pretty flowers-” Mira bit her tongue, somehow she felt she was saying too much.

“You liked it?” and there was something about Romance's eyes when he asked. It wasn't his demon eyes, it wasn't the eyes he used to fool their fans. It was a real surprise. 

“Whatever it's not like you bought them” 

“But I chose to give them to you” even his voice was different, as he couldn't believe someone appreciated his actions. He was even smiling and it was so different from his typical idol acting. Soft even.

None of your business Mira.

“Romance? There you are I've been looking for you” a known voice said and for the first Mira was glad to hear it. Although now there were two demons in front of her and there was nothing comforting about it.

“Miss me already?” He said now in usual persona.

"Actually yes we're out in ten” 

Ten? We're just after them. Time to leave.

As if Romance could read her mind, he took her hand once again and gave a soft kiss to her wrist.

“I think this is our goodbye” the idiot said and he was smart enough to leave.

Mira was just processing what the hell happened when Abby interrupted her thoughts “Whatever that was. Thanks”

“Huh?” Mira said by mere shock.

“He was smiling. So thanks” he said with a wink and went after the other demon.

Mira stood there for twelve seconds at most before punching the wall. 

She stormed back to Huntrix's room and hit a punching bag -it hadn't been here before so it was probably Bobby's action- with all the strength she had.

“Uhh…” Zoey said.

“I HATE DEMONS” was all the explanation she gave.

.

“Alright guys time to win this shit” Baby said, they had five minutes before performing. So of course, it was the perfect moment for Jinu to confess the truth.

“Guys there is something I have to tell you. During my date with Rumi-”

“I already hate this” said Baby

“Rumi said I could be free if I helped her to win. I say I will if you could also be saved”

“We know, why are you bringing this up?”

“Because after what happened with Gwi-ma I understood that could never happen” there was a pause, no one dared to talk, so Jinu continued “then Mystery asked for our freedom, so I realized there is no place for more risks.”

“Jinu what did you do?” Abby asked with a worried tone.

And while Jinu explains he can see how their semblants change, it's a mix of anger and concern.

“That was too much” Baby says, out of everyone Jinu didn't expect he would be the first one to talk.

“I thought you wanted to win” it's a vague attempt to look away from the elephant in the room.

“Not like this”

“Jinu-” Abby starts but Jinu doesn't let him finish “I had to alright!”

“Not really, we are supposed to perform first, we could win this easily”

“They will fight us” and I know I can't fight back. I'm that kind of coward.

“How is this better? Look if they perform now and turn the Honmoon then all of this was for nothing” Baby declares.

“I already told you I got it covered”

“Maybe you should consider telling us your plans before doing anything” Abby said.

“Why do you suddenly care?”

“If you take a second to look at yourself you will understand. This ain't like you” Romance started.

“You don't know me”

“And whose fault is that?” 

Right in that moment a woman, probably one of the organizers of the event, enters the room “it's your turn now” she says, once she feels the heavy atmosphere in the room she understands it's her queue to leave “I- I will announce you will perform later” she says before closing the door.

It was bad enough that Rumi would hate him forever in the next five minutes or so, the least he could do was being honest for once in his life.

“Fine you're right. I got us in this mess, you never asked and-”

“And we're still mad that you considered throwing us under the bus just because your girlfriend suggested it”

“I told you I planned to include you, all of you”

“And now we're running in circles, the point is you are about to sabotage the one you love even when it's clearly hurting you. Explain yourself” Romance demanded.

“I want to forget, but not about her. I needed to cut ties with her. I should have never got myself attached.”

It was a vague explanation, it wasn't even close to summarizing the whole chaos in his head. But it was the best he could say to convince himself this was the one way to guarantee his freedom and not screw anything or anyone else in the process.

He didn't care about what would happen to Rumi after this.

Or so he told himself.

.

It was now or never. 

Rumi was more than nervous but she didn't hesitate in going to the stage. Her voice just as strong as ever. Rumi sang with confidence, she gained strength when she saw golden, this was it, they truly have made it. Huntrix won.

Then the lights went out and she heard it.

“Takedown, take down, down, down, down”

It didn't make sense. They agreed to not perform this song, even so, Rumi followed the song. But something was off.

Zoey and Mira are pushing her while singing the lyrics, as if they are talking specifically about her. 

“What's going on?” Rumi tried to ask, the only reply she got was her jacket being pulled revealing her patterns right in the middle of the stage.

“A demon with no feelings

Don't deserve to live!

It's so obvious!

I'mma gear up and take you down!”

They sing staring into her eyes. Rumi is paralyzed with fear. Then Zoey and Mira, get close to her, so only Rumi can hear the next words;

“We see what you are.”

“You're a demon. A mistake.”

It's her worst nightmare coming true, Rumi tries to stay calm, Zoey and Mira, the people she loves the most in the whole world, would never say that to her? Right?

“You have been since the day you were born”

Rumi can't pretend anymore. 

She screams, breaking the lights in the process but Rumi doesn't care. She just needs to get off the stage. When she does, Mira and Zoey are already there.

“What? How are you here? You were just on stage. That wasn't you?”

Of course they weren't, neither Zoey or Mira would ever hurt her. Rumi smiles in relief until she tries to get closer and they backed away. Only then Rumi realizes they can see her patterns.

“No, no, no” 

“You have patterns?” Zoey asked in disbelief.

“No! You were never supposed to see. These were supposed to be gone”

“You were hiding this from us the whole time” Mira said with a hurtful tone.

“No! I had a plan. They would disappear, Jinu-”

“Jinu?”

“You were working with him?” 

“No! I was using him. To fix this. To fix me. So we could all do our duty! We could all be strong. Be together.”

“How could we be together if we can't tell your lies from your truths, Rumi?” Zoey asks and Rumi doesn't know how to answer.

She tries to explain herself, she needs to prove she is not a mistake.

The Honmoon was golden for a second that has to mean something right?

“I CAN STILL FIX THIS” Rumi screams in a voice she doesn't recognize as hers.

Zoey and Mira share a glance before pointing their weapons at her. 

“Please” Rumi cries one last time but it's useless.

Celine was right, they would never accept her. Nobody would.

Rumi runs away. 

No one follow her. 

“JINU” she screams once he found the demon, behind him there are the two creatures that posed as her friends. Even then, Rumi refuses to believe her eyes.

“Please tell me you didn't do this” she demands while pushing him, he doesn't answer, the demons behind him show their true form before disappearing.

“It was all a lie” is his only explanation.

Rumi doesn't but it “WHAT WE HAD WAS REAL”

“The things I said? I just needed you to trust me. That's all”

“What? No, Jinu it was a mistake you were a good person-”

“I LEFT THEM” is what Jinu screams before telling her the whole story. And Rumi can't trust what she is hearing.

“That's your demon talking, you have to fight it”

“It's not how it works”

“YES IT IS” Rumi says more to herself than to Jinu.

He gives her one last glance before asking “is it working for you?” and then he leaves.

Rumi is speechless, unable to hold her tears back any longer and unsure of what to do next when she feels someone behind her. She turns around to find Abby with an expression she can't read.

“He didn't want to do it”

And Rumi really isn't in the mood for more lies.

“It's true” another voice says behind Abby, Romance, Rumi thinks, she doesn't really care.

“They will forgive you” one of them says but Rumi can't be bothered to trust a demon's word. 

She is just tired.

Tired of demons.

Tired of fighting.

Tired of herself.

She leaves before any of them, or anyone else for the matter, can follow her.

.

Zoey and Mira regretted their actions almost immediately, between the lies and their training to kill all demons, they almost acted on autopilot, by the time they were aware of who they were truly pointing with their weapons, Rumi was already gone. 

Suddenly her behavior made so much sense and so it did her reject to ‘Takedown’, the song indirectly was about how hated she was. Maybe that's why she had searched for Jinu.

Maybe they will never know cause Rumi left to who knows where.

Mira was the first one to move, Zoey still paralyzed in shock and tears, at a distance Mira saw a silhouette that looked like Rumi, but she wasn't alone, there were demons next to her. Mira left, she couldn't take the sight any longer.

Of course Rumi would leave to go with demons, she needed help, she needed support and both, her and Zoey, failed to give her that.

I hope you find what you need were Mira's last thoughts before leaving the place. 

You thought you found a family? You don't deserve one. You never have . said a whisper inside her head. A voice Mira had fought to silence before. Huntrix was her safe place, her true family.

But maybe it never was, not if Rumi never really trusted her to begin with.

Mira felt someone grabbing her by the arm, it was Zoey, everything about her screamed panic but Mira didn't have any words to comfort her this time. 

“There is no "we," Zoey. I don't get to have a family” Mira coldly said.

Zoey couldn't believe it. First Rumi and now Mira, how did they get to this point?

Even at Rumi’s most vulnerable moment Zoey failed to be useful. She should have done more, or maybe done less to prove Rumi she was not a threat to her.

Zoey had been so lost in her train of thought she didn't even notice when Mira left his side.

“Mira?” She called but no one answered.

Once again Zoey was forced to choose. Should she go to look after Rumi? Or should she follow Mira and try to reason with her? 

The Honmoon was broken and it was their fault. Her fault for failing both of her friends.

By the time she made up her mind Mira decided to leave her behind.

You're too much. And not enough. You'll never belong anywhere a ghost murmur said. It's been years since Zoey felt this way and she would do anything to get rid of the feeling I can give you a place to belong she heard the whispers said.

It sounded like a promise. And Zoey chose to believe it.

.

The Saja Boys were in the demon realm, this was it, the end of their charade, their final performance.

Jinu was still sad about what he did, not even Derpy nuzzling could cheer him up.

Steal Huntrix's song and use it to destroy them? He should be proud of himself, and maybe he would have months ago. Now? He only felt regret, Rumi did nothing to deserve this, even the Saja Boys considered it was a little too much.

But none of that matters. They have a performance to do and then their freedom, the one thing Jinu had really wanted.

They go to the Namsan Tower and took a minute to appreciate the big crowd. They made this, hundreds of souls went to them, they want them. The feeling is intoxicating in an indescribable way.

Even the other huntresses are there, unmistakable in the mass. 

“Maybe this is good. We can give their souls a painless ending” Mystery said next to him, Romance and Abby nod, Jinu doesn't need to ask, he knows exactly what they mean.

“Gentlemen” Baby starts catching the others's attention “it's been my honor destroy the Honmoon with you”

“Let's make it worth it” Jinu answers and with no more words they go to the stage.

They get drunk in the feeling of people screaming for them, they will do anything to please them even if they're not aware. 

They listen to the music, the intro of the song being already a warning of what's about to happen, and without wasting time, they perform.

“I'll be your idol”

And what a performance it was. Their voices were stronger than ever; Mystery proving why he is the lead vocalist, Romance shining as he was always deserve it, Abby's choreography being having the audience in complete hypnosis, Baby being in control of the song with only a few verses, Jinu finally getting lost in the feeling of power.

It was perfect. They sing and dance without hiding, people now see them by what they truly are. They somehow manage to include every single suggestion they made and the crowd loved every second of it.

No sooner had the song ended when suddenly they heard a voice. One that didn't belong to any of the demons on stage.

Rumi walked between the crowd, she wasn't hiding anymore so everyone could see her as she was.

She was beautiful and then she sang. Verses about herself and how much she was tired of pretending resonated at the place. Jinu was left stunned by it.

A new Honmoon would be born and with that their chances of freedom would disappear, even so, Jinu was unable to move.

Zoey was the first one to break out. The Saja Boys were amazing and she would follow them anywhere -she had been smiling like an idiot the whole song- but that voice? Nothing could distract Zoey from it. It was a voice she loved, a voice she thought would never be able to hear again. 

Rumi's voice, Zoey opened her heart and sang, and she was more than delighted when she realized Mira did the same.

“Stop this song!” Gwi-ma ordered and hundreds of demons appeared to obey, Huntrix fighting with all their strength and Jinu- still stuck in the place.

“Let's go” Mystery said.

What? No, I won't fight her Jinu wanted to say but the words never left his mouth. For good or for bad they others already knew what he was thinking.

“Gwi-ma will fry us all unless we do something, you stay there” Baby said before joining the battle.

“Let us handle this” Abby said with a hand on Jinu's shoulder.

Huntrix fights with determination, not even once feeling overwhelmed by their number disadvantage. Until Gwi-ma went right after Rumi.

She tried to resist but it was useless, the demon king was too strong. 

“RUMI” Zoey and Mira screamed, desperate to help but being stuck with their own battle.

This time Jinu finally moved. 

He didn't think about what he was doing, he only wants Rumi to be safe. In less than a second, his body is in front of her, shielding her from any attack.

“JINU NO” her panic distracted Baby who turned around to see what happened, he wasn't ready to see Jinu dying right in front of him.

“I'm sorry for everything” Jinu said with the little strength he had, it was a pathetic apology for what he had done but it was the least Rumi deserves.

“I wanted to set you free” she says in tears, Jinu can't stand her broken tone.

“You did. You gave me my soul back” he says both reassure her and as a goodbye “And now, I give it to you”

Rumi doesn't have time to cry, as heartbroken as she is, she has a duty to fulfil. Jinu just gave her the strength she needed.

Right behind her Baby is still thunderstruck so he doesn't realize Zoey is coming in his direction. Mystery gets in the way but he's too slow -that and he's also processing what happened to Jinu- Zoey is over in an instant and just at that moment she gets a chance to look at his face.

“You're just my type” she says in awe and stops right when she is about to deliver her final shot. Mystery doesn't know what she saw on him but whatever it was it made her hesitate. Mystery uses this as an opportunity to take Baby's hand and leave. 

Zoey on the other hand, didn't know what stopped her from killing the demon, but she would think about it later. Right now Rumi needs her, so she goes on her way.

“Jinu-”

“I know but we need to leave”

“What about Romance and Abby?” Baby asked and it was the most worried he had ever sounded, “they will catch on us” Mystery said even if wasn't entirely convinced about it, he truly wanted to stay longer and make sure the four of them could leave but unfortunately Mystery needed to get them both out of here soon, Baby was in no condition to fight and Mystery didn't think he would get so lucky again.

As for answering Baby's question, they were both fighting Mira, the latter pushed Romance out of her way before focusing on the strongest of them. Mira wants to finish this battle and go in Rumi's help. She still couldn't believe a demon had helped her.

And apparently neither did Abby because he keeps looking in Rumi's direction, like he is expecting the other demon is somehow still alive. As for Mira she is also struggling to concentrate on her current fight, one Rumi is her priority, two the demon in front of her is ridiculously hot. 

No this was no news for Mira but he outdone himself with how good he looks. Obviously Mira shouldn't care but she is only human at the end of day.

“No more abs!” She declares in anger right before stabbing the demon, she is about to kill him when someone pushes her and put in front of Abby.

It's Romance. He gets in her way putting Abby right behind him, and Mira for once sees actual terror on those eyes, it's a stare Mira won't be able to forget. 

Maybe it's because of how frightened he was.

Maybe because Abby refused to leave Romance's side.

Maybe she just wants to run with Zoey and Rumi.

Whatever the reason is, Mira turns around and lets the demons escape. She will beat herself for her stupidity later.

Together, the three of them end Gwi-ma's existence for good and a new Honmoon is born. It's not perfect and it's not golden but it's fine.

It was a new beginning and for the first time, Rumi's patterns were a symbol of strength. Rumi was more than grateful.

“I'm so sorry, I truly wanted to tell you everything”

“It's fine Rumi” Zoey said. 

“Maybe we can take a break”

“Agree. Let's go to the baths”

“What?!” Zoey and Mira screamed.

“I promised didn't I”

Rumi was regretting not doing this sooner, no wonder why they insisted so much in inviting her.

“This is amazing”

“We told you” Mira proudly said.

They were on a comfortable silence until Zoey broke it “Rumi, I'm so happy you didn't, like, die”

And yes. None of them had processed everything that happened in the last 24 hours, only now they could truly think about it and it didn't take long for them to break into tears.

They went back home and Rumi was surprised to find a fluffy tiger and tiny bird waiting for her at her balcony.

“I can't believe this” she said before jumping to hug Derpy “I missed you a lot you know?” The tiger smiled and Rumi, so sick of keeping secrets, decided it was time to introduce them to her friends “wait here”

As expected Zoey was more than happy to meet the animals.

“I can't believe you hide a whole tiger from us” 

“They are so cute” 

“I know, this is how Jinu and I communicated with each other” 

At the mention of the demon the tiger's face saddened.

“I'm sorry for Jinu” Mira said after a while.

“I still can't believe it, I truly wanted to save him. I- I should have told you sooner”

“Hey no wonder why you didn't, we didn't have the best reaction”

“We truly sorry about that, it's just-”

“Hey, it's fine really. I understand it was a lot”

“Yeah but we should have listened to you. And it was a bit hypocritical of me to get mad, I couldn't even kill them when I had the chance” Zoey confessed in shame.

“Don't beat yourself over it” I didn't do it either Mira admitted to herself.

Rumi raised an eyebrow confused about their words. Zoey was the first to talk.

“Well Mystery, I know he was a demon, but I was curious about him and I even met him one time and-”

“What?” Mira said.

“It was an accident. I swear!” Zoey explained.

“I know”

“You do?” Zoey questioned.

“Unlike me, Jinu actually told the others us. I only saw them twice but I thought they were interesting and at some point they mentioned Mystery being curious about you. I just didn't know how to bring it up without confessing about Jinu and you know”

“The patterns?”

“Yeah” she said in defeat.

“Was Jinu the first one to know about it?” Mira said, she would wait until later to ask about Zoey.

“Second one. Celine was the first, she was the one who suggested never showing them. It was refreshing to finally talk with someone about it” Rumi had to bite her lip to hold back the tears.

It hurts to even mention Celine. Rumi hasn't talked to her since that night, after what happened at the idol awards Rumi thought it would be better if she was dead. She hadn't the strength to kill herself, someone else had to do it. Celine, however, failed to do it, and in the process she showed her true colors, she never accepted Rumi, not as her whole, and Rumi couldn't stand it anymore. It's something she hasn't mentioned yet, maybe one day she could find the courage to talk with her friends about it.

Not today though, Rumi is still hurt by the lost of Jinu.

“You loved him” said Zoey.

“He was an idiot yes but he was also sweet and caring I- I just wished we got more time” 

“Must have been a surprise, to know demons can feel I mean. I see why you were out of yourself those days”

“Were the others demons like him? I feel bad about all the ones we killed” Zoey said.

“Don't be. I don't know maybe some of them were, the Saja Boys were definitely the case”

“I feel less stupid about not killing them when I got the chance” Mira confessed.

“Wait really?”

“I'm not proud of myself okay? I just couldn't do it”

Rumi wondered if they were still alive, maybe their friends didn't kill them but who knows what happened with them after the new Honmoon was made.

“I guess you don't know either do you?” Neither the tiger or the bird answered, so Rumi took that as a no, no one realized about the glance the animals shared.

Little did the girls know it would be the last time to see them in a while. 

Truth was, the spirit animals were a rarity even with demons. They were extremely loyal, they could feel demon presence and they could cross from one world to another with no problem. Having them as guards was an honor and Jinu was extremely grateful for having them, both -Derpy and Sussie- liked him, they also grew close to the demons and the human who took care of Jinu.

However, with the new Honmoon, the spirits were confused. They couldn't find demons even when they felt their presence; they had been searching for their master and when they couldn't find him they went after the huntress. And it was like something clicked, suddenly the spirits understood what had happened and they realized they needed some help. Luckily now they knew what to do.

.

The second Mira turned around Romance took Abby and escaped, none of them had time to check if Baby or Mystery were still there so they had to trust they had left already.

Suddenly they felt something but they couldn't describe what it was, then they saw a blinding light and then nothing.

Romance was the first one to open his eyes, he wasn't sure where they were, there was nothing, no demons, no huntresses, he panicked thinking he was on his own until he realized Abby was still next to him.

“What the hell were you thinking?” 

“Don't talk, you're hurt”

“I’ll be fine” and that was true, there was no sight of serious injuries, sure demons healed quickly but this was weird even for them. 

“Stop playing the strong one, I can help too”

“Romance what if something happened to you”

“I couldn't lose you alright?” Romance finally shouted “Not you too, you have been with me since forever, my memories be damned, I remember you being there and it's all I care about I just- I couldn't let you die”

Abby was speechless, at that moment he thought Romance would leave, he was okay with dying if that meant at least one of them could make it alive. But Romance had stayed and the only thing in Abby's mind was please not him.

“I guess I never learn” Romance said mostly to himself but Abby heard him, he hugged the demon, who was clearly surprised by the action.

A demon who desired love so many decades ago and a demon who wanted to protect in his past life. Both cursed to an existence of shame and regret. They shouldn't have worked together, but they did and it was the only thing that mattered.

‘“Thanks” Abby said due to lack of better words.

“Don't get sentimental on me big guy” 

They both laughed, it was a sad sound. 

“Let's go find the others”

Do you think they made it? Romance was about to ask but sooner than later they both saw the other duo.

“Finally where were- Abby what happened?” Baby asked his tone going from anger to concern in a second once he realized the other's wounds.

“I'll be fine” he insisted.

“Miss you too” despite his typical sarcasm everyone could see Romance was serious “Mystery my dear, I thought Zoey stabbed you”

“I was lucky”

“So we were” Abby confessed.

“I believe your beauty was too much to handle” said Romance at the same time. Mystery blushed a little, he was grateful his hair was covering his face.

“I hate all of you” Baby said with no anger, quite the opposite. He jumped to give the pink duo a quick hug. 

“We miss you too little one” Abby said in return, Mystery joined too. 

They laughed but it didn't last until they were hit by the fact not all of them made it.

“So Jinu-?” Abby couldn't finish the question, he refused to accept he was gone.

“Yes” Baby answered.

There was silence for a while, no one knows what to say or do.

“So what now?” 

“Jinu would have a plan”

“I doubt it” Mystery admitted.

“How are we not dead?” 

“I don't know after Gwi-ma-” Romance interrupted himself, between everything that happened they had forgotten about the demon king.

It didn't make sense. If Huntrix won the fight didn't that mean the demons -them include- should be damned to be trapped in their realm? And if they lost, then why didn't they feel Gwi-ma’s voice anymore?

They could still feel the Honmoon but it was different from before, it was hard to explain, but they didn't feel it like a prison anymore.

It would take a while to get used to it.

But first things first, they need to figure out what happened. It was so strange, like they were unconscious and woke up in a new reality.

All of a sudden, there was a sound behind them, the demons were ready to attack, until they saw the responsables of the noise.

“Anyone else feel deja vu?” Asked Romance with a smile.

Right in front of them, there was a familiar tiger and bird on its head. The blue spirit didn't hesitate before jumping into them.

“I didn't think we would meet again” Abby confessed.

It was a relief, the demons had become fond of the spirits, and it looked like the feeling was mutual.

“What are you doing here?” Baby asked still petting the fluffy animal.

The bird flew and the tiger looked at them and followed it.

“I think Sussie wants to show us something” Mystery noticed.

“Sussie?” Abby said raising an eyebrow.

“I heard Jinu called the bird by that name once” the purple haired demon explained.

“Well, let's not keep them waiting” Baby said.

They walked for a bit, careful to not be seen by anyone else, when Sussie and Derpy stopped and the demons saw it.

It was a poster of Huntrix announcing their comeback -apparently they were on a hiatus or something- nothing special about it except that if you paid attention you would realize the vocalist showed patterns on her skin.

Right so apparently Huntrix won the battle yet somehow they hadn't been evaporated by the new Honmoon. It was good to know

But there must be something else judging by the way Derpy was looking at the poster.

“You suggest going with them?” Romance asked, as a response, the tiger's smile grew bigger.

“I don't know guys”

“We should do it” Baby advice to every one surprised “right before Jinu, you know” he couldn't say dying, it didn't feel real “he said something about giving his soul to Rumi”

“What?” Abby and Romance asked in disbelief.

“It's true” Mystery added “I couldn't believe it either”

“Is that even possible?”

“So what does that mean to Jinu?”

They had no idea but now they had a clue of who could help them. 

.

“Derpy!” Zoey exclaimed.

The tiger and the bird had disappeared from their lives almost as soon as they had met them, Mira and Zoey knew their names thanks to Rumi but no one truly knew where they had gone.

The trio was so happy to see the spirits once again that they didn't realize they weren't alone until a familiar voice spoke.

“I guess no one can resist the tiger. Not that I can blame you” 

And Mira couldn't believe her ears, she looked at her friends to be sure she wasn't imagining things. The surprised expression on both of their faces confirmed it, she wasn't crazy, that was Romance Saja.

“The Saja Boys?” Zoey speaks for all of them.

The four idiots posed, because of course they did.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Mira said more than ready to fight. In all honesty, she wondered more than once what stopped her from taking his life when she had the chance, and now, after so long the bastard dared to appear out of nowhere, the worst of it, Mira wasn't exactly mad about it, she had been curious about what happened to the demon and finally she could have some answers.

“Mira wait” Rumi said, the Saja Boys looked somehow happy about her intermission.

“We need a favor” Baby said.

“A favor? Have you lost your mind?” 

“Considering you didn't kill us, I think you may listen to us” Mystery said.

Zoey, who had been strangely quiet the whole time finally found the courage to talk “you covered it again”

“Wha- oh. Yes I never knew how to make my eyes look human again so…” it was only part of the truth but Zoey didn't need to know the whole story.

And yes, it was a really unconventional way of starting a conversation, but at least it helped all of them relax a little.

“I'm glad to see you again” Rumi confessed. The demons smiled, surprised by the revelation.

There it's again Mira though. There was something about Romance's eyes, just like at the idol awards, something sincere on them Mira didn't understand.

Speaking of things she couldn't decipher.

“I see you are fine” Mira dared to say while glazing at Abby. She wasn't unaware of the angry stare Baby was giving to him.

“If it gives you any solace I'm surprised too” Abby confessed it, at his words Romance put a hand on the other shoulder.

Derpy must have sensed the tension cause he walks between the group, both, demons and huntresses smiled at sight of it.

“So about that favor?” Rumi reminded them, she didn't want to fight. Besides, she hasn't forgotten how the Saja Boys tried to comfort her when she was at her lowest.

“It’s about Jinu” Baby answered, straight to the point.

Rumi didn't hide her surprise.

“We want your sword” Abby added as if that explained anything.

There was something in his voice, like a plea, and it was so sincere that Mira forgot for a second they're still demons.

She didn't dare to talk, a part of her refused to believe any word that came out of their mouths, demons are evil, a plague that needs to be exterminated, their mere existence was a reminder of her own weakness. However, there was also a new side of her, a side that accepted demons not as villains but as victims, take Rumi for example, she didn't choose being half demon, that was due to her family's decision and who was Mira to judge Rumi's parents. Rumi was Rumi and Mira loves her just the way she is.

Then there was also the look on Romance's face when she was about to kill Abby as well as his frightened state. Mira recognized that stare, -she has seen on her own many times before- Abby wasn't worried about himself, he was terrified about what could happen to the demon in front of him. They didn't care about dying if it was to protect the other.

And finally Jinu. Mira didn't like at first, didn't like him later -she could admit crushing on demons but Jinu was not one of them- and she hated him after what happened at the idol awards -Rumi insisted it was a complicated story but in Mira's eyes, nothing could excuse his actions- yet Jinu had been the one who saved Rumi. A demon chose to sacrifice himself for a huntress, his enemy.

Mira didn't trust demons but she didn't hate them as much as before, she was willing to listen to them. 

“My sword?” Rumi asked. She trusts the Saja Boys to a certain level but giving them her weapon it's a different story.

“We will explain. In private” Baby threatened.

“Look whatever you want to say just do it I'm not-”

“Go with them” interrupted Zoey.

Rumi gave her a confused look.

Zoey's answer was clear as water “Gwi-ma was the real root of evil and we defeated him, there is no reason for them to hurt us. That's what I want to believe, but most importantly if this has something to do with Jinu then you should listen to them”

Rumi shares a glance with Mira, she seems to agree with this even if she's not entirely happy about it. She looks at Zoey again and she realizes she isn't the only one; there's genuine surprise at Baby's face while Mystery looks at her with a shy and grateful smile.

Rumi considers her options. Jinu was fond of the Saja Boys and clearly the feeling was mutual so that should be enough reason to trust them. There was a possibility they blamed her for Jinu's death and they want revenge.

“Five minutes” was her final decision.

“Don't you dare to hurt her” warns Mira one last time. 

“We promise” it's Abby and Romance answer.

With no more words to be said, Rumi takes Abby's hand and together they all walk away, far enough to not be heard by Mira nor Zoey.

The duo is petting Derpy and they are both alert in case they see something suspicious.

“First of all, thanks for trusting us” Mystery said.

“A pleasant surprise I will admit” Romance added.

“Actually I'm the shocked one here”

“For us not being dead?”

“Demons are immortal beings, time won't kill us and even if we are not humans we still preserve our soul. When a demon dies, both its body and soul are destroyed forever. The final death” Baby starts.

“Our bodies can heal from almost anything but if you hurt our soul there is no turning back to us” Romance continued.

“It's why your weapons work on us, you attack our souls, that's what really kills us. It's also why we can't really kill each other, we feed on human souls but we can't touch another demon soul” Abby added.

Makes sense Rumi though

Rumi is about to ask why are they telling her this when finally Mystery explains ”Jinu gave you his soul, Gwi-ma destroyed his body”

Rumi is paralyzed once she understands the implications of it.

“A demon can give its own to someone else but only if the other person it's willing to take it. A bond, where souls get connected to each other”

“Hold up a minute are you saying-” because that's a lot to process. Rumi has a thousand questions now.

How does demon's souls work?

Did something like this happen to her parents?

Is that why she is half demon? A bound of souls?

What does this mean for Jinu-?

“Your sword” Baby demands.

“We need to be sure” Mystery explains.

Rumi invokes her weapon and gives it to them without a second thought.

The demons take it with care, clearly scared of the object that had killed so many of them in the past.

At first Rumi doesn't see anything different, but when she steps closer she starts to notice it. The sword's color has changed from its natural shiny blue to a lighter purple, although it's difficult to see it, it's not the only thing different, the sword now shows some lights on it, almost like it has patterns on it.

Then she pays attention to the demons and realizes their features have changed, there is shock in their eyes and their breathing sounds more agitated than before. 

It became to the point Zoey and Mira suspect something is going on and run next to Rumi but she doesn't let them do anything. 

Suddenly the Saja Boys drop the sword as if it's burning their skin, Rumi is quick enough to catch it before it falls to the ground.

The demons share a glance for a brief moment before hugging her and Rumi is taken back by the unexpected situation. Derpy takes the sight as an invitation to join and jumps into them, they end up on the floor but the demons don't seem to care. Even Sussie looks happier than usual, which is saying a lot.

“Thank you” says Abby with a tear on his eye.

“What happened?” Rumi truly feels like missing something.

The Saja Boys get up, Mystery and Romance offer their hand to help Rumi to stand, it's all a strange deja vu from the first time she met Jinu on that alley, this time they actually help her and finally in one voice they say what Rumi had been wanting to hear since that tragic day.

“He is alive”