Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Jinu was on his phone when he saw the video. Well, a 'reel' as he had told it was called but whatever, video. It was a guide on how to make a simple paper flower bouquet.

One video, and he was hooked on the idea.

Soon after watching it, he recruited Zoey, who adored helping him with whatever romantics he came up with for Rumi. She gladly dragged him to a craft store, the same one he'd actually gotten those duck letters so long ago.

Long? It had been almost a year since they started dating, though it only felt like yesterday he heard the words 'I love you' come from Rumi's lips. To be fair, he did think about it almost daily.

"Alright, you said you needed pink and white paper…we have scissors at home…oh! Glue too! And some new markers, ours are pretty dried up." Zoey threw the supplies into the blue basket, Jinu behind her. He was looking through those duck cards, debating over which one to get. Maybe it was cheesy, but sue him, he wanted to do it.

After he picked and payed for the supplies, he got right to work at home. Luckily, Rumi was at a solo bathhouse trip so she couldn't see what he was doing. It was going to be a total surprise.

He was done a couple flowers when he heard the elevator beep, and just barely stashed the supplies back into the plastic bag when Rumi popped into their room.

"Hey Ji- what are you up to?" She had noticed him hurriedly switching tabs on his laptop that had the video to something else.

"Nothing, just work." Jinu smiled at his girl, and he earned a suspicious look before Rumi strolled over to his chair. She climbed onto his lap, pressing her cheek to his chest, listening to his heartbeat pick up. Jinu's hand picked up the bottom of her braid, still clueless on how she handled this much hair, and pulled out the hair tie.

He began to undo the plaits, no words, nothing like that needed. Just silence and peace in one another. This is definitely a woman worth figuring out how to make paper flowers for.

The second time Jinu tried to get work done on the flowers, he made a heavy mistake. Rumi was home, just in the living room brainstorming social media promo stuff, whatever they were up to. He had asked Zoey to keep Rumi out of their bedroom as long as possible.

He had finished one bouquet, but he wasn't the most happy with it. Crooked petals, weird coloring, it just wasn't what he wanted. So, he started anew. His back was starting to ache from his hunched position over Rumi's desk. He'd made a few when Zoey texted him that Rumi was going to the room to get something, Zoey never specifies on much.

Once again, he put the flowers back into the bag, just as Rumi came in. She, thankfully, wasn't suspecting him this time, "Hey, just came to get my notebook I left in here…do you know where it is?"

Jinu nodded, pointing to the small bookshelf near the door, "On that one." She uttered a small thanks before reaching to grab it. However, the trash can with a bunch of tiny paper scraps was also close to the door. Rumi looked up at him, "Uh, what's with all the paper?"

His heart pounded, but he kept his cool for the most part, "Just thrown out ideas or something."

Rumi raised an eyebrow, but didn't seem to want to press it more. She shuffled over to him a few steps to grab his waist. She pulled him into a kiss, and Jinu thread his fingers through her hair, down around her shoulders for once.

As she just barely pulled away, her whispery breath still mingling with his, "So now will you tell me why you've been so secretive?"

"Nope…you'll see." Jinu smirked up at her, planting a kiss on her mouth.

"Oh? Better be good." She remarked. And with that, she backed away and left the room, going back to the living room.

Okay, she didn't know, but that was the worst thing for him to hear. 'Better be good', sure the second bouquet looked good, but he wanted perfect. He even told Zoey this, who said he needed to stop being so obsessive over this. Rumi wasn't going to break up with him over crooked paper petals…right?

He started work on the third edition, making sure he followed the video to a T. In his mind, this was the best of the three. Maybe he shouldn't have been so particular, but he wanted to, for her.

On the morning of their anniversary, was a day Rumi actually had an off day from idol work. So, for once, she actually slept in, and Jinu was the one to wake up early. He watched her sleep, her chest rising and falling with soft breaths.

Rumi was so peaceful as she slept, the problems of the day floating away for just a little while. Well, she was peaceful until she stole the blankets and he slept cold, but she was cute. A strand of purple hair fell across her face, and Jinu reached out the brush it back behind her ear. Her eyes fluttered open, dazed for a moment, but softened once focused on him, "Morning…"

"Good morning jagi. Happy Anniversary." Jinu looped an arm around her waist, pulling her flush to his chest.

Rumi snuggled against his collarbone. "Happy Anniversary to you too," she muttered against his sleep shirt. "One year huh?"

"One whole year of being with you, best year of my life so far." He titles her chin up to kiss her, feeling Rumi melt into the kiss.

They spend the day attached at the hip. Jinu had taken Rumi to her favorite cafe for breakfast, and then they walked in the park together. Neither wanted to do anything else but be with the other.

Dinner may have been a bit rough, mainly because Rumi was a terrible cook and burned some of the food. He could never care if she sucked at cooking.

The sun had gone down, and they were cuddled up on the couch, watching some drama movie on the TV. Jinu whispered against her silky soft hair, "I made you something."

"Is this the surprise you've been so secretive about?" Rumi perked up, turning her head to look back at him. "And I made you something too. Lemme go get it!" She crawled off his lap, rushing to the storage closet. Is that why he never found anything?

Jinu himself popped off the couch to get the flowers from their room. He had made sure to store them in one of his clothing drawers, specifically with his socks, since that happened to be the one article of clothing Rumi didn't have a habit of stealing.

They both returned to the living room, each holding something behind their back. Rumi spoke up, "I'll go first, I made these for you." She held out a small black and gold box, opening it. Inside was a set of small pink candles.

"You know how to make candles?" Jinu looked at them, bringing one up to smell. Oh, it smelled good, sandalwood and lavender.

"No, I went to a class, it was pretty fun." Rumi was a bit fidgety, rocking on her heels.

Jinu took the box, placing it down on the glass coffee table, "I made you a gift." He held out the paper flowers, his face painted pink with blush, looking down at his feet.

She didn't say anything for a much too long second, "You…made these? God I love you." Rumi took the bouquet from his hands, fingertips running over the petals, "This is what all that damn paper was for?"

She was smiling, beaming even, and Jinu couldn't resist pulling her into an embrace. He laughed against her temple, "Yes darling, that was where the paper was from. Took three tries to be perfect."

"Of course you obsessed over it…" She sighed, hugging him tighter.

This was only their first anniversary, and he was thankful every day to have this chance, to be with her.

Chapter Text

Rumi was on her phone, wiping at her sweaty forehead with a towel. Dance rehearsal had been way too long, making sure everything was pristine and perfect for the concert next month. Mira and Zoey had resigned to the bathhouse, but Rumi preferred to relax by herself, even if it was still in the dance room.

She'd been scrolling through Instagram when she got a text message, from an unknown number. Probably an accident or some obsessive fan that somehow got her number. She opened the text, and it read:

Unknown Number: Is this Rumi? I have a favor to ask.

So, they did know who she was, though Rumi wasn't getting the 'creepy stalker' vibe. She decided to respond.

Rumi: Who's this?

The message was read fast, and a reply came quick.

Unknown Number: A friend who needs a favor?

Rumi: Try again.

Unknown Number: Fiiine, it's Jinu. I still need a favor.

Okay, maybe she could understand how a creepy stalker could get her number, but how in the hell did he? They weren't friends, not at all. The Saja Boys were constantly going up against Huntrix, always challenging the girl group for the top spot on the charts. Rumi hadn't even noticed how flushed her face was getting from annoyance.

Rumi: How the fuck did you get my number?

Nonetheless, she saved his contact, for some reason. Maybe so she wouldn't have to guess every time he spontaneously messaged her. She still made sure to put 'Jinu Asshole' as the name.

Jinu: Language darling. Anyways, Zoey and Mystery text, and I asked Mystery to ask Zoey for your number because I needed a favor.

Her face felt redder. She was going to kill Zoey when she got back from the bathhouse.

Rumi: Fine. What do you need?

Is he was going to ask her out, she swore-

Jinu: Sorry to spring this on you, but the Saja Boys are going on tour for a bit, as you know…and I have pets I need someone to look after. I'm only asking you because my normal pet sitter is busy.

Okay…this wasn't that bad right? At least he wasn't asking her out.

Rumi: What pets do you have? I don't really do dogs.

Jinu: No dogs, a cat and a bird.

Rumi: Fine. What do you need me to do with them?

Jinu: Just come to my apartment a few times a day to feed them, make sure they're okay, maybe play with the cat? He likes to play.

She really did like cats…and the fact that he had a cat made her heart do some weird flutter. Rumi sent him a quick message confirming she would pet sit for him, and that was that.

Two days later, Jinu had sent Rumi his apartment address and she packed a small bag to go over. She maybe bought a cat toy, not as a gift for him, but for the cat. His apartment flat was a few blocks away from the Huntrix tower, and once she put on a hoodie and stuffed her hair inside, she set off.

The streets were pretty quiet for once, everyone paying attention to their own things. She made it to the apartment building pretty fast. Climbing up two flights of stairs, she stood in front of his door. It took a stupid long time to knock, and the door swung open.

"Hey, Rumi. Come on in." Jinu stepped aside to let her in the apartment, clad in sweatpants and a loose white shirt. It was a simple place, not terribly decorated.

"Thought you'd have more…stuff." Rumi headed to the living room, plopping down on the couch. She looked around for the cat, or even the bird, but she couldn't see or hear either. "Are you sure you have pets?"

Jinu chuckled, leaning against the wall, "They're here, I put them in my room since Derpy likes to storm the door whenever he hears the knob turn."

"I'm sorry- Derpy?" Rumi peered over the edge of the couch as Jinu opened his bedroom door. Almost instantly, a large and fluffy silver tabby cat ran out. It had a little bell on its blue collar.

"That's Derpy. He loves people." She noticed Jinu trying not to laugh as Derpy jumped onto Rumi's lap, nudging his head under her chin. She'd wanted a cat most of her life, Celine always said no to pets, and this was the fluffiest thing she'd ever seen.

"Still- you named your cat…Derpy?" It was such a stupid name but by God it was the most fitting name. The cat did have the most thoughtless stare of all.

"Yes, and the bird is Sussie. She's not a people bird; she won't be too bothersome. And leave her hat, she'll just take it back." He rushed into his room for a moment, before coming back out with a magpie on his hand. As he said, the bird had a hat. This man had the oddest pets.

"Anyways, I have to leave for the airport. There's a spare key on the counter for you to use. Oh! Send me pictures? Please." Why was he being so nice to her? They were supposed to be enemies from rival group, but he just asked her to send pictures of his pets. It made butterflies swarm in her belly.

She watched him leave the apartment, finally noticing how pink her face had gotten. She looked down at Derpy still in her lap, "Just me and you now. And the bird."

The next day, it was early, and she headed over despite the chilly morning. She took the back streets, and it was actually faster. Once she'd got inside with the key he gave her, Derpy was trying to climb up her legs. God, this was the most adorable creature ever. After making sure the bowls of food and water were full, and Sussie had food as well, she sat on the couch.

She may have taken the remote and put on his TV and maybe went on his Netflix to see what he was watching. Most of it was crime shows and documentaries, such an old man, but there were plenty of k-drama shows, some of her own favorites. Specifically, the most recent were her favorites that she had mentioned she liked in an interview, had he watched it?

This really wasn't the time to have a crush on a guy, but she was knee deep already. Derpy, also on the couch, pawed at her thigh, almost agreeing with her. Rumi pulled out her phone and snapped a pic of Derpy, of all his fluffy goodness, and sent it to Jinu. It was a minute before he answered:

Jinu: It's cute. But your pants are cracking me up…teddy bears and choo-choo trains?

She hadn't even paid attention to her navy-blue pajama pants, the cute print.

Rumi: This isn't about my pants?! And nothing is wrong with it.

Jinu: Choo-choo. But I get it.

Rumi: I'm not sending you any more pictures.

Jinu: Nooo, come on choo-choo.

She was going to kill him. Sussie had flapped over, perching on her shoulder. She seemed to look at Rumi's phone screen and squawked, almost agreeing her owner was an idiot.

When Jinu came back after two weeks, Derpy hadn't left Rumi's lap when he came in. "Come on boy, you've known her for two weeks. I've been feeding and loving you for over a year!" Jinu whined, and Derpy snuggled closer to Rumi. She was trying not to die of laughter; this was the best result of this favor.

"Guess I took your cat, huh?" She giggled, holding Derpy's fluffiness closer, he was heavy.

"Guess so. Should I pay you for taking care of them?" Rumi paused in her laughter as his question. She'd accepted the offer without asking to be paid, as to why she didn't know. She should have, but she didn't want money. The words tumbled from her without thinking,

"How about we go out sometime? Just us."

Holy shit, she was so screwed.

"Sure, sounds nice." His voice was calm, but she saw the blush line his cheeks, and the embarrassment died down just bit.

At least he was also flustered.

Chapter Text

She didn't know why she agreed to Mira and Zoey's idea. Rumi wasn't a clubbing person, just wasn't her thing. She was trying to tame her hair into a braid, which always took forever on her own. Focused, until a knock at the door, "Rumi? Can I come in? If you're decent, obviously."

Jinu had been staying in the Huntrix apartment for the past two weeks; he had nowhere else to go after being brought back from her sword. Zoey had gladly also extended the club invite to him, even as Mira didn't want him to go. She called back out, "Yeah, you're fine."

Jinu strolled into the room, just wearing a black shirt and jeans. Bless him, he probably had no idea how to dress for a club. "Your hair looks nice, are we going to leave soon?"

"Yeah, once I finish up. You're not very dressed up hm?" She enjoyed teasing him, and he would always do it right back. The push and pull, the back and forth, made her heart flutter with affection.

Jinu scoffed, "In my defense, Mira said to 'wear anything'. And my closet is pretty barren." He leaned against the wall nearby the vanity she was sat at. Rumi saw his eyes dip from her own to her chest, down to her legs, then back up. She had a short, sparkly black dress on, her iridescent patterns winding up and down her legs, and she swore she saw his fingers twitch. She couldn't find words in her throat, feeling the air escape her lungs. Neither spoke for a long moment until, "I'm glad I'm invited," Jinu whispered.

She turned back to the mirror, hoping he couldn't see the growing blush on her face, though he probably could. "Yeah, me too."

The car ride wasn't very eventful, they preferred walking in the city but for the sake of their identities, car was easier. Zoey had insisted on driving, while Mira sat in the passenger seat, glaring at Jinu every chance she got. Rumi sighed at her, "You know, that's not doing anything."

Mira rolled her eyes, "It makes him think long and hard about his actions, and so he doesn't do them again."

"I was already doing that!" Jinu raised his hands in mock surrender, shifting away from Mira in his car seat.

The club was alight with music and bright strobes. There was a short line to get inside, it was one of those exclusive ones that they could go to and not be treated like celebrities, and like just another famous person.

Before Rumi could open her door, Jinu had rushed around and opened it for her, extending his hand. "My lady," he said as their hands met. Perhaps he was joking around, but she still melted inside. She felt the warmth of his palm slide away as they walked to the club entrance, for the best, dating scandals were a hassle.

Indoors, there was a decent bar but a large dance floor, and she knew a good amount of the faces here. Zoey and Mira both pulled on her arms to the dance floor, Mira having to shout over the loud noise, "Come on! Live a little, you never club with us!" Okay, they were right. Jinu followed behind looking more like a lost puppy than anything.

"Rums, I don't know how to dance." Jinu whined as she pulled him closer.

Rumi shrugged, "Neither do I really, I suck at not dancing to choreography. We can learn together, hm?"

It was awkward, definitely, but oddly relaxing for such an environment. He knew little but followed along with whatever she did, and she could have mistaken him for an expert. At one point, when she had just spun into him, she felt a squeeze on her shoulder, "Bar?" Jinu whispered into her ear, his warm breath making her face feel hot. She could only just nod.

He pulled on her hand over to the bar, and Mira and Zoey followed close behind. None of them were heavy drinkers, per say. They were too busy to ever drink much but some mimosas or soju for celebration. It was a small inside joke that Rumi couldn't handle much alcohol, which wasn't wrong, she was very lightweight.

The girls all ordered just one glass of champagne while Jinu got a glass of soju. Mira and Zoey both had two glasses each, while Jinu had a few, looking positively drunk by the end of it. Rumi only had one, which meant she was probably driving them all home.

When they were ready to leave, Mira and Zoey were fine, a little wobbly, but Jinu was stumbling. It was cute, if she was being honest with herself. Rumi wrapped an arm around his shoulders to help support his weight. "Come on Jinu, we're heading home."

He mumbled a response she couldn't make out, guiding him to the car parked outside by the sidewalk. Rumi climbed into the driver's seat after finagling Jinu into the passenger. Mira poked his face, while she was sitting in the back with Zoey, "You let him get this drunk?"

"He probably hasn't had alcohol in a century or so, leave him be. Don't poke him either." She scolded gently.

The drive home was quite calm, and once they got back to the apartment, Rumi was delegating everyone to bed. Zoey complained on the elevator ride up, "Come on girl, why? We're not that drunk, we won't get hangovers. Well, he will, not us." She pointed at Jinu, who was still clinging to Rumi. He was like a koala, fluffy hair and didn't let go.

She hauled Jinu to his room, also the guest room, who was muttering something, his words were so slurred together. "Jinu, are you okay? You didn't have that much, and you're pretty drunk." She sat him down on the bed, then plopped down beside him. His head fell to her shoulder, and Rumi was sure her heart skipped a beat.

"You smell nice Rumi…very pretty, I like you." Jinu mumbled into her shoulder, and holy shit she was done for.

"Your…your tongue is loose." She shook her head, trying to move past the topic and just get him to bed.

"Mm, maybe. Doesn't mean I'm lying…" His breath was warm and sending a shiver down her spine.

"Go to bed, we can talk in the morning, 'kay?" Rumi smiled down at his flushed face, eyes flicking to his mouth for just a second. She wanted it on hers, to be held in his arms for the night.

"Mhmm…" He flopped back on the bed, and Rumi pulled the covers over him. "Good night, Rums…"

"Good night." She leaned down to place a soft kiss to his hair, before leaving his room.

Chapter Text

"I need your help with something."

Zoey's head snapped up from her phone at the sound of Jinu's voice, as did Mira's. "What exactly do you need?" Zoey asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm planning to…propose so I need your help-" He didn't get to finish his sentence before Zoey bounced up from the couch, launching at him, squealing, "You are?! Oh my god oh my god!"

Even Mira seemed a bit excited, standing as well, "So what part do you need help with?"

Jinu gently pushed Zoey off him, damn that girl had grip, "Just…with everything. I watched videos and everything is so different from when I was alive, I kind of don't get it." Being a four hundred year old demon had some perks, but trying to learn to propose to your girlfriend in modern times was not one of them.

"Okay…well, we have to get a ring, set up a place, make sure she doesn't suspect a thing." Mira listed out what they needed. He'd already envisioned the ring, drawn a crude sketch even. Jinu wanted this to be perfect, and he accepted he needed help with achieving that.

"Oh! We should go ring shopping, or did you want a custom?" Zoey prattled on different gems and metals, but came around to one important thing, "Hold on! Wait, do you know her ring size? Cause you can't screw that up."

Well that last part was so helpful, but Jinu had thought of this, "Yeah, I just took some of her other rings, managed to steal the promise ring for little bit to measure it."

They had given each other promise rings a year or so ago, after being together a year and a half. Simple silver bands with infinity symbols, with 'Always and Forever' engraved inside. Neither of them really ever took it off, he was still shocked he managed to steal it long enough to measure.

"I was planning on a custom, but we can still go look around."

"Shopping trip!" Zoey squeaked, grabbing his hand and pulling him to the elevator. Mira followed along behind them, "You ruin her dream proposal, I'm out for your ass."

At the store, Zoey was pulling him around the rings section, especially around the engagement rings. Jinu wasn't a fan of most of them, he wanted his to have meaning, value. Most of them were just diamonds and silver bands, which he understood was the thing, but not want he was looking for.

He'd managed to get some space from the girls, to look at some stones available for custom rings. He'd almost chosen her birthstone, a sapphire, before something else pulled his attention.

The gemstone, label 'opal' by a small card underneath, reminded perfectly of Rumi's patterns glowing when she was happiest. The iridescent shimmer looked just like her skin's. No other gem in that whole store could come close to this.

He'd brought his drawing, but all that he'd really decided on was the band. It was jagged silver lines, again like her patterns, the very reason they started meeting and bonded.

Mira came up behind him, "Not finding anything?"

Jinu shook his head, "Nope. Probably going to get something made, I already have the idea."

What Jinu had to do next was write the speech, which should be easy, he had so much to say. However, he did look up a bunch of guides and all of them said not to make it too long.

He'd spent most of the day writing and revising and editing it. It was a much longer process than he'd been expecting, and the hardest part was keeping it from Rumi, who was oddly clingy that day.

"You keep changing the tab when I walk in? You're being really secretive." Rumi interrupted him for the tenth time, finally commenting on his behavior. Before Jinu could answer, she climbed into his lap, settling herself against him.

"Can't a man get a surprise gift for his girl? Don't worry about it." It was partially the truth, as he was still waiting on the ring to be finished.

"I guess…m' not moving though." She snuggled closer to his chest, notching her head under his chin. God, she was adorable.

"That's fine, but can you please close your eyes for me? Don't want to ruin the surprise." Jinu stroked a hand over her silky purple hair, which was free from its braid for once.

Rumi pouted up at him, but her eyes fluttered shut, "Cause you asked nicely, and cause I love you."

"I love you too." Jinu pressed a kiss to her hair, tempted to rest his cheek against it and nap with her. But he resisted the allure, he had a speech to write.

It wasn't exactly easy to type while a whole person sat in his lap, he kept having to maneuver around her. True to her word, she kept her eyes closed, and he would be eternally grateful. She knew how much surprises meant to him.

He decided to take a break when dinner time hit, he'd barely eaten today. He patted her lower back, "I'm almost done, figured we'd get something to eat?"

Rumi nearly shot up from his lap, complaining about her hunger and how he must be starving as well, which true, he was. "How big is this surprise? You've been cooped up in our room all day, have you even eaten? Cause I swear Jinu-"

"I ate darling, relax. I'm just making sure everything is perfect, you deserve the best." He stood from the chair, placing a kiss on his forehead. "What do you want to eat?"

"Can we get takeout from the place? Haven't had their food in like two weeks!" And then the idea struck him. Before actually proposing, he'd take Rumi out to her favorite restaurant, a nice local place with arguably the best food. Maybe dessert in the park after, and he'd do it there.

"Of course jagi, come on." Jinu picked up his phone to order the food.

Mira had told him not to expect everything to be perfect, because these things weren't like that, but he was sure going to try.

Chapter Text

"Jinu…wake up..." Rumi poked at his nose, his brows furrowing in sleep.

Jinu swatted her hand away from his face, "Mm, no..too early."

Rumi took a glance at the bedside clock. Okay, it was five AM, but she normally woke up at six anyways, what's the difference? "Come on, guess what?"

Jinu groaned, reaching out to grab the hand he had pushed away to interlock their fingers, "What…why are you making me get up…" His deep morning voice sent a warm blush over her face.

"It's snowing! First snow of the year, and I wanna go out for a walk." She pulled on their joined hands, sitting up in their bed, "Get up you lazy." She tried to roll him over, but he sat up on his own.

"Rumi, darling, I love you so much…but it's too early. Go back to bed." Damn him, he was sweet talking her back to sleep, his free hand tangling in her hair.

"Nope! I'm going for a walk, and you as my boyfriend, have to come with me." Rumi declared, trying not to laugh when he flopped back down on to pillows, pulling the blanket over his head. "For me? Pleeeaaase?" Despite being faced away from her, she still gave the puppy eyes, it always worked on him.

"Fine…but you owe me coffee…" Jinu sighed, rolled off the bed, pushing off to stand. Rumi did give herself a look over him, he was hers anyways. His white sleep shirt clung to his biceps, the same arms that held her with all the tenderness in the world. She'd gifted him the same choo-choo train and teddy bear pants he made fun of, just for the irony and because he looked adorable in it.

"Deal! Come on, lets go! I want to get outside before everyone else does." She jumped off the bed, already grabbing her coat and boots.

"Don't think anyone else is going to be up darling, but alright."

When the elevator reached the lobby floor, Rumi didn't wait for the doors to open all the way before pulling him out the room. They both still wore their pajamas, just with a jacket on and actual shoes. "Hurry!"

Jinu chuckled at her enthusiasm but nonetheless let her drag him across the lobby. It was indeed snowing outside, for the first time that year, the air brisk and chilly. There actually were a couple people outside enjoying the first snow before the crowds of the morning, but not as many as Rumi was so 'worried' about.

She was getting a nice look when he tightened his hold on her hand, guiding her towards the sidewalk near the apartment building. "Walk to the park and take the trail there?" She nodded at his idea, gladly allowing him to lead them both.

It was such a calm walk towards the park, again, not many people were awake at this hour just for snow. Maybe Rumi had been a bit dramatic, but she kept seeing cute couple videos of walks in the snow, and sue her, she had to try it. Her head leaned on his shoulder; his arm wrapped around her waist. Neither needed to speak whilst they strolled, just enjoy the company.

Once they got to the park, it was covered in snow. The warm colors of autumn all gone and replaced by a blanket of bright white. It looked like a movie scene, one she'd rewatch as a kid and dream of a relationship like that. Now, she had it. She had someone who'd wake up at the crack of dawn to indulge in her wish to see some snow.

Jinu guided her to a bench along one of the paths, "This all you wanted? I have to admit, it's beautiful. But I don't mind seeing you in the morning light, that's even better."

Damn him, how did he make it sound so easy to fluster her, like it was instinct for him. A blush crept down her neck, warming away the wind's chill. "I like it too." Well, he had to pay for flustering her somehow.

She reached down to grab a handful of snow, made it into a ball since he was looking at a snow covered lamppost with some birds, and threw it at his face.

"Rumi?! Hey!" She giggled at his surprise, jumping off from the bench to run away. He soon chased after her, his much longer legs catching up fast. He tackled her into a snowdrift, the white powder covering her face fast.

"Alright! I yield!" Rumi's ribs hurt from laughter, pushing him off her and out of the snow pile. "You're mean, tackling me into the snow."

"Says the girl who threw snow at me!" But Jinu also chucked a ball of snow at her back.

They got back on the trail after their little snow fight, which Rumi still doesn't admit to 'losing'. They were nearby the half frozen over lake when she whined, "My hands are cooold. Should have brought gloves."

Jinu grabbed her pink tinted hands, bringing them up to his mouth, puffing out a warm breath across her skin. It felt great, as he rubbed her hands between his, heating them up. "Better?" Jinu smiled at Rumi's lack of response; her face flushed from both the cold and from him.

"You're perfect." She threw her arms around him, cuddling her head against his neck. Was this man a fireplace? He was so warm.

Jinu smiled, chuckling out an answer, "Am I? Just cause I make you warm?"

"Mhm…"

She didn't let go of him their whole morning walk, through the park and back to the apartment. Nothing was more romantic to her than private little trysts, and that's what they always did best.

Chapter Text

Rumi sat on their bed, flipping through her lyrics notebook, pen pressed to her chin. Jinu was behind her, starting to slowly unravel her braid. They did this almost every night, they'd chat while he undid her hair.

"Still coming up with lyrics? You've been at this all day." Jinu chided softly, he always hated when she overworked herself, even if was a habit.

Rumi rolled her eyes, doodling next to the words she had written down, "The best stuff comes out late at night. I'll sleep."

Jinu sighed, but he dropped the topic, letting her continue her work, and his own. He was so thorough with her braid, making sure not a single tangle was in her hair. She hummed the rhythm, mumbling her ideas into the space. She was not a fan, her head falling back in a groan. "Hey, what'd you do today?" She wanted to talk about something.

Jinu pressed a gentle kiss to her head, "Had some meetings with my manager for some deadlines and projects. Nothing too interesting, I'm not being harped like Huntrix is." He was right, Huntrix had been getting some flak from the label that they hadn't finished recording the new album, it was infuriating how the higher ups didn't get how long creative processes took.

"It's getting on my nerves." Rumi felt the last of her braid come undone and she leaned back against him, nestling her head in the crook of his neck.

"I know sweetheart, I'm happy to help if I can." His hand absentmindedly stroked her arm, tracing her patterns up and down. She wished he could, his brand wasn't exactly the same as Huntrix's. Neither spoke for a few minutes until Rumi chucked her notebook halfway across the room.

"Movie. Lay down." Jinu chuckled at Rumi's commanding tone, but he did as she said, laying back into the pillows.

"What are we watching my love?" Jinu's smile widened as Rumi crawled into his lap, practically laying on top of him. Their bodies slotted together like they were made for one another from birth.

"There's a new k-drama movie out that Zoey has been nagging me to watch." She turned on the movie, cuddling closer as the opening credits started.

They got to the first meeting of the couple when Jinu commented, "Reminds me of how we met hm?"

Rumi raised an eyebrow at him, turning her head to look at him, "How? We were trying to kill each other; I was swinging a sword at you."

"Well yes darling, I know. I meant how he already knows her biggest secret, like I did yours." She was stunned for a moment, much to his delight, and he placed a quick kiss to her mouth. "Cat got your tongue?"

"N-no, just thinking."

"'Bout what?"

"Do you think we still would have bonded if you hadn't seen my patterns that day? It was the reason we started talking." She felt Jinu's hold on her tighten, why, she couldn't figure that out.

"Somehow, I would have found you. You're the only right person for me, promise."

Rumi was a literal celebrity, she'd heard that 'no one else could compare to her' before, but somehow, coming from him made the air escape from her lungs, her face warm with blush. "And you…there's no one else for me." She gazed up into his eyes, seeing his pupils widen with love, before he leaned in to kiss her.

They both nearly forgot the movie, until a loud sound from the TV drew both their attention. "Guess we got distracted huh?" Jinu chuckled but settled back into the pillows again.

Jinu made some comments throughout the film, but until the end, Rumi didn't talk much, watching in content silence. The ending was sad, where the male love interest died saving the female lead's life. She felt her eyes prick with tears, the memories swirling in her mind. Jinu in front of the pink fire, declaring that she set him free and his soul was hers. She felt it beating next to her heart, the same heart that devoted itself to him. "Doesn't that remind you…"

"Of course it does." Jinu mumbled against her hair, his hand coming to rest against her heart, feeling it's steady drum. "I don't regret anything."

She had hoped he would, it had been a rough month after he 'died'. Even with his soul nestled in her chest, it was lonely. Even with Derpy and Sussie now in her care, with Mira and Zoey, she didn't want it. She'd never truly understood 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' until then, until she lived it.

Now that the movie was over and Jinu gave Rumi a tissue to wipe her teary eyes, she pulled him to lay on their sides. He spooned her from behind, resting his chin on the top of her head. Perfect. "Good night, Rumi. I love you, now and always."

"Love you too, now and always." She sighed, before letting sleep claim her.

Chapter Text

"I still can't believe you guys chose to move out." Mira said after sealing another box with packaging tape. She wasn't in tears like Zoey was at the moment, who was putting some pillows in a different box, "Why Rumiiii? We'll never see you again!"

Rumi rolled her eyes, as she folded more clothes to be packed, "It's two floors down, and we're still a band. On hiatus, sure, but not for that long." Jinu sat next to her, helping place the new tiny clothes in a separate box.

She'd wanted all the new nursery stuff kept in their own spot, just for organizational sake. She felt Jinu's hand settle over the swell of her stomach, rubbing her skin through the sweater. He hadn't stopped touching her stomach since it started growing.

Zoey was going to whine again but Mira placed a hand on her shoulder, "We'll be alright, so long as you do plan to come up majority of the week, at least." She gave Rumi a fake glare, who stuck her tongue out.

Jinu chuckled, still stroking his wife's stomach, "We'll visit, and yes, we'll bring the baby when it's born." It was the reason they were moving out in the first place, there wasn't exactly the right kind of space for a kid in the penthouse, certainly not a whole other bedroom.

"We better see the kid, as the unofficial official aunties." Zoey said, sealing up the box she had finished filling.

Rumi sent her eyes skyward again, compacting more clothes into her box, "Promise. And you'll be our first choice for babysitting duties if need be."

"SCORE!" Zoey whooped, earning a groan from Mira, who was still clearly excited as well. "And we have the perfect going away party for you two." Mira said, then added, "The drinks are non-alcoholic, we want you to still be able to celebrate."

That evening was full of tears, happy memories, even going through a picture book that Zoey had (no one else even knew she had it?). Zoey pointed at another old photo, their first promotional poster as Huntrix, "Remember this one?! Goodness, it looked so much better back then. It's sort of…plain next to our new stuff."

Mira slapped her hand over her face in the poster, "Don't show that, I look horrid."

Rumi's ribs were hurting from laughing all night, which was not a nice addition to back pain that plagued her daily now. Jinu was currently pressing his fingers into her lower back, massaging at her muscles. The second she mentioned her back hurt; he took care of it every chance he got. He always stated that it was his duty because he 'did this to her', which made her giggle every time.

Rumi took another sip of the peach lemonade, leaning back into Jinu's touch. She felt his lips brush against her ear, "How're you feeling? Ready to really move out?"

She nodded, biting back the tears that flowed to her eyes. "Yeah…I'm fine."

"You're crying darling."

"I'm pregnant! I get to cry asshole." Rumi was definitely much snappier the past five months. She didn't love how hormonal she'd been, but Jinu was never upset with her, always giving her space if she needed it.

"Alright alright. I'm sad too, I'm gonna miss this place."

"Look at this picture!" Zoey pointed to…oh that was a bad picture of them as teenagers and trainees.

"ZOEY! Put that away!" Mira shouted, trying to snatch the picture book from Zoey's hands, who dodged the swipe.

Rumi put down the last box they had carried into the elevator and lugged into their new apartment. Jinu had insisted on doing most of the work, due to her condition. She didn't love being babied, but her back was killing her.

She flopped onto the brand new couch, pulling a blanket from a box to cover her face, "Jinuuu…don't wanna unpack."

Jinu chuckled, stripping the blanket from her face, "I know jagi. We have to, how about we start with the nursery? Zoey and Mira finished painting it about half an hour ago I think. I know you're eager to start the baby's room."

"Yes! Where's the box?" Rumi popped from the couch, earning a concerned look from Jinu, "Please be careful- Rumi."

She rushed to the room they had claimed as the nursery, the walls painted a soft yellow and green. Rummaging through the box, she pulled out the wall art they had chosen, already getting the double sided tape. Jinu started on building the crib, though he wasn't very adept with tools, but neither was she.

"Rumi? What's a drill?"

"Like a tool to make small holes or put in screws faster, and we do not have one." She shrugged, placing the last adorable graphic on the wall. A little blue tiger, just like Derpy. The tiger had been lounging on their bed back in the master bedroom across the hall, Sussie on his head. She was glad they also didn't mind the move.

"Alright, then I gotta figure some of this out." Jinu chuckled, earning one from Rumi as well.