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They lay in Rumi's bed as the sun shine gently into onto the sleeping couple.
Rumi groaned as she held a finger shift under her shirt, touching her pattern covered skin, stirring her more and more awake. Mira chuckled before she kissed Rumi's forehead, earning a tighter pull closer from the still drowsy Rumi.
"Good morning sleepyhead."
Rumi hummed strenuously as she felt Mira's soft breath above her head, her heart skipped a beat knowing the woman she loves was so close by. "Mir, love. Let me sleep."
"We got an interview today, baby."
Rumi groaned again and pulled the covers to hide her face, Mira stared at her, shaking her head.
"You're the one who organised it, if anyone should be complaining it's Zo, I could hear her screaming while gaming last night ." Mira said before leaned down and gently peak at Rumi's pattern cover skin of her head, kissing it softly.
"Don't hide from me."
"Hmmm, why ?"
"Cause you're too pretty to hide."
"Hmmmm."
Mira smirked as Rumi slowly revealed more herself and turned, their eyes met before their lips did. It was soft and gentle but filled with love, when they pulled away the two stared at each other with such adornment, it was beautiful. Mira wondered if Rumi was drawn into life and Rumi wondered how lucky she was to stare at Mira, never mind call her hers.
"You need to still get up, baby."
Rumi sighed as she leaned up and kissed Mira again, taking her by surprised but not for long as she wrapped her arms around Rumi's waist. They pulled away and Rumi smiled at her.
"Only cause you're amazing and I love you."
Mira rolled her eyes, knowing that was the real reason but didn't argue with Rumi. "You're such a sap."
Rumi's smile grew as Mira pulled away, she watched her, biting her lip at the sight of the naked long legs that skirted around the bed and in one of Rumi's hoodie, that was too short, hinting at pink underwear underneath while hugged Mira's torso in all the right place. Mira was all to aware and smirked, making sure to swing her hips a little more than usual, her smirk grew when she heard Rumi's breath hitched.
Rumi watched her leave the room, when the door clicked shut, she sighed and flopped back onto the pillow, her hands covered her face, her patterns turned a soft embarrassed yellow. "God, how am I this lucky ?"
Mira smirk softened at the sight of Zoey, headphones on and bopping along to the music as she cooked rice, she glanced up from the rice cooker, grinning, waving happily. Mira rolled her eyes as she approached and waved back, slipping onto one of the kitchen island's stools gently.
Zoey approached her, slipping her headphones off. "Morning Mimi, Ruru getting a few more Z's ?"
"Tried to. It didn't work." Mira answered with a small chuckle, Zoey rolled her eyes as she turned away and focused on the kettle as steam boiled out of it.
"Maybe she should change her name to something more fitting, just not Zoey, that's taken…or Zoey with no y, she's weird enough, don't need to start spelling her name weird too." Zoey said as she moved her head along with the beat playing quietly through her headphone as she poured the hot water into cups, Mira stared at her amused, not all their mornings were like this but for Mira they were all special.
Zoey hummed to the beat and Mira knew it was only time till she was about to start singing, eventually she heard the quiet sounds of rapping.
"Chrome hearts and I break 'em still, He lovesick, he get them chills, VVS, can you keep it real? Need an IV, this shit too ill."
Mira smirked, knowing the song all too well and joined in gently. "I'll be outside now, what you gonna do ? I don't wanna pipe down, what you gonna do? I'm on a flight now, what you gonna do? I'ma do me now, baby, do you."
Zoey looked back at Mira, delighted with her joining in. Mira's smirk grew as both of them continued. "Guess how many times I can make you cry ? Guess how many times I could leave you dry ? Can you make it right? Can you make it right? Yeah, your love is blind, can you see the signs?"
"Are two singing without me ?" Rumi asked as she walked into the kitchen, rubbing sleepers out of her eyes, the two turned and smiled at her, causing her to paused.
"Don't stop now, you two were killing it."
Zoey giggled as she looked away and picked up a mug, placing it gently on the counter. "We were rapping but good morning Rumi ! Did you and Mira have a good night getting freaky last night ?"
Mira sighed and pinched her brow while Rumi pouted at the question, the were more used to these types of things coming from Zoey but it still annoyed the two. "Zoey."
"Hey I'm just saying, you two are the reason I can't use my open back headphone anymore."
Rumi's pattern flashed yellow as she looked away embarrassed while Mira leaned forward and tugged at Zoey's ear. "Ow, ow, ow, hey it's not my fault you two can't keep your hands off each other !"
"And it's not our fault you can't keep your mouth shut. You better not joke about our sex life later on camera again or I swear to god Zo."
"Relax Mir, that was one time ! Relax ! I-I won't and even made your peppermint tea for your bowel !"
Mira sighed and let go of Zoey's ear, she rubbed it gently, she turned around, picking up the tea before placing down in front of Mira. She didn't know why and she knew it more of a mental thing but drinking peppermint tea seemed to ease Mira's very sensitive bowel, especially if she drank it early in the morning. Mira smiled and took a sip of the drink, relaxing as the hot beverage slipped down her throat. Rumi who watched the whole event unfolded, letting out a gently laugh and looked at Zoey as she prepared their rice.
"So, Bobby said the car will be here at eight, we'll go to the studio and do the interview. It's suppose to be short and sweet."
"No need for a hammer, we'll nail this !" Zoey said excitedly with a grin and a wink, her arms crossed outward pose like a stereotypical rapper before the trio laughed.
Mira was the first to stop as she smiled at the sight of the Rumi's and Zoey's laughter. Her heart warmed at the sight and she felt herself become lighter. "This is my life, I don't know what I did to deserve this but I could never give this up."
The trio stood in their shared room, now with Rumi's patterns long out, they didn't feel the need to have two separate room, even when Rumi and Mira started dating Zoey suggested that if Rumi or Mira wanted more privacy she was more than happy to have single room but both rejected the idea. It felt wrong to push Zoey out after everything they had all been through.
They looked at each other before getting into a group huddle.
"Okay, it's time, we're back from our three week holiday." Rumi said before she glanced at Mira who nodded at her.
"And we need to remind the charts who the queens around here." Mira smirked at Zoey who nodded with her game face on.
"And keep the demons away ! Or well the evil ones at least." Zoey shot an apologetic smile at Rumi who smiled back, knowing old habits die hard, Mira rolled her eyes.
"This just a simple interview, but we do good, it'll be a great start to our comeback."
"Remember happy fans, happy honmoon !" The trio chanted together and put the hand into a pile, breaking apart as they shot their hands into the air. Zoey bounced away, heading straight for the door, not noticing as Rumi stared at Mira and slipped closer to her.
"You okay ?"
"Never better why ?"
"Good cause…happy wife, happy life !" Rumi said before she pulled Mira closer who chuckled, the urge to kiss each other was strong but the fear of ruining their make-up was stronger. Mira raised her hand up and moved her fingers.
"I don't see a ring on this finger."
"Not yet." Rumi replied with a smirk before pulled away and took Mira's hand. The two walked down the hallway before letting go as they reached the stage. Camera from all different angles pointed at them as fake clapping played around them, they waved at the empty audience chairs before bowing and taking their seats.
The interview, a man dressed in a dark blue suit, smiled at them and sat across from them. "Huntrix ! Long time no see !"
The girls laughed a little before Rumi answered. "Long time no see, we missed all of you."
"This is your longest break you three have ever taken ?"
"That's right, we felt it was important to rest, build up our energy so we could come back better than ever, we're excited to show you what we have been working on." Zoey said with an infectious grin, Bobby grinned back and giving them thumbs up behind the camera. The interview smile back there was an edge of saddest.
"I say so, especially for you Mira."
The caught Mira's attention, she looked at the interviewer and raised an eyebrow at him. "Oh behalf of everyone, we're so sorry for your loss. It must have been difficult to lose your brother and then a few months later your mother."
"Um….what ?"
The interviewer seemed confused and leaned closer. "It was announced today by your Father no ? Cancer, terrible way to die."
Mira stared at the interviewer, her legs felt weak and shock shot through her like a bullet. Rumi glanced at her with worry while Zoey tilted her head with confusion. Mira felt surrounded by everything suddenly, the world felt tighter and confusing, ringing played in her ear when she suddenly shakily stood up.
"H-hey Mira ! Wait !" Zoey yelled as Mira dashed off, stumbling as she did with Rumi following after her and soon Zoey joined in. Bobby went over to the producer, demanding why a question like was asked and to give them five minutes before he too chased after Mira.
Mira stumbled down the hallway, crashing into backstage workers before she continued, Rumi followed behind her, dodging the working and eventually catching up to her. "T-they….they can't be, n-not them….can they ?"
"Mira, Mira, love." Rumi mumbled as she wrapped her arms Mira but she was swatted away, startling Rumi as their eyes met and suddenly Mira's eyes narrowed.
"D-did you…."
Rumi raised her hands defensively. "What ? N-no, no ! I didn't know ! If I did, I would've told you ! Not let some interviewer spring it up on you like that !"
Mira studied Rumi for a bit before she sighed and looked away, guilty ate at her. "I know, I'm sorry I….I….they can't be dead, can they ?"
Rumi lowered her hands slowly, her body language softened and watched Mira carefully. "I-I don't know. I….they would've told you, right ?"
"Apparently not." Mira said as she looked down at the ground, her expression read hurt, her eyes blown out wide. Rumi frowned with concern before approached Mira, gently taking her hand into her own.
"Look, we don't know if they are, let's just." Rumi stopped as her eyes met Zoey who held her phone in her hands, Rumi could tell by Zoey's face that it wasn't good news. Mira noticed and looked at Zoey, her face filled with pain at idea of what was on the phone.
"Zo…show me."
Zoey swallowed before she took a step forward and flipped the phone around revealing the screen. It was an article, released a few hours ago by a business paper that none of them read but heard about in passing.
Heir to Kang Industries Limited and Wife of CEO both dead, confirmed by current CEO.
Mira shakily took the phone as her eyes widened and she bit her lips. her heart raced with each line of the article she read.
Diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer, he was given months to live.
Ultimately the decision was given for life support end.
Believe to be genetic, with some source saying that other family member have died with the same type of cancer.
The lost of their only son is believe to cause heartache for Missus Kang who was later diagnosed with the same cancer too and died a month later when her life support was ended too.
Mira dropped the phone as she let out a choked wail and fell to her knees, Rumi quickly caught her, holding her close. Mira held onto her for dear life before she cried softly into Rumi's chest, Zoey watched then she hugged Mira too, the trio stayed like that when Bobby found them.
They were back in the penthouse, Mira sat on the sofa, her eyes unfocused as Rumi paced behind the chair and Zoey lay on her back. The trio hadn't really talked since the news, Mira's eyes were red from crying for hours.
"I….I know it shouldn't hurt but…."
"Of course it's gonna hurt Mir. They're your family." Zoey said softly as she glanced over to Mira, not noticing Rumi's glare.
"Were. They were her family."
"Ru-"
"They disowned her Zo, they might be dead but there's not point in telling lies and making them out to be angels." Rumi argued causing Zoey to look away and frowned at the ground. Mira sighed as she wiped her eyes harshly.
"R-Rumi's right. They were my family, they're…..I think I h-have a black shirt somewhere."
"Mira." Rumi said gently before she stopped pacing and reached her, placing a hand on Mira's shoulder to offer comfort. Mira tried to relax into it but couldn't as kept staring at the floor.
"I-I should also get tested right ? I could have it too, the gene I mean, they said it was genetic so-"
"Bobby could probably help arrange that !" Zoey chimed in with a soft smile.
"Zoey." Rumi warned, she didn't like the idea of testing for the gene knowing that it could cause more harm than good, Mira smiled at Zoey and placed a hand onto Rumi's.
"Thank you. Both of you." Mira said as she glanced between the two of them before stood up, Rumi's hand slipped away from her body. Rumi watched her with concerned.
"I…I think need some time, alone. If that's okay ?"
Rumi looked at her, she nodded but didn't really want to agree while Zoey smiled at her. "Of course, we'll check on you later alright ?"
Mira let out a sigh of relief before she got off the sofa and headed towards her room. Rumi watched, she wanted to follow, hold Mira and take the sadness away but she knew that if Mira wanted space, it was best to give it. Zoey studied Rumi before jumped off the sofa and went over to her, slinging her arm around her shoulder.
"How you holding up ?"
"Me ?! It's Mira who's breaking apart."
Zoey didn't flinched under Rumi's gaze instead she pulled her closer. "I know but that doesn't mean I can't check on you too. It's hard to see her like that right ?"
Rumi stared at Zoey before she looked away guilty, she was finding it tough, she knew that nothing would take the pain away of losing someone but it didn't help that she had no idea how to, she felt like she was a treating a wound with only a faint idea of how to treat it. "I….I lost my parents before I was born, I've no idea how to help someone through a lost like….this."
Zoey took a deep breath then she hummed for a bit, thinking. Rumi bit her lip, the guilt of the focus being on her and her selfish feelings, not Mira who was going through something way worse, pained her. Eventually Zoey stopped humming and smiled a little.
"You don't need to be an expert, you just need to be there for her, Ru. She needs you now more than ever and your support."
Rumi let her lip go and sighed, knowing that Zoey was right, she hugged back, a silent thank you.
That night, Rumi slipped into bed next to Mira, she snuggled into her back and relaxed, hoping to fall asleep quickly.
That's when she heard it.
A soft, quiet crying filled with pain.
Rumi propped herself up and looked down at Mira as she sobbed into her pillow. "Mir ?"
The sobbing stopped as Mira glanced up at the concerned Rumi staring at her. "S-sorry, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake up."
"You didn't, are you okay ?" Rumi asked but cringed the minute she said it, of course Mira wasn't okay, how could she ?
Mira didn't seemed bothered by the question as she mumbled out. "No…"
Rumi frowned as she wrapped her arms around Mira's body, her nose leaned into Mira's shoulder. They stayed like that for a while until Mira spoke in choke mumbled.
"…I tried to close my eyes and sleep but when I did…I saw them."
Rumi tensed at the sound of Mira's ragged breathing, she kissed her shoulder blade gently, hoping it offered some comfort. "They….they were there, standing and staring at me. They didn't say anything b-but I wanted to hold them, I don't know why. I-I know they didn't love me when they were here but I-"
"Shhh, it's okay, it's okay. You don't have to explain yourself to me." Rumi mumbled in-between the tiny trails of kisses she was leaving on Mira's shoulder.
Mira gripped the pillow tightly, she tried to control her breathing and let the tears fall but it was a part of her felt ashamed even though she knew there was no reason to. Rumi pulled herself closer, kissing Mira's cheek gently and wiped the tears away from her face with her fingers.
"Rumi….do you think….. I know it's wrong and selfish but…..d-do you think they ever love me ? D-do you think Oppa thought of me when he was dying ? Did E-eomma want me even when I was little ?…. What would they say in my dreams if I ever saw them again ?……Because I think…..I don't think they did."
Rumi's eyes met Mira as she waited for an answer but Rumi didn't know, she had never met Mira's family nevermind her brother or mother. She thought about lying briefly, saying something that would comfort Mira but instead she did what felt more right to her, she hugged Mira and said as gently as she could.
"I-I don't know."
Mira nodded as she gripped the pillow more tightly and started sobbing more, allowing herself to cry.
Neither of them slept peacefully that night.
It had been a few days and things had been upside down.
Zoey was mostly communicating with Bobby, organising public appearances, press releases or social media posts. They agreed it was best to go with the story that Mira was grieving for her lost was the reason for their break, Zoey handle most of the public appearances, Rumi either joining her or did her own. Their previous planned interview was left unfinished and deleted.
Fans wondered what had happened and theorised but Rumi knew the talk would die around it, besides she was more concerned with Mira.
Mira had been trying to work but Bobby had refused to let her, saying she needed time, Mira wasn't happy about it, nor the idea of going to therapy again and mostly spent her time finding out more information about her family. She had missed the funerals, both had taken place before the article was published, sending Mira down a spiral further.
That night, Rumi came home with flowers and letter filled with money for Mira. She thanked Rumi but left them in her room. Zoey suggested to Mira about sharing stories about her Mother or Brother but Mira broken down crying and the idea was never brought up again.
She started staying up most night, she would cry or seemed lost in her own world, as hours went by while she was wide awake. Rumi had noticed when she did fall asleep, Mira would mumble in her sleep, calling out for her mother or brother but didn't say anything.
Most of the time she spend time alone, often time seem drained and emotionless. Rumi watched her through the ajar door of the bathroom, Mira sat on the toilet, her IBS had gotten worse after the news and now instead of minutes, she sometimes spent hours in the bathroom.
"Why ? Why ? Why couldn't I…" Mira mumbled to herself as she curled up on herself and cried as she sat on the toilet bowl. Rumi frowned as she deflated and looked away, noticing an approaching Zoey with two cups of tea.
"I know I used to say the bathrooms should be renamed Mira's private offices but…" Zoey trailed off as her eyes met Rumi who took the tea gently and stared at the liquid.
"I…I don't know what to do. It feels like nothing I do is helping….I don't think I can help her. I can't help Mira."
Zoey tensed before she sighed and placed a hand on Rumi's shoulder. "She doesn't need a hero Ru, she needs you, next to her."
"But, I'm useless."
"I bet you ₩5000 she'll still love you if you gave her this. It's peppermint." Zoey offered, handing the other cup of tea still in her hand. Rumi stared at it and she slowly accepted it before she frowned at the door, realizing her hands were too full to knock.
Zoey sighed and rolled her eyes jokily. "Do I have to everything myself ? You two really are the useless lesbian trope."
Rumi raised an eyebrow as Zoey knock loudly before pushed the door open widened, Mira stared up and Rumi glared at Zoey with horror, her pattern glowed yellow. "Z-zoey !"
"Your knight in shiny…well not armour…oh ! in shiny skin is here to ! Enjoy !" Zoey said happily as she could before she dashed away, Rumi pouted and wanted to kill her but that thought disappeared as she heard a soft sad laughter. She looked at Mira as she wiped her tears away and tried to smile at Rumi who lifted the tea up.
"I-I figured since….you're probably gonna be here for a while, why not I join you ? It's peppermint too."
"My hero in shiny skin." Mira mumbled in a strained voice, with a lace of sadness but still smiling, Rumi rolled her eyes and pattern turn pink with love. She walked into the room and sat crossed legged onto the ground, resting both hot drinks on her knees as Mira focused on the task at hand.
The two stayed like in the bathroom, Mira sobbing while Rumi rubbed her knee or offered the peppermint tea. Mira's bowel would clear itself a little and she would apologise for some part of it: the sound, smell or something else but Rumi brushed it off, offering comfort, kissing or tea.
When the tea went cold and low, Rumi stood up, she held Mira, brushing her hair with her finger gently, whispering words into her ear. "I love you, I love you so much Mir. You're amazing, you're so strong and I'm so lucky to have you."
Mira smiled as she looked up, her face was filled with pain but adornment for Rumi. "H-hey um….can I ask you something ?"
Rumi stared at Mira, pulling away slightly. "Do you need me to leave ?"
"N-no, no."
Rumi nodded and waited, Mira looked away as she tensed, she seemed a little lost in thought but eventually she continued. "I've been thinking…..I want to go see my dad."
Rumi's eyes widened, she stared at Mira who felt the stares but didn't look up at her. "What ?"
Mira relaxed a little, believing that Rumi was taking it better than she thought. "I want to go see him."
"Why ?" Rumi asked as her eyes narrowed, she was confused and stunned by Mira's request.
"You don't have to come with me, I'll-"
"Like hell I'm going to let you walk into that lion's den alone." Rumi retorted as her patterns flashed red before she calmed down and came closer, placing a hand on Mira's back.
"I just….why do you feel the need to go back there ?"
Mira chew on her lips, she didn't really have a good answer, herself and her family never got along, eventually leading to her being disowned. She thought carefully about her answer and Rumi waited, gently stroking Mira's back.
"I…it feels weird, he's my Father, he's the only one I have left now."
"He doesn't seem to feel that way about you." Rumi mumbled to herself but Mira heard, she looked up at Rumi who looked away ashamed.
"Sorry."
Mira studied for Rumi before she cupped her face gently and stroked her cheek. Rumi leaned into the touched and relaxed. "It's okay, I knew you would resist the idea of me seeing him."
Mira stared at Rumi as she pouted guilty at her, a little surprised by how well Mira knew her sometimes.
"If this was before, I would never dream of even texting him."
"But ?"
"I see them….I see them in my dreams. Sometimes we're in the hospital and I'm holding my Brother's hand or stroking my mother's hair as they….leave. Other times I'm talking to them, laughing and reminding them of the good times. I can't help but wonder if that's what we could've had ? If I'd try harder or if I had just listened-"
"You did Mir, but you can't change yourself to please others, especially when they should've love you for who you are."
Mira swallowed as she looked away and sighed. "I know."
Rumi frowned at the quiet answer, she pulled herself lower and kissed Mira's forehead gently. Mira didn't react as she looked away from Rumi who stared at her with concern. The two stayed silent for a bit, Rumi comforting Mira while she lost herself in thoughts of what ifs and whys until Rumi spoke gently again.
"I'll ask Bobby, he'll schedule us some time so that we can go."
Mira's eyes widened before she looked at Rumi who smiled at her. "Really ?"
Rumi nodded gently. "Really."
Mira didn't know if she should smile or cry so instead she kiss Rumi gently. "Thank you. Thank you Rumi."
Mira stood outside the door, she stared at it like it daunting, impossible task haunting her with memories of her childhood but it also felt hallow, no life in sight despite the plants surrounding it as Rumi came up to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"You ready ?"
"No." Mira said as she looked away from the door and frowned. Rumi stared at her concerned, she leaned closer and wrapped her arm around her.
"We don't have to do this, we can go home, go back to Zoey and pretend this never happened."
Mira shook her head. "It's not that, its just."
Rumi waited, watching at Mira looked conflicted but didn't say anything, suddenly she turned and stared at Rumi who blinked. Mira quickly took her hand with both of hers, holding onto it tightly.
"I need you to promise, promise me you won't step in when things get rocky, you won't try and fix or save or protect, whatever you wanna call it. You'll just let it play out."
Rumi swallowed, uneasy at the request but she nodded. "I promise."
"No, no, Rumi I mean it, I don't need a hero today, I need support, I need you hold my hand but not take me away. This my father, I….I need to talk to him, one last time."
"Okay, I promise."
"Rumi I-"
"I know, and I mean it. I won't interfere." Rumi said as she placed her other hand onto on Mira's, her thumb brushed gently against Mira's soft skin, relaxing her. They stayed like that before Mira let out a shaky breath.
"Let's get this over with."
Rumi nodded and they let go. Mira moved towards the door, not noticing Rumi staring at her with concern, they climbed the steps slowly, it was only three but to Mira it felt like three hundreds, the heels of her boots clicked, echoing in her head. Eventually they reached the door and Mira knocked, she waited, expecting a long wait but it was opened straight away.
A butler stared at her, Mira didn't recognised the older man but he nodded, leaning over a little. "Do you still go by Kang ?"
Mira was a little confused but nodded, the butler gave a small thankful smile and turned. "Mister Kang, Mira Kang and a friend of hers is here to see you."
Rumi stared at the scene uneasily, her patterns glowed a soft orange, she raised an eyebrow at Mira but she didn't look at her, despite feeling the stares. The three waited, tension build around them, Rumi moved her hand over to Mira's, about to slip it in but stopped when a voice mumbled.
"Let her in, I'm in the sitting room."
Mira let out a breath she didn't realized she was holding.
The butler nodded and moved, opening the door a little further. Mira gave a thankful nod and stepped in, Rumi following, smiling a little.
"Thank you." Rumi mumbled as she passed the butler didn't reacted, a little surprised, he closed the door, the click made Mira frown a little, she knew now there was no turning back now. Mira walked down the hallway and took a right, she paused in the doorway as her eyes met her Father's.
He was standing there, dressed in his usual shirt and pants. He looked older, more worn but it was unmistakeably him with his sharp predator-like eyes, Mira remember how every said she had his eyes and she never liked that.
She still didn't.
"Appa."
Her Father stared at Mira, studying her, behind him was a table filled with different drinks of alcohol, a small glass in hand, filled with whiskey most likely. He was a fan of morning whiskey.
"Mister Kang is fine. Who's that behind you ?"
Mira swallowed the lump in her throat, she shuffled so her Father could get a better view of Rumi who blinked before she bowed. "I'm Ryu Rumi, sir. It's nice to meet you."
Mira knew Rumi didn't mean it, but didn't say anything.
Her Father stared bullets into Rumi, taking a sip of his drink but his eyes never left Rumi as she straightened, eventually he pulled the glass away from his mouth. A clock tick and tock around them. "You can sit if you like."
Mira nodded and moved to sit on the sofa, Rumi followed carefully, taking in the surroundings. The room was clean, traditional and maintained. The paint was clean and white, paintings hung that looked expensive but no photos except one, with three family member posing.
Rumi noticed that Mira wasn't one of them and frowned.
Her Father stared at them before he started pacing in front of them. "I suppose I should ask why are you here, Mira ?"
Mira watched him, tensed, her fingers knitted together as she didn't let herself sink into the comfort of the sofa. "I came to visit."
Her Father snorted. "After so many years, you decide to visit ? Now ? Please don't mock me, child. You can leave the envelopes or flowers or whatever you've brought to clear your soul and go."
"I'm not a child."
"Yes, you are."
Mira took a sharp inhale as her Father glared at her, venom in his eyes. "Even now you act like a child, coming in here, playing games, acting like you're the boss and trying to get your own way, ready to throw your toys out of the pram when you don't. How pathetic."
"If only had parents to teach me how to behave." Mira retorted, not breaking eye contact with her Father who pursed his lips.
"You did, you were just an uncontrollable child and we were too soft, too young to know any better."
Rumi watched the scene unfolded, her patterns glowed with a mix of concern orange and red rage. She wanted to step in, to defend Mira and argue with the man but instead she gently took Mira's hand. She ignored the passing glances she got from Mira and focused back on the man.
"I'd heard about Mother…and Oppa's pasting."
Her Father stared at Mira. "You suddenly care ?" He asked bitterly before taking a sip of his drink, Rumi glared at him but held herself back.
"I always cared."
"Please spare me your lies."
"Believe it if you want, Appa-"
"Mister Kang."
Mira held in her breath and anger, she let out a soft breath as she straightened herself.
"Why didn't you tell me ?"
Mira stared at her Father, her voice cracked into something softer, sadder and she knew, that she had messed up. Her Father's eyes filled with rage in a second and he took a step towards her.
"Why would I ? You walked out on us ! All I asked you to do is behave, to follow my words and not be so stupid and arrogant and make a fool of us. Instead you listened to that craze bitch Celine and decided you'd play idol ! Now, you stroll your little cheeky butt back in to play grieving daughter after leaving us in the dirt ? A leporid never changed their spots."
"I'll ask you not to call the woman who raised me a crazy bitch, thanks." Rumi retorted, earning a glare from Mira, but Rumi bushed it off, she didn't recall Mira saying she couldn't play hero for Celine. Mira's Father glanced at Rumi but shook his head and walked away, going back to his drinking table.
"I have a meeting in the office at three."
Mira swallowed as she glanced at the time, noticing she didn't have much time left, she focused back on her Father and hardened herself again. "I heard it was cancer."
"Stomach cancer." Her Father corrected as he popped the lid of a bottle and started pouring. Mira took it as a good sign and leaned forward a little.
"I hope they passed quickly, they didn't deserve to suffer."
"Oh they suffered." Her Father replied mockingly, startling Mira but she tried to hide it as he approached, she didn't back away.
"They died in agony, crying, begging for their lives, praying to god for one more day and I couldn't do anything about it except watched until I could put them out of their misery." Her Father said bitterly and filled with rage as he approached Mira who watched him carefully. Rumi frowned, feeling sorry for the way Mira's mother and brother had past.
"I watched them past and where were you ? Looking after yourself or your little slut-fest idol group, instead of your own family !"
"I didn't know !" Mira shouted suddenly, surprising everyone in the room, Rumi stared at her with concerned as Mira looked away and stared at the floor. A gently squeezed grounded her and calm her, reminding her that Rumi was here, she wasn't alone.
"I…if I had known, you don't think I wouldn't have dropped everything and came ? Spend my own money on treatment, done everything in my power to help ? You may have disowned me but you're still my family, I'm a lot of things but you can't believe I'm cruel too ?" Mira asked in such a polite way that it took Rumi back, in every interview, every conversation or meeting, she had never heard Mira speak in that way, she looked Mira's Father.
"A olive branch. That's what this is." Rumi realised, she bit her lip as Mira's Father didn't look impressed.
"Yes. I do believe you're cruel."
Mira's face fell, pain filled it like she had been stabbed.
"You are cruel, arrogant, selfish, blunt, a brute with anger issue or a horrible, monstrous version of Peter Pan . The idea of you have a heart is laughable, I don't know what I did to the gods to give me a child like you."
Mira looked away, her breathing became heavier causing concerned from Rumi who reached forward and wrapped an arm around her gently. Rumi glared at the man who seemed unbothered, the words were on the tip of tongue, ready to come out but she held them back, despite her patterns glowing a dark red and the anger growing inside her more.
"I…I must it gotten it from you or Mother." Mira choked out as she tried to hold herself together and looked at her Father, sadness sat in her eyes. Her Father tutted at the sight.
"You always blame me and your Mother, nothing is ever your fault is it ? You wonder why I call you a child."
Mira's top teeth stabbed into the inside of her lip and she held Rumi's hand tighter. Her Father glanced down at the hand before he took a sip of his drink and turned away from her.
"I know the true reason you came here, yes it's genetic, from your mother's side. It's likely since you're brother had it that you may also develop it or those years of teenage smoking will catch up to you."
"I-I'm aware. I got tested, it came back negative." Mira replied simply as she pulled herself together, earlier she would've been proud to rub that fact in her Father's face but now it felt hallow and worthless. Her Father sighed and pinched his brow.
"Of course you wouldn't have it."
Rumi squeezed Mira's hand as he mumbled those words bitterly, she could feel Mira's body freeze her arm and hear the shaky breathes coming from her mouth. Mira took a few more uncomfortable breath before she slowly took control and peel herself free from Rumi, standing up.
"Appa."
Her Father turned and looked at Mira, their was hatred but no anger, she was hopeful that she making progress.
"I-I….I came here because it's only the two of us left…..and I know this might be stupid but….we are blood, I want to give this a chance, you disowned me but I can forgive you…..I want to have you as my family. Please."
Her Father stared at Mira, his face didn't move, didn't twitch or changed and Mira held out more hope, her heart beat harder, her lips twitched.
"No."
In a single word, Mira's world turned and her face fell. Her Father noticed and his face hardened, cold anger as he spoke.
"You think simple words will repair the mess you've made of this family ? You think saying this after years of torment and reckless can make me forget. You've told few truth in this house but the truthest words you've spoke there: I did disowned you and I still do."
With those words, he turned and took a sip of his drink. Rumi glared at him, gripping the sofa's tightly and got ready to stand when Mira spoke.
"How ? How can you say that ?"
Mira stared at her Father with heartbreak that Rumi had never seen before, she stood like strong but her face was filled a deep sadness that was unbearable to look at. "How can you say that to me ? I'm your daughter, your only daughter, how can you throw me away like trash ?"
"If it belong there, it should go there." Her Father mumbled before he down more of his drink, Mira stared at him with disbelief and horror.
"You're my Father, you're suppose to love me ! You're supposed to want me ! To take care of me and be there for when I need you ! Ever since I was born, since I could remember you've treated me like a criminal or monster that you're ashamed of ! Why ? Why can't you ?" Mira asked, her voice breaking under the pressure of keeping herself together and holding the heartbreak back. Her Father turned and glared at her before pointing at the ceiling.
"Do you not see this roof ? This house ? Your career ? That wasn't built from nothing ! I worked hard for this family ! Where were you for this family ?! Don't accuse me you easily !"
"That's all you have as proof ? Because of you, I grew up thinking there was something wrong with me. Because of you, I thought I unlovable, that no one wanted me. Because of you, I built walls, didn't let anyone in and if anyone did I'd attack them, tear them down like you did with me. You gave me nothing but hatred ! You negated me ! Abused me for years ! Treated me like I was nothing and couldn't take in when I gave you the same treatment I went through for years that I had to learn how to undo !" Mira argued back, but there wasn't bitter or anger, it was sadness, hurt by the words she was hearing from her Father. Rumi watched uncomfortably, she wanted to move, to protect Mira or attack the man but she also wanted to keep the promise so she stayed.
"How dare you ! I never hit you as a child !"
"You didn't need to when you made me feel I didn't mattered or you could do without me ! You acted like I wasn't there and when you did, you acted like I was the worse thing that ever happened to you !"
"You are ! Look around you, do I look like I'm struggling !?"
Mira took a step back, appalled by her Father's word and with it, a single tear spilled out before more followed. "And you say I'm cruel ? I'm that meaningless to you ? You're youngest child, you're daughter, you're only child now ? I'd love you Appa. Why can't you love me ?"
Her Father scowled as he took a step forward, the height difference became more clear between them as he towered over her and stabbed his finger into her chest. "Let me be clear girl: I'm not your Appa. You're no child of mine. You're a stranger, a nobody to me, you became that when you decided that you were better than all of us ! No matter how you much you beg or tell me how you love me, it means nothing."
Mira's shrunk with ever stabbed of her chest, the smell of whiskey hit her and stung her eyes, she wanted to move but she was froze. Only her tears falling from her cheeks and ruining her make-up steamed down her face.
"The truth is, when my son was dying, I went and prayed that it should've been you. You should've died. I regretted it but when my wife was dying I realised that I see I should've pray harder. I hope you die in agony Mira, I hope everyday is your last day and suffer, tortured and gasping for air because that's what you deserved, you little-"
"Okay, we're done." Rumi said, raising her voice as she stood up and wrapped a protective arm Mira, pulling her away, her patterns glowed a protective red. Mira's Father glared at her but Rumi didn't wince and instead stood prouder.
"Clearly no one taught you manners, when someone is speaking you don't interrupt, especially when you're in their house."
"And no one taught you to love but what does it matter ? You don't need it, you're not struggling right ?" Rumi retorted simply as she glared at Mira's Father before she focused on Mira and pulled her away. Mira let her, not resisting as they slowly made their way out of the room, her Father's eyes narrowed.
"I'm not finished !"
"Yes, you are. You've said enough." Rumi replied simply as she escorted Mira out, not looking back at the raging man, he gripped his glass tighter.
"YOU'RE NO CHILD OF MINE KANG MIRA ! YOU WALK OUT ON ME AGAIN AND FORGET EVER HAVING A FAMILY ! NO ONE WILL EVER LOVE YOU ! LORD KNOWS I TRIED ! YOU'LL DIE ALONE AND MISERY ! YOU KNOW IT AS MUCH AS I DO !"
Mira shook her and closed her eyes as she leaned closer into Rumi's arms who gently kissed her the side of her hairline as they left. The butler opened the door and let them out as they heard a glass smashed onto the ground.
Once outside, Mira took a few shaky breath before she pulled away, Rumi watched her with worried as Mira strolled over to their car. Rumi quickly chased after her, panicked as her patterned shifted colours from blue to orange and red.
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry Mira. I know I promise a-and I broke it but I couldn't listen to anymore to what that man was saying about you."
Mira didn't say anything as her heels clicked down the stairs and Rumi's boots hurriedly followed after her. She wiped her tears quietly as Rumi rambled behind her.
"There was so many times that I wanted to get up and sock him in the face, b-but I didn't and I'd try to hold it back but when he said he prayed for your death I knew, I couldn't let you stay there and listen that crap. I-I'm sorry Mira, I-"
"Rumi."
Rumi froze as she stared at Mira who turned and shot her a soft smile. "I-it's okay."
Mira's face was still heartbroken, but more put together and that worried Rumi even more. "Yea ?"
"Y-yeah, it's okay." Mira said, her voice breaking and letting the underlying sadness reveal itself more before she took a sharp inhale. Rumi stared at her with concern and took one of her hands gently.
"You know, it doesn't have to be if it's not. You don't have to hide it Mira. You're not good at it anyway." Rumi joked with a slight smile, hoping it would lightened the mood and it did, Mira laughed but it felt hollow. Rumi bit her lip as her patterned became more orange, Mira noticed and leaned down, kissing Rumi's hand, their eyes never broke contact.
Mira moved away, hovering over the hand. "Thank you, Rumi. Let's go home."
Rumi gave an uneasy nod before they got into the car and drove away from the large home, it slowly became a distant memory as Mira stared at it through the mirrors.
They slept in Rumi's bed that night.
Rumi snuggled into Mira's back, wrapping her arms gently around Mira's torso, her finger stroked the seams lines of the hoodie Mira had stolen from her wardrobe. The room was peaceful and dark, neither of them had really spoke since returning home.
Zoey glanced at both of them but said nothing as she went to game in her room for the night.
Rumi listen to Mira's breathing lull her to sleep, her body slowly felt heavier as let her drift away until Mira's breathing hitch.
"Hey Ru….are you still awake ?"
"Mmm yeah ?" Rumi answered simply and she could feel Mira winced in her grip.
"Sorry, i-it's nothing. I thought you were still awake. Forget it."
"Mir love. I'm awake, what's up ?"
Mira didn't say anything for a while and Rumi was about to sit up when Mira finally spoke again.
"How….how can you love me ?"
"Now that's a loaded question." Rumi thought as she lay back down and stared at the ceiling. She thought about how she could describe why she love Mira but the words failed her. She might be a singer but Zoey was more of the expert when it came to lyrics, there was so many words but it was almost too many, a sea of them really.
"I just do." Rumi said with a shrug, after thinking for a while, Mira turned her head and looked at her confused.
"But….but why ?"
Rumi stared back at her before she shrugged and pulled herself closer, her forehead rested on Mira's neck gently. "Is this because….what he said ?"
Mira noticed how Rumi spat out "he" like it was a foul, nasty word but didn't say anything as she looked away and chew on her lip for a bit. "I'm not stupid…or that blind. I…I know I'm a difficult person, and I don't deserve the lottery of life that I've won."
"Mira."
Mira shrunk a little on herself, she felt uncomfortable talking about this, she was never good at talking about her feelings or doing heart-to-hearts. "I don't get how you or Zoey can be around me, nevermind want me here. So, how can you say you love me ? How can you say it so easily ? What makes you wanna lie in this bed with me when my own family can't even bare to talk to me like I'm person."
Rumi frowned as she gently kissed Mira's neck and shoulders. She held her as Mira broke down in her arms. "I know you're okay with me being me but….why ? I'm….I'm so flawed Rumi, I sit on the toilet for hours, I say things so blunt and honest, my voice isn't as pretty as you or Zo's. All I'm good at is dancing but….anyone can do that-"
"Not Zoey, have you seen her after practise ? She spends hours doing the same one move over again until she gets it right and watching those tutorials video you make her. Grace might be her middle name but that's as graceful as she'll ever get." Rumi joked, smiling as Mira snorted and laughed lightly, it warmed Rumi's heart hearing it. Eventually Mira's laughter died down and Rumi rested her head onto her shoulder, smiling.
"We're all flawed Mir, I'm awkward and secretive and sometimes, I wonder how you can love me too, after everything with my patterns."
"You're everyone's type duh." Mira mumbled before she took Rumi's hand and lifted it up, kissing the soft skin, making sure to it was a pattern. Rumi giggled as she rolled her eyes and her chest warm with delight at the silly joke, Mira smiled as she looked down at the patterned skin glowing pink.
"My point is, you might be flawed but so am I and that's okay because I love how blunt you are, I know you always speaking from your heart. I love your voice, it fits nicely with ours but so different, I could listen to it forever on loop. You're cute when you squint without your glasses, it's adorable and I don't mind that you spend so much time in the bathroom as long as you're okay, plus it's funny when Zo walks in on you." Rumi said gently, kissing Mira's neck and traps with each pause. Mira took a sharp inhale before she rolled her eyes and let out a shaky breath.
"I-I swear, I-I'm gonna strangle her with toilet roll one of these days."
Rumi laughed into Mira's skin, her breath caused shivers travel around Mira. She held Rumi's hand tightly and kissed it to calm herself down. Eventually Rumi's laughter died and she kissed Mira's shoulder gently. "I don't care what anyone else tell you or me: you're amazing Kang Mira. I love you."
Mira's body tensed at those words, she closed her eyes and let go of Rumi's hand, hugging herself tightly. Rumi watched with concern, worried that maybe her words may have been wrong or upset Mira in a way she didn't see.
"How….how can you say that so easily ?"
"No need to complicate things when it's that simple."
"Rumi…why ?"
"Why what ?"
"Why can you love me ?"
"I don't understand, love."
"Why can you love me but….my own family, Appa can't ?"
Rumi froze, she was caught off guard by the question and how in agony Mira sounded, like someone had pulled her hair or stabbed her in the chest. Mira curled into Rumi, seeking comfort and a hide her head into Rumi's shoulder.
"I know deep down why my Father couldn't before, I was the black sheep, the blunt, angry girl who wouldn't bend, wouldn't change even if it meant losing everything but now ?"
Mira gripped Rumi's shirt tightly, Rumi frowned as she noticed the trembling in Mira's hands. "I'm all he has left but he still doesn't want me. All he see is a disgrace, a monster but then why have me ? Why create me ? Why was I born ?"
"How come he doesn't want me ?" Mira whispered as tears slipped down her cheeks before she buried herself further into Rumi's chest. Rumi snuggled closer into Mira as she broke down and wrapped her arms tightly as Mira sobbed. Rumi hushed into her ear before she kissed her cheek gently but it was fruitless as Mira continued to cry, not caring about how many tears fell from her face.
"I…I don't know why he doesn't want you. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry Mira." Rumi mumbled, hoping it would give some comfort to Mira as she held her and rocked her gently. They stayed like that for a while, Mira cried, letting her broken heart out as Rumi tried to comfort as best as she could when suddenly a knock could be heard.
"Rumi ? Mira ? You two okay ? I could hear someone crying." Zoey said, muffled through the thick wooden door of the room, Rumi turned to answer, opening her mouth when Mira spoke.
"C-come in Zoey. W-we're okay."
Rumi looked at Mira, surprised by the answered but didn't retort as Zoey opened the door slowly, her eyes filled with concerned and she walked in. She watched the scene unfolded in front of her eyes: Mira crying in Rumi's arms, not looking at her, Rumi stared at her with a look that screamed she was lost, the hallway's light gave a warm glow behind Zoey and soft sad smile on her face. Rumi gestured for her to come closer and Zoey walked over to them carefully, sitting down on the edge of the bed, not facing the others.
"I…I eavesdropped a little, sorry."
"Zoey…how much did you hear ?" Rumi wondered as she looked annoyed at the admittance, Zoey smirked as she stared at her bare feet.
"That was one time Rumi, that part of Golden always confused me with the steps. Not my fault I was born to rap and not dance. I spit facts on the tracks, move feet to the beats…hey that wasn't half bad…nah that was terrible actually, oh and I didn't pick my middle name, my mom thought it ironic or something I don't know, ask her next time we see her." Zoey rambled as Rumi's eyes widened with embarrassment at being called out while Mira laughed and shook her head gently against the pillow. Zoey grinned at the sound.
"I will strangle you Zoey if you call our bathrooms my private offices again."
"It's okay, I found this sic artist to make me signs out of gold, or well I hope it's gold, for your offices in our apartment, even got a pouty bear etched onto it."
"I hate you so much right now."
Zoey giggled as she flopped down on the bed, relaxing a little, Rumi raised an eyebrow at her and was about to ask what she was doing when Zoey spoke.
"You know….when my parents divorced I thought….I thought that it was over, I'll never have a family like I used to."
Rumi quickly shut her mouth as Mira stirred and sat up. "I know….I know I'm a lot and tend to bend to people's wills easily. My mom used to complain about it, "you're not a rug, you're a person. Stand up for yourself" but I thought it was easier that way, I didn't realised that it invited the wrong people."
Zoey tensed a little as she recalled the memories of being used and bullied by so called friends, she frowned, shifting uncomfortably before she smiled softly.
"I….I didn't have much hope when Celine called me, I accepted that maybe I just don't belong and that's cool, that's pretty, I could live with that, but…."
Zoey looked up at the couple, her smile growing as her eyes met Mira's raw teary eyes and Rumi's stunned one. "When I met you two. When I'd realised that we have more in common than I thought and that maybe, maybe I could have a family that loves me….for me."
Zoey looked away unfocused and cracked a grinned as she started moving her head to some unknown beat that wasn't playing physically into the room.
"It's too the point where I love and I hate you, And I cannot change you, so I must replace you." Zoey sang a little, earning an raised eyebrow from Mira, wiping her tears from her cheeks.
"A-are….are you seriously singing Lucid dreams ?"
"It fits no ?" Zoey asked, earning a confused look from Rumi and an eye roll from Mira but neither of them argued.
"Mira…it's okay that you want your dad's love, lord know they're days when I call my parents and wish they were more accepting of me and don't get me wrong they love me, both of them say it all the time to me down the line…but…I wish they'd like me too." Zoey said, a hint of sadness at the end cause Rumi to reach out to her and take her hand, squeezing it. Zoey looked up at Rumi and smiled at her, one that read 'I'm okay, promise.'
"Me and Ru…we can't change him for you, we can't bring your mom or brother back from the dead and make them love you. Hell we can't even replace their love either."
"Zoey."
"But…we love you and…..we're here for you right ?" Zoey said before she glanced over at Rumi who nodded rapidly and stared at Mira, pulling her closer.
"Of course." Rumi said with smiled, shifting a little as patterns glow a sad blue.
"Growing up I thought no one would love me with my patterns…and the people who could were already gone. When we became Huntrix, I'd promise myself I'd fix everything so that we could be together, truly together and when you to found out, I thought I'd lost both of you. When I went to Celine I'd realized how how misloved I was, how she damaged me and made me think of myself in ways that were never true."
"Ruru." Zoey mumbled gently as stared Rumi who shook her head, a sign that she didn't want Zoey to feel bad for her. Rumi giggled when she felt Mira gently kissed her neck.
"After I'd talked to Celine, I realized I couldn't give up on you two so I went back. I choice you two and don't regret it. I'd choice Mira over and over again to love. I'd choice Zoey to be with us till the end of time. I can't imagine life without you two….you two are my everything." Rumi said softly before she kissed Mira gently, they pulled away and Mira looked away, smiling but downcast.
"We're family." Zoey said gently with a grin and placing a comforting hand of Mira's covered knee. Mira wiped her eyes as more tears came but she smiled.
"I don't deserve this."
"No you do."
Mira sighed as she curled in on herself but this time Rumi pulled her in and curl in herself causing a firm but comforting cuddle that allow Mira to rest on her chest but not hide. "You don't need to hide Mira, I love you, we're here for you. I'm wanna see your pretty face and your beautiful emotions."
Mira swallowed as she looked up at Rumi, her face filled with such love, such awe as pattern offer gently glow of pink around them. "I-I think….I think I'm gonna have to take Bobby's offer of therapy."
"Aw you two are so winning best couple this year ! C'mere you big baby !" Zoey yelled before she hugged the duo carefully, Rumi laughed at Zoey's antics while Mira rolled her eyes, letting her tears fall. The trio stayed like that, Mira cried while Zoey hold them and Rumi whispered comforting words along with kisses.
Soon Mira drifted asleep, surrounded by love and awe her younger self could only wished for. She dreamt again but not of hospitals or family lost, instead she dreamt of holding Rumi's hand, smiling her awkward smile while Zoey rushed ahead to show them something.
That night she dreamt the family she had found.