Chapter Text
Throughout the world, people are connected by strings. They criss-cross across the world in brilliant, beautiful patterns connecting people to their fated lover. To most these strings are intangible and invisible. The exception being hunters. Through their training, they have learned the ability to see more ethereal things such as demon patterns, the honmoon, and even the invisible strings of fate. It’s no surprise that Rumi and Mira were quick to fall for each other. They were destined for it, after all. Their purple and pink strings tied together, binding them for eternity. There was one problem, Zoey.
Given that being a hunter required a three part harmony, Zoey was chosen as the third member of their band. She quickly formed a bond with the two lovers. And while she felt that she enjoyed their dynamic, it’d be a lie to say she never felt left out. Zoey’s string wasn’t connected to anyone. Something that deeply troubled her. Luckily Mira and Rumi were always there for her. While a string being unattached to anyone wasn’t unusual, it tended to mean that the person was aromantic or just content to be single. Zoey was neither of these things. She yearned for a relationship like her friends had shared. And she definitely experienced romantic attraction. It was hard not to when her bandmates were Rumi and Mira.
“Mira and I have something to tell you” Rumi told Zoey. Her face was red and she was fidgeting anxiously. Mira was right behind her looking just as nervous, even if she tried to hide it.
“You can tell me anything,” Zoey reassured her. Whatever it is, it must be serious. Mira and Rumi tried to get the words out but failed. Finally, Mira broke the silence:
“We…um…we like you. Not just as a friend or bandmate. Romantically.” Whatever Zoey expected them to say, it definitely wasn’t that. After all, they had each other. They were tied together, and she was not bound to either of them. And who would like her.
“Haha,” Zoey forces out a very obviously fake laugh. “Very funny.” She tries to hide her disappointment, unsuccessfully. Mira cups Zoey’s cheeks in her hands and moves Zoey’s head so they are looking each other straight in the eyes.
“This is not a joke, Zoey, we’re serious. I can tell by your pout and your blush that you feel it too. I don’t know what’s going through your head but I can assure you we both love you as much as we love each other.” Zoey’s speechless. She always hoped there was a chance for them to work. All three of them. She wanted to feel hope that it could work, she really did. But when she looks down and sees her green string still resting loosely and unattached she realizes it’s impossible. Rumi followed Zoey’s eyes.
“Zoey, I don’t care what the strings have to say. We want you. Bad. And fate can’t accept that then we just have to make our own,” Rumi offered.
“I appreciate the thought but it’s impossible.” She grabs her string. “See this? This is telling us this can’t work. This can never work. Let’s just give it up before we get hurt,” Zoey tried to stop the tears but they fell out against her will. Mira and Rumi were right there by her side rubbing her back and reassuring her that it’ll be ok and they can make it work. When she finally calmed down, Mira had an idea.
“Zoey, hand me your strings please.” Zoey did. Mira grabbed it and held it up to the intertwined purple and pink strings between her and her girlfriend. She tried tying a knot in between their strings. “This has to work.”
Rumi, noticing what Mira’s trying to do, encourages her and helps her tie the knot. “Yeah! Just tie the knot like this!” Zoey wasn’t sure of this idea. After all, if it doesn’t work, that would mean it’s really impossible. There’s nothing they could do to include Zoey in their relationship.
“Guys. I don’t think this will work…” she said quietly. The girls heard but chose to ignore her. They’ll show her they can make their own fate. They finally finished tying the knot and released their hold on the strings.
SNAP
Zoey’s string detached itself from the other two’s strings with a loud noise. Startling the trio. Zoey tries not to let it get to her, she knew this would happen after all. Mira, and Rumi seemed more determined than ever, however. Zoey was surprised to see them this determined to be with her. It was a sweet side to them usually reserved only for each other.
Rumi grabbed a pair of scissors from a desk behind her and held it up next to her string. “What if we cut it first?” She asked. Zoey was terrified. It wasn’t worth risking their own relationship for her.
Mira nods. “So we can reforge it like new?” She added.
“Fresh and new,” Rumi concluded.
“Guys?!!, wait!!” Zoey begged. “DON’T! It’s gonna break your bond! Just leave me be! I’m fine!” Her reassurance was betrayed by her sniffling.
Mira looked heartbroken “But we want you…” she said quietly
“Both of us…” Rumi sobbed.
“We love you”
“We’ll do everything it takes to be with you” Rumi opened the scissors and placed the strings between the blades. Preparing herself to potentially sever the connection.
Zoey was stunned. “What if…But…I don’t…” she mumbled to herself. Unable to form a complete thought.
“Zoey,” she heard. Her name coming from Mira’s voice grounded her. “If we fail, it’s not your fault,” Mira reassured her.
“We took this risk on our own,” Rumi added.
KA-CHING
Rumi pressed the handles together, closing the blades. The strings snapped from the snip. Purple and Pink strings separated for the first time. Zoey fell to the floor and grabbed the ends of the two strings. She blushed at the fact that the girls did truly risk their relationship for her. She sobbed at the fact that everything might be different now. “WTF?!” She screamed through her tears. “ARE YOU INSANE??!?” She looked up to the girls and noticed confusion on their faces. Zoey immediately noticed a difference in the two’s eyes. A light that had once been vibrant had now dimmed. Zoey placed her hand on their shoulders. “HOW DO YOU FEEL?!! DO YOU REMEMBER EACH OTHER??!” Zoey practically shaked the girls in anticipation. Worried at their response.
“Yeah… of course I know Mira…” Rumi replied, baffled by the question. Zoey turned her body to face Mira now.
“We’ve known each for a while…” Mira responded.
Zoey sighed in relief. She hadn’t ruined it. Mira and Rumi were still-
“We’re bandmates,” Rumi and Mira said in unison.
“Yeah we’re on a temporary collaboration contract,” Rumi added.
“Bandmates?” Zoey asked.
“Just for two months though,” Mira added.
They’re describing when they first started to work together. Celine had Rumi collaborate with several solo artists to see who could help her seal the Honmoon. After the two months, it was clear that Mira was the perfect candidate. Zoey wouldn’t be chosen until she auditioned two years later.
A memory played in Zoey’s mind. Mira and Rumi happily announcing “We’re finally girlfriends now!!” As they blushed, hand in each other’s hand. Zoey was jealous but ultimately happy for them. It wasn’t much of a surprise since all three girls were able to see their linked fates but she was happy for them nonetheless. But now that memory’s gone. Her being the only person who remembers it. Tears dripped down Zoey’s face.
“I ruined this.”