Chapter Text
Mira felt the same soothing water all around her hot against her skin, the heat bore into her muscles untangling the last of the pain held in them. Everything around her had a faint hue of pink and blue glistening off the Honmoon. The truth was out and it was painful, but in the aftermath something new was brewing, something delicate like a flower, with potential to be as sturdy and lasting as an ancient tree.
Zoey to her left was kicking her feet gently under that water. Mira could feel it subtly brush up on her ankles resulting in a small smile at the corner of her mouth. Rumi to her right was sinking her head back on the head rest, her skin glimmering with tiger stripes that remained a soft lavender.
She had never been more beautiful.
“Ahhh, this feels amazing.” Rumi lets out a restful sigh, one she has been holding back, her whole life from what Mira could determine with her deep exhale and restful gaze.
A gaze that landed on her, looking at Mira in a way she never dared to before, Rumi’s walls broke and shattered against her will. As horrific as it was, seeing her-all of her in beautiful shimmering glory, it seemed worthwhile.
But there were even more layers underneath and Mira hoped Rumi would shed them now, on her own terms. That's what the bathhouse was for. Mira couldn’t count how many long talks she and Zoey shared in this very tub, it was their therapy.
“We’ve been saying that for years.” Mira smiled at Rumi who returned this smile with a spark in her eyes that was deep and loving.
“Right. See what you’ve been missing?” Zoey adds with droopy eyes, as she sinks further.
“Let’s come here, every day of the three month break.” Rumi said.
They sit and let their words settle, Mira still feels the weight of the pain, but in the aftermath, she could hear a new beat. A new song, one that pulled on her heartstrings awakening something she had not let herself fully realise was there, until now.
She was in love with them, it wasn’t friendship or familial but romantic, the kind that burns up your soul, that you cannot ignore.
Now the impenetrable wall around Rumi, that Mira had tried to climb everyday, a barrier, keeping her and Zoey at arms length, crumbled. A dark cloud that had been there so long they forgot the world isn’t supposed to be so dim, everything was brighter, in the light of the new Honmoon.
A Honmoon they created with Rumi, her Rumi, a half demon hunter and Mira couldn’t deny her feelings anymore. The tightening in her chest, the heat she felt whenever they touched, an overwhelming urge to be closer.
Breathing in deep, Mira tried to get her heart rate to slow, letting the steam wash away the sweat, the tears from the last month-years of her life. Soaking in the comfortable warmth of the bathhouse, her arms up resting on the edge, she leaned her head back.
As her mind wandered, everything started to playback, Mira felt every beat of her heart pounding in her ear.
Baboom - Rumi running away before they could perform Golden.
Baboom - Rumi’s head getting pummeled on the train.
Baboom - Raising her Gok-do at her, while she pleaded for them not to leave her.
Baboom - Walking away from Zoey, giving up on her family.
Baboom - Coming together, making a new Honmoon.
Baboom, Baboom BABOOM - A foot grazes her leg under the water soft and warm, it sends a shiver through her body. Pleasurable tingling that ripples through her body and the bath water as the culprit flinches back.
Baboom - Mira’s eyes shot open
“Sorry,” Rumi mumbles, averting her eyes, cheeks slightly flushed.
“Rumi, it’s fine.” Mira said, the corner of her mouth curving into a soft smile.
There was a silence and Zoey exchanged a long lingering stare with her, one weighed down with guilt and love. Love that they had denied themselves for too long their secret, one they didn’t have to keep anymore. Driving Rumi away from them in a moment of fear, a knee jerk reaction based on assumptions and built on years of lies.
Turned your weapon on her, had her fleeing from you
Mira’s pulse starts beating more rapidly, horrified at the thought of not seeing Rumi again, never having her arms wrap around her. She knew it was selfish to think in such ways, but the truth was Mira ached for that touch. Every graze of Rumi’s hand or brush of her shoulders, sent her into overdrive.
Mira could see this all in Zoey’s tear filled eyes, she could not keep it in and Mira nodded encouragingly for the maknae to express what was on her mind.
“Rumi, I’m so glad you didn’t die.” Zoey blurted out through a croaked voice.
“Zoey, way to be super literal.” Mira chuckled, Zoey had a way with words, even if it was a little blunt, it worked.
Rumi let out a whimper that Mira didn’t expect and she whipped her head to Rumi’s direction to see her expression matched Zoey's. Heartbreak clear in her wide eyes, as she let those words sink in.
“I-I love you guys.” Rumi said with conviction, not like they hadn’t said it before but this had a deeper weight to it.
“We love you too.” Mira and Zoey said over each other.
Were in love with you
Mira gripped the side of the bath until her knuckles went white, her heart was still pounding in her chest, but it wasn’t just fear pumping adrenaline through her body, but anticipation. Rumi’s secret was out, so hers should be too.
Nothing but the truth now
“Rumi” Mira starts but can’t find the words locking eyes with Zoey and all the times they sat here until the water became cold. Talking, wanting, aching but never pushing that boundary letting it remain uncrossed. Waiting for this, waiting for Rumi to join them in the bathhouse.
The Maknae knew without Mira even saying anything, what was on her mind. Zoey nods in approval. She knows the words caught in Mira’s throat, the same that she has, and smiles at her encouragingly.
“Did you say something Mira?” Rumi says through a relaxed exhale her eyes closed, unaware of the silent conversation between Zoey and Mira.
“Rumi, I like you…” Mira squints her eyes shut instinctively as the worlds she’s buried finally break free and the release is better than she ever imagined.
Rumi’s eyes shoot open as she leans forward sending a ripple through the bathwater that splashes lightly on Mira's shoulders.
“So do I, Mira and I? We wanted to know how you felt about us?” Zoey added her tone gentle compared to Mira’s awkward admission.
“But I thought. Y-you two were together, or getting together.” Rumi stated with a bewildered expression, her cheeks turning red.
Mira turned her head furrowing her brow wondering if she misheard what Rumi had said, saw that Zoey’s expression indicated she was just as confused.
“I know you already have your own thing, I don’t, c-can’t-” Rumi barely got the words out her eyes suddenly distant.
“Wait Rumi I don’t understand?” Zoey blurted out raising her hands and splashing water over both of them in the process.
“Our own thing?” Mira questioned.
“You two, you're a couple, or well I see the way you look at each other?” Rumi stated a hint of jealousy in her tone.
“No Rumi. I mean we discussed, but w-we couldn’t not with-“ Zoey abruptly paused, sucking in a tense breath.
A pause that drove on forever, a tension in the air for all the pain Rumi’s lies caused, still hung over them.
“Wait, you mean, you didn’t explore your feelings because of me?”
“How could we, when we knew something was wrong, that you were hiding things.” Mira said the words before thinking and as soon as she caught Rumi’s crumbled expression her heart seized up.
“...Right.” Rumi’s eyes went distant.
“I’m sorry I shouldn’t have said that.” Mira sighed realising she had brought Rumi pain.
“No no it’s true,” Rumi shrugged. In a horrid hopeless manner. “I always pulled away because I knew I’d have to lie, I couldn’t do that to you, but I’ve always felt something more-” Rumi finishes as her eyes go distant again and Mira is sure she has much more to say.
Reaching out, Mira takes Rumi’s hand as she sees Zoey take the other “Do you want to go out with us?” Zoey asked, eyes wide, “You don’t have to answer right now, no pressure?”
Yes! Go Zoey, you're so much better at this, I’m ruining it.
Rumi let out a gasp that sent a shudder through her body as if Zoey’s words knocked the wind out of her. Eyes darting around, Mira instinctively pulled back, giving her space, but Rumi’s hand was on her wrist suddenly gripping tight and she froze.
“I want to,” Rumi answered breathlessly, a fear in her eyes that gave Mira pause.
“Ok there is this place downtown, I’ve been wanting to go for months, perfect first date” Zoey said, she hadn't noticed the subtle change in Rumi’s eyes. Too excited for the possibilities.
“We should go tonight.” Mira blurts out not wanting to waste another minute. Not wanting anyone to change their mind.
Would they change their minds, would Rumi?
“This is so great! No more secrets, no more lies, and kimchi.” Zoey smiles broadly.
“Right, about that?” Rumi let go of Mira and Zoey, pulling her hands into her chest abruptly. As if protecting herself, her heart.
“What’s wrong?” Mira asked breathlessly, the absence of Rumi’s touch left an ache that she felt in her heart.
“There’s just one more thing, I haven’t explained,” Rumi paused her eyes darting between them and she gulped “all I know about my biological father is he was a part of a selective group of demons.”
“Rumi,” Zoey gasped excitedly, “oh, are you part mermaid, do you have fins?”
“No, that would be better though.” Rumi chuckled slightly but her smile quickly faded and silence fell.
Rumi eyes darting between them panicked, Mira can see she was spiraling, needed reassurance.
“You can tell us.” Mira said, remaining still, not invading Rumi’s space.
It took all the strength Mira had not to reach out and wrap her arms around her.
Make sure she knew they loved her, no matter what.
That nothing would have them- nothing would have her turn away from Rumi. Not this time.
“I’m a vampire.” Rumi blurted out as her whole body visibly seized up, flinching back as if awaiting to be smited.
Zoey’s mouth gaped open and she frowned, not annoyed, she just looked confused and Mira knew why. Half their life was spent training to hunt demons, to know their enemy so well that every outcome is a certainty. It wasn’t all combat scenarios but theory, hunters kept records of every demon they’d encountered over the millennia. There was no mention of vampires.
Mira still cringed at the memory of the one instance she brought up the concept to Celine. Who quickly shut her down, dismissing vampires as pure fiction and even scolding her a little for confusing it with reality. So Mira just stared blank for a moment too long.
Say something
Rumi’s opening up her mouth wide, four fangs slid out her gums, two on top and two at the bottom.
“See.” Rumi 's voice was muffled as she placed her thumb under one of her larger fangs, exposing it more.
Beautiful, she’s amazing, she's a dork, an amazing sexy dork.
With Fangs
Bite me
Take me
Mira gulped, leaning in closer she gently took Rumi’s hand away from her mouth.
“So you don’t want to go out tonight, what about tomorrow?" Mira says her tone teasing but her eyes are serious, locking onto Rumi’s with deep affection.
Rumi smiles while shaking her head in disbelief and Zoey lets out a gasped laugh that devolves into a chuckle. The sound of the maknae’s soft laughter tugs loose the last of tension in the air. Mira feels the giggle bubble in her chest resting her forehead on Rumi’s and they are both laughing.
“No, tonight” Rumi says definitively.
Zoey moves in closer, tenderly wrapping their arms around Rumi while Mira reaches around them both holding them in her arms as their laughter devolves into tender smiles of affection.
Mira had never felt more of a need to jump up and land back down twirling into a pirouette more than right now, her cheeks sore from smiling, Mira couldn’t stop, didn't care if it hurt. Both her hands were taken as the lift went up to the Tower, to their home.
One hand gripped by an energized Zoey who was stroking her thumb along the back of Mira’s palm. Her phone held up to her face, she read through resources, hunting down any information on vampires. Intermittently huffing with a clenched jaw as she scrolled through pages and pages of words that weren't bringing her any solace. Mira squeezed her hand tighter in response hoping to ease her mind.
The other hand held by Rumi, a gentle grasp that Mira felt could slip away too easily, but she hadn’t let go-not yet. Mira had to hold back from wrapping her hand tight around Rumi’s in a vice grip, she never wanted to let go now. Holding hands wasn’t completely new, but now it had so much more weight to it. Rumi’s touch was always welcomed and a rare occurrence, always covered, always so restrained. A simple hand held was getting Mira worked up, feeling a pulse of pleasure through her body. Can see in Rumi’s eyes that she is affected by the tender touch of Mira’s palm, of her fingers slightly stroking along her soft skin.
Now that the whole truth was out Mira understood why Rumi pulled away, afraid to get too close. The truth made everything clearer, all the times she lied about where she was going alone at night, that she was fine when she looked sick. No, not sick, hungry-starving. Craving blood, never fulfilling her needs or even expressing them, for fear of rejection.
As much as Mira wanted to squeeze Rumi’s hand tight and never let go, Mira could feel how tense Rumi still was at her side. How reserved, even as she revealed her fangs to them at the bathhouse. Holding so much of herself back, Mira wanted to peel off every last layer to know her better, but this had to be done on Rumi’s time. No one would ever tear off Rumi’s clothes or reveal any parts of herself without Rumi’s permission ever again.
Mira knew she was overbearing and had heard as such, her whole life, clingy and emotional. As much as she tried to be better she knew she would always want more than anyone, even Rumi or Zoey could ever give. So she held back and didn't grasp on too tight. Always pushing away, knowing she wasn’t strong enough to have loved and lost.
Desperate to keep the atmosphere light, keep smiling and chuckling like teenagers, in this perfect little bubble of happiness. Every touch, every smile, every time their eyes met sent another shot of joy through Mira. High off the bliss Mira’s true feelings revealed to Rumi, finally and the sky didn’t fall, both Zoey and Rumi wanted what she wanted. This was happening, they were going on a date.
But all bubbles burst.
The elevator doors opened and they stepped into their lounge and the reality of how complicated things had become felt like a slap in the face. Mira froze in the entranceway.
Sitting on the couch, hair in the same wavy black, in a flawless pantsuit as usual, yet she looked so different to Mira now. Celine used to be this wise figure, someone so untouchable, Mira never questioned her word, that what she was told was the truth. Knew what was best for them.
You were wrong, so very wrong.
“Celine, we didn’t expect to see you today.” Mira stated, her eyes darting to Rumi who further tensed at her side.
“We’re busy.” Rumi blurts out in a defensive tone.
You never protected Rumi from her, no one did.
Celine stood up from the couch slowly walking over, her eyes on Rumi’s hand intertwined with Mira’s.
“What’s going on?” Celine asked in an accusatory tone, but Zoey didn’t notice the tension, her bubble hadn’t popped, yet.
“We’re going on a date.” Zoey states confidently, her excited smile fades when she sees Celine's composure drop as her eyes narrow into slits aimed at Rumi.
“Rumi, tell me that’s not true?" Celine says, shaking her head, looking towards Rumi as if she had betrayed something sacred.
Mira recognizes that look, Celine was ready to pull Rumi away. Take her somewhere private and tell her she needs to hide all of these parts of herself. After seeing this play out so many times Mira knew the signs, but always assumed Celine was giving her the right advice, helping Rumi. The truth had changed so many things.
Mira’s grip tightens on Rumi’s hand; she won't let her slip away and pulls Rumi closer, stepping in front of her slightly and blocking Celine from closing in.
All the anger that was left to simmer inside Mira, knowing it was up to Rumi to be mad, but she wasn’t somehow. Rumi didn’t see that Celine’s behaviour warranted anger, a little distance maybe, but no fury, no wrath.
How could Rumi not be angry?
Knowing that her secrets had her pushing people away- pushing Mira and Zoey away.
“Did you tell them, everything?” Celine asked, the question was for Rumi, but her eyes were on Zoey and Mira watching the reaction closely.
“I told them exactly what I-I am.” Rumi said.
“You’re going to do this? Knowing that?” Celine's mouth gaped open looking between Mira and Zoey with a horrified expression.
“Why wouldn’t we!?” Mira anger erupts; instinctively her arms tense as is about to swing but is held back by Zoey and Rumi’s grip on her hands.
Celine lets out a broken sigh, tears welling in her eyes she stifles them, letting out a deep breath.
Mira huffs through her nostrils, realizing her question would go unanswered, could see a fear in Celine’s eyes like never before. Haunted by something as she looked at Mira with pity. As if she knew something Mira didn’t, no, couldn’t understand.
Why pity? Before Mira could say anything, could ask for clarification, Celine turned her gaze back to Rumi.
“Rumi, I'm worried, after what you ask me to do. You could at least respond to my messages.” Celine's voice breaks and a tear breaks free of her trickling down her cheek.
“Celine?” Rumi's voice was low and warning.
Mira body tenses, her jaw tight she hears Zoey’s breath hitch at her other side, “What did you ask her to do?”
“It’s nothing.” Rumi eyes bulge as her voice strained curt directed to Celine, who gulps swallowing whatever she was about to say.
“No more lies.” Mira asserts, it didn’t mean to sound so sharp, but she couldn’t help it, her heart racing in her chest and Rumi wouldn’t look at her.
Why wouldn’t Rumi look at her.
“The night of the Idol awards, Rumi asked me to strike her down.” Celine gasps out, hand over her mouth in surprise, as if she is the one hearing this for the first time.
Mira’s body tensed and her hand only gripped tighter as she looked back at Rumi to see her glowing smile was gone, that her shameful reserved look had returned.
“Rumi didn’t tell us.” Zoey's anger and sadness warped her tone.
“I’m sorry, I swear I don’t feel that way anymore, please don’t be mad…” Rumi gasps as her eyes rest on Zoey.
“Mad?! Rumi, we're worried.” Zoey stepped towards Rumi.
Letting go of Mira’s hand, Zoey placed it on Rumi's cheek, stroking her thumb along her temple with devastation in her eyes. Rumi fumbled backwards but Zoey caught her not letting go, and neither was Mira, her hand still gripping tight.
Mad, Mira wasn’t mad she was enraged
Rumi wanted to die
Mira didn’t know
“Why didn’t you tell us?” Mira’s words hoarse with eyes on Celine, her body shaking, as she refrained from smashing her fists against something.
“Mira, I had to protect R-Rumi.” Celine shook her head, a guilty expression even as she tried to defend her actions.
“From what, from us?!” Zoey turned with a lethal glare directed at Celine.
“Mira, Zoey, it’s okay.”
Mira noticed some of the tension left Celine’s shoulders at the sound of Rumi’s soft forgiving tone and they locked eyes, soft and loving.
“You know what will happen if you do this.” Celine said, so plainly and vaguely, but her words seemed to hit Rumi hard. “You have to be stronger.”
A deep sadness in Celine’s expression and tone, as if Rumi being alone was some hopeless truth that couldn't be denied. That Rumi couldn’t love, couldn't be with anyone.
Rumi nodded slowly and sadly as Celine and her shared a knowing look.
Mira and Zoey both turned to Rumi and watched as guilt marked her face. Guilt for asking for something, for the first time in her life, wanting and daring to take what was offered to her. To believe she deserved happiness and now Celine was making her feel guilty for it.
“Celine. Get-out!”
Mira moved back, letting go of Rumi’s hand, she held the door open, her jaw tight, body rigid.
Celine pursed her lips, as if she was holding something back, more secrets, ones even Rumi wasn’t privy too. Mira didn’t care anymore, she just kept her glare on Celine watching as she made her way to the door.
“Mira, you don’t understand…” Celine begs but Mira doesn't even meet her eyes now just stares at the wall, waiting for her to walk out.
Eventually she does, Celine is gone and Mira wonders just for a moment if she has done the right thing, stepping in. Kicking Celine out was a line she had never crossed before and she didn’t know what she’d think of it if roles were reversed. If Rumi had told Mira's eomma to leave, but then she’d never visited the Tower. None of her family did.
Mira turned back, to see Zoey had led Rumi over to the couch, the colour drained from Rumi’s face. Rushing to the kitchen she grabbed a glass, filling it with water before sitting down beside Rumi's with Zoey on the other side.
Handing her the water but Rumi just shook her head.
“She's just trying to protect you, from me.” Rumi stuttered out glancing between the two of them.
Zoey scoffs.
“There is still more I have to tell you.” Rumi says before letting out a deep breath, her hands shaking.
“Then tell us.” Mira asks, not anger not judgemental, clasping onto Rumi, steading her.
“You don’t know how my eomma, really died…” Rumi says softly, her expression haunted.
Rumi never talked about this.
“She wasn’t killed by a demon?” Zoey frowns, looking at Mira concerned.
“She was,” Rumi lets out a deep exhale, her eyes distant.
“It wasn’t a random attack, it was my father” Rumi said the word like it was poison, her mouth curling with disdain.
“You think you'll hurt us?” Zoey asks while shaking her head.
“Don’t you!? They loved each other, he loved my mother but it didn’t stop him from-”
“You’ve never hurt us before, why would that change now?” Mira asked, keeping her tone composed, plain.
Logic, use logic she can’t argue her way out of that
“He killed her because he couldn’t control himself, couldn’t stop from taking the life of the person he loved most, then I will too” Rumi gulps looking at them with guilt, as if her loving them was some horrible crime she committed.
Right of course she could talk her way out of logic
“You’re not him, you’re you-you’re Rumi.” Zoey’s voice faltered.
In the maknae's eyes, Mira could see all her hope of them becoming a couple, fading away.
The ground felt like it was rocking and crumbling below Mira’s feet and she instinctively gripped on tighter as if she needed an anchor to hold her on this plain.
“You're not listening to me, what if I-” Rumi's voice broke, her chest heaved.
“Rumi we don’t care if you're a fairy or from beyond the stars, you are our Rumi, we know who you are, we love you.” Zoey insists, taking Rumi's hand, wrapping both her hands around it, pulling it into her chest.
“I drink blood just to stay alive.” Rumi scoffs, locking eyes with Mira, she can see the disdain she has for herself in her eyes.
Is she serious, why is Rumi acting like she is a killer, does she think monsters are born that way.
“Okay, have you ever hurt a human?” Mira snaps
“No.” Rumi responds quickly. Shaking her head.
“Then this changes nothing.” Zoey adds, raising her eyebrows.
“You don’t understand, I crave blood. Your blood.” Rumi blurts out the words harshly, as if at a confessional.
Mira’s heart seizes again as she thinks it over, all this time Rumi was suppressing this urge, starving, weak, acting as if she was perfectly fine. They never even noticed, Mira knew there were secrets, but Rumi pulling away, isolating herself, was because she believed she’d hurt them.
Mira had resented her for it, how could she not know
I don't deserve her
“Rumi, you have been struggling with hunger alone all this time?” Mira asks as her voice breaks.
“Yeah,” Rumi shrugs, frowning slightly, her eyes wide as if Mira and Zoey's questions and comments, concern for her, is puzzling.
Mira’s body shudders and she turns her head in an attempt to stifle her guilt, or stop her tears from streaming down her cheeks. Every little fight they ever had, every snide comment about Rumi disappearing with Celine and not inviting them, was playing over in her head.
Zoey suddenly surges forward wrapping her arms around Rumi’s waist head on her chest, mumbling ‘I’m sorry’ through sobs.
“Sorry… For what?” Rumi gasps, placing a hand on Zoey's head gently stroking her hair.
“Fuck…” Mira gasps out as the tears break through, gently stroking Zoey’s back in an attempt to soothe her.
“Rumi, you listen to me,” Mira states firmly “You are not a monster. Pain may be a part of life but you don’t go through it alone, you tell us. You let us help.”
“Okay.” Rumi nods, a hesitant smile at the corner of her mouth. “I think I need some time to think.” The last word came out slow and heavy.
Mira's heart sank, Celine had only been her for a moment but it was enough to send Rumi reeling, doubting herself all over again. It felt wrong she wanted to tell her this was stupid that they could just be together, that Mira couldn’t bear to wait a second longer.
“Take all the time you need,” Mira said.
“Yeah will be here Rumi” Zoey lifted her head speaking through sniffles.
Thunder rumbles in the distance and Celine is charging towards the storm, lightning cracking above her and she doesn't flinch or slow down. Racing across rooftops, leaping over alleyways is the fastest route to get to her.
To Miyeong.
The Honmoon was many things, most importantly it was a barrier keeping demons trapped below but it had other uses. Hunters connected to it could feel when there was a breach, the Honmoon would lead them to the tear, so they could fight the demons that broke through and close it up. That wasn’t what Celine felt right now, she felt Miyeong, screeching out to her a constant blaring alarm, an emergency call to arms.
Miyeong had visited her a few days ago with her newborn, all smiles but they didn’t reach her eyes, Celine could see how scared she was. Who wouldn’t be, a new mother, who had celebrity status, a career that kept her very busy with lots of travel. Not to mention her other responsibilities as a hunter, that had gotten more complicated. That's what happens when you fall for the enemy. Miyeong’s lover and Rumi’s father, was a demon. A vampire.
Wishing she could turn back time, warn her Miyeong something was coming but it was too late, she was too late, couldn't even feel Miyeong anymore. Even before Celine reached their home on the outskirts of Seoul. She knew she was gone even if she hadn’t acknowledged it.
Celine froze as she walked up the steps into the courtyard, her shoulders dropping, all the tension gone. Every muscle in her body was burning with pain, every nerve stinging, she felt it all. The last time she saw Miyeong's smile, heard her voice, her laugh flashed to the forefront of Celine’s mind.
-”I’ll be okay.” she sighed, rolling her eyes before kissing Celine’s cheek and turning to walk out the door “See you in a few days.” Miyeong smiled waving as she disappeared into to glaring light of the sun-
All that light and warmth was gone, Miyeong's skin was pale white with splotches of red all over her, no movement, not even a twitch of the nerves; she wasn’t in pain; she wasn’t dying. She was dead.
Not another living thing around except it, the demon she had fallen in love with, that Celine had let squirm its way into their lives. Fell for its tricks, gave it a chance to be more than a killer, but it was clear now, that’s all it could ever be.
Kneeling on the ground hunched over Miyeong's body, Celine could hear its sobs, its guilt, but its pain was nothing compared to the wave of grief hitting Celine now. Her friend, her Sunlight Sister. The woman she loved. - In secret, alone. Was gone.
It had killed her.
Celine let out a breath, a small huff through her nostrils, it was enough to be noticed, its head snapped up, turning to her.
“Celine?” It gasped, mouth dripping with blood. Miyeong’s blood.
“I knew you’d kill her.” Celine's jaw is tight, her words hoarse.
Letting out a wail she lunged forward screaming out all her devastation sent a pulse of energy through the Honmoon.
“Finally…” it said, closing its eyes, remaining still.
Across the courtyard in seconds Celine lifted her blades before sinking them into its chest swiftly, as it offered no resistance. The only way to permanently kill a vampire was a Honmoon weapon through the heart, so she sunk both blades in, right through. No hesitation, no room for error. A perfect kill.
“T-take care, of R-rumi.” It heaved out as the energy from Celine’s blades surged outwards and it burst into ash.
“Rumi…” Celine gasped out breathless.
Eyes quickly scanned the surroundings but she couldn’t see or hear the baby and her eyes rested on her beloved laying at her feet.
Miyeong was still, eyes open and blank.
Celine crumbled down to her knees, heaving as she sobbed, horrified at how many wounds Miyoeng had, couldn’t even tell where all the blood had come from. She was coated in it.
“I’m sorry, I believed it too, thought it really did love you, I should have stopped this.” Celine mumbled out through sobs. “I failed you.”
Minutes went by, maybe hours Celine wasn’t sure of the time, her need to be warm, dry, to lie down and rest, it was all nullified. Everything was distant as she cradled Miyeong's head in her chest, she was drifting off into an abyss, nothing tying her to the world anymore.
A sudden wail broke through her stupor, a baby's cry distinct and desperate, pleading cries that wanted for her Eomma. Pulling Celine back to the world and she welcomed it, gently placing Miyeong’s head back on the tile she got to her feet.
Noticing a gentle consistent pulse radiated from the floor-no under the tile and Celine frowned confused as only a hunter could affect the Honmoon in such a way. Moving closer she knelt down, noticing a glimmer in one of the tiles, it wasn’t really there, just a mirage, a trick to hide something precious.
Celine leant forward, her hand went right through the black tile and it vanished revealing a little purple haired wailing, Rumi.
“I got you.” Celine cooed while picking her up and she stopped crying instantly.
This wasn’t unusual in fact Miyeong had joked often that Celine had the magic touch, the only one that could ease Rumi at times. Would even sub in when both mother and father got too exhausted, she would pretend it was no big deal. In truth Celine loved watching over Rumi, after all she was her mothers daughter.
“I will protect you, you’re safe now.”
Mira and Zoey hovered around Rumi, annoyingly, unapologetically at least one set of worried eyes on her at all times, for the next few days. They knew they were doing it, even if it had just become habit-instinct, the anticipation building as they put off their date. As the worst fears sunk in, Rumi wanted to die.
Sure this behaviour frustrated Rumi a bit, but it never elicited anything but an eye roll from their leader, even the occasional huffed laugh. The atmosphere in the Tower was still a little tense at times as more lies kept revealing themselves, some small, some big. Determined to untangle the web before moving forward, afraid of getting caught on a snag further down the line.
However wise it was, deciding to take it slow, Mira was becoming pent up, more desperate for their touch. Knowing they loved her too. But she would wait a little longer, until the dust had settled. Day to day was calmer now, less breaches with the new Honmoon, time off from touring, it was logical to wait.
Knowing this didn’t stop Mira's heart from aching.
As the days went by, the anticipation only built between them, until then there was a constant fierce desperation to be near, unspoken but clear in the way they looked at each other. Rumi continued to hold back, her sleeves still long, demonic tendencies still private, afraid to pull back the curtain even though they knew what was behind it.
Nightmares had Rumi screaming out in her sleep, but either Zoey, Mira or both would always be there, when she woke up in a cold sweat, with a reassuring smile and soothing words. Neither dared asked what her dreams were about, what had her so terrified. They knew Rumi didn’t want to share.
All Mira wanted to do was hold Rumi tight, take some of that pain away but she would only let them bring her tea, a wet cloth and leave. Insisting they get some sleep, that she was fine. Mira knew Rumi was growing frustrated with their hovering, that it was increasing everyday.
But Mira couldn’t stop when the girl she loved still hurt herself, punished herself, just for existing.
Right now there was no upcoming tour or push to release new music, but they did still write. Lyrics and melodies the public would never hear, especially the one Zoey made about their conversation in the bathhouse. Or what Rumi wrote about her life, all her pain, breaking down, coming out the other side into the light, that had brought Mira and Zoey to tears.
In all this slow unraveling of their pain, was beauty.
Walking down the hall Mira brushes up against Zoey’s shoulder and her hairs stand on end.
Mira’s eyes light up whenever Rumi walks into a room, any room, sending her heart racing.
Shared smiles with heated eyes that lingered with admiration.
One topic was a continuous sore point, Celine. Zoey and Rumi insisted they re-open a dialogue with her, because they had to. The only one who could provide them with information on vampires, but she was only willing to share if they came to see her. Mira refused seeing the manipulation for what it was, but Rumi argued she couldn’t safely feed without Celine present.
Mira argued her point best she could butt here minds were made up, Zoey and Rumi would visit Celine.
Sweat still dripping off from her head, Mira strolled into the lounge room in her sports bra and leggings, expecting it to be empty. Over the back of the couch were two black loosely tied buns of hair and silence. Zoey was quiet and there was no sign of Rumi.
Surging forward her heart pounding Mira letting out an audible sigh of relief upon spotting Rumi laying across the cushions, her head resting on Zoey's thigh.
“Mira” Rumi said with excitement and Mira noticed how her complexion was brighter and the tiredness in her eyes was gone.
Rumi had fed
“What happened? You’re back so soon?”
“Nothing happened, it was fine,” Rumi said, while looking up at her with a wary smile.
Zoey scoffs, shaking her head.
“I thought you would be longer?”
“You were right” Zoey stated through tight jaw arms folded.
“I didn’t want to be,” Mira sighed.
Getting Celine to share was like clawing at a stone wall with your hands. Futile.
“All the records Hunters kept were only about killing vampires, how their enhanced sense of smell and vision makes impossible to surprise, brute strength is your only choice to… kill them”
Mira's mind spun that she had caught Rumi off guard before, in fact she definitely scared her just this morning, when she knocked on her door to check in before they left.
“Rumi, you have super hearing?” Mira asks bewildered.
“No.. I mean I do, I’m just not able to make sense of it, the sounds, the smells, it's just noise,” Rumi shrugged sitting up, completely oblivious to Mira’s concerned gaze.
“You never tried to hone it?” Zoey asked.
“No” Rumi states bluntly and Mira saw her fear in her eyes return suddenly, “I mean I thought I was going to get rid of my patterns and everything that came with it, never considered it be like this forever”
“… Do you want to try?” Zoey asks.
Rumi shook her head furrowing her brow “Who could teach me?”
“No one, sorry stupid idea” Zoey looked down at her hands.
“No it wasn’t, I’m sorry” Rumi's face crumbled with guilt and she curled her hand around Zoey's arm.
The maknae softened into her touch jostling her shoulder slightly so Rumi could be more comfortable.
“There’s nothing more about Rumi’s capabilities in the Hunter records?” Mira asked, as she sat down by Zoey’s side stiffly, her back arched up she couldn’t help it couldn’t display any calm.
It was all what Mira didn't ask aloud that caused her heart to ache, what were the limitations of Rumi’s life and how could they help her if they didn’t know how she fed. What she needed, how didn’t it affect her emotions, her energy levels.
“No… There wasn’t much of anything really, they just had a few notes and unconfirmed reports.. All biased,” Zoey stated rather coldly as her eyes went distant.
Mira could see an ache in them, her anger shimmering below the surface. Unable to resist the urge Mira wrapped her arm around her back and pulled her close, kissing her forehead tenderly.
Aware that Zoey’s day was filled with horrible nauseous feelings, reading through pages of graphic detail of how to hunt and kill vampires-kill Rumi. Things she had to face without Mira, because she was too weak.
“Maybe you should stop” Rumi blurted out and Mira pulled back from Zoey, realizing she was crossing a line. Couldn’t deny that her heart was pounding from the closeness, that she was desperate for more. “I mean looking into this vampire stuff, if it’s making you upset”
“Rumi, don’t you want to know more about yourself?” Zoey reached out, as Rumi sat up.
“I just, I want to move on, I want things to go back to… normal”
“Normal? You mean go back to lying to us everyday” Mira said the words before she could stop herself. Cringing back when she saw the pain flicker in Rumi’s eyes.
“No I don’t mean that part, just.. I can see how hard this is on you two, you don’t have to do all this for me” Rumi says as she locks eyes with them, guilty and shamed.
“Yes we do Rumi” Mira asserts her frustration simmering over the edge.
“I've already found a lot through research on my own, your enhanced senses, how often Rumi needs to feed, that the last spotted vampires were. Well when-” Zoey words fade away.
A silence falls and the air changes from anxious to an empty numbing sadness as the three of them reflect on that loss.
“The night my eomma died, that’s the last time anyone saw one” Rumi mumbled her jaw tight, a shimmer of darkness in her eyes.
Mira feels a shiver run up her spine at the way Rumi’s voice breaks as she says the words aloud. Leaning over Zoey to place her other hand on Rumi’s leg giving her a light squeeze hoping to bring her comfort.
“Why, why did Celine spin all this… That vampires never existed, so we wouldn’t figure it out?” Mira states bluntly, it's not a question though.
“She just wanted to pro-” Rumi stated to say her tone soft and reassuring but Mira couldn’t bear it anymore, the constant defence of Celine.
“Don’t, just please” Mira voice trembles, can’t handle hearing anymore excuses.
Rumi nodded.
Mira wondered with each passing day how much of what she thought she knew was a lie. Was any of it real, the family she thought she found. All a lie. Zoey squirmed at her side, her eyes on Mira's scowling face.
“You know, we have no choice right, we have to talk with Celine, she’s the only one who knows anything about Rumi's history, how she feeds” Zoey persists.
“I know, but she’s more reluctant than Rumi to share” Mira huffs. The real cause of her anger is Celine hoarding the information, her only way to keep in contact with Rumi. The only one who could help her through the weekly feed.
The only one Rumi would let help her
“Celine asked about you” Rumi’s voice is hoarse and cautious as she slowly looks up at Mira, a sight that she can’t help but melt at. Those piercing loving eyes saw right through her walls.
Mira couldn’t help but feel a warmth rise from within her the way Rumi said it, as if it were positive that Celine cared, and was concerned for Mira. But did it matter? Was love enough if someone hurts you, makes all the wrong choices.
No no you can’t let her back in
“I don’t care, I don’t want to know, just tell me everything you found out, that can help Rumi” Mira insists, her voice breaking as she tries to keep her emotions at bay.
“That was it,” Zoey says defeated.
“Right, I’m going in the shower” Mira states as plainly as she can but her voice shakes and trembles.
Standing up and turning away, she feels both Zoey and Rumi’s eyes following her, wanting her to stay. But she walks away.