Chapter Text
Blue eyes looked over the handheld game to the figure that appeared out of the entryway.
The living-room was alive with multiple conversations. Something that wasn't uncommon when the huntrix trio came over.
Behind pink, fluffy bangs, Hazel eyes seemed to take note of this. Pulling the shopping bags at their side closer to avoid knocking them against the nearby furniture. Slinking between the path of the occupied sofa and stools lining the kitchen counter. Quickening their pace as they made a beeline for the hallway leading to the bedrooms.
Baby waited until they were almost near the threshold before lowering his game, "Where were you?"
It was slightly comedic how the side conversation abruptly came to a stop. The TV, still playing the long forgotten K-drama on low volume, the only sound filling the confused silence.
There was a flicker of regret in Baby's eyes by the way they stumbled to a stop. The bags jostled much louder than they had any business to against their thighs. But the thought quickly disappeared when Baby took note of the form-fitting jeans currently outlining their long legs. The sleeveless dark crop top contrasting against their exposed cream-colored skin.
Baby felt his brow tick. An irritation he knew his mates shared by the way the air tickled with invisible electricity. The tickle in the air coming from four different directions of the space a reassuring solidarity.
Romance faced the room. Bowing their head, "I needed to get the fabric for your Idol Awards costumes," they answered. lifting the shopping bags high enough to showcase the designer logo on the front.
Abby, from his place behind the counter, barely gave it a glance. Eyes lingering on the choice of clothes before searching Romance's face, "Did you say you were doing that today?" He questioned. Brows furrowing.
Romance nodded, Adam's apple bobbing behind their choker, "I.. I did! I sent it in the group chat."
Mira smiled behind her fingers from where she sat at the kitchen counter. Chin resting in her palm as she inclined her head to the still unsure ex-reaper, "My crash course on using smartphones is still on the table, muscles." She sang. Grin widening at the annoyed eyeroll she got in response.
Abby cleared his throat, lowering his glare to the printed-out recipe set to the side away from the gathered dinner ingredients. "Shut up, Mira," he grumbled. Resuming his cutting of the tomatoes on the chopping board. Sliding the expertly diced fruit to the side before reaching for a bundle of herbs.
Ghost of amusement softened the edges of Mystery's expression. Sat across from Zoey at the center table, his unobscured eyes remained on Romance, giving their outfit an appreciative once-over. "He still holds the phone the wrong way when facetiming," he supplied. Turning to share a knowing look with a grinning Zoey. The maknae more than happy to steer the conversation into less strained territory. Intentional or not. "He still doesn't understand that you don't need to yell when the phone is on speaker, too," she added
"That was one time!"
Baby scoffed, reluctantly shifting his gaze to his boyfriend. Smirking at the unnecessary pressure the older demon was applying to the cilantro, "I caught him googling how to send a text the other day." The sound of the chef's knife being dropped against the cutting board was barely audible under the chorus of laughter.
"I did not, Ji-hoon. Stop making shit up!"
Hazel eyes looked through their lashes. Watching the invisible bubble of calm begin to re-form around the group.
Another round of laughter encouraged Romance to take a step back. Hoping to continue into the hall and retreat to their bedroom. Looking forward to the solitude needed to begin organizing and sewing the fabrics together.
Too focused on their escape, Romance didn't notice the figure previously sitting beside Rumi now striding towards them in their peripheral vision. The sudden grip on their arm making them snap their gaze up to meet unreadable brown eyes.
Jinu immediately loosened his grip on the trembling limb. A flicker of regret passing over his features. The emotion guiding him to eye the large bags instead of the frightened eyes still gaping up at him. If only to help him form his words.
"Zoey-" Jinu cleared his throat, "Zoey wanted us all to watch a movie together." He began. Shifting closer, when Romance's shoulders untensed just slightly. "Said it was one she grew up watching in America. The Invincibles-
"The Incredibles."
Jinu nodded, "Yes, that. I-we-would like it if you stayed and watched with us."
Observing the mix of emotions that passed over Romance's face. Jinu heard the unspoken Why would you want that? Loud and clear. And it took everything in him not to cringe at his own past actions that led to that question hanging heavily between them.
Romance shook their head, "I.. I should really start getting to work on the outfits," they frowned. Letting their confused gaze lower to the floor.
Rumi perked up, "Why don't you bring your supplies out here!" Her smile held when she met Romance's uneasy shock.
"N.. no! Rumi-ssi, t..that's not necessary."
Rumi batted her hand. If at the honorific or reply in general, the room wasn't sure. But she stood up to gesture to the coffee table currently housing a mix of snacks and manhwas. "We'll move these aside so you can set your sewing machine down." She decided. Beside her, Zoey didn't hesitate to stand and help her girlfriend begin clearing off the table.
Mystery uncrossed his legs to stand. "There's an extension cord here somewhere," his monotone seemed out of place with how urgently he began searching the area near the TV Stand. "So you can plug it in."
"No, t.. that's really-"
Baby tossed his steam deck to the side. Nodding towards the nearby outlet extension, "Let's just unplug the cord for the steam deck, that should-"
"STOP!"
Everyone jumped. Snapping their gaze to the Mongma gawking at them as if they'd all gone mad.
Romance cringed, bowing their head "I.. I appreciate you all considering me, but I want to start making the designs... In private," they shifted on their feet. Angling their head slightly in Jinu's direction.
"P.. Please."
Jinu deflated, opening his mouth to reply, but paused when the advice he received from Bobby not too long ago replayed in his mind.
"I don't fault you for being cautious about Kyung-soo's initial intentions. You were just trying to keep your pack together, Jinu. But it seems like they were given even less of a choice while under Gwi-ma's control than the rest of you. So maybe start there? Give Kyung-soo a choice..."
Jinu nodded.
Smiling reassuringly, he removed his hand from Romance's arm. Trying not to think too hard when they quickly stepped back or tightened their grip on the handles of the shopping bags.
Jinu cleared his throat, nodding again, "That's fine, Kyung-soo. We look forward to seeing the outfits." He took a step back before searching the room. Lingering on the varying mix of emotions on his boyfriends' faces, "We'll be out here if you need anything."
Romance had already bowed low and begun retreating down the hall by the time Jinu turned around. Unaware of the regret-filled gaze that watched them disappear into their bedroom.