Chapter Text
Everything was ready. The dressing room were filled with all what the girls needed. All of their favorite snacks, refreshments, some sweets, and a couch. Nari nodded to herself as she patted herself on the back. She knew a hundred percent sure the girls would like their dressing room being upgraded. Nari walked out of the dressing room, and took out her tablet. She checked marked everything she was assigned to do.
-Food and refreshments prepared for the girls in between songs. Check
-All tech and special effects were going well. Check
-Making sure the resort in Korea was prepared for the girls' arrival. Check
-The resort being private with no disturbance from anything. Check.
Of course there were other things Nari had to do like making sure the exists were wide enough for the fans to go in and out, the concessions being full with food vendors so no one won't go hungry in between songs, and making sure the night goes smoothly.
There was already a list of things Nari had to do when Golden gets promoted, but Nari knew that it was too soon for the girls to promote their new single. It wouldn't be the first time that it happened and it was common for idols to promote a new song after their concert, but Nari hoped that Rumi, Mira, and Zoey would take the time to relax after the concert and promote later.
As Nari looked around, she saw many of the staff were running around, frantically. Nari was about to ask what was going on, but she stopped and realized that something was wrong. Where were Rumi, Mira, and Zoey? Frowning, Nari looked at her phone and her eyes widened. They should've been here by now! They were thirty minutes late for their concert and there were like over fifty thousand fans who wanted to see them. Last time Nari checked they were on their private plane and she made sure their plane would make it here on time.
"Did something happened?" Nari muttered.
Nari knew she shouldn't go into conclusion. There were a lot of things that could happen. Like if there was a delay of technical difficulties, the girls got to the plane late, or both. That has to be it.
"Nari!" a voice called.
Nari looked up and saw Bobby - her uncle, was running over to her. He too was frantic. Nari watched her uncle let out a breath and held his phone up at her. Right there, she saw the private plane was leaving the concert.
"The plane!" Bobby gasped. "Nari, why is the plane turning around?"
"I don't know, Uncle Bobby," Nari fixed her glasses. "but I assured you that I contacted the pilot to have the girls arrive on time. Don't panic! You call the girls and I'll call the pilot."
Nari took out her phone and called the plane, but all she heard was ringing from the other side and no one bothered to pick up. With a sigh, Nari looked over to her uncle and saw his phone being passed around by the fans and the Huntrix were talking to them. One fan even had a tattoo of them on his arm. After that Bobby hung up the phone and gave her a thumbs up. Then Nari felt her phone vibrated and she looked at it. There was a text from Mira and Zoey.
Mira: Get the couch ready.
Zoey: Couch! Couch!
Nari made a small smile. She knew what that meant. The girls wanted a break and relax on the couch with a bunch of food. She knew the concert would be around two to three hours, which would give her enough time to cook everything. However, she did hoped the girls would accept her uncle's offer to go to the resort. They deserved it. The girls worked hard for their songs.
Suddenly, smoke appeared on stage and there were...three people on stage in monster customs. Then the girls jumped out and killed the monsters, turning them into red smoke, even the one that the fans were interacting with, but Zoey threw something which caused it to turn into smoke. Nari had to admit, that was really good special effects, but she was sure she didn't order those kinds of special effects. In the corner of her eyes, Nari watched her uncle let out a sigh of relief and he even danced a bit too.
Nari adjusted her glasses and watched the girls performed "How's it done" as their beautiful voices touched everyone. She couldn't help and admired her bosses. They had such beauty and grace as they performed. At one point Nari did wanted to become an idol because Uncle Bobby used to be in a kpop group, but after hearing the horror story her uncle went through, she decided not to.
"Uncle Bobby, I'll be heading back," Nari said.
Bobby looked at her with shock. "What? You're not going to stay for the after party?! Sweetie, when was the last time you had fun?"
Nari chuckled. "It's fine! I'll see you tomorrow."
Bobby made a soft sigh and placed both hands on her shoulder. "Nari, you're my favorite niece - "
"I'm your only niece."
Bobby laughed. "You're still my favorite and I want you to relax for three weeks, okay? Paid too. Besides, the girls will be at their resort and don't stress over taking care of their penthouse, okay?"
Nari nodded. "Okay."
Bobby smiled. "That's my girl! Remember, relax!"
"I will."
Her uncle gave her a peck on the head and Nari waved to him as she walked away. As she walked to the parking lot, got into her car, and drove. She couldn't help and hear her uncle's words echoed in her head. He was right. When was the last time she had fun? Ever since she moved from America to South Korea after high school, Nari started working right away. Nari never got to look at the sights and everything or even go out to make friends. The closest thing she did was to go to the night markets for a little break and visiting family back at the U.S during holidays, but those were short too. It was single after single and making sure the girls were taken care of.
Besides, she only had a working relationship with the Huntrix. Yes, they were kind to her, but it was more of a boss and employee relationship. The girls would always stick together and they are their own little group. Even though Nari was around their age, she didn't want to disturb their dynamic. They're like the popular girls in high school where they're highly respected and how they protect others from other mean girls.
Nari was sure that they only agreed to hire her was because of her uncle and how they trust him. She knew her relationship with the Huntrix would never be like her uncle, but Nari was fine with it. She likes her job anyway. Even though it gets a little crazy at times, but a job is a job and maybe this time she'll get a chance to relax.
Did she wanted to become their friend? Yes, deep down she did. She really admired them and how hard working they are. However, every time she did offer to hang out with them, they suddenly disappeared and came back because the studio was calling them. Nari always gave them a benefit of doubt when that came up, although she had noticed they got some bruises on their bodies, but she always assumed it was from practicing their cerography.
It was like that for the last three years. Nari knew she should've just spoke up and say something, but the Huntrix were always busy and Nari didn't want to cause any trouble just to have them hang out with her. Besides, maybe it was for the best. They're nice to her and she had a good working relationship with the girls. She didn't want to be selfish about it.
When Nari got to the Huntrix's penthouse, she tired her dark brown hair into a low ponytail, and headed upstairs. The first thing she did was to clean and fluff up the couch. She made sure it was nice and fluffy for them to sit. After that, Nari went over to the kitchen and started cooking. She had cooked all of the food the Huntrix likes. Kimbap, kimchi stew, corn dogs, cold noodles, boba tea, bingsu, homemade choco pies, pepero, hotteok, and yakgwa. After Nari finished cooking, she set everything on a giant plate each for Rumi, Mira, and Zoey. She even prepare some movies, tv shows, and documentaries for the girls. After that she washed the dishes and put everything back where it was.
While she was putting the dishes away, her phone buzzed. Nari looked at her phone and saw her uncle texted her. Right away, Nari put the last dish in the cabinets and took her phone as she looked at the text.
Uncle B: The girls didn't want to go to the resort I booked for them, so they had me go instead. Want to join? It's been a while we had an uncle-niece time.
Nari: It's okay, Uncle Bobby. You go without me. You deserved a vacation too.
Nari knew it was true. Her uncle worked so hard to make sure that he wasn't like his old managers from his kpop years and made sure the girls ate well and everything. He was so committed to them and everything. Even though Nari did wanted to spend time with her uncle, but he deserved a long break from everything. Besides, Nari knew there will be other times for her to hang out with her uncle.
Uncle B: You're so sweet! Okay, but after I come back, you and I are going to eat barbeque, marinated crabs, and karaoke!
Nari: Deal.
Uncle B: I'll see you in a few weeks!
Nari: Yeah, I'll see you later!
Then the doors opened, Mira and Zoey walked out first and Rumi was last. The girls were wearing fluffy white bath robes over their concert outfits. Rumi went to the direction of their closet, while Zoey and Mira changed out of their clothed, put their bath robes over them and walked over to the kitchen. Their eyes widened as they saw all of the food Nari cooked for them.
"I made all of your favorites," Nari gestured to the tray of food.
Zoey cried and hugged her. "Nari, you're the best!"
"You even made homemade choco pie?!" Mira gasped.
Nari nodded and rubbed her neck. "Yeah, I did."
Mira bit into the choco pie and moaned. "This is so good! Thank you, Nari!"
"Yeah, thank you!" Zoey said.
"Get some sleep!" Mira patted her shoulder. "We all deserved a three week break!"
Zoey pumped her fist in the air. "To the couch!"
"Couch! Couch! Couch!" The two cheered.
Nari shook her head as she went over to the direction of the girls' concert closet. The lights were already on and Nari peered through the open door. Nari blinked as she saw Rumi staring at her Golden outfit. She had a look of determination in her eyes. Like she was on a mission. Now Nari thought about it, ever time the girls release a new single, it was like a mission.
"Rumi, your snacks are ready," Nari called.
Rumi turned and smiled. "Thank you, Nari. I'll eat later."
"Good job on the concert, by the way," Nari said.
"Thank you, Nari."
Then Nari left Rumi alone in her closet. She passed the living room, while Mira and Zoey were chanting "couch" with the trays of food. As they sat down on the couch, Nari took a deep breath and walked over to them. She felt like she was approaching to a territory that she shouldn't be bothering with.
"Hey guys," Nari stood near the couch. "I was thinking since we all have a three week break, why not we go to a cafe tomorrow? There's this cute cat cafe everyone's talking about."
"That does sounds nice, but we all planned to have couch time for three weeks," Zoey said.
Mira nodded. "Yeah, couch time is the best!"
"I even have tons of turtle documentaries to watch."
"And dramas too."
"Maybe next time, Nari."
Nari nodded. "Okay. Well, have fun on your couch."
With that, Nari turned around and walked away. She wasn't really surprised by that. The girls obviously had their own plans and Nari knew she shouldn't pushed it. She suggested an activity together, they said no, and that was it. She was fine with that.
As Nari got into her room, she opened the door, closed it, and collapsed onto her bed. She let out a soft sigh and held her cat plush. She didn't realized how tired she was. Now she has a three week vacation, maybe she could go to a spa or a bath house. She could even finally go and see the sites too. There was even places she wanted to go too, and since the girls didn't want to go to the cat cafe with her, she could go. Sure it would be by herself, but it was fine.
"Time to go promo!" her uncle's voice cheered.
Frowning, Nari got up and walked out of her room. As she walked into the living room, she saw her uncle spinning around and the girls cheering. Nari took out her phone and saw their new single, Golden was just launch. That meant Nari would have to help her uncle and the girls promote their new song. Not the first time the girls had done this concert after concert. Besides, Nari knew what to expect, interviews, concerts, and rewards shows. Although, the International Idol Awards was many months away. Nari thought that the girls would promote the song after their vacation.
"Nari!" Bobby hugged her. "We're going to promote Golden! I'll give you a list of things what needs to be done, but most importantly, I need you to drive the girls to the studio tomorrow morning."
Nari nodded. "Okay."
With that, Bobby hugged her again, then hugged the girls as he walked away, spinning. Nari chuckled. Her uncle was always the silly type. Then Nari's phone rang. Her eyes lit up as she saw an image of her best friend from America wanted to video chat with her.
"I'll make sure everything is ready for tomorrow," Nari said. "See you guys in the morning, I need to take this call. Night guys!"
"Night Nari!" the girls said.
Hurriedly, Nari ran into her room and closed the door. As she sat on her bed, Nari answered the call. The first thing she saw was her best friend, Gwen who had dark skin, hazel eyes, and braids that was tied in a bun.
"Hey, Gwen," Nari greeted.
"Hey girly," Gwen giggled. "I saw the whole Huntrix concert online and that was so cool! They're really going all out on those special effects."
Nari nodded. "They were and some of them I didn't know was installed."
"So watcha doin'?"
"I just getting ready for bed. I even made some food for Zoey, Mira, and Rumi."
Gwen groaned. "Damn, I really miss your cooking! You always make the best food for parties!"
Nari chuckled and smirked. "So, how are you and Seong-Min? Doing anything...fun?"
Gwen squealed, burying her face in the pillow. "Ah, Ri-Ri you're embarrassing me! First my folks and now you! I felt like all y'all like to tease me!"
"Hey, you're on your honeymoon while calling me. I just wanted to know the details."
"We're doing good. The hotel Minnie surprised me was really nice. I'm glad he didn't go overboard like he did when he proposed."
Nari laughed. "It's hard not to forget he proposed to you in a fancy restaurant with a choir, orchestra, and traditional Korean dancers in the background."
"You'll understand when you get a boyfriend," then Gwen pursed her lips. "Are the Huntrix's treating you right?"
Nari knew that look right away. It wasn't the first time Gwen was concern about her. Gwen was always like a mother hen to her and was concern about her moving to South Korea after Bobby gave her a job opportunity after high school, but Nari did kept in contact with Gwen after that. Nari would tell Gwen what she was doing, even by text too. It was normal for Nari to tell Gwen what her job was like and what the Huntrix were like. Nothing in her contract told her that she couldn't say anything.
Nari nodded. "They are. Rumi, Mira, and Zoey are so nice to me and that all it matters. Also they always get excited about my cooking."
Gwen sighed. "Look, it's been three years and I know you want to keep your relationship with the Huntrix professional, but they literally know nothing about you, except your their manager's niece and being their housekeeper. They should've know at least something about you by now. You should at least say something."
"I know, but it's fine. Really. I don't want to ruin anything. Four might be a crowd anyway."
"It's just that I don't want them to take you for granted."
"They're not, I promise!" Nari looked at the time. "Anyway, I have to go. We're promoting tomorrow. Have fun at your honeymoon!"
Gwen nodded. "I will."
"Tell, Seong-Min I said hi!"
"Will do!"
"Try not to be too freaky in the bedroom."
"Ri-Ri!"
Nari laughed and Gwen rolled her eyes as she made a smile. The two waved at each other and Nari turned off the call. Nari turned off the lights and laid on her bed, pulling the covers over herself. She sighed and turned to her side. As Nari closed her eyes, she fell asleep in a deep slumber.
Chapter Text
Promoting Golden was a lot of work. For the whole month, all Nari did was to help her uncle and the girls to promote Golden. There were times where she had to order takeout to feed the girls as well as going to a night market and a twenty-four hour convivence store to buy some groceries. Knowing the girls, Nari knew they ate a lot and she wanted to make sure the girls had snacks and refreshments when they promote Golden. It was nonstop work.
All of their fans love Golden. It was a hit. Not just South Korea, but all over the world. Everyone love the music video. The visuals and the music was perfect. Nari knew how hard the girls had worked on that music video since it was a story about them. Now Nari thought about it, almost all of their songs was about them in some certain way. For some reason, their song "How's it done" was about fighting. Not that Nari mind, she like a good battle song, but it was something she noticed when listening to their songs.
It was early in the morning and today the girls have their talk show interview to promote Golden. After that they have a concert. Nari woke up early to make the girls a nice breakfast. She wanted to make both an American and Korean breakfast this time. That way the girls would have some options to choose from. Not only that, but Nari was craving for some French toast. Besides, whatever is left over, they could eat it for brunch anyway.
Nari made French toast, hash browns, scrambled eggs, sausages, pancakes, waffles, and fresh fruit for the American breakfast, while for the Korean breakfast, Nari made some rice, banchan, miyeok guk, grilled fish, steamed eggs, and kimchi stew. When Nari finished she leaned against the counter, giving herself some room to breath. As much as she loves cooking, but making a large breakfast on her own does take up a lot of work. She knew the girls would need the energy for their interview and their tonight's concert.
"Oh, this looks amazing!" Rumi's voice spoke.
Nari turned and saw the girls who were already awake. They were all dressed in their Golden outfits, makeup, and everything. Like always, the girls were very beautiful. The girls gathered around the table, wondering which they should try first.
"Morning guys!" Nari greeted as she adjusted her glasses.
"Morning, Nari!" the girls spoke in unison.
"You made pancakes too?!" Zoey gasped. "It's been so long I had pancakes!"
"Nari, I want to be your kid in my next life," Mira said.
Nari chuckled. "Thank you, Mira. You guys, eat up! You have a big day today."
Right away, the girls sat down, thanked the meal, and begun to eat. Nari watched in amusement as the girls ate everything. No food was left untouched. While the girls ate their hearts out, Nari had already saved herself a plate of her own, which consist of a French toast with fresh fruit, miyeok guk on the side, and a glass of orange juice. Nari would eat her meals on a separate time and sometimes at the same time as the girls, but as always Nari would eat away from the girls to maintain professionalism.
Nari ate her breakfast, while the girls ate theirs. After breakfast, Nari got the car ready, while the girls were getting their belongings. When they got to the car, Nari drove into the city. While Nari drove, she was thinking about what she should give the girls for lunch. Not only that they had to rehearse Golden before the concert, which means they need tons of food for a three hour concert. Nari knew the girls would eat anything, but she wanted to give them the food the deserved. Maybe some takeout? Nari knew what takeout food the girls like.
"Hey, Nari, do you have any plans for lunch?" Zoey asked.
"I'm thinking about takeout, why?" Nari questioned. "Do want something for lunch?"
"We don't know yet, but why not you pick?" Rumi suggested. "Something we never tried."
Nari frowned as she looked at Rumi through the rear view mirror. "Me?"
Mira nodded. "If you don't mind."
Nari blinked a few times. "I'll think of something."
"Thank you, Nari!" The girls said in unison.
Nari eyed at the girls, but the trio just smiled at her sweetly. Usually, the girls would try to pick what takeout food they each wanted, which was a lot of things to order, and that was it. This was different. With new food, the girls would try it together. For all of the three years she had worked for the Huntrix, they never request something like that.
The only thing Nari could think of was something she would like to try, but...would that be okay? What if Rumi, Mira, and Zoey don't like what she bought and ordered something they wanted instead? Nari shook her head. No! It was okay. They asked her to pick and wanted something different. If they ended up not liking what she picked, then Nari would order something that would fit what they like.
When they got to the studio, Nari and the girls got out of the car and headed inside. Uncle Bobby met them inside and lead the girls to their dressing rooms. There were three dressing rooms. One for Mira and Zoey to share, one for Rumi, and the other for the girls to eat. While the girls were putting on their last touches on their makeup, Uncle Bobby was telling Nari what to do. Making sure the girls had everything they needed before the interview, lunch, some snacks, and drinks before tonight's concert.
"There's already ten thousand of fans going to be there." Uncle Bobby said.
"That sounds scary," Nari frowned.
"It is, which means everything needs to go well for tonight," Uncle Bobby paused. "Can you make sure - "
"When Rumi glides around the crowd to make sure everything is secure before she takes off," Nari finished. "And have people giving the fans some water and snacks upon arrival and between songs."
Uncle Bobby nodded. "That's right." then he sighed. "I hope this goes well."
Nari placed a hand on her uncle's shoulder. "Don't worry, everything will be fine. How about we book the girls on a three or five month vacation to Japan and after that we can worry about the International Idol Awards after that?"
"That sounds like a good idea! We can surprise them that!"
Nari did hope her uncle wasn't stressing too much. Hopefully, things would turn out well. Besides, the sound of ten thousand fans screaming and trying to get into the concert does sounded scary. Nari wondered her did her uncle put up with that when he was an idol.
"By the way, I'm order lunch for the girls," Nari said. "Do you want a egg drop sandwich?"
Uncle Bobby's eyes lit up. "That sounds good! Give me two!" then he took out his phone. "I'm going to order some sweets for my girls. I know they would want some dessert after a long day. Do you want anything Nari?"
"Just one slice of strawberry cake would be nice."
Uncle Bobby gave her a look. "Really?"
"What?"
"Nari, as your uncle," Uncle Bobby placed a hand on his chest. "It's my job not to listen to your mom and be a cool uncle to you and your brothers. You're getting a strawberry whole cake! You deserve it! Without you, I'll be running around like a headless chicken!"
Nari giggled. "Okay, Uncle Bobby."
"Just don't tell your mom I gave you a whole cake."
"Deal."
Bobby gave her a peck on the head. "I'll meet you and my girls at the venue. The interview is going to start in five minutes. See you later, Nari!"
"Bye, Uncle Bobby!"
With that, her uncle walked away, making sure everything was going well and making some calls. Right away, Nari walked to the girls' dressing room - the one for food. It didn't took her long to get there. She knocked on the door and opened it, revealing the girls eating some ramyeon. Nari wasn't surprised to see them eating some food before a show. It was a habit of theirs and as long as they were healthy, then they could eat as much as they want.
"Hi guys!" Nari greeted.
"Hi, Nari!" the girls smiled.
"I just want to let you guys know the interview is going to start in five minutes."
Without missing a beat, the girl wolfed down their ramyeon. After several seconds later, the girls put on fishing touches of their makeup. The Huntrix looked at her and Nari gave them a thumbs up. The look beautiful as always. Nari lead the girls out of their dressing room. They went outside where the interview was taking place. The interview stage had tons of fans behind some fences, the stage had some seats, and there was a large screen.
"Now our very special guests," the interviewer gestured her hand out. "Huntrix!"
All of the fans cheered as the girls walked on stage. They shook hands with the interviewer and sat down. Mira sat on the left, Rumi in the middle, and Zoey on the right. Nari tried to paid attention to the show, but she was too busy calling the venue to make sure everything was okay, making sure that the rope was secure when Rumi glides during the performance, the food and drinks for the fans, making sure the lunch delivery would be at the venue, and texting her uncle about the updates. She even called a fancy hotel in Japan so could try to book a reservation for the girls after the concert.
"...Tell us more about that new single!" the interviewer said.
Mira smiled softly. "Golden...it's about us."
Rumi nodded. "It's about who we are and where we're going next."
"And our first live performance is tonight!" Zoey said.
The fans cheered as they heard the news. The girls looked at their fans with appreciation with a soft look in their eyes as the interviewer continued. Nari made a small smile. Even though having a new single and another concert was too soon - even though they were promoting for a month now, but the whole month went by quickly.
When the interview ended, Nari led the girls back to their dressing room. The girls gathered all of their belongings and after they were done, Nari and the girls went to the car. While Nari was driving, the girls put some songs they like from other artists. Zoey even had some American music on too.
As soon as they got to the venue, Nari took the girls to their dressing room. The door opened and the first thing Nari saw was boxes of egg drop sandwiches. Gasping, the girls raced over to the food, giving each other a sandwich. Nari giggled as she watched, Zoey, Mira, and Rumi thanked the meal and ate the sandwiches. They smiled as they continued to eat the sandwich.
"Nari, this is delicious!" Zoey exclaimed. "I can't believed we were missing out some toast."
"I heard there are some popular ones around Seoul," Mira said.
Rumi gasped. "We should try it out tomorrow."
Nari let out a sigh of relief. She did thought that they wouldn't like her choice of food, but she was glad Rumi, Mira, and Zoey were enjoying their lunch. However, since the concert is tonight and Nari was sure the girls would want something to eat. Nari wondered if she had time today, she could go back to the penthouse and make some homemade food for them.
"I was a little nervous to what to get for you guys," then Nari smiled brightly. "but I'm glad you guys like what I picked."
The girls looked at Nari as she smiled. Then Mira placed both hands on her shoulders, staring at her dead in the eyes. Nari blinked, wondering if she had done something wrong. She never got in trouble when she worked for the Huntrix.
"Nari, If someone is ever bothering you, tell me," Mira said. "I'll handle it."
"If you ever like a boy and he made you cry, tell us!" Zoey gave her an innocent grin. "We'll kill him!"
"Wh-What?!" Nari sputtered.
Rumi sighed. "Guys, don't scare her."
"We're being serious!" Mira and Zoey both at once.
Nari chuckled. "It's okay, guys! I can handle myself. Anyway, I'll meet you guys on stage. Eat as much as you like. Rumi, your separate dressing room is at that door over there. If you guys need anything, text me. Bye, guys!"
"Bye Nari!" the girls waved.
Nari took a sandwich and left their dressing room as she headed to the stage. She couldn't help and giggled at the girls' silliness. She was glad that Rumi, Mira, and Zoey do have her back if something goes wrong, but Nari could handle things herself. She had experienced all of the pros and cons of being an assistant to her uncle and how people treat her. Sometimes it had to do with her status too. Besides, Nari was no stranger to handle things herself. She was just glad that it never resort into violence.
When Nari got to the stage, she the whole stage was bathed in gold. There was a golden backdrop as well as golden silk hanging from the ceiling. There was even a golden diamond with steps attached to it. It was beautiful and Nari knew when the girls would sing and dance there, they would be shining like angels. Nari saw her uncle eating his egg drop sandwich and making sure everything was secure. Nari talked to the staff and made sure the rope was secure, the food and drinks were ready when fans walk in, the lights, special effects, and the decorations were ready. She even told one of the staff to bring a safety net in case if the rope breaks during reversals.
"Everything is ready, Uncle Bobby," Nari walked up to her uncle. "We just need the girls to rehearsed and have Rumi glide around a few times. The net is set just in case."
"Thanks sweetie!" Bobby ruffled her hair. "I'll handle everything from here. My girls should be ready soon. Take a break, okay?"
"I will."
With that, Nari went backstage to the breakroom and ate her untouched sandwich. Nari smiled as she ate her sandwich. She wondered if she could make a homemade egg drop sandwich for the girls. The ingredients were simple, but making homemade bread would take a while. As Nari ate, she noticed she wasn't the only one in the breakroom. There were some of the staff were there too. They were just chatting away like no tomorrow, not paying any mind to her.
"I heard there's going to be a new band!" one of them spoke.
A woman gasped. "Really what kind?"
"A boy band!"
A boy band? Nari thought. She does like boy bands. She grew up listening to Backstreet Boys and NSYNC. Of course she does listen to Korean boy groups such as Shinee, BigBang, Super Junior, and BTS. She even have her favorite girl groups, like Girls Generation. However, a new boy band would be tough for them to reach the top, since every time there was a new band, there was always a rivalry.
While she ate, she looked at her phone and played some games on it. After thirty minutes, Nari put her phone away, washed her hand, and went back stage where the girls were now rehearsing, Golden. Nari stared at Rumi, Mira, and Zoey with awed. Even though Nari had seen them in their Golden outfits many times this month, but they still looked beautiful. Every outfit the girls wore, even simple ones were high end quality and designers.
Nari walked over to her uncle and stood next to him. She noticed her uncle was dancing along, mimicking their moves perfectly, but he accidently hit one of the camera men. Even though her uncle wasn't an idol anymore, but he still got it. The voice and the skills.
Then Rumi was walking in the center stage, slowly raising her hands. "Now, I'm shining like I'm born to b - "
Everyone went silent. Nari frowned and in the corner of her eyes, her uncle looked concerned. Rumi wasn't reaching her high note for some reason. Nari and Bobby looked at each other and back at the girls.
"Huh?" Bobby frowned.
"You okay?" Mira placed a hand on Rumi's shoulder.
Rumi cleared her throat as she placed her finger tips on her neck. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine. Let's take it again, from the top."
Nari noticed her uncle wanted to speak out, but he let the girls do what they needed to do. Then Rumi, Mira, and Zoey got into position as the song started playing right where they left off from before.
Rumi sang. "I'm done hiding. Now, I'm shining like I'm born to - "
Rumi never reached the note. Instead she coughed. Everyone was looking at Rumi with concern. Mira and Zoey looked at each other and back at Rumi, wanting to speak up. Rumi, on the other hand was worried as she was lost into her thoughts.
"Rumi, you okay?" Bobby asked. "Do you need some water?"
"I just need five," Rumi started to walk off the stage. "I'm gonna take five."
"Five minutes!" one of the staff exclaimed. "We go live in ten!"
"Okay, I can handle this," Uncle Bobby spoke to himself. "I'm not having a nervous breakdown. Visualized there's not ten thousand fans at the door, screaming and sounding scary."
Sadly, Nari could imagine that. Mira and Zoey were whispering to each other with worried looks. Uncle Bobby was pacing a bit, muttering to himself on what was he going to do. Pursing her lips, Nari placed a hand on her uncle's shoulder.
"Uncle Bobby, I'm going to check on Rumi," Nari said.
Bobby nodded. "Please do."
Without a second thought, Nari quickly walked behind the stage and headed to Rumi's dressing room. While she was heading there, she passed another hall and saw the door closed. Frowning, Nari stopped and stared at the door for a few seconds. No one was backstage. Everyone was at the front doing their jobs and...Slowly Nari's eyes widened and she ran to the dressing room. She knocked on the door a few times
"Rumi!" Nari knocked on the door. "Rumi, it's me! Can I come in?"
There was no answer.
"Rumi!" Nari called.
Gnashing her teeth, Nari opened the door and went to the other room where Rumi has her own dressing room. Without hesitation, she opened the door. Gasping, Nari blinked a few times. Rumi wasn't in her dressing room. That meant the door she saw closed...did Rumi ran off?
Right away, Nari ran out of the dressing room as she headed back to the stage. She pulled out her phone and went into her GPS tracking. She only had a GPS tracking on the girls because she was also their driver and if they needed her to pick them up or drop them up somewhere. However, never in Nari's life she would have to use it for such purpose to locate Rumi.
On the GPS, Rumi was running away from the venue. Nari wanted to run after her and try to convince her to come back, but she needed to alert her uncle that Rumi left the building and there were thousands of fans waiting to be let in. Nari knew there was a chance that the concert might be cancelled because Rumi's voice and how the lead vocalist isn't here. Nari hoped that her uncle wouldn't be too stressed out.
When Nari got back to the front stage, she almost tripped on her way there, but she quickly regained her balanced as she held onto the stage rails. Nari tried to regain her breath and she adjusted her glasses, but she didn't realized how much she ran all the way over here.
"Rumi's gone," Nari chocked.
Bobby gasped. "What?"
"Oh no!" Zoey held a hand over her mouth.
"Where did she go?" Mira asked.
"I don't know," Nari answered. "She's not in her dressing room and..." Nari held up her phone. "I don't know where she's going."
Everyone was silent. The staff around them were whispering to each other, wondering what were they going to do. Nari knew that that this rarely happens because if a singer is sick, they would still have to perform, but the thing was that something was wrong with Rumi's voice and if Rumi was loosing her voice, then she couldn't perform.
"We go live in five minutes!" one of the staff said. "We need Rumi."
Bobby sighed and he placed a hand on Nari's shoulder. "Nari, take Mira and Zoey home."
"What about Rumi?" Nari questioned. "Will she come back?"
"We know Rumi," Mira replied. "Knowing her, she'll come back to the penthouse."
"I think she just needs to be alone," Zoey added.
Bobby nodded. "Take the girls home, Nari. Don't worry about the concert and everything. I'll handle this."
Nari hugged her uncle and she led Mira and Zoey to the car. She drove away from the venue, only hearing the sound of silence from Zoey and Mira. From the rearview mirror, she noticed the two were looking at their phones, wondering if Rumi had text them back. The only thing Nari could do was to stay silent. She wondered how her uncle would handle this because there would be thousands of disappointed fans and the network was going to have a field day.
When they got back to the penthouse, Nari made some dinner, while Mira and Zoey waited for Rumi in the living room. The two stayed silent, while Nari made dinner. It only took an hour for Nari to finish dinner. She made a simple bowl of rice with some pork, grilled fish, steamed eggs, soup, and with side dishes. Nari made sure everything was hot for the girls as she set everything on the table. She even made a small tray for herself to eat in her room. Nari had a feeling that Mira and Zoey would want to talk to Rumi when she comes back.
"If you're hungry, dinners on the table," Nari said.
"Thank you, Nari," the two spoke.
Pursing her lips, Nari took her tray and headed into her room. As she opened the door, she heard door slide opened. Turning around, Nari saw Rumi, who was holding herself. She looked sad and disappointed of herself. Nari wanted to go over there to comfort her, but Mira and Zoey were already hugging her. At that moment, Nari knew that she shouldn't interfere what was going on. It was best to leave the girls their space. It would be rude of her to butt in on someone like her won't understand.
Nari opened her door and closed it as she went onto her bed and ate her dinner, while watching some videos to ease her mind. Even though, dinner was quiet, but she could still hear muffled voices of the girls through the walls. From the three years she had worked with Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, she had never saw their concert being canceled before. Sure it happened before to other idols, but never the Huntrix. Nari wondered how she could make Rumi feel better. Maybe she could make some herbal soup to help with her voice tomorrow morning or she could go to a market and buy some cough medicine. Either that or she could call her mom and asked what soups to help with someone's voice. Or she could call one of her older brothers, since he's a doctor after all.
There was a lot of options Nari could do to help Rumi's voice. She didn't like how down the girls were and it broke her. Nari knew she was just a housekeeper and her uncle's assistant, but she does want to help in some way.
Then Nari's phone buzzed and the first thing she saw was an image of her uncle. Right away, Nari took the phone and put it on speaker. She could hear some arguing in the background. She wondered if her uncle was okay.
"Nari, I finally convinced the network to reschedule the live show," Uncle Bobby spoke. "We agreed that my girls will perform Golden at the Idol Awards."
"That's like several months away." Nari said. "that should give us enough time to help Rumi's voice."
"It should. Also for now, we're just doing promoting and a very light promoting too. I want to make sure Rumi gets enough rest with no stress."
"I'll make sure she gets enough rest. So what's this light promoting?"
"You know, game shows, live tv episodes, radio interview, and the Idol Athlete Championships. The usual stuff."
Nari nodded. Those things she could handle. Between those events and the Idol Awards, it should give Rumi enough time to heal. Besides, Nari was sure it was a burnt out or something. Whatever it was, Nari wanted to help as she could.
Nari crossed her arms. "That's not too bad."
"It's not and I'm glad we have enough time before the Idol Awards." Bobby said. "Anyway, I have to go. I'm still going to send my girls their sweets and you a strawberry cake. Bye, sweetie!"
"Bye Uncle Bobby!"
With that, Nari ended the call. She let out a sigh as she continued to eat her dinner. The plan seemed like a good idea. Let Rumi rest and do some light promoting before the Idol Awards. Simple as that. Nari hoped that everything would turn out well when the time comes.
After Nari ate her dinner, she walked out of her room, but as she got closer to the end of the hall she stopped. She could hear the girls talking to each other in low voices.
"My voice...is in trouble," Rumi's voice spoke.
Nari frowned. Was Rumi getting sick? Was she overworking herself. Nari took a small peak. She saw the girls barely touched the dinner she made. It was a light dinner, but everything was left cold. Nari pursed her lips. She was tempted to go over there and let Rumi know everything would be okay, but a part of her told her to stay put and keep quiet.
"In trouble?" Mira repeated. "then why did you push up the Golden release?"
"Because we were so close," Rumi looked at Mira and Zoey. "And it's so important."
Nari frowned. Close to what? The way Rumi was talking was very...vague. There were a lot of things going on Nari's mind on what Rumi was talking about. It could be the Idol Awards, but that was several months away. Why would she be worried about that? It's so far away.
"Maybe we should call Celine?" Zoey suggested.
Nari knew of Celine. She never met her, but she had seen her, since Celine was the one who owned the entertainment company that the Huntrix were a part of. From what Nari knew, Celine was Rumi's guardian after her mom died and Celine raised her. Celine used to be a kpop idol and she was part of the Sunlight Sisters.
Mira groaned. "We know what she'll say, Zoey." Then Mira and Zoey spoke in unison. "We are Hunters. Voices strong. Your faults and fears must never be seen."
Hunters? They are hunters? Hunters for what, exactly? What are they even talking about? Nari wasn't sure, but this was confusing. She felt like she was eavesdropping onto a conversation that she shouldn't know.
"Whoa, you sound exactly like her," Mira said.
Zoey giggled. "Yeah, that's how she says it."
However, Zoey's laughter quickly died down as they focus on Rumi. Nari's brain was telling her to just go back into her room, but a part of her wanted to keep listening. To know what they were talking about.
"Why not we take a break?" Zoey suggested. "Skip the Idol Awards this year and -"
"No, no way," Rumi said. "It's when we strengthened the Honmoon for an entire year. We can't skip it! We just can't! Not when I'm so close!"
Honmoon? Nari thought. What is that? Nari didn't know what the girls were talking about, but it seemed to be something she was never aware of. Whatever this Honmoon was, it seemed to be important to the girls.
Narrowing her eyes, Nari slowly walk back to her room as the girls continued their conversation about how to fix Rumi's voice. She didn't understand it. They have months to have Rumi's voice heal, but they're treating this like a mission. Now Nari thought about it, ever single they release was like a mission. Hunters and Honmoon...what are they hunting and what's a Honmoon? Their faults and fears must never be seen? So the girls are not allow to be vulnerable? Why?
As Nari got to her room, she set her tray on the nightstand and laid on her bed. She held her blue cat plush, thinking about the whole thing. Nari wondered if she should confront them about it, but a part of her was telling her just keep quiet. Nari sighed. There were so many questions, but she knew it wasn't her place to say anything. Whatever the girls were dealing with, whatever this being a hunter and the Honmoon was...
Maybe it was best for Nari not to get involved.
Chapter Text
When morning arrived, the first thing Nari did was to wake up extra early to make breakfast for the girls. She made sure the breakfast she made for the girls was healthy. Nari made some rice, fired eggs, some side dishes, samgyetang (herbal chicken soup), and herbal tea. It was a small and light breakfast, but healthy for all of them. Nari just hoped the soup and tea would make Rumi's voice feel better. Then Nari wrote down a list of things to buy, which was medicine for Rumi's voice. She put done some pills, liquid medicine, chewing tablets, and everything she could think of. She even add in some herbal medicines too.
However, Nari couldn't help and thought about what she overheard last night. She had to admit, she felt bad for eavesdropping. It was unlike her to do something like that and Nari knew it was wrong to eavesdrop on her bosses, but she couldn't help herself. Even though she knew she couldn't get involved, but she does want to help them in her way.
"Morning, Nari!" a voice spoke.
Nari turned as she saw Rumi was yawning and in her pajamas. Smiling, Nari set the metal chopsticks on the table. She knew that since Rumi was up, that meant Mira and Zoey would be up soon.
"This looks delicious," Rumi beamed.
Nari chuckled. "Thank you. I wanted you guys to have a light breakfast today. I even made some samgyetang and some herbal tea."
Rumi blinked a few times and her eyes softened. "Nari, you shouldn't have."
"It's the least I could do." Nari hands Rumi a napkin. "Anyway, I'll be running some errands today. Is there something I should know before I get ready?"
"Mira, Zoey, and I are going to see a doctor today," Rumi explained. "but we we'll be going after lunch."
"Can I go with you?" Nari asked.
"It's okay, you don't need to."
Nari nodded. As much as Nari did wanted to go with them and ask the doctor some questions on other medical stuff, but she knew that Mira and Zoey would be with Rumi to ask those questions. Not only that, but it looked like the girls wanted to go together. Nari didn't mind. Rumi, Mira, and Zoey always stuck together anyway.
Rumi rubbed her neck. "Also, if you don't mind, Nari, we'll be getting takeout, but for dinner...maybe some kimbap and cold noodles?"
"Sure," Nari said. "I already made some prep work the other day, so it shouldn't take me long to make dinner."
"Thank you, Nari."
Smiling, Nari went to her room. She gathered her clothes and took a shower. After she was done, she brushed her teeth, and put on her clothes. Nari looked at herself in the mirror as she adjusted her clothes. Even though the girls were having a break and Nari was still working, she still wanted to dress up a bit before she leaves.
Nari wore a white collared long sleeve t-shirt and had a mint colored dress over it. The dress goes below her knees, there was a brown belt around it, and ruffles on the bottom. Nari put on a matching mint ribbon, tying it near her ear. She even put on mint flower earrings too. Nari adjusted her glasses, spun around, and giggled. It had been a while since she dressed up. Even though she was just running some errands, but she still wanted to look nice.
As Nari got out of the bathroom, she grabbed her purse, and headed to the door. She noticed, Mira and Zoey were up too, eating breakfast with Rumi. The girls were talking to each other, not noticing her. Which was fine, since they had a lot on their plate. Nari put on her white sandals with flowers and left the penthouse. Even though, she couldn't use her car, but she decided to walk. She lived in Seoul for three years. Nair knew where everything was, where to go, and the quickest way to get there.
The first thing Nari did was to go to a nearby coffee shop and get herself a coffee and a croissant. Then she headed to a supermarket. It didn't took her long to get there. The walk was a fifteen minute walk, twenty if she was going from the penthouse to there. While Nari was in the market, she got every type of throat medicine she needed, event he herbal ones. Nari knew that there was a chance that Rumi would be getting some medicine from the doctor, but Nari wanted to be prepare in case if she needed something else. Nari even got some of the girls' favorite snacks too. After she was done, Nari paid for the medicine and snacks.
After that she headed to her favorite bakery on the way back. Nari knew her uncle was sending some sweets for the girls, but she wanted to give them some cake for what happened yesterday and for their hard work. It was the least she could do and considering what was happening with Rumi's voice, Nari wanted to make her feel better by giving her some cake.
The walk to the bakery took thirty minutes, but Nari didn't mind. When she got inside, there was a line, but it only had two people. Nari waited for a bit and after five minutes, it was finally her turn to order.
"Hi, what can I get you?" the cashier asked, who was an elderly woman.
"Hi," Nari greeted. "I like to have one slice of chocolate cake, a strawberry cake, a lemon cake, matcha cake, mango cake, ube cake, Oreo cake, red velvet cake, red bean cake, carrot cake, dark chocolate cake, cherry cake, and cheesecake!"
The more Nari thought about it, she might be overdoing it, since this was a lot of cake flavors, but normally to her, she could eat as many slices of cake. Since this is for Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, she wanted to give them some options.
The cashier chuckled. "All of these cakes for your friends?"
Nari giggled. "They're for my bosses!"
"That's nice of you. I'm sure they'll appreciate it."
After Nari paid for the cakes, When Nari got back to the penthouse, a delivery man was already there - two in fact. One was takeout food and the other was a package sent by Uncle Bobby. Nari quickly thanked the men and carried the food, groceries, cakes, and the package up to the penthouse. It was a bit heavy, but Nari didn't mind. It wasn't the first time she had to carried so many things at once.
When Nari got to her destination, the doors slide opened and Nari set everything on the counter. The first thing she saw were the girls on the couch, whispering to each other. The three were already dress with their disguises. Zoey, Mira, and Rumi turned and their eyes brightened as they saw her.
"Hey Nari!" the girls greeted.
"Hey guys, here's your takeout and some sweets from my uncle," Nari said.
The girls gasped as they raced over to the counter, getting their takeout food, which consisted of burgers, pizzas, and pasta. They even took the sweets her uncle gave them, which consist of any type of candy, baked goods, and traditional Korean desserts. Nari put her whole strawberry cake her uncle sent her in the fridge and looked at the cakes she bought. She got a plate and set the flavors she knew the girls liked. Mira liked dark chocolate because she wasn't a fan of sweets, Zoey loves carrot cake, and Rumi likes cherry cake. Nari placed the cake on the coffee table. The girls paused, looking at the cakes.
"You bought us cake?" Zoey gasped.
Nari smiled. "After what happened yesterday, I wanted to make you guys feel better, so I bought you some cakes. I have other flavors for you guys to try."
Mira's eyes softened. "That's so sweet of you Nari, thank you."
"Yeah, thank you!" Zoey beamed. "I can't wait to try it!"
"Thank you, for thinking of us, Nari," Rumi said. "Why not you keep the rest of the other cakes?"
Nari blinked. "Are you sure?"
Rumi nodded. "Positive. You deserved it!"
"Yeah, enjoy yourself!" Zoey said.
"Eat as much cake as you want!" Mira added.
Nari stared at the girls and nodded. She had to admit, it was nice of them to let her have the other cakes. Even though all of the other cakes were for them, but since the girls were okay with it, Nari knew it was okay. Not only that, the sweets her uncle sent to the girls were a lot too. Nari knew the fridge was big, but she still needed room for leftovers. Nari glanced at the time and it was only eleven in the morning and the day hadn't end yet.
So right away, Nari started to make dinner early for the girls. She put the noodles in boiling water, while she made the kimbap. Nari had already prepare the ingredients, including some leftover rice from last night. While she was cooking, she saw the girls set their dishes in the sink. They thanked her for the cakes and they left. Nari hoped that whatever the doctor prescribed Rumi, she hoped the medicine would heal her voice.
After the kimbap was done, Nari cut it, set it onto three different plates, and put it in the fridge. When the noodles were done, Nari set the vegetables, put the leftover cold kimchi stew broth in, and the ice slush. As she put the three bowls into the fridge, Nari washed the dishes. After she was done, Nari saw the time. She had been cooking for an hour.
Eyes widened, Nari smiled. She quickly went into her room, grabbed her basket, shoved a blanket inside, got some plates, utensils, and her favorite romance book. She even carefully placed the rest of the ten cakes slices into the basket. She even made a quick ice tea for herself. After she was done, Nari raced out of the penthouse, and locking it on her way out. The sun shined as Nari breathed in the fresh air. It was a good day for a picnic. It's been a while since she had some alone time for herself.
As soon as she got to the park, Nari set her belongings next to a tree. She set the blanket and took out her cakes, opening the box that had the cakes sitting on a foil. Excitedly, Nari set the cake on the blanket, sat down, got her fork, and took a bite of a chocolate cake. Nari squealed as she continued to eat her cake. She couldn't wait to eat the other cakes.
One by one, all ten cakes were gone. Nari drank the last of her tea and let out a satisfying sigh as she wiped her mouth. She stared at the empty boxes of cake and giggled to herself.
"Those were some good cakes!" Nari said.
Nari took out her book and turned to the beginning of chapter one. As she was about to read, in the corner of her eyes, she saw a black blur fell down. Nari blinked a few times and turned to the side of the tree as she saw a baby bird. The bird had feathers, but it looked like a fledgling. The bird chirped and Nari looked up. She couldn't see the nest. Nari set her book aside, got up and walked around the tree and she gasped. Behind her picnic spot, up ahead was a bird's nest. The nest looked like it was twenty to thirty feet up. Nari looked at the bird and gently held it in her palm.
"Don't worry, little fella," Nari said. "I'll get you back up to your nest."
Luckily for Nari, she was at a park that didn't had any restrictions about tree climbing. Carefully, Nari climbed up the tree. She kept climbing as carefully as she could. Finally, when Nari got to the nest, she sat on a thick branch. She peered at the nest, noticing there were other two baby birds that were also fledglings too. Smiling, Nari carefully placed the bird back into it's nest.
"There you go," She said. "You're back home now."
CRACK!
The branch broke. Gasping, Nari found herself leaning back as the nest was getting far away. Nari couldn't believed what was happening. She was falling! Nari shut her eyes, waiting for impact as her heart raced. She waited and waited, but for some reason she felt nothing, except for a pair of arms.
Opening her eyes, Nari breathed heavily and looked up. Her eyes widened as her dark brown eyes met teal eyes. The one who caught her was a teal haired man. The teal haired man eyes were aloof and he had an nonchalant expression. He was handsome, but he also had young angelic features that made him look younger. He was probably older than he looks. The teal haired man was wearing a teal collared shirt with a pink sweater underneath that had diamond designs on it and white shoes. He also was wearing a yellow cap too.
Nari's chest pounded as her face flushed. She couldn't help and keep staring at him as the leaves fall around them. Nari wanted to look away, but she couldn't. She couldn't help and be lost in his eyes.
"Are you going to get off?" The teal haired man asked.
Eyes widened, Nari came back into reality. Her face flushed ten times redder than it was before. Right away got off of the teal haired man's arms. She noticed his voice was deep, like a velvety baritone, but the thing was that his voice didn't even match his face too! How was that even possible?
"I'm so sorry!" Nari apologized, bowing to him.
Then she noticed on the ground were a punch of fliers. Right away, Nari picked up the fliers as fast as she could, internally crying to herself. She never thought she would embarrassed herself in front of a good looking man. If Gwen, Seong-Min, Uncle Bobby, and her whole family found out, they would never let this go.
While Nari was picking up the fliers, she noticed the fliers were colorful. On the fliers, it said, "The Saja Boys, debut!" The location was near at a street not too far from where she was. Now Nari thought about it, yesterday, one of the venue staff did said there was a new upcoming boy band.
Nari handed the fliers to the man. "Again, I'm so sorry!"
"Tch, whatever," The man said.
The man gave her a side eye and he turned his back to her, walking away. Nari noticed the man was walking to a group of other men, who were also passing out fliers. One was a tall dark haired man with a white stripped shirt and a pink shirt under it, the other had pink hair and was wearing a long sleeved yellow shirt, there was a dark pink haired man with a yellow beanie and wearing a green shirt with flowers - it almost looked like those Hawaiian shirts, and the other had pastel purplish-silver hair that was covering his face and was wearing a sleeveless purple sweater with a sleeveless yellow turtleneck underneath. They were all good looking too.
The group talked to each other as they walked to the street. Then they turned to a corner, disappearing from Nari's sight. Nari let out a sigh and turned around as she headed back to her picnic spot, cleaning up everything. She couldn't believed she embarrassed herself in front of a good looking man. Then again...it could've been worst, right?
After Nari packed everything in her basket, she headed to the street. She wanted to go to the bakery and get herself another slice of cake to make herself feel better and forget what happened. As she walked, a sound of music caused her to stop.
"Hey, hey
Hey, hey
Hey
Hey"
Everyone around her stopped what they were doing and they were looking at something. Turning around, Nari saw was pink smoke at the center of the street. This was probably the Saja Boys debut she saw on the flier. In the pink smoke were shadows that were...posing? Then the smoke disappeared, revealing the Saja Boys.
"Don't want you, need you
Yeah, I need you to fill me up
masigo masyeo bwado
seong-e chaji ana"
Nari's eyes widened. She had to admit, the synchronized formations was really good. As she stared at the new boy band, she recognized them, but mostly the teal haired man who caught her. He's in a boy band? He's one of the Saja Boys? Nari looked at the group carefully. What they were wearing was what any kpop idol would wear as well as having their hair dyed too.
"You're all I can think of
Every drop I drink up
You're my soda pop
My little soda pop
Cool me down, you're so hot
Pour me up, I won't stop
You're my soda pop
My little soda pop"
Nari couldn't help it as she bop her head to the music and move her shoulders. It was really nice music to listen to. In the corner of her eyes, she noticed three familiar figures. Rumi, Mira, and Zoey were also here and Rumi was carrying a box. It was probably medicine the doctor gave her. The three were glaring at the Saja boys for some reason. For some reason, Nari could tell there will be a rivalry between the girls and the boys. From what Uncle Bobby told her, the girls did had a rivalry with TWICE. Nari didn't know the details of the rivalry, but she was told it was intense.
Then the Saja Boys were blowing out hearts...out of thin air? Nari never thought that was possible. She watched people were getting smacked with the hearts and it looked like it hurt, but for some reason the people around them didn't care. A heart was thrown over to her, but Nari just stepped out of the way as someone else got hit with the heart. As the Saja Boys danced, the teal haired man stepped in the middle and he started rapping.
"Uh, make me wanna flip the top
han mogeume you hit the spot
Every little drip and drop, fizz and pop, ah
soreum doda it's gettin' hot"
Nari couldn't help and be impressed the teal haired man was rapping. His voice was smooth like butter. If the Saja Boys could do their own solo covers, she knew that the teal haired man's voice would be really nice in both softer songs and rap songs.
Then the Saja Boys started to help people around the street and giving children gifts, which Nari thought that was kind of them. However, after the Saja Boys did that, for some reason, Mira, Zoey, and Rumi were stomping on the corndog and smashing the gifts, while the Saja Boys went back to the center of the street. Nari frowned. What was going on with Rumi, Mira, and Zoey? She had never saw them acting like this before.
"Just can't get enough
Oh"
Suddenly, the Saja boys were being lifted up by a stage that was built in. Nari blinked. For all the three years she had lived in Seoul, she never noticed that was there before.
"You're all I can think of
Every drop I drink up
You're my soda pop
My little soda pop (Yeah, yeah)
Cool me down, you're so hot
Pour me up, I won't stop (Oh, oh)
You're my soda pop
My little soda pop
Ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh
You're my soda pop
Gotta drink every drop"
The audience clapped and Nari did as well. The Saja Boys debut was amazing. They had amazing voices and Nari was sure that they could rival other boy bands. Even the audience seemed to like to like this new boy band. Nari was sure with a lot of hard work, a good manager, the Saja Boys would be able to make it through the industry.
"That's it for now." The dark haired man pointed to the screen. "See you tonight on everyone's favorite variety show. Saja Boys love you!"
The Saja Boys posed, giving out some hand hearts and finger hearts. Then they disappeared into pink smoke. Nari had to admit, that was good special effects. The audience continued to clap, even though the new boy band was gone. Nari turned to girls and saw they were glaring at the spot where the Saja Boys disappeared. They whispered to each other as they walked through the crowd. Frowning, Nari was about to go after them and let them know she was here, but the vibration of her phone caused her to stop. She looked at her phone and saw her uncle was calling her.
"Hey, Uncle Bobby," Nari greeted.
"Hey Sweetie!" Bobby said. "How are things going with you and my girls?"
"Everything's fine. The girls went to a doctor and I had some cake. By the way, had you heard of the new boy band, Saja Boys?"
"Yeah, I did. Everyone's talking about them and their numbers are going up."
"Wow!"
"I know and knowing the girls, they might see this as competition. Besides, I'm sure they're nice guys. By the way, I'm at the studio for Play Games With Us, making sure that the girls will be in one of the episodes. Also, I'm going to see the producer so they could feature the girls on some activity episodes. Not sure how many, but we're going to discuss it tonight, during the Saja Boys game show."
Nari frowned. "Do you want me to come with you?"
"No, Sweetie, it's okay. I can handle it. I know you're taking care of the girls, but I want you to take a break too."
"I know, but at least let me bring you some food. How does fried chicken sounds?"
Bobby chuckled. "Okay, you can bring me some fried chicken."
"Yes! Thank you, Uncle Bobby! I'll see you then."
"I'll see you too, Sweetie!"
As Nari ended the call, she looked back and saw Rumi, Mira, and Zoey were gone. Nari wanted to go back to the penthouse and give Rumi some herbal medicine, but she knew she'll have to go to see her uncle first. Besides, Nari knew the girls will be alright by themselves. With a smile, Nari went to the closest fried chicken restaurant as she gets ready to see her uncle.
Chapter 4
Notes:
Saja Boys name:
Baby = Taemin
Mystery = Eun
Romance = Yeong-Gi
Abby = Hwan
Chapter Text
When Nari got to the studio, the security let her in. It didn't took her long enough to find where her uncle was. She had been in this studio many times when the girls had their yearly episodes of games and outside activities. She was pretty much known since she's her uncle's assistant and whenever her uncle isn't here, Nari usually was the one to take care of things. Nari didn't mind taking over the manager role for her uncle, but even she felt the tiring effects of the role.
Once Nari got to the office, she knocked on the door and opened it. Bobby was there, but the producer wasn't. Nari wasn't even sure if the meeting started. She got here a bit early - around five-thirty p.m., so she won't be interrupting anything.
"Hi, Uncle Bobby!" Nari greeted as she handed the box of fried chicken to her uncle. "Here's your dinner."
Bobby smiled. "Hey, sweetie! Thanks for getting me dinner."
Nari chuckled. "It's no problem, really."
"Had you ate yet?"
"Not yet, but I'll eat when I get back to the penthouse."
Bobby nodded. "That's good. Also I want you and the girls to take it easy, okay? We have enough time and I know you're working, Nari, but you should relax too! Go see the sites or drink some soju! I know my girls will understand if you wanted to have a whole month to yourself."
Nari giggled. "I'll think about that soju part. Anyway, I have to go. Keep me updated."
"I will. Bye sweetie!"
"Bye!"
Nari gave her uncle a peck on the cheek and left the office. She could hear her uncle squealing with joy as he ate the chicken, which caused Nari to shook her head. While Nari was walking, she headed to a hall that had all of the past singers before the Huntrix. Ironically, like the Huntrix, each picture has a trio of women. Each one made an impact throughout the ages. Then Nari stopped at a poster that she saw when she was little. It was a poster of the Haetae Girls from the sixties. She knew this because her grandmother would play their music when she babysat her.
With a sigh, Nari turned and walked away from the poster. Nari wondered if she should stop by at the bakery on her way home and getting a slice of cake, but then again, she already had a whole cake waiting for her back at the penthouse. Nari wouldn't mind eating those cakes by herself, since it's not the first time she had done this, but she already spent her money on thirteen slices of cake. Maybe it was best to just eat the one she had at the penthouse and buy one another time.
As Nari turned to a corner, she bumped into someone. Nari took a couple steps back, rubbing her nose, wrinkling it. She had to admit, that did hurt a bit.
"S-Sorry!" Nari apologized and adjusted. "Oh."
The first thing she saw was a stripped pink sweater. Blinking a few times, she looked up and her eyes widened. It was one of the Saja Boys - the teal haired man. Now Nari thought about it, she didn't get a chance to thanked him for catching her.
"Um...hi," Nari rubbed her neck. "It's nice to see you again. I just want to say thank you for catching me back there."
The teal haired man scoffed. "You had to be an idiot to climb on that tree, princess."
Nari blinked. "Excuse me?"
"Had you even take a good look at yourself? You're so scrawny."
Nari glared at him. Who the hell does he think he is? Nari knew he was a bit rude after he caught her, but the fact that he didn't on purposely dropped her on the spot after catching her, he has to be a decent human being.
"There you are, Baby," A voice spoke.
The two turned as the rest of the Saja Boys walked up to the teal haired man. Blinking a few times, she noticed that all of them were wearing pink and head bibs on. The dark haired man was Jinu, the dark pink hair was Abby, the light pink hair was Romance, and the one with his hair covering his eyes was Mystery. Nari raised a bow as Jinu gave the teal haired man gave the teal haired man a bib with the name "Baby". She knew right away those were stage names and not their actual names...well, except for Jinu's. Nari knew that was an actual Korean name.
"Oh, hi miss!" Jinu greeted.
"Aw, you're so cute!" Romance cooed. "Are you a fan?"
Nari made a smile. "Oh no, I'm just an assistant manager, stopping by. Anyway, congratulations on your debut." Nari walked around them, stopped, and turned to Baby, still smiling. "Oh and Baby, your opinion of me, is none my business."
Jinu's head slowly turned to Baby. He was giving him a look how a mother silently scolding their child with just one look. Nari turned onto her heels and walked away, with her arms crossed. Behind her, she could hear the audience cheering, which meant the show was starting. What a jerk! Nari thought. She couldn't believe what happened. Besides, Nari knew she was a scrawny person that can eat many slices of cake. Her being scrawny never bothered her. What bothered her the most was Baby being a giant asshole! Deep down, she was sure he was a decent guy.
As Nari got to the exist, the doors burst open. Nari blinked a few times. In front of her was Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, who were wearing black leather with sharp black eyeshadow. The girls froze and their eyes widened. Nari had never saw them wearing something like that before. Don't get her wrong, they look very nice and they could pull off leather. It was just that the way they wore their outfit was like they were ready for a fight. Not only that, but they have weapons on them too. Nari was sure they were props, but...for some reason they look realistic.
"Nari?!" The girls exclaimed.
"What are you doing here?" Zoey asked.
"I was just dropping off dinner for Uncle Bobby," Nari explained. "Why are you guys here?"
The girls looked at each other and looked back at her. The way they were looking at each other was like they were waiting which one of them was going to answer that question. Nari frowned. What was going on with them?
"We...were just stopping by to see the Saja Boys," Rumi spoke carefully. Then her eyes widened. "Hey, why not you help us set up a meeting with them? Like after the show."
"Rumi!" Mira gasped.
"Are you serious?!" Zoey looked at Nari with worried.
"Guys, it's fine," Rumi assured them. "Nothing will happen."
Zoey and Mira glanced at one another, then back at Rumi and nodded. Before Nari could say anything, Rumi put an arm over her shoulders, guiding her into the studio. After a couple of minutes, they were at the doors where the show was at. Nari could see the stage where the Saja Boys were drinking hot sauce.
"You stand right here," Rumi instructed. "If you see the Saja Boys go over here, you close the doors right away."
"Lock it too!" Mira added.
Zoey nodded. "Yeah!"
Nari raised a brow. "Why are you guys want to talk to them so badly? Do you guys want to ask them out?"
Rumi made a face. "Ew, no!"
Mira scoffed. "Fat chance!"
"Yes - I mean, no!" Zoey answered, but Rumi and Mira glared at her.
"After we "talk" to the Saja Boys," Rumi said. "We can celebrate with couch and bingsu!"
Nari's frown deepened. Of all of her times working for the girls and being around them for three years, she had never saw them acting like that before. Nari didn't know why, but they were acting suspicious. Maybe Rumi, Mira, and Zoey do have crushes on the Saja Boys and wanted to ask them out. However, knowing their professions, it was a bad idea since how crazy fans get when their favorite idol dates. Nari hoped that the girls would be careful about that. Besides, this whole plan sounded like Rumi wanted to trap the boys just to talk to them.
"Okay, I'll help you," Nari said.
Rumi smiled. "Thank Nari! This means a lot."
Mira nodded. "Don't worry about anything!"
Zoey grinned. "We'll be right back!"
The girls gave Nari a quick hug and went back of the stage background. Nari stood behind the doors, peering out a bit. She couldn't help and giggle of how the Saja Boys was handling the hot sauce. They all look like they were dying...well except for Mystery and Baby. Nari was sure they were drinking buldak sauce. Then Nari glanced at the girls. They were whispering to each other and they were giggling, evilly? Of all the times Nari had seen her friends, older brothers, Uncle Bobby, and even herself had dated and asked people out...she never saw something like this before. Was this a new thing idols are doing?
Nari watched as the girls climbed up the stage background. Then Nari turned back to the show and saw that one by one, each of the Saja Boys went down. Jinu looked like he was contemplating about life, Abby looked like he was punched, Mystery was shedding a single tear, and Romance looked like he was having a literal heart attack.
"That's one flaming-hot Jinu!" The host said. "And Abby is down! Mystery is history! Looks like Romance is out due to heartburn? It's a dead heat between my handsome co-host and Baby Saja. Can our host catch up?!"
The co-host stopped drinking. "So spicy! So spicy!". He dropped down.
"He can't!" The host announced. "Baby Saja is the winner!"
Baby took out the bottle and sarcastically said. "Goo goo, ga ga."
Nari chuckled at that and shook her head. She had to admit, that was kind of funny. Usually whenever she saw other idols do that, it was a high pitch cutesy voice, but this was the exact opposite. Although, she would give credit when credit is due. Baby could handle his spice really well.
The host turned to the audience. "Hard to say goodbye when we're having so much fun!"
"So hot, so hot!" The co-host muttered.
Jinu took the microphone. "Then why say goodbye when we have extra special guests coming up!"
The audience gasped. Nari frowned. She assumed that the Saja Boys didn't know the girls would be coming, but the more she thought about it, did they really knew the Huntrix was visiting as special guests? The girls would've told her, but then again, it might be a surprise they wanted to keep. She wondered if her uncle knew about this.
"Please welcome, Huntrix!" Jinu announced as he held out his hand to where the girls were.
The spotlight panned over to the girls, who hid their prop weapons. The audience cheered and one of their fans ripped off his shirt, revealing their Huntrix shirt, shouting his love for them. For some reason the girls had nervous smiles across their faces. Nari couldn't help and be confused on what was going on. The girls were never that nervous on live television.
Rumi waved. "We just want to stop by and congratulate on our hoobaes on their debut and - "
"And of course..." Jinu interrupted. "Play Games with Us! Bring out the slides!"
Right away, the rest of the Saja Boys grabbed the slides from behind the background and pushed it where the girls were. There were three slides that were pink yellow, and blue. There was a ball pit and there were words too. It said "Welcome Huntrix", but the way Huntrix was written was like someone wrote it there.
Nari knew right away this was a bad idea. She may not be a big fashionista, but she knew well enough that going down on a slide while wearing leather was a bad idea. She knew from first hand experience when her third eldest brother tried to go down the slide with her, while wearing leather pants when Nari was a child. It didn't go well and the sound was awful.
"Slide! Slide! Slide!" the audience said.
Rumi chuckled nervously. "Oh no, we couldn't possibly - "
"In the balls!" The audience chanted. "In the balls! In the balls!"
"Sure!" Rumi said. "For the fans."
"Oh no," Nari muttered.
The girls climbed onto the slide. The audience eagerly stared at them with anticipation. As the girls slide down, there was an ear screeching sound that sounded like nails on a chalk board. Right away, Nari covered her ears.
"Wait, what the?" Rumi muttered.
The audience started groaning and wincing by the sound. Even the girls looked shocked on what was happening. Then the whole audience started to cover their ears, trying to block out the ear piecing sound.
"What's happening?" one asked.
"Make it stop!" the fan who ripped off his shirt pleaded.
"The leather has betrayed us!" Zoey whispered so loudly that everyone could hear.
Even the Saja Boys were wincing at the sound. Baby was even covering his ears too. Finally after a long agonizing minute, the girls landed to the bottom and hit into the ball pit. Nari let out a sigh as she removed her ears. She assumed the girls already knew that leather would make that sound when being on a slide. They love their fashion.
"And the Huntrix is in the balls!" the host announced.
The audience clapped. Nari wasn't sure what was going on, but from where she was standing, Rumi looked like she was glaring at the Saja Boys for some reason. Nari wasn't sure why she, Zoey, and Mira were glaring at them, but she wondered why would they wanted to talk to the Saja Boys if they dislike them.
"Well it was fun," Rumi said as she and the girls got out of the ball bit.
"It was truly an honor to share the stage with you," Jinu said as he and the Saja Boys bowed.
"So hot!" one fan shouted.
"So respectful!" another awed.
"Oh no, the honor is ours," Rumi bowed and so did Mira and Zoey.
"No, it was ours," Jinu insisted, as he and the Saja Boys bowed lower.
"Ours," Rumi and the girls bowed even lower.
"Ours."
"Ours.
"Ours.
"Ours."
The Saja Boys basically folded themselves in half, while the girls were restrained by their leather. Nari could've swore she heard a crack and Zoey muttering something about her back. The audience clapped and cheered for the two idol groups as the curtains dropped down. Right away, the Saja Boys were running to where Nari was and for some reason Baby was on Abby's back, but it was cute, though. Remembering what Rumi told her what to do, Nari slammed the door shut and locked it.
Suddenly, Nari saw specks of pink dusk and a hand flew over her mouth. Nari yelped and looked up as she was being grabbed by Abby. Nari yelped as she tried to get out of his grip, but Abby was carrying her like sack of potatoes.
The doors burst open as it broke and fell onto the ground. The girls had their prop weapons, which were glowing for some reason. They gasped as their eyes widened.
"Nari!" The girls shouted.
The Saja Boys dragged her out of the studio and headed to a bathhouse. When they got there, they went inside and headed into the men's section. Nari breathed heavily, trying to processed what was going on. Why were they kidnapping her?! She thought that the girls wanted to talk to the boys, but it looked like they were getting ready to fight.
Finally, Abby set Nari on her feet, but he held her by her neck by using his arm. Jinu smirked and crossed his arms as he cupped her chin. He looked down at her as his eyes made a flash of gold.
"I didn't know there was a fourth hunter," he said. "They always come in threes. I guess they had to break tradition for the Honmoon, huh?"
Nari frowned and blinked. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
Then there was silence. It was like as if you could hear a pin drop. Jinu's eyes widened in realization. The rest of the Saja Boys looked at Jinu and back at Nari. Baby had a single eyebrow raised, questioning her claims. All of them were confused on what she just said. However, Nari couldn't help and noticed that hunter and Honmoon was mentioned again, but by the Saja Boys. She wasn't sure how they knew what those things were. Was it like an idol thing?
"You...don't know what the Honmoon is?" Jinu asked.
Nari nodded. "That's right."
"You're not a hunter?"
"No."
Jinu sighed. "Then what do you do?"
"I'm an assistant manager of the Huntrix and their personal housekeeper."
"So you're their maid," Romance said.
"A housekeeper and a maid are two different things," Nari pointed out.
"They sound the same to me," Abby said.
Mystery nodded. "Yeah."
Jinu groaned and pinched his temples, muttering to himself. He even paced a bit. Mystery patted his back, but that looked like it wasn't helping. Jinu just glared at him. Nari tried to wiggled out of Abby's grip, but she couldn't. Abby had a good hold of her. The only thing Nari could do was to stand.
"If those hunters won't tell you, then I will," Jinu said. "We - the Saja Boys, are demons and the Huntrix are demon hunters. The Honmoon is a barrier to protect humans from demons. We, demons eat the souls of humans."
Nari raised a brow. They had to be joking, right? Demons are myths and legends. She wanted to tell Jinu that he was lying and how ridiculous this all sounded. A kpop girl group fighting demons, but the more she thought about it, she did remember the girls running off somewhere and came back bruised every time. Those "prop" weapons she saw looked real, and the demon-looking man from the concert that exploded...was that real too? Also, the Saja Boys did appeared behind her after she closed the doors on them. There was no way, Nari could explain that. Nari wasn't sure if she should believe Jinu. There was a part of her did, but she wanted to hear it from the girls from their own mouths. Not only that, but these guys kidnapped her and all Nari wanted was to get out of this situation. Not only that, but if Jinu was really a demon, why make a demon boy band? That alone sounds a bit ridiculous.
"Do you believe us now?" Jinu forced her to look at him. "I wonder how would the hunters react when we take your soul. After all, you're just a maid."
Then Nari kicked Jinu in the shin, which he yelped. Nari stomped on Abby's foot and bit his arm. Abby screamed, which caused him to loosened his grip on her. Nari tried to run, but Nari felt someone pulled her shirt, causing her to be lifted from the ground. She looked behind her and saw Mystery holding her. Then he dropped her into Baby's arms.
"A normal human against five demons," Baby smirked. "You really are stupid."
"Oh shut up!" Nari snapped. "Let me go!"
The sound of footsteps echoed. Jinu snapped his fingers and right away he and the Saja Boys got into position and posing a bit...or at least Baby tried, since he was holding her. The doors burst opened, revealing Rumi, Mira, and Zoey. They were pointing their weapons around.
"Mens?!" Mira made a face.
"Aw!" The girls groaned.
"Wow, did you really followed us in here?" Jinu questioned.
"I knew they would," Abby said as a convenient wind brushed passed him, revealing his abs. "That one was always looking at me."
"No, we're not!" Mira and Zoey both insisted, while Rumi was giving them looks.
"You think we're just going to let you steal our fans?!" Rumi growled. "You'll have to fight us for them!"
Zoey held her knives. "Yeah, keep your hands off of our Honmoon!"
"Give us Nari back!" Mira shouted.
Jinu laughed. "We're not here to fight, they are."
The bath water started to glow in a pinkish purple color as creatures with long black hair, tusks, purplish-grey skin, and weird markings on them emerge from the water. A dawn of realization hit Nari. Those were...demons?! That meant Jinu was telling the truth. The girls were hunters and this Honmoon was a barrier? Not only that, but Rumi said the fans...why the fans? Jinu did mentioned on wanting that demons eat human souls. Are the fans somehow involved?
"Water demons!" Rumi got into position.
Mira huffed. "Oh great, my favorite."
Jinu crouched down and placed a hand on the demon's shoulder. "Get rid of the hunters. Then you can eat all of the souls you want."
At once the water demons started attacking the girls. Nari's eyes widened as the girls sliced and stabbed each demon in their way, turning them into dusk. They were very skilled and Nari was sure that they could take her down without even breaking a sweat.
"Don't let this turn you off of bathhouses, Rumi!" Zoey sliced a demon. "It's actually fun and relaxing!"
Right away, Baby and the rest of the Saja Boys started running away. Nari looked back as she saw Jinu telling the girls to have fun and almost slipping himself, but he ran as he catch up with the rest of the boys, but for some reason he went to a different direction. Gnashing her teeth, Nari thrashed around Baby's grip, trying to get herself off of him. She wasn't sure what they still wanted to do with her, but all she wanted was to go back and not get her soul taken.
"Hey, hold still!" Baby snapped.
"Let me go!" Nari shouted.
Then a dusk of pink surrounded them and the next thing Nari knew, she was outside. She was still thrashing around, trying to kick and slap Baby, but he still had a good grip on her. She lifted herself up and tried to headbutt him, but he dodged it. He almost looked surprised that she almost did that to him. Then she reached of his hair and pulled it. Baby snarled, trying to pull her hands away with one hand, while holding onto her with the other.
"Let me go, you asshole!" Nari yelled.
"Stop moving!" Baby demanded.
Nari felt Baby's grip on her loosened. Right away, Nari stopped pulling on Baby's hair and pushed him away. As Baby lets go of her, Nari set her feet on the ground, but the next thing she knew, she was leaning back. Her eyes widened as she found herself staring up at a building. Baby, who just stood there, staring. Nari was falling. She fell off of a building that she had no idea she was on! She was falling thousands of feet! Unlike with the tree, Nari knew she might not be able to survive this. She couldn't believe it. Was this how her life supposed to end? Falling off of a building and a demon taking her soul?
Suddenly, Baby disappeared from the building and pink dusk appeared in front of her. Baby was in front of her and he put a hand around her waist, while the the other hand was at the back of her head. Pink dusk surrounded them again and Nari found herself on solid ground. She was breathing heavily, contemplating what had just happened. Slowly, Nari looked up at Baby and he too, looked at her. The two stared at each other in silence, not taking their eyes off of each other.
Nari knew Baby was going to take her soul. They're alone, there's no humans, and the girls were nowhere in sight. It was pretty much a golden opportunity to take her soul. Besides, Nari knew even if she did tried to fight him off, he's a lot stronger than her and had abilities that she wasn't aware of. There was no way of winning this.
Then Baby abruptly let her go. He took a few steps back and teleported away. Nari blinked and let out a breath. She didn't realized she was holding it. Nari fell onto her knees, wondering what happened. Baby saved her and he let her go. Why? He had an opportunity. Why didn't he take it?
"Nari!" familiar voices rang.
Nari looked up and saw Rumi, Mira, and Zoey running towards here. They too, were bruised, but alive. The girls hugged her and Nari hugged them back. They stayed like this for a couple of minutes and they ;et her go. Mira helped her onto her feet, while Zoey was checking to see if she had any wounds.
"Are you okay?" Rumi finally asked.
"A bit shaken, but fine," Nari looked at the girls. "You guys, have a lot of explaining to do."
"We know," the girls spoke in unison.
At once, Nari and the girls started walking back to the penthouse. However, she couldn't stop thinking what happened. Why did Baby saved her? Why did he let her go? Why didn't he took those opportunities right in front of him? Nari wasn't sure why, but maybe...there is something in there after all.
~OoO~
Taemin teleported in front of the apartment and went inside. The apartment was simple and it was just like any other apartment. The only difference was that it was big because of how many of them had their own rooms. The rest of the Saja Boys were already there. Hwan was doing some body building, Yeong-Gi was watching a drama, Eun was nowhere and he was probably sleeping in his room, and Jinu was leaning against the wall, with his arms crossed. It looked like he was thinking of something.
"You're here," Jinu said. "What happened to the girl, Taemin?"
Taemin scoffed. "Does it matter? I had to let her go. The hunters were catching up. I didn't want to risk it."
Jinu nodded. "She might be useful, but it's obvious she's loyal to the Huntrix. She's only a human and a maid isn't even that useful anyway. Besides, at the end of the day, everyone's soul gets taken. We just need to stick to my plan."
"It would be good to use her to get on the Huntrix's nerves," Hwan smirked.
Yeong-Gi nodded. "You already planned how to mess with them and get their fans. Might as well have a little fun with that."
Jinu shook his head. "Unless you guys have an idea that would work. I would rather not have them try not to send us back to the demon realm if anything happens to that maid. The last thing I want is our plan failing because of you two."
Taemin sighed and went to his room. As soon as he shuts the door, he gritted his teeth and clenching his fits as the voices in his head echoed. Then an image of a man who looked similar to him, but older as he appeared in his head, smiling. Breathing heavily, Taemin ran his hands through his hair, and sat down. He shut his eyes, trying to block the voices and the memories. Taemin thought he pushed those away ever since he died and became a demon. He thought he didn't need to deal with it anymore.
But why?
Why now? Why did those voices and memories had to come back? Why did they had to appear after he first met that girl?! That girl with no special abilities, not even a hunter, but just a normal human was able to make him hear the memories and voices of his past. Not only that, but he did the one thing he shouldn't had done in the first place.
He saved her life.
Taemin had the perfect moment to take her soul - twice in fact, but he didn't. Instead, he let her go and left. It was like as if it was instinct for him to save her. Taemin wanted to ignore the reasons why he did it, but he knew deep down why. The voices and those memories. The former life he didn't want to deal with anymore.
Remember, Taemin, a voice he knew once. Despite what the council said, I want you to be the crown prince and future emperor. Your role for this kingdom is not only to rule our people, but to protect the weak and innocent.
Chapter Text
When Nari and the girls got back to the penthouse, the girls led her to the couch. Rumi even cut her a slice of strawberry cake that her uncle her. After everything that had happened, Nari didn't had much of an appetite, but she couldn't say no to cake. She needed something to lightened her mood.
Nari took the plate of cake and set it on her lap. As she took a bite, she made a smile, tasting the strawberry flavor as well as chunks of strawberry in it. The girls sat beside her. Rumi and Mira on her right and Zoey on her left. The girls were silent as they watched her take a couple of bites. Then Nari set the cake on the coffee table, letting out a sigh.
"So you're hunters," Nari said. "From what Jinu said. He even said there's a barrier called the Honmoon."
Rumi froze. "He told you?"
"Just the run down. Not in detail, really." Nari let out a chuckled. "He was more concern how come this "fourth hunter" didn't know anything until I told him I'm just your assistant manager and housekeeper. He wasn't happy about it. Although, the rest of the Saja Boys kept calling me a maid."
"You a maid?!" Mira exclaimed and muttered. "Oh when I get my hands on them..."
Rumi placed a hand on Mira's shoulder. "It's okay, Mira. What matters is that Nari is safe." Rumi looked at her. "I guess we should start from the beginning."
Then Rumi started to explain to Nari about the history of the hunters and the Honmoon. It turned out that four hundred years in the Joseon Dynasty, demons were taking people's soul and feasting on them. Gwi-Ma, was the demon king and the one to feast on human souls the most. One day, three female shaman use their voice to stop the demons and create a barrier from the demon realm and the human world. Gwi-Ma's demonic body was also destroyed, but not fully gone. After that new generations of hunters were chosen and use their voices to stop the demons from entering the human world. It turned out that Rumi's mom was a hunter and in Rumi;s bloodline, it's a generation thing. Also those who are chosen to be the next three shamans and be connected to the Honmoon could only see the Honmoon.
"We keep track every generation of hunters," Rumi explained. "Some like Mira and Zoey aren't from a hunter bloodline, but they were chosen because of their voices and how they're connected to the Honmoon. To tell if someone is a demon, they have purple patterns."
Nari listened intently as Rumi explained the history. She had no idea that all of this was going on for many years. Everything just made sense and the way the girls acted. Nari knew Rumi, Mira, and Zoey were amazing, but she never thought that they were this cool too.
"In order to stop all of these demons coming through," Rumi continued. "We need to make the Honmoon gold, it will sealed all the demons away. Sadly, it's not permanent. It has to be refreshed for around ten to twenty years. Each generation of hunters was able to make the golden Honmoon. The Honmoon we have now is a blue Honmoon. It's the basic Honmoon, that stays forever, but demons can find weak points and escape into the human world. At the Idol Awards, we refresh the blue Honmoon that can keep demons in the demon realm for a year."
Nari did the math in her head. Huntrix debut six years ago and started to gain popularity a year later and the Idol Awards was their first appearance. That meant during those next five years, the girls were refreshing the Honmoon during the time. Kpop idols train around one to three years and sometimes five to ten years before their debut. Celine was the one who formed Huntrix at Sunlight Entertainment. That meant in between the ten to twenty years mark, the golden Honmoon was already fading back to the regular blue Honmoon.
"So that's why you release Golden," Nari said.
Rumi nodded. "That's right. We're so close and we just need to turn it gold."
"So the Saja Boys' goal is to take the soul of the fans?" Nari questioned.
Mira nodded. "Yes, we need the fans to help power the Honmoon. So we have to stop them first."
"Do demons die permanently?" Nari asked.
"Ever since the Honmoon was created," Zoey explained. "and our weapons are made from it, it only sends demons back into the demon realm. We don't know why, but we do like to say we kill them."
So they respawn back. Nari thought. Nari did found that interesting. She remember reading a fictional book based on Greek Mythology and whenever the heroes killed monsters, they just keep coming back because they're not fully dead. Not only that, but that same book had the heroes had special weapons to defeat those monsters because it was the only way to kill them.
"And the demons and the Saja Boys, they were created by Gwi-Ma?" Nari questioned.
"Some are and some aren't," Zoey answered. "Some sold their soul for Gwi-Ma. They were once human and others were demon born."
Nari frowned. "Why not you guys try to defeat Gwi-Ma? Wouldn't defeating him weakened the other demons and possibly give back the souls who sold their soul for him?"
Mira pursed her lips. "Nari...no offense, but that's childish thinking."
"Mira's right," Rumi agreed. "It's not that simple. Trying to defeat only Gwi-Ma is a suicide mission. We can't do that. Yeah, the first hunters did, but Gwi-Ma was already in the human world before he was sent into the demon realm."
Nari glanced to the side. Of course trying to defeat Gwi-Ma would be a life and death situation, but he has no demon body. He probably has to rely on other demons to do the work for him. Whatever form Gwi-Ma has right now, it should be a golden opportunity to defeat him, right? Nari wasn't sure. Maybe it was childish thinking.
"Are there any good demons?" Nari questioned.
"Demons are never nice," Mira huffed.
Zoey nodded. "There's no such thing as a nice demon."
"But they were human once." Nari pointed out.
Mira scoffed. "That's their fault for selling their soul for Gwi-Ma in the first place."
Nari opened her mouth and stopped. She wanted to tell them what happened with Baby, but she couldn't. Instead, she couldn't help and remember how Baby saved her life and left her alone. He had every opportunity to steal her soul, to kill her on the spot, but he didn't. Nari didn't understand. If demons weren't nice, then why let her go? Preserve her before taking her soul? Nari was sure that Baby knew how to preserve a soul after a human dies.
"So, what now?" Nari asked.
"I already contact Celine," Rumi replied. "She's a former hunter and the one who trained us. She said she'll contact you when she has time."
"That make sense."
Rumi chuckled. "Don't worry. Celine's nice. She's like a mother to me. I'm sure she'll like you."
Zoey nodded. "She likes Bobby! She'll like you too!"
"Also," Mira placed a hand on her shoulder. "We will protect you, Nari. We'll make sure the Saja Boys and those demons won't try to do anything to you."
Nari smiled. "Thank you."
The girls hugged her and Nari hugged them back. The four of them giggled a bit. Then the girls got up from the couch as they headed to their personal bathrooms. Nari sighed as she took her cake from the coffee table and ate it. She wondered if there were good demons. It was like saying all humans were good when in fact there are some insane people out there. Since Celine wanted to meet with Nari, maybe she could ask her about it.
After Nari ate her cake, she washed her dish, and went into her room. Nari changed out of her clothes and put on her pajamas. She even went to the bathroom to brushed her teeth too. After Nari brushed her teeth, she stared at herself in the mirror. She adjusted her glasses and slowly, she placed her hand at the back of her head where Baby held her. She couldn't help and blushed as her chest pounded, remembering the way he held her. It was like as if he wanted to make sure that she was safe.
Nari shook her head. Stop it! She thought. Was it wrong that she was thinking like this? Thinking that there was something human in him? Baby is the enemy. The Huntrix's enemy. He and the Saja Boy's whole goal was to get the souls of humans. Nari knew she was the kind of person to see the good in people, unless they're a total jerk and never learn to change, but...she couldn't help it and wondered about his actions.
With a heavy sigh, Nari got out of her bathroom. She walked into the living room and saw Rumi was there, looking at through the window. Slowly, Nari stood next to her as she looked at Rumi and back at the window. Nari knew she couldn't see the Honmoon, but Rumi can.
"You're looking at the Honmoon, right?" Nari guessed.
Rumi nodded. "Yeah."
"Is your arm, okay?" Nari asked.
Rumi blinked. "Wh-What?"
"Your arm," Nari pointed out. "Did you got hurt when fighting those water demons? You had it wrapped with a cloth, right?"
"Oh!" Rumi smiled nervously. "That. I'm fine, Nari. It was just a scratch. Thank you for worrying about me." she ruffled Nari's hair. "but I should be worry about you. You just found out that demons exist. Not only that, but you are the youngest."
Nari scoffed. "I'm only a couple of years younger than Zoey."
"You're still a kid in my eyes."
Nari rolled her eyes while Rumi giggled. Nari couldn't help and made a small smile. Even though she just found out that demons exist and the girls' double life, they're still the same girls that she knew. Nari knew that she wasn't personally close to them, but she was glad that she knew and maybe she could help them if they let her. However, Nari knew that she's no hunter. She doesn't have the qualifications to be one. It's not her place anyway, but that still didn't stop her to be there for Rumi, Mira, and Zoey when they need it.
Yawning, Nari stretched her arms. "I'm gonna get some sleep. Got any cravings for tomorrow?"
Rumi nodded, excitedly. "After fighting those water demons, anything seafood."
"Do you want some sannakji?"
Rumi had a look of horror on her face. "Mira, would, but Zoey and I won't." she sighed. "I don't know how could Mira eat something that moves."
Nari chuckled. "I'll make some raw marinated crabs too."
"That sounds delicious! Thinking about your cooking makes me hungry! The food you make is like heaven!"
"Thank you, Rumi."
Rumi patted her back. "Get some sleep, okay?"
"I will."
"Goodnight, Nari!"
"Night!"
Rumi hugged her and Nari hugged her back. The two waved at each other and Nari headed to her room, passing Mira and Zoey, who told her goodnight and she said it back to them. When Nari got to her room, she collapsed onto her bed. Even though it was only nine o'clock, but she had long day. As Nari was about to turn off the lights, her phone buzzed. Frowning, Nari took her phone and her eyes widened. It was Celine. Nari had Celine's number because her uncle gave it to her just in case of emergency. Rumi probably gave her number to Celine. Either that or Celine looked into the files and saw her information.
Celine: Hello Miss Kim, I know Rumi told you to meet tomorrow, but I would like to meet you now. I expect you to be here at 9:30 p.m.
Nari couldn't believe what was happening. She didn't expected to meet with Celine now. She thought it would be like tomorrow or in a few days. Then again, Nari was a normal person - an outsider that just found out this was going on behind her back.
Right away, she grabbed her coat and went out of her room. When she got there, there was a lot of noise coming from the living room. The first thing she saw was Rumi, Zoey, and Mira running passed her as they headed to their recording studio. Nari blinked a few times and turned as she saw her uncle.
"Not sure about the whole demon thing," Bobby said. "but they seemed like nice guys, but loving the energy!"
"What happened?" Nari asked.
"The girls are going to make a diss track for the Idol Awards," Bobby explained. "Anyway, I'll see you later, sweetie! The girls are going to be in the Play Games with Us next week. The Saja Boys are booked, but I was able to squeeze the girls in. I'll text you the details soon! Night, Nari!"
As Bobby gave her a hug, he left, Nari just blinked a few times. A diss track? Was that even a good idea? Nari understood why a diss track, but at the same time, the girls were trying to make the Honmoon gold and stopping the Saja Boys at the same time. Wouldn't it be best just to keep Golden for the Idol Awards instead? Nari wasn't sure, but she knew she shouldn't butt into what the girls decided.
Then Nari put on her shoes and headed out of the penthouse and got into her car. It didn't took her long to get to Sunlight Entertainment. It was like a fifteen minute drive. Nari parked her car, got out and headed over to the building. When she got there, she went to the elevator. During the whole elevator ride, the song How's It Done was playing. Now knowing the girls were demon hunters, the song was telling the audience that they fight demons without saying it.
Once Nari got to her destination, she got off of the elevator and headed to Celine's office. With a deep breath, Nari knocked on the door and opened it. The first thing she saw was Celine. Her back was facing her and she was looking at the window. Probably looking at the Honmoon. Nari closed the door behind her, but she could feel Celine's eyes were on her by looking at her through the large window's reflection.
"Hello, Miss Kim," Celine said. "I apologize to contact you this soon."
"Hi, Celine," Nari greeted. "It's okay, really, but it's nice to officially meet you. Please call me, Nari."
Celine looked at her, making a small smile. "Nari, huh? Your parents must've love lilies."
"Yeah."
"I heard a little bit from Bobby about your family. You came from a family of poor farmers from both sides, right? Can you tell me a little about your family?"
Nari blinked. She wasn't wrong when Celine said she came from a family of poor farmers. It wasn't something she as ashamed of. Her grandparents from both sides still farm to this day. However, she was a bit taken aback that Celine wanted to know more about her family. Then again, she just found out the Huntrix's secret. It made sense to Celine wanting to know what kind of family she came from.
"That's right," Nari said. "Both of my grandparents were farmers, but my family is still good. I have a big age gape from my three brothers. Around ten to seventeen age gape, but we get along. My oldest brother is a doctor, my second oldest is a teacher, and my third oldest is a personal trainer. Mom and Dad work a lot. Dad's has two janitor jobs and Mom's a waitress. My mom gets sick a lot, so sometimes she's in the hospital. Even though we're all busy, but we still make time for each other."
Nari couldn't help and make a smile. She couldn't help and remember her childhood. Yeah, she had to grow up a bit early because of her mom's sickness, her dad working all the time, her grandparents and her brothers babysitting her most of the time, her brothers going through high school and college, and when she was old enough, she stayed home alone and do the housework, while going to school too, but because of them, they taught her to have a positive outlook in life and made her the person that she is.
Celine finally turned around, facing Nari. She looked at her from head to toe. It was like as if she was judging. Nari kept her composure as calm as possible. She wasn't sure if Celine was judging her on how she looked or everything about Nari in general. Then Celine sighed, leaning against the window with her arms crossed.
"Rumi, Mira, and Zoey explained everything to you, right?" Celine guessed.
Nari nodded. "They did."
"Never in my life I would witnessed a normal human finding out our secret," Celine said. "You do know your place in this situation, don't you?"
Nari pursed her lips. "Yes, I do, actually. I'm not a hunter. I'm just an assistant manager and housekeeper. That's all I am."
"At least you're self aware of that. You're short - shorter than Zoey. At least an inch or two. You're scrawny and you wear glasses. You do have a cute face, I'll give you that, but everything about you doesn't even scream perfect hunter or a perfect idol. You're just plain looking."
So, my appearance has flaws, Nari thought. Nari knew that in the industry, the idols had to be perfect, eat less, and "pure". Nari knew because of her uncle, but she assumed Celine would be different from the industry because of how she let the girls eat whatever they want as long as they keep their figure. She thought Celine would be more mellow about everything.
"If you were a hunter, Nari, what kind of hunter would you be?" Celine asked.
Nari blinked. She didn't really expected to be asked about something like that. However, Nari knew what kind of person she was. Even if she was a hunter like Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, her views are different from them.
"I'll be the kind of hunter that pays respect to the demons," Nari answered.
Celine frowned. "Can you elaborate?"
"I don't like killing," Nari explained. "I know demons still go back to the demon realm, but it's killing. Demons were once humans too. I'll still get the job done, but I'll pray that they'll get back safely to the demon realm without any consequences from Gwi-Ma."
Celine's eyes slightly widened, but she relaxed and her lips pursed. Nari noticed that even though her arms were crossed, her knuckles were turning a white. Nari had a feeling that she might've angered Celine in some way.
"That is a naive and a flawed way of thinking," Celine said. "You shouldn't be kind to demons. Kindness like that is a flaw. A person like you would be easily taken advantage of. Nari, we - Rumi, Mira, and I are hunters. Voices strong. Our faults and fears must never be seen."
"There's nothing wrong to show your faults and fears," Nari protested. "It makes you human."
"That is why is should never be seen! It won't make a good Honmoon, even a golden one."
From what Nari got was everything about her was flawed in Celine's eyes - her looks, her way of thinking, and her personality. That meant Rumi, Mira, and Zoey couldn't show any faults and fears when refreshing the Honmoon every year, even making the golden one. Not only that, but Rumi did told her that they were close on turning the Honmoon gold. That meant as long as they never showed their faults and fears, the Honmoon would turn gold.
"Do you have any other questions?" Celine asked.
"Are there any good demons?" Nari questioned. "I was told that all demons aren't nice."
"That is correct," Celine answered. "There are no such thing is a nice demon. Even over four hundred of years had passed, no hunter has ever met a nice demon."
"But that's like saying all humans are good when they're actually insane ones out there."
"That's different. Anything else?"
Nari wanted to protest on that part. She did find it hard to believe that during those four hundred years, no hunter has met a nice demon. The more she questioned Celine's answer, the more she remembered about what happened with Baby. However, Nari knew that if she kept urging, there was a chance that Celine would get angry at her and fire her. The last thing Nari wanted was to get fired. Also Celine is technically boss too. After all, she was the one who approved of Nari to be an assistant manager to her uncle and the girls' housekeeper.
"Were there any other colors that the Honmoon was?" Nari questioned. "There had to be other colors at some point, since it has already been over four hundred years."
Celine pursed her lips as she spoke sternly. "The Honmoon has only been blue and gold. Nothing else." she sighed. "I believe it's time for you to go."
Nari opened her mouth and stopped, nodding. She bowed to Celine and headed to the door. She wanted to question more, but if she did, Celine might get angry and potentially fire her. The last thing she wanted was to get fired from her job just because she was asking questions about all the things she just found out.
"Oh and Nari," Celine called.
Nari turned her head. "Yes, Celine?"
"Stay out of the girls' way," Celine said. "Know your place in this and there won't be any problems." she chuckled coldly. "You remind me of someone I once knew - showing kindness, faults, and fears, but that's what got her killed in the first place."
Nari felt a chill up her spine when Celine said those words. She gulped, stepped out of the office, and closed the door behind her. Nari let out a breath as she walked away from Celine's office. She didn't realized she was holding it. Nari couldn't stop thinking the way Celine was looking at her. It was like as if she was disgusted with her and the imperfection that she has. Nari thought that Celine was a nice person, from what Rumi told her, but this was the exact opposite. Not only that, but who was this person Celine was talking about? Nari could only think of the other two members of the Sunlight Sisters, since both of them are dead, but Nari wasn't too sure. It could be a pervious girl group of hunters that Nari might not know of.
When Nari got to her car, she drove away from Sunlight Entertainment. Nari couldn't help and reply the whole conversation she had with Celine. She wondered if she should tell Rumi, Mira, and Zoey about it, but she knew she couldn't since it was obvious that they respected Celine. Would they even believe her if she told them what happened? They all knew Celine longer than her and Nari only knew the girls for three years. It was obvious who the girls would believe more.
"It's okay," Nari spoke to herself. "It's okay. Everything will be alright."
Once Nari got to the penthouse, she headed to the recording studio. She wondered if the girls were already in bed or not. As she got there, she noticed light through the doors. Shaking her head, Nari opened the door. Mira was sitting on her chair, writing some lyrics and crumbling the paper, Zoey was looking through her notebooks, trying to find which lines would work, and Rumi had her face planted on the paper, groaning. On the wall was already made posters of the Saja Boys. Some had devil horns, there was a dart board with Jinu's face on it, and there were signs about them not being handsome.
"Having a writer's block?" Nari guessed.
"Yes," the three spoke.
Nari giggled. "Look, we all had a long day. I know you guys want to write a diss track, but you guys can do that later."
"But Nari!" Rumi whined. "We need to expose them!"
"You guys have tons of time before the Idol Awards," Nari said. "Rest first. Diss track later."
The girls sighed. "Okay."
Zoey looked at her. "Did you went somewhere?"
"Celine wanted to see me early," Nari explained.
"How did that go?" Mira asked.
"It was fine," Nari replied. "Just the general stuff about hunters and demons."
Deep in her heart, Nari did wanted to tell them. She really did. Nari wanted to tell them how she was actually scared of Celine. Was it weird that she was more scared of Celine than a demon? Probably, but Nari had her reasons and the whole conversation with Celine made her fear her.
Nari held the door wide enough for each of the girls to walk out of their recording studio. As Nari closed the doors behind them and followed them. Nari watched as the girls went to their respective room, telling Nari to have a goodnight, except for Rumi, who had her hand over her arm. The same place where she got scratched. Nari frowned. Was her wound still hurting her?
"Is your wound okay, Rumi?" Nari asked.
Rumi blinked and chuckled. "It's fine, Nari! Promise!"
Nari looked up at Rumi. "Okay, well goodnight, Rumi."
"Goodnight, Nari!"
Then Rumi went into her room, leaving Nari alone in the living room. Nari let out a heavy sigh, rubbing her temples as she went to her room. When she got there, she fell onto her bed, holding her cat plush. She tried to comprehend on everything that had happened in one day. Meeting Baby, Saja Boys debut, they turned out to be demons, the Huntrix turned out to be demon hunters, there was a fight in the bathhouse, Baby saved her from falling, and officially meeting Celine. However, the way Celine talked to her...Nari just wanted to talk back at her. All her life, she was taught that her physical and inner flaws were okay. Not only that, but Celine said that everything about Nari could get her killed.
Was she right? Celine did told her that someone she knew was similar to Nari and it got them killed, but that thing was that Nari wasn't that person - whoever they were. Nari was just herself and that should be enough.
Was it?
Nari pursed her lips. She turned off the lights and pulled the covers over herself, staring at the dark ceiling. As she closed her eyes, she held her cat plush closer. Nari wasn't sure if being herself was enough, but she does know that what Celine said, won't change Nari who she is.
Chapter Text
It had been a few days since Nari found out about the Huntrix and Saja Boys. Nothing changed except that the girls would had to leave because a demon broke through the Honmoon. It happened a couple of times during those few days with the girls. Not only that, there was a missing person case - two so far, but Nari wasn't sure if it was because of demons or actual people. Besides, it has only been a few days since the Saja Boys debut. The International Idol Awards was several months away. There was enough time for both parties to plan and take each other down.
Nari was washing the dishes while the girls ate their lunch. It was a simple lunch - kimbap and army stew with side dishes. Nari was lucky she had something leftover for lunch, but she knew she'll have to go to the supermarket later.
After Nari washed the dishes, she ate some leftover kimbap that she made for herself. It was a little dish with at least six pieces of sliced kimbap, but it was enough to last her until dinner. She knew she'll have to wash the dishes again after the girls eat, but she wanted to cleaned the ones she did for prep work first. As Nari finished her small lunch, she set the plate in the sink and looked in the fridge. There was enough beef, pork, and fish that would last her and the girls for a week, but Nari did noticed that they were running out of vegetables. With a nod, Nari headed to her room. When she got into her room, she paused. The door for her balcony was slightly opened, her desk drawers was open, her books were on the floor, and some of her items were misplaced. Frowning, Nari carefully closed the door and looked through her belongings. Everything was fine...except one of her folded penguin postcards were gone. It was a "Hello friend" blue penguin postcard she bought when she came to South Korea and it was those postcards she sends to Gwen.
Did I misplaced it? Nari thought.
It was either that or someone went into her room and stole her cards. Nari knew that last part was a longshot because there was no way Rumi, Mira, or Zoey would go into her room anyway. Besides, they barely go into her room. Nari wasn't sure, but she was certain she probably misplaced it.
Nari changed into her clothes, wearing a tank top with a off the shoulders light blue sweater and a pleated black skirt. Looking outside, Nari saw it was cloudy and there was a chance that it might rain. Nari grabbed her umbrella and went out of her room. As she got to the living room, the girls were still eating and adding more noodles into the army stew. Nari knew that when she gets back, she'll have to do the dishes.
"I'm going to the supermarket," Nari said. "You guys need anything?"
"No," The girls both said.
"But be careful, okay," Rumi added.
Nari nodded. "I will."
"We'll, make sure those demons won't hurt you." Zoey assured her.
Mira smirked. "I'll uppercut them if those demons lay a hand on you."
Nari chuckled. "Thank you. Anyway, I'll see you guys later. By the way, I seemed to misplace my penguin postcards. It says "Hello friend" on the front cover. If you see it, just put it on the counter."
Zoey nodded. "We'll keep an eye out for it!"
Then Nari strapped on her light blue low heel pumps. When she got out of the penthouse, Nari stopped and her eyes widened, gasping. Only a few feet away from her and leaning against the street lamp with his arms crossed was none other than Baby. Nari blinked a few times, being taken aback. She knew it was him. Aside from wearing a black short sleeve shirt with white sleeves that had a logo in the middle, ripped black jeans with chains, a chained necklace, and a black cap backwards, there was the noticeable teal hair. Even though there were a few people passing by, how the hell did no one noticed one of the famous Saja Boys was here?!
Baby scoffed. "Tch, so you do live here."
"H-How did you know where I live?" Nari asked.
Baby rolled his eyes. "Idiot, it was just a lucky guess. Also it's obvious this is the only building with the hunters' brand name on it."
"How long were you out here and why are you here?"
"Not that long. Probably a few minutes. Besides, I wanted to see if these hunters couldn't be that obvious of where they live, but apparently they are." he chuckled. "Any of us could break in and none of them would be the wiser. So why are you out here for?"
"I'm going to the supermarket," Nari explained. "You can come along if you want."
"Me?!" Baby huffed. "Go with you? Tch!"
Nari shrugged. "Okay. Well, it's nice seeing you again, Baby. Bye!"
Baby blinked as Nari turned on her heels and started to walk away from Baby. While she was walking, Nari heard footsteps behind her, which she assumed it was Baby. As she turned to a corner, she took a quick peak and saw Baby walking behind her. He was grumbling to himself with his arms crossed, muttering something under his breath. Nari couldn't help and giggled at the sight. She had to admit, Baby was cute when he's grumpy.
Nari slowed her walking and about a couple of minutes, Baby finally walked next to her. Nari looked up at him and smiled, but Baby just scoffed, glaring at her.
"Just to let you know, I'm only here to keep track of the enemy," Baby said.
"Sure, sure," Nari nodded.
Nari wasn't sure how she counted as one of the enemy when Jinu and the rest of the Saja Boys considered her as a maid. She was the least threatening enemy to them. Not only that, but Nari was sure that she wasn't considered as an enemy. By logic, she is by association, but considering the fact that the Saja Boys' main enemy is the Huntrix, it would make sense for them to try to spy on the Huntrix and not talk to those who were beneath them. Then again, she wasn't sure how the Saja Boys operate, so maybe they do want to keep track on those who work for the Huntrix and knew of demons.
"So, you really didn't know all of this existed?" Baby asked.
"Pretty much," Nari replied. "It was a shock, but everything made sense."
"I see."
Then the memories of what happened a few days ago caused Nari to look up at Baby. The teal haired man was paying no attention to her, just looking straight ahead with a grumpy look on his face. Nari gulped. She really wanted to ask him why he saved her. Baby did had a lot of opportunities at that time. Not only that, but right now as he was walking with her, he even has another opportunity to take her soul, but he's not using that moment.
"Hey, Baby," Nari called out.
"What?" Baby questioned.
"Why did you save me?" Nari asked.
There was silence. Baby froze. His blue eyes slightly widened by the question. Nari could've sworn he was turning pale. It was like as if he didn't expected her to ask the questions and noticed why he didn't do it. Nari knew that this might be a bad idea, but she needed answers and the person who could give her these answers was right in front of her.
"You literally had every opportunity to take my soul on that building," Nari continued. "but you didn't take it. Why? Why didn't you do it when you had a chance? Why did you wasted that chance when I was right there? Why - "
Before Nari could finish, Baby marched over to her. Nari took a step back, finding herself pressed against the wall. Baby placed an arm over Nari's head as he glared down at her. Nari blinked a few times, comprehending on what he just did. She couldn't help and blushed a bit as her heart raced.
"That's none of your business," Baby said. "For all you know, I could just be preserving you, until we take every one of those soul after we defeat Huntrix."
"You're a demon," Nari pointed out. "I'm sure you know how to preserve a soul without a body for long periods of time, don't you? So which means you can take my soul anytime you want, right?"
Another silence ensures. Baby opened his mouth a couple of times, but closed it. He gnashed his teeth, glaring at the side. Even though he wasn't saying anything, the silence was speaking it for itself. It confirmed to Nari that he does know how to preserved a soul.
"Even if you do take my soul now, I won't be mad at you," Nari said. "Because if you guys do defeat the Huntrix and if my soul does ended up in Gwi-Ma's stomach, I would personally give it to you first than him."
Then he finally looked at her. The two stared at each other as they stayed like this. Nari and Baby didn't look away. They just stared into each other's eyes. Nari didn't move a muscle. She meant what she said. Nari wouldn't be mad at Baby if he took it now. After all, Gwi-Ma was the one who turned humans into demons. Even though humans were the ones who sold their soul to him, but whatever the reason was, all Nari knew that Gwi-Ma was the main culprit to turned them in that way.
Suddenly, Baby's eyes widened. Gnashing his teeth, he abruptly pulled away, shoving his hands into his pockets as he looked away from her. Nari just stood there, blinking a few times. Even though he was looking away from her, his ears were red.
"You have a death wish or something?" He growled.
"I'm just being honest." Nari said.
"You're weird."
"Thank you!"
"That wasn't a compliment!"
Nari chuckled as the two continued to walk. While they were walking, Nari looked on her phone, just texting her friends and family back at America. In the corner of her eyes, she saw Baby was using a phone too. Nari had no idea demons knew how to use phones...unless they had to learn.
Finally, the two got to the supermarket. Nari looked over her list to doublecheck on what she needed to get. She looked at Baby and smiled. She wondered if she should get him something. Nari had two credit cards. One was given to her for the Huntrix's needs and the other was just her own needs.
"Do you want to go in?" Nari asked. "You can stay out here if you want?"
Baby rolled his eyes. "I'll go in."
Then the two headed inside. Nari took a cart and headed to the fruits and vegetable aisle. Nari got one banana, three cucumbers, one nappa cabbage, two carrots, one onion, and three tomatoes. She even got herself a new penguin postcard and a bag of rice flour. While she was walking, she looked at Baby, who looked like he was lost in his thoughts. Nari wasn't sure what he was thinking. It was hard to tell, since he has a resting grumpy face.
I wonder what he likes, Nari thought. Nari wasn't sure, but she didn't want to leave the market without getting Baby something. Even though he's just "keeping track on the enemy", but she at least wanted him to go back to the Saja Boys with something.
Nari went to an aisle with Baby right behind her. She looked at her list and saw the only thing she needed was sweet soy sauce. As she looked up, she saw the bottle was on the highest shelf. Pursing her lips, Nari went onto her tippy toes and tried to reach. She was contemplating on climbing on the shelf, but she didn't want to get in trouble. She could ask Baby, but she didn't want to bother him. Then a hand flew over her head and took the bottle. Nari turned as she saw Baby, handing her the bottle.
"Oh thank you," Nari said.
"Tch," Baby scoffed. "Hurry up."
Smiling, Nari nodded as the two went to another aisle. The first thing she did was to get a couple of bottles of hot sauce and some non spicy. She even went to the candy aisle to get some lollipops. Nari didn't know why, but Baby seemed like the guy to eat some lollipops. So she got a bag that had tons of flavors. She even got a couple of sodas, instant ramyeon, and soju. Nari wasn't even sure if Baby does drink, but it wouldn't hurt to give it to him. Besides, he has the other Saja Boys to give soju to.
"Why are you getting so many junk food?" Baby questioned.
"These are for you," Nari answered.
Baby blinked. "Me?"
Nari nodded. "Yes, for you."
"Who's money are you using?"
"Mine."
Baby gaped. "Wh-What? You - " Baby growled. "I'm waiting outside!"
Nari raised a brow as she watched Baby walked out of the market. One of the elderly workers there just shook her head, muttering how Baby was a lost cause. Nari didn't know what was up with him. She was just doing something nice for him. Nari didn't know why he was so worked up about.
After Nari paid everything, she made sure that one bag was for her and the girls, while the other bag was for Baby. When she got outside, Baby was nowhere in sight. Nari blinked a few times and lowered her head. She was hoping to give these to him before she goes back to the penthouse. Not only that, but she wasn't sure if he was staying in the human world or at the demon realm. Maybe if she saw him again, she could give it to him next time.
"You!" a voice called.
Nari turned as she saw Baby walking up to her and shoved a crepe at her. The crepe had strawberries, bananas, ice-cream, and chocolate drizzle. There was even a spoon for the ice-cream too. Nari stared at the crepe and back at Baby.
"Here," Baby had a hand over his face as he looked away. "Just to make it even between us."
She smiled as her eyes softened. "Thank you."
"Hm."
Nari took the crepe and handed the bag to Baby. She leaned against a tree as she ate her crepe. Her smile grew as she ate. While she ate, in the corner of her eyes, she saw Baby just glancing at her from ever couple minutes. After she was done, Nari threw away the paper wrap. Then the two walked away from the supermarket. Nari looked at her phone and saw she had been gone for a couple of hours. Nari knew that when she comes back to the penthouse, she'll have to cook dinner, but she actually wanted to stay here a bit longer with Baby. She actually enjoyed his company, even though it was a simple "tracking the enemy".
"You didn't had to buy those for me," Baby said.
Nari looked at him. "Why?"
Baby sighed. "I don't know if you noticed, but you and I are enemies."
"I'm an enemy by association," Nari pointed out. "Your friends did call me a maid and last I checked, maids aren't a threat. Besides, I'm sure Jinu is more concern about the Huntrix than me anyway."
"Still, I don't see a reason for you to do that for me."
Suddenly, Nari felt something wet drop on her head. She looked up as a shower of rain poured down. Up ahead, Nari could see the penthouse, which wasn't too far. Only a few minutes away. Nari opened her umbrella, putting it over herself and turned to Baby, who had no umbrella. She looked at her umbrella and chuckled. Even though Nari didn't know why Baby saved her, but his actions alone said enough. That's all it matters.
"That's because there is no reason," Nari took a step and held out her umbrella over Baby, letting herself to get wet, and smiled softly. "I just want to."
Baby's eyes widened as Nari gazed at him. They stood there for a while. Nari wasn't sure, but she didn't mind getting wet from the rain. Then thunder boomed in the distance, causing Baby glanced to the side and huffed as his shoulders tensed up.
"I'm a demon, I don't get colds," Baby stated.
Nari chuckled. "Oh, of course."
Nari was about to pull the umbrella away, but Baby quickly snatched it off of her hands like the speed of light. Blinking, Nari could only stared up at Baby.
"But I don't like to get wet," Baby added.
Nari giggled. "I'm sure you don't. Anyway, I have to go. Keep the umbrella. You need it more than I do. I'll see you around, Baby!"
As Nari gave smile, she turned on her heels, and started walking away. She meant what she said to him. Nari had no reason to give Baby a bag of goodies. She just wanted to. She didn't know why he thought there should be a reason.
"Taemin!" a familiar voice called.
Nari turned around. It was Baby's voice. Baby was still standing there. Not even moving a muscle. He looked a mix of sheepish and constipated for some reason. Nari wondered if he's okay.
"My name is Taemin!" Baby said.
Nari stared at him as her eyes widened. Taemin...that's Baby's name...his real name?! In all honesty, Nari didn't expected Baby to tell her his actual name. She always thought that she'll had to refer by his stage name forever, but instead, he let her know his name.
"It's nice to meet you, Taemin!" Nari gave him a bright smile. "My name is Kim Nari!"
Nari waved at him and turned around. She quickly went up to the penthouse and opened the door. She looked back and saw Baby - no Taemin was gone. Nari couldn't help and giggled as she closed the door behind her. She held her hands together and held them against her chest. She could feel her heart beating rapidly.
"Taemin," Nari said and giggled again. "It fits him."
When Nari went upstairs, the doors slide opened. As she stepped out, Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, gave her a hug. Nari blinked a few times and chuckled, shaking her head. She was only gone for a couple of hours. Then again, she just found out the existence of demons and the Huntrix being actual demon hunters. It made sense that for the girls to be worry about her.
"Are you okay?" Mira asked. "Who do I need to beat up?"
"Why are you all wet?" Rumi questioned.
"Where is your umbrella?" Zoey frowned.
Nari smiled. "Guys, it's fine. I just gave my umbrella to Taemin. That's all."
"Who's Taemin?!" The girls exclaimed.
"You met a boy?!" Zoey gasped.
"Was he nice to you?" Rumi questioned.
"He wasn't mean, right?" Mira eyed at her.
Nari chuckled. "Guys, I promise you, it's fine. He helped me get a bottle of sweet soy sauce in the market, I bought him some stuff, and he bought me a crepe. I gave him my umbrella and let him keep it."
Nari knew it wasn't a lie. She did gave her umbrella away. It was just that she didn't mention that Taemin is Baby Saja. Besides, it was best not to tell the girls Taemin's stage name. She didn't want Mira, Zoey, and Rumi to go on a demon hunt because of him. Besides, it wasn't the first time Nari had dealt with people questioning that she was with a boy. Her brothers and Uncle Bobby would throw a fit if they saw her with Taemin.
Rumi let out a sigh. "Thank goodness."
"At least he didn't try anything," Mira crossed her arms.
"Was he cute?" Zoey questioned. "Does he have a brother?"
Rumi raised a brow. "Really, Zoey?"
Nari merely smiled. "It's okay guys. It's not like I'm meeting with men every day."
Rumi placed a hand on her shoulder. "We know, it's just that this is the first time you mention a boy. If you ever go on a date, whoever you date, we will give him a talk. The girls and I will make sure that if a boy makes you cry, he will be - "
"Done, done, done!" Mira and Zoey sang.
Nari chuckled. "Thank you for worrying about me, guys. Really, I am. If my brothers were here, you guys will be good friends. Anyway, I'm going to make dinner. How does tofu stew and jjajangmyeon sounds?"
"That sounds so good!" Zoey beamed. "My mouth is watering right now!"
"We'll be in our recording studio," Rumi said.
Nari nodded. "I'll let you guys know when dinner's ready."
The girls smiled as they gave Nari another hug and walked away. The first thing Nari did was to change out of her clothes into pajamas. She adjusted her glasses and tied her hair into a ponytail. When Nari went into the kitchen, she started cooking right away. However, while she was cooking, she couldn't help and hummed a bit. She couldn't stop thinking about what happened. Nari smiled as she thought of Taemin. She couldn't wait to see him again.
~OoO~
Taemin teleported in front of the apartment and opened the door. When he stepped inside, he closed the door. The first thing he saw was Hwan, Eun, and Yeong-Gi sitting on the couch and watching a drama. Hwan was eating some popcorn, Yeong-Gi was holding a pillow, and Eun was just sitting there, holding his legs. Ever since the three watched this drama, they were hooked. Taemin forgot what it was called, but he knew that one of the male leads in the show sounded a bit too similar to Jinu.
Speaking of Jinu, Taemin turned and saw Jinu, sitting at the kitchen table with...penguin postcards? Now Taemin thought about it...didn't the girl - Nari bought some penguin postcards? Did Jinu broke into the Huntrix building and stole it?
"Where were you?" Jinu asked.
"Yeah, we were getting worried!" Yeong-Gi said.
"Sit down, you're missing the best part!" Hwan added.
"What did you got there?" Eun tilted his head.
"Bought us some stuff," Taemin merely shrugged.
"You bought us something?" Jinu questioned.
Taemin sighed. "Does it matter?" he set the bag on the table. "there's soju in there too."
Jinu, Hwan, and Yeong-Gi gasped. Taemin watched as Hwan and Yeong-Gi hopped over the couch and headed to the kitchen, looking into the bag, while Eun just watched the drama. Rolling his eyes, Taemin took the bag of lollipops, the buldak sauce, and soda, while the others gasped.
"Oldest eats first," Taemin stated.
"But I'm the leader!" Jinu said.
Taemin rolled his eyes. "Says the maknae."
Hwan and Yeong-Gi laughed, while Jinu grumbled. Even Eun was chuckling as he looked away. Taemin does have a point. He's a hundred years older than Jinu. Eun is fifty years younger than him, Hwan is twenty years younger than Eun, Yeong-Gi is ten years younger than Hwan, and Jinu who is four hundred years old is the youngest. Besides, Jinu was the second tallest and the humans here just assumed he's the oldest. Even though Taemin is tall himself, but he just happened to be five inches shorter than Jinu.
"So, was there any progress with your plan, Jinu?" Taemin asked.
Jinu smirked. "Actually yes. Our fanbase is growing. Not as much as the Huntrix, but it's slowly getting there. We just need to make merch and food brands. We should have enough following before the Idol Awards. After that Gwi-Ma gets his souls and his body back."
Taemin nodded. Gwi-Ma was only hungry for souls because he needed them to bring his original body back. The first hunters killed his demon form, leaving Gwi-Ma a body of flames. They didn't fully kill him because the Honmoon separating the human and demon worlds. If they succeed, Gwi-Ma would be back in full power and he would be able to break the Honmoon for good.
Taemin knew he was a hypocrite, since it goes against he was taught as a prince. He was supposed to protect the weak and innocent, but instead he was doing the opposite of that and letting his people get their souls taken. He didn't agree with Gwi-Ma, but Taemin had no choice since he's not a prince anymore, but a demon who serves the demon king and there was nothing he could do about it.
"Can I have your ramyeon, Taemin?" Yeong-Gi asked.
"Hey, I wanted that!" Hwan exclaimed.
Taemin rolled his eyes. "Yeah and you idiots do know that you can share, right?"
"Sorry!" the two said.
Shaking his head, Taemin headed into his room. As he closed the door behind him, Taemin sighed and sat on his bed. He opened the bag of lollipops, peering inside. There were many flavors. Some he never even heard of. Some he was allergic to, like peach because he's a demon. Taemin took a pink lollipop, opened it, and popped it into his mouth. The first thing he taste was the sweet taste of grapefruit. Taemin had to admit, it was a nice flavor.
Then Taemin laid down on his bed, thinking about what happened. In all honesty, he was actually planning to take her - Nari's soul. He was hoping to try and do it again. To prove that he was the demon that he was created, but...
He couldn't do it.
Like what happened a few days before, Taemin had many opportunities and he still blew it. She was right there, letting him hung around her, not caring that he was a dangerous demon, and he still couldn't even do it.
However, it wasn't the first time he had took a human soul. He only did it once and it was a group of people who had wronged him in his human life and he gave those souls to Gwi-Ma. That was the only time he did that. Now, with that girl...he couldn't even take her soul.
Not only that, but the memories of his past kept echoing in him. Reminding him about everything before his death. Even the man in his memories - his father, the emperor. Taemin remembered him. He still does, but he always pretended he didn't remember him, every time. Even when he was at the demon realm. He remembered his father like it was yesterday.
It was the Joseon Dynasty, five hundred years ago. Taemin, the first born prince only twenty-four - a year before he died, had finished his paperwork of his princely duties. He was standing at the meeting hall, waiting for his father, Emperor Taehyung. Taemin sighed as he listened through the closed doors. Despite the doors being thick, he could still hear his father talking to the council...well more like arguing with them.
"Your Majesty, for the last time, we won't allow Prince Taemin to be the crown prince!" one of the council members shouted.
"He has a blood of a lowly commoner!" another snapped. "Why not you marry someone with noble blood? Or have your brother's son become crown prince instead?"
Ah, this again, Taemin thought. It wasn't the first time the council and his father argue over his blood, even when he became of age. He may have royal blood, but the woman who gave birth to him - his mother, his father's beloved was a commoner - a servant. Taemin didn't know his mother since she died during childbirth, but from what his father told him, she was like a hibiscus - no matter how many times dirt got on her, she was always beautiful. His father said that Taemin may look like him, but he had his mother's beautiful dark eyes that looked like the night. His father even told him that his personality was similar to his mother too.
"He is my only son!" the emperor yelled. "I chose him as my heir. I won't marry another and I certainly won't have my brother's son as a crown prince. That's final!"
"Your Majesty, I can't believe you're still serious about this!" one of them gasped.
"My son had fought in a war!" his father said. "He has defended our territories! He has protected my people! What more do you want from him?" his father sighed. "I made my decision and that's final!"
The council erupted with protest. The doors flew opened and Taemin looked up as he saw his father - Emperor Taehyung. Taemin looked exactly like his father, except his father has bright brown eyes. Taehyung closed the door. Despite his father's calming demeanor, Taemin could tell he was angry at the council for disregarding him. Taehyung blinked and his eyes softened, pulling Taemin into a hug.
"There's my boy!" the emperor cooed.
Taemin made a face. "Tch, Father, unhand me! I'm not a child!"
Taehyung laughed. "No matter how old you are, you're still my little boy."
"Let me go, you old man!"
"Aw, that's not nice."
Taemin gnashed his teeth and blushed in his father's arms. He had to admit, he love his father's hugs. It was a source of comfort for him whenever Taemin felt lost or angry. However, he couldn't help and be stubborn about it. He was an adult after all.
Taemin pursed his lips. "The council is full of idiots."
Taehyung nodded. "They are."
"You're really going to make me the crown prince?" Taemin asked.
"Of course I am!"
Taemin narrowed his eyes as his father let go of him. As much as he didn't mind taking the role as the crown prince and future emperor, but there were so many things he wanted to do. Taemin remembered during an outing with his father, he saw musicians and fell in love with music on the spot. Taemin had begun to write music and poetry during his free time. He even got himself an instrument and hired someone to tutor him. Taemin wanted to be a musician and be famous throughout the whole country. He wanted be known as a musician than a prince.
"Is there something wrong, my son?" Taehyung asked.
"Father, I don't want to be the crown prince," Taemin confessed.
Taemin waited for his father to yell at him. To tell him how he was a disgrace for being his blood and to the country. Instead, his father smiled softly at him. He nudged his head and walked away. Right away, Taemin walked behind his father. It didn't took them long for them to walk to a room near his father's room. Taehyung opened the door. Eyes widened, Taemin saw paintings and portraits everywhere. Taemin awed at the room as he and his father went inside.
"When I was young, I always wanted to be a painter," Taehyung said. "but after I became emperor, I knew I'll have to find time to do what I love. Your mother love to see my art and watch me paint. I may not be famous, but I did put my work out there." he turned to Taemin. "I know that you'll be able to do what you love too."
Taemin blinked. "Really, Father?"
Taehyung nodded. "Yes, you just need to find the time. I plan to make you crown prince within a year. After a few years, I will step down as emperor and you will rule as the new emperor."
"What about the council?"
"It doesn't matter. I made my choice."
Taemin narrowed his eyes. "What if they're right? What if I can't rule? What if I mess up?"
"Mistakes will be made, but I will be right by your side, as your advisor."
Taemin stared at his father and slowly he smiled, nodding. He did like that idea. Having his father as his advisor. Someone he could trust and go to if he had problems with his decisions and personal life. He wouldn't mind that.
"Thank you, Father," Taemin said.
"Remember Taemin," Taehyung placed a hand on his shoulder. "Despite what the council said, I want you to be the crown prince and future emperor. Your role for this kingdom is not only to rule our people, but to protect the weak and innocent."
Taemin nodded. "I know, Father."
It wasn't the first time Taemin heard those words. He had heard it a thousand of times, ever since when he was young. It was a philosophy that Taemin always followed. Then Taehyung walked around the room. He headed over to the window, where there was a vase with some flowers. The flowers were normal looking flowers that were decorated around the halls. Taehyung stroke the petals with care.
"Our people are like flowers, Taemin," Taehyung said. "We must make sure we care and nurture them to be strong. To make sure that we support them and they support us."
Taehyung gave Taemin a hug. Grumbling, Taemin hugged his father, tightly, which caused his father to chuckle. His father was right. He had a role to fill and Taemin knew he'll find the time for his music. Even though he did wanted fame for it, but as long as he got his music out there, then it was fine with him.
Everything will be fine.
As Taemin went back to reality, he made a painful smile and gnashed his teeth, putting his arm over his eyes. He knew full well not everything was fine a year later. Everything became hell after that. His father suddenly got sick and died. Then a month later Taemin was dying. Taemin didn't want to think about what happened. Everything was just too painful.
Taemin was ashamed. He was ashamed of himself. The patterns he had was a symbol of that. If his father suddenly came back to life, Taemin knew he would hate him. How his own beloved son, dying and making a deal with the demon king just to get fame for music, instead of dying with honor.
"He would hate me," Taemin muttered.
He knew he was right. There was no doubt about it. Taemin grew up with so much love from his father, who stood by his side, who defended him from the council, help him through a war that Taemin participated when he was eighteen, who always had faith in him, and in return, Taemin made a deal with Gwi-Ma. It was like a slap to the face.
Sighing, Taemin took out the finish lollipop and threw the paper stick in the trash. A lot has changed for five hundred years. Taemin wondered how different Korea would be if he had rule and if it would make a difference. How his influence would be if he did became emperor? Would his music even be remembered? How different things would be!
But you wouldn't be able to meet her, a thought rang in his head.
Then the image of her - Nari smiling at him. Eyes widened, Taemin growled and shook his head. No! Of all people he had to think about it, had to be her! Taemin couldn't help and thought about his day with her. How he fully planned just to take her soul and ended up not going along with his plan, but deep down, Taemin knew why.
Taemin got up and pulled the umbrella towards him. He still couldn't believe he even bought her a crepe! After hearing that she bought food for him, a part of him just wanted to do something in return. He never thought he would do that for someone, even for a human. Taemin even took glances at her just to see her enjoy the crepe. The way she thanked him and appreciate the sweet treat. It felt nice.
Stop it! Taemin thought.
She was a weird human, with a weird face, weird smile, and weird personality. Everything about her was weird! So weird that she literally had no survival skills! She even said that she would give him her soul personally than Gwi-Ma! What kind of weird human would say that?!
Even if given another opportunity, he would still fail to take her soul. It was best to focus on the mission. He could try to stay away, but Taemin had a feeling that won't last long. After all, she's associated with the Huntrix as their assistant manager and their maid. There was a good chance that wherever the Huntrix goes, she's there.
However, he still didn't understand why. Ever since he met her, his memories that he tried to push away came back. Even more of his memories came back after he spent a few hours with her. Taemin didn't understand it.
She was a normal human.
Not a hunter.
Nothing special.
However, if Taemin was being honest with himself, he actually didn't mind being around her. The way she thought of him when buying those stuff for him, how she gave him her umbrella, and the way she smiled at him. She did all of these for him without a reason. She just did it.
Not only that, but Taemin told her his name! His real name! Taemin didn't know what came over him. He just did it without a second thought. An impulse that he didn't know he had. It was like as if he wanted to and he just did it. However, the way she said his name, Taemin hadn't heard such softness for five hundred years. The last person who had said his name with such tone and care was his father.
Staring at the umbrella, Taemin noticed that there was a flower keychain, hanging from the handle. It was a lily flower, just like her name. Her name did reflected her personality, but Taemin did remember her getting angry at him when he insulted her and when she was trying to fight him off. Even though she was named after a lily, she does have thorns.
Taemin had to admit...Nari was tolerable.
Chapter Text
The day when the Huntrix appeared in Play Games With Us came too quickly. The week passed by and Nari just did her usual things as housekeeper and assistant manager. The Saja Boys popularity grew fast and they were surpassing other kpop boy bands too. Nari hadn't saw Taemin since her encounter with him, but she did wondered how he was doing and if he liked the food she picked for him.
Play Games With Us already started five minutes in. Nari was watching backstage where the host was talking to the girls. Rumi, Mira, and Zoey were wearing really nice designer clothes. Rumi was wearing a short leather jacket with a yellow crop shirt, black shorts, and boots, Mira was wearing a black crop tank top with white sleeves and high rise jeans, and Zoey was wearing a red one shoulder crop and brown cargo pants. Nari guessed the girls wanted to wear crop tops today. Then again, almost all of their outfits, mostly Rumi's consist of crop tops.
The girls were sitting at a simple table and in front of them was a giant bowl noodles. Not just any bowl of noodles, cheesy ramyeon with eggs, some sesame seeds, and chives. It was a little red because there was some spice in it. The co-host also had the same bowl across from them too.
"Today's challenge is the giant bowl of cheesy ramyeon!" the host announced. "Who will win? Huntrix or my handsome co-host?"
Zoey, Mira, and Rumi were eating as fast as they could. Wolfing the noodles down and drinking some water on the side, while the co-host also was eating at their speed too. The fans were staring at them with awed as they wonder who would win. Nari couldn't help and chuckled a bit. She knew that right after this show, the girls would want some dessert after this.
"Hey sweetie!" Bobby walked up next to her. "Everything going well?"
Nari nodded. "Yep, so far, so good."
Bobby let out a sigh. "That's good. When the commercial starts, the boys will join my girls."
Nari paused. Boys? The only boys she knew was the Saja Boys, but Nari was told that their episode was going to start tomorrow...or it was the staff in the Play Games With Us told her and the girls. What was her uncle talking about?
"The Saja Boys?" Nari guessed.
"Yeah," Bobby nodded. "The producer wanted me to keep it a secret to surprise the girls, but the studio also wanted to Saja Boys in some of the live episodes with the girls. They wanted it to be special episodes called "Run Huntrix and Saja Boys". There's some ideas going around, but as long as the studio gets enough episodes before and after the first and second award shows. I know the first two award shows is months away, but it gives the girls enough time to write their new song, go through the Idol Athlete Championships, and prepare for the Idol Awards."
Oh no, Nari thought. She could actually imagine the girls trying to stab the Saja Boys, while the boys in turn would try to fight them, while the staff wasn't looking. In fact, she wouldn't be surprised if this did happened. She'll be the one witnessing it anyway.
"Anything else?" Nari asked.
Bobby nodded. "There is. Since last year, "Huntrix Code" was a success, the studio actually wanted you to interact with them again."
Nari raised a brow. "I didn't really do much on those episodes."
Nari knew that was true. It was a three part episode when the girls went to Disney World. Nari was only there as an extra translator and taking care of them. Zoey did most of the translating, but Nari helped out which local places to try. Not only that, but there was an episode where they had to find clues and Nari was teamed up with Mira, since Rumi and Zoey to translate for her. Nari had to admit, it was a fun episode, but Mira did most of the work since it all of the episode was about Huntrix only. So Nari stayed out of the way, trying not to bring attention to herself.
Besides, Nari was only familiar with Florida because Uncle Bobby was the one who helped make the trip to Florida happened. It was before she moved to South Korea and going to Disney World was her high school graduation gift and she, her family, and Bobby stayed in Florida for almost a month.
"But the fans love it," Uncle Bobby said. "I don't know why, sweetie, but since those episodes were the most popular, they want you in all episodes."
To be honest, Nari wasn't even sure why the fans wanted her to be in all of the episodes. Was it because she was the most normal out of the girls? Was it because she was also Korean-American like Zoey and wanted to see how different she and Zoey were? Or was it the dedication and care that she made sure the girls were comfortable? Nari wasn't sure, but she knew sometimes manager and assistant manager will appear, but not that much. Whatever Nari did on that day, the fans must've love it.
Nari sighed. "Fine, fine. I'll do it."
The more she thought about it, the more she realized that Taemin would be in it. There was a good chance she could interact with him during the show, but of course since it's about the Huntrix and Saja Boys, it would be more of them than her. She was just someone who had to be on screen, but it was fine though. As long as she got to see him, then it would be fine.
"At least I'm not in the Idol Athlete Championships." Nari said.
Uncle Bobby chuckled. "I know right? I remember doing those. I'm so glad I don't have to do that again. Besides, they're only special episodes anyway. Probably like four or five. Maybe six?"
"When are you guys going to start filming?"
"Not sure yet, but we are still discussing what each episode will be about and getting permission to film some public places."
"Ah, there you are, Mr. Choi," the producer walked up to him.
With the producer was Yun Hak-yeon, who was around Zoey's age. Nari had worked with Hak-yeon before, since he is the assistant to the producer. They talk sometimes, but Nari wasn't really friends with him. He was an acquaintance.
"I have an idea for the special episodes," The producer said. "Please walk with me." then he turned to Nari. "Miss Kim, can you get some boxes I left in the meeting rooms and give them to me? It's the one down the hall to your left. Meet me at the front of my office."
Nari nodded. "Yes, sir."
With that, the producer and Bobby walked away as they talked about the idea for the episode. As Nari was going to follow what the producer told her, Hak-yeon stepped in front of her, smiling with hands behind his back. He was standing a bit too close for her liking. Nari gave him one of her usual small smiles. She didn't want to be rude, since he's in a higher hierarchy than her, so she took a step back.
"So, Nari, do you want to hang out after the show?" Hak-yeon asked. "We can go to a bar and get some fried chicken and soju."
"No thank you, Mr. Yun," Nari said. "I have to tend to the Huntrix. Two jobs, you know."
"Maybe next time?"
"We'll see. Anyway, I have to go. Also, Mr. Yun, we're in a work place. Please address me as Miss Kim."
Hak-yeon nodded. "Right, of course. Sorry! I'll see you around?"
"Yeah..."
Right away, Nari went to the direction the producer told her about. As Nari turned to the corner, she noticed Hak-yeon was staring at her. Nari was a hundred precent sure that she didn't let Hak-yeon spoke her first name like that - as if they were friends. Nari knew some of the culture difference between Korea and America. The only reason she still call Bobby, her uncle openly because he insisted. Yes, it's unprofessional, but if her uncle told her to call someone by their first name and if they're okay with it, then she will. Besides, Hak-yeon was an acquaintance. She didn't really know anything about him, except he worked at the studio for Play Games With Us. They had small talk, but that was about it.
When Nari got to her destination, she opened the door and saw the boxes. There were five boxes - two big ones, one medium, and two small. She had a feeling she might had to make a couple of trips. Nari put the medium and small box on top of the big box. With a deep breath, Nari lifted the boxes. She grunted and her arms were shaking. It was a big heavier than she expected, but it wasn't the first time she carried boxes like these before. As Nari turned around, her eyes spotted a familiar teal hair.
Taemin stopped and turned. The two locked eyes for several seconds. Nari's chest pounded for a bit. She was glad to see Taemin before he went live. Then Nari noticed his eyes looked at the boxes and back at her.
"Oh hi!" Nari greeted.
Taemin sighed. "Tch, you had to be stupid to carry those by yourself."
Nari chuckled. "It's okay, it's not that heavy."
Honestly, Nari didn't want to bother Taemin, since he was busy with the tonight's show. She didn't like to lie to him about it, but she didn't want to trouble anyone.
Taemin gaped. "You're literally look like you're about to fall over." he pinched his temples. "Tch, you idiot."
He walked over to her and took the medium and small box from her. Taemin set the two small boxes on top of the big box she was holding. Now with one big box and two small ones were not as heavy. Taemin took the other big box and medium box.
"Show me where to go," Taemin said.
Nodding, Nari walked out of the room with Taemin walking beside her. While they were walking, Nari noticed Taemin was wearing a different pink sweater. This one was a stripped black and pink sweater with white ripped jeans. There was even a pink cap on his head too. He did look good, but personally, Nari preferred his other style from the last time they talked.
"So how are you, Tae - I mean, Baby?" Nari asked and whispered. "I would've said your name, but we're in a workplace now. Keeping it professional, you know."
Nari knew that it was fine for her to call the Huntrix by their names, since she is their assistant manager and housekeeper. It made sense that she does call them by their names, but since Taemin is an idol rookie and becoming famous, calling him by his real name would be odd if others saw that and she didn't want rumors going around because she called him by his name as if they were close. She didn't want to cause trouble for him.
Taemin blinked and for some reason he had a constipated look, and he looked away while his ears were red. Nari wondered if he was okay or if he had a stomachache. She does have some pain medicine in her purse. Nari only had it because sometimes Rumi, Mira, and Zoey would get stomach pains if they ate too much. Then again, do demons get sick?
"I-I-I'm fine," he grumbled and he cleared his throat. "Wh-What about you?"
Nari looked up at him. "I'm doing well. The same thing as usual, work and all."
"So why didn't you ask for help?" Taemin asked.
"I didn't realized it was going to be heavy," Nari said. "I didn't want to bother anyone."
Taemin raised a brow. "So you thought you could do it by yourself?"
Nari chuckled uneasily. "I was planning to make a couple of trips, but..."
"But?"
Nari's eyes softened as she smiled brightly. "But, I'm glad you're here to help me, Baby."
Again, Taemin had another constipated look and this time his cheeks were turning pink. Do demons get fevers? Nari was certain that he was probably in pain, but Nari wasn't sure what medicine would be good for demons. Does herbal medicine work for demons?
Taemin scoffed. "Tch, still, you shouldn't be carrying all of this by yourself."
Nari giggled. "Thank you."
"Whatever."
Taemin huffed and rested his cheek against the box as they walked. The only thing Nari did was giggled at the sight. When Nari and Taemin turned, Nari saw her uncle talking to the producer. They were nodding and her uncle looked excited about the idea. Uncle Bobby and the producer turned. Her uncle's eyes lit up as he saw her, but he became confused when his eyes landed on Taemin. Even the producer was confused, but he kept a calm composure.
"Nari!" Bobby exclaimed. "There you are!"
"Miss Kim," the producer glared at her. "Next time be faster. Tardiest isn't allow."
"Sir - " Bobby was about to speak up.
Nari nodded. "Yes, sir. I'm sorry."
Nari and Taemin set the boxes next to the door. Bobby gave Nari a apologetic look, but Nari gave her uncle a smile of assurance. Not the first time she got glared at for something little, but she knew she couldn't talk back at authority in a place of work. Taemin, on the other hand didn't say anything, but Nari noticed his hands were shoved in his pockets. Then Taemin march up to the producer with his arms crossed.
"Is there something you need, Baby Saja?" the producer asked. "I can have Miss Kim get something for you."
"Tch, you made her carry all of these boxes without bringing help for her," Taemin huffed. "If I wasn't there, it would've took her longer. At least say thank you."
Blinking, Nari stared at Taemin, while Bobby just gaped. What was he doing?! Nari knew that idols need to keep a professional and good relationship with the studio and Taemin was literally going to ruin that. Besides, it was just something small. He shouldn't say anything!
The producer sighed. "Baby Saja, this is a behind the scene matter, not an idol matter." the producer turned to Nari. "Miss Kim, thank you for helping me. You two are dismissed."
Nari bowed to the producer, but Taemin didn't. With a quick glare Nari nudged his ribcage and Taemin bowed as if her nudging didn't phase him.
"Thank you for helping my niece, Baby Saja," Bobby said.
"Niece?!" Taemin exclaimed.
Taemin looked at Nari and Bobby a couple of times. It was like he was trying to find a resemblance. Nari chuckled. She knew she doesn't look like her uncle, but she did inherit her short stature from her mom and uncle's side. Nari was short, she just happened to be shorter than Zoey and taller than her uncle.
Bobby nodded proudly. "My one and only! Nari mostly looked like my sister - her mom, but she has her dad's hair and eyes."
Nari chuckled. "I'll see you later, Uncle Bobby. I'm going to escort Baby Saja to his dressing room. I'm sure the other Saja Boys are looking for him."
As she waved to her uncle, she turned and walked away. While she was walking, Taemin was right behind her. Nari slowed her speed as Taemin walked beside her. He still had a grumpy look on his face. When they got to the dressing room, Taemin walked passed it. Frowning, Nari saw him going to the exit door. Hurriedly, Nari walked up beside him. When they got to the door, Taemin opened the door and Nari looked at him. He raised a brow and gesture to her. Nodding, Nari stepped out with Taemin behind her. The first thing she saw was an alleyway. As the door closed, Nari leaned against the stair rails, and Taemin stood next to her, grumbling as he crossed his arms.
In all honesty, Nari was surprised Taemin spoke up for her. He didn't had to, but was it weird that she was confused on why he did it. Just like what happened last week, he saved her from falling off of a building and now he defended her from the producer. Even though Nari accepted the fact that she won't get her answer on why he saved her, she had a feeling she won't get her answer on why he felt like he needed to defend her. However, she felt happy that he did. Nari was the type just to stay out of trouble and don't talk back or say her opinion to authority and those who were kind to her, except those who treated are jerks to her. Even though, Nari could've speak up against the producer, but the whole situation was small. It wouldn't really affect her. Besides, the producer was of higher status than her and speaking against someone like him would make it's way back to Sunlight Entertainment and Nari could get in trouble for it. So it was a lose situation for her.
"Sorry...for butting in like that..." Taemin apologized.
Nari looked at him. Her eyes softened as a soft breeze brushed against them. She saw a leaf landed on top of Taemin's head, but he didn't noticed. The wind was even messing up his hair too. Nari reached out, stood on her toes, and took the leaf off of his head. She never expected him to apologize because of his grumpy attitude, but the more Nari was with him, the more she discover something about him.
"What's there to be sorry about?" She let the leaf go, letting the wind take it.
Nari even fix his hair and patted his head when his hair was back to normal. Taemin blinked a few times and he slowly looked at her. Nari couldn't help and noticed how soft his hair was. It was like a fluffy cloud.
"Tch, I'm not a cat." Taemin huffed.
Nari giggled. "I know."
Taemin glanced to the side and shoved his hands in his pockets, pulling out some lollipops. Nari recognized those right away. It was the ones that she bought for him. However, on the wrapping, there was peaches on it.
"Here," Taemin handed the candy to her. "I'm allergic to peaches."
Nari's eyes widened as she took the candy. "Oh, I'm so sorry."
Taemin sighed. "It's fine, really. It's a demon thing."
Nari nodded and put the candy in her purse. She remember hearing old tales about certain fruits that would drive away demons, but she didn't know it would cause actually physical reactions. Besides, Nari had dealt with peach allergies before. Rumi was allergic to peaches, so she couldn't have anything with peaches in them.
The thought about Rumi, Mira, and Zoey made Nari realized that this weekend was their photoshoot and Bobby was in charge of bringing them in this time and not Nari. Not only that, but her uncle made sure that Nari had Saturday and Sunday off. Even though Nari would still have to do her housekeeping work, but it was still a day off.
"Do you want to come over to the penthouse this weekend, Taemin?" Nari asked.
Taemin made a face. "Are you trying to get me sent back to the demon realm?"
Nari chuckled. "The Huntrix is having a photoshoot this weekend and on that day is my sort of day off. I'm making some hwagwaja and kimchi stew."
Nari had been trying to find the time to make hwagwaja ever since she saw Gwen's photos of visiting Japan during her honeymoon and saw that Gwen and Seong-min had wagashi and Nari did a quick internet search and saw there is a Korean version of it, but with different ingredients. Now the girls was having their photoshoot this weekend, she could find the time to make it. Sure she still had to do her housekeeping job, despite having a day off as an assistant manager, but it was the closest thing she had and Nari wanted to take advantage of it.
"Oh." Taemin looked down. "Jinu is having us go over there and mess with the hunters. Also we have our game shows."
"It's okay!" Nari assured him. "I understand. I'll save you some and I'll stop by at the studio."
Nari just smiled - a strained one, but she hid it. She had to admit, Nari was a bit disappointed, but she knew that it was something that she had to stay away. After all, the Huntrix and Saja Boys were rivals as well as demon hunters and demons. So it does make sense that Jinu would want to mess with the Huntrix and try to steal fans at the same time. She was surrounded by hunters and demons after all and Nari was sure that the Saja Boys wouldn't like it if she told the Huntrix just because Taemin told her. Besides, Nari was sure that since the girls did broke into their game show last week, the girls should be aware of the possibility that the same thing could happen to them. Over all, she couldn't blame Taemin, since it was his job after all.
Taemin sighed. "Jinu had some ridiculous plans and I swear some of them are just petty. Sometimes, I question that looser brain of his."
Nari chuckled. "At least speak kindly about Jinu. He's older than you."
Taemin rolled his eyes. "By human age. He's only twenty-eight."
"How old are you?"
"Twenty-five by human age and the youngest of the Saja Boys, but I'm older than them because we were all born in the Joseon Dynasty. Just in different years"
"So, you're like a thousand years old?"
Taemin gasped. "I'm not that old! I'm only five hundred years old. Jinu is the youngest. He was born a hundred years later after I sold my soul to Gwi-Ma."
Nari stared at him as Taemin said that last part. The way he just said that as if it was casual. Nari wondered what Taemin was like back then. Was he of working class or a noble? Was he always alone? Nari wasn't sure, but couldn't help and wonder what life for Taemin was like. Nari knew that back then at those times was hard and not easy for people. It wasn't like modern day where there were more rights. Some laws in Korea was questionable, but Nari did wondered. She even wondered why he sold his soul to Gwi-Ma and the reason behind it. However, she knew it was something personal she shouldn't ask.
"Also," Taemin added. "Jinu text like an old man. He texts with one finger."
Nari laughed. Now that she could imagine. As she looked at Taemin while laughing, he turned around with a constipated look again and his ears were red. Taemin looked at her and Nari patted his head again, which caused him to grumble, muttering how he's not a cat.
Then Taemin pulled out his phone and he let out a sigh of annoyance. Nari raised a brow. It looked like one of the Saja Boys text him about something.
Taemin shook his head. "I have to go. Jinu wants me back at the dressing room. We're going to be on live with the hunters in fifteen minutes. Commercial break and all."
"At least be civil with the Huntrix." Nari said.
"I won't make any promises." Then he muttered. "Urgh, I had to do aegyo."
Nari chuckled at that. Personally, she doesn't like aegyo. Nari wasn't sure why Taemin had to do aegyo, but she was sure Jinu told him to do it so they could get some fans. She knew Taemin does have a handsome face, but acting cute and doing child-like voice...maybe it was just Nari, but that doesn't fit him. Besides, Taemin's cute when he's grumpy.
Nari placed a hand on his shoulder. "For what's worth, you have your own way of being cute."
Taemin grumbled as he crossed his arms, gnashing his teeth. "I'm not cute! You're weird!"
Nari giggled as she walked over to the door, opening it. Before she stepped inside, Nari looked back, giving Taemin a smile as the wind blew around them.
"By the way, thank you, Taemin," Nari's eyes softened. "For speaking up for me."
Taemin blinked and slowly, he smiled. "You're welcome."
Then Nari walked inside as she walked through the halls. Her chest thumped and her cheeks heated up as she replied everything in her mind. The way Taemin spoke was very soft - deep, but soft. He even smiled too. Nari never thought she would see him smile, but he did. Taemin's smile...he had a really nice smile. Nari hoped that she could see him smile more.
~OoO~
When Nari left, Taemin found himself smiling. Slowly, his eyes widened as he panicked. Why did he smiled at her for? Like last time, something overcome him and he defended Nari from the producer and he smiled at her, but defending her from the producer did reminded him how he would stubbornly defend his servants from the high ranking council since the council was incompetent. However, Taemin knew he doesn't smile - okay that was a lie, he did back then when he was around his father, Taehyung, but that was different. Taemin was around his father. He just didn't know why he smiled in front of Nari!
However, there was some things that he did noticed. Nari was sad when he told her about Jinu's stupid schemes. To anyone it would be unnoticeable, but Taemin noticed. Her smile wasn't full and her tone was lower and the way she worded her voice as like she was trying to convinced herself that she's okay.
"She's just a human," Taemin spoke to himself. "A weird human, but human. Just focus on the mission."
With that, Taemin went inside. He walked to the dressing room and opened it. Jinu and the others weren't there. Shaking his head, Taemin went to the direction of the cafeteria. For a four hundred year old man who text like an old man, he sure knew how not to let Taemin know where they were. While Taemin walked, he looked at his phone. They had only ten minutes before break ends.
Once Taemin got to the cafeteria, he heard voices. The hunters and his friends' voices. Frowning, Taemin hid behind the wall and took a peak. He raised a brow as he saw Yeong-gi, Hwan, Jinu, and Eun were flirting with Nari, while Huntrix was greatly pissed off. Nari, on the other hand wasn't amused from what was going on.
"Oh c'mon, cutie," Yeong-gi cooed. "Don't you want some romance?"
"Are you up for abs, cause you can put your number in my Iphone 16 Pro Max!" Hwan said. "I can tell you're open minded, you know?"
"Oh great, a hongdae." Nari muttered.
"Or..." Jinu cupped her chin. "You like the leader type."
Nari made a face. "Eh, not really."
The Huntrix burst out laughing and Jinu looked offended. It was like they never expected Nari to say something like this. Taemin cleared his throat, trying to cover his laugh too. To be honest, he didn't expected this girl not to be phase by his friends. They're all good looking and Taemin had to admit, they're better looking than him, because of the popularity pool of looks he saw a few days ago, but he didn't know why Nari wasn't phase by them.
"Why is this not working?!" Jinu exclaimed. "It worked for others!" Jinu turned to Eun. "Mystery, do something!"
Eun nodded and he placed a hand on Nar's shoulder and held her hand. He was going to put his lips on her hand, but like last time, Nari made a face, she took a couple steps forward, took out her handkerchief from her purse, and wiped her hand. Eun just shrugged and walked a few steps away from them. He looked at the black haired hunter...Zoey was probably her name and smiled at her. Zoey just giggled and did a tiny waved. Eun in return, gave her a nod.
"Haha, sucks to be you!" Rumi snickered.
"Way to go, Nari!" Mira chuckled.
Shaking his head, Taemin stepped out as he walked up to his friends with his arms crossed. He pulled Hwan and Yeong-gi away from Nari and raised a brow at Jinu.
"Maybe Baby can flirt with her," Eun suggested.
"That won't work!" Jinu said. "If this maid isn't phased by us, then what makes you think Baby would work. She probably doesn't like aegyo."
"I don't," Nari said.
Jinu pointed at her. "See?!" he looked at the Huntrix. "There's something wrong with your maid."
Nari sighed. "Look, we have five minutes before break ends. Huntrix, Saja Boys, go back to your dressing rooms, eat some snacks, and get ready. The last thing the producer needs is two groups disappearing in the middle of the show and the staff going crazy and wondering where you all are."
Huntrix sighed. "Yes, Nari."
"Hmph, c'mon boys!" Jinu said.
Taemin sighed and shook his head as the two groups walked next to each other. He roughly pushed Hwan and Yeong-gi, causing them to bump into Rumi, who in turned bump into Zoey. Everyone yelped as Eun caught Zoey with one hand. Rumi was pushed against Jinu and in return Jinu held her waist before the two fell. However, Hwan and Yeong-gi had their legs tangled and crashed into Mira, but the pink haired girl caught both of them. Hwan on her left and Yeong-gi on her right. Zoey's face was red, but Romance and Abby looked like they saw god. Taemin blinked a few times. He looked at Nari and saw she was confused too.
"S-Sorry!" Zoey stammered.
"It's fine," Eun muttered.
"Has anyone told you that you're a goddess?" Yeong-gi awed.
Hwan nodded, slowly. "Yeah."
Mira grunted. "Ew."
She dropped them. Taemin snorted and looked away as he laughed. Jinu cleared his throat and let go Rumi as he and Eun helped Yeong-gi and Hwan up, Taemin looked at Nari. As Nari opened the door for the Huntrix, the hunters walked out. Nari looked back and smiled, waving at him. Then she closed the door behind her. For some reason Taemin felt his chest pounded and he glanced at the side, remembering Nari's smile. She didn't had to do that. Why did she smile at him like that?
"Why you look so constipated?" Jinu asked.
"Shut up!" Taemin grunted.
Then Taemin and his friends walked out of the cafeteria. They all went to their dressing room and ate some snacks. Taemin walked out of the of the dressing room and headed over to the nearest vending machine. He got himself a couple of water bottles. As he drank one, he heard voices nearby - some familiar voices. Creeping around the corner, Taemin took a peak and saw the Huntrix and Nari. Even though Nari was walking ahead from the Huntrix, but she looked out of place. The Huntrix had designer clothes and look wealthy and there's Nari who just looked plain looking - a simple white collared dress with a sleeveless black vest, a blazer, long black stockings, and flats.
"...totally beat their asses!" Mira smirked.
Rumi chuckled. "I'm sure we can."
"If we win, we should celebrate with couch!" Zoey turned to Nari. "Nari, can you make some bingsu for us?"
Nari nodded. "I will. Also, since you guys have your photoshoot this weekend, I was wondering after your photoshoot, we can go shopping together."
Rumi placed a hand on Nari's shoulder. "That's nice, Nari, but ever since those Saja Boys debut, we need new battle outfits."
"Battle outfits and regular idol outfits are two different things," Mira added.
Zoey chuckled. "Yeah and after we sent those boys back to where they came from!"
"What about Sunday?" Nari questioned.
"We're getting battle makeup," Mira answered. "It takes us a while to figure out what goes well with what." she turned to Zoey. "Right, Zoey?"
Zoey chuckled as she rubbed her neck. "I'm indecisive, okay!"
"We promise after all of this is over, we can go shopping," Rumi assured her.
Blinking a few times, Nari smiled. "I understand."
Taemin noticed right away it was the same forced smile that Nari made before. Her tone, still cheerful, but lower. While the Huntrix were talking to each other, Nari bowed her head slightly and her eyes stared at the floor as she walked. Obviously it wasn't noticeable for the Huntrix, but it was noticeable to Taemin. Clenching his fist, Taemin took a step, but stopped and leaned against the wall as the Huntrix and Nari passed by. As they turned to the corner, Taemin looked back. Was she going to be okay?
Stop it! Taemin thought as he shook his head. With a sigh, Taemin walked back to his dressing room. When he got there, the rest of the Saja Boys were just talking and eating their snacks. Taemin drank his water in silence. After he finish his drink, he and the Saja Boys walked out of their dressing room. When they got to backstage, the show was already back on and the Huntrix was on stage. At the other side of the backstage was Nari, who was watching the Huntrix and her uncle was with her.
"...Please welcome, the Saja Boys!" the host announced.
The audience cheered as Taemin and his friends walked onto stage. In the corner of his eyes, he could see the Huntrix did a lazy clap, glaring at them. Jinu just smiled, while everyone else gave out finger hearts. Taemin had to use his hand to make a heart against his cheek, making a cute kissy face. He was literally dying inside, but he was glad he was able to act well. Perks of being a prince.
Then Taemin and his friends at a table reserved for them and the Huntrix sat at their table too. Jinu sat in the middle, Hwan sat at Jinu's right, Yeong-gi on Jinu's left, Eun sat next to Hwan, and Taemin sat next to Yeong-gi. For the Huntrix, Rumi was in the middle, Mira was on Rumi's right, and Zoey was at Rumi's left, and sadly, her seat was near Taemin's. Taemin had an urge to make a face, but he knew he had to keep up the stupid aegyo act. He really wished to switch seats with Eun now.
"Today in Play Games with Us, we'll be playing three games," the host said. "Huntrix vs the Saja Boys! The winner gets a month supply of instant ramyeon and the looser gets nothing! If there is a tie in one of the games, we'll add an extra game! Whoever wins in each game gets a hug from their opponent, but since the Saja Boys is a five member group, you guys get twice the hug!"
Everyone clapped and Taemin froze. A hug? Now Taemin wished he was fighting the hunters than getting a hug. He would rather bury himself in a hole than get a hug from one of the Huntrix. He would rather do anything than get a hug. Then his eyes went over to Nari, who was watching the show, minding her own business. He stared at the table, fiddling with his sleeve. Nari was weird and tolerable, but...he wouldn't mind getting a hug from her. Taemin pushed that thought away. He didn't know why he had thoughts about that weird, tolerable human.
"The first game is the ring toss!" the host said.
Then one of the staff brought out two set of ring toss. The polls were a mix of gold and purple. There was at least twelve pools The host set the purple rings on the Saja Boys' table and for the Huntrix, he set gold rings on their table.
"The game is simple," The host continued. "Whoever gets six in a row, in your color, wins! Huntrix, ladies first!"
The audience clapped. Half of the fans shouted for Huntrix, while the other half shouted for the Saja Boys. The Huntrix got up and gave Taemin and his friends a smirk. Each of the girls took two rings each and one by one each hunter threw it. One ring after another, each of the rings landed on the golden poll in a diagonal line. Everyone cheered and the Huntrix bowed. Then Taemin and his friends got up. Jinu held two rings, smirked at the Huntrix, and threw it. One ring went into one purple poll in the top middle, but the other went to the golden one.
"Oops," Jinu muttered.
"Ha, let me do it!" Hwan moved in front of him. "Me and my abs can get one!"
Hwan took one ring and threw it. Surprisingly, he got a purple poll, but it was in the opposite direction, on the bottom middle. Taemin and the Saja Boys looked at Hwan. Taemin was one step away wanting to hurt his friends just because he had to hug the Huntrix.
"Move it muscles for brains," Romance said. "Love always wins!"
Yeong-gi flew the ring and it landed in purple pool, but in the middle. Luckily, the rings were forming a horizontal line. Yeong-gi flipped his hair and pulled out a roses from his sleeve. The audience cheered as he threw the roses to them. He even gave a rose to Mira, who gritted her teeth and bent the rose in half.
Eun went up next, silently. He took a ring and threw it without a second thought. The ring landed on the bottom middle, above the one Hwan threw. Then it was Taemin's turn. He wanted to grimaced, but he knew he couldn't. The audience chanted his name - stage name and Taemin took a ring. He smiled and made a heart for the audience, winking at them. Then he threw the ring. The ring landed below Jinu's ring, but they were five out of six rings, thanks to Jinu!
"Huntrix win!" the host announced.
"Huntrix! Huntrix! Huntrix!" the audience shouted, then that one fan who ripped off his shirt, screamed. "I love you, Huntrix!"
"Boys, hug the girls," The host said.
Taemin watched as Jinu hugged Rumi, but the two looked like they were glaring each other. Hwan and Yeong-gi hugged Mira, who was cringing throughout the whole entire time. Eun hugged Zoey, but the two looked too eager to hug. Then Eun had to hug Rumi.
"Baby Saja, you need to hug Zoey," the host pointed out.
Taemin wanted to say no. He didn't want to hug anyone, even a hunter. He would rather hug dirt. However, he knew he had to, but then again, considering he had to act all aegyo, maybe...just maybe aegyo could save him.
With a deep breath, Taemin made sure he muster the cutest face and voice he ever did. He even had tears filling his eyes as he bowed his head and looked at the host and everyone else who had to witness him.
"I-I'm actually shy about hugs," Taemin spoke in a slightly higher pitch. "Is it okay, I can do a handshake instead?"
"So honest!" a fan shouted.
"So adorable!" another awed.
Kill me already, Taemin thought.
The Huntrix was looking at him oddly. Even his own friends were too. Jinu looked like he was one step away wanting to tell Taemin to suck it up and hug Zoey. Over the host's shoulders, Taemin could see Nari. She was confused, but had a hand over her mouth as she chuckled. Even the audience was giving him weird looks. However, Taemin didn't care if everyone was looking at him weirdly. He just want to get his way around than hugging a hunter.
"I'm sorry, Baby Saja, but rules are the rules," the host apologized. "but why not a head pat instead?"
Hell no! Taemin wanted to say. Before he could say anything, the audience clapped as Zoey walked up to him and held out her hand. Before her hand reached his head, Taemin moved to the side. The audience, the Huntrix, and his friends all looked at him with confusion. Zoey frowned and tried again and like last time, Taemin moved to the other side. She tried again, but Taemin ducked. Then Taemin remembered Nari giving him a pat on the head, twice. Maybe he was being a hypocrite, but at least Nari tolerable!
Suddenly, a hand was placed on both of his shoulders. Taemin saw Jinu was holding his left shoulder and Eun his right. The two were holding him down, while Hwan and Yeong-gi watched with amusement. Taemin gave them the side eye. Those traitors!
"Stop being dramatic!" Jinu hissed in his ear. "Suck it up. Do it for the fans!"
"I hate you guys so much!" Taemin whispered.
Finally, Zoey patted his head. It was very quick, only two pats from her fingertips. Thank goodness! Taemin knew that he would need to wash his hair with bleach after this.
The audience cheered as both Saja Boys and Huntrix went back to their seats. The games continued, which was another simple game. A tic-tak-toe sandbag toss, which was similar to the ring toss. This time the Saja Boys won and the Huntrix had to hug them. Mira hugged Jinu and Eun, while Zoey got a hug from Yeong-gi and Hwan. Rumi hugged Yeong-gi and like what happened earlier, Taemin was held down when Rumi had to pat his head, but she did it quickly too.
The last game was darts and this time only someone had to pick one person to throw darts. The Huntrix picked Zoey and the Saja Boys picked Eun. Zoey was giggling and she threw the darts, all three darts were in perfect bulls' eye. Eun was next and he only got one bulls' eye and the he missed the other two by an inch. Taemin raised a brow. Usually, Eun was good at throwing knives and archery. Was it really that difficult for him to do?
"Huntrix wins!" the host announced.
The crowd erupted with screams and claps. Eun gave Zoey a hug and he was also patted her back too, while Zoey was giggling like a little school girl. Luckily, the host didn't push anyone else to hug. Everyone stood up from their seats and clapped. The Huntrix looked at them and smirked, while the Saja Boys just glared at them back, clapping, except for Eun, Hwan, and Yeong-gi who were smiling and waving at the audience. Taemin, on the other hand had to make cute faces, but he was happy that this was over. He would rather do another spicy challenge. At least he knew how to handle his spice.
The show stopped airing and both groups went their separate ways. Taemin followed his friends back to the dressing room. The first thing Taemin did was to grab a water bottle and drank it. When the door closed, everyone gathered everything they needed. Then the Saja Boys transported back at their living room apartment. Jinu sighed and placed his hands on his hips, looking down at Taemin, but Taemin was drinking his water bottle.
"Really, Taemin?" Jinu questioned. "You couldn't stand a hug and a pat on the head?"
Taemin sighed as he finished his bottle. "Does it matter? I still did it."
"We had to hold you down!" Jinu exclaimed. "You were able to do aegyo, but that? Really?"
"Look, I'm sorry," Taemin apologized. "It won't happen again."
"It better not," Jinu said. "I heard that we will be doing more T.V. shows with the Huntrix and we need the fans."
"Yes!" Hwan cheered as he and Yeong-gi held hands and spun around, laughing.
Jinu, Taemin, and Eun looked at each other and back at the two. Taemin had no idea what has gotten with Hwan and Yeong-gi, but Taemin wouldn't tell if they were happy about the fans or being more around with the Huntrix.
"Remember, boys the Huntrix is doing a photoshoot this weekend," Jinu made a cheeky smile. "I can't wait to take pictures with them!"
Taemin raised a brow. "You're happy to take pictures with the enemy?"
"I-I mean like photobomb them," Jinu explained. "Jeez, Taemin, not like that."
"Uh-huh."
Jinu cleared his throat. "Anyway, we should buy some supplies for the photoshoot, like new clothes, skin care, aftershave - "
"Why you need aftershave?" Eun asked.
"Can a man just use aftershave whenever he wants?" Jinu huffed.
Taemin rolled his eyes. "Tch, whatever."
Taemin shook his head as he went to his room. Sighing, Taemin sat on his bed, rubbing his eyes. Taemin looked at the umbrella on top of the drawer. It was just laying there, neatly clean, and ready to be used. He remember the conversation he had with Nari. He knew he had to go to that dumb photoshoot, but at the same time he didn't want to. He didn't want to deal with the chaos that Jinu had planned. Besides, Jinu would get suspicious if Taemin mentioned why he didn't want to go, but then again, no one did questioned about the umbrella and the junk food Nari gave him. Also, Nari did told him that she understood and it's okay, but he didn't know why he still wanted to go. Why the hell was he more concern about that weird human than the Jinu's dumb plan?
Then the memory of Nari's disappointed look entered his mind - from him and the Huntrix. Gnashing his teeth, Taemin growled and laid on his bed, and face planted onto his pillow. Why? Why did he had to think of that look she had? Taemin didn't understand. He didn't understand why he was thinking about that. Of all people he had to think was her and not the people he needed to steal the souls to feed to Gwi-Ma.
In fact, Taemin was baffled of how could anyone else didn't notice she was disappointed. Even the Huntrix! The Huntrix known her longer than him and yet they never picked it up. Were they even close? It was obvious the Huntrix care about Nari. So why not go shopping with her after the photoshoot and get their battle outfit another day? Unless those hunters were too busy trying to beat demons like Taemin and his friends.
Taemin turned as he faced the ceiling. "It's not like I don't care or anything." he spoke to himself.
Then there was silence. The only sound Taemin could hear was the voices of his friends and the crickets outside. Sighing, Taemin turned to his side and reached out to his nightstand. He grabbed the lily keychain, stroking it with his thumb. Taemin couldn't help and remember how she thanked him for speaking up for her. He hate to admit it, but it felt nice.
I guess stopping by wouldn't hurt, Taemin thought.
Chapter Text
It was the day of the photoshoot. Nari was by herself at the penthouse, carefully crafting the hwagwaja. She use one of her cake tools to form the cake into a cherry blossom. Once she was done, she nodded to herself and carefully placed the cake with the finished ones. There was fruit, flowers, and rabbits. It had been an hour since Rumi, Mira, and Zoey left for their photoshoot. Nari had been working on these hwagwaja since morning. She wanted to make different flavors for each cake.
On the counter were five boxes. The first four was obviously for the Huntrix and Bobby, while the fifth was for Taemin. Nari had made sure that only Mira, Zoey, and Bobby would get peach, while Rumi and Taemin don't. Next tot he boxes were trays of hwagwaja. Nari even made some for herself too. Behind her was a pot of kimchi stew.
With a sigh, Nari took off one of her gloves and leaned against the kitchen counter as she drank some water. She wondered how everything was going with the photoshoot. Nari knew that the Saja Boys would break in and mess up their photoshoot. Unless the goal was to be part of the photoshoot to gain more following, then that could work. Fans do love idol groups doing photos and using the Huntrix's fame could give them more fans.
I wonder how Taemin's doing, Nari thought.
Ever since the game show, Nari did noticed that Taemin does look constipated. She wasn't sure if demons could drink medicine, but she was thinking about getting him some herbal tea when she has time. Not only that, but she did find it odd that he was being weirded out whenever Zoey and Rumi had to pat his head. It was a bit confusing and funny when Nari saw it, but the thing was that Nari patted his head twice and Taemin had no problem with it.
Nari opened the pot of kimchi stew and added some mung bean thread noodles. As she closed the lid, Nari took off her other glove and apron, revealing a light pink sweater cardigan and over it was a collared white dress that goes to her knees. She made a cup of green tea and headed over to the couch with her plate of hwagwaja as she sat down. Even though it was mid morning, but Nari wanted to take a break and have a tiny snack before she ate lunch.
As Nari drank her tea, she let out a sigh. She wasn't surprised that Mira, Rumi, and Zoey rejected her offer to go shopping with her. Nari understood that their mission comes first. They needed to make the Honmoon gold, but Nari did thought that finding out their secret would make them closer. It was a silly hopeful thinking, but Nari was glad that she does have a relationship with the girls, even though it was a working one, but it was better than nothing. They treat her with kindness and that's all it matters. Even if they're not friends with her, Nari still wanted to get to know them more.
Picking up one of the hwagwaja, Nari was about to grab the remote, but stopped. A bright blue circle with mixes of gold and iridescent appeared in the middle of the living room. Nari gasped as she jumped over the couch, using it as a shield. She even had her phone in her hand in case if this was something demon related. She breathed heavily as a blue tiger came out. The tiger had amber eyes. On top of the tiger's head was a magpie with three eyes and a tiny hat. Then Nari frowned. Sitting on the tiger and crossing his arms was none other than, Taemin. He was wearing a pink sweater with white sleeves, ripped red jeans, and a pink cap. Nari could tell right away that he was wearing those clothes for tonight's game show.
Taemin huffed. "Sup."
Nari blinked. "Taemin...um, hi! Aren't you supposed to be at the photoshoot?"
"Thought I stop by," Taemin said.
"Is Jinu going to be okay with it? Does he even know?"
"What he doesn't know won't hurt him."
Nari stared at him. He ditched?! Nari knew that Taemin would get in trouble. Jinu did planned to go to the photoshoot after all and now Taemin was here, the Saja Boys were down one member and that member was in the living room. Why did he ditched in the first place? Nari knew she was upset that he couldn't make it, but she told Taemin that it was okay. She was even planning to give him the cakes tomorrow.
"Wouldn't Jinu figure out that you're here?" Nari asked.
"It'll be fine," Taemin assured her. "You're like the last person he'll think of. He probably thinks that I'm going to find some hot sauce or something."
The way Taemin said that was like as if it was believable. Nari knew she was the last person Jinu would think of, but the hot sauce part...there was no way Taemin actually did something like that...did he?
Nari walked around the couch as she slowly approached, Taemin, the blue tiger, and the magpie. Taemin got off of the tiger as Nari stared at the blue creature. The tiger just looked at her as it blinked. The blinking was delayed by one eye blinking before the other. Nari had to admit, the tiger looked odd, but cute at the same time. Nari couldn't help it as her heart swelled as she kept staring at the tiger.
"May I pet it?" Nari asked.
Taemin shrugged. "Go ahead."
A smile grew across Nari's face as she petted the tiger. She giggled as the tiger purred against her touch. Nari scratched the tiger as the giant blue feline laid on the floor, going onto it's back. Nari couldn't help it and hugged the tiger. The tiger was cute and fluffy! Then Nari looked at the magpie that was sitting on the tiger. She held out her hand and the magpie fluttered over to her and landed on her hand. She stared at it with her head tilted. The bird was indeed wearing a traditional Korean hat even with the beads too. Eyes softened, Nari stroke the bird's feather, carefully not touching it's three eyes.
"Your pets are really cute, Taemin," Nari said.
"They're Jinu's actually," Taemin corrected her.
Nari blinked. "Jinu's? So why does the bird wear a tiny hat?"
Taemin sighed. "Jinu claimed he made it for the tiger, but the bird keeps taking it. To be honest, I can actually see it. The tiger's name is Derpy and the bird is Sussy."
Nari giggled and stroke Derpy and Sussy. She had no idea mythical creatures exist, but the more she thought about it, the more it made sense, since there was a giant blue tiger that acts like a house cat and a three eyed magpie. She wondered if there were other mythical creatures exist too. Did Rumi, Mira, and Zoey knew about it? They must've known since they hunt demons. Besides, if demons exist, that meant mythical creatures exists too. Does that mean dragons were real?
"Aren't those the hwagwaja you made?" Taemin asked.
Walking over to the couch, Taemin picked it up as he examined it, by turning it from side to side. Nari's eyes widened. Taemin...picked up the white rabbit one. Oh...oh no!
"Wait, Taemin - " Nari was about to say, but Taemin bit into it. "that's peach."
Eyes widened, Taemin gasped and clutch his stomach. Right away, Nari took Taemin's wrist, dragging him into the kitchen, and pulled up the trashcan. Taemin spat out the cake, threw the one he accidently ate, and he went to the sink, rinsing his mouth as he coughed.
"Are you trying to poison me?!" he exclaimed.
Nari glared at him. "You literally took something before asking what's in it!"
"Why you made peach?"
"Because, Mira, Zoey, and I like peach flavor."
"Urgh."
Shaking her head, Nari walked Taemin to the dining table and sat him down. She poured him some green tea and handed him a cup. Taemin sipped his tea and Nari pulled up a chair, scooting closer to him, and placed a hand on his forehead. His temperature seemed normal, but Nari wasn't convinced. She leaned over and placed her cheek against his forehead. Like before, his temperature was normal. As Nari moved away, she noticed Taemin looked constipated and his face was really red. Nari frowned. Strange, his temperature was fine.
"Are you okay?" Nari asked. "Do you need anything?"
"I'm fine, I'm fine," Taemin answered. "Really, I'm fine..." he looked away. "Sorry..."
Nari chuckled. "It's okay."
Nari got up from her seat and headed over to the couch. She picked up her plate and walked over to him. As she sat down, Nari set the plate onto the table and held up a cherry blossom cake. She handed it to him and smiled.
"This one is has strawberries," Nari said. "and don't worry. It's not contaminated."
Taemin looked at the cake and back at Nari. Slowly, Taemin took the cherry blossom cake, staring at it. Hesitantly, he took a bite of the cake. He slowly chewed the cake as Nari watched him. She waited to see any kind of expression, but Taemin seemed unphased. As Taemin swallowed, he took a sip of his tea.
"It's sweet," he said.
Nari blinked. "Oh, was it too sweet?" she got up. Maybe she couldn't give it to him after all. "I can - "
Nari stopped. She felt something pulling on her cardigan. She turned and saw Taemin, who was the one pulling her cardigan. He was glancing to the side as his ears turned red.
"I-It's fine as it is," Taemin stated. "I-I like it."
Smiling, Nari giggled. "Thank you."
Taemin huffed as he let go of her cardigan. Nari's chest pounded as she went over to the kitchen, opening one of the cabinets. She took out two bowls and poured the kimchi stew. Nari even made sure it had everything she cooked in there, like pork belly, tofu, shrimp, noodles, and vegetables. She grabbed some utensils and headed over to the table as she set everything down. She even brought out some side dishes too.
"You don't mind staying for lunch, right?" Nari asked.
"Tch, Jinu could handle things without me," Taemin scoffed.
Nari took that as a yes as she gave Taemin some chopsticks and a spoon. As Nari sat down, the two thanked their meal and begun to eat. Nari first drank the broth and smiled. The broth was both savory and sour with a hint of sweetness. Just like her grandmother made it. Nari was getting a little it homesick and wanted to eat something that reminded her of home. She did change a little bit of the recipe only by having different noodles.
"My compliments to the chef," Taemin said.
Nari looked at him and grinned. "Thank you. It was my grandmother's recipe."
Taemin nodded. "kimchi stew wasn't around at my time."
Nari gasped. "Really?"
Taemin nodded. "It came around during Jinu's time, but I will admit good food when I eat it. Besides, my taste in food is a little refine than my friends."
Nari raised a brow. Was Taemin...a noble back in his days? Back in the Joseon Dynasty, nobles do have high quality food than commoners and since Taemin did said his taste in food was more sophisticated, it does make sense he was born in a wealthy family. Nari figured he probably like the food now since everything does taste good.
"You said that this was your grandmother's recipe," Taemin took a sip of the broth. "Couldn't you just visit her whenever you want?"
Nari blinked as she stopped eating. "My uncle is the only family I have in Korea. Everyone else is living in America."
Taemin looked at her. "You're not from Korea?"
Nari nodded. "I'm born and raised in America and I grew up in a state called California. While Zoey grew up in Burbank, I grew up in Sacramento. Both of my grandparents were poor farmers in Korea and since a lot of things were going on in Korea at the time, they moved. My parents were born in Korea and moved to the states, while Uncle Bobby was born in America."
"What was it like growing up there?"
"I grew up in a small, but safe neighborhood with a good sense of community. I have three older brothers with a ten to seventeen age gap. My dad works two jobs as a janitor and my mom is a waitress, but my mom has a weak immune system and she often gets sick a lot. So my grandparents and my brothers would look after me and when I got older and learned how to take care of myself, I started to look after myself. I had to grow up early, but it wasn't so bad being by myself. Sure my brothers had their own lives, but they were always around all the time, even when I told them everything was fine. I think they were worried that I couldn't take care of myself, but they always spend time with me every chance they get. My best friend, Gwen - we grew up together in the same neighborhood and she would invite me to her house all the time, so I wouldn't be too lonely. After school we always go to Mrs. Gonzalez's bakery and get some cakes from her. Even though my parents were busy a lot, but they always spend time with me too. After work, my dad would play dress up with me, even though he was tired, but he still plays with me and my mom, after she got out of the hospital, she would take me out to buy a slice of cake of my choice. Even though...."
Nari stopped as her face turned red. She realized she was rambling too much. Nari hadn't rambled this much since at Gwen's wedding. She felt bad that Taemin pretty much had to listen to every single thing she said. Nari was about to apologize to Taemin about basically telling him her life story, but she stopped. Taemin was looking at her with a soft smile. Nari's chest pounded. Then Taemin blinked and cleared his throat as he crossed his arms, looking away from her.
"And what?" he asked. "Aren't you going to finish?"
Nari chuckled and nodded. "Yes...um....even though my mom does get sick a lot, my dad, my brothers, and I make the best in these situation. Now my mom hadn't got sick when I entered high school, so we figured that her immune system is getting stronger. So now, we're all hoping that she won't get sick again."
The memories of every time Nari's mom getting sick echoed her mind. She remembered it as if she was back into her childhood. Nari remembered how one time her mother would suddenly collapsed at home and little Nari had to call the emergency ambulance. There was a time where her mom collapsed during grocery shopping, even at the mall too. There was a time where her mom got sick at work and her coworker had to take her to the hospital. Some of those times, Nari was left by herself while her family had to take her mom to the hospital. They didn't leave her alone on purpose. Several of those times was when she was at school, hanging out with Gwen, and at her grandparents' house.
Now Nari is twenty-one and her mom hadn't got sick then, but it scared her since she was in another country, not knowing that anything could happen when she's here. Nari wouldn't know what to do if something does happen. She dreaded if things did happened while she's here.
Taemin nodded. "With modern technology, your mother should get better...If I had that in my time...maybe he would've lived."
"Who?" Nari asked.
"My father." Taemin answered. "He suddenly got sick after I turned twenty-five and he died a month later."
"I'm sorry."
Taemin sighed, softly. "It's fine, really. It's just that...never mind. It doesn't matter."
Whatever was bothering Taemin, it does seemed to bother him. Then Nari remembered that Taemin did said that he sold his soul to Gwi-Ma at twenty-five. She wondered what happened to Taemin when he decided to do that. She wondered if something happened to Taemin at the time. Was it war? A sudden illness? Something sinister? Nari wasn't sure, but she did knew that back then there was political rivalries between families and even kingdoms. Back in the Joseon Dynasty, it was ride or die and she hoped that whatever happened to Taemin, it wasn't horrible.
Nari did wanted to know what was on his mind on those days, but she knew Taemin would down right refuse to tell her about his former human life. It was probably too personal for him, but she wouldn't judge him for it since the times were different and hard for everyone involved. She just wanted to assured to him that she's here to listen and learn more about him.
With a soft smile, Nari scooted closer to Taemin. Their shoulders almost touched. She placed a hand on his shoulder as her eyes softened. Slowly, Taemin looked down at her.
"Even if it doesn't matter," Nari said. "but I'm here to listen when you need it."
Taemin scoffed and looked away as his ears turned red. "Tch, whatever."
"So what did you do back then? Did you like to do anything fun?"
Taemin turned and despite his grumpy face, his eyes brightened. "I like writing poetry and music. Just whatever I got inspired by. Sometimes it was random. I even wrote poetry about rain one time. There was a time where I wrote bad about the council, but they don't like me anyway. I also like taking walks in the gardens with my father. The gardens are the most beautiful at night. Although, I don't like painting. I'm not good at it."
Nari frowned. "You have a council? Why didn't they like you?"
"My mother was a servant, so I have commoner's blood."
Nari's frown deepened. Why would Taemin have a council when he's of a noble family? The only way he could have a council was if he was...royalty. Now Nari thought about it, that would make sense if the council would make a big deal out of Taemin being a son of a servant woman, despite his father being emperor. Of course it would be a big deal with other wealthy nobles too, but for royalty was another level. Nari wondered if it was okay to ask.
"Taemin, were you royalty?" Nari asked.
Taemin froze as he slowly finished the last drop of his kimchi stew. He set his spoon on the side and looked at the empty bowl. The only sound Nari could hear was the silence surrounding them. She wondered if she asked too much.
"I am," Taemin confessed. "I was the first born prince of the emperor, but not anymore."
Nari wondered what happened to him. She had so many questions. She wondered if Taemin had a half brother that has only noble blood, if he was going to be the crown prince, or how the council handle the fact that the emperor's only son has commoner's blood. Nari knew about the history of the Joseon Dynasty and there was no record of a prince bring born from a servant woman. Nari had an urge to research about this, but she didn't want to pry on Taemin's privacy.
However, Nari never suspected Taemin would be royalty. Maybe a wealthy noble, but a royal prince? That was something she never expected. That meant in Taemin's life, he had to be the prince first, then human, and eventually sold his soul to Gwi-Ma. Even though Nari didn't know how or why Taemin sold his soul to begin with, but all she knew was that it won't change what she thought of him.
"That still doesn't change anything," Nari said. "A prince or a demon. You're still you, Taemin."
Taemin looked at her. He stared at her with wide eyes. Taemin opened his mouth and closed it. He did it a few times. Finally, he huffed and crossed his arms.
"Tch, you're so weird," Taemin glanced to the side.
Nari giggled as she took her last sip of soup. "I know."
"Just be glad you're tolerable."
Nari raised a brow with amusement. Tolerable, huh? Never in her life she was described like that. Maybe annoyingly nice, but tolerable. That's a first. If Nari was tolerable, does that mean Taemin couldn't stand the hunters?
Then Nari got up and gathered all of the empty dishes as she set them in the sink. Nari turned on the water so that way the food residue would be easy to clean off. Nari took a couple of hwagwaja, walked up to Taemin, handing it to him. The ones she had in her hand was an apple shape cake and a leaf cake. Taemin took the leaf and ate it. He nodded to himself as Nari ate the apple cake, which like the shape it was had apple flavor. While the two ate their cakes, Nari noticed that Taemin had a frown as he stared at the other hwagwajas on the counter.
"This one is nutty," Taemin said. "Black sesame?"
Nari nodded. "You guessed right."
"Are the others for the hunters?" Taemin asked, pointing to the counter.
"Yeah, and my uncle too, but the girls are going shopping after their photoshoot for new outfits. I won't be able to give it to them until they get back."
Taemin crossed his arms as he ate the last of his cake. "I thought you guys were close. You guys aren't, huh?"
Eyes widened, Nari looked at him. Usually when she told her friends Gwen and Seong-min about her daily life of being the Huntrix's assistant manager and housekeeper, they could tell that they weren't close by all the things Nari told them, but for Taemin...did he saw Nari and the girls talking?
"You...were eavesdropping?" Nari questioned.
Taemin sighed. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I was getting water and you guys were passing by."
So he did figured it out. Nari couldn't blame Taemin on what he heard, since the conversation she had with the girls was out in the open. Anyone could've heard them. However, Nari had to admit, she was surprised that someone was able to figure it out just by one conversation.
Nari sighed. "I would be lying and say we are. When I first started working for the Huntrix, I do wanted to be friends. I just moved from my home to another country and knew no one, except for my uncle, but overtime I realized that it won't happen. Every time I offered to hang out with them, it was either rejected or something happened and they had to leave. Even now knowing their secret as hunters...I was just too hopeful on that. Taemin, I'm fine with our current working relationship. I don't want to be selfish with them. I don't want my personal feelings get in the way what we had now. They're kind to me and that's all it matters."
Nari bowed her head. She didn't like her personal feelings get in the way of what she had with Rumi, Mira, and Zoey. They were a trio and Nari knew she would be the one out of place with them, but that was fine. If she spoke out to them, they might think ill of her. She didn't want that to happen. The only people she was comfortable showing her selfish and outspoken side was her brothers, her parents, and Gwen. There were a couple of times where she did showed that side of her around Bobby, but during those times, it was when he was visiting. Rumi, Mira, and Zoey had always treated her with kindness when she started working for them, and they were always kind to her. It would be wrong for Nari to speak out like that to them.
Then Nari felt something on her shoulder. Nari looked up and saw Taemin, who had his hand on her shoulder. Nari blinked a few times, trying to comprehend what was going on.
"As long as you, yourself are okay with your current relationship with them," Taemin said. "but it's okay to speak out. Those hunters will understand."
Nari blinked. "Really?"
Then Taemin moved his hand away from her shoulder and cupped her chin, gently making her to look at him. Nari couldn't stop looking at his blue eyes as he stared at her. She could see her reflection in his eyes. She couldn't help it as her cheeks turned pink.
Taemin nodded. "It's okay to be a bit selfish."
Nari's eyes softened. "Thank you, Taemin."
Taemin scoffed as he let go of her chin. "Tch, besides, those hunters did wanted to kill my friends when they flirted with you. I'm sure that if they kidnapped you, those hunters would go on a hunting spree."
Nari giggled at that last part. As she giggled, she heard a soft deep chuckle. Eyes widened, Nari turned to Taemin, who was chuckling. Then Taemin stopped and blinked a few times. His shoulders tensed up as he shoved his hands in his pockets.
"Wh-What?" He demanded.
Nari smirked. "I didn't know you can laugh."
Taemin huffed. "Sh-Shut up."
Shaking her head, Nari giggled a bit more as she reached out and patted Taemin's head. Just like she did before the game show. Taemin didn't move away or anything. He just stood there and let her pat his head with a constipated look. Nari didn't understand it, but she didn't mind not knowing the answer. It felt nice that Taemin let her do it.
Then, in the corner of Nari's eyes, she noticed the clock. It was five o'clock in the evening and Taemin had been here for five hours and the game show starts in three hours. The photoshoot was going to end in two hours Taemin looked where Nari was looking and shrugged.
"Oh the photoshoot is going to end soon," he said in a nonchalant tone.
"In two hours!" Nari exclaimed. "Let me pack the cakes and the stew for you."
"Can I have the peach one too?" Taemin asked.
Nari looked at him as if he was insane. "Why?"
"No reason."
Glaring at him, Nari crossed her arms and raised her brows. "Taemin."
"Okay, fine," Taemin groaned. "I wanted to see which of my friends would get the peach one and eat it. Don't worry, we won't die from it. We just get nauseous and throw up."
Nari gave him a blank stare. "No."
Taemin pouted and grumbled as he glared at Nari, but Nari ignored him. She carefully packed the cakes into the box. She packed the kimchi stew in a bowl with towels and placed it inside the plastic bag. Once everything was secure, she and Taemin walked over to Derpy and Sussie, who were resting on the carpet. The giant blue tiger sat up and Nari scratched his head. Nari handed the cakes and stew to Taemin as he got on Derpy.
Nari gasped. "Oh I almost forgot!"
Nari grabbed a piece of paper from the coffee table and a pen. She quickly wrote her number on it. With a smile, she handed it to Taemin. The teal haired man looked at it and back at her, blinking.
"If you ever feel like wanting to talk or hang out, call or text me," Nari giggled.
Taemin glanced to the side. "I-I'll keep that in mind."
"Get back there safely," Nari said. "I'll see you next time. Oh and thank you, Taemin for stopping by."
Taemin nodded. "Y-Yeah...no problem."
Then a blue, gold, and iridescent color appeared under Derpy as the giant tiger, the magpie, and Taemin sank down, while Nari waved at them. As the bright glow disappeared, Nari let out a sigh and smiled. She was glad Taemin stopped by. She never expected it, but she was glad he did. Not only that, but Taemin didn't had to, but he did. It made her happy and she was able to give him her number too. Sure there was a chance that he won't call her, but she did and it would be nice to talk to him when they're not working.
As Nari walked over to the kitchen, she stopped. She noticed that on the sections of the hwagwajas, the one she made for the girls, one of the bunny cakes was missing. Nari groaned and pinched her temples. Taemin took it, didn't he? He's going to get in so much trouble. Who Taemin was going to give the peach cake to was questionable, but Nari had a feeling who he might give it to.
Nari shook her head and chuckled. "What am I going to do with him?"
~OoO~
The first thing Taemin did was to bring the cakes and stew back to the apartment and put it in the fridge. Derpy slept on the couch, while Sussie sighed. Then he teleported inside the photoshoot. He appeared behind the wall and took a peak. He raised a brow. It looked like his friends were having the time of their lives. Jinu had a hand around Rumi's waist, Yeong-gi and Hwan were on Mira's lap with a dramatic "woe is me" pose, and Eun was being carried by Zoey in her arms. Rumi and Mira looked unimpressed, while Zoey was just happy. Even Eun didn't mind that he had to be carried by Zoey. The Huntrix's manager and Nari's uncle, Bobby was cheering them and suggesting some poses. The cameraman was loving it as he took pictures.
"Rumi, you need to have a hand on Jiu's waist!" Bobby said. "Mira you need to smile and Zoey, do a peace sign!"
"Okay, Bobby!" the girls in unison.
The Huntrix did as they were told. Rumi hesitantly placed a hand on Jinu's waist, Mira smiled sweetly, and Zoey did a peace sign. Aside from Zoey, Rumi and Mira looked like they wanted a way out of this. However, Taemin could feel an angry aura around the Huntrix. Taemin chuckled to himself and smirked. He was so glad he ditched. He would hate having those hunters putting their hands on him.
As the cameraman took pictures, Taemin sighed and stepped out as he walked up to everyone. Once the cameraman stopped taking pictures, Hwan and Yeong-gi waved at him, Eun made a small smile, and Jinu gasped. Jinu gave Taemin a smile, but his eyes were glaring at him. It was like he was scolding him silently.
"Ah, Baby Saja!" Bobby said. "You made it!"
"Yes, Baby," Jinu walked over to him as he pulled out a folded paper. "How was trying some hot sauce?"
Taemin knew what Jinu was talking about. In the morning, before he left to see Nari, Taemin left a note on Eun's back when they were at the building for the photoshoot. It was easy to sneak away since no one was paying attention. The note that pretty much said that he was going to try some hot sauce and bring Derpy and Sussie along and he'll be back before the photoshoot was over. Which he did like the note said.
"It was good," Taemin said.
"Does it really take you five hours to try some hot sauce?" Yeong-gi asked. "That seemed bad for your stomach."
"As you can see, I'm fine," Taemin crossed his arms. "I like to go for a second round anyway."
"Oh great you have an addiction," Jinu groaned.
"Now Baby Saja is here!" the cameraman clasped his hands together. "we can get some pictures!"
Bobby nodded. "Baby Saja, I want you go in between Zoey and Mystery and sit on your knees. You three will be forming a heart with your arms. Remember to smile!"
Taemin's eye slightly twitched when he heard that. In the corner of his eyes, he saw Jinu giving him a stern look that said, You better do it or else! Sighing, Taemin nodded and did what he was told. He stood between Mystery and Zoey, went onto his knees and made a V shape with his arms as Mystery and Zoey form the heart. He gave the most cutest smile he could muster and winked at the camera. The cameraman captured the image and Taemin quickly got up and shuddered.
Soon Taemin had to take some more photos. He had to make a cutesy face with Rumi and trying to look like a cute tough guy with Mira. Taemin had to hold in his disgust, but he was able to endure it.
"Baby Saja, we need you to stand back to back with Zoey and hold hands," the cameraman said. "Fans do like it when maknaes take pictures together."
I should've just stayed longer, Taemin thought. He really did wished he stayed over with Nari longer. He would've really committed on the whole ditching, but Taemin wanted to be there for his friends and do what Jinu planned. There was no way he was going to hold hands with Zoey and be back to back with her.
Taemin turned his back to the cameraman and Bobby, giving Huntrix, mostly Zoey a disgusted look on his face as he eyed from her from top to bottom. Zoey glared at him and cracked her knuckles with an offended look. Behind him, Jinu sighed and Hwan patted his back. Yep, Taemin really wished he stayed there longer.
"I'm too shy about holding hands," Taemin said. "Can we just do finger hearts instead?"
Bobby gasped. "What about you make a half heart with your hand and Zoey does the same?"
The cameraman gasped. "That's perfect! Make sure you two give your best cutesy smile!"
At least that was a better idea than holding hands. Taemin and Zoey walked up to the white backdrop, went back to back, and made a heart. Sadly, their hands had to touch, but at least Taemin didn't had to hold hands with a hunter. Taemin gave his best cutesy smile and Zoey did the same. The camera flashed as the cameraman moved from side to side. After that Taemin took pictures with his friends, which he didn't mind. He still had to act cute, but at least it was tolerable. Then Taemin had to take some pictures without his friends and the hunters. That he didn't mind. He was able to do some poses the cameraman wanted and do some poses that he wanted to do. Some was his resting face, but he had a feeling that won't be in the magazines.
Once all the photos was done, Taemin looked at the time and saw the time. It turned out that everything was done thirty minutes early. That meant he had an hour and thirty minutes before the game show.
"That was great!" Bobby exclaimed. "Good job my girls! I'm proud of you!"
"Thank you, Bobby!" The Huntrix said.
Bobby turned to them. "Saja Boys, I know I'm not your manager, but I'm proud of you too my boys!"
Jinu blinked. "Oh...uh, thank you, sir."
"Yes, yes thank you!" Taemin and the rest of the Saja Boys both said as their voices overlapped each other.
"Snacks and water is in the break room!" Bobby turned to the Huntrix. "I'll get the car ready. Where do my girls want to go?"
"Shopping!" The Huntrix squealed.
"Shopping it is!"
Then Taemin and his friends bowed to the cameraman, Bobby, and to Huntrix and walked away as they headed to the break room. When they got there, everyone took whatever snacks and drinks they saw. Taemin got himself some energy drinks, instant coffee, and water.
"I'll meet you guys outside," Jinu said. "then we can teleport back."
Everyone nodded. One by one, Taemin's friends left the break room. When Taemin was by himself, he couldn't help it and drink an energy drink. He'll need it for tonight's game show. After he finished his drink, Taemin threw the can away. When Taemin got outside, all of his friends were waiting for him. Then the five of them teleported back into their apartment. Everyone let out a tired sighed. It looked like everyone had a long day...well maybe except for Taemin. The only thing he was tired about was being at the photoshoot.
"Alright, lets relax for a bit and then we can go to the game show," Jinu turned to him. "You really need to control that addiction."
Taemin sighed. "Sorry."
Jinu gave him a small smile. "Look, I know it's been so long since we had been in the human world and how advance Korea had gotten, but we have a mission. Stay focus, okay? The last thing I wanted was Gwi-Ma getting angry at us."
Taemin narrowed his eyes and nodded. Jinu patted his back. Taemin walked into the living room and sat on the couch with Eun, who was watching a cartoon show. Besides, it's not like the first time Taemin had saw Gwi-Ma getting angry. The only thing Taemin had to do was to do as he was told and that was it. Gwi-Ma reminded him of his strict tutors who looked down on him because of his commoner's blood. The only difference was that Gwi-Ma was the ruler of the demon realm.
"These cakes look so good!" Yeong-gi gasped.
"Did you bought them, Taemin?" Hwan asked.
"Something like that," Taemin answered. "Even the kimchi stew too."
Taemin turned and saw his friends at the table. The fridge was wide open and his friends were looking inside the box full of hwagwajas. Eun got up from the couch and walked over to the kitchen, while Taemin followed him. Taemin watched as Hwan got an apple one, Yeong-gi got a rose, Eun got a bush with flowers, and Jinu got a rabbit. Smirking, Taemin watched his friends ate the cake, one by one. All of them moaned as they ate the cake. As Jinu ate the rabbit hwagwaja, he chewed it a bit, and froze. Eyes widened, Jinu turned pale as he raced over to the sink, throwing up.
"Urgh, peach!" Jinu exclaimed.
"Oops," Taemin shrugged. "Didn't know that one has peach."
Taemin took the cherry blossom hwagwaja and bit into it, tasing the sweet strawberry flavor. He chuckled to himself as he sat back at the couch, hearing the others behind him, getting Jinu some water and medicine. Taemin finished the last of his cake. He had to admit, they were really good.
However, Taemin couldn't stop thinking about what happened today. The day with Nari was...tolerable. The food she made and the conversation they had was tolerable. During his time with her, for some reason, Taemin didn't hear Gwi-Ma's voice. It was odd. Was he really mishearing things? How long was this going on? Maybe it was because he was too focus on the conversation and he wasn't listening. Taemin wasn't sure, but there was no way Gwi-Ma's voice just suddenly stop speaking to him whenever he was around Nari.
However, what Taemin didn't expected was not only he laugh with her, but telling her about himself, but he did. Not only that, but he learned more about Nari. Taemin understood about a parent being sick. He had went through that before. After his father's death, Taemin never had time to grieve because everyone was so invested about making him the emperor that no one let Taemin actually processed his grief, but on the day of his coronation...he was dying, sold his soul to Gwi-Ma for musical fame, got turned into a demon, kill everyone in the council that opposed him, and was sent to live in the demon realm for the next five hundred years.
"That still doesn't change anything," Nari's voice echoed in his head. "A prince or a demon. You're still you, Taemin."
Taemin shook his head. Stop it! Why doe he always had to think about her? She was a human. She's supposed to fear him, but instead she welcome him into that penthouse with open arms, without a care in the world. Nari was a weak human who Taemin shouldn't waste his time on and focus on defeating the hunters, but every time he came across her or does things that he didn't know why, he kept coming back. Taemin didn't know why!
Sighing, Taemin hugged his knees as he stared at the T.V., not even knowing what was happening. Taemin wasn't comfortable telling anyone about what happened. It was too painful and deep down, he regretted everything.
Would she understand the things I did? Taemin thought.
Do you really think she would understand after you tell her what happened? a familiar voice echoed in his head. She would hate you. Just like your father.
Eyes widened, Taemin froze as his stomach twisted. Then he noticed something on his hand. Looking down, he saw familiar purple patterns. Taemin turned pale as he abruptly got up from the couch and raced into the bathroom. When Taemin got there, he shut the door, locking it, and placed his hands on the sink, breathing heavily. Taemin breathed heavily as he tried to relax.
Then Taemin nodded. Gwi-Ma was right. All of Taemin's life, anyone who was wealthy and worked in the palace didn't like him. His father was the only one who stood by his side. He even spend time with Taemin and after he does finish his work, he would go to Taemin and play with him, even though he was tired, but at the end, Taemin threw everything away. If he told Nari more about his past...she would hate him too.
Sure Taemin had the Saja Boys when he lived in the demon realm, but the thing was that he never told anyone what his life was like as a human. Actually, the more Taemin thought about it, none of them knew each other's past, but Taemin knew why and it was because of their shame.
Taking off his sweater, Taemin saw the familiar patterns on his body. Taemin knew with simple cloaking magic he could hide it. Pursing his lips, Taemin traced his fingers on his patterns - the symbol of his shame and regrets. He was ashamed of himself that he let his father down and he regretted that he made the decision to give his soul to Gwi-Ma for fame for music. Even though Taemin did love the fame he was getting for the music he was singing now, but deep down, the lingering thought of his past haunted him.
Then Taemin noticed something fell on the floor. It was the piece of paper with Nari's number. Hesitantly, Taemin picked up the paper as he stared at it. He remember Nari's smile and how she told him that he can call or text her whenever he wanted. Taking out his phone, Taemin saw he had some time before the game show. Putting his sweater back on, Taemin walked out of the bathroom and headed into his room. He noticed in the kitchen, his friends were devouring the kimchi stew, Nari made.
"Wherever Taemin bought this, I love it!" Hwan said.
"It taste like a homecooked meal," Jinu made a small smile.
"Can I have seconds?" Eun asked.
Yeong-gi raised his hand. "Me too! Me too!"
As he closed the door, he use his demon magic to block the noise from his room. Taemin leaned against the door and dialed Nari's number, putting the speaker on. While the phone rang, Taemin realized what he had just done. Eyes widened, he gasped. What the hell was he doing?! He shouldn't be doing this! What the hell was wrong with him?! Maybe if he hung up now...
"Hello?" a familiar voice spoke.
Taemin froze as his chest pounded. Great! Just great! If he hung up now, it would be rude of him and if he doesn't say anything, it would still be rude of him! Taemin bit his lip. There was no way he could get out of this, huh?
"Hey, it's me," Taemin said. "Taemin."
Nari gasped. "T-Taemin?! Wow! H-Hi! How was the photoshoot?"
"It was annoying, but bearable."
"That's good, by the way you took the peach hwagwaja, didn't you?" Nari asked.
Taemin smirked. "Maybe."
Taemin did took it when Nari was packing everything for him and put it in the box. He would've gotten two, but he only had time to take one. Besides, he was impressed that she actually noticed one cake was missing.
Nari sighed. "Really, Taemin?"
Taemin shrugged. "Nothing wrong with a little prank."
Taemin just got lucky that Jinu ate the peach hwagwaja. He actually thought Yeong-gi or Hwan would be the ones to eat it. After what happened with getting his head patted by the Huntrix, he did wanted a little revenge. Besides, Jinu was feeling better now and eating the stew. It wasn't the first time Taemin had saw Jinu accidently ate peach anyway.
"Also, Taemin, I'm glad you called," Nari said. "You really surprise me."
Taemin glanced to the side as his face heated up. "Tch, y-yeah, whatever. I got time before the show starts. What do you want to talk about?"
Nari giggled. "I don't know, really. What do you want to talk about?"
Then Taemin and Nari just walked about random things that came up in their heads. First they asked about what their favorite colors were, which Taemin found out that Nari likes pink and blue and in turn, Taemin told her he likes any dark colors. Taemin told her more about what happened at the photoshoot and how he had to make a heart with Eun and Zoey as well as posing with the other hunters, even how he almost held hands with Zoey, which Nari founded that funny. He even told her that Jinu ate the peach hwagwaja and she scolded him for it, but Taemin didn't mind, since he knew nothing bad would happen anyway. Nari told him what she was doing, which was planning to make dinner for the Huntrix while they're out shopping. Right now, she just finished doing some grocery shopping and was currently at a cafe for a slice of marble cake.
"You still have to work when you're on your day off?" Taemin huffed. "Tch, couldn't these hunters cook for themselves?"
"It's okay, I don't mind," Nari assured him.
"Does this happen a lot?"
"More than I can count."
"I couldn't help and noticed, you really like cake, don't you?" Taemin questioned.
Nari chuckled. "I do. Eating cake makes me happy."
Taemin shook his head as he let out a slight chuckle. He noticed since Nari did mentioned she likes cake a lot and he figured that she's a glutton when it comes to cakes. Taemin figured Nari's love for cake started when she's young. She did mentioned during her childhood that she likes to eat cakes.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Taemin!" Eun called. "We're going to leave in thirty minutes. Jinu said the studio wants to talk to us, but we save some stew for you."
Taemin sighed. "I'll be right there."
"I guess they like my kimchi stew." Nari said.
"Tch, they were eating it like animals." Taemin scoffed. "Anyway, I have to go."
"Good luck on the game show. I hope you win, Taemin."
Taemin's cheeks flushed. "Tch, we're the Saja Boys. Of course we'll win."
"Let me know if you have any free time. I know this nice bakery that makes good cakes! We could eat cakes together!"
Taemin glanced to the side. He hated to admit it, but he wouldn't mind doing that. Trying some cakes as long as they weren't peach flavor. Besides, Nari was a chef in her own right. If Taemin had to trust on someone's taste in food, he would have ask Nari.
"I-I'll let you know," Taemin finally said.
Nari giggled. "I'll talk to you next time, Taemin! Bye!"
"Bye."
Taemin hung up the phone and stared at the ceiling. He still couldn't believe what just happened. Taemin just talked to Nari on the phone and he went along with it. He didn't know what overcame him. He just did it.
What's wrong with me? Taemin thought.
With a heavy sigh, Taemin walked out of his room and headed into the kitchen. Taemin passed Jinu, Eun, and Hwan, who were invested in another drama they started watching. Something about a woman who was reborn and getting revenge on her ex-husband and best friend. As Taemin entered the kitchen, he saw Yeong-gi was heating up the pot of kimchi stew on the stove. Smiling, Yeong-gi poured him some stew and handed it to him. Taemin gave him a nod and sat down. As Taemin thanked the meal, he took a bite. The flavors of the kimchi stew exploded in his mouth. It was spicy and sour, but also savory with a hint of sweetness.
Taemin couldn't help and smiled as he ate the stew. Every time he ate, the image of Nari appeared in his head. He remembered Nari's suggestion of going to a bakery together and try some cake. Going to a bakery with Nari and having some cake didn't sound too bad.
Besides, it's not like he likes being around Nari or anything.
Chapter Text
Monday rolled in quickly and Nari was in the kitchen putting on some last finishing touches on a New York cheesecake. All she had to do was to put some whip cream and have strawberries on top. Today Nari had to go to a meeting with her uncle and the Huntrix and the meeting starts at three in the afternoon. Nari only knew that the meeting with the producer and director in Sunlight Entertainment. Nari still didn't know why the fans like her to be in the upcoming episodes. She didn't even do much on last year show. Even the other shows from years back. Maybe it was something she did in the background? However, Nari didn't do much in the background either.
During the weekend, Nari would text Taemin and sometimes Taemin would call her. It was actually nice and Nari did found herself smiling a lot whenever they talked. Nari couldn't help it. She even thought that she might be a bit awkward with him on the phone.
Once Nari finished the cheesecake, she placed it in the box. The cheesecake was big enough for everyone. Then she put the box in a paper bag along with paper plates, plastic forks, and a knife. With a smile, Nari went to the bathroom and took a shower. After she was done, she brushed her teeth and put on her clothes. She had a light pink sweater and a plaid pink skirt that goes passed her knees. Then Nari put on some light makeup. After she was done, Nari looked at her hair. Nari's hair was pretty normal - long dark brown hair that was parted in the middle. Nari knew she didn't have very long and lushes hair like the girls. Even when Zoey has her hair loose, it almost goes to her waist. Nari's hair just goes to her back.
With a nod, Nari gathered all of her hair and put it into a bun. Nari adjusted her glasses and took a step back as she stared at herself in the mirror. Simple and nice. Nari got out of the bathroom and saw the girls were ready to go. Rumi was wearing a grey crop top with matching shorts and a black leather jacket, Mira black corset crop top with straps and a denim mini skirt, and Zoey had a white tank top with off the shoulders black crop top and high waisted jeans. Nari had to admit, the girls look really good and fashionable. Nari knew a hundred precent she doesn't have the confidence to wear a crop top and mini skirt.
"Hi, Nari!" the girls spoke in unison.
"Hi guys!" Nari greeted. "Ready to go?"
"We are!"
Nari took the bag of cheesecake, she put on grey pumps, and walked to the door with the girls behind her. Once they got into the car, Nari turned on the vehicle, and set the bag on the car floor. Finally, Nari drove away from the penthouse. While Nari was driving, she looked through the rear view mirror and saw Zoey, Mira, and Rumi were talking among each other.
"Hey Nari, how was your weekend?" Zoey asked.
On Saturday, after the photoshoot, Mira, Rumi, and Zoey went shopping and they didn't get back until late night, so Nari had to put their dinner in the fridge and left a note for them. Then yesterday on Sunday, the girls went out for makeup the whole day, but they did came home on time and went to their studio to write their diss track. Nari knew the girls were tired from their shopping, so she did what she could to help them.
"It was actually fun," Nari said. "I got to hang out with Taemin while you guys where at your photoshoot and yesterday we talked a bit on the phone."
Mira blinked. "Taemin? The same Taemin from the supermarket?"
Nari nodded. "Yep, that Taemin."
"What did you guys do?" Rumi asked.
"Oh I invited him over and we ate some kimchi stew together and had some hwagwajas," Nari answered.
Zoey frowned. "Does he knew about us? Is he okay with you working for us?"
Nari chuckled. "He is."
"He's not a sasaeng, right?" Zoey asked.
"He's not, promise," Nari replied.
Mira let out a sigh. "That's good. The last thing we need is a sasaeng."
"I understand," Nari said. "sasaengs are easy to tell anyway. If Taemin was a sasaeng, I wouldn't had invited him."
Nari knew Taemin was far from a sasaeng and she wasn't lying about what happened, since all of it was true. Taemin did hung out and ate kimchi stew and hwagwaja with her. It was just that Rumi, Zoey, and Mira didn't know that Baby Saja has a real name. Then again, Nari was a hundred percent sure that the Saja Boys do have real names, except for Jinu. Besides, Nari knew that if she mentioned that Taemin is Baby Saja, the girls would go on a hunting spree. The last thing Nari would want was to Taemin to get hurt.
"At least we can deal with sasaengs," Mira said. "If he was a demon, oh he's dead."
"It's kind of hard to imagine a demon and a human having lunch together," Zoey turned. "Right Rumi?"
Rumi nodded. "Yeah."
Nari stayed focus on the road as her knuckles turned white while she was holding the stirring wheel. Was it really impossible to imagine a demon and a human having lunch together? The very thing that Nari just did? Nari did wondered if there were any nice demons that existed. There has to be. It sounds impossible that all demons were bad if there weren't any good ones among them. Not only that, but Gwi-Ma...where did he come from? Rumi, Mira, and Zoey told Nari that Gwi-Ma just suddenly appeared and sends his demons to take the souls of humans. Why human souls specifically? Why turn other humans into demons when he could make his own? Was Gwi-Ma human or something of the unknown? There were a lot of things that Nari did wondered. Even about the hunters and the Honmoon. She found it hard to believe that there hasn't been any other color Honmoon than blue and gold. There has to be other girls. Even though Celine did told her it was only those two, but Nari just wasn't convince. There has to be records of anything of the demons, Gwi-Ma, the hunters, and the Honmoon. There was no way that every generation of hunters didn't leave any records or discoveries. Literally, shaman magic exists. There has to be something. What's next, half demons?
Was it even possible? Nari knew there was fictional media of something similar to that, but this was reality and Nari wondered if there was a possibility that could happen. A hunter falling in love with a demon. A half human and half demon. Throughout all the generations of hunters, there has to be at least a couple of times that did happened. Unless, the hatred for demons was so strong that it would never happen.
Nari wondered if she should ask Celine about it, but she remembered that she wanted her to do, which was to stay out of the way and not to get involved. Not only that, but Celine scared her. There was a good chance that if Celine did knew, she won't tell her. She'll probably tell the girls instead. After all Celine did told her that she wasn't hunter material. Maybe she could ask Taemin, but considering the fact that Nari was associated with Huntrix, there was a good chance he won't answer her questions.
"So, I was told that the Saja Boys crashed your photoshoot," Nari said. "How did that happen?"
Mira groaned. "Urgh, those guys photobombed us! Zoey screamed, though."
Zoey gasped. "I couldn't help it. Besides, Baby wasn't there. He ditched and came back five hours later. All because of hot sauce."
"I bet you, he was trying to take souls or something," Rumi crossed her arms. "What kind of person takes five hours for hot sauce? He has to be doing something for those guys!"
Nari chuckled as she remembered what Taemin was literally doing for five hours and he was with her. Of course Nari knew that would be the last thing the girls would think, considering the fact that Jinu didn't know either.
Once Nari saw the familiar building of Sunlight Entertainment, Nari drove up to the parking lot. As she parked the car and the girls got out of the car. Nari and the girls walked up to the building as Nari led them inside. It didn't took them to get to the meeting. The room was only on the third floor and luckily, it was far away from Celine's office, which was on the nineteenth floor. Nari opened the door and the girls gasped. Frowning, Nari walked in and her eyes widened. Uncle Bobby was there, some of the camera crew of Sunlight Entertainment Nari was familiar with, the producer and director of Sunlight Entertainment, the producer of Play Games with Us was here, Hak-yeon, and lastly the Saja Boys.
Nari couldn't help it and smiled as she saw Taemin. The teal hair man had a white collared long sleeve shirt with a light pink buttoned up sweater that had white clouds on them. He even had grey pants on and a pink cap too.
"Girls! Nari!" Uncle Bobby exclaimed. "Just on time! Girls, you remember the Saja Boys."
Rumi made a strained smile. "O-Of course! How can't we forget about the game shows and the photoshoot."
The girls walked up to the table and the Saja Boys stood up as the two shook hands. Jinu was smirking at Rumi, both Romance and Abby were kissing Mira's hand, which she was disgusted by, and Zoey was giggling when she shook Mystery's hand. Then Taemin walked up to Nari, holding out his hand. Blinking a few times, Nari looked at his hand and at him. Taemin rolled his eyes and looked away, but Nari could see a constipated look. Eyes softened, Nari shook his head, smiling at him.
"Tch!" Taemin scoffed.
Nari made a quiet giggle. She sort of figured that the two needed to pretend they never met before. Not only in front of everyone, but also in front of Huntrix and the Saja Boys. Considering the fact that both Huntrix and Saja Boys would think the last encounter Nari had with demons would be at the game show.
Then in the corner of her eyes, Nari noticed the camera crew were staring at her and Taemin. She turned and so did Taemin. The camera crew gasped and chuckled as they begun talked to one another. Nari and Taemin looked at each other and back at the crew. Did they do something wrong?
Rumi, Zoey, and Mira turned to Taemin to shake his hand, but Taemin gave them a look and turned his back to them as he headed back to his group. For some reason there was a gasp coming from the camera crew. The girls looked at Nari and back at Taemin. It was hard to tell if they should be offended or not. The rest of the Saja Boys were confused by Taemin's action, but Jinu just shrugged. The two idol groups sat down, glaring at each other. Most of the glares were coming from the girls than the Saja Boys, since the boys were giving them smirks. Naru set the box of cheesecake on the table and pulled it out.
"Oh Miss Kim, you made cake?!" the producer of Sunlight Entertainment, Mrs. Park - a woman in her fifties asked.
Nari nodded. "I did. I thought everyone would like a treat."
"Thoughtful as always."
"Oh thank you!"
"Do you need any help, Nari?" Hak-yeon asked. "I don't want you to hurt you delicate hands."
Nari paused and looked at Hak-yeon, who was standing too close to her. Nari was holding a paper plate and a knife in her hands. Hak-yeon went behind her and was about to touch her hands with his, but Nari quickly moved away by scooting closer to Mira. Nari tried to keep her composure calm as possible. However, she couldn't help and be off put the way he said her "delicate hands". Nari is a housekeeper and she had been cooking since she was little. She knew how to handle a knife. Also, he addressed her as her name again. She thought she made it clear to call her by her last name. Then again, how many times does she had to tell him? Many times, ever since they met.
"It's okay, Mr. Yun," Nari said. "I'm fine and I told you, please call me, Miss Kim."
Hak-yeon nodded. "Oh okay. Then why not I help you pass the cake around, Nari?"
"It's fine, Mr. Yun. I told you, call - "
"But I can - "
"Mr. Yun!" Bobby stood in between Nari and Hak-yeon. "My niece can handle it and please address her as Miss Kim. Sit down, we have a meeting to start."
Hak-yeon pursed his lips. "Mr. Choi - "
"Mr. Yun, you look stress!" Zoey pointed out.
Rumi nodded as she got up and pulled out a chair, next to her. "Zoey's right, Mr. Yun, please sit down. You must be tired. Mira, can you get Mr. Yun some water?"
Mira nodded. "Sure."
Mira got up and walked over to the water dispenser that was in the corner of the room. She grabbed a plastic cup, filling it up. Hak-yeon bit his lip and sighed as he headed over to his seat, but as he passed Taemin, Hak-yeon tripped, falling face first onto the carpet. Uncle Bobby, Rumi, and Zoey cough, Mira smirked as she placed the plastic cup at Hak-yeon's seat. Abby turned away as his shoulders shake, Romance had a hand over his mouth, Mystery had a small smile, and Jinu just shook his head at Hak-yeon. Taemin, had the same expression, being all nonchalant, but Nari saw he was sticking out his foot. However, no one bothered to noticed because Hak-yeon fell.
As Hak-yeon scrambled up, he quickly sat down, bowing his head, and held the water that Mira gave him. Mira sat back down and so did Bobby. Nari let out a sigh as she passed the cheesecake to everyone as well as the plastic utensils too. After everyone got their cake, Nari sat down between Mira and Taemin. Everyone thanked for the meal and took a bite. Everyone ate the cheesecake with satisfaction. The Saja Boys, on the other hand had their eyes widened. In seconds, they were scarfing it down.
"This is homemade?" Jinu asked.
Nari nodded. "Yes, it is."
Jinu pointed at Rumi. "The Huntrix get to eat homemade meals everyday?"
"Yes."
"Would you like to work for us?" Abby asked.
"Do I get paid?" Nari asked.
The Saja Boys went silent, except for Taemin who was eating his cake in silent as he rolled his eyes and shook his head at his friends. Rumi, Mira, and Zoey snickered at the boys. Nari doesn't mind cooking for someone for free, but if it was a job opportunity, she would like to get paid. Even if the Saja Boys were filthy rich, she wouldn't quit working for the Huntrix anyway.
"Let's begin," the director of Sunlight Entertainment, Miss Sung - a woman in her late sixties began. "I supposed you, Huntrix and Saja Boys were wondering why you're all here in the same room. Well, to start, last year Huntrix Code was a success."
"We were planning to make something similar with you, Saja Boys," the producer of the Play Games with Us, Mr. Bok continued. "but considering the last two game shows, we never had that much good ratings in years! Of course we did with you, Huntrix, but the ratings this time, beats it. Everyone loves to collaboration of Huntrix and Saja Boys! So, after the first music awards, we will start filming a T.V. special called "Run Huntrix x Saja Boys!"
Rumi blinked. "Wait, what?"
"Huh?" Jinu gasped.
Huntrix glared at the Saja Boys, but in turn, the Saja Boys just had a satisfying smirk. Nari sighed as she ate her cake in silence. She wasn't surprised that this was the reaction the girls and boys had, but she knew that since she had to be in it, she'll be the one getting caught up into this mess. Nari just hoped that they'll be civil with each other.
"Also," Bobby spoke up. "For the past three years, Finding Huntrix, Huntrix In the Soop, and Huntrix Code, fans liked it when, my niece, Nari appeared in it. So she's going to be in the new T.V. specials."
Then all eyes went to Nari. Pursing her lips, Nari sank into her seat as she ate some cake. She took a glanced at the girls, who were confused, while the Saja Boys who had the same reaction. Taemin, on the other hand, looked at her, with his eyes slightly widened with surprised. It wasn't noticeable, but for some reason the camera crew was looking at Taemin, eyeing at him. Nari still didn't know why she had to be in it. Yes, she did appeared in a couple of episodes a year, but from what Nari remembered, she didn't do much. Fans mostly know her uncle's name for many reasons. Nari, on the other hand was just Assistant Manager Kim on screen. Her housekeeping was barely in the shows because it was mostly focus on the girls, but Nari was sure that people already knew that the Huntrix's assistant manager is also their housekeeper.
Zoey blinked. "Nari? Why Nari? She only appeared in a couple of episodes per year."
"She's cute, but she's not idol material," Romance commented.
Abby nodded. "Agreed."
Mira glared at them. "Watch it!"
Bobby gave Romance and Abby a look and he continued. "I did some digging and found something."
Then Uncle Bobby pulled out his laptop, attached it to the overhead projector, and turned it on. On the whiteboard was a video and the title of the video was called: Huntrix: Housekeeper/Assistant Manager Kim Compilation. Also the video was almost couple minutes long!
The clip was Finding Huntrix when the girls had their tour in Australia, which the tv show was taken three years ago, when Nari got the job. Zoey, Mira, and Rumi were trying vegemite. The girls weren't enjoying it and Zoey looked like she was about to throw up.
"How can anyone eat this?" Rumi gaged. "It's so salty."
"I don't feel so good," Zoey said.
"Why did we buy this?!" Mira growled.
Then a young eighteen year old Nari walked into frame, holding tons of Australian food and boba tea. Shaking her head and chuckling, Nari took the vegemite away from the girls and handed them their boba tea as well as setting the food in front of them.
"Here's food guys," Nari said.
"Thank you, Nari!" The girls sobbed as they ate their food.
"Did you bought all of this?" Rumi asked.
"All of it is homemade," Nari replied.
A sudden silence filled in the room. The girls looked at the food and back at Nari a few times. Their mouths dropped and their eyes widened. Nari looked at them as she smiled, tilting her head.
"What?" the girls exclaimed.
After that clip was another clip in Finding Huntrix was at an Australian amusement park. While the Huntrix were trying to decide what ride they should go next, in the background, there was a child holding an ice cream cone. Nari, who was in charge of buying the girls some food was carrying some food and the child ran into her, smashing the ice cream onto her blouse and causing her to drop all the food. There weren't any words in the background, since it was mostly focus on Huntrix, but it was obvious what was being said. The child cry and the parents were apologizing to her, but Nari ended comforting the child, telling them it was okay. Then Nari bought the child another cone and assured them everything was fine and it wasn't a big deal. Once the parents left, Nari ended up being the food again.
The next clip was from Huntrix in the Soop, where the girls were camping. The girls were trying to make lunch, but somehow they ended up burning simple stirred fired ramyeon! The girls were panicking as they dunk the burning pot of ramyeon into the cooler.
"How can you burn ramyeon, Rumi?!" Mira snapped.
"I don't know!" Rumi exclaimed.
"I'm hungry," Zoey whimpered.
Then the girls turned and the camera followed where they were looking at. The rest of the staff, some of the camera crew, and Bobby were sitting at the campfire, watching Nari cooking some army stew. The stew had everything in it just like traditional army stew. Of course there was other added stuff in it like fish and all types of noodles. Nari was handing some bowls to the staff and her uncle.
"Thank you, Assistant Manager Kim," everyone said, while some said. "Thank you, Miss Kim."
"Thanks, sweetie!" Bobby grinned.
"It's no problem," Nari smiled. "Eat as much as you like!"
While Nari was handing out some more bowls to everyone, Huntrix hesitantly walked up to Nari, shifting their feet, and giving Nari weird smiles. The way they were doing it was like children asking their parents to buy something for them. Nari, merely glanced at them. She chuckled and poured some stew in a bowl, handing each of the Huntrix.
"Really Nari?" Zoey gasped.
Nari nodded. "Of course! Have some! There's enough for everyone!"
Soon the girls sat next to Nari. They wolfed down their stew and soon they asked for seconds and thirds. Throughout the whole clip was about the girls eating Nari's cooking and praising it that it was the best army stew they had eaten.
Another clip of Huntrix in the Soop came in and it was the girls looking at a fresh fish that they somehow just caught. None of them knew how to gut and cut the fish. All of them were just eyeing at it, while Rumi was poking it with a knife. Behind them, Nari already had japchae made and was setting the table. She walked up to them and without a word, she took out a knife, and started gutting and filleting the fish. The girls just stared at her with awed as they watched her. Then Nari fried the fish and even flipped it like a pro. Once the fish was cooked, everyone begun to eat.
The next clip is Huntrix Code when the girls had a tour in the United States. First it was Florida. The scene showed the Huntrix eating at a Five Guys fast food burger restaurant. The girls were enjoying themselves for some burgers. They even dripped some French fries into their milkshakes, but in the background, Nari was ordering food and giving them to the staff.
"I bought you guys some food!" Nari exclaimed.
"Thank you, Miss Kim," the crew said.
Bobby smiled. "Thank you, sweetie!"
As Nari set the tray of burgers down, she handed one each for the crew and her uncle. Once everyone got their burger, all of the adults who were older than Nari, ate first. Once all the adults started eating, Nari took a bite of her burger.
Another clip of Huntrix Code appeared. The Huntrix were waiting in line for a roller coaster in Disney World and Nari just happened to be in line behind them. While waiting in line, Nari noticed a family of four right behind her. When it was time to ride the roller coaster, all the seats were full, except the last four. Nari let the family of four let them go before her.
The last clip of Huntrix Code was a team up. Mira and Nari were teaming up. They were in the streets of Florida, finding clues that the staff left for them. Nari was translating everything for Mira and guiding her around Florida. They were looking at a paper, which was in English. The rules were that they can't use their phones and have to ask for directions and the locals around Florida.
"A place where you can see beautiful gardens and bird sanctuaries," Nari read as she translated for Mira. "Is it, A: British Forts. B: Mud Lake Canal or C: Bok Tower Gardens."
"It has to be C," Mira frowned. "It did mention gardens."
Nari nodded. "I think so too..." then she stopped, looking something off camera. "Mira, I'll be right back."
"Where are you going?" Mira asked, but Nari was already gone, leaving Mira a paper in English.
The camera followed Nari who walked up to an elderly woman who had dropped her cane in the distance. Nari helped her pick up her cane. The elderly woman thanked her and Nari helped her walked across the street. The elderly woman thanked her again and gave her a hug and a piece of candy. Nari thanked the elderly woman. Quickly, Nari raced back to Mira, who was waiting for her.
Then the video ended. Nari noticed the views were a lot - over a million views. She was a hundred percent sure that most of the million was from people wanting to see Huntrix. Nari couldn't believe it. She didn't realized how clear the background was behind the Huntrix and how the camera caught everything she did. It even followed her to help an elderly woman too! She thought the cameras were mostly focusing on the Huntrix, which they were, but for some reason the cameras caught her doing little moments in the background.
"That explains why you left me there," Mira said.
"Aw, that's so sweet that bought the kid ice cream!" Zoey cooed.
"That was nice of you to let the family go before you, Nari." Rumi pointed out.
Jinu crossed his arms. "I can see why people were paying attention to the background."
Mystery nodded. "I don't blame them."
Nari sighed. "To be honest, I thought the cameras didn't caught me doing those little things."
Bobby chuckled. "Well they did. The fans like the interaction you had with Huntrix and what you did in the background. So you're going to be in it. Of course the main focus will be Huntrix and Saja Boys, but the camera will be on you every now and then."
Nari nodded. She was glad that she wouldn't have much of a focus than the main groups. Nari didn't mind being on camera, since she had done it before, but she didn't understand why the fans were so intrigued with her in the background. The things she did was just the right thing to do anyway. Nari had to admit, she was a little bit curious on what the comments were saying, but at the same time she didn't want to look at them. What's next? The fans were going to make a bingo game about her?
"We'll also be balancing the game show too," Mr. Bok turned to the Saja Boys. "but more importantly, the focus is on the T.V. specials."
"We were given permission to film around Korea," Miss Sung explained. "Everything will be ready right after the first music awards. There is just one more place we needed permission from and that's about it. We'll be filming for a while, but filming will be stopped before the second music awards."
"That means we're going to be filming next month," Rumi said. "That's in like two weeks!"
Miss Sung nodded. "Exactly."
Then Nari noticed both groups were glaring at each other. No one noticed, except for Nari. The Saja Boys had this amused look across their faces with a smug smile, while Rumi, Mira, and Zoey looked like they wanted to beat the living hell out of them. Nari knew after the first awards, it was going to be a very long months for her. Nari knew that the second music awards was like in three months and after the second awards, it's the International Idol Awards, but the Idol Awards was another several months away too. Not only that, but there was the Athlete Idol Championships in between and Nari knew the girls that they would be so competitive in those sports tournaments.
The meeting continued as Bobby and everyone else told Nari, the Huntrix, and Saja Boys about how the schedule would be and when they'll be getting their breaks. Uncle Bobby was adamant that both groups get a good break in between filming, so they could prepare for the upcoming awards and Athlete Championships. When the meeting ended, everyone shook hands. Rumi, Zoey, and Mira went to the break room, but Jinu, Abby, Romance, and Mystery followed them. Mr. Bok asked Taemin to go with him as they both walked with Bobby, Miss Sung, Mrs. Park, and the camera crew around the building. Nari was left alone with Hak-yeon, much to her dismay.
For some reason, Hak-yeon reminded her of Nari's ex-boyfriend from high school. The way he just got into her personal space, wouldn't leave her alone, and how he didn't like other men, even the ones she was related to was associated with her, like her uncle. The only difference was that her ex was very obsessive with her.
Quickly, Nari gathered what's left of the cake and put it in the bag. She could feel Hak-yeon's eyes watching her, but Nari remained calm as possible. All she had to do was to get to the car and wait for the girls. Simple.
"Nari, do you need any help with that?" Hak-yeon asked.
Nari pursed her lips. "No, but Mr. Yun, I had told you many times, please call me, Miss Kim." Nari took out her phone, pretended that she had a text. "Anyway, I have to go. The girls are waiting for me."
Right away, Nari speed walk out of the room. She let out a sigh of relief as she walked through the halls. Nari texted the girls that she would be at the car, waiting for them. She even told them to make sure the break room was in one piece. The last thing Nari needed was a fire in the break room because the two groups got into a fight.
When Nari got to the car, she put the cake in the trunk. As she closed the trunk, Nari heard footsteps coming her way. Turning, Nari gasped. She thought it was the girls, but instead, it was Hak-yeon.
"Is there something you need, Mr. Yun?" Nari questioned.
Hak-yeon let out a sigh. "Nari, would you like to go out with me?"
"No."
Hak-yeon's eyes widened being taken aback from the answer. Nari knew she might've answer that a bit too quickly, but she doesn't feel anything towards Hak-yeon. She doesn't like a man who gets into her personal space and tries to fight her own uncle.
Hak-yeon glared at her. "What? Why?"
"I don't feel anything about you, Mr. Yun," Nari answered.
"Maybe if we go on a date, Nari you will."
"I'm sorry, but I'm not going on a date with you and don't call me by my first name."
Suddenly, Hak-yeon grabbed her wrist. Eyes widened, Nari gasped. She tried to pull away, but Hak-yeon was stronger than her. His grip on her wrist tightened, which caused her to wince.
"Hey let me go!" Nari shouted.
"Not until you go on a date with me!" Hak-yeon snapped.
Gnashing her teeth, Nari kicked Hak-yeon in the shin. Hak-yeon grunted and hissed in pain, causing his grip to loosened. Right away, Nari ran as she tried to get into her car, but Hak-yeon grabbed her by her sweater and slammed her against her own car. Nari yelped and groaned. Hak-yeon clenched his fist, pulled it back, and launched his fist at her. Nari shut her eyes, waiting for the impact to hit her. She waited as she heard a familiar punching sound, but she didn't felt anything. Instead she felt an arm around her shoulders and a hand holding her head. Nari's eyes popped opened. The first thing she saw was a pink sweater. Looking up, she gasped.
Taemin was holding her and there was no scratch on him. Hak-yeon turned pale and his mouth dropped. Taemin let out a scoffed as his blue eyes turned yellow. Nari could see a small speck of purple sticking out of his collar shirt. Growling, Taemin turned as he glared at Hak-yeon.
"B-Baby Saja?!" Hak-yeon gasped. "H-How?"
"Baby are you okay?" Nari asked.
"I'm fine," Taemin replied as he was still glaring at Hak-yeon.
"Nari!" a familiar voice called.
Nari, Taemin and Hak-yun turned as they saw Bobby, Miss, Sung, Mrs. Park, Mr. Bok, and the camera crew were running up to them. Hak-yeon gnashed his teeth as he took more steps back. Taemin pursed his lips and his hands slipped from her head and shoulder as he held her waist. When did they got there? How much did they saw?
Taemin looked at Nari as his eyes turned back to blue, and blinked. Then he yelped and quickly let go of her as he turned away, while his ears were turning red. Bobby ran up to Nari, enveloping her into a hug. Nari hugged her uncle back. Bobby placed his hands on Nari's shoulder, looking at her from head to toe, trying to look for any signs of bruises on her.
"Are you okay, sweetie?" Bobby asked.
Nari nodded. "I'm fine, Uncle Bobby."
Bobby let out a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness."
"Yun Hak-yeon!" Mr. Bok snapped as he grabbed Hak-yeon by his arm and turned to Bobby. "Mr. Choi, I am so sorry about him."
"I want him to stay away from my niece," Bobby said.
Mr. Bok nodded and looked at Hak-yeon. "You're coming with me. We have lots to discuss."
Hak-yeon's eyes turned widened. "Mr. Bok, please! Let me explain!"
"This is the third time you did this!" Mr. Bok shouted as he and Hak-yeon walked away.
Nari, Bobby, and Taemin looked at each other. Third time? There were other two women who had to deal with someone like Hak-yeon? Considering the fact that Mr. Bok gave Hak-yeon three chances and he blew his third chance, there was a possibility that Mr. Bok might fire Hak-yeon. Either that or have Nari press criminal charges against him.
"Thank you for helping my niece, Baby Saja," Bobby smiled. "One minute you were next to Mr. Bok and the next minute, you helped Nari. You were really quick. We were like several feet away from them."
"It's no problem," Taemin said. "Anyway, I have to get back to my friends."
Bobby nodded. "I have to get my girls. Nari, I want you to stay in the car and lock it. If anything happens, let me know, okay?"
Nari made a small smile. "I will."
Bobby gave her another hug and quickly, he headed into the building with the producer, director, and the camera crew. Nari let out a sigh as she leaned against her car, rubbing her wrist. She couldn't believed what just happened. Hak-yeon almost punched her. Nari wasn't sure what would happen if Taemin wasn't there, but Nari didn't want to think about what could happen. She was just glad that Hak-yeon didn't do anything else to her.
Then Taemin bumped his shoulder against Nari's. She could feel him lightly tugging on her sweater. Nari looked up at him. Taemin was looking at the ground as if there was something interesting going on. Finally Taemin looked at her.
"You okay?" he asked. "Does your wrist hurts?"
Nari nodded. "I'm okay. It's just sore, but I'll be fine. What about you? Are you okay?"
"A punch from a human won't affect me."
Nari's eyes softened. "Thank you, Taemin, for helping me."
Taemin scoffed. "Tch, whatever!"
Nari chuckled a bit as Taemin grumbled. However, she couldn't get the lingering thought of her head of what she just saw. Those purple specks and Taemin's yellow eyes. Nari remembered she saw the same yellow eyes at the bathhouse when Jinu was questioning her.
"So, I noticed those purple specks," Nari said. "Are those your patterns? I was told demons have them."
Taemin looked at her and nodded. "Yeah, they are. All demons have them. It represents our shame."
Nari froze. "Shame?"
Taemin nodded. "Yeah, the things we were ashamed of in the past."
Nari glanced to the side. She wondered what Taemin felt regret about. He was a prince in his human life. Did he regret not being able to rule? Did he regret getting turned into a demon? There were many possibilities that Nari could think of, but she wasn't sure. However, she knew that this was something personal to Taemin and she didn't want to pry on his privacy. If he does want to tell her, she'll let him and listen what he had to say.
"Why do your markings grew then?" Nari asked.
"They usually come up whenever we feel emotional," Taemin explained. "I was angry at Mr. Yun. He was lucky we had witnesses. I would've been in my actual demon form."
Nari looked at him. Demon form? That meant Taemin right now was in his human disguise? To be honest, Nari never thought about that. Rumi, Mira, and Zoey didn't tell her about that part, but then again, it was obvious since they needed to pass as humans. Nari had to admit, she was curious of what Taemin's actual demon form looked like. Would he look similar to he was now or something different? He did had yellow eyes, so it was probably his actual eye color. Maybe it was personal preference, but Taemin's yellow eyes did fit him.
Nari chuckled. "I bet you might scared Mr. Yun if you did that."
Taemin huffed. "He deserved it."
"Again, thank you, Taemin. I don't know how to thank you."
Standing on her toes, Nari reached up and patted Taemin's head as her eyes softened. Taemin grumbled, muttering how he's not a cat under his breath, but he didn't move away from Nari's touch. He just lets her keep patting his head.
Taemin grumbled. "Just try not to get yourself into anymore trouble, okay?"
Nari giggled. "Okay!"
He was worried about her, wasn't he? It was hard to tell from Taemin's expressions, but the way he was wording things, it does sounded like he was worried about her. If Rumi, Mira, Zoey, and the Saja Boys heard this, they would probably think it's odd that a demon would be worried and tell a human to be careful. However, from Taemin's actions and how he shield her from Hak-yeon's punch, it did showed that he cared and was worried.
"Anyway, I have to go," Taemin said. "The hunters will be here soon."
Nari nodded. "I'll text you soon, okay?"
"D-Do what you want."
"Bye, Taemin!"
"See you later."
Then Taemin teleported as pink smoke wrapped around him. Nari was now by herself. With a smile, Nari got into the car, turned it on, and locked it. As she waited, Nari replayed everything that happened with Hak-yeon. Nari placed her hand on her shoulder where Taemin was holding her. Nari's chest pounded rapidly as her cheeks flushed. Nari was glad that Taemin saved her from Hak-yeon. She still wanted to thank him somehow, bit she wasn't sure how. Maybe she could treat him some cake? Or maybe something homemade? Nari wasn't sure, but she knew she could think of something.
In the corner of Nari's eyes, she saw Bobby, Mira, Zoey, and Rumi walking out of the building. The girls looked worry while Bobby talked. It looked like her uncle was explaining what happened between her and Hak-yeon. Not only that, but Nari had a feeling that they might want to talk to her about Taemin, since he was there.
As Nari unlock the doors, the girls went inside. Nari lowered the window as her uncle looked at her, double checking to see if there were anything he did missed, which Nari couldn't blame him.
"I'm going to call Mr. Bok tonight and see what's the news about Mr. Yun," Bobby said. "Luckily, I have some connections too. I'll make sure Mr. Yun won't bother you."
Nari nodded. "Thank you, Uncle Bobby."
Bobby smiled. "For the next two weeks is just promoting Golden for the music awards. Don't stress about it too much, Nari. After that we film."
"So what are we going to film first?" Zoey asked.
Bobby chuckled. "That is for me to know and you girls to find out."
"Aw, Bobby!" the girls whined.
Nari shook her head. From some of the past T.V. shows, she knew there was a chance that the staff would trick the girls and they ended going to something they don't like. Last time the girls went to a haunted hospital and there were staff that dressed up as ghosts and zombies. It was funny. Nari wouldn't be surprised if this happened again.
"I'll see you girls soon!" Bobby said.
"Bye Bobby!" the girls waved, while Nari said. "Bye, Uncle Bobby."
Bobby waved as he got into his own car. Nari pulled the window up as she drove away from Sunlight Entertainment. The car ride was silent. The girls looked grumpy for some reason. Nari wasn't sure why, but it looked like something happened with the Saja Boys.
"Did something happened?" Nari asked.
Mira crossed her arms. "Those demons took our snacks and we chased them throughout the building. We had to stop because of witnesses."
"Speaking of demons, are you okay, Nari?" Rumi questioned. "Bobby told us about what happened with Mr. Yun and how Baby just saved you from him."
"Baby didn't do anything else to you, right?" Zoey questioned.
"Guys, I'm fine," Nari assured them. "Baby didn't do anything to me. Not even once. He just happened to be there when Mr. Yun was harassing me. After that he left."
"If I was there, I would beat the living shit out of Mr. Yun," Mira smirked. "People like him suck!"
Zoey nodded. "I knew there was something creepy about him when he tried to get close to you, Nari."
Rumi sighed. "I thought us butting in at the meeting would make him get the message, but it didn't. I can't believe he couldn't take no as an answer."
"Still, it must be terrifying that Baby was there," Zoey said. "I think it's strange he didn't do anything. He was probably tricking you and use your situation to his advantage."
Mira rolled her eyes. "Of course he would, Zoey. He's a demon. They're ruthless, manipulative liars, hideous, and they have no feelings."
Rumi nodded as she leaned over to Nari. "Don't trust him, just because he saved you from Mr. Yun. It's not worth it, Nari."
Nari pursed her lips as Rumi, Zoey, and Mira continued to talk about what lyrics they should come up with their diss track. The only thing Nari did was to drive in silence. She wanted to defend Taemin and told them that what he did was genuine. If the things Mira said were true, then Taemin would've let her fall from that building. He would've taken her soul at that time, but he didn't. Even when they ran into each other, he had every opportunity to take her soul, but he didn't take those chances. Even if he's trying to preserve her before he took her soul, but the problem was that Taemin does know how to preserve a soul from a human body. He could've done anything to her, but he never took that option. Not only that, but Taemin was human. Even though he wasn't human anymore, but Nari still saw his humanity was still there. His actions alone told her enough about him.
However, Nari didn't want to expose anything. She liked the fact that only her and Taemin could talk to each other without the others around. Nari was able to learn more about him. Whatever happened to Taemin the past and the choices he made, won't change how she viewed him. Even when the girls were telling her about how disgusting demons were, that won't change anything. She would still see Taemin and treat him like how everyone should be treated.
When they got to the penthouse, Nari and the girls went inside. It was six in the evening. The first thing Nari did was to put the leftover cheesecake into the fridge. Zoey, Rumi, and Mira changed into their pajamas and headed into their recording studio, except for Rumi, who went into her room. Nari took out her phone and ordered some takeout. Ever since what happened, Nari didn't felt like cooking, so she ordered takeout instead. Besides, she knew the girls won't mind since they do love takeout food.
As Nari headed to her room, she opened the door, and stopped. Her mouth dropped. Inside her room was Jinu, who was looking through her desk, holding her penguin postcards! Jinu gasped and looked at her. The two stared at each other in shock. So all this time, Jinu was the one who stole her postcards! No wonder she couldn't find them! Nari was contemplating if she should call for Rumi, considering the fact that Jinu was the one who let his boys kidnapped her.
Nari closed the door and crossed her arms. "You have five seconds."
Jinu nodded. "Look, I'm sorry for stealing your postcards."
"You're only sorry for getting caught." Nari pointed out.
"But I need them." Jinu said.
"For what?" Nari questioned.
"A girl," Jinu answered.
"What?"
Now that was something that Nari didn't expected. Jinu was sending postcards to a girl. Who the girl in question, Nari wasn't sure, but never in her life Nari would expect a rival boy band would tell her that. Now Nari thought about it, she did noticed her postcards were missing before she met Taemin again. That meant Jinu was sending postcards to this girl for two weeks! As much as Nari did wanted to tell him to get out, but hearing his reasoning, Jinu did meant well.
Nari sighed and shook her head. "Would you like something to eat?"
Jinu blinked. "What?"
"I still have leftover cheesecake," Nari said. "I'll give you some. I'll be right back."
Carefully, Nari opened the door and closed it. She quickly went to the kitchen, took out the cake, and cut a slice. Setting the cake on the plate, Nari also heated up some green tea for Jinu. In the corner of Nari's eyes, the takeout box was already on the table. It looked like the girls got their food. Then Nari walked back to her room. As she opened the door, Jinu was still there, standing there, while he was shifting his feet. Nari closed the door and sat on her bed. She held out her hand, gesturing to him. Right away, Jinu sat at the edge of her bed and Nari handed him the cheesecake. Eyes widened, Jinu smiled as he ate the cake and sipped on some tea. Nari couldn't help and chuckle. So Jinu must've liked her cheesecake.
"So," Nari said. "This girl. You know her?"
Jinu shrugged. "Sort of. We got into the wrong foot and now I'm sending her messages through my tiger, Derpy."
Nari frowned. He's sending those cards through Derpy? Does that mean this girl knows Jinu was a demon? That would make sense and whoever she is, she must be someone he cares about.
"You were sending her postcards ever since you stole mine, huh?" Nari guessed.
Jinu nodded. "Yes."
"How many times had you been sending it to her?" Nari asked.
"Everyday," Jinu answered.
Nari gaped. Everyday? That's a lot! Why was he sending it to this girl everyday? Nari had to admit, Jinu was persistent, but being too persistent wouldn't be a good look for him too, since the girl might think he's the type not to take no as an answer.
"Jinu, I think you need to stop sending her those postcards," Nari said. "If you keep doing that, she might not think you won't take no for an answer. Just stop for a bit and send those cards at least a couple times a week. That way, she knows that you're giving her some space. When was the last time you gave her a postcard?"
"Before I got here," Jinu said.
Nari groaned and pinched her temple. "Really?"
"Sorry."
"Look, I get it you like her - "
Jinu made a face. "Ew, no! I don't like her like that! She's not my type!"
Nari raised a brow and blinked. This wasn't the first time she had heard something like and it won't be the last. Besides, if Jinu didn't like this girl, he wouldn't had gone out of his way to steal Nari's postcards and having a talk with her.
"So she's your friend, then?" Nari asked.
Jinu sighed. "I-I don't know."
Nari leaned against her bedframe as Jinu ate his cheesecake, nibbling on the strawberry. So they're not friends either. Then they're probably acquaintances? However, Nari wasn't sure on that. It did looked like Jinu had a crush on this girl, he might've did made a bad impression, and now she won't talk to him.
"Look, Jinu," Nari said. "I know I'm just a maid in your eyes, but give her some space. I don't know what happened back there, but just be patient. If she wants to talk, then she'll talk to you."
Jinu nodded. "I guess you have a point."
"I had dated before, so I know. Besides, do you have any ideas if she does accept your invitation?"
"Does getting a mannequin of myself and hoping she hugs it counts?"
Nari frowned. What the hell? Why would he do that? Not only that, but why was he that certain that this girl would hug that mannequin? The more Nari thought about it the more she questioned it. Not only that, but where would Jinu get himself a mannequin of himself anyway?
Shaking her head, Nari chuckled. She leaned over to Jinu and flicked his forehead. Jinu yelped and rubbed his forehead. He glared at Nari, but she ignored his glare.
"You're hopeless, aren't you, Jinu?" Nari grinned cheekily.
Jinu's eyes widened as he blinked a few times. He stared at Nari for a long minute and then he pursed his lips, bowing his head. Nari tilted her head and frowned. Was it something she said?
"Jinu, are you okay?" Nari asked.
Jinu cleared his throat. "I-I'm fine. It's just...you remind me of someone."
Then Jinu continued to eat his cake. Was it someone from his past? Nari thought. Nari knew that Jinu was older out of all of the Saja Boys by human age, but he was also the youngest to get turned into a demon. Whoever Jinu was thinking of, might meant a lot to him. However, Nari knew she shouldn't ask for more information, since it was something personal to him.
As Jinu finished his cake and drank his tea, Nari took the plate and cup, setting it on her nightstand. Jinu stood up, walked up to her, and ruffled Nari's hair. Nari grumbled and swatted his hand away, causing Jinu to snickered. Nari huffed. Now her tied up hair was a mess with hairs sticking out, which caused Jinu to laugh some more. Nari got up from her bed, walked over to her desk, and took out the hello friend penguin postcards, handing it to Jinu. Blinking, Jinu took it.
"Keep it," Nari said. "and next time, just ask."
Jinu rubbed his neck. "Sorry for calling you a maid."
Nari shrugged. "It's okay. Both jobs are similar, so I can't blame you on there."
Jinu nodded. "Thanks for listening and the cheesecake...it was delicious."
Nari chuckled. "It's no problem, Jinu and good luck with that girl."
Jinu made a small smile and vanished in pink smoke. Nari couldn't help and smile. In all honesty, she didn't expected Jinu to apologize to her about calling her a maid. It felt nice. Whoever this girl was, she was probably important to Jinu.
Taking the empty plate and cup, Nari walked out of her room. She went into the kitchen and cleaned the dish. Nari wondered if she should make a cake. The Korean Music Awards was in two weeks. She could make a winner and a "it's okay to loose" cake. One for Huntrix and one for the Saja Boys. Also, if Taemin and the rest of the Saja Boys won, she could treat Taemin for some cake, while the other Saja Boys had their cake. Even if they loose, Nari would still give them a cake and treat Taemin. It's a win-win for Nari and from the meeting, it seemed that Jinu, Romance, Abby, and Mystery love her cheesecake. Maybe she could make some chocolate mousse cake.
Suddenly, the door opened. Nari turned as she saw Rumi walking into the living room in a hoodie and pajama pants. Not just any pajama pants, but a teddy bears and choo-choo train pajama pants. Nari raised a brow. She didn't even noticed Rumi left.
"Rumi, where were you?" Nari asked.
Rumi jumped and turned. "Nari! Oh, hi! I was just taking a walk"
Nari frowned. "In your pajamas?"
"I just wanted to be comfortable."
"But you have an outfit for taking walks, though."
Rumi chuckled. "Oh yeah, I do...anyway, are my pants weird? The teddy bears and choo-choo trains?"
Nari shook her head. "No, never. I think they're cute. I would wear them too. Why you ask?"
"Oh nothing! I just thought it was too kiddish of me!"
Then Rumi headed to the recording studio. Nari couldn't help and wondered what the hell just happened. She knew she shouldn't question the girls sometimes, but there were things that did made her wondered. Not only that the way Rumi was acting. Nari knew Rumi really like cute pajama pants. So it was really out of character for her to question something like that. Also did Rumi met with someone during her walk and they made fun of her pants? If that was the case, then the person had the gull to do that.
Once Nari was finished cleaning the plate, cup, and fork, she heard footsteps coming her way. Turning, Nari saw the girls racing up towards her. They looked excited. Nari smiled and handed the girls some choco pies.
"Nari, Nari, we finally got the lyrics and the title!" Zoey exclaimed. "Our diss track is gonna be called, Takedown!"
"We got some of the lyrics down," Mira said. "So sweet, so easy on the eyes, but hideous on the inside. Whole life spreading lies, but you can't hide..."
"Baby, nice try!" the girls finished in unison.
Nari had to admit, the lyrics did sounded really good, but at the same time, it sounded so mean. Nari knew that it's a diss track, but she knew that not all diss tracks were like this. Not only that, but was it event he right choice to perform it at the Idol Awards? Why use a diss track to make the Honmoon gold when they already have Golden? Nari knew this wasn't her fight. That she had stay away and watch everything unfold, but a part of her didn't want that. Nari had always not spoke up against what the girls say or want. It had always been like that, but now she knew that they're demon hunters and that demons exist, she felt like there had to be other ways to do this than just making a diss track. Gwi-Ma was the main source for all the demons. Why not defeat him first? Why not try to help those demons?
Their patterns represent their shame. The feeling of shame and regret is part of human nature. Do the girls even know what those patterns represented? Then again, they probably knew. Celine is their mentor after all, so it was highly likely that they knew that, but their hatred for them was strong to ignore the human feelings that demons had. Nari wasn't sure what she could do instead of just watching all of this go down.
"I like it," Nari finally said. "But what about Golden? It's already there for you guys to sing."
Mira chuckled. "We have an idea. We're going to use Golden for the two music awards and when the International Idol Awards comes up, we'll use Takedown! After we win, we'll beat those guys, sing Golden, and the Honmoon would turn gold."
Nari nodded. That does sounded like a good plan, but at the same time, Nari wasn't sure if this plan was the only way to beat the Saja Boys. Nari knew she wasn't a hunter. Far from it. She was just a normal person to the girls' eyes. Someone who wasn't supposed to know the existence of demons and demon hunters, but there has to be other options.
"Anyway, we'll have to write more tomorrow," Zoey said. "I'm so glad we finally got something!"
"Would the plan work?" Nari asked. "The diss track?"
"Of course it'll work," Mira replied. "We're hunters. We know what we're doing."
Nari glanced to the side. "O-Oh, okay."
Rumi placed a hand on her shoulder. "Everything's going to be fine, Nari! Our plan will work!"
Nari nodded. "I know." then she yawned. "Anyway, I'll see you guys in the morning. Night guys!"
"Night Nari!" the girls said at once.
Nari gave the girls a smile as she headed to her room. When Nari closed the door and locked it, she let out a heavy sigh. Nari wanted to question more about the girls' plan, but she couldn't. It was a good plan, but at the same time, she felt like there were other ways to fix all of this. The lyrics of the diss track sounded so hateful. However, she had so many thoughts going through her head, especially about the T.V. specials. Was it even okay that she'll be in it, even though the fans wanted it? There was nothing special about her. It was just that, Nari was being herself.
Shaking her head, Nari changed into her pajamas. A blue nightgown with a white shirt over it. Nari walked over to her balcony door and opened it. She rested her arms on the rails as a warm breeze brushed against her. Nari took out her phone and unlocked it. The first thing she did was to see Taemin's phone number on her contact list. Nari smiled softly as she pressed dial. She really enjoyed her time with him. Even though it wouldn't last because of the Honmoon, but it wouldn't hurt to spend more time with him and hear his voice.
~OoO~
Walking out of the store, Taemin double checked if he got everything. Yeong-gi always cooked for everyone and had told Taemin to buy some groceries. Nodding to himself, Taemin teleported into his apartment. The first thing he saw was Yeong-gi and Hwan, whispering and giggling to each other over a magazine. Shaking his head, Taemin set the bags onto the tale, causing the two to jolt.
"T-Taemin!" Yeong-gi gasped. "You're back!"
Taemin rolled his eyes. "Tch, of course I am. I got you the groceries, but I bought some stuff for myself. What are you two looking at?"
"Nothing!" both Hwan and Yeong-gi both said.
Raising a brow, Taemin swiped the magazine away from them. Taemin blinked a few times and he stared at his friends with a blank expression. On the magazine was the hunter, Mira. Taemin looked at his friends, who were pointing at each other. Shaking his head, Taemin tossed the magazine at them.
"Both of you stay focus!" Taemin said. "We have a mission."
"We know, but Mira is so cool!" Hwan sighed. "She's like an enigma."
Yeong-gi nodded. "A fierce one at that. I wish we could talk to her, but she's always with the other hunters"
Taemin scoffed. "Tch, what are you going to do? Talk to someone who knows her? Good luck."
"That's actually a good idea," Yeong-gi commented.
Suddenly, the door opened. Taemin, Hwan, and Yeong-gi turned as they saw Jinu walking into the apartment. Jinu had his casual clothes on and he was giggling to himself. The three looked at each other and back at Jinu. Taemin had no idea that Jinu left.
"Where were you, Jinu?" Yeong-gi asked.
Jinu jumped. "Ah, Yeong-gi! Hwan, Taemin, hi! Hi! I was just taking a walk. Gotta get that fresh air, y'know?"
Before anyone could say anything, Jinu went into his room. Taemin shook his head and pinched his temples. He didn't know why, but Taemin had a feeling that Jinu wasn't going for a walk. Unless he was stealing more postcards. If Jinu was the one who was stealing Nari's postcards, then Taemin would make him pay her back. Of all people he had to steal from, it had to be her. Besides, Taemin wasn't sure if he got lucky or not about what happened with Mr. Yun. the producer of Play Games with Us, Mr. Bok didn't say anything, but Taemin had an inkling that his friends would find out eventually. It would be tiring to explain everything, but...Taemin was glad that Nari was okay.
Taemin didn't know what came over him. It just happened so fast. All he saw was Mr. Yun going to punch Nari and...in the first time in five hundred years, Taemin saw red and protected Nari. Taemin did wanted to turn into his true form and take Mr. Yun's soul, but he couldn't do that because of witnesses. Not only that the hunters were inside the building and Taemin would've jeopardized the mission. However, what matters to him was that, Nari didn't get hurt.
Sighing, Taemin took a couple of milkis from the bag and headed into his room. As he got there, his phone started buzzing. Frowning, Taemin took out his phone and his eyes widened. Nari was calling him. A small smile grew across his face. Gasping, Taemin shook his head and cleared his throat. Gulping, Taemin answered the call and held up the phone to his ear.
"Hey," he greeted.
Nari giggled. "Hey, Taemin. Who are you?"
"I just got back from doing some grocery shopping for Romance. What about you?"
"Just at the penthouse," she sighed. "I just...had a lot to think."
Taemin pursed his lips. The tone of her voice was lower than usual. Taemin remembered what happened with Mr. Yun. Taemin remembered how he basically cradled Nari to shield her from a punch. Was Nari okay? Was it because of what happened with Mr. Yun? The guy was lucky that Taemin didn't take his soul, but he didn't like the fact that this guy tried to hurt Nari. What kind of vile human couldn't handle a rejection?
"What are you doing now?" Taemin asked.
"Just at my balcony." Nari replied. "Why?"
"I'll be right there."
"Wait, what?"
"I'll see you then."
As Taemin hung up the phone, he the two sodas in his pocket hoodie. He put a barrier around his door so no one would open and teleport inside, except for him. Then he teleported away. Taemin was going to drink the sodas, but he wouldn't mind sharing it with Nari. She's tolerable after all.
Then the next thing, Taemin knew, he was high up on a building on a balcony rail. A gasped caught his attention and Taemin turned. Nari jumped back, but Taemin leaned over and caught her with a single hand as he pulled her towards him. Nari's hands were on his chest and she looked up at him with wide eyes. Her dark brown eyes met his. Quickly, Taemin and Nari pulled away. Taemin looked away as his face heated up. He didn't want her to see him like that.
"S-Sorry," he apologized.
"I-It's fine, really," Nari looked around. "Is it okay for you to be here? What if the girls saw you? What if we get caught?"
"It'll be fine. I can teleport before those hunters could see me."
Taemin looked at her. Nari looked like she was distracted about something, but he wasn't sure what. He knew he shouldn't be concern about at the same time, he didn't like that she wasn't smiling. It wasn't like he was worried about her or anything.
Taemin set his feet on the balcony, leaned against the rails, and pulled out the two milkis. Taemin held the soda and gently tapped it against Nari's head.
"Here," he said.
Nari looked at him and smiled. "Thank you, Taemin."
Nari took the drink and opened it. Taemin opened his too. The two drank their milkis as a gentle breeze blew. Taemin couldn't help it and looked at Nari. The stars were bright and the moon was full. Despite the silence, Nari now has a smile on her face. Taemin didn't know why he did this. He didn't understand it himself. He didn't know why he went out of his way to see her. However, there was one thing he did know.
He couldn't hear Gwi-Ma's voice. Taemin didn't know why. At first he thought he was just imagining it, but today, at the meeting, when he saved her from Mr. Yun, and now being with her, he couldn't hear Gwi-Ma. Taemin didn't know why. He was confused on why he couldn't hear him. However, Taemin did knew that he would have to pretend to hear Gwi-Ma's voice. It was for the best. If he got caught, Taemin knew that he would be in trouble. Even though Gwi-Ma was mostly focus on Jinu, but Taemin would rather be safe than sorry.
"How are you feeling?" Taemin asked.
"Better now," Nari answered. "What a long day we had, huh?"
Taemin nodded. "Yeah, do you think Mr. Yun would get kick out of Seoul?"
Nari shrugged. "I don't know. I really don't condone on something bad happening to anyone, but in, Mr. Yun's case, I hope so."
Taemin chuckled. "I see you still have that mean bone in you."
"Depends on the situation. I did insulted you after we met the second time, in case if you forgot."
Taemin smirked. It wasn't like he didn't forgot. He insulted her and she insulted him back. Besides, he would never admit to her face that he actually did deserved it. Taemin remembered that scolding he got from Jinu after that. Even Yeong-gi too!
As the breeze blows, Taemin noticed that Nari had a hair strand hanging from her forehead. Taemin scooted a bit and reached out, tucking the hair strand away. Nari blinked a few times as her shoulders tensed up. Taemin gnashed his teeth as his cheeks turned pink.
"Tch! D-Don't get the wrong idea!" Taemin huffed. "It was bothering me!"
Nari glanced to the side. "O-Okay." she drank her milkis and sighed. "You know...I do think it's weird for me to be on camera with you and the girls. I know the fans wanted me to be there and the focus will be on you guys, but is it okay for me to be there with you guys? It's just that, I'm just me."
Taemin let out a sigh as he scooter closer to Nari and their shoulders touched. He knew how his friends found it odd that the fans wanted Nari to be on film with them, but even the hunters were confused too. Sure they were find with it at the end, but even they couldn't hide it.
"F-For what is worth," Taemin said. "I don't mind if you're going to be filming with me - us - filming with us!"
Nari looked at him. "Really?"
Taemin scoffed. "Tch, it'll be tolerable. I don't have to deal with those hunters that much."
Nari smirked. "At least be civil. You're supposed to be trying to get fans, aren't you?"
"I can deal with Jinu's nagging."
Nari giggled. "Thank you, Taemin. I can't wait to film with you too!"
Taemin's eyes softened as Nari turned to him. She stood on her toes and lowered his head for an easy reach. He felt Nari's hand patted his head, feeling her fingers getting tangled in his hair. Her touch was soft and comforting. Taemin closed his eyes. He could feel his ears turning red as his chest pounded. Taemin had to admit, it felt nice and he didn't mind getting his head patted as long as it was Nari.
Chapter Text
It had been a week since the meeting. All Nari did was to help Huntrix to promote Golden, while preparing for filming. During that week, the girls were creating their cerography for Takedown and writing more of the lyrics. Even though, Nari did wanted to speak out of her opinions on the plan, but she knew that if word gets out and Celine finds out, there was a chance that she might get fired. The last thing Nari would want was to loose her job. Nari was fully aware that Celine didn't like her and even though it had been a few weeks since she last talked to Celine, the woman scared her.
Luckily, Nari was having a small break today, since she and Uncle Bobby were having some barbeque together. Just for a uncle-niece bonding time...or as Uncle Bobby likes it, being the cool uncle. Nari ate some marinated beef and wrapped it in a ssam. Nari ate it whole and squealed. It was so long since she had barbeque.
During their lunch, Bobby had told Nari what happened with Hak-yeon. With both connections of Mr. Bok and her uncle, Hak-yeon was blacklisted. There was evidence from the other two women who Hak-yeon harassed and video footage of what happened with Nari. Not only that, Bobby somehow managed to get a restraining order against Hak-yeon. Nari wasn't sure how, but she was impressed by her uncle's connections.
"By the way, thanks for inviting me, Uncle Bobby," Nari said.
Bobby chuckled. "It's been so long since we had barbeque together. I think the last time we had something like this was back in Sacramento during New Years. Besides, it was nice to get away from work. The camera crew wont' stop gossiping."
Nari frowned. "Gossiping?"
Bobby nodded. "You know, shipping and all. My girls are being shipped with the Saja Boys."
Nari sighed. "They won't like that."
Bobby laughed. "Oh I know, which is funny, because they were fine with the BTS shipping last year. I did noticed a little rivalry going on, but knowing my girls, I want them to handle it on their own and if they need my help, I'll help them." He sighed. "I swear the whole crew are full of sunjeong fans. They looked into things way too much."
"Well, I hope I won't be involve into those shipping."
Bobby sighed. "I hope not. The last thing I need is David, Steven, and Kevin finding out you've been shipped and they'll get a one way plane ticket to Seoul."
Nari chuckled as she rubbed her neck. "At least they don't know about the whole Mr. Yun situation."
Nari knew her older brothers were a bit overprotective whenever she dated. They were fine with her first boyfriend in her freshman year in high school...sort of. He was Gwen's cousin and Nari only broke up with him as a mutual agreement since they were better off as friends than boyfriend and girlfriend. Her second boyfriend in her third year of high school, was the obsessive one. Her brothers hated him. At first he was shy and a gentleman at first, but slowly became obsessive towards her. He got jealous if she was talking to other boys, Seong-min, even though Seong-min was dating Gwen, and any male member of her family. Seeing all the red flags, Nari broke up with him. He begged her to take him back and be his wife, while they were still in high school, but she never did. The police had to be involved because he broke into her house and Nari wasn't there at the time, but her brothers were. So that resolved quickly by a single body slam by three grown men. Nari's parents pressed charges against him and her ex's parents were disappointed in him. After that he and his family moved out of the state.
Of course that was four years ago and Nari was so glad that she didn't had to deal with that anymore. Even though there was the whole Hak-yeon situation, but Nari was glad she saw the signs before things turned out worst.
Bobby groaned. "Thank goodness, they don't! I don't need three grown adult men running amuck in Seoul!"
To be honest, Nari could actually imagine that. Too vividly at that. Nari and her uncle continued to eat their food. They ordered some more meat as well as some seafood too. While they ate, Nari couldn't help and eat some more. While they ate, she and her uncle were slowly getting full and ended up getting some fried rice and spicy tofu stew to finish their meals. Nari smiled as she ate the delicious fried rice. She loved how charred it was.
"By the way, Nari," Bobby drank his water. "I noticed on the day of the photoshoot, you didn't go shopping with my girls. I know my girls mean well, but...did they left you out?"
Nari blinked. She didn't know her uncle wouldn't noticed. Nari was well aware that her uncle was the one taking the girls to the photoshoot and to the mall, so she didn't really thought he wouldn't mind that she wasn't there. Not only that, but Nari knew her Uncle Bobby had no idea about the whole demon hunter and demons thing. She didn't want to drag him into something that Nari was still new about.
"N-No, I mean, not on purpose," Nari explained. "I just suggested that we go shopping together, but the girls wanted just the three of them because they were trying to find new outfits. So I just let them."
"Were you okay with it?"
"I was sad, but it was to be expected." Nari sighed. "Uncle Bobby, it's fine. Really. I made some hwagwajas and had lunch with Taemin."
Bobby frowned. "Taemin?" he smirked. "Oh...you had lunch with a boy."
Nari blushed. "Uncle Bobby, it's not like that!"
"Are you sure? You know how your brothers would react if you got interested in a boy."
"Uncle Bobby! I promise you, it's not like that!"
"Sure, Nari," Bobby chuckled.
Nari couldn't help it and blushed at the thought of Taemin. Her chest was pounding and her face wouldn't stop turning red. She thought of everything about him. His cold and stubborn personality and how his rare moments of smiling and laughing, but he does had his kind moments, even if he doesn't show it. His actions was enough. Nari tried to push the thought of Taemin away. She needed to focus on the other topic.
Bobby placed a hand on her shoulder. "When you moved here, I just wanted you and my girls to get along and I'm glad you guys did. I'm not asking for being bff's. As much as I care about my girls, but as your uncle, you're my priority the most. I promise your mom that I'll look after you and make sure you're happy here."
Nari sighed. "I know."
"Then why you never spoke up?"
"They're so kind to me. I just don't want to trouble them."
"Sometimes it's best to speak up, even when people are kind to you, but if you're okay what you had now, I won't push you. I just want you to know that you need to do what's best for yourself, Nari."
Nari narrowed her eyes. She couldn't help and remember what Taemin told her how it was okay to be a bit selfish. Even though she was okay with the whole thing and how the girls do their thing and she did hers, but she just didn't want to trouble them with her feelings. It might be a burden. Rumi, Mira, and Zoey were a trio. A close knit trio. They're practically sisters. It was something Nari knew she couldn't get passed. Four was a crowd anyway. Besides, Nari was fully aware how speaking up is the right thing to do, but she just couldn't help it. Also, Nari was fine with the relationship she had with the girls. Even after she found out about the whole demon hunter and demons exist thing. Nothing changed. She still takes care of the girls with their wants and needs as both housekeeper and assistant manager.
"I'm fine where I am, Uncle Bobby," Nari said.
Bobby smiled. "Okay, but if you do need to talk to me about anything, just let me know. Even about that Taemin boy."
"Uncle Bobby!"
Uncle Bobby laughed and the two continued to eat as they put their rice in their tofu stew. After the barbeque was over, Nari and her uncle walked out. Bobby was patting his full belly, while Nari was stretching. She had to admit, she really ate a lot.
"I'll see you at the day of the Korean Music Awards," Bobby hugged her. "Don't stress too much over the promoting, okay?"
"I know, Uncle Bobby," Nari said.
"Bye, sweetie!"
"Bye!"
Bobby waved at her as he walked away. Nari did the same. She had to admit, it was fun getting to eat barbeque with her uncle. However, even though Nari was full, she still had room for dessert! What better place was to go to Patisserie Park! It's a family owned bakery by Seong-min's family - a simple bakery and each month is a new theme and coworkers get to dress up as that theme. Sometimes the menu gets added with new cakes and baked goodies. Nari knew this because she used to work there during all four summers with Gwen and Seong-min. Even though Nari was fluent in Korean, but she wanted more practice and for Gwen, she wanted to practice her Korean to impress Seong-min.
It didn't took long for Nari to get to Patisserie Park. The bakery was simple - almost plain looking and not much to look at, but it was a modest looking bakery. As Nari went inside, her eyes lit up. The first thing she saw was a display of cakes. The cash register was next to the display and behind it was the menu. Nari looked at the menu. The menu was still the same, but there were some new cakes added.
"Nari!" the cashier - Ji-won, her former coworker waved. "It's good to see you again!"
"Hi, Ji-won!" Nari greeted. "It's nice to see you too."
"The usual or the usual whole cake?"
"Whole cake."
"I'll get you the freshest batch!"
"Thank you, Ji-won."
Nari paid for the cake and sat at the corner of the cafe. She could smell a fresh baked cake in the back. Nari looked at the menu and saw there was an upcoming themes. There were so many themes and one of them happened to be a maid theme too. Nari couldn't help it and frowned. She wondered how that would work.
Then Nari took out her phone as she scrolled some of her social media. She didn't had that much social media, but she does tried to keep up to date on what was going on with her family and friends. While Nari was looking at Gwen and Seong-min's photos of Italy, she noticed someone took a seat across from her. Nari looked up and stared back on her phone. She stopped and her eyes widened. Was that silverish-purple hair? Nari slowly stared up and her mouth dropped. Sitting right across from her was Mystery. Nari raised a brow. She didn't expected him to be here of all places. Mystery was wearing a grey short sleeve hoodie with the hood up, simple jeans, and a black mask.
"Mystery?!" Nari exclaimed quietly.
Mystery nodded. "Hi."
Nari wasn't sure if she should contact the girls or not. Mystery wasn't doing anything wrong. Unlike Jinu who broke into her room, Mystery somehow either knew she was here or just saw her in here. Of all people who would want to sit with, why her?
"How did you know I was here?" Nari asked.
"I saw you through the window," Mystery answered calmly.
Nari nodded. So that does make sense, since the bakery does have two large windows, where you could see inside. However, she still wasn't sure why Mystery was here. She just didn't expected Mystery to just walk into the bakery and sat across from her.
"Would you like some cake?" Nari asked. "It's on me."
Mystery made a small smile. "Yes, thank you."
Nari turned. "Hey, Ji-won, can I get two cakes slices? We'll be eating in here."
Ji-won smiled. "Sure, what flavors, Nari?"
"Anything is fine and no peach!"
"Got it!"
Nari quickly got up from her seat as she paid for the two slices. Ji-won had given her slices blueberry cake, along with forks and glasses of water. Nari quickly thanked her and brought the cake over to the table. She slide a cake to Mystery and Nari ate the cake. She smiled as she taste the fresh blueberry flavor and how it's not too sweet. Mystery lowered his mask, took a bite and nodded to himself. He seemed to like the cake.
"So, why are you here, Mystery?" Nari asked.
"First, I would like to say that I'm sorry of my behavior towards you," Mystery stood up from his seat and bowed. "It was wrong of me."
Eyes widened, Nari nearly dropped her fork. Again, first Jinu and now Mystery. Nari knew Mystery didn't do much than Jinu, Abby, and Romance. Mystery was only doing what Jinu told him and commented on things here and there, but Mystery was pretty tamed. However, Nari will admit that she did thought it was nice that he did apologized.
"Thank you for apologizing, Mystery," Nari said.
Mystery nodded as he sat back down. "It's the least I could do." he rubbed his neck. "but another reason I'm here is that, I was wondering...if you could give me some advice."
"Advice for what?"
"A girl."
Nari blinked. She noticed Mystery's cheeks were a tiny of pink. Now she was having flashbacks of what happened with Jinu. She did wondered how everything went with Jinu and that girl he "doesn't like". Even though she didn't expected to give out advice, but she wondered why did Mystery wanted advice from her.
"I overheard my friends talking last week," Mystery explained. "they said that we need advice from someone and I thought you might be good for it."
Taking another bite of her cake, Nari set her fork down. Even though Nari had two boyfriends in the past, but the thing was that she wouldn't call herself an expert. It was just something she experienced during those high school years. Every relationship is different. Even her two best friends, Gwen and Seong-min got together in their freshman year in high school and they became high school sweethearts! Nari wasn't sure if she was the right person for it, but considering the fact that Mystery went out of his way to ask for advice, she will try.
"I will try my best," Nari said. "So this girl, what's she like?"
Mystery made a small smile. "She's...like a sunflower. Very happy, bubbly, and talkative. I don't mind that she's loud too. Every time I see her, I just want to approach her, but I can't. We...sort of didn't had a good interaction in the beginning. There was a time where I caught her when she fell and that's when I started liking her. I don't know why, but something about her made me drawn to her. I even hugged her too, but that was for show. Even when we took pictures, it was for show. Sometimes when I go outside and just hang out at the parks, I see her talking to people and petting some dogs. I want to approach her, but I think she might just walk away from me."
Nari couldn't help and make a soft smile. The way Mystery was describing this girl was poetic. She seemed like a good person. Not only that, but she seemed to be famous too. She probably works in the entertainment industry.
"Does she know you're a demon?" Nari asked.
Mystery nodded. "Yes."
"She's human, isn't she?"
"Yes, but she's my type too."
Pursing her lips, Nari crossed her arms and leaned back against her seat. So there was another human who knew the existence of demons. Nari wasn't sure how Mystery met this girl, but he seemed to like her very much. Not only that, she's probably famous, considering the fact that Mystery did took photos with her. Nari did saw some photos of the Saja Boys with other girl groups that weren't Huntrix. So it has to be one of those other girl groups. However, whoever this girl is, Mystery must've really like her a lot. Also, Nari didn't think Mystery would have a type. She wondered if some demons have a type, but this girl...she sounds familiar, but Nari couldn't put her finger on it.
However, since Mystery does see this girl outside of work, that could be an advantage since no one knows that the Saja Boys are demons and couldn't expose themselves in the public. There was also to considered the hatred of demons too. So that might be a problem. There was a good chance that this girl was probably going to be in the Korean Music Awards too.
"If you do see her outside of work," Nari said. "Try something small. Like you acknowledging her that she's there, but you don't mean no harm. Even when it's just the two of you. Just a simple smile, wave, or a hello. Maybe some small talk here and there. She's an idol, right? Maybe tell her good luck at the Korean Music Awards. Also, since you described her as a sunflower, maybe give her one. Win or loose, just give her one. I'm sure she'll appreciate it."
"Can I give her my number at the park?" Mystery asked.
"You can if you want to," Nari answered. "I'm not sure how she'll react, but just do some small things first before you give her your number. You can also ask her if she wants it or not. If not, then don't push her. Just do little small things to show her that you care."
"Like what?"
"Like opening the door for her. If she's in a bind, help her out. If you remember the things she likes, then maybe buy them for her. Those things. Just don't be too pushy. Girls don't like it if you're too pushy."
Mystery nodded. "Should I look into some magazines on the things she likes?"
Nari frowned. "That might be a little bit stalkerish if you did that, Mystery. It's best for her to tell you that."
"Do you think it's a be too forward if I give her a flower at the park?"
"Considering the fact that she has a bubbly personality, she might think it's thoughtful of you, but the fact is that you made a wrong impression and she knows you're a demon, so there's that too. Just remember, the thought always counts."
"I see," Mystery sighed. "This is complicated than I thought."
Nari chuckled uneasily. "I'm sorry if I'm not much help."
"Actually, I'll take your advice into consideration," Mystery said.
Nari nodded. "Do the other Saja Boys know that you like someone?"
"No."
Nari knew she couldn't blame him on there. Even Nari herself didn't tell the girls about Taemin and Baby Saja being the same person. She wondered how would the others reacted to Mystery liking a human girl. Nari was a hundred percent sure that Jinu doesn't even know. Besides, Nari wasn't sure what Mystery would do in his situation, but she hoped for the best. It looked like he really does want to make an effort to get to know this girl.
"What about your guys' plans?" Nari asked.
Mystery sighed. "Just make the most of it. That's all I can do."
Nari couldn't help and feel bad for Mystery. Even though he has some time before the Idol Awards, but the fact that he was trying to make the most of it, does sounded so heartbreaking. Nari would hate to be in his position if she were in his shoes.
Then there was a buzzing sound. Mystery took out his phone and let out a small sigh as he finished up his blueberry cake. Even though his hair was covering his face, but the way he was acting was a bit disappointed. Nari could've guessed who was texting him right now.
"I have to go," Mystery said. "Jinu and Baby needed help on grocery shopping. It turned out Romance needed some groceries he forgot to buy." he stood up and bowed. "Thank you for helping me and taking your time to listen, Nari."
Nari blinked a few times. She couldn't help and be surprised of how respectful Mystery was and how he just addressed her by her last name. In fact, she didn't think he knew her name, but considering that the girls all the time, it would make sense that he already knew.
Nari smiled. "It's nice talking to you too, Mystery."
"Thank you the cake too," Mystery said. "It was delicious."
"It's no problem and don't be shy to ask for more advice, okay?"
Nodding, Mystery gave her a small smile as he walked out of the bakery. Nari let out a sigh. She had to admit, the talking with Mystery went well. Even though it was something unexpected, but she was glad to talk to him. Mystery seemed like a calm, quiet, but respectful kind of guy. Whoever this girl is, hopefully, she'll get to know Mystery.
After a few minutes of Mystery leaving, finally, Ji-won gave Nari her cake. Nari thanked her and left the bakery. While walking, Nari couldn't help and peaked at the cake. It was a chocolate Swiss roll cake. She couldn't wait to eat it when she gets back to the penthouse. It had been so long since she had cakes from Seong-min's family bakery. She hoped she'll be able to share it with the girls, if they have time. She knew how important it was for them to create everything.
Suddenly, Nari saw pink smoke appeared behind her. Before she could react, she felt hands on her shoulder. The next thing she knew, pink smoke surrounded her and Nari was now in an living room apartment. She blinked a few times. The apartment was simple looking, but at the same time it was a bit fancy. There was a flat screen T.V. and a workout station on the side. She could see the kitchen with the dining table. The kitchen was simple, but the dining table was long. It looked like it could fit up to ten people. Slowly, Nari turned. Behind her was Abby and Romance. Nari let out a heavy sigh. She couldn't believe she got kidnapped by them.
"Why?" Nari demanded.
"We need advice!" Abby said.
"Please just hear us out!" Romance begged.
Nari pinched her temples. "Does, Baby, Jinu, and Mystery know about you guys kidnapping me?"
"No," the two answered.
Nari looked at them. This was even worst! Wait...didn't Mystery said he, Jinu, and Taemin had to go more grocery shopping because of Romance? Did Romance only said that just so those three could get distracted? Was this planned? Nari wasn't sure, but since these two needed advice about something and for some reason they think Nari was the best choice for advice, it must be important.
"Would you like to sit down?" Romance asked as he gestured over to the dining table.
Nari nodded. "Yes, thank you. Do you guys want some cake, while you guys tell me?"
The two smiled and nodded. As Nari walked over to the table, Abby gathered the plates and utensils, while Romance got a knife. Nari set the box of cake down and opened it. Romance cut the cake and set it on the plate. Soon, the three of them had a piece of cake. Nari took a bite of the cake and smiled. The cake was just right. Rich, moist, chocolatey, and not too sweet. Romance let out a sigh as he ate the cake, while Abby just nodded as he wolfed it all down.
"So, what advice you two need on?" Nari asked.
"Girl advice," Romance answered.
Nari paused. Girl advice? It hadn't been a day and she just gave Mystery some girl advice. That meant both Romance and Abby like a girl. Probably a human one too. Now Nari was starting to wonder how would Jinu found out that Mystery, Romance, and Abby fell for a human.
"So what are these girls like?" Nari questioned.
"Just one girl," Romance corrected her. "Abby and I like the same girl. So we're sharing."
Now that was something Nari didn't expected. She thought it was two different girls, but no. It was one girl they both like. Rarely, Nari had saw poly relationships, but it does happened. Even in Korea. However, the laws in Korea was different when it comes to poly relationships and marriage, if those two do want to pursue that idea.
Nari nodded. "Okay, so what she's like?"
"She's so cool!" Abby sighed with awed. "She's tough and very pretty! Like a goddess!"
"She's like an enigma." Romance added. "Acting tough and cold, but I'm sure she has a sensitive side."
"We kind of made her get a wrong impression of us and she hates out guts," Romance said. "And she knows that we're demons and she's a human."
Nari blinked. This might be difficult than she thought. Mystery was simple, but for Romance and Abby...Nari wasn't sure what would be the best option for them. Nari knew she could only try her best. However, she couldn't help and wondered why this girl sounded a bit familiar to her.
"So how did you guys act around her?" Nari questioned.
"Flirty," Romance answered. "but Abby just stares at her and showing off his abs."
Abby sighed. "She does get annoyed with us, though, but she does like my abs."
Nari nodded. So she got Romance being all flirty and Abby just showing off, but all together they annoyed this girl. Not only that, but this girl knew they're demons and hated their guts. Nari wasn't sure if she could give the best advice for Romance and Abby, but she knew she had to try. They literally went out of their way to kidnap her just to get some advice about a girl. She'll admit to giving them props for their dedication.
"I think you two need to tone down the flirting," Nari finally said.
Romance frowned. "Tone it down, why?"
"She already doesn't like you guys," Nari stated. "Tone down the flirting and just be yourselves. You guys are making it look like you're desperate. If you guys want her to talk to you and have a civil conversation, then you two need to be on her level too. Get to know her. Have some small talk. No flirting at all. You can flirt with her, after she's comfortable around you two."
"So I shouldn't ask her if she lives alone or open minded?" Abby questioned. "Or how I think other girls are like plain yogurt?"
Nari raised a brow. "Abby, you're acting like a hongdae. You can show off your abs after she's comfortable. That includes if you guys want to give her flowers. Treat her like a friend first. After that when she does get comfortable, then you guys can slowly show off. Get to know what her likes and dislikes are. If she likes a certain food, get it for her. Or if you noticed she has a favorite book or drama, get it for her. Something small like that, but don't overdue it. Just do it ever now and then."
Romance and Abby looked at each other and nodded. "We can try that."
"Also, if she does eventually like you two," Nari added. "you have to make sure that she's okay with you two sharing."
"We will!" Abby assured her.
Nari couldn't help and chuckle as Romance and Abby started to discuss about how to figure out what this girl likes or dislikes. They seemed genuine that they like this girl and even willingly enough to share her without having a love triangle involved. Nari did wondered how this girl is. She does sounded oddly familiar.
"Also, thank you for hearing us out, Nari," Abby said.
Romance nodded. "Yeah, and...sorry for treating you like you're lower class and the whole not looking like an idol, Nari."
Nari blinked. Like with Mystery, Nari didn't expected the two to know her name. However, from her time with Taemin and hearing what the girls said about demons, she knew not all demons were bad. If Mystery, Abby, and Romance were capable of apologizing and remorse, then there has to be some humanity left in them.
Nari smiled. "It's okay, really. I'm actually fully aware I'm not idol material. I had been told to my face before, but that person was human and not a demon."
Romance gasped. "Oh that's harsh."
Abby nodded. "I knew some humans can be vile, but that's just plain mean."
Nari shrugged. "It's fine. Besides, I still love my job anyway."
Nari knew that Celine did told her straight up that she wasn't both idol and hunter material. She had to agree with Romance and Abby that it was harsh and mean, but it was the truth and Nari didn't mind, since she knew that childhood dream wasn't going to happen. Besides, she love her job for being Huntrix's housekeeper and assistant manager. She loves cooking for the girls and that they enjoy her cooking. She wouldn't had it any other way.
Suddenly, the door opened. Abby and Romance gasped as they turned pale. Walking inside was Jinu, Mystery, and Taemin. As the three took off their shoes, they froze as their eyes landed on Nari. Smiling, Nari just waved. Jinu's eye twitched as he turned to Abby and Romance. Mystery let out a tiring sigh and Taemin just stood there, wide eyed. Slowly, Jinu closed the door behind him and walked over to the table, glaring down at Romance and Abby.
"What did you two do?!" Jinu exclaimed. "Did you guys had any idea what you just did?!"
"We might've kidnapped her," Abby glanced to the side.
"Might've?!" Jinu pinched his temples. "That explains why we saw Huntrix running around like headless chickens!"
Nari frowned. She looked at her phone and realized that there were multiple text messages from the girls. Not only that, but she didn't realized she was supposed to be home thirty minutes ago too. Oops.
"Is it too late to say that they also have GPS on me?" Nari mentioned.
Everyone turned to her. Jinu was turning paler by the second. He looked like he was going to age quicker than usual. He slapped his hands over his face, groaning in agony. It was like this was something he never planned on happening. Abby and Romance looked at each other as if they were having a silent conversation.
"We're dead," Mystery sighed.
"We're not dead!" Jinu turned to Nari. "I am so sorry, Nari. I told them they can use you to annoy the Huntrix, but I didn't expected them to kidnap you. Baby, you stay with Nari. Abby, Romance, Mystery, you guys come with me."
"Shouldn't I come with you guys?" Nari asked.
Jinu sighed. "If you're with us, the hunters will think we kidnapped you, try to take your soul, and will try to fight us, when it was mostly, these idiots who did it." he pointed at Abby and Romance. "It's best to approach this calmly as possible. We'll be right back with the hunters."
With that, Jinu, Mystery, Abby, and Romance vanished in pink smoke, only leaving Nari alone with Taemin. Nari turned to Taemin and smiled, but Taemin just huffed and crossed his arms, sighing. Nari chuckled. Hopefully when Jinu and the others do approach the girls, everything would be fine.
"Sorry about my friends," Taemin apologized. "I don't know what has gotten to them."
"It's okay," Nari assured him. "We just talk. By the way, this is a nice apartment. Do you mind if I can see your room?"
Taemin scoffed. "Tch, it's not much to look at."
"C'mon, I'm sure it's not that bad."
Taemin sighed. "Fine, but just be glad you're a guest - a tolerable guest."
Nari giggled at that as Taemin gestured her to follow him. She didn't understand why she was tolerable to Taemin, but over all she did like being around Taemin. Nari wasn't why though, but even though Taemin has a handsome face with an angelic side to it, he does have an aura of coldness when approached by him.
When they approach to his room, Taemin opened the door. The room was simple, but unique in it's own way. Taemin had a deep blue bed with a matching deep blue blanket that had a three toed dragon on it. There were old paintings on the wall, which looked like it was printed out from the computer. There was a signature on the printed painting and Nari wasn't sure what it said because it was blurry. There was a shelf full of books from literature to comic books, there was a T.V. with a game console, and some hibiscus flowers on the window sill.
"Your room is really nice," Nari walked in and she stared at the paintings. "These paintings are very pretty."
Taemin made a small smile. "It was my father's paintings. I was able to find them online."
Nari looked at him with wide eyes. Taemin sighed as he looked at the hibiscus flower, carefully stroking it. Nari wondered if Taemin was alright. The topic about his father seemed a bit touchy. Even though Nari didn't know much about the whole situation with Taemin and his father, but Taemin did told her that he was the crown prince, despite being born from a servant woman. That meant Taemin's father might've care about Taemin than him being born from someone from a lowly status.
"I'm sorry," Nari apologized.
"Don't be," Taemin said. "It was a long time ago."
"What was he like?" Nari asked. "Your father?"
Taemin blinked a few times as his eyes widened. He looked at her as if he never expected to be ask something like this. Then his lips slowly stretched into a small smile as his eyes softened.
"He was kind," Taemin answered. "A kind person and a kind emperor. He was actually ahead of his time. He cared about all of his people. Father wanted everyone, not just the nobles to have an education, but the poor too. He wanted to fix the poverty by using his own money and wanted any royal to marry who they wished that wasn't a noble. He doesn't care about status. Father loves painting and has a natural talent for it. He loves tending his flower garden and sometimes Father would use flowers as metaphors when teaching me something. He's very stubborn, though. If he doesn't get his way, he would find other ways. Also because of him, I ended up having some weird habits."
Nari couldn't help and smiled as Taemin described his father. He seemed to admired him a lot. Taemin's father seemed like a good man. Nari did wondered how long did his father ruled before everything happened. Considering the fact that he's dead and Taemin was now a demon and no longer human, Nari wondered if Taemin had a cousin or an uncle who took over the ruling.
Then Nari noticed a purple speck sticking out from Taemin's shirt. Slowly, Nari walked up to him and carefully reached out, touching his neck. Even though she was touching a small part of Taemin's patterns, but she could still see them. Taemin just stood there, still as he stared down at her. It was like he was waiting for her to do something. However, Nari knew she never saw Taemin's patterns fully. She was only told that they were purple and nothing else. She didn't know what demon patterns look like.
"Taemin, can I see your patterns?" Nari asked. "If it's okay with you."
Taemin frowned. "Why?"
"I don't know what demon patterns look like. I only saw a glimpse from last time."
Nari waited for Taemin to refuse, but surprisingly, without a word, Taemin took off his shirt. Nari's eyes widened as she tried to control her almost pink face. The first thing she noticed was how well toned Taemin was. There was even scars on his torso too. They looked like battle scars. However, what caught her attention other than his toned body was Taemin's patterns. Just like what the girls told her, they were purple, but the patterns were like jagged lines almost like lightning strikes. Carefully, Nari placed her fingertips on Taemin's chest and followed the patterns, while tracing them. Nari couldn't help and be amazed about it. The patterns were moving on it's own. She noticed that Taemin's patterns were growing as it reached to his cheeks. Even though Nari knew how the girls felt about demons, how all demons have patterns, and how Taemin told her that these patterns that she was seeing represent shame, but at the same time...she thought Taemin's patterns were pretty. The patterns were part of Taemin and his shame, but even shame can turn into something else, could it? Was it even possible?
"I like your patterns," Nari said. "It's pretty."
Taemin raised a brow. "Pretty? That's a first."
"I guess, it's the first time for everything, isn't it?"
"All demons have it and may I remind you that it's also my shame. There's nothing pretty about it."
Nari smiled as her eyes softened. "Even shame doesn't last forever, Taemin."
Taemin blinked and his mouth was slightly gaped. Then he made a painful smile as he chuckled coldly. He slowly took Nari's hand from his chest and held it as he rested his forehead against hers. Their hands laced together, holding tightly. Closing his eyes, Taemin let out a quiet sigh. Nari looked up at him as Taemin opened his eyes. The two stared into each others eyes, not taking their eyes off of each other.
"She's fine, I promise!" Jinu's voice shouted.
Right away, Nari and Taemin quickly broke apart. Taemin quickly put on his shirt and the door burst opened. Rumi, Mira, and Zoey were there with their weapons ready. Nari blinked a few times. She had seen the girls angry at the Saja Boys, but they seemed very furious. The girls let out a sigh of relief. Rumi pulled Nari as the girls hugged her. Nari couldn't help it and hugged them back.
"Nari, are you okay?" Rumi asked. "They didn't hurt you, right?"
Nari shook her head. "No, I'm fine, really."
"I'm so glad you're okay!" Zoey said.
"See! I told you, Nari's fine," Jinu exclaimed.
The girls looked at Jinu and the rest of the Saja Boys with pure hatred. Nari opened her mouth to say something, but stopped. She wasn't sure if her saying something would help the Saja Boys' case. In fact, she was afraid that she might make it worst.
Mira pointed her blade at them. "If this happens again, you're all dead."
"We got it," Jinu said.
Rumi glared at him. "Now transport us back."
Before Jinu could do so, Nari went out of Taemin's room and headed into the kitchen where she left the cake. Nari closed the box and walked up to the girls as she gave Jinu a thumbs up. Jinu nodded and the girls huddled together, pulling Nari closed. Nari looked at Taemin and she smiled. Taemin just scoffed and looked away, rubbing his neck. Then Jinu snapped his fingers. Pink smoke surrounded them and the next thing Nari knew, she and the girls were in front of an apartment building that wasn't too far from the Play Games with Us studio. The girls hugged Nari again, which caused Nari to chuckled. As their weapons disappeared, Nari and the girls walked away from the apartment building. Nari couldn't help it and looked back at the apartment building. Even though she didn't know which apartment number Taemin was staying, but at least she knew which apartment building he was staying.
"You know, I didn't realized they know your name, Nari," Rumi said.
Zoey nodded. "They always called you a maid."
"To be honest, I thought they never knew your name." Mira added.
Nari chuckled. "I think it's because you guys always said my name."
Nari was surprised the Saja Boys knew her name. Maybe they were using "maid" as in insult to her, but the thing was that Nari didn't really care if she was called a maid. Housekeeper and maids have similar job after all. However, the more she thought about it, she realized that Taemin never said her name. He always addressed her as "Hey" and "You". Nari wondered if she should be concerned or not. It never bothered her that Taemin never called her by her name, cause she never realized it. Since Taemin used to be a prince, she wondered if it was a princely thing.
When they got to the penthouse, Nari set the box of cake into the fridge. She glanced at the girls, who were talking among each other. They were talking about the upcoming Korean Music Awards. Nari glanced to the side as she remembered what everyone - Gwen, Taemin, and even Bobby told her. She should speak up. Say something. Was this even the right thing to do? To speak out to people who were kind to her? Maybe she shouldn't get her hopes up and just keep doing what she always does. Unlike with the Huntrix where she could just accept everything, but every time Nari's mother had to be in the hospital, Nari had to pretend everything was okay and keep a brave face in front of everyone.
"Nari?" a voice spoke.
Nari looked up. The girls were hovering over her with worried expressions. Rumi and Zoey had a hand on her shoulders, while Mira was crouching at her level. Nari had seen the girls worried a bunch of times, but she never saw them this worried in her life.
"Are you okay, Nari?" Mira asked.
Nari smiled. "I'm fine! It was just a long day."
"Those demons didn't try anything to you, right?" Zoey questioned.
Nari chuckled. "Actually, the boys were nice and they treated me like a guess in their own home. They even apologize for calling me a maid."
The girls looked at her as if she was insane. Rumi was frowning, Zoey had her eyes widened, and Mira looked confused. Nari knew it was crazy for them to think that, but that what happened after Romance and Abby kidnapped her. It was a surprise to Nari that they were nice to her. She didn't know why they were nice to her, but she was glad that they apologized to her. Even though they wanted girl advice from her, but considering the fact that they went out of their way to talk to her and apologized, showed Nari that they're nice, despite the whole going after the fans thing.
"Really?" Mira questioned.
Nari nodded. "Yeah, Abby, Romance, and I had cake and talked. Baby kept me company while Jinu was looking for you guys" Nari stretched her arms. "Anyway, let me relax a bit and then I'll make dinner. How's Italian sound?"
Zoey gasped. "That sounds amazing! Can we have breadsticks too?"
Nari chuckled. "I'll make sure on that."
"Yes!"
Nari smiled as she went into her room. When she got into her room, she closed the door, and locked it. Nari laid on her bed, holding her blue cat plush. Was she a coward for not letting the girls know about how she felt? Yes, she was sure she was. Nari knew she was fine with the working relationship she had with the girls, but was it selfish of her just to wanting to spend time with them? They were busy trying to make the Honmoon gold and dealing with the Saja Boys. Maybe it was best for her just to wait after everything was over. She didn't want to be in their way just for selfish reasons.
Taking out her phone, Nari looked at Taemin's name on her contact list. She wondered how Taemin was doing after the whole thing. Not only that, but considering the fact that Jinu was angry at Romance and Abby for kidnapping her, she was sure everyone was going to get a lecture from him.
Eyes softened, Nari clicked dial as the phone rang from the other end. She couldn't help and smiled as her heart raced. She couldn't wait to talk to him.
~OoO~
After Nari and the Huntrix left, the whole apartment was silent. Jinu glared at everyone and pointed to the couch. Taemin sighed as he and the others walked over to the couch and sat down. He didn't even know why he was in trouble when he didn't do anything wrong! Unlike Yeong-gi and Hwan, who literally kidnapped her. Taemin had to admit, he sort of panicked when she was here. Not only that, but his heart was racing too.
As everyone sat on the couch, Jinu pinched his temples, pacing back and forth. He opened his mouth a few times, but closed it. He looked like he was trying to say something, but didn't know what to say first.
"What happened when you guys were trying to find the hunters?" Taemin asked in a whisper tone to Eun.
"We almost got stabbed by them," Eun whispered back.
"They almost didn't believe us when we said Nari was safe," Yeong-gi said.
"Jinu was able to convince them," Hwan added. "Mainly, Rumi."
Taemin nodded and then he realized something. They knew her name. Taemin assumed that his friends didn't know Nari's name since they always referred to her as a maid. Calling her by her name was something new to him. Taemin knew he didn't call Nari by her name, but it was a habit he developed as a child because his father did the same thing. Taemin was able to say everyone else's names and deep down, he did wanted to call Nari by her name, but he felt embarrassed about it.
"Yeong-gi, Hwan," Jinu finally said. "I know I told you guys you can use Nari to mess with the hunters, but I didn't think you two would kidnap her! I said as long as your plan doesn't involved us getting sent back to the demon realm! We almost got stabbed!"
"Sorry," the two apologized.
Jinu sighed. "Just don't do it again. The last thing I wanted was all of us getting sent back to the demon realm and Gwi-Ma getting angry at us. I hope you guys treated her as a guest."
"We did!" the two answered and Abby added. "She gave us cake that she bought too."
"I ran into her and she bought me cake too," Eun added.
Jinu nodded. "I ran into her last week and she gave me some leftover cheesecake."
Taemin's eye twitched as he scoffed and crossed his arms. So she gave them cake? He didn't know why, but he felt a little bit irritated that those guys were able to get cake from Nari. Sure Taemin had his fair share of eating Nari's cooking and the cakes she made, but he didn't know why that irritated him. Then Jinu turned to Taemin. Raising a brow, Taemin crossed his arms. Why was he looking at him for? Slowly, Taemin's eyes widened. He knew why Jinu was looking at him like that.
"No, I wasn't rude to her," Taemin said.
Jinu pursed his lips. "You sure? The last time you two talked was when you insulted her."
Taemin knew he was talking about his second meeting with Nari. Not only that, it was the only time Jinu, Eun, Hwan, and Yeong-gi saw them interacted. Aside from shaking her hand, but that was it. It made sense that Jinu would assumed something like that. Besides, Taemin was able to keep it quiet about how he was actually spending time with her.
"I promise you that I didn't do anything," Taemin assured him. "She did wanted to see what my room was like, though. So I gave her a tour."
"Probably not a good one," Hwan muttered, but Taemin jabbed him in the ribcage.
Jinu shook his head and sighed. "Look, we have another week before the Korean Music Awards and after that it's the filming. We need to stay focus!"
"Do we have to watch the film?" Yeong-gi asked.
"I don't think we have to," Jinu answered. "Those hunters didn't watch it, so we don't need to. Anyway, Yeong-gi, please cook dinner and then we'll discuss about promoting for the music awards."
Taemin nodded to himself as everyone got up of the couch and Taemin went into his room. He didn't care if he watched it or not. Besides, it wasn't like there's going to be anything important on T.V. Although, he was curious what Nari might do in the background.
As Taemin closed the door, he locked it. Taemin sighed and rested his back against the door. After everything that had happened, he couldn't help and hear Nari's words echoing in his head.
Even shame doesn't last forever, Taemin.
Was she right? That his shame won't last forever? Taemin wasn't sure how true how it was or it was just her way of thinking. Taemin knew his patterns represent his shame and being a demon. All demons have it. However, he wasn't sure what would happened to his patterns if he didn't had any shame. He was sure his patterns would still be there, even without shame too, but deep down, Taemin didn't want to feel the pain of his past anymore, but he doesn't know how.
Then Taemin held out his hand, staring at it. He couldn't help it as his cheeks flushed pink, remembering that he held Nari's hand and she had her hand on his chest. The feeling of her soft fingertips tracing his patterns and following them. Her hand holding his, tightly, as if she wasn't planning to let go. The feeling of her warm hand was gone. For some reason, he wanted to hold her hand longer.
"What's wrong with me?" Taemin muttered to himself.
Taemin didn't know why. Everything was so confusing when he was around Nari. He knew she didn't do anything wrong. She was just being herself, but at the same time, Taemin wasn't sure what to think. These things he was feeling was so confusing.
Suddenly, he felt his phone vibrated. Taemin pulled out his phone and saw Nari's name. A small smile stretched across his face, but Taemin cleared his throat and shook his head. He quickly put on some barriers on his door and his room, just in case. Then he answered the call as he put Nari on speaker.
"Hey," he greeted.
"Hi, Taemin!" Nari greeted back. "How are things going? You didn't get in trouble, right?"
"Romance and Abby mostly," Taemin said. "but we were all there when Jinu lecture them. It turned out that the hunters almost stabbed them, but Jinu was able to convinced them that you're safe."
Nari chuckled. "Well, I'm glad everything turned out well."
Taemin scoffed. "Tch, whatever...so I heard you gave my friends cake."
"Yeah, I did. Why?"
Taemin rubbed his neck as his cheeks flushed. "I-I was wondering if my group won the Korean Music Awards, will you treat me some cake?"
Then there was silence from the other side. Taemin pursed his lips as he glanced to the side. Like always, Taemin didn't know what overcome him. He didn't know why he felt a bit irritated that Abby and Romance was able to get some cake. Taemin was sure the cake was for the hunters and Nari was just being nice and let those two idiots have some cake from her own money.
"Taemin," Nari finally said. "Win or loose, I'm still going to treat you and I was planning to treat you anyway."
"Tch, well good," Taemin huffed.
"We can meet up at the back of the studio and you can transport us to Patisserie Park. They sell tons of good cakes there!"
"What about the hunters?"
"They sort of know about you. It's just that I never said you're Baby Saja."
Taemin couldn't help and chuckle at that. Of course those hunters wouldn't think he has a real name. Either that or they never thought of it. Now Taemin thought about it. That was a good way of saying that Nari was hanging out with him. She wasn't lying that she's hanging out with him. She only left out the part where he's actually the demon, Baby Saja.
"Whatever works," Taemin said.
Nari giggled. "I know and we'll have a cake feast! It's going to be so much fun!" then there was a pause. "I have to go, Taemin. I need to cook dinner for the girls."
Taemin rolled his eyes. "Honestly, can't those hunters learn how to cook?"
"It's fine, Taemin. I don't mind. Anyway, I'll talk to you later! I'll see you at the music awards! Bye!"
"Bye."
With that, Taemin hung up the phone. He let out a long sigh. Taemin couldn't help and smiled. No matter how much he tried not to smile, but he couldn't help it. He was going to hang out with Nari after the Korean Music Awards and have some cake. He had to admit it, but he was actually looking forward to it.
Chapter Text
It was the day of the Korean Music Awards and everyone was getting ready. Nari was in her bathroom as she stared at herself. Nari was wearing a long floral yellow dress with straps that goes passed her knees and a white short sleeve shrug. She was all dress and her makeup was done too, but the thing was that Nari wasn't sure what to do with her hair. Nari adjusted her glasses and crossed her arms. What can she do with her hair? Maybe she could try out the girls' hairstyles, but she didn't want people to think she was coping them.
Then Nari snapped her fingers as she got herself an idea. She use a curling iron and curled the ends of her hair. After that she gathered some of her hair and make it into a bun. Then she added a yellow bow. She looked at her hair and nodded. It was a half up bun. Nari wondered if this was too much for an award show, but she did wanted to dress up a bit and look nice.
I wonder what Taemin would think, Nari thought.
Eyes widened, Nari blushed and shook that thought away. She looked at the mirror, trying to control her brightened cheeks. Nari knew she was thinking about Taemin a lot since...well ever since he saved her from falling off the building. She couldn't help it. He's always on her mind.
With a deep breath, Nari got out of the bathroom. She grabbed her purse and headed to the living room. The girls were already there. Rumi was wearing a black turtleneck with golden embroidery, a magenta jacket, with navy shorts-shorts, blue leggings, and black boots. Mira had a yellow and blue shirt, with a similar embroidery to Rumi, she had a black chocker, a blue mini pencil skirt with black pantyhose's, and black boots that goes above her ankles. Zoey wore a blue long sleeve crop top, high waisted black shorts, blue socks with black sneakers, and a golden necklace. Like always, the girls kept their usual hair styles, but they all look beautiful and elegant. It looked like there was an almost blue theme going too.
"Nari!" Zoey gasped. "You look so cute!"
"I like what you did with your hair," Rumi said.
Mira nodded. "Yellow fits you well."
Nari chuckled. "I thought about dressing up a bit. Anyway, are you guys ready?"
"We are!" the girls spoke in unison.
"We're so going to beat those guys!" Rumi smirked.
"Yeah!" Mia and Zoey cheered.
Nari shook her head and smiled as she and the girls put on their shoes and walked out of the penthouse. Nari had some nice light yellow flats with tiny bows on them. When they got outside, there was a limo waiting for them. The four of them got inside. Nari sat across from the girls. Nari wondered if Taemin would be dressing up or not. Since Jinu is the Saja Boys leader, it would make sense that he would had to follow what Jinu wanted the boys to wear.
"Hey Nari, are you doing anything after the music awards?" Rumi asked.
"I'm going to eat cake with Taemin," Nari answered. "Do you guys need anything?"
"We were just wondering if you're going to stay for the afterparty," Zoey said.
"Actually, parties aren't really my thing," Nari confessed. "but you guys have fun, okay?"
The girls smiled. "We will!"
It didn't took long for them to arrived at the venue. A lot of idols were there as well as paparazzies, journalist, fans, and many people who were taking pictures. Nari got out of the limo first by going to the other side. She went around the limo, went to the door, and opened it. The whole crowd erupted as Rumi, Mira, and Zoey came out of the limo. They waved at everyone, while the fans were cheering for them. Nari walked in front of them as the girls followed her. While she was leading them, the girls talked some some interviewers and took some pictures with their fans. Nari waited and she text her uncle that they had arrived, but had to go through the red carpet.
Suddenly, a screaming cheer erupted around her. Nari looked up and the girls turned to look. The Saja Boys also came out of a limo. They were all wearing the outfits that they first debut in. The boys were waving at the crowd, posing, taking some pictures with the fans, and talking to some interviews. Rumi, Mira, and Zoey glared at the boys, while everyone was distracted by the Saja Boys. Nari saw Taemin doing aegyo. Making some hand hearts, finger hearts, and acting all cute, while he was doing pictures, interviews, and poses. Nari chuckled. She could tell right away that Taemin was screaming inside. She knew how much he despised doing aegyo. It was like a bane of his existence.
After the girls did a few more pictures and interviews, they finally went inside. Nari led the girls to their dressing room. When they got there, Bobby was already there, making sure he had all of the snacks and water the girls needed.
"Hey girls!" Bobby greeted.
"Hi Bobby!" the girls spoke, while Nari said. "Hi, Uncle Bobby!"
"Everything is all ready!" Bobby said. "Rumi your separate dressing room is right there." he pointed to the door. "Nari and I will be around. If you girls need anything, just text us! You girls have thirty minutes before the show starts. So that should give you girls enough time to eat, preshow ramyeon, and anything!"
"Thanks Bobby!" the girls said.
With that, Nari and Bobby walked out of the dressing room. While they were talking, Nari and Bobby were passing buy some other famous kpop groups. There were even some newcomers too. Nari knew what's going to happen in the show. The show will start with everyone watching the music videos of new singles. After that the new rookies like the Saja Boys will perform their songs live. After that the awards start for different categories. One of the categories was hit new songs, which Soda Pop and Golden was nominated for.
"Not going to the afterparty?" Bobby guessed.
Nari nodded. "Yeah. You know parties aren't my thing. Although, potluck parties are fun."
Bobby chuckled. "As long as you enjoy yourself after the show, then I'm happy." then he gasped. "Oh and remember, tomorrow is you, the girls, and Saja Boys day off and the next day we start filming! The producer, Miss Sung said that the staff was able to make extra ideas for some episodes and got approved. So we're actually going to have ten episodes than five or six."
"That does seemed reasonable for special T.V. episodes."
Nari couldn't help and wondered what the episodes was going to be about. She knew that each episode was going to be different. Nari had also watched some other idols T.V. shows and saw how chaotic it could be. However, this was the episodes with Huntrix and Saja Boys. Nari could tell it was going to be chaotic for each episode and she knew that the two groups would be competitive with each other, even if some episodes weren't competitive.
While they were walking, Nari and Bobby stumbled upon the hallway of all of the pictures of kpop idol groups throughout the generations. Nari couldn't help and stared at the pictures, admiring those who sang for the world. Nari wasn't sure which female trio group were actually hunters or not, but it did made her curious. She even wanted to know if her grandmother's favorite group, the Haetae Girls were hunters or not. It wouldn't hurt to ask the girls about it. They seemed to know which groups were hunters or not. As they walked, Nari stopped and looked. It was the photo of the Sunlight Sisters. Celine was there, of course. There was even Rumi's mother, Ryu Mi-yeong, and the third member. Bobby stood next to her and let out a sigh of admiration.
Nari couldn't help and noticed how Celine looked actually happy. There were light in her eyes, but the Celine she met a month ago was someone who greatly scared her. Thinking that an outsider like Nari wasn't worthy of being both an idol and a hunter. Ryu Mi-yeong, Rumi's mother, was very beautiful. She had that mature elegance about her, like a shining star in a sea of darkness. Rumi does have a little bit of a resemblance to Ryu Mi-yeong, like her nose, ears, and smile, but everything else was probably from Rumi's father. The third Sunlight Sister...Nari wasn't sure what happened to her. Even when Nari started working for the company three years ago, no one told her what happened to her, except that she retired after Ryu Mi-yeong died and lived off grid after that.
"Hey Uncle Bobby, what happened to the third Sunlight Sister?" Nari asked.
Bobby looked at her. "Oh you mean, Lee Yeon-Hwa? I don't know really. I was doing my solos at the time when they broke up. I remembered everyone was disappointed that they broke up and disbanded. A lot of people think it was because Ryu Mi-yeong died, but no one knows, really. We know she is still out there."
Nari crossed her arms and pursed her lips. She wondered what happened twenty-five years ago. Everyone knew that Ryu Mi-yeong died from childbirth, leaving Rumi alone. Whoever Rumi's father was, he was never in the picture. Some say he might still be out there. However, Nari did wondered if there were other reasons that caused the breakup. Ryu Mi-yeong's death by childbirth shouldn't caused a breakup, right? If they were close like Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, then Celine and Lee Yeon-Hwa would've raised Rumi together, but they didn't. Nari wondered if there was more to this or perhaps, she was overthinking it.
"Uncle Bobby, you met Ryu Mi-yeong before," Nari said. "What was she like?"
Bobby smiled. "Oh she was very kind and polite. Very mature too. She had this regal elegance about her, that made her shine. Even when she sang, she sounded like a queen, but everyone remembered her for her kindness and how she cared about everyone and everything. She was never afraid to show anyone her personality."
You remind me of someone I once knew - showing kindness, faults, and fears, but that's what got her killed in the first place, Celine's voice echoed in her head.
Nari pursed her lips. Was she talking about Ryu Mi-yeong? No…that was impossible. She died from childbirth. That was what Celine told everyone. However, the person Celine described did sounded similar to Ryu Mi-yeong. Hypothetically, if it was Ryu Mi-yeong, then what really happened? Was her kindness really got her killed or was it something else? Nari wasn’t sure, but all she could just do was to speculate on what happened. For all Nari knew, it was probably a different hunter than the Sunlight Sisters.
Then Nari felt her phone buzzing. Nari assumed it was the girls texting her, but when she took her phone out and her eyes brightened. She got a text from Taemin.
Taemin: Meet me at the back.
Nari: I'll be there.
"I'll be right back Uncle Bobby," Nari said.
Bobby nodded. "Okay and don't forget to escort the girls to their seats!"
"I will!"
With that, Nari gave her uncle a peck on the cheek and speed walk away. Her chest was racing as she sprinted through the halls. Nari didn't expected to talk to Taemin soon because of how busy today was, but she was happy nonetheless. It didn't took Nari to find the back exist. She had been in this venue before, since it was common for the entertainment industry to use this venue. When she opened the door, she smiled. Taemin was there, standing against the stair rails with his arms crossed. He turned as Nari closed the door behind her.
"Hey," Taemin greeted.
Nari giggled. "Hi, Taemin! How was the red carpet?"
Taemin scoffed. "Tch! Interesting. I guess it's to be expected when you're a famous idol. A lot different than what I experienced as a prince. It does felt nice to be acknowledge by your music. Although, I hated doing that aegyo."
"Jinu wanted you to do it?"
"Yes."
"Oh you poor thing."
Nari stood on her toes and patted his head. Taemin grumbled, but didn't say anything as he lets her. He closed his eyes and gently held her hand. Nari couldn't help and blushed by his touch as her heart raced. The two stayed like this for a while and after Nari patted his head, she leaned against the rails. Taemin looked at her as Nari brushed a strand from her hair. Nari turned and saw Taemin was still looking at her. Nari wondered if there was something on her face.
"What is it, Taemin?" Nari asked.
"Y-You look nice," Taemin muttered.
Nari blinked. Did she heard that right? "Did you just said I look nice?"
Taemin huffed and looked away. "Don't make me repeat myself."
Nari stared at him. Her eyes softened and she let out a chuckle as Taemin's shoulders tensed up. She blushed and stared at the side. Nari never thought Taemin would give her a compliment. Even with putting on some light makeup on, people would still think her appearance look plain. Although, Nari didn't mind how plain her appearance was. She was happy the way she looked and she wouldn't change anything about it. However, hearing it from Taemin, made her happy. She didn't expected something like this from him.
"Thank you, Taemin," Nari said.
Taemin grumbled. "Tch! Whatever." He shifted his feet. "So this bakery you told me about. It's good, right?"
Nari nodded. "Yeah! It's really good Patisserie Park is my friend - Seong-min's family cafe. It's been around since the early eighties. Their cakes aren't too sweet and once a month, they would do special theme events with new bake goods. Their new bake goods is a way to advertise it."
Taemin chuckled. "You sure know a lot."
"I've worked there before."
The thought of going to Patisserie Park with Taemin made her smile. She couldn't wait to show him what cakes she likes and what to try. Nari had to admit, she might be a little bit excited, but she was glad to be sharing something a part of her life to Taemin.
Then Taemin took out his phone. "We have fifteen minutes. We should get back. Are you going to be watching the show?"
Nari nodded. "Yeah, backstage. That's where the managers, assistant managers, and staff are, but even though I'm going to support Huntrix, but I will support you too, Taemin."
Taemin blinked. "You will?"
"Yeah, there's nothing wrong in supporting two groups."
Nari knew that was true. After all, she is a fan of a bunch of kpop groups and since a bunch of her favorites were here tonight as well as the ones who she's working for, there was nothing wrong with that. Besides, the girls had their fair share of being fans of other groups too. So there's nothing wrong with that. Sure Huntrix was going against the Saja Boys because they're fighting for the fans and all, but that didn't stop Nari to support Taemin.
Taemin rubbed his neck. "W-Well, I'll meet you back here after the show."
Nari nodded. "Okay! I can't wait! You'll love Patisserie Park! Anyway, good luck, Taemin!"
Taemin let out a soft chuckled as Nari opened the door. The two walked inside as they walked through the halls. Once they got to the end of the hall, the two went to their separate ways. Nari waved at Taemin and he just held out his hand, barely waving. While Nari walked to the direction of the girls' dressing room, she passed the breakroom and stopped. She thought she noticed different shades of pink. Nari turned, leaned against the wall, and took a peak. Right there at the breakroom was Mira, Romance, and Abby. Mira had a some snacks in her arms and she looked annoyed with the two.
"What do you two want?" Mira demanded.
"We just wanted to say good luck," Romance said.
Mira scoffed. "Sure."
"Whoever wins, no hard feelings," Abby added. "Maybe for Jinu."
"Anyway, we have to go," Romance headed to the door with Abby following him. "See you later Mira!"
Abby turned. "By the way, you look nice!"
Right away, Nari quickly walk away from the breakroom. She took a peak behind her as she saw Abby and Romance walking in a different direction. Mira walked out of the breakroom, looking very confused on what just happened. Nari didn't blame her, she was confused too. She thought that those two would be messing with Mira. Not being civil. Maybe the girl they like is around and they're being civil to Mira to show the girl that they're not that bad.
"Nari!" Mira called.
Nari stopped and turned as Mira ran up to her with some snacks in her hands. It looked like she got the snacks from the vending machine. The snacks were simple. Chips, candy, granola bars, and milkis.
"Hey, Mira," Nari greeted. "I was just going to get you guys. We now have..." she looked at her phone. "Ten minutes."
Mira laughed. "I can eat quickly."
With that, the two walked. Nari watched as Mira gobbled everything. Then she drank her soda. Nari chuckled. If anyone could eat quickly before the ten minutes, she knew it would be the girls. Despite their singing, dancing, and fighting talent, Nari knew they have a talent of eating a lot.
When they got to the breakroom, Nari led the girls to their seats. The girls were in the front row, along with other famous kpop groups that were also popular. On the stage, Nari saw the staff setting everything up for the theme of each song. Nari looked at the girls and they gave her a thumbs up. Nari chuckled and did the same. She waved at them and she went to backstage. Once she got to backstage, Bobby was there. Her uncle handed her a watermelon soda. Nari thanked her uncle, popped the can open, and drank it. Across from her, she could see all of the new rookie idols, even the Saja Boys.
Then the building went dark and the stage lit up. Everyone started clapping. The host of the Korean Music Awards came out and everyone cheered.
"Thank you for all of you coming for our annual Korean Music Awards," The host said. "We have a lot of awards to give out today, but first. We'll be playing all the latest new singles from our groups and live performance of our new idol groups! Whatever happens, everyone is always a winner!"
The audience cheered. The screen went on and the host announced the new single that was being played. There were a lot of songs from popular groups were being played. There was a song from Twice, BTS, Stray Kids, Seventeen, TXT, EXO, Blackpink, NCT 127, Monsta X, and Red Velvet. Then Huntrix's new single Golden appeared as the music video started to play. The audience ended up singing along with the song. Even Bobby too, who was doing the dance. When the song was over, the whole audience erupted with an applause. Huntrix stood up from their seats, bowed and wave to the audience.
After that, it the host announced the new idol groups performing live. There was Kickflips, Heartstoart, Mitro, Ablume, Polarics, Hearts2Hearts, KiiKii, Close Your Eyes, AHOF, AtHeart, and MEOVV. Each group had a unique style and songs. The whole performance took a while, but it was enjoyable at the same time. After MEOVV performed their song, Saja Boys came up. The whole audience hollered with cheers as they perform Soda Pop. Nari could see the girls looked irritated. While everyone, except for the girls were entranced by them, Nari stared at Taemin. He looked like he was enjoying himself that he was performing than doing aegyo.
When the song ended, everyone cheered and Nari clapped as well. Then all of the artist walked on stage as the Host announced that the awards was going to start. The Saja Boys stood next to Huntrix. Nari let out a sigh as the girls glared at them, while the boys gave them smug looks. For some reason, Mystery waved at Zoey. Then Zoey paused and just stared at Mystery as she stopped glaring at him. She looked around and pointed at her and Mystery nodded. Slowly, Zoey waved back. Taemin, on the other hand just rolled his eyes. As Taemin turned, he looked where Nari was. Nari grinned and waved at him. Blinking, Taemin huffed and looked away as his shoulders tensed up. Even though Nari was seeing his side view, but he looked constipated.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" the host said. "We are now going to start the awards! Our first category is best music video!"
The group that won for best music video was Huntrix, the second award was best visuals and it went to TWICE, Best tour was BTS, the award for best female artist went to Huntrix, the award for best male artist went to surprisingly Saja Boys, the award for best dance went to BTS, and new artist award went to Saja Boys. Nari knew the girls didn't mind that other artist, who weren't the Saja Boys got other awards since they had been in the industry longer.
"Alright for the award for best single this week is..." The host opened the envelope. "Soda Pop by the Saja Boys!"
Everyone clapped and cheered as the Saja Boys won. Flowers and bouquets were thrown at them. The Saja Boys bowed to the audience. The girls were clapping, but they were glaring at them, while the boys just smirked. Mystery even did a heart pose. Nari was clapping. Even though the girls didn't won, but they at least won other awards. Then Nari felt her phone vibrated. Frowning, she took it out and saw her eldest brother, David's name. Nari turned to the side and answered the call as she spoke in English.
"Hey David, what's up?" Nari asked.
"Mom is in the hospital," David answered. "She just suddenly collapsed."
Nari froze. "But Mom hadn't got sick for seven years."
"I know and right now, don't panic. Kevin, Steven, and I are waiting for results. Steven's calling Dad now."
"Do you need me to come back to Sacramento?"
"No. Not until we get some results. Sis, don't pack and don't get a plane ticket. Just wait, okay?"
"But, but - "
"Nari, listen to me. I'll keep you updated. Don't do anything stupid."
"David - "
"Nari, I'm serious. Please wait, okay? Nari? Nari?!"
Nari bowed her head as her brother kept calling out for her, but she hanged up on him. Her eyes were widened as she tried to processed what she just heard. Mom was sick. She collapsed. She hadn't been sick for seven years and now she's sick again. All of the memories of keeping calm about her mother being in the hospital and how she kept a brave face in front of everyone echoed back in her head. Nari's lips quivered as she fell onto her onto her knees. Tears formed in her eyes as she breathed heavily. Bobby turned and frowned.
"Sweetie, are you okay?" Bobby asked. "Nari?"
Without a word, Nari scrambled onto her feet and ran, ignoring Bobby calling out for her. Tears streaming down from her face. She ran out of the building, not caring where her legs were taking her. Her lungs were begging for air and her legs were getting sore, but Nari ignored it. All she wanted to do was run. Nari could remember the first time she witnessed her mother collapsing and was taken to the hospital. Her older brothers, who were trying to finish up collage were worried and Nari comforted them by being calm about it and letting them know everything was going to be okay, despite the fact that she was scared to. Every time it happened, Nari always kept a calm composure, but behind it, she just cried. She didn't want anyone to see her sad. To see the weaker side of her. Nari cried behind closed doors and she knew deep down her brothers knew. She could tell because whenever she was sad, they could cheer her up with a slice of cake. They never saw her cry, but they could tell. Even her parents didn't know, but then again...there was a chance that they knew that she always hid this side from them.
Out of nowhere, Nari tripped and fell. She could feel her knees scrapping on the ground and her half up bun became undone. Nari grunted and looked up. She realized she was at a park. Tears dripped down from her cheeks. Nari sat up and hugged her legs as she cried. She could hear her phone vibrated. Nari was sure David, Steven, and Kevin were texting her and probably Uncle Bobby. What was she going to do? She was all the way in Korea! A one way trip was expansive. Nari knew that her salary wasn't as good as her uncles, but money was something to considered. Not only that, but there was the filming with Huntrix and Saja Boys. She couldn't miss that, but her mother was in trouble. What if...what if...
What if she died? Nari thought.
Gnashing her teeth, Nari cried some more. How was she going to handle that? All of the years of watching her mother being failed and going to the hospital all the time, what if she died? What could Nari do? Would the studio understand that she needed to be there for her family? Would they kick her out of the T.V. specials? Would they even listen to her? Nari was sure that they would listen to Bobby. What was she going to do?
"NARI!!" a very familiar voice called, but Nari didn't bother to look.
Suddenly, Nari felt a pair of hands on her shoulders. Nari looked up and her eyes widened as she saw Taemin. Breathing heavily, Taemin was covered with sweat. He was crouching on her level. Taemin looked taken aback as he saw her. Nari sniffed and pulled away from him, wiping her tears as she scrambled onto her feet and ignoring the stinging pain of her knees. No! He shouldn't be seeing her like this! No one should've saw her like this. Uncle Bobby, Rumi, Mira, Zoey, and Taemin, shouldn't see her like this.
"Don't look at me!" Nari begged. "Please don't look at me, Taemin!"
Nari took a few steps back, hugging herself as she cried. She wanted to stop crying, but she couldn't. The only thing she could do was to look away, avoiding Taemin's eyes. Of all people who had to see her like this, it had to be Taemin. Why? Why him? Why wasn't he back at the venue to celebrate that the Saja Boys won for best single?
"Hey - " Taemin was about to say as he stood up.
"Leave me alone, please!" Nari sobbed.
"You - "
"Taemin, please leave."
Without a word, Taemin grabbed Nari's shoulders and pulled her into his arms. Nari gasped and her eyes widened as she felt Taemin had one arm around her waist, while the other had a hand holding her head. She could feel her head resting on his chest. For some reason, she felt relax by Taemin's touch.
"It's okay," Taemin assured her. "Just let it out. No one is here, but me, Nari."
Gnashing her teeth, tears formed in Nari's eyes as she let out a sobbing cry. Her cries echoed in the park. She clenched onto Taemin's pink sweater as she sobbed on his chest. Taemin just stood there without saying anything as he hugged her. He didn't move a muscle. Instead, he held her tighter, like as if he didn't want to let her go. Nari didn't know how long she cried or how long she just stood there, crying on Taemin. Maybe it was a few minutes or more, but it felt long. When Nari finally calmed down, she let out a sigh and looked up at Taemin.
"Are you okay?" Taemin asked. "What happened?"
"My brother called me," Nari explained. "He said Mom collapsed and now she's in the hospital. He told me I should wait for results."
Taemin nodded. "That's why you ran."
Nari bowed her head. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be. You had every right to feel this way."
Nari sniffed. "I don't know what to do, Taemin."
"Then we wait for results. If something happens and you need to go back to America, then we'll let the studio know. If they don't understand, I'll personally teleport you there, myself."
"Is that even possible?"
"It'll take lots of my power to teleport one country to another, but I'll live."
Nari glanced to the side. She didn't understand how Taemin could be so calm about everything that had happened. Nari was so used of his stubborn and cold personality. Not only that, but he wasn't put off that she was crying and showing her weaker sides. Instead, he comforted her.
Nari winced. "I don't want you to see me like this."
"Why?" Taemin asked.
Nari winced. "I always tried to keep a brave face every time this happened. Even if I get caught looking sad, I always had an excuse and just keep smiling. When I was little, I thought that if I keep a brave face, no one would be sad. So I only cry when I'm alone. It's always been like this. I had to grow up early and never complain. Never spoke up against anyone who were kind to me...I-I just don't want my feelings to burden anyone."
Taemin wiped her tears with his thumb and adjusted her glasses. "Nari, if you ever feel like you want to complain, cry, or anything. I'm right here."
Nari nodded and she hugged Taemin, who was still holding her as he held her close. The two stayed like this for who knows how long, but Nari felt herself calming down even more. Nari was processing what Taemin just told her. He wanted to her everything from her. He wanted to hear her feelings, her complains, and everything.
After several minutes, the two slowly broke apart. Nari looked down and saw her blood was staining her dress. Wincing, Nari lifted her dress a bit and saw her knees were bleeding. She must've fall that badly. Before Nari could do anything, Taemin carried her in his arms, which caused her to wrapped her arms around his neck.
"T-Taemin!" Nari exclaimed.
Taemin didn't say anything. Instead, he teleported as pink smoke surrounded them. The next thing Nari knew, she was at her balcony. Taemin slowly set her down and Nari took out her keys, unlocking her balcony door. Carefully, Nari walked into her room with Taemin behind her and she took off her shoes. Nari sat on her bed and looked at her phone. Taemin sat next to her. There were text message from the family/friend group chat. All of the texts were from her brothers, dad, Gwen, Seong-min, and Bobby. All of the texts were from thirty minutes ago. The last one from David was a couple minutes ago.
Kevin: You okay? Please answer!
Steven: Sis, Uncle B told us you ran off. What's your location?
Dad: Nari, please answer! Are you hurt?
Gwen: Hey girly, I heard what happened. Everything is going to be okay.
Seong-min: Hey Nari, I hope you're doing okay. Your mom is going to be okay.
Uncle B: You okay, sweetie? I didn't tell my girls where you were, but where are you?
David: Hey sis. I know you're not answering and I don't blame you, but I got some news. Good news, actually. Mom is going to be okay. It turned out she overworked herself and collapsed from exhaustion. She's not sick. She's a hundred percent healthy. Mom's resting right now and work is letting her take a couple weeks off for her to recover.
Nari covered her mouth as she cried again. She could feel Taemin putting an arm over her shoulders as he pulled her into another hug. Nari couldn't help and smiled and sighed with relief. Her mom was going to be okay. Quickly, she text everyone back.
Nari: Thank goodness, Mom's okay. I'm sorry for worrying everyone. I'm okay. I'm at the penthouse right now.
"What does it say?" Taemin looked over her shoulder.
"My mom is going to be okay," Nari wiped her tears. "She's not sick. It turned out she collapsed from exhaustion from overworking. She's going to be fine."
Taemin let out a sigh of relief. "I'm glad." then he stood up. "We should get your legs patch up."
"What about - " Nari was about to ask.
"The bakery where you'll treat me?" Taemin guessed and scoffed. "Tch! We can do that tomorrow, Nari. We do have a day off before filming. You can treat me tomorrow. Right now, you're hurt. So where is your bandages?"
Nari opened her mouth to say that it'll be fine, but stopped. She had a feeling that Taemin would refused that if she kept pressing. Not only that, but her legs were sore and the scraps look deep.
"My first aid kit is under my bed," Nari answered.
Nodding, Taemin went under the bed and got out the red box. He opened it and got out all of the tools he needed. Nari watched as Taemin pulled out some tweezers, cotton balls, alcohol, and bandages. Taemin took the tweezers and use it to hold the cotton ball. As he opened the alcohol bottle, he carefully poured it. Then he carefully set it on one of Nari's leg. Hissing, Nari winced, feeling the stinging pain. She could feel her eyes beginning to water. Nari was trying not to cry again for the millionth time. She felt like a crybaby.
Taemin chuckled. "Tch! You'll live."
Nari watched as Taemin patched her knee with a bandage and did the same to her bother knee. Nari couldn't help and stared at him. She couldn't help and be amazed that Taemin went out of his way just to help her. It was weird because Nari was usually the one doing everything for everyone. Of course there were times where people do help Nari, but it was usually something small, but for Taemin, he went out of his way just to look for her, comfort her, and just to make sure she was alright.
Once Taemin finished putting on the last bandage, he packing everything in the first aid kit and putting it back under her bed, Nari laid on her bed as she rested her head on her pillow. She felt tired, but at the same time, she didn't want Taemin to leave. As Taemin stood up, Nari reached out and held his hand. Taemin stopped and looked down at her.
"Is it okay you can stay for a bit?" Nari asked.
Taemin nodded. "I will."
Nari scooted and Taemin - to Nari's surprised laid next to her. Then Nari hugged him as the two laid on her bed. Nari held onto him and she felt Taemin hugged her back. She could feel her tears forming again as she cried.
"Thank you, Taemin," Nari said.
Taemin held her tighter. "You're welcome."
~OoO~
The rays of the morning sun, shined over Taemin's face. Groaning, Taemin opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was a sleeping Nari. She was sleeping and curled up against him, clutching on his sweater. Taemin, on the other hand, was holding her around her waist. Eyes widened, Taemin sat up, as his face turned bright red. He blinked a few times, realizing this wasn't his room. The room was big. There was a pink queen size bed, a desk with a computer, a laptop on the drawer, a vanity mirror with makeup, a blue cat plush on the bed, in the corner of the room was a net full of plush toys, and a shelf full of books on the other corner.
Taemin looked down at Nari, who was sleeping beside him. Taemin blushed deepened, realizing that he literally slept in the same bed with Nari. He knew they only did was hugging and accidently fell asleep together. Although, he had to admit, he got lucky that the hunters didn't walk it and try to send him back to the demon realm, but that thought quickly went away as he noticed how calm Nari looked. It was like as if all of her worries were gone. Taemin's eyes softened as he brushed some strands of her hair from her face.
He remembered what happened last night. At the Korean Music Awards, when he and the Saja Boys won, Taemin saw Nari fell onto her knees and she ran. At the time, Taemin was still on stage, so he couldn't get away, but after the host let everyone go backstage, Taemin just bolted. He ran after her. Taemin didn't know what was going on, but when he did caught up to her, Taemin found Nari sitting on the grass with bleeding knees. All he knew was that she was crying and hurt. Not only that, but it was the first time he said her name. He didn't know what came over him. Taemin just screamed out her name like his life depended on it.
Seeing Nari cry and just feeling helpless, Taemin didn't know what to do. He never saw this side of her at all. Sure he did saw her sad a couple of times, but this time, she was crying, begging him to leave her alone. Something that he never saw her do. Then he hugged her. Like always, Taemin didn't know what came over him, but he couldn't stand it. He couldn't stand seeing Nari upset. He didn't like to see her like that. Taemin just wanted her to be okay. He didn't want her to be alone. Like how he was when he didn't get a chance to grieve for his father.
Groaning, Nari rubbed her eyes and opened them. She looked up as her eyes met his. Gasping, Nari sat up as her face became bright red. Taemin snickered. He never saw her face that red before. Taemin had to admit, that was amusing.
"I-I-I'm so sorry, Taemin!" Nari stammered. "I-I-I didn't mean to - "
Taemin chuckled as he made a relax fist and gently tapped it on Nari's head. "It's fine, Nari."
Nari looked at him and her eyes softened. "Thank you for calling me by my name."
Taemin froze. She noticed?! Taemin did thought that she didn't noticed, but apparently she did. Taemin's shoulders tensed up as he flushed and looked away. Mentally, cursing his habit that he picked up from his father.
Taemin scoffed. "Tch, well it's your name, obviously!"
Nari chuckled as she grabbed her phone. Taemin peered over her shoulder and saw she had some texts, but they were in English. Even her phone was in English. A language that Taemin didn't know how to read. However, Taemin noticed Nari's eyes brightened and she texted back. It seemed that she was receiving good news about her mother. The only thing Taemin can read was the time and it was six in the morning.
"My mom just text me," Nari explained. "She told me she's fine and that she won't overwork herself again. She told me how sorry she was for making me worried, but I told her it was fine."
Taemin placed a hand on her shoulder. "I'm glad."
Then Nari hugged him. Taemin rolled his eyes as his eyes softened and he hugged her back. He could feel his chest racing and his face going pink. While he hugged her, Taemin could feel his phone vibrating. He knew it was text messages, probably from Jinu and the others. Taemin was sure they were wondering where he was, but he could make an excuse. They did believed that he was getting hot sauce after all.
As they pulled away, Taemin doublecheck to make sure Nari was okay. Both physically and mentally. After what happened, Taemin didn't want to take any chances. He couldn't help and be worried about her. In all honesty, Taemin never thought he would worried about a human like Nari, but he would be lying if he said he wasn't. After all, he did saved her from falling off a building and from Mr. Yun.
Another buzzing sound caught Taemin's attention and Nari looked at her phone. Her eyes widened and she turned pale. Frowning, Taemin's curiosity got the better of him and he looked at her phone. The name was in English, but the text was in Korean.
Celine: Good morning, Nari. Would you please meet me at my office at noon? There's something I like to discuss you about.
Nari made a face. "You've got to be kidding me."
"Who's that?" Taemin asked.
"Celine," Nari answered. "My boss. She runs Sunlight Entertainment."
Taemin could tell that Nari didn't like her boss. She looked disgusted, worried, and scared at the same time. Taemin wondered if he should be concern. Now he thought about it, didn't this Celine built Huntrix? He remembered Jinu telling him and his friends about it when he was training them to be idols. If that was the case...wouldn't this Celine be a potential former hunter? It would make sense.
"Well after you see her, we can have cake together," Taemin said. "We can meet in front of my apartment building."
Nari nodded excitedly. "I like that."
Taemin made a sideway smile as his eyes softened. It looked like Nari was back to normal. That's good. He didn't want to see her upset anymore. Taemin was actually considering that maybe he should treat her some cake after what happened. However, he knew that regardless, Nari would be happy either way.
"I'll see you later, Nari," Taemin pulled her into a hug with a single hand.
Nari nodded as she hugged him back. "I'll see you too and thank you, Taemin for helping me!"
As Taemin pulled away, Nari waved at him. Shaking his head, Taemin chuckled and lightly tap her head. Then he teleported away as pink smoke surrounded him. The next thing he knew, Taemin was back in his apartment. The first thing he saw was Yeong-gi cooking breakfast for everyone. He was making rolled omelet. The rice cooker was on, the stove had a pot of soup, there were five bowls out on the counter, and there were some side dishes on the table too. However, not everyone was awake though. Jinu and Eun looked like they were still in their rooms, but Hwan was on the couch, groaning. He looked hungover.
"Hey Taemin," Yeong-gi greeted. "Where were you last night? We didn't see you at the afterparty. You literally just ran. Why didn't you answer any of our texts?"
"I'm not really a party person, so I just left." Taemin explained.
Taemin knew that wasn't a lie, since he was never a party person to begin with. Even as a prince when he had to attend those dumb banquets, he never liked them. At the demon realm whenever there was a party, he still didn't like them. So him not being at the afterparty made sense.
Not only that, but Taemin knew that if he mentioned Nari at all, everything he did behind their backs, and what currently happened, he would never hear the end of it. He knew what would happen. Everyone would be shock that he actually interacted with Nari willingly. He knew they probably won't believe it at first. They would all tease him about it. Also Jinu and Yeong-gi would scold him for falling asleep with a woman.
Yeong-gi chuckled. "Oh yeah, sorry, but you know Jinu is going to scold you."
"I know, I know."
Yeong-gi turned to him and smiled. "Next time, just let us know where you were or text us when you'll be going out. I know you're the oldest than all of us when it comes to being demons and all, but human age, you are the youngest. Also, don't worry about Jinu. I'll talk to him."
Taemin rolled his eyes. "Tch! Okay."
Taemin had to admit, that was fair. Maybe he could do what Nari did, but the problem was that he didn't want to mention her around his friends and there was no way around it aside from saying he's meeting up with a girl. Maybe he would just tell them where he was at and that's it...or he could try to get his way around that too by telling them he was at the place next to his actual destination. Maybe it was something he had to think about.
"By the way, can you help me peel some fruit?" Yeong-gi asked.
"Sure." Taemin replied.
Taemin washed his hands, took a knife, grabbed a plate, and some apples. While he peeled the apples, Taemin wondered if he should treat Nari something, since what happened as well as she had to see this Celine, who could possibly be a former hunter. Not only that, but it was easy to tell that Nari didn't like Celine for some reason. What would she like? Taemin knew she likes food and shopping. Maybe he could as her to meet him at the mall before the bakery. Then Taemin remembered that he saw a blue cat plush in her room. As well as other plush animals, but she seemed to be fond of that blue cat plush.
Shaking his head, Taemin gnashed his teeth and blushed. He shouldn't be too concern, right? Nari seemed fine when he left. They even hugged a couple of times, so that should count for something, but...was it weird that he was worried that she might not be okay? Was it weird that he was still worried? What the heck was wrong with him?!
Maybe I could get her one, Taemin thought.
"Why do you look so constipated?" Yeong-gi asked.
Taemin glared at him. "Shut up!"
Chapter Text
When Taemin left, Nari let out a sigh and looked at her phone. She pursed her lips and grimaced. Nari didn't know what Celine wanted, but Nari didn't want to see her. However, she knew she had to. Whatever the reason was, Nari knew it was either about the girls or her. If it was about her, Nari wasn't sure what she did wrong. She did stayed away from what the girls were doing, like Celine wanted, but what more would she want?
Nari took some of her clothes and quickly took a shower. After she was done, Nari put on a nice light blue long sleeve dress that went to passed her knees and it had white frills at the end of the skirt. The dress also had a matching light blue sailor collar with a black bow. There was a white laced belt around her waist and on the torso of the dress had a few buttons. After that she put her hair in a low ponytail with a light blue ribbon. Then she put on a little bit of makeup. Nari giggled. She still wanted to dress up a bit. Even though she had to see Celine, but she was going to see Taemin after that and she wanted to look nice.
Nari blushed at that last thought and shook her head. No! It's best for her not to think about those things. Even though she had been noticing it, but she wanted to ignore it.
When Nari got out of the bathroom, she grabbed her purse, and looked around for the girls as she went into the living room, but the only one who was sitting on the couch was Rumi. Nari raised a brow. She find it odd that Rumi was the only one here. Rumi was always with Mira and Zoey. She was watching T.V., hugging her legs, but she seemed to be lost into through than paying attention. On the coffee table was kimbap from last night. Rumi turned and smiled.
"Morning, Nari," Rumi greeted. "Where are you going?"
"Celine wanted to see me," Nari said. "So, I'm heading out and getting it over with."
Rumi chuckled. "Oh I'm sure it's nothing that bad. It's Celine after all. She may be strict, but she's nice."
Nari narrowed her eyes on that part. She knew full well that Celine didn't like her. As much as Nari really wanted to tell Rumi about Celine and what she thought of her, but Nari knew Rumi won't believe her. After all Celine raised Rumi. She was like a mother to Rumi. If Nari said something negative...Rumi might not believe her.
"So where is Mira and Zoey?" Nari asked.
"They're at the bathhouse right now and after that we're getting some junk food!" Rumi answered. "We're still writing Takedown and needed some energy. Also there was a demon that went through the Honmoon this morning, but everything's fine. Oh and can you make some fried chicken tonight?"
Nari nodded. "Sure, I will. Anyway, after my meeting with Celine, I'm going to see Taemin."
Rumi smirked. "Like on a date?"
"Rumi, it's not like that!"
Rumi looked at her from head to toe. "You sure?"
Nari sighed. "You're impossible!"
Rumi chuckled. "I'm sorry, but you're just too cute to tease!"
Nari shook her head. "I'll see you later. Bye!"
"Bye!"
With that, Nari put on her black flats and left the penthouse. She got into her car as she drove away. While going to Sunlight Entertainment, Nari stopped by at a drive thru coffee shop, getting some breakfast - an ice coffee and a breakfast sandwich. She even parked at a nearby parking lot just to eat her breakfast. Nari was trying to waste some time before she got to Sunlight Entertainment. Luckily, it was still early in the morning, albeit being nine in the morning, but still early.
Then her phone vibrated. Nari looked at her phone and her eyes widened. On her caller ID had Gwen's name on it. Smiling, Nari quickly answered the call.
"Hey Gwen!" Nari said.
Gwen let out a sigh. "Hey girly! I'm so glad you're okay. David told us you didn't answer after he told you what happened to your mom. We were glad that you answered and safe at the penthouse."
Nari chuckled nervously. "Yeah, sorry about that."
"Don't be. I get it. I'm glad that your mom is going okay and so are you. So what's new?"
"Nothing much. Just going to have a meeting with my boss and going to be on T.V. tomorrow."
Gwen gasped. "Oh yeah, Bobby told us!"
Nari frowned. "Since when?"
"After Huntrix first appeared in the Play Games with Us with the Saja Boys," Gwen answered. "The one with the slide. It was a couple days after the episode. He told us...mostly me and Minnie that we can't tell you until he told you."
Nari let out a sigh. Why wasn't she surprised about this? She should've suspected something when Bobby randomly told her about it when Huntrix and Saja Boys interacted each other the second time on the game show, but she didn't.
"I'm not surprised about that," Nari chuckled.
"But still, you're officially going to be on T.V.!" Gwen said. "You're going to be filming with both Huntrix and Saja Boys! I wondered if we're going to see something ship worthy!"
Nari shrugged. "Who knows, really? I don't think so. Anyway, how are you and Seong-min doing? I like your photos in Italy!"
"We're going great!" Gwen squealed. "We're at Japan right now and after that we're actually going back to Korea."
Nari frowned. "That soon?"
"We're actually stopping by." Gwen explained. "Minnie's parents wanted him back for a little bit for business purposes, but after that we'll resume our honeymoon and go to New Zealand. We could hang out again! I missed hanging out with you, Ri-Ri!"
Nari smiled. "I miss you too. We could eat at the night market or have some barbeque."
"I like that." Gwen paused and there was voices in the background. "Minnie says hi. He would've talk, but he just woke up."
Nari snickered. "Tell, Seong-min I said hi back. Anyway, I'll leave you two lovebirds alone. Have fun in Japan!"
Gwen chuckled. "We will, bye Ri-Ri!"
"Bye!"
Then Nari hung up the phone. She let out a sigh and looked at the time. It was still early. The conversation was basically fifteen minutes and Nari still had to go to Celine. She knew she could go there early and get it over with or just wait until twelve and get it over with. Both weren't in her favor. She wished she would've made breakfast and lunch for the girls, but they're basically going to order takeout.
Pursing her lips, Nari finished the last of her breakfast sandwich and started her car. Soon, she drove out of the parking lot and headed to Sunlight Entertainment. Nari was trying to drive slow as possible, to waste more time, but she knew she couldn't drive too slow or else she'll get in trouble for it. When she finally got to Sunlight Entertainment, Nari slowly got out of her car and walked over to the building. Each step she took felt like heavy bricks and all she could do was to stare nervously at the building. If it were a normal day at work, she wouldn't mind looking at the building. It made her forget that Celine owned it, but now Celine wanted to see her, Nari couldn't help and just stared at the building with fear.
Eventually, Nari got to the building entrance and went inside. As she headed to the elevator, some of the people who worked there, passed by and greeted her. Nari greeted back. Even some of the camera crew who were getting ready for tomorrow, greeted her too, which was nice of them. When Nari got to the elevator, she stepped inside and pressed the button. The elevator took her up. All Nari could hear was some of the Huntrix's songs, which gave her a source of comfort.
Ding!
Nari groaned as the elevator doors opened. She stepped out and walked through the halls. Her feet felt like bricks as she walked. When she got to Celine's office, Nari just stared at it. With a deep breath, Nari knocked on the door a few times.
"Come in," a familiar voice spoke.
With a nod, Nari opened the door and stepped inside, closing the door behind her. The first thing she saw was Celine, who was sitting at her desk, doing some paperwork. She looked up at Nari with an emotionless expression.
"Oh Nari you're here early," Celine said. "I supposed that's a good thing, since I do have a meeting at one. Do you know why I wanted you here?"
Nari shook her head. "No."
Celine pursed her lips. She took a remote from her desk and pressed a button. The T.V. on Nari's right turned on as it revealed the compilation video of what Nari did in the background from all three years when she was with the Huntrix. Not only that, but she even scrolled down and Nair saw all of the comments. All of them were praises how someone like Nari was that kind to do these things or how knowing how there are kind people like Nari out there.
"It came to my attention that you're going to be in the new T.V. specials with my hunters," Celine crossed her arms. "I thought you were aware to stay in your place."
Nari couldn't help and be taken aback of what Celine just said. So this was the reason why she wanted to see her? It was because she was going to be filming with Huntrix and Saja Boys? Nari knew she didn't ask to be in it. It just happened because the fans wanted it. Also she was told that because of her in it and what she did in the background, the ratings were good. So it made sense why on a business standpoint that the director and producer would want her to be in there frequently.
"Celine, I am," Nari assured her. "It's just that the fans wanted me to be in it."
Celine raised a brow and turned off the T.V. "The fans? The fans don't know nothing, Nari. I don't see the appeal. You're plain, boring, and dull. I understand that they wanted to see those demons on T.V., but you? What you did in the background was mundane. Anyone could do that. Even my hunters."
Can they? Nari wanted to ask, but she kept her mouth shut. She knew that Rumi, Mira, and Zoey love their fans. There were so many compilation videos of how kind they were to their fans and treat staff members with kindness, but they didn't had a video about them doing something similar to Nari. Even when the girls were around her, Bobby, or both, Nair never saw any of that. Even Bobby and Nari would know, since her uncle loves the girls like his own daughters and he would tell her everything.
"It's just what the fans wanted," Nari said. "There's nothing wrong with that."
Celine sighed. "Still, the fans should still be going after someone like Rumi, Mira, and Zoey. Look at them. They're beautiful, unique, and perfect. People wanted something different, not someone as everyday as you."
"Celine, I didn't know the cameras were watching me at the time," Nari explained. "It was a long time ago. Also, the main focus will be the girls and the Saja Boys. I'm just there for convenience."
Celine glanced to the side. "I supposed I can forgive that." then she looked at her. "I was told by Bobby that you wanted to be an idol when you were younger - a dream that he told me. Funny, how life turned out for you. You were never meant to be an idol. Considering the person you are, I know you won't be able to handle it."
Nari pursed her lips. "Actually, hearing my uncle's horror stories made me realized that being an idol wasn't worth it. I went with a normal job. Sure I still work for idols, but it's still a job."
"Surprisingly, Rumi, Mira, and Zoey can handle it," Celine stated. "They're brave, strong, and smart, unlike you. You're ignorant."
Celine looked at her from head to toe with a disgusted expression. It was like as if what Nari was wearing as too plain for her liking. Nari knew she wasn't cut out to be an idol, much less a hunter. She knew she wasn't brave, strong, and smart, but the thing was that, it's okay she wasn't that. Nari knew that, but the more Celine talked, the more Nari wanted to talk back, but she knew she couldn't say anything. Celine is her boss. If she insulted her in any other way, Nari would be fired. Worst case scenario, Celine would blacklist her, which was something Nari never wanted to happen. She loves her job.
"I know I'm not like Rumi, Mira, and Zoey," Nari said. "by looks and abilities, but that doesn't change anything about me."
Celine nodded. "I know. As we talked last time, you are kind, but that kindness of yours, is a flaw. If you were a hunter, you would've been killed first upon the battlefield."
Nari knew that last part was true. She knew full well she probably wouldn't survive in a battlefield like Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, but she knew that her kindness wasn't a flaw. She was still kind to the girls and kind to the Saja Boys. Even though Nari knew their goal, but she still treated them as human beings.
"Who knows would happen if I was a hunter," Nari said. "I'm still the same person even if I had to be one."
"Would you?" Celine questioned. "I heard from Bobby you have three older brothers, right? What if those brothers gave their soul to Gwi-Ma and got turned into demons? You do know that you'll have to fight them and sent them back - "
"I will save them," Nari answered.
Celine blinked. "What?"
Then there was silence. Celine looked at her with confusion. At first, Nari glared at her and clenched her fists but she relaxed. With a deep breath, she smiled - a confidence smile. It was like she was expecting Nari to answer something to what Rumi, Mira, and Zoey would do.
Nari knew she wasn't the kind of person to let anything happen to the people she cared about and if her brothers somehow gave their souls to Gwi-Ma and got turned into demons, Nari will save them. However, what she didn't like was Celine dragging her brothers into this. Nari knew that her uncle likes to talk about his family and she couldn't blame him on that, but Celine telling her that she had no choice and make the same decisions as the girls...Nari knew she wasn't that kind of person to let those things happen.
"I will save them," Nari repeated. "I'm not going to let my brothers suffer and I would do anything in my power to save them. If it's permanent and they're immortal, then I'll try to find a way to make them mortal. I don't want them to suffer a life of immortality. If I have to fight other demons, I will. I will still respect the demons. They were human and I will treat them with empathy because of how they suffered. I don't care if what I'm doing is against what being a true hunter is, but my priority will be my brothers than anyone else. I will sacrifice myself for them. I will do it again."
"If you had a boyfriend?" Celine questioned. "If he got turned into a demon?"
"Same thing!" Nari answered. "I will try to save him. Even if he was already a demon before we met, I will help him. Nothing will change because I love Ta - "
I love Taemin!
Nari stopped and gasped. Her eyes widened with realization as what she almost said. Her heart was pounding as she tried to processed everything. The thought of Taemin echoed in her head. How she almost thought of him all the time, how she blushed around him, and how she enjoyed being around him. Not only that, but he made her felt safe whenever he's around. Deep down, Nari did noticed these lingering feelings, but she ignored them. However, right now, talking to Celine and coming to terms with her feelings for Taemin, Nari knew she couldn't finish that sentence without accidently giving away. She didn't want Taemin to be put in danger because of her.
Celine raised a brow. "You love what?"
"Nothing will change because I love him," Nari finished.
Celine glared at her. "You're willingly to fall in love with a demon?"
Nari nodded. "Yes."
The look Celine gave her was hard to describe. It was a mix of disgust and anger. It was like Celine didn't think a normal human - someone who wasn't a hunter would think something like that. However, Nari knew if given the chance, this was what kind of hunter she would be. Someone who was kind, empathized with the demons, but still have to fight them, and will also try to save her love ones if they got turned into demons. She was willingly to protect them and find way to help them, even if she had to fight other hunters. She would do it, even if it cost her life.
"You are a fool," Celine said. "A foolish idiot. A hunter like that will obviously be dead. You'll be used, deceived, and manipulated. Like our conversation before Nari, you are very naive - ignorant. Demons aren't nice. At least, Rumi, Mira, and Zoey aren't like that and I'm glad they're not. All of the hunters before me, never did something like that. Unlike you, we are perfect."
For some reason, Nari didn't believe that. Four hundred years and there was no documents of anything like that or other colors of Honmoon, just blue and gold? How there weren't any nice demons or how no one fell in love with a demon? Nari did find it hard to believe. She really did. However, Nari couldn't help and noticed a hint of confidence in her. Something in her was telling her to keep talking.
"Perfection doesn't last forever." Nari blurted out. "If perfection does last, then the golden Honmoon would've last forever, not ten to twenty years. You told me these things, but is there proof? Where are your records? Don't hunters like you have copies of everything that had happened over four hundred years ago? Why should I believe your word when there is no evidence?"
There was a dead silence. Celine's eyes widened. She pursed her lips and glared up at Nari with intense hatred. Slowly, she got up from her desk and walked over to her. As she stood in front of Nari, Celine raised her hand.
SLAP!!!
Nari winced in pain with wide eyes. Celine grabbed her by her cheeks, forcing Nari to look at her. Celine was breathing heavily. Nari didn't expected Celine would slap her. She couldn't help and be shock about it.
"How dare you say that to me?" Celine hissed. "You are rude. Know your place, Kim Nari. You an outsider. Who just found out on what was going on between my hunters and those demons. That doesn't make you special. You, bitch."
Nari shivered. Her chest pounded with fear. She wanted Celine to let go of her. To just tell her to stay out of the way and leave her alone, but for some reason, Celine didn't like her because she reminded her of someone...was it because of Ryu Mi-yeong? Nari remembered last night that her uncle told her about Ryu- Mi-yeong and how kind she was. Not only that, but Nari did thought that Celine was talking about Ryu Mi-yeong. Although Nari did thought it was impossible because she died giving birth to Rumi. However, deep down, Nari did wondered if it was really Ryu Mi-yeong.
Celine glared at her. "Those demons made their choice when they sold their souls to Gwi-Ma. There's no hope for them. Even those Saja Boys. All of those filthy being will be confided to eternal hell. They don't know anything about being humans anymore. They only know how to deceive and manipulate. Why waste time on showing them kindness and love when they truly don't deserve it? Demons don't deserved kindness and love from humans."
"Is that what you told Ryu Mi-yeong?" Nari asked.
Celine froze as she turned pale. It was like as if she didn't expected Nari to mention her former friend. However, given the silence and the way Celine was acting when Nari mentioned Rumi's mother and how Celine told her someone she knew was similar to Nari, as well as finding out that Ryu Mi-yeong was also a kind person, it made Nari wondered if she was referring to Ryu Mi-yeong.
Then Celine sank her nails onto Nari's left cheek and scratched her cheek. The tip of Celine's long nails were covered in blood - Nari's blood. Nari tried stayed calm as possible as her cheek stung with pain, but she couldn't help and feel scared.
"That's none of your business," Celine answered. "Just be happy that I'll let it slide that you'll be feature in those T.V. specials because of how my hunters needed to make the Honmoon gold. Now get out!"
Nari nodded. "Yes, Celine."
Celine leaned to Nari and whispered in her ear. "Remember, stay out of the way. You better behave or you'll be punish."
Nari's eyes widened. Punished? The thought of being punished by Celine...what would she do to her? Nari wasn't sure, but she really didn't want to know. Celine's a former hunter, but still a hunter, she wouldn't try to hurt a civilian, would she?
Nari bowed to Celine and left the office. She quickly walked over to the elevator, stepped inside, and pressed the down button. Nari let out a heavy sigh, processing what had just happened. Celine didn't like the fact that someone like Nari was getting attention and to be featured with Huntrix and Saja Boys, even though the focus would be mostly on the two groups. It wasn't like Nari was trying to steal the spotlight. She just happened to be noticed by the fans. She was just being herself. Not only that, Celine tried to use her brothers to make a point of what Nari would have to do if she was a hunter and of course Nari wouldn't do something like that. She even called Celine out on everything she heard.
The girls told her demons aren't nice, but Taemin and the Saja Boys prove to Nari that they are nice. Demons manipulate and deceived others. Nari knew that was true, but considering the fact that Gwi-Ma turns humans into demons by his own power...there had to be some sort of force connection between them, if that was the case.
Nari even mentioned Ryu Mi-yeong to Celine. From what happened when Nari mentioned Ryu Mi-yeong, it seemed to confirmed that Celine was talking about Rumi's mother. However, Rumi's mother died from childbirth. If Ryu Mi-yeong did had empathy for demons, despite coming from a legacy of hunters, how were those ideals conflicted with the rest of the Sunlight Sisters? Nari wasn't sure, but a part of her did wanted to believe that Rumi's mother died from childbirth. However, deep down, Nari wondered if that was the case. What id it was a lie? What id Ryu Mi-yeong was killed because of her kindness? If that was true, how did Ryu Mi-yeong actually died, if death by childbirth wasn't true? Where was the other Sunlight sister, Lee Yeon-hwa? Wouldn't it make sense that she would be around for Rumi? Why live off grid? Did something happened during the breakup? It just gives Nari more questions than answers.
The elevator doors opened and Nari stepped outside. She walked over to her car, went inside, started it, and drove away from Sunlight Entertainment. She headed to the direction of Taemin's apartment building. The thought of Taemin made her blushed. She couldn't help and replay what she almost said.
When Nari got near the apartment building, she parted across the street, and got out of her car. Locking it, she walked towards the apartment building. While she was walking, she could hear her chest pounding.
Nari wondered why she love Taemin. Was there supposed to be a reason? He's a demon and she's a human, but the thing was that she didn't care if he's a demon. Sure Taemin was way older than her by five hundred years, but she met him as an adult, so it's fine. Taemin's immortal, but Nari didn't mind that. She still loves him even if she's an old lady. Would their relationship cause problems to others? What would happen if she told him? What would Huntrix and Saja Boys would think if they found out? Why does she love him? How much does she love him?
Then Nari stopped, her eyes widened, and her heart soared. Standing at the front of the apartment gates was Taemin. He was wearing a simple black hoodie with a jersey over it, ripped denim jeans, and a black cap. He was looking at his phone and holding a small bag. Taemin turned as their eyes met.
Oh...
I love him, Nari thought. I love him! None of that matters! I just love him!
"Yo!" Taemin made a small smile, but his smile faded. "Nari, what happened to your face?!"
Before Nari could react, Taemin rushed over to her. Nari realized that her face was scratched by Celine. The same spot where she slapped her. Taemin put his phone away and placed his hands on her shoulders, looking at her fresh wound. Carefully, he reached out and touch her cheek, which caused Nari to winced and flinched. Pursing his lips, Taemin sighed. Pink smoke surrounded them and the next thing Nari knew, they were in front of a small convenience store.
"Stay right here, I'll be right back," he said.
Nari nodded as Taemin handed her the small bag he was carrying and he went inside. It didn't took long for him to come out of the store with bags of bandages, alcohol wipes, and ointment. Taemin took her to the nearest bench and sat her down. As Taemin sat next to her, Taemin started to carefully clean her wound. After that was done, he put on some ointment and a bandage. Nari couldn't help and blushed by Taemin's touch and how his calloused, but soft hands carefully treated her wound.
"Are you okay, Nari?" Taemin asked. "What happened?"
Nari chuckled. "I'm fine, really. Celine just got mad at me because of something I said."
"So she scratched you?"
"Well, she...slapped me and then scratched me."
Taemin frowned. "Isn't she like a hunter."
"Former hunter, but yes. She's still my boss, though."
Then Taemin took the small bag, pulled it it, and hold it up to Nari's face. Nari blinked. What Taemin was holding was a cute white cat plush with blue eyes. It had a pink bow and there was a pink flower on the ear. The plush was in a sitting position.
"Take it!" Taemin looked away.
Nari giggled and took the plush. "Thank you! I'll make sure this guy protects me."
Taemin rolled his eyes. "I'm sure the hunters will do that more. Didn't they put some talismans around you or something?"
"To be honest, I don't know if they did."
"They would have to be idiots if they didn't."
Nari stared at her new plush and she put it in the bag, while Taemin just sat there. He looked like he was thinking about something. However, Nari knew that when she gets back to the penthouse, she would buddle with her new plush.
Then Nari stood up and so did Taemin. At once, the two walked to the direction of Patisserie Park. While they were walking, Nari looked at Taemin. Nari knew she couldn't tell Taemin her feelings for him. It might trouble him. Nari knew that Taemin told her that if she had anything on her mind or want to complain, she could tell him, but even though there were some things that she couldn't tell him, like Celine threatening her. Her love for him was something she couldn't tell him. Nari wasn't sure what would happen, but she had a feeling that Taemin doesn't feel the same. He's a demon and he's probably interested in other demons. Or like his friends, interested in other humans that happened to be famous. Nari was none of those things. So it was best for her not to say anything.
However, Nari did wondered how she could help Taemin. Nari really wanted Taemin to be free from all of this - from Gwi-Ma and without any worries of getting souls, and being in the demon realm. Just be an idol and perform. Nari was sure Gwi-Ma has connections to the demons he created, but the question was that how could that be broken. How could a demon break their connection from the demon king?
However, the only problem was that Nari wasn't sure where to start first. She couldn't ask Celine for obvious reasons. She couldn't ask the girls unless she wanted to expose that she had been hanging out with Taemin and they might tell Celine. There was Lee Yeon-hwa, but Nari wasn't sure where she's at. Was there such thing as a Honmoon that could let demons passed through without trying to steal souls, but wanting to be free from Gwi-Ma and their shame? Over all, trying to figure everything out was like a needle in a haystack. Not only that, but Celine told her not to get involved or else she'll punish her.
I'll do it for you, Taemin, Nari thought. I'll make sure to free you from Gwi-Ma.
Nari knew she was taking a risk, but she would do it. As long as Nari stayed away and try to figure things out behind the scenes, then she should be safe from Celine. Nari wasn't sure where to start first, but she will do it for Taemin. She loves him and she would do anything to make sure that he's not confided in the demon realm forever. She wanted him to be free him his shame and be free from Gwi-Ma.
Even if it cost her own life.
~OoO~
Taemin watched as the cashier gave him and Nari their cakes. The bakery, Patisserie Park was a medium size cafe. The inside was simple. On the side of the cafe had booth seating, while the rest of the area had simple tables and chairs. The atmosphere was very calming and quiet, which was something Taemin like. Taemin and Nari were sitting in the corner, away from people. Nari had ordered one cake for each of them, since it was Taemin's first time in the bakery, it made sense that she wanted to let him try one cake before she ordered tons of them. The cake in front of Taemin was a chocolate mousse cake, while Nari had something called an ube cheesecake.
Taking a fork, Taemin took a bite of his cake. He nodded to himself. He liked how rich and light the cake was. It wasn't too sweet either. Taemin looked over at Nari, who was enjoying eating her cake. He wondered if ube is good. He never heard something like that before.
"Do you mind if I try yours, Nari?" Taemin asked. "I never had ube."
Nari nodded. "Sure! Ube is actually a purple yam. It looks like other sweet potatoes, but inside is purple."
Nari slide her plate over to him. Taemin cut a piece, stared, and sniff at it. Then he took a bite. He nodded as he leaned against his chair. The ube had a nice flavor of sweet, nutty, and earthy flavor. It even balanced out the cheese. Like with the other cake, it wasn't too sweet.
"This is good," Taemin said.
Nari smiled. "I'm glad you like it. I try to go here as often as possible, but it's a bit far from the penthouse, so I try to go here at least once a week."
"I can see why. This place is nice. I wouldn't mind going here." Taemin looked at her. "I-I wouldn't mind trying your versions of these cakes too."
Taemin knew Nari was a good cook in her own right. He wouldn't mind trying anything from her. If Nari was back in his time and he got to be served by her food, he would eat it in a heartbeat.
Nari blinked and chuckled. "Of course. If we have time between filming, maybe we can bake together!"
Taemin smiled. "I like that."
Nari giggled as she continued to eat her cake and Taemin ate his as well. Taemin's eyes softened. He was glad that Nari was back to normal, despite the wound on her face. He did wondered why this Celine - this former hunter did this to her. It wasn't like Nari was a threat or anything. She's just a person who happened to find out about hunters and demons. Besides, it's not like Nari was asking to be a hunter or asking those hunters to let her fight. She pretty much stayed away.
"By the way, what did that boss of yours wanted to talk about?" Taemin questioned. "Aside from what she did to you?"
Nari merely shrugged. "She questioned about my involvement in filming with you guys and the girls. She said that I'm plain looking and not a unique beauty like Rumi, Mira, and Zoey. She's not wrong. They're very beautiful."
Taemin raised a brow at that last part as he took a good look at Nari. Nari does looked...cute today...actually she always looked cute. Even though she does have a plain appearance, even with little makeup, but Taemin always thought she looked cute. Taemin never understood that Hwan and Yeong-gi said that she's not idol looking. Was it because they think she's not pretty enough to be an idol like Huntrix? The hunters do have beauty that made them stand out from other idols, but they're okay to him. They reminded him of those noble women who tried to get their way with him during banquets.
Besides, this Celine...Taemin was tempted on wanting to fight her. However, he knew for Nari's sake that he shouldn't do that. Taemin could tell that Nari loves her job and he was sure that despite what was going on with Celine, Nari would like to keep her job. Also Taemin knew Celine was wrong about Nari's looks.
Taemin scoffed. "Tch, well she's blind. To me, you're a lily in a sea of hibiscus."
Eyes widened, Taemin realized what he just said. Nari frowned with confusion at what he just said, but Taemin's cheeks darkened. He cursed himself as he cleared his throat and shoved a large piece of cake into his mouth. Then Nari chuckled and continued to eat her cake. Taemin let out a sigh. At least he didn't had to explain what he meant. Of all things, Taemin said a flower metaphor just like his father. Now Taemin wondered if he should be worried, since how he's sounding like his father.
"So, what do you think we're going to film about tomorrow?" Taemin asked.
"I'm not sure," Nari replied. "My uncle won't tell me. I hope it's nothing scary."
Taemin smirked. "You don't like anything scary?"
Nari nodded. "Y-Yeah, I can't watch scary movies. I get scared easily."
Taemin chuckled. "I find it ironic, since you're hanging out with a demon, but ever since coming to the human world, I do like horror films. I find it fascinating. Even zombie movies. Besides, whatever the staff had in store, they don't scare me."
Nari sighed. "You say that now and they scare you."
"Tch! As if they could scare a demon. I like to see them try."
Then the two laughed as the cashier brought them their boba tea. After that, the two walked out of Patisserie Park. While they walked, Taemin took a sip of his boba tea as he stared at Nari. His eyes softened. Taemin couldn't help and thought about if those hunters were doing their job in protecting Nari. He knew they were trying to make sure their fans were on their side, but anything could happen to Nari if they weren't paying attention. Taemin knew his friends had no interest on getting Nari's soul since the fans were the goal, but Taemin wasn't sure what would happen. Win or loose, souls will be taken and Taemin didn't want Nari's soul to be taken.
Taemin knew he couldn't take Nari's soul, but that wouldn't stop other demons sent by Gwi-Ma. Taemin wanted to put some protection on her, but the thing was that demons could sense each others magical presence. If Taemin did that, his friends would noticed and other demons too. Gwi-Ma wouldn't be happy about it and who knows what would the king do to him. The only way he could do was to make sure the hunters were doing their job. The last thing he needed was them not doing their job.
If Gwi-Ma called him back into the demon realm, then Taemin could go to the library. He might be able to find something that could hide his presence when he does protect Nari. Many demons in the past had put records of what they discovered when using their abilities to help new demons. There had to be something in those books that could help him. Luckily, so far, Gwi-Ma didn't noticed that Taemin couldn't hear him when he's around Nari, but the thing was that whenever Taemin wasn't around Nari and he thought of her, he could barely hear Gwi-Ma. As long as he pretended to hear Gwi-Ma, he should be fine.
Besides, even though Taemin and every other demon had to listen to Gwi-Ma, but it's basically politics. Taemin grew up learning about it when he was a prince. It does come in handy and Gwi-Ma's ruling - unlike the one Taemin experienced under his father's rule was different. Taemin could tell Gwi-Ma was a tyrannical king. It was simple to follow what he wants because all Taemin had to do was to what he was told or else he dies. All demons have a connection to him and it's hard to sever the connection.
Although, Taemin was around Nari all the time, he could still feel the connection to Gwi-Ma. All he wanted was Nari to be safe from any demons lurking around. Win or loose, her safety was important. At the end of the day, if Taemin had to be confided in the demon realm for the next two decades, at least he knew Nari would be alive. Taemin knew that if his group does win, Nari would want him to personally take her soul instead. That was the last thing Taemin wanted to do.
Can I do it? Taemin thought. Am I able to protect her?
Taemin knew that it might be a bit risky if he did that. He knew he was protecting a human against Gwi-Ma's wishes. Taemin wasn't sure if it had been done before or if any other demon had went against Gwi-Ma. If there were demons that went against Gwi-Ma, then the king might've let that information be hidden. However, if protecting Nari would risk his own life, then he would do it. Taemin wasn't sure what would happen at the end, but he will do it.
"Taemin, are you okay?" Nari asked.
Taemin gasped and blinked. He had realized he stopped walking and looked around. They were at the parking lot where Nari had parked her car. They were only a few feet away from it. Nari looked worried. Taemin almost winced. He didn't like that he was making her worried.
"Is there something wrong?" Nari questioned.
Nari reached out and placed a hand on his cheek. Taemin couldn't help and relax by her touch as he put his hand over hers. Her hand was soft and warm.
"I'm fine, Nari," Taemin assured her.
Nari smiled. "I'm glad."
"I'll see you tomorrow and be careful on your way home."
Nari giggled. "Thank you for worrying about me."
Taemin huffed. "Tch! Whatever!"
Then Nari hugged him and Taemin hugged her back. After a long minute or so, the two broke apart and Nari patted his head. Taemin still grumbled about it, but he still let Nari do it. After that, Taemin watched Nari walked over to her car, got inside, and started it. as she backed out of the parking lot, she waved at him, and drove away. Taemin watched as Nari's car disappeared, turning to a corner. Taemin let out a sigh. He looked at the time. It was only the evening, but he knew Nari had to make dinner for the hunters. He still wondered why they're that useless on cooking. Even Taemin at least knew some basics and he was a prince!
Suddenly, Taemin saw the Honmoon glowed slightly red. He knew right away Gwi-Ma had sent a demon through the Honmoon. Right away, Taemin texted Jinu, telling him that he'll be coming home late and that he'll be back before dinner. Taemin teleported on top of a building across from the Huntrix penthouse. He carefully peered down as he saw the hunters run off with their weapons. Nari, on the other hand was already inside. Despite being across the street, he could still see her through the windows. She was in the kitchen, making dinner - fried chicken probably. Taemin let out a sigh. Nari came back safely.
Taemin teleported again. He appeared in the shadows in an alleyway where the hunters were fighting. He watched in the shadows as they stabbed and sliced the demons. Taemin pursed his lips and crossed his arms as he watched the fight. He will admit that they're skilled and that they're doing their job. Taemin knew if given the chance, he could take them easily. However, he still wondered if they were doing their other job - protecting others who were close to them. Taemin knew that Nari and the hunters weren't exactly friends. Just a working relationship. However, in his opinion, he felt like they're taking her for granted.
"That's the last of them," Mira huffed.
"We should get back," Rumi said. "Nari's making fried chicken!"
Zoey gasped. "That sounds so good!"
"You sure you want to leave?" Taemin spoke.
The hunters gasped and pointed their weapons to Taemin's direction. Shaking his head, Taemin levitated down as he came out of the shadows. The hunters looked baffled that he was here, but Taemin just glared at them.
"You sent those demons here?!" Rumi exclaimed.
"Tch!" Taemin scoffed. "Far from it, hunter. Just saw Gwi-Ma sent his demons here and I thought I watch the show." he leaned against the wall and smirked. "You hunters are skilled, but not skilled enough."
"What is that supposed to mean," Zoey growled.
"Do you have any plans on protecting the girl?" Taemin asked.
Taemin wanted to say Nari's name. He really did, but he knew he couldn't. If he did, it would let those hunters know that he's familiar with her and the last thing he wanted was those hunters, not only trying to sent him back to the demon realm, but possibly confront Nari. He didn't want to cause trouble for her, so the best thing he could do was to pretend he didn't know her.
Rumi frowned. "Girl? Who are you talking about?"
"Wait," Mira took a step forward. "Are you talking about Nari?"
Taemin rolled his eyes. "Wow, you're slow and I thought you're smart. Of course I'm talking about the girl. Who else?"
"You won't take her soul from us!" Zoey shouted.
Taemin laughed. "Don't worry, I won't. My friends and I aren't even planning to take her soul, but other demons Gwi-Ma is sending...well those guys won't get the memo that she's off limits for now. They take whoever they want. It's only been a month since the girl found out about hunters and demons. I wouldn't be surprised if you hunters won't noticed if she disappeared until you need her to cook for you."
"Shut up!" Mira snapped.
Mira lunged at him, but Taemin made a mocking yawned and moved to the side. Before Mira could turn to strike him again, Taemin kicked her wrist by launching his foot up, causing her to let go. Taemin jumped, kick the spear as it soared through the air and stuck into the wall. Taemin levitated himself down, smirking. The hunters stared at him with baffled expressions. It was like as if they never saw a demon doing something like this before. Unlike his friends who fight with their claws, Taemin used his abilities that he knew from his time as a prince.
Taemin shook his head. "I bet you don't care about her."
"We do care about Nari!" Zoey shouted.
Taemin scoffed. "Tch, not what I saw. From what I'm seeing, you hunters are taking her for granted."
"No, we're not!" Rumi glared at him.
Taemin raised a brow. "Did you hunters put any protection on her ever since she found out or were you just too busy to make sure that we don't take your fans?"
Then there was silence. No hunter said anything and the silence was speaking for itself. Taemin's face darkened. He really wanted to yell at them to protect Nari. To do something. Take their job seriously and protect her too. Not just their fans, but also her. Gwi-Ma was sending demons and if Nari came across one - without any protection, she will die. Taemin knew Nari was always there for those hunters. Cooks, cleans, takes care of them financially, and being their assistant manager. She does it without complain and this was what she was getting? No protection from other demons?!
"Well that answered my question," Taemin turned around and looked back as he glared at them. His eyes turned golden-yellow. "It's okay you don't take my word as gospel, but the facts don't lie."
Zoey threw a dagger at him, but Taemin teleported away before it hit him. Taemin appeared in front of his apartment and opened the door. He marched inside, took off his shoes, and headed to the fridge. A seething anger rises in him. He could feel his patterns creeping onto his face. Taemin opened the fridge and took out a bottle of cheongju. Popping the bottle open, Taemin took a shot glass, and poured it. He drank it and gnashed his teeth as he sat on the couch.
He couldn't believe it. Was he really dealing with incompetent hunters? How could they be so thick about it? Nari was the only human from the outside that found out about hunters and demons and those hunters didn't bother to put any protection on her? Wouldn't that be the first thing they do? Taemin knew the fans were important because of the Honmoon, but Nari was important too. They were taking Nari for granted, weren't they?
Taemin drank another shot of cheongju. He knew that in case if they don't believe him, Taemin knew he needed to be quick and careful. If Gwi-Ma summoned him and his friends, then Taemin would use that advantage to look into the library and find something. Anything that could concealed the presence of his demon magic from other demons. Taemin knew that if he goes back to the demon realm, it would be suspicious and he didn't want that. Not only that, but if Gwi-Ma knew about Nari, he would use her against him or kill her. However, if things were getting serious, Taemin knew he would need to use his magic to protect Nari without finding out how to conceal his presence. He was willingly to take the risk if anything happens.
Blinking, Taemin's eyes softened as he chuckled to himself. He was really taking this risk for a human, huh? Everything that was happening, he didn't know why. He wasn't sure why he's going out of his way for Nari. Every time he was around her, he felt like he didn't had to worry about anything anymore. He was confused. He didn't understand it, but at the same time, he was glad that he was doing it.
As long as I could protect her, Taemin thought.
~OoO~
Rumi stared at the spot where Baby disappeared. From her meeting with Jinu...this had to be the most surprising one. She never expected Baby of all people would talk about Nari. Those two barely interacted. However, Rumi knew she wouldn't let that happen to Nari. Once they make the Honmoon gold, her patterns would be gone and so would the Saja Boys. However, she couldn't help and noticed what Baby said. How they took Nari for granted. Rumi knew he was lying. They don't take Nari for granted. Rumi knew she didn't had time to make a shield for Nari, but she was sure Mira and Zoey did it.
"Rumi, did you put a protection barrier on Nari?" Mira asked.
Rumi frowned. "I-I thought you did. Zoey?"
Zoey shook her head. "I didn't."
Glancing to the side, Rumi turned pale. So none of them did it. No...Rumi remembered. The three of them were focus on making the diss track because the Honmoon was slowly breaking. All of this time...Nari was walking around being unprotected. She could've gotten her soul taken any time!
Facts don't lie. Baby's voice rang in her head.
As much as Rumi wanted everything Baby said was a lie...she knew it wasn't. They didn't put anything on Nari to protect her. Not only that, but the way Baby was glaring at them. Why did it felt like he was threatening them to make sure Nari was protected? He barely knows her. In fact...the only time Nari and Baby interacted was when Nari was being harassed by Yun Hak-yeon and Baby protected her from him. However, Rumi knew that they needed to put a protection barrier on Nari. It was the least they could do. Rumi didn't realized she neglecting Nari. She was so focus on trying to get the fans, making the diss track, and worrying about her patterns that Nari was potentially be in danger.
"Let's go back," Rumi said.
Mira nodded. "The faster we get back, the faster we get to Nari!"
Zoey sighed. "I feel so bad!"
Rumi paced a hand on Zoey's shoulder. "Hey, don't beat yourself up, Zoey. We all messed up."
Mira crossed her arms. "I know demons lie, but Baby...was telling us the truth?"
"If we think about it, there are some truth to it," Rumi explained. "Jinu did told us that Nari wasn't supposed to be kidnapped by Abby and Romance, which was true and Nari didn't get her soul taken. They basically don't want nothing to do with her. Gwi-Ma did sent demons that we just fought, so that is another truth. Nari, not having a protective barrier is another truth. Why Baby was questioning us, I don't know."
"Maybe he does want her soul," Zoey guessed.
Mira growled. "Oh that better not be his plan."
Rumi wasn't sure. She wanted to believe it, but at the same time, she wasn't sure. From all of her interaction with Baby, he basically didn't want anything to do with them. Rumi was sure that he didn't even know their names. Nari was the least person to be on his mind.
"Do you think we are taking Nari for granted?" Zoey asked.
"I don't think so," Mira answered.
"He was probably using her to rile us up," Rumi said. "Let's just go back. Nari's waiting for us and we have filming tomorrow."
Mira and Zoey nodded as the three of them hurry back. It didn't took them long to get back to the penthouse. When they got there, the first thing they saw was a steaming plate of fried chicken, with side dishes, and soju. On the couch was Nari who was fast asleep and on her lap was her laptop, which was on sleep mode. In Nari's arms was a white cat plush. Zoey cooed and Mira chuckled. The three of them walked over to Nari. Zoey took her laptop and cat plush, Mira carried Nari in her arms, and Rumi helped them to get to Nari's room.
When they got to Nari's room, Mira laid her down, and Zoey set her laptop on her nightstand. She even placed Nari's cat plush in her arms too. The two took a step back as they stood by Rumi. As Rumi stared at Nari, she couldn't help and wondered what happened to Nari's cheek. Rumi knew she saw Nari come home with a bandage on her face and Mira did asked about it, but Nari told them not to worry about it. Rumi knew that Nari was going to see Celine, so did something happened there? She knew that there was no way Celine would hurt Nari. After all, Nari was a civilian. There was no reason to hurt her. Besides, maybe Nari just trip or something on the way back.
Then, Rumi, Mira, and Zoey nodded to each other. At once the three let out a soft melody. They reached out and a blue string glow appeared. Rumi, Mira, and Zoey grasped the Honmoon and use it as they wrapped it around Nari. The blue glow vanished, but Rumi could see it around Nari.
"Do you think this would work?" Zoey asked. "Has the barrier been use on regular people?"
Rumi opened her mouth and stopped. From everything Celine taught her, Rumi only knew that using the Honmoon as a protective shield could work against demons, since it was only those who were spiritually connected to the Honmoon can be protected. It was rare to use the Honmoon as a barrier for themselves, but it has happened to previous hunters. However, on a regular human like Nari? Rumi wasn't sure. Celine never told her, so it was probably not been done before.
"I don't know," Rumi answered. "but it should work. We all can see it on her."
"Rumi, the Honmoon is slowly starting to get weakened...," Mira stated. "Wouldn't the barrier around Nari get weakened too?"
Rumi narrowed her eyes. Since Nari was the only person who knew about what they were doing outside of being an idol, she needs to be protected. They couldn't just splattered her with yellow talismans. People and the Saja Boys would get suspicious.
"It's the only option we have," Rumi said. "We'll just need to make sure the barrier isn't red. For now, we need to focus for tomorrow."
Mira and Zoey nodded as Rumi put the covers over Nari. Mira even brushed a strand of hair off of Nari's face. Then the three of them quickly, but quietly walk out of her room as they closed the door.
"Goodnight, Nari," the girls said.
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Last Edited Thu 17 Jul 2025 05:09AM UTC
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