Love Thy Neighbor

by dirtyseouls

Summary:

Huntrix is a global sensation-- their music reaches audiences on every continent. A rising boy band is becoming their main competition, even though their songs are annoying (and catchy). What happens when the luxury apartment across from Huntrix has new tenets?

Notes:

+this is normal-idol, non-demon, non-hunter AU
+Huntrix and Saja Boys are K-pop rivals
+they know of each other vaguely but are in different companies so not that close

Chapter 1: Welcome Home

The clinking of keys told Mira and Rumi that Zoey was back from getting dinner with her parents who were in Korea visiting. The door popped open followed by her melodic humming. 

 

“Oh hey girls!” She exclaimed, all smiles. 

 

“How was dinner?” Rumi asked, both her and Mira glancing over the couch. They had put on some reality show, but it had long been forgotten as they both dived into their own phones and games. This was the best about her best friends— they could hang out by doing absolutely nothing and it just felt so cozy. 

 

“It was so yummy! Dad’s got a business expo to get to next week so they’re going to head back to California early. My mom was fretting over how skinny I am, she ordered me THREE entrees” Zoey rambled, holding up a plastic bag of leftovers. “So if you guys want any, help yourself! How was your night in?”

 

Mira groaned, turning into a yawn and a thorough stretch. “It was boring, so therefore it was amazing.” 

 

Rumi smiled softly. “It was nice to just hang out and relax.” 

 

Both Mira and Zoey gasped excessively in a joking manner. “Our workaholic queen felt relaxed?!” They said in unison, all three girls devolving into laughter at the words. 

 

“Oh, by the way, the chaebol family is moving out. I ran into Mrs. Lee in the lobby and she thanked us for being such good neighbors. Said the movers should be around this week and then some new tenets are moving in.” Zoey’s eyes lit up then. “I’m hoping it’s some hot guys we can look at!!” 

 

Mira snorted loudly. “Yeah, like there are many men our age that have enough money to afford that apartment. What is it? Triple the size of ours? They’d have to be another chaebol. Which in that case, off limits. Idols and the wealthy don’t mingle.” 

 

Zoey pouted at her words. “But unnie I just wajt some eye candy. Something to dream about, hm?” 

 

Rumi giggled, folding her legs into a pretzel. “You two are ridiculous. Whoever it is, I just hope they’re nice and don’t complain a lot. You remember the older couple at the last building we lived in?” 

 

All three of them groaned at the memories. Back before they were a huge worldwide sensation, but before Huntrix was a household name. A call from the landlord was a weekly occurrence, complaints about noise and the girls coming and leaving at odd hours due to their schedules. 

 

“Maybe we should make them food? You know, a peace offering up front to suss out the vibes?” Zoey offered, gaining Rumi’s attention. 

 

Mira, however, scrunched her nose. “I’m not cooking homemade food for a stranger. Besides… what if they’re like super allergic to something and we don’t know and end up nearly killing them?”

 

Rumi rolled her eyes, grinning nonetheless at the always brooding Mira. “Then we ask beforehand! I think it’s a great idea, Zoey.” 

 

The younger’s eyes lit up at the praise, always looking to please what felt like her older sisters. 

 

“I’ll ask the front desk tomorrow if they know when the new tenants will be moved in so we can plan. Our schedule is so light right now anyway before we really start grinding for the comeback.” Rumi already had a plan, Zoey loved it but Mira only sighed in defeat. 

 

———-

 

Rumi tapped her manicured fingers on the marble counter top of the front desk, waiting for the building manager to return from his office. 

 

“Mhm… okay, yeah. It looks like the move in date is set to be Saturday.” The manager said, walking back toward the desk. “Not sure who exactly it is since it’s a company paying for the lease, but I’m assuming their pretty famous as this paper contract has a lot of privacy waivers.” 

 

Rumi hummed, her brain thinking through the possibilities. Maybe a famous actor and his family? Maybe someone higher up in Samsung or Hyundai? “Interesting, well thanks for the heads up, Kihyun! We’re going to make some goodies and bring them over as a welcome gift.” 

 

Kihyun, an older gentleman, had been their building manager since they’d moved there. He was like a second Bobby to them. He beamed at her. “You girls are so amazing. I love knowing my granddaughter looks up to such inspiring young women.” He offered. 

 

“Aww don’t make me cry before the gym, Kihyun! Have a great day!” Rumi gleamed, walking towards the front doors to the private car waiting for her. As she went to push the door open, it was pulled open from the other side. She glanced up at the tall, dark figure to thank them and paused. She didn’t expect what she saw, a man her age with black hair under his baseball cap and huge sunglasses hiding his face. He was in a too big black hoodie and black joggers, but she could tell he was built. She felt her face heat up at the stranger in front of her. 

 

He was grinning at her slightly, the corner of his mouth tugged up. “After you, princess.” He said, voice deep and somewhat familiar but from where she couldn’t pinpoint. 

 

“T-thank you, uh…” she trailed, trying to get his name. Selfishly, she thought. 

 

“Don’t mention it.” He offered, bowing his head slightly as he strided into the building. 

 

Surely he didn’t live here, right? Because she would have noticed him . He was gorgeous and tall and smelled so good. Shaking her head to herself, she went to her private car and off to the gym. 

 

———

 

By now it was Friday night, and the girls were in the kitchen making an absolute disaster by trying to cook both dinner for themselves and some welcome dumplings for their new neighbors the next day. 

 

“Oh! I forgot to tell you guys! I saw the absolutely hottest man the other day coming into the building when I was leaving!” Rumi perked up at the memory, shoving some of the finished bulgogi into her mouth. Mira gave her a look but then did the same. “He was so tall and gorgeous. I could just tell he was fine, even under the sunglasses and baggy clothes.” 

 

Zoey hollered loudly. “Okayyy! Does he live here you think? Did you get a name?” 

 

“No, no. If he lived here I definitely would have noticed him before today. God, his cologne was intoxicating. His voice sounded somewhat familiar, though I couldn’t place from where.” 

 

“Maybe he was an actor sneaking in to see his girlfriend or something!” Zoey giggled. 

 

Mira rolled her eyes. “Ugh I’m so tired of hearing this song!” She suddenly yelled, rinsing her hands to click the next button on her phone that was playing music. “Stupid Saja Boys. Soda Pop isn’t even good, I don’t know why they’re so popular all of a sudden.” 

 

Rumi laughed in agreement. “Hey, as long as they stay out of our lane then it’s whatever. Probably just a one hit wonder and they’ll fade away.” 

 

“I don’t know about that. I heard they sold over a million pre-orders for their upcoming album. They’ve got an Asia tour in the works and everything.” Zoey said, voice a little worried. 

 

“And how do you know this? Don’t tell me you joined the Pride!” Mira accused.

 

“No, no! I was chatting with Bobby yesterday about scheduling studio blocks in a couple weeks to start getting some tracks produced and lyrics together. He mentioned it briefly, thinks we may very well have competition with them soon enough.” Zoey held up her hands in defense. 

 

“Well, whatever. I’m not worried about some pretty boys who can make a catchy tune. If they’ll be around more in our space, at least they’re nice to look at.” Mira’s words were harsh, but her grin was telling. 

 

“Hey, I did see you linger a little too long on that instagram photo of Abby and Romance a couple weeks ago!” Rumi pointed accusingly at Mira, whose mouth fell open in feigned offense. 

 

“Okay, and your YouTube history has one too many Jinu fancams, so we’re even, sister.” Mira was quick to throw back. Rumi shook her head, but couldn’t hide her guilty grin. 

 

All three girls joked around more, giggles filling their kitchen. The dumplings took them much longer than they should have, but it made for a fun girls night. 

 

———

 

“I’ve heard the movers all morning, but it sounds like they’re done!” Zoey chirped, impressively awake for how late they stayed up the night before. All three girls were slumped on the couch in their PJs. 

 

“Do you think we should change?” Mira groaned, glancing down at her light blue teddy bear muumuu. 

 

“Nah, it’s probably some rich exec and his family. If they have kids, maybe their fans!” Rumi joked. “We’ll just make a quick drop and then I’m coming right back here for a nap.” She declared, pointing at the couch they were currently on. 

 

“Okay, well let’s do this thing!” Zoey hopped up, heading to the fridge to get the large container of dumplings. 

 

They stepped outside their apartment, one of only two at the top of the Lotte Tower. They crossed the large casual space in front of the elevator and rasped four loud knocks on the door across the way. 

 

No answer came for a couple of minutes, although there was plenty of sound coming from inside. 

 

Just as Rumi went to knock again, the door whipped open to reveal one very tired looking pink haired man. 

 

“Can I hel…p… you?” Realization came over his face and he smirked at the three girls. “Guys come get a load of who our neighbors are!” He yelled over his shoulder. 

 

Rumi, Mira and Zoey stayed frozen in the hallway, mouths agape in disbelief. Romance’s hair was swept back into a lazy bun, light pink strands falling loose around his face and neck. He wore a simple fitted tshirt and grey joggers. A totally normal moving day outfit, but he always made any outfit look too good. 

 

“Teddy bears and choo-choo trains? Really?” A second voice snapped Rumi out of her disbelief. Jinu was grinning over Romance’s shoulder, a shit eating grin making her feel absolutely mortified. 

 

“Keep smiling like that and you’ll get wrinkles.” Rumi grumbled between her teeth. 

 

“Oh shit, did you prepare us food?” Abby was the next to appear, hastily grabbing the huge container of dumplings out of Rumi’s hands. He was shirtless, of course he was shirtless. He cracked the container open, groaning in hunger at the smell. “Now this is the fan service I could get used to.” 

 

Mira scowled at him. “You could say thank you, you prick. And don’t expect this. We did this without knowing who was moving in.” Her words were one tone from being a snarl. 

 

Romance grinned at her again, folding his arms over his chest and leaning against the door frame. “We really appreciate the food, sweetheart. It’s going to be a long day.” 

 

Mira felt her face heat up, but she gritted her teeth and rolled her eyes in defense. 

 

“Earth to Zoey… is she okay?” Jinu said suddenly, waving a hand in front of her face. Her eyes were locked on Abby’s bare stomach. Just then, Baby and Mystery joined the rest of the guys at the door. Zoey’s eyes flickered immediately to Mystery’s. She giggled then, snapping out of her trance. “…sup?” She offered, getting a small smile from a usually stoic Mystery. 

 

“Okay well, welcome to the building then!” Rumi all but yelled, the three girls bowing slightly in unison, turning to run back to their apartment. 

 

Jinu’s hand locked around her wrist before she could get too far. Slowly she turned around, glaring at him. She was meant with his soft eyes and a genuine smile. “Seriously, though, thanks for the food. We’ve got a lot of rearranging to do so it’ll be really nice to eat something homemade when we’re done.” 

 

Rumi shook her hand loose, her other hand coming to ghost over her hot skin where his fingers just were. “Y-yeah. Okay— bye!” She squeaked out, shuffling back to their door that Mira and Zoey had already escaped behind. 

 

The five boys closed their door, laughing and hollering. The girls could hear it from behind their door, all three of their hearts beating at a max pace. 

 

“So much for the Saja Boys being a no-name group. I guess they're the new crown princes of Sinners Entertainment…” Mira groaned, planting her palm firmly over her face. “And I let them see me like this?!” She yelled, motioning to her soft blue teddy bear muumuu and slippers. 

Rumi wished she had anything to offer the other two girls, but she was in her own state of panic. There was no denying Jinu was good looking, anyone with eyes and a brain could make that conclusion. Sure, she had a crush on him but so did the entire nation at this point. Her brain landed on one thought then: so that’s who I saw entering the building the other day.

Chapter 2: We R Family

Summary:

Bobby's got some news...

Notes:

thank you all SO much for the love you've already shown on the first chapter.
i typically stick to one-shots but i have so much deep love for all these characters!!

++ i have a three day weekend from work so y'all are getting fed right now

“Girls! What’s happening? Are you getting enough rest before we start preparing the new album?” Bobby’s voice rang through the phone. It had been approximately five hours and twenty three minutes since they embarrassed themselves in front of their new neighbors, not like anyone was counting. 

 

“Did you know that Saja was moving into the apartment across the hall?” Mira instantly asked. She was meant with silence. 

 

“Oh…” Bobby finally spoke. “Was that… what day is today?” There was noise like he was clicking around on his phone. “Oh shit! I’m so sorry girls, I had my days completely mixed up.”

 

The three girls looked at each other in dread. “Go on.” Rumi instructed. 

 

“Well, yeah we knew. But we didn’t want to stress you out on your break so I was going to tell you closer to the date and well… I’m guessing you already ran into them?” Bobby’s voice sounded apologetic, stressed out. 

 

“Unfortunately yes. But it’s okay Bobby, we know you’re busy all the time.” Zoey was quick to excuse their manager. 

 

“Gosh have I ever been. I’ve been trying to get these contracts reworked for the final approval and sent back to Sinners…” Bobby started spilling it all. All three girls immediately glanced at each other, eyes huge. 

 

“I’m sorry— what contracts?” Rumi questioned. 

 

“Oh shit! I wasn’t supposed to tell you that yet either. God, what a mess.” Bobby sounded frantic, it was hard to not feel bad for the guy. “LYNX is absorbing Sinners Entertainment and we have to restructure all their artists contracts. You girls are now family with the Saja Boys…” he trailed, bracing himself for the inevitable. 

 

There was silence for a moment. Processing. And then all hell broke loose. Zoey had a million questions she was shouting into the phone, Mira couldn’t stop laughing manically like this was the funniest joke the universe could play on them. Rumi sighed, hiding her face in her hands. 

 

“GIRLS!” Bobby shouted on the phone, silencing them. “I know they’ve been your rivals for almost a year now, but now they’re in the LYNX family. No more rivalry! It’s a good thing. If they do well, that’s good for you and vice versa.” 

 

All three girls sighed in harmony. He had a point. It was just that they got used to the motivation of beating the Saja Boys on every weekly music show. The fact that they’d get to see their smug faces backstage was motivation enough to crawl out of bed at an ungodly hour for rehearsals and hair/makeup. 

 

“Wait… so what does this mean for their tour and our tour? That’s already been announced and it’s coinciding with ours.” Rumi’s brain was back to thinking ahead now. 

 

“Uhm, we’re actually exploring combining the tours for the Asia leg at least, since that’s the only continent they’re touring. We figure why make the fans choose now that there isn’t a competition?” Bobby sounded giddy at the prospect. 

 

The girls had visions of having to travel together with the five boys across the hall. Having to stay in hotel settings with them, a feat that was already stressful enough. It was only for five concerts, but still. The dressing room chaos would only be amplified, zero chance of peaceful aftershow relaxation in their hotel. Tours took a lot out of them already and it was even more exhausting to think of the high energy next door joining them. 

 

“We’ll have to discuss it soon, but the execs want you both to do some variety shows together after the merger is made public. Rile up the fans in anticipation of both new albums and the tour in four months.” Bobby let yet another bomb drop. All three girls looked like they were about to combust from the information overload. “Anyhow— I hope you’re resting up and enjoying your last weekend of break time. Monday we have meetings all day!” And with that, he hung up. 

 

The loudest sigh was released by all three of them in tandem. “Well, this officially sucks.” Mira deadpanned, voice flat. 

 

“Listen, I know they’ve seemed cocky in the past, but… they were kind of nice earlier. Like, you know, without any other eyes around. Just being themselves.” Zoey offered, always trying to be positive. 

 

“He called me sweetheart! It was disgusting and also disrespectful. We’re— we’re their seniors!” Mira started spazzing, an unusual feat for her typically calm demeanor. 

 

“Woah… are you okay?” Rumi raised an eyebrow at her. “If I didn’t know any better I’d say you’re flustered. You DO have a thing for him don’t you?” She teased. Mira shot her a death glare in response, Rumi raising her hands in defeat. 

 

“Look, let’s just enjoy the rest of our weekend and see what Monday brings, okay?” Rumi gave them both an encouraging smile. 

 

———

 

Monday morning came faster than desired, but Rumi was wide awake. She was ready to begin their comeback promotions, had missed the fans and the limelight. Rumi was always the earliest of the three girls, so of course she was locking their apartment door an hour before they were due to be in the van downstairs. She had a peaceful ride down the elevator, seeing the morning sun barely begin to crest above the horizon. Maybe she’d try to finish the song she’d been writing for their album with her hour of peace and quiet before the other girls came strolling toward the van. 

 

Rumi pulled the sliding door open, hoisting herself up into the van. She turned to close the door behind her and then went to take the seat she always took by the window. Except someone was already sitting there— Jinu. Grinning up at her. Her blood boiled. 

 

“You’re in my seat.” She blurted out, too early to mind her tone. 

 

“Good morning to you too, princess.” He laughed, getting up to offer her the seat which she did not hesitate in sitting down in. At least he’d warmed it up for her. He sat down right next to her, glancing at her intensely. It made her skin hot. 

 

“Can I help you?” She asked, glaring back at him. 

 

“Why do you hate us so much? We’re family now, Rumi.” He nudged her with his shoulder. 

 

“We are NOT family, Jinu. This may not make us competition in brand anymore, but that’s not how we see it.” She retorted, rolling her eyes at him. 

 

Jinu whistled lowly under his breath. “And here I thought Mira was always the hot headed one.” He laughed lightly, running his fingers through his messy black hair before pulling his hood up. The end of August was still warm in Seoul, but the mornings started to have a chilly crispness you weren’t quite used to after a humid summer. 

 

Rumi crossed her legs, clad in loose sweatpants. “Well, you thought wrong.” She glared out the window, annoyed that her morning peacefulness was ruined. She guess this meant the meetings they were having involved mostly both groups. 

 

Just then, the door rolled open displaying Zoey who was casually chatting with Mystery and Baby. Rumi gave her a puzzled look, but it was just meant with the usual beaming smile the youngest wore. “Morning Rumi! Morning Jinu!” She chimed. 

 

Jinu flashed her a smile, nodding in acknowledgment. “Looks like Zo already accepted our new reality.” Jinu whispered, leaning toward Rumi’s face. She shivered slightly as his breath washed over her ear and neck. 

 

Leaning her head back and against the window, she glared at him again. “It’s Zoey to you. And she’s nice to everyone!” 

 

Jinu raised his eyebrow at her, glancing to where the three settled in the back of the van. Baby was passionately discussing a cypher track that he, Zoey and Abby should collaborate on for the tour coming up. Zoey was listening enthusiastically, but she was clearly leaning into Mystery’s side. Too close for comfort. 

 

“I think that would be awesome. You’re really fierce when you perform, noona. It’s inspiring. I’d love to see it.” Mystery praised her, bringing a blush to her face and a cute giggle. 

 

She tucked her black hair behind her ears nervously. “Thank you.” She said shyly. “You all are really talented too.” 

 

Rumi felt like vomiting at the sight, Jinu turning to her with the same look on his face. 

 

“So conspiring with the enemy, I can’t believe this.” Rumi scoffed low enough so only Jinu could hear. 

 

“That’s the most words I’ve heard Mystery speak in a week. What’s happening?” Jinu responded, and Rumi laughed lowly at that. He smiled immediately at the sound. “Oh there it is, she’s lightened up a little.” 

 

Rumi rolled her eyes, grinning. “In your dreams.” 

 

Just then the driver came back to the van from a smoke break and announced they were leaving for LYNX and to buckle up. Rumi’s eyes got big, noticing Mira wasn’t here. “Sir we need to wait for Mira, let me—“ 

 

He waved her off politely. “There’s another van behind us, Miss Rumi. I was instructed to depart at 4:30, the other at 5.” 

 

Oh, Mira was going to be so pissed. 

 

——-

 

Mira walked out to the van waiting by the curb. Her black ball cap and glasses making her feel more hidden than usual. Meeting days were always so boring, so she always went for casual. She yanked the van door open, expecting to see Zoey and Rumi inside. Instead, it was empty. Just then, she heard two loud idiots behind her bickering. 

 

“Oh score! What did we do to deserve a solo ride with this sweetheart?” She heard Romance’s voice behind her. 

 

She huffed, glaring up at the sky. “Why?” She asked, to no one in particular. 

 

“Because it’s fate, babe.” Romance slung his arm over her shoulder, which she shrugged off immediately. 

 

“Touch me again and you die.” She snapped at him. 

 

She waited for him and Abby to get in the van so she could sit as far away as possible from them. But they simply waited, Abby tapping his fingers on the window he was leaning against. “Well, ladies first.” He said, smirking at her. 

 

“Oh jesus christ.” She huffed, jumping up into the van and going to the back row of seats. She plopped down next to the window and it was an immediate mad dash between the two guys, Abby winning the battle and settling in next to Mira, Romance pressed against his other side. 

 

“Fuck, can’t you give me some room? We have this whole damn van.” Mira glared at them, her tone biting. 

 

“These are the best seats, by the prettiest girl.” Abby replied simply, smirking at her. She immediately rolled her eyes, making a gagging sound at his words. 

 

“Why don’t you like us, Mira?” Romance asked, leaning on his elbow, cocking an eyebrow at her. His light pink hair was a mess again in the best way. Half back in a sloppy ponytail, wisps framing his face and neck. Even with no makeup and five in the morning, he was gorgeous. 

 

“Because, you’re both gross.” She replied, turning to look out the window. Both boys made an exaggerated hurt sound and she could only guess they were both clutching their chests. 

 

“You don’t mean that.” Abby declared. “I see the way you’re always looking at me.” His voice got lower then, laced with something that made Mira squirm inside her skin uncomfortably. 

 

“My suggestion is this: optometrist.” She sighed, refusing to make eye contact with either of them as the driver announced they were leaving. 

 

“Mira, you know we’ve always admired you right? Even when we were still trainees and you debuted. You’re so cool.” Romance’s voice was light, flirty. The compliments felt gross. 

 

“Yeah, OK lover boy.” Mira scoffed, shooting a glare at him. But when she turned to face them both, they were only looking at her in pure admiration. She felt her stomach jump, heart pound. “Close your mouth, you’re going to drool you fucking himbo.” She blurted out, her hand closing Abby’s slightly agape mouth. 

 

“God I love it when you’re mean.” Abby smirked, and that did things to her. 

 

“Listen, I know you two are like notorious playboys in the industry so whatever you think you’re trying, I’m not the one.” Mira said then, trying to stomp out whatever flames this was igniting. 

 

“I won’t lie to you,” Romance was serious in his tone. “A man has needs. But I’ve admired you for a long time, Mira. We both have.” Abby was nodding along. 

 

“Uhm… okay?” Mira didn’t know what to say to them. She’d never been in this position before. Sure, she’d been hit on before but this was different. The word admiration was something she was used to from fans, not her main rivals of a week ago. She reached up to adjust the overhead AC, feeling too warm pressed up next to Abby. She could feel their eyes on her. 

 

Saved by the approaching destination, Mira opted to allow the silence to grow. As they pulled into the parking garage, Romance shifted beside Abby. “I still can’t get over how the fierce and lethal Mira lounges around in that adorable teddy bear oversized tshirt.” He said, smiling at her. “My heart melted seeing that.” He admitted. 

 

“What is this? Like… do you always come on this strong?” Mira joked, ignoring the somersaults her stomach was doing. 

 

“Only for girls I really like.” Romance said, meeting her gaze. 

 

Abby smirked beside him. “And we really like you, Mira. Have for a long time.” 

 

“Welp! Gotta run!” She squeaked at that, as the van parked and the side door slid open. She shoved Abby into Romance, urging them to move. They followed her lead and tried not to laugh at the way she power walked to the LYNX entrance. 

 

———

 

The day started with a big meeting, formally welcoming the Saja Boys to LYNX. The girls were respectful, especially in front of the execs. Then the Saja Boys were off to some practice room in the building. The rest of the day was filled with meetings for the three girls. They had the design team pitching them wardrobe ideas for the only completed song so far for the comeback. Then they had to meet with some producers, some lyricists. A couple songs were interesting to them, most of them weren’t. Unlike most groups, Huntrix preferred to write their own music. 

 

And then they met with Bobby before the day's end. They were scheduled to be on a game show with the Saja Boys at the end of the week. Friday night slot, primetime. Rumi noticed the way Mira got flustered and Zoey seemed excited. She thought they’d agreed these boys were their competition still. 

 

As they walked out to the vans in the evening, the girls were chatting about what they wanted for dinner. 

 

“I could devour three rolls of kimbap right now.” Rumi groaned, mentally exhausted from the day. 

 

Zoey matched her enthusiasm. “I want a big steamy bowl of kimchi jjigae right about now.” 

 

Mira laughed, hungry enough that anything sounded good at this point. 

 

Rumi was scrolling through her phone, looking at ordering different takeout meals as she pulled the van handle back. Inside, Jinu was slumped in her seat, even breaths coming out his mouth where his hood didn’t quite cover his face. He looked peaceful, but exhausted. Mystery was curled up in the backseat, asleep as well, Baby was awake but scrolling on his phone. He gave a simple greeting nod, too tired to form words. 

 

Zoey didn’t hesitate, crawling into the backseat and her face softening as she adjusted Mystery’s head to lay on her shoulder. Rumi rolled her eyes, that girl was a goner. She glanced at Mira then. “Do you want me to ride with the two idiots? I know you had to this morning, I’m sorry.” 

 

Mira shook her head. “No it’s okay. I mean, there’s space for both of us in the other van but it’s up to you.” 

 

Rumi glanced at Zoey having a light conversation with Baby. The vibes were overall chill in this van. Guiltily she looked at Mira. “If it’s okay with you, I think I’ll ride in here then.” She couldn’t stand to think of how loud and chaotic the other van might be. 

 

Mira smiled at her. “That’s fine! It’s not a long ride anyhow. I think they respect me enough, so I’ll bark at them if they get too annoying.” 

 

Rumi patted her shoulder. “You’re the best. I’m going to order for delivery. Should be there when we arrive— you okay with the usual?” 

 

Mira nodded, heading toward the other van. “Thanks Rumi!”

 

——-

 

Inside the other van, Abby was passed out against Romance’s shoulder who was scrolling on his phone. He glanced up at her when she got inside and offered a tired smile. His hair was still tied back, but she could tell they had a harsh day. Some of the strands of his hair were still damp with sweat, clinging to his skin. Abby’s typically styled pink hair was an absolute wild mess of curls. 

 

She chose to sit in front of them, not wanting to disturb Abby but also craving the distance she wanted earlier that morning. 

 

The van started to move, following the one in front of them. She pulled out her phone to message Rumi. 

 

[mira] thank god himbo is asleep. 50% peace and quiet. 

 

[rumi] ah good news! now you just gotta deal with sir flirts a lot 

 

Mira gasped silently when she felt hands on her shoulders then. “Wow, your shoulders are tense sweetheart.” Romance’s voice was soft from behind her. 

 

“Stop calling me that.” Mira barked softly, mindful of the sleeping third behind her. She should have told him to stop touching her, but the circles he rubbed into her shoulders felt too good after a day of uncomfortable sitting. She let her neck roll to the side slightly in relief. 

 

“Why? Do you not like it? Or do you not want to like it?” Romance whispered, his head right beside her headrest now. His thumb traced down her exposed neck softly and she groaned and the tension it released. 

 

“I-I.. ugh.” She groaned again as he worked a little harder at her neck. “I’m not a sweetheart.” She declared then, crossing her arms. 

 

Romance laughed softly. “Whatever you say, teddy bear.” 

 

Her face heated up, her phone laying forgotten in her lap. 

 

“Hmm that’s not very nice. Are you gossiping to your friends about me and Abby?” Romance was now leaning over her seat, his head next to hers, glancing at her with a smirk. 

 

She turned to snap at him, but his face was much closer than she anticipated. Her eyes immediately flickered to his lips and she swallowed harshly. “N-no.” She replied, holding her breath as her eyes flickered back to his, noting the exhaustion she saw there. 

 

He leaned back then, continuing to rub her shoulders. “Funny, that’s not what it read like.” He teased. 

 

Mira let out the breath she’d been holding. Even though it was clear they’d been dancing all day and were sweaty, he still managed to smell good. 

 

“Well. I did suggest an optometrist to Abby this morning. Maybe you can go along with him?” She joked, locking her phone this time and letting her head fall back against the headrest. 

 

“Now that’s just rude.” Romance huffed, digging his fingers into a particularly tense spot. 

 

“Ugh… fuck” Mira groaned, closing her eyes at the sensation. 

 

“God, I love it when you talk dirty.” Romance whispered. 

 

Mira turned in her seat, shooting him daggers with her eyes. Romance simply sat back, that devilish smirk on his lips and his hands in the air in defense. Her eyes glanced over to Abby, who was now curled up against the window and out cold. For someone so muscular and built, he looked so soft swimming in his oversized hoodie. His pink hair was an absolute curly mess on his head. Her gaze softened seeing him like that.

 

“Aw, I wish you’d look at me like that.” Romance teased, taking in her expression. 

 

Mira rolled her eyes. “Like what? You’re dreaming.” She lied. “I’m just amused at how someone so big and manly is curled up like a baby right now.” 

 

Romance smiled fondly. “He’s actually the biggest softie out of all of us.” His eyes glanced caringly at the other guy. “It’s why we get along so well!” He raised his voice then. His hand coming down in a loud slap against Abby’s thigh. Mira’s eyes lit up at the sound, she wasn’t sure why. 

 

Abby only grumbled something, reaching an arm out to shove at Romance. It was ineffective in his sleepy state. Romance simply grabbed his arm, yanking him toward him. Abby didn’t fight it, letting his body slump against Romance’s and his head nuzzle into the other’s neck. Romance’s fingers snaked through the other’s short, hot pink curls, Abby letting out a content sigh at the contact. It was so intimate, Mira thought. It looked so comfortable, so normal between them. 

 

Noticing her staring still, Romance turned to her with an eyebrow raised. “You wanna join?” He teased. She was beginning to think he never did anything but smirk. 

 

“Uhhh that’s a definite no. Wouldn’t want to come between whatever that is going on there.” Mira joked, but her face was hot. She was sure she was blushing and thanked the dim evening lighting in the van. 

 

“Oh Mira…” Romance said then breathily, his eyes locking with hers. “You… coming between us would be a dream, though.” 

 

Her whole body flushed at the words. Normally she’d have some spitfire response, but she wasn’t prepared for that. He was good, and it didn’t help that he was very easy on the eyes. Sure, other idols and celebrities had flirted with her before, but this was different. Her interest never actually peaked before now. Sure she’d slept with other guys before, but this was an intense want she was starting to feel grow in her. She let her mind slip to what it’d be like, being intimate with the both of them, at the same time. It’d be so easy too, they lived right across the hall now. No paparazzi to leak a photo or anything…

 

“She might actually be considering it, Ro.” Abby’s voice was really low and rough with sleep, snapping her back to reality. His eyes were lazy as they peered right at her, a knowing smile plastered on his face as his head was still slumped on Romance’s shoulder. One of his hands snuck up to tuck a loose strand of Romance’s baby pink hair behind his ear. Both of their eyes were locked on her, it felt predatory. But it felt so good.  

 

“N-no? Absolutely not. I thought you were sleeping anyhow.” Mira stuttered, turning back around in her seat. They were almost to their building, thank god. 

 

“Not when this conversation was getting so juicy.” Abby teased, Romance chuckling in agreement. 

 

She felt herself sweating, even though the AC was on and the evening outside was cool as well. What was she even thinking? These were still their rivals, now their hoobaes. Even though Romance was older than her, Abby her same age. God, Rumi would obliterate her for even thinking about entertaining their advances. But she couldn’t help it when they looked at her like that. With pure want, telling her she was their dream. 

 

“Please, I bet this is how you two pick up girls all the time.” Mira winced at the realization of her words. She wondered how many girls they’d both used these same lines on. 

 

“Mmm, by now Romance probably would have given up and moved on.” Abby muttered, followed by a lazy yawn. “But you’re worth the chase, Mira.” He added. It made her stomach flip. 

 

She scoffed, turning into a disbelieving laugh. “You two are unbelievable, absolute playboys. Like I’m going to fall for that.” She had to put walls up. They were gorgeous, sure, but they were just going to use her. That’s most of what the idol industry was anyhow– a quick hook up to relieve the stress and tension and then never speaking again. 

 

“But sweetheart…” Romance trailed, but he was quickly cut off by Mira. She flung a hand up to stop him. 

 

“Shut up!” She growled now. “I said not to call me that.” The van then parked outside their building. She ripped the van door open, hopping out and walked quickly as she headed toward the building doors. 

 

Romance and Abby gave each other a look, their grins only growing. 

 

—---

 

Rumi got out of their van, Zoey waking up Mystery and disentangling herself from him. He blushed under his grey fringe at the realization he’d cuddled her the entire way back. “S-sorry noona.” He apologized, not meeting her eyes. 

 

“Don’t apologize.” Zoey corrected him, smoothing her hand over his messy hair. “You clearly needed the rest.” Her smile was warm and it did things to him. 

 

With that, she said her goodbyes to both Baby and Mystery as Baby started tugging on Jinu’s sweatshirt to wake him up. 

 

The two girls headed into the lobby, Rumi grabbing their takeout dinner from Kihyun at the front desk. Zoey eyed the other large set of takeout bags behind the desk. “Rumi, you ordered way too much… how are we going to eat all of…. That…” her words faded as realization hit her. Rumi had over-ordered to feed the Saja Boys too. “Rumi! You do like them, mm?” Zoey squealed in excitement. 

 

Rumi rolled her eyes, ready to protest. The doors opened behind them then, the boys stumbling into the building sleepily. “Hush, come on, let’s head upstairs.” She ordered the younger, Zoey giggling as they walked toward the elevators. 

 

Rumi heard Kihyun interacting with Jinu behind them. “There’s a food order for you here, Mr. Jinu.” 

 

As her and Zoey slipped into the elevator, Rumi made eye contact with Jinu from across the lobby. His eyes went from confused to realization and then softened as he smiled in a silent thank you. She returned the smile as the doors closed, the elevator dinging as it began to move. 

 

“You like him.” Zoey said, playing that annoying little sister role. “Rumi likes Jinu– her sworn enemy! Her number one competition!” Zoey was dancing silly, teasing her. 

 

“I don’t like him, Zoey. Just maybe we don’t have to hate them, you know? He’s a lot nicer than I expected. He’s not as cocky when we’re not at award shows or music show tapings.” Rumi corrected her, trying to convince herself more than the other. “Besides, at least I wasn’t the one literally cuddling with Mystery in the backseat.” 

 

Zoey smirked at her, and this was a reason Rumi admired her. She knew exactly who she was and exactly what she wanted. And she was never ashamed of it. “Hey, at least I can admit to myself when I want something. And that boy is to die for.” 

 

Rumi made a gagging sound jokingly. Silence fell between them as the elevator slowed its climb, nearing their top floor. “Seriously, though, Zo. It’s very cute and it’s clear he likes you too. Just be careful, hm? They just joined our company and we can’t afford any scandals, not with the comeback and the tour coming. And I don’t want you to get hurt.” 

 

Zoey smiled at Rumi, the older girl always looking out for her. “This isn’t my first fling, Rumi.” She admitted. 

 

Rumi’s eyes got big, face blushing at the other. “Not…what? What?! Zoey? WHO?!” Rumi chased the younger girl off the elevator and into their apartment, both of them giggling.

Notes:

hope you enjoyed! smut will be coming so fair warning.

Chapter 3: The Grind

The following day had a much later start for the three girls– they were in the studio today so a late start meant a good breakfast and lots of tea to condition their throats for singing. 

 

Rumi sipped her lemon tea, studying Mira from across the table. “Mira, you seem a little off today. Is everything okay?” 

 

“Yeah, you flew up here last night. Didn’t even wait for us!” Zoey pouted into her bowl of rice. 

 

“I’m fine.” Mira deflected, glancing up at both of them. They weren’t buying it, they never did. “Okay, okay. It was just the worst car ride back last night. Romance and Abby are the worst. Like… the worst.” Her vocabulary was limited suddenly. 

 

Rumi and Zoey’s expressions became worried then. “They didn’t do anything to you, right? They didn’t like… touch you or anything?” Rumi’s voice was hot, laced with anger. “Because I’ll kill them.” 

 

Mira scoffed. She’d be lying if she didn’t think about them touching her all night and all morning yet. “No, it wasn't anything like that. They’re just annoying.” 

 

The other two let their anger simmer down. “How so?” Zoey pried. 

 

“Like they don’t know how to do anything other than flirt. The fact that they think I’m just going to swoon over them like every other girl in this industry has. I’m not interested in their little game, whatever it is.” Mira opened up to them, playing with her food rather than eating it. 

 

“Wait…” Rumi’s brain was putting pieces into place. “They were both flirting with you? Like together? Like they both might be interested in you?” 

 

Mira shrugged. “Who knows. They’re pigs.” 

 

“That’s… interesting. I know a handful of other girls in the industry they’ve hooked up with, but they’ve never both been after the same girl.” Rumi smirked at her. “Could be fun to mess with them, even if you’re not interested. Make them fight over you, you know?” 

 

Mira sighed. The problem was that they wouldn’t fight over her. At this point, it seemed like a team effort. Romance words replayed in her head, you coming between us would be a dream. She shivered. The other problem was that she was interested. The human part of her wanted . It wanted so badly. But her heart was telling her not to get involved. The last guy she had slept with in the industry, she developed feelings for and it hurt too much to think about. The not being wanted beyond a quick moment of lust. Only being looked at as an object, not a person with a brain and a heart. Her hormones screamed otherwise. 

 

“Besides… how long has it been since Hyunju?” Zoey offered, her voice quiet and not wanting to upset the other. “It might be good to indulge a little. You know, remember there are other people besides his crummy ass.” 

 

Mira smiled at her, Zoey always being thoughtful and caring for her and Rumi. 

 

“Thanks you two.” She smiled softly. “But I’m really not interested in either of them.” A lie. “Although it could be amusing to pit them against each other.” Another lie, she wanted them both and that she knew. 

 

Rumi gave her a sinister smirk then. “Wrap those idiots around your finger!” 

 

All three of them shared a laugh then, finishing their breakfast in a comfortable silence. 

 

—----

 

The week passed slowly, but fast in the same way. Hours in the studio had produced some really great rough tracks for their album. Rumi’s vocals were incredible, their harmonies like angels voices to the ears. Zoey’s lyrics were always a hit, too. Her raps were some of the most creative. 

 

All three girls were sure they were going to kill it. They always did– and now that their main competition had joined their company, the Saja Boys would have their comeback debut a week before Huntrix so as not to compete for airwaves and clicks. But first, they had to suffer through the press tour after the merger was announced to the public. Some of the online chatter was harsh, but most of the public received it well. There were already fans daydreaming of future collabs between the two groups, not knowing what the company had up their sleeves for the official tour announcements. 

 

The weekend leading up to the Saja Boys’ album drop was packed. They did a couple radio interviews together, all eight of them crammed into the small studios. The boys kept it light, thankfully. They were respectful, declaring how much they’ve looked up to the Huntrix girls and are honored to call them family now together under LYNX. 

 

When it really got to boundary pushing was the game show the company scheduled them for. It started off fine. The first game was a lip reading one with all eight of them in a line with sound proof headphones on. It staggered Saja and Huntrix, forcing them to work together. The crowd reeled in laughter as they watched the word “Soda Pop” turn into “Soggy pup” and “Hot Sauce” turn into “Not Sliced”. 

 

They moved on to a truth or dare game, all eight of them sitting in a circle with the host who spun a bottle like they were at a high school sleepover. The first spin landed on Baby, who of course picked dare. The host dared him rap his part in Soda Pop in the lowest voice as he could and the crowd hollered as he hit an octave that even had the rest of the Saja Boys surprised. 

 

Next up was Rumi. She thought she’d play it safe by picking truth, but the host had other plans in mind. “Who is a male idol you’ve met recently that challenged your assumptions about them?” Jesus, was this host a mind reader? 

 

She took a second to act like she was thinking, putting on her idol facade. “Hmmm.” She pondered. “Actually, Jinu.” She motioned across from her at the man in question. He raised an eyebrow at her playfully and the crowd wooed. “He has always seemed very cocky to me and full of himself, but now that we’ve properly met I can tell he’s very kind and a really good leader and friend to his brothers.” Her answer would strike anyone as rehearsed, but she was being truthful. He gave her a small smile when the cameras weren’t looking. 

 

The host clapped, ooing and ahhing at her answer. She then spun the bottle again, this time landing on Mystery. The youngest put his head in his hands to hide. He picked truth. “Mystery, as the youngest member of the Saja Boys, have you been able to relate any to Zoey as she’s the youngest in Huntrix? Now that the companies combined, the world wants to know if the maknaes have connected.” 

 

Mystery let his hands fall back into his lap after running his fingers through his styled grey hair. “I’ve always looked up to Zoey. She may be the youngest in their group, but she’s still my senior.” He said, noting their small age difference. “But yeah, we’ve become close.” Mystery added, giving a shy glance toward Zoey. 

 

“Oh now that’s juicy…” the host of the show cooed, eyebrow raised. 

 

The next spin landed on Romance. Mira huffed, too subtle for the camera to catch. Of course he picked truth. 

 

“I know the fans are dying to hear this answer. Romance, what do you look for in a woman you like?”

 

He grinned smoothly, his long, styled baby pink hair framing his face like a sin. He leaned back on his hands, the deep v neck of his shirt showing off those stupid collarbones. Of course the stylists put him in that. Mira couldn’t even pull her eyes away from the sight of him. 

 

“Well, I like someone who’s a bit cruel at first. Someone who plays hard to get.” Abby locked eyes with Mira then, a soft smile on his lips as if saying he’s talking about you. “But moreso, someone who puts themselves first and knows who they are. Someone who’s dedicated and disciplined.” 

 

“Oooo” the host responded. “Are you more of a good girl type or bad girl type?” 

 

Romance chuckled from his slouched position, like this was the easiest, most casual conversation. Like he wasn’t speaking to Mira directly without looking at her. “Now, I thought it was one single truth, hm?” He joked. “But I like a girl that has a bad girl persona, but is actually such a good girl.” And at that, he briefly locked eyes with Mira before glancing back at the host. The look went unnoticed by the audience and the host, but not by Mira. It sent a zap of heat straight through her body. 

 

Such a good girl. It rang in her head, over and over and over. It was like the sweetest sound, dessert to her ears. 

 

The segment ended there. The last game they were to play was a no-hands back-hug challenge. Teams were drawn randomly. The first and funniest pair was Abby and Baby. Abby’s huge, muscular arms acting as Baby’s arms were hilarious and the crowd went wild with laughter. Neither boys could hold it together either, cracking up. The task was simple: pick up a glass of water and take a sip. They eventually completed the task without fail and the crowd calmed down as the next pair was drawn. 

 

Zoey and Rumi. Easy stuff, truthfully. They were practically sisters at this point so this would be a breeze. It was super quick as Zoey laced her arms through Rumi’s, grabbing the glass and holding to the older girl’s lips. The crowd made a slew of impressed sounds. 

 

Next was Jinu and Mystery. They were pretty quick as well, Jinu executing as Mystery’s arms just as Zoey had. The gave each other a high five, stepping to the sides. 

 

That left Romance and Mira. Of course it did. Romance came up behind Mira, slipping his arms through her looped ones behind her back. He was way too close for comfort, his entire body pressed up along hers. She fought a shiver that threatened to run through her. He was a good bit taller than her, so he could see pretty well over her head but he still chose to bend down, linger near her ear. He lifted the glass to her lips and she took a sip, relieved that it was over. The crowd cheered, but before Romance pulled away, he leaned in close to her ear quickly. “Good girl” he breathed, his breath tingling her ear and neck and sending goosebumps over her entire body. And just like that, he was pulling away, heading over to the side. She stumbled over to her side, knees weak. She refused to look at either him or Abby, but could feel their eyes on her. 

 

They did the ending segment, reminding fans of when their upcoming albums were dropping and hinting at their tours later this year. With a bow from all, the lights went dark on the stage and they all huddled to head backstage. 

 

“Let’s celebrate by grabbing BBQ!” Zoey suggested. “We made it through that absolutely embarrassing show!” 

 

Literally no one disagreed, the hunger among them all the biggest priority. Even though Mira wanted to run to her bedroom and hide, her stomach told her otherwise.

 

———

 

When they got to the BBQ restaurant, they had a private room arranged toward the back for their privacy. Rumi and Jinu were arguing over what plate of meat to order while Zoey— who was seated right up next to Mystery of course— was reliving Abby’s huge arms on Baby’s scrawny body. Her giggles were infectious, Mystery grinning in pure adoration at her. Baby was trying not to laugh, but he couldn’t help himself as he chuckled at the image. 

 

Of course Abby and Romance sat on either side of Mira. She couldn’t escape them and it was becoming too much. They were all still styled from the show, and the way Abby’s shirt accentuated his muscles should have been illegal. Romance smelled intoxicating on the other side of her, his collarbones still peaking out from his shirt. She felt like she was gonna pass out. 

 

Finally, Rumi and Jinu agreed on two plates of meat for the table. The staff brought them their side dishes and everyone immediately dug in. Of course they ordered some soju to celebrate too, Mystery opening the bottle and pouring everyone a shot before himself as the youngest should. Mira felt the burn down her throat, hoping it would numb her anxiety from being in between the two guys that had been driving her nuts ever since they moved across the hall. 

 

Romance reached for the last of the kimchi in the dish, Mira pouting because she wanted it. He noticed before devouring it, sighing and closing his mouth. He brought his chopsticks to her mouth, offering the last bite to her. She parted her lips and he fed her, she could feel her face get hot. He smiled at her then. “Good girl.” He said, lowly so the others wouldn’t hear. She glared at him. He knew exactly what he was doing at this point. He brought a hand up to swipe across her lips, catching some of the spicy sauce left there from the kimchi. He brought his thumb to his own mouth then, tongue wrapping around it and licking it clean. She couldn’t pull her eyes away. 

 

She felt Abby’s hand slip around her waist then, his thumb rubbing at her hip over her shirt. She squirmed. Now the others were starting to notice the tension at their side of the table. Rumi raised an eyebrow at her as if asking if she was okay. Mira fake laughed at whatever Baby had just said that had the others laughing too. She grabbed the open bottle of soju and poured herself another shot. This was going to be a long dinner. 

 

———

 

Mira was drunk . She wanted her bed. Yeah, her bed sounded great. She stood up suddenly, drawing attention from around the table. “Goodnight friends” she smiled sleepily, eyes hooded. She stumbled a little toward the back door where their vans were waiting to take them home. 

 

Rumi got up, following her. “Mira, are you good?” She coaxed, rubbing her shoulder. 

 

Mira turned to her, glossy eyed and sleepy. “Mfinereally.” She slurred. “Tired. Bed sounding gooood.” She started giggling. 

 

Rumi sighed. “Wait here, I’m coming back with you okay? I just need to grab my phone and bag.” 

 

Mira huffed, slumping against the wall. 

 

Rumi returned to the table, everyone giving her a questioning look. “She’s fine, just needs to sleep it off.” Rumi laughed. “I’m going to head back with her, make sure she gets to bed fine.” 

 

Romance stood then, shaking his hands. “No, no. You should stay! The desserts just came. I can go back with her. I will make sure she gets inside okay.” 

 

Rumi shot a daggered glare his way. 

 

“No seriously, I promise I’m not going to pull any weird stunts out. I’m tired anyhow.” His face was sincere. Rumi glanced at Jinu, who assured her Romance wasn’t the type to try anything sleazy on a drunk girl. 

 

Just then, Abby yawned deeply, stretching. “I’m gonna catch a ride back too. These long days have been killing me.” 

 

The two headed toward the back hallway, but Rumi strutted over to them in a hurry, jutting her fingers at each of their chests. “I swear to god if either of you try something, I will castrate you both.” Both men blinked down at her in fear. 

 

“Rumi I promise it isn’t how it sounds. We’re tired too.” Abby’s voice was serious. She relaxed. They didn’t know them well enough yet, but it was too risky for either of them to try something. They were in the same company now. Bobby would actually have their heads on silver platters if they touched one of his girls without consent. They seemed to know that.

 

Rumi huffed, looking back at Zoey who offered her a nod of approval. Even drunk, they knew Mira could handle herself if things got out of control. 

 

“Okay. Please make sure she gets in safely. And make sure she gets a glass of water in her before she sleeps.” Rumi pleaded with them, both guys nodding before turning to head to where she left Mira against the wall. 

 

———

 

“Come on, Mira. We’re gonna get you to bed.” Romance spoke softly, Mira glancing up from the floor at him. Abby appeared beside him. 

 

“Oh great. Beavis and Butthead to the rescue!” She declared, pointing a triumphant finger in the air. 

 

Both guys laughed, going to either side of her and guiding her toward the door. 

 

“How do I—“ she gasped in a hiccup, “know you’re not going to take advantage of me, hmmm?” She slurred, feet trying to keep up as they got to the van. 

 

“Mira, I know you’re drunk and I know what you think of us. But we would never do that.” Abby’s voice was serious as he opened the door. 

 

“Ohhh, himbo has a serious side?” She joked, and Abby huffed out a laugh as he helped her into the van. Romance making sure she didn’t miss her step. 

 

“Stupid gorgeous idiots.” She mumbled, slumping into one of the seats. Abby and Romance gave her space this time, but close enough to help her if she got sick or passed out. “Driving me crazy all day. I might go bald you know?” She looked at them with glassy eyes. Then she giggled. “Me? Bald?” She giggled harder. 

 

The two guys couldn’t help but laugh with her. She was beside herself, giggles slowing only to pick back up harder. She quieted then, humming to herself. 

 

“Should shave your stupid hair so I don’t have to look at it anymore.” She said, pointing an accusing finger at Romance. He gasped in fake offense, tucking a strand behind his ear. 

 

“And you, G.I. Joe. Makes no sense. Stupid curly hair. Makes me want to yank it as hard as I can.” She huffed, blowing stray strands of her own hot pink hair out of her face. 

 

Abby gave Romance a slightly worried look. Wow, she was really drunk. 

 

They pulled up to the building soon enough after Mira disclosed a lot more of her inner thoughts to them. Something about how Romance was too mouthy, maybe he should put his mouth to better use. Another about Abby’s muscles and how she didn’t think they could hold her down, because she’s just that strong. 

 

Two two helped her out of the van, against her protests that she was fine. They began walking to the front doors, when suddenly she stopped. They turned to her, eyes wide, thinking she was about to get sick. Abby was looking around furiously to see if there were any paparazzi when suddenly Mira sprinted toward his back, jumping at him. “Piggyback!!!” She yelled, and he thankfully latched onto her thighs with his hands so she didn’t fall right off. Her hands came tightly around his shoulders, her hot breath on his neck. 

 

“Ugh… you’re heavy.” He teased, huffing and adjusting her body along his back. 

 

“Now he’s calling me fat.” Mira pouted, looking at Romance with a pout. “Do you believe him?” 

 

Romance reached over as they continued walking, brushing her hair out of her face. “Never, Mira. We both think you’re perfect. Absolutely unreal. The prettiest girl in the whole world.” 

 

The praise did something to her in her inebriated state. She felt tears swelling at her eyes as they entered the lobby. Abby set her down as they waited for the elevator to arrive. 

 

As the climbed inside, Romance noticed a tear roll down her cheek. “Mira, what’s wrong?” He asked, panicking. Abby shot him a worried look. Romance lightly grabbed her shoulders, thumbs rubbing soothingly over her skin. Abby was beside him patting her hair. “What’s wrong hm?” He asked again. 

 

She looked up at them, pouting as another tear slipped down her cheek. “You said I’m the prettiest girl in the world…” She admitted, adding, “no one’s ever told me that.” 

 

Romance felt a sharp pang in his chest, instinctively pulling her into his chest. Abby joined, hugging her from behind. “Come here.” He whispered, a hand smoothing her hair over. She cried a little more, letting herself be held as the elevator slowed toward their shared floor. 

 

With a ding and the doors opening, they pulled apart and all three of them headed toward the Huntrix door. Mira fumbled with her keys for a minute, finally getting the key into the lock. She pushed the door open, turning around to face them. 

 

“Okay, uhm… thanks. Sleep well!” She seemed a bit more sober now, still tipsy. The cry seemed to ground her. 

 

“Rumi instructed us to make sure you get a glass of water in you before you sleep…” Abby said, scratching at his head awkwardly. 

 

“Yeah… okayyyy. Just want an excuse to come inside? Don’t want to say goodnight just yet?” Okay, so maybe she was still a bit drunk. 

 

“We won’t come in if you don’t want us to.” Romance stated, tone as serious as she’d ever heard it. 

 

“Oh, no! Please, Prince Charming! Come tuck me in, won’t you?” She gasped dramatically, clutching at her chest and walking toward the kitchen after kicking off her heels by the door. They stood in the doorway, glancing at each other, not knowing if they should follow her or if this was crossing a boundary. 

 

Just then, she tripped on the edge of a rug by the couch, catching herself on the back of the couch but slumping to the ground in defeat. Both men lunged inside to help her, Abby kicking the door shut behind him and locking it quickly. 

 

They both helped her up, asking if she was okay a million times. “I’M FINE.” She yelled, quieting them. “Just embarrassed you know? Like I just wiped out in front of two hot guys?” 

 

Both guys smiled at the little truths she’d been dropping all night. She really didn’t hate them at all. 

 

“It’s okay. Let’s get you into bed.” Romance shushed her, slinging her arm over his shoulder again for support. He let her lead the way to her room. 

 

Abby busied himself, looking through cabinets to find a glass and fill it with water. He also found some pain reliever, grabbing a couple pills as he knew she’d probably need that in the morning. He hurried down the hallway toward the doorway with the light spilling from it. 

 

“I got you— woah! Shit, sorry!” He immediately stopped, turning around abruptly. Mira had just decided to change, right there. He glanced over at Romance, who was also facing the wall, shaking his head softly and laughing. 

 

“You two can uncover your little PG eyes. I’m dressed.” Mira said and they could hear the eyeroll that accompanied it. 

 

They turned around, Abby holding out the glass of water for her. She was wearing the light blue teddy bear muumuu again. Her hair was down now and she disappeared into her bathroom, ignoring the water. 

 

Romance sat down on the edge of her bed, picking at some fraying fabric where his jeans were ripped. Abby followed her to the bathroom, peaking carefully to make sure she was decent. She was just washing her face, thank god. 

 

“Mira, you should drink some water.” He offered, presenting the glass once again. She rinsed her face in a hurry, then turned to let the faucet run into her mouth. 

 

“There. Happy?” She said, sounding like a rebellious teenager. He laughed softly as she patted her face dry. 

 

There in the bathroom lighting, Abby knew he fell in love. The glow behind her from the mirror lights added an ethereal glow as she looked at him. No makeup, hair down, and her soft oversized muumuu. She walked toward him slowly and he started to panic, backing up into her room slightly. She threw herself at him, hugging him tightly and burying her face into his chest. “Thank you for being so nice.” She mumbled into his shirt. 

 

Abby’s eyes caught Romances and they shared a smile. He hugged her back with his free arm. 

 

“Okay sweetheart, let’s get you into bed.” He hummed, leading her over to her huge mountain of pillows and blankets. She crawled into her sheets with no protest, head falling back onto her pillows. She glanced at them both with heavy eyes, a few long blinks and she was out. Her breaths were already coming evenly. 

 

Both men let out a relieved sigh. Abby moved to set her glass of water down on her nightstand, fishing in his pocket for the pain relievers to set beside it. 

 

“What do we do now? We can’t exactly leave and lock the door behind us. What if a crazy fan breaks in?” Romance whispered. 

 

“Hmm. I guess we can wait until the other girls get back?” Abby shrugged. 

 

———

 

Rumi and Zoey said their goodnights to the three boys, heading into their own apartment. It was super quiet and peaceful inside. Mira’s heels were sloppily kicked off by the door. 

 

“Well clearly she made it home fine.” Zoey said, laughing while picking the heels up to set them in the shoe closet. She glanced confused at the floor then. Two pairs of larger sneakers, neatly placed by the door. Rumi’s gaze met hers and they both looked at each other with wide eyes. 

 

“Those fuckers, I’m going to kill them I swear to god.” Rumi snapped, her blood beginning to boil as both girls ran toward Mira’s bedroom. The door was left ajar, the dim light from her bedside lamps still glowing. Relief washed over them at the sight. Mira was curled up on the left side under her covers. Abby was next to her, light snores coming from his mouth. He had one arm slung over his stomach, another cushioning Romance’s head who was snuggled into him, chest rising evenly. Both guys were on top of her covers, as if they’d fallen asleep unintentionally. Rumi’s eyes landed on the glass of water and pain relievers on the stand beside Mira. She smiled. So they really weren’t that bad after all. 

 

“That’s adorable.” Zoey said from beside her. “Although sleeping in jeans sounds awful.” 

 

Rumi laughed in agreement. “Come on, let’s grab them some blankets from the living room and call it a night.”

Notes:

hope you enjoyed it!

**light smut coming in the next chapter, here's your warning

Chapter 4: Double Trouble

Summary:

Mira wakes up with two boys in her bed. Rumi and Zoey don't let her live it down. Jinu has an existential crisis. Rumi and Jinu assume their mom and dad roles naturally.

Shenanigans.

Notes:

+smut ahead, fair warning
+disclaimer: i have never watched love island, but i love Huda so don't come at me
+the chapter in which rumi and jinu have to play mom and dad

Mira slowly opened her eyes. It hurt. Too much light. She snapped them back shut. 

 

Ah yes. She’d been drinking. 

 

She felt the pounding in her head, feeling a slight rise and fall of the pillow beneath her head. That was weird. Was she still having the spins? 

 

Suddenly she shot her eyes open, wincing at the pain. That wasn’t a pillow. She was curled up, tucked into Abby’s side like a puzzle piece, her head on his chest. A blob of messy lighter hair was slumped below hers. Romance. 

 

She panicked then, sitting straight up and ripping the covers off of herself. She was in her pajamas. She glanced at them, ripping the blankets off of them and waking them up. They were fully clothed still from the night before. She sighed in relief as they both groaned, rubbing their eyes. 

 

“Ugh… what time is it?” Abby asked, voice rough with sleep. “And where…” his eyes squinted up at Mira then, suddenly going wide. 

 

“Mira! Good morning? I guess we fell asleep here waiting for your friends to get home so they could lock the door behind us.” Abby explained quickly. “How are you feeling? There’s a glass of water and pain relievers.” He pointed to her night stand. 

 

She held a hand to her forehead, feeling the throbbing come back. “Thanks.” She offered, turning to grab the meds. 

 

Romance was awake, but barely. He was making pouty noises in protest, yanking the blanket back over himself and curling up into a pillow. 

 

Mira glanced at him. “Yah!” She yelled, smacking his ass. “Get up!” 

 

He only made another grumpy noise, giving no reaction to her touch. 

 

Abby laughed then. “He’s a princess in the mornings. It’s why he’s always late and why I am too. I’m always stuck trying to wake his ass up.” 

 

Mira laughed softly, playing with the edge of her blankets nervously. She glanced up at Abby shyly then, a face he’d never seen from her. 

 

“How embarrassing was I?” She asked softly. 

 

“Well… you weren’t embarrassing as much as you were hilarious.” He started, grinning at her. “And I think you called us gorgeous? Complained about my muscles, but then forced a piggyback ride from me.” 

 

Mira let her face fall into her hands, but she was laughing softly. “Well, uhm. Thanks for getting me home.” She mumbled into her hands. “And thanks for staying.” She said then, even quieter but peaking up at him. 

 

He leaned toward her then, running his fingers through her hair softly. “Anytime Mira. Anything for you.” 

 

She glanced up at him and they locked eyes for a beat. She wasn’t sure who closed the distance first, but their mouths met softly and briefly. It was an innocent little kiss, but they only pulled away a centimeter, making sure the other was okay with it. Their lips met again, moving more this time. Her hands balled into tiny fists in his shirt, pulling him closer. His hands gently found her hips, and she gasped into the kiss. She crawled into his lap then, tongues dancing now. Her hands were in his messy curly hair, her thighs framing his body. He let one hand trail down to her bare thigh and she whimpered into his mouth. How pathetic. 

 

“Wow.. leaving me out of the fun.” Romance’s voice was super groggy, but it cut through the passion of their kiss like a fire alarm. They pulled away, Mira pushing Abby’s chest in a panic and falling back onto her bed. 

 

“I—we—it… it just happened. We weren’t leaving you out.” Mira stuttered. 

 

“Relax, I’m joking.” He laughed gruffly, sitting up now and looking at Abby before looking at her with a heated stare. “Besides, it was one of the hottest things I’ve ever woken up to.” 

 

Mira bit her lip, trying to fight the blush that was surely settling on her face. Romance crawled toward her slowly, testing the waters. He crawled in between her legs until he was hovering over her. He leaned down and she let her eyes flutter, anticipating the kiss. He stopped short, glancing down to her lips but his eyes flickering back to hers. “Say no and we can stop.” 

 

She nodded her head softly and closed the distance. Romance was a much more thorough kisser, like this was a professional sport and he was a top name athlete. He stole the breath from her lungs, and she panted through hooded eyes as he sat back, slowly letting his hands slip under her muumuu. The skin on skin was fire, she felt herself blushing all over as he revealed her panties. Abby over his shoulder now, taking in the view. 

 

“Fuck, Mira.” Abby whispered, breathless like he’d been the one kissing Romance. 

 

“I bet she tastes just as sweet as she looks.” Romance said, glancing at Abby with a wicked smile. 

 

Mira flushed then, this was really happening. Romance let his hands slide slowly up her thighs again, fingers teasing at the edge of her panties. Again, he was searching her eyes for permission. 

 

“W-wait.” She halted, fighting an enormous battle with the heat that had built up in her abdomen. “I— can we wait?” 

 

She expected disappointment or annoyance, but all she got was a warm smile from them both. 

 

“Of course we can.” Romance assured her, not even a hint of disappointment in his voice. 

 

“Whatever you’re comfortable with, we’re comfortable with too.” Abby added, rubbing a hand on her thigh in assurance. 

 

God they were so nice. Why? 

 

Both men pulled away slightly from her, but she made no effort to fix her pajamas. 

 

“B-but…” Mira stuttered, both of them pausing and looking at her questioningly. “C-can… have you ever…” she couldn’t get the words out, this was so embarrassing. 

 

“What is it pretty girl? Use your words.” Romance teased, Abby chuckling beside him. 

 

“Have you ever… kissed… each other?” She asked quietly, looking away in some semblance of shame. 

 

“Oh, she’s nasty nasty.” Abby joked, but both his and Romance’s eyes got hot again. He turned to Romance, who was smirking at him. 

 

Mira sat up on her elbows, ready to explain away her very uncomfortable question. She was halted when Abby tucked Romance’s hair behind his ear softly, letting his fingers linger by his jawline. They were actually going to kiss. Mira squirmed where she was laying. 

 

It was the wildest sight, Abby’s kisses more slow and soft and Romance definitely more aggressive and heated. Romance’s hands came up to grab Abby’s face, angling it just right to slip his tongue into the other’s mouth. Abby groaned at the change in pace. Mira found it amusing how Abby was so much larger than Romance, yet he turned to putty in the other’s hands. Abby gripped Romance’s hips then, guiding them into his thigh and earning a low moan from the other. 

 

Mira didn’t notice but her hand had subconsciously slipped beneath the waistband of her still exposed undies, softly circling her clit as she couldn’t pry her eyes from the scene in front of her. 

 

“Mm I think she’s into this.” Abby said lowly between kisses, Romance shifting his glance to her then. He let his head fall back, groaning into the air. Abby immediately latched his mouth to his neck, careful not to leave any marks and just kissing softly at the exposed skin. 

 

“Mira… fuck. You’re so hot.” Romance growled into the air. “Want to taste you so bad.” 

 

Mira felt another wave of heat flush her body, her strokes getting harder now. She watched as they humped each other’s thighs like dogs in heat, like teenagers with too many hormones raging. They both watched her now between shared kisses, their gazes hot as she locked eyes with them. Soft gasps were falling from her lips, letting her fingers dip down inside herself. 

 

Abby was the first to come undone, Romance guiding him through it and combing fingers through his curly hair. Abby panted into his neck, nudging his shirt collar away to a safe spot he could bite into the other’s skin. Romance gasped, grinding harder into the other while his eyes locked with Mira’s. He came undone then, breath hitching and hips stuttering. 

 

Here they were, still fully dressed and getting each other off. It felt obscene in the best way possible. It felt like they were all trainees again, young and in search of a quick fix to relieve the stress. Both guys approached her then, hands on thighs, Romance leaning in to kiss her deeply and Abby kissing at her neck. Her hand got quicker between her thighs, her breath hitching and high pitched whines leaving her mouth. 

 

“Come on, Mira.” Abby whispered into her neck. “Be a good girl for us now.” 

 

Fuck . Those words. They knew what it did to her. She came then immediately, rubbing her clit through it, panting harshly into the air as both boys nuzzled into her neck now. 

 

“That was hot.” Romance hummed into her skin, looking up at her with a flushed face. “You good?” He asked then, moving some hair out of where it had fallen in her face. 

 

She nodded, swallowing harshly. The throbbing in her head was returning, her throat dry now. “Painkillers. Need the painkillers.” She groaned.

 

Abby chuckled, sitting back to retrieve the glass of water and painkillers he’d brought her in the night. “Drink up sweetheart.” He said softly, and it should have pissed her off but it didn’t. 

 

A comfortable silence fell over the room then. Romance laying back and stretching with a deep yawn, his shirt riding up to expose his smoothly sculpted stomach. Mira gulped more water at the sight. 

 

“We have the day off, so there’s no rush. But… I’m sticky and need a shower asap.” Romance said then, Mira replaying that they had both just cum in their pants, fully dressed. She blushed again. 

 

“Yeah… it’s been years since I’ve gotten off like that. Feels… nostalgic?” Abby laughed then, a slight blush coming to his face too. 

 

Both guys got up then, walking a bit awkwardly and Mira giggled softly at the image. Romance pulled his hair into a messy low bun then with a hair tie from his pocket. The low bun that did things to her. 

 

“Like we said, we have the rest of the day off if you want to… like… hang out or whatever.” He suggested, trying to sound nonchalant and not hopeful. He failed. 

 

“Maybe. I think I need more sleep and a lot of water.” She pulled her hand from her panties then, wiping the slickness on her bare thigh. “And definitely a shower.” 

 

“Shit…” Abby trailed, looking at the glistening trail on her thigh now. “You can’t just do things like that.” 

 

Mira raised a cocky eyebrow. “I’ll do what I want.” There was a heat in the room again, but they were all too tired and uncomfortable to explore it. “Thank you, again. For making sure I got home, for taking care of me.” She said then, her voice was soft and shy. 

 

Both of them looked at her with warm smiles, nodding. And with that, they left her room. 

 

———

 

Rumi and Zoey were lazing on the couch when two heads of pink hair emerged from Mira’s room. 

 

Zoey couldn’t hide her giggles, kicking her feet as she sat up like a giddy child. Rumi couldn’t help but smile. 

 

Romance and Abby paused when they noticed the two girls. They immediately bowed slightly, apologizing clumsily. “We were just leaving, sorry.” Romance stuttered. 

 

“It’s okay.” Rumi said, waving their politeness off. “Thank you for getting her home last night.” Her words were warm, her gratitude palpable. 

 

“Yeah, no problem. I’m sorry we fell asleep waiting for you. We didn’t want to take her keys to lock the door, but didn’t want to leave the door unlocked. It won’t happen again.” Abby was super polite still. Zoey giggled. 

 

“I hope you stay again! We all know Mira could use a cuddle buddy.” Zoey joked, her eyes scrunching up with happiness. “Seriously, you’re always welcome.” 

 

“It’s nice to know we can trust you.” Rumi offered, smiling at them. 

 

“T-thank you!” Romance stuttered, shocked at the change in attitude from the previous night, remembering Rumi fingers digging into their chests with threats of violence. “We’ll be leaving now!” 

 

Rumi and Zoey shared a knowing look as the two boys slipped out the front door, both girls crumbling into giggles and falling into one another on the couch. 

 

“Mira’s so toast.” Zoey yelped, clutching at her chest. 

 

“I can’t believe she’s into both of them. Like a… throuple?” Rumi joked, trying to find the right word. “Although, they probably share one single brain cell between them.” 

 

Mira came out of her room then to get more water, peaking sneakily from behind the wall of the hallway. “Are they gone yet?” She whispered, eyes flat and tone soft. 

 

Both Zoey and Rumi nodded, eager to ask all the questions. Mira’s entire body relaxed and she shuffled out into the kitchen, still in her pajamas. 

 

“Ugh my throat feels like sandpaper.” She grumbled. “Why did you let me drink that much?” 

 

“Well… you were having fun! We didn’t want to ruin that?” Zoey said, standing and walking over to the kitchen island and sitting in a stool there, hands in her palm like she was waiting for all the gossip. Mira downed another entire glass of water before refilling it again, turning to face now Zoey and Rumi who were hovering like hawks. “There isn’t enough water to re-hydrate me.” 

 

Mira had a staring battle with the other two, their eyes huge and she imagined they were kicking their feet under the counter with excitement. “Okay” she huffed, rolling her eyes. “What?” 

 

“One Saja Boy would shock us enough, but… Mira, TWO?” Rumi teased the other girl. 

 

“They just got me home and accidentally fell asleep, don’t act weird.” Mira scoffed, lying to them. 

 

“Oh we know! Rumi threatened to castrate them otherwise in front of everyone before you guys left the restaurant!” Zoey giggled at the memory, Rumi smiling proudly. 

 

Mira brought her fingers to the bridge of her nose. “You guys… they’re actually so nice. You didn’t have to do that. They’re dumb, but not stupid ” 

 

“I don’t know… I was just looking out for you after how you were the other morning. And, I mean, they are nice but we don’t really know them that well. Although, it would be really bad for them if they tried something and Bobby caught wind of it. You know, contracts immediately cancelled and blacklisting, yada yada…” Rumi trailed. She glanced up to Mira then, all honesty. “I’m really glad you’re okay though. I kinda freaked out when we got home and noticed their shoes by the door.” 

 

Mira paled. “What… what do you mean?” 

 

Zoey snickered. “You three were all cuddled in your bed! It was so cute. Abby was in the middle like a huge teddy bear. They even got you water like we instructed. We were worried that they had in fact tried something, but they were laying there not even under the covers with you. Sleeping in their jeans?” Zoey made a gross face at the last part. 

 

Mira’s face softened at the recount. She’d been out cold, not even aware. Then she blushed, memories flashing to what happened when she woke up, right before they left. She took a sip of water as a distraction. 

 

“Well… I don’t remember any of that. But thank you, for making sure they got me here and got me water.” Mira trailed, smiling at her sisters, her best friends. 

 

“Sooo…” Zoey started softly. “How do you feel about them now?” 

 

Mira scoffed, laughing. “They’re still dumb, still annoying as hell. Romance is the worst, Abby isn’t so bad. Together they’re an absolute menace.” 

 

“Did you three get to talk before they left?” Rumi pried.

 

“Uhm… yeah, a little.” Mira lied, but only partly. They did talk, a little bit. 

 

Zoey grabbed Rumi’s hand excitedly. “Well, Mira, we support you, you know? If you want to uh… pursue whatever with them. We just need to be careful is all.” 

 

Mira squinted at her. “What do you mean by ‘we’?” 

 

Rumi formed a devilish grin on her face. “Zoey definitely has a thing for Mystery.” She blurted, giggling as the younger girl slapped her arm lightly. “And I guess this isn’t her ‘first fling’ or whatever you said the other night!” 

 

Mira gaped at Zoey in disbelief. “Our baby… corrupted… by who?” 

 

“I’ve never done anything I didn’t want to, you guys.” Zoey said, her eyes casting down and playing with her fingers nervously. “But it’s different with him. I like… like him. Beyond the physical attraction.”

 

“Sounds dangerous. You better be careful. He’s the youngest of all of us and Saja is fairly newer. You know how the fans can get…” Mira trailed, shuddering at her and Rumi’s fair shares of close calls in the past. How many other idols they remember being devoured by the public for something as simple and human as dating.

 

“I know, I know.” Zoey sighed. “You have to be extra careful, you’ve got double trouble.” She teased. 

 

Mira rolled her eyes. “We’re not a thing, oh my god! I have to shower.” She dejected quickly, setting her glass by the sink and rushing toward her room. 

 

—---

When Romance and Abby entered the Saja apartment, they were careful to be quiet. They took off their shoes quickly, ushering one another toward the bathroom. 

 

“And where were you two?” A voice came from the couch. Baby then appeared, peering at them over the back of the couch. Of course he was awake. 

 

“Uhm.. you know. Taking a morning walk?” Abby lied and Romance balled his fist, knocking the other hard in his thigh for such a stupid excuse. 

 

“Right… in the same clothes from last night. Looking like you just rolled out of bed.” Baby’s tone was mocking, clocking their lie immediately. 

 

Just then, Jinu came down the hall from his room announced by his loud yawn. “Morning.” He grumbled, moving right past the two pink haired boys and into the kitchen. Baby looked at Jinu, then looked at the two. They did the same. He started the coffee maker, turning to face them again. His eyes still weren’t fully opened, squinting a bit. “God I haven’t drank that much in a while, now I remember why.” He started, but his words slowed as he took in both Abby and Romance. “Hold up. Why are you two still in full outfits from last night? Why are you looking like you got caught sneaking in just now?” 

 

“Because they did.” Baby’s voice was stern from the couch, Jinu jumping as he hadn’t yet noticed the oldest in the living room. 

 

“Jesus christ, warning next time.” Jinu said, clutching his chest. He cast his gaze back on the other two. “Where were you? We all assumed you were in your room?” And then his memories came back to him– them offering to get Mira home, Rumi threatening them both loudly. “Abby… Ro… what did you do?” 

 

Romance flung his hands up, dismissing the worry their leader was spiraling into. “No, no it’s not like that, Jinu, really!” He just wanted a shower, he could feel the cum in his boxer briefs and it was the most uncomfortable thing in the world. 

 

“Really, we promise.” Abby added. “She fell asleep like instantly, but we didn’t want to take her keys to lock the apartment and have her panic if she woke up, not being able to find them. But we didn’t want to leave the door unlocked behind us, so we figured we’d wait for Rumi or Zoey.” 

 

Jinu’s worried expression softened. He knew Abby well, knew he was the most genuine and good of them all. He knew he was telling the truth. 

 

“And then we just… fell asleep there. Rumi and Zoey must have just left us there because we had blankets when we woke up. Seriously, all innocent.” Abby nodded, Romance nodding along in agreement. 

 

“Okay… you’re lucky we live across the hall. Do you know how much shit we’d be in if there were photos of you leaving a female’s apartment? Let alone Huntrix? Early in the morning?” Jinu lectured them. 

 

“We know, we know.” They chimed in unison. “It won’t happen again.” 

 

Jinu smiled at them then. “Good, we have to be careful now. We’ve finally reached a level where people are noticing us and we can’t ruin that.” 

 

Both boys nodded, Baby casually watching the interaction from the couch. 

 

“Okay, uh… we both desperately need a shower so, uhm, are we good?” Romance asked carefully. 

 

Jinu nodded and two two disappeared down the hallway and into the bathroom. 

 

“Don’t you ever think it’s weird that they willingly shower together? Like we don’t have a rushed schedule today, Mystery will probably sleep until noon. Such weirdos.” Jinu chimed, grabbing his finished cup of coffee and blowing on it to cool it down. 

 

“Jinu, come on.” Baby said, giving him a knowing look. Jinu looked lost. “It’s clear that they either just fucked each other, or each fucked Mira. Or they all fucked each other.” 

 

Jinu choked on the air around him, coughing. “I’m sorry– what? They said… Abby said–” 

 

Baby cut him off. “Yeah and I believe him, but that was about last night. It’s 8am, we all know Romance didn’t willingly wake up this early if he didn’t have to. You know, if someone didn’t make him. Besides, they both looked totally fucked out. Trust me, I’ve seen Romance right after he’s hooked up. Classic.” 

 

Jinu scoffed, refusing to believe it. “I’ll kill them then, before Rumi can.” He took a sip of coffee. Then set it down, turning to Baby in full blown panic. “What if they didn’t use protection? What if they forced her? Are they into each other like that? I need to talk to Rumi…” Jinu was running his fingers through his hair crazily. 

 

Baby just chuckled from the couch. “Man, this is why you’re the leader and I’m not. I couldn’t deal with this shit.” 

 

—---

 

The afternoon sun was peering in the windows. Mira had been in her room most of the day, probably sleeping on and off. Zoey was working hard on finishing up all the lyrics for their studio day the next day, locked away in her room with her ‘do not disturb’ sign hanging up. Rumi had been lazing on the couch, watching some dumb show. She was just starting to drift off to sleep when there was a light knock at the door. Groaning, she went to check who it was. She prayed it wasn’t Bobby with any more surprises. Only Bobby and a few other people had the codes to access their floor, so she dreaded the thought. 

 

Looking through the peephole, she was shocked to see Jinu standing there. She quickly opened the door. “Jinu? Is everything okay?” 

 

Rumi stepped aside to let him in, closing the door behind him. He looked really worried. He stepped toward the kitchen, taking in their smaller but still luxurious apartment. “Woah, how long have you lived here?” He said, walking toward the large windows with a full view of the city. 

 

“Four years now I think? Sometimes it feels a bit big for just the three of us, but it’s home.” She said. 

 

Jinu didn’t move his gaze from the city. “We’re still getting used to it over there, not used to having so much space? Like… we all have our own rooms and it’s crazy. I mean, except Romance and Abby, but they’ve always been fine with sharing.” 

 

Rumi’s face softened as she listened, remembering when they first debuted. The shitty dorms they lived in, some winters the heat wouldn’t quite work and they’d get colds. 

 

“I remember those days for sure.” She commiserated. “Sharing one bathroom between the three of us.” She giggled then, reminiscing the memories.

 

“Yeah, try one bathroom for five guys.” He scoffed, turning to face her. “They may all look pretty but they can be kind of gross.” 

 

She laughed, sitting back on the couch to pause whatever show was playing. “So what’s up?” She asked. 

 

Jinu sat with her, hands in the pockets of his sweatpants. “I think Mira and Romance and Abby… like… hooked up either last night or this morning.” 

 

Rumi blushed at the words, so blunt. “W-what do you mean? She told us this morning nothing happened.” 

 

“Well, Baby is convinced. And Romance looked… like he was hiding something earlier. And they practically ran to the bathroom after we spoke.” 

 

Rumi looked at him judgingly. “So we’re going off of intuition now?” 

 

Jinu sighed, leaning back against the couch. “Rumi, come on. Leader to leader, I’m just trying to cover our bases. What if they…” he trailed, nervously, “didn’t use protection? You girls can’t afford a scandal like that. Neither can we.” 

 

Rumi refused to meet his eyes, the conversation at hand a bit too uncomfortable. “Mira said they’re dumb but not stupid.” She said softly, daring a glance at Jinu. He looked so incredibly worried. She sighed then. “Relax your face, you’re going to get early wrinkles.” 

 

Jinu huffed a disbelieving laugh at her. “You’re worried about my face right now?” 

 

She smiled warmly at him, taking his hand in hers slowly. “Listen, I’ll talk to Mira about it and we’ll make her take a test if you’re that worried.” 

 

Jinu flushed at the touch, but relaxed at her words. “Thanks, Rumi. I just… can’t let the guys down. Not when we’ve finally made it this far.” 

 

“I understand completely.” She nodded, relating to his position as their leader. 

 

Jinu relaxed back into the couch again, pulling his hands from hers. “Whatcha watching anyway?” He asked casually. 

 

“It’s an American show, I think. It’s called Love Island and it’s absolute garbage TV.” She laughed, gaining a chuckle from him in response. 

 

“My favorite kind of television.” He retorted. 

 

Rumi raised an eyebrow. “You’re lying?” 

 

“No, reality TV is… mind numbing. It can be a good retreat from the day to day.” He informed her, waving his hand around at the metaphorical day-to-day. She felt her heart swell. She’d never met a guy that didn’t judge her for indulging in trash television as a form of relaxation. 

 

“Do you… want to stay a while and watch an episode?” Rumi offered, nervously. 

 

“Sure, if that’s fine with you.” He smiled at her, grabbing a pillow to get comfy. 

 

—----

 

Mira woke from her second nap that day to her stomach grumbling loudly. Sighing, she willed the energy to get up from bed and head to the kitchen. 

 

As she walked down the hall, she heard Rumi’s laughter. It warmed her when she could catch Rumi actually relaxing for once. Then she heard a guy’s voice– no, Jinu’s voice. 

 

“Come on! How is he not going to pick Huda after all they’ve been through?” Jinu cried out. 

 

Mira rounded the corner and quietly appeared into the kitchen. She peaked over into the living room. Jinu was laying on their couch, Rumi was laying the opposite direction. Their socked feet were intertwined as they both watched the screen intently. The coffee table was covered in snacks. Rumi was giggling. It made Mira smile warmly.

 

“See I told you this season would piss you off.” She said, adjusting to lay on her back and glance at Jinu. Her eyes caught the sight or Mira then in the kitchen. Rumi shot up from the couch then, Jinu doing the same in reaction. 

 

“Mira!” She yelped, disentangling their legs and folding up into a pretzel. “How was your nap?” 

 

“Hungry.” Mira said, voice flat. She raised an eyebrow at the two. “Why are you acting weird? It’s not like I walked in on you sucking face.” 

 

Rumi blushed and Jinu let out a contorted laugh. 

 

“No, no. I just… I know how this looks after I lectured you earlier on like being careful and stuff.” 

 

Mira cut her off, “I literally don’t care. If lover boy here is what makes you finally have a couch day, I’m here for it.” She said, pulling a cup of ramen noodles from a cabinet and starting the kettle on the stove. “Besides, we’re neighbors now. I’d like to think we’re somewhat friends– the company considers us family. We should be able to hang out.” Mira shrugged, walking over to where they both were and popping a rogue chip in her mouth. “How’s dumb and dumber?” She asked, glancing at Jinu. 

 

“They’re uhm… they’re fine. I haven’t seen them much today, figure they’re pretty tired from how busy we’ve been and then last night.” He said casually, meeting Rumi’s eyes. Mira nodded simply, grabbing another chip. 

 

“Mira, about last night…” Rumi started, and Mira groaned loudly in protest. “Just one thing and I’m done!” Rumi protested, Mira crossing her arms and waiting. “I know you said nothing happened but like… if it did, did you at least use protection?” 

 

Jinu’s body was as stiff as a board and Rumi felt her palms get sweaty. Mira almost spat her chip out of her mouth. 

 

“Rumi, I told you–” Mira started, but Jinu butted in. 

 

“Baby was worried is all, he said Romance looked a little too familiar this morning.” His voice was cautious, refusing to look Mira in the eye. 

 

“I– we– nothing…” Mira was grasping for words. Rumi opened her mouth to say something else, but Mira beat her to it. “We didn’t touch each other !” Mira blurted out, slapping a hand over her mouth instantly. Rumi and Jinu both paled at the admission. At what that implied. 

 

Mira looked up at the ceiling and let out a series of uncomfortable sounds. “There? Happy? I swear I’m not pregnant, mom .” She hurried back over to the kettle on the stove, ready to water her ramen and disappear from the face of the earth. 

 

Jinu and Rumi just stared at each other, eyes wide and both of them frozen. Mira hurried back down the hall and into her room. Both of them let out the breath they didn’t know they were holding. Rumi started laughing first– a combination of the situation, the worry for no reason, the too close for comfort conversation. Jinu’s face softened and he grinned at her, her laughter growing harder. Jinu had to laugh with her as she hid her face in her hands. She sat back up then, running her fingers through her hair. “God, I feel like a mom right now.” 

 

Jinu chuckled. “Our first birds and the bees conversation. What a time.” He joked. It felt comfortable, even though they were both just internally freaking out. Jinu understood her so well, being the leader of his own group. “I wonder which child is next.” He joked. 

 

Rumi deadpanned. “I hate to break it to you, but it’s going to be Mystery. Zoey’s ready to pounce on him next time they’re alone.” They both broke out laughing again. 

 

“That’s obvious to like everyone at this point.” Jinu wheezed, clutching his stomach. 

 

Their laughter calmed down into a comfortable silence, the show still playing in the background as two girls yelled at one another. Jinu hummed softly, noting the time. He’d been there for four hours. 

 

“I should head back, figure something out for dinner.” He sighed, sounding like he didn’t want to leave. “This was really nice, though. We should do it again, trash TV and all.” 

 

Rumi felt her heart flutter. It was nice. Jinu got up to head toward the door, Rumi following him. He scratched at his head awkwardly, turning towards her. 

 

“You girls are, uhm, welcome to come over for dinner any time. Tonight included.” He offered. Her insides did the thing again. 

 

“I’ll mention it to them, free food with no dishes to clean is hard to pass up.”

Notes:

~ whoohoo for mira finally accepting she has feelings
~ another chapter in which romance and abby are down so bad
~ don't think we didn't see you too, rumi and jinu

Chapter 5: Friends

Summary:

Bobby's glad their all friends now. Yeah. Friends.

Notes:

i have nothing to say for this except it's MiRomAbby filth-- you've been warned!

Saja Boys comeback was released and the girls saw less of them through the days. However, they’d made a nightly routine out of trying to have dinner together– whether it was just take out or one group actually cooking. The boys were insanely busy and the tired looks on their faces always said it. Huntix was busy too, just behind the scenes. Getting everything into place for their comeback too. 

 

“No one is coming to save… yOUUU!” Zoey hollered the high note into a water bottle. Everyone laughing hysterically at her rendition of Your Idol. 

 

“Wow Zo… you’re going to put us out of business.” Abby joked, stuffing more rice and noodles into his mouth. They were gathered in the Saja apartment this night, Bobby had brought food for them all… and he got a lot of food. 

 

“I’m so glad you’re all friendly now. I’m not going to lie… I was really worried at first about personalities clashing.” Bobby confessed, sighing like it was the biggest relief. “Thank you for making my job so much easier, you guys.” He looked at them all caringly.

 

“Aww Bobby, you’re going to make us cry.” Zoey sang in a loving voice. 

 

No one could see the way Zoey’s fingers were laced with Mystery’s under the table or how Mira, Romance and Abby were playing footsie, hidden as well. Yep. Friends.

 

“Alright, well, I need to run. Sorry for leaving you all to clean up the mess.” Bobby apologized, heading toward the door and slipping his shoes back on. “Boys, you’re killing it. I know it’s exhausting, but you’re doing really good work.” 

 

Jinu bowed his head at the older man. “Thank you, it means a lot!” 

 

And with that, Bobby was gone. Everyone visibly relaxed, Zoey letting her head fall into Mystery’s chest with a sigh of relief. Romance casually slinging an arm around Mira and she rested a hand on Abby’s thigh. Baby rolled his eyes. 

 

“You all are so dramatic. I’m sure if we just talked to Bobby, he’d be fine with it.” Baby scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. 

 

“Maybe.” Jinu agreed, glancing at Rumi. “But we don’t want to risk it right now.” 

 

“He’s going to find out sooner or later. God, especially when we tour. It’s going to be a mess, I know it.” Baby sulked, slouching in his seat. 

 

“Come on, Baby, stop being so negative.” Romance chimed in. 

 

Baby huffed a laugh at him. “Yeah, okay. You three can’t keep your hands off each other.” He motioned at them, then turned to Mystery and Zoey. “These two are glued at the hip.” Then he motioned to Jinu and Rumi. “I can’t wait until these two finally admit they like each other, then we’ll really be fucked.” 

 

Everyone started hooting and hollering, Jinu and Rumi freezing at the words. 

 

“Yeah, I’ve never seen anything more obvious. And Zoey and Mystery are sitting right there.” Mira said, Zoey gasping in offense. Baby reached across the table, high fiving Mira. 

 

Rumi just shook her head at their antics, but she noticed the nervous shift in Jinu beside her. 

 

The conversation moved on organically to how grueling the boys’ schedule was right now, the three girls expressing sympathy. Baby was asking what the plans were for the next dinner before he retired to bed early, Mira and her two agents of chaos disappeared into the shared room. Mystery and Zoey curled up on the couch, turning on a horror movie. 

 

Jinu sighed, starting to clear the table. Rumi moving to help him. 

 

“You don’t have to help, I got it.” He said, dismissing her politely. 

 

“Nah, it’ll go faster if we both do it.” She protested. They worked silently, packing bowls into bags, Rumi washing up the chopsticks and glasses. Jinu changed the trash bag, putting a new one in and heading into the hallway to the trash chute. He came back in, grabbing a towel and helped Rumi finish drying what dishes she’d cleaned. He slung the towel over his shoulder and Rumi glanced at him as she shut the faucet off, rolling her neck to relieve some tension. They both leaned back against the now empty sink, sighing in unison.

 

“God, we really are mom and dad, aren’t we?” She joked, Jinu smiling over at her fondly. 

 

“I don’t mind it. I practically raised my sister so it just feels natural.” He said casually, playing with a grain of rice that had dropped on the floor with his slippers. 

 

“I didn’t know you had a sister?” Rumi questioned.

 

“Mm.” He confirmed, nodding as he folded his hands over his chest. “She’s 24, I’m 26. We were always really close. Leaving home to train was really hard on both of us the first few years.” 

 

Rumi nodded, motioning she was listening. 

 

“My dad left us when she was born. I was two, so I don’t really remember much of him. My mom worked two, sometimes three jobs just to get us by.” He continued. “I was the one always cooking for her, walking with her to school. Braiding her hair for her, confronting her bullies for her.” He laughed at the memories. “I was so scared to leave her and my mom when I got the offer to train under Sinners, but they promised me they’d be okay. And they were. The hardest part is seeing them rarely– Busan is a long trip when you have a tight schedule.” 

 

“Do you get to see them a lot now?” Rumi asked.

 

“Not as much as I’d like… but now that we’ve made it big, I can at least send them money. Maybe pay for a trip so they can come see me. They’ve never been to Seoul.” He smiled at the thought. 

 

Rumi’s heart soared as he talked. “I… don’t think I’ve ever been to Busan outside of work.” She admitted. “Is it nice?” 

 

Jinu turned to her, shocked. “Is it nice? Busan is the best. The food is spicier, more seafood. The people are nicer. The beaches are amazing.” 

 

Rumi beamed at him, listening to him passionately speak about his hometown. “Maybe you could be my tour guide sometime…” She trailed shyly. 

 

Jinu grabbed her hand enthusiastically. “Rumi, I’d love that.” He said, his eyes glimmering at the thought. 

 

—----

 

Zoey peeked back at the two in the kitchen, laughing quietly as she cuddled back into Mystery’s chest. “God, I wish they’d just fuck already.” She said softly, Mystery chuckling behind her. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen Rumi this into another person. She’s typically all work and no play.” 

 

Mystery was combing his fingers through her hair, toying with a strand every now and then. “And you’re typically…?” He questioned.

 

“50/50. It’s all about the balance, you know?” She said. 

 

“Zoey, I’ve been wanting to ask you…” He started shyly. She tilted her head up, looking at him upside down. “I’m assuming you’ve like… done this before.” He said nervously. 

 

Zoey curled into him. “I’ve been intimate with other guys before, but not like this.” She admitted. “You know, all play. No feelings.” She played with the blanket where it frayed a little. “But I like you a lot. Enough to sit through these scary movies you like.” She joked. 

 

Mystery laughed softly above her. “I just… I don’t know what I’m doing and it’s scary sometimes. Like maybe I’m not enough.” 

 

Zoey sat up slightly, locking eyes with him. “Don’t ever think that. You’re young, so I’m not going to push you into anything if you’re not ready. Besides, I enjoy just spending time with you.” She leaned in to give him a gentle kiss. “As long as you tell me what you’re feeling, we’ll be fine.” She assured him. He held her tighter then, a squeeze of a hug as they settled back into watching the movie. 

 

—---

 

“These beds are nowhere near big enough, for Abby alone.” Mira groaned, shifting to get more comfortable against Romance’s chest. She was lounging between his legs, scrolling through her phone. Abby was to the side of them, already asleep from a long week. 

 

“Sorry we don’t have one giant king bed, your highness.” Romance prodded. “Didn’t want the movers to get any ideas when they brought one bed into a room for two guys.” 

 

Mira scoffed, switching from Twitter to Instagram. “Like you losers aren’t obvious enough already.” 

 

“Are we?” Romance asked, sounding genuine. “We try not to be. That’d be… really bad for business.” 

 

Mira shrugged. “Times are changing. Maybe you’d be praised. Korea’s first openly bisexual idol, entangled with his bandmate.” She said, spreading her arms out like she was seeing the headlines now. 

 

They both chuckled as he played with her hair. 

 

“Does your family know?” Mira asked, curious. Locking her phone and setting it aside so she could focus on the conversation as it became more serious.

 

“They do.” He said, answer short. 

 

“And they’re okay with it?” She pried further. 

 

“They’re not.” He said, words short again. 

 

She laced her fingers with his free hand in apology. “I’m sorry, we don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.” 

 

“No… it’s okay.” He hesitated, but continued after a beat. “I knew I was different from a young age. I knew I liked girls, but I knew I liked boys too.” Mira hummed in understanding, he continued. “I hated gym class, much preferred to hang out with the girls and gossip. I liked keeping my hair longer, styling it, coloring it. Liked jewelry. My dad thought I was gay or wanted to be a girl.” Mira shook her head in disbelief. “But it wasn’t ever like that. I don’t want to be a girl… I just… like being more feminine, you know?” 

 

“There’s nothing wrong with that.” Mira confirmed, playing with his fingers idly. 

 

He smiled at down at her, continuing. “When I joined Sinners as a trainee, my dad hated it. He threw every jab he could my way any time I went home.” Mira shook her head in anger now, the unfairness of it all. “But once I joined the company and signed my contract, I had a place to live. I had an income, even though it was small. So I came out to them and that’s the last time I spoke to them. I think I was seventeen?” 

 

His words were cold, shaky with emotion. Mira shifted to face him now, holding his face in her hands. “Fuck them, seriously. You’re their child. I don’t understand why people have children if they aren’t prepared to love them fully.” 

 

Romance leaned into her touch, soothing. His breath hitched slightly and she could tell he was holding back tears. “It’s okay, you can let it out.” She whispered, hugging him. He sniffled lightly into her shoulder, holding her close, tight. She felt a tightness in her chest at the feeling of being a rock for someone. 

 

When he calmed down, she pulled back, glancing at Abby sleeping softly beside them. “How did you and Abby become so close?”

 

Romance smiled now, better memories coming forward in his mind, wiping at his cheeks with his sleeves. “We met a week after I joined Sinners. We got along really easily, my attraction to him aside. When I came out to him, he hugged me and he thanked me for trusting him, I’d never had that before.” Mira smiled at the thought of the two of them, locked in a dorm late at night, confiding in one another. It brought back memories of her own trainee days. She glanced at Abby warmly. 

 

“I could tell he was just like me, he just didn’t know how to admit it to himself or anyone else. I never pushed though. One night we couldn’t sleep, we had the auditions for Saja Boys the next day and were too wired. Abby asked me what it was like being with a man. I told him I didn’t know, I’d only ever kissed one guy and admired them from afar. That conversation led to… things.” He implied, brushing Mira’s hair smooth with his hand. “I’m still not sure if he likes men too, or if it’s just me. But we developed an open agreement. Fuck women when we want to, fuck each other when we want to. It’s safer this way, you know? A secret. This way we seem straight to the world.”

 

Mira hummed, imagining how careful they’d have to have been. Sure, times were changing, but this was Korea after all. 

 

“The rest of the boys know, right?” She asked, trying to think if she’d casually outed them to their bandmates and panicking. 

 

“They didn’t at first, but they do now. They’re all totally chill about it.” He paused, then continued. “Anyway, we both made the cut for Saja, the company liked the idea of the best friends dynamic in a group. It worked out, the fans love it too.” He laughed at the last bit, Mira joining him. 

 

“But Mira, we’ve always looked up to Huntrix. We never lied about that. Your global success is inspiring. You know that Abby and I had your poster in our room when you debuted?” 

 

Mira scrunched her nose up. “Gross, don’t tell me that after telling me you fucked back then too.” 

 

Romance grinned at her. “Oh, and it was just a poster of you , too,” He said then, Mira hitting his chest playfully. “I’ll never forget the first time we saw you in person at Music Bank. Abby and I couldn’t stop talking about you for weeks.” He was serious now, confessing something very real to her. She couldn’t meet his eyes in embarrassment. “The way you looked without makeup in the morning. The way you carried yourself amongst the competition. The way you never missed a bow, win or lose.” She fell into his chest now out of pure embarrassment. She’d never had someone compliment her this much and it was overwhelming. “The way you look when you’re dancing, the way you know where the camera is always and know exactly how to stare it down to drive the viewers crazy.” He whispered in her ear now. Her face flushed hot as his hand trailed down her back, resting right above her ass. “The day you rolled your ankle performing and pushed through, not even wincing. God, everything you do is admirable. It's hot.” He confessed. 

 

She felt another hand trailing her calf now, peering over to see Abby awake now, eyes focused but sleepy. 

 

“Come here, pretty girl.” Romance said then, his fingers bringing her face back to his before he kissed her softly, so unlike the kisses they’d shared before. Usually Abby was the soft one. She let Romance take control, the kiss staying soft but growing heated. She felt Abby moving behind her, his larger hands on her hips. She shifted in Romance’s lap, both of their breath sharpening when she brushed against his dick, hard in his sweatpants. She glanced at him, fire in his eyes. “Want you so bad, Mira.” He whined then, and she melted between them. Any reservations she had before were long gone now.

 

Abby pressed up behind her closer, grinding his hips into her ass. “F-fuck– I…” she gasped, fists curling into Romance’s shirt. 

 

Romance shifted then, Abby setting back and Mira falling back into his lap now. Romance’s delicate hands trailed up her thighs, higher until they met the waistband of her shorts. “Tell us to stop and we will.” He promised, same as before. He slowly pulled them down, hooking his fingers into her panties as well, gazing up at her for permission. She only bit her lip, so he continued. He tossed her clothes to the floor, his hands returning to spread her legs gently. He nuzzled his face into her thigh like a dog and her breath hitched. Abby’s hands pulled her hair to the side, his lips finding her neck. Careful as ever not to mark her, but finding all her sensitive spots. Her eyes fluttered and then shot open as she felt Romance’s fingers teasing at her core. 

 

“Fuck, she’s so wet.” He announced, voice reaching a deeper octave like it did in moments like this. He teased her, fingers not quite going inside. Then, he held his fingers up toward Abby, who sucked them into his mouth swiftly, humming at the taste. Romance rested his head against her thigh, enjoying the sight. Mira whimpered softly, Romance’s mouth falling open at the sound. 

 

“You like that, sweetheart?” He teased her, retrieving his fingers from Abby and returning them to her heat, letting one slip inside this time. 

 

She gasped, hips stuttering at the feeling. “N-nasty.” She huffed out, but the blush on her cheeks said otherwise. 

 

Abby noticed, leaning in close to her ear. “So you like it then?” He confirmed more than asked. 

 

Romance worked another finger into her, his thumb touching her clit ever so lightly. Her hips writhed for more friction, but Abby held a hand to her hips. “Now, be patient.” He whispered into her neck. 

 

“So pretty.” Romance cooed, sliding his face higher up her thighs, kissing the skin softly in a trail. He crooked his fingers then and she let her mouth fall open in a silent moan. 

 

Romance was focused, but Abby’s eyes were observing her. “There, again Ro.” 

 

The other followed the instruction, curling his fingers again, faster this time. Mira’s head fell back against Abby’s shoulder, her hips fighting his strong grip. Just then, Romance’s fingers left her, only to be replaced immediately with his tongue. 

 

“O-oh!” She gasped “Shitfuck.” She stuttered, breaths picking up. Abby let his other hand drift to her chest, rubbing lightly over her shirt. 

 

“She’s close, Ro.” He advised the other softly. Romance let his fingers slip back inside her then, curling them relentlessly as his mouth sucked obscenely at her clit. She let a high pitched whine escape her lips, writhing against Romance as Abby freed her from his restraint. 

 

“O-oh god.” She panted, glancing down at Romance’s messy rose colored hair between her thighs. “I’m gonna–” her words were cut off as her hips surged forward, her body electrified. 

 

“That’s it, good girl.” Abby praised, coaxing her through it. She tilted her head toward him, and he met her with a sloppy kiss. Somewhere on his tongue, she could taste herself and it lit her body right back up. They were obscene in all the right ways. 

 

Romance pulled away then, a string of her arousal webbing between his chin and her core. Abby reached for him desperately, licking his face clean and kissing him then, Mira still trapped between them. Mira watched above her from where she’d slumped against Abby’s chest. The hungry sounds they made at the taste of her between them had her clit throbbing again. 

 

She moved to break their kiss, pulling them apart. Abby was rock hard behind her and she could see the outline of Romance strained against his sweatpants. She crawled toward Romance then, tugging at the waistband of his sweats. He stopped her, looking down at her between sweat slicked strands of hair. “Woah– we don’t have to do anything else, Mira.” She didn’t listen, aggressively yanking his sweats down enough to free his cock. He hissed as the cold air hit him. “Mira, are you sure?” He asked, grabbing her by the chin to force her to pause. 

 

“Fuck– yes.” She growled at him, her eyes dark with arousal. She yanked his pants down a little further, wasting no time in licking a stripe slowly from the base to the tip. Romance gasped, clutching the bedsheets on either side of him. Abby smirked at him, running his hands over her bare ass softly, down the backs of her thighs. He let his hands drift up towards her core then and she gasped around the head of Romance’s cock. She pulled back, glancing over her shoulder. 

 

“P-please” she whined, shimmying her ass at him. “Want you to fuck me.” 

 

Abby’s pupils got huge, his mouth falling open slightly at her words. “Please”. She begged again, backing her hips up to him as she bent down once more, teasing Romance with her tongue. 

 

“Yes– anything you want.” Abby breathed, wasting no time in standing, ripping his own sweats and briefs off. He stumbled to one of their nightstands, yanking out a condom and rolling it on. He positioned himself behind her again, rubbing her hip as a signal. She wiggled her hips again in response and he teased her entranced lightly with the tip of his cock, hearing her whine around Romance’s dick, the other letting his head fall back against the wall at the feeling. 

 

Slowly, Abby let his dick slip inside her, groaning at the feeling. “Fuck, you’re so warm, Mira.” He praised her, both hands gripping her hips softly. “Feels so fucking amazing.” He growled, letting his hips move slightly, testing. She arched her back, moaning with a throatful. Romance let out a feral sound at the feeling, one hand coming to smooth her hair. Abby jutted his hips then, pulling another moan from her, which pulled another desperate sound from Romance. It was like clockwork, they moved so well together.

 

“Mira– Mira–” Romance panted, his grip landing on her shoulder now. “Mira– I’m gonna…” He trailed and she hummed in approval. Abby watched Romance crumble under her as he picked up his pace, she never pulled away, swallowing his cum like an expert. Mira pulled her face away after licking at Romance’s sensitive cock, earning her a sharp wince from above. Just then, Abby’s thrusts got harder and she arched her back more, her eyes watering at the sensation as she looked at Romance, a strand of his cum dripping down her chin. The sight was unholy in the best way. 

 

“Fuck, Mira. You look so good like this.” Romance purred then, catching his breath and swiping his thumb to clean her face. She whined, sticking her tongue out to catch his thumb before he pulled it away, sucking it into her mouth. 

 

“Jesus, fuck. Mira–” He gasped in awe, her shy side clearly gone right now. If he wasn’t so drained from their schedule, he was sure he’d be rock hard again at that alone. 

 

Abby’s thrusts got relentless, Mira falling forward onto her elbow. The new angle was even better, Abby panting harshly as his hips got out of rhythm, stuttering. He reached around her, playing with her clit and she mewled into the bedsheets, her mouth falling open. Romance hoisted her up then, Abby gripping her torso and holding her against him. 

 

“Cum for us again, sweetheart.” Romance purred into her ear, and she did just that as if on command. Her walls tightened around Abby, sending him over the edge too. He gave a few final thrusts before pulling out completely, Mira whining at the oversensitive feeling. Romance gently helped her lay down, knowing she had to be exhausted. 

 

Abby wasted no time, slipping the condom off and pulling his sweats up, disappearing into the hallway carefully. He came back quickly, a warm damp towel swiping over her. Romance moved her hair out of her face, and they made sure she was clean again. Abby tossed the towel into their shared laundry basket as Romance pulled Mira into his chest, ripping the blanket free from under her and covering them. She blinked up at him softly, slowly. Abby joined them, sliding in behind her, wrapping an arm around her waist. 

 

“Next time, I want you both to fuck me.” Mira whispered, twitching as she got comfortable between them. 

 

“Mm, that so?” Abby asked, voice low. “Like taking turns?” 

 

Mira shook her head. “No, like at the same time.” 

 

Romance clicked his tongue in surprise. “Where did the shy, flustered Mira go?” 

 

She looked up at him, smirking. “You killed her.”

Notes:

+jinu and rumi are my OTP can't you tell
+we'll get to mystery and zoey okay just hold on

Chapter 6: Movie Night!

Summary:

zoey and mystery want some alone time, so it's a movie night in the huntrix apartment.

MiRomAbby give Jinu and Rumi a hard time (rujinu smut ahead)

Notes:

Rumi x Jinu centric filth ahead, you've been warned!!

It was finally time for Huntrix to have their comeback limelight. The Saja Boys had a week-long run being at number one on the charts with Your Idol, having an easy all-kill at the music shows. They were crushing it. LYNX officially greenlit the release of the new album Golden: The Story of Us, not afraid of Huntrix cannibalizing the Saja high.

Seeing each other at the music shows now was a lot lighter, no competition between the two groups anymore. Friends. More than friends. Somewhere in between. It was easier to clap when the other won this time around. Fancams had surfaced of Mystery and Zoey standing closely at a couple of shows, Zoey slinging her arm around his shoulders in one of them. The company didn’t panic, though. The online chatter was majority positive, saying how cute it was that the two maknaes were friendly.

Romance, Abby and Mira had made it a point to not get too close. They saved it for behind closed doors, never in the dressing rooms, never in the vans. They knew better, they had all the time in the world at home. Across the hall. Convenient and secret, where no one knew if they floated between apartments and bedrooms.

“Ugh, you guys are so gross.” Rumi rolled her eyes, glancing at the pile of bodies the throuple made on the end of the couch. Romance kissing at Mira’s neck softly. They’d definitely gotten comfortable being touchy in front of the others.

Mira just smirked at her. “Don’t be jealous now, just because you haven’t made a move on Jinu.”

Rumi’s face got hot, but she threw a pillow at the other girl. “Shut up, he’s literally in the bathroom. He could hear you.” She whispered harshly.

Abby grinned devilishly from where he sat. “Oh! Jinu! Yes!” He moaned loudly then, pitching his voice higher to imitate a girl.

She balled her fists. “I will fucking murder you. I know where you sleep most nights.”

They heard the bathroom door open then. Romance inhaling deeply before, “Jinu! More! More!” He whined, Mira giggling chaotically in his lap.

Jinu appeared from the bathroom then, giving them all a suspicious look. “Everyone good?” He asked, confused. Rumi hid her face in a pillow.

“Oh, we’re just fine, hyung.” Romance smiled.

“Oookay…” He trailed, still confused. “I thought I heard someone yelling for me.”

All three of the pink haired circus broke out in laughter, slapping each other and hollering.

Jinu sat down next to Rumi where he’d been before. “Uhm… I don’t get the joke.” He said, Rumi taking a deep breath and composing herself.

“You don’t need to. You don’t want to.” She stressed, throwing the pillow she held harshly at the three others.

“Okay… are we going to watch this movie or what?” Jinu asked then, glaring at the three on the other end of the couch.

“Yeah, yeah– sheesh.” Abby grumbled, calming down from the laughing fit. He reached for the remote and started the movie. Of course, it was some dumb horror movie. Mira had picked it, much to Abby and Romance’s agreement of course.

It was just the five of them that night. Baby was visiting his family now that the schools were on fall break– both of them being teachers. They had a chill weekend schedule. The girls had done a radio interview earlier that afternoon and they had the next day free before a fansign event on Sunday. Mystery and Zoey chose to hang back at the other apartment, the younger having decided to cook Zoey a huge dinner. They all knew what that meant, so the five of them huddled together in the Huntrix apartment.

They’d only been about thirty minutes into the movie and Rumi had jumped multiple times, curled into Jinu’s side now and hiding her face in his sweater. He could tell this wasn’t her favorite genre and– admittedly– it wasn’t his either. He didn’t find them that scary, just incredibly predictable.

Jinu felt Rumi shaking a little and he leaned down to her. “Do you want to go watch something different? We can go to your room if you want.” He offered softly, she glanced up at him, clearly scared, checking if he was serious. She nodded then, getting up and running to her room. Jinu followed her slowly, but he didn’t miss the catcalls coming from the three idiots in the living room.

He rolled his eyes, following Rumi into her room. She was wearing sweats and a hoodie, but she still curled up into her blankets.

“Was it that scary?” He asked, sitting down at the foot of her bed.

She nodded, digging around for the remote to her TV. “Wanna watch The Kardashians or something?” She asked, flicking the TV on.

“You had me at ‘trash television’.” He smiled. “Do you want water or anything? I’m going to grab a drink.”

“Make me tea?” She hummed, flipping through the apps on her TV.

He nodded, returning to the kitchen. This was like a second home to him by now, he easily found a glass, filling it with water. Next he grabbed a tea cup, starting the kettle that existed always on their stovetop. Waiting for it to boil, he turned to the huge living room TV as a girl screamed as she got stabbed relentlessly.

It was dark, so Jinu squinted his eyes. The couch was completely empty. He rolled his eyes— it hadn’t even been fifteen minutes since he and Rumi were gone. He lazily walked over, grabbing the remote and switching the TV off. He put away the bags of chips, setting the bowl of almost empty popcorn on the kitchen counter for tomorrow. Put the empty glasses in the sink. By then the kettle was screaming, so he poured the boiling water into the tea cup.

When he returned to Rumi’s room, she had changed into a light blue silky tank top with matching sleep shorts. She was undoing her braid, running her fingers through her hair before brushing it. She looked so soft like this, her long hair cascading around her.

He set her tea down on her nightstand, setting his glass of water down beside it. He grabbed her hairbrush then. “Here, let me.” He offered.

She scooted forward without hesitation, letting him settle in behind her. He softly ran the hairbrush through her hair and she huffed a contented sigh at the sensation.

“You should wear your hair down more often.” He commented. “It’s so beautiful, Rumi.”

She hummed in front of him. The silence surrounding them was comfortable, the only sound coming from whatever dumb show she’d put on.

“I can tell you have a sister. You actually know how to brush a girl’s hair.” She joked softly.

Jinu laughed quietly. “I got her ready for school every day until she was old enough to do it herself.” He shared fondly.

Rumi leaned back, resting against him lazily. “You’re such a good brother. Such a good person.” She whispered, eyes fixed on the TV.

Jinu hummed softly at the praise, a quiet thank you. She sat up then, reaching for her tea. The strap of her tank top fell loosely around her shoulder. Jinu’s eyes were fixed on it, he didn’t even think— his hand sliding along her skin to fix it. She leaned into his touch, taking a sip of tea. He couldn’t help himself, letting his hand wander farther, up to her neck. Smoothing over her soft skin. He couldn’t believe she was real.

She took another sip of tea, shivering slightly as his finger traced her hair line behind her ear. She turned then, setting her tea down and facing him. She looked at him in the soft light of her room, the TV rolling in the background. Her lips glanced at his mouth, back to his eyes. Back to his mouth. Then—

Her lips were soft on his. A quick, innocent peck and she pulled back, testing the room. Her strap had fallen down her shoulder again. Like a habit, he reached to fix it again, but she stopped him.

“Leave it.” She whispered, breathlessly. Her hair was cascading around them like a screen, like an added layer of privacy in the already safe space of her room.

“Rumi…” he trailed, swallowing his nerves, watching her shift between his legs and her silky shorts riding up her thighs. “W-what are we doing?”

She hummed, gazing at him shyly. “Whatever feels right.” She breathed. “This feels right.” She said, motioning between them then.

Jinu’s breath caught in his throat. He’d always seen her as attractive, fierce. She knew how to move on stage to collect fanboys like shiny little toys. She knew how to look in the camera and feign a sensuality. But off stage she’d always been professional and he’d always respected that. He’d always longed for her, from early on, but he never approached her. She was leagues above him, and he was too afraid of the sting it would leave if she rejected him.

But now here she was, in his lap, blushing softly in the glow of the TV behind them. She’d just kissed him, as innocent as it was. She fiddled with her fingers nervously, her nails clanking against each other softly.

He wasn’t going to waste another second then, softly cupping her face with his hand. Her eyes shot up at him then, hot with desire from his touch. He leaned in then, kissing her back with more intent. This kiss wasn’t an ask, this was a tell. He hesitantly let a hand fall on her bare thigh, Rumi gasping softly against his lips. He took the chance then to deepen the kiss, their tongues dancing seamlessly. He slowly sat up, careful not to break their kiss but guided her backwards, laying her down and slotting between her open legs. His hands traced the insides of her thighs lightly and god she was so soft.

Rumi let a quiet moan slide between their kisses, hips raising slightly to try and meet any kind of friction. Jinu broke the kiss then to catch his breath, letting his head fall to her neck and placing soft kisses there. Her hands found their way to his hair, raking through it softly.

He pulled back then only slightly, just to take her in. Her eyes were heavy with desire, her lavender hair spilling everywhere around where she laid. He noticed her hard nipples through her top, groaning at the sight and the knowledge that she didn’t have a bra on.

“Fuck, Rumi— do you know how many years I’ve thought about this?” He admitted then. “Every time I’d pass you backstage and you’d smile so softly, politely.” He let his hand trace the curve of her waist, her eyes gleaming at him as she took in the words. “Every time you’d win an award but still bow to every other person around you. So respectful, professional.” He let his hand trace the exposed sliver of her stomach then, her hips bucking at the sensation, lips parting to release a harsh exhale. “How you would eye-fuck the camera on stage and then act totally normal five seconds later on the way to your dressing room.”

He let both hands slip under her top then, laying flat and worshiping her body and collecting the silky fabric as they traveled up, up, up. He glanced at her for permission quickly, her teeth sunken into her lower lip as she gave him a tiny nod. He let his hands travel higher then, her top scrunched high enough now to expose her breasts, nipples perked in arousal. “God, you’re so fucking perfect.” He groaned, leaning forward to take one into his mouth, wasting no time and sucking instantly. Her back arched under him, another soft moan spilling from her lips. Her hands found his hair again, but they grasped the black strands in desperation this time.

He let her nipple go with a wet pop, looking up at her through his lashes. She let her head fall back at the sight, hips bucking up into his. It was his turn to let out a moan at the sensation against his erection, letting his head fall against her chest, breath hot on her skin.

“Do you have a condom?” She whispered, tone desperate.

He felt the heat simmer all through his body at the question. He shook his head shamefully, not meeting her eyes. He wasn’t expecting this, was never in a million years expecting this. Not the perfect Rumi, pliant beneath him.

She whined in the back of her throat. “Fuck.” She said, her voice searing with pure want.

“It’s okay.” He said, meeting her eyes with an apologetic look. “I can still take care of you.”

Her body trembled when he said it, shaking with need as he let his hands fall and trace her skin down to her shorts, toying with the waistband. “If you want that, of course.” He said then, sheepishly.

“J-Jinu…” she breathed harshly. “If you don’t do something right now, I’m going to throw you from my 123-story balcony.”

He rasped out a laugh at that. She definitely took after Mira sometimes.

“Oh, I’ve got you.” He said then, tone promising as he dragged her shorts down. She lifted her hips slightly in aid. He groaned again at the sight, black lace panties leaving nothing to the imagination. He immediately leaned in, placing kisses along the lace where it met her hip bones. “You fucking planned this, hmm?” He teased. “Changed when I left to make you tea?” He nipped at the skin on her right hip then, eliciting a harsh gasp from her but she didn’t answer. “Wanted me to come back in here, fuck you into your pillows?”

Her hips bucked wildly at the words, an admission of their own. He let his fingers trace the lace where her thigh and torso met, teasingly, before taking a tentative swipe over her through the fabric. He inhaled sharply at the feeling of the wetness already seeping through.

“Should’ve just asked, Rumi.” He hissed, wishing so desperately a condom would appear magically. “I’d have definitely come prepared then.”

“S-stop fucking talking.” She bit, but it came out desperate and needy, her pitch a high whine.

“As you wish, princess.” He said then, peeling her panties over the curve of her ass and discarding them with her shorts. He instantly let his fingers tease at her slick, warm to touch. Her breath hitched, hips moving wildly. He dipped a finger inside, curling it immediately and watching the way she thrashed under his touch.

His thumb grazed her clit softly and her whole body jerked. “So sensitive.” He whispered, her fingers digging into his shoulder as he added another finger to the first. “So tight and warm.” He praised her, watching the way her eyes fluttered shut. “You’d feel so good around my cock, Rumi.” She whined high pitched then, arching her back as he curled his fingers again, thumb pressing a little more firmly into her clit, moving back and forth. “That’s it, cum on my fingers.” He ordered, leaning in to lick at her clit then, sucking it into his mouth harshly, curling his fingers at the same time.

“J-Jinu… Jinu—“ she panted harshly, her back arching impressively as she squealed. Her hips bucking into his touch. He let a free hand grab her breast, tweaking a nipple between his fingers. That did it then, he felt her clench impossibly hard around his fingers, wetness oozing everywhere. He sucked at her sensitive clit still, guiding her through it until she was whining from the overstimulation, pulling at his hair.

He pulled his fingers from her then, not missing the needy noise that left her throat at the emptiness. He looked at his fingers glistening in the soft light, then to her face. She looked embarrassed, blushing at the sight. He licked his fingers then, groaning at the taste, sucking them into his mouth and not letting his eyes leave hers.

Her breaths came out in ragged spurts at the sight, another fire building up in her core even though she’d just orgasmed. She sat up then, pure want in her veins at the sight in front of her. She shoved him back lightly with a hand, catching him off guard as he fell back into her pillows. She crawled between his legs in a hurry, untying his sweats in a frenzy and yanking them down. He hissed as his erection sprung free into the cooler air of the room, but was relieved at the freedom from his strained briefs.

He lifted himself on one elbow, catching a glimpse as Rumi licked a long stripe from the base to the tip, twirling her tongue around the head and sucking it into her mouth. “Rumi— oh fuck!” He yelped at the sensation, trying his hardest not to buck his hips up into the sensation. “You don’t have to..” he tried to get the words out, but she took him deeper into her mouth then, humming around him softly. The soft glance she gave him then told him I want to.

He collapsed back into her pillows then, head falling back and eyes falling shut. She worked her mouth slowly, adjusting to the size. The slow up and down killing him, feeling her spit dribble down the rest of his length. He leaned up again on his elbow, his free hand moving her hair over her shoulder. Just as he did, she slid her mouth down to the base, her eyes closing and he felt her gag once, twice. Tears slipped down her cheek as she breathed through her nose harshly. And then she swallowed around him. “F-fuck” he panted hadshly, his words shifting into a low moan as she just kept swallowing around him. Like a meal she couldn’t get enough of, sucking him into her throat. “Rumi… fuck, I’m—“ his breath hitched, feeling himself about to cum. He tugged at her hair gently in warning and she pulled back, releasing him as he came instantly, over his stomach where his shirt had ridden up slightly. She teasingly leaned forward, sucking his softening tip into her mouth, licking at the slit. He hissed at the sensation, his cock twitching in overstimulation. “A-ah!” He hissed, she let him go with a pop, letting her tongue lay flat on his abdomen, licking clean the cum that laid there.

“Jesus fuck, Rumi.” He panted, not believing what he was seeing.

“Hmm?” She hummed in question, sitting up and bushing her fingers through her hair. So nonchalant.

“What the fuck…” he gasped, eyes fixed on the ceiling now in bewilderment. “You’re… evil.”

She laughed sweetly, sinfully. It sounded innocent even, in the light of what she’d just done. “That’s not a nice thing to say..” she teased, crawling up towards his side, his arm instinctively cradling around her, fingers resting on her bare hips. He pulled his sweats and briefs back over his hips with his free hand, the cool air in the room uncomfortable now. He noticed the slight shiver as she was completely bare still, running his fingers over goosebumps.

“Come on, you’re freezing.” He said then, sitting up and standing. He tugged at her arm, but she laid on the bed still, exhausted, only shifting to look at him.

She pointed at her dresser lazily. “Top drawer, undies. I don't care what pair. Bottom drawer, sweats. Again I don’t care.” She said, voice laced with sleepiness. He followed her instructions, coming back to the bed. He dressed her slowly, her breath hitching again when his fingers grazed over her ass, pulling her panties up for her, following with her sweats. He retrieved her silky tank top from the floor then, sliding it over her head and shoulders.

“God this feels so domestic.” She joked. “Like we don’t have a fansign Sunday where we have to act like we belong to our fans only.”

He hummed in agreement, pulling her covers back to let her slip under. She tugged his hand as if asking him to stay, an ask he couldn’t deny. He slipped under the covers beside her, wrapping her up in his arms.

“Sometimes I think how nice it would be…” she daydreamed. “Not being an idol.” He stayed silent, but rubbed her arms softly in acknowledgement. “Like if I worked a stupid desk job, and we ran into each other at the coffee shop on lunch.”

“Sounds awful.” He laughed, jokingly.

“I know. I wouldn’t trade this life for the world.” She admitted. “But sometimes, it’d be nice to not have to keep everything a secret. To not have to put on a show in front of the world. To not have to set an example, as the leader.”

He knew exactly what she meant. How many times he’d had to explain away a comment that got taken out of context, or when Romance was caught chatting a little too closely with a female idol at an awards show the previous year. To be able to be himself, take care of just himself. To do what he wanted and cater to his own needs, if only just for a day.

He hugged her closer, feeling closer to her than any girl he’d ever held like this. He nuzzled into her hair, inhaling the light scent of her shampoo that lingered. “I know.” He confirmed, and she hugged him tighter. “Some days it’s… a lot.” He admitted.

She glanced up at him then, soft and innocent like she hadn’t just sucked his soul through his dick. “It feels so much lighter when I’m with you.” She confessed, cheeks dusting a light pink. “Like I can just… be myself. Actually relax for a moment.”

His heart was panging in his chest, he hoped she couldn’t feel it. “I feel the same, Rumi.” He smiled fondly, smoothing a hand over her silky hair, cradling her head. He kissed her softly on the forehead.

They laid like that for a while, the TV had automatically switched to another show in the recommended queue. Neither of them paid it any mind, focused on this moment. Silently wanting it to last forever.

“I should probably get back.” Jinu said then, but his body made no movement.

“No.” She protested, shocking herself at how quickly it fell from her mouth with zero hesitation. “I mean… you can stay the night if you want to.” She said nervously, avoiding his eyes in embarrassment. “You know, in case the scary movie gives me nightmares.” A cheap excuse If he wanted to use it.

He chuckled at her, pulling her closer again. “Anything you want, Rumi.” He said softly, basking in the feeling of her in his arms.

———

The next morning brought a cacophony of hoots and hollers as Rumi and Jinu appeared in the kitchen together.

Abby was stretched out on the living room floor, shirtless. Always shirtless. Mira was straddling him, her phone out as she snapped silly pictures of the boy beneath her. Romance lounged on the couch, curled up in a ball like he’d been forced awake before he wanted to be, his eyes squinting angrily even as he laughed at the other two.

All three of them turned when they heard the footsteps, immediately melting into a collection of mocking sounds. Abby had made breakfast not long ago, Jinu helping himself to a bowl of rice immediately. Rumi followed, eyes glowing at all the food before them.

“Come on, shut up. What are you guys, like 16?” Jinu scoffed, trying to play the facade of their catcalls not bothering him.

“Mentally? Yes.” Romance confessed, not a mark of denial. “Please tell me you two finally fucked it out?” He asked, modesty lost to the world.

Jinu choked on some rice, Rumi laughing beside him as she turned to face the sink, giggling hard. He looked at the three agents of chaos in the living room, all of them looking like they needed an answer now or they would perish.

“We did not.” He said, not a lie exactly.

Abby turned to Mira, both of them looking dejected. Romance smirked, though, meeting Jinu’s eyes in a challenge.

“Okay. Not yet, I see.” He said, nonchalantly. “But the moans I was hearing last night definitely told me you did something.”

Jinu’s face paled, setting the bowl of rice down harshly on the counter. Rumi laughed harder now into the sink, collecting herself a bit more and she turned to face them, trying to stay serious.

Abby turned to Romance, holding a hand up for a high five. “Got him!” He exclaimed.

Jinu shook his head, accepting defeat, but not before meeting Romance’s eyes sternly. “Says the loudest one here?” He mocked. “Seriously, getting tired of hearing your ass getting clapped in the morning.” He tilted his head to the side innocently, glaring at Abby then.

Abby and Romance paled, their confidence being challenged. Rumi snorted beside him, covering her mouth with a hand. Mira fell back then onto the floor, laughing the loudest Rumi had ever heard, holding her stomach like it hurt. The two boys started arguing lightly then, Mira kicking Romance teasingly and that began a wrestling match.

Jinu rolled his eyes, turning towards Rumi and leaning his hip against the counter. She grinned childishly at him, and he couldn’t help but grin back, a chuckle rattling his chest as they ate. She could get used to this, and that felt a little risky. A risk she was willing to take, though, as long as Jinu dove in headfirst with her.

Notes:

+i'm a sucker for rumi's sister dynamic with ro & abby
+the more i write romance the more i fall in love with him lmao
+we love that jinu's pined after rumi for this long

Chapter 7: Dinner for Two?

Summary:

zoestery dinner date whil movie night is happening

Notes:

guys, it's happening.

tw: semi-rough sex mentioned, under-negotiated kink

they're learning together, right? hahaaa /hides/

Mystery was a ball of nerves. Baby had already planned to visit his parents for the weekend, Incheon not being too far from Seoul but he didn’t want to risk the paparazzi seeing him go back and forth and making assumptions. They had the weekend free anyhow, the only thing on any of their schedules being a radio interview for the three girls addressing their comeback album and the upcoming tour. It only took a couple of hours and they were free for the rest of the Friday evening, with a blank Saturday schedule staring them down. 

 

“Uhm… hyung.” Mystery said softly from where he was sitting on the couch. Jinu was relaxing beside him, a book in his hands as some action movie played on the TV. Abby and Romance had gone to grab lunch together after a work out session at the gym, much to Romance's protest. 

 

Jinu hummed in response, not breaking from his book. 

 

“I was wondering if… I could…” he trailed nervously, words catching in his throat. “I-I know this is a big ask but I was wondering if I could have the apartment to myself this evening, just for a couple hours?” 

 

Jinu immediately bookmarked his place, shutting the book and turning a curious eye toward the younger. “And why is that?”

 

The younger scratched at his messy grey hair sheepishly, not making eye contact. “Well… I wanted to cook dinner for Zoey and we’ll maybe watch a movie…” 

 

Jinu smirked, feeling like a really annoying older brother suddenly. “And why would we need to leave? If you’re just going to cook?” 

 

Mystery squirmed at the question, Jinu could tell he was getting frustrated with him. “Because, hyung, I don’t know…” 

 

“I don’t mind, you know.” Jinu said casually, folding his arms nonchalantly over his chest. “But you know Romance and Abby will need more convincing.” 

 

“BECAUSE!” Mystery snapped, immediately shying at his momentary anger. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap at you.” 

 

Jinu laughed, not offended at all. If anything, this was what he wanted. It was amusing, in that sick and twisted older sibling way. 

 

“I just… I don’t know where it will lead and I want it to just be us.” Mystery admitted then, shyly, hiding beneath his messy fringe. 

 

“Ahhh. Okay.” Jinu acted like he didn’t already know, feigning innocence. “Is this your first time?” He asked then, as if it was a super normal question to ask. 

 

Mystery paled. “Ugh! Hyung— what the fuck?” He barked, grossed out at the topic. 

 

Jinu shrugged. “Hey, as your older brother figure, I just want you to be safe.” All joking aside, Jinu was being serious now. ”Do you have condoms? You can borrow some from the bathroom cabinet—" 

 

Mystery cut him off, yelling. “OKAY!” The silence that ensued was awkward. But then Mystery cleared his throat. “I might be inexperienced, but I’m not clueless, hyung.” 

 

Jinu laughed softly. “Okay, I’ll make plans across the hall.” He offered then, not prying any further. “But Abby and Romance are going to give you a much harder time, you know, right?” 

 

Mystery shuddered at the realization. “Yeah, I’ll prepare myself. Thanks, Jinu.” 

 

———

 

When the girls were done with their radio interview, they piled into the van. Immediately checking their phones, Rumi had a text from Jinu in a group chat. 

 

Jinu has created a thread including MiMi, Abs, and SirFlirtsALot. 

 

Rumi chuckled, not remembering that she’d put Romance’s number in her phone as that. She changed it quickly to ‘Ro’ as she’d grown to call him now, tapping to get back to the text thread. 

 

jinu movie night at the girls’? mira’s pick, she never gets to pick. 

 

abs sounds fun! what time? ro & me finishing lunch now. 

 

ro wow, abby sound like caveman now. 

 

abs shut up, i forgot to type ‘are’ u asshole

 

jinu guys, focus. i’m not sure what time they’ll be done at the radio station… we can wait for either Rumi or Mira to reply. 

 

ro wait a second… why isn’t zoey in this thread? or mystery? 

 

jinu they won’t be joining, they have plans already. 

 

abs “plans” 

 

ro does this have anything to do with the insane amount of groceries myst bought the other day? 

 

jinu maybe. but please don’t mess with him, not til like tomorrow okay? he’s nervous. 

 

Rumi’s eyes grew big, knowing exactly why Mystery would be nervous. It was no secret between them that he was young and he was inexperienced and shy. Zoey was an open book with them about everything. She glanced at the younger girl then, who was smiling at her own phone. Probably a text from Mystery, inviting her over for a home cooked meal. It was so sweet, the young innocent love they’d developed over the past month. 

 

She returned her focus to her phone as the van pulled out of the parking lot and onto the main road. 

 

rumi hey all! movie night sounds fun, although mira will probably choose a stupid gore movie. i hate scary movies :( 

 

mimi hey you scaredy cat! listen to your boyfriend, it’s my pick. 

 

Rumi’s face got hot. Jinu was not her boyfriend, although they’d gotten really close to one another lately. She shot Mira a glare across the van, met by a smirk from the other. 

 

rumi not my boyfriend. anyhow, we’re heading home now. eta probably… 20ish minutes?

 

jinu :(

 

Rumi’s heart pounded at the frowny face. She chose to ignore it. Her phone buzzed, saving her from a response. 

 

ro let’s do this thang. our baby is losing his innocence tonight T.T

 

abs jinu did you give him “the talk”?

 

jinu we talked, he’ll be fine. just leave him alone for now, please? 

 

mimi so protective, wow. xD

 

And with that, the conversation stalled. The three of them put their phones down, chatting casually about the quickly approaching tour, how they’d be in Osaka for Halloween. Zoey giggling as she brainstormed costumes for everyone to wear on stage as a special treat for the fans. 

 

They pulled up to their building, van door sliding open as they hurried inside to the elevators. 

 

“Uhm… I’m going to catch up with you girls later.” Zoey said shyly suddenly as the elevator reached their floor. Both girls faked surprise, glancing at her in curiosity. “Mystery asked me to come over.” She said, like it wasn’t a big deal. 

 

Rumi and Mira tried to hide their knowledge as best they could. Mira shrugged, the best at hiding anything. “Okay! Have fun!” She said, as they stepped out of the elevator and parted ways in opposite directions. 

 

Zoey waited until the other girls had disappeared into their apartment, knocking softly on the Saja door. Mystery opened it quickly after, wearing a casual black long sleeve shirt and grey joggers. Zoey relaxed, not feeling underdressed in her leggings and hoodie. 

 

“Hi!” She chirped, following him inside and shutting the door behind her, lock clicking into place. “Mmm it smells amazing.” She complemented, inhaling the smell of whatever was cooking. 

 

“I made my mom’s recipe for yukgaejang. It’s a family recipe so I’m sorry if it’s really spicy… it is a Daegu version after all.” He explained, returning to the stove where a pot was boiling. “I hope it tastes as good as it smells.” 

 

Zoey smiled, overwhelmed with feelings at the thought that he went to this length for her. “You know I like spice, I’m sure it’ll be amazing.” She assured him. 

 

“Okay! It’s done.” He clapped his hands childishly, bringing the pot to the table he’d already set off to the side of the kitchen. Usually where he and his bandmates ate breakfast quickly before rushing out the door, but now clean and neat and two spots set. He carefully placed it between the two seats on a protective mat. 

 

Zoey sat down excitedly, wasting no time in spooning some into her bowl. It looked absolutely delicious. 

 

“Oh, I made rice too.” Mystery added, returning to the kitchen and bringing the steaming container of rice. 

 

“You worked hard on this.” Zoey noted, blowing on her spoon of soup to cool it down. “I hope it didn’t take too long or stress you out.” 

 

“No, I really like to cook.” He assured her, smiling softly. “I always used to cook with my mom growing up. I just don’t have the time nowadays.” 

 

“What’s Daegu like?” Zoey asked then, sticking her tongue out to test the temperature of the soup. It was perfect now, so she took the first bite. Her eyes lit up at the taste, groaning at the flavors and spices. “Ugh— this is so good.” 

 

Mystery blushed softly, releasing a breath as if he’d been holding it in, waiting for her approval. “Thanks.” He replied shyly. “Daegu is… hot.” He said, making her giggle as she kept eating. He took a bite then too, revelling in the taste of home. “It’s more laid back than here. People aren’t in such a rush all the time, you’re guaranteed to have a good conversation with an ajussi at the bus stop.” 

 

Zoey smiled warmly. All she’d ever known was the hustle and bustle of both LA and Seoul. A smaller city sounded like a nice break from the fast pace of two international cities. 

 

“Sounds really nice.” She daydreamed, swirling her soup before taking another bite. 

 

Mystery hummed. “We could go sometime.” He offered. “You know, if you’d like.” 

 

She beamed at him. “I would love that.” She replied. 

 

“What’s LA like?” He asked then, and for a moment she was shocked. She’d not mentioned her split life to him before— but she was an idol. Of course, her whole life story likely existed in multiple places on the internet. He cleared his throat, reeling her back in. “I’m sorry— I didn’t mean to pry.” He explained. 

 

“No, no. It’s okay.” She said, grabbing his hand across the table to assure him. He visibly relaxed at the contact. “LA is crazy, just like Seoul. Just more American, and better Mexican food for sure.” That pulled a laugh from him. 

 

“I didn’t spend much time in LA growing up, though. When my parents got divorced, I was five or six. Old enough to remember it. My mom got custody of me, moving back to Seoul. We lived with her parents until my mom got back on her feet, got a good job, met my stepdad.” 

 

Mystery’s head was in his hands, gazing at her like this was the most interesting story he’d ever heard. She wasn’t used to this, the listening. She had only ever talked about this with Mira and Rumi. 

 

“I would spend most summers in LA with my dad and stepmom.” She continued. “It felt weird, like I was out of place. A Korean in America, but when I would come back…I was still too American to fit in with my classmates.” 

 

Mystery frowned at her words. “I can’t imagine being split between two worlds like that. Totally different language and culture.” 

 

She smiled, feeling seen. “It was hard, but it shaped me as a person. Allowed me to really focus on my interests and be creative in my own head. My mom was super supportive when I told her I wanted to join LYNX, but she thought I would just be a lyricist behind the scenes. It shocked her when I was placed in Huntrix.” She giggled at the memory of her mom’s face when she came home and shared the news. “Were your parents supportive? I know not everyone’s are…” 

 

Mystery hummed. “They definitely were, although my dad gave me shit for the first three years and then when we debuted and didn’t go anywhere right away. I was a really good student, so he was always reminding me of other options.” Zoey nodded silently. “It’s kind of shocking how proud he is now, though. Most rich parents aren’t proud of their only son choosing to be an idol.”

 

Zoey sighed. “That’s good though— that they’re proud of you. I know Mira doesn’t have that.” 

 

Mystery huffed, knowing all too well. “Neither does Romance.” He admitted. 

 

They finished their dinner over more light chatter. It was comfortable, it felt entirely domestic. Like they were in a luxury high rise, with a view of the city out the windows in every room. Zoey helped him with the dishes and they settled onto the couch, bellies full and content. 

 

“Seriously, that was really good. Tell your mom she gets an A+ from me, okay?” Zoey sighed, sinking back into the cushions. 

 

“THE Zoey from Huntrix, approving her family recipe that’s probably decades old? That would make her entire life.” He joked, both of them laughing at the thought. “She’d really like you. So would my dad.” He said then, quietly. 

 

Zoey felt a blush rising— she’d never had a proper boyfriend. She’d never met a guy’s parents. It made her nervous in a way she never felt— nerves weren’t really her thing. But this was all so new to her, in a world of one night stands and quick backstage hookups. 

 

His eyes met hers then, tentatively. Fleeting. He was so shy, looking away as they sat in silence. She faced him then, properly, lacing their fingers together. “About what you texted me…” she trailed. “There’s no rush, I want you to be sure.” 

 

Her mind fleeted back to the message she opened in the van. 

 

Dinner at my place, a Daegu special. If you don’t have plans already… and I think I’m ready to go all the way for you. 

 

He swallowed nervously, staring at their intertwined fingers, playing with one of her rings. “I am sure, Zoey. I’m just nervous because I don’t really know what I’m doing… but I want to try.” 

 

They’d only had heated makeout sessions, Zoey usually either sucking him off or giving him a sinful handjob. He felt so insecure, his only reciprocation being her instructing him through fingering her. She came though, hard, so he must have listened well. 

 

“I want to be able to make you feel good.” He admitted, his face blushing beneath his messy fringe. 

 

Zoey smiled, hands raising to cup his face. She forced him to meet her gaze. “You always make me feel good.” She assured him. “Just because you listen, you make me feel important like no other guy ever has.”

 

That made his whole body tingle, a confidence boost of sorts. He leaned in to kiss her, her lips meeting his without hesitation. This he’d gotten quite good at. He knew how to nibble at her bottom lip to get her to gasp, sneaking his tongue into her mouth. How to grasp her hips and have her squirm from the touch. Zoey ran her fingers through his messy hair, nails scratching lightly at his scalp. He sighed into the kiss, the heat growing between them. He guided her back onto the couch, kissing the spot on her jaw near her ear that had her gasping, whining softly. He trailed his lips down her neck and felt her reach her hands for his waistband, shaking like she did when she got needy. 

 

He paused her, pulling away a centimeter. “Let’s go to my room.” He said, looking into her eyes. Typically, he’d look nervous but tonight he looked so sure. She nodded, letting him lead the way. 

 

Zoey backed Mystery into his bed, his knees hitting the edge and sitting, leaning back slightly as she crawled into his laps, her eyes heavy with desire. He reached up then, grabbing the clip of the single bun she wore, her hair cascading to her shoulders. He ran a finger through it, tucking it behind her right ear. “You’re so pretty with your hair down, noona.” He whispered, and she felt her stomach flip. She loved when he called her that. He slowly traced a hand along her thigh, she could feel the heat through her leggings. 

 

She leaned in to kiss him, hungry for the taste of it, grinding her hips down into his cock and pulling a groan from him in response. She smirked into the kiss, knowing how to get his blood pumping. 

 

His hands gripped her hips firmly then, grinding her back into him and she pulled away from the kiss, arching her back at the feeling, at the anticipation of the night. 

 

He gripped the underside of her thighs then, picking her up and revelling in the tiny squeak of surprise she made. He flipped their positions, laying her back on his bed and tugging his shirt over his head. He made quick work of her hoodie, nothing but a simple sports bra underneath. He helped her out of the tight spandex material, hands instantly on her chest, her nipples hard and sensitive. 

 

“Msyt— ahh!” She exclaimed, arching her back as he teased a nipple with his mouth. She was so sensitive and it only made him want her more. 

 

He let his hands wander, pushing her leggings down slowly along with her panties, standing briefly only to discard them on the floor. He sucked in a breath of air. He’d seen her naked before but every time he did it felt like the first time. Her soft pale skin was breathtaking, the way it contrasted with her jet black hair. 

 

“Are we just going to look?” Zoey asked, reeling him back into the moment. 

 

“You’re just so gorgeous, it’s distracting.” He whispered, noting the light pink that rose to her cheeks. Her eyes flickered away for a moment in embarrassment. She sat up then, tugging at the waistband of his pants impatiently. 

 

“Not yet.” He whispered, looking down at her from his messy grey hair. “I want to try something.” 

 

He got on his knees then, spreading her legs carefully and his eyes not leaving hers. She gasped, knowing where this was going. 

 

“N-no.” She stopped him, hands on her shoulders. He looked up at her, worried. “It’s… it’s embarrassing.” She said, biting her lip. She’s only ever done this once and…

 

“No it’s not, Zoey. I want to do this.” He pleaded, nuzzling into her thigh and biting softly. She gasped again, sensitive to everything he was doing. 

 

“Uhm…” she trailed, fighting her own inner nerves. “Um, okay.” She said, not able to fight the look of pure want in his eyes. 

 

He didn’t hesitate a moment longer, taking one of her hands in his and kissing up her thigh. He flattened his other hand on her other thigh, pushing them open further. He left his fingers lead, smearing her wetness greedily and rubbing gently at her clit. 

 

His breath hitched then. “Always so wet, Zo. All we did was kiss.” He teased, hearing her breath stutter. 

 

“P-please.” She whimpered, and he dove in then, his tongue licking at her slowly while his finger worked her clit still. She shrieked softly at the foreign sensation, falling back onto the bed and letting go of his hand. He let his tongue explore more now, curling into her and grabbing her thighs, slipping them over his shoulders and moving her body so he could get a better angle. His movements got sloppy, lost in the taste of her and the sounds she was making. 

 

He pulled back, biting the skin where her hip and torso met before sucking her clit into his mouth, curling his fingers into her at the same time. Her body jolted off the bed at the sensation, a loud moan leaving her lips and he felt her walls clench tight around his fingers, sucking her clit relentlessly as she writhed beneath him. 

 

“S-sensitive… ah!” She nearly screamed, Mystery finally pulling away. She was huffing, trying to catch her breath as he crawled up her body. 

 

“Good?” He asked, his voice shy and for what reason she had no clue. 

 

“What the fuck was that?” She huffed, exasperated. “How the fuck…” 

 

He leaned in, kissing her deeply. She moaned again at the taste of herself, feeling a tension build in her again. He ground his hips into her thigh then, his cock painfully hard in his pants. 

 

“Do you still want to…” he asked, the shy side of him taking over. He wasn’t so shy a minute ago. 

 

“Yes, fuck, please.” She begged, rolling on top of him before standing, yanking his pants down harshly and letting them fall to the floor. His cock sprang free, it looked painful. “Condoms?” She asked, the opposite of his shyness as sheer hunger possessed her. 

 

“Drawer.” He said, voice soft. It drove her insane how he’d just given her the best orgasm of her life, claiming he didn’t know what he was doing, and now he was shy again. She retrieved the shiny packet from his nightstand, ripping it open quickly. He inhaled sharply at the contact as she rolled it on. 

 

She took control then, straddling his hips as she positioned him at her core, teasing the tip. “F-fuck, noona, feels so good” he groaned and she bit her lip, wanting to drive him insane. She lowered herself slowly, one hand on his chest and she basked in the noises it pulled from his throat. 

 

She stilled when he bottomed out, observing the way he squirmed. “Feels good?” She whispered. 

 

“God yes.” He groaned again, swallowing harshly. “So warm, so tight.” She smirked, she’d never been with a guy for his first time, but she remembered hers. She felt so powerful in this moment, like she was fully in control. 

 

Mystery writhed beneath her. “Noona— move please move.” He begged, and she wanted to tease him, see what he’d do if she didn’t listen. 

 

His eyes opened, locking eyes with her evil grin. He huffed, almost a growl. He grabbed her hips firmly, lifting her slightly and beginning to thrust into her. The sudden shift took her by surprise, her head falling back and mouth falling open as he drilled right into that spot. She choked on a moan, nails digging into his hands where they gripped her hips harshly. 

 

“You’re such a tease, noona.” He growled now, thrusting harder into her. He loved the way it made her small, perky tits bounce with every sharp movement. “Making me wait, thinking you’re in control.” 

 

He picked her up again then, shocking her yet again with his sudden burst of strength. He tossed her onto the bed roughly and she cried out in pleasure and the slight roughness. He bent her legs back, thrusting right back into her, pace picking up right where he left off. 

 

“O-hh f-fu-ck.” She whined, whole body jolting with each harsh jab of him inside of her. He felt her walls fluttering, knowing she was close. She wanted to play a tease? He’d show her a tease. 

 

With one more thrust, he stopped suddenly, buried inside her. She whined loudly, high and desperate, clawing at his hips while trying to move her own. She failed miserably, his grip on her hips too strong. “W-why? Please— so close.” She practically cried, feeling him pulsing wildly inside of her. 

 

“Payback’s a bitch, hm?” He whispered, leaning down toward her ear. 

 

She gasped, whole body heating up to infinity. She didn’t know where this primal side was coming from, but she loved it. 

 

“Flip over.” He said then, pulling out of her completely. His hand ghosting over her thigh. 

 

She gazed up at him, confused but complied, crawling onto all fours. He let out a low groan at the sight, grabbing her hips gently this time, thrusting into her. His pace sped up fast and she was right at the edge of bliss. He was too, she could feel the twitch of his cock, the heavy breathing. 

 

“H-hit me.” She moaned suddenly, not even knowing why her mouth blurted that out. 

 

His movements slowed without stopping. “What?” He asked, more shocked than she was. 

 

“Hit me— please.” She gasped into the sheets, her body collapsing with the pure need of it. 

 

“Noona— I…” there was the shy boy again. As much as she loved it, she needed the aggressive side he’d been showing. 

 

“I said hit me. Fuck me hard, spank me.” She barked, almost in tears from how bad she wanted to cum. 

 

He groaned so low at the words, and she wished she could have seen his face. He grabbed her hips so hard then, drilling into her and their skin smaking loudly. She felt herself drooling into his sheets, felt how much wetter she got instantly. Just then, his hand cracked down on her ass. The sound was crisp in the room and she jolted. 

 

“Again, harder.” She cried. 

 

“Jesus— Zo.” He moaned, slapping her ass harder. Seeing the mark it instantly left. Her body jolted then, and she screamed into the sheets below her. She felt his hips snap once, twice, three times and then he stilled, collapsing over her back. 

 

They laid there for a while, panting wildly. 

 

The post-orgasm haze settled and Mystery pulled out of her gently, rolling off the condom and tying it off. He gently rubbed the small of her back. 

 

“Fuck, Zoey. Are you okay? Oh my god.” He panicked. “I-I hit you?” His voice was so worried. 

 

She rolled over, exhausted but wanting to ease his worry. “Mystery, it’s fine.” She breathed, still trying to catch her breath. “It was so good. I told you to, it’s okay.” 

 

He relaxed, only a little. They were both covered in sweat, the sheen slowly drying to their skin leaving a stickiness behind. She laid, limbs completely lifeless. 

 

“Zoey, c’mon. We should shower.” He pleaded, smoothing his hand over her bare thigh. 

 

“Mmmmm.” She whined, pouting at him and stretching. “You broke me.” She joked. 

 

“Okay, I’ll carry you.” He said then, yanking her by the ankles and scooping her up. She shrieked, giggling silly as he carried her into his bathroom. She was so thankful he had his own bathroom and didn’t have to share with Romance and Abby like Baby did. He sat her down gently on the edge of the tub, starting the walk in shower across from it. He got to work, grabbing her a clean towel and hanging it on the railing next to his. She watched him sleepily, a warm feeling in her chest. This quiet boy with a hidden strength and hidden feral side. 

 

“It’s warm, come on.” He said, holding his hand out for her with a childish smile. She stood, taking his hand. 

 

The water felt amazing, rolling over her shoulders. He took the washcloth from her when she went to wet it. “Let me.” He said gently, and she didn’t protest. She was too tired. He washed her body thoroughly, careful to go soft over the subtle blooming bruises on her hips from his hands. He blushed at the sight. A hand print, fading slowly on her ass. 

 

He washed himself quickly, both of them washing their hair and rinsing. He held her for a moment under the steady stream of water, soothing his hands over her back. She could fall asleep like that. 

 

“Zoey… I…” he trailed, nervous energy in his voice. “I don’t know what happened when we…” 

 

She shushed him with a kiss, no heat and all tenderness. “You better find out because I loved it.” She said, locking her gaze with his. 

 

He smiled, embarrassed but glowing. They got out of the shower, drying off and making their way back to his bed. “Can I stay here tonight?” Zoey asked, and Mystery gave her a crazy look. 

 

“You can stay here forever.” He said, laughing at the words. 

 

She smiled sleepily. “Good because I think my legs would give out if I tried to walk over there right now.” 

 

She slipped her hoodie back on without the bra, too tired to fight the tight material. Mystery got dressed on the other side of the bed, pausing when he noticed her looking at her panties she’d picked up. 

 

“What wrong, babe?” He asked. 

 

Her face flushed at the name— babe. No one had ever called her that. Not romantically, at least. 

 

“They’re still wet…” she trailed and heat flashed in his eyes for a moment. He was too tired to engage with that feeling, opening a drawer. 

 

“Here.” He tossed a pair of boxers at her. 

 

She giggled loudly. “Really? These are going to be so big on me!” 

 

He shrugged. “That’s all I got. I don’t carry a full lingerie section here, sorry.” He joked, smirking at her. 

 

She slid them on, snapping the elastic at her hips teasingly. “How do they look?” She couldn’t stop her giggles, turning to model then for him. When he didn’t answer, she turned to look at him. 

 

He stood there, eyes gleaming at her through the damp grey strands of his hair in his face. A small smirk was on his face. She felt her heart pounding in her chest furiously. 

 

“You look… indescribably sexy.” He rasped out, and she let her gaze fall to the floor. This was supposed to be a night of firsts for him, but he was saying all these things she’d never heard from another person. She’d had a few hookups in the past in the industry, but they never felt like this. This felt so different… this felt like love. She shook her head at the thought, a smile so big across her face. 

 

She crawled into bed then and he did too, pulling her into his bare chest. She inhaled the scent of his body wash and let it crash over her like a wave. 

 

“Do you want to watch a movie or anything?” He asked, playing with her damp hair. 

 

“Mmm, no.” She mused, glancing up at him adoringly. “I want to stay just like this.” 

 

———

 

The next day, respective members of each group started finding their ways back to their own spaces. Zoey and Mystery reluctantly said goodbyes, both needing to rest for the fansign the next day. It was a huge event, a combined signing leading up to their first performance of the combined leg of the tour in Seoul. A kickoff extravaganza and it was sold out. It was going to be a really long day. 

 

Zoey quietly slipped into the apartment, Rumi and Mira both sprawled on the couch with limbs overlapping. A reality TV show played on the television and she giggled softly— she wondered how Rumi talked Mira into that. 

 

“Oh bullshit!” Mira yelped, tossing a pillow in the air to let it smack her in the face. “There’s no way she’s going to let that slide, right?” She glared at Rumi from where she laid, the other girl laughing hysterically and shrugging. “These stupid shows are addictive. Play the next episode, I can’t take the cliff hanger.” 

 

Zoey tried to silently breeze past them as they bickered but Rumi caught sight of her— she always did. 

 

“Zoey! Welcome home!” She beamed, Zoey slowly turning around and smiling back. “How was dinner?” She asked, patting the spot beside her on the couch. 

 

“Uh, it was good. Really good! Mystery made this family recipe of yukgaejang and it was so amazing.” She got carried away, going into details of the taste and the spices. She slowed, noticing Mira and Rumi both smirking at her. 

 

“What?” She asked, helplessly. 

 

“And how was the dessert?” Mira asked, cracking into laughter as Rumi collapsed into her, whole body shaking with laughter too. 

 

Zoey huffed at them, only slightly embarrassed. “Oh you’re just jealous because you’re avoiding your feelings for Jinu!” She exclaimed, pointing at Rumi in accusation. 

 

Mira laughed even harder. “We’re so past that Zoey!” She squealed, fanning the air in front of her to dry her tears. “You’re not the only one who got some dick last night!” 

 

All three of them burst into laughter then. 

 

“Oh my god! No way!” Zoey hollered, falling back onto the couch. 

 

They all calmed down slowly from the giggles. Zoey hummed, reliving the previous night in her mind. 

 

“It was good, you guys. Like so good.” She said, bringing her hands up to hide her face. 

 

“Uh… I’ll say?” Mira said then, her tone questioning. Zoey peaked from behind her hands, following both Rumi and Mira’s gaze to where her hoodie had ridden up, exposing her navel slightly. Bruises in the shape of finger tips dusted her skin, disappearing below the waistband of Mystery’s boxers she was still wearing, his loose sweatpants she’d also borrowed dipping low enough to expose the marks. 

 

“Oh shit!” She said, sitting up and yanking her hoodie down. 

 

“Zoey… are you okay?” Rumi asked then, concern in her eyes. 

 

“Trust me, Rumi. I’ve never been better.” Zoey grinned. 

 

“Okay you little freak?” Mira yelped in a catcall tone, clapping her hands. Zoey blushed. 

 

Rumi’s concern didn’t leave her face although it did soften, knowing Zoey was okay. 

 

“We have a fansign tomorrow, Zoey. And your outfits always expose your stomach.” She said, the air growing tense between the three. 

 

Zoey waved her off. “It’ll be okay, I’ll ask for a higher wasted skirt or whatever they put me in.” The other two didn’t look convinced. “Besides, they make makeup strong enough to hide tattoos. It’ll be fine.” 

 

“Okay, if you say so…” Rumi sighed, putting trust in their youngest. 

 

“Now I wanna know when you turned into such a nasty freak, Zoey?!” Mira yelled then, clapping again. 

 

Zoey giggled then, getting up and shaking her ass jokingly to the beat of Mira’s clapping. “Oh, you know!” She yelled. 

 

That pulled a laugh from Rumi, her eyes scrunching up. Deep down, though, she couldn’t help but worry.

Notes:

+two chapters in one day? be fed
+we love a shy boy flipping into a mean boy and back to a shy boy
+zoey??? can we talk about that?
+don't forget abt jinu being that annoying older bro

Chapter 8: Glitter Pens & Soundchecks

Summary:

There's drama right before the tour starts...

Notes:

i had a long day at work so this is my gift to you

Rumi tapped her boots rapidly on the ground, the social energy palpable even though the fans hadn’t been let in yet. Jinu sat beside her, laughing with Baby on his other side about the hot pink glitter gel pens the staff gave them all. She glanced down, past those two. Zoey sat next, chatting quietly with Mystery beside her. Finally, Abby was next to Mira. She was giving him shit for sketching a picture of his abs while Romance sat at the end of the table, fixing his hair in a compact mirror. 

 

This was going to be fine, right? The staff unintentionally sitting all the fuck buddies side by side? She took a deep breath, Jinu noticing and giving her hand a soft squeeze under the table. Reassurance. 

 

“Alright! Are you guys ready? We’ve got about 200 fans to get through. Let me know if you need a break!” Bobby chirped, clapping his hands together. With that, the doors opened and the fansign began. 

 

Halfway through, Huntrix was excused from the table to perform Golden outside on stage for fans who didn’t get a fansign ticket. After makeup touchups, they swapped places with the Saja Boys, who performed Your Idol. They ended the fansign shortly after the boys returned to the table, and Rumi collapsed into her folded arms in relief. They made it through. Her voice was wrecked, though, from so much talking. Jinu returned from the bathroom then with a bottle of water for her.  

 

“Ughhhhhhhgh” she groaned, exhausted to the bone. “Thanks.” 

 

Jinu didn’t say anything, just winked playfully at her. 

 

Romance and Abby were arguing over something totally trivial, one accusing the other of interrupting Mira when she was talking to a fan. 

 

“That’s a wrap!” Bobby appeared again, having the energy of a thousand suns. “Get some rest! Schedules are cleared until the concert on Thursday. I’ll let you all know soundcheck times by Tuesday.” 

 

And with that, they were ushered like zombies into their vans to take them back to their apartments. 

 

The ride back was completely silent in both vans, the energy being completely sucked out of all of them. Enough socialization for an eternity. 

 

A nap was in order for nearly everyone. Baby was the first to disappear into the Saja apartment, Rumi and Jinu following after. 

 

Mira, Romance and Abby almost always went back to the Huntrix dorm anymore, as Mira had the biggest bed to accommodate three people. Zoey and Mystery went back to the Huntrix apartment as well. 

 

Everyone did their own thing for dinner that night, too tired and burnt out from the day to do anything as a group. 

 

Tuesday came and Bobby wanted to get everyone together at the Huntrix apartment for a big dinner. He wanted to celebrate a successful fan event and the kickoff of the tour. He also wanted to discuss soundcheck times and the structure of the show in two nights. 

 

Everyone was joined around the table, having received the food order from Kihyun downstairs that Bobby had sent ahead. Spirits were much higher tonight, jokes being cracked and hollering left and right. 

 

Rumi looked down at her phone. Bobby was late. Sometimes he ran behind, but never over thirty minutes. She couldn’t help the feeling that something was wrong. 

 

Suddenly then, Bobby came through the front door looking stressed. 

 

“Girls, we have a problem!” He sang, and it would be a joke if he didn’t look close to passing out. 

 

All three of the girls stood then suddenly, rushing over to him. He stood by the kitchen island, close enough to the dining table that the guys could hear the whole dilemma. 

 

“Apparently, there is a zoomed in photo from the Golden performance from Sunday and Zoey has a nasty couple of bruises on her hip.” He turned the phone, showing the Dispatch article to the three of them. Zoey’s face instantly paled. “Some netizens are claiming it looks like finger marks and now there is a swirling rumor that you’re in an abusive relationship.” Bobby was panicking, full heaving. 

 

Rumi made eye contact with Jinu, who glanced at Mystery. The youngest ducked his head in embarrassment. 

 

“Uhm, okay. Obviously that’s just speculation.” Rumi started. “Zoey isn’t dating, first off.” 

 

Rumi glanced at the younger girl. “Yeah!” She agreed, a little too forced. “Don’t even remember how those got there! Didn’t even notice them. Must have been from dance practice or something.” 

 

Bobby clapped his hands triumphantly. “Oh thank god! Will you do a live at some point in the next…. right now actually? And just casually explain this away?” 

 

Rumi’s face fell. They were supposed to be celebrating, eating dinner together and preparing for the tour. But this was the reality of their lives, being at the beck and call of the fans. Having to drop everything to do damage control at the expense of the prying public eye and rumor mill. 

 

Zoey agreed without hesitation, grabbing her phone and disappearing into her room. 

 

They ate dinner without her, and the atmosphere was off. Mystery didn’t speak the entire time, his head cast downwards and only managing to take a couple of bites. Romance and Abby looked at him concerned, and Mira and Rumi couldn’t stop checking their phones, tuning into Zoey’s live to see the chat. 

 

Bobby left eventually, and Rumi sat back in her chair, frown glued to her face. Everyone was quiet, Jinu rubbing the tension in his forehead. The silence was uncomfortable.

 

“Mystery, are those bruises from you?” He asked, careful not to show any anger and upset the youngest. 

 

Mystery simply nodded, not picking his head up. 

 

Romance whistled lowly, teasingly in surprise, Jinu shooting him a glare instantly. “Not the time or place, Ro.” His tone was firm, making Romance hold his hands up in defeat. 

 

Silence fell over them again before Jinu spoke. “You’ve got to be more careful, Myst. No one’s mad at you. Look at me.” He slammed his fist on the table lightly, demanding. Mystery snapped his head up as if on command, meeting Jinu’s stare. His eyes were glistening, peaking out from behind his hair. “It’s going to be okay, alright? Just let this be a lesson, honestly for all of us.” Jinu said, glancing at the pink haired trio across the table, then to Baby, then to Rumi. “We just have to be so careful.” 

 

The tension was broken by Zoey returning from her two hour live stream, looking exhausted. 

 

“We saved you some food!” Mira offered, trying to sound cheerful. 

 

Zoey sighed. “Thanks, Mi.” She said, grabbing the offered bowl. She went to sit back beside Mystery, but the youngest stood up then, making her pause in her tracks. 

 

“Are we done?” He asked sharply, looking only at Jinu. 

 

“Done with what, dinner?” Jinu asked, confused. 

 

“No, done discussing this whole thing?” He corrected, his voice cracking slightly. Zoey stood shocked, not aware of the conversation she’d missed.

 

“I suppose so. Anyone else have any input?” He asked, glancing around the table. Everyone shook their heads in silence. “Then I guess so.” 

 

And with that, Mystery stormed off toward the front door, slipping outside and letting the door click softly behind him. 

 

Zoey was still stunned, standing completely still. “What… did you say to him?” She asked, looking at Rumi and then to Jinu. 

 

“I just explained that he needs to be more careful, that’s all.” Jinu said, shrugging. He didn’t understand what just happened, why Mystery was so upset, the gravity of it all.  

 

Zoey set her bowl down, letting her head fall back in annoyance, staring at the ceiling in agony. “Oh my god I have a migraine.” She said, “You don’t understand, it’s my fault.” She said, hand flush to her chest. “I pushed him to be rough with me, I’m the one that needs to be more careful. Don’t put this all on him when I should know better myself.” She owned up to it, right there in front of them all. Her voice was somewhere between sad and angry. 

 

In a normal setting, the explicit details of intimate moments wouldn’t have to be discussed and dissected in front of your entire friend group. But, their lives were anything except normal, and this was just a harsh reminder. 

 

Jinu rested his head in his hands, clearly frustrated, not knowing what to say and not wanting to upset anyone else. There was awkward silence amongst the table. 

 

Rumi interjected then, her voice calm. “How did the live go?” 

 

Zoey shrugged, taking a bite of food after she sat down. “I think it went fine. I just played it casual until someone asked in chat about the bruising. I explained that I fell at dance rehearsal the other day, that Mira caught me before I busted my face on the floor. They look like finger marks because they are, just not in the way people are spreading rumors. Blah blah blah.” Zoey took another bite, inhaling her food. 

 

Rumi was amazed at how the younger girl could come up with this on the spot. Zoey continued, “they seemed to buy it, I was seeing a lot of comments saying to take better care of myself and take breaks, stop working so hard.” 

 

Rumi hummed, at least this was good. You know, now Zoey was likely crushed by Mystery running away from her but at least the fans were happy? Who knew what was running through Mystery’s head. She exhaled harshly, sad about the whole situation. They could have handled it better. 

 

“Zoey, thank you.” Rumi said, grabbing her hand tightly. “We’ll make it right with Mystery.” She said then, nodding toward Jinu who was still resting his head in his hands. He grunted in acknowledgment, exhaustion.

 

Baby excused himself shortly after the conversation ended. Mira and her boys did the same, retreating to her room quietly after she hugged Zoey tightly. Jinu and Rumi stayed, letting Zoey eat in silence and not being the first ones to break it. 

 

“I don’t need the lecture. I know I fucked up, I know it was a really close call. I’m sorry and it won’t happen again.” Zoey said firmly, not meeting either of their eyes. She let out a shaky breath then, holding back tears. 

 

“Oh, Zoey.” Rumi said, rushing around the table to hug the younger girl. Zoey fell into her arms without hesitation, sobbing softly. 

 

“I… I fucked up. And I’m sorry.” She cried, Rumi patting her hair while giving Jinu a somber look. 

 

“Shh. It’s okay, really.” Rumi offered, rubbing her back to comfort her. Jinu nodded, reaching to grab Zoey’s hand in affirmation. 

 

“D-do you think he’s m-mad at me?” She asked, breath hyperventilating through her tears she wiped away as more came rolling, turning to Jinu. 

 

He swallowed harshly, feeling awful about the situation. He shouldn’t have been so hard on Mystery. For a moment this felt like his younger sister before him and he softened his shoulders. “I don’t, Zoey. I think he’s upset with himself mostly, maybe me too. And embarrassed, understandably so.” 

 

She nodded, sniffled, turning to Rumi again. “I should g-go talk to him.” 

 

Rumi and Jinu looked at each other, not knowing what to say. Jinu shook his head lightly, thinking it best to give the youngest some space.

 

“Uhm. Let me go talk to him first, okay? I’ll text you when we’re done talking and you can see if he wants to talk.” Jinu’s voice was soft, not to upset her. He walked over to the door then, slipping outside. 

 

Zoey broke down again with the click of the door. “What if he doesn’t want to talk to me?” She panicked. 

 

“Then he’s stupid.” Rumi offered, like it was a simple fact. Zoey huffed out an exasperated laugh.

 

“I can’t lose him.” Zoey said then, breaking into another sob. “I-i think I love him.” 

 

Rumi held the younger girl, let her cry it out. When she calmed down again, Rumi pulled away, wiping her tears. 

 

“You should tell him that, then.” She said softly, holding Zoey by her shoulders. 

 

“It’s scary, Rumi.” She said then, and Rumi felt that in her core. “Nothing in our lives is permanent. Not even this.” She said motioning between them. “Not even this .” She motioned around them at the apartment, the money, the fame, the lifestyle. 

 

Rumi hugged her again. “If we hit rock bottom tomorrow, I’d still be there for you. We’d be washed up besties. I love you no matter what.” 

 

Zoey cried while laughing into her shoulder. “Thanks Rumi. I love you.” 

 

“I love you too.” Rumi whispered into her hair, hugging the other tight enough to cut off circulation, pulling a wheezed groan from the other. Zoey giggled softly, and Rumi breathed a sigh of relief at the sound. 

 

Just then, Zoey’s phone buzzed. 

 

myst can we talk tomorrow? i just want to be alone right now. i’m not mad at you, never. 

 

Zoey sighed, Rumi reading the message too. 

 

“See? You’ll be fine.” Rumi assured her. 

 

“But I know he’s beating himself up right now and it feels awful. I’m going to sleep horribly.” Zoey huffed, her eyes puffy from crying. She chewed at her bottom lip in anxiety.

 

“Is everything okay?” Mira’s voice was incredibly small, coming from the hallway where their rooms were. It was so unlike her but she was testing the room. 

 

“Mhm. I think it will all be just fine.” Rumi promised, slinging her arms around Zoey again. Mira came forward then, looking relieved. She joined the two, hugging them both. 

 

“I think we should have a girls night! My room.” Rumi suggested. Zoey smiled at them. 

 

“I’d like that.” She said, sounding small but more like herself now. 

 

“Let me grab my phone. Is it okay if Ro and Abby stay in my room anyhow? Bed’s comfier.” Mira said, asking Rumi who nodded, leading Zoey away to her room. 

 

She glanced back at the absolute mess from dinner on the table, sighing. A chore for tomorrow.

 

———

 

Rumi woke up early, shuffling into the kitchen to clean last night’s mess up. She was shocked when she saw the table completely cleared and cleaned. Then she noticed— Abby and Romance were at the sink, washing up the last of the dishes and talking quietly. 

 

“Hey—“ she said, softly, trying not to startle them. They both jumped anyway, turning to her and saying good morning in unison. “Thank you a ton for jumping on the cleaning.” She said, resting against the island across from them, sitting on a stool. She was thoroughly exhausted.

 

Romance shut the sink off, drying his hands and turning to her. “Is she okay?” He asked, nodding towards the hallway to their bedrooms. Rumi knew he meant Zoey. She nodded. 

 

“I just hope Mystery is okay.” She lulled, couldn’t help the dejected tone to her voice. “This is just all so fucked up. We could have handled it better…” 

 

Abby laughed then, shaking his head. “Kid is incredibly hard on himself about everything , Rumi. He’ll be fine in time but he will take all the blame on himself for now. You did fine.” 

 

Abby seemed frustrated, like he wished he could crawl into Mystery’s head and rewire it. “He’s always been a perfectionist, so when he screws up it really messes with him.”

 

Romance’s face turned sour, looking at the floor. Clearly this wasn’t the first time they’d seen Mystery in this state of self pity. 

 

“I’m sorry.” Rumi said then, and both men looked at her confused. 

 

“Why are you apologizing?” They both asked. 

 

“Because. I’m the leader and I should have been more explicit with Zoey about being careful before. This puts you guys in a risky position too, with Zoey and Mystery being so close in the public eye already.” She rested her head in her collapsed arms, feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. She let out a strangled slew of frustrated noises.

 

“Nah. That’s bullshit.” Romance said, flat out. Rumi lifted her head, raising an eyebrow at him. “You’re such a good leader to them. A good friend .” He folded his arms over his chest.”, smile warm and fond. “They are incredibly lucky to have you. We all are.” His smile was so warm, his gaze piercing as if saying take the fucking compliment. 

 

It felt weird. She never had conversations of any deep substance with either of them. Usually they were joking. No, they were always joking around.  

 

“Jinu is really lucky to have you too.” Abby added, his voice quiet and tentative but truthful. “He really likes you a lot. You’re good for each other.”

 

Rumi looked away, fighting the blush that was threatening to rise to her cheeks. 

 

Just then, Mira waltzed into the kitchen. 

 

“Woah… what’s going on here?” She joked, walking over to give both Romance and Abby a morning kiss. 

 

“We were just talking.” Romance said, his voice back to the light joking tone it usually was. He shrugged casually. “Thinking about getting a foursome going, actually.” 

 

Mira and Rumi both scrunched their faces in disgust, spewing gross sounds to go along with it, Abby and Romance chuckling loudly. 

 

“Kidding.” Romance said then, pulling Mira into a back hug, his arms draped around her shoulders. “We’re letting Rumi know what a good friend and leader she is.” 

 

Mira nodded in understanding. “Ahhh.” Her eyes met Rumi’s. “She is the best. It’s time she’s heard it from someone else and not us constantly.” Mira smiled softly at her. 

 

Rumi mouthed a silent ‘thank you’ to the other girl. Abby broke the seriousness then, leaning over to tickle Mira as Romance held her hostage. The three descended into another wrestling match, eventually chasing one after the other in a line of yells into Mira’s room. 

 

Rumi huffed, feeling lighter after the conversation. Romance and Abby were actually growing on her. Was this what having siblings was like? She watched the concrete jungle of Seoul out the window, mind drifting miles and miles away. 

 

He really likes you a lot.

 

You’re good for each other.

 

—— -

 

The door to Mystery’s bedroom opened quietly, closed the same. He looked up, meeting Zoey’s hesitant eyes. 

 

“Hey…” she said, so soft it was barely even a whisper. “I…” A pause. “Jinu, uhm… let me in.” Another pause. “If you don’t want to talk, I’ll leave.” She said then, turning to the door like this was a mistake. She hadn’t waited for him to text, she couldn’t.

 

“No, it’s okay, Zo.” Mystery said then, his voice equally as small and timid. He patted the bed lightly for her to come sit. She walked slowly, sitting down hesitantly across from him. He met her eyes then, puffy and swollen like she’d cried. He felt ashamed, looking back at his socked feet and playing with a snag in the fabric. 

 

“I’m so sorry, Zoey.” He said then, voice heavy. “I really am.” 

 

Zoey carefully reached out, a hand holding his shoulder shakily when all she wanted to do was curl up with him into a ball. He met her eyes again at the contact, his own now glassy with tears behind his messy hair. 

 

“Don’t be sorry, Myst.” She said, not breaking her gaze. “ I’m the one who is sorry. I’m the one who pushed you to be rough with me.” He moved to object, but she continued. “I’m your sunbaenim. I should— no, I DO know better and still pushed you. It was selfish of me. And really stupid. I should have discussed it with yiu before…” 

 

A beat of silence fell between them, both sitting cross legged, her arm still grasping his shoulder firmly, squeezing lightly to make her words feel stronger.

 

“Zoey…” Mystery trailed, taking a deep breath with a shaky voice. “But I know better too. This could have really impacted the three of you and I’m sorry to add this much stress before the tour. I don’t know how to live with myself. It was really stupid.” A single tear fell down his cheek and she lunged forward, wiping it away and pulling him into a hug as she crawled into his lap. 

 

“Stop.” She demanded, voice stern but caring. “It happened, we dealt with it. Everything is fine right now, okay? Focus on that.” She let her fingers scratch at his scalp lightly. “This probably won’t be the last big scandal you’ll face now that you’ve hit big. You need to learn to not internalize it otherwise this life will crush you.” 

 

He listened quietly, matching his breaths with the rise and fall of her own. More silence, but comfortable now. She was sure Jinu had stressed the same thing to him last night. 

 

“I just wish they saw us as people too.” He said then, so quietly she barely heard it. He sounded so sad. 

 

She hummed, knowing that sentiment all too well. 

 

“They do, most of them. Some people just love us a bit too much and those are the ones that unfortunately make the loudest noise.” She explained, finding a sensitive spot behind his ear, feeling him relax as she scratched lightly. “At the end of the day, that love is what lets us do what we do, though.” 

 

He sighed, pulling back from her then. She could tell he was much less tense. “I know.” He whispered, sounding torn. “Thanks noona.” He smiled warmly at her. Then, nervously, “are we okay?” 

 

Zoey let a surprised laugh out. “Yes, we’re perfect.” She said, lacing their fingers together. “Just need to be a bit more careful.” 

 

He nodded, leaning forward then to kiss her. It was soft, innocent. It gave her butterflies nonetheless. 

 

———

 

Soundchecks lasted all afternoon, everyone in brighter moods since Zoey and Mystery’s chat in the morning. It was Wednesday, the concert was set to be the next evening. All the drama and chaos of the week was behind them, now focusing on the drama and chaos of an entire tour ahead of them. 

 

Rumi laid flat on the stage, catching her breath, hands over her head. They had just finished rehearsing the set for How It’s Done. It’d been a while since they performed it and she forgot how high energy the performance was. 

 

A water bottle appeared beside her then, frosty from the mini fridge backstage. Jinu appeared alongside it then, sitting cross legged beside her. 

 

“Thanks.” She panted, sitting up and cracking the bottle open to chug the much needed water. 

 

“Don’t mention it.” He said, fingers playing idly with the sleeve of the hoodie tied around his hips. Both groups had been rehearsing all day, but there was a nervous energy in him where there should be exhaustion. 

 

“What’s going on up there?” Rumi teased, reaching out to ruffle his hair. He smiled, laughing. 

 

“It’s just…” he started, leaning back on his hands and scanning the huge Seoul Olympic Stadium before them. “This is the biggest show we’ve ever performed. And they’ll only get bigger… I mean— hopefully.” 

 

Rumi turned, looking out across the empty seats, soon to be filled with screaming fans the next night. She turned her body to his then, folding her legs to match his, facing him fully now. 

 

“Don’t tell me you're nervous?” She mocked, because of course he was. Even she was. No matter how many concerts she’d perform in her life, she was sure she’d still have nerves before each one. 

 

He gave her a look that said really? . She giggled, her eyes crinkling. He took her hands in his then, taking a deep breath. 

 

“Thank you, Rumi, for everything. For being an inspiration, for being a good sport when we joined the company. Even though it was a rocky start .” He spoke the last part out the corner of his mouth jokingly. She hit him playfully in the shoulder. “We wouldn’t be here without you and your leadership and I’m truly grateful.” He looked at her then, almost shyly, through his lashes. She felt her heart threatening to jump out of her body. “ Sunbaenim.” He said then, and they both started laughing hysterically. It wasn’t technically wrong, but it felt backwards as he was older than her. 

 

She glanced at him fondly when they calmed down, wanting to kiss him and hug him and be held by him. But she knew better. Later. For now, this would have to do. 

 

———

 

Bobby was running around frantically, yelling at multiple staff over the pre-show track booming in the stadium and the sold out crowd awaiting.

 

Rumi turned to the other two girls, smiling confidently at both of them. “Are you ready?” 

 

“As we’ll ever be!” They replied, smashing each other in a bone crushing hug. The adrenaline was high, coursing through them. Mira pulled away, jumping up and down to shake the nerves out. 

 

Just then, the Saja Boys were running up to them. They’d had their hair and makeup done but were clearly not quite dressed, most of them simply in black tank tops. “Good luck! Go kill it out there! Be careful!” They all were yelling in unison, bowing fully at them. 

 

The girls broke into laughter at the formality. They all knew each other well enough at this point, but the staff around them all took note. Rumi overheard a female staff with a headset on exclaiming, “so hot, so respectful!” She had to laugh at that one, agreeing all too well inside her head. 

 

And with that, the lights dimmed on stage and the crowd roared to life.

Notes:

+i'm living for the sibling dynamic ro&abby have with rumi
+i felt bad for mystery here bc i too internalize when i mess up
+huntrix & saja see you tomorrow in osaka ^>^

Chapter 9: What Happens in Osaka

Summary:

It's the last night of the Saja x Huntrix leg of the tour. It's also Halloween. Feelings are made very clear between Rumi and Jinu.

Notes:

rujinu smut ahead! you've been warned!

Osaka was the last stop of the Asia leg of the tour. They’d then spend all of November going from Europe to North America. The last show of the tour was set to be in Argentina, flying Huntrix home just in time for Christmas. 

 

But first, Osaka. The last stop featuring their hoobaes, the last stop of a combined tour. The last time for a while they’d catch a glimpse of their respective lovers, sweaty and breathless as they exited the stage, throwing knowing looks their way at what the image did to them. 

 

The encore stage had become their favorite, all of them wearing matching LYNX merch. In Beijing, they had a water gun battle. In Seoul, Bobby arranged for a bouncy house with a ball pit on stage. In Bangkok, the stage had moving parts for them to pair off and move around the audience in. It felt nice, to be able to display their friendship to the fans and have it accepted, loved even. 

 

But then the shipping started hardcore. Naturally, people began shipping Zoey and Mystery. That one they hit right on the head. Rumi typically got paired with Jinu, but the fans also wanted her and Romance together. Mira either got paired with Abby or Baby, the two that matched her fierce edginess the most. 

 

It didn’t help that Romance was a jokester at heart, playing into the shippers. He’d pull Rumi close on the encore stage, an arm draped over her shoulders. Little did fans know, it felt like an annoying, teasing sibling banter to them. Nonetheless, it left Romance having to face an insanely jealous Mira and Abby back at the hotel. Jinu never seemed bothered, though. He knew the real dynamics, and he was never phased. 

 

The night of the Osaka show was also Halloween night. Zoey had already picked everyone’s costumes for the encore stage, the staff having huge bags of candy for them to toss out to the fans. 

 

“This is like… totally corny as hell.” Rumi sighed, playing with the jewelry that the hairstylist had placed randomly throughout her long locks, some strands twisted and some braided. She smoothed her hands over the fishnet shirt, meant to look like an actual fishing net tangled on her with an Ariel-like bra top peaking from under it. A mermaid, of course. 

 

“I think you look… insanely good.” Jinu offered, coming up behind her. His amber contacts glowed in the mirror, fake fangs peaking when he spoke. His skin was dusted a light lavender color, his hair looking like a tornado had it’s way with it. 

 

“Says you. Why’s he get to be a demon and I have to be a fish?” Rumi pouted at Zoey, who was dressed like Wednesday Addams. 

 

“You’re not a fish, Rumi. You’re a siren. You kill men with your song, own that shit.” Mira corrected her, popping her final earring into her ear. “Me and you would make a great team.” She said then, playing with the nine tails flowing off her skirt. 

 

Rumi laughed, imagining if they both were their respective creatures. When would they even meet? A foxgirl and a fishwoman? 

 

Romance and Abby entered the room then, done with their hair and makeup. As they were best friends known to the public, Zoey only saw it fitting to make them Mario and Luigi. The hairstylist had sprayed Romance’s hair a temporary dark red to match his Mario outfit, and of course they made Abby go shirtless under his suspenders, his arms on full display. Fan service above all. 

 

“Oh, what sexy Italian brothers. Here to fix my pipes?” Mira joked then, raising an eyebrow suggestively at them. Everyone broke into laughter, even Baby who had been silently scrolling on his phone in his Beetlejuice costume. 

 

Mystery came in behind them, dressed in a striped Where’s Waldo long sleeve and jeans, a red and white beanie to match and fake round glasses on his nose. “I still think I’d be a better Scream.” He complained, but his eyes lit up when he saw Zoey’s costume. 

 

“Complain all you want, but you make a perfect Waldo!” Zoey teased.

 

He back hugged her in the mirror as she fixed her bangs with a comb, his hands traveling all over her stomach, abdomen. Setting her body on fire. “You make an even better Wednesday.” He whispered lowly, and she had to wiggle out of his hold before mistakes were made. 

 

“You all are on in five!” Bobby sang, opening the door and admiring the costumes. “This is going to be such a hit. Great idea, Zoey!” 

 

She beamed brightly at him, so uncharacteristic of the costume she had on. 

 

As they exited the room in unison, Rumi huffed, playing with the shiny fabric of the flowing skirt she was in. “This looks so dumb.” She said, to no one in particular. Her long hair cascading everywhere and flowing with her every move, never how she wore it during shows. 

 

Jinu was behind her then, a hand on her waist. She flinched at the contact. “You look really fucking sexy, Rumi.” He whispered into her ear. She felt her skin flush at the want in his voice, her eyelids fluttering subtly. He pulled away then, not to make a scene to any passing staff. To anyone else, it likely looked like he was politely passing her. But Rumi felt her exposed skin searing where his hand had just touched. She felt it the rest of the night. 

 

As the encore stage shenanigans went on, she intentionally leaned into the sultry side of her costume, knowing what it was likely doing to Jinu after their brief encounter. That was, until Abby ran by, blasting her in the face with a water gun and Romance picking her up bridal style and running down the stage, much against her will. He put her down at the end of the stage where Baby was acting goofy, just like his character, to a deadpanned Zoey who stood like a statue, playing into the brooding character she was, arms folded over her chest. 

 

Rumi immediately turned around to shove Romance, but he took off down the stage, high fiving Abby as the two laughed hysterically. Mystery jumped onto Abby’s back and they went down the opposite stage. She caught a glimpse of Jinu then, his gaze like fire as he walked toward the three of them. He knew he looked good, making eye contact with some of the fans who screamed even louder. Cheesily running his thumb along his bottom lip, then smirking enough to show the fake fangs. 

 

Her legs felt like jello at the sight, knowing that was hers. He came up to her then, slinging an arm over her shoulder as he waved at some fans reaching toward the stage. “What’s wrong my ocean queen?” He asked, smiling down at her knowingly. 

 

Her hair was damp from where she’d been shit with the water gun, adding to her mermaid look. She placed a hand around his hip, innocent enough to the fans. Just friends. She smiled at a girl yelling her name, waving and blowing a kiss. 

 

Zoey jumped on Baby’s back then as the music signaled an end to the set, the formal end to the concert. Baby ran up the stage, Zoey laughing wildly. Both Jinu and Rumi turned then, walking fast to the center stage for the group bow. 

 

“You know what’s wrong, fucker.” She muttered through her unwavering smile, distorted enough that no one could have read her lips. She looked at his bright yellow eyes heatedly, before going to take her place next to Zoey and Mira. They all locked hands then, holding them up and bowing, bowing again and again before waving and blowing kisses. More bows. Forever grateful to their fans. And it was over. 

 

They had the rest of the evening before Saja headed back to Korea, Huntrix onward to Belgium. Bobby had a huge dinner arranged for them at a restaurant near the Kyocera Dome. The whole place was rented out so it would be private, just them. One last night of togetherness before they spent a little over a month apart. 

 

They’d all washed their faces, but Rumi’s hair remained decorated and flowing, Zoey’s hair still in the classic Wednesday braids. Romance still had the wild dark red temporary spray in his hair. They were all clad in casual clothing now though, just sweats and hoodies. Comfortable after a night of maximum energy. 

 

The heat reignited in Rumi when she saw Jinu again. The contacts and fangs were gone, but his hair was still tousled wildly. It made her want to mess it up more. They all sat in the back of the restaurant, a huge table set up for them with food already present. The staff brought them pitchers of water and saki and bowed, leaving them be. 

 

Bobby clapped his hands, everyone quieting to listen. “I’m so proud of you all.” He started. “This was such a last minute mashup and you made it work really well. Saja Boys, you’ll be missed greatly as we continue on. I’m looking forward to you getting a bit of rest, though. You’ve been working very hard this year and had a lot of change to navigate.” 

 

The five boys bowed their heads in thanks, Huntrix clapping wildly, fondly. 

 

“And as for you three—“ he turned to Mira, Rumi and Zoey, “my girls!” He teared up a little. “My daughters, it feels like… I’ll never not be proud watching you grow. Every time I think we’ve peaked at our potential, you amaze me again.” 

 

The girls cooed, thanking him as it was the boys’ turn to clap and hoot and holler. 

 

“Alright, enjoy the dinner and get some rest!” He exclaimed. 

 

“Bobby, you’re not eating with us?” Mira asked, shocked. 

 

“No, I have a redeye to Belgium. Need to meet with the concert directors there and hash out some last minute details. Duty always calls!” He explained, leaving them to their dinner. 

 

A comfortable silence fell over the room, all of them taking it in as the reality of their accomplishments washed over them. Everyone was smiling, a happy energy about the room. 

 

Zoey was the first to move, pouring shots of saki for everyone. They toasted cheers to their success. Five sold out shows and not a single injury or scandal. 

 

By the time they were done eating, drinking casually and everyone chatting, Mira had ended up between Romance and Abby as usual, close but keeping it friendly in case the staff came back. Zoey sat lazily in Mystery’s lap, gloating about how cute he looked as Waldo. Rumi was next to Jinu, taking it all in. He laced their fingers together, his thumb tracing over her knuckles. Rumi leaned in first, a combination of the few shots of saki and her full heart momentarily throwing caution to the wind. Their lips met and Jinu’s hand came lightly to frame her jaw. 

 

Everyone in the room started hollering wildly, clapping and catcalling. Rumi smiled into the kiss, Jinu deepening it momentarily before pulling away. Everyone’s gazes were on them then, even Baby. A mixture of admiration, adoration, inspiration. 

 

“What?” Rumi asked, breaking the silence. Everyone started laughing, even her and Jinu. She knew. It was a known fact they liked each other, that they were perhaps together if you wanted to use the label. But they’d never been very physically intimate in front of the others. A hug here, a kiss to the forehead there. 

 

“God I feel like I just saw my parents kiss for the first time.” Mystery shuddered jokingly, earning a cheeky giggle from Zoey in his lap. 

 

It all felt so wonderful, the bliss of this moment surreal. 

 

———

 

As soon as they were back in the hotel, their floor being the top floor exclusively for both groups, Jinu pinned Rumi to the door of the suite when it shut, hungrily kissing her. She’d teased him the whole ride from the restaurant with her hand, hidden by the darkness of the car as they both stared out opposite windows like nothing was happening. 

 

Her breath hitched as he picked her up, wrapping her legs around his hips and she stayed pinned to the door. His mouth was hot on her neck— always careful not to mark, but wet and filthy all the same. 

 

“Such a tease.” He growled into her neck, grinding his hips into her as she let her head fall back against the door with a thud. “Driving me insane the whole ride here.” 

 

Rumi huffed out a laugh, maintaining a sense of sass, all things considered. “And you’ve been driving me crazy since you walked into the dressing room in your costume.” She gripped his hair particularly hard then, meeting his hungry gaze. “Teasing the fans when you know you’re actually killing me.” 

 

He smirked at that, carrying her into the room and setting her in the bed with a soft bounce. He ripped his hoodie and shirt off quickly, helping her out of hers as well. “Does it bother you, Rumi?” He whispered then, undoing her bra and slowly, painfully slowly dragging it away from her skin. “When I wink at the girls in the audience?” She squirmed at the words, then jolted as he took a nipple into his mouth, undoing the tie of her sweatpants. “Does it make you jealous? Even though you’re the only one who knows what it feels like when my cock is inside of you?” 

 

She whimpered loudly, tugging hard at the waistband of his sweats. “P-please— less talking.” She begged, her voice desperate. 

 

“Okay, okay.” He promised then, undoing his own sweatpants as he walked to one of his bags, opening a hidden pocket where he’d stashed condoms away from the prying eye of airport security. He dug around, his smirk faltering when his hand grasped at nothing. 

 

“Fuck— Rumi we’re out.” He said, his voice cracking at the thought of not getting to be inside her one last time before they had a month apart. 

 

She groaned, throwing her head back in frustration, her fingers already inside herself, sweatpants forgotten on the floor. He groaned lowly at the sight. 

 

“Fuck—“ he hissed. “Uhm… I’ll go to Abby and Romance’s room quick, they’ll have some.” He barked, retying his pants in a hurry. 

 

“No, no.” Rumi panted, gazing at him hotly where she laid. The low lights of the room were glimmering off the charms still scattered throughout her hair. His eyes rolled back in his head and the sight. 

 

“Rumi— we can’t… I mean. We can get each other off but I want… I mean if you want?” He was a mess, running his hands through his hair in frustration. 

 

Rumi moaned then, he watched the way her fingers disappeared and his mouth watered. Fuck it, he decided. If all he did tonight was taste her, it’d be enough. 

 

He strided back to the bed, brushing a hand up her thigh, watching as she touched herself. She gazed at him through hooded eyes. 

 

“We can do it without.” She said, sucking her bottom lip between her teeth. “I got an IUD before we left on tour.” 

 

He felt the heat course through him at those words, mouth salivating at the thought. “You did?” He was sure his face looked wild, gazing down at her with so much desire. 

 

She nodded impatiently. “You’re the only person I’ve been with in… years. I want it, I trust you. I…” she whispered, not finishing that sentence, fingers still working herself open. He wondered if those three words were on the tip of her tongue like they constantly were on his. 

 

“Same— I.. I trust you too.” He answered, heat pooling in his body as his cock throbbed wildly at the thought. It was only her and it had been for a long time. Her, her, her. Even before he’d spoken to her properly, he only had eyes for her. He traced her thighs like he was worshipping them, her sharp inhales like music on his ears. “Rumi, you’re sure?” He asked again, giving her an out one more time. 

 

She nodded, her free hand yanking harshly at his pants. “Want you, now.” She pleaded, pulling her fingers out of herself and rubbing slowly at her clit. 

 

He didn’t need to be told again, his sweats and boxers forgotten instantly to the floor. She sighed happily as he finally crawled over her, feeling his cock twitch as it brushed her slickness. He leaned in to kiss her slowly, deeply, running his fingers through her hair. 

 

“Jinu, please.” She whined, breaking the kiss. He was right there, could feel the slick heat of her on the head of his dick. 

 

“Hmmm so impatient.” He huffed, thrusting forward softly, slowly. She gasped, writhing her hips to try and meet him, to try and get more. He wanted to take it slow for now, though, relishing in the feeling of the added layer of closeness to her. Slowly, slowly. She gripped his forearms, nails digging in from the need for him to move faster. 

 

“I’m not going to break, Jinu.” She whispered, her breath hitching as he began to thrust. Still so slow, shallow. “F-fuck.” He had just the right angle, the pace just killing her. “We’ve done this before.” 

 

“Not like this.” He said then, gazing down at her. “Let me enjoy this.” He pouted. 

 

Just then she clenched around him, intentionally. He dropped his head to her shoulder, moaning low. “Oh fuck.” He breathed. “You feel so fucking good.” 

 

He could feel everything now, could feel just how wet she was, sucking him in. Could feel her pulse aligning with his. 

 

He picked up the pace then, not able to ignore the urge in himself. She whined into his shoulder at the feeling. He lifted her hips a tad then, the angle just right as he dove into her relentlessly. The way her back arched was like the most precious piece of art, it belonged in a gallery. The way she came completely undone under him, without him even touching her. 

 

Her head fell back into the sheets, a loud moan and a series of harsh breaths leaving her. He leaned down to suck a nipple between his lips, his eyes never leaving her face. And then he felt it, the gushing around his dick, her walls fluttering. It felt like ocean swallowing him whole.

 

“Fuck, Rumi.” He groaned. “I’m gonna..” he trailed, moving fast to pull out of her. She stopped him, hooked her legs around his hips and forced him deeper into her. “Rumi— I’m—“ 

 

“Just do it, cum for me.” She said then, her eyes glazed in her own post-orgasm state. She ran a hand down his chest, curling it around his hip. He thrusted a couple times then, hips stuttering and he came undone inside her. She gasped loudly at the sensation, warmth spreading somewhere deep. It felt so intimate on a level she’d never been with anyone else. 

 

He pulled out then, collapsing beside her and collecting his senses, his arm wrapped around her hip lazily. 

 

“Mmm. That was good. Definitely worth the pain of getting the IUD inserted.” She laughed, gazing at him happily as she let her fingers dance around on the skin of her stomach, warmth still spreading through her abdomen.

 

His face looked concerned then. “Did it hurt bad?” 

 

She nodded, not about to lie to him. “It was the top 5 worst pain in my life, but it only lasted a second.” She winced, reliving the appointment.

 

He shuddered thinking about it. “I’m sorry. You didn’t have to do that.” He said, gently playing with the stray hairs around her face. 

 

“I wanted to, for myself. It’s safer. And… we don’t have to worry about ‘being prepared’ now.” She said, giggling as she made air quotes. “Besides, I trust you… and I only want to be with you.” 

 

He leaned in, kissing her instantly. No heat, all emotion. “Rumi, I…” he trailed, it felt so right but he was so unsure. She met his eyes, her own expression seeming like she knew what he wanted to say. Her eyes begging him, say it. “I love you.” He said then, his pulse racing wildly and his nerves on fire. 

 

Her face softened, the prettiest smile in the world greeting him back. “Jinu, I love you too.” She saved him from falling into a pit of anxiety. “I do.” She confirmed again, nodding. More to herself than to him. “So much.” 

 

He pulled her to his chest then, kissing her hair and holding her. They stayed like that for a while, just holding each other. 

 

“Okay, we need to shower.” Rumi said, pulling away to look him in the eyes. “I can feel your cum dripping out of me.”

 

Jinu’s face went hot, feeling it shoot straight down his body. “Rumi you can’t just say things like that.” He scoffed, shocked, his breath sucker punched out of him. The tingle of arousal prickling at his skin again. 

 

She got up, swaying her hips purposefully as she walked toward the bathroom. “Why’s that?” She teased over her shoulder, making sure to spread her legs just so in the doorway, his eyes not able to pull away from the milky liquid slowly dripping down her thigh. Yep, he was definitely hard again, following her into the bathroom without hesitation. 

 

———

 

The morning sunlight woke Rumi up, peaking in through a tiny sliver in the hotel curtains. She closed her eyes again, basking in the comfort of all the blankets. Her phone alarm screamed into the silence, startling her. 

 

“Ughhhh.” She groaned, rolling into her pillow. “Okay! Okay!” She yelled, slapping her phone on the nightstand, desperately trying to shut it off. 

 

She sat up slowly, stretching. She glanced around groggily in the dim morning light. Jinu was already gone, their flight back to Korea much earlier than the girls’ flight to Belgium. She frowned, a hollow feeling gnawing its way into her chest. She huffed, shivering as she slipped out of bed, hotel slippers saving her from the ice cool tiles of the bathroom. She brushed her teeth, styled her hair quickly. No makeup today, it was going to be a long flight. Sunglasses it was. She turned to the shower to grab her shampoo, body wash, but the shower was completely empty. Her face blushed as she lingered by the glass door, replaying how Jinu had fucked her against it the night before. 

 

He had to leave around 3am for the airport with the rest of the boys, so she was sure he mistakenly took her stuff too. It was fine, she’d buy new when they landed. 

 

She left the bathroom with her hairbrush, straightener, makeup bag and toothbrush to put them in her suitcase. She nudged the hallway light on, awake enough now to bear it. She knelt on the ground, a small note on top of her suitcase. 

 

i went ahead and packed your stuff for you, hope that’s okay :)

 

i’ll miss you 

 

love you <3 

 

-jinu

 

Her heart fluttered wildly, hugging the stupid piece of hotel notepad paper to her chest. In a day and age when she could simply video call him and have his image and voice instantly, this meant so much more to her. She folded the piece of paper, pulling her wallet out of her purse and tucked it away safely. 

 

She finished packing the few things Jinu had obviously left out. Her phone charger, pajamas after she’d changed. She met Zoey and Mira in the lobby, their driver taking her bags to the car. They had about half an hour until they had to head out, and Rumi praised Zoey in a million thank yous at the croissant and coffee waiting for her. 

 

They chatted about nothing important, eating their pastries and finishing the coffee. 

 

“I don’t know how I’m going to get through the next month.” Zoey said then, voice softer so the few staff in the lobby didn’t hear. She sounded so heartbroken.

 

Mira rolled her eyes lovingly. “You’ll be fine. And then when we get home, you’ll be that much more smitten. Besides, you two probably fucked enough times last night for the next month.” She teased Zoey, the younger girl’s pout turning into a smirk at the last part. 

 

“To be honest, I think he’ll miss me more.” Zoey sighed, sitting forward to rest her head in her hands. 

 

“Yeah, well I figure Ro and Abby will be fine. They have each other, and I’m looking forward to the space anyhow.” Mira said, crossing her hands over her chest, cool and unfazed. Rumi didn’t miss the way she looked to the side, though, or the way she bit the inside of her cheek as she said it. Rumi knew she’d miss them, but Mira had been trying to convince herself they didn’t mean the world to her. 

 

“Jinu’s gonna have his hands full, huh?” Zoey said then, giggling. “A single dad of four.” 

 

Rumi laughed, nodding. “He’ll be fine though. He did this before we were in their lives.” She said, swirling the last bit of coffee in her cup before downing it. “I am going to miss him though, so much.” She admitted, pursing her lips to avoid the emotion bubbling up. 

 

Both girls turned to her, faces softening. They reached for each of her hands for comfort. The way the two leaders had been pining for each other made it clear how much they felt for one another. Rumi was never as open about her sex life with them, though, so they had no clue how intimate they’d been. 

 

“He told me he loved me last night.” She said then, voice barely a whisper. A secret, their secret. 

 

Mira leaned back, a whistle leaving her lips as she let her head fall back, a contagious smile forming on her face. Zoey squealing in her chair, barely containing the excitement. 

 

“Okay? Hello? Is that why you came down here looking angelic this morning?” Mira said, sitting forward now, leaning close so they could keep their voices low. “And what did you say?” 

 

Rumi bit her lip, thankful for her huge sunglasses hiding much of her face, her blushed cheeks unseen to the world. “I said I loved him too.” 

 

Both girls swooned in front of her, Mira face planting the table and Zoey clutching her chest over her heart. 

 

“You’re giving me cavities, Rumi!” Mira yelped, as they gathered their things and headed to the car outside, noting the time. “I didn’t think you’d fall so hard for a dumb pretty boy.” 

 

Rumi shrugged, cameras flashing instantly as they were ushered into the car. Even thought it was 5am, the paparazzi didn’t miss a single opportunity. 

 

“And I didn’t pin you as the type to get off on watching your boyfriends touch each other.” Rumi said, in the safety of their car. Mira shot her daggers, forever embarrassed about her confession that morning so many months ago.

 

Zoey gasped, slapping a hand over her mouth, giggling loudly as tears came to her eyes. Mira blushed, bumping her knee into Rumi’s playfully then. “I guess we’re all full of surprises, huh?” 

Notes:

+i love rujinu so much yall
+i really didn't intend for this fic to be this long but i keep having ideas
+it's friday! hip hip hooray

Chapter 10: The L Word

Summary:

The girls wrap up the tour and come back to Seoul. But there's trouble in pink haired paradise... or whatever Jinu said.

Notes:

*miromabby filth ahead, you've been warned

The tour was grueling, it was the biggest one they’d done yet. All packed into one month. Four shows in Europe, two in the US, two in South America. 

 

It felt like every night was a new city. The travel whiplash left them lonely, craving the comfort of home and the stability of routine. 

 

LA was the most fun, being a second home to Zoey as she grew up. There were several western celebrities that made an appearance at the concert, shocking the three girls to the core. 

 

They had a couple days in LA after that concert, Bobby managing to get them a couple of interviews with Entertainment Tonight and IHeartRadio. It felt somewhat nice, them not being as well known in this massive city. The three girls made it a point to get burgers, taking a walk on the beach in their barefeet. The Pacific waves were warm, even in November, salt kissing at their toes. 

 

“My step sister and I would come here every summer.” Zoey reminisced, staring out at the setting sun fondly. “She’s the only person that ever made me feel cool here. She actually wanted to know about Korea, even though she isn’t even Asian.” 

 

Rumi shoved her hands into her hoodie pockets. “Mia is awesome. I’m glad you had her at least. This city seems brutal, I don’t know how you survived.” They’d only met her stepsister a few times, but she was the sweetest girl. 

 

“I don’t know… it doesn’t seem all that bad. It’d be nice to maybe move here someday. Be able to get lunch with both Romance and Abby without being stalked, without the public lashback. The vibes are more chill here. Seems like people just don’t really care.” Mira chimed in then, from a different point of view. 

 

“That’s because you’re grown now.” Zoey laughed, not trying to be pessimistic or harsh, just honest. “This city sucks growing up in. Imagine trying to find yourself here.” 

 

Rumi and Mira hummed in understanding. The sun had made some more progress and Zoey pulled them both close to her by the hips. “I love you guys.” She said, voice cracking with emotion. They hugged her back tightly, repeating her words of adoration. 

 

They took a selfie then, the sunset behind them. Zoey was in the middle, beaming with Mira on her left fighting a smile. Rumi had her arm around Zoey’s neck, her head against hers smiling too. 

 

They sent it in a group chat to the guys. 

 

zoey California dreamin’ of home. miss you all! 

 

jinu wow, pretty background! i’m kind of jealous, ngl

 

mystery not as pretty as the girl in the middle. :)

 

romance myst, this is a group chat. save that gross shit for the PMs. XD

 

mira hey be nice! let their young love thrive, you bitter old man. 

 

abby we miss you all a lot too— feels like two of my sisters have been gone too long man. :(

 

romance of course you feel that way, don’t you have like five actual siblings?

 

abby six, FYI 

 

rumi we’ll be home in a little over a week~ can you believe it? just in time for Christmas ^.^

 

baby perfect picture — you should post it. we all miss you three a ton. please stay safe and i can’t wait to hear about the travels! 

 

——-

 

Their flight home left immediately after the concert in Buenos Aires, a layover in Barcelona standing in between them and their own beds. Bobby arranged for private jets, a treat for their sold out success. No drama, no injury, no illness. A very lucky outcome. 

 

The press and fans swarmed them at Incheon, all of them hiding their absolute exhaustion behind face masks and large sunglasses, even though it was the afternoon in Korea. What day was it? They had no clue. All they wanted was a shower and bed. 

 

The Saja Boys were out for the day, filming a variety show. And honestly, the three girls were thankful for that as they rolled their luggage into their apartment, not even thinking about putting anything away. They headed straight for their rooms, hunched like zombies. As much as they missed their neighbors across the hall, they didn’t want to be smothered immediately. 

 

———

 

Mira woke up to her phone buzzing wildly on the floor. She lifted her head up, pink hair a total mess. She wiped the drool from her face. She was incredibly disoriented. She was home, that much she knew. 

 

Her phone stopped buzzing, only for a minute before it started again. She huffed, groaning as she reached for it. Abby’s annoying face lit the screen up, a photo she’d taken candidly at some point. 

 

“WHAT” she growled into the phone after pressing accept. 

 

“Ouch, Mira… I thought you’d be excited to talk to me?” He joked, laughing. “I’m sorry I woke you. You can come over whenever, we made a lot of food for you all.” 

 

Her stomach growled loudly at the mention of food. “Ughhh. What time is it even? What day is it?” 

 

“It’s 10am sweetheart, Wednesday morning.” Romance chirped, his voice more distant than Abby’s. “We made your favorite ~” he sang then, Abby laughing softly into the phone. 

 

“Rumi and Zoey, too.” Abby added, although that was already a given. 

 

“I’ll be over soon.” She replied, saying goodbye and ending the call. 

 

She took a quick shower, having not had the energy when they got home the previous afternoon. She didn’t bother drying her hair, she just pulled a baggy tshirt and sweatpants on with some fuzzy socks. The December air was crisp, even though their apartment was warm. Just the frost on their windows felt cold. She left their apartment, crossing the hall and knocking on the door. 

 

“It’s unlocked!” Someone yelled from inside. 

 

Rumi and Zoey had beat her there, both looking incredibly sleepy. They must’ve just woken up too. The dining table was full, the atmosphere loud. Zoey and Mystery were glued to each other, sneaking kisses every other minute. Rumi was snuggled in Jinu’s lap, his hands wrapped tightly around her waist as she ate. 

 

Her eyes lit up then, her favorite breakfast, homemade before her. Hobakjuk and pajeon. Her mouth watered as Abby and Romance turned to her, their faces instantly bright as the sun as they pulled a chair out for her. Abby moved to serve her the food and she dug in immediately, stuffing her face. 

 

“God, is it weird that it’s even hot when you eat?” Romance lulled, his food forgotten and his chin resting in his palm as he watched her. Abby mirrored him on the other side of her. 

 

“Shut up.” She said, smiling as she reached for another scallion pancake. “Who made all of this anyway? It’s so fucking good? 

 

“We did!” Romance and Abby said in unison, proud of their work. “Well… under the direction of Mystery. He’s the master chef.” 

 

Mystery smirked at them all, Zoey grabbing his face harshly and kissing him. “You’re so talented, baby!” She giggled, his grip tightening around her body. 

 

“Go to your room if you’re gonna get gross!” Baby yelled, throwing a crumpled napkin at them. 

 

Everyone dissolved into their own chatter then. Mira, finally feeling somewhat full, turned to Romance and then Abby. “Did you really help make all this?” They nodded, a warm, adoring expression on their faces. “Well, thank you. It’s really good… and it is my favorite.” 

 

Abby ran his hand down her back, then up to her shoulder, hand rubbing at the muscle there like he knew she was tense from the long travel. “You missed it, we had Ro in a pink apron and everything.” 

 

“It’s true!” Romance chirped, flicking a strand of hair out of his face that fell from his ponytail. 

 

“I missed you, both of you.” Mira said then, more of a word vomit than planned. 

 

Both of them smiled. “We missed you too, Mira. Like so much.” Romance said, leaning in to whisper then. “You know how hard it was to get off without you here?” There it was, that instant fire buring it’s way through her body. 

 

She felt her face flush. She played it cool though, stuffing some more rice into her mouth. 

 

“I even made Ro do his hair like you do yours often, with the little ponytails.” Abby was closer now, whispering too, playing with her hair. Mira closed her eyes tightly, but all she could see was that image and it made her body heat up even more. “But he just doesn’t taste like you do.” Abby’s voice was breathy, needy, lusting. The way it landed on her skin made her shiver. 

 

Mira slapped her hands on the table then, shocking everyone and even herself. “Uhm… sorry. I’m full! I think I’m going to head back, you know, start unpacking. Thanks for breakfast, it was really good.” She smiled mostly at Mystery as she thanked them, knowing the two beside her were likely more chaos in the kitchen than helpful. 

 

Mira went to stand but Abby had a firm grip around her hip. “You sure you don’t want a hand? Your luggage must be heavy.” He said, innocently enough to the rest of them probably. But Mira saw the feral heat in his eyes. 

 

Mira shrugged like it didn’t affect her. “If you want to help, be my guest.” She shrugged out of his grasp then, walking to the door and disappearing. Romance and Abby both scrambled after her. 

 

“Ughhhh.” Rumi grumbled, but it turned into a laugh. “I just hope they make it into her room for fuck’s sake.” 

 

Jinu chuckled behind her, his chest warm against her back. “Missed you.” He whispered, mouth along her neck. 

 

“Mhmmm, you’ve told me like three times already.” Rumi hummed, teasing slightly. She glanced at him then over her shoulder. He looked at her with the stars in his eyes, and she couldn’t resist, leaning in and kissing him. 

 

“You all are so fucking horny! Not you guys too!” Baby shouted, another crumpled napkin bouncing off of Jinu’s head and to the floor. 

 

———

 

The second Abby and Romance made it through the door, Mira was gazing at them, her hand on her hip. Abby instantly went to grab her dark purple suitcase. 

 

“What are you doing?” Mira laughed lowly, not able to hide the pure want in her voice now that they were alone.  

 

“I thought you wanted to unpack?” Abby said, innocently, looking like a deer in headlights. He glanced at Romance, then back at Mira. Romance just smirked at her, knowingly. This wasn’t about unpacking.

 

“Not right now, that can wait.” She said, turning to walk toward her room. She tugged her tshirt over head as she did, the two guys noticing the lack of any bra on her bare back. She turned slightly then, covering her chest poorly with one arm, gazing at them over her shoulder. “Well? Are you coming or what?” 

 

It probably looked cartoonish how quickly they both scattered across the living room and toward her room. 

 

“Did you fuck each other while I was gone?” Mira asked as they walked into her room, Abby shutting the door behind him. There wasn’t any hurt in her voice, no jealousy. Just genuine interest. She stood in front of her full length mirror, tracing the curve of her body. Her eyes met theirs through the reflection then. 

 

“N-no…” Abby gulped. “We tried, but… it’s just not the same without you, Mira.” 

 

“Then what did you do?” She asked, laughing lightly. “Because I know you can’t keep your hands off each other— even when I’m right here across the hall.” 

 

Romance felt his dick twitch in his pants at where this was going. He could play this game. He casually slipped his hands into his pockets, looking at the floor before locking with her gaze through the mirror, full heat on display through the wispy strands of his loose hair. 

 

“I let Abby finger me and then I sucked him off.” He rasped, the deep voice that did things to her making an appearance. He said it without hesitation, so nonchalantly. She felt wetness pool between her legs. 

 

“I want to see.” She whispered, not breaking the stare down with Romance. Abby approached her then, his large hands gently ghosting over the waistband of her pants. She backed into him then, feeling powerful. He choked as her ass met his hips, grinding into his semi-hard cock in his sweats. 

 

Romance tsked, pushing off the wall he leaned against. “Didn’t bring the lube, sweetheart.” His voice was so low, so rough. His cockiness pissed her off. “Didn’t know you were into that…” His gaze found hers again, still through the mirror as he strolled casually toward the bed, watched Abby grind against her, kiss along her neck. 

 

Her breath hitched as Abby found a sensitive spot, his hand pinching her nipple lightly in coordination. 

 

“Maybe—hnn— maybe I am.” She whined, the sensation of Abby’s dick against her ass driving her insane, slowly but surely. 

 

Romance chuckled, licking his lips. “Well we can show you something then.” He moved then, coming up behind Abby and locking his gaze to both of theirs. He leaned in, kissing softly at Abby’s neck. Mira felt Romance’s hand then, slipping into Abby’s pants. Could feel the way he stroked the other’s cock lazily, the movement right up against her ass still. 

 

Abby buried his face into Mira’s neck, a soft moan leaving his lips, his breath like fire on her skin. 

 

“C’mon Abs, she wants a show.” Romance whispered, removing his hand and guiding the other to her bed. Romance pulled his pants down, Abby stepping out of them as the other pushed him back onto the bed slowly. Mira turned from the mirror now, her eyes locked on the two of them. 

 

Romance licked painfully slow up Abby’s cock, tongue swirling around the tip, digging into the slit ever so lightly. Abby tossed his head back, one hand slipping into Romance’s silky hair, destroying his already messy ponytail. 

 

It was clear to Mira that this was something routine. Clear by the way Romance’s delicate fingers wrapped around the base of his cock, aiding where his gag reflex wouldn’t let him go. The way Romance gazed up at Abby, innocently through his lashes. 

 

Mira rushed over to them then, the throbbing of her core undeniable now. She crawled up the bed, ripping Abby’s shirt over his head. She kissed along his abs, laying her tongue flat and licking a long stripe to his chest. 

 

“Holy f-fuck—“ Abby panted, guiding Mira up and into a kiss. It was frantic, his hips jutting every time Romance sunk his mouth down onto his dick. 

 

Mira pulled away, panting heavily, the most turned on she’d ever been in her life. “I want you both.” She whispered, sitting up to pull her bottoms off with her panties in one swift motion. “Please, please.” She begged, Romance letting Abby’s cock out of his mouth with a pop. He licked his lips, pulling back to rid himself of his shirt. 

 

Abby gazed at her through hazy eyes, reaching to pat her hair softly. “Are you sure? It’s going to hurt.” 

 

Mira nodded, confidently. “I… I can take it. I’ve been… practicing.” She admitted, looking away at the wall in embarrassment. 

 

Romance sucked in a sharp breath at that, now completely bare, crawling toward her. He ripped the loose hair tie out of his hair, useless now that Abby had messed it up. His hair fell down, brushing the tops of his shoulders. Mira reached out on instinct, running her fingers through the silky strands. 

 

“You’re so fucking pretty, Ro.” She whispered, biting her lip. “Makes me feel like I’m kissing a girl sometimes.” 

 

Romance shifted around her, relaxing back against the wall and pulling her into his lap. He smirked at her, hands guiding her hips. “You want to kiss girls?” He teased. As feminine as he looked most of the time, his voice could dip so low. 

 

She shook her head. “Just you two.” She admitted, leaning in to kiss him finally. It was rough, his teeth catching her bottom lip and sucking it into his mouth. She gasped as he teased her slit with his fingers, dipping them inside, but just the tips. “Fuck— please.” She sobbed, hips bucking downward, trying to suck them into her. 

 

“Needy.” He noted, his other hand running up and down her thigh as she straddled him. She felt Abby behind her then, his hands snaking around her, one dipping low to slowly rub at her clit. She gazed over her shoulder, the other taking her into a soft kiss. 

 

She felt her hips start to move, Romance’s hand completely still. “Mmm, so so needy. Riding my fingers like a slut.” He whispered, his voice praising her while the words were degrading. He did move his hand then, his fingers parting to work her open. 

 

He pulled his hand away when he felt her walls starting to clench around him, the whine in the back of her throat high pitched. He teased her with the head of his cock then and she moaned, her head falling back into Abby’s shoulder. 

 

“C-condoms.” She choked out. “Drawer.” 

 

Romance leaned over to her nightstand, fishing his hand through the drawer and pulling out two condoms. He tossed one at Abby, whose eyes were blown wide with pure lust. He rolled the condom on himself quickly, taking her hips in his hands gently, rubbing soothing circles into her hip bone with his thumbs. 

 

“I’ll go first, and Abby will keep prepping you, okay?” Romance said, his voice soft now as he gazed at her caringly, searching for any sign to stop. She nodded, gasping as she felt him slowly enter her, her hips writing for more. 

 

Romance slowly set a pace, thrusting into her. He gave Abby a nod, the other sliding a finger alongside Romance’s cock, watching it disappear into her. 

 

“Fuck, Mira.” Abby barked. “So fucking wet for us, like a good girl.” 

 

There it was, that fucking duo of words. She moaned loudly, feeling herself only get wetter. Abby added another finger. 

 

“You did practice, didn't you?” Romance said, gritting his teeth at how tight this made her around him and Abby’s fingers. “You probably fucked yourself on two dildos, thinking of us, hm?” She whined, her mouth falling open. “Worked yourself so wide open, alone in your hotel room?” She could feel her hair clinging to her face where she was starting to sweat. Abby added a third finger, all three of them groaning in unison. “Went on stage the next day like nothing happened?” 

 

The way she barely flinched when Abby added a fourth finger told Romance she was ready. “You ready, sweetheart?” Romance asked, his thrusts slowing, almost stopping. 

 

She nodded pathetically, whining and falling forward into his chest. Romance gripped her ass check, lifting her hips, giving Abby better access. 

 

Abby felt his brain short circuiting at the sight of Romance’s cock buried in her along his four fingers. He slowly slid his fingers out, quickly replacing the empty space with the head of his cock. Mira made a desperate sound, fingers digging into Romance’s shoulder. 

 

“Slowly.” Romance instructed Abby, rubbing her lower back gently. 

 

Abby was careful, thrusting just the tip ever so slowly inside her along Romance’s cock. Soon, Mira was panting again into Romance’s neck, her hips writhing on their own for more. He slowly added more and more of himself until both he and Romance were inside her. It was impossibly tight, both of their dicks throbbing wildly against each other. 

 

“Holy fucking shit.” Romance panted, his head slamming against the wall behind him. His grip on Mira’s hip was firm now, willing every nerve in his body to not move until she was ready. 

 

“I-I…” Mira stuttered, her voice breathy as she panted wildly. “It’s so much.” She said, burying her head in Romance’s chest. 

 

Abby soothed her, caressing her hips gently. “We can stop if it’s too much.” He said, concern in his voice.

 

“No!” She sobbed, glaring back at him. ”I said it’s so much, not too much.” Her words cut off into a drawn out moan as Romance’s fingers drifted to rub circles into her clit. 

 

“M-move.” She pleaded, both of them wasting no time and setting an identical rhythm. Their paces sped up, pulling sounds from them that neither had ever heard. Romance worked his fingers more roughly into her clit, her walls clenching so tightly around them every time he flicked just right. 

 

Their combined thrusts got harder, deeper and Mira choked on a sob, feeling herself drooling slightly onto Romance’s chest. Abby leaned forward to kiss on her shoulders before meeting Romance in a kiss. 

 

The new angle drove both of their cocks right where she needed it and her back arched between them, a silent scream leaving her lips as they felt her gush around them. Romance didn’t let up on her clit, rubbing harder and she yelled. 

 

“Ah! Fuck— fuck.” She panted, her hips moving wildly at the sensitivity. The movement had both Romance and Abby cumming then, simultaneously, feeling them pulse against each other as their movements slowed. 

 

Abby slowly, carefully pulled out first. Mira whining at the sensation, Romance groaning at the friction. She was collapsed into his chest still, her limbs complete jelly. He fixed her hair, moving it out of her face and guiding her hips slowly as he pulled out as well. She fell completely dead in his hold then, her breaths slowly back to normal pace but the exhaustion wrecking her body. 

 

Abby, always Abby, returned from the bathroom then with a warm washcloth. Romance rolled her onto her back, Abby taking care of her while Romance quickly disposed of his own condom. He slipped his sweats back on, sneaking away to the kitchen for some water for all of them.  

 

When he returned, Abby had her clean again and he’d managed to pull her baggy tshirt back on. He was digging through a drawer to find clean panties for her. 

 

She laid there with a soft smile on her face, watching them work. Her eyes were slightly hooded. Romance gave Abby one of the cups before climbing onto the bed. 

 

“Here, you should drink.” He offered her a glass, setting the other one down behind her on the nightstand. He let his fingers smooth over her hair and she laid there, just staring up at him softly. 

 

“Okay, help me out here and then we can cuddle.” Abby teased, working a pair of clean panties up her long legs. She lifted her hips, wincing at the sore muscles everywhere. She took a long sip of water before laying back down, Abby slipping under the covers behind her. 

 

“Are you okay?” He asked, leaning over to kiss her cheek. 

 

“Mhm.” She nodded, sinking into his warmth. Romance watched them for a moment before slipping under the covers as well and holding her. She snuggled her face into his neck, sighing. 

 

“That was…” he trailed, his eyes meeting Abby’s as the other smirked. “Insane, Mira.” 

 

He felt her smile against his neck. She pushed her ass back into Abby’s hips teasingly then, but he stilled her with his hands.

 

“No, no. You need to rest right now.” He demanded. She didn’t argue, feeling sleep pull her under shortly after, the warmth of both of them too cozy. 

 

———

 

When she woke up, she was curled into Romance’s side. He was sitting back against the wall, scrolling mindlessly through his phone. His hair had managed to find its way back into a messy bun, her favorite. 

 

Abby was pressed up behind her, his chest rising and falling evenly against her back. 

 

“Ahhh.” Romance whispered, his voice impossibly deep. “She’s awake.” He smirked down at her, setting his phone aside. 

 

“What time is it?” She asked, rubbing at her eyes and yawning. 

 

“One. You slept long, must have needed it.” He said, his face soft as he caressed her face with his hand. ”How do you feel?”

 

She blushed, feeling the slight ache between her legs. “A little sore, but fine otherwise.” 

 

He hummed, leaning down to kiss her forehead, then her nose,  then her cheek. It felt so affectionate, so close to… 

 

He pulled away, only enough to lock his gaze with hers. He rested his forehead against hers, searching her eyes. She felt anxiety course through her body at the adoration in his eyes. 

 

“I love you, Mira.” He said then, his voice so low and so sincere. She felt full blown panic course through her body instantly, her eyes flickering around anywhere but him as she disentangled herself from Abby, sitting up, then crawling away from them. 

 

“Mira— what—“ Romance was panicking now too, not sure what was going on in her head. Abby was awake now, groggily rubbing at his eyes in confusion. 

 

“Don’t say stupid shit like that.” She said, feeling her throat tighten around the words. 

 

“Mira, what do you mean? I—“ Romance was crawling toward her and she retreated, standing now and holding herself in her own arms. She needed them to go. 

 

“I… I think you should go. I need a shower.” She stuttered, walking toward the bathroom. 

 

Abby looked at Romance in complete confusion. “What’s wrong?” He asked. 

 

Romance looked at her, hurt. “Uhm…” he started, unsure of what to say. “We’ll go if you want us to.” 

 

“Yes.” Mira said, wincing at the way it fell from her lips, fighting tears from falling. She couldn’t look at either of them, so she disappeared into the bathroom and shut the door. She leaned against the wood, hearing the quiet shuffling of them getting fully dressed before she heard the soft click of her bedroom door opening and closing. 

 

She let out a choked sob then, sliding to the floor. She slapped a hand over her mouth, tears running hotly down her face. They didn’t love her, there was no way they could. This was just a fun fling. Her breaths left her in quick bursts as she cried. She cared about them so much. Too much. She’d let herself get too deep into it again.

Notes:

+don't yell at me they'll be fine okay
+mira is just one tough cookie
+can we talk about romance in an pink apron real quick

Chapter 11: You Can Run But You Can't Hide

Summary:

Romance and Abby get to the bottom of why Mira runs from them. Plans are made for Christmas!

Notes:

we're coming up on the end of this fic, but i'm thinking of making this a series.... i don't want to let these characters go so soon!

total length is potentially around 20 chapters for this fic.

Romance followed Abby into their apartment, the door slamming behind him harshly. Abby gave him a concerned look, not sure what had justified happened across the hall. Romance simply shook his head. Abby disappeared down the hall then, to their room. 

 

“FUCK” Romance yelled, grabbing his hair in frustration. 

 

“Ro…” Rumi’s voice was quiet, but concerned. He didn’t notice her lounging on the couch before, now sitting up with worry splashed across her face. 

 

He huffed, frustration still coursing through him. “Sorry, Rumi. Didn’t mean to scare you.” He said, trying to hide his anger but failing. 

 

“It’s okay.” She said, pausing the show she had playing on their TV. “Do you want to talk?” 

 

They’d all gotten a lot closer on the tour, and Romance and Abby had started to feel like the brothers she never had growing up. 

 

His face softened, he sighed. He walked over, plopping onto the opposite end of couch. He didn’t speak for a moment. Rumi watched him sort through his thoughts. 

 

“Where’s Jinu anyway?” He asked, avoidance. 

 

“He’s in the shower. We’re going to watch a movie in a bit.” She said, he nodded. More silence. 

 

“It’s Mira, yeah?” Rumi asked then, careful to not push too hard. 

 

Romance scoffed lightly, of course she already knew. Rumi was like a mind reader sometimes. 

 

“Every time I think she’s let either of us in, that she’s comfortable… she puts more walls up.” He sighed, sinking back into the cushions, praying they would swallow him whole. 

 

“Listen, Ro…” Rumi offered, taking a deep breath. “I don’t know if it’s my place and you really should hear it from Mira. But she’s had a tough life. She’s really been through some shit.” 

 

He hummed, thoughtfully, signaling her to keep talking. He knew Mira came from a wealthy family, a powerful family. He knew she didn’t speak to them anymore, but that was it. 

 

“It took her a really long time to trust Zoey and me, to really see us as sisters. Sometimes I still feel like she doesn’t trust us fully…” Rumi laughed, nervously, but it was true. “For a long time, she was on her own. I just don’t think she always knows what it’s like to feel dependent on other people. Even if it’s just for emotion or affection. Anything.”

 

He considered her words, nodding. It made sense, how she was so cold to the outside world. Why she got so flustered every time they’d crack that exterior shell. The way she didn’t like to be called sweetheart, the way she’d tell them to shut up when they got too gooey with her. The way she seemed to hate that she loved being called a good girl. 

 

“And then a couple years ago she was hooking up with a male idol and she was really into him. Ro, she was the happiest we’d ever seen her.” Rumi continued, leaving out names. “And she walked in on him backstage at M Countdown fucking another girl.” Rumi’s face hardened, she laughed angrily. “Peice of shit looked her in the face and told her ‘why do you look upset? it’s not like we’re dating.’” 

 

Romance’s jaw tightened. He knew a lot of guys in the industry were trash, he’d heard the way they talked when there weren’t any staff around, no females. It hurt him to think Mira got involved with one of them. They way they’d just use girls like toys and pass along to the next. He’d slept around, sure, but he always made his intentions crystal clear and made sure they were reciprocated. He’d always been open and honest. It reignited his anger knowing someone had led Mira along, only to let her down that hard. 

 

“You wanna name drop?” Romance asked, flexing his jaw. Rumi laughed then, shaking her head. 

 

“It doesn’t matter anymore, he’s old news.” She fanned the air like she was swatting a gnat. “So what happened just now?” She pried then. 

 

“I fucked up.” He sighed, feeling embarrassed now at the rejection to his words moments ago. He brought his hands to his face, leaning back. “Maybe we’re moving to fast, I don’t know.” 

 

Rumi hummed, nodding. “You told her you love her and she panicked, right?” She said then, her tone all too knowing. 

 

Romance looked over at Rumi, shock on his face, but nodded. “How did you…?” 

 

“Intuition is my forte.” Rumi shrugged. “Ro, don’t take it personally. And please don’t let it scare you off. She’s tough, but she doesn’t know how to put down her shields ever. She really likes you, and Abby. She might not be where you are yet, but that’s okay. You make her really happy.” He nodded, feeling encouraged as she continued. “She’ll let you in when she’s ready. Until then, all you can do is love her like she deserves until she believes it.” 

 

“Thanks Rumi.” Romance said, smiling warmly at her. They say in a comfortable silence, Jinu appearing from the hallway with his hair still damp. 

 

“What’s going on here?” Jinu asked jokingly, an eyebrow raised. 

 

“I told you, we’re trying to get the foursome going.” Romance said, unfazed as usual and back to his lighthearted demeanor. “If you want to join too, that’d be the sexiest orgy ever.” 

 

Jinu choked on his spit, Rumi laughing loudly as she shook her head. Romance couldn’t help but laugh, both of them making him feel lighter in their presence. It made Rumi laugh harder, tears coming to her eyes. 

 

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” She wailed, wiping her eyes. “It’s just the face he made when you said that.” 

 

Jinu grinned, sitting down and pulling her into him. She rested back into his embrace, still looking at Romance. Her face grew concerned again, only slightly. 

 

“You okay now, Ro?” She asked, reassuming her motherly role. “What are you going to do?” 

 

He smiled, a bit pained but he understood the situation a bit better now. “I’m going to talk to Abby about it first.” He got up then, heading down the hall and into the shared bedroom. 

 

Jinu waited until he heard the door shut. “Trouble in pink haired paradise?” He asked, relaxing into the couch. He smelled like his shampoo, a hint of mint. 

 

Rumi nodded. “It’s Mira. She’s… difficult sometimes.” 

 

Jinu laughed. “Sometimes?” He teased, earning him a playful slap to his arm. 

 

———

 

Mira replayed the voicemail on her phone from Romance. 

 

Listen… I know what I said probably scared you and I’m sorry. It wasn’t untrue though, it’s how I feel. Abby too. It’s okay if you don’t feel the same way right now. You can take however long you need to figure it out, we’ll wait. 

 

There was a silent pause, a huff like he was thinking what to say next. 

 

Can we talk about it when you’re ready?

 

Rustling in the background. 

 

Don’t punish me because of him, Mira! Abby’s voice yelled then, she had to laugh. They bickered softly, mostly indecipherable. 

 

Okay I’m hanging up now… I… I do love you, Mira. 

 

The way he hesitated to say the last part stung. She’d done that. But he still said it anyway, not letting her fears push him away. 

 

She sighed, setting her phone down. 

 

Just then, a knock at her door. Rumi peaked into her room, Zoey’s head under hers. 

 

“Can we come in?” Zoey asked, voice small and timid. 

 

Mira nodded, making space for them on her bed. 

 

“Hey, we uhm… we kind of, like know what happened.” Rumi began, Mira’s gaze hot as she looked up at her. “Mira, before you get mad at anyone, it was kind of predictable.” 

 

That one hurt, Mira trying not to wince visibly. But Rumi was right. 

 

“I talked with Romance a little. Helped him understand a little better without going into much detail. I hope that was okay.” Rumi said then, nervous of making the other upset. 

 

Mira nodded. “Thanks Rumi.” She fell backwards then into her pillows. She let out a strangled noise. “I messed it all up. I don’t know how to face them, especially Romance.” 

 

“So you let them lead then. You don’t have to fix it all yourself, just help them understand.” Zoey said, her hand softly resting on Mira’s knee. 

 

“Do you remember how closed off you were with us at first?” Rumi reminisced. Back to when they were teenagers, undyed hair and untapped potential. “I thought you hated me, honestly. I thought ‘how will we ever make this work’?” 

 

Silence fell on them, but it was comfortable. 

 

“And then I’ll never forget the night you finally opened up to us. The air felt so much lighter after that, once we could understand. Once we could love and accept all of you, past and present.” Rumi met Mira’s eyes then, smiling. “I know it’s scary. But they actually care about you, want you, love you. This isn’t Hyunju. These are real guys with actual feelings, who know what they want.” 

 

Zoey curled up next to her then, wrapping her arms around her waist. “It’s probably overwhelming, having not one but two guys desperately in love with you. Unnie’s so lucky!” She cheered, smiling at Rumi and then back at Mira. 

 

“I know it’s scary.” Rumi repeated. “But this is safe. And you deserve to feel safe.” 

 

Mira didn’t know she was crying, not until Zoey was wiping at her face with her sleeve. 

 

“I feel safe with you two.” Mira sniffled, sitting up. “I just don’t know how to feel safe around them, though. To feel that it’s real, and not a charade that’ll end.” 

 

Rumi shrugged. “No one does. It takes trust, communication. You learn.” 

 

She had a point. Mira learned how to trust Rumi and Zoey. It took a lot of communication and a lot of trust between all three of them. 

 

“I just don’t know if I can handle the hurt again. If it doesn’t work out.” She admitted. 

 

Zoey nodded, understanding. “That means you care a lot about them already, then. You can’t control the future, Mi. You can just be here, now. And focus on that.” 

 

She nodded, a nervous energy possessing her body. She needed to talk to Romance and Abby. Pulling the two girls into a tight hug, she thanked them. They made sure she was good before leaving the room. 

 

She grabbed her phone, opening her text thread. 

 

mira hey. i’m sorry about earlier, i overreacted. can we talk?

 

She hit send and immediately got a reply a second later. 

 

ro yes, absolutely. now? where? 

 

abby both of us? 

 

mira yes, both of you. dork. whenever you’re free, now’s fine. i’ll come there. 

 

ro of course! we’ll be at the door. 

 

She steadied herself on nervous legs. She could do this. She had to do this. 

 

Mira made her way to the front door, opening it and smiling when she saw the door across the hall open slightly, Romance and Abby peeking out of it. They swung it open when they saw her, trying to play it cool. 

 

“Hey.” Romance said, casually. He opened the door so she could come inside. 

 

“Hi.” She answered back, stepping into their apartment. Zoey had found her way back over here, watching a movie with Mystery. Baby was at the dining table with his headphones in, deeply involved in whatever was on his laptop screen. 

 

“Can we talk?” Mira asked then, motioning to the balcony. It was early December, the air chilly with a few snowflakes falling. 

 

“Out there?” Abby asked, looking at Romance. 

 

Mira nervously twisted her fingers. 

 

“Yeah, whatever you want.” Romance said, pulling his hood up. He followed Mira and Abby outside. 

 

The city looked calm, flurries whipping in the distance. Mira leaned on the railing, pulling her hoodie sleeves over her hands. Abby and Romance joined her on either side. 

 

“Can’t believe it’s almost Christmas.” Abby broke the silence, gaze still fixed on the moving lights below them. 

 

“The stupidest holiday.” Romance and Mira said in unison, glancing at each other with a small smile. 

 

“Jinx, you owe me a kiss.” He said, smirking at her. 

 

She relaxed, feeling the tension break a little. Even after her panicking, he didn’t treat her any differently. She wanted to kiss her, still loved her.

 

“I’m sorry.” She said, her voice quiet but not unheard. “I shouldn’t have freaked out like that. I shouldn’t have shut you out… figuratively and physically.” 

 

Abby knocked his shoulder into hers playfully. “It’s okay.” He offered. “Romance comes on a bit strong sometimes.” He joked then, Mira laughing softly. 

 

“Bitch, you do too.” She shot back, no bite in her tone though. He chuckled. Her gaze refocused on the city lights, a small shiver trembling through her body as the breeze caught her hair. “I didn’t have the most loving family, and I never really had friends until Huntrix. I know I have walls up, but I’m trying to learn how to build doors.” 

 

Romance turned to her, a couple snowflakes catching in the strands of hair framing his face. He smiled, warmly, understanding. After she undoubtedly just made him feel like an absolute idiot earlier. She felt a pang in her chest.

 

“I don’t… not love you?” Mira said then. “If that makes sense. I just…” she trailed, sucking in the crisp December air. “I’m scared.” She admitted. 

 

She felt Abby’s hand snake around her waist then, letting him curl into her. “It’s okay, Mira.” He assured her. 

 

Romance took her hand in his, lacing their fingers together. He leaned his head on her shoulder. “You’re allowed to feel that way. But we aren’t going anywhere.” He shifted, kissing her neck softly. 

 

She laughed then, her breaths puffing into the air. “I feel so stupid. It’s just… the last guy I got this close to cheated on me. I don’t know why I assume all guys are like him.” 

 

“Fuck him, whoever he is.” Abby retorted, instantly. “How could he fumble this?” 

 

Mira felt another violent shiver course through her body. 

 

“Let’s go inside, hm?” Romance offered, pulling her closer to him for warmth. 

 

All three of them came inside then, sighing in relief at the warmth. 

 

“Was that some kind of sick cold plunge therapy?” Baby asked then, popping a headphone out as they walked past the table. 

 

Romance huffed a laugh. “Yeah, you should try it.” 

 

Baby just shook his head, muttering, "masochist."

 

———

 

Back in their room, they huddled into a pile under the blankets on Abby’s bed. All of them shivering wildly. 

 

“Mira, why did you think outside was the place to talk?” Abby said through chattering teeth. 

 

“Honestly?” She paused, rolling onto her side to look at him. “I get super sweaty when I’m anxious and I didn’t want to be gross.” 

 

Romance laughed behind her, a bark into the air. He buried his face into her hair then, inhaling her scent deeply. “It was kind of romantic, though. The snow and everything.” 

 

Mira giggled, rolling onto her back and looking at the ceiling. “Please. Winter is not romantic. Reminds me of the holidays which reminds me of my family.” 

 

Slowly, the shivering was subsiding. Abby played with the tag on her hoodie pocket. Romance laid, gazing at both if them. 

 

“What happened… with your family? If you want to talk about it.” Abby asked, making sure to give her the out. 

 

“Eh, fuck it.” Mira said, sitting up and turning to face them. She played with her hoodie sleeves. “I assume you know my family?” She asked, both boys nodding in affirmation. Everyone knew Mira’s family. They were one of the top chaebols in the country, their power and influence felt everywhere. “Well, imagine my dad’s disappointment when his first born was a female.” A bitter smirk formed on her face at the memory. “I wasn’t even given a chance, hated from the day they found out the gender.” 

 

Both of their faces fell as they listened, knowing she didn’t speak to them anymore but not realizing the extent. 

 

“I was left with a nanny almost immediately. I only know because they told me, reminded me constantly when I was being ‘ungrateful’. Then my mom got pregnant again and it was a boy. I was five then, and I instantly became an outcast to them.” She sucked in a breath. “Most kids have nice memories from childhood with their parents. I don’t have any. The nannies raised me, I played by myself. Everything was on my own.” 

 

“Mira, I’m really sorry..” Romance said then, his hand finding hers. If anyone could relate at all, it would be him. 

 

She shrugged. “They loved my brother and I hated him. And he hated me. Imagine that? Two innocent kids, molded to hate each other by their parents?” She laughed, softly. “Anyhow… I became a rebel as I grew. I started smoking, I would skip the expensive hagwon they paid for to hang out with boys. My mom called me a disgrace, telling me I was making a bad image for them. She didn’t even care to think that I was hurting, trying to get their attention. All they saw in me was a bridal offer to some other powerful family’s son.” 

 

Romance hugged her, feeling so deeply for her. Abby couldn’t relate as much, coming from a big but loving family. He still hugged her along with the other. He might never be able to relate like Romance, but he’d be here for them both to lean on. 

 

“LYNX literally saved my life. Like I was depressed. They scouted me out on the street, and I never looked back. I… didn’t even tell my parents. I just moved into the dorms and didn’t come back home.” Mira laced her arms around the two of them. “I wish I could say I hope they’re proud now— but I honestly don’t care.” 

 

Abby pulled away, laughing, still holding her by the hips. “Yeah, there she is.” He nodded, making her join in the laughter. 

 

“Thanks for letting us in, Mira. I know it’s scary…” Romance said, hugging her tighter. “But I… we love you and we won’t hurt you. In fact, I want to know who cheated on you so I can fucking roast him if I see him.” 

 

Mira giggled, playfully shrugging his hug off. “Uhmmm, that’s a no!” She yelled. 

 

And maybe, just maybe— she thought there could be a door shaped big enough for the both of them in all her walls she’d carefully constructed. 

 

———

 

They had most of the month as a break, recuperating from tour and then having to make their appearances at the end of the year award shows. 

 

Zoey had the idea to do a secret santa a couple weeks before Christmas, all of them joining together in the Huntrix living room. It was such a fun night— Jinu and Rumi made hot chocolate for everyone and they played some games. Zoey had strategically paired the secret santas together for maximum chaos, of course. 

 

The night got late, and everyone settled into their own conversations. 

 

Jinu smiled, taking it all in from where he laid curled up with Rumi under a blanket. This was the best Christmas gift, given to him months early. Seeing his friends happy, seeing his girlfriend happy, seeing her friends happy. 

 

“Plans for Christmas?” Rumi asked, glancing up at him from where she was curled on his chest. 

 

“Hmmm been meaning to ask you the same.” He replied, lazily, his fingers combing through her now black locks. 

 

She shook her head, pouting. “My parents decided to spend Christmas in New York with my aunt.” 

 

“Ahh, I’m sorry…” Jinu trailed, and then his mouth kept talking before his brain caught up. “You could always come to Busan with me.” 

 

Her eyes lit up and she blushed. “I… I wouldn’t want to impose. I’m sure you’re going to see your sister and mom.” 

 

Jinu smiled shyly. He did want her to come, had already run it by his mother. He just felt stupid for springing it on her here, now. “They uhm, they know about you. About us.” He admitted. “They’d be really excited to meet you. If you want, of course.” 

 

Rumi smiled at him then, that one that made her eyes disappear. The one that made his heart do kick flips in his chest. 

 

“Okay, then… let’s go!” She whispered excitedly. 

 

Notes:

+i will fight tooth and nail for mira (so will romance and abby)
+i've got some zostery & miromabby treats (filth) for you in the coming chapters re: christmas
+are we gonna meet jinu's sis and mom? yes

Chapter 12: Busan Days

Summary:

Jinu and Rumi travel to Busan for the holidays

Notes:

*this is all tooth-rotting fluff bc i love them so much

With Rumi going to Busan with Jinu, and Zoey deciding to go to Daegu with Mystery, Mira had the apartment to herself for five days. Well, to herself and Romance and Abby. Baby was holding the fort down across the hall, his only plans to spend Christmas Eve and Day with his parents in Incheon. 

 

Mira was nervous leading up to it. The three of them typically spent nights together in someone’s bed, but they had no schedules and no one around to bother them. They were free to be together all day and all night… what if they got irritated with each other? What if they got bored? Bored of her? 

 

“Earth to Miraaaa!” Rumi’s voice cut through her train of thought, a hand waving in her face. 

 

“Wha—? Sorry…” Mira apologized, giggling as if it was nothing. 

 

“I said have fun!” Rumi repeated herself. “And please call or text me if you need me.” She said, quieter as she glanced at Romance and Abby who were in the kitchen, having insisted on cooking a meal for Mira. They’d mended things for sure, but the recent blow up with the three of them still had Rumi nervous about leaving. Mira felt bad. Rumi always put others first. 

 

Mira shook her head, smiled in the truth that she spoke then, “Nope, we’ll be fine. Go enjoy yourself, Rumi!” 

 

The two girls started giggling as Abby smacked Romance in the back of the head playfully, yelling about some missing ingredient. 

 

“Okay, I ran the bags down to Kihyun and the staff got them loaded into the car. Ready? Car’s out back so no one will see us leaving.” Jinu’s voice cut through the giggles as he entered the apartment. 

 

Rumi nodded, giving Mira another hug. It felt weird, the girls never really spent much time away from each other. Even if it was only for a few days.

 

“Hey— you two!” Jinu hollered, getting the chef duo’s attention. “Behave.” He said, smirking at them jokingly as he and Rumi left. 

 

And that was it. Everyone else was gone, Zoey having left the day before with Mystery. It was just her and these two incredibly dumb, insanely gorgeous boys. 

 

It was evening, the sun beginning to set over the city outside. She took a seat at the kitchen island, glancing out the window at the colorful show in the sky as she listened to them bicker in front of her. She smiled. Happy. Five days before her least favorite holiday and she was completely at peace for the first time in years. 

 

———

 

The ride to Busan was long, the sun having set hours ago as they pulled up to the small but rather nice single family residence. Rumi rubbed her eyes, having fallen asleep against Jinu’s shoulder. 

 

“We’re here!” He whispered, his nerves showing through the excitement. 

 

Rumi felt the tingles of her own nerves begin coursing through her body, pulling her hat back on and sunglasses. They pulled through a private gate, but she didn’t want to risk anything. Her hair having been dyed back to black was incredibly helpful– she made a note to thank Bobby for that decision. 

 

“Wowwww– I didn’t imagine this.” She said, gazing at the pretty house outside the car window. “Did you buy this for them?”

 

Jinu nodded, shyly, modestly. “Once we started making real money, it was the first thing I did. It’s all I’ve ever wanted… my mom to relax and my sister to be taken care of.” 

 

With that, he got out of the car, running around happily to get the door for her before the driver could get to it. He smiled at her warmly, this whole thing feeling so youthful. She’d never done this before, most of her life being spent training from a young age. It made her feel like she was getting a second shot at the youth she missed out on. 

 

They grabbed their bags from the back, just simple bags as they were only here for a few days. Casual clothing and nothing flashy to draw attention. 

 

Jinu’s mom and sister were waiting at the front door, his sister not able to wait and running to throw herself into a bone crushing hug on her brother. 

 

“Jinu!! I missed you so much!” She yelled, pulling back and taking a good look at him. “Wah– so handsome. And you’ve gotten so much taller!” 

 

“Jihyun, I literally saw you guys earlier this year. I haven’t changed that much, have I? He said, huffing fondly at the younger girl. 

 

Rumi couldn’t help the giggle that escaped her, standing beside them nervously. Jihyun turned to her then, snapped out of her moment with her brother. 

 

“I’m so sorry! That was so rude!” Jihyun said, bowing respectfully to her. “We’ve heard so much about you!” She added, Jinu elbowing her not so subtly. Rumi gave him a look as if to say, is that so?

 

Rumi waved her hands at the other girl, smiling brightly. “No need for formality! It’s so nice to meet you, Jihyun. I’ve heard a lot about you too!” She replied cheekily with the last part. Jihyun laughed behind her hand. 

 

“I like her already.” Jihyun said then, smiling at Jinu. 

 

They walked to greet his mother then, the smaller woman waiting by the door with a knowing, warm smile. Rumi figured there must be few things more heartwarming than watching your children greet one another after time spent apart. 

 

“Umma!” Jihyun yelled as they walked up the few steps. “This is Rumi!” She announced, taking it upon herself to do introductions. 

 

Jinu sighed. “Jihyun–” He started, but his mother cut him off. 

 

“Please don’t bicker with your sister when you just got here, Jinu!” She joked, turning to Rumi warmly. “And especially not in front of your beautiful girlfriend. It’s such an honor to meet you!” 

 

Rumi took her hand gently, bowing in respect. “It’s so nice to meet you! Jinu has told me so much about you!” 

 

Even though she’d lived a hard life, working so hard to provide for her children, she was still so beautiful. Rumi glanced at Jinu then, smiling. So that’s where he got his long eyelashes, his beautiful eyes. 

 

“I’ve got one of the guest bedrooms set up for you two!” She said then, motioning them inside. Rumi breathed a sigh of relief at the fact that they seemed so warm, just as Jinu described them. 

 

—-----

 

Jihyun had tears in her eyes, trying to catch her breath. “And then—and then!” She interrupted herself, taking a huge gasp of air to calm down. “He walks up to the group of bullies and just starts ripping into them, right? He’s talking all this shit, my hero brother. Rumi… they beat his ass for that!” She began cracking up again at the memory. “So now I’m upset, he has a black eye. Mom came home that night and was so stressed at the sight of us.”

 

The laughter died down, a fond smile on Jinu’s face as he sat back in his chair with his arms folded over his chest, just listening to his sister tell the story. 

 

“Yah… well he’s lucky he didn’t get hurt worse.” His mom said then, her voice light but more stern. “We couldn’t afford the medical bills back then.” 

 

Rumi sobered up at her words, her gaze cast downwards. She knew his mother didn’t mean it to be negativity, they were just reliving the moment. And that moment in the past was not in this nice house, with a fancy bottle of wine split between the four of them. Rumi had been raised by an average middle-class family, and she never had any friends who were poor growing up. She was saddened at the thought of Jinu and Jihyun, scraping by as their mom worked multiple shifts day and night. She felt rage at his father for leaving them like that– how could someone? 

 

“It wasn’t as bad and she’s making it out to be, mom. I was just outnumbered, that’s all.” Jinu said then, shrugging and trying to play it cool. 

 

“Jinu, there were only two of them! And only one of them hit you, really!” Jihyun corrected him, earning a pleading look from her brother to shut up.

 

Rumi spoke up then. “But that’s what a good older brother should do, no?” She had to come to Jinu’s defense, of course. It wasn’t missed on his family the way they looked at each other then.

 

“Mhm.” Jihyun agreed, smiling softly. “Jinu’s the best older brother anyone could ask for.” 

 

“Ugh!” Jinu joked, kicking her playfully under the table. “Don’t get all gross and emotional now.” 

 

They finished up the wine they were drinking, chatting lightly and getting to know Rumi a bit better. What age she began training, the first time she ever met Jinu at one of the music shows, her first impression of him, how she and the other two girls in Huntrix got along. 

 

Rumi sighed, digging her toothbrush out of her bag and heading into the bathroom. Jinu was already brushing his teeth, making eye contact with her in the mirror and smiling through soapy lips. This all felt so normal. So domestic. It made her think what it would be like, if they both called it quits tomorrow and moved somewhere like this. No schedules pulling them one way, social media numbers pulling them another. If they could just wake up whenever they wanted next to each other, casually arguing over what was for breakfast. If they didn’t have to hide, keeping these loving moments behind closed doors. If they didn’t have to belong to the fans, but could actually belong to each other, fully.

 

Jinu was rinsing his mouth then, spitting before he turned to her with a warm but questioning smile. “You gonna brush your teeth or just stare at me?”

 

She couldn’t help the smile tugging at her lips as she wet her toothbrush, reaching for the toothpaste. “Just daydreaming.” She said, plopping her toothbrush into her mouth. 

 

“About what? Don’t tell me it’s other boys…” He asked, faking hurt and gasping jokingly. 

 

She kicked him playfully, rolling her eyes. She rinsed her mouth. “No.” She answered shortly. “Just… what if we didn’t have to hide? Keep it a secret?” The words felt so foreign on her tongue– she’d always been the one to urge her girls to be careful, hide. Even when Mira was going through heartbreak, hide it from the world, the fans. We have to be perfect for them, the fans she would say. 

 

Jinu swallowed visibly. “Like…” He trailed, not sure what she was asking. “Like we made it public?” His eyes carefully met hers in the mirror, but he didn’t look immediately opposed at the thought. Maybe they were both changing.

 

She nodded without hesitation, sick of the way they couldn’t let their touches linger too long in public. Sick of not being able to go anywhere with him unless they snuck away like they did for this trip. Sick of the fans shipping them together, both of them having to laugh it off and respectfully lie about how they’re just friends. 

 

Ah, you guys, really. She remembered a live he did, while the girls were off in the US touring. Rumi is… she’s a great friend, incredible mentor. I learn a lot from her. It’s not like that, really.

 

She remembered the sting that left, even though she knew he was lying about it being nothing more, could tell in the way he paused after saying her name. The way he’d looked at her in the hotel in Osaka, telling her he loved her. She was so indescribably exhausted from the whiplash.

 

“Well… we should probably tell Bobby first. He’d have the best read on how to go about it?” Jinu offered, a bit hesitant. “But I- um. I don’t hate the idea.” He admitted, nervous air to his voice.

 

Rumi couldn’t believe he was actually entertaining the thought. “I mean… we should also talk to the others first. We don’t have to, Jinu. It was… a stupid thought.” They met eyes in the mirror again, seeming to reaffirm one another that this wasn’t stupid. “I just… I think I could get used to this.” 

 

Jinu smiled then, moving to embrace her from behind, looking into the mirror at the image of them together. 

 

“I could too, Rumi.” He hummed into her hair. 

 

———

 

The next day they ventured out, no makeup on their faces and face masks hiding a majority of their recognizable features. He took her to see the coast, got lost in her eyes at the way she got lost in the views. He took her to Gamcheon, both of them wandering the maze of alleyways. He wished he could see her smile under her mask, could tell it was bright from the way her eyes crinkled. 

 

They ended the day at Gwangalli Beach, Jinu knowing it’d be less crowded than Haeundae. There were barely any others as it was mid December. They strolled quietly, taking in the city lights. They’d gotten street food nearby, and after she’d finished hers, Rumi dared to lace her fingers in his. For a second, he imagined if they’d have found each other outside of this life. If he’d never left Busan, never had become an idol. Never worked as hard as he did to make the Saja cut, continuing to work and lead himself past exhaustion, making it big finally and moving into a fancy apartment with his brothers. Constantly putting everyone before himself. Opening the door that morning to the sweetest surprise across the hall. 

 

He was certain they would have. The way his heart pounded in his chest as he looked at her, her falling in love with his hometown. Him falling even more in love with her. His soul would find hers in every timeline, in every reality, in any body.

 

———

 

Christmas morning was cozy, Rumi and Jinu waking up a little late. They took advantage of their freedom to sleep in a little. When they came downstairs, Jihyun had managed to make pancakes for them all. 

 

They spent the rest of the morning into the afternoon playing games, sharing more stories. Rumi came to learn that Jihyun’s profession was apparently rage baiting her brother, their mother watching them bicker with a fond look. 

 

Jinu had demanded he make dinner, Jihyun offering to help and dismissing Rumi’s offers, claiming she needed bonding time with their mother. 

 

So that found Rumi curled up on the couch with a cup of tea, Jinu’s mother flipping through old photos with her as they laughed. 

 

“And this is Jihyun’s first day of school.” Their mother said, caressing the photo as if it would take her back in time. Rumi giggled softly as she noticed a young Jinu in the background, looking stressed even back then. 

 

“Ah and look at Jinu.” She said then, noticing what Rumi did. “He’s always been a good brother to her, a good son. It shocked him when they made him the leader in the group, but it didn’t shock us. He always worries more about others and forgets about himself.” 

 

Rumi nodded, not forgetting the ways he’d shown all of them that as they’d gotten closer. The friendship he had with each one of the guys, the way he was always available for them if something was up. The absolute tension on his face when the rumors blew up around Zoey’s bruises, after Mystery stormed from the room. How he’d accepted the throuple between Mira, Romance and Abby with zero questions asked. 

 

But then… the way he’d entertained her wild dreams of going public the night before, even though she knew he was probably freaking out about the possible repercussions and what it would mean for everyone else. Maybe it was okay if they looked out for themselves for now, for what this was between them. 

 

Jinu’s mother flipped the page, a photo of an older Jinu next to packed bags. “This was the day he was leaving for Seoul, moving into the dorms. He was seventeen, so young.” Her fingers grazed over the byeongari norigae taped beside the photo. “I handmade this for him to take, for good luck on a new journey. He sent it back in the mail with his first big check, that kid. He said that this new beginning was ours too. A lot of other idols buy themselves nice things, but not Jinu. He takes good care of us.” She closed her eyes, her gratitude palpable. 

 

She looked at Rumi then. “You make him so happy, the way his voice brightens on the phone when he talks about you. He doesn’t ever do anything for himself, but you’ve changed that slowly. Please keep reminding him that it’s okay if he puts himself first sometimes.” Her words made Rumi’s throat tighten, heart pounding in her chest. Then she felt his mother giving her something, and she looked down. The norigae from the photo book. 

 

“I— I can’t accept this.” She refused, politely as she could. 

 

The older woman simply folded Rumi’s hands over it. “Please, let this bid good fortune on your relationship. I want to see him happy.” 

 

Rumi didn’t care if she’d just met the woman, she pulled Jinu’s mother into a soft hug, letting a couple tears spill from her eyes in the gratitude she was feeling in the moment. The older woman hugged her back. 

 

———

 

Later that evening, they were settling into bed with full bellies and full spirits, not wanting to return to Seoul the next day. Back to a life of secrecy, back to reality. Heading straight into a full schedule of awards shows.

 

Jinu disappeared, claiming he was grabbing a glass of water from the kitchen. When he returned, he didn’t have any water. 

 

“What? All out of running water?” Rumi teased him, assuming he got side tracked and forgot. 

 

He shook his head, crawling into bed quietly. She raised an eyebrow, very confused. 

 

“Please don’t be mad.” He started, voice shy and low. Testing. “But I wanted to get you something for Christmas.” 

 

Rumi immediately blushed, feeling stupid. She meant it when she said they weren’t getting each other presents. She didn’t have anything for him in return. 

 

“Jinu! I didn’t get you anything though. Now I feel like an asshole!” She whined, sinking into the pillows with her hands over her face. 

 

He yanked her hands away, crawling on top of her. He kissed her cheeks. “You coming here with me was the best present you could have given me, so hush.” He said, making her go quiet. 

 

He sat back up, fishing around in the pocket of his sweatpants. He fished out two simple rings, engraved with a star pattern on each of them among lines. He suddenly got very nervous, fidgeting. It was cute. 

 

“I know you talked about going public…” he trailed, “but until then, I wanted to get something we can both wear to quietly say it.” He offered her one of the rings, slipping it onto her right ring-finger. His hand lingered. She squinted at the ring closer, noticing that it was musical bars, the stars being notes. She took his hand, finger now bearing the opposite ring. 

 

“Yours is the harmony.” He stated. “Mine is the melody.” 

 

Rumi rolled over, into his lap. She made an indecipherable sound, her face buried into his thigh. 

 

“What was that?” He asked, laughing softly, fingers in her hair. 

 

“I said,” she started, rolling herself to make eye contact with him. “You’re so fucking cheesy and I fucking love it.” 

 

He leaned down to kiss her, soft and emotional. She let her fingers wander into his hair. There was no heat, no passion. This was raw love, out in the open. 

 

Jinu broke the kiss first, pulling the covers over both of them and holding her close. Back to reality in the morning, but there was no way they could go back to the way they navigated Seoul before.

Notes:

+jinu is absolutely a loser nerd hopeless romantic and that's my favorite tbh
+rumi is /tired/ of the hiding
+myst n zo will see you in daegu next chapter (yes, there will be smut)

Notes:

hey all! a few quick notes:
+i'm not sure how long this will end up being, but I'm just letting it flow for now
+i do work a full time job so i cannot promise a schedule for when this will be updated
+i imagined the Saja Boys apartment across from Huntrix to look something like this: https://www.jamesedition.com/real_estate/seoul-south-korea/ph129-15957400