shiftblr PLEASE share this. chaewon is nearing her deathbed and nobody is talking about it please start talking about this
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shiftblr PLEASE share this. chaewon is nearing her deathbed and nobody is talking about it please start talking about this
thereâs this extremely kind soul of a woman on instagram that makes accessible recipes that donât require standing, chopping, or a stove and she might just have a permanent place in my heart
She's on YouTube too! For non-Instagram using friends:
I love her, she's great. Her recipes are friendly for both physical and/or intellectual disabilities. And her 5-year-old helps her cook. đ„°
Link to her YouTube channel:
Celebrating the intersection of food and culture, travel tales, social commentary, grieving out loud. đłđŹ/đșđž đ°đœđ§đœđ§đœđ©đœâđŒâïž Paid Collaboration
The Crimson Pact | Part 20
Characterizations | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19
SoulBond!AU
Pairings: Yandere!Saja Boys x F!Reader
Synopsis:Â You were never supposed to remember them.
Four hundred years ago, a pact was madeâa blood-soaked bond tying five demons to one human soul:Â yours.
Theyâve waited lifetimes for your reincarnation, cursed with obsession, tethered by fate.
And now that youâve returned?
Theyâll burn the world before they let you go again.
Warnings: Soul bond with the Saja Boys, Yandere themes!, obsessive behavior / possessiveness, romantic psychological tension, intense emotional fixation, yearning, emotional manipulation, hurt/comfort, angst, moral dilemmas, emotional turmoil.
A/N: We're almost to the end, guys! Only one more chapter to go until the end of the main story! + another chapter for epilogue. I'll be doing side stories as well in the future. Thank you guys for reading this far!
âââââââââ àŒșđàŒ» âââââââââ
The Saja boys are all demons.
They are wrath and ruin. Jealousy and death.
And yet, before her, they kneel.
Because she is the Heart. Because her soul is what keeps them from unraveling into true monsters. Because they were bound by her love and her curse.
They donât just crave herâthey depend on her. Without her presence, their minds deteriorate. Their bodies decay. Their hunger becomes unbearable.
Only Y/Nâs touch tames the demon inside.
ââââââââââ â ââââââââââ
Names (For those who get confused): Haneul (Abby), Seoha (Romance), Hwimori/Hwi (Mystery), Seungho (Baby)
ââââââââââ â ââââââââââ
Part 20:
The Shape of Their Regret
The world was swallowed in white.
The blast had been instantaneous, a supernova blooming outward, engulfing the stage, the stadium, and the sky itself. And in those blinding seconds, silence pressed in like a tomb. The singing stopped. The boys dropped from the air, bodies slamming to the ground, knees buckling.
Jinuâs roar tore the stillness apart.
âY/N!â His voice cracked, raw with terror, his throat breaking on the scream. He clawed at the stage as if he could rip you back from the light, his amber eyes wide with the same horror that had haunted him for centuries.Â
This was the vision he had seenâŠRumiâs motherâs body splitting apart, burning away into nothingness.
And now it was you. You, who had always been fateâs victim, who he swore he would never let slip away again. He had become Daehyun. He had become the man who could not protect the woman who bore the tether. Powerless. Useless. Watching love dissolve into ash.
Haneul crumpled forward, hands shaking against the floorboards. His chest heaved, every muscle in his body screaming to fly to you, to drag you out of the fire, to take the hit himself. But the light had been too bright, too absolute⊠there had been no pulling you free. His eyes burned, veins throbbing, and for the first time in lifetimes, his strength meant nothing.
Seohaâs illusions flickered violently around him, scattering like shards of glass. He staggered, lips parted, unable to breathe as the color drained from his face. He had tried to convince himself during the fight that this ritual would save you, that he could weave hope like another one of his sweet lies⊠but no magic could disguise this grief. His eyes brimmed with tears he couldnât blink away, his chest tight with the weight of losing you by your own choice.
Seungho slammed a clawed hand into the floor, wood splintering beneath the blow. His voice was a guttural snarl, but his eyes, sharp, red-rimmed, betrayed the panic beneath. He had sworn if he couldnât have you, no one would. But this wasnât him losing you to someone else. This was worse. This was you gone forever. His body shook as the rage drained, leaving only raw devastation.
Hwimori howled, the sound unearthly, the beast inside him mourning with primal grief. His massive form shuddered, ears pressed flat, eyes wide with panic and pain. The tether threads burned crimson in his chest but felt suddenly hollow, empty. He thrashed, tearing at the floor with his claws, as if he could claw open the light itself to drag you back.
The weight of their grief pressed like chains against the stage.
Mira and Zoey stared from across the circle, blades still in hand, but lowered, eyes wide at the sight of the boysâ anguish. It was written in every shake of their bodies, every scream and sob.
For so long, Huntrix had painted demons as incapable of true love, of feeling anything but hunger and obsession. But here, they saw no monstersâŠonly men broken open by despair.
Miraâs throat tightened, her heart aching with sympathy despite everything. Zoeyâs lips trembled as she looked at them, at Jinu especially, his body wracked with sobs. Was this what love was, even for demons?
Off to the side, Rumi stood frozen. Her pulse thundered in her ears, hands trembling at her sides. It couldnât have failed. It couldnât. They had followed everything⊠every line of her fatherâs journal, every instruction. She had believed so strongly that this time would be different.
But what if she was wrong? What if her interference, her insistence, had led to your destruction? Her chest clenched, bile rising in her throat as fear overtook her. Had she killed you? Was she the one who had doomed you to burn like her mother before you?
Her thoughts spiraled, clawing at her like jagged glass, until Zoeyâs sharp cry cut through the despair.
âYou guysâ!â Her voice cracked, urgent. âThe light⊠itâs fadingâŠâ
Every head snapped upward. Faces streaked with tears, jaws slack with grief, eyes wide with a desperate, fragile hope. For a moment none of them breathed, the silence stretched taut, trembling, as the brilliance began to soften.
The dome of light shimmered, dimming slowly. In its place, a silhouette appeared, glowing, indistinct, blinding at first. The figure hovered in the haze, descending at a pace agonizingly slow.
Shock. Disbelief. Awe. It rippled across their faces in waves. Seohaâs lips parted soundlessly, his tears still streaking as his gaze locked on the descending figure. Seungho staggered to his feet, claws trembling in the air as if reaching. Haneul pressed a fist to his chest, his breath sharp and ragged. Hwimori whimpered low in his throat, eyes wide. And Jinu⊠Jinu fell silent, his entire body shaking, amber eyes staring like a man seeing salvation where only death had been.
As the glow ebbed, the details emerged.
Your form, bathed in white, clothes gleaming as though woven from starlight. Hair floating, haloing your face in a radiant crown. Skin smoothed like porcelain, though that wasnât the most shocking of all.Â
Across your body rippled an iridescent sheen, markings alive and shifting, etched into your skin like living sigils. They shimmered with colors beyond mortal description. Threads that moved as though breathing. They looked like the Honmoon itself, carved into you.
The power pulsed from you in waves. Ancient. Otherworldly. It hummed in the marrow of everyone present, proof that you were no longer human.
The boysâ expressions fractured, relief tangled with awe, disbelief, terror.
Haneulâs eyes brimmed as his lips shaped your name like a prayer. Seungho pressed a shaking hand against his mouth, unable to disguise the tremor in his chest. Seoha let out a soft, broken laugh, tears blurring his vision, muttering âimpossibleâ under his breath. Hwimori whimpered, his beastâs ears flattening as tears streaked his cheeks.Â
Jinuâs tears fell freely now, his hand reaching upward instinctively, as though he might catch you out of the heavens.
Huntrix stared in stunned silence. Miraâs blade dropped slightly at her side, her eyes wide with awe. Zoey pressed a hand to her lips, unable to stop the tears that welled. And Rumi⊠Rumi sobbed silently, gratitude and disbelief shaking her shoulders. You had survived. You had become the tether.
Your descent suddenly grew faster as the glow faded, your body beginning to fall like gravity had suddenly reclaimed you.
âNoâ!â Jinu bolted forward, faster than thought, leaping into the air. His arms caught you as you dropped, cradling you to his chest before you could hit the stage. He landed on his knees, pulling your body impossibly close to his own.
Your body was warm, glowing faintly, your eyes still closed. His tears spilled into your hair as he clutched you tight, voice breaking on your name.
The boys closed in on Jinu in a frantic circle, bodies hunched and trembling, their fear spilling into the air so thick it was suffocating.
âBabyâŠâ Haneul dropped to his knees before you, his hands fisted helplessly against his sides. His chest hitched, eyes red and wet as he stared at you limp in Jinuâs arms.
Seungho pressed close at your side, his face contorted, eyes hollow. He reached for your hand with shaking claws, curling your limp fingers into his palm. âIs she breathingâ?â His voice cracked into a whisper, broken by the weight of terror. âOh, gods, pleaseâŠâ
Hwimori had shifted back into his human form and crouched low, chest rumbling with a trembling whine. His hands felt along your wrist, heart thudding as he felt your beating pulse.
Then, softer than anyone expected, his voice rasped through clenched teeth. âSheâs alive.â
Jinu choked on a sob, crushing you to his chest, rocking you back and forth like a mother would a child, as though holding you tighter might force life back into your body. Tears fell freely down his face, dampening your hair.Â
âMy girl,â he whispered, voice shaking with a rawness none of them had ever heard. He pressed his lips to your forehead, his whole body trembling. âMy baby⊠my everything. Mine.â
âThank god,â Seoha muttered, his composure shattered. His hands dragged through his damp hair as he crouched closer, blinking tears. âDonât you do that to me again. I canâtââ His words cut off as his throat closed, and he pressed his forehead to your temple, whispering against your skin, âI canât lose you. Not after everything. Not now.â
Seunghoâs hand tightened around yours. He lifted it slowly, pressing your limp palm to his cheek as tears streamed down his face unchecked. His voice was hoarse, trembling. âYou scared the shit out of me⊠I thoughtâI thought youâd left us. Donât you dare do that again.â His cheek pressed harder into your palm, eyes squeezed shut. âI love you too much for this.â
Hwimori was silent, palms clutched tight as he stared at you. Alive. Breathing. Here. He let out a desperate whine as tears flowed freely down his face.Â
Mira, Zoey, and Rumi had run closer, their weapons now gone, but they couldnât keep from stopping at the sight. The girls huddled together, arms around each other, sobbing quietly as they watched the boys weep over you.Â
They had never seen them like this⊠utterly undone. Tender. Vulnerable. Human. A wave of awe, sympathy, and something softer swept through them, as they looked at you with newfound care.
Mira sucked in a breath and looked around, âWe canât stay here.â she muttered, glancing at the crowd, still believing this was performance. âToo many eyes.â
âLetâs get her backstageâ Rumi stated. She ran towards Jinu who was clutching you to his chest.Â
âJinu!âÂ
But the demon didnât look, he was too focused on you, your warmth, in his arms.Â
âJinu- we have to move her.â She muttered nervously. It was like he wasnât hearing a word she said. She glanced to the nearest boy to herâ Seoha.Â
âRomance, please,â She pleaded. He blinked, tears still staining his cheeks and disbelief still on his face. As if waking up from a trance, he looked at Rumi.Â
âThere are too many eyes here. Letâs move this backstage.â
As if waking from a dream, Seoha glanced around at the crowd still cheering. Some of them happy, most confused. He clenched his jaw and nodded to her.Â
In a swift motion, he was able to gather Jinu and the others to move you out of sight. Jinu didnât have it in him to stand, so the boys all apparated him and you elsewhere, out of prying eyes.
Once out of sight somewhere in the stadium, the boys had huddled around you once again with Huntrix standing over them. You were still unconscious in Jinuâs arms, and they were getting desperate to have you wake.
âBaby? Open your eyes, pleaseâŠâ Seoha coaxed, brushing his thumb gently across your cheek. His tears spilled freely, falling onto your skin, sliding down the curve of your face. He pressed his forehead against your own, voice breaking, begging: âPlease⊠come back to us.â
You felt it before you saw anything.
Warmth. The press of strong arms around you. Salt in the air, tears dripping onto your skin. Sobs. Sniffles. Pleas. It was dark, but they were there⊠you could feel them. Their warmth, their scent, the sharp spice of Seunghoâs sweat, the faint incense of Seohaâs cologne, the earth-and-fire musk of Haneul, the feral tang of Hwimori, the bittersweet smoke of Jinu. They were wrapped around you, shielding you, holding you.
The pain was gone. Where had it gone? Was it over? Or⊠had you died?
Peace washed over you like a tide, light and endless, a coil of magic humming through every vein. Your body felt lighter, charged, threaded with power you didnât understand. Iridescent streams wound around your soul, soft but potent. It didnât feel human anymore.Â
Maybe this was what death felt like⊠empty, quiet, at peace.
And then, faintly, you heard them.
ââŠpleaseâŠâ ââŠstayâŠâ ââŠdonât leave us againâŠâ
Your breath hitched. Your chest rose. The world came rushing back as your eyes fluttered open.
Jinu was the first thing you saw.
He looked down at you with an expression so raw it seared your heart, a mixture of disbelief and uncontained relief, tears still spilling, his lips parted like he couldnât believe you were really there. His hand trembled against your cheek.
Beside him, the others leaned in, every one of them tear-streaked, red-eyed, broken open by fear and awe. Their gazes locked on you, drinking in the sight of your open eyes, proof that you were alive.
But your eyes werenât the same. They glowed crimson, deep and unyielding, no longer flickering but⊠permanent.
Your hand lifted weakly, cupping Jinuâs tear-wet face. He broke into another sob at your touch, closing his eyes as if savoring the feel of your skin.
You smiled faintly, whispering, voice raspy but tender. âI didnât think I could take you with me to heavenâŠâ
Jinuâs chest shuddered as he cupped your hand with his, pressing into it like a man dying of thirst. âAs if anyone could separate me from you, baby. I would never allow itâŠâ His voice broke on the vow.
Tears welled in your eyes as you turned your gaze.
âYou came back,â Haneul muttered hoarsely, his voice almost a question. His eyes brimmed, his body bent low before you.
Your gaze swept across them, confusion mixing with wonder. Tear-streaked faces, raw eyes, trembling lips. They looked devastated⊠like men who had shattered and stitched themselves back together in the space of a breath.
âWhy are you all crying?â you whispered.
Seoha let out a breathy, broken chuckle, brushing your cheek again. âWe thought we lost you. And you wonder whyââ His voice caught. He shook his head, forehead pressing to yours again. âGods, youâre impossible. Even at the edge of death, you donât know what you do to us.â
Your eyes widened, realization dawning like a flood. âWait⊠Iâm not dead?â
âNo, sweetheart,â Haneul whispered, lifting your wrist to his lips. He kissed it tenderly, tears streaking his cheeks. âYou did it.â
The words sank in slowly, disbelief breaking across you like a tide. You gasped, pushing yourself up shakily. Jinu held you close, steadying you, unwilling to let you go for even a second.
The world was still the stadium but darker, somewhere in the back perhaps? It was still filled with the stench of smoke. And yet, the boys surrounded you, each of them alive, each of them staring at you like you were a miracle. Above them, Rumi, Mira, and Zoey clung to each other, sobbing openly, their faces lit with awe and gratitude.
âIâmâŠâ Your voice faltered as you looked down at yourself. Your clothes shimmered white, your skin etched with iridescent sigils that rippled faintly with movement, glowing softly. Your fingers trembled as you lifted them into the light. âI did it?â
âYes.â Jinuâs smile broke through his tears, soft and disbelieving.
âGave me the scare of my life while you were at it,â Seungho muttered, voice still raw.
A stunned laugh burst from your lips. The joy swelled suddenly in your chest, breaking through your shock. You let out a little squeal and flung yourself toward Seoha. He staggered, caught off guard, before wrapping his arms tight around you, crushing you against him. He pressed desperate kisses into your hair, muttering incoherently, âNever again, never againââ
The others couldnât hold back.
Haneul pulled you from Seohaâs arms to clutch you against his chest, his lips pressing to your hairline, your cheek, your temple. âYou terrified meâŠâ he whispered. âHow are you feeling now, baby? Anything hurt?â The tremble in his voice made your eyes well with tears.
âIâm fine, Haneul.â You soothed, wiping away at his tears. âJust a little tiredâŠâ
He released a breath of relief, almost a sigh, before he proceeded to kiss your lips over and over again in short, loving pecks, âMy love. My baby⊠Youâre here. Youâre hereâŠâ
Seungho tugged you next, his lips trembling as he kissed your knuckles, then your lips, then buried his face in your neck with a groan. âYou broke me and saved me in the same breath. I canât breathe without you.â
Hwimori nudged his head against you, whining softly before seizing your face in both hands and kissing your tears away. âI thought Iâd lost you again.â he mumbled, and the ache in his voice gripped at your heart.Â
âYou didnât. And you wonât. Not ever.â You soothed.Â
Your soul beast closed his eyes, savoring the sound of your voice, whispering in broken repetition, âMine. Mine. Mine.â
And Jinu⊠he held you last, trembling, his mouth finding yours in a kiss that was more a sob than anything else, his tears mixing with yours. His forehead pressed to yours as he whispered, âIâm sorry I ever doubted you,â his thumb went to caress your lower lip tenderly, âYouâre everything. My tether. My love. My forever. My strong girl.â
Huntrix stood close by, tears spilling as they watched, arms tight around one another.Â
Miraâs voice caught in her throat as she whispered, âShe did itâŠâÂ
Zoey nodded into her shoulder, crying with relief, while Rumi simply stared, her face wet, her chest rising with the deepest gratitude she had ever felt.
For the first time since the nightmare began, there was peace.
After what felt like an eternity of being smothered in tears, kisses, and trembling hands, you turned, reluctantly tugging free from Jinuâs arms. He clutched you like heâd never let go, but at your soft look, he loosened his grip.
The girls stood just beyond the circle of the boys. Their arms still locked around each other, but their eyes, gods, their eyes. They looked at you as though you were something ethereal. Something not of this world. You could see it in their faces: the awe, the disbelief, the way their gazes traced the iridescent markings etched into your skin, the faint shimmer that still clung to you like light refusing to let go.
You walked toward them slowly, each step quiet against the wooden floorboards. And before you could even speak, Rumi broke.
She hurled herself forward, arms wrapping around you, sobbing into your shoulder. The force of her skin against yours made you gasp. The moment you touched, the markings on your arms rippled and shimmered, light vibrating outward in a low hum.
You both pulled back in shock, wide-eyed, clutching each otherâs arms. Your eyes stared down at where her hands glowed against your skin, the sheen of your markings pulsing alive under her touch.
âWoahââ you both gasped together, eyes darting up to one another, startled, breathless.
Mira and Zoey froze mid-step, their jaws slack. The boys instantly surged forward, alarm flashing across their faces, claws twitching, but they halted when they saw you werenât in danger.
âWhat was that?â you breathed, staring at your glowing arms.
âI⊠I have no ideaâŠâ Rumi whispered.
The two of you just stared, confusion tangled between you, until a laugh bubbled from your throat. A shocked, breathy chuckle. Rumiâs lips broke into a watery smile, and then you both laughed, disbelieving, giddy.Â
She pulled you in again, holding you tighter this time. âIâm so glad youâre okayâŠâ she whispered hoarsely. âFor a moment I thoughtââ Her voice cracked, the words tumbling out broken. âI thought I hadâthat you hadââ
You pulled back to see her face, tear-streaked, raw with guilt. Your heart clenched. You squeezed her arm gently, grounding her. âIâm okayâŠâ
She sobbed, wiping her cheeks messily. âYouâre kind of insane, you know that?â
You laughed, but before you could respond, Zoey threw herself at you, nearly knocking the breath out of your lungs. You hear Hwimori growl somewhere to your left.Â
Again, that ripple of magic thrummed across your skin, light shimmering faintly. You gasped softly, but Zoey didnât notice, her eyes were squeezed shut, arms banded tight around you like a vice.
âOh my god, Y/N!â she cried, voice breaking. âIâm so glad you didnât like⊠die.â
A laugh slipped from you, awkward and shaky, as you patted her back. âThanks, ZoeyâŠâ
You looked up over her shoulder, only to find Mira watching you. Her gaze was sharp, calculating, like she was trying to piece together a puzzle. But as your eyes met, the hardness softened. She gave a faint nod, her voice low, ââŠsame here, Y/N. Iâm glad youâre okay.â
Your chest tightened. You hadnât spent much time with Mira⊠she was distant, sharper than the others⊠but you remembered. She had been the one to save your life on the train. Beneath all that steel, there was a woman who cared fiercely for those she swore to protect. And somehow, you realized, she was including you now. You dipped your head to her, gratitude swelling.
âOkay, thatâs enough,â Seungho muttered, stepping forward, his claws twitching as if ready to yank you back.
Zoey whipped her head to glare over your shoulder. She held onto you tighter, scowling. âBack off.â
Seungho bristled instantly, lips curling.
âHmph.â Zoey huffed, stubborn, clutching you tighter. And then, without warning, you were pulled right out of her arms by Hwimori.
âHey!â Zoey screeched.
Hwimori pressed you against his chest, baring his teeth at her in a low growl. His eyes narrowed, feral, daring her to try and take you again.
Zoey shot him a glare like he was a misbehaving dog. âSeriously?â
âCalm down, Hwi, itâs fine,â you soothed, laughter spilling despite yourself. He only whined, clutching you tighter, refusing to let you go.
The girlsâ eyes softened as they watched. Something strange rose in their chests⊠something they couldnât quite name. Was it relief? Gratitude? Affection?Â
They had played a part in this, in you becoming what you were. The ritual had worked because of them, because of their voices, their magic intertwined with yours. And now, looking at you alive, glowing, impossibly radiant like the Honmoon had been⊠they couldnât shake the sense that a piece of their power lived inside you. That they were connected to you, bonded in some new, inexplicable way.
Miraâs thoughts churned, unsettled. The way the markings on your skin had flared at Rumiâs touch⊠It was the same reaction the Honmoon gave when theyâd activate it. Was it possible the tether was not only demon-born, but hunter-touched as well? Her mind spun, questions forming like storm clouds.
Everyone exchanged looks, the silence heavy, almost awkward.
âSoâŠâ you murmured, exhaustion thick in your voice, âwhat now?â
ââââââââââ â ââââââââââ
The world felt muted when you woke up an hour ago. Soft sheets tangled around your legs, warm bodies pressed into your sides, the faint hum of magic still lingering in the air like the aftertaste of smoke and honey.Â
Your body ached, heavy with exhaustion, but also lighter in a way you couldnât name⊠like some invisible burden had lifted even as another, stranger weight settled in its place. You blinked up at the ceiling of your room, the dim light spilling in from the half-closed curtains painting thin lines across the walls.
They were draped around you like a living shield. Seungho sprawled half-atop you, his face buried against your stomach as if he never intended to lift it again. Seohaâs long frame curled along your other side, his arm slung protectively over your waist, fingers twitching even in rest like he couldnât trust you to stay. Haneul was at the headboard, shoulders pressed to the wall, your hand caught firmly in his grip, knuckles white, like if he let go for even a second, youâd vanish again. Hwimori tucked himself by your legs, cheek pressed against your thigh, a quiet tremor still running through him as though the memory of last night was trapped in his body.
You had surprised them all. Youâd thought they might never forgive themselves, and for a moment, when you stood against them, youâd believed you might never forgive them either. That they would go through with the massacre, bind themselves in blood, and leave you behind in every way that mattered. But then you chose otherwise. You leapt, and the world changed.
The door creaked open. Jinu entered, phone loose in his hand, expression set in that unreadable calm that always concealed something deeper. He stopped at the sight of you surrounded by them, and for a moment you caught the flicker of relief break through his mask.
âWell?â you asked.
âI sent the message,â he sighed, and with a graceless dive, he landed onto the bed, trampling over Seoha in the process.
Seoha groaned, half-heartedly shoving at him. âDo you mind?â
âTheyâll meet us tonight,â Jinu finished, ignoring him, his gaze already drifting to you.
âDo they really have to?â Seungho groaned into your stomach, his voice muffled by fabric and skin. He refused to lift his head, clutching you tighter like a child refusing to let go of his blanket. âI donât like the idea of hunters in our living spaceâŠâ
âThey have no reason to hunt you⊠not anymore,â you murmured, your hand sliding into his hair, combing through the strands as if to soothe him. âBesides⊠we need to figure out how this all works together.â
âWhat do they have to do with itâŠâ he muttered, voice heavy with petulance and weariness.
âTheir magic created the tether,â Jinu reminded softly, though his jaw tightened. âI donât like the idea of them being here either, but we need to figure out what happens from here on outâŠâ
You caught the weight of his eyes on you then, lingering longer than necessary. Something in his stare made you falter, as if he were memorizing a new version of you. His gaze traced over your skin, paler, as if dusted with moonlight. The faint shimmer beneath your veins where the tether pulsed, the subtle glow that rimmed your irises when the light struck them just right, no longer entirely human.Â
You had changed. You had sacrificed what you were to become this.
His throat bobbed as he swallowed, his thoughts loud even in his silence, she had to change for us. She had to give up her humanity because of us.
And yet⊠he wanted to believe that meant forever. That this form, this bond, meant there would never again be a world where you were torn from him.
Relief warred with fear in him, and it cut you to feel it.
Your own thoughts spun wildly, your chest heavy with all the questions you hadnât had the strength to face. What did it mean to be a tether? Why had you survived, when by all accounts you should not have? Why hadnât the boys disappeared along with the fractured Honmoon and all the other demons? What would Huntrix do now, without their barrier?
âWe need to discuss this,â you said softly, your voice trembling. âIâI donât know a single thing about what it means to be the tetherââ
âUs either,â Seoha interjected with a humorless chuckle, brushing his thumb absently over your waist. âYouâre the first one in the history of forever to become oneâŠâ His lips tilted into a half-smile, though his eyes betrayed him. âAlthough, Iâm not complaining⊠just look at you.â
He lifted your hand and pressed soft kisses up your arm, his mouth warm and gentle. His lips trailed to your collarbone before he paused, and when your eyes met his, your heart nearly broke. His gaze held a love so fierce it hurt, tempered by a fear that twisted deep. He cupped your cheek, thumb trembling against your skin.
âPlease,â he whispered, voice raw. âDonât ever do anything like that againâŠâ
And then it hit you. Harder than ever before. Their presence wasnât just around you anymore, it was in you. The bond had deepened into something unbearable in its clarity. Their emotions pressed into you like tidal waves.Â
Fear, grief, love so sharp it cut. You felt their memories, fragments of last night flashing in your mind as if you had lived them yourself. Seunghoâs silent scream when your body fell limp, Seohaâs desperate prayers muttered through blood, Haneul breaking against the chains to reach you, Hwimori clawing at the ground, Jinuâs hollow eyes watching you crumble.
It was stronger than ever before. No longer a tether of threads woven between you, but something deeper, more permanent. You werenât just bound to them. You were them, and they were you. Anchors. Mirrors. Reflections of the same existence.
You looked at their faces, creased with anguish, softened by awe⊠and knew, yes, you were the tether now, but more than that, you were tethered to them most of all.
The silence shattered with a voice choked on tears.
âForgive me.â
Your head turned. Jinu had sunk to his knees by the bed, his hand clutching the sheets like they were the only thing holding him to reality. His eyes shimmered with unshed tears, uncharacteristically bare.
âForgive me, baby,â his voice cracked, softer than you had ever heard it. âI⊠did so many things you didnât deserve.â
Your chest seized. He bowed his head, shaking. âI locked you in. I lied to you. I let you think you were free when I was weaving chains around you. I convinced myself it was love, that it was fate, when it was selfishness. And thenâthen I was ready to damn the world just to keep you. I almostââ His voice broke, and a tear slid down his cheek. âI almost made you hate me forever.â
âJinuâŠâ
âNo.â His eyes snapped up, red-rimmed, desperate. âDonât tell me I did what I had to. Donât tell me you understand. I donât deserve that. I should have respected you. I should have listened instead of trying to control you. But I couldnât. I canâtâŠâ He choked.
â...Not after hundreds of years mourning you. Not after lifetimes of losing you. I couldnât let you go again. I thoughtâI thought if I had to burn the whole world, at least youâd still be mine.â His hands shook as he reached for you, hesitated, then finally pressed into your shoulder, clutching you. âAnd when you fell, when I thought you were gone againâI swear, I wanted to tear myself apart.â
You silenced him with your arms, dragging him into your embrace. His sobs broke against your shoulder, muffled by your hair. His fingers dug into your back as though you might dissolve if he didnât hold you hard enough. âIâm sorry,â he kept muttering against your skin, voice fractured, âIâm sorry, Iâm sorry, Iâm sorryâŠâ
Seoha was the first to move. His body shifted against yours, head bent low, and for this moment, the playful gleam in his eyes was gone. His lashes trembled as though he was ashamed to even look at you. His voice, usually silken and coaxing, barely broke above a whisper.
âI tried to make you live in a dream,â he confessed, each word halting as though it burned his tongue. âBecause I was terrified reality would take you from me. If I could make you believe in my fantasy, I thought youâd never leave⊠but it was cruel, wasnât it?â His hand ghosted over your wrist, the lightest brush, as if he feared you might recoil.Â
When you didnât, his fingers clutched desperately, knuckles paling. âI wanted you to think you were free, when all I did was bind you tighter. Iâm sorry,â his voice cracked, and the weight of his fear spilled raw in his amber eyes, shimmering wet. âI canât forgive myself for what I did to you.â
Before you could speak, another voice broke in. Strained and trembling. Seungho bent to wrap his arms around you. He had buried his face in your stomach, and his hair tickled your skin as he refused to look up. When he finally did, his lips were parted in a shuddering breath, eyes dark with unshed tears.Â
âI wanted to cage you,â he said hoarsely, words guttural with shame. His broad hand slid down your side, clutching too tightly, then loosening when he realized his grip shook. âTo lock you somewhere the world couldnât hurt you. To keep you so safe youâd never see the sun again.âÂ
His throat worked, and he laughed bitterly, brokenly. âThat isnât love. Thatâs⊠smothering. And still, I did it. I nearly broke you under the weight of my obsession.â His eyes met yours at last, brimming with regret. âI donât know if I can ever forgive myself, but⊠I need you to know that every cruel thing I did was born from the terror of losing you.â
The bed shifted again as Haneul moved closer. He hadnât spoken until now. His silence had been heavy, suffocating. But when he finally lifted his face, you flinched at the rawness etched there. His usual cocky half-smile was gone, his lips trembling instead. He gripped your hand, pressing it to his chest like it was the only thing keeping him breathing.Â
âI hated myself,â he choked, his deep voice breaking in ways youâd never heard. âFor every second I wasnât your shield. For letting you fight alone. For every scar you took because I wasnât fast enough, strong enough.â His thumb rubbed circles over the back of your hand, but his eyes were wide and unblinking, like he was begging you to carve the truth into him.Â
âYou almost died, and it was my fault. I swore Iâd protect you, but I failed. And if I lose you again, I⊠I donât think Iâd survive it.â His chest shuddered under your palm, tears slipping past his lashes.
Then came Hwimori. He was already curled against your leg, trembling, and when the words burst out of him they werenât elegant confessions. They were sobs. His voice cracked like glass, raw with desperation.Â
âAll I thought about was owning you,â he cried, clinging to you so tightly your leg ached. His nails bit into your skin through the sheets as his tears dampened the fabric. âClinging to you, holding you, because I was so afraid youâd slip away. I didnât know how to love without consuming you.âÂ
His head shook violently against your thigh, as if shaking himself apart. âI was selfish, I know. I know. But the thought of being left behind againââ His words strangled into a sob, muffled against you. âI couldnât take it. I still canât.â
One by one, their apologies carved deeper into you. Seohaâs whisper trembling with regret. Seunghoâs guttural confession cracking his pride. Haneulâs voice breaking under the weight of his vow. Hwimori sobbing like a puppy clinging to its owner. Each word tore at your heart, unraveling pain you thought you had buried, but at the same time⊠every word bound you tighter to them, stitched you together in threads of agony and devotion.
Your thoughts spiraled. You remembered every lock, every manipulation, every lie, every choice stolen from you in the name of devotion. You remembered nights staring at walls you couldnât escape, the confusion of being loved so intensely it burned, the ache of feeling trapped in affection that suffocated even as it warmed you.
And yet, you looked at them now, wrecked, ruined, begging for forgiveness with their whole souls⊠and you understood. You understood that their love was not cruelty, not really... It was brokenness. It was the sharp, jagged edges of centuries of grief. They had suffered for you, bled for you, waited for you across lifetimes, and in the end, they only knew how to cling too hard.
Your tears spilled hot and silent as the realization cut you open.
âI hated it sometimes,â you whispered, and all of them froze. You lifted your gaze, wet eyes shining. âThe way you trapped me. The lies, the half-truths, the way you made me feel powerless. I hated how much it hurt, how much it confused me. How much it made me doubt whether love could be something good.â
Their faces shattered with guilt.
âButâŠâ your voice shook, but you pressed on. âBut I understand you. I see you⊠all of you. How could I not, when Iâve lived it with you now? Youâre broken. Youâve always been broken. And all youâve ever tried to do is love me, protect me, keep me safe, even when you didnât know how. How could I blame you for wanting to hold on? For being terrified of losing me again? How could I ever hate you for loving me too much?â
Their breaths caught, hope warring with disbelief.
âThis is my choice,â you said firmly, tears slipping down your cheeks. âI chose to become this. To be your tether. To be with you, no matter what it means. And whatever happens nextâweâll face it together.â
Your voice softened to a whisper, fragile as glass. âI thought Iâd died⊠but when I woke, all I felt was you. And I couldnât have asked for more.â You sobbed softly with a smile.Â
âI love you,â you said at last, the words tumbling out in a voice cracked but unwavering. You looked at each of them, your gaze trembling between their tear-streaked faces, your heart so heavy and so full it threatened to split in two. âI love you all so much⊠so I forgive you.â
For a heartbeat, the room froze. A sharp silence fell, thick enough to suffocate, and then⊠the bond thrummed like a living thing. It surged through your chest so powerfully it made you gasp, like your ribs might break beneath the weight of it. Their eyes widened all at once, disbelieving, as if they had never dared to hope you might speak those words to them again.
âYouâre more than ours now,â Seoha whispered, his voice hoarse, breaking on the edges. He leaned forward as though pulled by gravity, brushing his lips against your temple. The kiss lingered, trembling, like a prayer he was afraid to finish. His fingers slid into your hair, clutching the back of your head as though he could anchor himself there. When he pulled back, his lips were wet with his own tears.
âYouâre our anchor,â Seungho murmured, his voice low, almost guttural. He pressed himself into your side, his arm banding tightly around your waist. His mouth found yours with desperation, hot, trembling, a kiss that bruised and begged in the same breath. His tears smeared against your cheek, and when he broke away it was only to press his lips again to your jaw, your neck, frantic as though he couldnât kiss you enough.
âOur tether,â Haneul added, his deep voice breaking into something almost boyish with the weight of his grief. His rough hand clutched yours so hard it hurt, his thumb dragging across your knuckles like he was memorizing every ridge. He leaned in and captured your lips in a kiss so tender it made your breath hitch⊠slow and lingering. His forehead pressed to yours when he pulled away, his breath shuddering out as though you had just pulled him back from the edge of drowning.
Hwimori pressed his face into your thigh, his tears soaking through the fabric, his voice shaking with devotion and fear. âWe canât imagine a world without you,â he whispered, broken, his lips brushing your skin with every word. âNot anymore. Not ever.âÂ
Then, with a sudden desperate movement, he tilted his tear-streaked face up and kissed your mouth. It was messy, wet with tears, but so full of aching need you thought you might shatter under it. He sobbed against your lips, his hands clutching your waist like he was terrified youâd disappear.
Jinu hadnât spoken yet. His amber eyes, usually so steady, were glistening with something raw and unguarded. When he finally moved, it was slow, as though approaching something sacred.
His hand cupped your cheek with trembling care, his thumb brushing away a tear you hadnât realized had fallen. âMy fate has always been you,â he whispered, voice low and steady but breaking at the end. Then he bent, pressing his lips to yours in a kiss that was devastating in its gentleness. He kissed you like a vow, like a man who had waited lifetimes to taste forgiveness, his breath mingling with yours in aching silence.Â
When he pulled back, his forehead rested against yours, and his whisper trembled into the bond, âAlways you. Only you.â
And one by one, they kissed you again, like broken men, like drowning souls finding air, like sinners kissing the altar of their only salvation. Seohaâs mouth soft and pleading. Seunghoâs hungry, unrestrained. Haneulâs steady, shaking. Hwimoriâs raw, desperate, unfiltered. And Jinuâs achingly tender, worshipping, as though every brush of his lips was a vow carved into eternity.
Each kiss bled into the next until you were surrounded, consumed, smothered in love so fierce and twisted it was holy. And as their words sank into you, heavy and sacred, you knew with terrifying certainty that they were right. You werenât just theirs anymore. You were the thread binding them to existence itself⊠their tether, their anchor, their salvation.
You stayed tangled with them on the bed for what felt like both an instant and an eternity. The hours bled into whispers, every breath heavy with devotion.Â
They murmured promises into your skin, worship into your bones. The room was hushed save for the soft sounds of affection, foreheads pressed together, lips brushing, hands unwilling to let go. The bond pulsed gently, soothing but alive, weaving you closer with every thrum.
Eventually, Haneul was the first to pull away, though not without a lingering kiss to your hair. âIâll make breakfast,â he whispered, sliding off the bed with reluctant grace. His absence left a void against your side.Â
Jinu and Seoha followed, muttering something about work. âDamage control,â Jinu had called it with that sharp sigh of his, though the way his hand hesitated at the door betrayed his reluctance to leave you. Hwimori, eyes still puffy from earlier, slipped out to make your favorite morning tea.Â
Which left you with Seungho. He didnât waste a second, catching your wrist and tugging you upright with effortless strength.Â
âWe need to get some food in you, princess,â he muttered against your shoulder, his lips brushing over the bare skin in a kiss that made your knees buckle. You laughed softly, swatting his chest before moving toward your dresser to grab a hair tie. But the mirror stopped you cold.
You froze, staring at your reflection as though seeing a stranger. Your breath hitched, hand trembling in the air mid-motion.Â
âOhâŠâ The sound slipped from you in a gasp, your voice trembling. Your skin glowed faintly, almost iridescent, as though light was trapped beneath it. Not just healthy⊠but unnatural, divine. And your eyes⊠were now a deep crimson, rich as spilt wine, burning like molten rubies. They seemed alive, threaded with an unearthly power that pulsed in rhythm with your heartbeat.
âIs that⊠really me?â you whispered, chest tight with a mix of wonder and fear.
Seunghoâs presence was a shadow and a warmth, his tall frame moving behind you before you even heard him. His hands, broad and steady, slipped around your waist, grounding you. His gaze locked onto yours in the mirror. Not your skin, not your form, but your eyes.Â
He kissed your shoulder softly, his lips lingering like a vow against your skin. âThatâs you,â he murmured low and tender. âMore than youâve ever been. But nevertheless⊠still you. Still the you Iâm in love with. Still the you weâve all been waiting centuries to find.â
You swallowed hard, heart stuttering, unable to look away from your reflection or from him behind you. When he turned you gently to face him, his hands cupped your cheeks like you were fragile, breakable glass. His eyes, usually sharp and cold, softened into something that made your throat ache.
âYouâre beautiful,â he said simply, but it wasnât simple at all. His voice cracked with sincerity, his thumbs brushing your cheeks as if to memorize the new you. âNot because of this,â he tilted his head toward your glowing skin, your crimson eyes. âBecause youâre you. And now the world finally sees it the way we do.â
He kissed your forehead, tender and grounding, before twining his fingers with yours. Still dazed, you let him lead you from the room, your palm burning with his warmth.
The kitchen was filled with the sizzle of a pan and the scent of garlic and eggs. Haneul stood at the stove, sleeves rolled to his elbows, humming under his breath while flipping something that smelled heavenly.
Hwimori spotted you first. He hurried over, setting your tea on the table with a grin that reached his still-amber eyes. He bent down and kissed your head firmly. âHere, for you,âÂ
The warmth of the mug seeped into your palms as you smiled, pressing a kiss to his cheek in thanks.
Seoha pulled you toward him almost immediately, settling you onto his lap with a possessive ease. His lips brushed your shoulder, sending heat crawling over your skin. âSit. Rest. Youâve done enough.â
Your gaze drifted to the counter, where unfinished trays of sweets sat untouched. The sight made your stomach twist. You groaned, covering your face with your hands. âOh my god, I completely forgot I had just left them there.â
Seohaâs mouth moved against your shoulder again, softer this time, his tone coaxing. âDonât worry about it, angel.â
âBut⊠we have to celebrate Hwiâs birthday,â you mumbled, the words heavy with guilt.
Hwimori looked up from pulling out a chair, his lips quirking into a sheepish smile. âYou donât have to, my love.â
âYes, I do! I promised. And you need a birthday celebration.â
âI meanâŠâ He sat down, shrugging, âI donât neeeed it.â
You narrowed your eyes at him. âYes, you DO.â
His smile widened, soft and touched, his gaze shimmering with warmth at your insistence.
âWeâll shop for more ingredients tomorrow,â Haneul chimed in sweetly, glancing over his shoulder at you from the stove.
Your eyes lit up. âReally?â
âOf course, baby.â
âYay!â You bounced happily in Seohaâs lap, earning a strangled groan. His hand clamped on your thigh.
âAngel, donât do that unless you want me to forget thereâs food on the table,â he growled into your ear, voice dripping with suggestion.
Your face went scarlet. âOh my god, youâre insufferable,â you grumbled, smacking his arm.
He pinched your thigh teasingly, and you squeaked in protest. Your exasperated glare only made the others laugh, the sound filling the kitchen with a lightness that soothed your chest.
Haneul set plates down just as Jinu walked in, his hair slightly tousled, a crease between his brows. He leaned over and kissed the crown of your head before sinking into a chair with a sigh, grabbing his coffee.
âHowâd the damage control go?â you asked, tentative.
He shook his head, taking a sip of the lukewarm drink. âTried to convince venue and management it was part of a performance. They werenât happy, but for now theyâre asking when weâll come in to start planning the next steps. New EP. Promotion. All of that.â
Your brows knitted. âAre you guys going to continue being idols? Even if you donât have to work for Gwi Ma anymore?â
âFuck no,â Seungho grumbled around a mouthful of food. âI donât like being away from you longer than I have to. And the job comes with a busy scheduleâŠâ
âYou guys donât like it?â you asked, curiosity stirring.
Hwimori perked up faintly. âI like the music part. Maybe Iâll produce or compose. Something where I donât have to leave you.â
Seoha smirked, hand tightening at your waist. âI donât really like the idea of marketing myself to other women. BesidesâŠâ he tilted his head, lips brushing your ear, âwonât you get jealous?â
You scoffed, crossing your arms. âMe? Jealous? Iâm literally tethered to you.â
He grinned, voice low and taunting. âMm, sure. Tell that to the thousands of girls who scream my name every night⊠Half of them probably write smutty fanfics about me already⊠or when I make eye contact with a girl in the front row and she swears I sang just for her⊠you gonna share me with them, angel?â
Your cheeks heated instantly. âOkay, I change my mind. Itâs time for a job change.â
The boys roared with laughter, the sound vibrating through the bond, light and contagious.
Breakfast continued in a haze of food, chatter, and warmth. You found yourself smiling between bites, glancing from one boy to the other, the glow of the bond alive in every shared look.Â
But even amid laughter, little sparks betrayed something new. The way your fingertips brushed the table and the cutlery rattled faintly, how the steam from your tea lingered longer than it should, curling as though drawn to you.
You tried to ignore it. Tried to pretend you didnât notice. But the others did. You felt it in the way their gazes lingered on you, puzzled, almost afraid.
You set your fork down and turned to Jinu. âWhat did Rumi say earlier? When they agreed to come?â
Jinu exhaled slowly, swirling water in his glass before drinking. âI asked if she knew anything else about what happens after the Ritual. Her father had some text we didnât transcribe in the journal⊠maybe it holds the answers. But then she said something strange.â His brows drew together. âShe said she knew someone who could probably give us what we need.â
âOh?â You tilted your head. âMaybe another hunter?â
He shrugged, clearly uncertain.
A thought sparked, and you set your fork down. Narrowing your eyes, you asked, âSo⊠when exactly were you having secret meetings with Rumi?â
Jinu stilled. Every pair of eyes at the table turned toward him with cheeky curiosity.
âWellâŠâ he started, clearing his throat.
âWellâŠ?â you pressed, crossing your arms, enjoying the way he shifted uneasily in his seat. You knew it wasnât romantic, never for Jinu. The man was literally obsessed with you. But making him nervous and seeing him squirming was always fun.
âI was trying to get answers out of her. To exploit Huntrixâs weakness,â he admitted slowly. âI found out she was part demon months ago, and I needed to know what that meant.â
âUh huh,â you said skeptically, arching a brow.
Beads of sweat seemed to form on his temple as he hurried on. The boys struggled to hold their snickers. âShe had her fatherâs journal. I was helping her translate. Thatâs all. Nothing more.â
You leaned closer, lips quirking. âMmhm. Youâre awfully nervous for someone who claims he has nothing to hide.â
âI donât! I swear!â
Seohaâs shoulders shook with muffled laughter against your back, his hand tightening on your waist.
And as Jinu scrambled for words, the room filled with the sound of the othersâ amusement, your laughter blending with theirs until it felt like, for the first time in forever, you were exactly where you were supposed to be.
ââââââââââ â ââââââââââ
The living room was thick with silence, the kind that hummed like static in the air, like a storm crouching just beyond the walls. The couch and chairs had never felt so small, cramming everyone into a space that seemed too fragile to contain the storm of tension inside it. Even the air felt brittle, like a wrong word might shatter it.
You tried to soften the edges with a smile, your voice light, but no amount of warmth could fully cut through the jagged stares being exchanged across the room.
Huntrix sat together in a neat line on the opposite couch, unified in posture. Mira sat stiff with her arms crossed and chin tilted high, her glare locked on Seungho, who returned it with equal fire, jaw twitching like he was daring her to blink first.Â
Zoey shifted between them, her bright, awkward smile hanging in the air like she was trying to plaster sunshine over a battlefield. Rumi perched on the edge, shoulders tight, her discomfort written in every line of her body, though her eyes never stopped flicking to you, concern softening her usually sharp gaze.
The boys, in contrast, were a wall around you. Jinu and Hwimori flanked you on the couch, their bodies taut as coiled springs, posture screaming shield.
Haneul stood behind you, arms folded, jaw locked so tight you thought his teeth might crack. Seoha leaned against the far wall, arms crossed, dark eyes never leaving the girls, suspicion etched deep into every line of his face. Seungho had stationed himself by the window like a guard on watch, body angled toward the exit but his gaze snapping like a dagger toward Mira every time she so much as breathed.
The silence stretched, unbearable. Even the clock on the wall seemed to tick louder than it should have.
Zoey broke first, her voice pitched too brightly, too forced. âNice place you got hereâŠâ Her eyes swept the apartment, lingering on the shelves lined with books, the faint smell of coffee, the framed photo on the table. âYou guys rent this place, orâ?â
âBought it,â Seoha muttered without sparing her a glance, his shoulders rigid.
The silence that followed was so loud you wanted to sink into the floor. Even Seungho, who had been groaning all afternoon about the audacity of inviting hunters into their home, seemed satisfied that the awkwardness was proving his point.
You cleared your throat, smoothing your palms over your thighs as if you could rub the tension out of the air. âIâm glad you guys were able to find it,â you said gently, glancing at Jinu. His expression was carved in stone.
âWell, after someone managed to break through my wards,â Jinuâs voice cut sharp, his amber eyes spearing into Rumi, âI needed to strengthen the security on this place.â
âDoesnât help when we know your address now,â Mira shot back smoothly, her smirk all venom. âOr, you know, can just walk through the front door.â
Jinuâs jaw flexed, and you leaned forward quickly, your tone lighter. âWell, I want you guys to feel welcome here⊠so I had him key you into the new wards.â
Seungho scoffed. You snapped him a look sharp enough to cut glass.
Miraâs smirk only widened, slow and deliberate. âYeah⊠soooo welcome.â
The tension vibrated like a plucked string until Rumi finally cleared her throat, turning her eyes on you. âSo⊠how are you feeling?â
The question yanked every gaze to you at once. You felt the weight of it, heat prickling over your skin. You smiled softly. âI feel fine. Great, even. Lighter.â A furrow creased your brow. âBut⊠I did notice a few strange things. Iâm still getting used to what it means to be a tether. To have this⊠magic inside me.â
Rumiâs eyes softened. âI understand. Weâll figure this out together.â
âDo you mind telling us exactly how you feel different?â Zoey continued.
You hesitated, chewing your lip as you searched for words. âItâs⊠like a charged energy. Like static, always buzzing. And I think it affects things near me.â Your eyes drifted toward the boys. âI can also⊠sense everyone. Itâs strange.â
Zoey tilted her head, curious. âWhat do you mean?â
âItâs like I can sense what kind of magic people carry,â you explained carefully. âHwi feels different than Jinu. Jinu and the others feel⊠similar, but not the same. I think itâs because Hwiâs a soul beast.â
âHwi?â Mira raised a brow.Â
Your eyes widen, âOh- sorry, I mean, Mystery.â You pat his lap, causing him to purr at your touch.
âAhâŠâ Zoey let out. The girlsâ eyes widened. Theyâd seen Hwiâs transformation last night, yes, but hearing it named hit differently. This was the first theyâve heard of a demon soul-beast.
âAnd yoursâŠâ your gaze shifted to them, a hand rising to rub your temple. âYours feels ancient. Familiar, but not in the way the bond with the boys feel. Earlier, when I greeted youâit was like something inside me recognized your magic. Like it recharged me somehow.â
Zoey sat up straighter. âI felt that too. When I hugged you, it was⊠weird. But good weird.â
âLetâs test it,â Mira said immediately, raising a hand.
Jinuâs grip on your waist tightened, reluctant, but after a long moment he let go. You leaned forward, extending your hand. The moment your finger brushed Miraâs, a ripple shimmered over your iridescent markings, flowing outward like ripples on a pond.
Everyone sucked in a breath. Miraâs eyes glittered, fascinated. âHuh.â
Seohaâs teeth ground audibly. âWhat does that even mean?â
âIt means sheâs connected to them,â Jinu muttered, his mind already racing. âGiven it was their power that had induced the transformation⊠it's not impossile to assume it would react to contact once they activated it.â
âI was thinking the same,â Rumi added, voice thoughtful, her chin propped in her hand. âIt reacts pretty similarly to the Honmoon.â
Zoey frowned. âSo⊠Y/N is basically the Honmoon now?â she tilts her head to the side, âWhat does that mean for us then? I meanâ as hunters, our job was to strengthen and maintain the Honmoon... does that mean Y/N would need something from us?â
âShe doesnât need anything from you,â Seungho snapped instantly.
âSeungho,â you scolded, sharp.
Rumiâs voice stayed calm. âIf the tether needs maintenance like the Honmoon did, thenââ
âWeâll handle it,â Seungho growled.
Jinu pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling through his teeth. âItâs not that simple. We donât know what sheâll need long-term. And it was their magic that enabled this. Weâd be fools to ignore that.â
Seungho muttered under his breath but fell back, leaning against the wall with a scowl. Mira smirked.
âDoes this mean youâre immortal?â Hwimori asked suddenly, tilting his head like a curious puppy. "Or will the tether have to be made again if she isn't?"
The question silenced the room. You bit your lip, hands curling in your lap. ââŠI donât know.â
That answer sat like a stone in everyoneâs stomach.
Finally, Rumi reached into her bag and slid her fatherâs leatherbound journal across the table to Jinu. âThere are only three pages left we never transcribed. Maybe the answers are there.â
Jinu took it, flipping through, eyes narrowing as he skimmed the demon script.
The silence stretched again. And thenâ
âSoâŠâ Zoey leaned forward, smirk tugging at her lips. âSeungho is it?âÂ
Seunghoâs glare could have frozen hell over. His jaw locked, eyes sharp enough to cut glass. Zoey tilted her head innocently. âDo you always look constipated, or is that face just for us?â
His nostrils flared. âYouâre still alive only because she told me not to snap your neck.â
Zoey gasped, clutching her chest. âOh my god! Did you hear that, Y/N? He threatened me, again!â
You sigh, pinching the bridge of your nose, âSeunghoâŠâ
âCry harder,â Seungho muttered, still glaring daggers at Zoey.
Seoha clicked his tongue, surveying the three girls like they were an inconvenience on his shoe. âDo you hunters rehearse being this self-righteous, or does it just come naturally?â
Miraâs eyes narrowed. âFunny coming from someone who spends his life lip-syncing for screaming teenagers.â
Zoey burst out laughing. âOh my god, sheâs right! Do you pout in the mirror before concerts too?â
Seoha smirked lazily. âBetter than punching a bag with abs taped on it.â
Mira froze, jaw dropping. âYou saw that?!â
âYou should really start closing your dressing room doors, you know. Other performers walk the hallways too.â Seoha teased.Â
Mira growled audibly, fists clenched on her lap like she wanted to kill him right then and there.
Rumi cut in smoothly before she combusted. âHonestly, you four act like children. No wonder you need her to hold your leashes.â
Haneulâs jaw twitched. âThe fuck did you just say?â he growled, âMaybe if you three werenât so loudââ
âLoud?â Mira cut in with a grin sharp as her blade. âSorry, grandpa, should we whisper so you can nap?â
âI can always put you to sleep, right now.â Haneul threatened.
âIâd like to see you try,â Mira spat.
That broke Hwimoriâs patience. He growled from next to you, voice cracking raw. âDo you people ever stop talking?â
âGods,â you muttered, rubbing your temples. âItâs like babysitting a pack of rabid wolves and feral cats.â
At last, Jinu sighed heavily, snapping the book shut. âNothing. Daehyun never thought this far⊠or maybe he didnât need to.â His eyes slid to Rumi. âYou said you knew someone who could help.â
Rumi hesitated, throat bobbing. âHe⊠was a friend of my fatherâs.â
âA demon?â Haneul asked sharply.
She nodded. The boys groaned in unison.
âAnd how are we supposed to contact him now?â Seoha demanded, eyes darting toward you. âThrough her?â
âMe?â you echoed, incredulous. âHow am I supposed to get him from there?â
âWell, you are the tetherâŠâ Haneul responds.
"I've only just found out what a tether was last night," you groan, "I don't know how this shit worksâ"
âYou donât have to,â Rumi cut in quickly. âI already spoke with him this afternoon.â Mira and Zoey stayed silent. "He'll be able to talk to us."
The room snapped. Every head whipped toward her. âYou what?â Jinuâs voice was lethal.
"How? Don't tell meââ Seoha groaned.
âI⊠invited him over,â Rumi said sheepishly.
Jinu looked at her, confused, "Did you not hear what I said on the phone? I said this place was warded to keep demons and anyone with magic out."Â
She shrugged, "He said it wouldn't be a problemâ"
Before Jinu could explode, the air cracked like thunder.
You gasped as it hit you, a surge of ancient demonic energy, heavy and suffocating, pressing into your lungs like lead. The bond screamed, and the boys reacted instantly, bristling, claws and fangs flashing, every one of them snapping into defensive positions around you.
âRumi, what the hell have youâ!â Haneul barked, shoving himself in front of you, his claws lengthening.
The air split open. A fissure of darkness tore through the center of the living room, splitting reality itself. Shadows spilled like liquid, the lights flickered violently, and the scent of burning sulfur filled the air.
The energy was old. Older than Gwi Ma. It throbbed in your bones, a drumbeat that rattled your teeth and made your skin crawl.
The boys moved tighter around you, growls rumbling in their throats. Huntrix, for all their bravado, looked rattled, wide-eyed at the sudden shift.
And then he stepped through.
The Old One didnât so much arrive as he was suddenly there. The rift peeled open, and from it stepped a man. Tall, slender, clothed in garments that shimmered faintly like silk dipped in shadow. His hair was silver-white, combed back with unnatural precision, his face clean and ageless, yet lined in just the right places to suggest wisdom rather than frailty. He looked almost regal, like an old king or a grandfatherly figure carved out of marble, his refinement so sharp it was unsettling.
But his eyes betrayed him. They were not mortal eyes. Gold threaded with black, depthless, too steady, too knowing⊠as if when he looked at you, he was not looking at your skin, but at every lifetime you had ever lived.
The room warped around him, reality bending politely out of his way. The light seemed to dim in deference, shadows stretching unnaturally toward his polished shoes. Even the air grew tight in your chest, each breath harder than the last, as though your lungs were no longer your own.
The bond screamed, threads thrumming with panic, the boysâ bodies trembling with the instinct to shield you. But even they knew, even as they stood in front of you, this was not something you fought. This was not just a demon. Not just a god.
It was the thing that powerd over gods, over even the demon king himself.
Slight fear gripped you as you gazed at his familiar face. Youâd seen him before. Weeks ago, in that mall. His words then had clung like thorns in your mind, vague and terrifying, and now seeing him again sent your pulse racing.
At the flicker of your fear, Hwimori snarled low in his throat, the sound raw and animal. He positioned himself in front of you, shoulders squared, teeth bared, glaring daggers at the old, powerful demon as if his very hatred could tear him apart.
But to your surprise, it wasnât just the boys bristling. Zoey and Mira stepped forward as well, weapons already alive in their hands. Zoeyâs blades shimmering with a dangerous pulse, Miraâs Moon Blade glowing faint under the dim light. Both stood slightly in front of you, angled protectively, their eyes locked on the stranger.
The Old Oneâs eyes sparkled, amusement and intrigue twined in their golden depths as he leisurely glanced around the room.
Jinu stood frozen. His chest rose and fell shallowly, his eyes wide, lips slightly parted. He had never thought⊠never imagined⊠that this was who Rumi had been speaking of. His mind reeled at the sight.
Beside him, Haneul bristled, a low growl caught behind clenched teeth, muscles tensed to strike. Seohaâs jaw set hard, every inch of him simmering with sharp distrust. Seunghoâs gaze narrowed, shoulders rigid, one hand flexing like he was resisting the urge to draw blood where he stood.
âGet back, Y/N,â Seoha ordered sharply, voice firm, eyes never leaving the Old One.
The old man tilted his head almost kindly, the faintest smile brushing his lips.
âWhat are you doing here, Itharos?â Jinu finally rasped, his voice hushed, cracked with disbelief.
Itharos. The name seemed to shift the air, heavy and dangerous the moment it was spoken aloud.
âIâve only ever seen you in passing,â the old one murmured, his smile deepening. âHello, Jinu.â His eyes twinkled, and then he bent his head slightly to the side, peering past the barricade of bodies trying to shield you. âAnd you too, Y/N.â
âYouâŠâ you mumbled, breath hitching, your eyes widening as the memory of that mall slammed into you. âWhatâ?â
âHeâs the old one we encountered in the mall,â Hwimori growled, every syllable venom. âI didnât get to land a blow then. Donât think Iâll make the same mistake twice.â
âHello, beast,â Itharos smirked, almost indulgent. âYou have nothing to worry about. Iâm only here becauseââ
âGet out.â Haneulâs voice was gravel, sharp and cutting as a blade. His stance shifted, ready to spring.
The tension was a fuse, burning fast with both the boys and Huntrix (except for Rumi) crackling with hostility. Shadows thickened, weapons gleamed, and it felt like the room itself was about to shatter from the clash.
But before anyone could move, Rumi leapt forward, arms outstretched, blocking them from Itharos. âWaitâ!â
âRumi, step aside,â Seoha snapped, grit in his voice, anger and panic welded together.
âWait!â Her voice cracked but carried. âHeâs here to help. I asked him to comeââ
âThis is who you meant when you said you knew someone?!â Haneul barked, incredulous.
âYes!â Rumi pleaded, eyes darting frantically between them. âPlease, heâs the only one who knows anything about what creating the tether means.âÂ
She looked at Jinu with urgency, almost desperation. âHe was the one who told me how the ritual before failed, and how to succeed now. He knew my father. Justâplease, letâs hear him out.â
Everyone froze, conflicted. The weight of her words settled like a stone in their chests.
Jinu exhaled slowly, the sound breaking the silence. His expression was weary, heavy with a knowledge only he carried. He finally spoke, his voice low, strained.
âItharos⊠how are you here on this side of the realm? I thought all demons vanished when we created the tether. And more than thatââ his eyes narrowed, suspicion sharp, ââhow did you make it past my wards?â
Itharos chuckled softly, the sound unhurried, condescending in its calm. âYou forget how old I am, boy. My essence is not bound to either realm. Nor does it adhere to magic created after its conception. Your wards will not work on me.â
The boysâ jaws clenched, their teeth gritting in frustration.
âYou need answers, donât you?â Itharosâ voice was smooth, coaxing, cutting through the tension like silk over steel. âAnd I am the only one old enough to provide them.â
Jinuâs gaze faltered. Against his will, he yielded, just slightly. And one by one, the others did too. All except Haneul, whose chest heaved with fury, eyes still burning like fire on the intruder.
Itharos turned his gaze toward him, smiling faintly, knowingly. âIâm only here to explain. To answer your questions. Nothing moreâŠâ His head tilted, golden eyes landing on you again, unwavering, unblinking. âWell, that andâŠâ His voice softened, as if savoring it. âTo finally meet the tether.â
Haneulâs jaw worked, grinding, but even he at last lowered his stance, though the fire in his eyes didnât dim.
The girls were slower to yield, their weapons still firm in their hands. Zoeyâs blades pulsed, Miraâs grip tight. Finally, reluctantly, they too lowered them, but did not release. Not entirely.
Mira blew out a sharp breath, glaring daggers at Rumi. âYou didnât mention how he was a literal ancient demon, Rumi.â
Rumi smiled sheepishly, wincing. âSorry. I didnât think you guys would agree otherwise.â
Everyone groaned or sighed, frustration mixing with unease.
âLook, we need answers, right?â Rumi pressed, voice rising. âHeâs the only one who could give us that. Arenât you at all worried for Y/N? What this means for her? How youâre still here?â She turned to the boys.
Then to the girls. âWhat happens to us now with the Honmoon goneâŠ?â
Her words struck silence into the room. Everyoneâs faces turned, pensive, conflicted, the weight of it pressing down.
Itharos looked at Rumi softly, his expression unreadable, but you didnât miss the strange look in his eyes.
Your pulse thrummed. His presence was still terrifying, unsettling to your very bones. But⊠Rumi was right. You needed answers.
Slowly, you stepped out from behind Hwimori, who stiffened at your movement. Your heart hammered, but you nodded firmly. Itharosâ lips parted into a smile, slow and deliberate, as if fascinated by your very existence.
âLetâs hear what he has to say.â
TO BE CONTINUED
âââââââââ àŒșđàŒ» âââââââââ
A/N: I hope you guys enjoyed the ending I've chosen! I told y'all that I'm not one for sad, depressing endings. I already planned this ending from the start, so it was such a joy writing this one out and also fleshing out the boys' regret and apologies (desurv).
I'll be flushing out the ending next chapter to clear out what happens next and what this means for all of them.
I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter!
Willa x.
âââââââââ âïœĄË âïž ËïœĄâ âââââââââ
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Imagine Being Isekai'ed into KPOP DEMON HUNTERS. (part 9)
I'M BACK! Sorry I took a break! BUTTT we're nearing the end guys!(i think either one more big chapter or 2 chapters, not TOO sure) BUT DON'T FEAR! I DO HAVE EXTRA SCENES/BLOOPERS THAT WILL ALSO BE WRITTEN! Now, This chapter IMO does feel a little rushed but PLEASE ENJOY IT ANYWAYS. As always, my tag list is full. HAVE A GOOD READ! (Also thinking of covering Free as well XD)
Previous - Next
The days following that were gruelling.
The idol awards were fast approaching and Y/N had spent the week buried in work for What It Sounds Like. Takedown was supposed to be released in two days, during the Idol awards along with What It Sounds Like.
The song required much more work than the other tracks she had previously worked on, from creating MIDI tracks to timing vocals and tuning harmonies. Everything was meshing together, creating a splitting pain in her head.
Just as Huntr/x was busy, the Saja Boys were also busy. Their influence spread faster than the black plague in the thirteenth century. Edits were being made, dance covers and even ships between the boys. (Y/N was blissfully unaware of the fact that there were a plethora of them shipping her with each of the boys, due to her permanent working status.)
The sheer complexity of layering, and the realisation that she didnât have access to a crowdâs cheers, created a intricacy that Y/N was struggling to recreate.
âGirls, Iâm sorry. I donât think I can get What It Sounds Like out in time with Takedown.â Y/N said, pressing her palm against her forehead, feeling a dull ache.
âThatâs okay! Weâre already winning so many awards with Golden!â Rumi said cheerfully, voice crackling through the speaker.
âIâm so sorry Rumi. Zoey and Mira too, Iâm sorry to have let you down.â Y/N closed her eyes, sitting down at her kitchen counter. She slumped over as the phone on the other end was passed to someone else.
âNo, itâs okay Y/N/N! Please donât overwork yourself!.â Zoeyâs voice filtered through the noise of the dressing rooms. They had just finished taping another awards show where this time, they had taken a win from the Saja Boys.
âThatâs right Y/N. We care about you more than a performance. Do you need us to do anything? Re-record lines? Get you some food?â Miraâs tone was calm but laced with an almost undetectable hint of concern. The girls were so sweet, she didnât know how but, it seemed as if they were closer than before Y/N had transmitigated into this world into this character.
âIâm alright Mira I promise.â Y/N laughed, somewhat enjoying the girls fussing over her. âYou guys did everything perfectly, there's just things I don't think Iâve gotten right so far. I just need a little more time.â
âAlright, if you say so.â Mira relented, with a soft breath. âBut call us if you need anything okay?â
âYou got it Mira!â
The girls had said goodbye in union just as the elevator doors opened, revealing a mildly annoyed group of men.
âUgh, did you see the look those hunters gave us when they won?â Beom grouched, taking off his shoes, placing them neatly on the shelf before running over to collapse on the sofa.
âWelcome back guys.â Y/N said, sprawling over her own marble counter top, her voice weak. It wasnât that she didnât want to eat or drink that day. It was just that she had completely forgotten due to the immense stress she had placed herself under. Unintentionally, work had come before anything else.
âDid you work all day again Y/N?â Jinu asked, his voice was similar to a wifeâs soft, scolding tone.
âIâm sorry honey, Iâll do better next time.â Y/N mumbled into the crook of her arm sarcastically.
Jinuâs face flushed a bright red, as four glares found their way to his back.
âUhhâŠâ Jinu fumbled, walking over to the kitchen with a red neck.
Suddenly a voice from the television filled the comfortable silence, cutting through the entire apartment.
âHey, everybody.â Raeâs voice began.
âOur fan club just hit fifty million fans!â Abel continued before Rae took over again.
âWe have to give a shout out to Huntr/x! We couldnât have done it without their support.â
âAnd to our fans?â Min interjected, voice low and almost menacing, âThank you, we really feed off your energy.
Y/N frowned, lifted her head as the boys hurriedly switched to another channel.
âIn other news, the amount of missing reports have tripled in the last twenty four hours.â The news lady said, just before the boys shut off the television hurriedly.
âWhat?â Y/N said, tone eerily calm, eyes narrowing.
âUmâŠâ Beom winced, looking at Jinu.
âAbel. You promised me.â Y/N said in a flat tone, nails digging into her palms hard. Her eyes were fixated on Abelâs face, painted with shame. His orange-brown eyes refused to meet Y/Nâs. Abel could feel the sheer intensity of Y/Nâs gaze, burning a hole into his side profile.
âDarlinâ we arenât the ones-â
âI donât wanna hear it. Iâm going out. Donât follow me.â Y/N grabbed her keys off the table, pulling on her shoes and storming out of her apartment.
Abel was right, he had promised he would try his best. He also did say he himself wouldnât take any souls, and in that aspect, she knew that was true. Yet, hearing his explanation wouldnât make her feel better.
But, here she was, hoping that somehow, she wouldâve made a difference. That she somehow had made it better, made a change.
A familiar rumble came from Y/Nâs side. Derpy had appeared from a portal again, from the elevator floor.
âI guess you can come with me.â Y/N sighed, unable to resist the warm hearted nature of the blue tiger.
Derpy gave a happy grumble. Bumping their head against Y/Nâs hand, prompting her to give Derpy itâs head pats as they exited the elevator doors. The sun already had begun to dip below the horizon, strangely enough the awards show was filmed during the day.
âY/NâŠâ A voice called from behind her, wary and soft.
âWhat do you want, Rae?â Y/N stood still, her back still turned to the tallest group member. She had only made it about ten meters away from the complex. Derpy circled Y/N, rubbing its tail along her back reassuringly.
âYou left without a jacket again.â Raeâs voice was closer now, right behind her in fact. A toasty large jacket being placed over her shoulders. It smelt just like him, a warm, sweet, and elegant scent.
âI donât want to talk right now.â
âOkay.â Rae fell into step beside her, staying silent as he matched Y/Nâs stride.
Y/N walked aimlessly, strolling until she found a park, abandoned for the day in the setting sun.
Derpy trotted happily along, pouncing at pigeons along the way.
Entering the ungated park, she made her way towards a swing set, sitting down on the left side, resting her head in her hands. Between her fingers, she could see the tips of white and yellow sneakers in front of her.
âRaeâŠâ Y/N sighed, letting her hands fall limply to her sides.
âYes Y/N?â He whispered back, bending a knee, gently lifting Y/Nâs chin slowly.
âI didnât change your mind at all did I?â
âNo, of course you did. Y/N youâre so much more important than getting souls back to-â Rae groaned, pain flashing across his face, stumbling backwards quickly. Derpy looked up from the potted plant it was messing with, eyes blinking unevenly.
âRae?!â Y/N stood quickly in alarm. âAre you okay?â
âYeah, âm fine Y/N/N, Gwi-ma just didnât like what I was feeling.â Rae gave a weak smile, waving off her worries with a shaky hand.
âRaeâŠâ Y/N stepped forward, fingers twitching, aching to check on the wincing man in front of her.
âIâm fine, donât worry.â Rae flashed an unconvincing smile, beautiful nonetheless.
âIs Gwi-ma stillâŠâ Y/N trailed off, her gaze was wavering, filled with tears. She wasnât one to cry normally, however today proved to be filled with emotions. Derpy gave an unhappy grumble, walking over to lay itâs large head on Y/Nâs lap from the side.
Frustration.
Anger.
Disappointment.
Self-doubt.
All the emotions had reached a boiling point, now bubbling over. The entire situation felt like it was slipping out of her hands, like grains of sand trickling through her grasp. Y/N was sure that she had been placed here to fix things.
But if that were true, why did it feel like nothing was changing? As if she had done nothing to change the contents of the movie? Like nothing she did mattered.
âY/N.â Raeâs hands gently cupped the girlâs face, brushing a cautious thumb over her cheeks bringing the girl out of her spiral. âTell me what youâre thinking.â
âI just⊠I wanted to help.â Y/N whispered, gazing into Raeâs searching, lavender eyes. âI thought that somehow I could make it so that you guys could be free.â
A single tear dripped onto Raeâs skin, as he brushed it away with his thumb.
âOh sweetheart. You donât see it do you?â Rae gently led her by the hand, walking back toward Y/Nâs apartment.
Derpy happily followed, remembering the way back home. The tiger disappeared slowly, sinking into a portal. Blinking itâs goodbye, knowing that the two would soon follow.
âYouâve changed so much. Jinu is cooking, Beom has empathy. Min actually puts up his hair at home and youâve got Abel, completely wrapped around your finger. None of us have even thought about taking souls ever since meeting you.â
Y/N stared at the back of Rae, as he spoke, watching the way he kept his shoulders more relaxed than they used to be.
'Well, other than yours in the beginning.' Rae gave a quiet laugh.
âAnd you?â Y/N asked, voice almost getting lost in the gentle breeze.
âMe?â Rae paused, turning around slowly, Y/Nâs wrist still in his hand.
âYou make me believe that thereâs hope, that maybe one day, we can be normal again.â Raeâs eyes flashed gold, his purple patterns glossing over his skin for a moment.
âOr as normal as a demon can be.â He smiled ruefully, going to turn back around.
âRae listen-â Y/N reached forward, placing a hand over the manâs hand.
A fluorescence of colours, emitting from her fingertips, dancing across Raeâs skin, turning his patterns a bright white blue for a second before his human visage flashed back into view.
âWhat in the world?â Rae gasped, shakily letting Y/Nâs hand go, bringing a hand to cup at his forehead.
His head had been muddled, a polluted sea of shame and resentment. And yet, in an instant, the sea of pollution had been cleared. A rush of clean water, pushing back the murky surroundings, leaving the clearest, pool possible.
âHow am I doing this?â Y/N blanched, staring at her hands, looking extremely confused.
âWas this you?â Rae looked up, his eyes shining with wonder. His hands were shaking as he ran a hand through his hair. âI mean⊠Is this how Beom and Abel managed to be free of Gwi-ma?â
âI think so. But, I donât know how I did it? I donât even control it.â Y/N frowned, still staring at her splayed palms as if it would reveal all the answers. It hadnât happened the first time she talked to Rae alone but now, she had changed his patterns. What was the difference?
When she had first touched Abel, all she remembered was feeling concerned for him. Y/N wanted to help him. With Beom, it had been wanting to comfort him. To let him know that mistakes were just that, mistakes. Y/N wanted Beom to see that his talent wasnât borne from Gwi-ma, but rather, the demon king just helped give Beom a push.
And now Rae?
She wanted Rae to know that normal was subjective. That the norm perceived by society, honestly, wasnât all that great. That to be who and what he was, was already enough.
Each one of these interactions had been sparked by a strong emotion on Y/Nâs end. But was her emotions the only thing that caused this?âŠ
âY/N do you know what this means?â Rae asked, nerves abuzz from adrenaline. âThis means we wouldnât have to help Gwi-ma take souls. We could help those hunter things seal the Honmoon! Weâd be on this side of the shield, with you.â Rae was talking a mile a minute still flickering his gaze between Y/N and his own skin.
âRae, what if Jinu doesnât feel that way? What about his memories? I couldnât ask him to live with reminiscing about the worst parts of his history.â Y/N shook her head, as her large apartment complex came into view.
It wasnât that she didnât trust him. But, while she didnât approve of Jinuâs deal with Gwi-ma. She understood where he came from, people were, after all, inherently selfish by nature.
âY/N, thatâs for him to decide. JinuâsâŠâ Rae hummed, waiting for Y/N to swipe her key card into the door.
âHeâs changed. Heâs softer, even. He was the second last to join our group. For four hundred years, he was distant. I donât think Iâve seen him smile at anyone but us since we found him.â Rae continued, as the pair moved into the elevator continuing their conversation as the elevator whirred into motion.
âI donât know Rae, but Iâll talk to him. Maybe tomorrow tonight, Iâll speak with him alone?â Y/N leaned back against the elevator handrails. Looking wistfully at the floor.
âSounds good to me!â Rae gave a patient smile, patting Y/N on the shoulder.
As the doors opened, Y/N was met with not only the smell of barbecued beef. She was also met with all four of the Saja Boys who had not followed her out of the apartment. They all spoke together quickly, words crashing over each other.
âY/N Iâm sorry. I should have tried harder. I didnât-â Abel rushed to say.
âY/N we can fix this! Weâll think of something!â Beom said at the same time, rushing through his words. His usual handsome face was panicked, as if thinking Y/N was about to disintegrate and disappear from before his eyes.
'I should have said something. I'm so sorry-' Min got out, his violet hair tied up.
âY/N-â Jinu also said, trying to explain himself, looking equally as desperate as the rest of the men.
âIs something burning?â Y/N raised an eyebrow, craning her neck to look into the kitchen.
âOh crap.â
Turns out, the boys had been staring out of the windows, trying to spot when Y/N would walk back. Jinu had begun cooking meat on a barbecue plate stove, one he had bought specifically for today. He had seen that Y/N was working hard for the past week and wanted to surprise her with a meal he knew would perk her right up.
Yet, when they saw Y/N and Rae making their way back home. The boys had abandoned the kitchen, to eagerly await their return. Thus, burning the expensive meat slightly.
Or as Jinu wanted to call it, charring.
As the night drew closer, the moon fully resided in the blanket of night. The stars doing their best to shine amidst the twinkling city lights. Dinner had been finished, leaving all six people feeling renewed and content. The boys had done the dishes while Y/N showereed and finished up her nightly routine.
Beom had whined, whilst being dragged away by Min by the back of his collar. They had to practice for their performance and they only had two nights to do it.
Jinu had insisted that the boys practise away from Y/Nâs apartment, so that they were able to let Y/N get a full night of sleep.
While it was different, Y/N didn't see any issue with it. It just meant that they finally would go back to their own apartment and Y/N could rest easy, knowing the boys were in their own area.
However, something was amiss.
Due to the way she had been suddenly thrust into a stress and work filled weak, she had neglected to open her prized notebook. The one where the last few pages were missing.
The words and music sheets of Your Idol had been meticulously torn out of the book. As if they had never existed.
In Jinuâs hands, as Y/N tucked herself into bed, after finishing her night routine. Were a set of papers, familiar with Y/Nâs hand writing.
â
âYou took the song from Y/N?â Min frowned, his hair was still tied up with one of Y/Nâs elastics. His perfectly arched brows drawn together in a pinch.
âWell I took it after we did Soda Pop. But, now I want to use it to surprise her! We can deal with the background music ourselves.â Jinu explained, looking down, sighing noticing the hesitant look in his friends eyes.
âIn the beginning, I took it because I wanted a guarantee that we would get a good song. But now, I want the world to see how great Y/Nâs song writing is! I mean just look at the lyrics. They match us perfectly!â Jinuâs voice and eyes were void of lies. It was true, he had no ill intentions in his actions.
âHm, weâd better explain to her right after the show then. Otherwise it may seem misguided. However, I am for the idea of surprising Y/N by performing her song.â Abel nodded along, his knuckles propping up his chin.
âI agree, as long as we specify in the beginning of the performance. Maybe we can make a quick announcement.â Beom looked thoughtful, staring into the apartment across from their own.
Although he couldnât see Y/Nâs room from here, he could see the jumper he had left there, along with random items the other boys had left there. Y/Nâs penthouse had become their home, more than their own apartment. Long had it been, since they spent more than ten minutes in the apartment they had bought. (With fake conjoured cash.)
âMaybe we can say something along the lines of, âTo our song writer and producer, weâd like to dedicate this performance to you. Youâve made us who we are.â Something like that?â Min suggested, tilting his head, his chin between his thumb and index finger.
âYeah, that sounds good.â Rae nodded, standing up to walk over to Jinu. âSo, you gonna handle the music?â
âAh hah. I may have already finished itâŠâ Jinu rubbed a hand over his neck nervously, looking slightly embarrassed. âShe really inspired me.â
âYou and us all.â Min smiled, ruffling Jinuâs hair. âIâm glad youâre finally letting yourself express how you actually feel about Y/N.â
âHey⊠Sheâs a great friend!â He whined, protesting against Minâs teasing tone.
âYeah right, friend.â Beom snickered, rolling his eyes.
âUh huh?â Jinu slowly advanced on Beom with raised hands and a playful smirk.
âNo, NO NOT AGAIN. Abel HELP ME.â Beom screamed, running for his life.
âOh, Beomie!â Jinu called out, racing after the youngest boy his eyes glowing a devious yellow.
âCanât help you there. Iâm working with Rae to choreograph this number.â Abel chuckled, listening to the music Jinu had provided on his phone.
âNOO Iâm SORRY I WONâT DO IT AGAIN.â Beom screeched, flailing his arms as Jinu pounced on the younger man, wrapping his limbs around Beom in familiar stance.
âYeah? You gonna tease me again?â Jinu held Beomâs waist with his legs, his hand tugging on Beomâs ear just enough for it to be uncomfortable.
âNOOOOO I wonât.â Beom wailed, writhing.
âI donât believe you.â Jinu laughed, letting Beom go nonetheless, watching the man scramble away to his freedom.
âJUST ADMIT YOU LIKE HER TOO.â Beom yelled, escaping to go learn the choreo with Abel and Rae.
âWeâve shared before. Wouldnât be anything new.â Min smirked, looking down at Jinu, extending his hand.
âDonât say weird things like that.â Jinu flushed, grabbing Minâs hand to pull himself up.
âOh, you can give orders now?â He raised an eyebrow, his eyes crinkling at the edges. âDonât forget who's the oldest Jinu.â
âW- whatever.â Jinuâs entire face was bright red, steam practically pouring out of his ears. âLetâs go practice.â
Min snickered as Jinu walked back to the rest of the group, enjoying the reaction he had received from the younger man.
âY/N/N has no idea whatâs coming for her does she?â Min followed Jinu, as the group began to prepare for their stage against Huntr/x. Hopefully Y/N could deal with five demons men who were finding their way into her heart, slowly but very much surely.
--
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đđ đŠ'đŁđ đđŠđŁđ€ // Saja Boys & Huntr/x
// DATE // 30th of June 2025 â 1st of July 2025 // PAIRING // Huntr/x x Fem!Reader x Saja Boys // WARNING // !!!Mention of a su*c*de attempt through song lyrics!!!, Morally gray actions, involuntary chocking, harassment, more award show shit that I struggle to write xD // WORDS // 3.3k+ // SUMMARY // At a music awards show, Y/n unexpectedly wins a coveted prize, thrusting her into the spotlight with a powerful, raw performance that captivates everyone â but behind the scenes, tensions simmer as old wounds and unseen dangers threaten to unravel her hard-won success.
// You're Ours Masterlist // Previous // Part Two // Next //
âThere are only a few awards left to be given to some truly incredible artists!â Minjun says almost like heâs sad itâs nearly over.
âOh absolutely,â Seyeon nods enthusiastically. âYou know what I look most forward to?â
âWhatâs that, Seyeon?â
âThe performance the next winner will be giving us!â
âOh my, youâre right!â Minjun gasps in playful realization. âAnd itâs for none other than the âHeartfelt Voice Awardâ! I hope you guys are ready to cry. Because I sure am!â
âWaitâŠâ panic settles into my chest. âCan- can you guys-â I can't finish as breathing becomes to difficult. Even if it wasnât certain yet, I couldnât stop the panic at having to perform so unexpectedly.
âWhatâs wrong?â Romance asks, noticing the fast rising and falling of my chest.
â-Undo it.â
âUndo what?â Miras voice is laced with worry.
âI- I,â I stammer, my eyes not leaving the hosts as an envelope is brought to them. Watching the envelope like I can see through it and read the name on it.
âHey, itâs okay,â Rumi pulls me into her chest, grounding me. âTake a deep breath,â she takes one waiting for me to take one with her. Then gently lets it out, I do the same but mine is shaky. âTry again.â
âI canât perform,â I whisper, voice trembling, shaking my head finally turning to look at her. âI canât do this.â
âSure you can!â Jinu says with a confident grin on his face. I just shake my head.
âY/N!!â The shout of my name startles me. I freeze, eyes returning to the stage. My picture presented on the big screen. The hosts look somewhat puzzled. As do I.
There is polite clapping as Rumi gently nudges me to get up. I leave my small clutch with them, looking back at them as I hesitantly start walking. âYouâve got this!â Zoey says giving me two thumbs up, beaming.
âShe wasnât supposed to win,â itâs a grumble that she doesnât hear while she slowly makes her way to the stage. But the others do. Eight pairs of eyes turn toward the voice. Jaewon. Staring daggers at the back of his head. None of them say anything⊠but the message is clear. Standing up, clapping louder than anyone else in the room. A push. A warning. And she needs it. Every last bit of it.
My legs feel like they might give out with every step I take, my heart still bounding in my chest. Once I reach the stage and am given the award I awkwardly stand in front of the mic. âThank you, I-â my words falter, my eyes meeting a glaring Jaewon. But then excited movement from above him brings a smile to my face. A wave, encouraging smiles and a nod that says âyou can do thisâ from Jinu. âI didnât expect to win tonight,â I say honestly. âBut it is truly an honor, thank you so much to those who listen to my songs, support me and especially voted tonight,â looking at the award as the words settle within me. âReally⊠thank you,â Stepping back from the mic Iâm met with more applause a bit more sincere this time.
âLet me take that real quick,â Seyeon says gently, taking the award from my hands. âGood luck!â With that she and Minjun disappear at the side of the stage. The lights dim just enough to shift the mood, and then my song starts playing. Closing my eyes, I take one last breath and sing.
Finally hit the ground I'm at the bottom now Never thought I could be this low Felt like falling down an endless hole No, I don't see the light And I don't hear God Crawling in the dark Now my limbs are cold Screaming out "Help" but it just echoes
A silence falls over the room. Everyone listening with bated breath. All consumed by the unexpected depth of my voice. By the ache woven into every note, the weight of words no one dares to speak out loud.
Only one way out of here I don't think I can reach it Everything I hold dear Erased by all of my demons My sorry is sincere I've just lost all of my reasons Reasons left to stay
When I open my eyes, Iâm stunned to find Iâve become the center of attention. No one is talking, everyone is quite literally staring. Wide eyed, stunned faces, confused but pleasantly surprised. As if they expected a whisper but got a storm.
So, if this is goodbye Please, don't count my cry as a sin No, I don't wanna die But it keeps getting harder to live And I put up a fight But now I've got nothing to give So, if this is goodbye, goodbye, goodbye I hope someday to see you again
The song is emotional and raw. It captures everyone in the room even the ones who didnât know her before this very moment. She had already captured their attention when she walked in. Clumsy, quiet, walking with uncertainty. But hearing her sing this song live, it hit different.
Itâs like a string got pulled tight between them and her. A need to protect. To have. To understand. And something more dangerous; an obsession.
There's nothing you could've said Nothing you could've done different It was always between me and my head Never meant to hurt you in the process But I just can't keep holding on Wish I could believe that things will get better Wish I could just flip a switch in my mind Then I could fix how I feel altogether Then I could mean it when I say I'm fine It's never that easy and neither is life Don't think I wanted to leave you behind I tried, I tried, I tried
This song, it wasnât for Jaewon. That much was obvious. But who was it to?
The answer.
Herself.
So, if this is goodbye Please, don't count my cry as a sin No, I don't wanna die But it keeps getting harder to live And I put up a fight But now I've got nothing to give Nothing, nothing So, if this is goodbye, goodbye, goodbye I hope someday to see you again If this is goodbye I'll see you If this is goodbye Open up my eyes I don't know where I am And everything is blurry My mom's holding my hand Turns out I was in a hurry But God had other plans He said my goodbye was early Now I've got a second chance
I stood in pure silence for a moment. Everyone shocked at the emotional impact this song had on them. In the end a couple of tears were shed.
âThat⊠wasâŠâ Seyeon enters the stage once more. Tissue in hand. Letting out a sigh as she shakes her head struggling to find the right word. â⊠beautiful,â is what she settles for. That seems to put the room back in motion as applause suddenly, loudly rings around the room.
Startled, tears gather in my eyes. âThank you,â I smile through tears.
âThis award,â Minjun starts as he too returns. Holding up my award. âIs extremely well deserved,â I thank them once more before exiting the stage. Climbing my way back up the stairs. Iâm stared at, even get a bow here and there as I pass them. I bow back like I donât deserve their respect.
When I get back to my seat Zoey and Rumi are crying while Mira is obviously holding back her tears.
âThat was so⊠ethereal,â Zoey sniffles. Standing up to pull me in a hug. âYou deserved this award! Even if you didnât think so.â
Taking her phone from her clutch while she talked to the girls was almost too easy. Even when she sat back down she hadnât noticed how Baby easily manipulated the device to unlock with his demon powers. First he found her phone number, saving it in his own phone.
The causality of how he handled it and the guys keeping her distracted made it go unnoticed for much longer. The guys had quickly noticed what their maknae was up to. Making sure he would get it done. Easily installing spying software, hiding it from her, but making sure it worked from his own device. It wasnât about invading her privacy. It was about keeping her safe.
By the time she reached for her clutch again, it was back in it place, exactly where she thought sheâd left it. Missing the pointed look Mira gave the maknae as if to tell him he better share what he finds.
âWow,â I sigh, grabbing my clutch, using it as a fan. âThank you,â glancing both ways trying to meet their eyes. As I thank them for their - undeserved - support. âI would not have been able to do that if it wasnât for you,â a blush tinting my cheeks but I blame it on the heat in here. In reality there is air conditioning in the room making sure everyone was comfortable.
âOf course,â Abby smirks, but I know heâs genuine.
âItâs nothing, you needed a push,â Mira shrugs casually. âYou deserved it.â
âThank you, anyway,â I make sure they know Iâm being sincere. âBut I really need the bathroom now,â I chuckle awkwardly receiving understanding chuckles back. Getting up I follow the signs to the bathroom.
Inside the bathroom, I take a moment to freshen up a bit, I look at myself in the mirror. A genuine smile still playing on my lips. âI did it,â I mutter, barely believing my own words. âI actually won.â
Taking my phone from my clutch, my notification wall is full. There are new followers on every social media platform I have. Mentions of my performance. Clips, screenshots, reactions. And of course all the posts the Saja Boys and Huntr/x created to support me and my song.
Mentions of my other songs too. People finding them, loving them. It makes me feel warm. Loved. Seen.
I exit the bathroom relax, distracted even. A bit too distracted apparently when I get the air literally knocked out of me. Pushed into the wall right at the archway to the venue hall.
âWha-â
âShut up!â I recognize the voice immediately. Anxiety lighting a fire in my being. Eyes wide, they find his. His face is contorted in anger. âYou werenât supposed to win,â his hand balls into a fist, rising, but he knows heâs still in public. Lowering the fist he grips my upper arm instead. Tight enough to create bruising, making me squirm and whine.
âLet go of me,â my voice is small. The fear in my eyes only making him chuckle.
âNo, this is how you should have looked,â he continues, voices nearly growling the words at me. âI orchestrated this. Made sure you were nominated for a song no one even knew. Made it so you had to sit with those you looked up to,â tears form in my eyes. I knew it... I knew I shouldnât have been here. His other hand lands on my shoulder, thumb laying at the base of my neck. Pressing hard, making it uncomfortable to talk or swallow.
It seems my arms decide that they now have the strength to try and push him away. But it doesnât work. Heâs stronger than me.
âYou should have ran out of here, crying! Like the weakling you are,â his voice stays the same, unfazed by my trembling attempts to push him away from me. âHow did you win?â there is real anger laced with genuine curiosity. Thumb pressing harder onto my throat.
âBecause she deserves it,â the voice stuns both me and Jaewon. Itâs Mystery. Before I can react, Jaewon quickly pulls me to his chest. I cough with the pressure now gone from my throat. He acts like he didnât just have a bruising grip on me. Like all he wanted to do was hug me as a way to congratulate me on the win. Even if it was all a lie to protect his image.
The way Mystery was positioned had given Jaewon the false idea that no one had caught his cruel actions towards her. But Mystery knew. They all knew, even Huntr/x who were currently performing unable to protect what was theirs. Even if she didnât know it yet.
âOh, I wasnât accusing,â Jaewon continues, feigning sincerity, but the sharp tone in his voice betrays him. âCongratulations on your win, Y/n,â the way he says my name. It's sharp and I know itâs a warning. Mystery takes my hand, pulling me closer to him so Iâm not in Jaewonâs reach.
âThanks,â itâs forced and breathless as it leaves my lips. I let Mystery lead me back to our seats. Trying to fake my confidence like nothing happened.
They all know something happened, but donât point it out. From the way she walks and sits down stiffly. Trying to portray that genuine happiness she showed earlier. Only it doesnât reach her eyes. They know now is not the time to talk about what they all witnessed. Instead, they watch quietly, guarding her in their own way.
The rest of the award show luckily goes by swimmingly. I hate to have to say goodbye to the eight who already meant a lot to me. Now more than I ever thought possible.
But I knew this was probably the first and only time I would get to talk to them. At least for a good while. The girls gave me a hug, squeezing me tightly. Letting me know once more that I deserved the win. Iâm not sure how to say goodbye to the guys. Jinu just tskâs, and pulls me in for a hug as well.
Even if he makes it seem nonchalant he canât stop himself from breathing in her hair as she hugs him back.
Mystery makes sure to squeeze tightly, like a reminder that heâs there for her.
Baby playfully rolls his eyes at her, poking her sides to make her jump before giving his own hug. Gently petting the top of her head.
Abby smirks, teasing her. Saying that she only wants a hug so she can feel his abs. She chuckles genuinely, making all their hearts melt.
Last is Romance who will gladly take a hug, lingering for longer than needed. Placing a peck on her soft cheek, causing a soft flush to her face.
Missing the way the girls glare at the boys with envy.
My manager had been surprisingly quiet the next day. Normally he would start calling me the moment the sun woke.
Now itâs Monday, two days after the K-pop Rising Stars Awards. Still, itâs radio silence from my manager. I had messaged him myself to ask if he saw my win. He hadnât even read it. Nothing.
With Luminara Entertainment right around the corner from the dorms, I headed there early. I needed answers. Arriving around 8 am, I waved at Juna at the reception desk. She smiled gently but there was something almost rehearsed in it. Shrugging off the feeling I head for the elevator making my way to Kyungsooâs office.
Outside the office door I heard voices. So I at least knew he was in. Knocking softly on the wooden door, I wait. The conversation grew silent immediately. When Kyungsoo finally cracked the door open, his eyes barely met mine.
âHey, I messaged, but I didnât hear from you,â I tell him, confusion clear on my face. Partially because heâs just peeking out of a small slit in the door but mostly because I hadnât heard from him.
âY/n, Iâm so sorry,â I can tell immediately that itâs not sincere. Voice flat, lacking his usually somewhat warmth. âIâve just been really busy. Just continue working on your songs in the studio. Iâll check in with you soon,â before I could respond the door closed again.
Busy or not, it was clear I wasnât a priority. He didnât even congratulate me. Tension rose in my shoulders like something was up but I couldnât put my finger on it.
His phone dings with a new familiar chime. Y/n opened her phone. Picking up his own from where it rested on the coffee table.
They had been given an off day after holding a concert on Sunday the day after the Award show. The five of them relaxing a bit. Though that wasnât the only thing going on.
Mystery had done a full deep dive on Jaewon, turns out the only reason NIOR7 was doing as well as they were. Was because of daddyâs money.
Jinu, who sat next to Baby, recognized the sound too. All of them knew what it meant, having observed her activity since she left the venue. Including making sure she actually got home safe. Not leaving the outside of Luminara dorms until they saw her face in one of the windows.
A new message came in.
Jaewon Enjoying your win
She didnât start typing, but didnât move away from it either. Why had she not blocked him yet? As if she heard their thoughts, she excited the chat. Going to her blocked numbers. A list of at least seventeen blocked contacts showed up. All named Jaewon.
It didnât matter whether she blocked him. He would just get a new number and keep tormenting her.
Jaewon Not for long, I'm sure
What does that even mean? What is he up to?
Abby who stood behind the couch looking at the screen with them. âIâll call the girls.â
When they had gotten back to Honmoon Tower after making sure Y/n had gotten back safely. The girls insisted on making a pact. Not believing they would actually share everything with them if they didnât make a pact. They vowed to keep each other updated on everything happening with Y/n. No secrets.
The pact sealed with a tattoo of a tiny flame appearing on their ribs as a reminder, and as punishment. If they were to forget to share something, important or not. The tattoo would slowly start burning, growing stronger the longer it takes. Only stopping when the information is shared.
All they heard was Abby saying âItâs about Y/nâ and they appeared in their living room. Worry clear on their faces. Dressed in gym clothes, a sheen of sweat covering their skin. Still a little breathless.
âWhat is it?â Zoey ask, finding a seat next to Baby as Abby hangs up the phone. Rolling his eyes at their appearance playfully.
âJaewon, he just wont stop tormenting her,â Jinu explains. âI think itâs a threat but I canât be sure,â taking Babyâs phone from him to show Jaewonâs last message to her.
âIt has to be,â Mira confirms, obvious anger at the man harassing their girl. âWhat else can you do with this?â she asks, talking about the mirror image of Y/nâs phone.
âA lot,â Baby smirks. âWhen sheâs asleep I can activate her phone and look through it.â
âAnd if she is using it? Can you listen to what sheâs saying?â
âI could yeah,â Baby nods, going to the settings and activating the mic on her phone and the speaker on his own. Her voice immediately filling the space.
âWhat are you talking about?â I chuckle at the absurdity of my current situation. âYouâre dropping me?â
âYes, I am,â Kyungsoo says. There is uncertainty in his voice, his posture stiff. âEffective immediately.â
âWhat? But my contract-â
âItâs doesnât matter,â he cuts me off. âBecause of a morality clause. The label believes itâs best to part ways with the recent⊠controversies surrounding you.â
âControversies? What controversies?â he avoids my gaze as I dig for more answers.
âThatâs not for me to say,â he shrugs awkwardly casual. âYou have 24 hours to get out of the dorms.â
âTwenty-fo- What? Thatâs not enough time! Where am I meant to go!?â
âYouâll figure it out,â with that he walks out, slamming the door to the studio.
âWhat?â my voice a quiet whisper as I sink back down onto the couch. âWhat am I gonna do?â I ask myself, my voice shaky.
BzzzâŠ. Bzzzz
Glancing at my phone which still sat on the coffee table where I left it when Kyungsoo came in.
Unknown Hey, how is your day?
// You're Ours Masterlist // Previous // Part Two // Next //
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Hullo! What're your thoughts on a omegaverse type beat with huntrix (separate or poly) x reader? The dynamics between the girls and the reader would def be interesting to explore regardless of whether reader is an alpha or an omega. I just think omegaverse AUs are neat :]
Ironic that I get this ask when Iâve been binging on omegaverse fics lately. This is such a guilty pleasure of mine.
I definitely see them as all alphas with Reader as the omega, idk it just feels right.
All three of them are such doting, gentle alphas, whatever you need, theyâll get you it, just say the word. They are so protective of you, too. On constant guard when someone else starts getting a little too close, always willing to step in and assert their dominance over others who think that they can steal you away, but always so sweet and gentle towards you.
They've got you surrounded like the damn secret service when in public. One on either side (holding your hands) and one behind you, making sure no one can sneak up and bother you. Anyone who does suddenly has three very hostile alphas ready to punt them.
Media catches wind and thinks that it must be chaos in your pack. Three alphas sharing one omega? Thatâs a recipe for disaster. So many interviews end up asking questions about how difficult it must be having to share one omega, and if that puts any stress or strain on their dynamics as Huntr/x, because ofc there's got to be some underlying hostility between the three. You can't expect three alphas not to form grudges when it comes to this. But no, the four of you are happy together and make it work. Healthiest polycule to ever polyied.
You raid their closest on the regular for the nest. It needs to smell like all of them for it to feel rightânope, sorry Mira, I know you needed that shirt for rehearsal, but itâs part of The Nest now, you might be able to get it back on a trade later with a piece of clothing that carries your scent more. These girls are gonna have their already sizable wardrobe cut in half bc of you. Not that anyone has it in them to complain.
Speaking of nests: the first time the girls were making a nest for you, it was a chaotic mess. None of them have ever made a nest before, but they had insisted that since theyâre your alpha they can make it for you. It's supposed to be a space you'd feel comfortable and safe in, and so it had to be perfect. A few arguments may have broken out over the construction, but the end result was all four of you in a cuddle pile in it.
I donât see reader as necessarily a stereotypical submissive omega. But I also donât see the girls as all the typical dominant alphas. Thereâs defs a lot of switch energy going on in there.
Mira is the gentle alpha. Sheâs got that hard, dominant appearance to the outside world, but with her mates, sheâs the sweetest, softest girl there is, absolutely melts after a few sweet words. Zoey on the other hand; I think we can all agree sheâs the most dominant, especially since home girl is the certified freak of the bunch, sheâs the one pinning you down when youâre being a brat. Rumi is right there in the middle, she loves you so much and sheâs so soft and gentle, but push her just right and sheâs going to remind you whoâs in charge of this relationship. And Reader? Absolute brat of an omega, perhaps even a gremlin, loves pushing their buttons to see how far until they snap.
Yall know the sex life between them is gonna be wild. Esp because synchronized ruts.
All three of them are so easily jealous, too. Especially when it comes to other alphas. Like theyâve got such self-worth issues, thereâs gonna be voices in the back of their head saying that maybe youâd be better and happier with someone else, and they hate it because they donât want to see you with anyone else but them.
On occasions, they can get jealous of each other for, too. âYouâve been cuddling Rumi all day đą whereâs my cuddles?â âYou told Mira and Zoey you love them, but you havenât said that to me at all yet đ„șâ âitâs fine that you skipped me. Itâs not like I wanted a kiss anywayđâ and that often tends to evolve into them trying to one-up the other for your attention.
When Darkness Finally Meets the Light (Chapter 19)
Pairings: Saja Boys x fem!Reader
Tags: Reincarnation, Soulmates, Polyamory, Angst
Rating: T+
Summary:
The longer you are a demon the easier it is to only feel negative emotions or, worse, no emotions at all.Â
But thereâs a legend, a whispered story of hope amongst demons, about finding a soulmate. Theyâre not once in a lifetime, as in if you miss them they never come back. No, many souls are old. Theyâve seen multiple lifetimes. The older the soul, the more powerful they are up until a point- there comes a time when a soul reaches its epitome and moves on after their death, their final experience.
You find a soul like that, whoâs also your soulmate, they say it can bring back your soul, your emotions.
Your desire to live.Â
But can it truly heal the curse of being controlled by Gwi-ma?
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(masterlist)
Word Count: 2.4k
Mira led you to a room at the back of the restaurant behind a closed door. Zoey and Rumi were already seated at the table with their drinks. You ended up seated between Abby and Baby. The table was big enough to seat 10, so there were two seats empty, separating the boy band from the girls on either side.
A waiter came in moments after you were seated and got your drink order, seeming fully unfazed by the two idol groups at the table. They bowed to the group once the order was placed and left again.
âSoâŠ.â Mira started, crossing her arms, âWhy exactly do you need our help?â
You licked your lips nervously. âIt was my idea to talk with you guys about all of this. When I was first learning about all ofâŠâ you wave your hand in a circle, gesturing vaguely at everyone around the table, âthis, I tried to do some research on my own.â
âAs you might guess, there's not a lot of reliable information about demons online,â you continued, âbut I did finally find one source that seemed to match up with what little I did know.â
Everyone was paying attention to you as you spoke. It was mildly daunting, but you pushed on.
âWhat I found talked about the Honmoon and hunters who were able to manipulate it and acted as protectors.â You paused. âIt also talked about âpowerfulâ souls that had been reincarnated several times. They mentioned that they could kind of help with protection, too? They were also used in âpurity rituals.â Unfortunately they didn't elaborate on that much.âÂ
You sighed, running a hand through your hair. âBetween that and a warning I got from another demon, who told me I acted as a shield to my boys, I thought maybe you guys would be able to fill in some of the gaps? Or maybe, since my goal is to make sure Gwi-ma can't touch them again, and you guys want to seal Gwi-ma away, we could work together somehow?â
The girls nodded. âOkay,â Rumi said, âso like I told Jinu initially, I hadn't even heard of soulmates prior to meeting you guys.â
âNone of us had,â Zoey agreed.
âBut I have been trying to look into it. Our mentor did say she heard of the concept but didn't know much beyond that,â Rumi continued. âHowever, as far as brighter souls goes, yours is one of the brightest we've seen.â
Mira nodded. âWe know bright souls help the Honmoon more, but that's it.â
Zoey looked at you and tilted her head. âYou said some of the stories claimed old souls could also protect people. Can you feel the Honmoon?â
You furrowed your eyebrows. âI don't think soâŠâ
âShe totally can,â Baby interjected, not glancing up from his phone. His other hand, not on his phone, moved to rest just above your knee.
You glanced at him, confused, but Romance piped up before you could ask.Â
âShe can sense demons if they're nearby,â he explained.
âI didn't know that's what I was doing though,â you countered.Â
âWhat does that feel like for you?â Rumi asked, her gaze focused on you.
You sighed, trying to think of how to verbalize it. âIt's like⊠My friends jokingly called it a spidey-sense. I feel like I'm being watched at first. Then it feels like⊠icher. Heavy almost? It definitely activates my fight or flight.â
The three girls nodded in understanding. âWe can usually feel when demons get through the Honmoon,â Zoey said. âIt also feels gross, like something's wrong.â
âDemons in disguise aren't as noticeable,â Rumi said, glancing at the boys and then back at you.
You shook your head. âI can generally feel them when they're disguised, too, as far as I can tell. Not that spotting them really helps me much.â
âHow can you stand to be around them then?â Mira asked, wrinkling her nose.
âThey don't feel that way to me,â you replied, shrugging. âEven in demon form. I assume it's a soulmate thing. No need to warn me of a danger that isn't there.âÂ
Abby moved his arm over the back of your chair, and you noticed Romance and Jinu giving you a fond smile. You smiled back softly.
âAww you guys are so cute,â Zoey cooed, instantly making you blush.Â
Just then, two waiters came into your room with trays full of food. They took a second to pass everything out and refill your drinks. Once they confirmed everyone was satisfied, they bowed and left the room again.Â
âSo,â Mira said as she took a bite of her food. She pointed her chopsticks at the boys, âdo you guys even want to work with us? Or is Y/N the only reason youâre here?â
âIt wasnât exactly our idea,â Abby said, raising an eyebrow, âbut that doesnât mean we arenât open to it.â
âIt certainly took a bit of convincing,â you admitted quietly.
Baby scoffed. âCan you blame us, doll? You were asking us to literally bring you to a meeting with people who wanted to hurt us.â
âWe wouldnât have hurt Y/N,â Zoey said, sounding slightly offended.
âYouâre telling us you wouldnât have even thought about using her as a distraction for us?â Abby asked flatly.
âGuys,â you interjected, glaring at your boys, âweâre here now, itâs fine. It didnât come to that.â
Rumi hummed as she swallowed a bite of food. âIf we're talking working together, at this point, I think the way you could help most would be by not performing. Since you're tied to Gwi-ma, your fans weaken the Honmoon, which is the opposite of what we want.â
âYeah, but, we're trying to disconnect them from Gwi-ma, too,â you said. âWe're part of the way there but⊠I don't know how to make it permanent.â
âHow are you connected to Gwi-ma?â Mira asked.
You felt it wasn't your place to answer this. After a moment of glancing between each other, Jinu gave a soft sigh and spoke up. âHis voice is in our ear, which tends to worsen our emotions, making our patterns flare up. He can drag us back to the demon realm at any time, see what we're doing, and dispose of us if he pleases.â
âSo is he just seeing all of this now?â Mira snapped.
âNo, as far as we can tell, he can't,â Jinu glanced at you. âNot when we're around Y/N.â
The Huntr/x girls looked at you curiously. âHave you guys tested that much, yet?â Rumi asked, glancing between you all. âSeen how far the range is?â
The boys tensed slightly at the suggestion, making your heart hurt a little. You looked back at the girls. âWe haven't really been able to tell the exact distance⊠but we know it exists.â
âMaybe we can help with that?â Zoey suggested, glancing at the other girls before looking back at the group. âSince we can see their bond, I wonder if we could see when it was at its limit. It could help you learn more about it.â
Mira shrugged.Â
Rumi nodded, looking over at you. âYou said you were trying to permanently cut them off from Gwi-ma, right? Perhaps knowing that could help you figure it out more. Like learning why it happens.â
âDemons have lore that a soulmate can remove the curse of being bound to Gwi-ma,â you explained. âThe research I did, too, specifically mentioned old souls being used to âcleanse those touched by the darkness.â We just⊠need to make it stronger than what it is now.â
The girls nodded.Â
âJust based on how their souls look now, I think it could work,â Zoey said.
âWe just need to figure out how,â you agreed.Â
âSo what are we supposed to do?â Baby asked. âJust hang around while you guys figure it out? Disappear off the face of the earth?â
Mira smirked. âNot a bad idea.â
âWe're expected to be at the Idol Awards at the end of the week,â Jinu said. âWe can't just not show up.â
âI mean you could-â Mira countered.Â
âThe Honmoon is still weak right now,â Jinu cut in. âIf we just disappear, the fans could be controlled by someone else Gwi-ma sends.â
The three girls frowned at the thought.Â
âOkay,â Rumi said after a moment, âso we just need to work on getting your souls back.â
âOh! If we can do that, then maybe your fans won't weaken the Honmoon anymore,â Zoey piped up.Â
Rumi nodded. âWe'll do some research, and then maybe tomorrow or Sunday we can meet up and try to figure this out more. Do some testing.â She put her hand out. âHere, Y/N, give me your phone.â
You handed it over and Rumi quickly typed in some things before handing it back with a smile. âNow you have our numbers. I made a little group chat so we could have yours, too.â
Holy shit you had Huntr/x's phone numbers-
Ari was going to explode.
âCool, yeah totally,â you replied, hoping you didn't sound completely flustered.Â
Rome sighed. âYou don't get this excited when we text you.â
You whipped your head around to glare at him. âThey're still Huntr/x,â you hissed at him.Â
âUgh, no loyalty,â Abby teased and you stuck out your tongue at him.Â
You all finished up your food as you finalized the plans. The girls would text tomorrow to confirm the time, but you'd most likely be meeting at their place on Sunday.
Ari was going to explode twice.
Since your stuff was already at the boysâ place, you decided to spend the night there again.Â
âAre you guys feeling okay about all of this still?â You asked the boys as you got ready for bed. âI know it was my idea but, if you feel super uncomfortable I don't want to force you to keep meeting with them.â
Romance sighed, slipping up behind you and wrapping his arms around your waist. âIt's smart to see if they can help us. Just because we were uncomfortable at first, doesn't mean we're still against it.â
You nodded. âOkay,â you glanced around at the boys. âIf at any point you don't feel safe, though, you gotta tell me.â
âWe will,â Mystery agreed softly, coming over to gently kiss your cheek.
Come morning, you dragged the boys back to your place. You wanted to hang out with your best friend, and you knew the boys wouldn't want you out of their sight, still.
Not that you felt any differently.
You'd texted Ari last night and asked if she was free and she immediately replied. You had plans to grab breakfast from the two of you's favorite cafe on the way, so you could all eat it together at your apartment.Â
âAri,â you called as you entered the apartment, holding a coffee in one hand while the boys carried the rest of the food and drinks, âI brought coffee and muffins!â
âStud muffins,â Abby joked, making you snort.
You directed the boys to set the stuff on the counter. As you began to divvy out everyone's orders, Ari stepped into the kitchen.
âHey girl,â she grinned. âThanks for grabbing breakfast.â She gave you a hug before you slid her coffee and muffin over to her. âHow was the award show last night? Minus losing to Huntr/x of course,â she grinned.Â
âWe still made it to the top two,â Baby said with a shrug, leaning against the kitchen island as he took a bite of his muffin.Â
âIt went well! I got to go backstage before the show and hang out, which was super fun,â you said, a grin slowly growing on your face. âAnd you'll never guess what we did after the show.â
Ari leaned in excitedly. âWhat did you do?â
âWe went out to eat with Huntr/x,â you replied, beaming.
Ari squealed. âAh! No way! That's so cool! Oh my god you're living my dream. Dinner with Huntr/x??âÂ
You giggled. âWe might hang out with them again soon, too.â
âOh my god. I can't,â Ari gushed. âAre you gonna become friends with them? Am I gonna get to see them more because you're friends with them?â
âThey may or may not have given me their phone numbers,â you told her.
âWow! Holy shit you're that girl,â Ari said. âNext thing I know you're going to be verified on Instagram and go to after parties and shit.â
âYou know you'll be my plus one,â you told her.
âHey!â The boys exclaimed.
You looked at them, raising an eyebrow. âAs if any event I go to wouldn't be because of you guys in the first place. You'd already be invited!âÂ
Ari stuck her tongue out at the boys. âBesties come first.â
Baby smirked. âActually, our rule is that Y/N always comes f- ACK!â Baby cut off as Jinu suddenly put him in a headlock.
Jinu smiled at Ari. âSorry about him. We swear he knows what manners are.â
Ari laughed as Baby grabbed at Jinu's arm, trying to pry it off of his neck. âIt's fine. If you think that's the raunchiest thing I've ever heard, you'd be mistaken.âÂ
You ended up hanging at your place with Ari until lunch. Then, the seven of you decided to go out to grab a bite to eat. You were very happy that Ari got along with the boys so you were all able to hang out together.
Afterwards, you split ways. As you and the boys were heading back to their condo, your phone buzzed in your pocket.
It was Zoey. She sent a message in the group chat the girlsâ created.
âHey Y/N! You guys still good to meet up tomorrow?âÂ
You instantly texted back. âYeah! Just let us know what time.â
âHow does 9a sound?â
âWe'll be there! Still meeting at your place?â
âYep!â Zoey confirmed.
Rumi sent a text right after hers. âJust let them know who you are at the door and they'll let you in. We'll make sure they know you're coming.â
âIf you have any issues, you can just call us!â Zoey said.
âGood to know, thank you!â
You pocketed your phone again and glanced at your boys. Hopefully tomorrow will be the right step toward getting the answers you need.Â
TAGLIST:
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Saja Boys x Rumiâs Sister! Reader Pt. 3
A/N: Wow. Okay this got a lot more attention than I expected it to in three days. Sorry this part took me a little longer to write but it has one-on-one interactions with each member, thatâs why itâs longer than the other parts.
Also, sorry but Iâve reached the maximum number of mentions I can have in the tag list so the tag list is closed!
By majority vote, I will be giving the Saja Boys Korean names so depending on the situation and point of view, theyâll either be referred to as their stage names or their Korean names.
If you guys have any ideas for outtakes, leave them in the comments below!
TW: I needed some way for the readerâs stress to manifest, like how Rumi struggles to sing as the pattern progresses. This manifested as a form of self mutilation, mostly just scratching when stressed or anxious. Insecurity and self deprecating thoughts ahead as well!
Edit (7/11/25): Please do not steal or plagiarize my work, I worked hard on this series and have a lot of pride in it.
Word Count: 6,388
Baby: Jum (king)
Romance: Chungae (noble and love)
Mystery: Hyeon (virtuous, worthy, able)
Abby: Kwan (one who is strong)
Part 1 || Part 2 || Part 4 || Part 5 || Part 6 || Part 7
The four boys knew that they had to talk to Jinu about what they found out about (Y/n) and, by default, her sister the hunter. But, they were summoned by Gwi Ma before they had a chance to. They appeared in the middle of a crowd of cheering demons so the boys fell into their idol personas, smiling and pandering to the crowd.
They couldnât help how their chests clenched when Gwi Ma forced them back into their demon forms.
And then Jinu joined them, standing at the top of the mountain before Gwi Maâs fire. âOne of the Hunters and her sister bears my mark, but I have no control over them.â
The four boys shared looks with each other out of the corners of their eyes. Gwi Ma was in their heads, of course he already knew.
âThatâs good. This means that they have shame. Weâll find out what it is and we can use it to destroy the Hunters for good,â Jinu plotted with a sly smirk.
âIâve taught you well, Jinu.â
Gwi Ma dismissed the five boys back to the human world and they popped to the place they shared. âHey, boss, we should talk about what weâre gonna do.â
The five spread across the living area, Kwan laying across the couch as Chungae picked up his legs so he could sit before replacing Kwan legs.
Jum sat on the ground, scrolling through his phone like he didnât care but his eyes kept glancing up and around at the others.
Hyeon sat on the arm of the couch, picking at his lip even though he shouldnât. It was hard to get used to not having his tusks anymore⊠Itâs kinda become a tick at this point.
Jinu stood in front of them, âWe need to find out what shame the Hunter and her sister have. To do that, we need to get close to them, make them comfortable around us.â
âYouâve had the most interaction with the Hunter, right? So sheâll be more open to you I think,â Chungae mused thoughtfully.
âBut, there isnât just one of us that the sister has spent more time with,â Jum pointed out.
None of the boys wanted to admit that they each knew your name, it would mean admitting that you had caught at least a little bit of their attention, enough to remember you.
âWell, I was the one that carried her tonight,â Chungae flipped his hair, smiling smugly.
âHey hey, I was the one she was flirting with during the fight. And she was eyeing my abs so I should talk to her,â Kwan crossed his arms, nudging Chungaeâs stomach with his foot.
âI was the one who won the spicy challenge, I feel like I should be the one to get close to her,â Jum added his own input.
Hyeon wanted to add his own argument but he didnât think knowing your scent would really go in his favor⊠But his jaw itched to sink his teeth into your skin. Gently! He just wanted to bite you⊠affectionatelyâŠ
Jinu pinched the bridge of his nose. He could see where the four were coming from and he was a bit disappointed that he already had the role of getting close to the Hunter but he couldnât do anything about it. You were so cute when you were flustered tooâŠ
âYou can all take a try at it, itâs four chances of her opening up to one of you so it should be fine. Just donât overwhelm her or itâll look sketchy,â Jinu told them. He dug through the stationary they had around, writing out a note for Derpy and his bird friend to deliver to the Hunter.
âIâm heading out.â
~~~
âWas it bad that you were glad the girls hadnât caught up to the Saja BoysâŠ?â
You had run back to the Huntr/x tower, looking ridiculous with your arms inside your sweatshirt to cover your arms and very thankful that there werenât any civilians out then. You tapped your foot impatiently as the elevator took you up and then you sprinted to your room to put on a different sweatshirt with a high neck tank top under to cover the marks spreading up your neck.
The girls were a few minutes behind you. You changed just in time to greet them with your first aid kit.
Rumi burst out of the elevator with a cry of your name, âYouâre okay, right?!â She grabbed your arms, scanning you over frantically, checking for bruises or scratches.
âThose dirty playing demons,â Zoey fumed, stomping with her arms crossed childishly. âYou are okay though, right, (Y/n)?â
Mira huffed, following the other two out of the elevator, âSheâs fine guys, she doesnât have a scratch.â You didnât miss how her eyes scanned over you though, making sure that you really were alright.
âWhat were you thinking?!â Rumi stressed, grabbing your face in her hands to pull you closer to her. âGoing after them?! You couldâve been hurt! You couldâve beenâŠ!â Rumi trailed off, the words stuck in her throat.
You couldâve been found out. Your pattern couldâve been seen. Youâd have to tell Rumi later that the boys had ripped your sleeves.
But for now, you smiled with a light laugh, âIâm fine, Rumi, I promise. Let me patch you guys up, you guys look a little⊠eesh.â You grimaced as you took a good look at all the scratches on their faces. They were not offended, they completely understood.
The girls relaxed and let you tend to their scratches and bruises before going to change into lounge clothes and then coming back to see the Honmoon.
Thankfully, they bought your explanation that you lost the boys due to Gwi Ma summoning them and had headed back to the tower to wait for them, you had explained while you patched them up.
The girls stood at the window, looking at the red corrupting the Honmoon as you put the first aid supplies away and moved to the kitchen. You glanced at them with furrowed brows as you got out the ingredients for kimbap.
Then the elevator came up with Bobby, âGirls?â
The girls whipped out their compacts to aggressively cover the wounds on their faces and turned to greet him, âHey Bobby!â
You threw the first aid supplies in one of the cupboards as you shook your head. You couldnât help but find it amusing how well trained they were by now in covering up scrapes and bruises from their hunting.
You heard Bobby swiping through TikTok, and couldnât help the way your shoulders bounced as the chorus of Soda Pop played on a loop.
âZoey!â
âBobby! Control those shoulders!â
You froze awkwardly. At least they hadnât caught you⊠You focused on making the kimbap a little more aggressively, your head ducked down to avoid attention. It was such a catchy songâŠ
You hunched down further when Rumi started plotting an aggressive diss track to perform at the International Idol Awards.
âZoey, weâre gonna need a new song!â
âI got twenty-three notebooks full of demon insults ready to go.â
âYeah! Letâs make it thirty notebooks!â
âMira, the choreography?â
âYup. Making them hotter.â
âBackup dancers, ready to go.â
â(Y/n),â you gave a strained smile at the sudden call of your name, standing at attention and thankfully not cutting your fingers with the knife in your hand. âVisuals?â
âAlready making a mental Pinterest board!â
âTeam of designers, ready for your call!â
âWeâll write a brand new song. A diss track to expose those Saja Boys.â
âAnd send those disgusting demons back to the depths where they belong!â
You bit back a grimace as the girls started raging enthusiastically.
âYeah!â
âYeah!â
âYeaHHH!â
âYeahHHH!â
ââŠâ
âYEAHHH!!â
And then they ran off to their rooms to get started or rest or something⊠You sighed, carrying the plate of finished kimbap rolls over to stand next to Bobby to stare flatly after them.
Welp. More for you. You held out the plate to Bobby, âKimbap?â
âOh, thanks (Y/n)!â
You wrapped up the rest of the rolls except for one, taking it with you. You paused at Rumiâs door, raising your hand to knock. But you hesitated.
You should tell Rumi that the Saja Boys saw your pattern. Them knowing was a threat because then they also knew that Rumi had patterns too. But⊠maybe they would just think you were the only one with a demon patternâŠ? Youâd have to talk to them.
So you lowered your hand and kept walking to your room. You shut the door behind you, almost screaming in surprise when a hand slapped over your mouth and dragged you out your balcony door and jumped up to the roof of the tower.
When they released you, you took a deep breath and scrambled away to put distance between you and your kidnapper. âYou gotta stop doing that!â
Romance couldnât help but chuckle, waving his hands disarmingly, âSorry sorry, I just wanted to chat with you.â
You bit your lip. They knew about your pattern. âAbout what?â You asked, on guard.
âYour pattern.â There it is. âYouâre part demon.â
âSo what?â You snapped defensively, hugging your arms even though you knew your skin was covered.
âI was curious,â He admitted openly, brushing some hair out of his face as he leaned back against the edge of the small roof balcony. âYou donât hear him, do you?â
âNo. W-wait, who?â You backpedaled, you had refused on instinct and then you registered what he said.
He looked at you obviously, âGwi Ma. You didnât make a deal with him? All demons hear his voice, constantly reminding them of⊠their shame.â
You loosened from your defensive pose, surprised by the vulnerable look on his face. He didnât seem to want to hurt you, so you relaxed and leaned against the edge behind you, keeping your distance for now.
âShame?â You echoed curiously.
He looked at you, analyzing you, âItâs all demons do, feel their shame and all the emotions that come with it. These patterns,â He held up his arm, his patterns glowing as he did. âThey show that each demon carries a deep shame with themâŠâ
Then he was in front of you, taking your hand as you gasped softly. Your own pattern started glowing through your clothes, âYou do too, sweetheartâŠâ
Your grip tightened on his hand. You looked down as your heart squeezed painfully. Yeah⊠you doâŠ
âRomanceââ
âCall me Chungae,â He interrupted you softly.
âChungae. You⊠you guys wonât tell the others, right? Rumi⊠Rumi and I arenât ready yet, but⊠we want to be the ones to tell themâŠâ You hesitantly asked through stumbling words. They knew. They must know that you and Rumi are part demonâŠ
You couldnât help but think of all the moments youâve wanted to share your secret with Mira and Zoey. You want to go to the bathhouse with them. You want to go to the beach. You want to be able to wear your skin comfortably instead of the itching, crawling feeling you get at just the idea of wearing shorts or a tank top.
But it wasnât your choice whether you told them or not. It wasnât your secret to tell. It was Rumiâs.
Chungae scanned your face, his look softening as he brushed a bit of hair out of your face, tucking it behind your ear. âI donât know about the others, but I wonât tell.â
You couldnât help but relax at the reassurance, your face warmer at his touch. These boys really werenât evil, they were so⊠human.
You looked away, âYou should go before the other girls come looking for me.â
Chungae couldnât help but chuckle softly at your shy demeanor. How cute⊠Itâs like the first time you met all over again, how cute and shy you were when the five of them invited you to their debut. âOf course.â
You gasped as he smoothly swept you into his arms and leapt down to your balcony as you bit back a shriek. When you got down from his arms, you couldnât help but bend over with your hands on your knees, taking deep breaths to settle your heart from the shock of being carried down from one height to another. âStop doing that!â You whisper shouted at him, disgruntled.
âSorry sorry, darling, Iâll go now,â Chungae hopped up to the railing of your balcony, stopping to look over his shoulder at you, âOh. You should know that the others are also interested in seeing you. Just a heads up.â
He smiled slyly before jumping and disappearing in a dramatic poof of demon magic. âWait, huh!?â
You grabbed a pillow to scream into.
Oh wait. Your kimbap!
~~~
And they did.
The next day, you were out looking at fabrics for the visuals of the diss track the girls were working on. Something like their battle outfits would work good but with sharp color accents to make it pop and fit the stage. Less spikes too, a little less aggressive but fans will probably like the dark look. Maybe in a music video, the girls could use their weapons so then if they pull them out on stage, they just look like props and special effects�
Oh. Thereâs a boy walking next to you.
â⊠Can I help youâŠ?â
Hands stuffed in his pockets, looking around with a disinterested look but a spark of curiosity shone in his eyes underneath the hat hiding his features, âNo. Iâm good.â
âOkayyy⊠you do you, Babyâ You decided to just keep going about your business as Baby followed at your side.
âJum,â He corrected you.
âUhm, okay, JumâŠâ You kept looking at the maknae out of the corner of your eye as he followed you into fabric shops, looking around curiously or scrolling on his phone as you talked with the owners.
âHey,â You stopped on the sidewalk when Jum tugged on your sleeve, pointing over to a shop window, âWhatâs that?â
You looked over, âA cat cafeâŠ?â You looked at him strangely. How old was he againâŠ?
Jum was quiet for a moment. âLetâs go in.â He was already walking in before you could respond. You didnât have to follow him, he had just decided to follow you after all, butâughhhh!
You followed him in.
Going in, he looked like a lost kid. He was looking around at the tables and the people. âWelcome! How many people today and for how long?â
âUhhhâŠâ
You came up behind him, smiling at the host, âTable for two, just for an hour please.â
âAlright, right this way!â
Ah man, why did you follow him againâŠ? Jum trailed after you as you followed the host into the sectioned off area to a booth by a window. âSomeone will be by to take your order in a moment. Please feel free to give the cats treats!â
âThank you!â You called after her as you sat, setting down your work bag as Jum slid into the seat across from you. He was staring. You followed his gaze to see he was in a staring contest with a black cat. You looked between the two of them, back and forth. It was kind of adorable.
âPick what you want to order and then we can try and tempt some cats over.â
Jum didnât know what to order. He was one of the few born in the demon realm, he had never been to the human realm before as the prince of a small territory. Not that the title mattered much with Gwi Ma ruling.
âIf you wanna start simple, a coffee or hot chocolate would be good hot drinks. Or a vanilla or chocolate milkshake if you want something cold. For food, the sandwiches are good if you want something savory but the strawberry shortcake looks good for something sweet.â
You were almost tempted to recommend a soda pop for him but youâve seen enough TikToks of fans giving them different sodas.
Jum took in the information you gave him with a hum, scanning over the menu again.
You ordered, Jum ended up getting a coffee and the strawberry shortcake. You almost laughed at the contrasting flavors he would be experiencing. But you pulled over the little container of cat treats, âAlright, let's see if we can get a few kitties over.â
Jum perked up at the same time as some of the cats as the container clinked as you opened it. Three cats hurried over, and you couldnât help but laugh brightly as they jumped up on the bench to climb in your lap and over your shoulders, nuzzling your face cutely for treats. âHey, settle down! Youâll get your treats!â
Jumâs face softened at the sight. You laughing so carelessly, smiling brightly as the fluffy creatures swarmed around you while your face flushed with joy. He couldnât help but sneak a few photos and sent one to the Saja chat smugly. He ignored the chat as it started going off.
The two of you played with the cats for a while. The wondrous look on Jumâs face as he first pet a cat was adorable and you really wanted to take a picture but the girls were always taking selfies on the first phone they could grab. You couldnât risk them seeing it.
You had the same urge when you saw his face as he first tasted his coffee and then his cake. It was soooo adorableâŠ
Before the two of you went your separate ways, Jum quietly told you that he wouldnât spill your secret.
~~~
You watched from backstage as the girls politely clapped on screen, the boys awarded as the top artist of the week. They were really starting to make progress on their diss track but you couldnât help but distance yourself from the project. The lyrics that were unfolding made you uncomfortable in a different way from how Golden did.
Golden had lines about not hiding anymore and being honest but it just felt like a lie whenever Rumi sang it with the girls. But Takedown⊠was strictly about killing demons because they were evil, unfeeling monsters that didnât deserve to live. It made your skin crawl and you couldnât help but itch at your arms and neck from time to time when you heard them discussing it.
You turned to make your way back to the girlsâ dressing room to meet them once the awards ended and they left the stage. You could hear clapping again, the awards must have ended. And then you were swept away. Into a closet.
âWhat was with these guys?!â You were pinned against a shelf of cleaning supplies, a thick arm caging you in above you. Another held out a flower to you. âHey there, babe~â
You crossed your arms, looking up at him unimpressed. Well⊠there was a little flush on your cheeks. âHi Abby. What is this, a shoujo manga?â
He tsked, smirking playfully down at you, âCome on, babe, canât spare a guy a warmer welcome?â
âNot when he and his friends keep sweeping me away for their whims. What did you want?â You plucked the flower from his hand, rolling the stem between your fingers.
Abby chuckled, his arm flexing as he swept his hair out of his face. âWell, our two youngest got to spend some one-on-one time with you and I wanted my turn. Come on, letâs go get something to eat.â
You hesitated. And not for the reasons you shouldâve. âI⊠I have to get dinner ready for the girlsâŠâ
âWhat are you, their housewife?â He raised a brow down at you.
You grimaced as the words hit a little close to home. Yeah, he hit the nail right on the head. âI guess⊠they can order take out tonightâŠâ
âYes! Come on, before the other boys catch up!â Abby cheered, taking your wrist and jogging out of the closet and to the nearest exit.
âHey!â
âAbby!â
âNo fair!â You heard the cries of the other Saja Boys behind you as he dragged you along. You chuckled. The other demon boys could easily catch up if they wanted to. But dang, you dropped your flower back thereâŠ
A few streets over, you stopped as Abby slowed down barely out of breath, in contrast to you who was panting like a dog. Oh man, you felt way too gross to be with this man right now.
âSo⊠I actually donât know any good spots to eat atâŠâ
You laughed at his sheepish expression. âCome on, there are some good food stalls at the night market.â
Without thought, you took his hand and led the way. When you got there, it turned out that Abby wasnât picky about his food at all and that he could pack away a lot of food. You guys went from stall to stall, you were amazed as Abby charmed the older sellers, chatting with them as if they had known each other for a long time. Whatever food you couldnât finish, Abby happily did.
âWhat are you? Some demon trash disposal? Where does it all go?â You asked him as he finished off the last of the chicken skewers you both had been eating.
âStraight to my muscles of course,â He smirked, flexing cheekily with a wink.
You laughed and shoved him jokingly. Then, a curious thought occurred to you, âHey Abby? Can I⊠ask what the demon realm is like?â
He blinked, surprised by the question but you just continued looking forward, not meeting his eyes. He copied you, looking ahead as the two of you walked.
âItâs dark and depressing. The sky is red like itâs on fire and the ground is dry and desolate. Nothing grows there. There are two main types of demons: those that formed from souls fed to Gwi Ma and those that lost their souls making deals with Gwi Ma. There are also demons born from other demons but those are rare.â
You frowned in thought, not responding for a long moment. So, demons really could feel emotions. Did that mean⊠that your dad really did love your mom�
Abby noticed your expression, lost in deep thought, âWhatâcha thinking about there, babe?â
You didnât answer for a moment, too many thoughts trailing in too many different directions⊠âNothing important. So, which are you guys, Abby?â
Abby hummed, âCall me Kwan,â he said, letting you change the subject. He couldnât help but let you in a little closer. He thought if he just kept using his stage name with you, he could keep a little distance between you, keep the mission in mind. But⊠he wanted to let you close.
âWell, with the exception of Jum, weâre all humans that made deals with Gwi Ma years ago out of desperation. IâŠâ Kwan trailed off and the two of you stopped by the river to sit on a bench in a quiet area. âI was born during an old war. I wasnât strong enough to protect my family when it counted, so I asked Gwi Ma for strength to protect those I cared about.â He laughed sarcastically, âHow well that turned out for meâŠâ
You frowned, taking his hand slowly, hesitantly offering comfort from the obviously dark memories and regrets swimming through his head. He smiled softly at you, squeezing your hand as the two of you looked out over the river. There was nothing for either of you to say at that moment, but you understood each other.
~~~
After that interaction with Kwan, the girls noticed you were lost in thought more often, but they didnât bring it up, figuring you were just deep in thought about the visuals and clothes for the new song. You often got lost in a new project when it really inspired you.
Except you didnât like the new song. It was just so hateful towards demons and after you knew most demons come from human souls in some shape or form, you couldnât fully support it. Especially with your own pattern steadily spreading across your skin. You had to start using a salve to help with the scratching the stress was causing. If they spread too much more, you would have to start wearing a face maskâŠ
Now that you think about it, the only Saja Boys you havenât really talked to are Jinu and Mystery. Which one would ambush you next? Was it bad that you were looking forward to it?
You needed a break from the girls. As the Honmoon corruption got worse and more demons came through, they got more tense and enthusiastic with the new diss track. So, you went to the park to sit and just breathe for a few minutes. You sat on a bench under the shade of a tree, head back and eyes closed under the sun as you took a deep breath. Someone was playing Soda Pop nearby and you could hear Golden somewhere tooâŠ
Your eyes snapped open when arms wrapped around you from behind a nose buried into the crook of your neck, taking a deep breath. You flushed deep red, shrieking as you leapt to the other end of the bench. A hand pressed to your chest to settle your racing heart you turned to see it was a sulky Mystery, pouting at you pulling away so quickly.
âItâs just me,â He said.
âPersonal space, dude!â You cried vehemently, your face still a dark red. Mystery circled the bench to sit next to you. Like, right next to you. Your thighs were touching. You deadpan at him, âThis is not personal space, man.â
Mystery just tilted his head at you. It was nice to see you with the sun shining down on you like this. And your scent was so comforting when it filled his senses, he couldnât help but burrow his nose in the crook of your neck. It made his teeth itch to bite again.
âHow do you guys keep finding me? Do you have some kind of tracker or somethingâŠ?â
âNah, itâs mostly by chance,â Mystery told you, casually taking your hand to play with your fingers and the rings you had on. He didnât tell you how Jinuâs bird was keeping an eye or three on you⊠He didnât remember much about social normalities from when he was human, but he could remember that telling someone they were being watched was weird.
You shook your head and let him do as he pleased, taking a deep breath and tilting your head back to enjoy the sun while closing your eyes.
Then there was a tugging on your hand, âLetâs go.â
You didnât get a chance to respond or ask where you were going before he was tugging you off the bench and away. âWait, Mystery, where are we going?â You almost slapped a hand over your mouth, hoping no one heard that it was one of the Saja Boys out in public.
âHyeon. De-stress,â he said simply. Then he was pulling you into an arcade. You didnât really know how playing some games at an arcade would help you relax
But at least you didnât have to pay to play because Hyeon was already pulling out his wallet! Donât get it wrong, you could pay for stuff yourself, but it was refreshing after eating so much food with Jum and Kwan. You refused to let them pay for your food and you didnât pay for theirs either but it was still moneyâŠ
When Hyeon had the prepaid wristbands, he turned to hand one to you with a small smile, âSometimes, you just need to act like a kid.â
You blinked. And then he was pulling you to the first game he saw with that small content smile and you couldnât help but laugh.
You were pretty sure he also just wanted to go to an arcadeâŠ
Hyeon was right though. Playing those games, you couldnât help but laugh and as you became more competitive with him, you forgot what was bugging you. You laughed louder and became more comfortable treating him like a close friend, pushing him and bickering as he gave you a little smug smirk when he won and a sulky pout when he lost. You had to pull him back when he started barking at a few people that tried to rush the two of you at some gamesâŠ
It was late by the time you both left, matching ugly keychains in hand from the prize shop.
â⊠Thanks Hyeon, I really needed that,â You smiled at him as you stopped at the park where you would both be going your own ways.
He smiled, taking your hand in his. âOf course, princess. Anything to see that smile on your face.â
Oh boy. You didnât think Hyeon would be the cheesy one but he said it so seriously before placing a kiss on your hand.
You shook yourself, your face flushing red as you steeled yourself, âHey, I am not a princess!â You crossed your arms.
Hyeon smirked a little, âI donât think you can handle what I really want to call you so princess will do for now.â
Your jaw couldnât help but drop as your face flushed darker.
âSee you soon, princess,â he said, and then he was walking away and you just stared after him, speechless.
âWhat did he mean by that?! Ugh, stupid hot demon boysâŠâ
~~~
Another award show passed and Golden won most played song of the week. But tensions were still high as the Saja Boys took over more and more of the billboards, they were all anyone could see on TikTok too, more fans joining the Pride.
Your nervous scratching was getting worse, you had to go out and get another salve. Thankfully, the girls were too focused on Takedown and demon hunting to keep track of when you were in or out of the tower. It hurt you a little though, that you fell to the wayside so easily.
You were mindlessly scratching over your sleeve with the salve safely wrapped in a small paper bag in your arms as you started the walk back to the tower. You needed to talk to the design team about what you had in mind and to the producers about visuals for a possible music video.
âWhatâcha got there, pretty girl?â
You turned to see him leaning against the wall in the shadows of an alley. You sighed, âDo you plan these dramatic encounters or do they just come naturally to you?â
Jinu chuckled, standing straight but his eyes lingered on the bag in your arms and the arm where you had been scratching. âBeing an idol calls for a flare for the dramatic,â He shrugged.
You chuckled at his antics but then his hand snapped out to grab your wrist. Panicked, you tried to pull away as he pushed your sleeve up. You forgot that he knew about your pattern so it wasnât those marks he was looking at.
No, it was the red scratch marks littering your arm where the pattern was darkest.
He snapped his eyes up to glare at you, pulling you somewhere, âWhatâs so bad that you scratch yourself to such a degree?â
You had no answer for him besides shame⊠So you didnât say anything.
He sighed. Jinu ended up taking you to a small plaza, not many people around as he sat you on the edge of a fountain. He pulled out the small glass container of salve you had gotten, reading the ingredients with narrow eyes before opening it and smelling it.
Jinu tsked before taking your arm to gently apply the salve to each bleeding scratch and red mark, âThe herbs used today are so bad, not as effective as the ones grown years ago⊠too much pollutionâŠâ He murmured to himself.
You couldnât help but smile at his care. âThanks JinuâŠâ
He glanced up and faltered, remembering who he was and who he was with as he quickly but carefully finished up, fumbling a little as his cheeks pinked, âOh, ah, itâs fine, donât mention it.â He quickly screwed the cap on of the salve and practically shoved it in your hands before awkwardly sitting down next to you.
Wow. Jinu was the most awkward of the group it seemed. Was Baby really the maknae of the group? You giggled at how the tips of his ears were red and he refused to look at you.
âIs it really⊠that bad living with the patternsâŠ?â
You froze at his hesitant question. You gripped your arm over your sleeve to keep from scratching more at the flare of stress you felt. You couldnât look at him. âI donât know⊠I started scratching when I was a kid. It comes and goes depending on what Iâm stressed aboutâŠâ
âMeaning, when youâre stressed about your pattern,â Jinu summarized thoughtfully. You could feel his gaze on the side of your face.
âYeahâŠâ You avoided his gaze.
Jinu frowned. This wasnât like the first interaction he had with your sister. That was filled with him trying to gain her trust, trying to convince her that he was the only one that would understand her. It made his stomach curl uncomfortably how she didnât even argue that you understood her. Were you two not very close?
He saw something different than your sister in you, âYou liked your patterns once, didnât you?â
Your face slackened then hardened, ââŠI donât wanna talk about it.â
He frowned but nodded in acceptance anyway. Pushing wouldnât get him anywhere. âThatâs alright, but I can understand what youâre going through,â It was the same thing he told your sister. But with you he couldnât help but⊠genuinely mean it. He looked down at his hand. His pattern was a constant reminder of his shame after all. Sometimes he wanted to scratch until they just peeled away too.
âI know, I just⊠I donât think Iâm ready to talk about itâŠâ You told him. Rumi should be the first one you talked to about this, right? But, wouldnât she just recycle Aunt Celineâs words at you? Never show your faults (Y/n), never show your pattern (Y/n), youâd betray Rumi and everyone else if you shared your pattern (Y/n), youâre not enough (Y/n).
You shook your head and stood. âI want ice cream.â
He looked up at you with surprise, âOh. OkayâŠ?â
âCome on.â The shoe was on the other foot now as you started marching to the nearest ice cream shop, not waiting to see if he would follow.
âWh-what? Wait, whatâs happening?â He scrambled after you, confused but going along with your sudden decision.
Jinu followed you into the ice cream shop, sliding on a pair of glasses and a hat to disguise himself. You were already ordering what you wanted, two big scoops of your favorite flavor.
He almost jumped when you suddenly turned to him expectantly. âOh, uh,â He stuttered, scanning the flavors before him. It felt like he was sweating with the sudden pressure he felt. There were so many names, why were there so many different ice cream names?! âUh, two scoops of Chuckle Chunk.â He couldnât even tell you what was in it.
You couldnât help but giggle at how stiff Jinu was. You hadnât meant to make him feel pressured but it was pretty adorkable.
The two of you paid and left the shop to eat your ice cream at the fountain. You watched as he hesitantly tried his ice cream. His face lit up.
You chuckled, starting to eat your own ice cream, âHow is it?â
Jinu couldnât help but smile, âYeah, itâs got these really rich chocolate things and thereâs these little white pieces and some salty caramel things too.â
You blinked at how he described it. âHow old are you againâŠ?â That was how he described brownie fudge chunks, marshmallow pieces, and sea salt caramel syrup?
He blinked too, âFour hundredâŠ?â
You couldnât help but balk, âOh wow, youâre old.â
He deadpanned at you. âAnd youâre a baby.â
You laughed. Jinu didnât really know what you were laughing about, maybe just the situation itself but he smiled.
It was easier to be around you than he thought it would be. âDonât stress too much.â
You looked at him, âItâs kinda hard to avoid stress when Gwi Ma is trying to destroy the Honmoon and feast and the human souls of the whole population. Besides, Iâve got a lot going on: visuals for the girls, keeping our apartment clean, cooking, designing clothes and visuals for them, and then thereâs a fan signing event coming upâŠâ You sighed and Jinu grimaced. Wow.
Jinu knew he wasnât helping with the stress you were going through but he couldnât help his selfish streak. He wanted his memories goneâŠ
âJust⊠Cut your nails or wear gloves so you donât hurt yourself so badlyâŠâ Jinu told you.
You smiled. He was⊠worried for you. It was the first time that someoneâs worry didnât make you feel weak. It wasnât about your fighting capabilities, it was about your well-being. When was the last time that someone worried about that?
âThanks JinuâŠâ You smiled mischievously. âItâs the first time such a pretty boy has shown me such care,â You turned the table on him.
Jinu spontaneously combust. Stuttering as he shoved more ice cream in his mouth to occupy himself but that just made his head hurt.
âBrain freeze!â You laughed.
~~~
The night before the fan signing event, you laid awake in bed. The girls were surely already sleeping so that they could get plenty of rest. But you couldnât seem to fall asleep. Looking back on the past two weeks, you felt more conflicted than you ever had before.
The voice in your head that sounded like Aunt Celine said that you shouldnât be letting the Saja Boys so close, getting so comfortable with them. The girls were going to kill them anyway so you were just looking to get your heart broken at this rate.
But a small part of yourself whispered that they made you feel safe, seen, heard in a way that you never had been before.
Outtake(s):
Jum(Baby): âDo they make these cakesâŠspicier?â
You: âUhâŠno. No they do not.â
Jum(Baby): *Sadly* âAw manâŠâ
âŠ
Hyeon(Mystery): *Sees someone just a little too close to you* âGrrrrrâŠâ
You: *Being dragged along as you try to hold him back* âYou canât- Stop! Bad Saja Boy!â
Hyeon(Mystery): *Feral gremlin barking*
âŠ
You: *sick of all these pretty boys flustering you* âWhat do you want, pretty boy?â
Jinu: *ERROR ERROR ERROR* âUhhhhâŠâ
âŠ
Huntr/x: âYou know, (Y/n) has been disappearing a lot lately⊠And she never wants to listen to our songâŠâ
Huntr/x: âMaybe sheâs uncomfortable with the lyrics?â
Huntr/x: âŠ
Huntr/x: âNah. Sheâs just way too inspired by our violent need to eradicate all demons.â
You: *frantically scratching*
Tag list:
@brights-place @itmechaosartist @reni502 @chin-chii @cultish-corner @enerofairy @mama-m1na @akariis4snowball @gremlinartstudio @shynotded @shadowmoonlight0604 @omgsuperstarg @neigesprincess @sleep-7372 @hurts-my-brain @kiwibackie @gh0stied3ath @naysha140 @theferretkids @lelantyuu @sexyindependentdowntospendit @hornehlittleweeblet2 @moonymoo1 @moochiwoochi @cheolright @crescent-z @prorpy @mey-archive @cami1qx @nerdalicios @xxsadlovexx @latisthegenderfluidwannabealone @blackheart34 @anonymousewrites @scarletrosesposts @justanindiangirl12 @beexboo @tatsuri-zomushiki @call-me-nyxx @queenofviolenceandnerds @randomfan218-blog @jaybbygrl @unholycheesesnack @ocean-mochi @iviorienne @confusedparticle @otakusimp1 @nosbaby07 @fries11 @ri-eveowe @1950schick @libdarkheart @yourjustassaneasiamx @the-bookish-artist @anduinandwrathionlover @eternallyrosyfire @lysira340 @lansy-4 @strayharmony943 @maximumtrashchild @bleufu1 @minepugs @valeriele3 @arieslucy @nisarelle @suzieq1948374
The Crimson Pact | Part 1
Parts: Characterizations | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10
SoulBond!AU
Pairings: Yandere!Saja Boys x F!Reader Synopsis: You were never supposed to remember them.
Four hundred years ago, a pact was madeâa blood-soaked bond tying five demons to one human soul: yours.
Theyâve waited lifetimes for your reincarnation, cursed with obsession, tethered by fate.
And now that youâve returned?
Theyâll burn the world before they let you go again.
Warnings: Soul bond with the Saja Boys, Yandere themes!, soulbonding without full consent, obsessive behavior / possessiveness, mild stalking, romantic psychological tension, mentions of implied past death / reincarnation, intense emotional fixation, yearning, non-graphic threats of harm from a third party (Gwi Ma).
Author's notes: Hey guys! My first fic on Tumblr. I've been deep in a hole for Saja boys x Reader fics and have been inspired by all the ones currently out. Thought I'd give it a go and make my own. This is also just me purely projecting my fantasies (lol). But will post more on this story and will make more parts!
âââââââââ àŒșđàŒ» âââââââââ
The Saja boys are all demons.
They are wrath and ruin. Jealousy and death.
And yet, before her, they kneel.
Because she is the Heart. Because her soul is what keeps them from unraveling into true monsters. Because they were bound by her love and her curse.
They donât just crave herâthey depend on her. Without her presence, their minds deteriorate. Their bodies decay. Their hunger becomes unbearable.
Only Y/Nâs touch tames the demon inside.
ââââââââââ â ââââââââââ
A Sudden Encounter
Youâre just⊠tired.
You work long shifts at a cramped little gallery cafĂ© in Hongdae. Your boss forgets to pay you on time. Rentâs due. Your roommateâs a ghost (figuratively). Your family doesnât call.
Itâs not tragic. Just quietly heavy. Most days are filled with the same mundane routine. The stress of adulting weighs in on you most nights making you feel more fatigued than you should.
Your art is the only thing that feels like yoursâuntil it doesnât. Lately, even your sketches look like someone elseâs memories. The past few weeks of downtime have been spent sketching images you vaguely recognize from dreams you forgot you even had.Â
You walk through life like itâs background noise.
Then, one afternoon, on the way to grab milk and instant ramenâŠyou hear music on the street.
Lugging your grocery trolley (because god knows you donât have the strength to carry a weekâs worth of grocery bags on your arms), you spot that a crowd has gathered in the plaza. The atmosphere buzzes with excitement. People are pushing each other to get a view of whatever it was that was making the crowd go nuts.
Curiosity gets the best of you, and next thing you know youâre walking towards the center of the square. Grocery trolley rolling behind you. Someone steps on it, warranting a quick âSorryâ and they scurry to the front. You turn your head forward to see whatever it was they desperately wanted to see.
You stop.
Up on a raised platform, five boys move like a single bodyâsynchronized, supernatural, magnetic. Their colorful outfits shimmer under the lights, a kaleidoscope of sugar-rush perfection. The crowd is screaming, but all you hear is the songââSoda Popââsickeningly sweet and pulsing like thunder in your chest.
You donât recognize them.
Were they new? A secret debut? A niche group you missed?Â
And then you see them.
The Saja Boys. Five gorgeous faces, carved out of dreams and danger, singing like they already know you.
Your heart stutters.
Front and center is the one with the jet-black hair and fire behind his smile. His eyes sweep the crowd like he owns itâuntil they lock on you. And then itâs like the world tips sideways.
You canât breathe.
Something ancient uncoils in your ribcageâa thread pulling taut, like itâs found its anchor.
The stage beneath them morphsâno, risesâinto a giant soda can, and the absurdity nearly makes you laugh, but the pressure in your chest is louder.
The song ends. The crowd erupts. They strike their final poses like gods frozen mid-conquest. And stillâheâs looking at you. Right at you.
He lifts a hand, brushes off his shoulder like heâs dusting you into place. âThatâs it for now,â he says to the crowd.
His speaking voice slides down your spine like silk dipped in fire. Familiar. Impossible.
âSee you tonight on everyoneâs favorite variety showâŠâ His gaze doesnât waver. âSaja Boys love you!â
You donât know how youâre still standing. The other members turn tooâone by one, their expressions shifting. Eyes no longer playful. Theyâre looking at you like they remember something you havenât yet.
And thenâpink smoke.
They vanish.
Youâre left in a sea of people, lungs hollow, skin prickling like itâs just been marked.
You donât know who they are. You donât know what just happened. But your hands are shaking on the trolley handle. And youâre sprinting home like something inside you just woke up and started screaming.
ââââââââââ â ââââââââââ
They apparated back into the apartment in a burst of cold smoke.
Jinu collapsed first.
Not into a chair. Not onto the couch. He sank straight to the floor.
Hands tangled in his hair, breath shallow. Like the air couldnât reach deep enough. Like heâd been holding it for centuries. His voice cracked like something ancient being unearthed.
âItâs her.â
Romance was already pacing the length of the living room, long strides restless, fingers tugging at his shirt collar like it was choking him. âIâI thought I was hallucinating,â he muttered. âSome kind of cruel glamour. A mirage. But the bondââ His voice shook. âThe bond snapped tight.â
Abby dropped into the couch, the cushions barely softening the weight of his frame. His knuckles were white, gripping his thighs. âI felt her heartbeat.â He looked up, dazed. Wild. âDuring the bridgeâour hearts matched. I know it was her.â
Mystery hadnât moved. He stood near the window, face shadowed, fists clenched so tight his nails carved into skin. His lips were moving in a near-silent whisperâover and over like a broken prayer.
âSheâs scared⊠she doesnât remember⊠but she felt it. She felt it.â
Baby sat furthest from them all, on the floor beside the armchair. Blood dripped from his palmâhe didnât seem to notice. Eyes wide. Hollow. Haunted.
Like seeing you broke the silence inside him. Like heâd finally found the ghost thatâd been crawling under his skin for lifetimes.
No one breathed. The room felt cracked. Like a single touch would shatter it.
Abby ran a hand down his face. âWhat do we do?â He was still staring at his hands. Still disbelieving. âIs this a trick? Is Gwi Ma playing with us again? Using her face to haunt us?â
Jinu looked up slowly, lashes damp, lips pale. He bit the nail of his thumb, the taste of anxiety sharp on his tongue.
âWe wait,â he said softly. âWe plan.â
Romance scoffed, but there was no humor in it. He was trembling as he smiled.
âWe charm.â
Mystery let out a low snarl. âWe go to her. Sheâs alone. Sheâs hurting. I can feel her.â
And thenâfinallyâBaby spoke. Just one line.
Quiet. Final. Unshakable.
âWe take her back.â
ââââââââââ â ââââââââââ
You curl up on your couch with a microwaved dinner, phone propped up on a cushion. You donât normally watch idol shows. ButâŠ
You press play.
Theyâre charming. Playful. Competitive. Too beautiful. Too perfect. You watch them struggle with the hot sauce challenge, lips curling upwards at some of the boysâ faces.Â
Your chest aches.
You donât know them. But you canât look away.
When they joke, you laugh. When they flirt with the camera, your stomach flips. When Baby stares dead into the lens, you freeze.Â
You watch as Baby wins the spicy challenge, somehow a part of you knew he would. You couldnât explain why. You watch as Huntrix makes a surprise appearance. You werenât a crazed fanatic or anything, but you did enjoy their music. When they bowed at each other, a part of your chest ached. You donât know why, but something didnât sit well with you seeing the boys interact with the girl group. Why? You had no claim over them. You felt like you were going crazy.
You donât sleep that night.
ââââââââââ â ââââââââââ
Later that night, after filming wrapsâŠ
The Saja Boys find themselves ambushed by HuntrixâRumi, Zoey, and Miraâdemon-hunting girls who are too fast, too smart, and too close to the truth.
The boys run, Jinu being caught into a fight with Rumi which leads to him finding out her secret. A Hunter whoâs part demon. He gives it some thought as he walks out of the bath house. Then, his thoughts shift to you.
Did you watch the show tonight? What were you doing right now? Did you remember him at all?
Then suddenly heâs pulled into Gwi Maâs chamber.
Smoke. Fire. Screams locked in stone. The demons are cheering for the boys, now in their demon forms. Gwi Ma sings the chorus of Soda Pop.Â
âItâs catchyâÂ
He brings up Rumi- the hunter who bears his mark. He tells Jinu he has no control over her. Jinu remains curious, telling him that he can find out her shame and use it against her to bring the Hunters down.Â
Then, Gwi Maâs flames rise. The tension in the air thickens as the four other boys on the ground below are brought to stand next to Jinu before the Demon King.
âHowever, I sense that youâve lost your focus,â the Demon king hisses. His flames grow âand conjures a mirage image of you, asleep in bed, cheek pressed to your pillow. The boys tense at the sight of you.Â
Their anger rises. They donât like that youâre being presented to them like this- in front of all demons to see. Of course- everyone else in the Demon realm had an inkling- an idea of what you were to the five. It was unspoken, a rumor that spread throughout the years - that they had tied their ancient souls to a human hundreds of years ago. But no details of that pact had been known. And now, the boys were livid as every demon knew your face.
Abby grit his teeth, immediately standing and stepping forward. He didnât want any other demons seeing you, gazing at what was his. âDonât-!â
Jinu grabbed his shoulder back, willing his friend to calm down, even though he was struggling to contain his own anger.Â
âThat girl... is she going to be a problem? A⊠distraction?â His voice was teasing. A sickeningly playful tone meant to mock them.
The boys bristle, their jaws clenched as they see the demon kingâs image of you. You- who was so precious to them. Jinu steps forward, eyes hard. âShe is ours. You made it so. The pact cannot be undone.â
Gwi Maâs image of you faded and the boys all visibly relaxed, though still tense.
Gwi Ma spoke once again, voice teasing. âYou remember, donât you, Jinu? How you came crawling to me, weeping like a child the moment she died in your arms.â
Jinuâs eyes widened, haunted at the memory.
Gwi Ma continued. âYou begged me to bring her back. But I gave you something better.
A deal.
Bind four others to her soul. Trap their power. Anchor her across lifetimesâand Iâd let her return.
And you did it.
You found them. Broken little things. Monsters like you. You forced the bond. You made her the center of your madness.
You cursed her to be wanted. Needed. Torn apart by obsession.
All for what?
To share her?
To watch her slip through your fingers again and again?â
The boys visibly grew more tense with every word he uttered. Romance grit his teeth, and Babyâs nails dug so deep into his palms they began to bleed again. They were monsters who desperately clung to the only light they had. Demons who tainted the purest thing they had ever laid eyes on. The guilt. The shame. All weigh heavy on their hearts, but not as heavy as their deep desire for you.Â
Gwi Ma continued. âNo matter how close she gets⊠sheâll never truly be yours.
But if you succeedâif you finish what I told you toâmaybe Iâll give her to you.
All of you.
For good.â
Their heads snapped up at that. Disbelief and false hope gleaming in their yellow demon eyes.Â
Gwi Maâs flames shift to a smile as he saw their non-subtle desperation. âThen hereâs my offer.â
âSucceed. Harvest the souls before the Honmoon seals, bring down the hunters. Do your job. And Iâll let her live.â
âFail⊠and I rip her from the cycle. Sheâll never be reborn again.â
The boys snap their heads up. Shock, desperation, and fury ablaze on their faces. He wouldnât dare. The boys donât speak. But silent thoughts race through their heads. They wouldnât have to wait centuries for you? All the endless years of loneliness and suffering⊠if they succeeded, theyâd be gone. And you would be theirs. Fully. No more dying, no more waiting. Theirs, for all eternity.Â
The offer was weighing heavy in their minds. But it wasnât even a question. How far would they go to have you? The answer was that there were no limits. No lines they wouldnât cross. No world they wouldnât burn to keep you.
They just kneel, a silent agreement.Â
Theyâve waited centuries. They can wait a little longer.
But this time, they wonât just protect you.
Theyâll possess you.
ââââââââââ â ââââââââââ
The boys apparated back to their apartment in silence.
No music. No lights. Just the faint, cold glow of Seoulâs skyline spilling through the penthouse glass like a wound that never closed.
They didnât speak. They couldnât. The memory of Gwi Maâs offer still echoed like ash in their throats. The price was steep, yesâbut the reward?
You. Untouched by his claws. Unwatched. Unmanipulated. Free.
If they could ensure your soul was yoursâand theirsâforever⊠they would pay that price a thousand times over. So they agreed. Without hesitation. Without question. Now they sat in the dark, five demons and the shape of a girl in their hearts.
It was Abby who cracked first. âShe looked cold,â he muttered.
His elbows rested on his knees, large hands clenched together so tightly the skin over his knuckles had gone pale. He wasnât looking at the others. Just the floor. Somewhere past it. Somewhere where you had been.
âShe looked cold in that vision. Like she hadnât been held in years.â He swallowed thickly. âIâd keep her warm. Sheâd never feel cold again. Not even for a second.â His voice broke near the end.
âShe shouldâve been with us.â Romance was standing by the tall windows, framed in moonlight, arms crossed tight like he was holding his chest together. âShe doesnât even remember us,â he said softly. âWeâre strangers again.â
He tried to sound nonchalantâbut his voice cracked on âagainâ.
Baby didnât move from the couch. His legs were crossed, jaw tight, nails digging crescent moons into his thigh. âThen we make her remember.â He looked up. Eyes black.
âTie her down if we have to.â
No one told him to take it back. Because all of them had thought it.
From the corner, curled on a throw blanket like a resting animal, Mystery breathed out a long, aching sigh. He was clutching something close to his chest. Your scarf. One from a lifetime ago. The threadbare edges frayed, carrying a scent only he still recognized. Heâd stolen it then, kept it hidden through each century. He never let it burn.
âShe cried last night,â he whispered. The room went still. âI felt it.â
They turned.
âShe misses us,â he said. His voice was too soft for the size of his pain. âEven if she doesnât know why. Even if her brain doesnât rememberâher soul does. She sees us in dreams. She reaches out.â
No one doubted him. Mystery had always been the tether. The first to feel you across lives. The first to know. He curled tighter around the scarf like it could bring you back. âShe reaches,â he whispered. âBut weâre not there.â
Silence again.
Then Jinu stood. The weight of four centuries in every breath he took. He moved like a monarch of griefâshoulders squared, spine straight, eyes dark and steady.
âWe need a plan,â he said. The words dropped like stone. âNo chaos. No claiming. Not yet.â His gaze passed over each of them, firm.
âWe woo her. Win her. Make her feel safe.â
Abby let out a bitter snarl. âI donât want to pretend. I want to take her.â
Jinuâs jaw tensed.
âSo do I,â he said. âBut not if it means she runs. Not if she thinks weâre monsters.â
âAre we not?â Baby asked coldly. But it wasnât really a challenge. It was despair.
âWeâre hers,â Jinu replied. âThatâs all that matters.â
The silence that followed wasnât emptyâit was thick with agreement. Each boy looked down. And one by one, they nodded. For now, theyâd wait. But not forever.
You would remember.
You would come back.
And when you didâ Youâd never be allowed to leave again.
ââââââââââ â ââââââââââ
You didnât know why you were out this late.
You told yourself it was for a snack. The cold night air. The glow of convenience store signs. But the truth was burrowed beneath your ribsâtight, restless, and waiting. Something inside you itched, tugged. Like an invisible string pulling you down familiar streets.
You turned the corner and froze.
âY/N?â
A voice. Soft, velvety, soaked in a sadness you didnât understand. You looked up.
Jinu.
Standing beneath a flickering streetlight like a secret carved out of the night. Hoodie loose over his frame. Hair tousled, moonlight catching in the strands. His eyes locked with yours.Â
Your breath caught.
He took a step forward, hands raised slightlyâlike approaching a wounded animal. âDidnât mean to scare you,â he said gently. âI just⊠recognized you.â
Recognized? Your heart began to pound. Hard. âHow do you know my name?â you asked.
Jinu smiled. But it wasnât cocky or flirty. It was aching. âBecause itâs the only name that ever mattered to me.â
And thatâs when it happened. A flicker behind your eyes. Noâit wasnât a flicker.
It was a memory. A feeling. A lifetime cracking through your skull like thunder.
You saw him.
Not here. Not in this hoodie, not on this street. But in crimson silk beneath a palace moon. A hanbok embroidered in gold, eyes lined with kohl. He reached for you across a garden of foxglove. Your name spilled from his lips like scripture.
And thenâ
âY/N.â
Another voice. Close. Too close. Romance stepped beside you, holding a book. One from your wishlist. The exact one youâd looked at two days ago online and never bought.
You took it in trembling hands. His voice dropped to a murmur. âBecause Iâve been whispering it for hundreds of years.â
The world spun.
Another vision. His fingers on yours. A past version of you, crying. Him kissing your knuckles in the candlelight.
âBecause Iâve never stopped saying it,â Abby said now, appearing at your side, holdingâ Your scarf. The one that went missing days ago. âEven when you werenât alive to hear it.â
FLASH. There was blood on his hands. A blade meant for you. Abby standing between it and your body, screaming your name.
Your knees went weak. You staggered. The breath in your lungs turned jagged.Â
A gentle touch. Behind you.
Mystery. Quiet. Wide-eyed. Fingertips brushing the sleeve of your coat like he was afraid youâd dissolve.
âIâve known your name longer than you have,â he whispered.
You blinkedâ
And you were in the mountains. Your hands small. Younger. A fox curled against your legs. You were humming. He was warm. It wasnât possible. It wasnât real. It couldnât be.
Across the streetâ Baby. Still. Watching. Eyes black as obsidian. And thenâ
The fire.
A palace burning. Bodies. You, screaming. Baby dragging corpses away with one hand while shielding you with the other.
You gasped. Your vision blurred. Your hands shook. You didnât know if you were crying. But you felt like you were breaking.
Romance reached out, arm around your shoulders, steadying your frame.
âSheâs remembering,â Mystery said, voice trembling. âSheâs starting to remember.â
You didnât hear them clearly. Your ears rang. Your body pulsed like a struck bell. Romanceâs forehead pressed to yours, voice like velvet and ashes. âWe missed you,â he breathed. âSo much it drove us mad.â
Abby was pacing now, unable to stay still. His eyes burned. âYou smell like home,â he choked. âI forgot what that felt like.â
Baby hadnât moved, but he looked like he might lunge. His fists were clenched. His shoulders tight. His jaw locked.
His eyes were nothing but shadow.
He wanted you.
Jinu stepped forward, palm raised like a commandment. âStop,â he said. Sharp. Firm. âSheâs scared.â
He was right. You were. Tears blurred your eyes. The world spun again. âWho⊠who are you?â you asked, barely a whisper. âWhat do you want from me?â
Abby took one step. âWeâre yours,â he said, voice low.
Jinu caught his arm. âAbbyââ
âYou were ours,â Romance added, lips brushing your temple. âYou will be again.â
âNoâno, this isnât realâthis canât beââ You backed up. âYouâre crazy.â
You looked into their eyes for the first time. And your blood ran cold.Â
Not human.
They were glowing. Amber. Topaz. Garnet. Glasses of gold and rage and want.Â
You didnât thinkâyou ran. Your footsteps slammed into the alleyway pavement. Breath heaving. Vision swimming. You ran like your soul was on fire.
And behind youâ They didnât follow.
They stood, the five of them, like statues in mourning. Longing. Rage. Grief. Hunger.
Mystery whimpered once.
Babyâs fists dripped blood from his own grip.
âWe scared her,â Jinu muttered, teeth grit. Shame painting his face. âWe were supposed to make her feel safe.â His voice was raw.
âShe looked at us like we were monsters.â Abby slammed a fist into the wall. âShe didnât even recognize me.âÂ
Romance still watched the alleyâs end where your shadow had vanished. His lips curled into something bittersweet. âNot yet,â he said. âBut she will.â
The other boys turned. He smiled wider. Devastating. Determined. âNow?â
His voice dropped.
âWe seduce her.â
ââââââââââ â ââââââââââ
You donât remember getting home. One moment you were running. The next, your apartment door slammed shut behind you. You locked it. Bolted it. Double-checked it.
Then you fell.
Not gracefullyâlike a collapse, like a marionette whose strings had been severed. Youâre curled on the floor now, your fingers tangled in the hem of your clothes, your back pressed to the side of the bed. Shaking. Silent. Your chest is heaving, but the air doesnât reach your lungs. Youâre not crying because youâre sad.
Youâre crying because youâre losing your mind. Every time you close your eyes⊠theyâre there.
Jinu in royal silk, kneeling in the blood-soaked courtyard of a Joseon palaceâhis eyes hollow, your lifeless hand in his lap.
Romance cradling your head by a lake turned black from poisonâscreaming into your mouth like he could breathe life back into you.
Abby roaring over a field of corpsesâhis armor cracked, clutching you as smoke swallowed the sky.
Mystery baring his fangs at priests dragging you awayâhis form shifting between beast and boy, voice howling your name like a prayer.
And Babyâoh god.
Baby in a burning chamber, crawling toward your corpse through ash. His smile was carved wrong, twitching, shatteredâhis arms cradling your body like a doll as fire devoured the world around him.
You cover your ears. You curl tighter. Your bones ache. âThese arenât mine,â you whisper. âThey arenât mineââ
But they feel like they are.
The grief. The rage. The longing. The love. Too much love. It presses against your ribs like a dam waiting to crack. And deepâdeepâwithin your chest⊠something stirs. Something ancient. Something hungry.
You drag yourself under the blankets. Trembling. Numb. You donât sleep. Sleep claims you.
And you never hear the figures outside your window. Five of them. Silent on the balcony.
Jinuâs hand is on the glass, forehead pressed lightly to the cold. His eyes are shut, breath fogging the surface. He had to see you. Just once more. Even if it killed him.
Romance stands beside him, one hand in his coat pocket, the other pressed to his lips like he might say somethingâbut doesnât. He just watches. Unblinking.
Abby paces behind them, boots scuffing against concrete. Every noise inside your room makes his head whip toward the door. He wants to kick it down. Drag you into his arms. Keep you warm. Keep you close.
Mystery is curled beside the potted plants. His ears twitch. His claws dig into the concrete. He hears your breathing. He knows when your sleep shifts. He knows youâre dreaming.
And Babyâ Baby stands furthest from the glass. He doesn't move.Just stares at your sleeping form through the sheer curtain. His eyes are too wide. His hands are in his pockets, but the blood dripping from them gives him away. He clenches his jaw. He had wanted to go after you. To hold you. To punish anyone who scared you. But Jinu made them promise.
No chaos. Not yet. They all told themselves they were here to make sure you got home safe. But deep down, none of them believed that. They were here because they needed to see you one last time. Because you were in their veins now.
Because the bond was waking.
And soonâyouâd be theirs again.
âââââââââ àŒșđàŒ» âââââââââ Author's note: Let me know if you guys enjoyed this? I plan to expand more into the backstories as their relationship develops. I've got characterizations up just for a teaser that I might post tonight. :) With love,Willa x.
if you're black, reblog this
canât risk it
THIS PIECE OF PICTURE WORKS.Â
Gotta take all the chancesâŠ..
Never risk it
Too close to finalâs week
I could use it.
Why not, spread the luck
Could use some of that. Why not? :)
The Money Tubbs only comes around every 5628 seconds. Reblog the Money Tubbs and youâll find money!
Bitttchhh the last time I reblogged some bullshit like this I booked a 2k 30minute shoot lmao
I received 2k 2 days after reblogging thisÂ
Undoing Fate
neglected to regressor batsis! reader x platonic batfam
what if after 20 years of neglect from your family full of vigilantes, you face an unfortunate death, only to find yourself regressed back to when you were 16?
‷ lots of emotional neglect, reader was batgirl, reader was a tryhard and an overachiever, reader had no social life in her first life, mentions of drugs, mentions of human trafficking, mentions of death, regression themes, toxic and unhealthy relationships, dysfunctional family, toxic mentalities, reader and everyone else needs therapyâŠ, canon divergence, major character death(s) | tba | based on this
‷ info! (background) 1 | 2 | read this first to understand the plot and each batfam better :)
‷ art!!! 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
‷ if youâre bored m.list
00 | And she cried over nothing
01 | Sixteen again
02 | A quitter? | ?
03 | Everything is awesomeâŠ
04 | Until itâs not | .
05 | Untouched memories
06 | Another suffocating day
07 | â (8/2)
08 |
taglist is closedâŒïž
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EVERYTHING IS CLICKING FOR ME Y'ALL!!! *à©â©â§âË
The only post you'll ever need for LOA. Literally.
It's so easy to manifest literally so easy once you do this. JUST SIT BACK AND RELAX, BE IN RECIVING MODE INSTEAD OF CONSTANTLY FEELING LIKE YOU HAVE TO DO SOMETHING. Yes sometimes it can be hard when you feel panic that you have to manifest as fast as possible but trust me once you TRUST, it'll all fall into your lap at the snap of a finger! Literally. You'll even feel better and happy instead of worrying and feel like waiting forever. The universe/god/your higher self, whatever you believe in is telling you or teaching you that the way isn't through worry, stress, pain, suffering. The way is through ease, love, trust. Once you understand this you'll ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS be able to manifest without any effort. Yes, no need for that 21 days challenge, no need to set a reminder for every hour to affirm, no need to try hard to visualise every teeny tiny detail. Just have this inner knowing and relax. That's the cheat code. How easy is that? You literally have the cheat code and it doesn't require ANY effort outside and the most minimal effort inside.
Now let me explain all the manifestation techniques in more detail.
Every manifestation technique has one goal:
Think about any technique. Affirming, visualising, scripting,etc. All of these are for what? To remind you, you have your desire. YES not to get something. That's why Neville said feel it real is very powerful technique. Cuz that's what happens when we receive something right. But what we do in loa is we feel it rn and get it rn, and because the 3d is in the past, yes it's our past assumptions, that's why we say it's not real. So when we feel it real we already have our desire in the present, but the 3d is not in the present. So don't react to it. Just remember that. And after a few days of having our desire we don't get THAT excited, do we? So when you think about it again you don't have to feel anything or do anything cuz you already have it. AND THEN WE JUST SIT BACK AND RELAX. Again the same conclusion. Cuz that's it!
ALL YOU NEED TO EVER DO:
Decide what you want. And feel having it.
Remind yourself that you have ___ either saying it in your head, writing it down, etc
RELAX. SIT TF BACK. YES YOU DON'T NEED TO DO ANYTHING.
Whenever you think about ___ always remember you have it. And think naturally. How would you think having ___ cuz you do now.
Remember the 3d is a product of your past assumptions. Just like how we see the stars 8 years later of their actual form. Just like it takes 8 minutes for sunlight to reach the earth. If you remember this you won't ask "where it is" you know it is here. And yes u can manifest Shifting too.
Allow it to come to you. I don't chase i attract.
Yes that's what it means. And I am the living proof for that đđ đ»âš I am literally living my dream life and bestie you are too. That's all you need to manifest (aka yourself). It's very simple but if you have any questions feel free to comment and keep me updated on your manifestation journey and success stories cuz I'd love to read them and know if my post helped you đ€đ„ (atleast you can do that for me, right? ;p)
Love, ... redkittyjellyfish? Wait i need to change my user name đ (ps. I changed my user from redkittyjellyfish - Krystella-Shifts (â äșșâ  â âąÍâ áŽâ âąÍâ ) )
â§ïœ„ïŸ: *â§ïœ„ïŸ:*â§ïœ„ïŸ: *â§ïœ„ïŸ:*â§ïœ„ïŸ: *â§ïœ„ïŸ:*â§ïœ„ïŸ: *â§ïœ„ïŸ:*â§ïœ„ïŸ: *â§ïœ„ïŸ:*
stop worrying
i manifested majority of my dream life in 3 months, simply because i stopped worrying. i stopped asking "how" or "when", i stopped wondering if i needed to take extra steps or if i needed to put in work. i stopped worrying about if i was doing the right methods or if the process was happening. i stopped asking and started doing; started affirming daily, reminding myself, stopped wavering, interrupted negative thoughts immediately during occurance and replaced them with positive ones.
i used to have no path in life, i didn't have a job, friends, a relationship, wasn't in school, depressed, struggling with an eating disorder. i was literally living the staple life that most people would absolutely dread.
i switched the entirety of my purpose around simply by telling myself otherwise. i rejected what others told me what my "reality" and replaced it with what i truly wanted. within 3 months, i was socializing more than i had in the last 3 years. i was getting opportunities i used to dream about.
and remember, it only took me 3 months because that's how long i choose for it to take. there were times where i would say "this will come next week" instead of "this will come within 0.00001 seconds". therefore, i got my results by next week instead of instantly. you choose your time period.










