↷✦; w e l c o m e ❞

“Well...”

Jin-ah rushed back through, cloth in hand.  “What happened, Jinwoo? How is this even possible?” She folded and pressed it to her mom’s forehead with sweet care.

“It’s mom’s eternal slumber disease.” He said your name gently, to ease her into it. “She had it too, but I think it’s some sort of new variant, and even the doctors thought she died.”

Jinwoo had a point, you’d never even thought of that as an explanation. You recalled eternal slumber disease, what it took from families. Maybe that’s exactly what it was.

“I was just sleeping.” You said without thinking, stepping into the conversation. “I’m sorry for worrying everyone, it wasn’t my intention.”

She rushed over to hug you, arms wrapped tight around your neck. But she paused, brows furrowed at her brother. “Hang on, I thought it was non-hunters that got that?”

He shrugged with a shake of his head. “Like I said, it’s a new variant. Don’t tell anyone about it though, the doctors wanted to keep it quiet because they didn’t want to scare anyone until they know more about it.”

Jinwoo’s aura became so erratic when he lied, it came so easily to him. How?

“Oh, goodness…” Before you could pull apart a side of him you weren’t well acquainted with yet, Jinwoo’s mother came too. “Jinwoo, what’s going on? How is this happening?”

Her eyes were on you the entire time, wider that usual and feeling her way over to touch you. You took her hand and wrapped you own around it, squeezing tighter so she knew you were really there and not a figment of a joint imagination.

“Mom, she’s alive.” Jinwoo smiled softly. “She was alive this whole time, she was just sleeping, like you were… I managed to bring her back. She’s alright now, everything is going to be okay, mom.”

“That’s… That’s wonderful. Oh, that is a miracle. And the babies.” The twins were still sleeping, lulling about in a calm silence despite the utter panic.

“We’re all a family, mom.”

“All together.” Jinwoo pulled you close.

You didn’t dare explain how you were murdered, how the twins brought you back and the isolated manhunt for the doctor. Not to Jinwoo’s family, it was too explicit, too gruesome.

“So when did you get back?” Jin-ah had wandered over to the stroller, looking at the twins with all the love an aunt could have.

But how could you say you’d been back over a week?

“Only since…” The answer suddenly became blank.

“Two days.” Jinwoo added, saving your empty mind from destroying itself. “I tried calling yesterday, mom, but I couldn’t get through. Today as well, it’s why we came over.”

His mom stroked his cheek, her wide eyes not matching her actions. “Oh, sweetheart, we were out- and you did this all on your own. I’m so sorry-”

“It’s fine. We’re here, that’s the main thing. And… we wanted to see you, because we’ll be travelling soon. We’ll be out with the twins for a while, so we wanted to see you before we left.”

Ah yes, the trip you and Jinwoo were planning on taking to Japan should the doctor flee there before you and Jinwoo could find her.

“You’re leaving? After all that happened? We’ve only just got back together.” Jin-ah came away from the stroller, her expression confused. She rested on the arm of the sofa, arms folded like a disappointed parent after curfew.

“Yeah…” Jinwoo rubbed his neck. “About that too… There’s some other news I want you to know before it becomes the news.”

Jinwoo’s mom sat up, pulling the cold cloth away from her forehead. “Oh no, what is it?”

The big news aside from how you were walking around right now. Something not so sudden, yet it crept up on you in the form of how a nightmare ripped you from sleep. But this was more of a dream, a safe one with the unsatisfactory after burn jolting awake. 

“I’ll going to take Chairman Go’s place in the association. He’s retiring.”

“You’re- wait. You are going to be chairman, big brother?!” Jin-ah pulled out her phone, tapping away with excitement.

Jinwoo reached out to her. “Don’t tell any of your friends, Jin-ah.”

“How- Oh, it doesn’t matter, this is brilliant news.” His mom sat up properly, pulling her son into a proud embrace. “Your family is all together and now you have somewhere safe to work instead of going through all of those dangerous gates.”

“Yeah, it’s a big leap, everything happening recently has been challenging, but It’ll be a nice change of pace.”

Her smile remained, but became drowned in her own tears. “I’m so proud of you two, pushing through alongside each other, after everything.” She hugged you next, stroking your hair. “I’m so happy to see you, to have my daughter back.”

“Thanks mom.”

You and Jinwoo sat there by the sofa, bathing in the love of family and warmth before what was coming. The chairman’s event, and finding the doctor. With each moment you spent with Jinwoo and the twins, it was something you couldn’t claw back when she was out there somewhere cowering away.

Murderous bitch. 

Being in a house so full of love made the world seem that little bit brighter. When Min-ho and Jun-hee woke up, they cooed and nuzzled into their aunt and grandmother for the remainder of the visit. 

A little slice of heaven that you and Jinwoo dozed off into.

And when you and he woke up, you both left with more positivity, happily trudging back to the apartment, yawning.

“Do you think they twins will go back off so we can sleep a little more? I thought I’d feel better after a nap, but it just made me more sleepy.”

Jinwoo stretched his arms above his head and reached for the apartment key. “I know, I could sleep all day now, but it went better than I thought it would go today-“

“Oh my god!” Neither of you even heard the door to Hae-in and Jong-in’s apartment open.

So much for easing them into things like you had planned today. They were the next people on your list to talk to, to let know that you were alive. It seemed like fate rushed things.

“Shit…” Jinwoo gripped his keys, not knowing where to look. “Hey there, Hae-in.”

She stuttered over her self, baby in her arms sound asleep. “You’re- she- But how did- Jong-in!”

Jinwoo huffed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Don’t call him out here-”

“What is it?” He froze, staring at you immediately as soon as he peered through the door. “You’re…”

“Sorry. I, uh…” You couldn’t explain this away as eternal sleep. “Come inside, we can talk there.”

It was all you could say, going as far to take the keys from Jinwoo and unlock the door yourself to settle the twins inside before they were due their next feed. You listened out if Have-in and Jong-in followed you, which they did. Both of them kept just shy of the front door in the hallway, walking at you as if you’d taken ghost form, or something of a monstrosity.

“Sorry we haven’t said anything, it’s all been pretty hectic, we were actually coming to see you today to tell you.”

Jinwoo’s aura remained at a baseline as he paced a little, scratching his head at the uncomfortable topic of talking with those who really knew you had died.

“You’re alive. But I saw you dead. How did-” Hae-in couldn’t continue, swaying her baby instinctively despite her hesitation.

You nodded towards your babies. “They did.”

“How?”

Jinwoo shrugged, there was no sure way to definitively prove what happened. “We aren't sure, it could be to do with their aura, or something else.”

“Jong-in, what do you think of all this?”

Hae-in asked him quietly, looking to him for answers when he’d never outrightly said anything to your presence. His breathing was shallow, more shock at the sigh and no answers to match it.

“I don’t know…” His eyes flickered to Jinwoo, then you, then away at the floor. “I don’t know.”

You put it down to utter surprise at first, but as the conversation grew in intensity, explaining the doctor and what really happened, Jong-in seemed pretty checked out of the conversation.

His colleague just came back from the dead and all he could respond with was an ‘I don’t know’? You were compelled to question him when the conversation naturally broke after Jinwoo did most of the talking.

“Jong-in, can you help me make the tea please?”

“I don’t think-“

“Go with her.” Hae-in pushed with an empty smile. “It’s okay.”

He nodded and followed you into the kitchen, just as empty and all the more hollow. You didn’t get it one bit.

“What’s going on with you? I know this is a  massive shock, but I thought you’d say more.” You were padding back and forth without realising. “You won’t even look at me, did I do something else- do something wrong?”

Jong-in turned and kept watching Hae-in and Jinwoo on the sofa, flickering back to you but concentrating on them just as much. 

“I don’t know, I’m just thinking.” His aura flared, something was wrong.

“You’re lying. Even now, you can’t look at me.”

“What?” Now he looked at you.

“Something is going on. Why do I feel like this is more than just seeing me after… Jong-in, we were close at one point, weren’t we? It runs deeper than my death, doesn’t it?”

The bags under his eyes were evident from his lack of sleep, the baby cried a lot during the night, Hae-in’s constant yawns confirmed it. Yet, your gut was telling you something else was at play here. Jong-in was more concerned about Jinwoo and Hae-in than talking to you.

“Did something happen while I was gone?” Apart from your own death. 

“N-No.” He said, far too quickly. “Nothing. It’s fine.”

“Right… Okay.”

He nodded and abruptly left the kitchen, muttering something to Hae-in before you got within ear shot. “Let’s go Hae-in, We need to feed In-ho soon.”

Her expression twisted from content to confused. “But-”

“Let’s go.”

Jong-in took off towards the front door, murmuring something in translation to a thank you and opened it, not even waiting for Hae-in to catch up. She apologised and trailed off after him, closing the door behind her as gently as she could. And then, the apartment sat in an uncomfortable silence.

“What was that about? He wouldn’t even look at me. Did I do something wrong?”

It was entirely disheartening, lonely. Someone who supported you when you awakened just turned their back on you for no reason whatsoever. 

“I dunno.”

Jinwoo shrugged and kept looking at the front door, not at you. His aura was all over the place, practically waving a huge sign right by his head saying ‘GUILTY’. 

“What aren’t you telling me Jinwoo?”

“Nothing.”

What did he do? He must have been involved.

“Jinwoo.”

When he turned, you saw the guilt written dead across his face. “I, uh…”

He paced over to the twins, as though it would protect him from the simmering anger that was already starting to bubble under the surface, and you didn’t even know what he was about to say.

“After the twins were born, I may have told him to leave you alone after-”

“Why would you do that?”

Of course he’d do something like this. He pulled the exact same power move with Hae-in when he blurted out the pregnancy.

But this time, he didn’t babble or stammer his response, you noticed the darker shade of his personality shine through. “You want the honest truth?”

Not bad, it wasn’t dangerous. He wasn’t dangerous. However, this darker side wasn’t something you shied away from, not like you would have before.

“Of course I do.” It intrigued you.

The man had already said on separate occasions that he’d kill for you.

Where was the link?

“I didn’t want to share you with anyone- I still don’t.” He weaved on the spot, hands in his pockets to contain himself.  “I want our little family and I want to keep it that way. Letting everyone in widens the circle. I know it was selfish, I honestly didn’t think he’d actually do it, but… if we’re going to be honest, because there’s no way I could keep anything from you now- not that I want to- I don’t want anyone else who might feel anything towards you, around you, at all.” 

“That’s why he was ignoring me?” Again, this was what intrigued you. “And what do you mean by that?”

Possessiveness?

“It is. And what I mean is that you’re mine. No one else’s.”

Now he just sounded like a bratty toddler. Still, you entertained it temporarily. “That sounds possessive."

“Believe me, I don’t want to be, but I can’t help it when it comes to you… That’s the bottom line. I’m being entirely honest.” You never backed away when he approached you. “It’s why I told Jong-I’m to stay away, because I know he’s in love with you- or was, I don't really know anymore. What I do know is that I want you and our family all to myself.”

It shouldn’t of sounded as romantic as it was.

“Well talk about that later.”

Talking about it now would do nothing good between you. Jong-in didn’t want to know you because of Jinwoo’s actions. Therefore, he’d set them right and swallow his own pride whole.

He raised his brows, tucking a strand of hair out of your face. “You’re not angry?”

“Oh, I’m furious you did that, this whole situation has made me feel shitty, but we’ll talk about it after. Because I want you to go over there and tell him to ignore whatever you said, Jinwoo you can’t do that.”

In a place of great stress, you understood his frustrations and demands for the life he wanted, but it did not negate the fact that Jong-in was blatantly ignoring you now. “I get where your head was at, because in truth, I don’t want to share you with anyone either. I think I feel something like that too. But we think it, we can’t just force people to stop talking to others to make ourselves feel better.”

“Do I have to?” It wasn’t bratty or pouty, he was clearly hurt.

You should have had his corner, but this went further than the relationship.

Reassuring him was paramount, regardless. “You know nothing ever went on, right?”

He nodded, resting his hands on your arms, slowly rubbing them to enforce himself, probably to make himself believe it. “I trust you entirely, baby. It’s him I don’t trust, because I think I really do believe he’s in love with you.”

“Jinwoo, it doesn’t matter if there’s ten people in love with me, there’s only one person I’m in love with, and he’s in this room.”

The air was stifling, but gentle. It seemed to put him at ease as he watched you, studying your expression for anything to tell him otherwise.

When you didn’t go back on your words, he accepted it.

“Fine… Alright. I’ll go over there now.”

“Thank you.” 

It was the right thing to do, to make amends on a split decision a man made during a time of stress and exhaustion. There was still time to make things right. To level the playing field before times got tougher. You and Jinwoo needed to rely on each other, no secrets, no pressures of facing things alone.

This was the start of changes to come.

Part 43 <- Part 44 -> Part 45

Thank you for reading and all of the support on this fic! ❤️ Likes, reblogs and comments are appreciated and I appreciate you all! See you next time 🤗

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DISCLAIMER - Crossposted from my AO3 - I do not own any of the characters or anything from the anime or manhwa. This is a work of fan fiction and is absolutely not representative of the views or intentions of the original creator(s).

“We’re in the process of finding her, but in the meantime, can you keep this quiet for now? There’s a lot of people who ought to know that don’t right now.” You said, adjusting yourself on the sofa, realising how much smoother this conversation had gone after Jinwoo answered the door when Baek knocked, you were foolishly standing behind him in eyesight.

“Yeah… Uh, yeah. Don’t worry about me, but you should really let Jong-in and Hae-in know. I think they’d appreciate that they aren’t living next to a ghost any more- oh shit, sorry. I didn’t mean for that to-”

“It’s alright.” How could you blame him?

“Look, I’ll go. You both probably need rest with having two little ones to look after, so I’ll go quietly. Just think about what I said, they should really know soon.”

You stood with Baek, Jinwoo followed. “We will, the Chairman and Manager Woo are coming over first. It’s important that they know.”

“I’m surprised you’ve managed to keep it this quiet. Can’t be good for either of you.”

Jinwoo got the door for him. “We just wanted time as a family first before everyone started asking questions.”

“I get that.” Baek took his jacket and slipped his arm into the sleeve. “I would too, just don’t isolate yourselves. We’re all here to help.”

“Thank you, Yoonho.”

He nodded to you and dipped out of the door, looking both ways before leaving. Jinwoo closed it and pulled you into an embrace.

“We’re going to get a lot of this soon, especially with my mom and Jin-ah. Are you ready for this? We can leave it another week-”

You pulled away first. “No, we can’t delay this much further. We have to find that doctor before she flees the country or something. She has people she knows in Japan, she could go to them.”

“I’ll ask Jin-chul when he gets here. He might have some information. If not, I’ll try finding my shadow again.””

“Okay. Maybe we can try some things together, who knows if I got an ability back, I just seem to have kept my perception for now.”

“Oh yeah.” Jinwoo pulled you close again. “High perception is an ability in itself, its still valuable to have even if you don’t have any other abilities.”

It made sense, you were lucky to have kept anything at all, but, “How can I protect our babies if I have nothing to defend us with? What if you’re out, or away somewhere and I run into a situation like before?”

Jinwoo lovingly nuzzled your nose, running his fingers through your hair. “There won’t ever be a time that Igris or Beru won’t be with you.”

“And if someone has the ability to send them away? You didn’t know they were removed when it happened, did you?"

“Then I guess I won't go anywhere without you then. No one who sends my shadows away are friends of ours. We can’t trust anybody.”

You agreed entirely, there wasn’t anyone on this planet you trusted besides the people in this apartment. “I know. Lets just take one step at a time then, hm?”

“Sure, that sounds like a plan to me- Oh, it’s the chairman.” Jinwoo let go and opened the door after it knocked, letting Chairman Go and Manager Woo see you for the first time since before you died.

“My dear. I’m truly sorry for what happened to you, but I am entirely grateful that you’re here with us right now.”

The chairman entered first, stepping closer but keeping his distance enough not to unsettle you. But by the way his aura remained as still as undisturbed water, you let him in nearer than before. Jin-chul stepped over the threshold too, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt and fiddled with his sunglasses.

“Under the circumstances, it’s regrettable what occurred, though I’m pleased to see you looking well.” His aura was well rested too.

“Please, sit. I’ll make some tea.”

Jinwoo gave you a reassuring smile, sitting down with the two men. You disappeared off into the kitchen, heating the water and waiting for the loose tea to steep. Jinwoo stepped through a few minutes later.

“Baby, they said they have no updates. I’m not sure we should listen.” He kept his voice low. “We should handle this ourselves.”

“Can you bring this in? I want to ask them some questions.”

He agreed, picking up the tray and followed behind you.

“So, Jinwoo was telling me there’s no updates. You don't know where she is?”

The Chairman nodded, taking a teacup from the tray. “While we have been searching for her, it appears her records have been wiped clean, her permanent residence was cleaned out a day before the twins birth. It had been planned for a while and not there’s no trace of her."

You observed the Chairman eagerly, not listening to his words so much, but his aura. It remained still, unused. Any time he talked, it remained that way. You noticed the same thing with Jinwoo’s aura when he was calm, and telling the truth. When he tried hiding something however, it flared like hundreds of little flames flickering away in a light breeze.

An idea came to mind.

“Can you tell me a lie please, Chairman?”

“What are you getting at, exactly?” Jin-chul stepped in, setting his own teacup down on the table.

“Can he tell me a lie.” Crossed legs, more confident than you actually were. “I’ll ask you too, but I want to see the Chairman do it first.”

“Why would Chairman Go lie-”

The Chairman silenced him. “As you wish… I am really thirty-four years of age, currently sitting in a cafe by the Banpo bridge.”

You saw it, just a flicker of a well executed lie. “Hm… another one. Did you intend on taking our babies away when you announced my pregnancy to the press? That you wanted Jinwoo to pair with someone else?”

It came out faster than you meant it to, but it was something you'd thought about often. The honest truth.

The Chairman thought hard about it, your eyes watered without blinking, glaring at his aura carefully.

“Yes, I wanted that, I wanted the twins… And I thought it was best that Jinwoo didn’t try with someone else and stay with you.”

His aura flared up something chronic. Both lies. Both of them?

“You’re lying.”

“I am… And the latter statement was before I came to learn that you two were in love. Again, you have my deepest apologies for trying to pull you two apart.” He sighed, keeping his eye contact to a minimum. “I really wanted the best for the association like I always have… and it seems that my term has ended. So, as promised, I’ll be issuing my statement in two days time that I am resigning as Chairman and naming Jinwoo Sung as my successor. I trust this will disrupt any doubt you two might have about myself and Manager Woo?”

“It will.” Jinwoo took your hand, you watched him closely too.

His aura wasn’t still any more. He was lying.

“Jinwoo, be honest. If there’s more we can all do to help each other, then say it. But as far as the Chairman goes, he’s telling the truth. I can see his aura. I can see yours too.”

“What do you mean? Is that why you keep looking at me funny whenever I’m being vague?”

The Chairman hummed to himself. “That can be a useful tool in the hunter profession.”

Jin-chul studied you like a science experiment. “It’s raining outside.”

Too obvious. “Lie.”

“I’m holding up three fingers behind my back.” His aura disrupted again.

“Lie.”

He moved his hand out and had his entire hand open. “Interesting… it could be increased perception, though there’s no hunter in Korea currently registered with perception that high. I wasn't even using my aura for that.”

Jinwoo scratched his head. “Not even me- come with me a second.” He pulled you up from the sofa and into the kitchen. “Watch me, and tell me when you can’t see me.”

“Alright.” You watched him stand there, doing nothing. “So what are you going to do?”

“You can see me?”

“Yes, clear as day. I’m waiting for you to do whatever you were going to do.”

Jinwoo frowned, looking away right through you. “I just used my stealth skill. Baby, you shouldn’t have been able to see me- I should have at least faded a little.”

“Oh… What does that mean then?”

“It means we might have a special weapon…” He paced across the room, index finger on his chin. “We might be able to find the doctor if you have perception that high.”

“How do we do that?”

He shrugged, shaking his head. “I don’t know, but we’ll figure it out.”

“Right…” The room sat empty for a second too long. “So.., You're gonna be Chairman, huh? You still want to do that?”

Jinwoo took your hands in his, reassuring them with a squeeze. “I do. If you’re happy with that?”

It meant that Jinwoo would no longer be fighting on the front lines, traipsing off to gates and putting himself in danger like the last time. Losing his memories brought you both closer, but also tore your heart apart.

“Yeah… I’m happy with it, but it’s your choice.” That way, it was a regular job, steady income. Safe.

He led you back to the living room. “Chairman Go, I accept the position and can start immediately.”

“Perfect, then you’ll join me at the conference? I’m already making plans for a farwell party for my retirement. I hope you’ll both join us?”

Two days to tell everyone you were alive. Tall order.

“Yes. You said anyway. “We’d love to join you, Jinwoo will come to the conference too.”

You gave Jinwoo a look that he sat into, knowing that what you agreed to, he’d agree without question.

“I will, and we’ll be there, with the twins.”

The Chairman looked over in the direction of the bedroom with an endearing smile. “Of course. It would be an honour to formally meet them in a situation that isn’t so dire. It would be an honor.”

He and Jin-chul got up to announce their leave. “Thank you for the tea, but we should be off, there’s plenty of work to do before my resignation.” The Chairman extended his hand for you. “It truly is spectacular to see you here, I am grateful you’re with us. Please feel welcome to come back whenever you want, even though I won’t assume you’ll resume duties as a hunter, there are other job roles that would suit such high perception that are safe for a new mother.”

When his eyes widened, you knew he caught himself short. “Well… That will be something to discuss with Jinwoo when he takes my place. But I digress. Thank you, see you very soon.”

“Bye.” You waited for them to leave, but your gut never lied. “Is it me, or did Manager Woo seem very quiet?”

“He was.” Jinwoo closed the door a second time that day. “It’s probably because of Chairman Go’s retirement. I wouldn’t think too much into it.”

“Right.”

He smiled, leading you off towards the bedroom. “Don’t worry about it now, we can sort everything out later. Let’s tap a nap while the twins are sleeping.”

“I could do with a nap. Sounds nice, laying in your arms. It always puts me to sleep.”

Jinwoo laid down first, putting his arm out. “Me too, takes my mind of things… We still need to see my mom and Jin-ah.”

“And Hae-in and Jong-in… I don’t know how any of them will take it, makes me think someone is going to scream.”

“Probably my mother.” Jinwoo sweetly chuckled , his chest vibrating as you laid your head on it. “It hit her pretty hard. But we’ll get through it together, like we always do.”

You nuzzled his chest and relaxed. “Yeah, we have a lot to get through… Mr Chairman.”

In the dim nightlight, you and Jinwoo laughed quietly, enjoying each other's company in the little piece of heaven you called home. An untouched part of your life you wanted to remain that way. A slither of hope before things picked up.

More drama, more danger.

But you’d get through it together.

Thank you for reading and all of the support on this fic! ❤️ Likes, reblogs and comments are appreciated and I appreciate you all! See you next time 🤗

Tag list - @bubera974 @snowy-violet @sky2lar @starrynights23x @kamiliora

@yessirr7 @qmabailor @yihona-san06 @mashiromochi @daiyanomochi

@justatimidcreator @alia-17 @otomegamesforlife @m00n-estelle @towomatos

@stormnightingale @johnnysactualgf @solarisstarrsolomonsbeloved @johnnysactualgf @notleclerc

@minkuro @misakicchi @lovingyeet @soft-dots @gina239

@sabrina-senpai @tsukimoon-chan @afkmylajah @livelaughlovekuni @keiva1000

DISCLAIMER - Crossposted from my AO3 - I do not own any of the characters or anything from the anime or manhwa. This is a work of fan fiction and is absolutely not representative of the views or intentions of the original creator(s).

“Apart from today, have they given you any sign what their abilities might be?” You asked, pulling the bottle from Min-ho’s lips after he stopped drinking. “They seem so... like they’re regular babies. Even when they cry, I haven’t sensed any disturbances in their aura.”

It was true, Min-ho and Jun-hee weren’t displaying anything that could equate to a passive ability or something triggered because of a sudden emotional change.

“I know, it’s odd, even Breu said that.”

You looked up, eyes round, dewy. “Oh, Beru. Is he okay?”

Oh… Now he had to go into how terribly he treated Beru? Shit.

“Uh, he’s um, he’s fine.”

While Jinwoo had taken steps to make amends with Beru, the subject was as sore as it was twenty-four hours ago. But, Beru was trying in his own way, in a capacity that Jinwoo allowed.

“What is it?” It wasn’t exactly a question. More like a statement.

Did you just know when he was keeping things from you now? A sixth sense or something, a super power… wait. 

“Jinwoo? What happened?”

He rubbed his neck, looking away at the twins and Min-ho’s little lips pouting the way they did when you laid him over your chest to wind him.

“We sort of fell out. Well… I sort of took everything out on him-“

“Jinwoo. It was no one’s fault. No one saw it coming, why would you hurt him like that?”

You weren’t expressly telling him off, though the tone was there. Jinwoo shrugged, ready to defend himself but didn’t speak. Could weighing up an argument and excusing himself to be a person who treated Beru the way he did make the room better?

No.

“I was grieving… my judgement clouded a little while. I lost you- I just, I couldn’t-“ God, he sounded like an idiot saying it. “I lost control.”

“Have you apologised?”

“Huh?”

“Did you apologise to him? If I recall, he’s quite emotional.”

The thing was, Jinwoo hadn’t. 

Shiiiit.

“No.” Was there any point in lying? “Not yet.”

“Jinwoo.” When Min-ho coughed and settled, you slipped him back into his crib. “Please talk to him tomorrow, it’s important we’re all together on this.”

You were right. Of course you were, the subtle hint of wisdom gracing your aura told him so. From now on, he doubted you’d ever be wrong again.

“Alright, I’ll do that.”

He laid Jun-hee down too and climbed back into bed, opening out his arm to let you rest on his chest. Jinwoo never wanted to let you go, feeling your heartbeat at his fingertips over your chest in a way to know you were there.

And when you laid down, you physically relaxed. “Good, we can’t let that horrible woman tear us apart. I won’t let her.”

“We’ll find her, baby. I’ll sort everything out. I promise.”

Just thinking of that doctor made his blood boil, he counted down the seconds and minutes that collected into hours and days since she fled. You wanted to watch, to help. Jinwoo wanted to injure and torture. Sort of a perfect match, actually.

Even in the morning when he’d finally gotten some sleep, you were matching his energy. Already out of bed, in the kitchen he ran to in a worry you’d never come back to him in some cruel nightmare. You hummed to something on the radio, like you did when you were pregnant, swaying with Jun-hee in your arms and laying on your chest just like Jinwoo’s mom showed him.

Taking to motherhood so naturally, like you never even died.

“Morning- are you alright?” You paused the music, the baby still in your arms. “Jinwoo, are you okay?”

“I thought- I think, I went- You’re still here.” He kissed your forehead like it was the last time, smelling your hair and taking in the sight of your eyes and the pretty curve of your lip. “You were gone and-”

“Oh, I’m so sorry- I panicked a little when I woke up. I wanted to make you breakfast to take my mind off things… Shit, Jinwoo-”

Watching the glaze over in your eyes, he shook his head to convince himself. “N-No, it’s alright. You’re here. That’s all that matters.”

So you panicked waking up in an familiar-not-so-unfamiliar place and freaked out, huh? Jinwoo knew the feeling.

“Jinwoo, take Jun-hee.”

He took her without question, sort of on auto-pilot, staring out behind you while he realigned himself. Jun-hee’s smell calmed him, it was almost primal. A father with his newborn daughter, existing within each other's atmosphere’s.

Perhaps that was Jun-hee’s ability? Absolute calming.

“Better?” You asked, turning the radio back up just a tad. “A cuddle with daddy makes everything better, right?”

Daddy. Jinwoo still couldn’t fully invest himself in getting used to it. Too fresh, new, afraid to sink into that comfort just yet.

“I heard a cuddle from mommy is just as good.”

You smiled and embraced him, resting your head in his chest to watch Jun-hee’s eyes open. “She’s got your eyes.”

Jinwoo joined in, watching every single little detail on his daughter's face. “You think? I think she looks like you. They both do.”

Min-ho was sleeping in his little seat on the kitchen table, cheeks all chubby and pouty, socks on his tiny feet, patterned with dinosaurs in the adorable way they lounged over the edge. 

So cute.

“I don’t know though, Min-ho looks like your double. I can already tell he has your hair colour, and he pulls the same face I remember you do in your sleep.”

Jinwoo chuckled, shaking his head at the outrageous statement. “What face do I pull when I sleep?”

You pouted and furrowed your eyebrows. “Like this… all grumpy and brooding. Min-ho has the exact same face- look, see?”

Okay, he stood corrected. Min-ho did kind of look exactly like Jinwoo when he pulled the same face, right at the mirror in the morning when he washed his face. Only then did Jinwoo hear you laugh properly for the first time since your return, a wonderfully sweet sound to coat his ears with honey.

“A spitting image of his daddy.”

This morning, there was something about it, so pure that he’d been waiting for, waiting to experience. And now that he had, it was pure bliss, watching you cook something, the twins sitting on the table either sleeping or watching the low sunrise through the windows cast big, simple shapes on the wall.

Like you hadn’t disappeared for all that time.

“They’re both calm and relaxed just like their mommy, though.”

You paused, mid pancake flip, taking note of the way Jinwoo leant against the doorframe. “I think you’re more calm than I am. Remember what I was like when I was pregnant? I was an emotional mess.”

“You were beautiful. You are beautiful.”

Were you blushing, or was it just the low sun kissing your cheeks? Well, you smiled, a bonus.

“Still emotional… I was pretty grumpy a lot of the time.”

“Still beautiful.” 

Jinwoo didn’t care if you were grumpy, or telling him off with that red look over your nose and cheeks when you yelled at him. In truth, he’d take you yelling at him all the time than not having you here altogether. Any time spent with you was time worth spending.

“Come and eat breakfast, it’ll go cold if you keep staring at me like that.”

“Hm? Oh.” He hadn’t even thought for a second there that you were even paying attention.

A simple response to something he’d been doing for days after your death. Just staring at you. Watching you. Now you could react to it.

There was something funny that Jinwoo saw while eating breakfast with you again, comfort but an oddness he’d need getting used to. You sat and fed Min-ho when he woke, humming to him and rocking from side to side as he settled.

You were settling in so well, more than Jinwoo was. But he wouldn't admit that to you, not explain that he was anxious to go to the bathroom in case you disappeared out of sight, or that whenever the twins cried, he wouldn't hear your humming to settle them. Trauma was the funny thing here, when Jinwoo had so much of it to carry. He hoped that it would settle once he did everything he planned to. And in that trauma, it wasn’t just Jinwoo that felt it, it was his shadows.

Jinwoo never anticipated that Beru would react the way he did when he finally let him out to see you since the day you died.

He dropped to the floor, his hands flat on the ground at your feet in the lowest bow Jinwoo had ever seen. “My queen! I am forever grateful that you are with us once again- I am forever at your service to repay my failures!”

“Beru.” Jinwoo said, kneeling down to his level. A one off to show his… whatever he wanted to call it. “It wasn’t your fault. I’m… I’m sorry.”

“Huh?!” Beru scurried back, keeping his head low. “My lord musn’t apologise! It will take my entire life and beyond that to rectify a wrong that I can now put right! I am not worthy of such kindness, and will endeavour to keep your faith and protect the offspring of my sire and mistress forever!”

Jinwoo scratched his head, well, he apologised. What more could he do?

You sat down on the floor too, cupping the ant’s face so that he saw you. “Beru, it’s good to see you.”

“M-y lady…”

Beru didn’t pull away from you, he didn’t look away either. He let his eyes well up close to tearing, crying and wetting all over the place. Jinwoo sat on the sidelines and watched the interaction, you commanded the room indirectly, delicately like someone of regal blood or by marriage like in that silly show Beru watched.

“You did everything you could. And from what I’ve heard, you’ve been keeping my children safe. Is that true?”

For the most part. Jinwoo had been subconsciously spoon feeding Beru with little tests here and there, to bring back his emphasis on the presence the poor ant had before everything went to shit.

Subconsciously.

Or maybe something to do with Irgiris.

Either way, the ant was a snivelling mess.

“Y-yes, Mistress. I have served my master where he allows me to.”

You kissed Beru’s head, out of nowhere and left Jinwoo in a state of shock. Again, it was delicate, gentle and loving like a mother’s touch. “Good, please keep doing that. I’m so proud of you. Thank you for keeping our babies safe.”

Beru started sobbing as soon as you stood up, smoothing out your dress with the most content smile Jinwoo had ever seen. He could even sense how at ease you were when you held his hand, like an electrical current that was infectious, surging through him to put him into a state of rest too.

A little disturbing.

So content, yet wanted to watch someone in excruciating pain.

Was it the side of you that became a mother that day, did it flip that switch on inside your head, or perhaps something darker? Jinwoo couldn’t tell. Perhaps this new found ease was an ability? To be able to control the room passively, to slip into the twins routine with so little resistance it became disconcerting.

Either way, he embraced it, he embraced you.

A whole different person, yet remained the same. You knew what you were meant for. 

Jinwoo underwent his metamorphosis when you took his interest, not when the system came to him, no matter how obvious it may have become. You fell into yours the minute the twins were born, it just took a little while to find yourself again. For your soul to reunite with your body. 

And Jinwoo couldn’t get enough of it.

Part 41 <- Part 42 -> Part 43

Thank you for reading and all of the support on this fic! ❤️ Likes, reblogs and comments are appreciated and I appreciate you all! See you next time 🤗

Tag list - @bubera974 @snowy-violet @sky2lar @starrynights23x @kamiliora

@yessirr7 @qmabailor @yihona-san06 @mashiromochi @daiyanomochi

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@minkuro @misakicchi @lovingyeet @soft-dots @gina239

@sabrina-senpai @tsukimoon-chan @afkmylajah @livelaughlovekuni @keiva1000

DISCLAIMER - Crossposted from my AO3 - I do not own any of the characters or anything from the anime or manhwa. This is a work of fan fiction and is absolutely not representative of the views or intentions of the original creator(s).

There, you had to go and ask that, didn’t you? Jinwoo contemplated telling you the truth, you didn't ooze your aura out like you were thinking anything negative, his gut told him to stand down.

“No, not exactly- but the point is, the Chairman offered me the position. That means I’ll step back from fighting.”

Despite it all Jinwoo wanted to do, to level up. But if it put his family in danger doing so, well, that complicated things. He wasn’t really sure he could do both, not anymore.

But you persisted. “Not exactly? What happened, Jinwoo?”

“Uh…” Shit, shit, shit! “Well, you see…”

How the fuck could he actually bring it up that didn’t result in you either leaving him, or giving him the silent treatment until he went out of his mind? He’d gone so long without hearing your voice already, he couldn’t go through that again.

“Be honest, Jinwoo… did you hurt someone?”

Jinwoo nodded slowly, not uttering one word in hopes you’d ignore it. He couldn’t add insult to injury and actually speak.

“And they died, right?” Your face was unreadable, he couldn’t tell what the right answer was.

Again, he just nodded with caution as though he’d set you off.

“How many? I noticed some glass on the floor outside but never looked up at the windows, I don’t actually know the extent of the damage. Was it an accident, or did you actually kill someone?” You weren’t looking at him exactly, more like just past him.

And he didn’t know the right answer.

The fucking right answer is the truth, Jinwoo. Give her the truth.

“A couple of people. I was distraught when I thought I’d lost you… I’m not proud of it, they were preventing me from finding the twins. But in truth, I’d do that all over again if it meant I found them, because I might not have if I didn’t do what I did.”

You still didn't make eye contact, looking around the edge of his silhouette, still sat in his lap.

“Was it quick?”

He hesitated when you made full eye contact. “No… it wasn’t.”

Jinwoo looked away in shame, knowing deep down he’d make it even slower and more painful if time ever rewinded, he enjoyed it, that he had to deny.

“But, you’d do it again, to someone else?”

“No.” He spoke too eagerly to please you, too eagerly and it came out wrong.

You saw straight through it. “Jinwoo… we’re being honest with each other here.”

“I know…” He looked away again. “But, I don’t want- Baby, do you need to know all this?”

Cupping his cheeks, he melted into your neutral touch a borderline loving one. “I do. I think we both know that our relationship is different now. We have to be honest with each other, no matter how ugly.”

When he didn’t say anything, you kissed his lips quickly and pressed your forehead to his so you could whisper. “I waited so long to get back to you, thinking I never would. I’m not going anywhere, love. We’re getting married, we have a family, please tell me the truth.”

Would you really accept him at his worst and most depraved? He really didn’t know.

“I killed them, more than just a few, not all during the headquarters… thing. I made them suffer and enjoyed making them suffer because I lost you. I hoped it could take an ounce of the pain I was going through if I hurt someone else, but it didn't. I wasn’t whole anymore and our babies were missing. And the most twisted thing is, I'd do it again in a heartbeat for you.”

Your silence made him want to vomit, and your expression was still so plain he didn’t know what to take from it. Jinwoo watched you closely for some kind of indication, you gave him nothing, even your aura held no water to anything he learned from your behaviour thus far.

He pulled his head away from you. “Baby… say something.”

“You killed people for me.”

That was the first thing you said? Great.

Jinwoo couldn’t speak, he nodded and waited for a slap, or slew of words telling him off or that you never wanted to see him again. Telling him you’d never leave before and after he told you about his dark side were two different things.

“Would you do it again?” You asked,

“Huh?” Well, he didn’t expect that.

“I remember I asked you that once. And you said yes. So, would you do it again?”

Jinwoo was honestly speechless. There was no doubt he would massacre the entire world for you. But hearing that from you threw him off.

“Yeah… Yeah, baby, I would.”

You looked away from him, right down at your hands fiddling with the hem of his shirt. “I know it sounds like a shock hearing that from me, but I had a lot to think about while I was away. All I could do was think…”

Jinwoo knew the feeling, it must have been like sitting in limbo waiting for the plane to take off and sitting stranded. Except, the plane never took off, and you were stuck in your seat, never allowed to get up for anything.

“And… Besides thinking of you and the babies, I thought about that doctor.” Your brows furrowed slightly. “She took my life away, our life. And I want her to answer some questions I have.”

“Okay…” Well, Jinwoo’s plan was a little different to yours-

“And then I want to make her suffer as much as I can for trying to sell our children. To suffer for all the other people she must have hurt over the years. To put an end to this once and for all, then find those in Japan that want to buy our babies. I want them all to suffer, Jinwoo.”

Instantly, he knew what you were asking. You couldn’t do it yourself.

“I’ll do it. You can’t have this weight on your shoulders. There has to be one of us that has no blood on our hands.”

“No. You don’t get what I mean.” You mustered up the strength to make your expression more hardened. “I want to do it with you. I want to watch. I want to help.”

For the second time, you set him on a speechless path.

“I never thought I’d hurt a person in my life. But now that we have the most precious thing in our hands that we almost lost, I can’t stand to the side and let you deal with all of it like you have been doing. It’s just the four of us now, and you and I are the only ones who can trust the other. No one else will be there to keep us safe, and we need to set an example to those who have tried to hurt our family.”

Jinwoo’s grip on your waist firmed up to keep you close to his heart that was swelling. “You’re not… uh, you're not mad at me for what I did?”

“You were grieving, I don’t think I would have handled it any better. While it’s something I shouldn’t condone, I can’t help seeing the guilt in wanting to participate. Now that I’m a mother, I can’t leave that woman walking around out there, she’s too dangerous.”

He embraced you, nuzzled his face into the crook of your neck, inhaling your smell he missed so much. “You don’t hate me?”

If you did, he couldn’t take that.

“Why would I hate you?”

“Baby, I’m a murderer. I've killed people.”

You lifted his face to look at, wiped his soft tears from his cheeks. “And I’ve just asked you to do more of it. So what kind of person does that make me? I've changed so much-”

“You haven't changed, you're perfect. I’ll do it for you, baby. I’ll kill them all for you, you just have to say the word.”

He couldn’t get over your little chuckle, the way your chest bounced. “Let’s find the doctor first and see how that goes before we think of anyone else. We’ll find her, it might take a little time, but we will.”

How could you get any more perfect? “I love you so much.”

Your eyes were dewy, the low sun hit the back of you just right to show all the lighter shades in your hair, it was like you were never gone, just had the longest sleep ever.

“I love you too.” You kissed the wet by his eyes, and then down his cheek to his jawline. “So much it hurt- still hurts.”

Still hurts. Could you read his mind? Maybe that was your ability if you had one, your old ones vanished without a trace and perhaps the twins gave you new ones. They gave you life, they gave you another chance. Jinwoo could never do that, he’d spend the rest of his life making up for that difference.

He pulled your hair away and kissed your neck, wetting the skin as though his own tears had laid there, sensually, lovingly, forever if he could with each inch of exposed neck and shoulder he invisibly marked.

“Keep me forever, Jinwoo.” You whispered in his ear, setting every hair on his body on end, goosebumps that ached to the final acceptance of himself.

To accept his weaker self, was accepting him right now. His E-Rank self was right about one thing, taking him as he was in front of you, meant you accepted him way back then. An E-Rank, a wimp, a coward. And you still loved him as a murderer, a man with a dark side who never wanted you to see the real him.

Yet you still welcomed him.

So he told you exactly what sat on his mind. “You’re mine. You’re- I need you to be mine forever.”

“Then keep me. I’m yours, love.”

Lips locked like a fairytale, hands wandering over each other in case they disappeared from existence, so that the other could follow in another universe. Gentle, agonisingly in proximity to the gravitational pull of the other, soft words of praise and longing.

“You’re mine.”

“I’m yours.”

It never went any further than that. Not tonight. If it did, it would have undone the tension you and Jinwoo created with one another. Both being parents, learning to accept the flaws in themselves and each other, you and Jinwoo encased yourselves in so much love, raw emotion.

You were back. Jinwoo came clean about himself. It brought out the same page you and he had so desperately wanted to read simultaneously.

One week, you both agreed to one week of enjoying the time and taking back what was taken from you. To spend a week with the twins like the family you and Jinwoo should have been the day the babies came into the world.

Unless that doctor took her own life, she wasn’t going anywhere that Jinwoo wouldn’t eventually catch up with her. Even if she fled halfway across the world, Jinwoo would keep his promise. She’d be looking over her shoulder until he came right up behind her and slit her throat slow enough to watch her struggle of breath so long it would make her beg for death.

And Jinwoo wouldn’t give it to her.

He wanted to serve you justice on a silver platter. And he’d make damn sure to get what he wanted.

Part 40 <- Part 41 -> Part 42

TAG LIST RE-OPEN (The tag list is back up and open for a little while, if you'd like to be tagged, please let me know! 🤗)

Thank you for reading and all of the support on this fic! ❤️ Likes, reblogs and comments are appreciated and I appreciate you all! See you next time 🤗

Tag list - @bubera974 @snowy-violet @sky2lar @starrynights23x @kamiliora

@yessirr7 @qmabailor @yihona-san06 @mashiromochi @daiyanomochi

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@minkuro @misakicchi @lovingyeet @soft-dots @gina239

@sabrina-senpai @tsukimoon-chan @afkmylajah @livelaughlovekuni @keiva1000

DISCLAIMER - Crossposted from my AO3 - I do not own any of the characters or anything from the anime or manhwa. This is a work of fan fiction and is absolutely not representative of the views or intentions of the original creator(s).

“Don’t.” Jinwoo shook his head slowly. “Don’t blame yourself- I never should have left you there- if I just…”

“Jinwoo.” You couldn’t speak about it, not yet. “It’s okay, it wasn’t your fault.”

He rubbed his eye and softly closed the door behind you. “Did you want to take a shower- I’ll get you a towel.”

You watched him walk away towards the little built-in linen closet, pulling out your favourite towel. A peach one with silly doodles all over it.

“Wow…" You breathed. "You kept this?”

“I kept everything, right where you left it.” He handed it to you. “I wanted nothing to move from where you put it, ever.”

Min-ho stirred in his seat, taking your attention away from Jinwoo at the littlest sound. Then, Jun-hee sneezed, making you tear up all over again. Little sounds you missed and should have grown accustomed to by now.

“I’ll get them settled, come out when you’re ready.”

You didn’t move, neither did Jinwoo. It was like the other was waiting respectively for their partner to make the first move. Yet neither of you did, for the long few seconds to come.

“I’ll leave the door open.”

Jinwoo swept a strand of hair from your face, never blinking, or shying away. “Shout if you need me.”

It was a hard walk to the bathroom, turning your back on your family as though they truly would disappear in a window you couldn’t climb back through. You found yourself looking back every few steps to make sure they wouldn’t. And when you stepped foot in the bathroom, you were so alone. Like back in the dark place.

Your family didn’t exist in this room, but they did when you popped your head out and saw quick movement from the bedroom across the way. Jinwoo shushed the twins, walking back and forth against the creaks in the floorboards.

But in this bathroom, they didn’t exist.

What if I leave them again? What if this is only temporary?

Still, you managed to step foot into the shower, stopping the water every minute or so to make sure they were still existing in your world. A cry, a closed background noise from the bedroom. Anything to keep you existing in their world.

You studied the spot and black marks over your body, recalling how suddenly you woke up. The clunking came first, like an old clock, then that awful hissing from the gas, and after that was fire. While you managed to kick away the flames from the tubing in the struggle before you were physically harmed, the psychological damage was irreparable.

Fire was bad. Gas was bad. Small spaces were a very bad thing. And now, you were damaged.

There was no doubt in your mind that the knife wound you obtained would scar, yet there was no evidence of that fact on your body. Nothing, like it never happened, but it did. It appeared like your body had reverted back to before you were even pregnant.

It’s like our babies really did come off of an alien spaceship instead of from my own body. 

You expected stretch marks, full breasts and sagging skin as a reminder of where the twins came from. Though you had nothing to show for it.

Could you even breast feed them? Rely on your instincts of motherhood to know what they needed and how to give it to them? You weren’t sure you could even wake at the smallest sound to cater to their needs in the early hours of the morning.

Jinwoo had done this all by himself.

That idea set you off again, sobbing in the shower between breaks to hear out for them when the water turned off. For the remainder of your shower, you thought back to every time you heard Jinwoo’s voice, the twins crying after they had been born, various memories you wanted to hold on to forever. Something to bring positivity, though it only brought on more upset.

You really never wanted to die again. Even if it was peaceful.

By the time you climbed out of the shower, the twins were settled. You slipped into your robe from the back of the door and stepped into the bedroom. Jinwoo awkwardly stood up, and watched you get closer until you and he were toe to toe.

“I’m sorry-“ you and he both said, tripping over each other's words.

“Can I hold them now?”

“Of course. You don’t have to ask.”

You nodded and sat down on the bed, settling yourself in as Jinwoo picked Min-ho and Jun-hee one at a time into your arms.

“Hello, you two.” You were already crying. “I’m sorry that mommy was away for a little while. But I’m here now, and I’ll make sure I’ll be here for you and daddy.”

Seeing them like this, to think you would ever even entertain the possibility of allowing them near that facility was a travesty. They were beautiful, a mixture of features you and Jinwoo possessed into two perfect little humans.

Jinwoo sat next to you, he kissed your temple and sniffled into your hair while you wept. “We missed you so much.”

“I missed you both so much too. I never thought I’d get back to you, but daddy found me again. You all found me again.” You planted a kiss on each of their heads, nuzzling close and in a silence that didn’t seem so alone anymore.

It went like that for an hour at least, resting into each other inside the little protective bubble you’d made up. Comfort, just existing in each other's arms until the twins fell asleep. You fought sleep, adamant not to close your eyes just in case you went back to that place. 

“Here.” Jinwoo took Jun-hee and bundled her up in his arms before settling her down in her crib.

You followed suit with Min- ho though your gut was screaming to keep them where you could see them. What if that doctor came back and killed you all over again, or took Jinwoo by surprise and killed him too? Your children would have no one to fight their corner, disappearing off to Japan and becoming a statistic.

No, Jinwoo wouldn’t be caught off guard so easily. You could see just by how his aura was so prominent that his guard was raised all the way up, guarded and drastically aware of itself. His shadow was throbbing, acutely present and much deeper than you remembered. It not only moved with him, it trailed behind him with a micro delay.

Taking a deep breath, you got up, staring down at your babies one more time before stepping out into the hallway, Jinwoo followed close behind, shutting the door behind him. There, you and Jinwoo did nothing but look at each other, quietly, taking in the other’s face and smell.

“I never thought I’d see you again-”

“I thought I’d lost you.” 

He kissed you with desperation, wiping the tears from your cheeks with his thumbs. The emotional connection you and he shared, united you on another level. You couldn’t be any closer if you tried, even pawing at his shirt to get as physically close as possible.

“You did.” You breathed, kissing him back and slipping your fingers into his hair. “It was so cold, Jinwoo, I never want to be there again. I never want to be without you again.”

“Not while I’m around, baby. I’m never leaving you alone again. Ever. You can count on me to keep our family safe.”

You rested your head into his chest, taking in his smell properly for the first time, sobbing and sniffling. Only then did you close your eyes, keeping your feet flat on the ground here and not in that place.

"I trust you. I trust you with everything." The words just slipped out. “The doctor. She… she killed me. She took our children, Jinwoo.”

But you knew for certain he would have kept you safe had he been there.

He walked you over to the sofa, each step a waddle, holding you tight until he pulled you on to his lap. “I know… She called the other doctor, the man who was at the crematorium.”

“You do? What-”

“She knows I was there, she doesn’t know you’re alive… I know it’s hard to talk about, but can you tell me about what happened before you-” He hesitated, hovering his hands over your hips when you sat your legs either side of him. “I need to know everything. Anything that can help with getting to the bottom of things. Can you do that for me?”

Recalling it was one thing, but saying it out loud sunk your stomach into the floor. “I… I think I can.”

“I’d wait, but she knows I’m aware of her role in this. I don’t think we have much time before she cuts and runs. I have a shadow on her, but I think she has this ability that prevents them from finding her.”

“She said she was hard to find… That’s why Beru didn’t know where she was. She makes people think she has no mana, no presence, but she must be a high rank hunter to get past you.”

Jinwoo nodded, his brows furrowed so slightly while he was thinking. “So it’s definitely her ability. She’s got to be B-Rank at least, though most probably A-Rank. It’ll explain why my shadows are lost. If she can send Beru and Igris away without issue, it makes me wonder what other abilities she might have.”

You shrugged, sniffing the pain away. “I don’t know. My mana was gone, so even if she did anything, I wouldn’t have known.”

“What about now? I can see your aura again.” He said, fiddling with a strand of hair. "It's nice."

Looking at your hands, your body felt different, you were in possession of mana, but you had none of your old abilities. Well, you were still in shock that you weren’t dead anymore, your mana didn’t come into it.

“It’s here, I just don’t know what it’s doing… it doesn’t feel the same as it did.”

Jinwoo laced his fingers with yours, studying you, remembering you. “How did it bring you back? I tried so much to get you back and all I needed to do was bring the twins to see you...It must be that. The way the twins took your mana and they gave it back to you.”

The first thing you remembered was a surge of power, familiar yet foreign to your body. There were hints of Eye’s handmaiden in there, but it was muddied, chucked together with something else that emanated your own children’s mana. You saw it clear as day when you relaxed and held them in your arms, Min-ho had an aura that was a spitting image of his father, whereas Jun-hee had a different aura entirely. 

“I think maybe they were holding it for me… y’know, like how babies can give stem cells to the mother to heal their organs and…” It sort of sounded ridiculous when you said it out loud. “I mean, I read it somewhere, when I was pregnant.”

“No, that sounds like you’re on to something. I saw your mana flow right from them and into that cremator, I think it must be an ability of theirs, maybe something passive. Then you were kicking the door in. You’re stronger than you were, aren’t you?”

“I uh…” Hearing anything about that fucking hot place made your skin crawl, though you didn’t blame Jinwoo for that. “I think so, but I’m not really sure.”

He noticed your expression fall and held on to your waist to put you in the present. “I’m so sorry for putting you in there. I moved too quickly, they wouldn't let me keep you longer-”

“No. I don’t blame you. It was all her fault. I was the weak link and she- she…” You could feel every inch of that steel in your mind like it was programmed into you. “She… wanted to take the twins- her original plan was to take them and have us have another baby. She mentioned her debts, and spoke about Japan.”

“Japan?” Jinwoo asked, his aura darkening slightly.

“Yeah, and money. I think-” You didn’t want to bring yourself to even say it out loud.

Jinwoo beat you to it. “She wanted to sell them to Japan because of their S-Rank status. I knew there was something wrong with her from the twins' first scan. I just couldn’t put my finger on it. Shit.” 

You pulled his hand away from his face, hiding himself. “Don’t go blaming yourself, if this camouflage thing is her ability, then she fooled all of us, even the Chairman.”

“Oh…” Jinwoo’s face fell flat, staring straight through you. “About the chairman.”

“What? Did something happen?”

He awkwardly rubbed his neck, looking away for a second. “No… Not exactly.”

“Jinwoo.”

“I’m sort of taking his place. The Chairman’s stepping down.”

Huh? “Okay… it’s obvious I missed a lot of stuff. So before we go any further, can you clear a few things up for me?”

“Happy to, baby. Anything for you.”

Part 39 <- Part 40 -> Part 41

TAG LIST RE-OPEN (The tag list is back up and open for a little while, if you'd like to be tagged, please let me know! 🤗)

Thank you for reading and all of the support on this fic! ❤️ Likes, reblogs and comments are appreciated and I appreciate you all! See you next time 🤗

Tag list - @bubera974 @snowy-violet @sky2lar @starrynights23x @kamiliora

@yessirr7 @qmabailor @yihona-san06 @mashiromochi @daiyanomochi

@justatimidcreator @alia-17 @otomegamesforlife @m00n-estelle @towomatos

@stormnightingale @johnnysactualgf @solarisstarrsolomonsbeloved @johnnysactualgf @notleclerc

@minkuro @misakicchi @lovingyeet @soft-dots @gina239

@sabrina-senpai @tsukimoon-chan @afkmylajah @livelaughlovekuni @keiva1000

DISCLAIMER - Crossposted from my AO3 - I do not own any of the characters or anything from the anime or manhwa. This is a work of fan fiction and is absolutely not representative of the views or intentions of the original creator(s).

It was like you had never died, you shot out of the cremator and stumbled into the closest wall, gasping and screaming bloody murder. You were covered in scorch marks and soot, barefoot in the yellow summer dress that singed from the edges with a large burn mark right through it. You shivered, shaking in the heat of the room, wrapping your arms around yourself in an attempt to warm yourself. 

“C-Cold… cold… so c-cold…” Jinwoo could barely make it out.

He rubbed his eyes, thinking initially that he’d just lost it, his mind was somewhere else. But the twins were still crying, making his ears ring. “Baby… is that- is it really you? Are you hurt?”

You scrunched into a little ball, rubbing your temples against the sound of the twins cries as you fell silent. You rocked yourself back and forth, mumbling something incoherent, your eyes darting about and taking every little piece of information in.

“I… I just-” Studying your hands, they shook. “I…”

“Baby-” Jinwoo ran to you, crouching down in front while rocking the twins subconsciously. He studied your exposed skin for burn marks or injuries.

Nothing. Then, a powerful slap across his face.

"Get away from me! Where am I?"

He hissed, rubbing his cheek though never shying away when you tried it again, he caught your wrist. "Baby, you're safe. You're at the crematorium-"

"Get away from me! Oh god- they were gonna burn me?! Fucking- fuck! Why am I so cold?!”

You struggled and panicked against him, never looking him in the eye, saying words and cursing under your breath. He managed to slip his suit jacket off in shock, pulling it around you in not only an attempt to ground you, but to ground himself too. You were here so abruptly in front of him after being so still on the table, he didn’t know what to do.

"Fuck!" You never ceased your struggle, Jinwoo was afraid to hurt you.

"Y-You're okay, they didn't burn you- you were in cold storage, fuck... you're okay. You're alive."

Shock, it was a funny thing. This wasn’t at all how Jinwoo expected this day would have gone. 

“They took my... My… My babies. She took them! She-” Their cries pulled you into the present, wetting your eyes with tears and pain as you saw looked at the stroller and then at Jinwoo properly for the first time. “Jinwoo?... Jinwoo!”

Your arms found his neck and sought comfort close to his chest, you almost fell into him. It was brief, only for a second. You scrambled onto your knees and crawled in front of the stroller.

“Our babies… Oh, my god, you found them.”

At the sight of you, Min-ho and Jun-hee fell silent. Jinwoo wiped his eyes with his sleeve again, watching your reunion with the twins. You cried, sobbed into your hands and sat silently breathing until it barely evened out.

“You found them… I thought they were gone forever, that fucking bitch!” You went to pull Min-ho from the stroller and stopped, looking at your dress. “I can’t hold him, I-I can’t hold them like this.”

“We can- I mean…” His tongue tripped over his lips. “Let’s just…”

“Jinwoo.” Wiping your tears away, you crawled back over to him where he was still dumbstruck on the floor. “Jinwoo, look at me.”

When he did, he recalled just how much he loved you. Your warm eyes, same cupid’s bow, that little mole he always kissed. God, you were so fucking beautiful.

“Baby….” He cupped your cheek, rubbing his thumb over the heat of your skin he thought he’d never get to feel again. “You’re alive… I thought- I tried so hard to-”

“Let’s get out of here.” Your eyes darted around the dingy room, eyes widening at the memorial photo Jinwoo placed on the little shelf. “I don’t want to be here. My head, it's killing me. I don't know what's going on, but I need to hold my babies, I have to be in your arms or I swear I’ll go fucking crazy.”

Jinwoo kissed you, pulling you into him until he toppled over. You kissed him too, desperately grabbing at his suit jacket all wet faced. He held you firmly so that you wound't let go

“You found me.” You cried again. “I-I didn't think I’d get back to you.”

“I didn’t want to give up- I couldn’t give up. But the twins, I couldn’t-“ 

“Let’s talk it over away from this place. I-I’m really confused.”

Jinwoo nodded, still in utter disbelief that you were here, like you and he’d gone for a stroll of something and he’d just happened to forget that you were alive. A bad dream, suddenly ripping him from the nightmare he’d been living for the last few weeks.

“What’s going on? Is it done or what? I want to get out of here, I have other things I have to be getting on with.”

Jinwoo stopped, breathing heavily at that voice. It ripped him away from a moment with you he never wanted to take for granted. But who came out of the little room with an aura Jinwoo recognised, it was essential he stopped it to protect you and his babies.

When the male doctor who came over to see Jinwoo to help him regain his memories came around the corner, he was worth disrupting the moment for. His face dropped when he saw you, but not the ‘holy shit she’s alive!’ look where he would praise a miracle and everybody cheered afterwards. It was more like ‘oh shit, I’m in deep trouble!’ sort of look.

“Mr Sung… uh, I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Attending my own fiancé’s funeral? Who do you take me for?”

“I didn’t know you regained your memories.” His tone remained levelled, but his eyes were looking for anywhere to get out of this. "It's great to hear. And congratulations on the birth of your children."

“Wait here, baby. This won’t take long.” Jinwoo left you there by the stroller, sitting in his jacket while he tried his best to think of ways not to get blood on his shirt. “Let’s have a little talk, Doctor.”

“M-mr Sung-“

Jinwoo stepped over the poor unconscious man still laying sparko on the floor, he grabbed the doctor's shoulder and forced him into the little booth doors.

“Let’s have a chat.”

“W-What do you need from me?”

He closed the door behind him and threw the man onto the floor by the control panel. “Where is she?”

“Who are you-“

“Don’t playing fucking dumb with me. The woman doctor, she’s gone missing and you just miraculously turn up here on the day my girl is supposed to be cremated. Now she’s alive, you’re getting nervous.”

You said it your self, that they were gone and the mention of 'that fucking bitch'. It had to be her.

He scrambled over the floor, so unlike the first and only time Jinwoo met him. “Well, she’s been dead a while, please forgive me for reacting to something particularly impossible.”

Jinwoo crouched down and the doctor flinched, holding his hand up like it would protect him. “Where is that doctor? How are you even aware that my fiancé was dead? She informed you, didn’t she, after she killed her, right?”

“I don’t know where she is-“

“Don’t lie to me.” He got in close to his face, teeth gritted with the intimidation he clearly didn’t need. “She killed her, didn’t she?”

Now, the man’s aura was not calming, it irritated Jinwoo and made his eye twitch. You were standing just outside, alive and existing with the twins, and here he was wasting time.

“How could she have done that, your fiancé is alive-“

Jinwoo grabbed at his collar, yanking him closer. “The cremator to burn her body had just turned on! Don’t play with me.”

The doctor’s shoulders shook, was he fucking crying? “Look, I-I have nothing to do with what she had going on… she never told me anything, all I did was make sure those babies were healthy, I don’t have to be present to check-“

“What babies? Our babies? Hae-in, Jong-in’s son? What other Hunter’s babies are you making sure are healthy?” 

“I just do as I’m ordered, by the association. Coming to see you was a one off, I’m not even a psychological doctor!”

Someone was lying here.

“Who at the association gives you orders? Is it the chairman? Manager Woo?”

“N-No. Just blind instructions, the lady doctor… she gives them to me. She’s employed by the association, I’m privately contracted, I work at a hospital out of the city!”

Jinwoo sat there a minute, running over facts after fact in his head to price this puzzle together that he’d tried solving for weeks, longer if he counted all the shady going ons during your pregnancy.

When his silence deafened the room, the doctor continued. “I don’t know who did what to your fiancé. No one told me.”

Before Jinwoo could respond, the doctor’s phone went off with a notification. He snatched it from him despite his protests, a struggle that wasn’t exactly a struggle to begin with. When he opened it, he saw something that made his blood run cold. The lady doctor's name, followed by a message.

Is it finished? Has he finally broken now?

After all, in the recesses of Jinwoo’s mind, he was a cold blooded killer.

It was clear Jinwoo wouldn’t get any more information from the coward, so he did the only thing he could which came as natural to him as breathing. He started strangling him so he could watch the life drain from his eyes. He could snap his neck in an instant, but the fear was too appealing for Jinwoo to ignore.

“My wife and children are out there waiting for me. You are nothing, so why waste my time on you when all you do is lie?” 

He kicked about, trying to pry Jinwoo’s hands off of him. Each time he gasped, more air left his body. They way his eyes bulged from the sockets reminded Jinwoo of a sensation he knew all too well. He enjoyed it. Thrived off of it. Let it temporarily consume him now that you were back in his and the twins' lives.

“Dying now will make sure that you won’t be able to help that bitch again. But when I get my hands on her, she’ll suffer for as long as she stays alive. So count yourself extremely lucky.” 

Jinwoo increased the pressure and waited until his arms dropped and limped at his sides, but he never stopped until the bones in his neck snapped and crunched between his fingers.

Then the doctor he had only met once was dead.

“Your shadow’s not even worth bringing back. I can care for my children myself, I don't need your ability.”

After kicking his leg, half out of disrespect and just checking that he really was dead, Jinwoo picked up the phone and pressed the call button on the screen. He placed it to his ear and counted each ring.

Two rings, and her voice pricked his senses like a dog to a wild squirrel evading his jaws to seek safety from the tree top. It would have made his pupils dilate, raised his hackles and set off an excitement in his belly.

“Why are you calling me? We stick to messages only-” Her voice caught in her throat and paused for the longest time. Then, she called him by name.

“He can’t come to the phone right now, he’s indisposed.”

Silence.

More than just silence.

Agonising one sided anxiety and dread.

Jinwoo didn’t understand why he thought she would say something, she just put the phone down like the coward she was. At least her response solidified that she was responsible entirely.

He kept the phone in his pants pocket and slipped out of the room, snapping the door handle off in the process, tipping it out of a little open window that backed on to shrubs and overgrown nature. When he stepped out around the corner, you had calmed, watching the twins in your little sundress and Jinwoo’s jacket. Not a smile, but relief. Stability. Maybe finally you and Jinwoo could rest now.

“Let’s go home, baby.”

“I’d really like that.” You stood, walking over to him in bare feet and tears in your eyes, holding his hands so tightly so that you wouldn’t disappear again. 

“We have a lot to catch up on.”

Part 38 <- Part 39 -> Part 40

TAG LIST RE-OPEN (The tag list is back up and open for a little while, if you'd like to be tagged, please let me know! 🤗)

Thank you for reading and all of the support on this fic! ❤️ Likes, reblogs and comments are appreciated and I appreciate you all! See you next time 🤗

Tag list - @bubera974 @snowy-violet @sky2lar @starrynights23x @kamiliora

@yessirr7 @qmabailor @yihona-san06 @mashiromochi @daiyanomochi

@justatimidcreator @alia-17 @otomegamesforlife @m00n-estelle @towomatos

@stormnightingale @johnnysactualgf @solarisstarrsolomonsbeloved @johnnysactualgf @notleclerc

@minkuro @misakicchi @lovingyeet @soft-dots @gina239

@sabrina-senpai @tsukimoon-chan @afkmylajah @livelaughlovekuni @keiva1000

DISCLAIMER - Crossposted from my AO3 - I do not own any of the characters or anything from the anime or manhwa. This is a work of fan fiction and is absolutely not representative of the views or intentions of the original creator(s).

The city was already buzzing by the time (Y/n) stepped off the train.

She wore sunglasses, a light coat, and her hair tucked behind her ears, just another face in the weekend crowd. No work emails and no looming deadlines for today. Just Seoul unfolding in front of her, loud and easy.

Shops spilled out into the sidewalks: soft sweaters, overpriced candles, bookstores that smelled like glue and vanilla. She wandered with no real purpose, hands brushing fabric, skimming spines, slipping her phone in and out of her coat pocket.

She stopped for coffee at a small shop tucked between two boutiques, the kind with steamed-up windows and tiny tables. She sat by the glass and watched people pass. A couple arguing gently. A boy with headphones and too many bags. A woman laughing into her phone.

It felt like the world was intact. But something tugged at her. Like a memory without shape.

By early afternoon, her arms were full of small things ; a scarf, a new pen, an used book with the corner of the cover torn. And instead of heading home, she turned toward the public library. She hadn't planned to. She just did what her instinct told her to.

The front desk smelled like old paper and cleaner. A tired clerk waved her through. She climbed the stairs without thinking. Passed history. Fiction. Language. Stopped at a section marked ; 

HUNTER LAW AND GATE THEORY.

Her fingers drifted across the spines. Titles she'd never paid attention to: Introduction to Dungeon Manifestations. Post-Gate Urbanization. Hunter Class Rankings and Their Failures. She pulled one out and sat on the floor.

Ten pages in, she realized she wasn't reading like a civilian, she was analyzing every bits of it. A diagram of gate fluctuations looked oddly familiar... not in theory, but in shape. Like something she'd seen in a dream or a reflection or the back of her eyelids.

Her hand hovered over the page longer than it should have. Then she turned it, slowly, and kept going. She stayed for hours.

And somewhere outside, across the river, in the shadow of a tall building, Jinwoo paused mid-conversation, the hair on his arm rising faintly. No enemy nearby. No threat detected. Just... something in the air. A familiar weight.

Jinwoo was halfway through a meeting with the Association director when he stopped listening. They were discussing movement around a recent A-rank gate in Busan. Patterns. Unusual mana readings. Possible instability. Nothing urgent. Nothing dangerous.

He hadn't thought of her all day. For once, he'd managed to focus. Finally, silence, distance. He'd told himself he needed just one day. And he'd almost made it. But his thoughts kept drifting. It wasn't like him.

His attention, usually precise and surgical, had begun to slip in moments like this... in meetings, during briefings, even in combat. Not enough to be noticed. Not enough to matter. But he noticed. And each time, the thought was the same.

Her.

(Y/n). Not her name... she had none. Not really. But the way she moved. The way she looked at him like she already knew the rules of his world, and had decided to obey them for now. She hadn't shown any signs of being a threat since the dungeon.

No spike in mana. No erratic behavior. No system flag. She was living a normal life. Working. Moving through the city like a person with nothing to hide. So why did he feel like she was a gate waiting to open?

"Sung Hunter?" He blinked. The director was looking at him. "Your thoughts on deploying ahead of schedule?"

"Wait," Jinwoo said. "Two more days. I want better numbers." He stood up without waiting for a reply. The director didn't argue.

He needed air. And silence. But most of all, he needed to stop imagining the way she looked. The way her fingers had hovered over that black card he gave her. He didn't think she would call. But part of him was hoping she would.

That part unnerved him more than anything else. He walked to the edge of the Association tower and looked out over Seoul. The city was sprawling, messy, beautiful. Alive. And somewhere in it, she was sitting in a library, reading about dungeons like they were history and not instinct.

The page wasn't special. It was dry and technical, tucked near the back of the book, printed in small gray text. A diagram showed a collapsed gate sequence... one that failed to close properly.

The notes mentioned a term she hadn't seen before: Core Echo Events. (Y/n)'s eyes stopped moving.

And that's where she stopped reading. Her hand drifted to her phone. His number was there... saved without a name, like a secret she hadn't decided to keep or delete. She stared at the screen for a moment before locking it.

She had no reason to call him.

Not yet.

・・・

It had been a long day. (Y/N) didn't usually let work get to her, but something about the pacing, the emails, and the edits felt louder and heavier. She hadn't eaten since breakfast. She hadn't even noticed until the ache in her head reminded her.

She was walking home later than usual, cutting through a quieter street near the station, when the air changed. Not the weather nor the wind.

Mana.

She didn't panic. She just stopped moving. A gate had opened a block over, low rank, from the look of it. Already being cleared. A few onlookers had gathered behind barriers. She watched quietly, keeping her distance, eyes drawn to the movement.

And then she saw him.

Jinwoo, stepping out from the heart of the gate like it was nothing. The others around him were scattered... support staff, lower-rank hunters. But none of them mattered. He was alone, and walking straight toward her like he knew she'd be standing there.

"Rough day?" he asked. She gave him a tired look. "You have no idea."

He glanced over his shoulder, the dungeon sealing behind him with a low hum... then turned back. "You hungry?"

She blinked once. Thought about it. Then nodded.

They ended up at a place that didn't serve anything fancy. Plastic tables. No music. Fluorescent lights. A bowl of rice and grilled meat between them. She didn't say much at first. Neither did he.

But there was something steady in the silence. After a while, she set her chopsticks down. "Can I ask you something?" He nodded.

"I've been reading," she said. "About gates. Dungeon cores. Ranks. What happens when a gate fails to close."

"Those are rare."

"But they happen."

He didn't speak. She leaned in slightly, voice lower. "Has anyone ever seen... something stay behind? After a gate?"

"Like what?"

"Not a monster," she said. "Something else. Like a... remnant."

Jinwoo met her gaze. He didn't ask why she was asking. He didn't say yes or no. "If they did," he said carefully, "it wouldn't be in the public records."

She nodded once. Not surprised. "Thanks."

Then he looked at her differently, not suspiciously. Not gently. Just curious.

"Your turn," he said.

"For what?"

"I answered you. You owe me something." She narrowed her eyes, but not seriously. "Fine. What do you want to know?"

"Your favorite book," he said. She blinked. "That's your question?"

"You expected something worse?"

"I expected you to ask what I am."

"I already decided not to do that. So. The book?"

She hesitated, then smiled, small and tired.

"The Secret History," she said. "Because?"

"Because it's about beautiful, intelligent people hiding something terrible. But the real tragedy is that they think they're fine."

Jinwoo didn't smile. But his silence felt like agreement. They finished the meal without rush. He paid before she could argue, and he walked her to the edge of the subway station. Before leaving, she said : "I meant it. Thank you."

He didn't say you're welcome. He just nodded. And for the first time, their parting didn't feel like distance.

It felt like something was starting.

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

Note : I edited the previous parts because I realized I accidentally described y/n's appearance... sorry for those who noticed...

Taglist : @mrssylus

▶ The Fans of Huntrix

“Lady Hae-In’s my favourite! She’s the visual and lead dancer. Nobody can move like our lady!”

“Apparently, she was called {The Dancer} before finding her talent in music. Her family called her the black sheep for not following their path.”

“I don’t know why they’re still that fussy, because she’s so cool. Who else could make those awesome moves live? Even movies use stuntmen!”

“Yeah. She’s our role model.”

“She’s the best. Love her.”

“We’re here for Joohee!”

“She’s the rapper and lyricist.”

“She grew up here, in Korea! Somewhere in Busan.”

“She’s the cutest manknae.”

“But when she raps, she goes hard.”

“She gets real scary. So scary, like ‘you better watch out’ scary.”

“We love Reader!!!”

“She’s pop-star royalty and mystery!! Calling herself ‘Reader’ but the lead singer!”

“Uh-huh! She named herself ‘Reader’ cause she wanted to protect her only family member from fame, but who wouldn’t be proud of all she did? Ahhh!”

“Reader’s voice is just incredible. Like…”

“It brings us to tears!”

“Huntrix’s taking a break, and they need it, but we’re gonna miss them so much!”

▶ HUNTR/X

Up in the air, a plane flew over the stadium as the people inside enjoyed their time over snacks and chatter. Those people were none other than the trio of singers blessed with the voice of angels tasked to fight against the forces of Ashborn’s attempts to take more human souls.

“Okay, our biggest show yet. Oh, the nerves are coming.” You shivered in your seat, scrolling through your phone, smiling softly at the fans’ comments. A bag of chips was thrown in your face and fell on top of your phone. You raised your head and eyed the culprit, Hae-In pointed to the one sitting by her side looking innocent. “Oh, it’s on.”

Joohee laughed as you threw the bag at her, catching it and then opening it to shove down a mouthful. “Gotta get our energy, right, Lady Dancer?”

Hae-In sipped on her bubble tea like royalty from a cup, even using a spoon to scoop up the pearls to chew on them. “Stop with the nicknames… And yeah, definitely need our energy.”

Joohee pouted, “Come on, you called me Sunshine. The fans love the nicknames thing. Besides,” She came to your side, feeding you a chip while you gave her a look with a raised brow. “We gotta match our Reader here as well! Stage names for everyone!”

You rolled your eyes, enjoying all this chaos as you all snacked. You were the unappointed leader of the group since you were the lead singer. You three were brought together by Go Gunhee to be the Hunters protecting the world, also trained by him to fight the demons that would slip through the cracks to bring back more souls and power to Ashborn. Still, you three made quite a team.

The cool and serious Cha Hae-In always arranged the choreography for each song; her passion for it was always a marvel for you. When together, her icy nature would break and join in on the chaos, breaking free from the restrictions her family moulded her into. She was easily the caretaker of the group when the situation called for it, always remaining calm and collected. Well, in most cases.

The bubbly and outgoing Lee Joohee wrote the lyrics for each song, her mind always overflowing with ideas and words strung into lines, making songs easily when inspiration struck. She was always the extroverted one who connected your group with the fans, sometimes leaking songs or appearing in public. Not that you all minded too much, since it was done in moderation.

And then there was you. The one who sang the most and the face of the group, your voice stood out the most that you became the lead. You always found the right rhythms and pitches that fans love catching on to. You were like a nice blend of Hae-In and Joohee, never too serious and never too bubbly. Fans would have believed if you were the one taking care of the group dynamic, but you had your fair share of moments.

Your phone rang just as you all were prepared to devour your cup noodles. Turns out, your manager, Woo Jinchul was calling. You all leaned in as you answered, “Hey, Mister Bossy.”

Jinchul’s voice came over the line before you all could see his face from the video call, “Don’t call me. Argh. Stop pushing me! Give me back my phone!”

A view of the fans made you all smile, “We love you, Huntrix!!”

“We love you too.” You all waved.

“Give me that.” Jinchul finally got his phone back. His face showed up, “Where are you all? Why are you late?”

“Late?” Your head tilted while your eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“Fifty thousand fans are waiting for you three. They made signs and everything that’s hitting me.” Jinchul’s point was demonstrated when a sign indeed bonked his head then another glowstick was thrown at him. “How can you all be late? I swear, your pre-show snacking are getting cancelled next time. You can’t even show up on time.”

Joohee chuckled, not even hiding it. Hae-In and you snickered, trying your best not to laugh as respect for your poor manager. But all your attention snapped when you heard the most important detail.

“Oh no you don’t!” Joohee exclaimed. 

“No one cancels our pre-show snack.” Even Hae-In was fired up.

“Please don’t do that. We need our calories.” You tried to negotiate.

“Well, from the looks of thing, you won’t even make it to the show.” Jinchul gave you a look.

You glanced out the plane and saw that your plane was indeed flying away from your show. You glanced over to the cabin crew, one watering a plate with coffee, and another was smiling weirdly while failing to buckle in the seatbelt. You told Jinchul deadpannly, “We’ll be there in three.”

“Let’s do this.” Hae-In played on the Gate’s ripples to form her trusty long sword.

“My dangmyeon’s waiting!!” Joohee squealed as she materialized her staff.

“Oh, wait wait.” You paused the fighting, you got close to the stewardess, holding up a photo of a young boy. “Have you seen this boy in the demon world? Or, Underworld.”

▶ Shadow, The Demon Boy Band

In the Underworld, Ashborn punished the demons who were lucky to survive the plane battle with the Huntrix team. He devoured the fortunate demons with his shadows and sighed, tapping his finger on his throne’s armrest before growling at the rest of the cowering demons and beastly spirits alike, “Pathetic! Useless! All of you! This is the perfect time! Before that inferno Gate turns gold!”

The singular notes of a bipa caught everyone’s attention that even Ashborn’s gaze shifted to the individual atop a shrine gate. He played his instrument and sung, “There once was a mighty Monarch who triumphed over all.” He paused and told them, “Stop me if you’ve heard this one before.” He continued, “He was in total control. He feasted on and on. The world trembled when he walked.” 

He floated down, joining his tiger that waited for him below. In the eerie silence, the crowd of demons and beasts cleared a path for the brave being daring to step up and speak when their ruler was enraged.

“But then the Rulers came and sent him back to the depths, even blessing some humans to keep him there. Now he slaves away, judging souls, never able to feast on them for power thanks to the blessed human’s protection. The glory days were just history, whispers in the dark.” His bipa played and he sang, “And will he let that fear fade away? Is this the end of him now? Dying ruler with a crumbling crown? Will he let himself be chained up?”

Ashborn warned with a scowl, “I gave you that look and power, Jinwoo. And you dare mock me with it?”

Jinwoo stood his ground as he bowed before Ashborn, “I’m not here to mock you. I’m here to repay you for all you have done for me.” He raised his head to meet Ashborn’s gaze. “It’s time for a new strategy. We fight the Hunters where they least expect it.” Four more figures with monstrous features approached and stood behind Jinwoo, “Go after the very thing that powers the Gate.” They all took a pose, “The fans.”

“A demon boy band?” Ashborn questioned. There was a brief moment of silence that made the onlookers glance at each other nervously. Meanwhile, Jinwoo and his crew maintained their poses with all seriousness. Ashborn laughed aloud, yet none could share his humour since none knew if it was genuine or not, so all stayed quiet. “What makes you think that could work?”

At the Monarch’s suspicion, Jinwoo’s fingers snapped. He and all the other’s appearance all took on a more humane look with too much sass.

“Yeah, totally gonna work.”

“100%.”

The various Shadows and demons nodded in agreement.

Ashborn turned back to Jinwoo who was standing in the middle of the crew and being the pitcher of this idea, “Okay. I know you, Jinwoo. In all these years, you’ve never done anything to return to the human world. Always obedient, always the perfect… Shadow. What changed?”

Jinwoo grimaced. The memories of his time as a human were filled with joy and sorrow, but more so regret and ugliness since he could never see his friends and family again. If he were to live forever under Ashborn’s command, he’d rather… “My memories when I was human. I want them erased.”

Ashborn’s eyes narrowed. Humming in thought as he stared down Jinwoo, but then he relented and waved his clawed armoured hand, “Fine. As you wish. Do your part and I’ll do mine.”

▶ The Boy In the Photo

“You need to stop with that search, it’s been years.” Hae-In spoke as you all exited the elevator.

“Like 20 years? You’re 20, 30 something?” Joohee chuckled, “Wow, time sure flies.”

You sighed as you pulled out the same photo you used when you asked the demons on the plane. “But I at least want some closure, you know?”

“He your crush?” Hae-In raised a brow at you with a smirk.

“Oh, childhood friend troupe? I love those! Then there’ll be some other guy that comes along and test your love! Ooo!!” Joohee waved her fist in front of her chest at the scenarios she kept listing.

“It’s not like that… But he was a childhood friend of mine. Long before I met Chairman Go and you guys, I thought I gotten over it but…” You eyed the picture in your hand. You remembered vividly, that day when you were still a child, ignorant of the shadows and demons from the other side.

The young you and he were playing in the park when the winds picked up and a thundercloud was rolling in. You will wanted to play longer and you dragged him along as well. Then it rained, heavily. You two took shelter under a giant tree’s hole when he was burning up, likely catching a cold from the soaked clothes and the winds. He couldn’t move, so you went to get help. When you got back, he was gone. You screamed his name over and over, you weren’t even aware when demons were gunning for an ambush on you. You had awakened, then Chairman Go stepped in and protected you. You remembered crying on his back while you were carried away from that tree, your teary eyes never leaving that spot until it was gone from sight. A trick of the light, a lightning flashing, the shadows shifted.

“I need to find him or some news before we pass the baton to the next generation…” You collapsed on the giant couch. “Ughh… Couch~~”

Hae-In and Joohee shared a look before following your lead and collapsing on the couch near you, careful not to hit you or slap you.

“We still have time. And it wasn’t your fault.”

“Yeah, also, Chairman’s training them still.”

“Who’d figure the next generation of Hunters came sooner than expected?”

You hummed, your fingers relaxed, the photo slipping and falling to the ground. “We might not even need to make the Golden Gate before we leave the spotlight...”

▶ Jinu the Shadow

Your eyes opened as you sensed footsteps nearby. You looked up and saw a man staring down at you. With a jerk and wake-up call, you immediately got up and brushed away stray grass on your clothes, you glared at the man, “Why are you just staring at me?”

“I was staring at the tree.” The man deadpannedly answered, “You were just in the way.”

“You could have said something instead of staring…” You muttered. What were the chances that the only time you went to this tree that someone was interested in it as well? You’ve never seen other people walking over to the tree specifically, some walking by, but never stopping to stare at it. “I can leave you to staring at the tree then.”

The man didn’t respond.

As you walked past the man, you felt the shadows shifting that brought chills to your being. You summoned your weapon and pointed it at the man. “You’re not human.” You watched as the man turned around calmly, raising his hands in the air. You glared, “What’s your business here, demon.”

“First off, there’s a difference. Demon and Shadows.” The man used his finger to push away your weapon in his face. “Second, I’m not here to steal souls today. And third, that’s none of your business.”

You were this close to swiping the weapon in his smug face, but you were a patient and just person, so you only held onto your weapon as a warning not to try anything. “Fine. I’ll believe you just this once.”

The man rolled his eyes, “Wow, thanks.” Yet, his gaze softened when you looked around to see if anyone was near. The answer was no since he made sure of that before he approached you. “So what’s a Hunter doing here all by her lonesome?”

“None of your business.” You used his own words against him.

“Touché.” The man hummed, “I’ll tell you about Shadows and demons if you promise to answer me.”

You eyed him, “How can I trust you? You could be lying. And why don’t I just ask my trusted sources?”

The man grinned, “Perfect, you can verify with your trusted sources. Here goes.” The man continued without waiting for your agreement, “You know about the nine Monarchs from the past, how they wreaked havoc on the humans, then Ashborn betrayed them and took the throne. So, Shadows are Ashborn’s personal forces and demons are all those soldiers left behind by the other Monarchs, get it?”

“Which one are you?”

“Shadow. I’m a Shadow…” The man spoke with a solemn expression. “So why are you here? Without the rest of your group?”

“You guys, Shadows or demons, really don’t keep up with the times…” You shook your head in disappointment. How were they supposed to blend in if they did things that just screamed they weren’t human to your Hunters? “If you don’t know, Huntrix just finished our world tour, so we’re resting. Just because we’re a team doesn’t mean we stick together like glue.”

“Right…”

“Oh, since you’re from down under,” You pulled out the photo and showed it to him, “Have you seen him in the Underworld? I was told he was the one human kidnapped by Ashborn.”

The man flinched at the picture, his eyes widened. “Why… why do you want to know?”

You glanced at him, “Oh, no reason. I… I feel like I owe it up to him for being the reason he’s gone. That’s all.”

“So guilt?” A flash of sadness clouded his eyes, but you never noticed. A bitter smile on his face as he kept up appearances.

There was no reason to tell this stranger―Shadow―the real reason you wanted to search for him. “Yeah, you can put it that way. It’s really my fault.”

The man swiped the photo out of your hand and scoffed, “He looks like a baby. Weak and pathetic. Why would a talented person like you want something like him?” He leaned close, caging you against the tree. “Why not turn your attention elsewhere?”

Your temper flared as you pushed him to the ground without thinking, “Don’t say that about Jinwoo!” You pointed your weapon between his eyes, demonic and glowing from your actions, but he didn’t act out. You glared down at him, “Jinwoo’s the sweetest and kindest person ever. You don’t get to say that about him! You know nothing!”

“Huh,” The man smirked, “Well, I can say that he’s gone. No one remembers him and no one will. So why not forget him?” His hand gripped onto your weapon, “By the way, I’m Jinu.”

◈ Reader (aka ‘You’)

Playing from Kpop Demon Hunters’ HUNTR/X

You are the lead singer of the trio, also the main fighter or strategist when it came to fighting demons. Your name was more common when it came to the music and entertainment industry due to your history and family background as the child of a famous singer and songwriter. While you can do both really well, you opted to let Joohee write the lyrics with you as the editor and second opinion

Your goal as a Hunter is to maintain the Gate before the next generation of Hunters is ready to take over your team’s place and you three will step down. You are mostly anxiety of that happening sooner since Chairman Go had been updating you with their progress and it was good and smooth. You’ve met the next generation members and they were little bundles of joy that wanted to get through training to join you on stage to sing before you left. You had been using demon hunting to search for your childhood crush Sung Jinwoo who you learned was taken by Ashborn to be his successor, so you wanted to rescue him from that fate before it’s too late (it’s too late)

From young, your powers awakened the earliest and you trained the most under Chairman Go before Hae-In and Joohee joined you. Your parents dying in an accident let Chairman Go take you in and be your guardian was a good excuse for the public since you were a child of great interest to the public and media. While sadden, you learned to move on quickly when another person close to your heart was threatened, so you trained as fast and best as you could

Chairman Go informed you about Ashborn’s betrayal and takeover from the outset, including the truth about what happened with Jinwoo’s kidnapping. However, you never thought there was a difference between the demons and Shadows until Jinwoo/Jinu informed you. You confirmed it with Chairman Go and he had his reservations since he too wasn’t sure about it so he never told you voiced it as well

When Hae-In and Joohee joined, learning about that history and Jinwoo, they were your supporters through and through. They became your best girls and friends you could share everything with. This friendship and close bond helped since you all were to live together andd fight together on the battlefield. Chairman Go always expressed how relieved he was when you three ended up bonding well, since all three of you came from very different backgrounds

Your meeting with Jinu was by chance under that tree and that spot where you knew Jinwoo disappeared. You thought it was Jinwoo at first since Jinwoo disappeared when he was a kid, by now he’d be an adult like you. But with the words Jinu spoke, you got ashamed that you’d compare him with Jinwoo who was a sweetheart

◈ Cha Hae-In

Playing from Kpop Demon Hunters’ HUNTR/X

Hae-In is the one that teaches you and Joohee how to dance and the like. She arranges the dance and clothing for the group, even going as far as to the hairstyle if the mood calls for it

She came from a family of elite sports players; famous football player, runner, tennis player, etc. She was on the road to be a track star, but she had more talent in dancing. Chairman Go saw that and recruited her to be a part of HUNTR/X (and a Hunter). Her family was against it since it go against her family’s legacy, but Hae-In accepted so she was dubbed―by her family―as the black sheep

Took a while before she opened up to you and Joohee, since she thought she needed to keep up with a cool and collected persona―as it was expected of her before. But when she saw you two enjoy yourself and even childishly complaining about the littlest things, she slowly loosened up as well

◈ Lee Joohee

Playing from Kpop Demon Hunters’ HUNTR/X

Originally thought of using another character to better fit as ‘Zoey’ but then decided to just not

Joohee appears as normal as can be when compared to you and Hae-In, she does have an undermining insecurity with her spot and thinks she could be replaced. Though you and Hae-In reassured her of her place by their side as the one to right the lyrics to the songs and she was the one who raps the best, and the fans proves it

She is a chaotic ball of energy that brings out the bold side of you all. Always mediating and breaking tension with jokes and smiles

◈ Sung Jinwoo

Playing from Kpop Demon Hunters’ Saja Boys

Jinwoo is the ‘leader’ of Shadow the boy band and the unspoken successor of Ashborn, though that was not common knowledge as only Ashborn and the Shadows know about it. He and everyone else only knows he is the vessel to be sacrificed when Ashborn enters the human realm in order to wreak havoc and fest on souls to gain power

Has a bit of inferior-complex with his weaker self. Doesn’t like that side/part of him to be brought to the surface by anyone. Very insecure about that since he was mentally beaten down by Ashborn in his earlier days in the Underworld

He has been your biggest fan since your little singing performances when little and after your debut. He secretly visits the human realm to see you from time to time, even stealing phones to listen to your tracks, interviews, public greetings, and everything else in between. Even though he was punished everytime he was found out, he still continues doing that because you were his light in the darkness

Only offered to ‘change strategies’ because he overheard you complaining to thin air that you might retire soon because another group of Hunters would take the stage. He didn’t want you to disappear from the spotlight, so he proposed that plan to get close to you and confess

He isn’t aware you were searching for him all these years since every time you question the demons, he was never on-site. So when he was asked by you about his younger self, his inferiority took over and he lied about being ‘Jinu’

Beat himself up when he was alone about how he treated you. Wanted to correct it but by then it appeared as if you two were enemies and he had offended you with himself on the line. (dummy)

The enemy arc doesn’t last as long since he comes clean after the little battle in the bathhouse. He hugged you so tightly that he didn’t want to let you go and you didn’t too. From then on, he brings you to dates as much as he can

Even tried to convince you not to retire, saying that he could drag on this demon boy band distraction. Wanting to use the Idol awards to show only you (and the other two girls) can defeat him and his gang, showcasing that you (three) can’t be replaced by the next generation

You revealed to him that he wasn’t some sacrifice and that he was the next in line to be the Monarch overseeing the Underworld. Jinwoo has a moment of confusion and disbelief since nothing about the time in the Underworld pointed to that being a fact

Though, he was treasured by the Shadows, never always in front of the demons. When he was, the demons were wary and obedient to him after his transformation. Perhaps there was truth to your words. You wouldn’t be lying to him about something so important

He does question Ashborn and confirm it’s true

◈ Yoo Jinho

Not referencing to any characters of Kpop Demon Hunters

Jinho is Jinwoo’s trusty brother, a human manager and sponsor to the Shadow group

He was once an advid fan of HUNTR/X and always supporting the live shows and whatever merch was released in record time. He even has a whole room dedicated to HUNTR/X related items to showcase them all. After all, it was HUNTR/X’s music that got them through the harder times in life

In fact, he actually wanted to become the manager or at least some staff member that would cater to HUNTR/X in anyway and studied all by himself. However, seeing Woo Jinchul take the spot and serving HUNTR/X so well, he humbly backed down, thinking only the best for his idols

On one particular night (when Jinwoo was surveying the human realm after meeting you), Jinho got a bit too intoxicated since he was saddened by HUNTR/X’s little break from the tour but understand it. He was ganged up, but before his attackers could do anything, Jinwoo came in and saved him. Thinking nothing of it and wanting to repay him, Jinho invited Jinwoo into his home and told him to make himself comfortable, then he crashed

Things happened and Jinho offered to be Jinwoo’s group’s manager when he learned that Jinwoo wanted to debut with his boy band. He managed to secure a studio, a backstage team, and everything else that would guarantee Jinwoo’s group’s successful debut

Jinho and Jinwoo bonded over their shared interest and admiration to HUNTR/X and their songs, while Jinwoo never revealed his true identity, they both shared that it was HUNTR/X and their music that helped them power through the tough times

◈ Go Gunhee

Playing from Kpop Demon Hunters

The Chairman doesn’t act like Celine in the movie, but adopts a more fatherly or grandfather than spoils his grandchildren type of vibe with you and the other two girls, as well as the next generation Hunters

He never hesitates to answer your questions or inquiries, thinking that they would help you and that that was better than hiding the truth when you were fighting for the safety and prosperity of the world. Whenever you had a problem or issue, he usually advices you to seek help or step back and think a bit, never to rush in and regret later

As a human blessed by the Rulers, he can hold his own against demons and Shadows. He had long figured there was a difference between the beings that tried to take the human souls, but never could justify it. That’s why he always taught you three to only act and kill when the entities you were facing were ‘demons’ and not Shadows. Since he had some revelation that Ashborn and the Shadows had been protecting the humans in secret, hence the betrayal and takeover

He’s a bit overprotective of you since you lost your parents since young then your best friend (crush), even being pushed into a role of protecting the world and fighting off soul stealing beings. He tries to produce the next generation of Hunters quickly so that you could enjoy a life of rest and relaxation, not burdened or pressured with responsibility a young girl would never have

◈ Woo Jinchul

Playing from Kpop Demon Hunters

While not act as goofy, Jinchul is responsible and caring in his own way. He was personally recruited by Chairman Go to be HUNTR/X’s manager and knows about their real identities, but never shying away from that role requested of him. Even though he is only human with nothing special to boost himself

In a sense, he has watched you three grow as idols and band. Being the perfect person to watch over and cover for you three when Chairman Go can’t. He long gotten over with the fact of deal with all three of your chaotic natures when it came to food and celebrations that he never saw a reason for. Yet, he doesn’t stop you three but silently thanks you three for all the hard work

◈ Ashborn

Playing from Kpop Demon Hunters

While not really the villain of the story, he does portray that image to Jinwoo in order to trick him and the other demons. He had his Shadows overseeing the barrier over the Underworld to limit the demons to the human realm, he had the Shadows let demons go to the human realm to keep up with appearances, but his Shadows never step foot in the human realm, so none of the beings HUNTR/X fought and killed were Shadows (hence them not knowing the differences and Chairman Go’s subtle teachings weren’t needed)

He had been waiting for Jinwoo to act and reunite with his crush for the longest time that he made more requests for souls to speed it up. He nearly had to shout in Jinwoo’s face to stop moping around and go to the human realm. Luckily Jinwoo proposed the idea first, it was amusement at its finest since some of the top Shadows were forced invited to be in his boy band

Had 100000% enjoyed himself when Bellion, Igris, Beru, and Tusk were acting as humans singing and dancing by Jinwoo’s side

Only called Jinwoo back when he finally confessed he was really Jinwoo and not Jinu and pressured him a bit to put up a front, but mostly to hurry up with another truth. His feelings to you

His villainous persona only dropped when Jinwoo’s true identity was revealed by you and Jinwoo went to him to confirm it as truth. He immediately went to gossip mode, wanting all the details about his beloved successor’s love life―imagine a nosy father or a gossip buddy

When he meets you, already treats you like a daughter-in-law. Just has issues with Chairman Go and always headbutts him in any little thing

Extra Characters

Tusk as Derpy―Instead of a tiger, it’s a blue bear

Kaisel as Sussie―Instead of a magpie, it’s a tiny wyvern

Bellion as Abby Saja―the muscles, fight me

Igris as Romance Saja

Beru as Mystery Saja―it’s cause of his kekekekeke, like Mystery barking

Tusk as Baby Saja

Ending

No, Jinwoo won’t be sacrificing himself and Ashborn doesn’t come to the human realm

The Idol Awards happen without the drama and betrayal

Since was premiered and performed live as scheduled (it was released after Shadow debuted), the song wasn’t performed then

Song rundown during the Idol Awards: *other bands’ songs* → → → *remaining bands’s song* →

The final song was for the winner’s spot and it was revealed early on to all involved so HUNTR/X could prepare another song

Nothing major changed, but you have Jinwoo as your boyfriend and you two continue to date in secret before some fans found out and it was announced publicly. Jinwoo slowly took over as the Shadow Monarch while Ashborn assisted, you and your girls continued to kill off any demons that cause harm in the human world

The End~

Note: Haha. I fell down the rabbit hole as well... Oops... These songs have been looping in my head and playlist for a while. I kid you not, the first time I heard Jinu's name, I was like Jinwoo???? Both's like black hair and ahhh. Anyways, hope you enjoyed this~ A little imagine and dabble that I wanted to do.

𝕮𝖎𝖗𝖈𝖊 𝖄.

My Works: MASTERLIST *(regarding requests, check the Masterlist to see if it’s opened or not and other info related before sending one. Thanks.)