* TAKEDOWN.

daemin was rather good at ignoring taerae's stares, but that didn't earn him anything when it came to eating apparently -- dae practically squawking as the other stole his food. "i didn't tell you you could have any!" he said, using the entirety of his body to push the other over. he was, in fact, finished eating. but, he felt the need to defend what was still his. "what if i was saving that for later? what happened to your own? you want me to starve!"

despite dae’s retaliation, taerae barely even budged as the other forced his entire body weight against him. as quickly as he was forced away, he bounced back. “well… it seemed like a waste since you were just allowing it to sit there.” he wet his lips as his gaze shifted back toward the bowl of noodles, tempted to reach for the other’s chopsticks once more. “you won’t starve. i’m sure jinu would get you more if you wanted some. you’re acting really selfish.” his tone wasn’t confrontational, but rather devoid of any emotion, per usual. “but, suit yourself… i prefer the huntrix ramyeon anyway.”

tessa let out a soft, single laugh as she shook her head. "yeah, even impenetrable rumi can experience burn out -- who knew," she said with a playfully sarcastic roll of her eyes. "you know, it's going to take a lot more than that to get rid of me, right? nothing you could say or do could make me scared of you. and, one of these days, i'm going to take huntrix down," she teased, reaching out to pull the strings of the other's hoodie. she paused, however, and gave the other an examining look. "what's up with you, though? i get you've been working hard, but you've been kind of off. it's not even cold enough for a hoodie. are you sick?" she asked before quickly stepping forward to place a hand to rumi's forehead.

the other’s teasing was enough to cause rumi’s nose to scrunch up, always unable to hide how easily her buttons were pushed. she was supposed to be a composed and confident leader, but now she was questioning every part of herself. “what can i say? i’m not used to having people stick around me. y’know… aside from mira and zoey — and we’re kind of a package deal at this point.” a soft chuckle fell from her lips. though, at the other’s teasing bold remark, she couldn’t help but cock her side to the side in amusement. “oh yeah? i guess i’ll have to hold you to that. if there’s anyone who could take us down, it’s you. but, don’t let that go to your head.” she lifted her finger and gently tapped it against tessa’s forehead. “you certainly do a good job at keeping me on my toes.” she wet her lips as her gaze momentarily dropped towards the hands that were now playfully tugging at the strings of her hoodie. “ah, yeah… maybe.” a tiny shrug of her shoulders followed her response. “i think it’s just overall fatigue that is spread to my vocals. nothing serious enough to go to a doctor about.” it was easier to play things off, especially if it avoided tessa asking any more questions about her well-being. “i think i just need some major rest. which is why i’m going to talk to the others about a possible hiatus tomorrow.” her teeth nervously sunk into her bottom lip as she shifted from foot to foot, body language reflecting her overall anxiety levels. “i don’t want to but… i think it’s the only option.” those phony tonics certainly hadn’t helped.

stacy kept her gaze down, calculated expression on her face. she did see through it all. but, she also knew that she couldn't allow herself to get close to mira. she hadn't managed to see stacy's own true self, and she was terrified that mira wouldn't be so understanding. "it means. . . something. i don't want it to. i don't want you to mean anything to me, mira. it makes me feel sick thinking about you the way that i do," she said, hands twisting the fabric of her skirt. "i hear things sometimes," she admitted. "things that will make you wish you never showed me anything. so, it makes me feel dread knowing if i get too close to you, you'll be gone."

a look of confusion was quick to etch itself across mira’s features as her gaze remained glued to the other, her heart feeling uncharacteristically heavy in her chest. “i— would it really be so bad if i meant something to you? like the way you mean to me.” this was the closest thing to a confession she had made thus far, and it felt beyond terrifying. but, nothing felt as terrifying as the premise of rejection on stacy’s end. she took a tiny step toward the other, a glimmer of concern shining in her eyes. “you hear things…?” her lips pursed into a thin line as she allowed herself to kneel down in front of the other. “it would take a lot to scare me off, stacy. i’ve handled a lot of weird shit that you probably wouldn’t even believe.”

hajoon hadn't ever fought someone so hard to take down before, but it was fun despite the threat to his life. he couldn't stop the smile from forming on his lips -- it staying in place and only growing as he managed to push silas down as his step faltered. hajoon noticed the sight of blood and had to look, eyes widening as he noticed marking on the other's skin. demon markings. hajoon was ever more curious now, smile slipping just slightly as he processed this all. he pushed off of silas, standing over the other. "you're one of us. how are you trying to kill us when you have the marks?" he asked, slightly breathless from their fight. he should have continued the mission -- killing the hunter before he killed any more demons. but, hajoon needed answers. then, the answer dawned on him. "you can't hear him can you? you're actually free." there was a hint of astonishment and jealousy in his voice.

silas’ chest was still heaving as he laid there, trying to mentally prepare himself for whatever came next. if this was his unavoidable death, then he had already accepted that. at least he was going to die doing something that he believed in. though, as he felt the other almost scramble off of him, a look of confusion flashed across his features. he stared up at the other from his position on the ground, his mouth drying out as the other vocalized his realizations. “i—” there was no point in lying, not to a demon. “i may have marks, but i’m nothing like you. i’m not one of you.” his words were firm, almost as if he was trying to convince himself of them. he slowly pushed himself up off the ground, hand cradling his side as blood still continued to trickle from the open wound. “gwi-ma? no… i can’t hear him.” he wet his lips as he glanced away from the other. “why didn’t you strike me down when you had the chance?”

KPOP DEMON HUNTERS (2025) dir. by Maggie Kang, Chris Appelhans ↳ “Okay, this is our biggest show yet. The most songs. The most moves. Which means the most carb loading. For the fans!”

KARINA: I am a Rich Man (2025)

anita blinked a few times before tilting her head to the side, hand coming up to silence the other forcefully. "what? you think i actually like hanging out with you?" she asked, pulling a face before melting into an easy smile. "zoey, i love hanging out with you," she reassured, releasing the other. "i wouldn't travel across the whole world to find you because i thought you were too much. you left without a word and then i find out you're in a famous girl group? maybe you didn't like hanging out with me and that's why you went all no contact on me," she teased, pinching the girl's arm. anita's first crush and she became an untouchable popstar? that would be her luck, wouldn't it?

a muffled noise of surprise escaped zoey as the other’s hand pressed against her lips, forcibly silencing her. she blinked a few times, eyes wide as warmth began to creep across her cheeks. though relief was quick to wash over her from anita’s reassurance, a gentle sigh fell from her lips as the other finally allowed her hand to drop. “it is a little silly of me to question it, isn’t it?” she rubbed the back of her neck in a sheepish manner. “especially when you put in all this effort, which was totally unnecessary, by the way! next time, let me fly you out.” it was the least she could do. though, at the playful accusation, a tiny gasp escaped her and she quickly shook her head. “what!? no way! i’m just an idiot who didn’t even think to write down her former contacts when i had to turn in my old phone after debut. maybe i should invest in one of those little phone books. do you think people still use those?” she rambled, a usual default mode for the idol when she was nervous.

it was an event intended only for idols and actors, but gwi-ma didn't allow that to stop him from slipping on a fox mask very much like the one he'd worn all those years ago -- paired with an elegant silk hanbok. there was only two simple rules for the dress code: formal and a mask. and, while almost everyone chose modern formalities, gwi-ma felt most comfortable like this. this was the version of him that junyoung had cared for, the version of him worthy of a heart so great and good. and, just as he did so long ago, gwi-ma found his heart tucked away from the rest of the festivities -- away from the curious eyes that followed gwi-ma through the crowd. "hiding from your sorrows, or hiding them from everyone else?" he asked gracefully, bowing slightly. the balcony they stood on was illuminated by moonlight, giving junyoung a dreamy glow. for just a moment, gwi-ma believed he traveled back -- a chance to change what had happened.

while junyoung typically enjoyed events like these, tonight was different. all of his members were buzzing with excitement in preparation for the gala that they had been invited to, leading them to forget what today was. it shouldn’t have been too much of a surprise, he never went out of his way to make a fuss over his birthday. it was just another day to him, after all. still, he found himself caught up in his thoughts as he stood on the balcony that was adjacent to the ballroom where the event was being held. he held his mask in his hands as he stared up at the starry night sky that hung above his head. though a sudden voice brought him out of his thoughts, a curious expression etched across his features as he turned to face the other. there wasn’t a lot in this world that intrigued junyoung, but his breath hitched slightly as he took in the sight of the other. there was something about his mask and attire that stirred something inside of him — it certainly made him stand out in comparison to all the other people he had seen tonight. “a mixture of the two.” he pursed his lips slightly. “i suppose i’m not doing a very good at hiding you if you managed to find me.”

I hope that you at least have a happy ending.

clear notes rang through the small garden as jinu plucked the strings of his bipa, soft words sung and mingling in the air to create a melody only meant for jinu's ears. the night was quiet otherwise -- the rest of the inhabitants of the palace in another wing. it was hard to believe that he was invited to play here, though his heart hurt every time he thought about how he really managed it. his chords became sad and dissonant until he heard a creak of wood -- jinu jumping out of fear. however, when he registered who it was, his heart rate increased tenfold. he stood quickly and bowed deeply. "your highness, i was unaware you would be here. i would have prepared a more suitable song if i had been warned." be respectful -- you never knew what would upset the very sought-after, very handsome prince.

to say that insu felt like a prisoner in his own home was an understatement. it was probably a very jaded point of view, considering most weren’t lucky enough to live anywhere as comfortable or as lavish as the palace, but he would’ve traded his comfort for freedom any day. after dinner, he found himself roaming. the soft sound of music lured him toward the garden, watching as jinu played from the shadows. one wrong step caused the other to be alerted of his presence. “ah, please… don’t apologize or be so formal with me.” he waved his hand in a dismissive manner. “i liked the song you were playing, it sounded sadder than the usual songs you play. like someone lamenting over their lost love.” he wet his lips as he took a step closer toward the other. “could you maybe play another one?” there was an eager, expectant gleam in his eyes as he stared up at the slightly taller man.

jinu was on the fence when it came to enjoying the fan signing events. at first, he felt something akin to apathetic awkwardness considering it wasn't real -- it was just something he needed to do to reach his goal. but, after a few times, it actually became a little fun and rewarding. he put on his practiced smile as he prepared another poster to sign for the next fan, smile faltering as he looked up. "hi--" he started, eyes widening as he took in the person in front of him. there was no way. it had been so long that jinu had forgotten his face, but now he recognised it without a shadow of a doubt. insu. his mouth fell open slightly, at a loss for words. had he cracked? was this a punishment from gwi-ma? jinu cleared his throat, trying to calm his heart. "only here for your sister? do you know how many times i hear that excuse?" he said, body and voice on autopilot as a shaky hand signed the poster. "you can admit that you find me pretty and talented, you know. i'd rather here that than talk about how i'm doing," he teased, leaning his cheek into his palm as he stared at the other. this had to be a dream.

there was something about the way the other looked at him that made insu’s stomach feel as if it formed into knots. maybe it was ‘the idol effect’ — that feeling fans got whenever their favourite member looked at them, and it felt as if they were the only person in the world for a moment. or maybe it was the fact that he was ten times prettier in person. he nervously shifted in his seat, a chuckle easily falling from his lips as he watched the other sign the post in front of him. “ah, do people really often use that excuse? you think they would be proud to be a member of the pride.” sarcasm dripped from his words as he referenced the saja boys’ fandom. he blinked a few times as he continued to stare at the other, trying not to not focus on the other’s appearance. “do you really need that validation from me, of all people? when every girl in this room would probably kill for you?” he teased, gesturing to some of the eager fans who stood behind them in line. “you’re talented. everyone knows that. but, i hate to break it to you — i’m a hardcore huntrix stan.”

gwi-ma clenched his jaw. it killed him to see the bruises that adorned the other and to listen to the words that fell from those plush lips. junyoung had been his breath of fresh air -- his reminder that things were still good in this world. but, this version of the other was tainted. and, gwi-ma couldn't help but think that he was partially responsible -- responsible for the hate that now inhabited the world and poisoned his junyoung. "you cannot take things into your own hands like this, junyoung," he said softly after letting out a held breath. "you can just tell me whoever it is that's bothering you and i will see that it's taken care of. look at you," he continued, reaching out to direct the other's chin up to look at him. "you are no problem child -- not to me. it's everyone else who is the problem."

junyoung’s jaw subtly clenched as he listened to the other speak. he wasn’t entirely sure what he preferred: a scolding or this. “why not?” he was quick to refute the other’s words, eyebrows pinching together. a strange sensation formed in the pit of the idol’s stomach the moment the other stepped forward to cup his face in his hands, the tender expression almost causing him to flinch. he wasn’t accustomed to it. “i can take care of myself, you know? besides… it would make me look weak if i came to you to handle all my problems.” he wasn’t weak. his heart skipped a beat as his chin was tilted upward, their gazes locking. “everyone else?” a scoff fell from his lips as he took a step backward. “i’m a fucking mistake, i take full ownership of that. why can’t you?”

gwi-ma easily shuffled through the festival goers of the palace, bright lanterns, loud music, and flowing alcohol serving as a mask -- second to the fox mask he already wore. he was here for one thing, and one thing only. if he could devour the soul of the prince, he would regain the fear and respect of all the mortals who dared to believe he no longer existed. he slipped into one of the hallways that was often used by the servants to discreetly pass from room to room. he searched the various rooms he came across -- most empty or filled to the brim with guests. however, there was one that held a single person. gwi-ma would have simply moved on, but there was something about this one that had him pausing in his mission. a simple servant would give him no real power, yet there gwi-ma stood. "even servants are enjoying themselves. why do you linger in such a dark corner? is your loyalty to the prince so great and grand?" he asked, voice deep yet soothing from behind his mask. "you carry something heavy."

while all the other servants had been granted the night off to revel in the festivities being held at the palace in honour of the prince’s birthday, junyoung was not deemed that same luxury. instead, his father insisted that he remained tucked away. he had long finished most of his chores by the time the festival had begun, a festival that was meant to celebrate his own birthday as well. if they had been born from the same mother, they would be considered twins — instead, he was just the spare. he stared out one of the windows, watching as lanterns were set off into the night sky. “happy birthday, junyoung.” he whispered to himself. though, a sudden voice from behind caused him to jump, blinking in surprise as he whirled around to see a man donning a fox mask. “i… yes,” he wet his lips. “someone needs to stand on duty ready to clean up after all these people.” his lips pursed into a thin line as he tilted his head to the side, curiosity piquing from the man’s words. “something heavy? i’m not entirely sure what you mean…” his words trailed off as his gaze nervously flickered away from the other.

(I'm gonna show you) how it's done, done, done