Rujinu is peak.

Firstly, we know from Jinu himself that he's the one who left his mother and sister behind while he was living it up in the palace. It's no surprise he ended up with Gwi-ma. And yeah, maybe he was willing to change, and I'm against the idea of eternal damnation (in most cases), but I feel like his chances of redemption was gone the moment he executed his plan.

Note that at the start of the film, Gwi-ma says,

"I know you, Jinu. In 400 years, you've never done a single thing that didn't serve yourself. What do you want?"

Let's also remember how Jinu helped Gwi-ma kill innocent people to rid himself of his own guilt, and was going to kill thousands more if it wasn't for Rumi. Jinu sacrificing himself wasn't a righteous act - it was an easy way out, if we're being fair. He wanted the voices gone, and he got it.

"But he didn't have a choice!" he did. Gwi-ma didn't force him to do anything. Yes, he was threatened with hearing the voices for eternity if he didn't continue to comply with the plan, but he's the one who came up with the plan, not Gwi-ma.

He was in an absolute abysmal situation. Poor, couldn't make any money and could barely eat food. So when Gwi-ma comes to him with a deal, he eventually takes it. Remember, Jinu says "the first time I heard him," implying he heard him multiple times before taking the deal. He was broken and did the last thing he could to possibly save his mum and sister.

Again, are we just ignoring the fact that at the gates the guards raised their weapons at his family? Was he supposed to knock the guards out to let his family in?

Yes he started the boy band idea… Did he himself or any of the saja boys kill anyone? No they did not. If anything the death toll/missing bodies is a skill issue on Huntr/x's part. Completely.

Jinu did not want to reveal Rumi's secret. He didn't want to backstab her. He was literally tortured both physically and mentally 24 hours prior and also for 400 years.

Are we really trusting Gwi-ma to be a reliable narrator? The big fire that can probably manipulate your memories or manipulate you to remember something differently than what actually happened?

We don't even know if Jinu himself came up with the idea to reveal her shame on stage. Gwi-ma could read Jinu's memories making him aware of Rumi's shame. Therefore HE could have told Jinu to do it after realising that he was actually falling in love and not just manipulating Rumi.

No chemistry between the two? Did we watch the same film? Rumi knew he was a demon, yet when he hugged her to PROTECT HER in the bath house, she flat out blushes. They are awkward around each-other when they meet up to talk about their deal the first time. And then during free, the way they both look at each other is so blatantly of desire. Yet no chemistry? The entire film was supposed to be around Rumi and Jinu. Mira and Zoey were added much later on. The film was always going to be Rujinu/Rujinu focused.

Why does Celine get so many get out of jail free cards thrown at her? She made Rumi lie to her "friends" the entire time about who she was. She raised Rumi to hate half of herself. Taught the girls to hate demons, knowing Rumi is a half demon. It was disturbing during the film seeing a 6 year old singing about killing half of herself... This should not be ignored however it is.

You ever think about the fact that even though Rumi and co made a new Honmoon at the end of the movie, she was still determined to keep her original plan of saving Jinu - keeping him on "this side" of the border as the new Honmoon was sealed?

Rumi strides towards Jinu, a determined look in her eyes as she goes to save him.

There is one big fork in the road that Rumi forgot to consider however - she actually had to defeat Gwi-Ma to save Jinu first and that was not going to be a small feat.

In Rumi's mind, her future with Jinu seemed to simple - she was striding towards him, ready to save him.

Except:

Rumi was never going to defeat Gwi-Ma at this point. He was too powerful.

Reality had sunk in.

The goal Rumi really wanted to achieve completely shattered.

Her plan of keeping Jinu on this side of the Honmoon so they could be free together? Gone.

You can see the heartbreak as she realizes that not only is Jinu going to die, but she feels she failed him. She wasn't able to keep her promise to him.

But Jinu doesn't want her to see it that way, he trusts her with his soul. His everything. She hadn't failed him - she had set him free from Gwi-Ma, even if not in the way she had originally planned or wanted.

And with the power of Jinu's soul sword and a pissed off Rumi, Gwi-Ma is finally defeated.

Rumi's plan for freedom had failed - her plan for a future with Jinu shattered to ashes.

So while she triumphed in the new Honmoon, she lost someone of utmost importance to her in the process.

Her original plan? Failed.

Jinu? Gone.

Sequel? YES PLEASE 🙏

Most simply because this is the first time Rumi has ever seen Jinu as himself - as a demon.

Its super important.

It would be so easy for Rumi to see Jinu differently - because she is face to face with reality - this is the true Jinu.

The Jinu she'd spent time with was hiding under a human facade.

Now she sees him as he really is for the first time, his truth.

Rumi had spent her entire life fighting demons - but that doesn't matter - it doesn't change her judgement of Jinu.

Because Jinu is Jinu - demon or not.

Regardless of his appearance, he's still the same person she had jump scared that one time.

Still the same person she had sung Free with.

Still the same man she'd fallen in love with.

I don't know if I have shared this here before, but in this scene I have seen many talk about Jinu deliberately turning his eyes human. But what if it was not deliberate?

What if his eyes turned human because he got his soul back?

Hi! First time posting a pic here. I kinda did this for funsies and I will try my best to update as much as I can (school has me in a chokehold) here is the first chapter. I did my best to edit it to make it easy to read so yeah! Have fun reading! Let me know what you guys think!

Summary: Rumi has been in the foster system since she was a kid after her mother had passed and her deadbeat father had left. Jumping from home to home, Rumi can’t wait until she’s 19 so she could leave Korea all together but when she gets placed with her new foster father Bobby who also has two adopted daughters named Mira and Zoey, she has to learn to fit in with her new family…or if she’ll leave. 

TW: Story does touch on topics such as dark thoughts, suicidal thoughts and tendencies, talks about mental health challenges. If this is too much for you, pls take care of yourself. With love, Mango Lemon Juice.

******

Rumi was used temporary. Things that didn’t last long but enough to at least entertain her before the inevitable came. It was the reason why she never got comfortable anywhere, in any home she went to, she counted her days instead of trying to feel at home. Maybe it was her, maybe it was the way she talked, maybe it was the way she acted. It wasn’t her fault, she was raised by so many different people, some good, some bad. 

So when her social worker told her she was going to a new home, she did the usual routine. Be nice, don’t say too much, say please and thank you. If they ask about her background, give a brief summary; her mother passed away when she was 7, her father disappeared and she was in custody of her aunt before she lost to the state and they took her away when she was 9. Don’t get too close with everyone. 

As Rumi listed all the rules in her head, she fiddled with her diamond necklace. She’s had it since she was little. Her aunt Celine had told her it was her mother’s and she’d want Rumi to have it, so she wore it everywhere she went to make it feel like her mother was still by her side even if she wasn’t on this earth anymore. The older she got, the more the memory of her mother got clouded. She only remembered her singing a soft tune to her when she was little, a haunting tune that Rumi sometimes hummed to herself when she felt scared. 

“Rumi” said teen looked up to see her social worker Mei staring down at her. She had tan skin with dark spiral curly hair that fell on her shoulders nicely with brown eyes that held a sympathetic look in them. Mei had known Rumi since she was 9 after Celine had lost custody of her so their bond was pretty deep and sometimes, Rumi wished Mei would adopt her instead. 

“You have everything?” She asked with a soft voice. Rumi looked back down at her necklace before standing up. She was about the same height as Mei which felt funny because when they first met, she was barely at her hip. “I have everything,” she confirmed. Mei smiled softly and placed her hand on Rumi’s shoulder to lead her outside of her office. It was a beautiful Sunday, the sun was out and the birds chirped with a bright blue sky and a cool breeze that calmed Rumi’s nerves only slightly. 

Mei and Rumi got into her black SUV before she started the engine while Rumi laid her head against the glass window. The car ride was silent, the only sound was the engine of the car and the occasional sigh from Rumi. Mei spared her a glance. “You never know. This could be your forever home” she said. Rumi wanted to scoff at the thought of it. “It’s just another home….” she muttered. Mei knew the trauma Rumi carried, so she didn’t judge her for her attitude towards her foster homes. But she did hope that maybe one day, Rumi would finally get adopted by a family that really cared for her. “I think you’ll really like this one. His name is Bobby and he actually has two adopted daughters, both close to your age. I think you’ll get along great” 

“Pfft. Remember the last time you homed me with someone who was close to my age?” Mei sighed at the memory. “Rumi-” the teen cut her off. “Police were called. I got moved” she snapped. “That was different, Rumi. That boy…he had his own issues. Mira and Zoey are very sweet girls. I think you’ll like them” Rumi rolled her eyes and laid back into her seat and placed her right hand over her forehead in annoyance. 

The ride was quiet after that. Rumi admired the trees and the feeling of the car being on the highway  before Mei turned into a neighborhood with houses that were small but had a very homey feeling. Rumi peeked up from the passenger seat and took in the neighborhood. Kids played outside, some houses had sprinklers watering their grass and people walked their dogs while saying hello to their neighbors. Mei finally pulled up in front of a house that had pink flamingos in front of it and a sprinkler watering the grass. It was small, with a bay window and white curtains framing them from inside with a sign that read WELCOME.

Rumi furrowed a brow but didn’t say anything. A short man wearing a white t-shirt and a blue flannel with short black hair and some tuff of hair on his chin stood outside. He was pacing back and forth before he noticed Mei’s car and quickly straightened himself. Mei put the car in park. “We’re here” she informed before unlocking the doors and stepping out, shutting the door behind her. Rumi looked at the man again who was already greeting Mei. 

Rumi took a deep breath. We’re almost there. Almost there. With that, she grabbed the handle of the door and pulled it to open the passenger door and stepped out. Rumi shut the door behind her and walked over to the two adults, and the man finally looked at her. 

His eyes softened at the sight of Rumi. She gulped, putting her right hand on her left arm to try and comfort herself at the sight of this man (who was way shorter than she expected but she wasn’t going to say anything) “Rumi?” He asked softly. Rumi nodded slowly. “Yeah..” He had a sweet vibe to him. Not a forced smile or overly friendly, but just a warm personality that set alarm bells off in Rumi’s head. 

“Rumi,” Mei started. “This is Bobby, he will be your new foster father” she gestured to the man. “Like I said, he has two adopted daughters around your age” Bobby nodded. “Zoey and Mira are excited to meet you. They prepared a room for you and everything” he chuckled nervously. Rumi couldn’t help but smile. “Oh, nice…” Mei squeezed Rumi’s shoulder. “Alright, well I will be in touch with you about everything. I’m sure you’ll do everything you can to make Rumi feel at home…” Mei looked at Rumi. “Rumi, I will check on you soon” she said softly before looking back at Bobby and nodding in confidence. Bobby returned the nod before Mei slowly let go of Rumi’s shoulder and walked away from the two. 

Rumi watched in almost desperation as Mei went back to her car and got inside. She slowly looked at Bobby. He still had a warm smile on his face. “Come on, I can show you around” Rumi nodded and followed him into the house. Upon walking in, she noticed little turtle trinkets everywhere and pictures of Bobby with two girls, one with reddish pink long hair and another girl with raven colored hair in two buns smiling in the photos, some looked like they were taken on vacation and some looked like they were done on the holidays. 

“Zoey! Mira!” Bobby called, making Rumi flinch. The sound of footsteps running down the stairs caught Rumi’s attention and she saw the same two girls from the photos stop at the bottom of the stairs. The girl with red hair looked a little hesitant but also curious while the shorter girl with dark hair looked excited to see her. “Hi! You must be Rumi!” She said excitedly. She was wearing purple pajamas with little turtles on them, and Rumi figured she was the one putting the little turtles around the house. “Uh, yeah I am” Rumi confirmed. Bobby walked over to the girls. “Alright Zoey, give Rumi some room, she’s a little nervous.” He gestured to the two girls. “Rumi, these are my daughters Zoey and Mira. Mira, Zoey, this is Rumi” Mira, the girl with red hair waved. “Hi” 

Rumi waved back. “Why don’t you girls show Rumi her room?” Bobby suggested. Zoey gasped excitedly. “Yeah! Me and Mira set it all up, but mostly me.” Zoey started guiding Rumi to the stairs. “I also added little turtle trinkets if you’re okay with that. It gives it a bit of a fun feeling” the three girls walked up the stairs. The second floor was carpeted and it looked almost like an attic but way bigger. There were two rooms, one that had a Hello Kitty sign saying “Hello!” and little turtle stickers which Rumi assumed was Zoey’s and another room that had caution tape on it with a poster of a rock band on it. 

Then, the last room’s door was completely bare except for a piece of notebook paper that had “welcome!” written in cursive. Zoey opened the door and showed Rumi the room. There was a pink bed inside with a white dresser and old curtains hanging on the windows. It was pretty small but also weirdly comfy. “This actually used to be the storage room but when we found out you were coming, we cleaned it out!” Zoey explained as Rumi took in the room. 

“Um…thanks” with that, she made her way to the bed and set her backpack down, some of the keychains jingling against each other. Zoey watched awkwardly before clearing her throat. “Um…d-did you need anything? I can get you a drink” she offered. Rumi shook her head. “I’m okay, thank you” she responded. Zoey nodded. “Okay! Um, well me and Mira will be downstairs so you’re welcome to join us!” With that, the youngest sibling left the room and gently shut the door behind her. 

Rumi sighed in relief once she left the room. She didn’t know how long she could keep up with a fake smile. She looked down at her black backpack and unzipped it, revealing a brown old tattered teddy bear inside. She took it out and gently set him onto the bare bed. She stepped away from her bag and looked around the room, taking note of the wall paint beginning to chip, to the new dresser sitting across from the bed that had a little rubber turtle sitting on it. She opened the drawers to inspect them before closing each one. She had an idea of where she would place each article of clothing, but she also wasn’t sure either. She didn’t know how long she was going to stay here anyway so she might not feel comfortable. 

She went to the bed and plopped down, making the bed squeak slightly from her weight. She then grabbed the old teddy bear before laying down on her left side so her back was facing the window and cuddled close with the teddy bear, feeling that same burning sensation in her eyes. Tears fell from her eyes and onto the stuffed animal.

~*~

“Alright! Homework time!” Bobby announced. Zoey and Mira groaned. They had barely been on their second episode of their favorite show. “Ugh! Please, one more episode?” Mira asked. Bobby walked over. He crossed his arms. “Really? I’ve been your dad for what? 10 years? You know you can watch your show after you're done with your homework” he said before heading back to the kitchen. Zoey pouted before getting up and following her father. Mira shut off the T.V and followed her sister. 

Grabbing their backpacks, they sat down at the table with their books and folders. They had their pencils and looked at their homework assignments while Bobby began taking out ingredients for dinner. The kitchen was quiet except for the sound of meat sizzling and Bobby muttering to himself while the smell of spices filled the air.  Mira scribbled down the notes while Zoey pressed numbers into a calculator. Bobby glanced at the two girls before clearing his throat. “Um…when you’re both done, invite Rumi down for dinner” he said. Zoey nodded while Mira set her pencil down, making it tap against her notebook. “How do you feel about her? She’s a little stand offish” 

Bobby frowned. “Well, she’s been through a lot, Mira. I’m sure she’s just nervous. You were nervous when I fostered you” he reminded her. He was right. She was a scared 7 year old when she was first fostered by Bobby so maybe she was being too hard on Rumi about it. “So was I” Zoey chimed in. “I was really nervous when I came” Bobby nodded in agreement. “I think you need to give her a chance. She’s nervous” 

Zoey closed her notebook. “Done! I’ll get Rumi” she didn’t wait for a response and ran upstairs. Mira watched her sister run out the kitchen before looking back at her homework. Zoey got to the second floor and went to Rumi’s room. She knocked. “Rumi? Dinner’s almost ready. Did you want to come down…?” She didn’t get a response. “Rumi?” She asked again as she placed her hand on the doorknob. She twisted it slowly and peeked inside. 

Rumi was asleep on her bed, holding the teddy bear with dry tear streaks on her cheeks. Zoey’s curious facial expression turned into one of sadness. “Oh…” she stepped back and quietly shut the door. Poor girl. She was really upset and Zoey wondered if she overstepped boundaries when Rumi came. Did she come on too strong? Was she pressuring her? Maybe the turtle trinkets were too much. All these thoughts began flooding her mind as she went back downstairs. 

Zoey walked downstairs to the kitchen Bobby and Mira were in. “Um…she’s asleep” she said. Bobby paused. “Oh. Well, that’s okay. We’ll let her rest and I’ll uh..check on her later” he decided. Zoey sat back down in her spot but Mira could tell something was bothering her. Her posture was slouched and she was almost pouting. 

“...You okay?” She asked. Zoey was snapped out of her thoughts. “Uh, yeah. I-I’m fine” she lied. Mira watched her for a few seconds before looking back down at her notebook. A few minutes later, Bobby set dinner in front of them. Mira closed her notebook and set it to the side. As they began to eat, Bobby shut off the stove before his phone began ringing. Reaching for it and reading the ID name, he excused himself. “Oh, I have to take this. You girls eat” he answered the phone and headed towards the living room. Mira waited for Bobby to be out of ear shot before leaning over to Zoey. “Did she say something to you?” 

Zoey stared at her older sister in surprise. “W-what?” She asked. “Did she say something to you?” Mira repeated herself. Zoey set her fork down. “No, no I just….” she sighed. “Was I coming on too strong? Was I overdoing it by making her room and trying to be nice?” She asked. “I mean, I don’t think so. You were just trying to be nice..” Mira contradicted. Zoey fiddled with her fork. “She was crying…And she has this teddy bear. I guess she packed it and she was holding it…” she felt a pain in her chest at the memory of Rumi crying. “I just wonder what she’s gone through…” 

“I don’t know. Maybe she came from an abusive home or something.” 

“Like you?” 

“Yeah.”  

Zoey reached over to grasp Mira’s hand. “Well, I’m glad you’re in this family. You’re the best sister I’ve ever had” she said. Mira laughed. “I’m your only sister” Zoey giggled before they went back to their meals. Bobby entered the kitchen. “Alright, we’re all good. Has anyone-” 

Before he could finish his sentence, they heard footsteps and Rumi was standing at the entry way of the kitchen. Her make up was a little smudged and her hair slightly tangled, insinuating she had just gotten up from her nap. She looked around nervously before Bobby walked over to her. “Hey sweetie. Are you hungry?” Bobby asked softly. Rumi hesitated before nodding. “Um y-yeah” she muttered. 

“Okay, I’ll serve you. Why don’t you just take a seat with Mira and Zoey?” Rumi reached for the chair at the very end of the table and sat down. She leaned against the table with her elbows and tucked her hands into her sleeves, a nervous tick she developed overtime. 

Rumi could feel Mira’s eyes on her and looked away to avoid her eyes. “Alright, here you go” Bobby set down the food in front of her. “Thank you” Rumi said softly and took the fork from him. Bobby made a plate for himself and sat down with the girls. “....so, how is school going, girls?” He asked. “Stressful. I have a math test this Friday so I’m probably gonna go to Dunkin to study” Zoey stressed. Mira nodded. “I have a quiz tomorrow in chemistry but..I’m really not that worried about it. I’m acing that class” Zoey rolled her eyes and made a mocking response. 

“Zoey” Bobby warned. “Sorry” she shrunk into her chair while Mira chuckled in triumph. Rumi stayed quiet. Bobby turned his attention towards her. “Rumi, what grade are you in?” He asked. She glanced at him. “Um…I’m a Junior” she said softly. “Oh! So you’re in the same grade as Mira” he said. Rumi still avoided her gaze. “Y-yeah…” 

“I’m a Sophomore” Zoey added. “Yeah, and both of them go to the same school so we’ll enroll you tomorrow. Mira, are you happy to show Rumi around?” Mira looked at Rumi suspiciously. “....Yeah” Bobby didn’t seem to notice. “Perfect!” He smiled. Rumi refused to look up.

~*~

Aespa played softly in the background while Mira practiced her moves for dance class. She had joined the school dance team a few years prior and they were nearing their next competition so Mira took this time of year seriously, eating right, exercising and lots and lots of practice. When Mira did a twirl, she felt herself lose her footing and yelped. She caught herself on the bed post. “Ah-UGH!” She groaned in both anger and pain. 

A knock came to her door. “Sweetie, can I come in?” Mira stopped the music on her phone. “Yeah, dad” the door opened and Bobby stepped in. “Hey, you practicing?” Mira sat down on her bed that had a few articles of clothing on it. “Yeah…” she muttered. Bobby didn’t wait to sit down next to her. “Alright. What’s wrong?” He asked. Mira didn’t meet his gaze but laid her head against his shoulder. “...I don’t know” she muttered. 

“Well, there has to be something on your mind..” he gently brushed her hair, something he always did since she was little. She sighed. “.....I…I don’t know…I guess the dance competitions are stressing me out.” She lifted her head. “I have to finish practicing the choreography and then I have to teach the other girls, and the competition is in a month…” she paused “but something isn’t right…I just-” she groaned. “I feel like the dance moves aren’t good enough. Like I’m just making things up on the spot-which I am-but I feel like…like what if we’re not as good as the other team? And I fail everyone….” Her voice cracked slightly on the last part. 

          Bobby’s eyes didn’t leave his daughter. “Mira…You’re the best dancer I’ve ever known. And I’m not just saying this because you’re my daughter, I am” that got a chuckle out of Mira. “But because you are so talented. You have a gift and you’ve put it into good use…” he poked her head. “Don’t let the voices in here tell you the opposite. You’re a talented girl, Mira Bear”

Bobby’s words calmed Mira’s nerves a bit. She knew he was right, she had a passion for dancing and it was something she had always done since he adopted her. But the image of the crowd booing her and her team burned into her brain. “Get some sleep. You have school tomorrow” Bobby pressed a kiss to her temple before getting off her bed and shut her door with a soft click. Mira sighed and plopped back onto her bed. 

~*~

        Rumi was officially going to spend her first night at her new home and she felt the same nervous bubble in her stomach she always felt when she was sleeping in a new home. She had changed into some pajamas which consisted of red rose patterns on purple fabric that she had brought with her and set her black backpack on the floor before sitting on her bed. She looked at the old teddy bear on her bed and reached for it. It was old, the fur dark and dirty from every home they’ve stayed at and his button eyes were ready to fall off. But it didn’t stop her from holding it against her chest. Another temporary home. They’ll be out before they know it. 

    A  knock came to Rumi’s door. “Rumi?” Said girl quickly set the bear down. “Yeah..?” The door creaked open and Bobby peeked in. “Hey, you okay? Got a blanket?” He asked as he walked in. Rumi nodded. “Uh, yeah. I have one” she responded. “Good, good. Um, do you have a toothbrush? Were you given a toothbrush?”  Rumi rolled her eyes. “I came from another foster home. You really think they gave me a toothbrush?” She snapped. Bobby’s soft facial expression fell before he sighed through his nose. “Look…” he shut the door behind him and sat down next to Rumi, but left enough space between them so she didn’t feel cornered. “I get you’ve been through a lot…but you have to understand, I’m on your side….so you can turn it down a notch” 

Rumi stayed quiet. The floor seemed a lot more interesting than this conversation. She pressed her lips together. “...okay” she muttered. Bobby raised his hand, wanting to set it on her shoulder to give her some reassurance but he didn’t want to scare her away. He was barely chipping at her shell and he didn’t want to lose the tiny, almost non-existent progress that was there. He didn’t want to traumatize Rumi. He wanted her to be a part of his girls. 

To ignore Jinu's situation with Gwima and blame him completely and not give blame to the Villain Gwima. It feels like victim blaming because he cracked under increased personal hell torment.

People forgot that exposing SHAME is how Gwima controls his demons. What Rumi experiences at the idol awards is a physical show of what Gwima does. It is what he wanted, Gwima.

They both have a fallout to a weapons raised event.

Weapons were raised against Jinu's family, preventing them from entering the palace with him?

-It ended up where he was a demon full of regret and despair - his memories of the events being warped into him believing he left his family, making him feel shame and guilt for every waking minute for 400 years.

Weapons raised against Rumi by her best friends?

-It ended up in an emotional confrontation with Celine.

(Jinu technically as well but she more wanted to get through to Jinu to free him from his own self deprecation so that doesn't really count.)

Its such a subtle parallel but its so powerful nonetheless.