It had been three weeks since the hospital visit. They’d managed to move (Y/n) from the cold, sterile walls of the hospital back to the comfort of the (L/n) estate. A place none of them had visited in far too long.
Celine and Rumi had practically moved in; neither could bring themselves to leave her side. The halls were quiet, but the air between Celine and (Y/n)’s father remained tense.
Tonight, though, the world felt still.
Rumi sat at (Y/n)’s bedside like she had every night since they got there, her hand wrapped tightly around her friend’s. The machines by the bed beeping softly, reminding her that (Y/n) was still here. Her skin looked too pale against the sheets, her lips dry as she stirred awake.
“…Hey,” she rasped, eyes finding Rumi’s tear-stained face immediately.
“Hey! You’re awake,” Rumi breathed, voice trembling as she wiped her cheeks.
“Are you okay?” (Y/n) asked, sitting up slightly, reaching out to cup Rumi’s face.
Rumi only hummed in response, melting into the touch. She never asked for affection, but she always welcomed it when it came.
They sat in silence for a while. The distant rain filled the room. Rumi’s eyes traced the IV line running down (Y/n)’s arm. The sight made her stomach twist, but she forced a shaky smile.
“…You scared me,” Rumi whispered. “For a moment I really thought—” She stopped herself, swallowing hard.
(Y/n)’s thumb brushed over her knuckles. “I’m sorry,” she said softly. “Didn’t mean to make you worry.”
Rumi let out a breathy, broken laugh. “You don’t make me worry. I just… worry. I always will.” A warm silence stretched between them at the heartfelt statement. Then, trying to sound casual, Rumi said, “So… your dad’s trying to steal you away to America, huh?”
(Y/n)’s smile faltered, but only for a second. “Yeah. Guess he thinks they can fix me better there than they can here.”
“…And what do you think?”
“I think…” (Y/n)’s gaze drifted toward the window, where the faint shimmer of the Honmoon reflected against the glass. “I’m meant to go there. But I also think… I’m gonna miss you so much,” she admitted, voice breaking.
Rumi’s throat tightened. She pressed her forehead against (Y/n)’s hand, blinking back tears. “You don’t get to say stuff like that and then leave me.”
(Y/n) smiled weakly, her own eyes shining. “Then I guess you’ll just have to wait until I come back.”
Neither said the word if.
Both of them knew she would come back. She had to.
(Y/n) nodded immediately.
Rumi hesitated only a moment before climbing carefully onto the edge of the bed. She moved slowly, mindful of the tubes and wires, then settled beside (Y/n) as gently as she could. The mattress dipped under her weight before (Y/n) pulled the blanket over her legs so they could share.
For a while, neither spoke. Rumi leaned in until their shoulders touched, her warmth spreading through (Y/n)’s frail frame. (Y/n)’s fingers brushed hers and Rumi laced them together without a word.
She found the faint beat of (Y/n)’s pulse, steady and real, and exhaled.
For the first time in days, she let herself breathe.
(Y/n) leaned against Rumi’s shoulder, burring herself into the girl's neck “Do you ever feel like… you don’t have enough time for everything?” she asked softly, fingers running down Rumi’s sleeve.
Rumi studied her, how tired she looked, how her voice faltered now and then and yet she never complained. That stubborn smile never left her face.
“…you're stupid,” Rumi said quietly.
“You keep pushing yourself, even when I can see it’s hurting you. And I don’t… I don’t know what I’m supposed to do if—” She bit her lip hard, stopping herself.
The silence was heavy. Then (Y/n) reached over, squeezing her hand. “You’ll be fine,” she whispered. “You’re strong, Rumi. The Honmoon chose you. The goddess chose you. You’re going to be an incredible hunter someday. I just… wish I could be beside you the whole time.”
“You are beside me,” Rumi shot back, gripping her hand tighter. “Always. Even if you’re sick, even if—” She swallowed hard. “Don’t talk like I’m leaving you behind.”
(Y/n) gave a tired laugh. “Then promise me something. If I do have to go away… don’t stop fighting. Don’t give up. Promise me.”
Rumi’s throat burned. “Only if you promise to come back.”
(Y/n) hesitated. “I promise.” Then she smiled. “Besides, don’t think you can get rid of me that easily. I still have to find the other two hunters, you know.”
Rumi laughed, brushing at her eyes. For a moment, it felt like nothing could go wrong.
But that promise would be tested sooner than either of them expected.
A/N: I hope you like it! Also if y’all could check out my fantasy critters stuff that would be cool! 🥰
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