Your love saved me.

One month after Hanmun's recovery and victory over Saja Boys. *** In the silence of the common room, Rumi scrolled through her social media feed. Each post seemed mundane, almost boring, until her gaze caught on a flashy headline promising a sensation.: "After the breakup of two bands on stage at once, will they now unite to blow up the world? What else can you think after the joint performance of a girl group and a boy band? They sang two new songs together and put on an enchanting show with smoke, fire and fireworks at the end. There were rumors behind the scenes about the unprecedented chemistry between the members, about a possible new project that would turn the music industry upside down. We are waiting for official confirmations!.." The poisonous sweet taste of lies enveloped every word. Rumi sighed heavily, fatigue squeezing her chest. She didn't read any further. All this hype was so far from the true state of affairs, from the sacrifices that had been made. People did not know the whole truth, and there was no question of any association capable of "blowing up the world." The Saja Boys were destroyed, their influence was dispelled, and Hanmun was strengthened. This was, in fact, the most important news, but invisible to the world. As soon as Rumi put down her phone, the door opened and Mira burst into the room like a whirlwind. Her eyes were burning with indignation, and the phone in her hand was almost smoking with indignation. — Rumi, did you see what they wrote?! Combining two different groups! Journalists sometimes come up with such nonsense, it's just incredible! Mira chattered hotly, without even giving her friend time to answer. —Yes, yes, that's complete nonsense," Rumi agreed quietly, almost distantly. Her voice sounded muffled, because a completely different storm had been raging inside her for a long time. Jin couldn't help but think of it. His presence felt like an invisible weight, or rather, the pulsating energy that he had given her by giving his soul. He was in her heart now, in every cell of her being. She did not know what to do next with this donated energy, how to live with this knowledge and this connection. I wanted to hide, to be alone with my thoughts, but I had to put on a mask, as before, and pretend to be an ordinary girl, a member of a k-pop group. Because there was a chance that the girls wouldn't understand her. Okay, she was hiding her demonic nature—it was already difficult enough. But love for a demon? Will they understand this? After all, this is also a mistake, dangerous and unthinkable for a huntress. Although, in a strange way, she was no longer ashamed of her marks on her skin — now they seemed to be part of her new, more complex and deeper nature. Rumi's thoughts were interrupted by a new, even more energetic whirlwind. Bobby suddenly burst into the room. His large frame almost got stuck in the doorway, and his beaming smile lit up everything around him. — Girls, I have such news for you! It's just unbelievable! But first, it's better to get to know each other. Come in! — he said loudly, addressing someone outside the door. And after his words, three guys entered the room, as if on cue. Rumi raised an eyebrow warily, instinctive anxiety made her appreciate the unexpected guests. Mira, like her, froze in disbelief, her usually open face expressed a mixture of shock and suspicion. Zoey, completely unperturbed, continued to finish her ramen, as if the world around her hadn't changed. Bobby, beaming with happiness, as if he had just won the lottery, spread his arms wide, introducing the new ones.: — Meet our new members! I don't know where the media found information about the unification of groups, but it's even better this way! It will be a good warm-up for the new album and tour! He exclaimed joyfully, not noticing the girls' confusion. He seemed to have incredible insight to use any media hype to his advantage. Rumi's breath caught in her throat. New members? How will they react to their double life? The fact that they're not just a Huntrix group, but demon hunters? The fact that Rumi is half a demon herself, a bearer of ancient power? An avalanche of thoughts came crashing down on her, her head exploding with questions. She quickly exchanged glances with the girls—in their eyes she read the same silent question, the same unspoken fear. They seemed to have come to the same conclusion: it was better to keep it to themselves for now and get to know the guys better. Trying her best to look natural, Rumi stepped forward. — Well, welcome to the Huntrix group. I hope we become friends. I'm Rumi, by the way. This is Mira, and this is Zoey," she introduced herself, extending her hand to the guy with short brown hair. He looked up at her, his eyes flickering with recognition, or so it seemed to her? — and shook hands in return. —Gina,— he said. "Mingyu is on my left, and Abby is on my right. Rumi froze as if she had been electrocuted. The exact same name. Not happening. It can't just be a coincidence. An electric shock ran through her hand, and even from thinking, she forgot to remove her palm, which was still holding the guy's palm. Her heart began to pound, demanding answers, whispering a pleading plea: "Is it really you?" — Well, I'm glad you've met, — Bobby, as if not noticing the growing tension, clapped his hands. — But I have to go on business, I'll leave you alone. He disappeared as suddenly as he had appeared, leaving them in an awkward silence. Rumi immediately pulled her hand back, as if burned, her face burning. She didn't know what to say. A whirlpool of confusion and hope swirled in my head. She urgently needed Celine's advice. She can definitely help. Although after recent events, a shadow of doubt still lay on their relationship, and Rumi was not completely sure of her sincerity. A thick, almost palpable silence hung in the air, filled with unspoken questions. Zoey, finally finished with the ramen, wiped her mouth with a napkin and looked at the newcomers curiously, seemingly completely unaware of the gravity of the situation. Mira, on the other hand, kept a wary gaze, her eyes X-rayed each of the guys for hidden threats. Jin seemed oblivious to Rumi's confusion, chatting casually with Mingyu about something related to his future job. But Zoya's deliberate, demonstrative cough attracted attention, and she finally decided to defuse the situation. — Um, since we're a team now, can we tell you a little bit about ourselves? — she suggested, trying to rouse everyone. — As you already know, I'm Zoey, the rapper and mcnae of the band. What can you do? While Zoey was animatedly asking the guys, demonstrating her usual laid-back nature, Rumi discreetly took out her phone. With trembling fingers, she typed a short but desperate message to Celine.: "We urgently need your help. It seems Jinu is back. In another body." There was no need to wait for an answer: Celine always came to the rescue when it was necessary, and Rumi clung to this habitual confidence as if it were the only anchor in a raging sea. Meanwhile, Jinwoo talked about his experience in music and dancing. His velvety voice, his gestures—every movement seemed painfully familiar. Rumi tried not to look at him, but out of the corner of her eye she noticed similarities with the Jinu that remained in her memory forever. The same brown hair, the same curve of his lips when he smiled, the same tiny wrinkles around his eyes. Was it really him? Or was it just a figment of her imagination, caused by the longing and guilt that burned her from the inside? An endless battle began inside her between her mind, screaming about the impossibility, and her heart, clinging to a ghostly hope. Soon, the conversation turned to discussing the upcoming album and tour. Rumi tried her best to actively participate, choosing her words so as not to betray her true feelings. She had to put on her usual professional mask, showing interest in her work. However, a storm of emotions was raging inside her: a whirlpool of doubt, fear, and a tiny spark of hope that threatened to ignite into a real fire. The evening was inexorably thickening, dissolving into the velvety darkness of the night. A long, exhausting day had come to an end, and general fatigue was in the air, making everyone dream of a pillow. The working discussions had long since subsided, and only the occasional yawn and frown reminded him that his strength was running out. —Okay, friends, let's end this," Rumi's voice sounded tired but determined, cutting off the remnants of the day's fuss. "Everyone go to your rooms. Tomorrow will bring new challenges, but for now, rest. With relief, but without further ado, everyone dispersed, disappearing into the corridors. Her own room embraced her with silence as soon as she closed the door. Rumi sat down heavily on the bed, feeling the tension slowly release from her muscles, but not her mind. His hand reached for the phone. Celine's message went unanswered. Strange. Was Celine busy, or had she just gone to bed earlier than usual? This thought flashed by, but was immediately replaced by another, much more intrusive image. Jinwoo, the new participant, appeared in her mind's eye. His features, his mannerisms, his look… It wasn't just "similar." It was an eerie, unbearable resemblance that could not have been an accident. No simple coincidence can explain what he saw. In her room, immersed in the semi-darkness of the predawn twilight, Rumi could not close her eyes. Jinwoo's image stood in front of her as if alive, displacing any other thoughts. She tossed and turned in bed, trying to calm the storm in her head, but her heart was pounding in her chest, beating an alarming rhythm. How is this possible? Reincarnation? Visual deception caused by accumulated stress? Or is it a malicious intent, a clever game of enemies trying to break her? Sleep wouldn't come, her thoughts were confused, layered on top of each other, and at some point she realized that she could no longer be inside four walls. She needed fresh air to clear her mind a little. Slipping out of the building, she did not notice how the first pale rays of dawn began to break through the horizon, painting the sky in delicate pastel tones. She walked aimlessly, her feet carrying her somewhere, until a familiar silhouette appeared in front of her eyes. Bridge. That's the bridge. Everything became blurry before her eyes, and the memories surged with renewed force, like a powerful wave threatening to overwhelm her completely. Hot, unbidden tears flowed slowly but inexorably down her cheeks, blurring the contours of the bridge, the trees, the whole world. Rumi shook her head, trying to shake off a bad delusion. No, it's all a dream, an inner voice whispered desperately. — Just a nightmare caused by fatigue and stress. I'm sure Bobby just found guys who look like the Saja Boys, what's the big deal?" But my heart refused to believe. "Rumi, what are you doing here?" A voice came sharply from behind her, making her flinch and turn around convulsively. Jinu stood in front of her, a new Jinu who had appeared as unexpectedly as her own thoughts about him. "Nothing, I just decided to take a walk," she said, trying to sound nonchalant, and surreptitiously wiped her wet cheeks with the back of her hand. "So early?" And why are you crying? There was genuine concern in his voice. — It's okay, I'm not crying anymore. You see? She wiped under her eyes again, almost obsessively, and tried to force a smile, which came out more like a wry grimace. — Yes, but if you went out for a walk, why are you in such a strange way? He tilted his head slightly, pointing at her pajama bottoms decorated with cartoon prints. Rumi looked down at her clothes. Indeed, the trains and bears looked completely out of place against the background of the cold gray tones of dawn. "What's wrong with them?" — She muttered, confused. "Trains and bears,— he said, and a slight twinkle played in his eyes. —Choo-choo," he added, and tried to imitate a steam locomotive by stretching his hand up, as if pulling a piston. Rumi froze as if thunderstruck. Her heart skipped a beat, and the world swam around her. He does exactly the same thing. It's impossible. It just can't be… — Would you take a bracelet to your girlfriend? For her, the most beautiful," a short old woman materialized out of nowhere, as if made of morning mist. Her wrinkled face was good—natured, but her eyes were shrewd, and her hands, hung with all kinds of bracelets made of wood, metal, and semiprecious stones, seemed older than eternity itself. Rumi shuddered in surprise and instantly recoiled from Jinu, as if he were a red-hot stove. Her cheeks flushed. "No, we're not a couple at all," she said hurriedly, trying to put as much indifference into her voice as possible, but it came out too abruptly. Jin seemed equally embarrassed. He scratched the back of his head, looking away. —Yeah, we're not a couple," he confirmed, laughing nervously. "She... she goes out early, and I don't like to go out at all." No, no. Absolutely not a couple. The old lady, however, did not seem discouraged by their fervent denials. There was a mysterious smile on her lips. — Well, then take for the girl that suits you. And you, my dear, take it too, for the guy," she insistently handed them bracelets. Her gaze lingered on both of them a little longer than it should have, and Rumi felt uncomfortable. She sighed, feeling trapped in the framework of an impolite refusal. She had to agree, and awkwardly stretched out her hand to the tray, intending to take the first bracelet she saw. At that very moment, Jinu also extended his hand. Their fingers accidentally touched. And at the very moment when their fingers barely touched, an invisible discharge swept through the air — not just static electricity, but something much more ancient and powerful, as if two halves of the same mystery suddenly touched. Rumi felt a sharp jolt deep inside, as if her heart stopped beating for a moment, and then began to pound with a frenzied, almost panicked speed. The skin on his fingertips tingled as if from a faint but palpable electric discharge, leaving behind an inexplicable warmth. Trying to hide her confusion, Rumi grabbed the first bracelet she saw, a thin silver chain with a tiny, delicate crescent moon pendant. Before she could take a good look at it, she immediately hid it in her palm. Jin, imitating her, but with a barely noticeable thoughtfulness in his gaze, chose a leather bracelet with a coarse metal weave. "Thank you, Grandma,— Rumi said, looking up to hand over the money. But the old lady wasn't there. At all. The air that had smelled of her presence a moment ago was now clear. Where could she have disappeared so abruptly? "She was just here!" Rumi turned to Jin in a panic, her eyes wide with disbelief. He shrugged calmly, his lips curved into a slight, almost imperceptible smile, and then he winked at her. "Old ladies can walk fast," he said deliberately casually. In one second, like a puzzle that hadn't been put together for a long time, Rumi saw the full picture. The bewilderment on Jin's face, his mocking "walk fast" and that damn smug wink… It wasn't a coincidence. It was a trap. And he was, without a doubt, a part of it. "You're a demon, aren't you?" And with her? How did you get here? Rumi's voice became as hard and cold as steel. She threw away the ill-fated bracelet, which now seemed disgusting to her, and almost instantly, with amazing speed, took out her sword from behind her back. The blade flashed like lightning in the morning light. Jinwoo staggered back, his eyes widening in shock and perhaps genuine surprise. He clearly hadn't expected this turn of events. — Quiet, quiet! What are you? He exclaimed, raising his hands in a conciliatory gesture, as if trying to calm a wild animal, and then his gaze fell on the shining sword. "Nothing." Did you deliberately decide to get closer to us in order to attack? You won't succeed! Rumi took a step forward, her eyes burning with determination. Her training, her duty, her friends—all of this required an immediate and ruthless reaction. She aimed the blade at Gina and abruptly darted forward, intending to attack. Jinwoo was shocked. He jumped aside with amazing grace, his eyes widening in surprise and perhaps fear. He obviously did not expect such aggression. — Rumi, wait! What are you talking about? What kind of demon? Which one to attack? He raised his hands, trying to calm her down, but Rumi wasn't listening. Rage and fear overwhelmed her, blotting out her mind. The sword in her hand flashed in the rays of the rising sun, ready to strike. She couldn't take any chances, couldn't let this threat get close to her friends. She lunged, aiming at Gina. He deftly dodged, jumping even further to the side, almost dancing around her attacks. — Rumi, stop! I don't understand what's going on, but I don't want to fight you! He shouted, his voice filled with desperation, but she couldn't hear him. The clang of steel against the air, her own heavy breathing and the pounding of her heart drowned out everything. She continued to attack, her movements becoming more desperate and unpredictable, each blow filled with her anger and determination. Jinwoo did nothing but dodge, never once trying to respond or counterattack, his movements were skillful and precise, but without a hint of aggression. Driven to the very edge of the old stone bridge they were crossing, Jinwoo could no longer retreat. His back pressed against the cold stones. He raised his hands in a gesture of complete unarmed surrender and closed his eyes, as if preparing for a blow. "Okay, I didn't want to say this without Celine, but I don't think I have a choice," his voice sounded low but clear. "I'm a hunter too. Rumi froze. The sword, already raised for the final, decisive blow, hovered in the air, a couple of inches from his throat. It was as if something had broken in Rumi's head. Jin's words seemed like a ridiculous joke, a mockery. The hunter? Is this guy wearing fancy sneakers and a stylish jacket? But his look… There was no lie in it, just a kind of sad doom. She slowly lowered her sword, keeping her eyes on Jinu. —Prove it," Rumi hissed, and there was a steely note in her voice, which had not yet recovered from the surge of rage and deep disbelief. Jinwoo exhaled slowly, letting the tension ease a little from his shoulders. His eyes, which had been closely following Rumi's every move, now narrowed slightly, reflecting fatigue but also determination. —Okay, look,— he said calmly, but with a certain finality, slowly lowering his hands. The air around his right palm shimmered like ripples on water, and then, with a soft rustle and buzz, a sword materialized in it, as if from nowhere. It was an exact replica of what Rumi was used to seeing in her own reflection— an elegant blade with an engraved guard, the blade of which glimmered dimly in the poor light, and the tip was rushing straight at Rumi, like a silent challenge. Rumi blinked, her anger momentarily replaced by stunned shock. The sword was identical. Every notch, every mark on the guard, even the slight curve of the blade—everything was flawless. Her own sword in her hand seemed to vibrate with a mute connection to the replica. "Do you believe me now?" Jinwoo's voice was flat, without a single note of triumph or reproach. The tension that had been holding Rumi down suddenly eased. His shoulders slumped, and the fierce light went out in his eyes. Slowly, almost shyly, she put away her own sword. —Yes, I do,— she whispered, her voice now low and slightly trembling with relief. "I'm sorry. It's just... after everything that happened recently, I see enemies in everyone. Jinwoo nodded, his gaze full of understanding and compassion. He also smoothly retracted his sword, and it disappeared as soundlessly as it had appeared, as if it had disappeared into thin air. He stepped closer and gently put his hand on her shoulder. "I understand everything, Rumi. Celine explained to us in general terms your situation and the pain you went through. That's why the three of us—me, Abby, and Mingyu—came to your rescue. This is not just a coincidence or an accident. From now on, we will stand shoulder to shoulder together, fighting against demons and strengthening Khanum," he said, his voice soft but filled with firm determination. The light, almost weightless touch of his hand on her shoulder was completely unexpected, but it did not cause rejection. On the contrary, a slight tremor ran through Rumi's body, strangely familiar, like an echo of a forgotten dream. — Okay, but that old lady needs to be caught up, she's definitely a demon! Rumi exclaimed, already ready to take off. Her eyes were burning with determination. Jinwoo just shook his head. — No need to catch up with anyone. - why? She's a demon! I can feel it! Rumi persisted, looking at him in disbelief. His calmness in such a situation seemed suspicious to her. —Because I called her," Jinu said softly, almost in a whisper, and there was a slight awkwardness in his voice. Rumi froze, her eyebrows went up. She looked at Gina blankly, complete confusion in her eyes. "Did you call?" What for? I understand nothing… Jinwoo sighed, as if gathering his thoughts, and spoke with a slight hesitation.: "I called her in to make this scene with the bracelets. Rumi frowned, trying to comprehend what she had heard. The words didn't add up to a logical picture. Everything that was happening seemed absurd, ridiculous, as if she had fallen into a bad dream or was the victim of someone's cruel joke. "Why would you make a scene?" "What is it?" she asked, not hiding the growing irritation in her voice. —Are you trying to make fun of me, Jinu?" It's not funny at all! Jinu sighed guiltily and rubbed the bridge of his nose. His gaze was full of remorse. — No, not at all! Absolutely not! I... I just thought that you… But you didn't understand anything, did you? — What should I understand, Jinu, I don't understand?! Rumi protested, gesturing. Her patience was running out. —Rumi, listen," Jinu began, trying to speak as softly as possible and looking into her eyes. "I'm the Jinu you know. I tried to give you a hint with the same phrases, actions, and events.… I am Jinu.… Rumi looked at him suspiciously, and his heart seemed to be pounding somewhere in his throat. Yes, she thought it was a coincidence, a trick of the imagination, or some kind of deception. That she just thinks that the new member of their group, this strange guy, looks so much like the demon Gina, whom she fell in love with... whom she mourned and missed. She desperately clung to the idea that this was just a figment of her imagination, because the reality seemed too improbable. Fragments of memories flashed through his head like lightning flashes: his embarrassment, clumsy attempts to keep up a conversation, strange but so familiar hints, that look ... so familiar, full of hidden concern. —Are you... are you saying that you're him?" Rumi whispered, and her voice trembled with disbelief mixed with a budding, almost painful hope. She involuntarily touched the place where her heart was, where she still felt his energy, his presence. "But how?" You gave me your soul.… Jinwoo blushed slightly and looked away, as if he was embarrassed by his vulnerability. — It's a long story, and Celine would probably be better off telling the details, but let's just say I found a way to come back. And it happened because I gave you my soul and your love..." he looked up at her, and there was so much tenderness, guilt and some kind of inexpressible hope in them that Rumi's heart trembled. She remembered his sacrifice, his absolute willingness to give everything for her, even himself. And now he was standing in front of her, alive, real, as if he had returned from oblivion, ready to be with her again. — But why arrange all this comedy with bracelets? Rumi was still trying to put all the pieces of the puzzle together, although now there was more amazement than annoyance in her voice. Jin allowed himself a small, fleeting smile, in which a spark of former mischief flashed. "I wanted to remind you of that scene on that bridge,— he confessed. — I thought that everything would be clear without unnecessary explanations. And to be honest, I wanted to have some fun. Your reaction was invaluable. Rumi couldn't help but smile, and then she laughed, looking at him through tears. Yes, he was still the same Jinu—a little cocky, a little awkward, but sincere and so dear. She took a step towards him, then another and, closing the distance, hugged him tightly, pressing her whole body. —I'm so glad you're back,— she whispered, inhaling his familiar soothing scent and nuzzling into his shoulder. — And yes, you deserve this reaction. Next time, be a little less mysterious. —Okay,— he said, carefully but firmly hugging Rumi back and pressing his chin to the top of her head. He could feel her trembling, her tears, her relief. "Now we have to get back, Rumi. They'll be looking for us. She pulled back, wiping her tears with the back of her hand, and blushed slightly as she realized how hard she had attacked him. Jinwoo looked at her with warmth and understanding, as if their bond had only grown stronger during this time apart. — Yes, you're right. I have to go. But first..." she paused, then, gathering her courage, quickly kissed him on the cheek. — This is for your return. Jinu blinked in surprise, then laughed. His laugh was warm and sincere, like a melody she hadn't heard in so long. He took her hand, and as if there had been no separation, they headed back to the building. He stepped closer, held out his hand, and his fingers, strong and warm, gently intertwined with hers. At that moment, the world around them seemed to dissolve. All the separation experiences, fears and trials faded into the background, giving way to an amazing feeling of completeness and correctness. They walked forward, their steps synchronized, as if they had never been apart, and headed back to the massive doors of the building. The sun was already rising above the horizon, painting the sky in delicate shades of pink and gold, and their long intertwined shadows slid across the ground ahead of them. They were already waiting for them inside. Celine was standing in the middle, and everyone else was standing around. When Rumi and Jinu entered, everyone exhaled. "Where have you been?" Celine asked a bit sternly. "We were just out early in the morning," Jin replied with a slight nonchalance, and his lips curved into a barely noticeable mischievous smile, which only Rumi noticed. He gently released her hand, letting her know that they were back in a formal setting, but the warmth of his touch could still be felt on her skin. Celine gave everyone a stern look and turned to face the group. Her voice sounded clear and determined, dispelling the remnants of morning relaxation. — I've been waiting for you all to talk about something important. I don't think Bobby really explained anything yesterday, did he? There were only muffled nods and a few sighs of displeasure. Yesterday was full of chaos and confusion. "The new members who joined the Hutrix group yesterday," Celine began, and her gaze fell on the three guys standing a little apart. "They're demon hunters too. There was a deathly silence in the room. Music could be heard playing in the distance, and some even stopped breathing. She was the first to recover from the shock of the World. Her eyes widened, and her voice cracked in disbelief. "How are the hunters?" There have always been girls..." she said in surprise, looking from Celine to the three guys who couldn't be hunters. Celine smiled, as if expecting just such a reaction, and there was something like a slight triumph in that smile. — Traditions are changing, Mira. Time does not stand still. As it turned out, there were also hunters behind our backs that we didn't know about. If Jinwoo hadn't come to me, we wouldn't be standing here right now," her voice softened. She looked around the group, lingering on each face, and continued. — Each of you has your own strengths. But the most important thing is to remember that you are a united team. We must trust each other, support and help in any situation, even when it seems that everything is lost. This is the only way we can successfully resist and protect the world from the Storm that is coming. We all have the same goal and the same values, which is to strengthen Hanmun. Rumi exchanged glances with Jinu. There was not just mutual understanding in their gazes, but deep, unbreakable trust forged in the flames of common trials. Despite all the difficulties and nightmares they had to go through, despite the losses and pain, they were ready to move on. Together, shoulder to shoulder, they were unwavering in their determination. Their love, which went through all the trials, became not only their personal salvation and a source of strength, but also a powerful weapon in the fight against the darkness that enveloped the world — a symbol that even in the darkest times the light can win.