Archive of Our Own ^beta

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Rumi had initially been hesitant, wary of the enigmatic, infuriatingly charming Jinu. Yet, despite her best judgment, he had somehow chipped away at her reservations, one ridiculous, endearing stunt at a time. The connection between them, she’d grudgingly admitted to herself, felt terrifyingly natural, a harmony she hadn't known she was missing. Most profoundly, when her secret was vulnerable, exposed for all to see, Jinu had stood by her, protecting her with a fierce loyalty, even when he had everything—his reputation, his future, maybe even his life—to lose. That act, more than any grand gesture, had cemented her decision to keep crossing paths with him, leading them to this ridiculous, wonderful moment.

"Are you really sure about this, Jinu?" Rumi whispered, her voice a mix of exhilaration and something that sounded suspiciously like a challenge. She was dressed in a blush pink and grey sweat suit with sneakers, tucking her lavender braid into her hoodie. Rumi crouched low behind a suspiciously manicured bush outside the city aquarium, using her hood to hide her face. The moon, a sliver of silver, seemed to mock their clandestine operation, just as the subtle, swirling iridescent patterns of her demon marks on her wrist seemed to hum with nervous energy.

Jinu, ever the picture of cool, collected mischief, flashed a grin that somehow managed to be both utterly charming and deeply annoying. Jinu was wearing a white t-shirt and loose pants, almost as if he wasn’t afraid to be seen. His own demon patterns- stylized, intricate swirling all over his exposed skin seemed to almost shimmer under the moonlight, a testament to his bold nature. "Rumi, my dearest Rumi, when have I ever led you astray? Besides, it's not 'breaking in' if we have... let's call them 'alternative security clearance procedures.'" He gestured vaguely towards a less-than-intimidating service door. Just yesterday, a giant phantom blue tiger from the demon realm had left paw prints across her floor of her balcony, followed by a crow that landed on her arm, dropping a meticulously folded note into her hand: "Aquarium. Midnight. Don't be late. -J." Typical Jinu.  Semi neat handwriting on a childish note.

It was still cute, and yet she still showed up. Sneaking away from Mira and Zoey had become easier the more she was around Jinu. There was no filter, no need to cover up.

Rumi rolled her eyes, but a smile twitched at the corner of her lips. "Alternative security clearance? Is that like when you tried to convince that grumpy goblin that 'tax evasion' was 'creative resource allocation'? Because if I recall, you ended up covered in slime and still paid the taxes." The familiar scent of him, an intoxicating mix of worn leather and something subtly like rich tobacco, wafted over her, a dangerous invitation.

"A minor, misunderstood incident!" Jinu retorted, already tiptoeing towards the door, a low hum of confidence emanating from him. "This is different. This is... an immersive study of marine life under optimal, uncrowded conditions. And maybe," he added, a glint in his brown eyes, "a chance for me to finally get that selfie with the giant squid without having to elbow past someone's aunt. Wasn’t it you who told me I should remember what it feels like to live again?"

They managed to slip inside with surprising ease, the old door groaning a protest that sounded deafening in the sudden quiet. The air inside was cool and smelled faintly of salt and something indefinably aquatic. Only the soft, ethereal glow of the tanks illuminated their path, mingling with the subtle, sweet aroma of peaches and vanilla that always seemed to cling to Rumi, a stark contrast to the thrilling danger he represented.

"Whoa," Rumi breathed, her earlier apprehension melting away, shrugging off her hood. The main hall was transformed. Usually bustling with chattering families, it was now a silent, shimmering world. Fish glided by like living jewels, their scales catching the faint light.

They wandered through the bioluminescent jellyfish exhibit first. The creatures pulsed with gentle, otherworldly light, drifting in liquid constellations. "They look like tiny, elegant dancers," Rumi murmured, pressing her hand against the cool glass. The gems on her manicure glinting in the blue overhead lights of the aquarium.

Jinu leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear, teasing in a low tone. "You know, they're pretty, I guess. But honestly, watching you watch them is far more interesting. You get this look... like you're trying to solve the universe's greatest mystery."

She playfully nudged him, a blush rising on her cheeks, grateful for the dim light. "Oh, stop it. Just because I'm not a master of 'alternative security clearance' like some people."

"It's a gift," he whispered back, then turned her gently to face him, his eyes reflecting the soft blue glow of the tank, a playful challenge in their depths. "Still, I'm pretty sure you could outshine all these glowy things if you really tried. And you don't even need to be plugged in."

They spent ages in the tunnel, surrounded on all sides by swimming sharks and graceful manta rays. Rumi pointed excitedly at a particularly large shark. "Look at him! He looks so serious."

"He's just trying to act tough," Jinu said, then pulled her closer, his arm settling comfortably around her waist. "Probably thinks he can impress the pretty girl. Unlike me, who just is impressed by the pretty girl, all the time." He squeezed her lightly. "This is infinitely better than whatever mess we usually stumble into, isn't it? Just us, fish, and no imminent demonic intervention."

"Definitely better," Rumi agreed, leaning into his warmth, a comfortable silence settling between them, thick with unspoken thoughts. As they passed a serene pond filled with vibrant koi, their scales shimmering gold and white in the dim light, Rumi felt a quiet sense of peace. "They're so beautiful," she murmured, a soft smile on her lips. "It's funny, seeing them reminds me of how lucky we are. Despite everything, we get to live... a really fulfilling life, don't we? Even with the chaos."

Jinu's hand tightened on her waist almost imperceptibly, his teasing demeanor softening around the edges. He watched the koi for a moment, their graceful movements a stark contrast to the turbulent world they inhabited. "Fulfilling," he repeated, a rare, vulnerable note in his voice. "Sometimes I wish I'd chosen better. Done right by my family, back when... before. Before all this." He sighed, a heavy, quiet sound. "You know, you see me differently, Rumi. You awaken parts of me I thought were long buried. The ones I pushed down, convinced they didn't belong."

Rumi turned, her fingers tracing the silver raven's wing on his arm. "Then fix it," she said softly, her gaze unwavering, full of a fierce, quiet conviction. "If we were meant to meet, if we found each other in this impossible, chance encounter... then maybe this is the start of building something good. Something right. I see beauty in your darkness, Jinu. And together, somehow, it all just... makes sense. Like harmony."

They eventually reached the other side of the aquarium, entering a massive, dimly lit tank where gentle giants glided through the water. Whale sharks. Their colossal, dappled forms moved with an unhurried grace, like living constellations drifting through a sapphire sky. Jinu was mesmerized, a rare awe painted across his features.

"They're incredible, aren't they?" Rumi breathed, pressing her palms against the cool glass, her demon patterns glowing faintly in the light. "So beautiful. And no one sees the cracks in the constellations, do they? Just the light." Her voice held a fragile tremor, a hint of her own insecurities surfacing.

Jinu’s gaze shifted from the magnificent creatures to her. He sensed the unspoken fear behind her words, the vulnerability she tried to hide. He reached over, his hand warm and gentle as he caressed Rumi's cheek, his thumb brushing over the soft skin. His voice was low, tender, losing all traces of his usual playful facade. "You should let your hair down sometimes, Rumi." He leaned in closer, his intoxicating scent enveloping her, his eyes searching hers in the dim light, until their lips were almost touching. "As far as I'm concerned," he whispered, just before their lips met for a sweet, hesitant kiss, "you're just as beautiful with the cracks showing."

They broke apart slowly, the kiss a silent promise, leaving them breathless in the hushed, watery world. Just as they were contemplating how to make a graceful, unsuspicious exit, a sudden, booming voice echoed from the security office, likely an automated announcement. "Good morning! The aquarium will open in thirty minutes! Please vacate the premises!"

Rumi and Jinu froze, then looked at each other, wide-eyed. "Thirty minutes?!" Rumi squeaked, a hint of genuine panic entering her voice, quickly followed by another burst of laughter.

"Operation: Romantic Fluff Getaway is now Operation: Dignified Tactical Retreat with Extreme Prejudice!" Jinu declared, grabbing her hand, a renewed spark of adrenaline and mischief in his eyes.

They bolted, a flurry of hushed giggles and clumsy tiptoes, past the sleeping sea turtles and the placid schools of fish. They burst out the same service door, gasping for breath under the pre-dawn sky, their laughter echoing softly in the cool morning air.

"That was... surprisingly effective," Rumi panted, leaning against Jinu, her chest heaving with laughter and the aftermath of their sprint.

"And utterly worth it," Jinu said, pulling her closer, his gaze lingering on her face, a soft, possessive light in his eyes. "You're even cuter than all the otters combined when you're slightly disheveled and covered in imaginary seaweed." He leaned down again, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to her forehead, sealing the moment.

Rumi swatted his arm playfully, but her smile was wide and genuine, her peach-and-vanilla scent mingling deliciously with his leather and tobacco. "And you're still the biggest dork I know, Jinu, a walking, talking romantic comedy cliché. But I guess... I'm starting to really, really like that about you. Who knew underneath that cool façade was a hopeless romantic." She linked her arm through his, and they began to walk, hand-in-hand, under the brightening sky, leaving the silent, shimmering aquarium behind, their hearts full of secret smiles, aquatic dreams, and the exciting, terrifying reality of what lay just beyond the edge of their confessions.

As they reached a quieter corner, tucked away from the main road, Rumi noticed the subtle gleam on his wrist. It was the simple, braided leather bracelet she'd given him days ago, a small, unassuming token, yet seeing it there made her heart flutter. He caught her gaze, a soft smile gracing his lips. He pulled her gently closer, his hand coming up to cup her cheek. He leaned in, pressing a soft, sweet kiss to her mouth, lingering just long enough to send a shiver through her. Then, his fingers gently found their way into the intricate braid of her hair, caressing it with an affection that felt impossibly tender.

"You should get back soon before they notice you're gone," Jinu murmured against her lips. As if on cue, from the shadows, the large, phantom blue tiger solidified, its eyes glowing softly, and the sleek black crow landed silently on its back, ready to escort Rumi home. "Take the tiger with you."

"You too," she murmured back, her voice a little breathless, her eyes locking with his. She kissed him again, a deeper, more lingering kiss this time, before he gently, reluctantly, let her go.

"I will see you at the Idol signing event later. Be safe, Rumi." His gaze held hers, full of warmth and concern.

"You too," she whispered, a soft smile on her face as she turned and gracefully mounted the blue tiger. With a silent nod from Jinu, the tiger padded away, the crow soaring silently above them, carrying Rumi back into the dawn. Jinu watched until they were mere shadows against the brightening sky, then, with a subtle shimmer of his own, he too disappeared, leaving only the quiet promise of their next meeting in the still morning air.

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