Hidden Patterns | Kpop Demon Hunters x Reader

[ 09 ] hints of jealousy

At first, you were surprised that all of the members of HUNTR/X were here, not just Rumi, but now, you're surprised for a different reason entirely.

Someone else is with them. A woman you don't recognize, because this is undoubtedly the first time you've seen her, but her presence exudes a certain gravity that immediately puts you on edge. She's older than the others, somewhere in her mid-forties, with wavy black hair streaked through with threads of gray. Her eyes are sharp, calculating, and entirely unreadable. The nervous way everyone stands around her—especially Rumi—tells you everything you need to know.

This must be her. The girls' mentor, and a former demon hunter herself.

Celine.

A wave of unease rushes through you, and it takes all your self-control to keep it from showing on your face. If this is really her, and you're almost certain it is, then she's someone who has trained the current generation of hunters, someone who has killed more demons than you can possibly imagine. She has a human lifespan, so she obviously hasn't killed as many as you, but still. She's a veteran. And now she's here, on your doorstep.

You know it's unlikely, especially after all the time you've lived in this world, but... her experience might have changed her perception. It might have sharpened her senses even more.

There's a chance she might end up seeing through your disguise.

"Um, yes," you manage to say, blinking away your shock. "I'm [Name]. And of course. Come right in."

Celine gives a small, acknowledging nod, but doesn't smile. Her eyes remain fixed on you, sharp and narrow, and something about them makes your skin crawl. You open the door wider and step aside as the four of them file in.

"I'm Celine," she says, confirming what you already knew. Her voice is low and controlled. "The girls may or may not have mentioned me before. They told me that... you know. The truth."

"I do," you say slowly. "I mean, it just sort of happened. Rumi jumped in to protect me from a demon, but even before that, I'd already seen demons before. I just didn't know there were people who actually fought them."

That makes her arch a brow. "You've seen demons before?"

"A few times. They attacked me. But I've always managed to get away."

You see Rumi light up a little, clearly hoping this might boost Celine's impression of you, but the look on Celine's face doesn't change. She continues studying you like you're some kind of puzzle she hasn't yet figured out.

"Can I get you anything?" you ask. "Something to drink or eat?"

Celine shakes her head. "No. I appreciate the offer, but I'd prefer if we just talk. We can't afford to brush this aside."

You nod, feeling that pit in your stomach deepen. You gesture toward the living room, and everyone grabs a seat. The moment you find a spot on the couch, Rumi plops down next to you almost immediately, followed by Zoey and Mira. Celine chooses the armchair directly across from you, her posture rigid.

"I'm sure they must have already told you," she begins, her tone grave, "but this needs to remain a secret. Humans today aren't aware of demons. That's by design. Many years ago, they ran rampant, but we hunters emerged to push them back. Since then, we've worked hard to preserve that peace. Revealing the truth would send the world into panic."

"Celine, she obviously knows that," Rumi tries, but Celine cuts her off with a single, cold look. Rumi falls silent.

You nod again, steadying your voice. "I understand. I've known about demons for a while now, and I never told anyone. I'm good at keeping secrets. I love Huntrix and their music, and I love them even more now that I know what they're risking to protect people. I promise I would never do anything to risk exposing them. I swear it on my life."