Hidden Patterns | Kpop Demon Hunters x Reader

[ 22 ] the fragility of secrets

Holy hell, you're so fucked.

The moment Celine steps into your apartment, your stomach clenches so hard it feels like the air is being squeezed right out of you. Despite every ounce of self-control you try to muster, the truth of this situation presses down on you like an iron weight. Celine, a seasoned demon hunter whose instincts alone are sharper than knives, is standing inside your living room—while two demons are hiding in your closet, crammed together like fugitives.

You can feel them there, even without looking. Romance, too loud and too careless for his own good. Mystery, admittedly quieter, but no more subtle. To a human, the patterns demons bear might be easy to dismiss. A trick of the light, maybe, or a fleeting shadow. But to Celine? To someone like her, who has hunted demons for years, it would be the equivalent of a siren going off.

And once she discovers Romance and Mystery, it wouldn't just be about them. She'd know about you, too. All the centuries you've spent perfecting the art of blending in, building your mask, curating your human facade down to every smile and every laugh... it would all crumble. In an instant.

You swallow hard, forcing your expression to remain as calm as possible. Celine can't suspect anything. You need to make sure of it.

"[Name], this is Bobby," Celine says, her tone clipped and efficient, as she gestures to the man standing slightly behind her.

Bobby is harmless enough at first glance. Mid-thirties, maybe, with hair styled in an effort to look professional, but strands already loosening from stress-sweat. He's got the air of someone who spends more time organizing schedules than sleeping. His smile is friendly, though, almost earnest—like he's been dragged into this meeting last-minute and is trying his hardest to keep it as pleasant as possible.

"He's Huntrix's manager," Celine continues, "so I felt it'd be better to have him here for our discussion."

You latch onto the opportunity to ground yourself. A handshake is easy. It's something normal, safe, human.

Which is what you're so desperately pretending to be.

"It's nice to meet you," you say, forcing the edges of your lips upward as you extend your hand.

Bobby takes it quickly, his grip firm but gentle. His smile spreads wider, relief flickering across his face like you've just made this encounter ten times easier for him.

"Yes, it's really nice to meet you too!" he beams. "Sorry for dropping in on you like this. I'm sure we must have taken you by surprise."

You laugh softly, although inside, you're screaming so loud you're surprised the walls don't tremble.

"It's fine, don't worry," you simply say, forcing out the lie with surprising ease.

If only he knew. If only he realized how much you're banking on two demons—extremely immature demons—keeping still and quiet just long enough for this meeting to end.

"Do you want to sit down?" you offer.

Celine doesn't hesitate, striding over to the couch as if she owns the place. You and Bobby follow, and soon the three of you are seated. Your muscles feel stiff beneath your skin, every fiber of your being screaming to stay calm while your ears strain for the slightest sound from your bedroom.

"We've decided that we're going to give you a chance," Celine says.

The words catch you off guard. Your brows lift instinctively, but you hurry to regain your sense of control.

"To join Huntrix," she clarifies. "But that will be fully dependent on the training you're set to undergo, and how well you'll be able to hold up. If we come to the conclusion that you unfortunately have no potential, then I'm sorry, but we can't allow you to be part of the group."