Hidden Patterns | Kpop Demon Hunters x Reader

[ 30 ] blackmailed

"Oh, Huntrix! We're so glad to have you here! And you must be the newest member, [Name]. Everyone's been talking about you these days!"

The interviewer greets you with a grin so wide it could blind someone under the harsh studio lights. His energy is sharp and effervescent, almost overwhelming, and before you even have the chance to collect yourself, his hand shoots forward.

You quickly return the gesture, slipping your hand into his. His grip is firm but professional, practiced in the same way as his expression. There's nothing unfriendly about it, but you can sense how rehearsed his charm is—as if it's been polished until it shines.

"Thank you for having me," you say with a smile of your own, and as you shake his hand, you remind yourself that you'll need to wear this mask convincingly. If everyone else in this industry is a performer, you'll have to be one too. "I'm really excited to be here."

The interviewer beams at you. "Excited? Great! That's exactly what I like to hear. There's no need to feel nervous at all. Just think of this as a casual chat. A chance for the fans to get to know you a little bit better."

His words are meant to soothe, and they do. Slightly, at least. Still, you're hyperaware of the people moving behind the cameras, the wires snaking along the floor, the overhead lights buzzing faintly. Everything here is much bigger and brighter than it feels like it should be, and it leaves you feeling somewhat exposed.

Fortunately, though, you're not alone.

From the corner of your eye, you catch Rumi standing close enough that your arms brush against each other. Her hand slips into yours, warm and soft, squeezing gently.

"You're going to do great," she reassures. "Don't worry. I'm—I mean, we're all here for you."

"Seriously, don't stress," Mira adds casually.

"Yeah, knowing you, it'll go amazing!" Zoey beams, and the brightness in her tone somehow feels strong enough to lift the weight pressing on your chest.

"Thanks," you chuckle softly.

Hearing their warm, supportive voices definitely helps. The truth is you've been practicing for days. Every spare second in front of a mirror, rehearsing your answers, adjusting your posture, practicing how to tilt your head so your smile looks effortless. The motions are second nature now. But it isn't the logistics that frighten you. It's not the prospect of tripping over words.

No, the real fear is far heavier. It's the thought that even though Huntrix has accepted you, the fans—the people—might not. That there will always be something about you that doesn't belong.

And worse still, that Baby might expose your secret before you even have the chance to prove yourself.

It'll be fine. I agreed to go on that stupid date with him, so at least until then, he should stay quiet.

The thought anchors you, at least temporarily. There are worse things to fear than this moment. If Huntrix ever found out what you truly were, if they looked at you with disgust or raised their blades against you, that would be unbearable. Compared to that nightmare, a messy little interview is nothing. Just another instance of acting out a part—when you already have a lifetime of experience behind you.

"All right," the interviewer cuts in, gesturing toward the camera crew. His smile doesn't falter for even a second. "We're just about ready to start. Do the girls need any more touch-ups? Then again, they always look amazing, so probably not."

The moment the word leaves his mouth, a swarm of makeup artists materializes like moths drawn to light. Brushes and sponges and powder compacts flash in their hands as they flit around the four of you. Zoey giggles when someone gently pats her nose with a puff of powder. Mira sighs dramatically when her eyeliner gets sharpened a fraction more, although she doesn't actually complain.