Hidden Patterns | Kpop Demon Hunters x Reader

[ 32 ] unwanted scrutiny

You barely even have the chance to process Jinu's confession or the kiss, because scarcely a moment after Jinu presses his lips to yours, Baby forcefully shoves him back. The movement happens so fast that you almost stumble backward, air catching in your throat as the two demons glare at each other.

Baby's expression is fierce—feral, even—and for the first time today, the teasing spark you're used to seeing in his eyes is nowhere to be found. His eyes flash gold, bright and fleeting, but enough to make your stomach twist. Like he's just barely resisting the urge to change into his demon form right here and now.

"What the fuck, Jinu?" Baby hisses, his voice low and sharp enough to cut through stone. He doesn't even bother calling him hyung this time, that mock-polite title he's always used when trying to sound like he's above it all. No, this tone is different. Raw. Dangerous. His anger feels alive, like it's vibrating through the air, thickening the tension right where you stand.

Even now, your mind is reeling. You haven't even begun to make sense of what just happened. The feel of Jinu's lips against yours, the suddenness of it all, the shock freezing your limbs... there's no time for any of it to sink in, because the world around you is already spiraling into chaos.

You never dared to imagine that multiple people had romantic feelings for you. Honestly, you thought that Baby on his own was more than enough. The blackmail, the tension, the complicated emotions—it all felt like too much already. But now, seeing Jinu's trembling hands and the raw, yearning look in his eyes, you realize that it's deeper than you thought. That this has been building for a long time.

And suddenly, it makes even more sense. Why Jinu got so aggressive last time. Why his fear of HUNTR/X discovering your secret was so intense. He cares about you as more than just a friend. That much is painfully clear now.

But again, you barely even have time to let all of this sink in.

"Yeah, what the fuck, man?" Abby snaps, stepping forward.

You blink in surprise. It's rare to hear him sound angry. His voice usually carries that laidback, easygoing tone, like he doesn't have it in him to take things too seriously. But this? This is sharp. Disbelieving.

"You can't just do that," Abby continues, eyes narrowing into a glare. "You're not supposed to just go around kissing people whenever you feel like it. You're supposed to wait and see if they actually want to be kissed. It's called consent. Read about it."

You blink repeatedly, still trying to find your footing, the air heavy between all of you. Jinu, however, hardly even seems fazed. If he agrees with Abby's logic, he certainly doesn't let it show. He just keeps staring at you. His dark eyes are calm but intense, holding your gaze without faltering.

"I like you, [Name]," he repeats, voice steady despite the tremor in his chest. "I think we were meant to meet again. You remembered me after all this time, and you even remembered my song. To be honest I've been miserable for hundreds of years, but being around you is the most I've felt like myself again. I think I'd forgotten how to be happy. And I also think we have a lot in common."

He glances briefly at Baby, whose glare only deepens, before turning back to you.

"I won't try to threaten you or manipulate you into doing what I want. I just... wanted you to know how I feel. And I hope that you might consider giving me a chance."

Baby steps closer. His jaw is tight, his arm reaching instinctively around your shoulders, holding you protectively against him. You can feel the tremor in his hand. The way his fury barely stays contained beneath his skin.