┊ ˚➶ ｡˚ 𝓣𝓸𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓻𝓸𝔀 𝓑𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 𝓝𝓸 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮 𝓘𝓷 𝓗𝓮𝓻𝓮 ˚｡➶˚┊

She watched the arrow fly.

Park hit the target in the chest. He kept the bow close to his body, rubbing his fingers over the string. The smoke from the fire filled the night sky, Y/n sitting by it while Park kept practicing. Not that he needed practice; he hit the target in the chest almost every time. He hadn't missed yet. Y/n didn't even try. Not like she could. Although it had been a week since her injury, her leg still burned from the impact. Arrows were no joke, and Y/n didn't want to go anywhere near them.

Park loaded again, deciding to be cocky and shoot her a wink. Without glancing at the target, he released the arrow and hit it in the head. They were using paint on trees to act as targets. Taehyung painted three human figures on the three trees about twenty meters away.

"Don't be an asshole," she said, placing her plate down. He shot her a smirk before going to retrieve his arrows. For once, he didn't have his armor on. He had a black lace up top on, the strings bouncing off his chest. The shirt was a bit loose on him, allowing her to see the back of his neck. She could have sworn she saw dark ink near the top of his back, but he was too far for her to confirm it.

He returned with the arrows not long after, sitting across from her on one of the two wooden logs. He picked up his cup, drinking from it. As always, it was some type of alcohol Y/n didn't bother learning the name of.

"I'm surprised you're here this late," Y/n said, Park shrugging it off.

"I negotiated with the Emperor. I stay there during the day, go out more at night. It's more peaceful, don't you think? Less happens. Less threat of war. No threat of Moros."

"They'll come back eventually, won't they?"

"Not if the rebellion kicks the Emperor's ass. Moros is fighting for the same thing you are: freedom. The Emperor set his sights on Mount Moros years ago. If we kill the Emperor, Moros will leave us alone."

"Hopefully I'll be healed by then," Y/n said, rubbing her thigh.

Park stared at her for a moment, taking a swig of his drink before abruptly standing. "Come on."

"What?"

"We're sparring. Let's see what you got."

"Are you insane? You're the best fighter in New Theon and I'm injured," she said, but Park already strolled over to the grassy clearing. All the wood got pushed aside to make space for a makeshift fighting ring. Taehyung painted a white circle across the grass, Park stepping inside it and motioning for her to come closer.

"I'll go easy on you, don't worry."

"Like hell you will."

He gave her yet another wink. "You might get choked again, princess."

She rolled her eyes and stood, going inside the circle on the opposite side. Park held up his fists, getting into a defensive position. She did the same, stumbling for a beat thanks to her leg.

"Ready?" he asked in a teasing tone.

"No."

He paused. "How about now?"

"Fuck you."

He took that as a yes and charged her. At the sudden intrusion, she yelped and dodged. He chuckled and grinned as if he was having the time of his life, brushing his long, black locks back and keeping his posture steady. He watched her with narrowed eyes. As battle mode took over, she realized how terrifying Park was. His focused glare had her struggling to remember how to fight. However, he didn't give her any chances like he said he would.

Park charged once more, dipping and diving to avoid her punches. For her sanity, she didn't use her legs. He took advantage of that and threw her to the ground. She groaned and gripped her poor thigh, throwing her head back and closing her eyes. Alright, it was official.

She hated him.

"You're such an ass," she grumbled, Park laughing as she attempted to get up. She opened her eyes in time to see him almost knocking himself out from the laughing fit he had. "Any help?"

"Oh no, I'd love to watch this."

She huffed a strand of hair out of her face and stood, wobbling before getting a bit closer. "Was that entertaining?" she asked, and his irises lit up with amusement.

"Very. I'd love to see it agai-"

'Punch!'

Park staggered back and held his jaw, his eyes bulging, almost popping out of their sockets. She grinned and held up her fists, her knuckles sore from the impact.

"Would you like to see that again too, Mr. Park?"

He rubbed his jaw before dropping it, getting into a defensive position. "Let's see if you'll even land another hit."

She took the challenge, the two going back and forth until they were both sweating. Park had blood on his upper lip. She was sure she was the same way. Her nose felt like it was about to overflow with mucus, her eyes swelling with tears as the moonlight shone on them.

"You gonna surrender?" Park asked.

"Sure," she said, holding up her hand. "Here's my white flag." She gave him the middle finger, Park staring at it, flabbergasted. Then, he rushed forward and tackled her. They went to the ground, the two groaning. He was about to lift his fist and punch her, but she pulled her trap card: she whined.

"If you're trying to fake being hurt to get out of a punch, it's not working."

Shit.

He punched her, and she kicked him with her good leg, pushing him off her and turning the tide. She got on top of him and raised her fist, him grinning.

"Is this fun to you?" she asked, unsure if horror or amazement was resting inside her tone.

"Just punch me, L/n." She did, him taking it. "There. Now get off me. Round two."

"We've been sparring for ten minutes."

At his sly smile, she agreed, getting off him and not bothering to help him up. As soon as he went to stand, she kicked him back down, Park grunting at that.

"And you call me an asshole," he muttered, finally getting up. Sweat covered his entire body, soaking his skin. It caused him to glow in the light, Y/n stalling for a beat. She took in the sight of him, observing the way he licked his lips to get the blood off, fixing his hair despite the fact that they were still fighting.

He noticed her stare, stopping and lowering his fists. "Hey," he said, coming closer. "What's wrong? Did I hit too hard?"

"Uh oh," she whispered as soon as he entered her personal space. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're starting to care about me." Although she meant it as a joke, his face fell, and he stepped away from her. "What? Is there a problem?"

He grabbed his bow and quiver, slinging it over his shoulder. "Let's get back inside. Kastor already hates me enough, I don't want to miss the curfew he set on me."

"What did I do? You were all smiles just a few seconds ago-"

"Just drop it. I'd rather not do this now."

"Do what now? Park, I don't want to pry, I just want to know if I said something that hurt you so I don't say it again."

"You and your prying," he muttered, running a hand through his messy hair.

"I'm sorry, I don't mean to, I just don't want to-"

"I don't fucking care about you," he blurted, Y/n stiffening at that. He sighed and stepped back, Y/n doing the same. "You're rebel scum. I've been conditioned to hate and kill you. The fact that I even tolerate you is a miracle, so stop expecting so much from me. I can't give you that. The Emperor already has high expectations, I don't need it from you too."

"Do you really not care, or are you just scared of admitting you do?" she asked, Park storming forward. She jumped back, and he froze. She cowered away despite herself, instinctively protecting her neck. His eyes went from a glare to concerned, his brows knitting together as pain filled his irises.

"Wait, no," he murmured, his mouth hanging open. "I wasn't going to..." She held up her hand to cut him off, praying her voice wouldn't crack.

"Sometimes I really don't understand you. We joke and laugh, but right when I think I'm getting through to you, you pull this shit. I thought we were okay. Park, it isn't like we just met. It's been two months, and you still treat me like I'm either a stranger or your best friend. I don't know your past and what's holding you back, but I have a past too. A past with you. Watching you slaughter everyone I know and love. Yet somehow I still brought myself to admit that I don't want you to die. The saddest part is I know you wouldn't say the same about me."

He set his jaw, clutching his bow. "I need to go see Kastor before he kicks me out. Check your wound and make sure we didn't hurt it during the spar." Without another word, he left.

"So fucking helpful," she muttered, kicking at the grass. She plopped down on the wooden log in front of the fire, rubbing her hand over her thigh. Some pain, but adrenaline masked it.

Throughout the past two months, she spent most of her time with Park, helping him adjust to the rebellion and making sure he was trustworthy. He felt like an ally. Not a friend, but an ally. Now, she wasn't so sure. She didn't know if Park would ever come around.

Part of her didn't want him to.

┊ ˚➶ ｡˚˚｡➶˚┊

"Jeon Jungkook!"

Y/n jumped into his arms, Jungkook groaning at the contact but hugging back. He chuckled and gave her a squeeze, pulling away and brushing her hair out of her face.

"So... you missed me?"

"Don't ruin it," she replied.

He moved back so Hoseok could give her a hug. Seulgi trailed behind them, her expression emotionless. Y/n opted to take her time with Hoseok, hoping her warmth would give him some light back. When she parted from him and saw the bags under his eyes, she realized no hug could fix that.

"We have to talk about the hotel. Tae got me up to speed and told me about Thermus. We went there first, it's a mess. The Emperor is using it as a junkyard now," Hoseok said.

"A new junkyard?" she asked, her lips threatening to turn into a smile. "That sounds tempting. New guards, new positions, new setup. We can gather intel."

"Or get shot. We barely got out without being spotted," Jungkook said, Y/n glancing at his missing pinky. He still had a limp thanks to the wounds he suffered. Hoseok was in much better shape. Seulgi was in the best physical state, but Y/n could tell the girl would never recover from the mental shock she endured. Y/n didn't even want to know what happened.

"It's not a bad plan," Kastor said as he approached, entering the cramped space of the living room. Jin, Park, and Taehyung weren't in sight. Y/n couldn't tell if she should be glad or disappointed. "I can go gather some others. Taina and Hesa are looking for work."

"No need. Jungkook and I got this. Just like old times," Y/n said, giving her best friend an innocent look.

"Speak for yourself. After the Tower, I need to rest. Everyone does."

"But there's countless new guards there. Inexperienced. What if we overhear valuable information? What if a higher-up is there directing them? What if Namjoon is there? We can assassinate him and save ourselves a shit ton of trouble."

"It's not a bad plan, but Jungkook's got a point," Hoseok said with a sigh. "I appreciate your enthusiasm, but we just got a big win. Why risk it now?"

"Because if we don't keep up the momentum, that win will mean nothing. We have so much time until we reach the hotel. Do you want our fire to fizzle out? We can go to the junkyard, overhear information, have Jin film a promo and keep up the pace. I'll do it alone if I have to."

"And risk losing the information if you get shot? We'd lose both you and intel. It's too dangerous to do alone," Jungkook said, then, after a huff, "and don't look at me. Literally anyone else."

"Maybe a scapegoat," Hoseok mumbled, and Y/n jabbed her finger against his chest.

"Jung Hoseok, if you pair me with Commander Park, I will flay you."

"It makes sense," Kastor said. "Kid's got heart, doesn't he? Good fighter. Knows his way around long-ranged weapons."

"I'd rather rip out my own eyes," Y/n replied, hoping her voice didn't sound like a hiss.

"Your plan," Hoseok said, holding up his hands defensively. "Jungkook and I are in recovery, I'll personally kill you if you take Jin out there, and Tae's Tae. You know Park is your best ally here. If you get caught, he's your scapegoat. He's the Commander. No one will question him, and if they do, he can smooth talk his way out of it."

Kastor grunted. "He smooth talked his way into getting me to let him stay. What an asshole."

"On that, we agree," Y/n muttered. "But I can't do it. You don't get it, him and I aren't exactly in a good place right now."

"It's your plan, Y/n," Hoseok said, his lips dropping to a frown. "If you want to, go for it. If you don't, don't."

"You're our leader. I'm only the second for a reason: I listen to you. Please, tell me what to do."

"It's not a bad plan," Jungkook said, tapping his bandaged stub against his chin. "Whatever you two are going through, I think you're forgetting you're both professionals. Both of you are the second-in-commands of your respective armies."

"I can talk to him," Kastor offered, the others whipping their heads around at that. "Maybe a stranger will help him calm down. Will that make you more comfortable with the plan?"

"You know what? Whatever. It's worth a try. Just don't kill him. I call dibs on that," Y/n said, Kastor reluctantly agreeing before walking off to go look for Park. She grabbed Hoseok's hand and dragged him out back, leaving the confused Jungkook in the dust while Seulgi stood in the background, fiddling with her fingers. As soon as they were outside, she placed her hands on her hips.

Hoseok tilted his head. "What?"

"We need a leader, not a follower. You're supposed to be coming up with these plans and figuring out how to execute them. And not only that, you're supposed to be doing it with confidence. The reason the rebellion is losing is because we aren't doing enough of the small things. These plans will add to our credibility. The public will like us, but you're not thinking of that. How can I trust you when you can't even trust yourself?"

Hoseok went quiet for a long moment, grabbing the chain around his neck and pulling it free. A wedding ring dangled on the silver chain, Hoseok rubbing his fingers around the golden band before forming a fist around it.

"This war is the only thing keeping me alive," Hoseok said, his voice nearing a whisper. "I lost my light years ago. I joined this war to save him, and now this war is the very thing that took him away. All because I had hope I could save him. Hope I'd be the one to do it. Funny, isn't it? We make such big, grand plans and promises only for them to fall away before our eyes. Melting away." He stomped his foot on the ground, some dew sticking to his boots. "Like snow under a burning sun. That's all we are, Y/n. The rebellion is the snow, the Emperor the sun."

"I like our odds." The words felt weak as they slipped by her throat.

"I don't," Hoseok said, tucking his ring back under his shirt. "For his sake, I'll keep fighting. I'll do my best to lead, but after this war is over, I can't make any guarantees."

"I wouldn't ask you to. For whatever it's worth, I love both versions of you. Whether it's the sunshine who convinced me to join this fight, or the leader who's pretending he isn't on the verge of tears, I'll keep both versions with me. Always."

Hoseok sniffled and nodded, not bothering to hide the moisture clogging his eyes. "I'm supposed to be the one giving pep talks."

"You've kept us all alive," she said, coming closer and placing a hand on his shoulder. She rubbed it, him leaning into her touch. His lips twitched up. She hadn't seen Hoseok smile in years. This was the closest she had ever gotten. For a moment, it felt like home. "Now, let us keep you alive."

"Thank you," he whispered, but there was nothing else to say. The two stared at one another, Hoseok not letting his tears fall. Then, the door snapped open, and the two jumped apart. Park stood there, his bow and quiver thrown over his shoulder, his sword attached to his belt while his armor shaped his slim but muscular body. He met her eyes, and she couldn't stop herself from returning the gaze.

"Going to the junkyard, huh? This is either the worst or best plan you've ever had," Park said, both Hoseok and Y/n faltering at that.

"What? Why?" Hoseok asked for the two of them, Y/n wishing she had the strength to thank him. Park sighed, gripping the handle of his sword and shaking his head.

"Because Min Yoongi's there."

┊ ˚➶ ｡˚ 𝓣𝓸𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓻𝓸𝔀 𝓑𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 𝓝𝓸 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮 𝓘𝓷 𝓗𝓮𝓻𝓮 ˚｡➶˚┊