Exes and Superher-o's

Part 19

The most difficult part of getting into the city ends up being selecting which vehicles to drive. Eventually, pragmaticism wins and you pile into two Hyundai cars around 2:30 PM.

"No one has ever done anything cool driving a Hyundai," Jungkook states glumly, buckling himself into the backseat.

He's moving slowly due to his injuries, but Namjoon was right – it's safer for him to come, as opposed to staying and waiting for ISA to find him.

"That's kind of the point," Namjoon says, checking his mirrors before backing out. "The goal is to make it into the city undetected. Besides – these aren't normal Hyundai's. Do normal Hyundai's have state of the art plasma shields? Didn't think so."

Forced to agree, Jungkook falls silent and stares out the window.

You switched cars earlier, leaving Katie and Roa to Taehyung and choosing to ride with Namjoon. Mostly, you've forgiven Katie for her inaction, but you figured she could use the time alone with her boyfriend.

Also, it gives you time to interrogate Namjoon on his plan. He still hasn't said all the details, insisting he wanted to work through some scenarios.

"So," you say, aiming for casual. "Where's this warehouse, again?"

"Lower west side. Down by the docks."

"Mhm. And what time will we get to the city?"

"GPS says around three. Jungkook," Namjoon says, glancing up. "Does she always grill you this hard?"

"Harder," Jungkook says, hiding a smile.

You scowl at your handler's profile. "I'm just trying to keep us from getting killed."

"That's my job," Jungkook points out. "Usually, you're the one coming up with the ridiculous plans and I'm the one pointing out their flaws."

Although you ignore this, Jungkook has a point. It used to be you who came up with the risky scenarios – Exhibit A, your plan to sneak into ISA headquarters and discover the truth about Katie.

Last time though, your hare-brained scheme ended with painful consequences. Sure, you discovered the truth about Operation Made, but it also resulted in your current situation. You and Seokjin torn apart, your team branded villains and Jungkook hurt.

Obviously, you've always known your actions have consequences. That's page one in the superhero handbook. In the past though, you always managed to scrape by through a combo of luck and skill. Now though, you're realizing no amount of can-do attitude can fix things, meaning you can't go about things the way you always have.

"Hey," Jungkook says, a bit quieter.

Turning your head, you avoid his gaze. "Hey."

He sets his jaw. "This isn't your fault, you know."

"What's not?"

"Me getting hurt."

Your entire body tenses, and your gaze flicks to his: you hadn't expected him to be so blunt.

"It wasn't your fault," Jungkook repeats. "I took a stupid risk, and it failed."

"Well," you say, finally recovering your voice. "You took a stupid risk because of me."

"I'm your handler. It's what we do."

"Yes, well –"

"Sometimes risks pay off," he interrupts. "Sometimes they don't. I'm the one making that call though, Y/N. If you think you can just leave me behind, then you obviously don't know me very well. The only thing I'd find unforgiveable is if you made my choices for me."