dissident ｡ nct

6.3 ｡

—Part 6.3—
Predicaments

"Thank you for the arm, but I think you need some muscle."
—Hua—

"Damn this skirt!" I yelled, frustration lacing my tone as I gasped for air.

Every breath I took made my lungs burn, the sensation bringing a heaviness that slowed down my already poor attempt at a sprint. The balancing act of keeping up and trying not to trip on my dress proved to be one hell of an impossible feat.

Taking a chance, I peaked up at the other initiates who were fighting to catch up with the train. At the very front, I could just make out a girl in amity clothing jumping onto the train, the first of the newbies to get on.

How the hell am I gonna be able to do that?

I looked back down, concentrating on my footing, leading me to forget the most important aspect of this whole adrenalin rush. I failed to remember that I had to jump on as well.

I need to jump right now.

The platform was ending in 25 meters, and if I didn't jump now, I'd be factionless. The thought of it made me push harder. I picked up my pace as I passed the last couple initiates, my breath coming in gasps. The pain in my chest grew unbearable, the adrenalin in my veins keeping me moving as I reached the side of a door.

It's now or never, Hua.

With the rest of my energy, I propelled myself sideways, landing on the ledge of the train, the foot supporting my weight slipping from under me.

Shit.

I was no longer standing on both feet. I hurriedly reached a hand, frantically looking for something to grip on as I felt the cold metal handle under my palm. I felt my panic surge as the wind picked up, the force of it causing me to loosen my grip.

Fuck, I'm going to die.

I took a peek at my peripheral, noticing the 15-foot drop that would most likely kill me in an instant before my hand fully slid off. I felt all my weight dip backwards, my life flashing before my eyes as I shut them in fear, the start of a shriek falling out of my lips.

But I didn't plummet down the side of the train.

An arm had wrapped around my waist, pulling me back onto the train, the sudden change catching my scream midway. Once I felt the familiar weight on my feet, I opened my eyes.

Did I actually fall? Am I dead? There's no way someone like him exists.

Everything about him radiated the sun. From his bright chocolate brown eyes shaded by strands of his purple streaked auburn hair. To his golden skin that glowed under the light. I couldn't help but stare at his delicate features, his leather-clad contrasting his looks. As I stared, I noticed that he stood not much taller than me, but I still had to incline my head to meet his amused gaze.

His plump lips reflected his gaze as they upturned into a smirk before he opened his mouth to speak, "Off to a great start there, initiate," joked the male. His sarcastic tone eliciting a frown to form over my lips, "your coordination is quite disastrous."

Sharp tongue. Cute ones always have a catch, just my luck.

"Yeah, what a shame it is to not be naturally gifted in the arts of coordination," I sassed back, the same sarcasm laced into my tone, "and I don't understand what you mean, that whole stunt was an act."

The tanned male released the arm around me, crossing them in front of his chest as he raised a brow challengingly, "oh really? So I just so happened to stumble upon your ass trying to put on a show?" he questioned mockingly, "I can't seem to wrap my head around that, initiate."

I let out a scoff as I rolled my eyes at him, "well, I think it's time you widen your horizon," I declared defiantly, arms mirroring his, "It's called wanting excitement in one's life."

At my proposal, the male let out an outburst of laughter, the melodious sound echoing around us, "Well, if you haven't noticed. This whole faction is built on one's want of excitement in life," he leaned on the walls of the compartment, the movement of the car making him sway, "and most people don't put themselves in danger when there is no need for it."

Fuck, he's got me there. I should've thought that excuse through more.

"I mean, you're quite interesting for sure. No new initiate has ever been as gutsy as you. If your whole stunt was actually an act, that is. Again, not convinced."

Not wanting to say anything else stupid, I rolled my eyes at him one last time before turning to walk away from him. I hoped that he would take this action as an end to the conversation, but of course, he wouldn't let me off the hook that easily.

In a voice loud enough for the rest of the compartment to hear, he hollered, "excuse me, that's not how you treat your potential mentor," the sound of his voice, reflecting the amused smirk he had on, "don't you have something to tell me?"

This bitch has got to be kidding me. What is with my terrible luck today?

I stopped in my tracks, my face morphing into a cringe at the situation I had just been put in. Too proud to show my defeat, I plastered a smile on my face, the smile not reaching my eyes as I locked eyes with the male in front of me once again.

"Thank you for the arm," I acknowledge, my tone annoyed at the unwanted attention I had gathered, "but I think you need some muscle. It was quite a soft landing for someone from Dauntless."

The car erupted into chuckles, a smirk playing on my lips as his cocky grin transformed into disbelief, cheeks reddening in embarrassment.

I watched as he turned to walk out of the car to enter the next one wanting to escape the mess he had created, but before I knew it, I opened my mouth once again, "Hey!" The male halted his gait, his head turning ever so slightly, presenting his sharp profile, "I didn't get your name."

"Lee Haechan," he answered, his voice full of authority. The playful tone from earlier no longer evident, "and what's yours, trouble?"

"Zhong Meihua."

Haechan nodded in understanding, opening the connecting door to the next train, "well, I look forward to seeing you again, Zhong Meihua."