The next day, after the usual morning check in on Namjoon, both Leah and Jungkook made way for the cliff Daniel marked on their map. It was a simple task in itself: get to the cliff, observe the northwestern side of the island, and come back.
It should be said the worst part was doing so in one piece. There was no road or easy trail leading to the cliff and according to Daniel it was considered difficult by natives too, who would not risk going. As the jungle became thicker, less sun shone through, blocking any sense of direction. The less the sunlight, the higher the humidity and difficulty breathing, making it more exhausting than usual. On top of it, dangers lurked in the dark bushes and although no predators were known in that part of the island, snakes, spiders and ants were to be expected and they carried their own risks. Not only animals, but plants would prove a likely challenge too.
Leah was noting all these considerations in her mind as she followed Jungkook deeper in said part of the jungle. It had been over an hour since they left Omani and she was covered in a moist layer that she could tell was not only made of sweat. In fact, the humidity was so great it felt like she was crying, because water kept condensing on her forehead and then, mixed with sweat, would run into her eyes and make them sting. Rubbing her eyes only seemed to make it worse.
But she did not complain. The previous day she dreaded feeling behind, feeling like she wasn't strong enough. The worst was feeling like not only would she fail to help Namjoon and Jungkook, but that she would become a hindrance. Or even worse, she wouldn't be able to save herself. That thought brought sheer terror to her, to the point she wouldn't be able to function if she thought too hard about it. She could not remember much about her life, or herself, but that much she knew: the prospect of failing was something she could not handle. And as such, she would do anything in her power to push through.
That included following Jungkook's ebony covered nape into a dark, thick, oxygen-consuming jungle. Where sometimes she doubted the things touching her legs and arms were always trees, bushes and leaves. Where there was no sunlight, and her body felt heavy just from carrying the humidity on her skin. She followed him without complaining, swallowing every grunt of every ankle twist, every sting, and every scratch. She even tried understanding where they were going and why, although most times she would lose track because walking without twisting her ankles was more important. She would persevere and see this damned cliff outlook where they said one of the best views of the island could be found. She would prove herself, and anyone else, that she could do it.
Jungkook was trying his best to focus on the way. Daniel's words did not make justice to how hard it was proving to be to navigate that part of the jungle, let alone find a cliff where the sun shone through. At one point he thought they'd be lucky to see the sun again. But he was optimistic, he knew they were well equipped to search for a long time. And if they couldn't find it, they would try again the next day, and eventually they would.
However, hearing Leah trying to silently pant was pulling a nerve. He was trying to focus and not care, and he succeeded most of the time. Then he'd hear her foot slip and he'd fight the urge to turn around and check on her. He respected her willpower, but more than that, he wanted to be free of the thought that part of his attention span was entirely taken by her. He struggled with the space she was taking in his life, even if he consciously knew he couldn't do a thing to avoid it.
He took a deep breath, ignoring another of her silent grunts. He didn't turn back to see what it was; if she needed him she would say so. The thought that he was within reach and that she could ask for help if she wanted to kept him concentrated.
He cut a leaf with his machete harshly. So what, if he couldn't do a thing to prevent Leah from becoming important to him? Well, there was no preventing that, she already was. But even more, he thought, swinging his blade again. He could use her and with her help he would most definitely succeed.

YOU ARE READING
✔ Far Cry | JJK x OC
FanfictionWhat will he do to save them? After barely escaping captivity, Jungkook is lost in the jungle on an unknown island, with an injured Namjoon and an amnesiac girl. Together, they must find out what happened to the others and how they can save them. ...