"Sarge, we're approaching the gates," Yoongi called back.
They were all awake and alert as they neared the base. Yoongi was at the wheel with Jimin beside him while the rest prepared their guns and equipment. As they entered the gates, she felt the truck halt, and then she heard her husband's anxious voice.
"Who are you? Where's my wife?" he asked in a panic.
"Apologies, sir, I'm Private Park Jimin. I believe your wife, Sergeant Kim, is out back with the others," Jimin replied.
She leaped from the truck, quickly coming into view, and was immediately embraced in the arms she desperately needed.
"That gave me a scare," he admitted.
"Yes, we have a few extra people with us, so the shifts were slightly different this time," she explained.
"You've found survivors?" he inquired, glancing past her at the group emerging from the vehicle.
"In a manner of speaking," she replied, her voice faltering as she noticed the shift in his expression, realizing he had seen they were one member short.
"Where's Soobin? He was with you, wasn't he? Did something happen to his arm again? Does he need help?" He asked, approaching the truck and peering inside. His expression shifted from confusion to dawning understanding as he turned to face her.
"Please don't say it," he whispered.
She retrieved his tags from her pocket and extended them to him.
"He wanted you to have these. He apologized for not finishing his training and asked you not to be disappointed," she said solemnly.
He accepted the tags, clutching them tightly as a sob escaped him, and she moved quickly to embrace him as he trembled in silence.
"Why did it happen?" he asked, tears streaming down his face.
We got hit hard in another attack. It wasn't good, and we thought we might not make it, but then the other team swooped in and saved us. Unfortunately, Soobin got hurt in the process," she explained.
"I shouldn't have approved him for the mission. He was so eager to participate that I didn't have the heart to hold him back," he admitted.
"It's nobody's fault, Jin. Soobin kept telling us he wanted to be there and was content with his choice. He made it clear he didn't want us carrying any guilt; it was his decision," she consoled.
Jin nodded, wiped away a tear, and said, "I'm relieved you all returned safely."
She took his hand and guided him to the group that had been waiting.
"Gentlemen, this is my husband, Kim Seokjin, one of our finest medics," she introduced.
"Pleased to meet you, sir. I'm PFC Jeon Jungkook, and these are Privates Kim Taehyung and Park Jimin," Jungkook greeted.
"We've met before," Jimin said.
"Sir, we're sorry for your loss. Sergeant Kim shared how close you were to Private Choi," Taehyung expressed.
Jin nodded silently, but his eyes widened as he looked past the men.
"J-hope?" he uttered.
Hoseok turned, locking eyes with Jin, then hurried over.
"Jin! It's so good to see you!" Hoseok exclaimed, embracing him tightly.
