As long as I'm here, no one can hurt you. (Lee Su-hyeok x Reader)

twenty eight

It was around midnight when On-jo, Hyo-ryeong, and I sneaked out of our tent. On-jo took the lead, while I stayed behind the two girls, making sure nobody was watching. It was only about a five-minute walk, but I could've sworn we were walking for a good hour.

We were almost there when a weird smell wafted through the air. Did Min-ho start smoking again? I thought to myself, grimacing the stronger the smell became. On-jo and I gave each other confused looks and we finally went around the corner as I stopped in my tracks, the bag with all of our snacks and farewell cards dropping to the ground.

Instead of Min-ho, who I just accused of smoking again, I saw Mi-jin crouching on the ground as she brought the end of the cigarette to her lips, inhaling. Looking around I also saw Dae-su and Ha-ri as they turned their heads to us. „You've got to be kidding me..." I whispered, my head snapping to Su-hyeok, who was avoiding my glare.

But before I could say anything else, we heard footsteps grow louder and louder as we all turned towards the sound, Min-ho appearing not much after. He looked up from his shoes, the relaxed look on his face quickly switching to an annoyed one. „Why am I not surprised." He sighed.

„I... I can explain-" I stuttered, trying to find a believable excuse, yet my mind seemed to be blank.

„Fuck it." He muttered out, not asking any questions about who told whom. „Let's go."

Min-ho was the first one to climb the wall, helping the others as they followed his action. Su-hyeok and I waited for our turns, an awkward silence between the two of us.

"What did I tell you about not telling anyone? Can't keep your mouth shut once!" I hissed, elbowing him slightly. He mouthed a silent „Sorry", still avoiding my eyes.

Soon we all climbed over the wall, all eight of us on the way to the memorial tree we set up for our friends not much after we were transferred from the cells to the camp. On-jo took the front again, guiding us through the darkness of the night with her father's flashlight.

Su-hyeok and I were in the back, Dae-su not much in front of us. Su-hyeok cleared his throat, my eyes now fixed on him instead of my feet. I waited a moment for him to speak, yet nothing seemed to follow after his weird attempt to get my attention. „What?" I questioned impatiently.

Instead of saying anything, he reached for my hand, interlocking his hand with mine as a way to say sorry. I truly meant it when I said I'm not the strongest soldier when it comes to Su-hyeok. Instead of standing my ground and not letting him get away with it, I gave him a smile as I tightened the grip on his hand, enjoying the warmth his presence was giving me. It truly was a cold winter night, after all.

We arrived at the tree, and I let go of Su-hyeok's hand as I ducked down, placing the plastic bag full of snacks, gifts and cards onto the ground. I dug in the bag, looking for the letter I had written. When I saw the familiar red envelope, my eyes lit up and I took it out.

I opened the envelope, wanting to read the letter one more time before giving it to my friends.

Dear Hee-su, Min-ji, I-sak, Gyeong-su, Na-yeon, Miss Park, Ji-min, Joon-yeong, Wu-jin and Cheong-san,

we're safe. I know right? It sounds crazy, unimaginable even.

I'm still not fully realizing that it's over. Actually, I don't think it will ever be over, you know?