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Chapter 36

I no longer needed a chaperone around though there were no updates about resuming work. I tried to offer multiple times yet every time, the captain managed to get on top of work that normally would be a two person job. Instead, I spent the time cleaning. May I add, stressfully.

Currently, Mingi watched me bustle back and forth with a cloth and bucket to wipe down all possible surfaces. He stayed seated in his spot, having finished his practice. 

“Take a break with me.” 

“No.” I continued to wipe down the top of the cabinets. 

The bucket of water was transported here and there until eventually it was too dark to be considered for cleaning. I grimaced at the thick coat of dust on the rag and dumped it into the blackened water. I dragged the bucket to the side door leading to the outside. Sweat gathered on my brow as I struggled to push the door open. Mingi took the bucket and we stepped outside. He poured it over the sand. I watched the land greedily drink the blackened water. What was left were the stains of dirt. 

“Punch me.” 
The request was thrown seemingly out of nowhere. I did not entertain the request.

Instead I turned away and began to walk to the door. A hand gripped my wrist, restraining me in place. Mingi repeated his request, this time with more vigour. Yet again, I refrained and tried dragging him along. No luck. I turned back to Mingi defeated. 

“Do it. Go on.” 

I curled my fingers into a fist and punched him in the arm with no real power. He was unimpressed though he released his grip. I was about to take another step away when a fist came swinging from the side. I sidestepped and immediately raised my arms to guard. 

“Now we’re talking.” A smirk crept up his face. 

Mingi swung again. I knew from the timing of the swings that he wasn’t using half of his power. Last time he did, two people ended up at Seonghwa’s door with bloody noses, one being him and the other being San. I dodged, feeling the rush of air as the fist swept past.

I lunged forward, readying to strike but managed to trip over a conveniently protruding rock. My body lurched further than anticipated. Mingi moved his body to the side as I fell through, landing on my hands and knees. The winds carried the low chuckles to where I stayed unmoving. From the embarrassment alone, I covered my face and laid down flat. The sand should’ve swallowed me then and there.

A hand grabbed the back of my shirt neckline and my body was lifted. I hacked at the sudden pressure on my trachea. Mid-hold, I was spun around to face Mingi who seemed to enjoy himself at the expense of my suffering. I swallowed down rising shame and steadied my footing.

“Again.” 

Mingi threw another fist. This time I dodged though not well enough as the arm changed trajectory, aiming fair and square in my midsection. I wheezed a little at the impact and glared up at him. He only shrugged and continued.

It was ruthless. The drilling was constant. At every mistake, Mingi would correct it after the damage was done. I was sure my knees were purple. My face would’ve been bloody and swollen if he didn’t soften his blows on purpose. This time I was slapped to the ground. I fell in shock, trying to comprehend what happened. 

“Get up.” 
I slowly got up, feeling a burning in the depths erupting. 

“Wait,” Mingi scanned the vicinity, “we’ve got company.” 

Two figures charged from the orange haze. I was slow to react, being the one knocked to the ground. One of them sneered at me, grabbing my shirt to haul me up. I glared at them, adrenaline buzzing. The buzzing reached my blood when I heard Mingi grunt in pain.