Far Cry | JJK x OC

Chapter 58 // Taking the right exit

Leah watched with apprehension as Jungkook drank the vial given to him by Citra. Fortunately, he was already sitting on the bed because seconds later he closed his eyes as if dizzy and fell back. Citra didn't worry, she drank something of her own, got into a frenzy, and started tattooing him.

"You don't think she can, like, tattoo him in a way he'll be her puppet or something, right?"

Leah was in the small crowd gathered around the raised platform to observe and celebrate the new tatau. Ella and Aaden were with her and at her words, he frowned comically and she hid a mocking expression.

"Why? I don't know, maybe she needs a new boyfriend," Ella commented.

"It's been a while since she last had a partner, no?" Aaden asked, scratching his chin.

"Oh, are you keeping tabs?" Ella cooed, teasing him.

"No," he answered soberly, taking a sip of his beer.

Leah was watching him with judgment written all over her face.

"So yeah, she might put her name on him or something—" Leah's eyes widened, and jumped to Ella, who burst out laughing. "You are so worried, it's hilarious!"

Leah rolled her eyes, it was not funny.

"So, have you two worked it out?" Ella smiled, trying to squeeze it out of her. "Death and near-death experiences usually bring people together."

"We talked," Leah admitted.

"And?"

"Did you think about what I told you?" Aaden asked.

Leah glanced at him and nodded, "Yes. I can't forget it overnight, but—"

"Tomorrow is a big day, Leah." Aaden interrupted, looking around them. "If Lamar was here, he'd tell you that the eve of battle is as important as the day itself. The weight of regret in a person's spirit makes the fear of death heavier."

Leah sighed anxiously, turning to Jungkook's sleepy face again.

"He's right, you know." Ella agreed with a gentle smile. "Reality as we know it might cease to exist tomorrow, who knows. Whether we win or we lose, things might change. But one thing is for certain: where guns go, shots get fired."

Leah breathed shakily again, "You two are really fun at parties, you know that?"

Ella smirked, "Hey, we tell it like it is!"

"I'm going to grab a drink," Leah grumbled, stepping away.

Ella was still smiling when she turned to Aaden, "Are you sure you won't have some regrets of your own?"

He finished his beer. "What do you mean?"

She looked around at the people partying and getting drunk as if they didn't have to go fight a battle at dawn.

"I've seen the way you look at her."

"So?"

"So I'm surprised." She shrugged. "The Aaden I knew would have been hitting on her every chance he had, not helping her get back with another guy."

He glanced at her, "Then I guess this Aaden is different."

Ella smiled, "No, this Aaden is in love."

Despite knowing this, she was still surprised he didn't even try to deny it.

"It takes love to want the person to be happy, despite not being their chosen one."

He stayed quiet for a while eyeing Jungkook and then he nodded. "I do want her to be happy. And she'll leave one day. It would never work."