𝐈𝐃𝐒𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄 • Lookism ✔

XIII.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
One Step at a Time | 한 번에 한 걸음씩

⚘( ၴႅၴ

Crystal's expression shifted into something unreadable, her lips pressed into a thin line. "(Your name), joining the Ten Geniuses isn't a game. Do you even know what you've signed up for?"

"I don't care," (Your name) said firmly, her eyes locking with Crystal's. "If it means being closer to you, understanding you, and protecting you, I'll face whatever comes with it. Even your father, even Gun."

Crystal sighed, shaking her head. "You don't understand what you're saying. My father might've accepted your decision, but he's not an easy man. He'll test you, push you to your limits... And Gun? He'll use you if it benefits him."

(Your name) stepped closer, her gaze unwavering. "Then I'll fight through it. For you. For us. I'm not backing down, Crystal."

The vulnerability in (Your name)'s voice made Crystal falter. She turned away, her shoulders tense as if holding back an emotion too raw to show. "You're so stubborn," she muttered, a small, almost affectionate smile slipping through her defenses.

"It's one of my better qualities," (Your name) replied with a soft laugh, relief washing over her as the tension between them lightened.

Crystal turned back, her expression now serious but tinged with warmth. "If you're really serious about this, then you'll need to be ready for anything. My world isn't safe, and the people in it aren't always kind."

"I've faced enough storms, Crystal. One more won't break me."

For a moment, the two stood in silence, the forest surrounding them filled only with the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. Then, Crystal stepped closer, her voice softer now. "Alright, we'll do this together. But don't expect me to carry you through it. If you're in, you're all in."

(Your name) smiled, the determination in her eyes meeting Crystal's guarded resolve. "Deal. Together."

Crystal extended a hand, and (Your name) took it without hesitation. The warmth of the gesture, simple as it was, felt like the beginning of something bigger—something neither of them could fully name yet.

The quiet moment between them was broken by the distant sound of voices calling out. (Your name) turned her head to see Mira and the others emerging from the forest, their flashlights cutting through the growing darkness.

"There you are!" Mira shouted, her voice carrying both relief and exasperation. "Do you have any idea how worried we were?"

Crystal stepped back, her usual guarded demeanor returning as the group approached. She crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You brought them?"

(Your name) winced, rubbing the back of her neck. "Not exactly. They were... persistent."

Zoe jogged up, panting slightly. "You could've at least texted us that you found her, (Your name). We thought something happened to you, too."

"Sorry," (Your name) said sheepishly. "Things got... intense."

Zack leaned against a tree, his expression unreadable but his voice carrying an edge of irritation. "You're lucky we care enough to chase you down like this."

Crystal raised an eyebrow. "So, this is your entourage now?"

"They're just... helping," (Your name) explained, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks. "It's not a big deal."

Mira stepped forward, her gaze flicking between Crystal and (Your name). "Not to interrupt whatever's going on here, but if you two are good, we should get out of this forest before we all catch hypothermia."