Unmasking Vulnerability :
Minjeong stared at her reflection in the mirror, the dim light of her bathroom casting shadows on her bruised face. She still wore her Spider-Man suit, the familiar red and blue fabric hugging her body, but her mask was off, discarded on the sink. Her lip was split, and a dark bruise had formed on her cheek, a painful reminder of the night’s battle.
"Bastards," she muttered under her breath, her voice carrying frustration as she studied the damage. No matter how many times she threw herself into the fray, there was always a price to pay. Tonight’s price just happened to be visible—something she couldn’t hide behind her mask.
Her short, slightly curly red hair was a mess, tangled from hours of fighting. She ran a hand through it, wincing slightly as her fingers brushed against the tender skin of her scalp. With a sigh, she leaned against the sink, her reflection staring back at her as if mocking the struggle she couldn’t voice out loud.
What am I even doing? she wondered, her thoughts spiraling. Why do I keep doing this to myself?
She left the bathroom, stepping into the dimly lit bedroom of her small apartment. It was quiet, the only sound coming from the muffled traffic outside her window. But something felt off. As soon as she stepped into the room, she noticed the open window, the cool night air seeping in.
And there, perched on the windowsill with the grace of a predator, was Catwoman.
"Jimin." Minjeong’s voice was low, wary. "What are you doing here?"
Jimin smiled, that trademark mischievous smirk playing on her lips as she hopped down from the window. Her black suit glistened in the moonlight, the leather clinging to her figure like a second skin. She moved with the precision of a feline, her steps silent as she approached Minjeong.
"Something told me you needed my help," Jimin said smoothly, her eyes locking onto Minjeong’s. "And, as usual, I was right." She moved closer, her voice soft but commanding. "What happened, Spidey?"
Minjeong clenched her jaw, trying to keep her cool, but the gentle touch of Jimin’s hand cupping her bruised cheek made her stiffen. The contact sent a rush of warmth through her despite the pain.
"It’s nothing," Minjeong said, her voice quieter now, almost defensive. "Just a few punches. Part of the job."
"A few punches?" Jimin repeated, her tone laced with concern but also a hint of amusement. Her thumb brushed gently over the bruise, her dark eyes never leaving Minjeong’s. "Where was your energy tonight, hmm? Seems like you were distracted."
"If you’re here to talk nonsense, Jimin," Minjeong said, her voice tightening, "I’d suggest you leave. I don’t have time for this."
Jimin’s eyes gleamed as she chuckled softly, her lips curling into a teasing smile. "Leave?" she echoed, her voice taking on a sultry tone. "Are you sure you want me to leave?"
Minjeong's heart raced, her frustration building. She hated how easily Jimin could get under her skin. "You’re messing with my head, Catwoman," Minjeong muttered, her tone more vulnerable than she wanted. "And it needs to stop."
Jimin stepped closer, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Am I really the one messing with your head, or is it you who can’t stop thinking about me?" Her voice was soft but edged with challenge. "Now you’re blaming it on me?"
Minjeong’s breath caught in her throat as their gazes locked, the tension between them thick and palpable. She wanted to deny it, to push Jimin away, but the way her heart pounded in her chest, the way her body reacted to Jimin’s presence, betrayed her.
"You," Minjeong whispered, her voice laced with frustration and something else she couldn’t name. "You are something else."
Jimin raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening. "Is that a compliment?"
Before Minjeong could respond, Jimin’s hand gripped her jaw, her fingers firm but not painful, tilting Minjeong’s head slightly up. The closeness between them made Minjeong’s skin tingle, her body reacting involuntarily to the touch.
"You want me, don’t you?" Jimin’s voice was a low murmur, teasing and coaxing, her eyes searching Minjeong’s for any sign of resistance.
Minjeong clenched her jaw, trying to fight the overwhelming urge to give in. "No," she said through gritted teeth, but the word felt hollow.
Jimin’s smile didn’t waver. "No?" she repeated, her tone mocking. "Are you sure?"
Minjeong stayed silent, her fists clenched at her sides. She didn’t trust herself to speak. Not when every part of her screamed that Jimin was right.
Jimin’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "That’s what I thought," she whispered, her fingers tracing the outline of Minjeong’s jaw. "You want me, and it’s driving you insane."
"Jimin," Minjeong whispered, her voice barely audible.
"What is it, Spidey?" Jimin purred, leaning in even closer, her breath warm against Minjeong’s skin. "You know," she continued, her voice dripping with amusement, "I was thinking of letting you touch me tonight. But since you’ve been so rude..." She trailed off, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "I’d rather not have you touch me at all."
Minjeong’s heart sank. "I’m sorry," she said, the words tumbling out before she could stop them.
Jimin’s smile widened, clearly enjoying the power she held. "Are you really sorry?"
Minjeong nodded, her pride crumbling under the weight of Jimin’s gaze. She hated how Jimin could reduce her to this, how she felt completely at Jimin’s mercy. But she couldn’t help it. She was caught in the web of desire that Jimin spun so effortlessly around her.
"Then show me," Jimin said, her voice commanding now, her hand still resting on Minjeong’s jaw. "Get on your knees."
The command hung in the air like a challenge, and Minjeong hesitated for only a second before dropping to her knees in front of Jimin. Her breath came in shallow bursts as she looked up at the woman who had her completely under control.
"This is a sight," Jimin said, her voice filled with amusement as she looked down at Minjeong. "Spider-Man, down on her knees like a good, obedient puppy."
Minjeong’s heart pounded in her chest as she knelt before Jimin, her mind racing with a mixture of anger and helpless desire. She wanted to hate Jimin for doing this to her, but all she could feel was the overwhelming need to please her.
"Get up," Jimin finally said, sounding satisfied with the display. Minjeong did as she was told, standing before Jimin, her legs weak. Before she could gather her thoughts, Jimin pushed her onto the bed, climbing onto her lap in one fluid movement.
Minjeong’s arms wrapped around Jimin instinctively, as if her body knew exactly what it wanted even if her mind was still struggling. Jimin’s weight was warm and grounding, her presence intoxicating.
"I’ll help you get rid of all that stress, baby," Jimin whispered, her lips brushing against the sensitive skin of Minjeong’s neck. "Does that sound good?"
"Yes," Minjeong breathed out, her voice barely a whisper.
She hated how much control Jimin had over her, but at the same time, she couldn’t deny the comfort that came with surrendering. Whether she liked it or not, Catwoman held the power in this dangerous game they played—and Minjeong was helpless to resist.
