Rise Of The Fallen || KTH FF

Chapter 32: Fractured Resistance

Your head throbs as you try to regain focus, every pulse of pain from the ropes digging into your skin serving as a reminder of the grim situation. Mingyu's twisted smile haunts your thoughts, but that crash—however small it was—could be the spark of hope you desperately need.

The metallic scent of blood, sweat, and damp concrete fills your lungs as you take a shallow breath, trying to stay calm. You glance toward Mingyu, who has frozen in place, his eyes narrowing at the sudden disruption. His smirk falters, replaced by a momentary flicker of uncertainty. For the first time since you woke up, the air around him feels less invincible. You latch onto that.

As his attention shifts, you begin to test the ropes binding you. They're tight, far too tight, but your hands move with a sudden sense of urgency. Each time you twist your wrists, the ropes burn into your skin, making your movements clumsy, but you grit your teeth and push through the pain.

Your heartbeat pounds in your ears as you silently beg for more time. The adrenaline coursing through your veins fights off the ache in your muscles, dulling the throb in your head just enough to let you focus. You pull, flex, and twist, feeling the fibers shift ever so slightly. But your hands are slick with sweat and blood, making it harder to get the grip you need.

The crash echoes again in the distance, sounding louder this time, perhaps closer. Mingyu's body stiffens. He straightens, standing tall as if he's already calculating his next move. His lips curl into an angry sneer as he tucks the syringe back into his jacket, the sinister glow from the liquid disappearing from sight. He mutters something under his breath, clearly frustrated that his moment of control was interrupted. His boots thud against the concrete floor as he begins pacing toward the entrance of the warehouse.

You barely dare to breathe as you continue working on the ropes, moving in slow, deliberate motions to avoid making any noise. Panic flickers in your chest, threatening to rise, but you push it down, focusing on the sensation of the rope loosening, millimeter by millimeter. You remind yourself that this is your only chance—whoever or whatever made that noise could be a distraction long enough for you to break free.

Mingyu's POV

Who the hell is interrupting me now? My hands clench as I turn toward the door, already feeling the anger simmering beneath the surface. Just a few more minutes, and I would have had her broken, right where I wanted her. Now, someone's barged into my game without an invitation.

I shoot a quick glance toward her—still bound, still struggling, just like I left her. Good. She's not getting loose, not with those knots. I take a deep breath, fingers brushing the handle of my knife, ears straining to catch anything else.

Nothing. Then... a faint creak, metal straining somewhere nearby. Not exactly quiet, whoever they are. Maybe her little group is coming to rescue her, or some clueless scavenger wandered in looking for supplies. Either way, they've got no idea what they're walking into.

Fine. Let them come. I'll deal with it, just like I planned.

Y/N's POV

You dare a glance up as Mingyu moves further away, his back turned toward you. He seems preoccupied with the noise outside, and for a moment, it's like you don't exist in his world anymore. Your fingers work faster, feeling a slight give in the ropes. You wince as the rough material cuts deeper into your already raw skin, but there's no time to focus on the pain. Every second counts.

You twist your wrist, grinding the rope against your skin. The skin feels hot and raw, but finally, finally, you feel the bindings slacken just enough for your right hand to slip free. A wave of relief washes over you, though you keep your breathing controlled, not wanting to give yourself away.

Mingyu is still standing by the door, his back rigid as he listens for the source of the noise. You see him reaching for a gun strapped to his belt. Panic jolts through you—if it's your group out there, they have no idea what they're walking into. And if it's someone else... there's no telling what Mingyu will do.

Your heart races as you start to loosen the ropes binding your left hand, but they're even tighter. Every movement sends sharp stabs of pain through your wrist. Blood trickles down your forearm, but you bite down hard on your lip, refusing to let out a sound.

Just when you think Mingyu might turn back toward you, the door groans slightly as it's pushed open, and you hear footsteps. Heavy, slow footsteps that seem almost deliberate, like whoever is approaching is trying to keep their presence known without being overtly threatening.

Mingyu's POV

The door creaks open, and I shift my weight, gun at the ready, eyes trained on the figure stepping inside. My mind races—this isn't her group. Not some sorry wanderer either. Whoever it is, they're bold, walking in like they own the place.

A smirk tugs at the corners of my mouth. Idiot. They have no idea what they're up against. I keep the gun steady but low, ready to aim if I need to. Just stay calm, keep control. Let them think they're safe, let them walk right into it.

"Whoever you are," I say, voice echoing off the walls, "you couldn't have picked a worse place to wander into."

They pause, stepping into the light, and I get a clear look. My smirk drops. There's a flicker of recognition—a face I know, a face I wasn't expecting to see here.

"You..."

Y/N's POV

Your heart jumps in your throat as you hear the tension in Mingyu's voice shift. Whoever's arrived, it's not just some random person—it's someone who has Mingyu's attention. And judging by the way Mingyu's grip tightens on his gun, this isn't just an ordinary confrontation. You have no idea if this is good or bad, but it might be the moment you need.

Ignoring the pain screaming through your body, you focus on freeing your left hand. Your fingers slip, and for a terrifying second, the ropes tighten again. But you force yourself to stay calm, working the knots slowly. Finally, just as the pressure in the room shifts, you manage to pull your hand free.

With both hands finally untied, you cautiously lower them to your lap, rubbing your aching wrists. Every movement sends a fresh wave of agony through your arms, but you're too close now. You won't let the pain stop you. Not when you're so close to freedom.