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THE PATH INTO THE WOODS WAS NARROW, bordered by tall, knotted trees that loomed overhead, their branches forming a canopy that blocked most of the daylight which was already being blanketed by the dense clouds above. The air smelled of damp earth and pine, and the forest floor was littered with twigs, leaves, and uneven rocks that made each step precarious. The only sounds were the crunch of their boots, distant rustling from unseen creatures, and the occasional caw of a bird high above. It felt isolated, eerie, and charged with tension—much like the dynamic between the two teenagers.
"This is so stupid," y/n grumbled, breaking the silence. Her voice was low but thick with frustration. "All this over a fight? She's insane."
Kwon didn't reply immediately. He muttered something under his breath in Korean, his tone irritable and clipped. When she caught the faint sneer in his words, her eyes narrowed.
"What was that?" she demanded, stepping over a protruding root.
"I said stop whining," he snapped, switching to English this time. "You're the one who couldn't keep your head in the fight earlier. You're the one who mindlessly attacked me during our shared punishment. Maybe if you—"
"Oh, shut up," she interrupted, throwing him a glare. "You're the one who went easy on me, again. Don't act like this isn't your fault when you're the one who charged into me during our shared punishment..."
Kwon stopped abruptly, turning to face her, his expression hard. "You froze. What the hell do you want me to do? Beat you senseless while you stand there like an idiot?"
The accusation struck a nerve. Her fists clenched, and she felt her cheeks burn with anger. "I don't need you to do anything for me. Just stay out of my business."
"Trust me, I'd love to," he muttered, turning back toward the path. "But apparently, babysitting you is part of my punishment now."
"Oh, babysitting? Please, like I need you." She let out a derisive laugh, shoving past him to take the lead. "You're not exactly great at this whole teamwork thing either. Acting like an asshole doesn't make you a leader... I'm pretty sure even God doesn't know why Kreese chose you as the captain."
Kwon's jaw tightened, his gaze darkening as he muttered something low in Korean, just loud enough for her to catch. It was laced with irritation, but there was something else beneath it—bitterness, maybe even jealousy.
"Sorry, I didn't quite catch that." y/n stopped, turning to face him. Her eyes narrowed, challenging him. "I heard Do-jin's name in there. Got something to say?"
