The flowerbed - Aespa's Giselle x M!Reader

The armageddon (Part 3)

"Till death do us part."

"I told you," each word sent fresh pain through my split lip, "I don't have it."
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The gun barrel dug deeper into my skin. "Wrong answer."
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"You really want to add murder to your list of crimes?" I managed a bloody smile. "Beating up managers is one thing, but killing someone? That'll be harder to cover up."

Jung grabbed my hair with his free hand, yanking my head back. "You think I won't? After what you took from me?"

"What I took?" I laughed, though it came out more like a cough. "Your precious reputation? Your control? News flash - you did that to yourself the moment you started abusing them."

The gun shifted, pressing under my jaw now. "Always so noble. Always the protector. Well, let's see how protected they feel watching you die right in front of them."

"Don't-" Ningning's voice cracked, but Karina pulled her back.

"Ten seconds," Minhyuk's voice was cold against my ear. "Tell us where the drive is, or my brother paints these walls with your brain."

"Nine."

I kept my eyes on the girls, trying to convey strength I didn't feel.

"Eight."

Winter's hands were white-knuckled in her lap.

"Seven."

*Stay strong*, I wanted to tell them. *Whatever happens*.

"Six."

The gun pressed harder, breaking skin.

"Five."

Blood trickled down my neck.

"Four."

My ribs screamed in protest as Minhyuk twisted harder.

"Three."

I closed my eyes. At least they were together. At least they had each other.

"Two."

"One-"

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"I'm sorry, Aeri."

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A shot rang out, deafening in the confined space of the dorm. My body hit the ground hard, the impact sending fresh waves of agony through my battered ribs. Something warm splattered across my face as Jung's weight collapsed on top of me.

"Y/N!" Giselle's scream cut through the ringing in my ears. "Y/N! NO!"

I couldn't move, couldn't breathe with Jung's deadweight pressing down on me. Was this what dying felt like? Strangely peaceful, despite everything. At least I'd seen them one last time. At least I'd tried to protect them.

Hands pulled at Jung's body, rolling him off. I blinked, trying to focus through the blood and sweat stinging my eyes.

Giselle's face swam into view, tear-streaked and beautiful. Her hands cradled my face as she sobbed my name over and over.

"Y/N! Look at me! Please, please don't leave me again. Please!"

With monumental effort, I lifted my hand, expecting to see the bullet wound that must be killing me. But there was only blood - not mine. Jung's blood, splattered across my skin.