The Best Thing I Ever Did

Don't make me

The park hadn't changed.

The same cracked pavement, the same old bench beneath the acacia tree, the same faint smell of damp grass mixed with city dust. Mina stood a few steps away, hands tucked into her sleeves, staring at the spot like it might look back at her.

This is where she knelt.
This is where she handed me the medicine.
This is where she scolded me for pretending the pain wasn't that bad.

Mina sat down slowly, fingers brushing the wood. Her chest tightened.

"I should've said thank you properly," she murmured to no one.

She stayed there longer than she meant, too lost in the ache of memory, until she felt it.

Eyes.

She glanced up.

A man stood a few feet away, with a phone already raised.

"Oh! It's really you," he said, excitement sharp and unfiltered. "Mina, right? TWICE Mina?"

Her body tensed instantly.

"I-" she stood, bowing slightly out of habit. "I'm sorry, I'm alone right now. I can't-" Remembering now that she was alone.

"Just one picture," he insisted, stepping closer. "Come on, you're in public."

"I really can't," Mina said again, voice smaller now. "Please."

The man frowned. "Why not? You think you're too good now?"

Mina stepped back. "No, that's not-"

He reached out and grabbed her arm.

Hard.

Fear shot through her like ice.

"Hey-!" Mina gasped, trying to pull away. "Let go-please!"

"Stop making a big deal-"

"LET HER GO."

The voice was low. Sharp. Familiar enough to make Mina's breath hitch.

The man turned just as Lisa stepped between them, her hand already wrapped firmly around Mina's waist, pulling her, until Mina's back was pressed in her front. Protective. Instinctive.

"Didn't you hear her?" Lisa said coldly. "She said no."

The man scoffed. "Who do you think you are?"

Lisa didn't answer. She shifted slightly, placing herself fully in front of Mina. Towering over the man.

"I said," Lisa repeated, eyes dark, tone laced with warning "let. her. go."

The man sneered. "Figures. Celebrities think they can do whatever they want. You reject fans, hide behind bodyguards-"

"I'm not her bodyguard," Lisa snapped. "I'm someone who won't hesitate to call the police if you touch her again."

He laughed bitterly. "Touch her? She should be grateful. Acting all innocent when she's dating around anyway."

Mina flinched.

Lisa felt it.

Her jaw clenched. "Watch your mouth."

"Oh? Hit a nerve?" He looked past Lisa, eyes sharp. "You think she's some saint? Refusing pictures like she's better than-"

"That's enough," Lisa growled, taking a step forward. Ready to pounce if the man said anymore.

Mina grabbed her sleeve.