Mayhem [M] | Bang Chan x reader

Mayhem [M]

There ought to be far more enjoyable things to do on a Friday night than something like this. You groan when your boot heel slips into the suspicious swamp, grabbing the closest tree to regain your footing and almost making Dowoon fall too. Or at least there used to be... Before all hell broke loose.

"Bravo Captain to Echo." A voice rings in your communication earbud, volume at the lowest. "Bravo Captain to E–"

"Echo Captain to Bravo, no need to shout. We're listening." Your finger releases the button of the talkie at your belt and you wait for an answer. You know he's going to scold you, but it's not like you can change your current situation now, what's done is done.

"The rest of Echo Squadron reported to the meeting point, what are your coordinates?" You exchange a heavy look with Dowoon and he drops his eyes guiltily.

You are standing in the Sinking Graveyard, an excessively prohibited area.

"We are attempting to cross the swamp. We'll be there in... Two hours."

Hopefully... Somehow your answer is even more hushed than before, almost getting lost in the ominous sounds surrounding you two. You wouldn't be here if Dowoon hadn't hurt his ankle, you'd have taken the usual safer route. The one your squad used to reach the meeting point in front of the camp.

"Why the f–" The communication cuts but you doubt it's due to distortion, you can feel his anger, even from here. Still, the Bravo Captain is the jewel of the militia, la crème de la crème. Bang Chan would never dare swear at you during an official transmission.

"The Graveyard, that was your survival plan?! You've already been through this once. Echo, are you suicidal?"

Dowoon throws his head back, like in a silent whine. He's already scared and hurting, there's no need to alarm him more, as usual, your B counterpart is being an ass. Besides, the last thing you want to do right now is to reminisce about the last time you attempted to cross this shithole.

"Got me there, Bravo!" You can't raise your voice, but you make sure he hears your anger through every syllable. "My goal is to drown us here tonight, die next to my rotting mother. Oh no, you exposed my villainous plan!"

There's static on the other side of the line and you scoff, truly irritated. Clearly, if the E Squadron reported, Bravo knows Dowoon can barely walk and therefore is aware you couldn't possibly have reached a safe place before sundown. Crossing faster was your only survival option, despite the danger of the swamp.

Unfortunately for Bang Chan, you aren't the jewel of the militia and instead, have a rather infamous vicious tongue. He should know better than to push your buttons like that.

"You know I had no other option, asshole."

When you mutter the insult, Dowoon gasps before slapping a hand to cover his mouth. If you were anywhere else, you'd laugh at his shocked expression, but out here, staying quiet is the key. You and Chan are always at each other's throat anyway, even when things are going well. It's your thing. Partly because he worships your dad and always needs to outdo you somehow, prove himself the better Captain.

Also, partly because you have this desperate, crazed, perennial crush on him... Even if he vehemently hates your guts.

"Stay put, we're sending backup."

"Negative," you roll your eyes to the sky, "The more we are the more precarious the road becomes."

On the horizon, the sun has disappeared, tinting the clouds of orange and pink above the deathly field. Following your gaze, Dowoon turns his headlamp on, making sure it's on red mode. You smile to reassure him, you both hadn't realized the darkness had fallen, too concentrated on where your feet landed. You'll have to be even more vigilant now, the undead are overly active by night and are light and sound reactive. You noticed the trembling to Dowoon's hands, it's his first time here, but you understand his fears all too well. The last time you crossed you lost a lot.