Exes and Superher-o's

Part 2

As the train pulls into Grand Avenue, you step outside to audible sighs of relief from other passengers. Scowling at this, you make your way up the stairs. Truthfully, you're not sure if the reaction was from your smell, or your superhero attire. Most civilians tend to be wary of supers.

You're a solid reminder the other exists, after all. A reminder that they're merely human, without any power and relying upon you to protect them. No one likes being reminded they're defenseless.

As you squeeze through the double doors of ISA's lobby, Jungkook rushes towards you.

"What took you so long?" he blurts, pushing you towards the elevator and handing over a towel. "The briefing agent has already been here for ten minutes."

"I'm sorry!" Mopping up your hair the best you can, you step into the elevator. "Sorry I can't fly or teleport like some superheroes. I have to settle for the dull grind of the subway, or – god forbid – traffic."

Pressing the button for the fifth floor, Jungkook rolls his eyes. "You can stop time, Y/N. Can't you just, you know..." He pantomimes blasting something invisible. "Freeze everyone and get here faster?"

You pause, towel hanging over your head.

"Freeze all the city?" you ask him, appalled. "Jungkook, are you insane? Or are you trying to kill me? Because that's what would happen. I would drop dead from power overload, and you'd finally be free to handle another superhero. Is that what you want? Because I've got news for you, bud –"

"Oh, look," Jungkook says as the doors open. "We're here."

Entering the hall, you hide a grin. As much as you and Jungkook tend to bicker, he's truly the closest thing you have to a friend. Aside from whatever Seokjin once was, back when he was a part of your life.

Squashing this thought immediately, you stride down the hall. The treads of your boots squeak on the floor and again, you wish there'd been time to shower and change.

Outside briefing room C, Jungkook comes to a stop. "I have to go pick up gear from the handlers' room," he says, pulling out his phone. "Apparently, you get upgraded equipment for this. Must be some high-profile case, Y/N."

"Excellent."

"Always makes me feel good," Jungkook mutters. "Finding out we've been working with sub-par equipment until now. This classist, capitalistic bullshit, I swear, I –"

Reaching out, you touch his arm. "It's fine, JK," you say with a laugh. "Come on. I'm supposed to be the bummer, and you're the positive ray of sunshine. We can't both shit on the ISA. That's just sad."

Snorting, Jungkook slips his phone back in his pocket. "Alright, fine," he sighs, holding out a hand for your towel. "Meet back here in ten? We can get pancakes and plan your next case."

"Sounds good," you say, offering a salute as you push open the door.

Inside the room, you're met with silence.

The door swings shut behind you, not making a sound. Turning around, you examine its hinges and wonder what material they're made of. Returning to face front, your gaze sweeps the room.

It's nearly empty except for a desk with two chairs. One of the chairs is already occupied, you notice as you walk closer. The stranger's fingertips close over the armrest, glancing over their shoulder –

You freeze, as though held captive by your own superpower.

Kim Seokjin stares back at you, equally motionless.

Tick. Tick. Tick.

The clock in your mind moves slower, despite not having reached for your power. Seokjin's eyes widen yet remain as luminous as ever. Thick, dark hair curls against the back of his neck and his lips, slightly parted, are cherry red.