
Chapter 6
Jinsol stood at Yoona’s doorstep, already dressed in her suit, the familiar weight of her mask in her hand. Her injuries from the last battle were still sore, but she couldn’t afford to rest now.
Erebus was still out there.
And she knew—sooner or later, he’d strike again.
Yoona stood in front of her, arms crossed, a deep frown on her face.
“You’re going out again,” Yoona stated, not asked.
Jinsol exhaled through her nose, adjusting the gloves on her hands. “You already know I have to.”
Yoona didn’t say anything at first. She just stared, her eyes dark with emotions Jinsol couldn’t quite place. Anger? Worry? Fear? Maybe all of them at once.
Jinsol sighed and reached out, gently taking Yoona’s hands in hers.
“Listen.” Jinsol’s voice was firm but gentle. “I need you to stay inside tonight. Lock your doors. If anything happens—if you hear or see anything weird—you call me immediately.”
Yoona’s fingers tightened around Jinsol’s hands.
“I don’t like this,” she muttered.
“I know,” Jinsol admitted. “But it’s the only way to keep you safe.”
Yoona hated this feeling—this feeling of just waiting while Jinsol went out there, risking her life.
She hated feeling helpless.
But she could see it in Jinsol’s eyes—this wasn’t up for debate.
Jinsol was going to fight.
And Yoona had to trust her.
After a moment, Yoona let out a small sigh and nodded.
“Fine,” she murmured. “But you better come back in one piece, Bae Jinsol.”
Jinsol smirked slightly. “You’ll miss me if I don’t?”
Yoona glared.
Jinsol chuckled before lifting Yoona’s hands to her lips, pressing a quick kiss on her knuckles.
Yoona froze.
And before she could even process it, Jinsol pulled down her mask, turned around, and disappeared into the night.
Jinsol arrived at the bustling city center, her senses sharp as she scanned the area. Erebus was here.
She could feel it—the unnatural chill in the air, the way the streetlights flickered ominously, casting eerie shadows across the pavement. The usual city noise—honking cars, chattering pedestrians—seemed almost muted, like the calm before a storm.
Then, a scream.
Jinsol’s head snapped toward the sound, and there he was—Erebus.
He stood in the middle of the crowd, his presence commanding attention. People were backing away in fear, some frozen in place, others frantically grabbing their phones to record or call for help.
His long coat billowed as he raised one hand, flames licking at his fingertips before suddenly shifting into ice, then back to fire again. A cruel smirk played on his lips.
“Specter!” His voice rang out over the crowd. “I knew you’d come running.”
Jinsol’s fists clenched. Damn right, I did.
She leaped down from the rooftop she had been perched on, landing gracefully on the pavement. People gasped, some stepping further away while others stayed, watching in awe.
“You really don’t know when to quit, do you?” she said coolly, adjusting her stance.
Erebus chuckled. “And you do?” His eyes gleamed. “I was wondering how long it’d take before you showed up. I was starting to get bored.”
He thrust his hand forward—a wave of fire erupted, surging toward her.
Jinsol dodged, flipping backward as the heat singed the pavement where she had just stood. The crowd screamed, scattering in different directions. Too many people. She needed to get him away from here.
But Erebus wasn’t interested in leaving. He turned toward the civilians, raising both hands. Ice began to form around their feet, locking them in place. A few unlucky ones had fire dangerously close, the heat making them flinch.
Jinsol’s heart pounded. He was using them as bait.
“Your move, Specter.” Erebus grinned. “Save them, or fight me. You can’t do both.”
Jinsol gritted her teeth.
She had to think fast.
Before Jinsol could react, a loud crash echoed through the street.
Something—no, someone—had thrown a metal trash can straight at Erebus, hitting him in the back of the head.
The villain staggered forward, his concentration breaking. The fire flickered out, the ice at the civilians' feet cracking apart. People immediately scrambled away, running as fast as they could.
Jinsol’s breath caught in her throat.
This feels familiar.
And then she saw her.
Standing defiantly a few meters away, Seol Yoona.
Her hands were clenched into fists, chest rising and falling rapidly as she stared Erebus down. She looked just as shocked at her own actions as Jinsol was.
Déjà vu.
Just like before, just like that night in the alley, Yoona had thrown herself into the chaos for Specter.
Jinsol’s heart dropped.
Erebus turned slowly, his expression shifting from amusement to rage as he locked eyes with Yoona.
"You again," he growled.
Yoona swallowed hard but didn’t back down.
Jinsol didn’t hesitate. She moved.
In a blur, she rushed forward, grabbed Yoona’s wrist, and yanked her away just in time as a blast of fire exploded where she had been standing.
Jinsol didn’t stop. She kept running, pulling Yoona with her, weaving through the narrow alleys until they were far from Erebus. The moment they were out of sight, she stopped, pressing Yoona against the brick wall, her breath heavy.
“What the hell were you thinking?!” Jinsol hissed.
Yoona blinked at her, still catching her breath. “I—I couldn’t just stand there and do nothing.”
Jinsol squeezed her eyes shut, frustration and fear clashing inside her. “Yoona, this isn’t a game. He could have killed you.”
Yoona frowned. “And what about you? You go out there alone every night. You expect me to just watch from the sidelines? To pretend I don’t care?”
Jinsol opened her mouth, but no words came out.
Because deep down, she knew—Yoona did care.
And that scared her more than anything.
Jinsol exhaled sharply. This wasn’t the time for an argument. Erebus was still out there.
She grabbed Yoona’s shoulders, locking eyes with her. “Listen to me. Stay out of trouble. Hide behind something. Don’t do anything reckless.”
Yoona bit her lip, looking like she wanted to protest, but Jinsol didn’t give her the chance. She gave her one last lingering look before she turned and ran back into the fight.
Erebus was waiting.
The villain smirked, already gathering fire in one palm and ice in the other. “Back for more, little hero?”
Jinsol didn’t waste her breath. She lunged at him, dodging the first fireball and rolling to the side before striking with a powerful kick to his ribs. He barely flinched.
With a swipe of his hand, a sharp spike of ice shot toward her. Jinsol barely managed to twist out of the way, feeling the cold edge graze her arm. Too close.
From her hiding spot behind a turned-over table, Yoona watched with wide eyes. Her heart pounded as she clenched her fists. Jinsol was strong, but Erebus was relentless.
Jinsol gritted her teeth, pushing through the pain. She needed a new plan. Erebus was powerful, but Yoona had been right—he had weaknesses. He hesitated when switching between elements. If she could time her attacks right—
Erebus suddenly let out an angry roar, raising both hands. Fire and ice surged at the same time, colliding in a chaotic storm of steam and heat.
Jinsol’s eyes widened. Shit.
She jumped back just as the blast erupted, throwing her backward. She hit the ground hard, skidding across the pavement.
From her hiding spot, Yoona gasped. Jinsol wasn’t getting up.
Erebus laughed darkly. “You’re starting to bore me, Specter.”
Yoona’s fingers dug into the fabric of her sleeves. No. Jinsol wasn’t done yet. She knew it.
And neither was she.
Jinsol groaned, her body aching as she pushed herself onto her elbows. The force of Erebus’ blast had rattled her, but she wasn’t down yet. She couldn’t be.
Erebus slowly approached, towering over her. “You should’ve stayed down,” he taunted, a sphere of swirling fire forming in his palm.
Jinsol tried to move, but the pain in her ribs made it hard to breathe. She clenched her teeth. Come on. Move.
Before Erebus could strike—
A loud crash echoed through the street. Something—no, someone—had thrown a metal trash can at his back.
Jinsol’s eyes widened. Yoona.
Yoona stood a few feet away, breathing hard, gripping another metal lid in her hands like a makeshift shield. “Hey, ugly! You talk too much,” she called out.
Erebus slowly turned, his expression shifting from amusement to irritation. “And you must be the idiot who doesn’t know when to run.”
Jinsol cursed under her breath. Why was Yoona still here?!
But before she could yell at her to leave, Yoona did something unexpected—she started running. Not away, but in a circle around Erebus, grabbing whatever she could—a broken sign, a stray brick, even someone’s abandoned drink—and hurling them at him.
It was ridiculous. And it was working.
Erebus growled, swatting objects away, his focus shifting completely. Yoona was distracting him.
Jinsol saw her chance.
Summoning all her strength, she launched herself forward, ignoring the sharp pain in her side. Erebus barely had time to react before Jinsol slammed her fist into his jaw, sending him stumbling back.
Jinsol didn’t stop. She dodged his next attack, sweeping his legs out from under him. This was it.
She was winning.
But then—
Erebus smirked.
Before Jinsol could move, he thrust his hand out—and a sharp spike of ice shot straight toward Yoona.
Jinsol’s heart stopped.
Without thinking, she moved.
Fast.
Faster than she ever had before.
The world blurred as she reached Yoona just in time, wrapping her arms around her and twisting so that her back took the hit instead.
Pain. Cold, sharp pain pierced through her body.
Yoona gasped, feeling the impact as they both tumbled to the ground. When she opened her eyes, Jinsol was on top of her—protecting her.
And behind her, sticking out of her shoulder—was the ice shard.
Jinsol exhaled sharply, her grip tightening around Yoona. “You… are such… a pain…” she muttered, her voice strained.
Yoona’s eyes filled with panic. “Jinsol—!”
But Jinsol just smirked, despite the pain. “Told you… to hide.”
Then, before Yoona could react—
Jinsol collapsed.
Erebus turned his head sharply at the distant wail of sirens. The flashing red and blue lights reflected off the shattered glass and debris littering the street. He cursed under his breath, scowling at the interference.
“Tch. Another time, Specter,” he muttered before turning and vanishing into the shadows, disappearing down an alleyway before the authorities could spot him.
Yoona barely noticed.
Her focus was entirely on Jinsol.
Jinsol was limp in her arms, her breathing shallow. The ice shard embedded in her shoulder was beginning to melt, but the wound it left behind was deep. Yoona pressed her hands against it instinctively, her heart pounding.
“Somebody, help!!” she screamed, her voice raw.
The bystanders, who had been watching the fight from the safety of buildings and behind cars, finally started moving. A few ran toward them. One woman crouched beside Yoona, pulling out her phone. “I’m calling an ambulance!”
Yoona nodded frantically, her fingers trembling as she brushed Jinsol’s hair out of her face. “Hold on, okay?” she whispered. “You’re gonna be fine. You have to be fine.”
Jinsol’s eyelids fluttered, her lips barely moving. “You’re… so loud…” she mumbled weakly.
Yoona let out a breathless laugh, tears stinging her eyes. “Yeah? Well, get used to it.”
The sirens grew louder. The paramedics were close. But to Yoona, it wasn’t fast enough. She looked down at Jinsol—her hero, her reckless idiot, her Bae Jinsol— and held her even closer.
“Just stay with me, okay?” Yoona pleaded.
Jinsol didn’t answer.
Yoona’s entire body felt like it was trembling. Her legs wouldn’t stop shaking, her fingers felt stiff as they clung desperately to Jinsol’s hand, and her heart hammered against her ribcage as if it wanted to break free.
The inside of the ambulance was too small, too suffocating. The flashing red lights from outside cast eerie shadows across Jinsol’s pale face.
Yoona swallowed the lump in her throat.
The paramedics moved swiftly, voices overlapping as they worked. One was monitoring Jinsol’s vitals while the other pressed gauze firmly against her shoulder wound, applying pressure to stop the bleeding.
“We’re almost there,” one of them assured, but Yoona barely heard them.
All she could see, all she could focus on, was Jinsol.
The reckless idiot who never asked for help. Who always tried to handle things on her own. Who pushed Yoona away to protect her—only for Yoona to find her like this, barely clinging to consciousness, blood staining her clothes.
Yoona took a shaky breath, trying to steady herself. “Jinsol…” she called softly, leaning closer.
Jinsol didn’t respond.
Yoona’s grip tightened.
“Hey,” she tried again, her voice cracking. “You—You’re gonna be fine, okay? Just… just keep holding on.”
Still, nothing.
Yoona’s breath stuttered, panic clawing up her throat.
She squeezed Jinsol’s hand even harder.
“Jinsol, please,” she whispered.
At first, there was no movement. No sign that Jinsol even heard her. Yoona felt her eyes sting, felt her chest tighten in ways she couldn’t control.
Then—a small squeeze.
Yoona gasped.
It was weak, barely there, but Jinsol’s fingers had moved.
A sob caught in Yoona’s throat. She let out a shaky laugh, blinking back the tears welling in her eyes. “You’re still here,” she whispered, more to herself than anything.
Jinsol’s eyelids fluttered slightly, but she didn’t open them fully. Her lips parted just enough to mumble something incoherent under her breath.
Yoona leaned in closer, desperate to hear her.
“…s’ry…”
Yoona froze.
Jinsol was apologizing?
Her chest ached. “Idiot,” she breathed. “You don’t—don’t apologize. Just—just focus on staying awake, okay?”
Jinsol’s lips barely twitched, as if she was trying to smile.
Yoona let out another choked laugh. “I swear, when you get better, I’m going to yell at you so much. You’re never fighting alone again, do you hear me?”
The sirens outside wailed louder as the ambulance swerved slightly, turning into the hospital entrance.
Yoona didn’t let go of Jinsol’s hand.
Not even for a second.
Yoona stood frozen as the emergency room doors swung shut, separating her from Jinsol. The warmth of Jinsol’s hand still lingered on her palm, but now, it was gone.
Her fingers curled into a fist, nails digging into her skin. She hated this feeling—this helplessness. She could fight with words, chase stories, and track down leads, but she couldn’t fight for Jinsol the way she wanted to.
The waiting room felt unbearably cold. The walls were too white, the chairs too stiff. The scent of antiseptic stung her nose.
Yoona paced. Sat. Stood up again. Checked her phone. Nothing.
Minutes stretched into an hour. Then another.
She barely noticed when someone sat beside her.
“Yoona.”
She flinched at the voice, turning sharply to see Kyujin. And behind her—Haewon and Lily.
“You guys…” Yoona’s voice came out hoarse, barely above a whisper.
Kyujin’s gaze softened. “Lily saw the news first. We figured you’d be here.”
Haewon, usually the loudest among them, said nothing. She just placed a coffee cup into Yoona’s hands.
Yoona swallowed hard, gripping the cup tightly. “Thanks,” she murmured, though she wasn’t sure she could drink it.
Lily hesitated before asking, “How bad is it?”
Yoona exhaled shakily. “She was barely conscious when they brought her in. Lost a lot of blood.” Her throat tightened. “But she—she was still fighting. Even in the ambulance.”
Silence.
Then, Haewon whispered, “She’s strong.”
Yoona nodded, biting her lip.
Strong. Too strong for her own good.
They waited together. The coffee grew cold in Yoona’s hands.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, a doctor walked into the waiting area.
“Family of Bae Jinsol?”
Yoona shot up from her chair so fast that it scraped against the floor. “She doesn’t have family here, but I’m here. Please—how is she?”
The doctor sighed, flipping through his clipboard. “She’s stable now. The wounds were deep, but none were fatal. She just needs rest.”
Yoona let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. Her legs nearly gave out.
Stable. She was okay.
The doctor offered a small smile. “She’s in recovery. You can see her soon.”
Yoona didn’t wait for permission. She needed to see her.
Yoona stood frozen, gripping the coffee cup in her trembling hands. The relief of hearing that Jinsol was stable was quickly overshadowed by the weight of the truth—no one else knew the real reason Jinsol was injured.
To everyone else, she was just another student who got caught in an unfortunate accident. Maybe a victim of a random mugging, or a reckless fight—but only Yoona knew the truth.
Erebus did this. Because Jinsol is Specter.
Her fingers tightened around the cup, the cardboard bending under the pressure.
The others—Kyujin, Haewon, and Lily—sat beside her, whispering quietly among themselves, speculating about what could have happened. Yoona barely registered their words.
Jinsol wasn’t just injured. She was almost killed.
And yet, here Yoona was, the only person in the world who knew the truth. The only person who knew just how much Jinsol was suffering.
She glanced at her phone, the countless missed calls from Haewon and Kyujin now feeling insignificant compared to the battle she had just witnessed. The fight that nearly ended in disaster.
Her jaw clenched. She couldn’t just sit still anymore.
Jinsol had been fighting alone for too long.
And if Yoona had to become the only person who could protect her in return—then so be it.
When the doctor finally said she could go in, Yoona didn’t waste a second.
She rushed into the hospital room, her heart pounding as she saw Jinsol lying there—wrapped in bandages, bruises littering her skin, but awake.
Jinsol turned her head slightly, her tired eyes meeting Yoona’s. “Hey,” she rasped, voice hoarse.
Yoona nearly lost it. She had spent hours worrying, imagining the worst, and all Jinsol had to say was ‘hey’?
Her vision blurred with tears as she strode forward, grabbing Jinsol’s hand tightly. “Do you have any idea how scared I was?!” Her voice trembled, emotions spilling over. “**You—you were barely breathing when they brought you in! I thought—” She cut herself off, shaking her head. “You idiot.”
Jinsol’s lips curled up slightly. “You’re gonna make me deaf,” she joked weakly.
Yoona let out a choked laugh, half relief, half frustration.
Jinsol squeezed her hand. “I’m okay.”
“No, you’re not,” Yoona snapped, glaring at her. “You almost—” Her voice cracked, and she bit her lip. “You’re not okay, Jinsol. And I can’t keep watching you get hurt like this.”
Jinsol’s smile faltered. She knew what Yoona was about to say.
“Stop being Specter.”
There was silence.
Jinsol sighed, looking up at the ceiling. “I can’t,” she whispered. “You know I can’t.”
Yoona’s grip on her hand tightened. “Then let me help you.”
Jinsol snapped her gaze back to her, startled.
“Yoona—”
“I mean it,” Yoona cut in firmly. “You’ve been fighting alone for so long. You don’t have to anymore.”
Jinsol wanted to argue, wanted to push Yoona away again, but she couldn’t. Not when Yoona was looking at her like that—so fierce, so determined, so painfully sincere.
Instead, Jinsol let out a shaky breath, her walls crumbling just a little.
“Okay,” she whispered. “Just… stay close, okay?”
Yoona smiled through her tears. “I was always close, idiot. You just never noticed.”
Before Jinsol or Yoona could say anything, the hospital room door swung open, and in came Haewon, Kyujin, Lily and Jiwoo—all looking equally worried but immediately distracted by something else.
“Okay, first things first,” Haewon said, crossing her arms. “Are you two dating?”
Jinsol blinked, caught completely off guard. “What—”
Kyujin groaned dramatically. “Oh, come on. The whole campus is talking about it! You two have been glued together for weeks, and now Yoona’s acting like your personal nurse? Be so for real right now.”
Jiwoo smirked, pointing between them. “It’s so obvious.”
Yoona, to Jinsol’s horror, actually smiled proudly at their accusations.
“What if we are?” Yoona said, raising an eyebrow. “Would that be a problem?”
Haewon’s jaw dropped. “WAIT. Are you actually serious?”
Jinsol buried her face in her hands, groaning. “Oh my god…”
Kyujin gasped dramatically and clutched Haewon’s arm. “They ARE dating!”
Haewon gasped back. “Oh my god, they ARE!”
Jiwoo just laughed, shaking her head. “Took you two long enough.”
Yoona was enjoying this way too much. She turned to Jinsol, leaning closer. “Do you wanna tell them, or should I?”
Jinsol glared at her, but her ears were completely red. “You’re evil.”
“I’m just your loving, supportive, gorgeous girlfriend.”
Jinsol let out a loud, suffering sigh.
“Fine,” she grumbled, finally looking up. “Yes. We’re together.”
The room erupted into chaos.
Haewon literally jumped in excitement. “OH MY GOD, WE CALLED IT—”
Kyujin started shaking Jiwoo. “DO YOU HEAR THAT? DO YOU HEAR WHAT SHE JUST SAID?!”
Jiwoo just smirked knowingly. “Yeah. And I also heard Jinsol just admitted it. So she can’t take it back.”
Jinsol groaned again, covering her face.
Meanwhile, Yoona just sat there, looking smug and completely unbothered.
She turned to Jinsol and whispered, “I like how you said ‘we’re together’ instead of ‘we’re dating.’ That makes it sound even more serious.”
Jinsol smacked her arm.
“Shut up.”
For the next few days, Yoona barely left Jinsol’s side.
She was always there—bringing food, adjusting her pillows, scolding her whenever she tried to move too much, and even feeding her when Jinsol was too exhausted to lift her arms.
Jinsol, at first, pretended to be annoyed.
“This is too much,” she grumbled as Yoona carefully cut her fruit into perfect bite-sized pieces. “You don’t have to do all this.”
Yoona shot her a look. “You nearly got yourself killed.” She speared a piece of apple with the fork and held it up. “Open.”
Jinsol sighed but complied, taking a bite.
She didn’t admit it out loud, but she actually liked being taken care of. She liked how gentle Yoona was with her, how she’d run her fingers through Jinsol’s hair absentmindedly, how she’d bring her favorite drinks without even asking, how she’d make dumb jokes just to see her smile.
It was... nice.
Yoona never once complained, even though it must’ve been exhausting. Jinsol saw the way her eyes drooped from lack of sleep, how she stifled yawns whenever she thought Jinsol wasn’t looking.
One night, Jinsol woke up to find Yoona asleep in the chair next to her bed, her head resting on the mattress, her hand loosely holding onto Jinsol’s wrist.
Jinsol stared for a moment, her heart aching.
She carefully, gently, moved Yoona’s hand, lacing their fingers together instead.
“Idiot,” she whispered, smiling softly.
—
Finally, after what felt like forever, Jinsol was discharged.
Yoona stayed glued to her side the whole time, making sure she didn’t push herself too hard.
As they stepped out of the hospital, Jinsol took a deep breath. She felt lighter, better. Like she could finally move forward.
She turned to Yoona, who was already watching her with a soft smile.
“Thanks,” Jinsol said, voice quieter than usual.
Yoona’s smile grew. “Anytime.”
Jinsol rolled her eyes, but her cheeks were pink.
Yeah. She was definitely feeling better.
Back at the apartment, Yoona immediately took charge.
She guided Jinsol to the couch, gently pushing her down to sit. “Alright. New rule.”
Jinsol raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”
Yoona crossed her arms. “You are not going back to being Specter for a few days.”
Jinsol sighed, leaning back. “Yoona—”
“No.” Yoona cut her off, placing her hands on her hips. “You almost died. You’re still healing. You’re not invincible, Jinsol. Even superheroes need to rest.”
Jinsol opened her mouth, then closed it. She had no counterargument.
Yoona was right. She wasn’t ready to go back out there yet.
“…Fine,” she muttered.
Yoona smiled victoriously.
She grabbed a blanket and threw it over Jinsol before sitting down next to her. “Good. Now rest.”
Jinsol narrowed her eyes playfully. “What are you, my caretaker?”
Yoona leaned in, grinning. “Yes. And your girlfriend.”
Jinsol froze.
Her brain short-circuited.
Her girlfriend.
Yoona chuckled at her reaction. “What? Am I wrong?”
Jinsol, still red, cleared her throat. “…No.”
“Good.” Yoona rested her head on Jinsol’s shoulder. “Now sleep.”
Jinsol sighed, shaking her head but smiling.
Maybe resting wouldn’t be so bad after all.
Yoona had just pulled the blankets over Jinsol when she turned to leave the bedroom. But just as she reached the doorway, she heard a soft mumble.
“…Stay.”
Yoona paused, hand on the doorknob.
She turned back. “Huh?”
Jinsol shifted under the covers, face half-buried in the pillow. Her voice was barely above a whisper.
“…Rest here too.”
Yoona’s heart skipped a beat.
She had never seen Jinsol like this—vulnerable, hesitant, a little shy.
A slow smile spread across her lips. “You want me to sleep next to you?”
Jinsol didn’t answer right away, but the way her fingers gripped the blanket tighter was enough.
Yoona giggled quietly. “Alright, alright. I’ll stay.”
She turned off the lights and slipped into bed beside Jinsol. The warmth between them was immediate.
Jinsol hesitated before shifting closer, just enough for their arms to brush.
“…Thanks,” she mumbled.
Yoona smiled, watching as Jinsol’s breathing slowly evened out.
She reached out and gently tucked a strand of hair behind Jinsol’s ear.
“Sleep well, hero.”
Jinsol's fists were clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white. Every muscle in her body screamed for her to get up and do something. The news on the television played footage of Erebus terrorizing the city—buildings crumbling, civilians running, sirens wailing in the background.
She could feel the heat of her own frustration rising in her chest, her heartbeat pounding in her ears.
She pushed herself off the couch, determination flashing in her eyes.
But before she could take another step, Yoona was in front of her.
“No.”
Jinsol’s brows furrowed. “Yoona, move.”
Yoona didn’t budge. “You’re not going out there.”
“Yoona, I—”
“No.” Yoona’s voice was sharper this time, her hands firm on Jinsol’s shoulders.
Jinsol exhaled sharply through her nose, shaking her head. “You saw what he did last time. He’s only getting stronger! I can’t just sit here while people are suffering!”
“You can’t even stand up straight without wincing, Jinsol.”
Jinsol froze.
Yoona’s eyes were hard, but there was something else there—something pained.
“Every time you fight him, you come back worse. Every time you push yourself like this, I—” Yoona’s voice faltered for a second. Then, she tightened her grip on Jinsol’s arms. “I’m scared I’ll lose you.”
Jinsol’s breath hitched.
She wanted to argue. She wanted to tell Yoona that she had to do this. That the city needed her. But then she saw it—the fear in Yoona’s eyes.
Yoona swallowed hard. “Do you have any idea what it felt like? Watching you almost bleed out in that hospital?”
Jinsol’s jaw clenched. She did know. Because she had lost people before too. And she had sworn she wouldn’t let it happen again.
“…What am I supposed to do?” she asked quietly.
Yoona sighed, her hands loosening on Jinsol’s arms. “For now? Just this once—let someone else handle it.”
Jinsol lowered her gaze, her mind torn between duty and the person standing in front of her.
Yoona took a step closer. “Please.”
Jinsol exhaled slowly.
She had never hesitated when it came to fighting. She had never thought twice about throwing herself into danger.
But this time, someone was asking her to stay.
For Yoona. Just this once.
“…Okay.”
Yoona’s shoulders relaxed, relief washing over her face. She reached up and brushed Jinsol’s hair back gently.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Jinsol didn’t answer. She just nodded, gaze distant as she stared at the flashing images of destruction on the TV.
Because deep down, she knew—this wouldn’t be over until she stopped Erebus herself.
Jinsol might have agreed to stay out of the fight for now, but that didn’t mean she was going to sit around and do nothing.
While Yoona thought she was resting, Jinsol was doing something else—studying Erebus.
Late at night, when Yoona was asleep on the couch, Jinsol sat at the desk, her laptop glowing in the dimly lit room. Articles, security footage, livestream replays—anything and everything on Erebus was open in front of her.
His attacks weren’t random. There was a pattern.
Jinsol’s fingers hovered over her keyboard, eyes scanning the footage over and over again. The way he moved, the way he attacked, the times he struck… She needed to understand him, to find a weakness.
A soft yawn made her turn.
Yoona was awake, rubbing her eyes as she stretched.
“…You’re not sleeping, are you?” Yoona’s voice was groggy but accusing.
Jinsol sighed, shutting her laptop halfway. “I’m resting. Just… not in the way you want me to.”
Yoona frowned, padding over to the desk. She peeked at the laptop screen and immediately sighed. “Jinsol—”
“I need to be ready.” Jinsol met her gaze, firm. “I can’t go out there blindly again. Next time… I have to win.”
Yoona exhaled slowly, then pulled out the chair next to Jinsol.
“…Fine. If you’re gonna do this, at least let me help.”
Jinsol blinked. “Yoona—”
“I’ve been watching him too.” Yoona pulled out her phone, scrolling through saved videos. “I noticed something during his last attack. His powers—he hesitates for a second when switching between elements.”
Jinsol’s eyes widened slightly.
“Think about it,” Yoona continued. “He can summon fire, ice, electricity, whatever he wants—but it’s never instant. There’s always a small delay when he changes. If you can time it right, you can hit him when he’s vulnerable.”
Jinsol stared at her for a long moment.
Yoona stared back, daring her to argue.
Then, slowly, Jinsol smirked.
“…You really are something, Seol Yoona.”
Yoona grinned. “Took you long enough to realize.”
And just like that, they worked together.
For the first time, Jinsol wasn’t fighting this war alone.
As soon as Jinsol stepped into the classroom, the atmosphere shifted. Eyes turned to her, some filled with curiosity, some with concern, and others with the unmistakable gleam of gossip brewing. She ignored it.
Jinsol moved to her usual seat beside Yoona, who was already watching her with a smug grin. Before she could even sit properly, Yoona had wrapped her arm around hers, pulling her close.
"Welcome back, my dear injured soldier," Yoona whispered dramatically, her voice playful yet gentle.
Jinsol rolled her eyes but didn’t pull away. "I’m fine."
"Mhm. I fed you, nursed you, and even let you use my lap as a pillow. I think I deserve at least one thank you," Yoona teased, leaning her head against Jinsol’s shoulder.
Jinsol exhaled, trying not to smile. "Thanks," she said, barely above a whisper.
Yoona grinned but didn’t let go. Instead, she tightened her grip around Jinsol’s arm, her fingers lightly tracing her wrist.
Their friends—Haewon, Lily, Kyujin, and Jiwoo—watched the entire interaction unfold with knowing smirks. They were the only ones who knew that Jinsol and Yoona were already a thing.
But the rest of the class?
They were clueless.
…Or at least, trying to figure it out.
“Are they… dating?” someone whispered from behind them.
“I mean, look at Yoona. She’s literally holding onto Jinsol’s arm like a koala.”
“And Jinsol’s letting her? She’s not even trying to pull away?”
"Yoona usually rejects everyone, but now she's acting like this?"
As the hushed conversations spread across the room, Yoona only smirked wider.
She was enjoying every single second of it.
With a playful sigh, she turned to Jinsol and whispered, "I think we’re the hottest topic in the class right now."
Jinsol sighed, pretending to be annoyed. "Thanks to you."
"You’re welcome." Yoona winked.
Jinsol shook her head, but she didn’t move away.
If anything, she let herself relax a little, leaning into Yoona’s warmth.
Haewon, Kyujin, Lily and Jiwoo exchanged knowing glances.
They couldn’t wait to see how long it would take for everyone else to catch on.
The campus was alive with its usual midday energy. Students filled the walkways, some in groups chatting loudly, others moving quickly to their next classes. Jinsol and Yoona walked side by side toward the cafeteria, their hands occasionally brushing against each other as they navigated through the crowd.
Yoona, as always, attracted attention. Some people whispered as they passed, others outright stared, but she didn’t seem to mind. If anything, she looked amused. She had always been used to admiration, but now, with Jinsol next to her, it was different—the attention was on both of them.
Jinsol, however, was hyper-aware of it. She could hear the murmurs.
“Yoona and Jinsol? No way.”
“They’ve been close lately… I bet they are.”
Yoona smirked, clearly enjoying the speculation.
Jinsol sighed. “You like this, don’t you?”
Yoona turned to her with a playful glint in her eye. “Of course,” she said, grinning. “You’re the campus sweetheart. I’m just happy people know you’re mine now.”
Jinsol rolled her eyes, but her ears turned pink.
They were just about to step inside the cafeteria when a violent explosion suddenly shook the ground.
The force of it rattled nearby windows, making students scream in shock. Jinsol immediately turned toward the source—thick smoke rising in the distance, dark and ominous.
People started panicking, running in different directions. The once-lively campus was now filled with fearful cries and hurried footsteps.
Jinsol instinctively reached for her phone, about to make an excuse to leave—but then she felt it.
Yoona’s hand.
Cold. Trembling. Clutching onto her arm with an iron grip.
Jinsol turned, heart clenching at the sight of Yoona’s wide, fear-filled eyes. The usual confidence in her gaze was gone, replaced by something fragile, something vulnerable.
“Jinsol…” Yoona whispered, her voice unsteady.
Jinsol’s instincts screamed at her to go—to fight, to stop Erebus. But Yoona’s grip kept her grounded.
She had never seen Yoona scared like this before. And right now, more than anything, Yoona needed her.
Jinsol gently placed a hand over Yoona’s, squeezing it reassuringly. “I’m here, baby,” she said, voice steady. “I’ve got you.”
Yoona swallowed hard, nodding slowly, but she didn’t let go.
Another explosion went off, this time closer.
Jinsol’s heart pounded. She needed to do something. But right now, her first priority was Yoona.
“Let’s find somewhere safe first, okay?” Jinsol said softly.
Yoona hesitated but eventually nodded. Trusting her completely.
Jinsol squeezed her hand once more before leading her away, promising herself that as soon as Yoona was safe, Specter would do what she had to do.
Jinsol didn’t follow the crowd. Instead of running toward the evacuation route like everyone else, she grabbed Yoona’s hand firmly and pulled her in the opposite direction.
“Jinsol—” Yoona started, but Jinsol’s grip tightened.
“Just trust me.”
Yoona didn’t resist. She followed without hesitation, her heart still pounding in her chest from the explosion.
Jinsol led them toward the campus library, taking quick but careful steps through the empty hallway. The chaos outside grew fainter with each turn they made. Finally, Jinsol found what she was looking for—an empty study room tucked into the back corner of the library.
She pushed open the door, quickly guiding Yoona inside before shutting and locking it behind them.
The silence was deafening.
Yoona’s breath was uneven, her mind still trying to process everything. She looked at Jinsol, who was already peeking through the blinds of the small window, her body tense as she observed the outside.
“Why here?” Yoona finally asked, voice quieter than before.
“It’s far from the explosion site,” Jinsol replied. “Less obvious than the main evacuation routes. If Erebus is around, he’s gonna target crowded areas first.”
Yoona swallowed hard. It made sense. Jinsol was always quick to analyze situations, always ten steps ahead.
Jinsol finally turned to face her, taking in the way Yoona’s hands trembled slightly, how her usual confident posture had shrunk a little.
“Hey,” Jinsol said gently, stepping closer. “You okay?”
Yoona exhaled, forcing herself to stay calm. “Yeah… just—” She laughed weakly. “I’ve never been this close to danger before.”
Jinsol’s eyes softened.
“You’ll be fine,” she assured her. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”
Yoona stared at her. Jinsol had said it with so much certainty, like it was an unshakable fact.
And for some reason, Yoona believed her.
Even though explosions had gone off just minutes ago. Even though danger could still be lurking outside. She felt safe.
Because Jinsol was here.
But then, Jinsol sighed and took a step back. “Stay here,” she said.
Yoona immediately tensed. “What?”
“I need to go,” Jinsol said, glancing toward the door. “This is my chance to stop him.”
“No,” Yoona blocked her path. “Jinsol, you’re still recovering—”
“I’ll be fine,” Jinsol interrupted. “Yoona, I can’t just sit here when people are in danger.”
Yoona clenched her fists. “And what about me?” she asked. “Do you think I’ll be fine just waiting here, wondering if you’ll even come back?”
Jinsol froze.
Yoona’s voice wasn’t angry—it was pleading.
For the first time, Jinsol saw fear not just for herself, but for her.
She felt a lump in her throat. She didn’t want to leave Yoona behind either.
But she had to.
Jinsol took a slow breath before reaching out, holding Yoona’s hands.
Jinsol took a deep breath before stepping toward the door. But before she left, she turned back to Yoona, her expression dead serious.
“Before I go, you need to do exactly what I say.”
Yoona nodded quickly, standing upright, ready to listen.
“Block the door,” Jinsol instructed. “Use chairs, tables—anything heavy enough to slow someone down if they try to come in.”
Yoona hesitated for a second but then rushed to move a study table, pushing it against the door with all her strength. Then, she grabbed two chairs and stacked them next to it. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to cause a delay if someone unwanted tried to break in.
Jinsol watched closely, making sure it was secure before giving another order.
“Close the curtains,” she said, nodding toward the window.
Yoona immediately obeyed, pulling the thick curtain shut so that no one outside could see inside. The room plunged into a dim, enclosed space, isolating them from the rest of the campus.
Jinsol took a step closer to her, lowering her voice to a whisper.
“Stay quiet. Stay still. Make sure no one sees you,” she said firmly. “If anything happens—anything at all—call me.”
Yoona swallowed hard, gripping the fabric of her shirt.
“What if I hear something outside?” she asked. “What if—”
“You stay put.” Jinsol cut her off. “You don’t move unless you absolutely have to. Got it?”
Yoona pressed her lips together, then nodded.
Jinsol exhaled, her expression softening for just a second. She reached out, gently brushing her fingers against Yoona’s wrist.
“I mean it, Yoona,” she said. “I need to know you’re safe.”
Yoona felt a lump in her throat. She gripped Jinsol’s fingers for a brief moment before letting go.
“…Okay.”.
“I promise I’ll come back,” she said, her voice steady. “No matter what.”
Yoona looked at her for a long moment.
Then, finally, she nodded.
“…Be careful,” she whispered.
Jinsol gave her a small nod before stepping back toward the door. She carefully unlocked it, slipping out with practiced stealth.
Yoona’s heart pounded as she watched her go.
Then, just like that—Jinsol was gone.
Specter stood near the edge of the campus lake, her stance relaxed, but her muscles tense beneath the suit. The moonlight reflected off the water’s surface, casting a ghostly glow over the scene. A few faculty buildings loomed in the distance, their windows dark and empty—most of the students had already evacuated after the explosion.
Across from her, Erebus stood with a smug expression, his presence feeling like a storm waiting to strike.
Specter tilted her head slightly, her lips curling into a smirk.
“Didn’t expect to see you here,” she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “What, are you finally thinking of furthering your education?”
Erebus chuckled, his fingers crackling with a mix of fire and ice, flickering between extremes as he took a step forward.
“I was just in the neighborhood,” he replied smoothly. “Thought I’d drop by and leave a lasting impression.”
Specter rolled her shoulders back, loosening up. She wasn’t stupid—she knew how dangerous he was. But that didn’t mean she wouldn’t run her mouth.
“So what’s the plan, huh?” she asked, gesturing vaguely at their surroundings. “Blow up a few classrooms? Set the library on fire? Maybe freeze the cafeteria so no one gets their morning coffee?”
Erebus smirked. “That last one’s tempting.”
Specter narrowed her eyes.
“Why here?” she asked, a little more seriously this time.
Erebus just shrugged. “Why not?”
Then, without another word, he struck first.
Erebus lunged forward, his fist engulfed in flames, but Specter swiftly dodged, flipping backward to create distance.
“You know,” Specter taunted, landing gracefully on the grass, not even out of breath, “for someone with god-like powers, you sure have the temper of a toddler.”
Erebus growled, his eyes flashing with anger as he threw a wave of ice at her, trying to freeze her in place. Specter leaped to the side just in time, rolling across the ground before springing back up.
“Missed me,” she teased, dusting off her sleeve. “Are you even aiming, or are you just hoping I’ll stand still and let you hit me?”
Erebus clenched his jaw. The ground beneath him sizzled as frost and fire clashed, steam rising around them.
“You think you’re funny?” he snarled. “You think this is a game?”
Specter tilted her head, pretending to think. “Hmm, no, but if it were, you’d definitely be losing.”
That did it.
Erebus roared, slamming his hands together, sending a shockwave of energy that cracked the pavement beneath them. Specter was thrown back, but she twisted in the air, catching herself on a lamppost before dropping to the ground.
“See? That’s the problem with you villains,” she continued, unfazed. “You let your anger control you.”
Erebus lifted a hand, summoning a swirling mass of flames and ice, the sheer power making the air heavy with heat and cold at the same time.
“Keep talking, Specter,” he hissed. “Let’s see if you’ll still be joking after I burn this whole place down.”
Specter’s smirk didn’t waver, but deep inside, she knew this fight was about to get much worse.
The air grew thick with smoke and heat as flames spread wildly across the grass and pavement, consuming everything in their path. The once-serene campus lake now reflected the chaotic blaze, its surface shimmering with flickering reds and oranges.
Specter gritted her teeth, eyes darting around to assess the damage. Students had already evacuated, but if this continued, the fire could spread to the nearby buildings.
"You really don’t hold back, huh?" she muttered, shielding her face from the rising heat.
Erebus stood in the center of the destruction, a wicked smirk playing on his lips as he raised his arms, fueling the inferno. "You wanted my full attention, Specter. Now you’ve got it."
Specter lunged forward, using the flames to conceal her movement. She closed the distance between them and delivered a sharp kick to Erebus’s side, but he barely flinched, his body radiating intense heat. Instead, he grabbed her wrist mid-air, squeezing tight.
"Nice try," he sneered before hurling her across the burning ground.
Specter hit the ground hard, rolling several times before stopping herself. She groaned, pushing herself up just in time to see a wall of fire racing toward her.
Think fast.
Specter dashed to the side, leaping onto a nearby lamppost, using it to propel herself high above the flames. From above, she caught sight of the campus sprinkler system—if she could just get to it…
"Running already?" Erebus taunted, stepping closer, his eyes glowing molten gold. "This is just getting fun."
Specter landed on the pavement, her mind racing. She needed to end this before the whole campus turned to ash. But how?
Her phone suddenly rang. A call from Yoona.
Jinsol immediately pressed her earpiece, heart pounding.
"Yoona? What’s wrong?" she asked, her voice sharp with concern.
The sound of Yoona’s shaky breathing came through. "Jinsol… someone’s outside the library."
Jinsol froze, her grip on the communicator tightening. Damn it. She had told Yoona to stay quiet and hidden, but now there was someone near her.
"Can you see who it is?" Jinsol asked, already calculating how fast she could get there.
"I—I don’t know. I can hear footsteps," Yoona whispered. "They’re trying the doors."
Jinsol cursed under her breath. She turned her gaze back to Erebus, who was still toying with the flames around him, unaware of the conversation happening in Specter’s ear.
"Yoona, listen to me." Jinsol’s voice lowered, firm but reassuring. "Stay quiet. Don’t move. If they get inside, hide under the desk. Don’t make a sound."
"But—"
"Yoona, please."
There was silence on the other end, except for Yoona’s breathing. Then finally, a small, "Okay."
Jinsol clenched her jaw. She had to end this fight now. If Erebus wasn’t stopped, the whole campus would be in danger. But Yoona—her Yoona—was in danger too.
She had to act fast.
Just as Jinsol was about to cut the call, Yoona’s whisper came through, steady despite the fear in her voice.
"Jinsol, listen—he’s emotional. You keep making him mad, right? Keep pushing him. Make him reckless."
Jinsol’s eyes narrowed as she listened carefully.
"If he’s burning everything around him, that means he’s losing control. Fire needs oxygen. The more he spreads it, the harder it is to focus on you. Use that."
Jinsol exhaled, impressed despite the situation. Even now, Yoona was thinking ahead, analyzing Erebus like he was a puzzle to solve.
"Got it," she murmured.
"And, Jinsol…" Yoona hesitated, her voice softer. "Be careful."
Jinsol’s grip on the earpiece tightened for a second before she let out a small chuckle.
"You’re supposed to be the one hiding, not worrying about me."
Yoona huffed. "Just—don’t die, okay?"
"I won’t."
With that, Jinsol ended the call, squared her shoulders, and turned back to Erebus, a new plan forming in her mind.
Jinsol inhaled sharply, her body aching from earlier fights, but she had no time to hesitate.
She locked eyes with Erebus, a smirk tugging at her lips. "What’s wrong? Losing focus?" she taunted, her voice carrying through the burning air.
Erebus growled, flames erupting from his hands. "Shut up!"
Good. That’s it.
Jinsol darted around him, moving unpredictably, making sure he kept wasting his fire. Erebus kept attacking, his flames scorching the ground, burning trees, licking at the edges of faculty buildings. The more fire he spread, the thinner the air became, the more exhausted he’d get.
She could already see it—his breath getting heavier, his movements just slightly slower.
It’s working.
But she had no time to celebrate. She needed to end this fast and get back to Yoona.
With a final taunt—"You're really bad at this, huh?"—Erebus lunged at her in blind rage, and Jinsol used the moment to land a heavy kick to his side, sending him crashing into the lake.
The moment water met fire, steam erupted, hissing loudly into the air.
Erebus roared in frustration, thrashing as the sudden cold weakened him further. But Jinsol wasn’t going to stay to watch—Yoona was still waiting.
Without wasting a second, she turned and sprinted back toward the library, her heart pounding.
"Please be safe, Yoona."
Jinsol’s breath hitched as she skidded to a stop in the hallway, her sharp eyes scanning the scene.
Three men. Dressed in dark clothing, standing near the library entrance. Erebus’s men. She could tell by their stance—they weren’t just random criminals. They were waiting for something.
And then—
The door to Yoona’s hiding spot swung open.
"No—"
Yoona’s scream pierced the air, making Jinsol’s blood run cold.
She moved before thinking, sprinting forward at full speed, her heart hammering against her ribs. The men turned, startled by the sudden presence of someone else in the supposedly empty library.
But Jinsol didn’t care about them.
Her eyes locked on Yoona.
One of the men grabbed her by the wrist, dragging her out of the room. Yoona struggled, her eyes wide with panic, kicking and twisting, but he was stronger.
Jinsol’s vision blurred with rage.
With a sharp push off the ground, she launched herself forward, landing a brutal kick against the man’s ribs. The force of the impact sent him crashing into a bookshelf, knocking over books and dust.
Yoona stumbled back, her wrist freed.
"Jinsol!"
Jinsol barely registered her voice as she turned to face the other two men. No mask, no suit—but none of that mattered.
Her stance shifted. She was still Specter.
"Get behind me," she told Yoona, her voice lower, sharper than usual.
Yoona obeyed without question, pressing herself against the bookshelf.
The two remaining men exchanged glances, clearly rethinking their chances.
Too late.
Jinsol was already moving.
Jinsol breathed heavily, standing over the unconscious men. Her fists were still clenched, her knuckles raw. The adrenaline in her veins was still raging, but the fight was over.
She turned immediately—
"Yoona."
Yoona was curled against the bookshelf, her body trembling. Her hands were clenched into her hoodie, her head bowed, and Jinsol could see the tear-streaks on her face.
Jinsol’s chest ached.
She knelt down in front of her, voice soft but firm. "Hey. Look at me."
Yoona slowly lifted her head. Her eyes were wide, filled with fear, shock—she wasn’t hurt, but the fear in her gaze made Jinsol feel worse than any injury ever could.
Jinsol exhaled, gently wiping a tear off Yoona’s cheek with her thumb. "You're safe now, love."
At the nickname, Yoona let out a small, shaky sob. Without thinking, she threw herself into Jinsol’s arms, clutching her tightly.
Jinsol’s arms wrapped around her instinctively, her grip strong, protective. She could feel Yoona shaking against her, her face buried in Jinsol’s shoulder.
"I was so scared—" Yoona choked out. "I thought—"
"I know," Jinsol whispered, stroking her hair soothingly. "I’m here now. No one's gonna touch you."
Yoona only tightened her hold, burying herself deeper in Jinsol’s warmth.
Jinsol closed her eyes for a second, holding Yoona as close as possible.
She wasn’t going to let this happen again. Ever.
Jinsol pulled back slightly, just enough to see Yoona’s face, still cupping her cheeks gently. Her heart was still pounding from the fight, her breathing unsteady—but Yoona was smiling.
Not just smiling—laughing.
"What?" Jinsol blinked, still catching her breath.
Yoona sniffled but grinned up at her, her cheeks still wet with tears. "You look even hotter fighting without the Specter mask."
Jinsol froze.
A heat immediately rushed to her face, and she quickly turned her head away. "What the hell—"
Yoona giggled, her voice a little hoarse from crying, but the light was back in her eyes. She playfully poked Jinsol’s arm. "I mean it! You were all badass, dodging punches, throwing kicks—"
She gestured dramatically, as if reenacting Jinsol’s fight. "And your hair was all messy, and your eyes were so focused—"
Jinsol groaned, covering her face with one hand. "Can you shut up? You were literally crying two seconds ago."
"And now I’m fine!" Yoona shot back, smiling cheekily.
Jinsol peeked at her between her fingers, still flustered. But when she saw the way Yoona was looking at her—her eyes full of warmth, admiration, something deeper—
Her heart skipped a beat.
She sighed, dropping her hand, and flicked Yoona’s forehead lightly. "You’re unbelievable."
Yoona pouted, rubbing her forehead. "And you're unbelievably hot."
Jinsol let out a small, helpless laugh. She wanted to be annoyed—but how could she be, when Yoona was right here, safe, smiling?
So instead, she just shook her head and pulled Yoona back into her arms. "You’re insane, Yoona."
"And you love it," Yoona whispered against her shoulder.
Jinsol didn’t deny it.