"Told you to not wave that gun around" Kyujin said cleaning the blood off your hand
"I didn't know it had ammunition" You said "God it hurt like hell i swear i thought i would die"
Kyujin raised an eyebrow, her expression cold as she wiped the blood with a cloth. "You should've known better. Guns aren't toys." Her voice was low, laced with a hint of annoyance, but there was something else there, something that betrayed her worry.
You winced, your hand still clutching your side, the pain sharp and biting. "I didn’t even mean to pull the trigger. It was just... a reflex. And I didn’t think it was loaded. Who keeps a gun loaded like that?"
"People who know what they're doing, and you're not part of that group." Kyujin said sharply.
"Look i'm sorry" You said
"Yeah your ass should be sorry" Kyujin said as she finished cleaning your hand, her eyes still cold but lingering with a trace of concern. "You’re lucky it wasn’t worse. That shot could’ve hit anything—your heart, your lungs."
"I get it" You said
"You don't. And won't until you kill someone or yourself." Kyujin said
You flinched at the harshness in Kyujin's voice. It hit harder than the pain in your side. You knew Kyujin was right, but the weight of her words felt suffocating.
“I wasn’t trying to hurt anyone,” You whispered, your voice shaky. You let your head fall back against the wall, staring up at the ceiling as if the answer would reveal itself there.
Kyujin exhaled slowly, her breath heavy with frustration. She sat down beside you, looking at the wound. "You're lucky. It’s not deep, but you need to get that patched up before it gets worse."
"I'll be fine," You muttered, not wanting to admit that you were scared, not just from the pain, but from the reality of what you did
"Stop lying." Kyujin said
Kyujin reached into her bag and pulled out a first aid kit. Her movements were deliberate, efficient, almost too calm given the situation. "Take your shirt off," she commanded, her voice leaving no room for argument.
You hesitated, your cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and vulnerability. "Do you really have to-"
"Now, Y/n," Kyujin cut you off, her eyes sharp. "Or do you want to risk an infection on top of everything else?"
Grumbling under your breath, you complied, wincing as you pulled your shirt over your head. The sight of the wound made your stomach turn. It wasn’t as bad as you thought, but the dried blood and the raw edges of the graze were enough to make you realize how close you came to a real disaster.
Kyujin didn’t say anything as she got to work. The silence between you both was heavy, filled with the unspoken tension of the moment. The sting of the antiseptic made you flinch, but you bit your lip to keep from crying out. You didn’t want to give Kyujin the satisfaction of knowing how much it hurt.
"This is weird" You said
"Don't act like i haven't seen you naked before" Kyujin said
Your cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red. "That’s not the point. This is... different."
Kyujin rolled her eyes, her focus unwavering as she cleaned the wound. "Different how? Because you’re feeling guilty this time?"
You groaned, your head falling back again. "Do you always have to be so blunt?"
"Do you always have to be so reckless?" Kyujin shot back
"Do you have to be so rude?" You shot back
Kyujin paused, her hands hovering over the bandage she was about to apply. She looked up, meeting your eyes with a mix of exasperation and concern. "You think I’m rude? Fine. But next time if you shoot yourself accidentally I'm not helping you."
"Whatever" You mumbled
"Don't 'whatever' me. I'm younger but I act like an adult not you." Kyujin said
You let out a frustrated sigh, but there was a part of you that knew Kyujin had a point. Your reckless nature had always gotten you into trouble, and yet Kyujin was always there to pick up the pieces. That thought made you feel guilty all over again.
"I don’t need you to act like my mom," You muttered, trying to deflect the vulnerability you were feeling.
Kyujin didn’t react immediately. She simply finished securing the bandage, her fingers lingering a moment longer than necessary, almost as if she was checking to make sure you were okay. "I’m not acting like your mom. I’m trying to keep you alive. Don’t confuse the two."
"You do act like a mom though" You said
Kyujin’s expression softened for a moment, though it quickly shifted back to her usual tough demeanor. "Maybe I do. Someone has to look out for you when you keep making stupid decisions."
You didn’t respond right away, the silence hanging heavy between you both again. You couldn’t help but feel a surge of gratitude mixed with embarrassment. Kyujin had always been the one to steady you when you spiraled, and you hated feeling so dependent. It made you feel weak.
"I’m sorry," You said quietly, your voice barely above a whisper. "I didn’t mean to put you in this position."
Kyujin looked up, her gaze piercing. "You say that, but you keep doing the same shit over and over. When are you going to learn?"
You took a deep breath, your fingers playing nervously with the edge of the blanket you were sitting on. "I don’t know. Maybe when I don’t have you to help me anymore."
Kyujin’s eyes softened, but only just a little bit. "You’re not getting rid of me that easy." She stood up, packing the first aid kit away with swift movements. "But I’m not going to be here to patch you up every time you screw up."
"I get it," You said, your tone quieter now. You looked at the bandage on your side, feeling a mix of frustration and gratitude. You weren't sure if you were more frustrated with yourself or the way Kyujin always seemed to know exactly what to say to make you realize how reckless you had been.
Kyujin paused, then looked back at you. "Next time, I’m locking up all the guns. You’re not touching anything without me, understand?"
You let out a soft laugh, though it lacked humor. "Yeah, I understand." You looked up at Kyujin, feeling the weight of your unspoken bond between them. "Thanks, Kyujin."
Kyujin’s eyes softened for a moment, her usual sharp edge replaced by something warmer. "Just don’t make me regret it," she said, before turning and heading toward the door.
"I won’t," You said quietly, watching her leave. You leaned back, closing your eyes, the pain in your side still present but somehow less consuming. It was strange, how Kyujin always knew how to make you feel better, even when you didn’t want to admit it.
You sat there for a moment longer, the silence of the room settling around you. Your hand instinctively went to the bandage, checking to make sure it was secure. It was a small comfort, but it was the only one you had right now. You could still feel the weight of the gun in your hand, the shock of the trigger pulling itself, and the pain that followed. The reality of it all seemed surreal, like it had happened to someone else
Just then Kyujin walked back into the room
Kyujin stood in the doorway for a moment, watching you with a look that was unreadable. She had gone to grab something from her bag, but now, seeing you sitting there, she paused.
"I thought you might need this," Kyujin said, breaking the silence as she walked over with a glass of water and a small pill bottle.
You looked up at her, her expression softening. "You don’t have to keep taking care of me, you know," you said, a hint of guilt creeping into your voice.
Kyujin ignored the comment, setting the glass down in front of you. "You’re not getting rid of me, Y/n. Just take the damn water."
You sighed, but took the glass and drank from it, feeling the cool liquid soothe your dry throat. You swallowed the last of it and glanced back at Kyujin. "I’m really sorry. I didn't mean for any of this to happen."
Kyujin didn't say anything for a moment, her eyes narrowing as if she was thinking about what to say next. Finally, she sat down next to you, her voice quieter this time. "I know you didn’t. But you always do this. You rush into things without thinking."
"I’m impulsive," You admitted, looking down at your hands. "I know. I just… I don’t always think things through. And sometimes it feels like it’s the only way to feel in control. But then I screw up, and you're the one who has to fix it."
Kyujin’s gaze softened slightly, though there was still a faint edge to her voice. "It’s not just about fixing things, Y/n. It’s about you putting yourself, and others, at risk. You're better than this. You don’t need to keep trying to prove something by getting hurt."
Your breath caught in your throat, and you looked away, your gaze distant. "I’m trying. I just don’t know how to stop. Sometimes it feels like I can't control it... like it’s too much, and I do something reckless just to... escape, or feel something different."
Kyujin studied you for a moment, then reached out, placing a hand on your shoulder. "You don’t have to keep running, Y/n. You’ve got people who care about you, whether you realize it or not. And I'm not going anywhere."
Your eyes stung, your chest tightening with emotion you hadn’t expected. You swallowed hard, nodding. "I know… it’s just hard sometimes."
"I get that," Kyujin said quietly, her voice softening. "But you don’t have to do it alone."
You didn’t answer right away, but after a moment, you allowed yourself to lean into Kyujin’s side, the warmth of her presence calming the storm inside you. It wasn’t a perfect fix, and you knew there was a lot to work through, but for the first time in a long time, you felt a small sense of relief. Maybe, just maybe, you didn’t have to fight everything by yourself.
Kyujin’s arm wrapped around you, a silent gesture of support that spoke volumes. The weight of the world didn’t seem as heavy when someone else was there to share it, and for a moment, you allowed yourself to let go of the constant pressure she always felt to be strong, to have everything under control.
Just as Kyujin wrapped both of your arms around your waist you winced.
"Oh sorry" Kyujin said
"Sorry for ruining the romantic moment" You teased
"Dont." Kyujin said with a smirk
"Romantic moment? What did you mean by that?" Kyujin asked
You raised an eyebrow, your lips curling into a playful grin. "Well, you know... with the whole 'I’m here for you' thing, and the arm around my waist, it kind of felt like a scene from one of those melodramatic romance movies."
"We are not having those lovers in danger moments." Kyujin said
"Unfortunate" You said with a smirk
"What do you mean?" Kyujin asked
You smirked, your eyes twinkling with mischief. "I mean, I think we could pull it off. You know, the whole ‘tragic hero’ thing? You, the brooding protector, and me, the reckless one who needs saving. It’s practically a perfect plot."
Kyujin rolled her eyes, though the small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth betrayed her amusement. "You’re delusional. I’m not playing your damsel-in-distress fantasy."
"Who said anything about a damsel?" You teased, nudging her lightly with your elbow. "Besides, I think we could be the type of couple that survives a crazy situation together, you know? Like those action movie pairs."
Kyujin raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "Y/n, we’re not going there. I’m not saving your ass every time you make a mistake.
"We would also be the couple that steals a kiss or two during a mission" You said
Kyujin froze for a moment, her expression unreadable as she processed your words. Then, with a deep sigh, she leaned back, crossing her arms with an exaggerated look of annoyance. "You really do have a thing for drama, huh?"
You shrugged, your grin widening. "Maybe I just like the idea of us being the center of a story. A really epic, action-packed story."
Kyujin shook her head, though there was a spark of amusement in her eyes. "You're ridiculous, you know that?"
"Hey, it’s not my fault that you’re too good at playing the part of the brooding protector," You teased, leaning back against the wall with a smirk. "All you need now is a leather jacket and a mysterious past."
"I think you need to relax a little." Kyujin said
"Can't when it's you." You said
"I'm not playing into your romantic delusions" Kyujin said
"Not a delusion but a reality." You said
"You're...something for sure." Kyujin said
You let out a soft chuckle, your heart lightening as both of you exchanged playful banter. There was something comforting about the back-and-forth, the way you both could slip into moments of normalcy despite everything that had just happened. It was almost like a reminder that life wasn’t just about the chaos and mistakes—it was about these little exchanges, the ones that made everything feel a little more bearable.
"I think you're just secretly enjoying it," You said with a mischievous grin, nudging Kyujin once more. "You can't fool me, I know you secretly love the drama."
Kyujin scoffed, though the faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her. "I’m seriously starting to question my life choices right now."
"Why?" You asked, your voice dripping with playful innocence. "Because you're stuck with me? Because I make your life interesting?"
Kyujin rolled her eyes but didn’t pull away. "I think you’d be a lot easier to handle if you weren’t always trying to drag me into your ridiculous scenarios."
"Hey, at least I keep things fun," You retorted, flashing her a bright grin. "Wouldn’t you be bored without me?"
There was a brief moment of silence as Kyujin studied you, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "Maybe," she admitted, before looking away, as if trying to hide the vulnerability that flickered across her face. "You can be exhausting though."
You leaned in closer "But you love me."
"I swear, you're going to be the death of me." Kyujin said taking a step away
"I think that happened a while ago." You said taking a step closer to her
"If you're referencing you shooting yourself? Yeah." Kyujin said taking a step away
"Maybe, but also something else." You said taking a step closer to her once again
"Which is?" Kyujin asked taking a step away once again
You grinned, a teasing spark in your eyes as you closed the distance between them. "The fact that you can't seem to stay away from me, even when I make your life a living nightmare."
Kyujin scoffed, though there was no real heat behind it. "You're delusional if you think I'm sticking around because of you."
Your grin widened as you took another step forward, now standing just a few inches from Kyujin. "Come on, admit it. You like the chaos. It keeps you on your toes."
Kyujin met your gaze for a moment, her expression shifting as she thought about it. Her usual sarcasm was gone, replaced by something more genuine, even if she didn’t want to fully acknowledge it. "I don’t know if ‘like’ is the word I'd use," she said, voice softening slightly. "But maybe I’m not as immune to it as I thought."
You raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by the crack in Kyujin's armor. "So, you're telling me... you’re not secretly enjoying our little dance of tension?"
Kyujin’s face flushed slightly, but she quickly masked it with a roll of her eyes "I didn't say that."
You leaned in closer, your playful grin not fading as you studied Kyujin's expression. "Oh? So you are enjoying it, just a little bit, huh?"
Kyujin crossed her arms tightly, clearly trying to keep her composure, but the flush on her cheeks was undeniable. "You’re unbelievable," she muttered, though there was a hint of warmth in her voice that she couldn't quite hide.
You chuckled, taking another step forward until there was barely any space between you both. "Admit it. You’re secretly entertained by me."
Kyujin let out a deep sigh, her gaze dropping for a moment, and then she looked up, her eyes softening slightly. "You... make things interesting, Y/n. But don't think for a second that I enjoy all of it."
"All of what?" You asked, your voice quieter now, the teasing tone replaced by something more sincere.
Kyujin hesitated, her eyes flickering briefly before she spoke. "All the mess... the chaos you bring. But... yeah, I guess... I guess I can’t help but stick around."
Your heart skipped a beat at the admission. You could feel the weight of the words, and for the first time, you allowed yourself to take them in fully, not just as a joke or playful teasing, but as something real.
“You really do care, huh?” You asked softly, your voice quieter now, almost vulnerable.
Kyujin didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she looked at you for a long moment, her expression a mix of frustration and tenderness. Finally, she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "You’re an idiot, but I care about you. More than I probably should."
Your heart softened, a gentle warmth spreading through her chest. For a moment, it felt like the walls between you two had crumbled, and all the teasing and banter melted away, leaving something much deeper, something more vulnerable and real.
"Yeah but i'm your idiot." You said
Kyujin’s eyes softened, and she let out a quiet laugh, her usual sarcasm slipping away as she looked at you "You're my cute silly idiot"
"Cute? Aww!" You said
Kyujin rolled her eyes, though the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her amusement. "Don't get too carried away," she teased, her voice light but still carrying that soft warmth. "You know I'm only saying it because it's true."
You grinned, your playful demeanor never fully fading. "I’m still your idiot though, right? The one you can't seem to shake off."
Kyujin shook her head, though her eyes were soft. "Unfortunately, yes. You’re stuck with me."
Your grin softened into something more sincere, your eyes meeting Kyujin’s. "I’m okay with that. As long as you don’t mind me being a little... extra sometimes."
Kyujin raised an eyebrow, a small chuckle escaping her. "Extra? You mean all the time."
You nodded, your expression teasing again. "Well, you love it, don’t you?"
Kyujin gave you a mock glare, but the playfulness in her voice didn’t hide the affection. "I might, but don’t get too cocky about it."
Your heart fluttered at the tenderness in Kyujin’s tone, the unspoken connection between you both thickening with every word. "You know, for someone who pretends to hate me, you’re really bad at hiding it."
Kyujin rolled her eyes again, but this time, there was no denying the soft smile on her face. "I don’t hate you. I’m just... trying to keep you in check. You’re a handful."
"Only for you," You replied, your voice low but teasing.
Kyujin sighed dramatically, though her smile never faded. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever."
"I would still kiss you by the way" You said
"Try me." Kyujin said
Your grin only widened at the challenge, your heart racing slightly at the playful dare in Kyujin's voice. You leaned in just a little closer, your breath brushing against Kyujin’s cheek, the tension between them palpable. For a moment, the world outside of your little bubble seemed to disappear, leaving only the space between the both of you.
Kyujin didn’t pull away, but her expression was a mix of amusement and something deeper, something more vulnerable. Her lips quivered into a smirk, clearly still testing the boundaries, but there was something unspoken in the way she didn’t move.
Your eyes flickered to Kyujin’s lips for a brief second, then back to her eyes. “Are you sure about that?” you asked, your voice almost a whisper now, the teasing tone replaced by a softer, more serious edge.
Kyujin’s gaze softened, and she let out a quiet sigh. “I don’t know,” she said, her voice quieter, almost hesitant. “But I think you should, uh, just go ahead and try. If you’re brave enough.”
The challenge was clear, but the undercurrent of something else, the vulnerability, the trust, was equally clear in her eyes. It was a moment that hung in the air, suspended between them, heavy with possibility.
Your heart thudded in your chest, but instead of retreating, you took a deep breath and closed the remaining distance between you two, your hand gently cupping Kyujin’s cheek. The kiss was slow at first, tentative, like you were both testing the waters. It wasn’t a movie moment, it wasn’t dramatic, no stolen kisses during a high-speed chase or danger-filled mission, but it felt real. It was raw and honest, something that neither of you two had fully expected, but both seemed to need.
When you finally pulled away, the silence between the two of you felt different, more peaceful, as if something had shifted. Your gaze softened, her fingers still resting gently against Kyujin’s skin.
“You know we can't do this..." Kyujin said
"Worth a try." You said
Kyujin's eyes flickered, uncertainty dancing in them as she looked at you, her breath still unsteady from the kiss. "Yeah," she murmured, almost to herself, "Worth a try."
You smiled, but it was softer now, quieter, as if the teasing mask had finally slipped away. "I don’t know what it is between us," you admitted, your voice quieter, tinged with a raw honesty that was rare for you. "But whatever it is... it’s different."
Kyujin nodded slowly, her gaze not leaving your face. "Yeah, it’s... complicated."
"Complicated is an understatement," You said with a soft chuckle, though your voice held a hint of frustration, as if you were trying to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions inside you. "But I think... maybe it’s worth figuring out. If you’re willing to."
Kyujin’s gaze softened, the edges of her usual guarded nature slipping away. "I don’t know what I’m doing half the time, Y/n," she confessed, her voice a little more vulnerable than usual. "But I know I don’t want to walk away from this... whatever this is."
Your heart skipped a beat at her words, and for the first time in a long time, you felt like maybe she wasn’t the only one who was scared of the unknown. "Neither do I," you whispered back, your voice barely audible.
For a moment, neither of you said anything, just letting the quiet settle around the two of you. It wasn’t perfect, and it wasn’t easy, but in that silence, you both understood something unspoken.
Kyujin finally broke the quiet, her voice soft but steady. "We’re both messes, you know that?"
You grinned, your eyes twinkling with that familiar mischief. "Yeah, but we’re each other’s mess."
Kyujin rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "I don’t know if that’s comforting or terrifying."
You leaned in again, this time a little more confidently, your fingers gently brushing Kyujin’s. "Maybe both."
Kyujin’s smile deepened, and she let out a soft laugh, her hand brushing against yours in return. "Yeah, I think you’re right."
You both stood there for a moment, caught in the quiet space you had carved out for yourselves, knowing that things wouldn’t be easy and that your path ahead was far from clear. But for the first time, neither of you felt like you had to figure it all out alone.
And for the first time, that mess didn’t seem so bad.