PLOT : Saving you during a fight

oc name : Kim Minji

The night air was thick with tension, the dimly lit alley buzzing with drunken voices and the occasional crash of a glass bottle. Minji had never meant to get herself into trouble—really, she hadn't—but her big mouth and bigger heart had a way of putting her in situations like this.

"You should apologize," she said, arms crossed, staring up at the three guys in front of her. They reeked of alcohol and bad decisions.

One of them, the tallest, let out a laugh. "And what if I don't, sweetheart?" He stepped closer, towering over her. "What are you gonna do?"

Minji stood her ground, her fingers curling into fists. "You knocked over that kid's food and just laughed about it. You think that's okay?"

The guy sneered. "You're real cute, thinking you can tell us what to do."

Minji felt a shiver crawl up her spine, but she refused to look away. She could handle this. She had talked her way out of worse situations before—

A hand suddenly grabbed her wrist, yanking her back.

"Yah, are you stupid?"

Her heart skipped a beat at the familiar voice.

Kyung-jun stood in front of her now, his broad back blocking her from the group. His jaw was clenched, his dark eyes burning with anger as he glared at the guys in front of them.

Minji's stomach did a weird flip. He came looking for me?

The tallest guy scoffed. "And who the hell are you?"

Kyung-jun didn't answer. He simply rolled his shoulders, cracking his neck, his grip on Minji's wrist firm but careful—like he was making sure she stayed behind him.

"Leave," Kyung-jun said coldly.

The guy clicked his tongue, looking at his friends. "This guy serious?"

One of them snorted. "Doesn't matter. Let's teach him a lesson."

Minji barely had time to react before one of them swung at Kyung-jun.

But Kyung-jun was faster.

He dodged the punch effortlessly, twisting the guy's arm back with a painful crack before shoving him to the ground. Another guy lunged forward, but Kyung-jun blocked, his fist connecting with the guy's stomach, sending him stumbling back with a loud groan.

Minji's eyes widened. She had seen Kyung-jun fight before—he was always getting into trouble—but this was different. He wasn't fighting for himself this time.

He was fighting for her.

The last guy hesitated, suddenly realizing that maybe this wasn't worth it. He cursed under his breath before grabbing his injured friend. "Tch. Whatever. She's not even worth it."

Kyung-jun stiffened at that, but before he could lunge, Minji grabbed his arm.

"They're leaving," she whispered, squeezing his wrist. "Let them go."

He stood still for a moment, chest rising and falling, fists clenched—but then, with a sharp exhale, he let them go.

As soon as they disappeared around the corner, Kyung-jun turned to her, his eyes blazing.

"Are you out of your mind?" he snapped.

Minji blinked. "Excuse me?"

"You could've been hurt!" His fingers ran through his hair, frustration pouring out of him. "Do you have any self-preservation instincts at all?"

She huffed, crossing her arms. "I was fine!"

"You were not fine!"

"I was handling it!"

Kyung-jun laughed bitterly. "Handling it? Minji, you were about to get yourself punched in the face."

She frowned. "But you came for me..."

He froze.

Minji took a small step closer. "How did you even know I was here?"

His jaw tightened. "Na-hee called me. Said you were being an idiot again."

Minji's lips twitched. "And you actually came?"

Kyung-jun scoffed, looking away. "Someone has to keep you alive."

Warmth spread in Minji's chest.

She nudged his arm. "You care about me."

He scoffed. "No, I don't."

"You totally do."

"I don't."

"Then why are you still holding onto my wrist?"

Kyung-jun blinked, looking down—his hand was still wrapped around her wrist, his thumb resting lightly against her skin.

For a moment, he didn't move.

Then, instead of letting go, his fingers tightened slightly, just for a second.

Minji's breath hitched.

"You drive me insane," he muttered, shaking his head, but there was something different in his voice now. Something soft.

Minji smiled, stepping closer until their shoulders touched. "You like me."

Kyung-jun groaned, looking away. "I swear to god, if you say that one more time—"

"You like me."

His jaw clenched. Then—without warning—he suddenly leaned in, his lips brushing against her forehead for the briefest moment.

Minji froze.

His voice was barely above a whisper.

"Shut up, sunshine."

And then—before she could even process what had just happened—he pulled away, stuffing his hands in his pockets like nothing happened.

"Let's go. I'm taking you home," he grumbled.

Minji stared at him, completely dazed—before breaking into the biggest smile.

"You're so in love with me."

"Minji—"

"You so are."

Kyung-jun groaned. "I should've let you fight them."

But even as he grumbled, his steps slowed just enough for Minji to walk right beside him, his shoulder brushing against hers the whole way home.

The End.