✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

Y/N stepped to the side, her arms crossed, observing both men. "Alright, you two," she called out. "This is a sword fight, not a free-for-all. Keep your wits about you. Don't hold back, but be mindful of the surroundings."

Suho gave a slight nod, gripping his sword firmly, his stance ready but controlled. Suga, on the other hand, didn't appear fazed at all. He adjusted his grip on the hilt, eyes focused but calm, as if he were about to take on a minor inconvenience instead of a challenge.

"You ready?" Suho asked, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Suga's response was a smirk, eyes narrowing slightly. "Always," he said simply, stepping forward.

Y/N gave the signal, and just like that, the spar began.

Suho was the first to move, closing the distance with calculated steps. His sword flashed as he aimed a quick strike at Suga's shoulder. But Suga, ever the strategist, stepped aside with fluid precision, narrowly dodging the blow. With a small tilt of his head, he quickly retaliated, swinging his sword towards Suho's midsection.

Suho raised his sword to block just in time, the two blades meeting with a sharp clang. The force sent a slight jolt through Suho's arms, but he quickly regained his balance, pushing forward with a powerful thrust aimed at Suga's side.

Suga sidestepped again, his movements like water, as though he were anticipating each move before it even happened. He swung his sword in a swift arc, aiming for Suho's legs. Suho jumped back, narrowly avoiding the strike, but Suga didn't relent. He pressed forward, stepping with purpose.

"Impressive," Suho said between breaths, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "But you'll need more than just agility to take me down."

Suga's expression remained unchanged, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "I haven't even started yet."

With that, Suga shifted his weight, using his agility to his advantage, darting left and right, aiming quick, precise strikes at Suho's openings. Suho, however, was no amateur. His defense was solid, his sword blocking each attack with careful intent.

For a moment, it looked like the fight was a stalemate-Suho's strength and precision against Suga's speed and fluidity-but then Suga's true nature emerged. With a sudden feint, he misdirected Suho just long enough to land a quick but sharp strike to Suho's ribcage.

Suho gasped, a grunt of pain escaping him, but he quickly recovered, his sword still at the ready. "That was a good one," he said, slightly out of breath.

Suga didn't waste time. He pressed forward again, not letting Suho recover fully. A swift series of strikes came so fast that Suho could barely keep up. Finally, with a well-timed twist of his wrist, Suga disarmed Suho, sending his sword skidding across the dirt.

Suho stood there for a moment, his chest rising and falling with heavy breaths. He wasn't down yet, but it was clear who had the upper hand.

"Alright," Suho said, finally lowering his sword with a chuckle. "I guess I'm done for this round."

Suga smirked, his sword still at the ready, but his eyes gleamed with respect. "Told you, Suho. You've got strength, but you need to keep up with the speed too."

Y/N clapped her hands, the sound cutting through the tense silence. "Nice one, Suga," she said, walking up to them. "You both fought hard. Suho, you held your ground well, but Suga's got a bit more of that speed and finesse today."

The group watched as Suho smiled, brushing the dirt off his shirt. "Yeah, yeah. I admit it. Suga, you're faster than I thought."

Suga shrugged, his smirk still in place. "Just don't expect me to go easy next time."

Y/N looked at the group, signaling that it was time for a break. "Alright, that's enough for tonight. You both did great. We'll get back to it tomorrow."

Y/N stance was relaxed, but her body was still alert, ready for what was coming next. Tonight was about testing their combat skills in a different way-hand-to-hand, no weapons.

She glanced at Jimin and Taehyung, who were stepping forward for their turn. This was the first time either of them was sparring with her like this, and she could see the mix of excitement and nerves in their eyes.

"You two ready?" Y/N asked, her tone light but focused. She didn't want to waste time, especially since the others were watching closely.

Taehyung cracked his neck and grinned. "I'm ready. You think you can keep up?" His eyes were full of that competitive spirit, and she knew he was eager to see how he measured up.

Jimin, on the other hand, was a little more reserved, but his body language was still tense with anticipation. "I'll give it my best shot," he said, though there was a hint of nervousness in his voice. It was clear this was a whole new level for him.

Y/N nodded, adopting a neutral stance. "Alright, let's see what you've got. No holding back."

The air between them was thick with the challenge. Taehyung moved first, as expected, his long limbs quick to close the distance. He aimed a quick jab toward Y/N's midsection, but she was already moving, ducking under his arm with a fluid motion that made it look almost too easy.

Jimin, sensing an opening, lunged forward, attempting a low tackle to knock her off balance. Y/N, quick on her feet, sidestepped just in time, using her body weight to throw him off course. She grinned as she saw the surprise on his face when he found himself stumbling instead of landing the hit.

"You have to stay unpredictable," Y/N advised as she effortlessly backed away, keeping her eyes sharp on both of them. "You both telegraphed your moves."

Taehyung recovered quickly, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Alright, alright, so we're not perfect yet. But I'm not backing down."

Jimin straightened himself out, his stance becoming more grounded. "I'll adapt," he muttered, his focus narrowing. This time, he waited for her to make the first move.

Y/N decided to give them the chance to adjust. She feinted a step forward toward Jimin, then pivoted, using a quick kick to knock Taehyung off balance. He tried to recover, but before he could, she dropped low and swept his legs, sending him to the ground with a fluid motion.

"Hey! That was a cheap shot!" Taehyung laughed, not even bothered by the fall. He was impressed.

Jimin, now fully engaged, moved in quicker, trying to exploit any opening. He aimed a series of rapid strikes toward her head, but Y/N was too fast. She blocked with precision, her arms working in fluid motions that felt almost choreographed. But her eyes stayed locked on Jimin's movements, analyzing every inch of his attack.

"That's it," Y/N said, as she sidestepped one of Jimin's punches and countered with a gentle but firm elbow to his side. "You're predictable when you don't change your rhythm."

Jimin winced but didn't back down, his eyes narrowing. "I'm not done yet."

Y/N took a step back and assessed both of them. "Alright, now let's see if you can work together. I'm not going easy on you just because you're a team."

Taehyung grinned, showing he was up for the challenge. "Now we're talking."

They began to circle her, trying to get a read on her strategy. Jimin made a move toward her again, but this time Taehyung was there to back him up, trying to catch her off guard. Y/N took the challenge head-on, dodging and weaving around their combined strikes. It wasn't easy, but she had the experience to stay one step ahead.

In a sudden shift, Jimin feinted high while Taehyung went low. Y/N saw the tactic coming but didn't have enough time to counter both. She let out a quick grunt as Taehyung's strike clipped her side, though it wasn't enough to knock her down.

"Good one," she said, giving them a slight nod. "But not good enough. You need better coordination. More fluidity."

They paused for a moment, both breathing heavily, sweat trickling down their faces. They had landed a couple of hits, but Y/N was still in control.

Jimin rubbed his shoulder, his eyes gleaming with a mix of frustration and determination. "We're getting there."

Taehyung, still grinning despite the sweat dripping from his forehead, slapped Jimin on the back. "No shame in losing to her. We've got a lot to learn."

Y/N stepped back and relaxed her stance. "You're both doing great, considering. But remember, the key is anticipation. Predict your opponent's next move, and don't make it easy for them."

Jimin gave her a small, appreciative smile. "We'll keep working on it."

"That's the spirit," Y/N said, offering a small smile back. "You're learning fast. But this isn't just about strength-it's about control."

Taehyung let out a mock sigh, shaking his head. "Guess we'll have to get better before we try again."

Y/N chuckled lightly, glad to see them both picking up on the lessons. "Next time, I'll be ready for you both to get me."

After Both Boy's energetic fight, the group's attention shifts to RM, who stands with a quiet confidence. Y/N looks over at him, already knowing this would be different. RM doesn't need to rush or make an immediate impression-he's calculated and precise.

As RM steps forward, he positions himself in a calm stance, one that hints at his confidence. Y/N, as usual, is ready for anything. Her grip tightens on her weapon, and she's already analyzing his every movement.

"You sure you want to do this, RM?" Y/N asks with a smirk, almost teasing him. She's already anticipating the calculated approach he's about to take.

RM chuckles softly, his eyes glinting. "I'm always up for a challenge. But you might want to take me seriously. I don't fight just to win-I fight to learn."

With those words, RM makes the first move. Instead of rushing in like Hobi, his steps are slow, measured. He lunges toward Y/N, but the attack is so subtle, it's almost a feint. He's testing her reactions, his gaze never leaving hers.

Y/N is ready for it, deflecting the first blow and stepping aside, but she's already realizing that this is going to be more than a simple spar. RM doesn't give away his intentions easily. Instead of going straight for her, he focuses on controlling the space, backing her into a corner and watching for any opening in her defenses.

"Not bad," Y/N says, feeling the pressure of his precise movements. "But I'm not that easy."

RM's response is a small grin, his footwork shifting to keep the pressure on. He knows she's a formidable opponent, and instead of pushing too hard, he waits for the right moment. When Y/N overextends on a strike, RM uses her own movement against her, grabbing her wrist and twisting it, forcing her into an uncomfortable hold.

The group watches in silence, noting how RM moves with the kind of precision they're not used to seeing in the other sparring matches.

"I can see why you're the leader," Y/N says, trying to shift out of his hold, but RM's grip is strong, and his control over the situation is absolute. He doesn't overpower her; instead, he manipulates her movement, forcing her to reconsider every decision she makes.

Finally, Y/N relaxes her stance slightly, allowing RM to think he's won. But in a split second, she pivots, using her momentum to break free and counterattack. She manages to get a dagger near his neck, halting the fight before either can go too far.

RM raises an eyebrow, impressed. "You almost got me there."

Y/N lowers her weapon, smiling. "Almost, but you were right to play the long game. I wasn't expecting that."

RM chuckles and steps back. "I think the key to winning is making sure I never rush. If I can control the pace, then the fight is already half over."

After a brief moment to catch their breath, Y/N's focus shifted to the next sparring session. This time, it was with Hobi-J-Hope. She could see the eager glint in his eyes as he stood, ready to face her. He'd been watching the others spar with intense focus, and now it was his turn. Unlike the previous combat, they'd be using daggers-close-range and fast.

Hobi grinned, twirling the dagger in his hand. "This is going to be fun," he said, his energy bouncing in every movement. He was always enthusiastic, and that made him an unpredictable fighter.

Y/N raised an eyebrow, the corners of her mouth twitching into a smirk. "I'm sure it will be," she replied, already assuming a ready stance. Her own dagger glinted in the fading light of the evening, held loosely but securely in her hand.

Without waiting for any more words, Hobi lunged at her with quick, deliberate thrusts. His movements were sharp, fast, but predictable, trying to press her with the power of his strikes. Y/N dodged each one with ease, sidestepping and using her agility to her advantage.

"You're too fast for me to even get a clean hit in," Hobi chuckled as he pulled back for another round of strikes.

"You've got speed, but you're telegraphing your moves," Y/N noted, her eyes tracking the fluid motion of his body. "You need to focus on not giving away what you're going to do next."

Hobi made a noise of acknowledgment, but he didn't slow down. Instead, he adapted, shifting his attack to make it less obvious. He aimed low, trying to catch her off guard with a quick slice toward her thigh. This time, Y/N reacted faster, her dagger slicing in the air to intercept his strike with a soft clang, sending sparks flying in the dim light.

"Better," she said with a nod. "You've learned to make it harder for me to predict."

But Hobi was already moving again, spinning away and coming in from a different angle. He was fast, his body twisting and darting, almost too quick to track. But Y/N had been in close-range combat for far too long to be caught off guard.

She saw the opening in his form when he tried to spin and strike again, and in a split second, she lunged forward, locking her dagger against his. The clash was sharp and quick, and as Hobi tried to pull back, she stepped in closer-her arm coming up to hook his wrist, disarming him in one smooth motion.

"Got you," Y/N said lightly, holding her dagger just inches from his throat, her eyes calm. "You're still too eager. You need to slow down and let your instincts guide you, not your energy."

Hobi let out a loud laugh, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I see what you mean. You're too good at this," he said, smiling broadly despite the defeat. "But hey, that was fun. I can't believe I actually got to spar with you like this."

Y/N stepped back and lowered her dagger, offering him a hand to help him up. "You've got the basics down. Now you just need to work on patience and control."

Hobi took her hand, his smile still wide. "I'll definitely be practicing. I'll get you next time."

"That's the attitude," Y/N replied with a grin of her own. "Next time, maybe you'll surprise me."

After Hobi's session, Jin steps forward, his trademark calm confidence evident. He cracks his knuckles, a small grin playing on his lips, ready to show his strength and precision.

"Y/N," Jin says with a playful tone, "don't think you can outwit me like you did with RM. I've got both brains and brawn."

Y/N smirks, ready for the challenge. "We'll see about that, Jin."

The first exchange is a flurry of movement. Jin moves swiftly, his strikes powerful but controlled. Y/N deflects the blows, feeling the weight behind his hits, and notices how he mixes speed with strength. His agility surprises her-he doesn't rely solely on his power.

Jin lunges forward, attempting a more aggressive series of attacks, but Y/N sidesteps, dodging his blows with expert precision. Jin doesn't get frustrated. Instead, he changes his approach, using his feet to close the distance between them and driving forward with a series of forceful jabs.

"Not bad," Y/N says, parrying his strike. "But it's going to take more than that to beat me."

Jin grins wider, his posture shifting. He's no longer just attacking for the sake of attacking; now, his moves are more calculated. He feints an attack, making Y/N think he's going high, then suddenly shifts and attacks low, sweeping her legs. It's a classic move that forces her to balance herself.

Y/N stumbles for a moment, but she's quick to recover, rolling out of the way just before Jin can pin her. She's impressed with his ability to adapt, and it's clear that Jin isn't just relying on his strength; he's using his experience and intellect to keep her on her toes.

Jin doesn't give her time to breathe, pressing his advantage. He charges at her again, but this time, he's more cautious, expecting a counterattack. Y/N is ready for him, but instead of fighting back head-on, she tries a different tactic: she fakes an attack to distract him and then goes for a quick strike, aiming for his side.

Just as she makes her move, Jin shifts his body slightly to deflect the blow. He grabs her arm and twists it behind her back, locking her in a hold.

"You almost got me," Jin says, his voice filled with respect. "But you're not there yet."

Y/N, realizing that Jin's grip is solid, smiles. "I think that was a good warm-up. But don't get too cocky, Jin."

Jin lets go of her arm, stepping back. He's impressed with how quickly Y/N adapts and recovers. "You've got a lot of potential. But I think you still need to work on your endurance."

Y/N shrugs, standing tall. "We all have our weaknesses. What's next?"

As JK stood up, excitedly cracking his knuckles and stepping forward, ready to challenge Y/N for another combat, he was interrupted before he could even speak. Suga, RM, Jin, and Suho all exchanged glances and simultaneously shook their heads, clearly concerned.

"Y/N, you've done enough for today," RM said firmly, his usual serious tone taking charge. "You need rest. You're pushing yourself too hard."

Jin nodded in agreement, his smile replaced with a rare moment of seriousness. "You're already overexerting yourself. It's important to pace yourself."

Suho gave a stern look, his usual calm face now filled with concern. "We need you at your best, Y/N. Tomorrow is a big day."

Y/N looked at them, sensing their concern but not entirely agreeing with their point. She had been pushing herself, but the adrenaline of combat was hard to resist.

Before she could argue, Jiwoo stepped in, offering a calm but firm suggestion. "You've worked hard today. Rest up. Tomorrow is important. We need a solid strategy, and you won't be able to think clearly if you're exhausted."

Y/N glanced at Jiwoo and then at the others, realizing they all had a point. Despite her desire to keep going, her body was clearly showing signs of fatigue.

"Fine," Y/N said with a soft chuckle, rubbing her sore arms. "I get it. I'll sleep. But only because you guys are all so convincing."

The others chuckled softly, glad that Y/N was willing to listen. Jiwoo smiled, walking over to her. "Let's all get some sleep. Tomorrow's going to be intense, and we need to be ready for whatever comes our way."

The rest of the group began to settle down, preparing for the challenges of tomorrow. Despite the playful banter, there was a sense of unity and purpose in the air. Tomorrow was a big day, and they needed to be ready for whatever came next.

---

Y/N quietly slipped out of her room, careful not to wake anyone. The silence of the compound was deafening, and the weight of the night pressed heavily on her shoulders. She needed to be alone-needed to think, process, and prepare herself for whatever was coming next.

She grabbed her short gun with the silencer and tucked it into her waistband,