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As the first rays of dawn filtered through the dense canopy, the group slowly began to stir. One by one, they blinked awake, stretching out the stiffness of a night spent in the treehouse. However, their attention was immediately drawn to a familiar sight.

There she was-Y/N-perched on her favorite spot, the sturdy branch just outside the treehouse. Her back was leaning casually against the trunk, one leg dangling lazily while the other rested bent against the branch. She seemed at peace, her sharp eyes scanning the horizon as the sunlight bathed her in a soft glow.

"She's up there again," Jin murmured, still groggy.

"Does she even sleep?" Jungkook asked, rubbing his eyes.

"Maybe she's secretly part bird," Yoongi deadpanned, sitting up and running a hand through his hair.

Namjoon chuckled, shaking his head. "It's just Y/N being Y/N. She probably climbed up there to keep watch while we slept."

Hoseok stretched with a groan, peering at her through half-lidded eyes. "Still, does she ever just... stay put?"

Before anyone could say more, Y/N shifted slightly, her head tilting downward to meet their curious stares. A faint smirk tugged at her lips as if she could hear every word they'd just said.

"Good morning," she called out, her voice carrying a casual ease. "Or should I say good afternoon? Took you all long enough to wake up."

"Afternoon?" Jimin yawned, rolling onto his side. "It's barely sunrise."

"Details," Y/N replied, waving a dismissive hand.

Taehyung, who had been unusually quiet, stood up and stretched, cracking his neck. "Y/N, how about you don't stay up there all day? You're making me nervous."

"I'll be fine," she replied with a shrug, her tone light but firm. "I'm just keeping an eye on things."

Taehyung squinted at her. "You're not exactly inconspicuous up there, you know. What if something sees you before you see it?"

"Nothing's getting past me," she said confidently.

Jimin stood, brushing himself off. "Let's test that, shall we?"

Y/N raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you mean?"

Jimin smirked, jerking his head toward Taehyung. "Come on, Tae. Let's go down and keep an eye out for anything she might've missed."

Taehyung grinned and clapped Jimin on the back. "Great idea. Let's see if she's as good as she thinks she is."

Y/N watched them descend the ladder with amused skepticism, leaning forward slightly as she called after them. "You two better not trip over each other and scare the horses!"

"Don't worry about us, Captain!" Taehyung shouted back, his tone dripping with playful sarcasm.

The rest of the group chuckled as they watched the two disappear below. Y/N shook her head, a small smile lingering on her lips as she leaned back against the trunk once more, her gaze returning to the horizon. She couldn't help but feel a tinge of affection for their antics-they kept things lively, even in times like these.

---

As Taehyung and Jimin disappeared from view, the group in the treehouse returned to their morning routines, their chatter fading into the background. Y/N remained perched on her branch, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings while her fingers absentmindedly adjusted the bow slung over her shoulder.

Moments passed before a faint rustling reached her ears. Her body stiffened, instincts kicking in as she leaned forward slightly. The sound wasn’t the wind brushing against the leaves—it was deliberate. Calculated.

Below, Taehyung and Jimin were inspecting the horses when the noise grew louder. Taehyung froze, his eyes narrowing as he exchanged a quick glance with Jimin.

“Did you hear that?” Jimin whispered, his voice barely audible.

“Yeah,” Taehyung replied, already gripping the handle of his small axe.

Before they could react, figures emerged from the foliage—ragged and menacing, their weapons glinting in the early light. Bandits.

“Well, well,” the leader sneered, his scarred face twisted into a grin. “Look what we’ve got here. Easy pickings.”

Taehyung instinctively stepped in front of Jimin, raising his axe defensively. “We don’t want trouble.”

The leader chuckled darkly. “Oh, I think trouble found you.”

A sharp whistle cut through the air, freezing everyone in place. Heads turned toward the treehouse as Y/N crouched low on her branch, looping her arm through a sturdy vine.

In one smooth, practiced motion, she launched herself into the air.

Her descent was swift and controlled, her silhouette slicing through the dim light. She landed in a crouch, her boots hitting the ground with a heavy thud that silenced everyone present. The bandits stumbled back in shock, clearly not expecting someone to drop out of the trees like a ghost.

Y/N straightened, her movements deliberate, her dagger gleaming at her waist. She exuded a calm menace, her eyes scanning the group of intruders with unnerving sharpness.

“Didn’t anyone teach you not to trespass?” she asked evenly, her voice carrying just enough venom to make the leader hesitate.

Taehyung and Jimin froze behind her, torn between admiration and disbelief as they watched her take command.

The bandit leader, a tall man with a scar slicing across his cheek, sneered to mask his unease. “What’s a lone girl gonna do? You’re outnumbered.”

Y/N tilted her head slightly, a faint smirk curling her lips. “Outnumbered? Funny.”

In a flash, her hand shot to the bow on her back, an arrow nocked in one fluid motion. She pulled the string taut, aiming directly at the leader’s chest. Her precision was chilling—there was no doubt she would hit her mark.

“Take one more step,” she warned, her voice razor-sharp, “and you won’t get another.”

The tension was palpable. The leader’s men shifted uneasily under her unwavering gaze.

“You talk big,” the leader snarled, though his eyes darted nervously toward his companions.

“Big enough to make you think twice,” she shot back, her tone cold as steel. “Turn around. Walk away. Or stay, and find out just how far your luck goes.”

One of the bandits, a younger man with shaky hands, whispered, “Boss, maybe we should—”

“Shut up,” the leader snapped, though his bravado was visibly crumbling.

From above, Namjoon and the others appeared on the treehouse platform, weapons at the ready. Jungkook’s rifle gleamed menacingly in the sunlight, and Yoongi’s knife twirled lazily in his hand, daring the intruders to make a move.

“Outnumbered, huh?” Jin called down, his voice dripping with mockery.

The bandits exchanged uneasy glances, realizing they were outmatched both in skill and resolve.

“Last warning,” Y/N said, her tone steady as her grip on the bow.

The leader raised his hands in mock surrender, taking a slow step back. “Fine. You win this time.” He spat on the ground, glaring at her. “Next time, we’ll come prepared.”

Y/N didn’t flinch. Her smirk deepened. “You’d better hope there isn’t a next time.”

The bandits retreated into the woods, their leader throwing one last glare over his shoulder.

As the forest fell silent again, Y/N exhaled and relaxed her grip on the bow. She slung it back over her shoulder and turned to Taehyung and Jimin, who were still rooted in place.

“Are you two going to move, or do I need to carry you back up?” she teased, her voice light despite the tension moments earlier.

Jimin blinked, wide-eyed with awe. “Y/N, that was… insane. Where did you even learn to do that?”

“Survival,” she said simply, brushing dirt off her pants. “Adapt or don’t last long.”

Taehyung shook his head, still processing. “You make it look too easy.”

She smirked over her shoulder. “I practice.”

As she pulled herself back onto the platform, the rest of the group stared at her, a mix of admiration and disbelief on their faces.

“Is there anything you can’t do?” Namjoon asked, half-joking, half-serious.

“Plenty,” Y/N replied, grabbing a water flask and taking a long sip.

Just as the group settled back into their routine, Y/N turned to Taehyung and Jimin, who were still gawking. “Come on, you two. Let’s make sure those idiots didn’t leave us any surprises.”

Without waiting for a response, she grabbed her dagger and started climbing back down, motioning for them to follow.

---

Another day passed, now the group sat in the treehouse, glancing at one another with faint concern. Y/N had been gone since morning, and no one knew where she was. They trusted her skills, of course, but the hours of her absence left a lingering unease.

It wasn't until they heard the familiar sound of hooves that their heads snapped toward the treehouse's opening. Through the dense branches, Y/N emerged atop Orion, her trusty horse, saddlebags brimming with supplies. Her face carried a faint smile, her relaxed demeanor putting the group at ease.

Namjoon was the first to approach as she dismounted with practiced ease. "Where have you been all day?" he asked, his tone equal parts curious and concerned.

"Just scouting around," Y/N replied nonchalantly, brushing some stray hair out of her face. Her gaze slid past him, locking onto Taehyung, Jimin, and Jungkook. Her lips curled into a playful smirk. "Hey, you dorks! Stop slacking off and come help me."

The three froze, exchanging incredulous looks. "Dorks?!" Jungkook repeated, feigning offense.

Taehyung crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes at her teasing tone. "Excuse me? We've been working all day!"

Jimin scoffed dramatically, his hand flying to his chest. "And this is how you treat us?"

But Y/N just laughed, shaking her head as she began unloading supplies. "Oh, come on, don't be so sensitive. If you move fast, I'll even make tea for you later."

That did it. The three bolted down from the treehouse with mock indignation, charging toward her. "You're not getting away with that!" Jungkook declared as he sprinted after her, Taehyung and Jimin hot on his heels.

Y/N, still laughing, grabbed a bag of supplies and dashed toward the base of the tree, dodging their playful attempts to tackle her. She was quick, weaving through the underbrush with surprising agility despite the heavy load she carried. The trio wasn't far behind, their laughter echoing through the clearing.

"You can't outrun us forever!" Taehyung yelled, grinning as he reached out to grab her arm, only for Y/N to sidestep at the last second.

"You guys are slower than I thought!" she teased, throwing a smirk over her shoulder.

The hyung line watched from above, their smiles warm as they observed the scene. Jin chuckled, shaking his head. "She's got them wrapped around her finger, doesn't she?"

Namjoon leaned against the tree's sturdy trunk, his lips twitching into a faint smile. "They'll never admit it, but they love it."

Yoongi's arms were crossed, but even he couldn't hide the amusement in his eyes. "Idiots," he muttered affectionately.

The chase came to a sudden halt when the skies opened up, a gentle drizzle quickly turning into a heavy downpour. Y/N paused, glancing up at the sky with a soft laugh. "Looks like the weather's decided to end the game for us."

"Or save you from losing," Jimin teased, panting as he leaned against a tree.

Y/N grinned, grabbing one of the heavier supply bags. "Come on, let's get this stuff up before it gets soaked."

As they climbed, Y/N hauled half the supplies herself, her muscles burning but her determination unwavering. When she finally reached the platform, she set the bag down, leaning against the trunk to catch her breath. A bead of sweat mixed with the rain on her brow, but she still managed to chuckle as she looked down at the trio below.

Taehyung, Jimin, and Jungkook were sprawled at the base of the tree, soaked to the bone and laughing hysterically after their earlier antics caused them to trip and tumble into the mud.

"Who's slacking off now?" Y/N called down, her voice filled with playful triumph.

The trio exchanged sheepish grins before Jungkook shouted back, "We'll let you have this one... for now!"

Y/N laughed, her tiredness momentarily forgotten, as she climbed the last few steps into the treehouse. Moments like these-playful, chaotic, and full of camaraderie-reminded her why she fought so hard to keep them safe.

---

The kettle on the fire began to whistle softly, breaking through the murmurs of laughter as Y/N poured tea into the small, mismatched cups. The warm aroma of the brew mingled with the faint crackle of the firewood. Despite the rain that had started to drizzle outside, the atmosphere in the treehouse felt cozy, almost normal-a rare treasure in their fragmented world.

Everyone huddled together in a loose circle on the floor, the cups warming their hands. Jimin leaned forward with his trademark mischievous grin. "How about we play truth or dare?" he suggested, his eyes sparkling with playful intent.

Y/N rolled her eyes immediately. "No way. Not tonight," she said firmly, sitting back against the wall. "I'm not in the mood for whatever risky or embarrassing dares you've got planned."

"Fine," Jimin relented, smirking. "Truth only. But don't think you're safe, Y/N."

The game started harmlessly enough, with lighthearted questions and teasing banter bouncing between the group. When Taehyung's turn came around, he leaned toward Y/N with a glint of curiosity in his eyes. "Alright, Y/N," he said with a sly smile. "How old are you, really?"

The question stopped her short. She blinked, momentarily caught off guard. A ripple of anticipation ran through the group as everyone turned their attention to her.

"I..." Y/N faltered, her eyes darting toward Hoseok and Yoongi-the only two who knew her actual age. Yoongi raised an eyebrow, and Hoseok stifled a grin, already sensing her hesitation.

"29," Y/N said finally, leaning back and crossing her arms smugly.

Hoseok burst into laughter immediately. "29?! Seriously? You couldn't even pass for 25 if you tried!"

"Okay, fine." Y/N rolled her eyes, laughing with the others. "I'm 24. Happy now?"

Jimin, however, wasn't convinced. "You're hiding something," he said, narrowing his eyes. "Come on, no more dodging. What's the real number?"

Y/N groaned, throwing up her hands. "Alright, alright. I'm turning 22 soon. There, you got me."

The group collectively gasped. "You're younger than me?!" Jungkook exclaimed, his jaw practically hitting the floor.

"Believe it or not," Y/N replied smugly, "you've been taking orders from someone younger this whole time. Feel free to be impressed."

Taehyung shook his head in disbelief. "You've always seemed way older. How do you pull that off?"

"Wisdom," Y/N replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'm just naturally amazing."

Jimin leaned closer to Taehyung and Jungkook, whispering something conspiratorially. They both snickered, their gazes snapping toward Y/N.

"Alright, if she's so wise," Jimin said, smirking, "who's the grumpiest grandpa in this room?"

Y/N couldn't help herself; she doubled over in laughter, pointing straight at Yoongi. "Him. It's obviously him."

The entire group burst out laughing, unable to hold it back anymore. Yoongi raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching upward in a faint smile as he watched Y/N roll onto her side, clutching her stomach from laughing too hard.

"Careful," Yoongi said dryly. "You don't want to spill the tea."

Before the laughter could die down entirely, Y/N's expression changed. She stilled, her gaze snapping toward the open window. The faint sound of hooves reached her ears, muffled by the rain but unmistakable.

She stood abruptly, her dagger already in hand, her sharp gaze scanning the horizon. "Quiet," she ordered, her voice low but firm.

The group fell silent, the air suddenly heavy with tension. "What is it?" Jin whispered, his voice barely audible.

"I don't know yet," Y/N murmured, moving swiftly toward the edge of the treehouse. She climbed onto the branch with practiced ease, her senses on high alert.

From her elevated vantage point, she spotted movement in the distance. Three figures on horseback-Felix, Soobin, and Suzy-approached quickly, their faces tense and pale. She frowned. They weren't enemies, but they weren't exactly allies either.

Then she saw them-the shambling forms of Stalkers trailing closely behind. The rain slicked their decayed bodies, making their movements even more grotesque. And there were more than just a handful.

"Ambush," Y/N muttered under her breath.

Without hesitation, she leaped from the branch, using the rope ladder to propel herself downward. She landed with a soft thud, drawing her dagger as the weight of it pressed against her side.

Felix spotted her first. "Y/N!" he called, his voice desperate.

"You're bringing company," she snapped, gesturing toward the Stalkers.

"We didn't have a choice!" Soobin shouted, his voice tight with fear.

Y/N didn't wait for an explanation. She darted forward, her dagger a blur as she plunged it into the skull of the nearest Stalker. The pressure of her weapon against her waist reminded her just how limited her resources were-no bow, no backup. Just her and her blade.

The rain poured harder, making the ground slick and the fight even more dangerous. The Stalkers moved closer, their guttural growls piercing the air. Felix and Suzy dismounted, trying to hold their ground, but it was clear they were overwhelmed.

From above, the group in the treehouse watched, their hands itching to help. But Y/N had already signaled for them to stay put. "I've got this," she had said before jumping down.

Jimin clutched the rope ladder, ready to descend, but Jin held him back. "She'll call us if she needs us," Jin said, though his eyes remained glued to the scene below.

Y/N's movements were a blur of precision and force as she took down Stalker after Stalker. Her breaths came in sharp bursts, the rain soaking her to the bone. She wasn't sure how much longer she could hold them off alone, but she refused to back down.

---

The rain continued to pour relentlessly, creating a steady rhythm against the walls of the treehouse. Inside, the group sat in tense silence, their gazes fixed on Felix, Suzy, and Soobin, who stood awkwardly near the entrance, dripping wet from the storm.

Y/N had just finished tying the horses beneath the sheltered area outside, ensuring they wouldn't get sick from the cold rain. Now, back inside, she leaned against the wall, her breathing steady but her wrist aching from the earlier fight.

Taehyung was the first to break the silence, his sharp eyes darting between the strangers and Y/N. "Alright, who are they, Y/N? And what's their deal? Why bring them here?"

Jungkook, sitting cross-legged on the floor with his sword resting nearby, added, "Yeah, we've got enough to deal with already. Why take the risk?"

Y/N glanced at the three, her expression calm but firm. "Relax," she said, raising a hand. "I know them. Not enemies, not friends either. We've crossed paths before. They're not trouble-at least not the kind we can't handle."

Jimin, sitting next to Jungkook, tilted his head curiously. "So, why are they here? Just decided to drop by in the middle of a storm?"

Y/N sighed, pushing off the wall and standing straighter. "They were caught out in the rain. It's pouring, it's dangerous out there, and they needed shelter for the night. That's all." She shot a glance at the trio, her tone firm. "Right?"

Felix nodded quickly, his voice earnest. "We don't mean any