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As dinner drew to a close, the tension in the air seemed to ease a bit. The group had relaxed slightly, but not enough to completely let their guard down. Everyone was finishing their food and chatting, but Y/N's eyes flicked over to Jungkook, Taehyung, and Jimin, who were joking and laughing among themselves, their playful energy almost matching her own.

A mischievous smirk tugged at the corner of Y/N's lips. She leaned back in her chair, her gaze settling on the trio. "You guys wanna have a sparring match?" she asked casually, her voice filled with a teasing challenge that immediately caught the attention of everyone around the table.

The group froze for a moment, eyebrows furrowing as they tried to understand what Y/N was suggesting. She looked so calm, almost nonchalant, but everyone knew that tone-she was always ready for a challenge, and she knew exactly how to push buttons. The playful spark in her eyes was unmistakable.

"Uh, spar with you?" Jimin asked, raising an eyebrow as if the idea was absurd. "You're serious?"

Y/N's smirk grew wider as she leaned in slightly, her voice light but laced with sarcasm. "Yeah, it's been a while since I've seen you three actually do something useful. Too much time spent joking around and slacking off. You haven't been practicing enough, have you? I'm getting a little bored here."

The words hit like a challenge, and a slight offense flashed in Jungkook's eyes, though he masked it quickly with a grin. "Slacking off? Who do you think you're talking to?" he shot back, rolling up his sleeves with an almost theatrical flair.

Taehyung, not to be outdone, leaned forward in his chair with a grin of his own. "You're asking for a fight now, huh? You sure you're ready for that?" His playful tone was a mix of teasing and competitiveness, but it was clear he wasn't backing down.

Jimin chuckled and adjusted his posture. "Well, we do have you right here, don't we?" His voice was smooth, but the challenge in his words was unmistakable.

Y/N didn't flinch. "I figured you'd agree. It's been a while since I had some fun with you guys." She stood up, making her way toward the sparring area, her movements slow and deliberate, as if she were savoring the anticipation. "So, what's it gonna be? You all ready to prove you're not just talk?"

The rest of the group looked at each other, both surprised and amused. They'd never seen Y/N so casual yet so challenging at the same time. Minho, Lee Jong Suk, RM, and Sehun shared a knowing look, all of them smirking with the knowledge that Y/N wasn't one to back down from anything. The fact that she was pushing Jungkook, Taehyung, and Jimin like this was nothing new to them. But even they couldn't help but wonder what her true intentions were behind this.

"Guess we don't have a choice," Jungkook finally said with a wink at Taehyung and Jimin. "You heard the lady, guys. Let's show her what we've got."

The three of them stood up together, their playful banter turning into something a little more serious. As they made their way to the sparring area, Y/N stayed calm, her expression as composed as ever, but there was a certain gleam in her eyes that told the others she wasn't going to make it easy for them.

"You know, you really shouldn't take this lightly," she added, her voice soft but sharp. "I've been practicing too, you know. So don't expect me to go easy on you."

They all shared a quick glance, the challenge set between them, as the others gathered around, curious to see how this little sparring session would unfold.

Lee Jong Suk, Minho, Sehun, and Suga leaned against the walls, observing with amused smiles. RM and Jiwoo exchanged glances, both of them slightly curious but also knowing that Y/N was probably planning something.

"Let's see what you've got, then," Taehyung said with a grin, his competitive spirit fully engaged.

Y/N smirked again, this time more dangerously, her confidence palpable. "I'm sure you'll find out soon enough," she said, her eyes glinting with excitement as the others prepared to watch the showdown unfold.

---

The air in the training area grew tense as Y/N squared off against Jungkook, Taehyung, and Jimin. They were all aware of how skilled Y/N was, but there was something about the trio's combined energy that was undeniable. They had trained together for years, their movements synced with ease, their confidence high as they faced her. The challenge was clear, but so was the undeniable glint in her eyes, daring them to bring their best.

Jimin was the first to make a move, lunging at her with surprising speed. He aimed for her midsection, his fists quick and precise, but Y/N was already anticipating the strike. With a swift step to the side, she dodged and countered with a low sweep, knocking Jimin off his feet. Before he could react, she was already back on her feet, eyes scanning for her next target.

Taehyung, never one to back down from a challenge, moved in immediately, using his long legs to close the distance. He aimed a powerful roundhouse kick, but Y/N was quicker, ducking low and rolling out of range. As she rolled to her feet, she launched herself at him, her body a blur of motion, aiming a sharp elbow to his ribs. He grunted in surprise but quickly regained his posture, circling around her, waiting for an opening.

Jungkook was more strategic, watching Y/N closely, analyzing her movements. He moved like a predator, waiting for her to overextend, and that's when he struck. With a swift burst of speed, he aimed a precise punch toward her side. Y/N barely blocked it in time, the force of his strike causing her to stumble back. But she recovered quickly, her face impassive as she pushed forward again, her own strike aimed at his shoulder.

For a moment, the three of them fought as a well-coordinated unit, launching a flurry of punches, kicks, and grabs from every angle. Y/N danced around them with effortless grace, her strikes fast and sharp, but they were closing in. Her movements were becoming more deliberate, less fluid. The trio, though exhausted, was pushing harder now, feeding off each other's energy. Jimin darted to her left, Taehyung to her right, and Jungkook aimed for her center. They were learning, adapting to her style, finding small openings.

Y/N's breathing was steady, but a flicker of frustration crossed her face as Taehyung's leg came dangerously close to landing a solid kick. She managed to block it with her forearm, but the blow still sent a jolt of pain through her body. She didn't let it show. Instead, she quickly spun on her heel and elbowed Taehyung in the side, causing him to grunt and stumble back.

Jimin, sensing an opening, lunged again, this time with a roundhouse aimed for her head. Y/N ducked just in time, her reflexes sharp, but as she did, Jungkook surged forward, tackling her to the ground. The impact knocked the wind from her lungs, but she was far from done. Instinctively, her legs wrapped around his waist, and she flipped him off her, sending him crashing to the side.

The three of them regrouped quickly, though it was clear that they were starting to slow. They were exhausted, their bodies drenched in sweat, but their determination remained. Y/N, too, was showing signs of wear, her movements slowing ever so slightly. The trio didn't hesitate; they pushed forward once more, fighting as a unit, but they were beginning to show signs of frustration, too. They weren't landing the decisive blows they had hoped for, and each of their attempts to corner her was met with counterattacks.

Sehun and Suga stood on the sidelines, their eyes fixed on Y/N. The match had been going on for what felt like hours, and they could see the intensity in Y/N's gaze shift. It wasn't frustration from the fight itself-she was used to long, grueling matches. No, this was different. There was something else behind her eyes, something that none of them could quite place. It was subtle, but Sehun and Suga both noticed it. A flicker of something deeper, something more personal.

Y/N's breathing became more labored, but she didn't stop. She pushed herself harder, faster, her strikes landing with a precision that was almost surgical. Jungkook tried to catch her off-guard with a high-speed jab to her face, but Y/N dodged and instead planted a solid punch to his ribs, knocking the wind out of him.

Taehyung was the next to rush in, hoping to take advantage of the brief moment of chaos. He tried to sweep her legs, but Y/N was already anticipating the move. She jumped, twisting in mid-air, and landed gracefully on her feet behind him. She struck, her fist slamming into his back, sending him crashing forward onto the floor.

Jimin, seeing his teammates struggle, moved in for one last, desperate attempt to pin her. He aimed a low kick, followed by a series of quick punches aimed at her torso. Y/N blocked the kicks, but the punches were harder to deflect. One of them landed on her shoulder, the force of the strike causing her to stagger back for a moment.

But instead of retreating, Y/N gritted her teeth and surged forward, a final burst of energy propelling her toward Jimin. She landed a spinning kick that caught him off guard, sending him stumbling back, panting for breath.

The trio was clearly fatigued, their movements sluggish and ragged. Y/N, too, was breathing heavily, her body aching from the constant hits she had taken. But she stood tall, her face still a mask of concentration. The match had become a battle of endurance now. Neither side was willing to give in.

Sehun and Suga exchanged glances, their concern growing as the fight dragged on. They could see the subtle shift in Y/N, the frustration hidden beneath the surface. Whatever it was, it wasn't just about the match. The frustration wasn't something she was willing to share, and they both knew better than to ask. Y/N was stubborn, and if there was something on her mind, she wouldn't talk about it. They could only watch, helpless to offer her any comfort.

The fight stretched on, each side struggling to land a definitive blow. But as the minutes ticked by, it became clear: the trio was nearing their breaking point, their movements growing slower, their breaths heavier. Y/N, though tired, showed no sign of stopping. Her willpower was unmatched, and her determination only seemed to grow stronger as the fight wore on.

Finally, the trio stopped. Breathless, sweat dripping down their faces, they raised their hands in surrender. "Alright," Jungkook panted, his chest heaving. "We give up."

Y/N stood there for a moment, catching her breath, her chest rising and falling in rhythm. She didn't smile, didn't say a word. Her gaze was distant, her mind clearly elsewhere. After a few seconds, she nodded, her expression returning to that calm, composed mask she always wore.

Suga and Sehun exchanged another look. The fight may have ended, but there was a storm brewing behind Y/N's eyes-one they couldn't quite understand.

As the trio of Jungkook, Taehyung, and Jimin staggered off to catch their breath, Y/N stood alone in the middle of the training area, her face unreadable. The others watched her, knowing she had given everything in that fight, but also knowing that something deeper was at play. Something they couldn't reach, no matter how hard they tried.

The match had ended, but the battle within Y/N was far from over.

---

Y/N sat comfortably on her makeshift platform high in the tree, her legs stretched out and her back resting against the sturdy trunk. The night was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of the wind in the leaves and the distant sounds of creatures moving through the night. Her eyes were sharp, scanning the area with her binoculars, every sense still fully alert despite the calm atmosphere.

She had been waiting for hours, knowing exactly when he would show up. Her intuition was sharp, and as the time ticked closer to midnight, she felt the familiar shift in the air.

And then, as if on cue, there he was.

Y/N's lips curled into a smirk. Hyung Sik.

She could just make out his silhouette approaching through the darkened landscape. He was always so predictable-stealthy, but not nearly as skilled as he thought he was at evading detection. She had known the exact moment he would appear.

The smirk on Y/N's face deepened as she watched him move closer. She adjusted her position slightly, fingers brushing the binoculars next to her as she prepared to engage. The clock had struck midnight, and she was ready.

Y/N took one last sweeping glance around her surroundings, her sharp eyes scanning every shadow and corner. Satisfied that no one else was nearby, she moved with practiced ease. She climbed down the tree swiftly, her movements silent and calculated, as if she were a shadow herself.

Reaching the lower branches, Y/N perched momentarily, gauging her next move. With a fluid motion, she leaped onto the wall below, using the momentum to soften her landing. Her boots made barely a sound against the sturdy surface as she crouched low, blending into the darkness.

Just as she steadied herself, she spotted Hyung Sik nearing the base of the wall from the other side. He moved with an air of confidence, his steps careful but not careful enough. Y/N smirked to herself. Predictable as always.

Timing her movements perfectly, she slid down the wall to meet him, her presence almost undetectable until the very last moment.

"Midnight's a little late for a stroll, don't you think?" she said, her voice low and teasing, breaking the silence like a whisper carried by the wind.

Hyung Sik froze for a moment, his eyes darting to her, startled but recovering quickly. "You've been waiting, haven't you?" he said, his tone a mix of irritation and admiration.

Y/N chuckled softly, her smirk never faltering. "Of course. I knew you'd show up. After all, tomorrow's the big day-the rival gang leader is coming to meet us, and we're finally going to know what his deal really is."

Hyung Sik raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting slightly. "So, you think I'm here to give you some kind of pep talk? To tell you everything's going to be fine?"

Y/N nodded, her smirk sharp and unwavering. "That's exactly what you do, isn't it? You're good at it. But..." Her expression darkened, her eyes narrowing. "I also know there's more behind that concerned face of yours. You disappeared after hinting you knew my big secret-that you know Sehun is my brother. That's something no one else knows, yet you do. And after that night, you vanished. Now you show up again. Took you long enough."

She stepped closer, her gaze piercing. "I'm not going to ask how you know just yet. But what I do know is that you're holding onto more than just that. And trust me, I'm going to find out."

Hyung Sik chuckled, the sound low and mocking. "I expected nothing less from you. Go ahead, dig as much as you want. But don't stress yourself too much." He leaned in slightly, his tone almost playful. "Why go through all that effort when I'll tell you everything myself... when the time is right?"

Y/N's jaw tightened, her smirk fading into a cold stare. "You better hope your timing matches mine. Because patience isn't exactly my strong suit."

Hyung Sik just grinned, his confidence irritatingly unwavering, as he stepped past her. "Noted. Good luck tomorrow, Y/N."

She didn't reply, her eyes following him as he disappeared into the night. Her mind was already turning, piecing together the puzzle he'd left in his wake. Hyung Sik always had an angle, and she wasn't going to rest until she knew exactly what it was.

---

Y/N stood frozen for a moment, watching as Hyung Sik disappeared into the shadows. Her thoughts swirled, piecing together his cryptic words and their implications. But then, something else caught her attention-a faint sound, barely audible. Footsteps. Light and deliberate, like a predator stalking its prey.

Her instincts flared instantly. Those steps weren't Hyung Sik's. Someone else was here.

With swift precision, Y/N climbed back up the wall, her movements fluid and soundless. Perched atop, she scanned the area below. That's when she spotted them-two figures moving through the darkness with a purpose. They were dressed in dark clothing, their faces obscured by masks, their movements practiced and confident.

Y/N's eyes narrowed. These weren't random survivors. They were from the rival gang--KM. She recognized their attire and the way they carried themselves. They weren't here by coincidence.

The two figures seemed unaware of her presence, but their path was clear.

They were heading toward the camp.

Y/N made a split-second decision and vaulted down the wall, landing soundlessly behind them. She moved swiftly to intercept, stepping into their path with a calm but commanding presence.

"Lost your way, ladies?" Y/N said coolly, her voice cutting through the silence like a blade.

The two masked women froze momentarily before turning to face her.

They exchanged a quick glance, as if silently communicating. Their eyes gleamed with something Y/N couldn't quite place-amusement, perhaps? Anticipation?

Before Y/N could say anything else, they moved. Their hands darted to their waists, and in the blink of an eye, both women had daggers in their hands, gleaming faintly in the moonlight.

Y/N's instincts kicked in as the first strike came. The woman on the right lunged forward, her dagger aiming for Y/N's side. Y/N twisted her body just in time, the blade missing her by inches.

The second woman was quick to follow, slashing horizontally, but Y/N ducked, rolling smoothly to avoid the attack.

"Two against one?" Y/N said, her voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins. "That hardly seems fair."

The women didn't respond, their focus entirely on her. Their movements were precise, their attacks relentless. Y/N dodged and weaved, her reflexes sharp as she avoided each strike. She noticed the glances they exchanged, the way they moved in tandem. They weren't just skilled fighters-they were used to fighting together.

Y/N seized a brief opening and countered, aiming a kick at the first woman's wrist. The dagger flew from her hand, clattering to the ground. But before Y/N could press the advantage, the second woman was already upon her, forcing her to step back.

Her own dagger remained at her waist, untouched-for now. Y/N wanted to test them first, to gauge their skill. She moved swiftly, her body a blur as she dodged their attacks with calculated precision. The women's eyes sparkled with something that unsettled her.

Were they... amused?

The first woman retrieved her dagger, and the fight intensified. Y/N realized they weren't just testing her-they were toying with her. She wasn't one to be underestimated. As the first woman lunged again, Y/N sidestepped and delivered a sharp elbow to her ribs, sending her stumbling back.

The second woman hesitated for a fraction of a second, glancing at her partner. That was all the opening Y/N needed. In one swift motion, she drew her dagger from her waist, the blade gleaming as she held it at the ready.

The two women froze, their postures shifting slightly as they reassessed.

"So, you like games?" Y/N said, her tone sharp. "Let's see how you handle this."

But to her surprise, the first woman smiled beneath her mask and dropped her dagger. The second woman did the same, her eyes gleaming with challenge.

"Hand-to-hand it is," Y/N muttered, tossing her own dagger aside. "Your mistake."

The first woman charged, her