✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

The afternoon sun hung lazily over the terrace, casting its warm glow on the group. RM, Suga, Sehun, Jiwoo, Taehyung, Jimin, Jungkook, Jin, and Hobi had just finished their duties, finding the familiar spot in the sun to relax. The peaceful atmosphere would have been perfect for unwinding-except for Taehyung, who was anything but relaxed.

His binoculars were fixed to his eyes, scanning the horizon again and again, his brow furrowed in deep thought. The others had noticed it over the past few days: he'd been acting more distant, and his constant gaze toward the distance hadn't gone unnoticed.

RM exchanged a look with Suga before he spoke, his voice gentle but full of concern. "Taehyung, you've been up here a lot lately, and... you've got those binoculars with you all the time. What's going on?"

Taehyung's hand twitched, but he didn't look away from the horizon. "Just keeping watch," he said quietly, not quite convincing anyone.

Jimin, always observant, noticed the way Taehyung's eyes kept darting to the same spot. "You've been on edge for a while now... Is something bothering you?" he asked, his tone soft but full of care.

Sehun frowned, leaning forward. "You've been coming up here so often, but it's like you're waiting for something. Or someone. Are you okay?"

Jiwoo glanced at the others, concern written on his face. "You're not alone, you know. If something's going on, we're here for you."

Taehyung remained silent, but his eyes didn't stray from the horizon. The worry was clear in his posture now, even though he didn't speak up.

It was Jin who spoke again, his voice gentle yet filled with understanding. "Are you waiting for Y/N?" he asked softly.

For a moment, Taehyung froze. His grip on the binoculars tightened, but he didn't turn toward them. The silence lingered between them, and the others knew. They could tell, even without a direct answer.

"You don't have to say it," RM added, his voice full of empathy. "We're just worried about her too. She's been gone for a while, and we're all on edge."

Jimin nodded. "We all want her back safely. And if there's anything we can do to help, you don't have to do it alone."

Taehyung lowered the binoculars, his shoulders sagging slightly. His gaze finally shifted to the group, though it was heavy with unspoken worry. "I just... I don't want anything to happen to her," he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

The group nodded in understanding. There were no jokes, no teasing-just the shared concern for someone they all cared about. They were all in this together, and no matter how much Taehyung tried to shoulder the weight alone, they would be there for him.

---

Y/N returned to her base, the familiar silence of the empty hall enveloping her like a quiet embrace. The air, cool and still, wrapped around her, settling into her bones. She stood there for a moment, unmoving, her body feeling like a heavy weight. The journey-the endless days of pushing forward, running from one danger to the next-had taken its toll. Her legs ached, her mind was a haze of exhaustion, and all she could think about was the pull of sleep, the kind that would erase everything.

She didn't bother closing the door behind her. It didn't matter. Her bag slid from her shoulders, the thud of it hitting the floor the only sound in the otherwise still space. The weight of it seemed to release something inside her, but her body still wouldn't move, unwilling to lift itself from the cold stone beneath her. She stretched her arms and legs out, but even that small movement felt like too much.

Her eyes lingered on the ceiling above, the cracks in the stonework familiar, grounding her. It was as though her mind sought comfort in the simplicity of her surroundings-dust in the air, the faint smell of disuse. This was her space, untouched by the madness beyond these walls. A rare haven in a world falling apart. Here, there were no expectations, no dangers lurking in every shadow. No one to judge. No one to ask why she was always running.

For a moment, everything was still. The weight of the world faded. There were no missions here. No people to save. No promises to keep. Just her and the silence that had become her refuge.

She allowed herself to breathe, slow and steady. Her muscles began to loosen, and her mind, at least for a brief moment, settled into the stillness. She had long learned that solitude was sometimes the only place where she could let go-when the chaos of the world outside pressed too hard on her shoulders, this space was where she found some semblance of peace.

Her eyelids fluttered, heavy from lack of sleep, and she felt the pull of the darkness beneath them. Sleep was all she wanted, but it wasn't an escape. It was a necessity-she needed to rest, to reclaim herself, even if just for a few hours. The steady rhythm of her breath became the only sound that mattered, the outside world fading into a distant murmur.

As she drifted off, her thoughts, though heavy, slowly dissolved. The noise in her head quieted, and the weight of everything she had carried in those past days began to lift. There was only the silence now, and for once, it was enough.

She would rest. No more decisions. No more chaos. Just this moment. Just peace.

Hyungsik sat motionless near the stairs, his eyes fixed on Y/N as she slowly reentered. He had been waiting for her, but now that she was back, he wasn't sure whether to speak or simply let her be. The sight of her-exhausted, drained, and clearly overwhelmed-spoke volumes. She slumped against the cold floor, completely spent, and for once, Hyungsik felt no need to break the silence. She needed time, not questions, not explanations.

From his position in the shadows, he watched her steadily, his gaze unwavering. Her chest rose and fell gently, a small but reassuring sign of life. Yet her stillness spoke of something deeper-a heavy burden she had carried alone for far too long.

The silence between them was not awkward. It was an unspoken understanding. Y/N had always shouldered the weight of the world without complaint, but now she was crumpled with exhaustion, a reminder that even the strongest needed rest. Hyungsik simply stayed there, waiting, allowing her the space to breathe.

His fingers absently tapped the armrest of the chair, his thoughts drifting to the past week. Her disappearance had unsettled everyone, but he understood why she had to leave. The tension in the air, the unanswered questions-they all felt like distant echoes now. None of it mattered. She was here, and he could wait.

Then, something caught his eye-something subtle, but concerning. Y/N's body lay there, unnervingly still. She was too pale, too motionless. It wasn't just exhaustion; something was wrong.

At first, he had thought she was asleep, simply worn down from pushing herself too hard. But as he watched her more closely, he realized it was more than that. She wasn't responding to her surroundings.

Hyungsik rose to his feet, his movements filled with urgency yet controlled. His heart raced, but he kept his composure as he crouched beside her. Gently, he lifted her head, his hands trembling as he assessed the situation. Her shallow breaths told him everything he needed to know-her body had reached its limits.

"Y/N," he whispered softly, brushing the hair from her face. His voice, barely above a murmur, carried an edge of concern. "Y/N, come on. Wake up."

There was no response at first. Then, after a long moment, she groaned softly, her eyelids fluttering open. Her bleary eyes met his.

"Hyungsik...?" Her voice was weak, barely a whisper, but it carried the weight of everything she had endured.

His heart lifted slightly at the recognition. "Hey, just rest. You've pushed yourself too hard. Let me help you." His tone was calm, soothing.

She nodded faintly, her eyes fluttering shut again as exhaustion overtook her. Hyungsik watched her carefully, ensuring she was still breathing steadily. He wouldn't push her now. She needed rest, not more questions, not more actions.

Without thinking twice, he gently scooped her into his arms. Her body felt light, almost fragile, but the limpness of her form sent a wave of dread through him. He moved quickly, laying her down on the nearby sofa with the utmost care.

He hurried to grab a damp cloth, pressing it to her forehead in an attempt to ease the throbbing pain he suspected she was feeling. His hands trembled slightly as he wiped away the signs of strain from her face, his gaze never leaving her.

He would get her to the others soon, and the IV would help restore her strength. But not yet. Not until she woke up, until she was stable enough to handle it. He couldn't risk alarming the others until she was in a better state.

For now, all he could do was stay with her-silent, watchful, and patient-waiting for the moment when she would be ready to face the world again.

---

As Y/N and Hyungsik rode back to the base, the afternoon sun bathed the landscape in a warm, golden hue. Y/N sat in front, her posture slumped, arms crossed tightly over her chest, her lips curled into a subtle pout. It was a rare sight-Y/N, normally composed and confident, now seemed to radiate frustration, a side of her most hadn't seen before.

Hyungsik, riding behind her, couldn't help but smile to himself. There was something endearing about this version of Y/N, her vulnerability on full display. He had always known her as strong, unshakable, and capable of handling any situation. Seeing her sulk, even if she wasn't saying a word, felt like a rare glimpse into her deeper layers, a part of her she'd seldom allowed anyone to see.

After a few moments, he quietly observed her, noticing how her frown deepened as if the weight of the world had settled on her shoulders. He decided not to push her-sometimes, silence was the best support. A soft smile tugged at his lips as he simply followed her lead, offering his presence without words.

Sensing his gaze, Y/N shot a glance over her shoulder. The sharp look in her eyes made it clear she was aware of his silent scrutiny. But instead of saying anything, she huffed, her pout deepening, and turned away, her steps exaggerated as she dismounted. Without a word, she walked toward the base, her posture stiff with frustration.

The others were already gathered near the back entrance, outside the stable. RM, Suga, Sehun, Jiwoo, and the rest of the group were waiting, their attention now fixed on Y/N as she approached. The usual air of command and composure that Y/N carried was replaced with something different-a vulnerability that caught them all off guard.

"Is she... upset?" RM asked, furrowing his brow as he watched her.

Suga raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a faint smile. "Well, this is a new side of her. I didn't know sulking could be so... cute."

Jimin, unable to hold back his grin, added, "I don't think I've ever seen her like this. What did you do, Hyungsik?"

Hyungsik chuckled and shook his head, shrugging slightly. "I didn't do anything. Trust me, this is all on her. I'm just as confused as you guys."

Jiwoo, who had been quietly observing, let out a soft laugh. "I don't think I've ever seen her like this before. Looks like she's just... having a moment."

The others exchanged amused glances, clearly surprised but entertained by Y/N's rare display of emotion. Jungkook raised an eyebrow, still processing. "I didn't think I'd ever see her like this. She's always so... in control."

Hobi, watching Y/N with a playful grin, added, "Well, this is definitely a first. And I gotta admit, it's kind of adorable."

Taehyung's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Who knew Y/N could make sulking look like an art form? She's got a whole new level of charm."

Hyungsik led his horse toward the stable, shaking his head in amusement. He couldn't help but feel a small sense of affection for her in this moment, though he knew better than to tease her. She'd shake it off when she was ready. Until then, he was content to simply follow her at her own pace.

---

Later, as the group made their way toward the clinic room, Hyungsik led the way, his expression somber now. Y/N had disappeared after her sulking fit, and they hadn't been able to find her. The soft, faint glow of light from the clinic room peeked through the door as they approached.

Inside, Y/N was seated on a chair, her gaze distant and faraway, lost in her thoughts. An IV drip was attached to her arm, though she barely seemed to notice. Her usual calm composure had given way to something deeper-frustration, exhaustion, maybe even a hint of guilt.

Hyungsik stepped forward first, his voice gentle. "It's okay," he murmured, his words intended more for Y/N than anyone else.

Lee Jong Suk, standing just behind, furrowed his brow in concern. "What happened? She doesn't look well."

Hyungsik sighed, stepping aside to let the group take in the scene. "She's upset. She didn't find what she was looking for the entire week she was out there. She came back empty-handed, just like she feared."

There was a moment of silence before he added with a half-smirk, "That's what she told me, at least."

The group exchanged confused glances, their concern growing.

"Why did she come back with you then?" Jungkook asked, his voice edged with disbelief.

Hobi, always ready to lighten the mood, grinned. "Don't you guys know? She left her horses here. I only found out this morning, actually."

The group was taken aback. "Wait, she was out there walking all week... and now she's back like this?" RM asked, his voice full of incredulity.

Hyungsik nodded somberly. "Yeah. And she pushed herself too hard. When I found her, she had collapsed right at the doorway."

"Wait..." Taehyung's voice trailed off, a little shocked. "She... she actually slept there, just like that, without making a scene? No tantrum?"

Hyungsik chuckled softly, shaking his head, "Yeah. It's good to know that, at least... she can handle herself, even when she's at her breaking point."

Everyone fell silent for a moment, processing the unexpected vulnerability Y/N had shown. It was a side of her they rarely saw, and though it was concerning, it also reminded them of how much she'd been carrying on her own.

---

As Y/N sat there, lost in deep thought, her eyes suddenly snapped toward Sehun. She squinted, studying him intently, her mind working behind that sharp gaze. Without warning, she tugged at the IV drip attached to her hand, swiftly pulling it out, surprising the others. The action was deliberate, almost practiced, as she set the IV aside carefully, ensuring nothing was wasted, before standing with unwavering determination.

She wasted no time and strode toward Sehun, still locked on his stomach. The others exchanged confused glances, unsure of what was happening. Sehun tensed, clearly not wanting her to see whatever was hidden beneath his shirt. Without hesitation, Y/N reached for the hem of his shirt. Sehun caught her hand instantly, his grip firm.

Y/N met his gaze, her expression steady and unwavering. For a long moment, their eyes locked. Sehun swallowed, the weight of her stare making him hesitate. Finally, he released her hand, and Y/N lifted his shirt without missing a beat.

Just above his waist was a fresh, though not deep, cut. About five centimeters long, it was a sharp slice that, while not life-threatening, was clearly painful. Y/N's brow furrowed in silent concern as she inspected the wound.

Her eyes flicked around the room before locking with Suga's. There was something in her gaze, a silent resolve. Without another word, she bolted out of the room, her steps quick and purposeful.

The others, still processing what had just happened, exchanged worried glances before rushing to follow her, unsure of what had driven her sudden urgency. As they sprinted after her, the tension in the air thickened, leaving everyone on edge, eager to figure out what she was planning.

---

Y/N's breath caught as she reached the back entrance. Her heart raced, each step heavy with the weight of what was coming. She stopped and took a slow, steadying breath before breaking the silence. "Saans!" she called out, her voice cutting through the stillness.

For what felt like an eternity, there was nothing but the sound of her own pulse in her ears. Then, finally, footsteps approached. Saans appeared, standing tall and calm, his expression unreadable.

The others, having sprinted to catch up, finally arrived, breathless and alarmed. They stopped, watching the scene unfold. Hyungsik and the others barely caught their breath, their eyes fixed on Y/N and Saans, waiting for what would come next.

Saans didn't need to ask anything. He locked eyes with Y/N and spoke without hesitation. "When I went there, he ran away... but not on his own. Someone helped him."

Y/N's frown deepened, processing the unexpected revelation. "Who knows about this?" she asked sharply, her voice low but demanding.

Saans scanned the room briefly-first Sehun, then Suga, and finally Jimin-before meeting Y/N's eyes again. "Sehun, Suga, and Jimin went there to check if the area was clear after the incident, making sure no one was around. I went with them because I didn't want anyone to know he'd been held captive. But before we could reach him, some men ambushed us. We fought them off, but when I checked on him... he was gone."

Y/N's voice trembled slightly as she pressed Saans for more details. "How much time passed before...?" she trailed off, her words hanging in the air.

Saans didn't hesitate, his gaze steady. "Four days ago, you were not here. I thought when you came back, I'd inform you."

Y/N's heart pounded as she absorbed his words. Four days ago. The weight of the timeline settled over her like a thick cloud. The delay, the missed opportunity-something was off, and the pieces were starting to click in her mind.

Her hand clenched into a fist, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. Without saying another word, she met the eyes of the group, her expression hardening with resolve.

"We need to leave this place," Y/N said, her voice steady but filled with urgency.

The others exchanged uneasy glances, sensing the gravity in her tone. They knew Y/N's instincts were sharp, and when she spoke like this, it wasn't a decision made lightly.

She turned to Saans, her voice firm. "Inform all the survivors in the base. Have them pack only the essentials. We leave at first light."

Saans, accustomed to Y/N's level-headed approach under pressure, nodded without hesitation. "I'm on it," he said, stepping away to rally the survivors.

Y/N's gaze shifted to Lee Jong Suk, her expression hardening with the weight of the task ahead. "Lee Jong Suk," she commanded, her voice sharp. "Take Minho to the backyard of the school. Now."

Without hesitation, Lee Jong Suk nodded, understanding her command. Without a word, he darted off, Minho in tow, heading toward the back of the school.

The rest of the group exchanged quick, confused glances, unsure of what was going through Y/N's mind. But there was no time for questions. As soon as Lee Jong Suk disappeared from sight, Y/N turned on her heel, moving swiftly with purpose. "Others will wait for me in the backyard," she added over her shoulder, her tone leaving no room for argument.

The group stood in place for a moment longer, sensing the urgency in Y/N's words. They didn't question her orders-Y/N had always been a natural leader, and when she spoke, they