CHAPTER THIRTEEN
One Step at a Time | 한 번에 한 걸음씩

⚘( ၴႅၴ

Crystal's expression shifted into something unreadable, her lips pressed into a thin line. "(Your name), joining the Ten Geniuses isn't a game. Do you even know what you've signed up for?"

"I don't care," (Your name) said firmly, her eyes locking with Crystal's. "If it means being closer to you, understanding you, and protecting you, I'll face whatever comes with it. Even your father, even Gun."

Crystal sighed, shaking her head. "You don't understand what you're saying. My father might've accepted your decision, but he's not an easy man. He'll test you, push you to your limits... And Gun? He'll use you if it benefits him."

(Your name) stepped closer, her gaze unwavering. "Then I'll fight through it. For you. For us. I'm not backing down, Crystal."

The vulnerability in (Your name)'s voice made Crystal falter. She turned away, her shoulders tense as if holding back an emotion too raw to show. "You're so stubborn," she muttered, a small, almost affectionate smile slipping through her defenses.

"It's one of my better qualities," (Your name) replied with a soft laugh, relief washing over her as the tension between them lightened.

Crystal turned back, her expression now serious but tinged with warmth. "If you're really serious about this, then you'll need to be ready for anything. My world isn't safe, and the people in it aren't always kind."

"I've faced enough storms, Crystal. One more won't break me."

For a moment, the two stood in silence, the forest surrounding them filled only with the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. Then, Crystal stepped closer, her voice softer now. "Alright, we'll do this together. But don't expect me to carry you through it. If you're in, you're all in."

(Your name) smiled, the determination in her eyes meeting Crystal's guarded resolve. "Deal. Together."

Crystal extended a hand, and (Your name) took it without hesitation. The warmth of the gesture, simple as it was, felt like the beginning of something bigger—something neither of them could fully name yet.

The quiet moment between them was broken by the distant sound of voices calling out. (Your name) turned her head to see Mira and the others emerging from the forest, their flashlights cutting through the growing darkness.

"There you are!" Mira shouted, her voice carrying both relief and exasperation. "Do you have any idea how worried we were?"

Crystal stepped back, her usual guarded demeanor returning as the group approached. She crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You brought them?"

(Your name) winced, rubbing the back of her neck. "Not exactly. They were... persistent."

Zoe jogged up, panting slightly. "You could've at least texted us that you found her, (Your name). We thought something happened to you, too."

"Sorry," (Your name) said sheepishly. "Things got... intense."

Zack leaned against a tree, his expression unreadable but his voice carrying an edge of irritation. "You're lucky we care enough to chase you down like this."

Crystal raised an eyebrow. "So, this is your entourage now?"

"They're just... helping," (Your name) explained, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks. "It's not a big deal."

Mira stepped forward, her gaze flicking between Crystal and (Your name). "Not to interrupt whatever's going on here, but if you two are good, we should get out of this forest before we all catch hypothermia."

Crystal glanced at (Your name), a hint of a smirk playing on her lips. "Your friends are dramatic."

"They mean well," (Your name) said with a shrug, suppressing a smile of her own.

As the group began to head back toward the main road, Crystal lingered beside (Your name). "You really told my father you'd join the Ten Geniuses?"

"Yeah," (Your name) said, her voice steady. "It's not just for you, Crystal. I want to prove to myself that I can handle it—that I belong."

Crystal studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. Just don't expect me to save you if things go south."

"I wouldn't dream of it," (Your name) replied, grinning.

Back at the edge of the forest, the group paused near their vehicles. Mira handed (Your name) her helmet, her expression softening. "You scared us today, Marcy. Don't do that again."

"I won't," (Your name) promised, her voice sincere. "Thank you—for everything."

Zack , still leaning against a nearby car, scoffed. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't make us chase you again. I'm not a marathon runner."

"Noted," (Your name) said with a small laugh.

Crystal walked over to her own bike, hesitating for a moment before looking back at (Your name). "I'll see you around, (Your name)."

(Your name)'s heart skipped a beat at the sound of her name on Crystal's lips. "Yeah. See you."

As Crystal's engine roared to life and she sped off into the night, (Your name) couldn't help but feel a strange mix of relief and anticipation. This was only the beginning, and she knew the road ahead would be anything but easy. But for the first time in a long time, she felt like she was moving toward something that mattered.

Back at home, (Your name) lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Her phone buzzed with a message from Mira.

Mira: Hey, just wanted to check in. You okay?

She smiled, typing back quickly.

(Your name): Yeah, I'm good. Thanks for today. I owe you one.

Her phone buzzed again almost immediately.

Mira: You don't owe me anything. Just promise you'll keep us in the loop next time, okay?

(Your name): Promise.

As she set the phone down, her thoughts drifted back to Crystal. Her words, her smile, the way she had softened ever so slightly. (Your name) felt her chest tighten with a mix of emotions she couldn't quite name.

"This is going to be complicated," she murmured to herself, a small smile tugging at her lips.

The days that followed felt like a whirlwind. After the intense search and confession, (Your name) tried to settle back into her routine, but nothing felt normal anymore. Every thought circled back to Crystal, and the weight of her decision to join the Ten Geniuses pressed heavily on her shoulders.

At school, whispers about her sudden inclusion in the elite group had already started circulating. Some students looked at her with awe, others with jealousy, and a few with open disdain.

"Big move, Marcy," Vin Jin said casually as he leaned against her locker one morning. His smirk was infuriatingly smug, but there was a glint of curiosity in his eyes.

"I didn't do it for the clout, Vin," (Your name) replied, rolling her eyes. She shoved her books into her bag and slammed the locker shut. "I have my reasons."

"Oh, I know," he said, following her down the hallway. "Crystal. It's always Crystal."

She stopped in her tracks, glaring at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Vin Jin raised his hands in mock surrender. "Hey, I'm just saying. You're awfully focused on her. Almost like you don't see anything—or anyone—else."

(Your name) clenched her fists but forced herself to take a deep breath. "Maybe you should mind your own business, Vin."

He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Suit yourself, (Your name). But don't say I didn't warn you when you get burned."

Later that day, she received a text from Mira.

Crystal: Meeting at HQ tonight. Don't be late. It's your first official one as part of the team.

(Your name): Got it. What time?

Crystal: 7 PM sharp. And wear something... not casual. You want to make an impression.

"Great," (Your name) muttered to herself as she stared at her reflection in the mirror that evening. She adjusted the black blazer she'd chosen, trying to look professional yet approachable. Her nerves were on edge, but she couldn't let them show. Not tonight.

By the time she arrived at the headquarters—a sleek, modern building tucked away in the city—her heart was pounding. She stepped inside, greeted by the sight of her new teammates gathered around a long glass table. The room was a mix of sharp suits, confident smirks, and an undeniable air of authority.

Crystal was there, of course, seated near the head of the table. She glanced up as (Your name) entered, her expression unreadable.

"So, the newbie finally shows up," Gun with slicked-back hair drawled. "Well, welcome to the Ten Geniuses. Don't screw it up."

(Your name) ignored him, her eyes meeting Crystal's for a brief moment before she took a seat at the far end of the table. Crystal leaned over from her spot beside her and whispered, "Don't let them get to you. They're all bark."

The meeting began, and (Your name) struggled to keep up with the rapid-fire discussions about upcoming projects, alliances, and responsibilities. The pressure was suffocating, but she refused to back down. This was her chance to prove herself—not just to the team, but to Crystal.

After the meeting, she lingered in the hallway, waiting for Crystal. When she finally emerged, (Your name) stepped forward, her heart racing. It was all about information and not much about physicality, it was starting to drain her.

"Crystal," she began, her voice steady despite the nerves bubbling beneath the surface. "Can we talk?"

Crystal raised an eyebrow, her arms crossed. "What about?"

"About us," (Your name) said, the words catching in her throat. "About everything."

Crystal sighed, glancing around to make sure no one else was listening. "Look, (Your name)... I meant what I said the other day. I forgive you. But I'm not sure what you expect from me now."

"I don't expect anything," (Your name) said quickly. "I just... I want to be there for you. To make things right. And if that means keeping my distance, then I'll do it. But I need you to know that I care. More than I've ever cared about anyone."

Crystal's gaze softened, just for a moment. "You're so dramatic, you know that?"

(Your name) smiled faintly. "Maybe. But it's the truth."

Crystal studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Alright. Let's take this one step at a time. No promises, though."

"Fair enough," (Your name) said, relief flooding her chest.

As Crystal walked away, (Your name) felt a flicker of hope. It wasn't much, but it was a start.

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