Smoke and Pain

YOUMIN

"You're lead sniping. I won't be there this time."

I nod. He marks a building, pointing at the top floor. It's blended into the surrounding structures— and I focus my attention to memorizing the spot.

"Your position will be here. I'll be close by, but I'm part of the team going in."

His dark eyes lift.

"Understand?"

I nod my head. I'd be alone this time— alone in the top of that building, watching for counter snipers.

"There will always be someone that will be looking for you." He says, voice quieter. "Find them first, before they find you. And you've already killed once, means you can do it again."

I swallow.

"Don't disappoint me."

This was my real debut mission. The last one I'd gone with Taeya was more like a trial— where I was supposed to watch.

But I had a given part now.

And I knew if I stepped out of line for even a second— I would be punished severely by the higher-ups.

But Taeya would punish me the most.

"Answer me, Youmin."