Lines We Cross ||Front Man x Reader||

I didn't know how many hours had passed. Too many.

The dim light in the room made it impossible to tell if it was day or night, and there were no windows. Just me, tied up and alone. My arms were stiff, my legs numb from sitting in the same position for so long. My throat was dry as hell, my stomach twisted in hunger, and worst of all. I felt helpless.

And I fucking hated that.

The pain in my wrists from the restraints was nothing compared to the frustration eating me alive. Being stuck here, useless, while the games continued without me. Every second wasted meant more people were dying, and I wasn't doing a goddamn thing about it.

A sharp knock at the door broke through the silence. I sat up, my body protesting from the sudden movement.

Then, the door creaked open, and a guard stepped inside, his mask blank, unreadable. He was carrying a cup with a straw. Water.

My lips were cracked, my throat raw. I didn't care where it came from, I needed it. The guard stepped closer, holding the cup up to my mouth. I leaned forward, wrapping my lips around the straw, and sucked in gulps, the cold water soothing the ache in my throat.

For a moment, I wasn't thinking.

Then, as soon as my brain caught up, I swallowed the last sip and looked at him.

"Please untie me," I said, keeping my voice low, controlled. "No one's going to know about it."

The guard didn't react.

"I'm afraid I can't do that," he finally responded, his voice muffled behind the mask.

I bit back a scream.

"Come on," I pushed, keeping my voice calm. "I won't say a word. The Front Man doesn't have to know. Just—just loosen them a little, at least. Please."

Nothing.

I begged, something I never did, but he still said nothing. He just stood there, silent, like a goddamn statue.

Then, without another word, he turned around and left.

I lost it.

"YOU FUCKER!" I screamed after him as the door slammed shut. "FUCK YOU! COME BACK HERE!"

I yanked at my restraints, my wrists burning, my shoulders screaming in protest. It didn't matter. I needed to get out.

I was done waiting.

Done feeling helpless.

And if In-ho thought he could keep me tied up forever, he was so fucking wrong.

I sat there, tied up, waiting.

It had been about thirty minutes since that useless guard left me high and dry. My mind was racing, thinking of ways to get out of here, but deep down, I knew brute force wouldn't cut it.

I needed something stronger.

Manipulation.

I had been with In-ho long enough to notice the signs, the way he looked at me, the way he treated me differently. He was cold, ruthless, and dangerous, but with me... he was different. I could use that.

And then, the door creaked open again.

I already knew who it was before I even saw his face. In-ho.

He stepped inside, the dim lighting making him look even more ominous. His hands were in his pockets, his posture relaxed, but I could see the way his eyes lingered on me. He stood in front of me, waiting.

Time to put on a show.

I let my face fall into the saddest expression I could muster, my eyes glassy, my breathing unsteady. Then, in the softest, most desperate voice I could manage, I pleaded,

"In-ho..."

He tilted his head slightly. Bait taken.

"Yes?"

I swallowed, my throat still sore, and looked up at him. Pitiful. Vulnerable. Just like he wanted me.

"Please let me go."

He let out a sharp tsk and shook his head.

"Y/N, I thought we talked about this," he said, his voice calm but laced with warning. "I gave you a choice."

I saw my opening. I needed to make him believe I was giving in.

"We can be together, In-ho," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Away from this place. You and me."

I saw the flicker in his eyes, the hesitation. He was considering it.

I took a shaky breath, making it look real. "I like you so much, but you're hurting me like this."

And then, for extra effect, I let a single tear fall down my cheek.

That did it.

"Oh, Y/N," he muttered, stepping closer. Too close. His hand reached up and wiped my tear away, his touch gentle. Sickeningly gentle.

Then, with a smirk, he added, "How I love seeing you cry. You're so pretty when you do."

Ugh.

But I kept the act going. I had to.

"Join me," he said smoothly, like it was so simple. Like he wasn't forcing me into this nightmare.

I let out a shaky breath, like I was truly giving in. Then, I nodded.

"Okay, In-ho," I whispered. "But once the games are over, you free me off this island. Deal?"

He studied me for a second.

Then, he smiled. A small, victorious smile.

"Deal."

Slowly, carefully, he reached down and began untying me. The restraints loosened one by one, my skin tingling as blood rushed back into my arms and legs. I stayed completely still, keeping up the act. I knew if I moved too fast, if I showed any sign of resistance, he'd catch on.

Once he was done, I rolled my shoulders and flexed my fingers, testing my limbs.

But before I could move, he stepped behind me, his hands landing firmly on my shoulders. I stiffened.

He leaned in, his breath hot against my ear.

"When you're free," he murmured, "don't even try reporting any of this. Because from now on, you're a part of it."

I swallowed hard.

"And if you do anything stupid, Y/N..." He squeezed my shoulders, his voice dark. "You'll get in trouble too."

My heartbeat pounded in my ears, but I forced myself to nod. I had to sell it.

"Okay," I breathed out.

But inside, I was already planning my next move.

A/N~ A short chapter I wrote at school to keep y'all happy :D