Operation: Bodyguards (K/DA x Male Reader)

4. Enter the Fray

On second thought, maybe this was a terrible idea.

I looked down at my fingers; all ten of them were pink, the amount of skin I chewed off them was apparent as day. I couldn't help but feel sweat start to build up, my leg continuously bouncing as I was sitting down in a backroom. It felt like every person in this room were staring daggers at me, even though logically, I knew no one gave a shit about me.

I let out a deep sigh as I looked up at the clock on the wall. We were to be escorted out into the stadium in around 10 minutes. Even with the music blasting out, I could hear the feint murmurs of the tens of thousands of people out there in the stands.

Why couldn't it just be a normal interview.

Actually, no, that would somehow be even worse. My voice croaked, and my legs felt like jelly when presenting a project to a classroom with half the kids falling asleep. Now imagine talking about yourself to a room filled with executives in a cold, silent office space.

???: You are worried too much, no?

I was just about to get lost in my thoughts when a man...no, a titan of a man stood besides me and called out to me. I looked up at him, his expression was that of pure joy. His smile was so bright, even his mustache could barely cover it. I could tell from his voice that he hailed from Freljord, an icy region on the north side of Valoran. He bore a shield of sorts, slung on his back, so large it could be used as a table for over a dozen people.

Y/N: Guess I am. Not really used to fighting in front of a crowd.

???: Hah! As long as you believe in yourself, that is all that matters, yes?

He reached his hand out, multiple times larger than mines. I pulled my own out, as we shook hands. Despite the fact that he could probably crush my bones ten times over, he had a surprisingly gentle grip. Those muscles were definitely not for show, though.

???: The name is Braum! And you?

Y/N: Y/N.

Braum: Well, Y/N, tell me, why do you fight?

I raised an eyebrow as I stared into his eyes, as I began to open my mouth to answer him. Only, no words came out. It was as if his question had struck a chord within me; my mind was blank.

Why did I fight?

I shook the thought away from my head, realizing that I thought too deep into his question. It was always a bad habit of mines; overthinking every little word or action, when it was the simplicity that was required.

Y/N: Used to be for my job. Enforcer. But now, I'm just trying to get the job to help support my family.

Braum let out a guffaw as he thumped his closed fist into my chest. Thank god he was holding back, or my body would've left an imprint in the wall. Every word or chuckle he uttered felt like it shook the very core of my soul. A feeling of warmth seemed to surround this man, as if nothing could break his spirit, or even dent it.

Braum: A great heart, you possess! Family and friends always come first, yes?

I couldn't help but smile at the atmosphere he seemed to bring alongside him. Something about it was so...infectious. Just as I was about to ask a question, someone in uniform entered the backroom, alerting all the contestant within.

Man: Sorry for the wait, everyone! We're ready for you all! Just make sure to take one of these gems on the way out. Seriously, we are not liable for whatever happens out there.

Just as swift as the man entered, he turned in haste, disappearing from our view. All the other contestants of different shapes and races stood up to evacuate. However, Braum turned to me with a broad smile as he rested his hand on my shoulder.