Divine Enmity (Catnipz)

XXII. How to not success in a mission.

It took them ten more minutes of walking and a bus ride to reach their destination: New York. The city, as always, looked bustling and vibrant, even early in the morning. The lights of the skyscrapers mixed with the glow of the rising sun, creating a stunning visual spectacle.

The streets were filled with cars and pedestrians going back and forth, occasionally bumping into each other. It was quite cold; summer had ended months ago, and a chilly breeze swept through the city. Luckily, Haerin had decided to dress in long pants, a hoodie, and a jacket, as the temperature inside the camp was warm, and she would have frozen otherwise.

"Are you sure your beloved ghosts didn't get the city wrong, Minji?" Haerin asked sarcastically as they disembarked from the bus. "Because this doesn't seem like the secret hideout of any monster."

"A city as big and noisy as this isn't perfect for some big and noisy monsters?" Minji rolled her eyes. "You're right, Miss Kang."

"Whatever," Haerin replied, crossing her arms. "But I highly doubt we'll find anything here."

Minji clenched her fists and took a threatening step toward her. "Are you questioning my abilities, princess? Because at least I've contributed something to this mission. What have you done? Brought makeup to fight monsters? How useful!"

"At least I'm not a bitter person who always has to prove something!" Haerin took a step forward, confronting Minji. "Maybe you should relax a bit and stop treating everyone like they're your enemies."

Danielle and Hanni watched the confrontation, exchanging looks of exasperation and concern.

"We agreed to be professional!" Minji glared at Hanni. "I didn't start it! She was the one doubting why we're here!"

"You fall for her provocations too easily!"

Danielle rubbed her nose bridge.

"She's always provoking!" Haerin interjected upon hearing what Minji said.

"What do you mean by that, Kim!?" Haaerin retorted.

"That's enough! I don't know who's worse together, Pham and Kim, or you with Kim," Danielle said.

"I think the problem lies with Kim..." Haerin whispered.

"Shut up!" Hanni and Minji shouted in unison.

Haerin rolled her eyes. Danielle clapped loudly to silence them and get their attention. "We're here for a mission, not to fight amongst ourselves. Minji, Haerin, stop acting like little girls."

Minji and Haerin glared at each other before looking away, both trying to contain their emotions. Danielle sighed, clearly exhausted from the constant confrontation.

"And you, Pham, should help me with this," Danielle said.

Hanni raised an eyebrow. "Please, just because I'm not trying to jump on your neck like these two doesn't mean I'm going to support you."

Danielle rolled her eyes. "At least don't anger Kim any further!"

"Why do you care if Kim gets angry with me?" Hanni went on the defensive. "It's not like she'll do anything to me."

"Not yet," Minji whispered.

Hanni sighed and nudged her in the back of the head, making Minji complain. "Shut up."

"Hanni! I swear I'll..." Minji started.

"This is what I mean! Don't anger her more!" Danielle exclaimed.

"How sweet of you to worry, Marsh," Minji said sarcastically. "But you don't have to get into my relationship with this midget."

Minji received another hit.