The Pain I Caused You

I will never forget the pain I caused you. If I were given another chance to make that decision, I know I wouldn’t make the same mistake again.

It all happened on that fateful day when I led a team of superpowered individuals. Among us, my abilities stood out the most—strength and durability unmatched. You were part of that team. Knowing you were beside me made me feel both happy and afraid. As the leader, I couldn’t afford to show my emotions. I had to remain strong, composed… even distant. Especially with you. Even when it hurt me.

Our team was known for excellence. Every mission completed with precision. We often brought back more than expected—victories, discoveries, and rewards. Until that one mission changed everything.

We were assigned to infiltrate a highly dangerous facility, deep behind enemy lines, to retrieve confidential information from a feared organization. I voiced my concerns—the risks, the distance from our checkpoint, and the threats we might face. Still, the mission was ours to complete.

And so we went.

Things initially went as planned. We reached the target room and secured the secret. But then—ambush. Enemies closed in from every direction. I fought back with everything I had to cover my team’s escape. Most made it out safely.

Except you.

You were captured and taken away. In that moment, I stood at a crossroads: rush in recklessly to save you, or fall back, regroup, and plan a counterstrike to take down the entire organization. The team voted to save you immediately, but I hesitated.

I contacted you through telepathy, begging you to trust me. I told you I’d find you. I promised you’d be safe. Deep down, I wasn’t just making a promise—I was trying to protect the one person I loved.

I used my sensory powers to track the attackers’ trail, though their location was obscured. Eventually, we found the hideout and launched a rescue. But it was too late to stop the pain. When we found you, you had already been tortured. Not severely, but enough to tear me apart inside.

I gave no sign of my emotions. I simply ordered the team to return to the checkpoint to get you medical help.

Later, in the infirmary, you approached me quietly after regaining consciousness. You looked into my eyes and said with a calm, trembling voice,

“You said you’d save me without letting me get hurt. You promised.”

I had no words. I couldn’t even look at you.

Then you raised your voice, your pain spilling out:

“Where is that promise now? You used me—to be the hero, to win! I trusted you, but you only cared about yourself!”

You turned to leave, but I stopped you.

“Shu Yu!” I called out.

Then, turning to the others, I said,

“Everyone else, please rest.”

Once we were alone, I quietly approached with the medicine and gently applied it to your wounds. You didn’t resist. You stood still.

For a long time, neither of us spoke. Then the silence broke—through tears.

“I’m sorry,” I finally said.

You looked at me, tears in your eyes—tears for yourself, and for the decision I failed to make.

“Can you forgive me?” I asked.

“I was supposed to protect you. I made a promise and I broke it. You trusted me—and I let you down.”

I paused, my voice shaking.

“Can you give me a second chance… to earn your trust again?”

We cried together—two warriors broken by a single moment.

Even though we never became a couple, my love for you never faded. As long as you are part of my team, I will protect you—with everything I have, even my life.

Because that’s the promise I will never break again.