#kim yeong hu x reade

[teddymoon06]

Oneshot

Sweet Home: Yeong-hu x Y/N Fanfiction

The air inside the building was thick with tension. It had been weeks since they had taken refuge here, away from the relentless horrors that had transformed the world outside. Amid the chaos, though, Yeong-hu had managed to keep his group alive, protecting those under his command, including his wife, Y/N. They had been married long before the outbreak — a bond forged through love and tested by fire. In the apocalypse, it only grew stronger, and Yeong-hu had become fiercely protective of her, especially now when every step outside was a risk.

Y/N was the light in his life, the one thing that kept him grounded in the madness. As the leader of the group, Yeong-hu had to make tough decisions daily, and often those choices weighed heavy on him. But he always found comfort in knowing she was safe, always by his side.

It had been a long day when one of his men, Jin-soo, approached him. Jin-soo's girl, Min-ah, had been sick for days, the infection spreading fast. The situation was desperate. Jin-soo had come to Yeong-hu to beg for permission to go out and search for medicine.

"Captain, please. If we don’t get it… she won’t make it," Jin-soo pleaded, his voice shaking with fear and hope intertwined.

Yeong-hu ran a hand over his tired face, his jaw clenched as he weighed the options. The world outside was crawling with monsters, each more dangerous than the last. Sending Jin-soo out was dangerous enough. And yet, Yeong-hu couldn’t deny the man a chance to save the person he loved. He understood that feeling better than anyone.

“Fine,” Yeong-hu finally agreed, his voice firm. “But you’re not going alone. Take Dong-wook and Seung-ho with you. You’ll need backup.”

Jin-soo’s face brightened with gratitude. "Thank you, Captain."

Yeong-hu nodded. “Get in and out fast. Don’t take unnecessary risks.”

Hours passed after the group had left. The tension in the building only grew with their absence. Y/N had been quiet most of the day, something that hadn't escaped Yeong-hu’s notice, though he figured it was the stress of their current reality. He kept a close eye on her, always making sure she was safe.

But then… she was gone.

It happened too fast. One moment, she was with him, and the next, she had disappeared without a word. Panic surged through Yeong-hu’s veins. He combed through the building, shouting her name, his voice growing raw with each call.

“Y/N! Y/N, where are you?!”

The other survivors exchanged worried glances as they heard his frantic cries. No one had seen her leave. His heart raced, dread settling in his gut like a stone. She had always been stubborn, always wanting to help, even when the world was normal. But this? Going outside? Alone?

Dong-wook, one of his men, rushed up to him, his face pale. "Captain, Jin-soo's girl said something before she passed out… She told Y/N about a safe route to the pharmacy. Y/N said she was going to help get the medicine."

The world seemed to tilt on its axis.

"No," Yeong-hu growled, his fists clenched. "No, no, no…"

Without wasting another second, Yeong-hu grabbed his gear, his eyes burning with anger and fear. "We’re going after her. Now."

His men moved quickly, understanding the gravity of the situation. They had seen Yeong-hu in action before, but this was different. This wasn’t just a leader protecting his people. This was a man desperate to protect the love of his life.

As they stepped out into the night, the silence was eerie. The streets were empty, but the threat of the monsters lurked in every shadow. Yeong-hu moved quickly, his instincts razor-sharp. His mind raced with images of Y/N — alone, scared, vulnerable.

If anything happened to her…

He couldn’t even finish the thought.

The pharmacy wasn’t far, but it felt like an eternity before they reached it. When they finally arrived, his heart stopped for a moment. The front door was slightly ajar, a sign that someone had been there.

He stormed in, gun raised, his breath ragged. "Y/N?!"

A weak cough echoed from behind the counter. Yeong-hu’s chest tightened as he rushed over, his heart pounding in his ears. There, huddled on the floor, was Y/N, pale and trembling. Beside her was Jin-soo, barely conscious, clutching a bag of medicine.

“Yeong-hu…” Y/N’s voice was weak, but she smiled when she saw him. “I… I got the medicine.”

Yeong-hu dropped to his knees beside her, his hands shaking as he touched her face, inspecting her for injuries. “You’re hurt,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “What were you thinking?”

“I couldn’t let Jin-soo go alone. Min-ah… she’s dying,” Y/N said, her breath shallow. “I had to help.”

Yeong-hu’s jaw tightened, his anger momentarily eclipsed by the overwhelming relief that she was alive. “You could’ve died out here. Don’t you understand that?” His voice cracked, his emotions getting the better of him. He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly, as if letting go would make her disappear.

“I’m sorry,” Y/N whispered, burying her face in his chest. “I didn’t want to scare you.”

"You scared the hell out of me," he muttered, pressing his lips to the top of her head. "You don’t ever do that again. Ever."

Before Y/N could respond, a low growl reverberated through the air. Yeong-hu's body tensed immediately. His grip on her tightened as he glanced at his men, signaling them to prepare for a fight. One of the creatures — the ones they had tried so hard to avoid — appeared at the pharmacy’s entrance, its grotesque form casting a long shadow over them.

The monster’s bloodshot eyes locked onto them, and in a split second, it charged. Yeong-hu barely had time to react, pushing Y/N behind him as he raised his gun, firing a shot at the creature’s head. It stumbled but didn’t go down, its gnarled limbs dragging it closer with terrifying speed.

"Get back!" Yeong-hu shouted, his body moving between Y/N and the monster.

His men sprang into action, firing in unison, trying to bring the creature down. The battle was quick but brutal, the sound of gunfire echoing through the deserted streets until finally, the monster lay still, a lifeless heap on the ground.

Yeong-hu stood there, panting, his heart still racing from the adrenaline. His first thought was Y/N. He turned to her, his eyes wide with concern.

“Are you okay?” he asked, cupping her face in his hands.

She nodded, her eyes filled with tears. “I’m fine, Yeong-hu. I’m sorry…”

But he didn’t let her finish. Instead, he pulled her into his arms again, holding her as tightly as he could without hurting her. His voice was raw with emotion. “You can’t do this to me, Y/N. I can’t lose you. Not in this world. Not ever.”

She rested her head against his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart, a reminder that, despite everything, they were still here. Together.

“I promise,” she whispered. “I won’t leave your side again.”

Yeong-hu closed his eyes, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Good. Because wherever I go, you go. From now on."

The world outside might have fallen apart, but as long as they had each other, there was still hope.

[teddymoon06]

Close to the edge

Chapter One: A Stray in the Dark

The cold wind tore through the crumbling remains of Green Home, causing windows to rattle like the strained breaths of the survivors hiding within. Y/N crouched low behind an overturned table, her heart pounding as the sounds of nearby monsters echoed through the building’s hollow corridors. Her grip on the jagged piece of metal—her makeshift weapon—tightened, her fingers trembling from a mixture of fear and exhaustion.

It wasn’t supposed to be this way.

Two days ago, everything had seemed under control. They had secured the lower levels, the food supply was holding out, and the group had felt a small spark of hope. But hope was a dangerous thing in a world like this. A single mistake, one careless moment, had sent everything spiraling into chaos.

Now, Y/N was alone. The others had been scattered when a monstrous figure with unnaturally long limbs breached their defenses, leaving her no choice but to run. She had narrowly escaped the onslaught, but not without a cost—her leg throbbed, a deep gash running along her calf where a shard of glass had sliced her open during her frantic retreat. The blood hadn’t stopped yet, and if she didn’t find help soon, the wound would become another danger to her survival.

The bitter scent of decay filled her nostrils as she took in her surroundings. The hallway stretched endlessly before her, filled with overturned furniture, shattered glass, and the remnants of people’s lives now abandoned. She used to wonder what the tenants had been doing when the world went dark, how they had faced the apocalypse that turned their home into a nightmare. Now, she didn’t have the luxury of wondering. Survival was all that mattered.

Silence fell in the dark hallway, the quiet more unsettling than the growls of the monsters. Y/N’s breath hitched as she pressed her back against the wall, straining her ears for any signs of life. For the moment, the creatures seemed to have moved on, but that only meant they’d be back soon.

Her mind raced as she considered her options. She could try to make it back to the others—if they were still alive—but that meant risking an open run across the building. Or she could hole up in one of the empty rooms and hope they found her before the monsters did.

Neither option seemed promising.

A memory flared in her mind—Ji-su’s scream. It had been cut short, swallowed by the crash of debris, but it still echoed through Y/N’s thoughts, clawing at her resolve. She hadn’t seen what happened to Ji-su, but the terror in her voice was unmistakable.

Y/N squeezed her eyes shut, willing the memory away. She couldn’t afford to think about it. Not now.

The unmistakable sound of footsteps broke through her thoughts. They were light but deliberate, nothing like the thudding of a monster’s approach. Her pulse quickened as she gripped her metal shard tighter, peeking over the edge of the table.

A shadow emerged from the hallway, tall and cloaked in the darkness, moving with a sense of purpose. Y/N’s muscles tensed. Was it one of the group? Or a survivor she hadn’t seen before? She was prepared for a fight, but she wasn’t ready for who she saw next.

Kim Yeonghu.

The first thing she noticed was the heavy steel bat in his hand, glinting faintly in the dim light. He moved silently, scanning the hall with sharp eyes, his posture tense as if ready to strike at a moment's notice. His hair fell over his brow, soaked with sweat and streaked with dirt, but his face held a calm determination that sent a jolt of relief through Y/N. She’d heard about him from the others—a quiet, strong type who kept mostly to himself—but seeing him now, he seemed more like a ghost, appearing out of nowhere in her time of need.

Still, caution held her tongue. Trust was a luxury she couldn’t afford anymore.

As if sensing her presence, Yeonghu’s head snapped toward her hiding place. For a tense moment, they stared at each other—his dark eyes calculating, while Y/N’s breath caught in her throat. Slowly, she raised her hands, the jagged metal still clutched in her palm, though she lowered it to show she wasn’t a threat.

He hesitated, eyes flickering to the bloodied gash on her leg before stepping closer. Y/N flinched, instinctively retreating further behind the table. A small, bitter laugh escaped her lips. "You’re either here to kill me or save me," she muttered, half to herself.

Yeonghu crouched a few feet away from her, still keeping a safe distance. He looked her over, his expression unreadable. Then, without a word, he unzipped a small pouch hanging from his belt, pulling out a roll of bandages and some antiseptic wipes.

Relief and confusion mingled in her mind as she watched him gesture toward her leg. “Let me help.”

His voice was gruff, barely more than a whisper, but it held no malice. Just urgency.

Y/N hesitated, searching his face for any hint of deception, but all she saw was a weary kind of honesty. Nodding slightly, she shifted to let him near her leg, though she kept her weapon within reach. Yeonghu worked quickly, dabbing at the wound with careful precision. Despite the sting of the antiseptic, Y/N let out a quiet sigh. The throbbing pain in her leg lessened, replaced by a dull ache as he wrapped the bandages tightly around the injury.

"You were alone?" Yeonghu asked, not looking up from his work.

Y/N nodded, though her voice wavered when she responded. "I got separated from the others… something attacked us. It was… massive. I didn’t even get a good look before—" Her words faltered, and she swallowed hard, shaking off the rising panic. "I had to run."

Yeonghu’s face remained impassive, though his jaw tightened slightly as he finished wrapping her leg. When he stood, he offered his hand, the rough callouses brushing against her palm as he pulled her to her feet. She winced as weight pressed against her injury, but his grip was firm, steadying her.

“You can’t stay here,” he said, his voice low but certain. “There’s more of them coming.”

A shiver crawled up Y/N’s spine at his words. They were always coming. Always hunting.

“Do you know where they are?” she asked, glancing down the dark hallway. “The others?”

“I’m not sure,” Yeonghu said, slinging the bat over his shoulder and adjusting his jacket. “But this place isn’t safe. We need to move.”

Y/N knew he was right, even if every muscle in her body screamed for rest. Staying here meant death, and moving meant maybe, just maybe, a chance to survive.

“Let’s go, then,” she muttered, nodding to herself more than him.

Yeonghu didn’t need to be told twice. He began leading the way through the dark halls, his steps light yet purposeful. Y/N followed, limping slightly as she tried to keep pace. Her senses were on high alert—every creak, every shuffle, every faint rustle of the wind made her heart race. In a world as broken as this one, the smallest sound could be a death sentence.

They moved in silence, weaving through the maze of ruined hallways and shattered doors. The building seemed even more decrepit in the absence of light, the once-sturdy structure now little more than a skeleton of what it used to be. Stains covered the walls—blood, dirt, and other substances she didn’t want to identify—and the smell of rot hung heavy in the air.

Occasionally, they passed the remnants of old lives—a child’s toy discarded in a corner, a photo frame cracked and covered in dust. These reminders of the world before weighed heavily on Y/N’s chest, like ghosts clinging to the past.

Her thoughts drifted to the others: Ji-su, Eun-hyuk, Hyun-su. Were they still alive? Had they found shelter, or had the monsters torn through them the same way they had torn through everything else?

Y/N clenched her fists. No, she couldn’t think like that. Not now. They had survived too much already to be gone just like that. They had to be out there, somewhere.

As they reached a stairwell, Yeonghu paused, holding up a hand for silence. Y/N froze, her grip tightening on her metal shard, heart thudding loudly in her chest. She strained her ears, listening.

And then she heard it.

A low, guttural growl, followed by the heavy scrape of something moving nearby. The sound was sickeningly familiar. She’d heard it too many times since the world had collapsed around them.

Yeonghu’s jaw tensed as he motioned for her to follow him up the stairs. They moved quickly but quietly, trying to put as much distance as they could between themselves and whatever was lurking below. But the growling grew louder, more persistent. Y/N risked a glance over her shoulder and froze.

A grotesque figure emerged from the shadows below. Its body was bloated and misshapen, its skin stretched too tight over its bulging muscles. Red, glowing eyes fixated on them with a hunger that made Y/N’s blood turn to ice.

“Go!” Yeonghu snapped, shoving her forward as the creature let out a deafening screech.

Y/N bolted up the stairs, her injured leg screaming in protest with every step. Yeonghu was right behind her, swinging his bat as the monster charged after them, its claws scraping against the walls as it tried to close the distance.

As they reached the top of the stairs, Yeonghu spun around, his bat raised. The creature lunged at him, but he was ready. With a swift, powerful strike, he slammed the bat into its head, the impact sending the beast crashing into the wall.

“Run!” Yeonghu barked, not waiting to see if the creature was dead. Y/N didn’t need to be told twice. She stumbled down the hallway, her breath ragged as she pushed herself to keep moving.

Behind her, Yeonghu caught up, panting but unharmed. He grabbed her arm, pulling her into a side room, and quickly shut the door behind them. The sound of the monster’s snarling faded slightly as they locked themselves inside.

For a moment, the only sound was their labored breathing. Y/N leaned against the wall, trying to catch her breath, her whole body trembling from the adrenaline.

Yeonghu wiped a streak of blood off his cheek, his expression hard but calm. “We need to keep moving. That thing’s not dead.”

Y/N nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. “I know.”

The world outside the door was filled with danger, but in that moment, as they stood side by side, Y/N realized something. She wasn’t alone anymore—not really. Whatever happened next, she had someone watching her back.

And she’d fight like hell to make sure they both survived.

End of Chapter One

Next

[teddymoon06]

Out of the shadows

Title: Out of the Shadows

Y/N's POV

The base was quiet, too quiet. The familiar tension was heavy in the air, as it always was, but today it felt unbearable. I stood by the window, staring out into the night, the darkness stretching endlessly beyond the walls. The monsters had been unpredictable lately—sometimes attacking with vicious fury, sometimes silent, almost as if they were watching, waiting.

I needed air. I needed to escape this oppressive atmosphere, even if just for a moment.

I had thought about it for days—leaving the safety of the base for a brief walk outside. It was dangerous, sure, but something inside me craved that small taste of freedom, the feeling of stepping into the open without the suffocating sense of being trapped.

When I heard some of the other residents planning a quick supply run, I saw my chance. I slipped out with them, unnoticed, keeping my head low and moving in the shadows. The adrenaline coursing through me was both exhilarating and terrifying.

The streets were eerie, the silence unnerving. I knew it wasn’t safe, but I kept telling myself I’d be careful, that I’d stay close to the others. But as the minutes passed, I couldn’t shake the growing sense of dread creeping up my spine.

Then, the growls started.

Yeong-hu's POV

"Everyone’s accounted for?"

The roll call was routine, something we did every night to make sure no one had gone missing. It was one of the few things that gave me some semblance of control in this chaos. I stood by the entrance, arms crossed, watching as the residents murmured among themselves, waiting for the final check.

One of the residents came up to me, her face pale. "Uh… there’s a problem."

My eyes narrowed. "What?"

"It’s Y/N. She’s not here."

My heart stopped. For a moment, I thought I’d heard wrong, but the look on her face confirmed it. Y/N wasn’t there. She had gone out. Without me.

"Where the hell is she?" I demanded, my voice barely holding back the panic that threatened to overtake me.

"I—I don’t know. We think she went with one of the groups that left earlier."

My mind spun. You had left, and no one had noticed until now. How could they have been so careless? How could you have been so reckless?

Without another word, I grabbed my gear. I didn’t need a plan, didn’t need anyone’s permission. The only thing that mattered was finding you and bringing you back—alive.

Y/N's POV

The growls grew louder, closer. My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to move faster, the others urging me on. We had to get back. We had been stupid to think we could just sneak out without consequences, and now we were paying for it.

In the distance, I could hear the sickening crunch of one of the monsters moving through the rubble. The sound sent a shiver down my spine, and I gritted my teeth, willing myself to keep moving.

I darted into an alleyway, breathing hard, my chest tight with fear. The others had scattered, and now I was alone. The silence that followed was almost worse than the growls. Every shadow, every flicker of movement made me jump.

I had no idea where I was. I just knew I had to get back to the base before it was too late.

Yeong-hu's POV

I moved swiftly through the streets, my mind racing with every possible scenario. You could be anywhere—cornered, trapped, injured. And all I could think about was that I wasn’t there to protect you.

My grip tightened on my rifle as I stalked through the darkened streets, eyes scanning every shadow, every alley, searching for any sign of you. The city was a maze of ruins and danger, but I knew these streets well. I had to find you.

The growls echoed in the distance, reminding me just how close the monsters were. My chest tightened, fear clenching in my gut. You were out here, alone, with those things roaming the streets. The thought of losing you—it tore at me.

I should have been more careful. I should have kept a better eye on you. The world we lived in didn’t allow for mistakes, and this was one I couldn’t afford to make.

"Y/N!" I shouted into the darkness, my voice cutting through the eerie silence.

There was no answer. I kept moving, faster now, every minute that passed making my fear grow.

Y/N's POV

I crouched behind a stack of debris, listening intently. The sound of growling was getting closer again, and my heart raced in my chest. I knew I couldn’t stay here long, but I couldn’t run blindly either. If I made the wrong move, I’d be dead.

"Y/N!"

My breath caught in my throat. I knew that voice—Yeong-hu. Relief washed over me, and I stood, eyes scanning the shadows for him. I felt a surge of hope, but that hope was quickly replaced by fear. He had come out here, putting himself in danger, all because I had made a stupid decision.

"Here!" I called out, my voice trembling.

Within seconds, I saw him—Yeong-hu, standing at the entrance of the alley, his expression dark and intense. Relief flooded his features when he saw me, but I could see the storm behind his eyes. He was furious.

He rushed to me, grabbing my arm with a firm grip. "Are you hurt?" His voice was rough, edged with panic.

"No, I’m fine," I whispered, but the tension between us was palpable.

"We need to go. Now."

I nodded, knowing there was no time for apologies or explanations. Together, we sprinted back through the streets, the distant sounds of the monsters driving us forward. He didn’t let go of my hand the entire time, pulling me through the maze of the city until we finally saw the gates of the base.

Yeong-hu's POV

We made it back inside, the gates slamming shut behind us. I should have felt relieved that we were safe, but I wasn’t. I was still too angry, too shaken by the fact that you had been out there, alone.

I turned to you, my chest heaving with the effort of holding back my frustration. "What were you thinking?" I snapped, the words harsher than I intended.

Your eyes widened, and I saw the guilt written all over your face. "I—I just needed to get out. I thought I could help with the supply run."

"Help?" I repeated, incredulous. "You could have gotten yourself killed. Do you understand that? Do you know what it felt like not knowing if you were dead or alive?"

You lowered your head, and I immediately regretted the sharpness of my tone. I ran a hand through my hair, trying to calm the anger boiling inside me. It wasn’t just anger. It was fear. The thought of losing you scared me more than I wanted to admit.

"I’m sorry," you whispered, your voice small, full of regret. "I wasn’t thinking."

I sighed heavily, taking a step closer to you. "Do you have any idea what it would do to me if I lost you?"

You looked up at me, eyes wide with surprise. I wasn’t good with words, but I needed you to understand. I needed you to know how much you meant to me.

"Please," I said softly, my voice breaking a little. "Don’t ever do that again. You don’t get to take those kinds of risks, not with your life. Not when it’s you."

You nodded, tears brimming in your eyes. "I won’t. I promise."

Without thinking, I pulled you into my arms, holding you tightly, feeling the warmth of your body against mine. You were safe now. That’s all that mattered.

Y/N's POV

I melted into his embrace, the weight of the night finally hitting me. Yeong-hu held me as if he was afraid I’d disappear again, his grip tight but comforting.

"I’m sorry," I whispered against his chest, my voice thick with emotion.

His hand came up to the back of my head, fingers gently running through my hair. "I just need you to stay safe," he murmured, his voice soft, but the underlying fear was still there.

"I will. I promise."

In that moment, I knew how much he cared. This world was falling apart, and monsters roamed the streets, but as long as I had Yeong-hu by my side, I knew I could survive anything.

End

[teddymoon06]

Close to the edge

Chapter Eight: A Glimmer of Normalcy

The next morning brought a cool, crisp breeze through the park, a welcome change from the stifling heat of the city. Y/N awoke to the sound of birds chirping outside, a brief but comforting reminder of the world before the chaos. The day was clear, and the park’s natural beauty offered a rare moment of tranquility amidst the turmoil.

Yeonghu and Alex were already up, preparing breakfast and conducting their morning checks. The atmosphere was different from the tense urgency of previous days; there was a sense of cautious optimism as they settled into their temporary refuge.

“Morning,” Y/N greeted, joining them at the small makeshift dining area. The park’s serene environment had provided a brief respite from their constant vigilance, and she felt a renewed sense of calm.

“Morning,” Alex replied with a smile. “We’ve got a bit of a break today. We can use the time to explore the park and see if there are any additional resources or potential hazards.”

Yeonghu nodded, his focus on a small fire he was building for breakfast. “We’ll also need to reinforce the building further. The park is a good place to rest, but we need to be prepared for anything.”

As they ate a modest breakfast, the conversation turned to their plans for the day. The park had potential, but they needed to ensure it was safe and that they had everything they needed for the days ahead.

After breakfast, they set out to explore the park more thoroughly. The natural surroundings were a stark contrast to the desolate city streets they had traversed. The park’s lush greenery and occasional wildlife provided a brief escape from the harsh realities of their world.

“Let’s check out the area around the park,” Alex suggested. “There might be some useful resources or signs of other people. It’s good to get a sense of the surroundings.”

They moved cautiously through the park, their senses alert for any signs of danger. The park was larger than it had first appeared, with winding paths and secluded areas that offered both opportunities and risks.

As they explored, they came across an old playground that had been largely overtaken by nature. The swings and slides were rusted and overgrown, but there was a small storage shed nearby. Yeonghu approached the shed, carefully prying open the door.

Inside, they found a collection of tools and some old but still functional equipment. It wasn’t much, but it could be useful for their efforts in fortifying the building and maintaining their supplies.

“This is a good find,” Yeonghu said, examining the tools. “We can use these to make some improvements to our shelter.”

Alex nodded in agreement. “We should also check the surrounding area for any additional resources or signs of other occupants. It’s important to be thorough.”

They continued their exploration, finding a small, abandoned convenience store near the edge of the park. The store had been ransacked, but there were still some useful items left behind, including canned goods and bottled water.

As they gathered the supplies, Y/N couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Despite the challenges they faced, these small victories provided a glimmer of hope and a reminder of their resilience.

Back at their temporary shelter, they began to put their new resources to use. The tools from the shed were used to reinforce the building’s defenses, and the supplies from the store were carefully added to their stockpile.

The afternoon passed with a sense of purpose and productivity. The park, though still a reminder of their uncertain situation, had become a temporary haven that offered both comfort and utility.

As evening approached, they gathered around the small fire they had built. The conversation was light, focused on the small victories of the day and their plans for the future.

“We’ve made good progress,” Alex said, their tone relaxed. “The park has potential, and we’ve got some valuable resources. It’s a good place to regroup and plan our next steps.”

Yeonghu agreed, his expression thoughtful. “We need to stay vigilant, but it’s nice to have a bit of stability for now. It gives us a chance to focus on our long-term plans.”

Y/N looked around at her companions, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. The challenges they faced were daunting, but the support and camaraderie of her friends provided a small but significant source of comfort.

As night fell, they prepared for a quiet evening. The park’s natural surroundings created a sense of peace, and the occasional rustle of leaves was a soothing backdrop to their camp.

Y/N took a moment to reflect on their journey. The road ahead was still uncertain, but the progress they had made and the small victories they had achieved offered a sense of hope. The park, though temporary, had become a symbol of their resilience and adaptability.

As she lay down to rest, Y/N found a fleeting sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. The quiet of the park and the comfort of their temporary shelter provided a brief but welcome escape from the harsh realities of their world.

In the stillness of the night, Y/N closed her eyes and embraced the calm. The challenges they faced were far from over, but the support of her companions and the progress they had made offered a glimmer of hope for the future. For now, amidst the shadows and reflections of their world, there was a sense of peace and a renewed sense of purpose.

The next morning dawned bright and clear, a rare sight in their tumultuous world. The park’s tranquility was a welcome change from the constant vigilance of the city streets. Y/N awoke feeling refreshed, the brief respite providing a renewed sense of energy and purpose.

Yeonghu and Alex were already at work when Y/N emerged from the makeshift sleeping area. The two men were discussing their plans for the day, their voices low but filled with determination. The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose was evident in their interactions.

“Morning,” Y/N said as she joined them. “What’s the plan for today?”

Yeonghu glanced up from his map, a thoughtful expression on his face. “We need to continue reinforcing the building and ensure that it’s as secure as possible. We also need to start thinking about our next move. The park is a good temporary base, but we can’t stay here indefinitely.”

Alex nodded in agreement, pointing to a section of the map. “We should scout the area around the park for additional resources and potential hazards. If we can find a more permanent solution or a safer location, it could be beneficial.”

They spent the morning focusing on fortifying their shelter. The tools they had found in the maintenance shed proved useful as they repaired and reinforced the building. Every action was methodical and deliberate, ensuring that their temporary refuge would offer them the security they needed.

The day was also an opportunity for them to take stock of their situation. They carefully examined their supplies, noting what they had and what they still needed. The inventory they had compiled provided a clearer picture of their needs and priorities.

As the afternoon approached, they decided to take a break from their tasks and explore the park further. The weather was pleasant, and the park’s natural beauty provided a brief escape from their constant vigilance.

The trio set out on a leisurely walk through the park, their senses alert but their demeanor more relaxed. The park’s serene environment was a stark contrast to the desolation they had become accustomed to. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant sounds of wildlife provided a sense of calm.

As they wandered, they came across a small pond nestled in a secluded part of the park. The pond was overgrown with reeds and water lilies, but it offered a peaceful spot for reflection.

“This is a nice find,” Y/N said, her voice soft. “It’s a peaceful change from the city.”

Yeonghu nodded, taking a moment to appreciate the scene. “It’s important to find moments of peace when we can. It helps keep our spirits up.”

Alex agreed, sitting down on a nearby rock. “We should make the most of this respite. It’s a rare opportunity to relax and recharge.”

They spent some time by the pond, taking in the tranquility and enjoying the brief escape from their daily struggles. The simple pleasure of being in nature was a welcome change, and it provided a moment of normalcy amidst the chaos.

As the sun began to set, they made their way back to their shelter. The evening was spent organizing their supplies and preparing a simple meal. The conversation was light, focused on the small victories of the day and their plans for the future.

“We’ve made good progress,” Alex said as they gathered around the fire. “The park is a good temporary base, and we’ve managed to find some valuable resources. We need to stay vigilant, but it’s a positive step forward.”

Yeonghu nodded, his expression thoughtful. “We’ve established a decent base here, but we need to keep exploring and planning for the long term. Our goal is to find a more permanent solution and ensure our continued safety.”

Y/N looked around at her companions, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. The challenges they faced were significant, but the support and camaraderie of her friends provided a small but meaningful source of comfort.

As night fell, they settled in for the evening. The park’s natural surroundings created a soothing backdrop to their camp, and the quiet of the night offered a brief moment of peace.

Y/N took a moment to reflect on their journey. The progress they had made and the small victories they had achieved provided a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty. The park, though temporary, had become a symbol of their resilience and adaptability.

As she lay down to rest, Y/N felt a renewed sense of purpose. The challenges they faced were far from over, but the support of her companions and the progress they had made offered a sense of hope for the future. For now, amidst the shadows and reflections of their world, there was a fleeting sense of peace and a renewed determination to face whatever lay ahead.

In the stillness of the night, Y/N closed her eyes and embraced the calm. The road ahead was uncertain, but the small victories and the strength of her companions provided a glimmer of hope. As she drifted off to sleep, she found solace in the belief that, despite the challenges, they were moving forward and that there was a chance for a better tomorrow.

Next | Previous

[teddymoon06]

Close to the edge

Chapter Seven: Shadows and Reflections

The next morning arrived with a stark contrast to the previous day’s gloom. The sun peeked through the cracked windows, casting a warm glow over the safe house’s interior. Despite the promise of a fresh start, the weight of their situation hung heavily on Y/N’s shoulders. The reality of their journey ahead was an ever-present concern, and the uncertainty about what lay beyond the walls of their temporary refuge was both daunting and palpable.

Yeonghu was already up and preparing breakfast. His movements were purposeful and methodical, a sign of the steady resolve he carried despite the toll of their experiences. Alex was busy packing the last of their supplies, making sure everything was in order before they left the safe house.

Y/N rolled out of bed, stretching carefully to avoid aggravating her sore leg. The pain had lessened, but it still reminded her of the constant struggle they faced. She joined Yeonghu at the small table where he was setting out the remnants of their breakfast.

“Morning,” Y/N said, her voice still rough from sleep. She took a seat at the table, feeling the warmth of the sun on her face as she looked around the small room.

“Morning,” Yeonghu replied with a tired smile. “We’re almost ready to move out. Just need to finalize a few things.”

Y/N nodded, taking in the sight of the supplies and equipment scattered around. The safe house had served its purpose well, but it was clear that their time here was coming to an end. The road ahead was uncertain, but they had to keep moving.

Alex joined them with a cup of coffee for Y/N, a small gesture that spoke volumes about their consideration. “We’re set to go. I’ll lead the way to the next location on the map. It’s a bit of a trek, but it should be worth it.”

Yeonghu glanced at the map again, the sense of determination in his eyes. “Let’s review the plan one more time before we head out. We need to be prepared for anything.”

The plan was straightforward: they would leave the safe house and make their way to a new location that Alex had marked on the map. It was a slightly safer area, but still within the city, and they hoped it would provide another temporary refuge while they continued their search for a more permanent solution.

After a final check of their supplies, they gathered their gear and prepared to leave. The safe house, though modest, had provided a brief respite from the dangers of the outside world. As they stepped out into the morning light, the city greeted them with its usual desolation, a stark reminder of the world they now inhabited.

The journey began with a renewed sense of purpose. Alex led the way, navigating through the labyrinthine streets with practiced ease. The city, though still a dangerous place, felt somewhat familiar under Alex’s guidance. The areas they traversed were a mix of residential and commercial, their abandoned storefronts and empty homes a testament to the chaos that had once engulfed them.

As they walked, Y/N found herself reflecting on their situation. The weight of their loss and the uncertainty of their future were ever-present, but there was a sense of resilience that had emerged from their shared struggles. Each step forward was a testament to their determination and their ability to adapt to the new world they faced.

Yeonghu walked beside Y/N, his gaze vigilant as he scanned the surroundings. “We’ve come a long way,” he said, his voice low but steady. “Despite everything, we’re still here.”

Y/N nodded, appreciating his words. “Yeah. And we’re not giving up. We’ll keep moving forward, no matter what.”

Their conversation was interrupted by a sudden noise—a distant commotion that set their nerves on edge. Alex immediately halted, signaling for them to stay low and take cover behind a nearby wall. The noise grew louder, and they could hear the unmistakable sounds of shuffling footsteps and distant growls.

Yeonghu’s expression tightened with concern. “Sounds like we’re not alone. We need to be careful.”

Alex nodded in agreement, their face grim. “We’ll wait here until the noise dies down. If there’s trouble, we need to be ready to move quickly.”

They huddled behind the wall, their senses heightened as they waited for the commotion to subside. The sounds continued for what felt like an eternity, a constant reminder of the ever-present danger lurking in the city.

Eventually, the noise began to fade, leaving behind an unsettling silence. Alex signaled for them to move, and they carefully emerged from their cover. The streets were clear, but the tension remained. It was a reminder of how unpredictable their environment could be, and the importance of staying vigilant.

The rest of the day passed with a mix of cautious optimism and constant vigilance. They continued their journey through the city, navigating the abandoned streets and checking their surroundings frequently. The route was relatively uneventful, with only occasional signs of life—or rather, unlife—in the distance.

By late afternoon, they arrived at a small, nondescript building that Alex had indicated on the map. It was a former office space, now repurposed as a makeshift shelter by others who had come through before them. The building was less secure than the safe house but still offered a degree of protection.

Alex led them inside, their expression showing a mix of relief and concern. “This place should offer us some protection for the night. It’s not perfect, but it’s a step up from being out in the open.”

They settled into the building, taking stock of their new surroundings. The space was sparse but functional, with a few makeshift beds and a small stash of supplies left by previous occupants. It wasn’t as well-organized as the safe house, but it provided a temporary refuge.

As they unpacked and made themselves comfortable, Y/N found herself reflecting on their journey. The challenges they had faced and the dangers they had encountered were constant reminders of the harsh reality they lived in. But amidst the uncertainty, there was a sense of camaraderie and resilience that had emerged.

Yeonghu and Alex worked together to organize the supplies and secure the building. Y/N took a moment to herself, sitting by a small window and gazing out at the desolate cityscape. The world outside was a stark reminder of what they had lost, but it also served as a reminder of what they were fighting to protect.

As night fell, they gathered for a brief meal, the dim light of the building creating a somber but comforting atmosphere. The conversation was subdued, focused on practical matters and the plans for the coming days.

Y/N looked around at her companions, feeling a sense of gratitude for their presence. Despite the dangers and the uncertainties, they had managed to find moments of solace and support. It was these small victories that kept them moving forward.

As they prepared for the night, Y/N lay down on one of the makeshift beds, her mind still racing with thoughts of their journey and the challenges that lay ahead. Sleep came fitfully, her dreams a mix of fragments from her past and the uncertain future.

The night passed slowly, each creak and distant noise a reminder of the dangers that lurked outside. But within the walls of their temporary refuge, there was a brief sense of safety and hope.

In the morning, they would continue their journey, facing whatever challenges came their way. But for now, they had found a small measure of peace amidst the chaos, a reminder that, despite everything, they were still moving forward—together.

The morning light filtered through the grimy windows of the office building, casting a soft glow over the room. The harsh realities of their world had not softened, but the new day brought with it a glimmer of hope and a sense of renewed determination.

Y/N awoke to the faint sound of movement. She stretched slowly, the soreness in her leg a persistent reminder of their recent struggles. Despite the discomfort, she felt a quiet resolve. They had made it through another night, and that was something to build on.

Yeonghu and Alex were already up and going through their morning routine. Yeonghu was checking their supplies, ensuring everything was in order for their continued journey. Alex was preparing a simple breakfast, their movements efficient and practiced.

“Morning,” Y/N said as she joined them at the small table. Her voice was still groggy, but there was an undercurrent of determination in her tone.

“Morning,” Alex replied, offering her a cup of coffee. “We’re going to need all the energy we can get. Today’s going to be a long one.”

Yeonghu nodded in agreement, his focus on a map spread out on the table. “We’ve got a few options for where to head next. We need to decide on our route and make sure we’re prepared for anything.”

Y/N took a seat, taking a sip of the coffee. The warmth was a small comfort amidst the uncertainty. “What are the options?”

Alex leaned over the map, pointing to several locations. “We’ve got a few potential routes. There’s a residential area not too far from here that might offer better shelter, but it’s a bit of a detour. Alternatively, we can head towards an industrial zone where there might be more resources, but it’s riskier.”

Yeonghu considered the options, his brow furrowed in concentration. “The residential area could be safer, but it’s further away. The industrial zone might provide more supplies but could be more dangerous.”

Y/N looked at the map, trying to weigh the pros and cons. “I think we should prioritize safety for now. We’re still recovering, and the last thing we need is to push too hard and end up in a more precarious situation.”

Alex nodded in agreement. “We’ll go with the residential area. It might be a bit of a stretch, but it’s worth the risk.”

They spent the morning preparing for their journey, gathering supplies and ensuring they had everything they needed. The office building had provided them with a brief respite, but it was clear that their next move was crucial.

As they set out, the city outside felt both familiar and alien. The streets were quiet, the desolation a stark reminder of the world they now inhabited. Their route took them through a series of abandoned neighborhoods, each one more eerily silent than the last.

The walk was long and arduous, with the constant need to stay vigilant. The residential area they were heading towards was a mix of partially collapsed buildings and overgrown lots. It was clear that others had passed through here before, but it was relatively quiet compared to other parts of the city.

Around midday, they reached a small, fortified building that looked like it had been used as a temporary shelter by others. It was modest but appeared to be in better condition than many of the buildings they had passed.

“This looks promising,” Alex said, surveying the area. “Let’s check it out.”

They approached the building cautiously, Yeonghu leading the way with his weapon at the ready. The exterior showed signs of previous occupants—a makeshift barricade, a few discarded items—but it seemed relatively secure.

Yeonghu examined the barricade, noting its construction. “It looks like it’s been used recently, but it’s still holding up. We should be able to use it as a base for now.”

They carefully entered the building, taking note of its condition. The interior was sparse but functional, with a few pieces of furniture and basic supplies left behind. It was clear that it had been a temporary refuge, but it offered a degree of safety.

As they settled in, Y/N took a moment to explore the building. There was a small, clean room at the back that looked like it could be used for sleeping. She started to unpack some of their supplies, arranging them in a makeshift storage area.

Yeonghu and Alex went about securing the building and setting up a perimeter. They worked efficiently, their movements a well-practiced routine. The sense of purpose and teamwork was evident, a small but significant source of comfort amidst the chaos.

Later in the afternoon, as the sun began to dip towards the horizon, they gathered to discuss their plans. The new location provided a temporary haven, but they needed to ensure they were prepared for any potential threats.

“We’re safe for now, but we can’t afford to let our guard down,” Yeonghu said as he reviewed their supplies. “We need to be ready for anything that comes our way.”

Alex nodded, their face serious. “We’ll need to establish a watch schedule and keep an eye on the surrounding area. This place might be secure, but the city is unpredictable.”

Y/N joined them at the table, her leg propped up as she rested. “We should also think about our long-term plans. This place is a good stop, but we need to keep looking for a more permanent solution.”

Yeonghu agreed. “Absolutely. We need to stay focused and adaptable. The next steps will be crucial.”

As night fell, they prepared for a quiet evening. The building was secure, and the immediate threat seemed to be at bay. They shared a simple meal, the conversation focused on practical matters and the next steps in their journey.

The quiet of the evening provided a brief moment of normalcy. Y/N found herself reflecting on their journey, the challenges they had faced, and the uncertainties that lay ahead. The world outside remained a constant reminder of their struggles, but within the walls of their temporary refuge, there was a sense of hope and resilience.

As they settled in for the night, Y/N found a moment of solitude. She sat by a small window, gazing out at the cityscape bathed in the soft light of the moon. The world outside was a mix of shadows and silence, a stark contrast to the life they had known.

In the stillness of the night, Y/N found a sense of calm amidst the chaos. The road ahead was uncertain, but as long as they faced it together, there was hope. The challenges they faced were daunting, but their resolve and camaraderie provided a glimmer of hope for a better tomorrow.

As she lay down to rest, Y/N closed her eyes and embraced the quiet. The journey was far from over, but the small victories and the support of her companions offered a sense of purpose and determination. For now, amidst the shadows and reflections of their world, there was a fleeting sense of peace and hope.

The night passed uneventfully, and Y/N awoke to the soft light of dawn filtering through the windows. The quiet of the building provided a stark contrast to the chaotic world outside. Despite the comfort of their temporary refuge, the uncertainty of their situation lingered like a shadow.

Yeonghu and Alex were already up and preparing for the day. The familiar routine of checking supplies and discussing plans provided a sense of stability amidst the instability of their world.

“Morning,” Yeonghu greeted Y/N as she emerged from her makeshift bed. “We’re going to need to make sure everything is secure before we move on.”

Alex was at the small table, carefully packing away the remaining supplies. “We should take a quick inventory and ensure we have everything we need for our next leg of the journey. We’ll also need to consider our route and any potential risks.”

Y/N nodded, stretching her limbs and taking a moment to wake fully. “I’ll help with the inventory. It’s important to keep track of what we have.”

They spent the next hour going through their supplies, making sure everything was in order. The process was methodical but necessary. Each item was checked and cataloged, and they made a list of what they needed to restock.

With their inventory complete, they gathered around the table to discuss their plans. The day was clear, and the city outside seemed calm, but they knew that appearances could be deceiving.

“The residential area we’re in is relatively safe for now,” Alex said, pointing to the map. “But we should consider our next move. There’s a potential route through a park area that might offer better shelter and resources.”

Yeonghu studied the map carefully. “The park could be a good option. It’s further from the more dangerous parts of the city and might provide some natural cover. But we need to be prepared for any potential threats.”

Y/N added her thoughts, her mind still processing their options. “It might also be worth checking for any nearby safe zones or communities. If we can find a more established place, it could provide more long-term security.”

Alex nodded in agreement. “That’s a good idea. We’ll need to keep our options open and stay flexible.”

After finalizing their plan, they prepared to leave the building. The sense of urgency was palpable as they gathered their belongings and ensured everything was in order. The city outside awaited them, a stark reminder of the world they now lived in.

The journey to the park area was uneventful but tense. The streets were quiet, the occasional distant noise a reminder of the ever-present danger. They moved cautiously, their senses alert for any signs of trouble.

As they approached the park, the contrast to the surrounding city was striking. The park was overgrown but still held a semblance of its former self. The trees and greenery provided natural cover, and there were a few structures that might offer shelter.

“This could be a good place to set up for a while,” Yeonghu said, surveying the area. “The natural cover and open space provide both advantages and risks.”

Alex agreed, their gaze scanning the park for potential threats. “Let’s explore the area and see if we can find a suitable location. We’ll need to be cautious and check for any signs of other occupants.”

They carefully made their way through the park, checking the surrounding area for any potential dangers. The park was eerily quiet, the only sounds the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds. The overgrown vegetation provided a sense of concealment, but it also made it difficult to see far ahead.

As they explored, they came across an old, dilapidated building that seemed to have been used as a maintenance shed. It was partially intact and offered some shelter from the elements. The building was in better condition than many of the other structures they had seen.

“This might work,” Alex said, inspecting the building. “It’s not perfect, but it’s a start. We can use it as a base and make it more secure.”

Yeonghu nodded in agreement. “We’ll need to fortify it and clear out any debris or potential hazards. But it’s a good find.”

They set to work, making the building as secure as possible. Yeonghu and Alex worked on reinforcing the entrances and windows, while Y/N took on the task of clearing out the interior and organizing their supplies.

As the day wore on, their efforts began to pay off. The building started to take shape as a temporary refuge, offering a sense of security amidst the uncertainty. The natural cover of the park provided an additional layer of protection, though they remained vigilant for any potential threats.

By evening, the building was reasonably secure, and they gathered to discuss their plans for the coming days. The park offered a temporary haven, but they knew they couldn’t afford to become complacent.

“We’ve made good progress today,” Alex said, their tone thoughtful. “The park gives us a chance to regroup and plan our next steps. We need to stay alert and keep an eye on the surrounding area.”

Yeonghu agreed, his expression serious. “We’ll need to establish a watch schedule and keep the perimeter secure. The park offers some safety, but we can’t let our guard down.”

Y/N took a moment to reflect on their progress. The challenges they had faced and the dangers that lay ahead were daunting, but there was a sense of resilience and hope that had emerged from their shared struggles.

As night fell, they settled into their temporary refuge. The building, though modest, provided a sense of comfort and safety. The quiet of the park was a stark contrast to the chaos of the city, offering a brief moment of peace.

They shared a simple meal, the conversation focused on practical matters and their plans for the coming days. The camaraderie and support of her companions provided a small but significant source of comfort amidst the uncertainty.

As Y/N lay down for the night, she found a moment of solitude. The park outside was bathed in the soft light of the moon, the darkness broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves. The world outside was a mix of shadows and silence, a reminder of the challenges they faced.

In the stillness of the night, Y/N closed her eyes and embraced the quiet. The road ahead was still fraught with challenges, but the small victories and the support of her companions offered a glimmer of hope. For now, amidst the shadows and reflections of their world, there was a fleeting sense of peace and a renewed sense of purpose.

Next | Previous

[teddymoon06]

Close to the edge

Chapter Six: The Road Ahead

The dawn light filtered through the grimy windows of the warehouse, casting an almost ethereal glow over the space. Y/N and Yeonghu, now equipped with the supplies Alex had provided, prepared for the next leg of their journey. The weight of their recent losses still hung heavy, but there was a shared determination between them—a silent agreement that they would push on, for better or for worse.

Alex had been unusually quiet, a stark contrast to their earlier interaction. They moved with practiced efficiency, gathering gear and checking the perimeter. Y/N and Yeonghu were left to their own devices for a while, using the time to gather their thoughts and prepare mentally for the road ahead.

The warehouse, though secure, was a temporary refuge. The real test lay outside its walls, in the vast and unforgiving cityscape that stretched before them. Y/N glanced at Yeonghu, who was meticulously checking his gear. His focus was unwavering, but the lines of fatigue etched into his face betrayed his exhaustion.

"Ready?" Yeonghu asked, his voice steady.

Y/N nodded, though her heart still pounded with a mix of anxiety and resolve. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Alex finally approached them, their demeanor now more guarded than before. "We should get moving. The sooner we leave, the sooner we reach the safe house."

Yeonghu nodded, his gaze sharp and alert. "Lead the way."

Alex took the lead, guiding them through the maze of alleys and side streets. The journey was arduous, with every step laden with the unspoken dread of what might lurk around the next corner. The city was eerily silent, its once-bustling streets now desolate and overgrown. The occasional creak of a door or the distant rustle of leaves was enough to set their nerves on edge.

Despite the danger, there was an odd sort of beauty to the abandoned city. Nature had begun reclaiming the urban sprawl, vines climbing up the sides of skyscrapers, and wildflowers growing in cracks of the pavement. It was a stark reminder of how quickly the world could change, how swiftly civilization could be erased.

As they walked, Alex filled the silence with fragments of information about the city’s current state. "The safe house is in a residential area, mostly intact but well-hidden. It was used by a few others before, so it's not completely empty, but it's safer than staying out in the open."

"Have you been there recently?" Yeonghu asked.

Alex shook their head. "Not for a few weeks. Things change fast out here, and I haven’t had a reason to go back. But it should still be secure."

They moved on, and Y/N's mind raced with questions. Who had used the safe house before? What kind of people were they, and what had happened to them? The uncertainty gnawed at her, but she pushed it aside. They needed to focus on the present, on surviving the immediate threats.

As the hours passed, the cityscape began to change. The buildings grew older and more dilapidated, the streets less familiar. Alex led them with a confidence that suggested they knew this area well. Despite the growing sense of unease, Y/N found some comfort in their presence. They had been through this nightmare before and had managed to survive.

Finally, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the city, Alex halted before a nondescript house tucked away between overgrown hedges and crumbling walls. The house was small, its exterior unremarkable, but the subtle signs of recent habitation—a fresh patch of dirt, a slightly tilted flower pot—hinted at its continued use.

"This is it," Alex said, their voice low. "We’re going to enter through the back. It’s less likely to attract attention."

Yeonghu nodded, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. "Alright. Lead the way."

Alex led them around to the back of the house, where a small, rusted door was partially hidden by a tangle of ivy. With a practiced hand, Alex pushed the door open, revealing a dimly lit room. Inside, it was clear that someone had taken care to make the space as comfortable as possible under the circumstances. There were makeshift beds, a few boxes of supplies, and even a small, functioning stove.

“Looks like someone’s been here recently,” Yeonghu said, surveying the room.

Alex nodded. “It’s not perfect, but it should do for now. We can stay here for a while and regroup.”

Y/N stepped inside, her senses adjusting to the dim light and the faint smell of wood and dust. The room was small but surprisingly organized. There was a sense of order amidst the chaos, a small comfort in the middle of their disarray.

“Thank you for bringing us here,” Y/N said, her voice sincere. “We appreciate it.”

Alex shrugged, their face partially hidden by the shadows. “Like I said, it’s not much, but it’s something. I’ll stay for a while to make sure you’re settled, but then I’ll be on my way. I don’t stick around too long.”

Yeonghu nodded. “We understand. We just need a bit of time to rest and figure out our next steps.”

As Alex settled into a corner of the room, Y/N and Yeonghu took a moment to unpack and organize their supplies. The tension of the day seemed to lift slightly as they worked together, the familiarity of routine providing a brief respite from their constant state of alert.

When they were finished, Y/N sat down on one of the makeshift beds, her body finally able to relax. She closed her eyes, trying to block out the fatigue and pain that still lingered. The day had been long and taxing, but there was a small sense of relief in having a safe place to rest, even if it was only temporary.

Yeonghu joined her, sitting down beside her with a sigh of exhaustion. “We’ve come a long way, but we’re still in this together.”

Y/N looked at him, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Yeah. We are.”

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their shared experiences settling between them. Despite the danger and uncertainty that lay ahead, there was a sense of solidarity—a reminder that they were not alone in this struggle.

As the night deepened, Alex began preparing a small meal with the supplies they had brought. The simple act of cooking felt almost normal, a fleeting glimpse of the world that had once been.

Y/N and Yeonghu joined Alex at the small table, the shared meal providing a brief moment of comfort and camaraderie. The conversation was light, focused on practical matters and the plans for the coming days. For a brief time, the weight of their circumstances seemed to lift, replaced by the simple pleasure of shared company.

When the meal was finished, Y/N and Yeonghu retired to their makeshift beds. The exhaustion of the day weighed heavily on them, and sleep came quickly despite the lingering worries and fears.

As Y/N drifted off, she found solace in the small, fleeting moments of peace. The world outside was still filled with danger and uncertainty, but within these walls, there was a temporary respite. And sometimes, in the midst of all the chaos, that was enough to keep moving forward.

The next morning arrived with a muted, gray light filtering through the grimy windows of the small house. The city outside remained silent, an oppressive stillness that seemed to linger in the air. Y/N woke to the soft sound of Alex moving about, their presence a reminder of the precarious balance of safety and danger they were living in.

She stretched carefully, trying to ease the stiffness from her muscles. The pain in her leg had subsided slightly, thanks to the rest and the makeshift bandaging, but it still throbbed with every movement. Yeonghu was already up, sitting at the small table and examining a map Alex had spread out before him.

“Morning,” Y/N said, her voice still heavy with sleep.

Yeonghu looked up, offering a tired smile. “Morning. How are you feeling?”

“Better,” Y/N replied, easing herself into a sitting position. “Thanks to the rest. What’s the plan for today?”

Yeonghu nodded towards the map. “We need to figure out our next move. Alex mentioned a few potential routes to get to other safe locations, but we need to decide the best path.”

Alex, who had been quietly preparing breakfast, turned their attention to the discussion. “The routes are all marked here,” they said, pointing to several routes on the map. “There are some places that are relatively safe but require a bit of a detour. And then there are others that are more direct but more dangerous.”

Yeonghu studied the map closely, his brow furrowed in concentration. “We need to balance safety and speed. The longer we stay in one place, the higher the risk.”

Alex nodded in agreement. “That’s the general idea. If we’re looking for safety, we can take the longer route and avoid heavily populated areas. If we want to move quickly, we’ll have to navigate through riskier zones.”

Y/N took a deep breath, looking at the map and trying to make sense of the options. “What about the safe house you mentioned earlier? Is it still a viable option, or should we focus on another route?”

Alex’s expression grew serious. “The safe house is still a good option, but it’s not guaranteed to be safe forever. Things change quickly, and what’s secure today might not be tomorrow.”

Yeonghu glanced at Y/N, clearly weighing their options. “It might be worth checking out the safe house, but we need to be prepared for anything. If we find it’s compromised, we’ll have to move quickly.”

Y/N nodded in agreement. “Let’s take the safer route to get there, but stay alert. We can’t afford to let our guard down.”

With the plan in place, they finished their meal and gathered their gear. The small house, though offering temporary refuge, was not where they intended to stay for long. The outside world was waiting, and they needed to be ready.

Alex led them out of the house, the morning air cool and crisp. They moved with purpose, their steps carefully measured as they navigated the maze of abandoned streets. The city seemed almost peaceful in the early light, but the tranquility was deceptive. The dangers lurking in the shadows were ever-present, and they knew they couldn’t afford to be complacent.

As they walked, Alex shared more about the area they were traversing. “This part of the city used to be a bustling neighborhood, full of families and small businesses. Now, it’s just another part of the wasteland.”

Y/N listened intently, trying to piece together the fragments of the world that had once been. It was hard to imagine the vibrant life that had existed here, now reduced to ruins and decay. The reminders of normalcy were fleeting, but they provided a glimpse into what they had lost.

The journey was slow, but steady. The streets they walked were eerily quiet, the occasional sound of distant groans or the rustle of wind through the debris serving as constant reminders of the danger that could appear at any moment.

After several hours, they reached a small, run-down park. It was overgrown with weeds and encroaching vegetation, but it provided a brief respite from the city’s oppressive atmosphere. Alex led them to a bench that, despite its dilapidated state, offered a chance to rest.

“We’re about halfway to the safe house,” Alex said, taking a seat on the edge of the bench. “We should be able to reach it by late afternoon if we keep up this pace.”

Yeonghu sat beside Alex, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of movement. Y/N took a seat on the opposite end of the bench, her leg throbbing from the strain of walking.

“Do you have any idea who might have used the safe house before?” Y/N asked Alex, trying to gather as much information as possible.

Alex hesitated for a moment before replying. “It was used by a few different groups. Some were just travelers, others were locals trying to stay safe. I don’t know the specifics about who might be there now, but I’d expect it to be either empty or occupied by someone new.”

Yeonghu leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. “We should be cautious when we arrive. If there are people there, we need to make sure they’re not a threat. And if the place is empty, we need to be ready to move quickly if necessary.”

Alex nodded in agreement. “Exactly. And remember, things can change fast. We’ll need to stay on our toes.”

They took a short break, resting and rehydrating before continuing their journey. The park, though quiet, provided a momentary sense of normalcy, a brief respite from the constant vigilance they had maintained.

As they resumed their trek, the cityscape began to shift. The buildings grew older and more decrepit, the streets narrower and less navigable. The safe house was within reach, but the path to it was fraught with challenges.

By late afternoon, the sun cast long shadows across the city, and the temperature began to drop. They approached the area where the safe house was supposed to be, the tension palpable as they neared their destination.

Alex led them through a final series of alleyways, their steps cautious and measured. The safe house came into view, its unremarkable exterior blending with the surrounding ruins. It was clear that they had arrived, but the uncertainty of what awaited them inside lingered.

“Here we are,” Alex said, their voice low. “Let’s check it out.”

Yeonghu took the lead, approaching the door with caution. He pushed it open slowly, revealing a darkened interior. Y/N followed closely behind, her senses on high alert.

The inside of the safe house was surprisingly well-maintained. There were remnants of previous occupants—cans of food, medical supplies, and personal items scattered around. The place seemed to have been lived in recently, but there was no immediate sign of anyone present.

Yeonghu and Y/N carefully moved through the rooms, checking for any potential threats. The house was small but functional, with a few rooms that could be used for sleeping and storage. It was clear that it had been a refuge for others in the past, but now it was their temporary haven.

Alex settled into a corner of the main room, their eyes scanning the surroundings. “It’s not perfect, but it should be safe for now. We’ll need to keep watch, but it’s a good place to rest and regroup.”

Y/N sighed with relief, her exhaustion evident. “Thank you for bringing us here. It feels like a small victory.”

Yeonghu nodded, his expression a mix of relief and weariness. “We’ve made it this far. We just need to keep moving forward.”

As night fell, they settled into the safe house, preparing for a night of rest. The world outside remained a constant reminder of the dangers they faced, but within these walls, they found a brief respite. For now, they could focus on the small victories and the hope of finding their way through the chaos that had overtaken their world.

As Y/N lay down on the makeshift bed, she closed her eyes and let the exhaustion wash over her. The journey ahead was still uncertain, but for tonight, they had a place to rest, and that was enough.

The night in the safe house was eerily quiet, the darkness outside serving as a stark contrast to the modest sanctuary they had found. The small rooms were dimly lit by a few candles Alex had managed to find, casting flickering shadows on the walls. Despite the relative safety, Y/N couldn’t shake the underlying tension. The weight of the day’s journey and the unknowns that lay ahead kept her mind racing.

Yeonghu had set up a makeshift guard post by the window, his eyes constantly scanning the street outside. He knew the importance of staying vigilant, even in what seemed like a secure location. Alex, meanwhile, had started organizing the supplies they’d brought, setting up a small area for their provisions and checking the medical supplies to ensure everything was in order.

Y/N tried to help, but her leg was still sore from the previous day’s exertion. She opted to sit on the floor near the makeshift food area, sorting through some cans and packages. The simple task helped distract her mind, but the quiet that enveloped the safe house only served to amplify the silence.

As she worked, Alex approached, their face partially obscured by the dim light. “You’re doing well with those,” they said, their tone soft but earnest. “We should have enough to last us a while, but it’s always good to be prepared.”

“Thanks,” Y/N replied, looking up. “It’s strange, isn’t it? How something as simple as organizing food can feel like a small victory.”

Alex nodded. “In this world, it’s the little victories that keep us going. Every day is a fight, and every small achievement matters.”

Yeonghu glanced over from his post, his expression thoughtful. “We’ve made it this far, and we’ve found a temporary safe spot. That’s something.”

The night dragged on, the hours marked only by the occasional shift in the shadows and the distant sounds of the city. Y/N eventually retired to one of the small beds, her body protesting the discomfort but her mind refusing to settle. Sleep came fitfully, her dreams haunted by fragments of her past and the uncertain future.

The next morning, Y/N woke to the faint light of dawn seeping through the grimy windows. She stretched carefully, trying to ease the stiffness in her muscles. Yeonghu and Alex were already up, preparing breakfast with the supplies they had. The simple act of sharing a meal brought a brief sense of normalcy.

“We’ve got a bit of a plan for today,” Alex said as they handed Y/N a cup of coffee. “We should take stock of what we have and plan our next move.”

Yeonghu nodded, his gaze focused. “Agreed. We need to consider our options and prepare for whatever comes next.”

They gathered around the small table, discussing their plans. The safe house had provided them with a much-needed respite, but it was clear they couldn’t stay forever. The city was still fraught with danger, and their next move needed to be strategic.

Alex laid out the maps again, pointing to various locations. “There are a few potential safe zones further out. We could make our way to one of those, but we need to be careful. The routes are filled with risks.”

Yeonghu studied the maps, his finger tracing a potential route. “We should aim for a location that offers the best chance for long-term safety. If we find a secure place, we can start making more permanent plans.”

Y/N took a sip of her coffee, her thoughts racing. “What about supplies? We’re running low on some essential items.”

Alex nodded. “We can make a supply run to a nearby store. It’s a bit risky, but it’s manageable if we’re careful.”

Yeonghu looked at Alex, a sense of determination in his eyes. “Alright. We’ll need to stock up before we move out. We should plan the supply run for today, then finalize our route.”

With the plan in place, they finished their breakfast and prepared for the day’s tasks. The supply run was necessary, but it also carried its own set of risks. They needed to be cautious and strategic to avoid unnecessary dangers.

The city outside remained as desolate as ever. As they set out for the supply run, the sense of urgency was palpable. Every street and alley seemed to hold potential threats, and they moved with a heightened sense of alertness.

Alex led the way, guiding them to a nearby store that had once been a popular grocery. The building was partially collapsed, but the main entrance was still accessible. They approached cautiously, their senses on high alert for any signs of danger.

The interior of the store was in disarray, shelves overturned and items scattered. It was clear that others had been here before, but there were still usable supplies to be found. Alex led them through the aisles, checking for any intact packages and cans.

Y/N and Yeonghu split up, working efficiently to gather as much as they could. They moved quickly, aware that the longer they stayed, the greater the risk of encountering trouble. The sense of urgency pushed them to work faster, their movements tense and deliberate.

As Y/N reached a shelf of canned goods, she heard a distant noise—a faint scraping sound that made her freeze. Her heart raced as she glanced over at Yeonghu, who was also pausing to listen.

Alex, already on high alert, signaled for them to move quickly. “We need to wrap this up. Let’s get what we can and get out.”

They hurriedly gathered the remaining supplies, their movements quick but controlled. The scraping noise grew louder, closer. It was a sound they couldn’t ignore.

With their bags filled, they made their way back to the entrance. The tension was palpable as they exited the store, their senses straining to detect any signs of danger. The scraping noise had stopped, but the sense of unease remained.

Once outside, they took a moment to regroup, their breaths coming in relieved sighs. The supply run had been successful, but the danger had been a stark reminder of the risks they faced.

As they made their way back to the safe house, the weight of their situation settled heavily on them. The supplies would help, but the threat of danger was ever-present. They needed to remain vigilant and ready for whatever came next.

Back at the safe house, they unloaded the supplies and began organizing them. The small victories and the sense of accomplishment were fleeting, but they provided a brief respite from the constant struggle.

That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, they gathered in the safe house to discuss their next move. The plan was to rest for the night and prepare to leave the safe house in the morning. They needed to continue their journey, to find a place where they could truly feel safe.

The world outside was still filled with uncertainty, but within the walls of the safe house, they found a temporary solace. They shared a quiet meal and discussed their plans, the camaraderie and sense of purpose providing a small measure of hope.

As Y/N lay down for the night, she reflected on the journey they had undertaken. The challenges they had faced and the dangers that lay ahead were daunting, but the small victories and the support of her companions were a reminder that they were not alone.

In the darkness, as she closed her eyes and tried to find rest, Y/N clung to the hope that, despite the chaos and uncertainty, they would find a way to navigate the world they now inhabited. The road ahead was still fraught with challenges, but as long as they faced it together, there was a chance for a better tomorrow.

Next | Previous

[teddymoon06]

Close to the edge

Chapter Five: Shadows of Survival

The streets of Seoul were a graveyard of the past, once filled with life but now coated in the eerie silence of death. Every step Y/N and Yeonghu took felt heavier, the weight of their losses making each moment seem fragile. The night air was cold, a biting reminder that the world they knew was long gone, replaced by a brutal landscape of monsters and fear.

The only sounds were the occasional rustle of debris caught in the wind, and the quiet shuffle of their footsteps. Y/N's leg burned with pain, but she forced herself to keep moving. The bandage Yeonghu had wrapped around her side was tight, but the ache in her body reminded her just how close she had come to losing everything.

Yeonghu moved ahead, his gaze constantly shifting, scanning the dark streets for any sign of danger. He had always been protective, even more so now that the world was overrun with these monstrous creatures. Despite his strength and resilience, there was an unspoken burden in his eyes—Ji-su's death had hit him hard. But he kept going, the same way they all had to.

"We’ll head west," Yeonghu said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. "There’s an old storage facility near the river. We can hole up there for the night."

Y/N nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line. The adrenaline from their earlier escape had worn off, leaving only the cold reality of their situation. They were on their own, and each day seemed more impossible than the last.

They moved through the city’s labyrinth of ruined streets, passing abandoned vehicles and toppled streetlights. Shadows danced in the corners of her vision, and every sound made Y/N jump, expecting another attack at any moment. But for now, the streets seemed mercifully empty.

"You think the others are okay?" Y/N asked, breaking the silence. Her voice wavered slightly, betraying her worry.

Yeonghu’s jaw tightened as he stared straight ahead. "We have to believe they are," he replied, though the uncertainty in his voice was hard to miss. "If anyone can survive out there, it’s them. We’ll find them."

Y/N wanted to believe him, but doubt gnawed at her insides. Every day the monsters grew more relentless, more dangerous. They had lost so much already. How many more times could they narrowly escape death before it finally caught up with them?

As they turned the corner, the storage facility came into view—a squat, unassuming building on the outskirts of the city. Its windows were dark, and the metal gate that surrounded it was rusted and bent in places, but it was better than nothing.

"Let’s check it out first," Yeonghu said, his voice low as he signaled for her to stay behind him. He approached the gate cautiously, pushing it open with a slow, measured movement. The creak of the metal echoed in the still night, making Y/N’s heart race.

The yard was littered with old crates and shipping containers, the perfect hiding spots for any lurking creatures. Y/N’s grip on her pipe tightened as she followed Yeonghu inside, her nerves on edge.

The main entrance to the building was partially open, the heavy metal door hanging crooked on its hinges. Yeonghu stepped inside first, his bat at the ready. Y/N followed closely behind, her breath catching in her throat as they entered the dark, empty space.

The interior was just as abandoned as the outside. Rows of old storage units lined the walls, their doors mostly shut. A few had been forced open, revealing piles of debris and forgotten possessions. The air was musty, thick with the scent of rust and mildew.

"Clear for now," Yeonghu said, after checking the immediate area. "We’ll take the corner unit over there. It looks secure enough."

Y/N nodded and followed him to the far end of the room, where an old metal storage unit sat. Yeonghu pulled the door open, revealing a small, enclosed space. It wasn’t much, but it would provide them with cover for the night.

They stepped inside, and Yeonghu pulled the door shut, leaving just a crack for them to see outside. The silence that followed was deafening.

Y/N sat down on the cold floor, her back against the wall as she exhaled a long, shaky breath. The pain in her leg was throbbing now, the earlier burst of adrenaline completely gone.

"You alright?" Yeonghu asked, his voice softer now that they were out of immediate danger. He glanced at her leg, concern flickering in his eyes.

"Yeah," Y/N lied, not wanting to seem weak. "Just tired."

Yeonghu didn’t press her, but his gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before he sat down across from her, resting his bat against the wall. The dim light that filtered through the crack in the door cast long shadows on the floor, making the small space feel even more suffocating.

For a while, neither of them spoke. The weight of everything they had gone through pressed down on them like a heavy fog. The silence felt suffocating, but Y/N didn’t know what to say. Every word seemed meaningless compared to the enormity of the world they had lost.

"Do you think it’ll ever get better?" Y/N asked quietly, breaking the silence. She wasn’t even sure what she meant by that question—better could mean so many things now.

Yeonghu leaned his head back against the wall, staring at the ceiling. "I don’t know," he said after a long pause. "I used to think there was a way to fix this. To rebuild. But now…"

His voice trailed off, and Y/N could hear the weariness in it—the same weariness that had settled deep inside her. The world wasn’t just broken anymore; it was shattered, and no amount of hope could change that.

"We just have to keep surviving," Yeonghu added, his voice barely above a whisper. "That’s all we can do now."

Y/N nodded, though her heart ached at the thought. Surviving wasn’t the same as living. Not anymore. But maybe that was all they had left.

As the night dragged on, the weight of exhaustion finally began to pull at Y/N’s eyelids. The pain in her leg dulled into a constant throb, and her body ached from the strain of their escape. She curled up against the cold wall, her mind drifting in and out of uneasy sleep.

The last thing she saw before sleep claimed her was Yeonghu, sitting quietly in the dark, his eyes scanning the shadows outside.

Hours passed, and the cold night wore on. Y/N woke to the faint sound of movement outside, her heart instantly racing. She sat up, blinking groggily as her senses sharpened.

Yeonghu was already awake, his body tense as he crouched by the door, peering through the small crack. His hand gripped his bat tightly, his muscles coiled and ready for action.

Y/N crawled over to him, her pulse quickening. "What is it?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Something’s out there," he replied, his voice low. "Stay quiet."

Y/N pressed herself against the wall, her breath shallow as she listened. At first, all she could hear was the wind rustling through the debris outside, but then—there. A faint shuffle, followed by the soft crunch of footsteps on gravel.

It wasn’t the monsters. The movements were too deliberate, too careful.

Someone was out there.

Yeonghu’s eyes narrowed as he listened, his posture rigid. "We need to move. Now," he whispered, grabbing her hand and pulling her toward the back of the unit. He gestured toward a small, broken vent in the wall. It was narrow, but they could squeeze through if they were careful.

Y/N’s heart pounded as she followed Yeonghu’s lead, crawling through the vent as quietly as possible. The cold air stung her skin as they emerged into the alleyway behind the building. They crouched low, hiding in the shadows.

Footsteps approached the front of the storage facility, and Y/N held her breath. Whoever was out there was getting closer.

Yeonghu motioned for her to stay low, his hand tightening around his bat. They couldn’t afford to be found—not here, not like this.

As the footsteps grew louder, Y/N’s mind raced. Were they friend or foe? Either way, it didn’t matter. Trust was a luxury they couldn’t afford anymore.

Not in this world.

The footsteps grew louder and more distinct as they approached the entrance of the storage facility. Y/N’s breath caught in her throat as she and Yeonghu crouched in the shadows of the alleyway, their bodies pressed close to the cold, damp brick wall. The sounds of movement were deliberate and steady, and they seemed to belong to someone who knew exactly where they were going.

Yeonghu's eyes remained fixed on the entrance, his grip on the bat so tight his knuckles had gone white. Y/N could feel her heart pounding in her chest, each beat echoing louder than the approaching footsteps. She wanted to ask Yeonghu what the plan was, but now was not the time for questions.

From their hidden vantage point, Y/N saw a figure emerge into the narrow beam of light cast by a flickering streetlamp. The person was tall, dressed in dark clothing that seemed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding gloom. Their movements were cautious, yet purposeful, and they carried an old backpack slung over one shoulder.

Yeonghu tensed beside her, his body coiled and ready. He glanced at Y/N, his eyes conveying a mix of urgency and caution. She nodded slightly, her eyes fixed on the newcomer. If this person was a threat, they needed to be ready.

The stranger stopped at the door of the storage facility, pausing to listen. The footsteps had stopped, but the stranger's demeanor suggested they weren’t alone. They seemed to be waiting, their head swiveling to scan the area.

Y/N held her breath, the tension in the air almost tangible. Yeonghu slowly reached into his bag, pulling out a knife he had kept hidden. He offered a silent nod to Y/N, who took a deep breath and prepared herself.

Just as the stranger was about to push open the door, they froze, their head snapping toward the alley. Y/N's heart leapt into her throat as she realized the stranger had heard something—perhaps their quiet breathing or the faint sound of movement.

Yeonghu raised a hand, signaling for Y/N to stay put, and he slowly moved forward, his footsteps light and deliberate. He intended to get close enough to assess the situation without being noticed. Y/N remained hidden, her eyes never leaving the stranger.

The stranger turned their body toward the alley, the dim light revealing a face partially obscured by a hood. For a moment, Y/N couldn’t see clearly—only the sense of unease that gripped her. Then, the figure spoke, their voice low and cautious.

“Is someone there?”

The voice was calm but carried an edge of authority. It was neither threatening nor friendly, but it was clear the stranger was prepared for trouble. Y/N's grip on her weapon tightened.

Yeonghu stepped into the faint light, holding his knife in a non-threatening manner. “We don’t want any trouble,” he said, his voice steady. “Just trying to stay alive like everyone else.”

The stranger’s eyes narrowed as they studied Yeonghu, and then Y/N, who remained in the shadows. They seemed to weigh their options carefully before speaking again. “I could say the same. But you’ve picked a bad place to hide if you’re not prepared.”

Yeonghu raised an eyebrow, his gaze unwavering. “We’ve been through a lot tonight. We’re not looking for a fight.”

The stranger seemed to consider this for a moment, their eyes flicking over Yeonghu’s face and then to Y/N. “I’m not looking for a fight either,” they said finally. “But this place is far from secure. You’d be better off moving on.”

Y/N shifted slightly, trying to get a better look at the stranger’s face, but the shadows and the hood obscured much of it. She noticed the backpack they carried was worn but appeared to be well-stocked. The stranger’s tone suggested experience, and Y/N couldn’t help but wonder what their intentions were.

“Who are you?” Yeonghu asked, his voice guarded.

The stranger tilted their head slightly, as if assessing whether to reveal anything further. “Names don’t matter much these days. You can call me Alex. I know this city well and can offer some advice, but I don’t stick around long.”

Yeonghu frowned. “Advice?”

Alex nodded. “The area’s crawling with scavengers and worse. If you’re looking for a safe place, you need to avoid the usual routes. There’s a safe house a few miles from here, but it’s well-hidden. I can show you if you’re willing to trust me.”

Yeonghu hesitated, his eyes shifting to Y/N. She could see the indecision in his expression. Trust was a luxury, but it was also necessary. They were running low on options and energy.

“We don’t have much choice,” Y/N said softly, voicing the thought that had been on both of their minds. “If there’s a chance for safety, we should take it.”

Yeonghu met her gaze and nodded, finally turning back to Alex. “Alright. We’ll follow you.”

Alex nodded, giving a small, approving smile. “Good choice. Follow me, and keep quiet.”

They moved cautiously, with Alex leading the way through a series of darkened streets and alleys. The moon was their only source of light, casting long shadows that danced around them. The journey was tense, with each sound making them more alert, but Alex seemed to know the safest paths to avoid any unnecessary encounters.

After what felt like hours of winding through the deserted cityscape, they arrived at an old, abandoned warehouse that was hidden behind a maze of overgrown foliage. The place looked decrepit, but Alex led them inside with a practiced ease, revealing a surprisingly well-maintained interior.

Inside, the warehouse was spacious and clean, with a few makeshift beds and supplies neatly organized in various corners. There were also several maps and plans pinned to the walls, indicating a level of preparation that was both reassuring and intimidating.

“This is where I lay low when things get too hot,” Alex said, setting down the backpack and turning to face them. “It’s not perfect, but it’s secure.”

Yeonghu took a moment to look around, then nodded appreciatively. “Thanks for bringing us here. We needed this.”

Alex shrugged slightly. “Don’t mention it. Just remember, the city’s not safe. There are more of those creatures, and scavengers are always a threat. Be careful.”

Y/N could see the seriousness in Alex’s eyes. They clearly understood the dangers of this new world, and while their offer of help was a lifeline, it came with its own risks.

“We will,” Yeonghu said. “We’ve lost too much to take unnecessary chances.”

Alex gave a curt nod. “Get some rest. I’ll keep watch for a while. It’s best to be cautious.”

Y/N and Yeonghu settled into the makeshift beds, the exhaustion from the night’s events weighing heavily on them. As Y/N lay down, she stared at the ceiling, her mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. The loss of Ji-su, their narrow escape, and the uncertainty of their situation all mingled together in a jumble of anxiety.

Yeonghu lay beside her, his face hidden in the shadows but his presence a comforting reminder that she wasn’t alone. Despite everything, there was still a glimmer of hope—a small, flickering flame that they might find their way through this darkness.

As sleep finally claimed her, Y/N tried to push away the fears and doubts that plagued her mind. The world had changed beyond recognition, but as long as they fought to survive, there was still a chance. And for now, that was enough.

The night was long and restless, but the safety of the warehouse provided a temporary reprieve from the horrors of the outside world. Y/N and Yeonghu slept fitfully, their dreams haunted by the faces they had lost and the dangers that still lurked in the shadows.

As dawn broke, the first light of day crept through the grime-covered windows of the warehouse, casting a soft glow over the room. Y/N awoke to find Yeonghu already up, his silhouette against the light as he studied the maps on the wall.

“Morning,” she murmured, her voice still groggy from sleep.

Yeonghu looked up, his expression a mix of concern and determination. “Morning. We need to figure out our next move. Alex mentioned a safe house, and we should check it out as soon as we can.”

Y/N nodded, pushing herself up and wincing slightly at the pain in her leg. “Agreed. But we should also take some time to rest and regroup. We can’t keep pushing ourselves like this.”

Yeonghu’s gaze softened. “I know. We’ll take it slow, make sure we’re ready.”

As they prepared to leave the warehouse, Y/N couldn’t shake the feeling that their journey was far from over. The world was full of threats, and each step they took seemed to bring them closer to a new challenge. But as long as they had each other, there was hope. And in this new world, hope was a precious commodity.

They met Alex outside, who had prepared some supplies for them—food, water, and a few basic weapons. The stranger’s knowledge of the city and its dangers would be invaluable, and Y/N hoped that, despite the uncertain trust, they could navigate this chaotic world together.

With renewed determination, they set out toward the safe house, ready to face whatever lay ahead. The road was uncertain, but they were not alone. And sometimes, that was enough to keep moving forward.

Next | Previous

[teddymoon06]

Close to the edge

Chapter Four: The Weight of Loss

The silence in the storeroom was suffocating. Y/N sat on the cold floor, her arms wrapped around her knees, staring blankly at the wall in front of her. The image of Ji-su—twisted, broken, and lost—was burned into her mind. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t shake it. She had faced loss before—her family, her friends, her world—but this felt different. More personal. More devastating.

Ji-su had been her strength, her hope in the darkest moments. Now, that light was snuffed out, and in its place was only the gnawing emptiness that threatened to pull her under.

“You should rest,” Yeonghu said softly from his place near the door. His bat rested against the wall, ready to strike at any moment. He never let his guard down, not even now. His face, as always, was unreadable, but Y/N could sense the weight he was carrying too. She wasn’t the only one who had lost someone.

“I can’t,” Y/N whispered, her voice hoarse. “Every time I close my eyes, I see her.”

Yeonghu glanced at her, his expression softening for a fraction of a second before he looked away. “You can’t keep going like this. If you don’t rest, it’ll only get worse. You’ll make mistakes.”

“I know,” Y/N murmured, though the thought of sleeping—of letting her mind drift back to Ji-su’s final moments—made her stomach twist with dread. She didn’t want to see her friend’s lifeless body. She didn’t want to relive that horror.

But Yeonghu was right. If she didn’t rest, she’d be a liability. She’d slow him down. And in a place like Green Home, a single mistake could mean death.

With a heavy sigh, Y/N shifted her position, resting her head against the wall. Her body ached with exhaustion, the pain in her leg throbbing beneath the bandage. She closed her eyes, trying to focus on the steady rhythm of her breathing instead of the chaos swirling in her mind.

But sleep didn’t come.

Instead, her thoughts wandered back to the group. They had lost Ji-su, but what about the others? Hyun-su, Jae-heon, and the rest of them—were they still alive, fighting somewhere in this hell? Or had the monsters taken them too? The uncertainty gnawed at her insides, filling her with a restless desperation. She wanted to go back out there, to search for them, to make sure they were safe.

But she wasn’t strong enough right now. She wasn’t ready.

“We’ll find them,” Yeonghu said quietly, as if reading her thoughts. His voice was low, but there was a certainty in it that Y/N clung to.

“You don’t know that,” Y/N replied, her voice shaking slightly. She hated how weak she sounded, how hopeless. “We don’t even know if they’re still alive.”

Yeonghu turned to her, his dark eyes locking onto hers. “I know they’re fighters. Just like us. And as long as they’re out there, they’ll keep fighting.”

His words didn’t erase the fear, but they did provide a small flicker of hope. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to help her breathe a little easier.

“They need us to stay alive too,” he added, his voice softer now. “We’re not doing them any favors if we get ourselves killed.”

Y/N nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. He was right. They couldn’t give up. Not yet. Not while there was still a chance that someone else was out there, waiting for them.

After a few more minutes of silence, Yeonghu stood and crossed the room. He knelt beside her, his presence calm but steady. “Here,” he said, offering her a small canteen of water. “Drink something. It’ll help.”

Y/N took the canteen gratefully, her hands shaking slightly as she unscrewed the cap and took a small sip. The cool water soothed her parched throat, offering a momentary distraction from the turmoil inside her.

“Thanks,” she murmured, handing the canteen back.

Yeonghu nodded, standing up and returning to his spot near the door. He leaned against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest as he scanned the small room, his gaze never resting in one place for too long. It was clear that he never truly let his guard down, even in moments like this.

“How do you do it?” Y/N asked suddenly, her voice breaking the silence. “How do you… keep going? After everything?”

Yeonghu glanced at her, his expression unreadable. For a moment, he didn’t answer, as if he were weighing his words carefully.

“I don’t have a choice,” he said finally, his voice steady. “In a world like this, if you stop, you die. I’m not ready to die yet.”

The simplicity of his words struck her. It wasn’t about hope or heroism—it was about survival. In this twisted, broken world, there was no room for anything else.

“I’m not either,” Y/N whispered, though part of her felt like she had already died a little inside. Losing Ji-su had taken a piece of her she wasn’t sure she’d ever get back.

Yeonghu’s gaze softened for a brief moment. “We’ve all lost people, Y/N. It doesn’t get easier. But we keep going because that’s the only way to honor them. By surviving.”

Y/N nodded, letting his words sink in. Maybe he was right. Maybe surviving was all they had left. And maybe, if they could make it through this nightmare, there would be something worth living for on the other side.

But for now, all they could do was survive.

The hours passed slowly. Y/N eventually drifted into a light sleep, though her dreams were plagued with images of Ji-su and the other monsters that haunted Green Home. Every creak of the building, every distant growl, jerked her back to wakefulness, her heart racing.

Yeonghu hadn’t slept at all. He remained a silent sentinel at the door, his eyes scanning the hallway beyond for any sign of movement. His face was drawn, the lines of exhaustion evident, but he never wavered. His focus was unrelenting, his determination as solid as the bat he held in his hand.

When Y/N finally sat up, her body stiff and sore, she found Yeonghu watching her with a quiet intensity.

“We need to move soon,” he said, his voice low. “The monsters will be more active at night. We have a better chance of getting out now.”

Y/N rubbed the sleep from her eyes, nodding in agreement. “Where do we go?”

“There’s another stairwell on the west side of the building,” Yeonghu explained. “It should lead us down to the ground floor. From there, we can try to find the others.”

Y/N’s stomach twisted at the thought of going back out into the darkness, but she knew they couldn’t stay here. Not forever. They had to keep moving.

“We’ll be careful,” Yeonghu added, as if sensing her hesitation. “But we have to try.”

Y/N took a deep breath, steeling herself. “Alright. Let’s go.”

They gathered their limited supplies—mostly makeshift weapons and the few remaining bottles of water they had found along the way—and headed for the door. Y/N’s leg still throbbed, but the rest had helped ease some of the pain. She could manage for now.

As they stepped into the hallway, the cold air hit her like a wave, chilling her to the bone. The building was eerily quiet, the oppressive silence only broken by the occasional distant scream or the low groans of the structure settling. Every shadow seemed to hold a hidden danger, every corner a potential deathtrap.

Yeonghu took the lead, his bat held tightly in his hand, his footsteps silent as he moved with practiced precision. Y/N followed closely, her heart pounding in her chest, her senses on high alert.

The stairwell wasn’t far, but every step felt like a lifetime. Y/N’s breath came in shallow gasps, her mind racing as she tried to focus on the task at hand. They had to make it to the others. They had to survive.

When they finally reached the stairwell, Yeonghu paused, listening intently for any signs of movement below. The darkness stretched down into the abyss, and Y/N could barely make out the faint outlines of the steps.

“It’s clear,” Yeonghu whispered, motioning for her to follow.

They descended the stairs slowly, their movements cautious and deliberate. The air grew colder the further they went, the musty stench of decay growing stronger.

As they reached the next landing, a sudden noise stopped them in their tracks.

A low growl echoed from the shadows below, followed by the unmistakable sound of shuffling footsteps.

Y/N’s heart leapt into her throat as she gripped her weapon tighter, her pulse racing. They weren’t alone.

Yeonghu’s eyes flicked to her, his expression grim.

“Get ready,” he whispered.

The fight for survival was far from over.

The silence in the storeroom was suffocating. Y/N sat on the cold floor, her arms wrapped around her knees, staring blankly at the wall in front of her. The image of Ji-su—twisted, broken, and lost—was burned into her mind. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t shake it. She had faced loss before—her family, her friends, her world—but this felt different. More personal. More devastating.

Ji-su had been her strength, her hope in the darkest moments. Now, that light was snuffed out, and in its place was only the gnawing emptiness that threatened to pull her under.

“You should rest,” Yeonghu said softly from his place near the door. His bat rested against the wall, ready to strike at any moment. He never let his guard down, not even now. His face, as always, was unreadable, but Y/N could sense the weight he was carrying too. She wasn’t the only one who had lost someone.

“I can’t,” Y/N whispered, her voice hoarse. “Every time I close my eyes, I see her.”

Yeonghu glanced at her, his expression softening for a fraction of a second before he looked away. “You can’t keep going like this. If you don’t rest, it’ll only get worse. You’ll make mistakes.”

“I know,” Y/N murmured, though the thought of sleeping—of letting her mind drift back to Ji-su’s final moments—made her stomach twist with dread. She didn’t want to see her friend’s lifeless body. She didn’t want to relive that horror.

But Yeonghu was right. If she didn’t rest, she’d be a liability. She’d slow him down. And in a place like Green Home, a single mistake could mean death.

With a heavy sigh, Y/N shifted her position, resting her head against the wall. Her body ached with exhaustion, the pain in her leg throbbing beneath the bandage. She closed her eyes, trying to focus on the steady rhythm of her breathing instead of the chaos swirling in her mind.

But sleep didn’t come.

Instead, her thoughts wandered back to the group. They had lost Ji-su, but what about the others? Hyun-su, Jae-heon, and the rest of them—were they still alive, fighting somewhere in this hell? Or had the monsters taken them too? The uncertainty gnawed at her insides, filling her with a restless desperation. She wanted to go back out there, to search for them, to make sure they were safe.

But she wasn’t strong enough right now. She wasn’t ready.

“We’ll find them,” Yeonghu said quietly, as if reading her thoughts. His voice was low, but there was a certainty in it that Y/N clung to.

“You don’t know that,” Y/N replied, her voice shaking slightly. She hated how weak she sounded, how hopeless. “We don’t even know if they’re still alive.”

Yeonghu turned to her, his dark eyes locking onto hers. “I know they’re fighters. Just like us. And as long as they’re out there, they’ll keep fighting.”

His words didn’t erase the fear, but they did provide a small flicker of hope. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to help her breathe a little easier.

“They need us to stay alive too,” he added, his voice softer now. “We’re not doing them any favors if we get ourselves killed.”

Y/N nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. He was right. They couldn’t give up. Not yet. Not while there was still a chance that someone else was out there, waiting for them.

After a few more minutes of silence, Yeonghu stood and crossed the room. He knelt beside her, his presence calm but steady. “Here,” he said, offering her a small canteen of water. “Drink something. It’ll help.”

Y/N took the canteen gratefully, her hands shaking slightly as she unscrewed the cap and took a small sip. The cool water soothed her parched throat, offering a momentary distraction from the turmoil inside her.

“Thanks,” she murmured, handing the canteen back.

Yeonghu nodded, standing up and returning to his spot near the door. He leaned against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest as he scanned the small room, his gaze never resting in one place for too long. It was clear that he never truly let his guard down, even in moments like this.

“How do you do it?” Y/N asked suddenly, her voice breaking the silence. “How do you… keep going? After everything?”

Yeonghu glanced at her, his expression unreadable. For a moment, he didn’t answer, as if he were weighing his words carefully.

“I don’t have a choice,” he said finally, his voice steady. “In a world like this, if you stop, you die. I’m not ready to die yet.”

The simplicity of his words struck her. It wasn’t about hope or heroism—it was about survival. In this twisted, broken world, there was no room for anything else.

“I’m not either,” Y/N whispered, though part of her felt like she had already died a little inside. Losing Ji-su had taken a piece of her she wasn’t sure she’d ever get back.

Yeonghu’s gaze softened for a brief moment. “We’ve all lost people, Y/N. It doesn’t get easier. But we keep going because that’s the only way to honor them. By surviving.”

Y/N nodded, letting his words sink in. Maybe he was right. Maybe surviving was all they had left. And maybe, if they could make it through this nightmare, there would be something worth living for on the other side.

But for now, all they could do was survive.

The hours passed slowly. Y/N eventually drifted into a light sleep, though her dreams were plagued with images of Ji-su and the other monsters that haunted Green Home. Every creak of the building, every distant growl, jerked her back to wakefulness, her heart racing.

Yeonghu hadn’t slept at all. He remained a silent sentinel at the door, his eyes scanning the hallway beyond for any sign of movement. His face was drawn, the lines of exhaustion evident, but he never wavered. His focus was unrelenting, his determination as solid as the bat he held in his hand.

When Y/N finally sat up, her body stiff and sore, she found Yeonghu watching her with a quiet intensity.

“We need to move soon,” he said, his voice low. “The monsters will be more active at night. We have a better chance of getting out now.”

Y/N rubbed the sleep from her eyes, nodding in agreement. “Where do we go?”

“There’s another stairwell on the west side of the building,” Yeonghu explained. “It should lead us down to the ground floor. From there, we can try to find the others.”

Y/N’s stomach twisted at the thought of going back out into the darkness, but she knew they couldn’t stay here. Not forever. They had to keep moving.

“We’ll be careful,” Yeonghu added, as if sensing her hesitation. “But we have to try.”

Y/N took a deep breath, steeling herself. “Alright. Let’s go.”

They gathered their limited supplies—mostly makeshift weapons and the few remaining bottles of water they had found along the way—and headed for the door. Y/N’s leg still throbbed, but the rest had helped ease some of the pain. She could manage for now.

As they stepped into the hallway, the cold air hit her like a wave, chilling her to the bone. The building was eerily quiet, the oppressive silence only broken by the occasional distant scream or the low groans of the structure settling. Every shadow seemed to hold a hidden danger, every corner a potential deathtrap.

Yeonghu took the lead, his bat held tightly in his hand, his footsteps silent as he moved with practiced precision. Y/N followed closely, her heart pounding in her chest, her senses on high alert.

The stairwell wasn’t far, but every step felt like a lifetime. Y/N’s breath came in shallow gasps, her mind racing as she tried to focus on the task at hand. They had to make it to the others. They had to survive.

When they finally reached the stairwell, Yeonghu paused, listening intently for any signs of movement below. The darkness stretched down into the abyss, and Y/N could barely make out the faint outlines of the steps.

“It’s clear,” Yeonghu whispered, motioning for her to follow.

They descended the stairs slowly, their movements cautious and deliberate. The air grew colder the further they went, the musty stench of decay growing stronger.

As they reached the next landing, a sudden noise stopped them in their tracks.

A low growl echoed from the shadows below, followed by the unmistakable sound of shuffling footsteps.

Y/N’s heart leapt into her throat as she gripped her weapon tighter, her pulse racing. They weren’t alone.

Yeonghu’s eyes flicked to her, his expression grim.

“Get ready,” he whispered.

The fight for survival was far from over.

The sound of shuffling footsteps grew louder, echoing off the cracked walls of the stairwell. Y/N’s heartbeat thundered in her ears as she tightened her grip on the weapon in her hand, her pulse quickening with every step they took. The darkness ahead seemed alive, shifting and breathing with unseen danger, and for a moment, she felt the overwhelming urge to run.

But there was nowhere to go. They were trapped in this building, just as much prey as anyone else who had ever wandered inside.

Yeonghu motioned for Y/N to stop, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the shadows ahead. He moved like a predator himself, silent and calculated, his focus razor-sharp. Y/N held her breath, trusting his instincts.

The growling grew closer.

Without warning, a figure lurched out from the stairwell below them, its pale, distorted face illuminated in the dim light. The creature, once human but now twisted and monstrous, snarled as it charged toward them, its eyes wild with hunger.

Yeonghu reacted instantly, swinging his bat with lethal precision. The blunt force connected with the monster’s head, the sickening sound of bone cracking reverberating through the air. The creature collapsed in a heap at his feet, twitching for a moment before going still.

But the noise had attracted more.

From the darkness below, a chorus of growls and guttural shrieks echoed back, growing louder by the second. Y/N felt her stomach twist as the unmistakable sound of footsteps—many footsteps—grew closer. She glanced at Yeonghu, panic flashing in her eyes.

“There’s more of them,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

“I know,” Yeonghu muttered, his jaw clenched. “We have to move. Now.”

They turned and sprinted down the stairwell, their footsteps echoing off the walls as they descended as fast as they could. Y/N’s leg burned with pain, but she forced herself to push through it. She couldn’t afford to slow down. Not now.

As they reached the next floor, Yeonghu pushed open the door and they stumbled into another dimly lit hallway. The walls here were damp, mold creeping up from the floor, and the air was thick with the stench of decay. But it was quiet—too quiet. The only sounds were the distant growls of the monsters they had left behind and the rapid thudding of Y/N’s own heartbeat.

For a moment, they stood in the middle of the hallway, trying to catch their breath. Y/N leaned against the wall, wincing as she gingerly touched her injured leg. The pain was getting worse, and she knew she couldn’t keep up this pace for much longer.

“How much farther?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Yeonghu glanced around, his eyes darting between the rooms and doorways. “We’re close,” he said, though his tone held little reassurance. “If we can make it through this wing, we should reach the west exit. After that, we can find the others.”

Y/N nodded, though doubt gnawed at her insides. The building felt like a maze, each floor a mirror image of the last, and every turn seemed to lead them deeper into the heart of this nightmare. But what choice did they have? The monsters were closing in, and the longer they stayed here, the more dangerous it would become.

Yeonghu moved forward, his bat held at the ready, his eyes scanning the darkened corridors for any sign of movement. Y/N followed closely, her weapon gripped tightly in her hands. She forced herself to focus on the task at hand—on surviving. But the weight of Ji-su’s loss still clung to her like a shroud, making every step feel heavier than the last.

As they turned a corner, a sudden crash echoed from behind them.

Y/N’s breath hitched in her throat as she spun around, her eyes widening in fear. From the far end of the hallway, a group of monsters—at least four or five—came barreling toward them, their grotesque faces twisted in rage. Their bodies were disfigured, bloated and warped beyond recognition, and their eyes gleamed with a hunger that sent chills down Y/N’s spine.

“Run!” Yeonghu barked, his voice urgent.

Without hesitation, they bolted down the corridor, their feet pounding against the floor as the creatures chased after them. Y/N’s lungs burned, her injured leg protesting with every step, but she couldn’t stop. She couldn’t slow down.

Yeonghu led the way, his movements swift and agile despite the danger closing in on them. He glanced back at her, his face set with grim determination. “There’s a stairwell up ahead,” he shouted. “We can lose them there!”

Y/N nodded, though her breath came in ragged gasps. The monsters were getting closer, their guttural growls filling the hallway, and she could feel the cold grip of fear tightening around her heart. But she kept running, pushing herself harder, ignoring the pain that threatened to drag her down.

Finally, they reached the stairwell. Yeonghu threw open the door, and they stumbled inside, slamming it shut behind them. The creatures crashed against the door a moment later, their furious snarls echoing through the narrow space.

Yeonghu leaned against the door, bracing it with his weight as the monsters clawed at the other side, their growls growing more frantic.

“They won’t hold for long,” he muttered, his voice strained.

Y/N nodded, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. Her mind raced, searching for a way out, but the stairwell was narrow, the walls lined with rusted pipes and debris. There was no other exit.

“What do we do?” she asked, panic creeping into her voice.

Yeonghu looked at her, his eyes dark and focused. “We make a stand.”

Before she could protest, the door buckled under the force of the monsters’ assault, and with a deafening crash, it gave way. The creatures spilled into the stairwell, their snarls filling the air as they charged toward them.

Yeonghu moved first, swinging his bat with deadly precision. The first monster fell, its skull caving in under the blow, but there were too many. They kept coming, their numbers overwhelming.

Y/N raised her weapon, her heart pounding as she prepared to fight.

This was it. There was no escape.

The fight for survival had begun.

Y/N’s heart raced as the monsters burst through the broken door, their snarls reverberating in the narrow stairwell. Her grip tightened around the makeshift weapon in her hand—an old metal pipe she had picked up earlier. The overwhelming fear clawed at her insides, but she forced herself to focus on the immediate threat in front of her.

Yeonghu had already taken down two of the creatures, his bat swinging with brutal efficiency, but more kept coming. Their twisted forms lunged toward them with animalistic hunger, teeth bared and eyes wide with rage.

“Stay behind me!” Yeonghu shouted over the chaos, his voice sharp and commanding. He moved like a force of nature, blocking the stairwell with his body as he swung at anything that got too close. His movements were quick and calculated, but even he couldn’t fight forever.

Y/N steeled herself, forcing her legs to move despite the searing pain shooting through her injured one. She wasn’t about to let him fight alone—not after everything they had been through.

One of the monsters lunged toward her, its grotesque face twisted with rage. Y/N swung the pipe as hard as she could, the impact jarring her arms as it connected with the creature’s head. It stumbled back, dazed, but before she could react, another monster closed in from her right.

She barely had time to dodge, stumbling back against the wall as it swiped at her with clawed hands. A sharp pain shot through her side as its nails grazed her skin, tearing through her shirt.

“Damn it!” Y/N gasped, her breath hitching in her throat. She swung again, this time aiming for its legs, hoping to knock it off balance. The creature let out a guttural snarl as it collapsed to the floor, but more were coming.

“Y/N!” Yeonghu’s voice cut through the noise as he slammed his bat into another monster’s chest, sending it sprawling down the stairs. His eyes locked on hers, filled with urgency. “We can’t hold them off here. We need to move!”

Y/N nodded, her breathing ragged as she wiped the blood from her face. There was no way they could keep fighting in such a confined space. They were trapped in the stairwell, and the longer they stayed, the worse their chances of survival became.

Yeonghu scanned the area quickly, his mind racing. “There’s a fire escape on the other side of the building,” he said, his voice tight with urgency. “If we can get there, we might have a chance.”

The monsters were closing in, their snarls growing louder, and Y/N knew they didn’t have time to hesitate. With one last swing, she took down the creature closest to her and made a break for the door at the bottom of the stairwell.

Yeonghu followed, his bat raised as he fended off the remaining monsters. They pushed through the doorway, slamming it shut behind them, but they both knew it wouldn’t hold for long. The creatures on the other side were relentless, their heavy bodies crashing against the door as they tried to break through.

“This way,” Yeonghu said, grabbing her arm and pulling her forward.

They stumbled into another hallway, the air thick with the stench of decay and mildew. The dim, flickering lights cast eerie shadows on the cracked walls, and the floor was littered with debris—broken furniture, shattered glass, and old bloodstains.

The fire escape was at the far end of the hallway, but it felt impossibly far away. Y/N’s leg throbbed with every step, the pain almost unbearable, but she kept moving. She had to.

“Keep going,” Yeonghu urged, glancing over his shoulder. The pounding on the stairwell door was growing louder, more frantic. It wouldn’t hold much longer.

They reached the end of the hallway, and Yeonghu pushed open the door to the fire escape. The cold night air rushed in, a stark contrast to the oppressive heat inside the building. Y/N gasped for breath, relief flooding through her as she stepped onto the metal platform. They had made it—at least for now.

The fire escape was narrow and rickety, its metal rails rusted from years of neglect. Below them, the darkened streets of Seoul stretched out like a desolate wasteland, the city once bustling with life now eerily silent and empty.

Yeonghu peered over the edge, scanning the area below for any sign of movement. “Looks clear,” he muttered, his eyes narrowing. “But we need to move fast. There could be more of them.”

Y/N nodded, her heart still racing from the adrenaline. She followed Yeonghu down the fire escape, the metal creaking under their weight as they descended. Every step felt treacherous, but the further they got from the building, the more she allowed herself to hope. Maybe they could make it out of this after all.

When they finally reached the ground, the quiet felt unnerving. The oppressive atmosphere of Green Home had become so familiar that the open space, even tainted by darkness, felt disorienting.

“We can rest here for a moment,” Yeonghu said, scanning their surroundings. “But not for long. We’re too exposed.”

Y/N leaned against the cold brick wall, her entire body aching from the fight. She winced as she touched the wound on her side, feeling the warm stickiness of blood. “I’m fine,” she muttered, more to herself than to Yeonghu.

He turned to her, his dark eyes narrowing. “Let me see.”

Y/N reluctantly pulled up her shirt, revealing the jagged wound on her side. The scratches weren’t deep, but they were painful, and blood had already soaked through the torn fabric.

“Damn it,” Yeonghu cursed under his breath, pulling a small medical kit from his bag. “This’ll sting.”

Y/N nodded, biting her lip as he cleaned the wound. The sting was sharp, but she kept her focus on the horizon, trying to block out the pain. It was nothing compared to the terror they had just escaped from.

Once he was finished, Yeonghu bandaged the wound as best he could. “You’ll be okay for now,” he said, his voice steady. “But we need to find somewhere safe soon. You won’t last long if you keep pushing yourself like this.”

Y/N glanced up at him, a mixture of gratitude and frustration bubbling up inside her. She hated feeling like a burden, but she knew he was right. Her body was reaching its limit.

“We’ll find them,” Yeonghu said quietly, as if sensing her thoughts. “The others. We’ll get through this.”

Y/N looked into his eyes and saw something she hadn’t expected—hope. Despite everything they had lost, despite the hell they were living in, Yeonghu still believed they had a chance. And for the first time in what felt like forever, Y/N allowed herself to believe it too.

She nodded, determination hardening inside her. “Let’s go.”

They pushed off from the wall and disappeared into the darkened streets, the weight of loss heavy on their shoulders but not enough to break them. There was still more to fight for.

And the fight was far from over.

End of chapter four

Next | Previous

[teddymoon06]

Close to the edge

Close to the Edge

Chapter Three: Echoes of Desperation

The whispers faded into the silence as Y/N and Yeonghu pressed deeper into the bowels of Green Home. The oppressive air, thick with rot and decay, clung to their skin, the weight of the building’s dark history bearing down on them with each step. Y/N���s heart raced in her chest, the voice of Ji-su still echoing in her mind. Whether it was real or a hallucination borne from fear, she couldn’t be sure. But she had to believe Ji-su was out there, waiting for them to find her.

“Stay alert,” Yeonghu whispered, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. His eyes flicked over the shadows, his bat gripped tightly in his hand. He moved with purpose, each step silent, as though he’d learned long ago how to navigate through danger unnoticed. Y/N followed closely, her own weapon clutched tightly as her injured leg throbbed with every movement.

The darkness seemed to shift around them, the faint sounds of distant growls and snarls lingering at the edges of their senses. The monsters were never far, lurking in the cracks and crevices of the building, waiting for the moment to strike. The walls groaned under the weight of the silence, and Y/N couldn’t shake the feeling that something terrible was waiting just around the corner.

They reached the end of the hallway, where the faint glimmer of light peeked through a half-broken door. Yeonghu motioned for her to stay back as he moved forward, nudging the door open with the tip of his bat. The hinges creaked, the sound far too loud in the eerie stillness.

Beyond the door was a large room, its walls lined with dusty shelves, and the floor littered with the remains of whatever had once been stored there. The air was cold and stale, a chill running down Y/N’s spine as she stepped inside. Broken furniture and abandoned supplies were scattered across the floor, as though whoever had been here last had left in a hurry.

But it wasn’t the emptiness that made Y/N’s blood run cold—it was the figure crouched in the far corner.

Ji-su.

She sat hunched over, her back turned to them, her body trembling. Her hair hung limp around her face, and her clothes were tattered and stained with dirt and blood. She hadn’t noticed them yet, her shoulders shaking as soft sobs echoed in the small room.

“Ji-su…” Y/N breathed, her heart tightening in her chest. She started forward, but Yeonghu’s hand shot out, grabbing her arm.

“Wait,” he hissed, his voice low and urgent.

Y/N froze, confusion flashing in her eyes. “What are you doing? That’s her!”

Yeonghu’s gaze was hard, his jaw clenched. “Look closer.”

She hesitated, her eyes narrowing as she looked back at Ji-su. Something was off. The way her body moved, the shallow gasps of her breath—it wasn’t just fear or exhaustion. It was something else. Something worse.

And then, Y/N noticed it—the subtle twitch of her hands, the unnatural way her muscles jerked beneath her skin.

“No…” Y/N whispered, the realization hitting her like a punch to the gut. Ji-su wasn’t just scared. She wasn’t just hurt. She was infected.

“She’s turning,” Yeonghu said quietly, his voice cold and grim. His eyes stayed fixed on the girl who had once been their friend, but now… was something else entirely.

“No, she can’t be,” Y/N choked out, tears stinging her eyes. She took a step toward Ji-su, desperate to reach her, to pull her out of this nightmare. “We can still help her. Maybe it hasn’t fully taken over yet—”

“There’s no helping her,” Yeonghu interrupted, his voice harsh but steady. “You know what happens when they start to turn. There’s no going back.”

Y/N shook her head, refusing to accept it. “But she—”

Ji-su suddenly jerked upright, her body twisting unnaturally as a low growl rumbled from her throat. Her head snapped toward them, and Y/N’s heart shattered as she saw Ji-su’s eyes—once bright and full of life—now clouded over with the same monstrous hunger she had seen in every other creature roaming the building.

Ji-su was gone.

Before Y/N could react, Ji-su lunged at them, her movements erratic and violent. Y/N stumbled back, her breath catching in her throat as she raised her weapon, hands shaking.

“Y/N, move!” Yeonghu shouted, stepping in front of her. With a swift motion, he swung his bat, slamming it into Ji-su’s side. She staggered, but the blow barely slowed her down. She shrieked, her claws slashing through the air as she charged again.

Y/N’s heart raced as she watched in horror, her mind struggling to process the sight of her friend—her friend—trying to kill them. Her body trembled, paralyzed by fear and grief. She couldn’t move. She couldn’t fight.

But Yeonghu didn’t hesitate.

With a growl of his own, he swung the bat again, this time aiming for Ji-su’s head. The impact was brutal, the sound of bone cracking echoing through the room. Ji-su collapsed to the floor, her body convulsing once before going still.

The room fell into a suffocating silence.

Y/N stared at Ji-su’s lifeless body, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps. Her legs gave out beneath her, and she sank to the floor, tears streaming down her face. Her heart ached, a deep, unbearable pain that tore through her chest. Ji-su was gone. The girl she had laughed with, fought with, survived with—it had all been ripped away in an instant.

“I’m sorry,” Yeonghu said quietly, his voice devoid of emotion, but there was a heaviness in his tone that told Y/N he didn’t take any pleasure in what he had done. He knelt beside Ji-su’s body for a moment, his eyes hard, before standing and turning back to Y/N. “There was no other way.”

Y/N couldn’t find the words to respond. She wanted to scream, to cry, to rage against the cruel, unforgiving world that had taken so much from them. But all she could do was stare at Ji-su, the weight of the loss crushing her.

Yeonghu reached out, his hand resting on her shoulder for a brief moment before he pulled away. “We have to keep moving,” he said softly. “We can’t stay here.”

Y/N wiped at her face, forcing herself to stand, even though every part of her screamed to collapse. The grief weighed her down, threatening to pull her under, but she knew Yeonghu was right. They couldn’t stop. Not here. Not now.

She took one last, trembling look at Ji-su’s body, her heart breaking all over again. Then she turned away, following Yeonghu out of the room and back into the nightmare that waited for them beyond.

As they made their way through the dimly lit corridors, Y/N’s mind replayed the events over and over. The sight of Ji-su’s twisted body, the sound of her growl, the moment when her friend was no longer herself. It felt like a nightmare she couldn’t wake up from, the horror of it all pressing down on her, suffocating her.

Yeonghu was silent as they moved, his expression grim and unreadable. He kept his bat at the ready, his eyes scanning every shadow for danger. But Y/N could see the tension in his shoulders, the way his jaw clenched tightly. He was hurting too, even if he didn’t show it.

After what felt like an eternity, they reached the old storeroom Yeonghu had mentioned earlier. It was small and cramped, but it was secure. For the moment, they were safe.

Y/N sank to the floor, her body trembling with exhaustion and grief. She didn’t even notice the tears streaming down her face until Yeonghu sat beside her, his presence quiet but grounding. He didn’t say anything, didn’t try to offer empty words of comfort. He just sat there, a silent reminder that she wasn’t alone in this hell.

For a long time, they sat in silence, the weight of what they had lost hanging heavy in the air.

“We’ll keep going,” Yeonghu said finally, his voice low but steady. “For her. For all of them.”

Y/N nodded, wiping at her eyes. She didn’t trust herself to speak, but she knew he was right. They had to keep moving. For Ji-su. For the others. For the hope that somewhere, somehow, they could still make it out of this alive.

Because in this world, survival wasn’t just about living—it was about holding on to the people you loved, even when they were gone.

Even when the monsters took them.

End of Chapter 3

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[teddymoon06]

Close to the edge

Close to the Edge

Chapter Two: Shadows at Every Turn

The darkness inside the small room was suffocating. Y/N’s pulse still thrummed in her ears as she and Yeonghu leaned against the splintered wooden door, listening for the creature outside. The echo of its snarls had faded, but the oppressive silence that followed was far more unsettling.

Was it waiting for them? Or had it moved on to hunt something else?

Y/N's heart hadn’t yet settled from the mad dash through the building, her leg pulsing with pain. The bandage Yeonghu had wrapped earlier was now soaked in sweat, and the ache radiated through her entire body, but there was no time to dwell on it. The more immediate concern was survival.

Yeonghu exhaled softly, pulling away from the door. His brow furrowed as he wiped more blood from his hands—some of it his own, though most was from the creature he’d bashed in earlier. The dull light filtering through the window illuminated his tired features. There was a hardness in his eyes, a quiet resolve that hadn't faltered even in the face of the nightmare they were living.

“We should move soon,” he muttered, keeping his voice low. His gaze flicked to Y/N’s injured leg, and his jaw tightened. “How’s your leg holding up?”

Y/N pushed down the discomfort, nodding despite the pain. “It’s fine. I can keep going.”

Her words came out more confidently than she felt. Truthfully, the adrenaline that had kept her moving was fading, replaced by a deep exhaustion that clawed at her limbs. But stopping wasn’t an option. Not here. Not with monsters roaming the halls, ready to tear through anything in their path.

“You sure?” Yeonghu asked, his voice quieter this time. His dark eyes softened slightly, though the stoic expression remained.

Y/N managed a small smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I don’t think any of us are really ‘fine’ anymore, are we?”

That earned her a faint twitch of Yeonghu’s lips—his version of a smile, she guessed. It was brief, fleeting, but it made her feel a little less alone.

Still, the grim reality of their situation remained. They were trapped in a labyrinth of crumbling walls, surrounded by monsters that could kill them at any moment. And worse, they were separated from the rest of the group. Y/N had no idea if Ji-su, Hyun-su, or the others were alive. The thought of them being taken by the monsters—or worse—gnawed at her insides.

“We need to find them,” she whispered, more to herself than to Yeonghu. “If they’re still out there…”

“They are,” he interrupted, his voice steady and certain. “They’re fighters. Just like you.”

Y/N looked at him, surprised by the confidence in his tone. For someone who kept his emotions locked away, Yeonghu had an unshakable belief in the people around him. And despite her doubts, that small flicker of hope helped ease the dread in her chest.

“Then let’s go,” she said, tightening her grip on the jagged metal shard in her hand. She glanced toward the door, mentally preparing herself for what lay beyond. “We can’t stay here.”

Yeonghu nodded once, moving toward the window. He peered through the cracks in the blinds, scanning the dimly lit street below. “It’s clear,” he muttered, more to himself. “But we’ll have to move fast.”

“Where are we headed?” Y/N asked, limping slightly as she joined him by the window.

“We need to get to the east side of the building. There’s an old storeroom near the stairwell—safe enough to regroup.” Yeonghu’s gaze remained focused, already mapping out their next move.

Y/N bit her lip, a question burning on her tongue. “And what if... they didn’t make it?”

The silence that followed was heavy. Yeonghu’s eyes darkened, but he didn’t hesitate in his response. “Then we keep moving.”

It was a simple answer, but it carried the weight of reality. Not everyone survived in this world. Y/N had seen enough death to understand that cruel truth. Still, she couldn’t let go of the slim chance that her friends were alive. She had to hold on to that hope, or else the despair would swallow her whole.

Yeonghu opened the door carefully, peering out into the hallway. The faint light barely reached the far corners, leaving much of the corridor shrouded in shadow. Y/N tensed, her senses on high alert. Every dark corner seemed to hide a threat, every flicker of movement was a potential death sentence.

“Stay close,” Yeonghu whispered, gripping his bat tightly. He took the lead, his footsteps soundless as he moved through the building like a ghost. Y/N followed, her heart hammering in her chest.

They crept down the hallway, pausing every few feet to listen for signs of danger. The oppressive silence pressed in on them, the stillness unnerving. Y/N’s breath was shallow, her ears straining for any sound—a growl, a shuffle, anything that might indicate the monsters were nearby.

But the building was eerily quiet.

Too quiet.

They reached the stairwell that led to the lower floors. Yeonghu stopped at the top of the stairs, listening carefully. After a moment, he nodded and motioned for Y/N to follow. They began their descent, each step slow and cautious.

The air was damp and musty, and the further they went, the more the darkness seemed to close in around them. The walls were streaked with grime, and the floor was littered with debris—broken furniture, abandoned belongings, remnants of the lives that once existed here.

Halfway down the stairs, a sudden noise broke the silence. Y/N froze, her blood turning to ice. A low, guttural growl echoed from below, followed by the sound of something scraping against the floor.

Yeonghu’s grip tightened on his bat as he signaled for her to stay back. His eyes flicked toward the bottom of the stairs, where the shadows were thicker. The growling grew louder, closer.

And then, it appeared.

A figure stepped out of the shadows, its deformed body hunched over, its skin stretched taut over twisted muscles. Its red eyes glowed in the darkness, fixated on them with an unnatural hunger. Its jaw hung open, revealing rows of jagged teeth dripping with saliva.

Y/N’s heart pounded in her chest as the creature let out a bone-chilling screech, its claws scraping against the concrete. It lunged toward them, its movements fast and erratic.

“Move!” Yeonghu shouted, pushing Y/N to the side as he swung his bat with all his strength. The bat connected with the creature’s head, sending it stumbling back with a sickening crack, but it wasn’t enough to stop it.

The creature let out another screech, its eyes locking onto Yeonghu as it charged again. Y/N scrambled to her feet, her heart racing as she searched for anything—anything—to help.

Her eyes landed on a heavy piece of debris, a large chunk of concrete that had fallen from the ceiling. Without thinking, she grabbed it, adrenaline surging through her veins. As the creature lunged at Yeonghu once more, Y/N hurled the concrete with all her might.

The chunk of debris smashed into the creature’s side, causing it to stagger and howl in pain. Yeonghu took advantage of the opening, swinging his bat again, this time driving it into the creature’s throat.

The monster let out a wet gurgle before collapsing in a heap at their feet.

Breathing heavily, Yeonghu wiped the sweat from his brow, his gaze flicking to Y/N. “Nice throw,” he said, his voice breathless but steady.

Y/N’s hands trembled as she tried to catch her breath. “Thanks… I guess.” Her chest heaved as the adrenaline began to wear off, leaving her feeling drained.

Yeonghu knelt beside the creature, inspecting its body for a moment before standing up and wiping his bat on his pants. “We need to keep moving,” he said, his voice calm despite the chaos they had just survived.

Y/N nodded, though her legs felt like they might give out at any moment. She leaned against the railing for support as they continued down the stairs, the weight of the fight still heavy in the air.

When they reached the bottom, the air grew colder. The lower floors of Green Home were darker, more ominous. It was as though the building itself had swallowed all traces of light and life, leaving only shadows in its wake.

Yeonghu led the way through the maze of hallways, his bat resting over his shoulder, always ready. Y/N followed closely, her eyes darting around as her mind raced. They needed to find the others. They needed to get out of here.

But as they ventured deeper into the building, something felt… wrong.

The walls seemed to close in, the air thick with tension. Every creak and groan of the building made Y/N’s skin prickle with unease. She couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched.

And then, she heard it.

A faint whisper, barely audible, but unmistakable.

“Y/N…”

Her heart skipped a beat, her breath catching in her throat. She froze, her eyes darting around the dark hallway. The voice was familiar, hauntingly familiar.

“Y/N…”

It was Ji-su’s voice.

“Ji-su?” Y/N whispered, her voice trembling as she strained to listen. But the voice didn’t call out again.

Yeonghu stopped and turned to her, his brow furrowed. “What is it?”

“I heard her,” Y/N whispered, her pulse racing. “I heard Ji-su.”

Yeonghu’s eyes narrowed, scanning the hallway ahead. “We can’t be sure it’s her,” he said, his voice tense. “It could be—”

“It was her,” Y/N insisted, her gut telling her that it was true. She had known Ji-su for too long not to recognize her voice, even in the midst of all this horror. “We have to find her.”

Yeonghu’s jaw clenched, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he nodded. “Stay close.”

With renewed determination, they pressed on, the shadows closing in around them as they ventured deeper into the unknown.

End of chapter 2

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