Into The Chaos

Into the chaos

Title: Into the Chaos

The walls of the base were starting to feel suffocating. Every day felt like it could be the last, and despite all the fear, the anxiety, the looming threat of monsters outside, I needed to get out—even if just for a little while.

The others were too focused on survival to notice when I slipped out. It was reckless, I knew that. But I wasn’t thinking about the danger. I was thinking about the fresh air, the night sky, and the brief taste of freedom.

With some of the other residents sneaking out for supply runs, it didn’t seem like too much of a risk to join them. They didn’t question it, figuring I needed the break as much as anyone. We moved in silence, every shadow and distant sound keeping us on edge, but I tried to shake off the fear.

Back at the base, everything was quiet—until it wasn’t.

Kim Yeong-hu paced by the entrance, his rifle slung over his shoulder, eyes scanning the surroundings. It had been a tense few days, and the weight of being the protector of the group was wearing on him. He wouldn’t let it show, though. That wasn’t his way.

One of the residents approached him cautiously. "Hey, Yeong-hu… they just finished the roll call."

He glanced over, already sensing something was off. "And?"

"There’s a problem. Y/N… she’s not here."

The blood drained from his face as the words sunk in. You weren’t there? His heart pounded in his chest as panic swelled, but he forced himself to stay calm, at least on the surface.

"Are you sure?" His voice was low, laced with barely contained worry.

The resident nodded. "She must’ve gone out with one of the other groups, but no one saw her leave."

Yeong-hu’s hands clenched into fists. He had told you to stay close, told you not to leave without him. This world was dangerous, even more so with monsters lurking in every dark corner. The thought of you out there, alone, with no protection—it drove him insane.

Without another word, Yeong-hu stormed toward the weapons locker, his mind racing. He couldn’t waste time; every second you were out there, your life was in danger. He grabbed his gear with swift, practiced movements, his breath growing shallow as fear gripped him tighter with every passing moment.

I was out in the open, the night air cool against my skin as I kept pace with the others. We had found some supplies, a few things we needed, but I could feel the growing tension in the air. The monsters had been quiet recently—too quiet. And that silence felt heavier than the chaos we were used to.

We were just about to head back when it happened.

A deep growl echoed in the distance, then another. The sound sent chills down my spine, and everyone froze. Eyes wide, hearts pounding, we turned to see figures moving in the shadows, their grotesque forms twisting in unnatural ways. Monsters.

"Run!" someone shouted, and we didn’t need to be told twice.

I sprinted with everything I had, but I could hear them behind me, closing in fast. Fear tightened my throat as I dodged through the broken streets, my mind screaming at me to find cover. I shouldn’t have left the base. This was a mistake—a huge mistake.

Back at the base, Yeong-hu wasn’t thinking rationally anymore. He moved with a singular focus—find you. Nothing else mattered. His steps were quick and precise, and despite the chaos around him, his only goal was to bring you back, to make sure you were safe. He’d never forgive himself if something happened to you.

"Yeong-hu!" One of the residents tried to stop him as he prepared to leave the base. "You can’t go out there alone. It’s too dangerous!"

"I’m not leaving her out there," Yeong-hu snapped, his voice low and fierce. "Not while there are monsters crawling around."

"You don’t even know where she is!" The resident looked panicked, but Yeong-hu’s resolve didn’t waver.

"I’ll find her." His voice was hard, determined. "I have to."

Without waiting for any more protests, he stepped out into the night, the familiar weight of his rifle comforting but not enough to ease the knot in his chest. He moved swiftly through the streets, his eyes scanning every alley, every corner, every shadow. His heart raced with every minute that passed, and the longer he couldn’t find you, the more his mind spiraled.

I could barely breathe as I ducked into a narrow alley, trying to catch my breath. The others had scattered, and I had no idea where they were. My pulse hammered in my ears as the distant growls grew closer again. I needed to move, but my legs felt like lead.

And then, I heard it.

"Y/N!"

My heart skipped at the sound of his voice—Yeong-hu. Relief washed over me, but just as quickly, fear followed. If he was out here, that meant he’d left the safety of the base to find me. He was risking his life—again. All because I had been reckless.

"Y/N!" His voice was closer now, urgent, desperate.

"Here!" I called out, my voice shaky as I stepped out of the alley.

A shadow moved, and suddenly, he was there, his eyes wide with relief when he saw me. He closed the distance between us in a few long strides, his hands grabbing my arms as if to make sure I was real, that I was safe.

"Are you hurt?" His voice was low, but there was a tremor in it. He was furious, I could tell, but the relief in his eyes softened the anger.

"No, I’m fine," I managed, my breath still ragged. "But we have to go. Now."

The growl behind us confirmed it. We didn’t have time for explanations or apologies. Without hesitation, Yeong-hu grabbed my hand, his grip firm as he led me through the streets, weaving through the debris with practiced ease. He didn’t let go, not for a second, even as we sprinted back toward the base, the sounds of the monsters following close behind.

When we finally made it back, the gates of the base closed behind us, shutting out the horrors of the outside world. I collapsed against the wall, trying to catch my breath, but Yeong-hu was still standing, pacing back and forth, his face a mixture of fury and relief.

"What were you thinking?" he snapped, his voice sharp but edged with concern. "You could have been killed!"

"I just—" I started, but he didn’t let me finish.

"You promised me you’d be careful. That you wouldn’t take risks like this. Do you have any idea what could’ve happened out there?" His voice cracked, his frustration boiling over.

"I know, I’m sorry," I whispered, guilt weighing heavy on my chest. "I wasn’t thinking. I just wanted to help, but I didn’t realize—"

"You don’t get it, do you?" Yeong-hu interrupted, stepping closer, his eyes locking with mine. "If something happened to you, I—" He paused, his jaw clenching as he struggled with the words. "I wouldn’t be able to handle it."

His confession hit me hard, the weight of it settling between us. He wasn’t just angry because I’d put myself in danger—he was terrified of losing me.

"I’m sorry," I said again, softer this time. "I didn’t mean to make you worry."

He sighed, running a hand through his hair before pulling me into a tight embrace. His arms wrapped around me protectively, as if he was trying to shield me from the world. "Just… don’t do it again," he whispered against my hair, his voice softer now, more vulnerable. "I need you to be safe."

I nodded, my face buried in his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart against mine. "I promise," I whispered.

For now, we were safe. But in this world, safety was fleeting, and I knew that as long as the monsters roamed outside, Yeong-hu would never stop protecting me.

And I’d never stop needing him.

End

Chapter 3

Title: Shelter in the Darkness

Chapter 3: Monsters Among Us

Y/N’s POV

The tension in Green Home had become unbearable. Everyone could feel it—the sense that something terrible was brewing just beneath the surface. There were whispers among the residents about the growing number of monsters outside, and fear seemed to hang in the air like a thick fog.

I stuck close to Hyun-su, feeling safer with him by my side. The others in the building were panicked, talking about barricading doors and finding weapons. But somehow, Hyun-su’s quiet strength calmed me, even when the situation felt hopeless.

Today, though, there was a meeting with the other survivors. Mr. An and the others had gathered everyone in the lobby, discussing how to protect the building. Hyun-su and I sat at the back, his arm brushing against mine as we listened to the chaotic plans being thrown around.

"We can’t stay like this!" someone shouted. "We need food! We need protection!"

"Barricade the doors!" another voice added. "The monsters are getting stronger. We’ve seen it!"

My gaze flicked to Hyun-su. His face was unreadable, but I could tell the wheels in his mind were turning. He wasn’t one to panic, but I could sense the worry beneath his calm exterior.

As the meeting droned on, I leaned closer to him, whispering softly. "Do you think we’re safe here?"

He turned his head slightly, his dark eyes meeting mine. "No. But we have no choice."

His words sent a chill down my spine, but I knew he was right. The building was the only thing keeping us from the chaos outside. Still, it was only a matter of time before the monsters found their way in.

Cha Hyun-su’s POV

Sitting there in the meeting, surrounded by the panicked voices of the other residents, I could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on me. It wasn’t just about survival anymore—it was about protecting the people around me, especially you.

I could sense your fear, even though you tried to hide it. Your question—if we were safe—stuck with me. The truth was, I didn’t know if we were safe anywhere anymore. But I couldn’t let that fear consume me, not when you were counting on me.

"We’ll be okay," I whispered, more to reassure you than anything. "We’ll figure it out."

You gave me a small, tentative smile, and for a moment, it made everything else fade away. It was just us, sitting side by side, trying to make sense of a world that was falling apart.

The meeting continued, but my mind was elsewhere. I couldn’t stop thinking about the monsters—about what would happen if they got inside. If they found you. The thought made my chest tighten.

Suddenly, there was a loud crash, and the entire room tensed. Everyone fell silent as the sound of heavy footsteps echoed from down the hallway. It was followed by a guttural growl, sending a wave of panic through the crowd.

"They’re here," someone whispered, their voice trembling.

I stood up instinctively, my hand grabbing yours without thinking. "We need to move. Now."

Y/N’s POV

Hyun-su’s grip on my hand was firm as he pulled me toward the back exit of the lobby. People were scrambling, panicking as the monster’s growls grew louder. My heart pounded in my chest, fear taking over every thought.

We rushed down the hallway, Hyun-su leading the way. His focus was sharp, even with the chaos erupting around us. I tried to keep up, but the fear gnawing at me made my legs feel like jelly.

"Hyun-su!" I gasped, trying to catch my breath as we reached the staircase.

He stopped, turning to face me. His expression softened, and for a moment, he let go of my hand to place his hands on my shoulders, grounding me.

"Hey, look at me," he said, his voice calm but firm. "We’ll get through this, okay?"

I nodded, even though I wasn’t sure if I believed it. But Hyun-su had this way of making me feel safe, even when everything was falling apart. His touch was gentle but steady, like he was determined to protect me no matter what.

Just then, the growling grew louder, and we heard the unmistakable sound of something heavy slamming against the walls. My body tensed, but Hyun-su kept his gaze locked on mine, refusing to let fear take over.

"Stay close to me," he said softly, taking my hand again. "We’re going to be okay."

With him by my side, I believed him. I had to.

Cha Hyun-su’s POV

The monsters were closer than I had expected. They were strong, vicious, and determined to get inside. But I wasn’t going to let them get to you. I couldn’t.

As we hurried up the stairs, I kept my grip on your hand tight, not letting you fall behind. Every growl, every crash from behind sent a wave of adrenaline through me, but I couldn’t afford to panic. Not when your safety was on the line.

We reached the higher floors, where some of the other residents had gathered. They were armed with makeshift weapons, their faces pale with fear. I could see the hopelessness in their eyes, the uncertainty about whether we’d survive this.

"We can hold them off here," I said to one of the men. "But we need to be smart about it."

He nodded, though it was clear he wasn’t convinced. No one was.

But I had to be strong—for you. I couldn’t let the fear show, not when you were depending on me.

As we helped set up barricades, you stayed close, your presence giving me a sense of purpose I hadn’t felt in a long time. Every time our eyes met, I was reminded of why I couldn’t give up. You needed me.

And I needed you too.

Y/N’s POV

We helped set up barricades with the others, trying to fortify the building as best we could. The fear in everyone’s eyes was unmistakable, but I couldn’t focus on that. Not when Hyun-su was doing everything he could to keep me safe.

He moved with purpose, his eyes always scanning the hallways, always making sure we had a plan. I couldn’t help but admire how calm he remained, even though I knew he had to be scared too.

"You’re really brave," I said softly when we had a brief moment to ourselves.

Hyun-su glanced at me, his expression unreadable. "I’m not brave," he replied quietly. "I’m just… trying to survive."

I shook my head, stepping closer to him. "No, you’re brave. You’re doing all of this for us, for me. That takes courage."

He didn’t say anything, but I could see the way my words affected him. His gaze softened, and for a moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the world. The chaos, the monsters, everything else faded away.

"You’re important to me," he whispered, his voice barely audible but filled with sincerity.

My heart skipped a beat at his words, and I felt a warmth spread through me despite the fear that still lingered. I reached out and gently squeezed his hand, offering him the same comfort he had given me.

"You’re important to me too," I whispered back.

For a brief moment, everything felt… okay. As long as we had each other, I knew we could get through this.

Cha Hyun-su’s POV

Hearing you say those words—You’re important to me—hit me harder than I expected. It wasn’t something I was used to hearing, and for the first time in a long while, I felt… wanted. Like I mattered.

I squeezed your hand back, holding onto that small moment of peace amidst the chaos. For just a second, the world wasn’t as terrifying. It was just you and me, standing together, finding comfort in each other’s presence.

But the moment was fleeting.

A loud crash echoed from downstairs, followed by the unmistakable sound of glass shattering. My heart lurched, and I instinctively pulled you closer, shielding you from whatever was coming.

"They’re inside," someone shouted, panic spreading through the group.

Everything moved so quickly after that. People scrambled to reinforce the barricades, screams filled the air, and the sounds of the monsters grew louder.

But through it all, I never let go of your hand.

"We’ll get through this," I whispered, more to myself than to you. "I promise."

And I meant it. No matter what it took, I was going to protect you.

Y/N’s POV

The sound of the monsters breaking in sent a wave of terror through me, but Hyun-su’s presence kept me grounded. Even in the midst of all the chaos, he was calm, focused, and determined to keep me safe.

As the barricades were tested and people fought back, Hyun-su never left my side. His grip on my hand was steady, his eyes always watching for danger. I didn’t know how he did it—how he stayed so composed when everything around us was falling apart.

But I trusted him. I trusted him with my life.

"Hyun-su," I

Y/N's POV

"Hyun-su," I whispered, squeezing his hand tightly. My voice shook despite my best efforts to stay calm. "What do we do?"

He turned to me, his face a mix of determination and fear. "We stick together," he said firmly. "Whatever happens, I won’t let anything happen to you. Just stay close."

His words gave me strength, even as the sounds of chaos grew louder, and the monsters' footsteps approached. Together, we moved further down the hallway, away from the breaking barricades.

As we reached one of the higher floors, I could hear screams and see shadows flickering from downstairs. Every muscle in my body was tense, but I held on to Hyun-su’s hand, trusting him to guide us through the madness.

Then, without warning, the floor beneath us shook violently. The building groaned as if it was on the verge of collapsing. We stopped in our tracks, glancing around for the source of the disturbance. Something enormous was moving on the lower levels—something bigger than we had ever seen before.

"Run!" Hyun-su yelled, pulling me along with him as we raced down the corridor, our feet pounding against the floor. My heart was in my throat, but I couldn’t think about anything except keeping up with him.

We turned a corner and found a small storage room, the door slightly ajar. Without hesitation, Hyun-su pulled me inside and closed the door behind us, pressing his ear to the wood as he listened to the sounds outside.

Inside the small, dark room, the only light came from the dim glow of a cracked window. I could hear my own heartbeat pounding in my ears, and my chest tightened with fear. Hyun-su was standing close, his back against the door as he kept an eye out for danger.

For a long moment, neither of us said anything. The tension was suffocating. Then, he turned to me, his expression softening despite the chaos outside.

"You okay?" he asked quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

I nodded, though my body was still trembling from the adrenaline. "I’m okay… thanks to you."

Hyun-su sighed in relief, stepping closer to me. His hand found mine again, his touch warm and comforting. "I’m not going to let anything happen to you," he said softly, his eyes locking onto mine. "I promise."

For a moment, it was just the two of us in the darkness, the world outside seeming so far away. My fear faded, replaced by a warmth that only Hyun-su could bring. He had become my anchor in this nightmare, the one person I knew I could rely on.

Before I could stop myself, I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around him, burying my face in his chest. He stiffened for a second, as if surprised, but then his arms came around me, holding me close. I could feel the steady beat of his heart against mine, and it was enough to calm the storm inside me.

"We’ll get through this," I whispered, echoing his words from earlier.

Hyun-su tightened his hold on me. "Yeah," he murmured, his voice filled with quiet determination. "We will."

End of Chapter 3

Next | Previous

Chapter 4

Title: Through the Fire

Chapter 4: Descent into Darkness

Y/N’s POV

It had been a few hours since we sought shelter in the storage room, but those hours felt like days. The constant groans and thuds from outside made it impossible to relax. I could tell Hyun-su was still on edge, even though he tried to hide it for my sake.

He sat next to me, staring intently at the door. His jaw was clenched, his hands resting tensely in his lap, ready to act if something came crashing through.

“Hyun-su…” I said quietly, reaching out to touch his hand. “You need to rest.”

He shook his head. “I can’t. Not with those things still out there.”

I frowned, my heart aching for him. He had been carrying the weight of all this, trying to protect everyone—especially me. But he couldn’t keep going like this without breaking.

“You can’t protect me if you’re too exhausted to fight,” I pointed out gently. “Just… for a little while. I’ll keep watch.”

Hyun-su glanced at me, and for a moment, I could see the weariness behind his stoic exterior. He wanted to argue, but the dark circles under his eyes told me he knew I was right. He hesitated, then nodded reluctantly.

“Alright,” he said quietly, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “But just for a bit.”

He stretched out on the floor, his head resting against my lap, and I ran my fingers through his hair gently. The tension in his body slowly melted away as he closed his eyes, his breathing evening out. It was a rare moment of peace, and I wanted to hold on to it for as long as I could.

Cha Hyun-su’s POV

I didn’t want to rest. Not when I knew the danger was right outside that door. But when Y/N looked at me, her eyes full of concern, I couldn’t bring myself to refuse. I didn’t want to worry her.

So, I let myself close my eyes, feeling the soft touch of her fingers in my hair. It was calming, like a lifeline in the middle of the chaos we were living through. Even though I was supposed to be the one protecting her, she always found a way to comfort me.

For a moment, I allowed myself to let go. I let myself focus on the warmth of her touch, the steady rhythm of her breathing. In this small, dark room, it felt like the monsters outside didn’t exist. It was just us.

But even as I rested, part of me remained on alert. I couldn’t fully relax knowing what was happening in the building. The other residents were fighting, barricading themselves in, trying to hold off the inevitable.

And I knew that soon, we’d have to do the same.

Y/N’s POV

Hyun-su rested for a while, and I kept a careful watch on the door. My heart was heavy with worry for what was happening outside, but at the same time, I felt this overwhelming sense of peace having him so close.

I didn’t know how we ended up here—two strangers now leaning on each other in this impossible situation—but I was grateful for him. In the midst of the nightmare that Green Home had become, Hyun-su was my light. My reason to keep going.

Just when I started to believe we might get through the night undisturbed, a loud crash echoed down the hallway. My body tensed immediately. The monsters were back, and they were getting closer.

“Hyun-su!” I whispered urgently, shaking him awake.

He was on his feet in an instant, his eyes sharp and alert. “What happened?” he asked, his voice low.

I pointed toward the door. “They’re coming.”

Hyun-su nodded, his expression hardening. We both knew what was next. He reached for a piece of broken metal he had grabbed earlier, some makeshift weapon, and motioned for me to stay behind him. I wanted to argue, to stand by his side, but he shot me a look that silenced me.

“Stay close to me,” he said, his voice steady. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Cha Hyun-su’s POV

The moment I heard the crash, all the exhaustion faded. We didn’t have time to waste. The monsters were getting bolder, breaking through our defenses, and I wasn’t going to let one of them anywhere near Y/N.

We moved carefully through the narrow corridor, our footsteps barely making a sound. I held the piece of metal in my hand tightly, ready to use it if I had to.

As we reached the edge of the hallway, I could see movement from the shadows. It wasn’t just one monster this time. There were several of them, their grotesque forms crawling over the walls, searching for their next victims.

My grip on the weapon tightened.

“They’re everywhere…” Y/N whispered, her voice shaking.

I glanced at her, feeling a surge of protectiveness. “We’ll find another way,” I said. “We just need to be quiet.”

Y/N nodded, trusting me completely. That trust… it gave me strength. I wouldn’t let her down.

We crept along the wall, trying to avoid drawing the monsters’ attention. My heart pounded in my chest, but my mind stayed focused. I couldn’t afford to panic, not with her so close.

But as we rounded the corner, one of the monsters turned its head, its glowing eyes locking onto us.

“Run!” I shouted, grabbing Y/N’s hand and pulling her with me.

Y/N’s POV

My heart raced as Hyun-su and I bolted down the hallway. The monster let out a horrifying screech behind us, its heavy footsteps closing in. I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins, fear threatening to overwhelm me.

But with Hyun-su pulling me forward, I forced myself to focus. We had to survive.

We turned another corner, and Hyun-su skidded to a stop, pulling me into a nearby room. He slammed the door behind us, panting heavily as we leaned against it.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice breathless.

I nodded, though my legs felt like they might give out any second. “Yeah… I’m okay.”

Hyun-su’s eyes scanned the room quickly, searching for anything we could use to block the door. He spotted a heavy dresser and immediately started pushing it in front of the door, his muscles straining from the effort.

I hurried to help, and together we managed to barricade ourselves in. For now, we were safe.

As the sounds of the monsters faded into the distance, I collapsed against the wall, trying to catch my breath. Hyun-su sat beside me, his eyes flickering with exhaustion again, but also relief.

“You saved me,” I whispered, glancing over at him.

He shook his head, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “We saved each other.”

Cha Hyun-su’s POV

The truth was, I wasn’t the one doing all the saving. Y/N had become my anchor, the reason I kept fighting. Every time I felt like giving up, I looked at her and remembered why I had to keep going.

“Stay close,” I said softly, leaning my head back against the wall. “We’ll figure out our next move soon.”

Y/N leaned into me slightly, her warmth spreading through me like a quiet comfort. Despite everything, despite the danger that still loomed outside, being next to her made me feel like things would be okay.

At least for a little while longer.

End of Chapter 4

Next | Previous

A night to remember

The energy in the venue was electric. My heart pounded in rhythm with the bass that shook the walls, the crowd's excitement a palpable force that made every hair on my arms stand up. The lights dimmed, and the entire arena erupted into a roar as NCT 127 took the stage, each member shining like a constellation against the sea of green lightsticks. My eyes were glued to Johnny, his confident smile and effortless charisma making it hard to look away.

I had been waiting for this moment for months. The tickets had been a splurge, but worth every penny the moment I stepped inside the venue. The setlist was perfect; every song felt like it was played just for me. As they performed, I sang along, lost in the music and the surreal experience of seeing them live. But it was Johnny—his smooth moves, his voice, and the way he connected with the fans—that drew me in the most. He had a way of making you feel seen, even in a crowd of thousands.

The concert was over all too soon, but my excitement hadn’t waned. I had managed to snag a spot for the after-show fan meet, my hands trembling slightly as I clutched the ticket. This was my chance, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to actually meet Johnny. I rehearsed what I might say, but every time, the words seemed to slip away, leaving me nervous and giddy.

The line moved slowly, giving me just enough time to second-guess everything. What if I said something awkward? What if I froze up entirely? My thoughts were interrupted when I finally reached the front, and there he was—Johnny, sitting at a small table with a warm smile that made the world feel a little bit smaller.

“Hi!” he greeted me with that familiar, deep voice, his smile lighting up his face. “Thanks for coming out tonight.”

I blinked, momentarily forgetting how to speak. “Hi, Johnny,” I managed, my voice wavering slightly. “You guys were amazing. Seriously, the best concert I’ve ever been to.”

He chuckled softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Thank you, that means a lot. Did you have a favorite song?”

I hesitated for a split second before blurting out, “Kick It! But, honestly, all of them were great. You all have so much energy on stage, it’s contagious.”

Johnny nodded, leaning in a little closer as if we were sharing a secret. “Kick It’s a fun one for sure. I’m glad you enjoyed it.” He paused, and for a moment, it felt like he was really looking at me, not just another fan, but me. “I could see you dancing in the crowd. You had some moves!”

I laughed, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. “You noticed that?”

“Of course,” he said, his smile widening. “You stood out. It’s always awesome to see fans having a good time.”

His words hung in the air, and for a moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the room. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to talk to him, like we were old friends catching up rather than idol and fan meeting for the first time. I wanted to hold onto this feeling, to stretch the moment out just a little longer.

Before I knew it, the staff signaled that it was time for me to move on. I didn’t want to say goodbye, but I didn’t want to overstay my welcome either. Johnny noticed, and with a quick glance at the staff, he scribbled something on the back of a photo card before handing it to me.

“Here, take this,” he said, his expression playful yet sincere. “And thank you for being an amazing fan. I hope to see you at another concert soon.”

I took the card, my fingers brushing against his for the briefest moment. As I stepped aside, I glanced down and saw a short message: “Keep dancing, and stay amazing. - Johnny.”

It was such a simple gesture, but it meant the world to me. As I walked out of the venue, my heart felt lighter, my steps a little bouncier. Meeting Johnny had been everything I hoped for and more—genuine, fun, and unforgettable. It was a night I’d replay in my mind a thousand times over, each time feeling just as magical as the first.

Chapter 8

Title: Holding On to Hope

Chapter 8: Fragile Lines

Y/N’s POV

The tension in the building was palpable as we gathered in one of the few safer rooms left in the apartment complex. The air felt heavy, almost suffocating with the weight of everything that had happened. The group was getting thinner, the dangers were multiplying, and it seemed like with every passing moment, we were walking a thinner line between survival and destruction.

Hyun-su had been quieter than usual since we visited the basement. Seeing that monster—knowing that it could be him someday—had left him on edge. I could feel it in the way his hand would tense up when he thought I wasn’t paying attention, how he’d sometimes drift off in thought, staring into space with that haunted look in his eyes.

But I wasn’t going to let him deal with this alone.

“Hey,” I said softly, sitting down beside him as he leaned against the wall. His eyes flickered up to meet mine, and for a moment, I saw the exhaustion etched into his features.

“Hey,” he replied, his voice low.

I reached out, my fingers brushing against his. “You okay?”

He hesitated before answering. “I don’t know,” he admitted quietly, his gaze dropping to the floor. “I thought… I thought I could handle this. But every time I look at myself in the mirror, I wonder how much longer I can keep it together.”

My heart ached at his words. Hyun-su had been carrying so much weight on his shoulders, trying to protect everyone while fighting the monster inside of him. I couldn’t imagine how hard that must be for him.

“You’re not alone in this, Hyun-su,” I whispered, moving closer to him. “I’m here. We’re all here. And you’re stronger than you think. You’ve made it this far. You’re still you.”

He looked at me, his expression softening. “What if I’m not me anymore?”

“You are,” I said firmly. “You’re still you. And I believe in you.”

For a moment, neither of us spoke. I could feel the warmth of his body next to mine, the quiet understanding that passed between us without words. In a world that was falling apart, Hyun-su was my anchor, and I knew I had to be his too.

Cha Hyun-su’s POV

Hearing Y/N’s words, feeling her belief in me, it made the darkness inside me seem just a little less overwhelming. I had been so caught up in the fear of losing control that I’d forgotten what it felt like to have someone by my side. Y/N wasn’t just a reminder of who I was—she was my reason to keep fighting.

I looked at her, really looked at her, and for the first time in a while, I allowed myself to feel something other than fear.

“Thank you,” I said, my voice quiet but sincere.

She smiled at me, and I could see the determination in her eyes. “We’re in this together, remember?”

I nodded, my heart swelling with a strange mix of gratitude and affection. Y/N had been with me through so much already, and I couldn’t let her down. I wouldn’t let the monster win. Not while she was here.

Before I could say anything else, the door swung open, and Jae-heon entered the room, his face serious.

“We need to talk,” he said, glancing between Y/N and me. “There’s something you both need to know.”

Y/N’s POV

Jae-heon’s expression was grim as he stood before us, his usual calm demeanor strained by something heavier.

“We’ve received word from the outside,” he began, his tone cautious. “There are people coming. Soldiers. They’re looking for survivors, but…”

“But?” Hyun-su asked, sitting up straighter.

Jae-heon took a deep breath. “But they’re also looking for infected.”

A cold chill ran down my spine. I knew what he was implying. Hyun-su was infected. Would they take him? Would they try to… kill him?

“They won’t understand,” Hyun-su said, his voice tense. “They’ll think I’m like the others.”

Jae-heon nodded slowly. “That’s the risk. If they find out…”

My mind raced. There had to be a way to protect Hyun-su, to keep him safe. “Can we hide him? When they come?”

Jae-heon shook his head. “They’ll be thorough. They’ll scan everyone, test for infections. It won’t be easy to hide something like this.”

I glanced at Hyun-su, my heart pounding. “Then what do we do?”

“We’ll figure something out,” Hyun-su said, his voice firm. “I won’t let them hurt anyone else because of me.”

I could see the determination in his eyes, but I couldn’t shake the fear that gnawed at me. Hyun-su had already been through so much—would he really have to face this threat too?

Cha Hyun-su’s POV

The thought of soldiers coming, of them possibly seeing me as a threat—it stirred something deep inside me. Anger, fear, frustration. But more than anything, I was worried about what it would mean for the others. I had always known I was walking a thin line, but this was something new. I couldn’t let them catch me, couldn’t let them decide I was just another monster to eliminate.

“We have to be ready,” I said, my voice hardening. “I’ll stay out of sight. If they don’t see me, maybe they won’t know.”

Jae-heon looked at me for a long moment before nodding. “We’ll do our best to keep you hidden. But we need to make sure the others are on board with this.”

I swallowed hard. That was the tricky part. Some of the survivors weren’t exactly… comfortable with me. They had accepted me, but only barely. If it came down to it, I wasn’t sure they’d risk their own safety to protect me.

“Do you think they’ll agree?” I asked.

Y/N placed her hand on my arm, her touch grounding me. “They will. I’ll talk to them.”

Y/N’s POV

I could see the fear flicker in Hyun-su’s eyes, the uncertainty of what might happen if the others turned against him. But I wouldn’t let that happen. Hyun-su had risked everything for us—he deserved to be protected.

“I’ll talk to them,” I repeated, standing up. “They’ll understand.”

Hyun-su didn’t say anything, but the gratitude in his eyes was clear. He trusted me, and that meant everything.

I found the others gathered in the common area, murmuring quietly among themselves. They had heard about the soldiers. They were afraid too.

“Everyone,” I said, stepping forward. “We need to talk.”

The room fell silent, all eyes turning toward me.

“I know you’ve all heard about the soldiers coming,” I began, my heart pounding in my chest. “They’re going to help us… but they’re also looking for infected.”

There was a murmur of unease, and I could see the tension rise in the group.

“And that means we need to protect Hyun-su,” I continued, my voice steady. “He’s not like the others. You all know that. He’s helped us—saved us more than once. We owe it to him to keep him safe.”

Some of the survivors exchanged uncertain glances, but no one spoke up. I could feel the weight of their fear, their hesitation. They were scared, and I understood that. But Hyun-su was one of us. He wasn’t a monster.

“Hyun-su has been fighting to stay in control,” I said, my voice growing more urgent. “He’s not a threat to us. He’s been protecting us. And now, it’s our turn to protect him.”

For a moment, no one said anything. The silence stretched on, heavy and tense. My heart raced, and I braced myself for the worst.

But then, finally, Jae-heon stepped forward.

“She’s right,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “Hyun-su is one of us. We’ll protect him.”

Slowly, one by one, the others nodded in agreement. Relief washed over me, and I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. They were on our side.

Cha Hyun-su’s POV

I watched from the doorway as Y/N stood before the group, speaking on my behalf. I could hear every word she said, and each one cut through the fog of doubt that had been clouding my mind.

She believed in me. More than that, she was fighting for me.

When Jae-heon finally backed her up, I felt something shift in the room. The others were still scared, but they were willing to protect me. I didn’t know if it would be enough when the soldiers came, but it was more than I had expected.

Y/N approached me after the meeting, her expression soft but determined. “We’ll figure this out,” she said quietly.

I nodded, feeling a strange mix of gratitude and guilt. I didn’t deserve this. I had put everyone in danger just by being here, and yet, they were willing to protect me.

“Thank you,” I said, my voice rough.

Y/N smiled, that warm, comforting smile that always made me feel like maybe everything would be okay. “You don’t have to thank me, Hyun-su. We’re in this together.”

For the first time in a long time, I felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, we could make it through this.

End of Chapter 8

Next | Previous

Chasing Stars

The city lights blurred past as I leaned against the tinted window of the car, my heartbeat racing in time with the thrum of the engine. Tonight was supposed to be a low-key date, just Jungkook and me sneaking away from the chaos of our lives as idols. But things never seemed to go as planned when it came to us.

“We’ve got a problem,” Jungkook muttered, glancing in the rearview mirror. His voice was calm, but I could sense the tension in his words. I turned my head, catching a glimpse of the paparazzi’s headlights flashing like unwanted fireworks behind us. They were relentless, as usual.

“Of course we do,” I sighed, a mix of frustration and amusement bubbling up. “We can’t catch a break, can we?”

Jungkook flashed me that trademark smirk, the one that made my knees weak even in the most stressful moments. “Wouldn’t be as fun if it was easy, right?” His hand found mine, fingers interlocking as if to remind me that we were in this together, no matter how many cameras tried to invade our little world.

I squeezed his hand back, feeling the warmth and strength that always calmed my nerves. “What’s the plan, genius?”

He glanced at me, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Hold on tight.”

Without another word, he made a sharp turn, the car swerving into a narrow alleyway that seemed to barely fit us. The paparazzi behind us hesitated, unsure if they could make the turn. Jungkook floored the gas, and we sped through the alley, the walls on either side a blur of graffiti and shadows.

“Seriously, do you have to make everything feel like a car chase in an action movie?” I laughed, the adrenaline making my voice pitch higher than usual.

Jungkook grinned, his eyes never leaving the road. “You love it. Besides, this is the only way we get any alone time.”

He wasn’t wrong. Between our hectic schedules, public scrutiny, and the constant pressure of being in the spotlight, moments like this were rare treasures. A secret rendezvous that felt like a rebellion against the rules of fame. And in these stolen moments, he wasn’t Jungkook of BTS, and I wasn’t a celebrity. We were just two people crazy about each other.

We finally lost the paparazzi, pulling into the underground garage of a luxury hotel where we had a private suite booked under a fake name. Jungkook parked the car, and for a second, we just sat there, catching our breath and laughing at the ridiculousness of it all.

“I think we deserve a medal for that,” I said, still half-laughing, half-breathless.

He leaned over, his face inches from mine, eyes dark and intense. “How about I just kiss you instead?”

Before I could respond, his lips were on mine, and every thought about the chase, the cameras, and the chaos faded away. It was just us, wrapped up in a kiss that felt like coming home. His hands slid to my waist, pulling me closer, and I could feel the smile on his lips as our kiss deepened.

“I missed this,” I whispered against his mouth, my fingers tangling in his hair. “I missed you.”

He pulled back slightly, resting his forehead against mine. “I missed you too. Every second.”

We stayed like that for a moment, just breathing each other in, savoring the peace that only came when we were together. Eventually, we pulled away and made our way up to the suite, keeping our heads low just in case. The suite was perfect—dim lighting, soft music playing, and an impressive view of the city skyline that shimmered against the night.

Jungkook walked over to the window, gazing out at the city below. “You know,” he said, his voice softer now, “sometimes I wonder what it would be like if we didn’t have to hide.”

I moved to stand beside him, our shoulders brushing. “It would be easier, that’s for sure. But then again, maybe it wouldn’t be as exciting.”

He turned to face me, his expression thoughtful yet teasing. “You think sneaking around with me is exciting, huh?”

I shrugged, trying to play it cool even though my heart was doing somersaults. “Let’s just say it keeps things interesting.”

Jungkook’s laugh was low and rich, sending a shiver down my spine. “Well, I’m glad I can keep you entertained,” he murmured, his hand finding its way to my cheek. He leaned in, his lips ghosting over mine. “Let’s make tonight count, then.”

And we did. For a few precious hours, we were free. We danced in the suite like no one was watching, shared stolen kisses, and whispered secrets under the soft glow of the city lights. We laughed until our sides hurt, teased each other about everything and nothing, and reveled in the simple joy of being together without the world watching.

As the night wore on, we ended up tangled on the couch, Jungkook’s arm around my shoulders and my head resting against his chest. The world outside continued to buzz and spin, but here, in this little bubble of stolen time, everything felt perfect.

“I don’t care how many times we have to run,” he said softly, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. “As long as I’m with you, it’s worth it.”

I smiled, snuggling closer. “Yeah,” I agreed, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath my ear. “It’s always worth it.”

And in that moment, I knew he was right. Because no matter how many twists and turns life threw at us, as long as we were together, we could face anything.