Chapter 3

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

A new morning, A new beginning

Title: A New Morning, A New Beginning

It had been a few weeks since you moved into your new apartment. Everything was finally settling down—except for one thing: your neighbor, Hisashi Uehara. The quiet, cool guy from school who had a knack for stealing everyone’s attention without even trying. Though you barely exchanged more than polite greetings, you couldn’t help but notice how different he was compared to his reserved exterior at school.

You often found yourselves crossing paths in the hallway or in front of the elevator. He was always polite, but distant. That morning, however, everything changed.

The morning sun crept through the small window of your kitchen as you prepared a simple breakfast. You were looking forward to a lazy Sunday when you heard a knock at your door. Confused, you made your way to answer it, not expecting anyone.

To your surprise, it was Uehara.

at your doorstep, his expression as unreadable as ever, but there was something different in his eyes today—an intensity, maybe even a hint of hesitation.

"Good morning," he said in his usual calm tone, though his hands were shoved awkwardly into his pockets. "Sorry to bother you so early."

You blinked, caught off guard. "Uehara? Um, good morning. Is everything okay?"

He glanced over his shoulder briefly, as if debating whether to stay or leave. "Yeah, I just... I need a favor."

Curiosity got the better of you, and you stepped aside, gesturing for him to come in. "Sure, come inside. What's going on?"

He entered, looking a bit out of place in your cozy apartment. For a moment, he stood there silently, then turned to face you, his serious expression softening ever so slightly.

"I—" He hesitated, scratching the back of his neck, clearly struggling to get the words out. "I’m... not great at this, but could you teach me how to cook something simple?"

You blinked again, surprised. Uehara—Hisashi Uehara—was asking you for help? You couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at your lips. "Cooking? Sure! But I didn’t expect you to ask me for that."

He shrugged, his usual indifference starting to crack as he looked a little embarrassed. "I keep burning everything I try to make, and I’ve kind of had enough. I just thought... you seem like you know what you're doing."

You felt a flutter of pride at his words, even if they were simple. "Alright, I’ll help you out. Let’s start with something easy—how about pancakes?"

He nodded, looking a bit relieved. You gathered the ingredients, and as the two of you stood side by side in the small kitchen, you couldn’t help but feel the shift in the atmosphere. Uehara wasn’t as distant as he usually was. In fact, he was... almost comfortable.

As you instructed him on how to mix the batter, your hands brushed against his more than once. Every time, a small spark seemed to pass between you. You glanced up at him, catching the faintest hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips as he focused on the task.

"You’re actually pretty good at this," you teased, watching him carefully flip a pancake in the pan.

He smirked, finally letting his guard down a little. "I’ve got a good teacher."

Your heart skipped a beat at his compliment. There was something about the way he said it—so sincere, so different from his usual nonchalant self.

After a few more pancakes, you both sat down to eat. The conversation flowed more naturally now, and you found yourself laughing at his dry humor, a side of him you hadn’t seen before.

When breakfast was over, Uehara helped you clean up, and as he dried the last dish, he suddenly turned to face you, his expression serious again.

"Thanks for this," he said, his voice quieter than before. "I didn’t just come here because I needed help cooking."

You looked at him, confused. "What do you mean?"

He hesitated, his eyes locking with yours for a moment before he spoke again. "I... like spending time with you. It’s different. You’re... different."

Your breath caught in your throat. His words were simple, but the way he said them carried a weight that made your heart race. Before you could respond, he took a small step closer, his gaze softening.

"I don’t know what this is," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I know I don’t want it to stop."

You felt the warmth of his words wash over you, and in that moment, you realized that you felt the same. Being around Uehara, getting to see this side of him, made you want more too.

"I don’t want it to stop either," you said softly, your eyes never leaving his.

A small, genuine smile tugged at his lips—something so rare that it made your heart flutter. Without another word, he closed the distance between you, his hand gently brushing against yours as if testing the waters. When you didn’t pull away, he intertwined his fingers with yours, the simple gesture speaking louder than any words could.

From that day on, everything changed between you and Uehara. Mornings weren’t just mornings anymore—they were filled with shared breakfasts, soft smiles, and the unspoken understanding that something new had begun between you. Something that neither of you could ignore.

And as you stood there, hand in hand with Hisashi Uehara, you realized that this was just the beginning of something far more beautiful than you ever expected.

End

Chapter 7

Title: Beneath the Surface

Chapter 7: Shattered Hope

Y/N’s POV

Hours passed since Hyun-su lured the monsters away from the rooftop. We hadn’t heard anything from him yet. The air was thick with tension, and everyone was restless, waiting for something to happen. Every minute that ticked by felt like an eternity.

I kept glancing at the door, praying that he’d come through it any second now. The thought of him out there, alone, risking his life, gnawed at me. I hated this helplessness. All I could do was wait.

Jae-heon moved around, talking quietly with the other survivors, discussing what our next move would be. He was trying to keep everyone calm, but I could see the fear in his eyes too. We were running out of time, and the monsters were getting more aggressive.

“Y/N,” Jae-heon said, snapping me out of my thoughts. “Are you okay?”

I nodded, though the tightness in my chest didn’t loosen. “I’m fine. Just… worried.”

Jae-heon placed a hand on my shoulder, his expression softening. “He’ll come back. Hyun-su is strong.”

I wanted to believe him. But a part of me was terrified that I wouldn’t see Hyun-su again. That thought made my heart ache.

“I know he’s strong,” I whispered, my voice shaky. “But this is… this is different.”

Jae-heon didn’t argue. He just gave me a reassuring look and moved to help the others with reinforcing the barricades.

I hugged my knees to my chest, sitting on the cold floor, my mind racing. What if something had gone wrong? What if Hyun-su—

Before I could finish the thought, the door burst open, and Hyun-su staggered inside.

Cha Hyun-su’s POV

Every muscle in my body screamed in pain as I stumbled into the room, the adrenaline finally wearing off. I had managed to lead the monsters away, but barely. The whole time, I could feel the transformation inside me fighting to take over. I had to push it back, to stay in control.

But now, I was completely drained.

The room fell silent as I entered, everyone’s eyes on me. But the only person I cared about seeing was Y/N.

She was on her feet in an instant, rushing toward me. The relief in her eyes almost broke me. I’d never wanted to let her down, never wanted her to see me like this—weak, exhausted, barely holding on.

“Hyun-su!” Y/N’s voice was full of emotion as she reached me, her hands gently gripping my arms. “Are you okay?”

I nodded, though my legs felt like they might give out at any second. “I’m fine,” I lied, trying to steady my breathing.

“You look awful,” she said softly, her brow furrowed in concern.

I wanted to reassure her, to tell her I was okay. But I couldn’t find the words. The truth was, I wasn’t okay. The monster inside me was getting stronger, and I didn’t know how much longer I could keep it at bay.

But I couldn’t tell her that. I couldn’t let her see how scared I really was.

“I’m fine,” I repeated, forcing a small smile.

Y/N didn’t look convinced, but she didn’t press the issue. Instead, she wrapped her arms around me, pulling me into a hug. For a moment, everything else faded away. The fear, the pain, the constant threat of death—it all disappeared as I held her.

“I was so worried about you,” she whispered against my chest.

“I know,” I murmured, resting my chin on her head. “But I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”

Y/N’s POV

I didn’t want to let go of him. Not after everything that had happened. Holding Hyun-su like this, feeling his warmth, it made me forget, just for a moment, the hell we were living in.

But we couldn’t stay like this forever. Reluctantly, I pulled back, though my hands lingered on his arms. His face was pale, and I could see the exhaustion in his eyes. He wasn’t telling me everything, but I didn’t want to push him. Not now.

Jae-heon approached us, his expression grim. “Hyun-su, we need to talk. There’s something… something else.”

Hyun-su nodded, his jaw clenched. “What is it?”

Jae-heon hesitated, glancing at the others before speaking. “We’ve found another survivor. Someone… infected, like you.”

My heart skipped a beat. Another person like Hyun-su? Was that even possible?

“Where are they?” Hyun-su asked, his voice tense.

“Downstairs, in the basement. We locked them up for now. But they’re different. More aggressive.”

I saw Hyun-su’s expression harden. The fear I’d seen in his eyes earlier was back. Whatever this meant, it wasn’t good.

“I’ll go see them,” Hyun-su said, determination in his voice.

“No!” I blurted out, grabbing his arm. “You just got back. You need to rest. Let someone else—”

“I have to do this,” he interrupted, his tone gentle but firm. “I need to know if… if I’m going to end up like them.”

The words hung heavy in the air. I didn’t want to think about that possibility—Hyun-su turning into one of those creatures, losing himself completely. But I could see the fear in his eyes. He was worried too.

“Then I’m coming with you,” I said firmly.

Hyun-su looked like he was about to argue, but then he sighed, nodding. “Okay. But stay close to me.”

Cha Hyun-su’s POV

We made our way to the basement, the tension thick between us. Y/N was silent, but I could feel her worry radiating off her. I didn’t blame her. I was scared too—scared of what I might see, of what it might mean for me.

The basement was dark and cold, the air damp and heavy. As we approached the locked door, I could hear something moving inside—scraping, low growls, the sound of something inhuman.

Jae-heon unlocked the door, and the sound grew louder. My heart pounded in my chest as we stepped inside.

The creature inside wasn’t fully transformed yet. It was still human… mostly. But its eyes were wild, filled with rage and fear. It snarled as it saw us, its body twitching with every movement.

I swallowed hard, my stomach churning. This could be me. This could be what I turn into.

“Hyun-su…” Y/N’s voice was soft, but I could hear the fear in it.

I forced myself to look at the creature, to study it. It was losing itself, the human part of it slipping away. I could feel the monster inside me stirring, as if it was trying to take control, to break free.

But I wasn’t going to let it. I couldn’t.

“This is what you’re fighting against,” Jae-heon said quietly. “You have to stay in control, Hyun-su. For all of us.”

I nodded, clenching my fists. “I won’t let this happen to me.”

Y/N’s POV

I watched Hyun-su as he stared at the creature, his expression tense and conflicted. I could only imagine what was going through his mind. Seeing that thing—it must have felt like looking at his own worst nightmare.

But I knew Hyun-su. He was stronger than that. He wouldn’t let this thing take over him. I believed in him, even if he didn’t fully believe in himself.

“We should go,” I said softly, reaching for his hand.

Hyun-su didn’t move for a moment, his gaze still locked on the creature. But then, slowly, he turned and took my hand, his grip tight. “Yeah,” he muttered. “Let’s go.”

As we left the basement, I couldn’t help but glance back at the creature one last time. I hated it. Not just because it was a monster, but because it represented everything I feared for Hyun-su.

But I wouldn’t let it win. I wouldn’t let the fear consume me.

We walked back up the stairs in silence, but I didn’t let go of Hyun-su’s hand. Whatever happened, whatever came next, we would face it together.

Cha Hyun-su’s POV

Y/N’s hand in mine was the only thing keeping me grounded. The monster inside me was still there, lurking beneath the surface, but I was determined to fight it. For her. For everyone.

As we reached the top of the stairs, Jae-heon gave me a reassuring nod. “We’ll figure this out, Hyun-su. You’re not alone in this.”

I nodded, though I wasn’t sure how much longer I could hold on. But Y/N’s presence gave me hope. As long as she was by my side, I had something to fight for.

“We’ll get through this,” I said quietly, looking at Y/N.

She smiled, though I could see the worry still lingering in her eyes. “We will.”

And for the first time in a long

time, I allowed myself to believe that.

End of Chapter 7

Next | Previous

Desperate measures

Title: Desperate Measures

Y/N’s POV

The air inside the base was stifling. Every day seemed to drag on, the threat of monsters lurking outside and the tension among the survivors gnawing at my nerves. I knew Kang Seok-chan didn’t trust many people, least of all me, but in a world like this, trust was a luxury few could afford.

Seok-chan was always one of the strongest among us, not just physically but mentally. He kept his distance, rarely showing any emotions. But I had caught glimpses of him watching over the group, his eyes calculating, always planning.

Lately, though, the pressure had been mounting. Resources were running low, and arguments between the survivors were becoming more frequent. It was only a matter of time before something snapped.

And that’s exactly what happened tonight.

A fight broke out between two of the residents over a measly can of food, and that’s when I decided I needed a break from it all. The chaos, the fear, the constant threat of death—I just needed to clear my head. I thought about sneaking out quietly, slipping past the guards, just to get some fresh air.

So I did.

The night was cold, the wind biting at my skin as I moved through the ruins outside the base. I hadn’t gone far, just far enough to escape the noise. But the dark streets carried their own dangers. The sounds of monsters echoed faintly in the distance, sending a shiver down my spine.

I had promised myself I wouldn’t be out for long, that I’d head back before anyone even noticed I was gone. But, deep down, I knew this was reckless. I just didn’t care at that moment.

Kang Seok-chan’s POV

"Where is she?"

The words left my mouth, cold and controlled, but the rising panic underneath my calm exterior was impossible to ignore.

I stood in the main hall, my eyes narrowing as the residents fidgeted nervously. They didn’t have to say anything; I could already sense something was wrong.

One of the residents stepped forward cautiously. "Y/N… she’s not here."

I cursed under my breath. I had been keeping an eye on you, always from a distance, always making sure you stayed safe. This world was too dangerous to take unnecessary risks, and you had just gone and done exactly that.

"How long?" I asked sharply, trying to rein in the frustration building in my chest.

"A while," they answered nervously. "No one saw her leave."

Of course, no one had seen you leave. You were good at slipping away, even when I thought I was watching you closely. But now, you were out there, alone, with monsters prowling the streets. And I couldn’t let that slide.

Without wasting any more time, I grabbed my gear, not bothering to explain myself to anyone. They knew better than to question me when I had that look in my eyes. I was going after you, and I’d bring you back.

Y/N’s POV

I didn’t go far—at least, that’s what I told myself. But the further I walked, the more disoriented I became. The streets all looked the same, the crumbling buildings casting long shadows in the moonlight.

I felt a chill run down my spine, and not from the cold. There was something out there, lurking just out of sight. I could feel it.

The sudden snap of a twig behind me made my blood run cold. My heart leaped into my throat as I spun around, my breath catching in my chest. For a moment, I saw nothing but darkness, but then my eyes adjusted. In the distance, barely visible, a monstrous figure moved, its grotesque body shifting unnaturally in the dim light.

Panic surged through me, and I did the only thing I could think of—I ran.

The streets blurred as I sprinted, my footsteps echoing through the empty city. I didn’t know where I was going; I just knew I had to get away. My lungs burned, my legs ached, but the sound of the monster’s growls behind me kept me moving.

Suddenly, I stumbled over a piece of rubble, crashing to the ground. Pain shot through my ankle, but I bit back the scream threatening to escape my throat. I had to stay quiet. If I made too much noise, it would find me.

I scrambled to my feet, limping forward, the sound of my heartbeat loud in my ears. I had to keep moving. I couldn’t stay here.

Kang Seok-chan’s POV

I moved through the streets with purpose, my eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of you. Every noise, every distant growl set me on edge, but I pushed it aside. The only thing that mattered was finding you and getting you back to the base.

Why did you always have to make things so difficult? I wasn’t blind to the way you felt trapped inside those walls. I had seen it in your eyes, the way you looked out at the world beyond, like you were craving some kind of escape. But this wasn’t the time for that. Not in a world like this.

A part of me was furious with you. Furious that you had put yourself in danger, that you had made me feel like this—worried, scared, angry. I wasn’t supposed to care this much. I had sworn not to let anyone in, not after everything that had happened.

But here I was, running through the streets, trying to save you.

As I rounded the corner, I spotted something in the distance—movement. My heart raced, and I crouched low, my grip tightening on the weapon in my hands. For a moment, I thought it might be one of the monsters, but then I saw you.

You were limping, your face pale with fear, your eyes darting around as you struggled to move forward.

I felt a surge of relief so intense it almost knocked me off balance. But that relief was short-lived when I noticed what was following you—a monster, its grotesque form closing in fast.

Without thinking, I ran.

Y/N’s POV

The growls were getting louder. I could feel the monster getting closer, the terror building inside me with every step. I was trying to move faster, but the pain in my ankle was too much.

Just as I thought it was over, a figure appeared out of nowhere.

"Kang Seok-chan?"

He moved so fast, his presence so commanding, that I could hardly process it. One moment, I was on the verge of being caught, and the next, he was there, his weapon raised, his expression hard and determined.

The monster lunged at him, but Seok-chan didn’t flinch. With a swift, practiced motion, he struck, taking it down with brutal efficiency. It fell to the ground with a sickening thud, and the world around me went silent.

For a moment, I just stared, my breath coming in ragged gasps, my mind trying to catch up with what had just happened. Then Seok-chan turned to me, his eyes blazing with fury.

"What the hell were you thinking?"

I opened my mouth to respond, but the words wouldn’t come. I had no excuse, no explanation that could justify what I had done. I had put myself in danger, and worse, I had dragged him into it.

"I—" I started, but he cut me off, his voice low and dangerous.

"You could have been killed." He stepped closer, his eyes locking with mine. "Do you even realize how close that was?"

His words hit me like a punch to the gut, and I couldn’t hold back the tears that welled up in my eyes. "I’m sorry," I whispered. "I didn’t mean to—"

"Save it," he snapped, his voice cold. "We’re getting out of here. Now."

Kang Seok-chan’s POV

You were crying. I hated it. I hated seeing you like this—scared, vulnerable. But more than that, I hated the way it made me feel.

I was supposed to be angry. I was supposed to be furious with you for leaving the base, for putting yourself in danger. But all I could think about was how terrified you looked, how close you had come to dying.

I wanted to yell at you, to tell you how reckless you had been. But instead, I found myself reaching out, pulling you into my arms.

You didn’t resist. You just stood there, trembling, your face pressed against my chest. I could feel your heartbeat, fast and unsteady, and it took everything in me not to lose my composure.

"Don’t ever do that again," I whispered, my voice harsh but soft at the same time. "I can’t protect you if you keep running off like this."

You nodded against my chest, your hands clutching at my shirt like you were afraid I’d disappear. "I won’t," you whispered back, your voice barely audible. "I promise."

For a moment, we just stood there, the world around us fading into the background. It was only the two of us, standing in the middle of the ruined city, holding onto each other like it was the only thing keeping us alive.

Then, slowly, I let you go.

"Come on," I said, my voice rough as I tried to regain control of my emotions. "We need to get back to the base before

Chapter 9

Title: At the Edge of the Abyss

Chapter 9: Unbreakable Bonds

Y/N’s POV

The atmosphere in Green Home was thick with dread. After Jae-heon’s announcement about the soldiers and our decision to hide Hyun-su, everyone was on edge. The plan was risky, but it was our only option. No one knew exactly when the soldiers would arrive, but it felt like the clock was ticking.

Hyun-su had been quiet since the meeting. He wasn’t the type to show his emotions openly, but I could see the fear and doubt lingering behind his eyes. He was carrying the weight of everything—his own transformation, the survival of everyone in the building, and now, the looming threat of the soldiers.

I wasn’t going to let him face this alone.

As the night fell, I found him on the rooftop, leaning against the railing and staring out at the wrecked city below. His shoulders were tense, his hands clenched into fists as if he was trying to hold onto the last bits of his humanity.

“Hyun-su,” I said softly as I approached, careful not to startle him.

He glanced at me, a tired smile tugging at his lips. “Can’t sleep?”

I shook my head. “Not with everything going on.”

He nodded, his gaze drifting back to the horizon. “Me neither.”

I stepped closer, standing next to him and looking out at the devastation. The city, once so full of life, was now just a crumbling reminder of the world we’d lost. But up here, on this rooftop, it almost felt peaceful—like the chaos was far away, even though I knew it was creeping closer with every second.

“How are you feeling?” I asked, my voice quiet but full of concern.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t know. I feel like… like I’m losing control. Every time I close my eyes, I see that creature we locked up in the basement. And I wonder… how much time do I have left before I turn into something like that?”

My heart ached hearing the pain in his voice. I wished I could take that fear away from him, make him see that he wasn’t alone in this. But I knew how hard it was for him. Hyun-su had been fighting against his own body for so long, and the pressure was only getting worse.

“You’re not going to turn into that,” I said firmly, reaching out to place my hand over his. “You’re stronger than that, Hyun-su. You’ve been fighting this thing from the start, and you’re still you. That’s not going to change.”

He looked down at our hands, his thumb brushing gently over mine. “What if I can’t control it anymore? What if… what if I hurt you?”

“You won’t,” I said, my voice steady. “I know you won’t.”

He was silent for a long moment, and when he finally spoke, his voice was low and filled with uncertainty. “I don’t deserve your trust, Y/N. I’m dangerous. I’m a monster.”

“No, you’re not,” I said, my grip on his hand tightening. “You’re not a monster. You’re the person who saved us—who saved me. You’re the reason we’re still alive.”

He turned to face me then, his eyes filled with so much emotion that it made my heart clench. “You don’t know how much that means to me,” he whispered.

I smiled, leaning in just a little closer, my voice soft. “I do. Because you mean everything to me, Hyun-su.”

The tension between us seemed to shift, turning into something deeper, something more intimate. For a brief moment, the chaos of the world around us faded into the background, and all I could think about was the boy standing in front of me—the one who had risked everything for me, for us.

Slowly, cautiously, I reached up and cupped his cheek, my thumb brushing against his skin. He leaned into my touch, his eyes closing for just a second, as if he was trying to hold onto this moment, to ground himself in the warmth of my hand.

When he opened his eyes again, there was a vulnerability there that I hadn’t seen before. “I don’t know what I’d do without you, Y/N,” he murmured, his voice barely audible.

“You won’t ever have to find out,” I replied, my heart pounding in my chest. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Cha Hyun-su’s POV

Y/N’s words hit me harder than I expected. I had been so used to being alone, to carrying the weight of everything by myself. But she wasn’t going to let me do that anymore. She was here, standing by my side, no matter how dangerous or uncertain things were.

For the first time in a long time, I felt like I wasn’t fighting this battle alone.

I swallowed hard, my throat tight with emotion. I had never been good at expressing how I felt, especially in moments like this. But Y/N was different. She had a way of seeing through the walls I put up, of understanding me even when I couldn’t find the words.

“I don’t want to lose you,” I whispered, the fear I had been trying to push down finally bubbling to the surface. “I don’t want you to see me… like that.”

“You won’t lose me,” she said, her voice strong, filled with that quiet confidence that always made me feel like maybe, just maybe, things would be okay. “No matter what happens, I’m staying with you.”

I didn’t deserve her. I didn’t deserve any of this—the trust, the hope, the love that she was offering me. But I wanted to. I wanted to be someone she could rely on, someone who was worthy of her faith.

“Y/N,” I started, but before I could finish, the sound of footsteps echoed from behind us, breaking the moment.

We both turned to see Jae-heon standing at the entrance to the rooftop, his expression grim.

“They’re here,” he said, his voice laced with urgency. “The soldiers. They’ve arrived.”

Y/N’s POV

A cold wave of fear washed over me at Jae-heon’s words. The soldiers. They were here already. We weren’t ready. We hadn’t even had a chance to figure out where to hide Hyun-su, how to protect him from being discovered.

Hyun-su’s hand tightened around mine as we exchanged a quick glance. His eyes were filled with determination, but I could also see the fear lurking beneath the surface. He was trying to stay calm, but I knew he was terrified of what might happen if the soldiers found out what he was.

“We need to move,” Jae-heon said, his voice low but urgent. “They’re searching the building, room by room. We don’t have much time.”

My heart raced as I looked around the rooftop, searching for any possible hiding spots. But there was nothing. We were completely exposed up here.

“What do we do?” I asked, my voice trembling slightly despite my efforts to stay calm.

Jae-heon frowned, thinking quickly. “There’s a storage room on the lower floors—somewhere out of the way. It might buy us some time. But we need to go now.”

Hyun-su nodded, his jaw clenched. “Lead the way.”

We hurried down the stairwell, our footsteps echoing in the dark, narrow space. My mind was racing, trying to figure out how we were going to get through this. The soldiers were trained to find infected—they wouldn’t just pass Hyun-su by. But we couldn’t give up. We had to find a way to protect him.

As we reached the lower floors, Jae-heon gestured toward a small door at the end of the hallway. “In there,” he said, his voice hushed. “It’s not much, but it’s the best we’ve got right now.”

Hyun-su stepped forward, his eyes scanning the area. “Y/N, you stay here with the others. I’ll hide inside.”

“No,” I said immediately, shaking my head. “I’m not leaving you.”

“Y/N—”

“I’m not,” I repeated, cutting him off. “I’m staying with you.”

He stared at me for a moment, his expression conflicted. But he didn’t argue. Instead, he nodded, his shoulders sagging slightly in defeat.

Cha Hyun-su’s POV

There was no point in trying to change Y/N’s mind. She had made it clear that she wasn’t going to leave me, no matter how dangerous things got. A part of me was relieved—having her by my side made everything feel just a little less overwhelming. But another part of me was terrified. What if something happened to her because of me?

We slipped inside the storage room, the dim light barely illuminating the small, cramped space. There were old shelves lined with broken equipment, dusty boxes piled up in the corners. It wasn’t much, but it would have to do.

Y/N and I crouched behind a stack of boxes, our breathing shallow as we listened for any signs of movement outside.

Minutes passed. Then more. The silence was suffocating.

But then, the unmistakable sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway.

My heart pounded

in my chest as I held my breath, praying that the soldiers wouldn’t come this way. Y/N’s hand found mine in the dark, and I squeezed it tightly, drawing strength from her presence.

The footsteps grew louder, closer. My body tensed, every muscle coiled, ready to react if I had to. If they found us…

The door creaked open.

I froze, my blood turning to ice as the beam of a flashlight swept across the room.

They were here.

I could feel Y/N trembling next to me, but she didn’t make a sound. We both stayed perfectly still, hidden behind the boxes, hoping that the soldiers wouldn’t check too thoroughly.

The light passed over us once, then twice. I held my breath, waiting for the inevitable.

But then, the light disappeared, and the footsteps retreated.

The door closed.

I exhaled slowly, the tension draining from my body as the danger passed. We weren’t safe yet, but at least for now, we had avoided detection.

Y/N leaned against me, her forehead resting against my shoulder as she let out a shaky breath. “That was too close,” she whispered.

I nodded, my heart still racing. “Yeah.”

For a long moment, neither of us spoke. We just sat there, our hands still entwined, the adrenaline slowly fading.

“We’ll get through this,” Y/N said quietly, her voice filled with a quiet determination. “We’ll find a way.”

I glanced down at her, my heart swelling with gratitude and something else—something deeper that I hadn’t let myself acknowledge until now.

“I know we will,” I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

End of Chapter 9

Next | Previous

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