Sae Joon Hyun rose from his crouch in one fluid, unhurried motion, the muscles in his back protesting only slightly. He brushed a bit of dust from his jacket sleeve, a calm, almost ritualistic gesture. His eyes, sharp and assessing, swept over the group huddled in the dim light of the base before he extended a hand down to In-Ha.

"Up you get," he said, his voice a low rumble. He pulled the other man to his feet with an effortless strength that belied his lean frame.

Nearby, Yuri's attention was solely on Eunhye. She reached out, not with a casual gesture, but with a deep, sudden need, pulling the other woman into a fierce, bone-crushing hug. Eunhye stiffened for a half-second, surprised, before her arms came up to wrap just as tightly around Yuri. They stood like that for a long moment, a silent conversation passing between them—fear, hope, a desperate 'please come back to me.'

Yuri was the first to pull away, her hands lingering on Eunhye's shoulders. She forced a bright, wobbly smile onto her face. "You take care of yourself in there, you hear me?" she said, her voice thick with emotion she was trying desperately to mask.

Eunhye managed a small, reassuring smile in return. "Always do."

A blur of motion caught their eye. Hailey, a burst of relentless energy even in the face of doom, practically launched herself into the open door of the jeep. There was a brief rustling sound before she popped back out, a heavy-looking canvas bag clutched in her hands. She marched straight over to Yon and thrust it at him.

"Here. Don't say I never gave you anything," she said, her trademark grin firmly in place, though it didn't quite erase the worry in her eyes. She gave a sharp, enthusiastic thumbs-up. "Go get 'em. And try not to die, it's really inconvenient."

Yon took the bag, hefting its weight. He and Eugene exchanged a look—a mix of grim determination and gratitude for the supplies, and for the attempt at levity. "We'll do our best," Yon replied, his voice dry.

With the final preparations complete, Sae Joon Hyun moved with purpose to the bus, sliding into the driver's seat. The familiar position seemed to settle something in him; his posture straightened, his hands resting on the wheel with a resolute certainty. The rest of the team filed in after him, the low murmur of their voices fading as the doors swung shut with a heavy, metallic clang.

Outside, Yohan got to work. He grabbed a sheet of corrugated metal, the sound screeching against the concrete floor. He held it up against one of the bus windows.

Zera watched him, her head tilted, a curious frown on her face. "What's all this for?" she asked, her voice cutting through the rasp of metal.

Yohan didn't pause, positioning a nail. "Because glass breaks," he said, his voice matter-of-fact. He brought the hammer down with a sharp *CRACK*. "Those things get a whiff of us in here, they'll throw themselves at it. This'll hold longer. Gives us time." *CRACK.*

Zera processed this, her eyes narrowing. "Huh. Good idea, I guess," she conceded, a flicker of respect in her tone.

Yohan gave a half-shrug, lining up another nail. "Wasn't mine. Yunha thought of it."

"Yunha?" Zera's eyebrow quirked up. "Really?"

"Mmhmm." *CRACK.* "Where'd you find this stuff, anyway? Scavenge it?"

"Nope. Hailey." *CRACK.* "Said it was in the emergency kits back at the main base. Guess someone was prepped for a war."

"Lucky us," Zera murmured, watching him secure the last sheet, transforming the bus into a rolling metal fortress.

"Lucky us," Yohan echoed, stepping back to survey his handiwork with a satisfied nod.

Inside the armored bus, Sae Joon Hyun turned the key. The engine roared to life, a deafening beast in the enclosed space. The great doors of the base groaned open, revealing the washed-out, grey light of early morning. The bus began to roll forward, crossing the threshold from relative safety into the vast, unknown danger of the open road to Jeonju.

Jaeyeon stood watching until the doors boomed shut again, sealing them in. The silence they left behind was somehow louder and more profound than before.

Yuri's voice, small and uncertain, broke it. "What do we do now? Until they come back?"

Jaeyeon didn't turn around. He just stared at the sealed doors for a long moment before letting out a long, weary sigh. He walked a few steps and simply let himself flop onto the cold floor, pulling his knees up to his chest. "I don't know," he mumbled into his knees.

The silence stretched, thick and uncomfortable.

Zera, ever the pragmatist, clapped her hands together, the sound making everyone jump. "Alright! So! Do we study the zombies or clear the surrounding areas? Gotta keep busy!"

Jaeyeon lifted his head just enough to glare at her from under his brow. "We can't *study* them," he said, his voice flat and tired. "We need Miss In-Ha for that. She's the brains. We're just... the muscle. And the bait."

"Okay, fine," Zera said, undeterred. "Then we clear the area! Secure the perimeter!"

"I don't *know*!" Jaeyeon's frustration finally boiled over. He shoved himself up onto his elbows. "Why are we even doing any of this, huh? What's the point? The military is coming! They're supposed to be saving everyone! So why are *we* still out here risking our necks? Why did *they* just leave?" He gestured wildly toward the door, his voice rising with a raw, bewildered anger that had been building for days.

Zera opened her mouth, then closed it, having no answer.

Jaeyeon saw it and deflated, all the fight going out of him. He waved a dismissive hand. "Forget it. Just... forget it. I'm done. I want to sleep. Good day." He rolled over, turning his back on all of them, and pulled his thin blanket over his head, seeking a oblivion that wouldn't come.

***

**[Day Thirteen - Bus to Andong]**

The rumble of the bus engine was a constant drone. Minji glanced over at Charyeong, a playful smirk on her face. "Hey, Charyeong. Tell me the truth. Can you actually drive this thing?"

Charyeong shook her head, a reluctant smile playing on her lips. "I really, *really* don't think you should let me drive."

"Why not?" Minji pressed, leaning in. "How bad could it be?"

Charyeong winced at the memory. "The one time I tried driving with my dad... I kind of... knocked over a vending machine."

Minji's eyes went wide. She blinked. Then a snort escaped her, followed by a full-blown laugh. "You *what*? You knocked over a vending machine? How do you even *do* that?"

"It was an accident!" Charyeong protested, her cheeks flushing. "I mistook the gas for the brake! It wasn't a good experience, okay?"

Minji was still chuckling, wiping a tear from her eye. "Well, noted. No driving for you. I need to help Young in the back with the weapon inventory anyway."

"Then let Jay or Ji Hoon drive," Charyeong suggested, eager to pass the buck.

Jay, who had been half-dozing, cracked one eye open. "I don't know how to drive, stupid," he said lightly, reaching over to give her a soft slap on the back of the head.

Charyeong groaned, slumping in her seat. "Great. Just great. So we're all doomed, is that it?"

Minji laughed again. "Alright, so Ji Hoon? You're up."

Ji Hoon shook his head, a sheepish look on his face. "Can't. Never learned. And come on, Charyeong, how hard can it be? You've already got experience!" he teased.

Charyeong crossed her arms, mock-offended. "Sure. For you. I *exploded a vending machine*! What more do you people want from me?!"

Ji Hoon's grin widened. "I don't know... maybe explode some zombies next? Upgrade your targets?"

Charyeong sighed dramatically. "Sheesh. Figures that's what you'd say."

Minji finally caught her breath. "Alright, alright, I'll drive. But if I see a vending machine, I'm aiming for it, and it's going on your permanent record, Charyeong."

***

**[Day Thirteen - Bus to Jeonju]**

Sae Joon Hyun guided the bus to a smooth stop on the side of the desolate road. The engine ticked as it cooled. "Let's rest here," he announced, his voice cutting through the tense silence. "Fifteen minutes. Stretch your legs, but stay sharp. Keep your eyes open." The group filed out, grateful for the chance to move their stiff limbs, their eyes constantly scanning the shadows.

***

**[Day Fourteen - Bus to Andong]**

Minji guided the bus to a halt right in the middle of an empty intersection. The silence outside was absolute, and therefore, deeply unnerving.

"Last drive, everyone. We are here~" she announced, trying to inject some cheer into her voice, but it fell flat. Her heart was a frantic drum against her ribs. She killed the engine, and the resulting silence was a physical weight. Every small sound—the creak of the seats, their own breathing—seemed amplified.

She remembered Eunhye's voice from the other bus, playful and wheedling.

*"Sae Joon Hyun~~"*

*"What? What is it now?"*

*"Isn't half an hour per day too little? Let's make it one hour per day, yeah?"*

*"No."*

*"Come on~~ please~~"*

*"Ugh! Fine, fine! Just.. just stop that cute thing whatever! Sheesh."*

"And that's why we reached so soon..." Minji muttered to herself, a ghost of a smile on her face. She shook her head, following the others as they spilled out of the bus onto the cracked asphalt. They moved as a unit, a cluster of nervous energy in the overwhelming stillness.

Minji's eyes landed on a small, seemingly intact house a little way down the street. She quickened her pace to catch up to Young, tapping him on the shoulder. "It's midnight. We're safe, right?" she said, her voice hopeful.

He didn't turn around, his gaze still sweeping the dark windows of the surrounding buildings. "Doesn't hurt to be cautious," he muttered back, his voice low and tense.

Minji shrugged, adjusting the strap of her bag nervously.

Jay sidled up to them, Ji Hoon and Charyeong right behind him. "Me, Ji-Hoon and Charyeong will check this place out," he whispered, jerking his head toward the house. "You guys go ahead."

Young finally turned, his expression concerned. "I should stay with you. At least one adult should—"

"We'll be *fine*," Jay interrupted, his whisper firm. "Come on. We can handle a house."

Defeated, Young gave a tight nod. "Yell if you need anything. Anything at all." He turned and moved off down the street, Minji casting one last worried glance at the three students before scurrying after him.

The three teenagers approached the house, their footsteps unnervingly loud on the quiet street. As they drew nearer, a light that had been glowing faintly behind a window was suddenly extinguished, the curtain drawn shut with a quick, sharp flick.

They froze, exchanging a look of confusion and heightened alertness.

Charyeong, ever the most straightforward, shook off her hesitation. She stepped right up to the front door and knocked—three firm, clear raps that echoed in the dead air.

Nothing.

"Maybe no one's home," Jay whispered, his hand tightening on the pipe he carried.

"They just closed the blinds, Jay," Charyeong whispered back, her eyes fixed on the door.

Suddenly, from inside, a loud BANG echoed, like a heavy piece of furniture being knocked over. They all jumped.

"H-hey!" Charyeong called out, her voice trembling just slightly. "We're not here to cause trouble! We just... we have a question!"

A long pause. Then, a harsh, raspy voice from the other side of the door: "What do you want?"

Charyeong took a steadying breath. "Uhm.. did the rescue operation begin in Andong? The military one?"

The sound of a bolt being thrown back. The door swung open so suddenly Charyeong had to take a step back.

A man stood there, middle-aged, with a gaunt face and stained brown clothes. He looked them up and down with a deeply displeased expression, his eyes lingering on Charyeong. "What rescue operation?" he grunted.

"Ah. Hello, sir. I'm Charyeong. The military started a mission to save people, we heard it on the news—"

"How do you know about that?" he interrupted, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. "You don't sound like you're from around here."

"Oh. Yeah. Uhm.. we're from Seoul. We saw it on the television before... before everything went down."

"Seoul, huh." The man's eyes gleamed with a strange light. "The news, you say?"

"Yes. They said they'd start in Gyeryong. We thought they must be moving to the next least populated city by now..."

"I see, I see." The man's demeanor shifted, a false warmth seeping into his voice. It was oily, unnatural. "Are you a student?"

"Uh, yeah. So... uhm.. did the mission start here?"

"What do you think?" he said, a slow smile spreading across his face that didn't reach his eyes.

Charyeong's hope deflated. "...Guess not?"

"Right. I wouldn't be holed up in this shithole otherwise." He leaned against the doorframe, his gaze sweeping over her again. "Are there other people in there with you?"

"Hm. Yeah. Three other fellas."

"I see. Well... stay safe, then, sir."

"Sure, thanks." The man's smile widened. It was a predator's smile. "Uhm... By the way..."

"Yes?"

"I apologize for being rude earlier. My friends... they want to make some tea for you. For your trouble. Do you mind coming in for a bit? Just to warm up." His light blue eyes were fixed on her, unblinking.

Ji Hoon's hand shot out, clamping down on Charyeong's shoulder. "Thank you, but we'll be on our way, sir," he said, his voice cold and firm.

Charyeong looked at him, surprised. "Ji Hoon! He's just being polite."

"Sure. I said 'thank you'." His grip on her shoulder tightened. "Let's go. Now."

"But—"

"Hey, wait." The man's hand moved like a snake, wrapping around Charyeong's wrist. He yanked her forward, pulling her partly behind him as he glared at Ji Hoon. "What's your problem? The lady has no issues."

Ji Hoon's eyes dropped to the man's hand on Charyeong's wrist, then back to his face, his own expression turning to ice. "Dude. Let her go. Now."

"What the heck?" another voice called from the dark interior of the house. A second man, taller and broader, appeared behind the first. "We're only being polite here."

Ji Hoon visibly scoffed, a sound of pure contempt. "Oh? Funny way of showing it. You didn't even tell us your name."

The first man—Juyoung—let out a dry, humorless laugh. "Hah... fine then. Manners. I'm Juyoung. This guy behind me is Haejun." His grip on Charyeong's wrist only tightened, his knuckles turning white. She winced, trying to subtly pull away.

"You're hurting her," Ji Hoon said, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous register.

Juyoung smirked. "So? She said she has no problem with me." He turned his head, his face too close to Charyeong's. His breath smelled stale. "What was your name again? Charyeong? You have a pretty name... a pretty face..." His eyes dragged down her body. "...and a pretty body. Talk about killing three birds with one stone, am I right?" He snickered, a vile, grating sound. "You like older guys? I can give you all you want in just one night, miss. Make you forget all about this mess."

Charyeong's face drained of color. "E-excuse me? Let go of me!" she yelled, her voice rising into a shrill shriek as she began to struggle in earnest.

"Oh, stop playing hard to get," Juyoung crooned, pulling her flush against him. One arm locked around her waist like a vice, the other hand groping roughly toward her chest. "I know what pretty little things like you really want. I can give it to you. Better than that scrawny piece of shit there. Come on. Just one night. You must have done this before, right?"

"HEY! STOP IT!" Ji Hoon screamed, lunging forward.

Haejun moved faster, stepping out and delivering a hard, open-handed slap that sent Ji Hoon stumbling back. In the same motion, he grabbed Charyeong, ripped her from Juyoung's grasp, and shoved her backward into Juyoung's waiting arms.

Juyoung laughed, a triumphant, ugly sound, both arms now trapping her. "Nowhere to run, sweetheart."