✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

The afternoon light grew warmer, the group slowly gathered on the roof, each member finding a spot to settle. Some stood, scanning the surroundings, while others sat quietly, the tension still hanging thick in the air. Jimin and Jin, standing near the edge, were the first to spot something-a subtle movement in the distance that made their hearts race.

Jimin's breath caught as his eyes fixed on the far end of the town. "Did you see that?" he murmured, his voice barely more than a whisper. Jin's gaze followed quickly, his eyes narrowing as he searched the shadows near the outskirts of the forest.

There, just beyond the town's edge, two figures emerged from the trees. It was Taehyung and Y/N. The sight of them, though distant, brought a rush of relief that almost knocked the wind out of them.

"They're back," Jin said, his voice full of disbelief as he nudged Jimin with his elbow.

On the roof, the others slowly turned at the sound of Jimin's quiet words, their attention snapped to the same distant figures. Hobi, still holding Haru in his arms, looked over his shoulder at the others with a tight smile. He had believed it, too, though the waiting had worn him thin.

The two figures drew closer, their outlines becoming more distinct as they neared the base of the building. Taehyung's posture was tense, as if every muscle in his body was on high alert, while Y/N, though weakened, walked with a determination that made her appear stronger than she felt.

As Taehyung and Y/N made their way back, the group on the roof immediately recognized them, though it was clear Y/N was struggling. Taehyung's stance was firm, but his grip on her was protective-one hand steadying her, the other holding her sword with practiced ease, her rifle slung over his shoulder. Y/N, despite her weakened state, tried to stand tall, though her feverish face and unsteady steps betrayed her exhaustion.

Jimin and Jungkook, both quick to react, sprinted down from the roof without hesitation. Their feet pounded against the stairs, urgency in their movements as they reached the street below. When they finally saw Taehyung and Y/N up close, they stopped for a brief moment, their eyes taking in the situation. Y/N was clearly feverish, her face pale and her movements sluggish.

Jungkook was the first to reach them, concern written all over his face. "Y/N!" he called out, his voice a mix of relief and worry. Without thinking, he reached out to steady her, his hands gently but firmly on her arm. "You're burning up... what happened?"

Jimin, on the other side, kept an eye on Taehyung, sensing the tension in his posture.

Taehyung gave a small nod, though his expression was still serious. "She's fine," he replied, though there was a hint of exhaustion in his voice. He turned his head slightly to look at Y/N, his free hand brushing her hair back from her face. "Just hold on, alright?" he murmured.

Y/N's eyes were half-lidded, her breath shallow as she fought to stay awake. "I'm fine, just... a little dizzy," she managed to say, though it was clear she was barely holding herself together.

"She's feverish," Taehyung explained, his voice rough from the long night. "She wasn't able to keep her strength up after... everything. We need to get her inside."

Without waiting for any further instructions, Jungkook immediately moved to Y/N's side, his strong arms lifting her into a bridal carry, supporting her with gentle care. She let out a soft sigh, her head resting against his chest, eyes barely open. "I've got you," Jungkook whispered, his voice soft but filled with worry.

Jimin stayed close, guiding them as they walked toward the building. As they approached the room where they had spent the night, Jungkook adjusted his grip slightly to make sure Y/N was comfortable. Once inside, he gently laid her down on the bed, his eyes scanning her pale face.

The room was quiet, the weight of the situation sinking in as everyone gathered around. Taehyung remained by her side, his hand lightly resting on her shoulder, offering the silent reassurance she needed. For now, they had made it through, and the group would do whatever it took to keep each other safe.

Jungkook glanced down at Y/N's feverish face and shook his head, his worry evident. "She's been through a lot. She needs rest."

At that moment, Suga and Hobi, who had been there, noticed the situation. Suga, his eyes narrowing as he saw Y/N, immediately crouched down beside her, brushing a hand against her forehead. His voice was low but full of concern. "What happened to her?"

Taehyung explained, "She got a fever. I tried to get her back here as fast as I could, but she couldn't keep up."

Jiwoo, who had been quiet but watching closely, moved to Y/N's side as well. "She'll be okay," she murmured, glancing at the others. "We've all been through worse. She's strong."

As Y/N shivered, feeling the weight of the fever, someone quickly moved to cover her with a jacket, offering her warmth. Jin, who had stepped into the room, brought the jacket over and draped it gently over her body. "Rest now, Y/N. We're here," he said softly, looking up at the others.

The group, now united around Y/N, did their best to keep her stable. Haru remained close, her small hands still resting on Y/N's arm, while the others tried to cool her down and manage the fever.

Jin stayed by her side, placing a cool cloth on her forehead to help with the fever. "She'll be okay," he murmured, glancing around at the others. The group worked in quiet unison, each of them caring for Y/N in their own way, but all of them united in their hope for her recovery.

(
"Although she just needs proper rest to recover from the exhaustion and fever."
)

---

Suga, Jin, and Taehyung stood together on the roof, the atmosphere tense as they looked toward the room where Y/ N was resting. It was clear that something was wrong. Suga's voice broke the silence, concern thick in his words. "Taehyung, what happened? You don't look okay."

Taehyung's eyes, glossy and distant, seemed to be lost in the memory of the horror he'd just witnessed. He stood there, trembling, his body still processing the terror that had unfolded before him. He could barely hold himself together, and his voice trembled as he spoke. "It was the Phantoms... they tore them apart... right in front of us." His words hit like a wave of cold water, and Jin immediately stepped forward, wrapping his arms around Taehyung in a tight hug, feeling his friend's pain.

Taehyung's sobs were muffled against Jin's shoulder, his voice barely audible as it cracked with guilt and grief. "I became unconscious... I couldn't see that... They were... The stalkers... they got torn apart..." His words trailed off into broken gasps, as if he couldn't fully process what he had witnessed.

Suga's expression shifted, his eyes narrowing in both understanding and urgency. The Phantoms-those terrifying, almost mythical creatures- had the power to devastate anyone who encountered them. He wanted to know more, wanted to understand exactly what happened so they could plan their next move. "Did you encounter the Phantoms? What happened after?" he asked, his voice tight with the need for clarity.

Suga's eyes sharpened as he quickly followed up with another question, one he feared would bring even more painful news. "Where's Ember?"

Taehyung's hands trembled as he wiped away his tears, his face etched with anguish. "I don't know... I don't know what happened to Ember. Y/N told me she ran. But... I saw it. Her horse, Ember, was... torn apart. There were only bones left, some meat scattered around... but I couldn't say anything. I couldn't protect her. When I woke up... Y/N was already clutching me tightly. She was shivering and cold. Her eyes were bloodshot, half-conscious, with the cold... I didn't know what to do. I couldn't help her." His voice faltered, barely able to carry the weight of the sorrow that seemed to wrap around every word.

Taehyung paused, the silence settling over them like a thick fog. "I don't know what happened after that... I couldn't see what happened to her after I lost consciousness."

Suga's expression softened, his anger toward the Phantoms bubbling just under the surface, his fists clenching in frustration. He wanted to rage, to scream at the injustice of it all, but he could see the depth of pain in Taehyung's eyes. Jin stayed silent, his comforting presence the only thing holding Taehyung together as the weight of the moment threatened to break him.

"I can't even imagine what she went through," Taehyung whispered, his voice barely audible, almost as if he couldn't believe the torment Y/N had faced alone. "We had climbed up the tree for protection, but she had to stay awake all night... watching Ember torn apart right in front of her. And I was just unconscious. I couldn't help her."

Suga's expression softened with empathy, but his anger toward the Phantoms grew. Jin stayed quiet, holding Taehyung, who was still shaking. Suga clenched his fists, feeling his heart ache for Y/N, who had to witness something so horrific alone, with only the remnants of her beloved horse as a painful reminder of what had happened.

Jin and Suga exchanged a glance, both of them understanding the immense pain Y/N must have been feeling. They knew, even in silence, that the emotional scars she carried would take time to heal-if they ever could. The events of the night had changed everything, and now, their group would do whatever it took to help her through the aftermath.

---

The sun continued its arc across the sky, Y/N stirred awake, feeling noticeably better. She blinked a few times, adjusting to the light streaming in, and glanced around. The room was quiet, save for Jiwoo, who was sitting nearby, her posture relaxed but watchful.

Y/N sat up slowly, the cloth that had been placed on her forehead falling into her lap. Jiwoo noticed immediately and turned to her, concern lacing her tone. "How are you feeling now?"

Y/N stretched slightly, testing her body. "Just some aches here and there," she replied, her voice steadier than before. "But I'm feeling much better now."

Jiwoo offered a small smile, though her eyes betrayed her worry. "Good. You had us all worried. Everyone's been taking turns keeping an eye on you." She hesitated before adding, "I know what happened... how you and others meet out there."

Y/N merely nodded, her expression unreadable. She was already thinking ahead, formulating her next move. Sliding off the makeshift bed, she stood up and began gearing up, her movements purposeful. As she moved to grab her belongings, she noticed Jin's jacket draped over the spot where she had been lying. Picking it up, she shrugged it on. The warmth of the fabric lingered, providing a small comfort as she prepared herself.

"I need to check the water tower," Y/N said firmly, pulling her boots on. "There's something I want to confirm before we move tomorrow. I'll be quick, and I'll be back before sunset."

Jiwoo frowned, standing up to face her. "You shouldn't go alone. At least take someone with you."

Y/N shook her head, her determination unwavering. "I'll be fine. If anyone asks, tell them where I went. And don't stay here alone after I leave-go to the roof with the others."

Jiwoo watched as Y/N secured her weapons and adjusted the jacket. She wanted to protest but knew better than to try to stop Y/N when she had her mind set on something. With a resigned sigh, she nodded. "Just... be careful, okay?"

"I will," Y/N replied, her voice steady. Without another word, she headed out, her figure disappearing into the bright afternoon sunlight.

Jiwoo stood there for a moment, the silence of the room suddenly feeling heavier. Gathering herself, she made her way to the roof, where the others were waiting, ready to let them know about Y/N's plan.

---

As Jiwoo stepped onto the roof, the group turned to her, their concern evident. Haru, sitting between Jimin and Taehyung, looked up with her usual bright smile. She tugged on Jimin's sleeve, curious about the sudden attention on Jiwoo.

"Jiwoo," RM began, his voice steady but firm. "Why are you here? Did you leave Y/N alone?"

Jiwoo hesitated before answering, "She left."

"What?" Jungkook asked sharply, his frown deepening. "Where did she go?"

The sound of hooves interrupted them, and they rushed to the edge of the roof. Below, Y/N rode away on horseback, her figure already growing smaller as she headed toward the horizon.

"Where's she going?" Hobi asked, worry flickering in his eyes.

"She said she needed to check something near the water tower," Jiwoo explained, her tone defensive. "She promised to come back before sunset."

Jin crossed his arms, frustration etched across his face. "And you let her go alone? Do you realize how dangerous it is out there?"

Jiwoo glared back. "What was I supposed to do? Y/N doesn't take no for an answer. She made up her mind, and I couldn't stop her."

Hobi's gaze turned to RM. "She's capable, but this is risky. No one should be out there alone."

Suga finally spoke, his calm voice cutting through the conversation. "If she's not back by sunset, we go after her. Agreed?"

The group nodded silently, their unease unspoken but shared.

Haru, still smiling, chimed in, "See? She'll be back before that."

Jungkook muttered, his voice low, "Let's hope she doesn't find trouble first."

As the sun began to lower, the group stayed alert, hoping Haru's unwavering faith would hold true once again.

---

As the group settled on the floor for dinner, the atmosphere was quieter, but still full of the usual camaraderie. The food before them was ample, enough to last for several days, and the exhaustion from the day had given way to a subdued, comfortable silence. The flickering light of candles cast soft shadows around the room, giving everything a warm, intimate feel.

Y/N sat near the edge of the group, her posture relaxed but her mind clearly elsewhere. Haru, ever the curious one, was sitting beside her, watching her with wide eyes. Jiwoo sat across from them, occasionally glancing at Y/N, a silent understanding between them. The others-Jin, Jungkook, Taehyung, Hobi, Jimin, Suga, and RM-were quietly eating, the usual chatter kept to a minimum as the weight of the day seemed to settle in.

Y/N broke the silence, her voice cutting through the stillness with quiet determination. "We need to leave this town soon," she said, looking up at Jiwoo, then around the group. "There aren't enough supplies to keep us here much longer, and it's not as safe as it used to be."

Jiwoo nodded without hesitation, her trust in Y/N unwavering. She didn't need to ask questions-Y/N always knew when it was time to move. The others glanced at each other but remained silent, knowing that Y/N's decisions were made with everyone's best interests in mind.

Haru, who had been quietly watching, looked up at Y/N with a small smile, her eyes sparkling despite the tension in the air. "Where are we going?" she asked, her voice light as always.

Y/N gave a soft smile, ruffling Haru's hair. "We're heading to our home in the northeast. It's safer there, and we can resupply before moving further."

RM, who had been quietly observing, leaned forward slightly, his gaze steady and calm. "How soon?" he asked, his voice clear but full of authority. As the leader, his mind was already calculating the next steps. "We need to make sure we have everything we need for the journey, and we need to plan our route carefully."

Y/N met RM's gaze, understanding the responsibility he carried for the group. "We'll leave at first light. We'll gather what we need before then and make sure everyone's ready." She paused, glancing at each of them, her voice growing firmer. "I'll make sure we have everything we need before we leave,"

The group listened, understanding the importance of the plan. Y/N's words carried weight-they knew it was time to move on, that staying in this town was no longer an option. The supplies were dwindling, and the dangers that had once been far away were now too close to ignore.

The group nodded, knowing there was no time to waste. The rest of the meal was eaten in silence, the gravity of Y/N's words hanging in the air. Tomorrow, they would leave this place behind, heading toward the unknown. But they had each other, and that was all that mattered.

---

After dinner, the group slowly settled into a quiet routine. Haru and Jiwoo were already fast asleep, their exhaustion from the day taking its toll. Jin and Jungkook followed soon after, the calm of the evening finally allowing them to rest.

However, Y/N remained seated, her thoughts far from the warmth of sleep. RM, Suga, Taehyung, and Hobi stayed in the room, silently observing her as she sat still, seemingly lost in thought. The air between them was thick, but no one spoke. It was as if they all knew there was something important brewing in her mind.

Y/N stood up abruptly, breaking the silence. No words were exchanged as she smoothly strapped her short gun with a silencer to her waist. She looked at Taehyung, her gaze steady, and silently motioned for him to come with her.

Without waiting for anyone to say anything, she walked toward the door, her movements purposeful. Taehyung, understanding her unspoken command, stood and followed her without hesitation. Before leaving, Y/N turned back to the others and spoke briefly.

"We're heading to the roof," she said quietly, her tone leaving no room for argument. "I'll be up there for a while. Don't worry."

RM, Suga, and Hobi exchanged a quick glance, their concern clear, but they didn't voice it. They nodded, silently acknowledging her decision. Y/N was always determined, and they knew there was little they could do to change her mind once she had made it up.

Taehyung followed Y/N out of the room, the door closing softly behind them as they made their way to the roof. The others sat in silence, the tension in the air palpable. They didn't need to say anything-it was clear that whatever Y/N was planning, she needed to be alone for now.

As they ascended to the roof, the night grew still, with only the occasional rustle of the wind disturbing the quiet.

---

As Y/N and Taehyung stood on the rooftop, the sky darkening with the approaching night, a heavy silence hung between them. The others had retired to bed, leaving Y/N and Taehyung alone in the cool, evening air. The faint breeze carried the distant sounds of the world outside their walls, but for now, it was calm.

The night was thick with tension, the wind barely whispering as Taehyung stood motionless, his body trembling. His mind replayed the horrors he had witnessed-the image of Ember's remains, the terror in her eyes, and the brutal scene of the stalkers tearing apart everything in their path. The fear had him paralyzed, the weight of guilt settling like a heavy stone in his chest.

Y/N stepped closer, her eyes sharp as she watched him struggle. "Taehyung," she said softly, but the firmness in her voice cut through the silence like a blade.

He turned to her, his expression a mixture of horror and regret, eyes wide as though the terror still held him captive. "I saw them do it... I couldn't do anything. I wasn't there when you needed me." His voice shook, barely a whisper.

Her hand landed gently on his arm, grounding him, her touch firm yet comforting. "Stop blaming yourself for what wasn't in your control," she said, her voice steady and resolute. "None of us could have