✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

After everyone had finished eating, the group settled into their spots for the night, each finding a quiet corner to rest. Y/N, however, couldn't bring herself to fully relax just yet. She remained seated on her favorite branch, legs dangling slightly, her back against the sturdy trunk of the treehouse. Her eyes were closed, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips as the gentle breeze brushed against her face.

Below, the horses were huddled together, their heads low, clearly exhausted from the journey. Yet, despite the peaceful scene, Y/N's senses remained sharp. She wasn't fully at ease-not with the stalkers lurking nearby. She could feel the weight of their presence, even if she couldn't see them. Her posture was relaxed, but her mind was always alert, ready for the slightest sound that could signal danger.

Yoongi, ever the quiet one, approached and silently made his way up to the branch beside her. He didn't say anything at first, just sat down next to her, his gaze shifting between her and the surrounding darkness. Y/N's eyes flickered open, catching the movement beside her. She glanced at him, meeting his steady gaze with a small nod but said nothing.

The others, noticing Yoongi's subtle approach, glanced toward them but chose not to comment. They understood the unspoken connection between them, the silent understanding that sometimes, words weren't necessary. With that, they moved on, settling into their own spots, finding comfort in the stillness and the promise of rest, even in a world that had long since forgotten peace.

RM, sensing the shift in the mood, walked over to the opposite side of Y/N's perch. He sat down, a quiet presence that complemented the tranquil but tense atmosphere. Y/N shifted slightly, her body instinctively drawing closer to Yoongi and RM, the familiar weight of their presence easing her mind a bit. She didn't move to speak, just allowing the quiet to wash over her.

For a while, there was nothing but the sound of the rain, the occasional stir of the horses below, and the distant calls of night creatures. Yet, in the stillness, Y/N could feel the calm settle in. The storm outside would pass. The danger, for tonight, was held at bay. And as her group settled in around her, a sense of protection enveloped the space. They might not be safe forever, but for now, this was enough.

As the group settled into their makeshift resting spots, Yoongi's gaze shifted subtly, his eyes landing on the dagger still secured to Y/N's waist. His attention lingered for a moment, curiosity flickering in his expression. It wasn't like Yoongi to pry, but something about the way she carried herself-so cautious, so guarded-made him wonder.

Finally, his voice broke the quiet, low and steady. "Still carrying that around? You planning on using it?" he asked, his tone casual but with an underlying concern.

Y/N glanced at the dagger, her fingers absently brushing over its handle. She could feel the weight of his gaze, but she didn't mind. It wasn't a conversation she had with most people, but Yoongi-he had always been one to understand unspoken things. "It's Sehun's," she said, her voice quiet, almost lost in the hum of the rain. "He gave it to me... after what happened back at the camp."

Yoongi nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving her as he processed her words. "You think it's enough, though?" he asked, his voice still calm but laced with concern. "In a world like this? A small dagger isn't much against the things out there."

Y/N took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the question settle in her chest. She turned her head slightly, glancing at Yoongi and then toward RM, who was quietly observing them from the other side, his presence grounding and silent. She gave a faint, almost bitter smile. "It's not about what it can do," she replied. "It's more about what it represents. It reminds me of Sehun... of the people I'm fighting for. I'm not relying on it for protection. I'm relying on what it means to keep moving forward."

Yoongi's expression softened, his eyes shifting briefly to the katana secured at his own side. It was a tool he had become well-acquainted with, a weapon of both offense and defense. "I get that," he murmured, glancing back at her with a nod. "But don't rely on memories too much, Y/N. They'll get you through some things, but in the end, you'll need more than just a symbol to keep you standing."

Y/N's gaze shifted downward for a moment before she nodded. Her fingers tightened around the hilt of her dagger, but her mind was clear. "I won't rush it," she replied quietly. "I know what's at stake. I just... need time."

RM, having been quietly listening from the side, nodded to himself, his thoughtful gaze flicking between the two. He didn't interrupt, sensing the weight of their conversation, knowing that sometimes, silence spoke louder than words.

---

As the hours drifted on, the atmosphere in the treehouse became serene, save for the occasional crackle of rain against the wooden platform and the steady breathing of the group settled in for sleep. Y/N, perched on her usual spot in the treehouse, remained alert, but her exhaustion was undeniable. Despite her best efforts, the weight of the day's events and the emotional toll were beginning to wear on her. Her body, though still rigid with caution, was betraying her with every slow blink of her eyes.

Yoongi, sitting beside her, was aware of the subtle shift in her posture. He didn't think much of it at first-she was likely just nodding off from exhaustion. The night had been long, and with everything that had happened, it was no surprise that she would rest. But as he glanced over at her again, his brows furrowed. Y/N's head had slipped toward him, her body leaning more and more as she began to drift.

He barely had time to react when her body, sluggish and unable to maintain balance, began to slide further. Instinctively, Yoongi reached out to catch her before she could topple off the branch. He adjusted her with one swift motion, pulling her closer so she wouldn't fall.

For a moment, he thought she was simply asleep, the usual calmness of her face indicating a deep, much-needed rest. However, as Yoongi looked closer, he noticed a faint trail of blood starting to drip from her nose. His gaze shifted sharply as concern flickered across his features. The blood, combined with the way she had slumped, made him realize that it was more than just exhaustion.

He didn't have time to think it over, though. RM, who had been observing quietly, saw the situation unfolding. Without missing a beat, he stood up and approached them, his concern obvious. Yoongi's hands were still carefully holding Y/N as RM reached them, taking a step closer to help.

Yoongi, keeping his voice steady but laced with quiet urgency, spoke. "She's just exhausted... probably pushed herself too far. It's the pressure, she's been at it non-stop."

RM nodded, his face tightening with concern. He reached out, gently lifting Y/N from Yoongi's arms to bring her down from the branch. Yoongi stepped aside, letting RM take the lead. Together, they moved her with care, her body limp between them as they lowered her to the sturdier platform of the treehouse.

As soon as they had her settled, RM looked at Yoongi, his expression serious. "She needs to rest. We'll have to keep an eye on her."

Yoongi, ever the calm one, nodded. He gently pressed a cloth to her nose to stop the bleeding, his hands steady as he cleaned away the blood. "She'll be alright. She just needs to sleep."

RM kept a watchful eye over Y/N, ensuring she was comfortable and safe. The others, still unaware of what had just happened, remained asleep, the world outside continuing its stormy symphony. For now, Y/N was safe, but both Yoongi and RM understood that her breaking point had come-not from a single blow, but from the weight of everything she'd carried alone for so long.

The storm outside raged on, but within the treehouse, a rare peace settled, with Y/N now finally allowed the rest she had desperately needed.

---

As the first light of dawn slowly crept into the treehouse, Yoongi remained by Y/N's side. The storm had finally passed, leaving behind the distant rumble of thunder, as if the earth itself had sighed in relief. The air was cool but peaceful, like the world had taken a moment to reset.

Yoongi had stayed close throughout the night, his presence a quiet reassurance as Y/N rested. The exhaustion had taken its toll on her, and Yoongi knew this moment of peace was something she had desperately needed. Her breathing had become steady, her body relaxed for the first time in what felt like forever.

Then, without realizing, Y/N shifted in her sleep, pulling Yoongi into a soft, unintentional hug. He froze for a second, surprised by the contact. It was a strange feeling-her warmth pressing against him, her breath soft and even. It reminded him of how fragile they all were, and how much they had to protect each other.

Instead of pulling away, Yoongi stayed there, letting her rest. He carefully adjusted himself to stay comfortable while allowing her to keep her grip on him. There was something deeply comforting about the moment. In a world so filled with danger, seeing her vulnerable like this reminded him of just how much they had to lose.

The others slowly began to stir as morning arrived. Jin had risen first and was now standing at the kitchen area, sipping some water as he glanced toward Yoongi and Y/N. His gaze softened as he saw her curled against Yoongi, her face relaxed in sleep. He couldn't help but feel a small surge of protectiveness-Y/N had always carried the weight of everything on her shoulders, but seeing her so at ease made him realize how much they all wanted her to rest. She had been carrying too much for too long.

RM, standing on watch, couldn't help but glance over at the scene. His eyes were full of warmth and understanding. Y/N was always the one who carried their group forward, always the one to protect them. But now, seeing her allow herself to sleep in the arms of someone else-her exhaustion finally catching up with her-it made something in him soften. He knew how important this moment was for her, how rare it was that she allowed herself to be this vulnerable.

Hobi, still groggy from sleep, stretched out lazily before his eyes landed on Yoongi and Y/N. He couldn't help but smile softly, his heart warm as he watched the scene unfold. She had always been the strong one, the one everyone relied on. But now, for once, she was allowing herself to lean on them, to let herself rest without the constant worry of everything around her. She wasn't just their protector-she was their heart, and seeing her finally allowing herself to rest was a relief for all of them.

Yoongi stayed still, letting her sleep. He didn't call her name, didn't rush her to wake. He simply stayed, understanding that she needed this. The group had always been there to support her, but now, in this quiet moment, they were all silently watching over her as she finally gave herself the comfort she had so often denied.

For them, it wasn't just a moment of peace-it was a rare glimpse into the vulnerability of someone they had always seen as unbreakable. Y/N wasn't just a warrior to them. In this moment, she was their most precious thing, and they would protect her with everything they had.

The light of morning grew, and the world outside seemed to hold its breath, watching as the group quietly kept their vigil over Y/N. She had allowed herself to sleep, something they had all wanted for her but hadn't known how to give her. Now, seeing her so peaceful, they knew they would keep this moment safe.

A few more minutes passed, and Y/N stirred again, her instincts sharp even in the quiet of dawn. A faint rustling sound reached her ears, out of sync with the natural rhythm of the forest. Her eyes snapped open, her body tense. Without hesitation, she sat up, listening intently, her head tilting slightly to locate the source of the noise.

She stood swiftly, moving to the edge of the branch. Grabbing the prop rope secured nearby, she leaped down with practiced ease, landing silently on the another branch below. Her sharp gaze scanned the surroundings as she crouched, her hand instinctively resting on her dagger.

Above her, Yoongi, RM, Jin, and Hobi immediately became alert. The sound of her landing pulled their attention, and they exchanged glances. Yoongi leaned slightly over the edge of the platform, his brow furrowing as he tried to see what had caught her attention.

"What is it?" RM asked, his voice low but calm, his body already tense and ready for action.

Y/N didn't respond immediately. Her eyes darted around the area, her senses on high alert as she scanned the ground and treeline. The faint rustling came again, and she tensed further, gripping her weapon.

"Leaves," she murmured, barely audible, more to herself than anyone else. Her tone was serious, focused.

The others exchanged wary glances. Hobi shifted slightly, his hand moving toward his weapon, while Jin silently adjusted his position to get a better view of the surroundings.

"Y/N," Yoongi called quietly, his voice calm but firm. "What do you see?"

"Not yet," she replied, her voice steady but sharp. She moved a few steps forward, her body low, her sharp gaze piercing the underbrush.

The four men stayed on edge above her, their attention now fully on her movements. Whatever it was, they trusted her instincts enough to know it wasn't nothing.

As Y/N stood poised on the branch, her sharp eyes caught sight of a figure stepping out of the underbrush. It was Bang Chan, a familiar presence, though not someone she particularly trusted. Behind him, a small group of his own people trailed cautiously, their weapons at the ready but not raised.

Chan's eyes locked with hers, and Y/N straightened, her expression neutral but watchful. The two shared a mutual respect forged through past encounters. They weren't allies, but neither were they enemies.

Chan approached silently, his movements calculated, as though testing the waters. When he finally spoke, his voice was low but firm, carrying easily across the clearing.

"Felix, Soobin, Suzy," he said, the question clear in his tone. "Have you seen them?"

Y/N's lips pressed into a thin line. She hadn't responded yet, her mind racing to connect the dots, when another rustling sound came from the opposite direction.

Her body tensed, her gaze snapping toward the sound. Without hesitation, she drew the dagger from her waist and moved toward the disturbance. Chan froze in place, watching her carefully.

The bushes rustled violently before two ambushers staggered out, their grotesque forms lurching toward the treehouse where the horses were sheltered. Y/N didn't flinch. She moved swiftly, her dagger slicing through the air in a clean arc. Both undead collapsed in heaps before they could get any closer.

She scanned the treeline again, her sharp senses alert. The rustling wasn't over. There were more.

Y/N moved toward the clearing, her mind racing as she pieced together the situation. Her whistle cut through the quiet, loud and commanding-a signal to the others.

Above, Yoongi, RM, Jin, and Hobi snapped to attention. Chan's gaze shifted to the treehouse as movement stirred within. Felix, Soobin, and Suzy, still asleep on the sturdy platform, began waking up, along with the rest of Y/N's group.

Chan stepped forward, his brow furrowing as he observed the chaos. His voice was clipped as he addressed Y/N again, this time more urgently.

"Do you know where they are or not?"

Y/N didn't respond immediately. Instead, her focus remained on the treeline, where more undead began to emerge, drawn by the whistle. Her dagger was ready, her stance unwavering as she prepared for the next wave.

---

As the first few stalkers charged into the clearing, Y/N and Yoongi were quick to react, their movements synchronized. Yoongi took the left flank, cutting down the closest threat with swift strikes. Y/N was right beside him, her dagger flashing as she dispatched another.

Above them, RM, Jin, and Hobi kept watch, their eyes scanning the surroundings from the treehouse platform. Hobi's hand rested on his weapon, but he stayed poised, waiting for a signal. Jin kept his stance steady, ready to provide backup if needed, while RM's sharp gaze never left the battle below.

Felix, Soobin, and Suzy had just woken up, but they were quick to grab their weapons and peek over the edge of the treehouse to assess the situation. They didn't need to ask what was going on-they could see the brief scuffle unfolding below. There weren't many enemies, just a handful of stalkers, but they were dealt with quickly.

On the ground, Y/N and Yoongi finished off the last of the ambushers. Y/N turned toward Chan, her gaze steady but a teasing glint in her eyes.

"Can't you all come without bringing this surprise threat with you?" she asked with a smirk, her tone lighthearted but with a hint of genuine curiosity. "Every time we see you, there's always some ambush or danger. I'm starting to doubt how you all survive this long."

Chan met her gaze with a wry smile, unfazed by the teasing. "What can I say? Keeps things interesting."

Y/N's smirk deepened. "Interesting, huh? More like exhausting," she teased, though there was no malice in her words. It was a playful jab, but underneath it was a genuine respect for how Chan and his group operated.

With the immediate threat neutralized, she turned to Yoongi. "Let's head back up. No sense in sticking around down here any longer."

Yoongi gave a short nod, his posture relaxed but still alert. The two moved back toward the treehouse, joining the others as they came down from their platform.

Chan and his group, having dealt with their side of the chaos, followed, the situation now under control.

Chan, who had come to find them, approached the group with a concerned look in his eyes. He immediately turned to Felix, Soobin, and Suzy, his voice steady but with an edge of curiosity. "How did you end up here? What happened?"

Felix was the first to speak, his voice filled with gratitude. "We were ambushed by zombies last night. It was getting pretty bad, and we were being followed. We saw the treehouse and remembered that it was Y/N's area, so we made our way here."

Suzy added, "When we got here, Y/N didn't hesitate. She was already fighting off zombies that were right on our heels. She took them down and didn't even wait for us to catch up."

Soobin nodded, his tone serious. "Not only did she fight them off, but she also gave us food, clothes, and let us stay the night. She even wrapped up her wrist after taking a hit while saving us."

Chan's expression softened, a sense of respect growing in his eyes. "I didn't realize... Y/N, you really did all that without thinking twice, didn't you?"

Y/N simply shrugged, her usual calm demeanor in place. "It was just what needed to be done."

Chan's respect for her deepened. "I owe you, Y/N. I've seen your skills before, but now? I truly respect you more than ever."

Y/N smirked lightly, her voice teasing but not unkind. Y/N's expression softened just a bit. "I guess you're lucky I like surprises," she said with a small chuckle. "But seriously, next time-warn us before you show up with your usual fanfare."

A quiet laugh passed through the group, easing some of the tension. Chan nodded, his tone more serious now. "You've earned my trust, Y/N. I appreciate everything you