The sun hung lazily in the clear, midafternoon sky, its golden rays bathing the landscape in a muted warmth. Y/N stood tall on the crest of a rugged hill, her figure silhouetted against the horizon. Beneath her, her trusted horse, Orion, shifted slightly, its coat shimmering in the sunlight. She adjusted her grip on the reins, her eyes scanning the scene before her.

Below the hill sprawled a small, seemingly deserted town. It had the quiet stillness of a place long abandoned, but Y/N's sharp eyes caught signs of activity. A flicker of motion here, a shift of shadow there-subtle indications that something was happening.

"Strange," she muttered under her breath, her lips pressing into a thin line. She wasn't one to rush into anything blindly, not in a world where every decision could mean the difference between survival and death. Still, curiosity flickered in her chest.

Her mind was made up. Tomorrow morning, she thought. I'll head down there and see what's going on. With a soft nudge of her heel, she turned Orion away from the hill's edge. The horse obeyed, trotting down the slope with a steady rhythm as she set her sights on the distant outline of her current shelter-a modest town nestled safely a few miles away, its silhouette visible from the hill.

The journey back took three hours. The sun had dipped lower, painting the sky in hues of orange and crimson, by the time she reached the outskirts of the town. Her saddlebags were heavier now, filled with supplies she had scavenged along the way: a canteen of water, a few tins of preserved food, and a small bundle of firewood she had gathered from a grove of trees.

As she approached the entrance of the town, she instinctively slowed Orion's pace. The familiar sight of barricades, makeshift fences, and the faint hum of a generator greeted her. It wasn't much, but it was home-for now.

She dismounted, her boots crunching against the gravel, and gave Orion a soft pat on the neck. "Good work today, boy," she said quietly, her voice almost drowned out by the soft evening breeze. Slinging the saddlebags over her shoulder, she began walking toward the town's central building, her mind already drifting to tomorrow's plans.

---

Y/N pushed open the wooden door, the hinges groaning slightly in protest. The soft glow of the setting sun filtered into the cozy room as Haru's excited voice called out, "Imo!"

Before Y/N could take another step, Haru came running toward her, her little arms outstretched. Y/N knelt down just in time to catch the small whirlwind, laughing as Haru hugged her tightly.

"Hey, munchkin. Did you miss me already?" Y/N teased, brushing a strand of Haru's hair behind her ear.

"I knew you'd bring something back!" Haru said confidently, pointing to the saddlebags slung over Y/N's shoulder.

"Easy there," Y/N said, crouching to scoop her up into a hug. "You're getting heavy, you know that?"

Haru giggled, wrapping her arms around Y/N's neck. "Eomma made stew, but Appa said it's too spicy again!"

Y/N raised an eyebrow as she carried Haru into the dining room. "Spicy, huh? Sounds like your Appa needs to toughen up."

Inside, Jiwoo was setting bowls of steaming stew on the table, her expression a mix of amusement and mild annoyance. Sehun leaned against the counter, pretending to look casual, though his grumbling betrayed him.

"I didn't say it was too spicy," Sehun defended himself, pointing his spoon at Haru. "I just said it's... got a kick. There's a difference."

"You complain every time," Jiwoo shot back with a smirk. "Maybe next time, I'll make it bland for you."

"Hey, I'm just saying," Sehun muttered, settling into his chair.

Y/N laughed as she set the saddlebags down nere the table with one hand while holding haru still. The smell of stew filled the room.

"You're back," Jiwoo said warmly. "Haru's been asking about you all afternoon."

Sehun glanced over his shoulder, a wooden spoon still in hand. "Took you long enough. I was starting to think you'd fallen off the hill."

"Very funny," Y/N replied, setting Haru down in her chair. "I brought back supplies, didn't I? Besides, someone has to do the hard work while you two stay cozy here."

"Hard work?" Sehun scoffed, turning back to the pot. "I'll believe it when I see it."

Jiwoo chuckled, shaking her head. "Ignore him. Sit down, dinner's almost ready."

The group settled in quickly, the warm scent of stew filling the room. As they ate, the usual light teasing and laughter filled the space. Y/N watched Haru carefully spoon stew into her mouth, her small hands gripping the spoon tightly.

After a while, Y/N leaned back in her chair, her tone shifting slightly. "I need to talk to you both about tomorrow."

Jiwoo and Sehun exchanged a quick glance, sensing the change in her demeanor.

Sehun's voice was quieter than usual when he asked, "What's the plan?"

Y/N shifted in her seat, her gaze focused on the map she'd been examining earlier. "I spotted movement down south, about three miles away from the hill. Could be supplies, survivors, or worse. We need to check it out before it's too late. The town's running out of resources. We can't keep staying here."

Jiwoo glanced at Y/N, concern flickering in her eyes. "What about heading east? The town you mentioned before..."

"That's still the plan," Y/N replied, her tone steady. "It's a two-day journey, but if the rumors are true, we might find horses there-or at least a stable we can use for shelter. But I can't risk rushing it. If the southern town proves dangerous or valuable, I'll scout it out first and meet up with you guys in four or five days."

Sehun frowned, leaning forward, his tone hardening. "Four or five days? That's a long time to be alone. We're supposed to stick together."

"I'll be fine," Y/N said, meeting his gaze. "We've got enough supplies here for now, but it won't last forever. And you two need to keep moving east. Don't waste time waiting around. The southern town might have what we need, or it might be a dead end, but I'll make sure before I go in. I don't want to make any mistakes."

Jiwoo sighed, rubbing her temples. "I get it, but it still doesn't sit right with me. You don't have to do this alone."

"I trust you two to handle things here," Y/N said. "And I trust myself to do what needs to be done. I'll be careful."

Sehun crossed his arms, looking unconvinced. "Yeah, I know you. Stubborn as hell, but..." His voice softened, a rare vulnerability creeping in. "Just don't do anything reckless, alright? We've been through enough. I don't want to lose you."

Y/N's expression softened, and she placed a hand on his arm. "I'm not going anywhere. I'll be back before you know it. Just focus on getting to that town. You're already down to four horses. If we're lucky, there might be five more waiting for us there."

Sehun raised an eyebrow. "Five more? We already have four. What do we need more for?"

"I'm taking two of them," Y/N explained, her voice steady as she looked between Sehun and Jiwoo. "That way, I'll have enough to move faster. You two can keep the others. The east is where we need to go, but it won't hurt to have extra horses, just in case. If things go well, I'll catch up with you."

"I don't know..." Sehun muttered, still looking uneasy. "That's a lot to handle by yourself."

"Sehun, I've been alone before. I'm used to it," Y/N said firmly, though there was a flicker of doubt in her voice she quickly pushed aside. "I'll manage. We've been through too much to let anything stop us now."

Jiwoo came back into the room, Haru tucked in her arms, her eyes tired but determined. "We'll wake up early tomorrow. We'll need to get a head start if we want to reach that town before dark."

Y/N nodded, her gaze drifting to the window. The weight of the moment settled in her chest. The setting sun, outside, the reality of the journey ahead-it was all too real. "I'll be gone before the sun rises. Stay safe. Don't do anything stupid without me."

Jiwoo smiled softly, though there was worry behind her eyes. "We'll be careful. Just promise you'll be careful, too."

Y/N gave a small nod, turning to leave but pausing just before the door. "One more thing... You'll pass the treehouse on the way east. It's hidden, well-stocked with supplies, and sturdy enough to get some rest for a night. I'll feel better knowing you're safe there while I'm gone."

Sehun hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. I'm not a fan of that place, but I'll go if it keeps us safe."

Y/N smiled, a flicker of gratitude in her eyes. "Good. I'll catch up with you as soon as I can."

Before she could say anything more, Sehun reached out, pulling her into a quick, tight hug. "Be careful, Y/N. We need you."

Y/N's arms were stiff at first, but she relaxed into the hug, grateful for the silent reassurance. "I'll be fine, Sehun. I promise."

As she pulled away, she took a deep breath, then turned and headed out into the night, her mind already calculating the risks ahead. They couldn't afford to wait. And neither could she.

---

Y/N Pov

The evening air was cool, and the setting sun cast long shadows across the backyard as I stepped outside. The faint sound of hooves and muffled voices pulled me toward the fence, my hand instinctively brushing the hilt of my sword.

Sehun stood near the edge, his posture relaxed, but I could see the sharp focus in his eyes. He was watching something-or someone.

"What's going on?" I asked, moving closer to him.

He glanced at me, the faintest smirk tugging at his lips. "Looks like we've got company."

I followed his gaze and spotted them. Even from a distance, I recognized Lee Jong Suk, his sharp features catching the last rays of sunlight. That confident smirk of his was as infuriating as ever. Riding beside him was IU, sitting straight-backed on her horse, her calm demeanor contrasting sharply with Lee Jong Suk's swagger.

As they dismounted, Lee Jong Suk was the first to speak, spreading his arms wide like he owned the place. "Well, well, look who's still brooding like the apocalypse owes her something. Miss me, Y/N?"

I crossed my arms, raising an eyebrow. "Miss you? More like wondering how you've managed to survive this long."

IU chuckled softly, her voice breaking through the tension. "And here I thought you'd be happy to see us." She stepped forward, brushing off her jacket. "It's been a while, Y/N."

I felt a grin tug at my lips despite myself. "It has. I see you're still keeping him alive somehow," I said, nodding toward Lee Jong Suk.

"Barely," IU replied with a smirk. "He's lucky I'm patient."

"Hey, I resent that," Lee Jong Suk shot back, pretending to look offended. "Not that I expected anything less from the queen of sarcasm."

Sehun finally chimed in, his tone dry. "You two are as noisy as ever. What brings you here?"

IU exchanged a glance with Lee Jong Suk before looking back at us. "It's a long story."

"What kind of trouble are you bringing with you this time?" Sehun asked, his tone sharpening slightly.

I raised a hand, cutting him off before he could push further. "Let's talk inside. Jiwoo's putting Haru to bed, and we don't need to broadcast everything out here." I turned toward Lee Jong Suk and IU, keeping my tone even. "Come on. We've got just enough food to share, and you can tell us everything."

Lee Jong Suk let out a mock sigh of relief. "Finally! I thought you'd keep us standing out here forever."

IU chuckled as she tugged on her horse's reins. "Don't mind him. He's been cranky since this morning."

"I'm not cranky," Lee Jong Suk grumbled as he followed Sehun and me toward the house.

As we stepped inside, the warmth of the dimly lit room wrapped around us. The familiar scent of stew hung in the air, and for a fleeting moment, I felt a sense of comfort.

---

Sehun's POV

---

As we stepped into the house, the familiar scent of freshly cooked stew greeted me, mingling with the warmth of the fireplace. The soft glow of lanterns cast a cozy light over the place. Jiwoo emerged from a small adjoining room, her face tired but content-until her eyes landed on our unexpected visitors.

"IU-unnie?" Jiwoo's voice trembled slightly, her wide eyes betraying disbelief.

IU broke into a grin. "Jiwoo!" she called, rushing forward. The two collided in a tight embrace, years of separation melting away in an instant.

"Lee Jong Suk-oppa, you too?" Jiwoo asked, pulling back to look at him.

"In the flesh," he said, throwing in one of his trademark playful bows before Jiwoo grabbed him for a quick hug as well.

From behind Jiwoo, a soft giggle broke the moment. Haru peeked out, clutching her stuffed animal tightly, her wide eyes darting between IU and Lee Jong Suk.

"And who's this little one?" IU asked, crouching to Haru's level, her voice warm and inviting.

"This is Haru," Jiwoo said with a sense of pride, brushing her hand gently over the little girl's hair. "She's... ours now."

Haru hesitated, then took a small, cautious step forward, still gripping her stuffed animal. IU extended a hand, her smile soft. "Hello, Haru. I'm IU Imo. It's nice to meet you."

Haru tilted her head, studying IU and Lee Jong Suk with wide, curious eyes. "Do I know you?" she asked plainly.

Lee Jong Suk crouched down beside IU, clutching his chest dramatically. "What? You don't remember your coolest Samchon?"

Haru blinked at him, unimpressed. "Nope."

I couldn't help myself. "That's a blow to your ego, Hyung," I said with a smirk, leaning against the wall and crossing my arms.

Lee Jong Suk groaned, overacting as usual. "I've been forgotten by my own little Haru! The pain! The betrayal!"

Haru giggled, her earlier shyness starting to fade. Jiwoo reached down, brushing a hand over her short hair. "You were too little to remember, but IU-unnie and Lee Jong Suk-oppa used to look out for you when you were a baby."

"Really?" Haru's eyes widened as she turned to IU. "Did you fight zombies too?"

IU chuckled, nodding. "I did. And so did your Lee Jong Suk Samchon, though he talks about it more than he actually did it."

"Hey!" Lee Jong Suk protested, earning a laugh from the room.

I shook my head at his antics, but I couldn't stop a small grin from forming. Haru's giggles were infectious, her wariness melting away completely. Jiwoo stood nearby, watching the scene unfold with a soft smile, her hand resting protectively on Haru's shoulder.

Dinner was lively, the kind of rare moment that felt almost normal. Lee Jong Suk told exaggerated tales of bravery, making Haru laugh so hard she nearly fell off Jiwoo's lap. IU kept rolling her eyes at him but didn't stop smiling, occasionally stepping in to correct the more outlandish details.

"You're as unbearable as ever, Lee Jong Suk-oppa," Jiwoo said with a smirk, sipping her water.

"And you're as blunt as ever," he shot back, grinning.

IU chuckled. "Some things never change."

Y/N, leaning back in her chair with her arms crossed, smiled faintly. "She's right. You are unbearable. But at least you're entertaining."

"Still no respect," he muttered, shaking his head with mock indignation.

"Give it up, Hyung," I said, smirking. "She doesn't bow to anyone."

Haru clapped excitedly whenever Lee Jong Suk wrapped up another ridiculous story, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're funny," she declared, her giggle filling the room.

"See? Someone here appreciates me," he said smugly, shooting a pointed glance at Y/N. She just smirked but didn't respond.

As dinner wound down, Haru let out a soft yawn, her head drooping against Jiwoo's shoulder. "Looks like someone's ready for bed," Jiwoo murmured, her voice gentle as she stood to carry Haru to the small room they shared.

The mood shifted slightly when Jiwoo returned. The easy laughter gave way to a more serious tone as Y/N leaned forward, her gaze sharp. "Alright. Now that we're fed and settled... let's hear it. What brought you two all the way out here?"

The room fell quiet. I glanced between Nonna and Hyung, noting the way they exchanged a look.

---

Author's Pov

The room was quiet, the only sound coming from the crackling fire in the corner. Lee Jong Suk and IU sat across from Sehun and Y/N, their hands intertwined tightly. Y/N noticed IU's free hand resting protectively over her stomach, and a flicker of curiosity passed through her mind.

Sehun leaned back, his arms crossed, while Y/N sat forward, her keen eyes darting between their guests. Something about the atmosphere felt...off.

Lee Jong Suk cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "We have some news to share," he began, his voice steady but carrying an edge of nervousness. "We're married."

Y/N blinked, momentarily thrown off guard. "Married?" she repeated, a small, surprised smile spreading across her face. "Wow...that's great. Congratulations!" She elbowed Sehun, who gave a faint smile and a nod.

"That's not all," IU added softly, her voice tinged with hesitation. Her hand instinctively brushed her stomach as she spoke. "I'm two months pregnant."

Sehun straightened in his chair, his brows lifting. "No kidding," he said, his tone a mix of genuine surprise and warmth. "That's huge news. Congratulations to both of you."

Y/N smiled, though her instincts were already buzzing. "It's amazing news," she said sincerely. But her eyes sharpened, locking onto Lee Jong Suk. "But let's be honest, Minho wouldn't have sent you both out here, especially in your condition, just to tell us this."

The tension in the room thickened instantly. Lee Jong Suk's jaw tightened, and IU avoided their gazes, her grip on his hand tightening.

"You're right," Lee Jong Suk admitted, his tone grave. "This isn't just a friendly visit."

Sehun exchanged a wary look with Y/N, his smile gone. "Alright," he said, his voice steady and serious. "What's the real reason you're here for?"

Lee Jong Suk's expression darkened as he glanced at IU, who nodded faintly. "There's something you need to know," he said, his voice low. "And it can't wait."

Y/N's hand instinctively drifted to the hilt of her katana, her senses bracing for whatever bombshell was about to drop.

The room was quiet, save for the faint sound of the wind outside. Jiwoo had just finished tucking Haru in, her soft footsteps barely audible as she joined the others. Lee Jong Suk sat with his arms crossed, his expression uncharacteristically serious, while IU leaned against the wall, looking equally tense.

Lee Jong Suk broke the silence. "We came here because we need Sehun's help."

Y/N straightened in her chair, her gaze narrowing. "Sehun's help?" she repeated, her voice calm but curious. "What's the matter? And why only him?"

Lee Jong Suk glanced at IU before answering. "It's not something we can get into too much detail about, but Minho specifically asked for him. It's... sensitive."

Y/N frowned, shifting in her seat. "Sensitive? Minho knows we've worked together for years, practically since we were kids. Whatever skills Sehun has, I have them too. If it's sensitive, wouldn't it make sense to send both of us?"

Her tone wasn't accusatory, but there was an edge of confusion and a hint of frustration. Jiwoo quickly stepped in, her voice calm and understanding. "Y/N, I know how this looks. But you know Minho oppa. He always has his reasons. It's not about one of you being better than the other-it's about