JIN'S POV
The first light of dawn barely pierced the dusty sky as I sat up, wiping the sleep from my eyes. The roof was cold, but I couldn't complain-at least we had made it through another night. Namjoon was already at the edge of the roof, scanning the empty streets below. His shoulders were tense, the weight of leadership pressing down on him as always.
I adjusted the strap of my bag, feeling the few remaining supplies shift inside. The last of the water bottles sat between us, nearly empty.
Yoongi sat a few feet away, sharpening his katana with slow, deliberate strokes. The metallic scrape cut through the silence. His focus was unwavering, his expression calm as if nothing in this broken world could touch him.
"You awake?" he asked without looking up.
"Barely," I muttered, rubbing the back of my neck. "Just trying to figure out how we're going to stretch this out." I held up the water bottle, shaking it lightly.
Before Yoongi could respond, Namjoon turned to us. "We don't have time to stretch anything. We need to move."
His voice was sharp, commanding. He'd been up long before the rest of us, probably replaying every possible plan in his head.
"Joon, we can't just rush into the streets," I countered. "We need a plan."
"We've been planning for two days, Jin hyung," Taehyung interrupted, his frustration breaking through. He stood up, crossing his arms as he faced me. "If we keep waiting, we'll run out of water before we even make a move."
"Watch your tone," I said evenly, but my words carried a warning.
"Why? Because I'm younger?" Taehyung shot back, his voice rising. "This isn't about age-it's about surviving!"
"Tae, enough," Jimin interjected, his tone cautious. "Let's just figure this out without turning on each other."
Namjoon sighed heavily. "We don't have time for this," he said, pinching the bridge of his nose. "The town's quiet now, but it won't stay that way. We need supplies."
"Then let's go!" Jungkook piped up, standing suddenly. "Why are we even arguing? We all know what needs to be done."
"Because this isn't a game, Jungkookie," I said sharply, my gaze locking onto his. "One mistake and-"
"And someone dies," Yoongi finished quietly.
The weight of his words silenced the group. He wiped his katana clean, standing up with a calm precision that demanded attention.
---
SUGA'S POV
The tension hung in the air as I strapped the katana onto my back, the blade a familiar weight against me. I glanced at Namjoon, whose jaw was tight as he scanned the group. He was trying to keep it together, but I could see the cracks forming.
Namjoon's voice broke the tense silence. "We're splitting up," he said, his tone firm but calm.
He turned toward Jin first. "Hyung, take Jungkookie and Hobi. Head to the outskirts and check for food, water, and anything else we can use. Don't push too far-if it gets dangerous or you need to rest, stop. Prioritize safety. Get back tomorrow if needed, no rushing."
Jungkook's eyes brightened with determination. "Finally," he muttered, barely able to contain his eagerness.
"Stay focused, Jungkookie," Hoseok said softly, his usual cheer replaced with quiet seriousness. "We can't afford any slip-ups."
Namjoon turned to me next. "Yoongi hyung, you and I will stay closer to the area. Focus on tools, medicine, and anything else that might have been overlooked. Same rules-if it feels risky or something doesn't sit right, pull back. There's no room for mistakes."
I nodded. "Got it."
Namjoon's gaze shifted to Taehyung and Jimin. "You two stay here. Keep an eye on the place and make sure nothing sneaks up on us. If you see or hear anything, signal immediately."
Taehyung frowned, his hands tightening on his rifle. "Hyung... how bad is it out there?"
Namjoon paused, his expression softening just slightly. "It's bad," he admitted. "But that's why we're being careful. We'll take it one step at a time."
I leaned forward, meeting Taehyung's uncertain gaze. "Tae, this is just as important as going out there. You've got a job to do, and we're counting on you both."
Jimin and Taehyung nodded reluctantly, his grip tightening on the rifle.
Namjoon's attention returned to the group as a whole. "Remember, this isn't about rushing. If you have to stay put overnight or come back later than planned, that's fine. We'll make do. The goal is to be smart, not reckless."
Jin nodded in agreement, his expression serious. "Understood. We'll move carefully."
Even Jungkook, despite his earlier excitement, looked subdued as he muttered, "Got it, hyung."
Namjoon's gaze flicked to me one last time, and I gave a small nod. "Let's make it count," I said quietly.
He nodded, the weight of leadership settling back on his shoulders as he turned toward the stairs. I followed close behind, the sound of the others' preparations fading as we descended into the unknown.
---
SUGA'S POV continue
Namjoon and I descended the stairs, each step echoing in the quiet base. The air felt heavy, weighed down by the decisions we had to make. Splitting up was always risky, but staying stagnant was even worse.
"You think Jin's group will find much on the outskirts?" I asked, breaking the silence.
Namjoon's shoulders stiffened slightly, and he exhaled slowly. "I hope so. They have the best chance of covering the area quickly without running into trouble. But we both know there's no guarantee."
I nodded, adjusting the strap of my katana. The dwindling supplies in our stash didn't leave us much choice. "And us?"
"We'll focus on the nearby buildings," he said. "But no rushing this time. We'll take it slow, cover what we can, and regroup. If we don't finish today, we'll continue tomorrow."
I raised an eyebrow. "Namjoon-ah, you're finally learning to pace yourself? Who are you, and what have you done with our fearless leader?"
A faint smile tugged at his lips. Namjoon stopped at the bottom of the stairs, turning to face me.
"Yoongi hyung," he said, his voice softer, "we've been pushing too hard lately. You've seen how tired everyone is, even if they don't admit it. I don't want to overdo it and risk losing anyone. Let's be smart about this."
He wasn't wrong. The group had been running on fumes for weeks, and it was only a matter of time before someone made a costly mistake.
I asked, a hint of a smirk tugging at my lips. "Since when did you become so soft, Namjoon-ah?"
He rolled his eyes but didn't deny it. "I just know the group can't handle another loss. Not after last time."
I didn't need him to say more. We both knew how fragile our unity was. After losing a few members to bad decisions and worse luck, every step forward felt like treading on broken glass.
"Let's clear a few buildings today," I said, adjusting the katana on my back. "And tomorrow, we can push further out. No sense in exhausting ourselves when the area's quiet enough to stay put for now."
Namjoon looked relieved, though he tried to hide it. "Deal?"
"Deal," I replied. "But don't think I'm letting you slack off just because you're the leader, Namjoon-ah."
He let out a small chuckle, the tension in the room easing just a little. "I wouldn't dream of it."
We stepped outside into the cool air, the early noon sun casting long shadows across the deserted street. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the occasional rustle of the wind through abandoned buildings. Namjoon's steps were careful but deliberate, his focus unwavering.
As we moved toward the first building, I glanced up at the rooftop. Taehyung's silhouette stood against the fading light, rifle in hand. A subtle wave from him confirmed he had our backs. It was a small comfort, but it mattered.
---
Taehyung's POV
The sun hung high, its light spilling over the broken buildings and fractured streets. From my vantage point on the roof, the streets looked deceptively calm, but I knew better than to trust appearances. My rifle rested against my shoulder as I scanned for any movement below. Namjoon hyung and Yoongi hyung were down there somewhere, methodically combing through the debris for anything useful.
"Hyung! We're heading out now!" Jungkook's voice rang from below, sharp and eager. He stood by the gate, his gear strapped tightly as Jin hyung and Hoseok hyung joined him. "Don't worry, I'll make it quick!"
I glanced down and raised a hand in acknowledgment. "Stay sharp, kookie. Don't let your guard down."
Jungkook grinned, a mixture of confidence and determination on his face. "Hyung, I've got this. You just focus on not pacing a hole in the roof."
Hobi hyung shook his head with a small smile, adjusting the strap on his bag. "Let's move. We've got a lot of ground to cover."
Jin hyung waved briefly before they disappeared into the distance, leaving the courtyard feeling emptier than it had been moments ago.
"Taehyung ," Jimin's voice pulled me back to my task. He was on the ground floor, checking the gates again. "Anything yet?"
"Not a thing," I replied, my eyes darting between the crumbling buildings. "It's too quiet."
"Better quiet than chaos," Jimin muttered, moving from gate to gate, tugging at the locks to ensure they held. For the past few days, we'd fortified this place as best as we could-sealing windows, reinforcing doors, and patching up weak spots in the barricades. It wasn't perfect, but it was better than nothing.
Still, unease simmered in my chest. "We've done what we can," I said, more to myself than anyone else.
Jimin nodded, joining me on the roof briefly. "Namjoon hyung and Yoongi hyung will handle it. They've been through worse."
"I know," I muttered, watching as Yoongi hyung adjusted his katana and Namjoon hyung scanned the area below. They moved with quiet efficiency, like shadows blending into the ruins. "But knowing doesn't stop the worry."
Jimin patted my shoulder briefly before heading back to his rounds. "Just stay focused, tae. You're good at that."
I stayed silent, keeping my rifle steady and my eyes sharp.
---
By late afternoon, the tension in the air hadn't eased. The sun cast long shadows across the streets, and every creak of the barricades seemed louder than it should have. I spotted Namjoon hyung and Yoongi hyung again, just as they were entering a dilapidated store. Yoongi hyung glanced up, and I gave him a small wave. He nodded in return before vanishing inside.
Jimin returned to the courtyard, checking the gates one last time before calling up to me. "Everything's secure. I'll stay near the doors in case they need backup."
"Good," I said, though the tightness in my chest didn't ease. "Keep an eye on those locks."
"I always do," Jimin replied, his voice firm but calm. "And hyung, maybe take a break. You've been up there all day."
I shook my head. "Not yet. Someone needs to keep watch."
---
The sun was dipping lower when I finally climbed down from the roof to stretch my legs. My rifle stayed slung over my shoulder as I joined Jimin in the courtyard.
"Hyung!" Jungkook's voice rang out from a distance. I turned to see him waving enthusiastically as he, Jin hyung, and Hoseok hyung returned with a few bags slung over their shoulders.
"We found something," Jungkook called, his grin wide. "It's not much, but it's better than nothing!"
"Good work," Jimin said, meeting them at the gate.
Jungkook shot me a playful look. "See, hyung? I told you I've got this."
I rolled my eyes, though a small smile tugged at my lips. "Yeah, yeah. Just get inside and stay alert."
As the three of them disappeared into the building, I turned my gaze back to the horizon. Namjoon hyung and Yoongi hyung were still out there, and until they were back, I wasn't letting my guard down.
Not for a second.
---
Author's Pov
The sky blushed orange as the sun dipped below the horizon. Y/N urged Orion forward, her body aching from the day's long ride. The saddlebags on either side of her horse bulged with supplies she had scavenged, enough to last them a week if rationed carefully. As she approached the familiar outline of their base, the smell of smoke and faint laughter greeted her.
Tying Orion to a sturdy post, Y/N patted the horse's neck. "Good work today, boy," she murmured, then hefted the supplies onto her back.
The dining area was warm with the hum of conversation. Jiwoo sat at the table with Sehun, IU, Lee Jong Suk, and little Haru, who was swinging her legs in her chair, happily munching on a piece of bread. IU was mid-sentence, gesturing animatedly as Lee Jong Suk chuckled, while Sehun leaned back in his chair, watching the group with an amused expression.
Y/N stepped inside, dropping the supplies onto the table with a soft thud. "Hey," she said, brushing a hand through her wind-tousled hair. "Hope you all saved me some dinner."
Jiwoo glanced up and smiled, gesturing to a steaming bowl on the counter. "Always."
As Y/N took her seat, the group's chatter quieted. She wasted no time. "Listen, we need to sleep early tonight. Tomorrow, we're moving out-early."
That caught everyone's attention. Haru stopped swinging her legs and looked up at Y/N with wide eyes. "Are we going somewhere fun?"
Y/N gave her a small smile. "Not fun exactly, but important."
Lee Jong Suk leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "What's the plan?"
Y/N set her bowl aside, her expression serious but calm. "Sehun, IU, and Lee Jong Suk, you'll head to Minho's camp. You'll check in with him, handle whatever errands he has for you."
Lee Jong Suk raised an eyebrow. "You trust me enough to babysit them, huh?"
Y/N smirked. "No, but Minho trusts you, and that's close enough."
A ripple of laughter eased the tension, and IU nudged Lee Jong Suk. "Guess you're stuck."
Y/N continued, her tone shifting to the next part of the plan. "The rest of us-me, Jiwoo, and Haru-will head south. We'll spend the night at the treehouse on the hill. I want to check out that southern town during the day." She paused, her gaze steady. "I saw movement there again today. We need to make sure it's safe."
Sehun frowned. "You're sure it's worth the risk?"
"Yes." Y/N's reply was firm. "If someone's out there, we need to know if they're a threat or in need of help. Either way, we can't ignore it."
Jiwoo glanced at Haru, who was quietly nibbling on her bread, her small frame almost swallowed by her oversized sweater. "The treehouse should be safe enough for a night," he said. "But you have to promise to be careful."
Y/N gave a faint smile. "Careful's my middle name."
Sehun snorted. "That's a lie, and we all know it."
The room filled with muted laughter, but it quickly subsided as Sehun leaned forward, his voice lowering. "Seriously. All of you-be careful. If things go south, head straight for Minho's camp. If I finish up early, I'll meet you there. If I'm not there by the time you arrive..."
"We'll come back for you," Y/N finished, her gaze locking with his.
"Exactly," Sehun said. "Five or six days. No more."
IU folded her arms, her lips pursed. "And don't think you can leave us waiting for weeks."
"Wouldn't dream of it," Y/N said with a teasing smile, though her tone held a note of reassurance.
Jiwoo nodded. "Alright. We've got a plan. Let's stick to it."
Y/N stood, pushing her empty bowl aside. "Get some rest. We leave at first light."
As the group dispersed, Haru tugged at Y/N's sleeve, her small fingers gripping tightly. "Y/N, when they go tomorrow," she said, glancing at IU and Lee Jong Suk, "can I sleep with them?"
IU chuckled, ruffling Haru's hair. "You just can't get enough of us, huh?"
Lee Jong Suk smirked, leaning on the back of his chair. "Only if you promise not to snore louder than IU."
"Hey!" IU protested, crossing her arms in mock offense. "I do not snore."
Y/N smiled, crouching down to Haru's level. "If that's what you want, it's fine by me. But no late-night adventures, okay?"
Haru nodded, her grin wide. "Okay, promise!"
As Y/N stood, she grabbed her empty bowl and walked to the wash basin. She could hear Jiwoo's quiet voice behind her, soft and shy.
"Sehun," Jiwoo murmured, barely audible over the clatter of water. "Can we... cuddle tonight?"
Sehun let out a low chuckle, his voice warm. "Of course, Jiwoo. Let's go."
Y/N turned her head slightly, catching a glimpse of Jiwoo taking Sehun's hand as they disappeared down the hallway. She shook her head, amused, before rinsing her bowl one last time and setting it aside.
The base grew quieter as everyone settled in. Y/N lingered for a moment, debating whether to turn in herself. Her body was heavy with exhaustion, but her mind buzzed with restless thoughts. The familiar ache of sleeplessness pressed down on her-it was a nightly occurrence she'd long since grown used to.
Every night felt the same: her bed felt too small, her thoughts too loud. Shadows in the corners of the room seemed to twist, a habit from years of living in fear. The echo of past mistakes, decisions, and the ever-looming weight of tomorrow kept her awake long past the others.
With a resigned sigh, Y/N grabbed her jacket and climbed the stairs to the roof.
The cool night air kissed her face as she stepped onto the rooftop. Above, the stars shimmered in the velvety black sky, scattered like shattered glass. Y/N leaned on the edge of the roof, her eyes scanning the horizon.
The forest stretched endlessly around their base, its dark depths silent except for the occasional rustle of leaves. The watchful silence of the night wrapped around her like a familiar cloak. She often found herself here, gazing at the distant treetops and the small flickers of moonlight breaking through.
Her hand instinctively brushed the hilt of the knife strapped to her side, a comforting habit she had developed over the years. The weight of the day pressed against her, mingling with the worries of tomorrow-the southern town, the group's safety, and the ever-present unknown.
This nightly ritual was her way of finding peace amidst the chaos. Though fleeting, it was enough to keep her steady. She closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath, and let the sounds of the night fill her senses.
For now, the world was still.
---
The world below was still, but Y/N's mind refused to rest. She had been on the roof for hours, her thoughts churning as the night deepened. The stars above seemed indifferent to the weight pressing on her chest, twinkling brightly against the dark expanse.
It was sometime around 2:30 a.m. when the faint creak of the rooftop hatch broke the quiet. Y/N stiffened slightly, her hand instinctively moving to the knife at her belt. But the soft sound of careful steps told her who it was before she turned.
Sehun emerged, his hair messy from sleep, the oversized sweater he'd thrown on barely enough to ward off the chill. His gaze immediately found her, seated against the ledge with her knees pulled up to her chest.
"You're still awake," he murmured, walking over with quiet steps.
Y/N leaned her head back against the wall, letting out a small sigh. "Couldn't sleep. You know how it is."
He crouched beside her without a word, his eyes scanning her face. "You say that like it's normal, but you've been doing this every night. Y/N... this isn't sustainable."
She huffed softly, trying to
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