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The entrance to Y/N's base was a sturdy, imposing sight. The massive wooden doors, reinforced with thick iron bars, stood tall against the outside world, giving the space an air of security and strength. It was clear from the first step that this was no ordinary place-this was a sanctuary, built to withstand the harshness of the world outside. As the doors creaked open, a sense of calm washed over anyone who entered, but beneath that calm was an undeniable tension of preparedness.

Inside, the grand hall unfolded before you. It was vast-so much so that the far corners seemed to disappear into the shadows. The immediate sight was the grand staircase that led upward, its polished wood gleaming in the soft light that filtered through the entrance. The hall itself was wide enough to house several gatherings, a space meant for both refuge and function. On one side of the hall, a room that had been converted into a kitchen beckoned, its stone floors littered with firewood stacked neatly beside a large fireplace. It was a humble setup, without the usual kitchen appliances or counters, but it served its purpose well enough-preparing meals on the hearth with a steady crackling of flames. Shelves stocked with food lined the walls, offering a sense of comfort amidst the austerity.

Beyond the kitchen, further toward the stairs, a door led to another section of the base-directly behind the stairs themselves. The small passage opened into a backyard of sorts, designed for practicality rather than beauty. A large, open area was surrounded by wooden fencing, giving ample space for the horses. At least fifteen horses could roam freely within this space, though only two-Y/N's personal steeds-took advantage of it. They were her trusted companions, the ones she relied on to venture beyond the walls when necessary.

Ascending the staircase brought one to the upper floor, where the true heart of the base existed. At the very front of the floor, the first room was a commanding presence-Y/N's room. This wasn't just a bedroom; it was her office, her sanctuary. From the threshold, anyone who stood in the doorway could see the entire hall below, the large staircase leading up, and the entrance doors. It was designed so that she could oversee everything, always aware of what was coming in or out. This room was entirely off-limits-no one, absolutely no one, entered without her permission. It was her space, untouched and sacred, where her decisions were made.

The rest of the floor contained two empty rooms, sealed so tightly that no air could pass between them. No one knew what was locked behind those doors, not even the other inhabitants of the base. The entire floor was built for privacy and function, a safe space within a safe space. Further along the hallway, another set of stairs led to the second floor, where additional rooms were kept. This floor was designed purely for storage and accommodations for any potential visitors or those who needed shelter. But what stood out was the large balcony at the end of the hallway, offering a clear lookout over the land. If anyone didn't feel like climbing the trees outside for a better view, this balcony served as the perfect alternative.

Just next to the stairs leading to the second floor was another stairs-this one leading to the terrace. The door was always locked, the space unused, more of a precaution than anything else. No one needed to go to the terrace, and it remained securely shut.

Outside the base, the trees stood like sentinels. Not too tall, but certainly not too short either, their trunks thick and sturdy, they served both as a natural barrier and a strategic advantage for any watchers stationed within the walls. They were the first line of defense, offering cover and height for anyone wishing to keep an eye on the outside world. This place, this base, was built with one purpose in mind-to protect, to withstand, and to be a refuge in the midst of chaos. And Y/N had made sure every corner was designed with that goal in mind.

---

Y/N sat perched on a sturdy branch, her legs dangling just above the green grass where her two horses grazed lazily. The soft rustling of the leaves was interrupted only by the occasional munching of her horses, their gentle movements in stark contrast to the urgency of her thoughts. The sun was now high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the base, but Y/N had barely taken time for herself. Her mind was preoccupied with the task at hand-another supply run for the hill.

She had woken up early, just as the first light touched the horizon, and had scavenged enough to make sure the base would be well-stocked. Her eyes flickered toward the base below, watching as the familiar figures of the others went about their day. She couldn't help but notice the bustle near the ground-some people moving purposefully while others were lounging. On the terrace of the school building, a few of her closest friends were sunbathing, taking advantage of the rare warmth of the winter sun. It felt like a precious luxury, especially with the cold biting at everything else.

Y/N's stomach rumbled quietly, reminding her that she hadn't had time for a proper breakfast. Her attention returned to the horses, her mind momentarily easing as she watched them graze peacefully, a simple act that always calmed her.

The silence was interrupted by a sudden rustle in the bushes nearby. Saans, the one person who knew her secret, emerged from the shadows. Her appearance was unassuming, with the muscular frame of someone who'd spent years in survival, and the rugged, practical clothing that was more at home in the wild than in any city. Most people thought Saans was a boy due to her rough exterior, but Y/N knew better.

Saans was late, but Y/N didn't mind. She had made sure everything was prepared for her friend's arrival. They had a system-a careful balance of trust and secrecy, each of them playing their part without question. It was this quiet understanding that had kept them both safe in a world that was becoming more and more dangerous by the day.

Her eyes flicked over to the base again, watching for any signs of movement from Saans. As she took another bite of her hastily prepared breakfast, she couldn't shake the feeling that time was running out. Once Saans arrived, she'd load up the horses and make the trek back to the base, and only then would she have the peace of mind to fully focus on everything else.

For now, though, it was a moment of peace-an afternoon where she could watch the sun's warmth on the faces of her friends, a brief respite before another journey took her away.

Y/N sat back on the branch, letting the peaceful afternoon settle over her like a soft blanket. Her thoughts were clouded, but there was an underlying tension she couldn't shake off. The journey she was planning for the day after tomorrow weighed on her mind heavily. She needed to find that-that bunker-that crucial piece she'd failed to uncover in her last attempt. It was frustrating; no matter how many times she tried, it always seemed just out of reach. The supplies she had were enough for the moment, but she knew they wouldn't last forever. She needed more.

But before she could dive back into that task, she knew she had to take a moment to check in with Minho. It had been nearly a week since she last saw him, and she could only imagine how worried he must be by now, especially with Hyungsik still out there. The thought of Minho's worry tugged at her heart. And Hyungsik was one of the few people who could track her down, and truth be told, she suspected he'd find her before she even reached him.

For now, though, she let herself breathe. Saans had taken the supplies and Astra, the second horse, back with her, leaving Y/N with Orion and Rebel. The two horses grazed contentedly, and she couldn't help but smile at the simple calm they provided. At least for a moment, the world felt still.

She looked out over the small patch of grass around her, noting how the light filtered through the trees, casting playful shadows on the ground. Everything felt... calm. Peaceful. She needed this moment. After everything that was coming-the journey, the search, the constant feeling of being hunted-this silence was a rare gift.

For now, she'd rest here. She'd take in the quiet, let the weight of the world drift away for a while. And then, when the time was right, she'd head back to the base to meet Minho. Whether it was tonight or tomorrow morning, she'd figure it out. There was no rush-not yet. For now, she could enjoy the peace.

"Just a little longer," she whispered to herself, closing her eyes, letting the sound of the wind and the gentle movements of her horses lull her into a brief respite from the weight of everything else.

A smirk tugged at the corner of Y/N's lips as she thought about Taehyung. She had known for a while now that he had somehow figured out she'd been coming here regularly over the past few days. It wasn't hard to imagine-he had a way of sensing things, noticing the little details that others might miss. But she didn't mind. He hadn't told anyone, hadn't caused any chaos, and that was exactly how she wanted it. No need to stir things up.

It was reassuring, in a way. At least someone from the base knew she was fine and still out there, still doing what needed to be done. It was a small comfort, something to keep the rest of them positive. They all worried about her, but as long as Taehyung was aware, there was no need for them to spiral into panic.

Y/N leaned back against the sturdy branch, gazing down at her horses as they continued grazing. She let out a small sigh, the weight of the world temporarily lifted. Taehyung's quiet understanding was enough for her. She didn't need to share every detail with everyone, but knowing he was keeping an eye on things-without raising alarms-was a small reassurance that kept her grounded.

Everything was in motion. She knew what was ahead of her, the journey she needed to take, the risks she would face. But for now, this moment of peace was hers to savor. And if Taehyung had caught on, it wasn't the end of the world. She'd deal with whatever came next.

---

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple, Y/N mounted her horse and began her journey toward Minho's base. The cold air bit at her cheeks, but she welcomed it, her thoughts steady as her destination drew closer. The familiar path stretched before her, a reminder of countless trips she'd made before.

Upon reaching the gates of Minho's base, Y/N dismounted, her boots crunching against the gravel as she led her horse toward the stables. The stable hands gave her a nod of recognition but didn't ask questions-they knew better than to pry into her comings and goings. She left both Rebel and Orion in their care, ensuring they were fed and warm before turning toward the heart of the base.

The main building stood tall against the night sky, its sturdy structure a symbol of Minho's leadership and resilience. Y/N made her way inside, her steps purposeful as she navigated the dimly lit hallways. She knew exactly where she'd find him-Minho was always in his office at this hour, pouring over maps, reports, or whatever else kept his mind occupied.

Y/N pushed open the heavy wooden door without hesitation, stepping inside. Minho looked up from his desk, his sharp features illuminated by the glow of a single lantern. His expression shifted from surprise to familiarity as he leaned back in his chair.

"Didn't think I'd see you tonight," he remarked, his tone calm but curious.

"I figured I'd check in," Y/N replied, crossing her arms as she leaned against the doorframe. "Heading out again soon, so I thought I'd make the rounds before I leave."

Minho raised an eyebrow, his gaze narrowing slightly. "And you're not going to tell me where you're going, are you?"

"Not this time," she said with a faint smirk. "Just know I won't come back empty-handed."

Minho sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You never make things easy, do you? At least tell me how long you'll be gone."

"A week, maybe longer," she replied. "Depends on what I find."

He studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. "You know you don't have to do everything on your own, right? I've got people who can-"

"I'll be fine," Y/N interrupted, her tone firm but not unkind. "I've got this."

Minho shook his head, a small, resigned smile tugging at his lips. "You're stubborn as ever."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Y/N said, pushing off the doorframe. "Now, I've got a few more people to see before I go. Just keep things running smoothly here, okay?"

"You don't need to tell me twice," Minho replied, watching as she turned to leave. "And Y/N... be careful out there."

She paused, glancing back over her shoulder with a rare, genuine smile. "Always."

---

The crackling of the campfire illuminated the backyard of the school, its warm glow flickering against the faces of those gathered around the makeshift dining table. The group was seated in varying degrees of comfort-some sprawled lazily, others leaned forward in animated conversation, the firelight casting their shadows on the weathered walls of the building.

Sehun was mid-sentence, discussing some trivial detail about the perimeter watch, when the gate creaked open. Heads turned out of habit, expecting to see Minho. Instead, Minho appeared, but not alone.

Behind him, strolling as casually as if it were just another mundane Tuesday, was Y/N.

Her boots scuffed against the dirt as she approached the table, hands stuffed into her jacket pockets, her face carrying that signature smirk that could ignite a storm of reactions. It had been almost three months-three long months since anyone had seen her. No goodbye, no explanation. She'd vanished without warning, leaving behind questions and frustrations. And now, here she was, looking completely unbothered.

The group froze, their conversations dying mid-sentence. The only sound was the fire's crackle as they stared at her, wide-eyed.

Lee JongSuk, always the first to react, broke the silence. "You've got to be kidding me."

Y/N shrugged, hopping onto the edge of the dining table as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "What?" she asked nonchalantly, grabbing an apple from a nearby crate and taking a bite. "You act like I'm a ghost or something."

"You might as well be!" Sehun shot back, his tone teetering between exasperation and relief. "Three months, Y/N. Three months without a word. And now you just show up like-like this?"

"Like a bomb," Jungkook muttered, still staring at her in disbelief.

Y/N grinned. "That's a compliment. Thanks, Kook."

"Don't encourage her," Suga said, leaning back in his chair with a raised eyebrow. "You've got a lot of explaining to do, Y/N."

"Explaining?" Y/N echoed, feigning innocence. "What's there to explain? I had things to do. And now I'm back for a bit. Aren't you happy to see me?"

Jiwoo folded her arms, narrowing her eyes at her. "Don't play coy. You didn't tell anyone. Not me, not Sehun. Not even Minho until you came back."

Y/N glanced at Minho, who smirked but didn't say a word.

"Well," she said, swinging her legs off the edge of the table. "Minho's good at keeping secrets, aren't you, boss?"

Minho shrugged, clearly amused. "I didn't see the point in spilling when she was going to show up eventually."

"Eventually?" Jimin echoed incredulously. "She could've been dead for all we knew!"

"Dead?" Y/N scoffed, shaking her head. "Please, I'm harder to kill than that. You should know better, Jimin."

Hobi sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You're impossible. But... we're glad you're okay."

"Of course, I'm okay," Y/N said with a wink. "I always am."

Taehyung, who had been quiet until now, simply smiled to himself, his gaze flickering to her briefly before focusing back on the fire.

"So," Jin interjected, leaning forward with a smirk. "Care to share where you've been this whole time? Or is that classified too?"

Y/N smirked, biting into her apple again. "Classified," she said simply.

The group groaned collectively, but there was undeniable relief on their faces. She was here, safe, even if only for the moment.

"Well," RM said finally, breaking the tension, "since you're here, you might as well sit down and eat properly."

"Don't mind if I do," Y/N said, sliding off the table to claim a seat between Jiwoo and Sehun. "I've got a busy morning tomorrow, so I might as well enjoy the company while I can."

"Busy morning?" Jungkook asked, his brow furrowing. "You're leaving again, aren't you?"

"Maybe," Y/N said with a sly smile. "But that's tomorrow's problem."

And with that, the group settled back into a mix of banter and questions, though none dared press too hard. For now, they were content to have her there, even if it was just for one night.

Y/N looked across the table, her gaze landing squarely on Taehyung, who had been quietly observing her the entire evening. His unreadable expression and subtle glances hadn't gone unnoticed. She smirked, leaning slightly toward him, her tone playful but edged with curiosity.

"Don't you think you've gotten a bit secretive, or... have you finally become smart?" she teased, her voice low enough that only Taehyung and maybe Sehun could hear.

Taehyung's lips curled into a faint smile, his calm demeanor unwavering. He tilted his head slightly, meeting her eyes with a knowing look. "Maybe I've always been smart. You're just noticing now."

Y/N raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Sure, let's go with that," she quipped, leaning back in her chair. "But I can see it, you know. You've got something rattling around in that head of yours. Care to share with the rest of the class?"

Taehyung leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table. "And ruin the mystery? Where's the fun in that?"

"You're terrible at being mysterious," Sehun cut in, clearly annoyed by the back-and-forth. "Just say whatever it is you're thinking and get it over with."

But Taehyung didn't take the bait. Instead, he shrugged casually, his eyes flicking briefly to Y/N before returning to his plate. "Nothing worth sharing," he said simply, though the slight upturn of his lips suggested otherwise.

Y/N studied him for a moment longer, her smirk fading into something more contemplative. "Fine. Keep your secrets. For now," she said, her voice soft but carrying an undertone of warning.

The others at the table noticed the brief exchange, their curiosity piqued. Jiwoo narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "What's going on here? Did I miss something?"

"Not a thing," Y/N replied quickly, waving her hand dismissively. "Taehyung's just feeling clever today."

Jin snorted. "That's dangerous. We're not ready for a clever Taehyung."

Laughter rippled around the table, breaking the tension. But Y/N kept one eye on Taehyung, who seemed far too comfortable for her liking. He knew something-she was sure of it-but for now, he wasn't talking.

As the conversation shifted to other topics, Taehyung leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting to the fire. He didn't need to say anything. He'd seen her earlier, the way she'd perched on that sturdy branch with her horses grazing nearby, the smirk she'd flashed before she thought anyone was watching.

For now, he'd keep it to himself. After all, knowing she was safe and still herself was enough. Let the others speculate all they wanted. Taehyung was content with the secret he