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The afternoon sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows across the camp. The air was warm, but the atmosphere felt heavy, weighed down by the absence of Jin, Jungkook, and Hoseok. It had been a full day since the three of them had ventured out, and there had been no word. The usual rhythm of their camp felt off, like a silence that couldn't be filled.

RM and Suga finally walked back into the camp, their steps slow but steady, their clothes covered in dust from the long walk. The younger members, Taehyung and Jimin, stood near the campfire, their faces clouded with worry.

Taehyung's eyes scanned the horizon, his foot tapping anxiously against the ground. "Still no sign of them," he muttered under his breath, trying to mask the growing concern in his voice.

Jimin's arms were crossed tightly over his chest, his lips pressed in a thin line. His gaze flickered between the empty path ahead and the two older members as they approached. "Do you think something happened to them?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, though he knew the answer they both feared.

RM, always the pillar of strength, caught Jimin's eyes, his face betraying little of the concern he felt. He walked over to the younger duo, offering a reassuring smile, though his eyes held a hint of worry behind them.

"They're fine," RM said, his voice firm but gentle. "Jin, Jungkook, and Hoseok know the risks. They'll come back when they're ready. We just have to trust them."

Suga, who had been silently observing, spoke up next, his tone more subdued but equally reassuring. "We've been through worse before. They're experienced. Whatever happened, they'll handle it."

Jimin nodded, though it was clear that his worry was still gnawing at him. "But... what if something went wrong? What if they got caught or-"

Taehyung placed a hand on his shoulder, cutting him off gently. "We're a team, Jimin. We all look out for each other. They know what to do. They'll be back. They wouldn't leave us hanging like this."

Jimin let out a long breath, the weight of the uncertainty pressing on him. "I just... I don't want to lose anyone. Not after everything."

RM's face softened, and he placed a hand on Jimin's back, guiding him into a small hug. "You won't lose them. You're not alone in this."

Suga stepped forward, his usual stoic expression giving way to the rare warmth that only came out when it was needed. "You're right to be worried, but don't let it consume you. They'll come back. And when they do, we'll be ready for whatever comes next."

Taehyung, still restless, cast another glance toward the road. "But what if it's more than just a delay?"

RM stood tall, his voice firm and commanding now, the leader in him coming forward. "Then we wait. If they don't return by tomorrow, we'll go out and search for them the day after tomorrow. But until then, we trust they'll come back to us when they can."

Jimin gave a small nod, the reassurance starting to settle in his chest, though his worry was still there. Taehyung slapped his back lightly. "We'll be ready. We've got to keep our heads up, no matter what."

RM smiled at them both, trying to lift the heaviness in the air. "Exactly. We stay vigilant, stay strong, and trust them. That's all we can do."

Suga looked at the horizon one last time, his jaw tightening slightly. "They'll be back when they're back. Until then, we wait. We won't let it drive us to panic."

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the camp settled into a quiet, expectant rhythm. The younger members continued to worry, but with each passing hour, the presence of RM and Suga calmed their nerves, grounding them in the belief that the others would return.

The uncertainty remained, but now there was a plan. If Jin, Jungkook, and Hoseok didn't make it back by the next day, they would search the following day. They could wait, but they were ready to take action if needed.

---

The soft rustling of leaves filled the air as Y/N, Haru, and Jiwoo settled into the treehouse high on the hill. It was a perfect refuge, nestled safely among the branches of a towering tree that seemed to stretch toward the sky. The large, sturdy branches provided not only shelter but also a spectacular view of the surrounding valley. Below them, the dense forest stretched out, the distant hum of the town barely audible in the wind.

Haru, her wide eyes full of wonder, ran her hands along the wooden railings. "Wow, Imo, you made this all by yourself?" Her voice was full of excitement, as she looked at the treehouse from every angle. "It's like a little home up here."

Y/N smiled softly, happy to see Haru so impressed. "Yeah, it's secure. The lookout spot above is the best part. We can see anyone coming from far away."

Jiwoo, watching her daughter's reactions, also nodded in agreement. She looked at Y/N with appreciation. "This place is perfect, Y/N. You've really thought of everything. The stairs are sturdy, the traps are set, and we have enough supplies. It's a safe spot."

Y/N folded her arms, her eyes drifting to the horizon as she felt the weight of the plan ahead. "Now, I'm going to check out that town below. I'll see if there's anything useful or any intel we can gather. If I'm not back today, don't panic. I might have to rest somewhere else if it's too dangerous. If I'm not back by tomorrow evening, then you both need to head home, alright?"

Haru looked up at Y/N, a little worried. "Imo, don't go too far. Stay here with us."

Y/N knelt down beside Haru and gently ruffled her hair. "I promise, I'll be back soon. You two stay here, don't go down to the base of the hill. If you don't hear from me by tomorrow evening, then it'll be time to head back home. But just stay here, and be careful. The treehouse is safe."

Jiwoo gave a soft smile, placing her hand on Haru's shoulder. "We'll stay here, Y/N. We won't go anywhere. Just come back to us, okay?"

Y/N nodded, her gaze firm yet gentle. "I'll be back before you know it. Stay up here, keep watch, and don't do anything reckless. I'll take care of the rest."

She stood up and looked at them both, her heart heavy with the weight of the promise she was making. "Remember, don't go anywhere. Just wait for me here. I'll return, I promise."

With one final glance, Y/N made her way down the stairs and disappeared into the forest below. Haru and Jiwoo stood together, silently watching her leave, their hearts full of quiet worry, but trusting Y/N's promise to return.

---

Y/N'S POV

I made my way down the stairs of the treehouse, the wood creaking faintly under my boots. The sun peeked through the trees, casting golden patterns on the ground below. As I reached the last step, I paused, steadying myself on the thick branch before leaping down to the forest floor.

Three horses stood tethered near the base of the treehouse. Orion, my strong and dependable stallion, stood alert, his dark coat gleaming in the dappled sunlight. Astra, Jiwoo's calm mare, stood beside him, while Ember, the smaller, fiery-tempered gelding, chewed lazily at some nearby grass.

I ran a hand along Orion's neck, his ears flicking toward me. "Alright, boy," I murmured. "We've got some ground to cover."

Astra nickered softly as I untied her reins. "You're coming with me too," I said, patting her side. My gaze shifted to Ember, and I hesitated for a moment before tying his reins more securely to the low-hanging branch. "Stay put and take care of the girls, alright?" I added under my breath, though I knew he wouldn't be moving unless someone guided him.

I checked the saddlebags on both Orion and Astra, ensuring they were stocked for the trip. Water, rations, a map, a flashlight, and two machetes-one strapped to Orion's side and the other at my belt. Everything was ready.

Swinging myself onto Orion's back, I adjusted Astra's reins in my left hand. She followed easily as I nudged Orion forward. Together, the two horses moved in rhythm, their hooves making soft thuds against the forest floor as we began the descent down the hill.

The path was steep in places, and the forest grew denser as we went. The air smelled of pine and damp earth, and the rustle of leaves filled the silence. My senses were sharp, scanning the surroundings for any movement. The town wasn't far now, but the unease that always accompanied me on these trips was settling in.

I glanced back once, my eyes lingering on the treehouse hidden among the branches. Jiwoo and Haru were safe there-for now. Ember was with them, and the treehouse itself was solid. Still, the knot in my chest didn't loosen.

The faint hum of the town below reached my ears, mingling with the rhythmic sound of the horses' steps. Tightening my grip on the reins, I urged Orion and Astra forward. Whatever waited for me in that town, I'd face it like I always did.

And no matter what, I'd return. Jiwoo and Haru were counting on me, and I never broke a promise

The trail was quiet, the only sounds coming from the steady rhythm of hooves and the occasional rustle of leaves. The noon sun filtered through the thick canopy above, and I focused on guiding Orion and Astra down the uneven slope. The forest air was calm, but the terrain was tricky-more so than I'd expected.

As we rounded a sharp bend, a sudden rustling in the underbrush startled Astra. Her ears flicked back, and before I could steady her, she reared slightly, pulling the reins taut. My grip slipped just enough for me to lose balance as she bolted forward, her hooves pounding the rocky trail. Orion followed close behind, but the sudden motion caught me off guard.

"Whoa, Astra!" I called, my voice firm but laced with worry.

It happened too fast. One wrong move on the uneven ground, and Astra stumbled. The world tilted as I felt myself slipping from Orion's saddle. My hands reached for anything to steady me, but gravity pulled me down hard.

I hit the ground with a jarring thud, the rough terrain scraping against my arms as I slid down the slope. Rocks and dirt tore at my shirt, leaving it shredded as my skin stung from fresh scrapes. My descent slowed only when I reached the bottom, my body finally coming to a stop against a patch of soft moss.

Pain shot through my arms, and I groaned, sitting up slowly. The taste of dust filled my mouth, and I winced as I flexed my fingers to check for any broken bones. Thankfully, nothing seemed too serious-just scrapes and bruises, though blood trickled steadily from several wounds.

A shadow loomed over me, and I looked up to see Orion trotting down the hill, his dark mane whipping in the breeze. Astra limped behind him, her left foreleg dragging slightly as she moved. Both horses came to a stop in front of me, their breaths heavy but their eyes alert.

"Well," I muttered with a wry smile, brushing dirt off my face. "We made it downhill faster than expected."

Orion huffed as if in agreement, nudging my shoulder gently. My gaze shifted to Astra, and my stomach twisted when I saw her leg. Blood streaked her coat, and she held the injured limb awkwardly.

"Damn it," I whispered, getting to my feet despite the ache in my body.

I approached Astra carefully, speaking softly to calm her. "It's okay, girl. Let me take a look." She stood still as I crouched down, examining the wound. A deep scrape ran along her leg, not life-threatening but enough to slow her down if untreated.

Reaching for my bag, I cursed under my breath when I realized I hadn't packed enough bandages. My eyes flicked to my torn shirt, and without a second thought, I unbuttoned it, leaving me in my black spaghetti-strap tank. I tore the fabric into strips, wrapping them tightly around Astra's leg to stem the bleeding.

"There, that should hold for now," I murmured, tying the makeshift bandage securely. Astra nickered softly, her big eyes watching me as I stood up.

Blood from my own wounds dripped steadily onto the ground, mixing with the dust that coated my skin. I caught my reflection in a small puddle nearby and winced. With the blood, dirt, and shredded clothing, I looked like I could easily be mistaken for one of the undead. If it weren't for the bag slung over my shoulder, the weapons strapped to my side, and the two loyal horses at my back, anyone who saw me might not take a second look before pulling the trigger.

Something like this ☝🏻

I took a deep breath, wiping sweat from my brow as I glanced at the path ahead. The town was still a little ways off, and the thought of what I might find there sent a shiver down my spine.

"Alright," I said, brushing off my pants and tightening Orion's reins. "Let's keep moving."

Orion and Astra both seemed ready, despite the stumble. With Orion at my side and Astra limping slightly but determined, we pressed on, the forest opening up as we descended further toward the unknown below.

The forest opened up slightly, revealing a small, still pond nestled between the trees. The water glistened in the dappled sunlight, a calm contrast to the chaos of the day so far. I approached cautiously, kneeling by the edge and observing the faint murkiness of the surface. It wasn't drinkable-probably rainwater mixed with debris-but it would do for cleaning myself up.

Setting my bag down carefully, I began undoing the straps that held my weapons and supplies in place. My hand brushed against something cold and familiar at my waist-Sehun's dagger.

My fingers lingered on the hilt, and a memory surfaced.

It was earlier this morning, right before we parted ways. Sehun had taken my katana, a faint smirk playing on his lips as he held it up to inspect its sharp edge.

"It'll remind me what you could do if you were with me," he said, his tone teasing but lined with genuine affection.

I rolled my eyes at him, crossing my arms. "Then give me your dagger. I might need it to remind me of what you'd say if you were here."

He chuckled, but after a moment, he reached for his hip and unfastened the sheath. He handed the dagger to me without another word, his usual confident expression softening. For a brief moment, I saw concern flicker in his eyes, though he quickly masked it.

"Take care of it-and yourself."

"Always."

The flashback ended as quickly as it had begun, and I found myself smiling faintly. My thumb grazed the intricate carvings on the hilt as I looked down at the dagger. Its weight felt reassuring, like a part of Sehun was here with me, even in the middle of nowhere.

I shook my head lightly, snapping out of my thoughts. There was no need to get sentimental right now. I left the dagger secured at my waist and turned my attention back to the pond.

Carefully, I cupped the water and began cleaning the dirt and dried blood from my arms. The stinging sensation that followed when I disinfected the scratches reminded me I was still alive, still human. The cool water felt refreshing against my skin, and as I wiped the grime from my face, the reflection staring back at me looked slightly less like a zombie and more like myself.

"Well," I muttered to no one in particular, glancing at the bag and the horses grazing nearby, "time to keep moving."

Securing my gear and running a hand through my damp hair, I adjusted the dagger at my waist and set my sights on the path ahead. The town wasn't far now, and whatever awaited me there, I knew I'd face it head-on.

---

JK's POV

The sun hung high in the sky, the heat growing as the day edged toward noon. We'd been stuck on this roof since yesterday evening, long enough for the chill of the night to fade and the morning light to flood the area. Our position felt strangely serene. We were so far from the base now, almost at the border of the forest, where the town started to melt into nature's embrace. It was a strange feeling, like we had left behind the remnants of human life and stumbled into a forgotten corner of the world.

The air here was fresh, clear of the usual pollution. Nature had reclaimed its space-flowers bloomed wildly along the streets, vibrant and fragrant. Their scent filled the air, almost too sweet to believe, masking our presence. For now, at least, the stalkers wouldn't be able to catch our scent. The rotting things, the ones that lurked below us, were still there, shambling aimlessly, but they hadn't gotten close. The flowers worked their magic, and for now, we were safe.

I glanced down at the empty streets, watching as the stalkers shuffled around, their decayed bodies barely able to move in a straight line. But it was the Goliaths that worried me-the massive forms looming in the distance, their hulking figures casting long shadows. They were smarter, stronger, and far more dangerous than the others. If they caught a scent or heard us moving, we wouldn't last long. Though they have weak senses like hearing and with smell they can see the moments despite their blurry sight. That's why they always gonna seen with hordes.

"We're stuck here, for now," Jin muttered, his gaze never straying far from the Goliaths. "Those Goliaths are still too close. Moving would be suicide."

I nodded, glancing at Hobi who was checking our supplies. We had enough-food, medical supplies, water, all of it secured in our packs. It was a relief to know we had what we needed, but it didn't change the fact that we were trapped. The roof was secure for now, but it wouldn't be forever. We could only stay hidden for so long before the Goliaths would start to search more thoroughly.

I wiped the sweat from my forehead, trying to shake off the tension that had settled deep in my bones. It was almost noon, and we had been stuck here for hours. The air was still fresh, almost refreshing, despite the constant threat hanging just beneath us. But the longer we stayed here, the closer we got to being discovered. The Goliaths were still pacing below, their heavy steps making the ground vibrate, but for now, they didn't seem to notice us. They were just waiting, like us.

Hobi let out a low sigh as he finished inspecting the supplies. "We've got everything we came for, but it's not going to make a difference if we can't get past those things."

I ran a hand through my hair, frustrated but understanding. "Yeah, I know."

It felt like we'd come too far to go back now. The base was miles away, and we were practically on the edge of the forest. We'd scavenged enough supplies to survive for a while, but that was it. There was no clear path out of here without dealing with the Goliaths. The nature around us, once so peaceful, now felt like it was mocking us-this quiet, untouched place, while danger lurked just below our feet.

We had no choice but to wait. And waiting was the hardest part.

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