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Author's Pov

YN halted her horse at the edge of the town, her eyes narrowing as she surveyed the horde ahead. She caught a glimpse of movement in the distance, her senses sharpening. The horde of zombies, with two Goliaths lurking behind, hadn't moved for several minutes. There was something different about this scene. It felt... planned, organized. And that wasn't good.

She felt the grip of the reins tighten in her hands as she glanced over her weapons: a short gun with a silencer for quick takedowns and a bow with arrows, her preferred weapon for precision. Her Astra, tied to a tree far enough from the chaos to avoid getting caught in it, was her ticket out if things got too bad. But YN wasn't one to back down. Not now. Not when she knew there was something-or someone-alive nearby.

The Goliaths moved in tandem, slow but deliberate. The stalkers were scattered, seemingly mindless, but their occasional glances toward the Goliaths made it clear they were still under the larger zombies' influence. YN counted them quickly-six stalkers and two Goliaths, though she knew from experience that there were probably more lurking just out of view, waiting to make their move.

She didn't hesitate. YN smirked, feeling the thrill of the hunt rush through her veins as she spurred her horse into a sprint. As she closed the distance, the familiar hum of adrenaline coursed through her, grounding her in the task at hand.

The first stalker didn't even know what hit it. She fired her silenced gun twice in quick succession, dropping two of the zombies before they even had the chance to react. The others barely registered the sound before she was already nocking an arrow. She aimed carefully, her focus on one of the Goliaths.

The bowstring sang as she released the arrow, and it embedded itself squarely in the back of the Goliath's head. Its massive body staggered for a moment before collapsing to the ground with an earth-shattering thud. One down, one to go.

But as expected, the remaining Goliath and the stalkers reacted to her presence. More zombies, including a second Goliath, arrived, surrounding her with only a small gap of meters for escape. YN's heart pounded in her chest, but she stayed calm. She shifted her grip on her weapons, switching from the bow to her short gun as she circled her horse, maintaining her distance.

She fired again, taking out another stalkers with the clean shots. Two missed arrows flew wide, but the third hit its mark, another Goliath collapsing to the ground. The remaining stalkers were closing in. YN could see their decayed forms running toward her and climbing the nearby structures, making their way up the sides of broken vehicles and ruins.

The adrenaline was starting to catch up with her, and her muscles felt a little strained, but she didn't dare slow down. Not when so many zombies were closing in. YN took out another stalker, feeling the shot reverberate through her shoulder. It was a minor injury, but it served as a reminder of the fatigue creeping in.

As the fight raged on, YN quickly realized her short gun was out of ammo. There was no time to reload- her focus had to stay on the task at hand. With a steady hand, she switched back to her bow, the familiar weight comforting her as she nocked an arrow. Every shot was precise, each arrow finding its mark in the heads of the stalkers, the sound of each impact reverberating through the chaos. Her movements were fluid and sharp, the bowstring singing with each release as she continued to take down the remaining zombies with deadly accuracy.

Despite the tiredness, YN kept her focus sharp, keeping watch around her horse as it swerved just out of reach. She shoot rapidly, dropping one more stalker as it neared. But in the midst of the flurry, the remaining Goliath's massive hand lashed out, catching her off balance. She sidestepped just in time, avoiding a direct hit but feeling the force of the blow jarring her arm. YN grimaced, feeling a dull ache start to spread.

As she regrouped, YN knew she couldn't afford to slow down. The Goliath roared, drawing her attention. She stepped in closer, slashing with her sword. The blade cut deep, but the Goliath was relentless, swinging wildly despite its injuries. YN managed to duck beneath one of its massive arms, feeling the wind from the swipe as it narrowly missed her head.

Fatigue was settling in by now. YN's breaths were heavier, muscles tense, but her determination remained unshaken. She saw an opening, just behind the Goliath's ear. Summoning the last of her strength, she leapt forward, plunging her sword deeply into the soft spot. The creature roared one last time before collapsing, the impact sending dust clouds into the air.

As the last Goliath fell, the remaining limping stalkers and a few ambushers made their move, but YN was ready. Her sword, now stained with blood, gleamed in the dim light as she took them down with practiced ease. With swift, powerful strikes, she cut through the zombies, her blade slicing through decayed flesh. The ambushers didn't stand a chance, and within moments, the area was silent once more-her sword the only thing left dripping with blood.

Despite feeling tired, YN didn't hesitate. She drew her bow once more, aiming for the nearest stalker that was still clambering up a broken fence. The arrow hit its mark, sinking into the zombie's skull with a soft thud. It fell, unmoving. With the last few stalkers closing in, YN continued to weave through the chaos, striking with precision and determination.

Once the battle subsided and the last of the zombies lay motionless on the ground, YN took a moment to collect herself. She made her way over to the fallen stalkers, methodically retrieving her arrows from their heads. The tips were still sharp, and the precision of her shots hadn't faltered. As she pulled each arrow free, she felt a sense of satisfaction, knowing that her skills with the bow had ensured her survival once again. Each arrow was returned to her quiver, ready for whatever came next.

The adrenaline had subsided, leaving her muscles sore but her mind clear. She wiped her brow, glancing around at the aftermath. There was life nearby, she was certain of it now. And she would find it-because there was no way a horde like that would gather for no reason. YN smirked again, eyes scanning the town ahead.

---

A WHILE AGO

---

On the roof, Jin, J-Hope, and Jungkook were crouched low, discussing their next move. They knew it was time to move out, but there was a certain unease in the air. The situation ahead wasn't going to be easy, and they'd have to be careful. "We can't afford to get caught off guard," Jin said, his voice serious.

Jungook nodded in agreement. "We'll have to fight through if it comes to it."

J-Hope glanced out toward the horizon, deep in thought. "If we're quiet enough, we might just slip past them... but we'll need to be fast."

Just as the conversation was about to continue, the sound of pounding hooves reached their ears-heavy, thundering, shaking the ground beneath them. They quickly straightened up, leaning forward to peer down, trying to make out what was happening.

What they saw left them frozen. A girl, riding a horse at full speed, was charging toward the horde. Without hesitation, she aimed her short gun at the stalkers, picking them off with deadly precision. Then, in one fluid motion, she switched to her bow, taking down a Goliath with a single shot to the back of its head.

Jin, J-Hope, and Jungkook exchanged astonished looks, watching in awe as she fought through the horde. Her movements were so quick, so precise, they couldn't tear their eyes away.

As she battled the last Goliath, one much tougher to handle, they saw her breath becoming labored, her movements a little more strained. Jin and Jungkook instinctively prepared to step in and help, but J-Hope held them back, his eyes fixed on her.

"She's fine," J-Hope murmured softly, his voice tinged with something deeper. "She can handle it."

Jin looked at him, a mix of confusion and concern in his expression. "You know her?"

J-Hope's gaze remained locked on her, his mind racing. "I think I do," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. There was something familiar about the way she fought, the way she moved. His chest tightened as memories began to resurface-memories he hadn't allowed himself to think about in a long time.

Once the fight subsided, YN began collecting her arrows from the fallen stalkers, retrieving each one with methodical precision. Jin and Jungkook couldn't help but express their awe.

"That was... incredible," Jin said, his voice full of admiration. "She's amazing."

"Yeah, no kidding," Jungkook added, shaking his head. "She's like... unstoppable."

J-Hope stood still, his eyes glossy with emotion as he watched her move. The quiet intensity in his gaze was a mix of recognition and something deeper-something he hadn't been ready to face. There was a familiarity in the way she moved, in the way she fought. And yet, it wasn't just her skill that affected him. It was the strength in her, the unspoken bond that connected them in a way words couldn't explain. A single tear threatened to fall from the corner of his eye, but he wiped it away quickly, not wanting anyone to see.

---

As YN finished collecting her arrows, her eyes lingered on the building ahead. The battle had been exhausting, but it was over now. The last Goliath had fallen, and the remaining stalkers were no more than a few scattered bodies. Her breath was still heavy, but she felt that familiar sense of calm settle over her-the kind that came with having control of the situation. She'd handled it just like always.

But something was different now. She stopped for a moment, taking a glance at the building in front of her. As she retrieved the last arrow from a stalker's head, she remembered the flicker of movement she had seen earlier. It wasn't a mere reflection of the chaos; someone was alive in there. The realization hit her like a spark in the dark. That wasn't just a survivor-it was a group, hiding, watching her, waiting.

She could tell from their quietness, their patience, that they had been here for a while. She wasn't just passing through anymore; this place had something to offer. YN had been in situations like this before, picking up on the subtle signs of life when others might miss it. She'd known from the moment she saw the movement that she wasn't alone.

YN stood for a moment, steadying herself. Her heart rate slowed, and the fatigue in her body didn't matter anymore. She wasn't going to rush into this. With a deep breath, she called out, her voice steady but loud enough to echo across the space.

"Come down," she said, her tone calm but assertive. "I'm not a threat. Just a survivor, like you."

She knew they were up there, hiding, assessing her. And she didn't mind. She'd been through too many encounters to let fear or doubt stop her now. They needed to understand-she wasn't here to cause harm. She was here because she knew what it was like to survive. To fight. To keep going. And maybe, just maybe, they'd realize that.

---

From their perch on the roof, Jin, Jungkook, and Hoseok continued to watch as YN finished collecting her arrows. Her movements were precise, calm, even after the chaos of the battle. They could see the way her eyes scanned the surroundings, sharp and alert, making sure no danger remained.

As YN started to ride her horse towards their direction, the trio exchanged a quick glance. The tension in the air was palpable. They all knew she was approaching, but none of them spoke immediately. Jin was the first to break the silence, his brow furrowing as he watched her approach with quiet confidence. Jungkook, as always, remained focused, his sharp gaze never leaving YN, analyzing every detail about her movements.

But it was Hoseok who seemed lost in thought. His eyes glinted with something unreadable, a mix of emotions swirling within him as he watched YN draw closer. It was as if there was a recognition buried deep within him, but he couldn't quite place it.

YN's voice broke through the stillness as she called out to them, her tone clear and steady, "Come down. I'm not a threat. Just a survivor, like you."

At her words, Jin and Jungkook looked back at Hoseok. Without saying a word, Hoseok gave a small, almost imperceptible nod, his eyes never leaving YN as she waited below. His expression remained unreadable, but something flickered there-something familiar, but buried beneath the weight of time and circumstance.

They all stood still for a moment, processing what they had just heard. Jin and Jungkook exchanged knowing looks, but neither of them spoke. Hoseok's eyes glossed over slightly as he stared at the girl who had just called them down, his emotions tangled in the depths of his mind.

It was clear: he recognized her.

---

YN stood frozen, her heart pounding as she stared at the man before her. Hoseok. It was him. The cousin who had vanished from her life without explanation when she was fifteen. She had spent years wondering, questioning what had happened to him, why he and Suga had disappeared so suddenly. And now, here he was, standing right in front of her, just as real as the pain she had buried for so long.

Her breath hitched as memories flooded her-his warmth, his teasing jokes, the way he had been like an older brother to her during the hardest moments of her childhood. But those memories were tangled with the heartbreak of his disappearance, the years of silence. She didn't know whether to cry, scream, or demand answers.

Before she could say anything, Hoseok moved. His unreadable expression cracked, and suddenly, he was closing the distance between them. Without a word, he pulled her into his arms, crushing her against his chest.

"I'm so sorry," he choked out, his voice trembling with raw emotion. His grip was tight, as if he was afraid she might vanish if he let go. "I'm so sorry, YN. I-I didn't mean to leave you like that."

The apology came with a flood of tears. Hoseok, who had always been the steady, cheerful one, now stood before her broken and vulnerable. His body shook with quiet sobs, and YN felt his tears soak into her hair as he clung to her like a lifeline. She didn't need to see his face to know how deeply he was hurting.

Hoseok buried his face against her shoulder, his voice muffled but heavy with guilt. "I thought it was the right thing to do. But I was wrong. I was so wrong."

YN's mind was spinning, but she couldn't bring herself to pull away. Her hands slowly came up, resting lightly on his back. She had wanted answers, but now all she could feel was the weight of his grief pressing down on her. For years, she had imagined this moment-yelling at him, demanding to know why he had abandoned her. But seeing him like this, broken and crying, all of that anger seemed to dissolve.

"Oppa," she whispered, her voice soft and unsteady. "Why? Why did you leave without saying anything? I... I needed you."

Her words only seemed to deepen his pain. He shook his head, unable to meet her eyes. "I can't-" His voice cracked. "I can't explain it. Not yet. I thought I was doing what was best for you, for everyone. But I know now I was wrong. I never stopped thinking about you, YN. Not for a single day."

Tears streamed down his face, and he pulled her even closer, his emotions spilling out in waves. "I missed you so much. You have no idea how much I missed you."

The rawness of his voice, the sheer weight of his regret, broke something inside her. She leaned into him, letting him carry her weight as he held her. This wasn't just about the past anymore. This was about everything they had lost and the chance to start again.

Hoseok pulled back slightly, just enough to look at her, his eyes red and glassy. "I thought I'd never see you again," he admitted, his voice barely a whisper. "I thought you wouldn't want anything to do with me after what I did."

YN shook her head, her own tears finally spilling over. "I wanted answers. I wanted you back. That's all I ever wanted, Hobi."

At that, Hoseok's face crumpled, and he hugged her again, tighter this time. His tears fell freely, dripping onto her shoulder as he clung to her like she was the only thing keeping him grounded. And in that moment, nothing else mattered-not the past, not the questions, not the danger around them.

They stood there, holding onto each other, two broken pieces finding their way back together.

Jin and Jungkook stood a few paces away, silently watching the emotional reunion unfold before them. Their usually playful demeanors were tempered by the weight of the moment, their eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and quiet respect. As YN and Hoseok slowly pulled apart, the air seemed to shift, the intensity of their emotions lingering like an invisible thread binding them together.

YN wiped at her face, composing herself, and turned her gaze toward the two men who had been quietly observing. Hoseok followed her line of sight and quickly took a step closer to her, his expression softening into something lighter. "Oh, right," he said, gesturing toward the two. "YN, meet my friends. This is Jin, and that's Jungkook."

The two men exchanged sheepish grins as YN's gaze landed on them. Jin, always quick to adapt, gave a warm smile and a small wave. "It's nice to finally meet you," he said, his voice as gentle as his expression.

Jungkook, on the other hand, scratched the back of his neck, his cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. "Yeah, uh, we've heard a lot about you," he mumbled, avoiding direct eye contact.

YN arched a brow, the corner of her lips twitching into a small smile despite the tension lingering in her chest. "Well, you both handled yourselves pretty well back there," she said, her tone laced with subtle praise. "Your positioning on the roof wasn't bad."

Jin puffed out his chest a little, clearly pleased. "Not bad? That's a compliment coming from someone who just single-handedly took down a Goliath."

"Yeah," Jungkook added, nodding enthusiastically. "You were incredible! I mean, the way you used your bow and sword? That was unreal!"

YN gave a small nod of acknowledgment, but her focus began to shift. As the trio's chatter carried on, her gaze wandered toward the building ahead, her expression growing serious. Her eyes lingered on the structure, as though expecting someone to emerge. After a beat, she finally asked the question that had been gnawing at her.

"Where's Suga?"

The casual tone of her voice didn't mask the weight of her question. Hoseok, who had been smiling moments ago, stiffened almost imperceptibly at the mention of the name. His shoulders tensed, and his expression wavered. He opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. Instead, his eyes softened as he looked at YN, clearly torn between what to say and how to say it.

Jin, sensing the shift in atmosphere, stepped in quickly, his voice carrying an upbeat tone to defuse the tension. "He's back at our base," he said with a reassuring smile. "You'll meet him soon enough. There are seven of us in total. You're going to love the others-they'll be thrilled to meet you!"

As the conversation wound down, Jin and Jungkook exchanged excited glances, already imagining the reactions of the others when they brought YN back to their base. The weight of the encounter began to lift slightly, replaced with anticipation.

YN, however, stood still for a moment, her gaze shifting toward the