Y/N sat quietly on the balcony, her eyes fixed on the horizon as the sun slowly began to rise, casting its golden glow across the town. The warmth of the morning light did little to ease the storm in her mind. Haru was still asleep on the sofa behind her, a soft, rhythmic sound of her breathing the only comfort in the silence.

She had eaten something, but the food sat heavy in her stomach, a reflection of the heaviness that now pressed on her chest. The past few days kept replaying in her mind. She had told them everything-about her work, the findings she'd uncovered, the hidden rooms, and all the secrets she'd discovered within the walls of the townhall. She had trusted them, shared things that were supposed to stay buried. And yet, now, she was questioning every decision she made.

Did she make a mistake? She had known, from the moment she revealed everything, that it wouldn't be easy. She knew the weight would fall on her shoulders, threefold, but it felt unbearable now. The accusations from Jiwoo, the tension between the others-it all felt like too much.

Y/N's thoughts swirled, each question intertwining with the next. Had she gotten too close to Sehun? The bond they shared, the quiet understanding-was it something more than just friendship? What about the others? Taehyung, Jungkook, all the boys... had she let them get too close, too quickly? She never intended for any of this to spiral, but now, doubts crept in, gnawing at her from the inside out.

What had she done wrong? What if she had misread everything? What if she had misled Jiwoo, or worse, hurt her? The pain of those questions, unanswered and unresolved, seemed to hang over her like an unshakable fog.

Y/N stood up from her chair, stretching her arms as the soft rays of the sun brushed against her skin. The questions in her mind still lingered, swirling like a storm she couldn't quiet. But for now, she needed space-distance from everyone and everything. Haru was still curled up on the sofa, peacefully unaware of the turmoil inside Y/N.

With a quiet sigh, she turned away from the balcony and moved to her corner, where her bags were already packed. It was second nature now, a habit born from years of survival. She reached for the note she had prepared earlier, her handwriting sharp and deliberate:

"Gone to check leads. Be safe. Stay quiet. - Y/N"

She placed the note on the table beside the sofa, glancing briefly at Haru. There was no doubt in her mind that the others would eventually read it, but it didn't matter. They would know she wasn't abandoning them-just stepping away.

Y/N checked her gear meticulously, ensuring she was ready for anything. Her katana rested against the wall, gleaming faintly in the early morning light. She secured it across her back, followed by her bow and a quiver of arrows. Her short gun with a silencer was holstered at her thigh, while a revolver, also silenced, sat snugly at her waist. A dagger rested at her hip for close encounters. Her hands moved deftly, each movement a reminder of years of preparation.

Before leaving, she double-checked her bedroom and office doors, locking them securely. No one needed to dig through her things while she was gone. Once satisfied, she slung her bag over her shoulder and made her way to the balcony.

The first floor wasn't a challenge. Y/N dropped her bag over the edge, watching it land softly in the dirt below. She leaned over, calculating the drop, then climbed over the railing and let herself fall. She landed silently, crouching to absorb the impact. Straightening up, she adjusted her gear, her eyes scanning the horizon. The bunker wasn't far now.

Pulling her hood over her head, she tied her hair into a tight bun to keep it out of her face. The fabric of her jacket brushed against her skin, the weight of her weapons reassuring.
With purpose in her stride, she took off, disappearing into the early morning mist.

---

The hall was heavy with silence, the air thick with unresolved anger. Jiwoo descended the stairs, her eyes immediately scanning the room. She noticed Y/N was gone-again-leaving behind nothing but a note in Haru's small hand. Her expression soured.

"Typical," Jiwoo muttered, her voice sharp as she walked toward the group. "Off on another mission, I suppose?"

Jungkook's eyes flashed, his fists clenched tighter as his patience thinned. "You really need to shut your mouth, Jiwoo," he snapped. "You don't even know half of what she does, but keep acting like you do."

Jiwoo smirked, eyes narrowing. "What, did you fall for her just because she swings a sword around like she's some damn hero?"

Suga, who had been silently observing, leaned forward slightly, his voice cutting through the tension. "You couldn't even swing a stick properly, Jiwoo," he said flatly. "So maybe you should stop pretending you know what it takes."

Jiwoo opened her mouth to retort, but the bite in Suga's words stopped her. She stood there, seething but unable to come up with anything to fire back.

He stood tall, locking eyes with her. "And if you can't respect Y/N, or stop making false accusations, then you won't be talking to me either. Not a word from you, ever."

Jimin, standing slightly behind Jungkook, scoffed, "Just let it go, Jiwoo. You're not winning this one."

Taehyung shook his head, his voice low. "Maybe next time, you'll keep your mouth shut before throwing accusations around."

Jiwoo's cheeks flushed, her pride wounded, but she stayed quiet for once. Suga turned on his heel, making it clear he was done with the conversation. "I'm serious, Jiwoo," he added, before walking away. "You cross that line again, and we're done."

The room fell silent again, Jiwoo standing in the center, realizing she had no ground left to stand on.

---

The tension in the air had been thick for days, a heavy weight that no one seemed able to lift. Jiwoo's frustration and jealousy had simmered beneath the surface, occasionally flaring up in sharp comments and icy glares. But today, as she descended the stairs with a determined stride, it was clear she wasn't planning to let things lie. The unease in the room was palpable; everyone could sense that this confrontation would be different.

In the basement, Suga sat with Haru, his focus entirely on the child playing quietly with a small stack of wooden blocks. He'd had enough of the constant drama upstairs and chose to stay out of it for his own peace of mind-and to keep Haru shielded from the worst of it. Minho and Hyungsik were out on a short supply run, both using the excuse to escape the group's escalating tensions and clear their heads.

Jiwoo entered the common room, her gaze cold as it swept over everyone. Her eyes landed on Sehun first, her lips curling into a sneer. "You know, Sehun, I've been wondering. Why do you stick to Y/N like glue? What, is she paying you to follow her around? Or do you just enjoy being her shadow?"

Sehun looked up, his expression calm but edged with warning. "You really want to go there, Jiwoo? I've ignored your comments long enough, but I'm not going to let you drag Y/N into this just because you're angry."

Jiwoo crossed her arms, her voice sharp. "Angry? Is that what you think this is? Maybe I'm just tired of everyone acting like Y/N is untouchable. Like she's the reason we're all still alive."

Taehyung stepped forward, his voice quiet but firm. "You weren't like this before, Jiwoo. What's going on with you? Is this jealousy talking? Frustration? Because the things you're saying... they're not you."

Jungkook leaned against the wall, his brows furrowed. "What happened to the Jiwoo we've known for years? The one who had our backs, who trusted us? This isn't about Y/N-it's about you and whatever's eating at you."

Jiwoo's face twisted with anger. "Don't try to psychoanalyze me, Jungkook. This isn't some deep-rooted problem. I'm just tired of being treated like I'm less than her."

Jimin stepped closer, his voice steady but tinged with disappointment. "Jiwoo, you're not less than anyone here. But what you're saying now-it's not fair. Are you really so caught up in your jealousy that you'd say this to your best friend? Y/N's the reason you're still here. You wouldn't even be standing in this room if it weren't for her."

Jiwoo scoffed, her voice rising. "Oh, spare me. You all act like Y/N is some savior. What about the rest of us? Am I the only one who's ever contributed anything around here? Am I the only one who had to fight to survive?"

Jungkook's voice hardened, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "No, you're not. But we all owe Y/N. Every single one of us here wouldn't have made it this far without her. You think you're the only one who's frustrated? We're all tired, Jiwoo. But we don't tear each other down because of it."

Hobi, who had been silently clenching his fists, finally spoke up, his tone sharper than usual. "You're right-you're not the only one who was saved by Y/N. We all were. Every single one of us owes her. Not just for saving our lives, but for holding this group together. You want to act like you're the only one who's struggled? Then fine. Keep thinking that. But don't drag the rest of us down with you."

Jiwoo opened her mouth to respond, but Jin stepped in, his voice calm but firm. "That's enough. Jiwoo, we're not your enemies. We've been through too much together to let this kind of resentment tear us apart. Take a breath and think about what you're saying-what you're doing. This group doesn't work if we're fighting each other."

Jiwoo hesitated, the fire in her eyes dimming slightly as she glanced around the room. For the first time, she seemed to truly see the disappointment etched on everyone's faces. She clenched her fists and looked down, her voice quieter now. "I didn't mean..."

Namjoon, who had been silent until now, stepped forward. His voice was steady, a calming presence in the tense room. "Jiwoo, we're all tired. We're all hurting in our own ways. But turning on Y/N, turning on us, isn't going to fix anything. You've been part of this group for years-through everything. And we're not going to give up on you. But you need to figure out what's really bothering you. Because this? This isn't it."

The room fell silent as Jiwoo swallowed hard, her gaze darting to the door. Without another word, she turned and walked out, leaving the group to exchange wary, uncertain glances.

"She'll come around," Namjoon said quietly, more to himself than anyone else. "She just needs time."

---

The eastern mountains loomed before her, their black, jagged peaks piercing the low-hanging clouds. The terrain had been unforgiving, a relentless mix of slippery rocks, steep inclines, and dense forest undergrowth that made every step a battle. It had taken her almost a week to cross the 30 to 40 treacherous mountain paths, the rain soaking her through more times than she could count, chilling her to the bone.

But none of that mattered now.

The bunker door was just a few feet away, hidden behind a veil of overgrown vines and moss-covered rocks. She crouched to clear the thick vegetation, her hands brushing aside wet leaves and dirt. The cold, damp air carried the faint scent of rain-soaked earth, a stark contrast to the tension thrumming in her veins.

The card was still in her pocket, its small, innocuous form a constant reminder of her purpose. She had found it last time, buried within the decayed body of a Stalker, wedged in a wooden box. The discovery had been pure chance, a moment of curiosity she now thanked herself for indulging.

The first time, she'd been forced to turn back before she could investigate the bunker fully-low on supplies and desperate to return after weeks out in the field. Now, weeks later, she had come back with only one goal in mind: find answers.

It didn't matter whether this was the exact same bunker or not. What mattered was that she had found one-and it was here. From her previous mission, she had known there would be a hidden place somewhere in these mountains, and now, she had finally discovered it. This bunker represented a small glimmer of hope, the next crucial step in her mission.

She cleared the thick vines and dirt from the entrance, brushing the remnants of the forest from the door with a practiced hand. The air was cool, the mist of the mountain making it hard to see clearly, but the sense of purpose in her chest was undeniable. She ignored the risk of coming alone-her need for answers outweighed everything else."

Y/N had thought about bringing someone with her-maybe Jungkook or Sehun. Both had been eager to help, always insisting that she didn't need to do these missions alone. But after the tension and accusations that had unfolded before her departure, she knew she needed to do this on her own. She needed answers, not interference.

She took a step back and stared at the door, her breaths forming small clouds in the cold mountain air. The steel entrance was weathered, its surface marred with rust and deep scratches, but it was intact.

Y/N approached the side of the bunker where an array of electrical equipment lay scattered, things she had no knowledge of. Her fingers hovered over the complex wires and panels, a sense of helplessness creeping in. She had been just a toddler the last time she'd seen anything like this-barely eight years old, when it all began. Fourteen years had passed since then, and she couldn't help but feel that gap now.

If only she had brought someone with her-maybe Hyungsik or anyone who had more experience with this kind of technology. They were all a few years older than her, more capable of understanding the intricacies of electrical systems, but it was too late for that now.

She had to figure it out on her own. She clenched her fists, determined. This was her mission, and she wasn't going to let anything stop her. Even if it meant pushing through with no answers, no guidance.

Y/N tapped on the panel in frustration, her fingers now tangled in a mess of wires. The once-organized connections had turned into a chaotic nest of cables, and the more she fiddled with it, the worse it seemed to get. She sighed, sitting back on her heels, her mind racing with the same thought: What now?

She glanced around the area. The afternoon sun hung high above, casting its warm glow over the mountains. The stillness of the surroundings felt almost eerie, the quiet only broken by the occasional rustle of wind through the trees. Her stomach was full from the meal she'd taken earlier, the water refreshing-but the weight of this task was making her stomach turn.

She had been here for the better part of twenty or thirty minutes, struggling with the panel, and the longer she sat with it, the more overwhelmed she felt. The wires, the connections, the unfamiliar technology-it was all so much to process, and she was alone.

A frustrated groan escaped her lips as she sulked. She had hoped for more progress by now, but nothing seemed to be falling into place. What was she supposed to do now?

Y/N's eyes flickered toward the radio and walkie-talkie in her bag. Could it really work? She had no idea if the range would be enough, especially with the valley's surrounding terrain. The thought of trying to connect with Minho at the townhall seemed like a long shot, but it was her last hope. She couldn't afford to hesitate now.

With a determined sigh, she pulled the walkie and radio out of her bag, examining them for a moment. The gear was wireless, but without the correct radar, she might be wasting her time. Still, this was the only option she had left.

She scanned the valley, noting how the tall trees seemed to rise in every direction, blocking any clear line of sight. Her eyes narrowed as she calculated the distance. It was a gamble, but if she could somehow reach Minho, maybe they could find a solution.

Without wasting another moment, she began making her way toward one of the tallest trees nearby. Each step was carefully calculated as she climbed, finding sturdy branches that would hold her weight. When she finally reached a high vantage point, she took a seat, positioning herself so she could get a better signal.

She held the radio in her hands, twisting the knobs with a quiet determination. "Come on," she whispered under her breath, focusing on the task at hand. "Work." She couldn't help but feel a bit of doubt creep in, but the weight of her mission pushed her to try, to keep going. This has to work, she thought, her fingers fiddling with the dials, trying to make the connection.

---

At the base, the atmosphere was calm, with everyone scattered around the hall. Jungkook, Taehyung, Jimin, Minho, Hyungsik, Sehun, RM, Suga, Jin, Hobi, and Jiwoo sat near the dinner table or on the floor. Some nibbled on bread, their hunger evident, while others simply enjoyed the rare moment of peace.

Jiwoo, once known for her lively energy, had grown noticeably more calm recently, and this change was welcomed by everyone. Her quiet, composed presence brought a sense of stability, and even those who were usually more restless, like Sehun and Jungkook, found comfort in her tranquility.

Haru, lay beside Taehyung on the sofa. Her small figure was curled up in a ball, her short hair messy and sticking out in a cute, boyish way. Taehyung kept a protective eye on her, a soft smile tugging at his lips as he adjusted the blanket over her. Despite the chaos of the outside world, there was a sense of peace in this small moment, watching the little one sleep so soundly.

Meanwhile, Minho and Hyungsik had excused themselves and headed downstairs to Minho's office in the basement after eating. The others remained upstairs, each person content in their own thoughts, enjoying the calm silence. It was a fleeting peace, but in that moment, they all appreciated it, knowing how rare it was in a world that had changed so much.

Jungkook exhaled, leaning back against the sofa. "Feels weird, doesn't it? Everything's too quiet."

Jimin nodded, picking at the crust of his bread. "Yeah... I keep waiting for something to happen."

Hobi let out a soft chuckle. "That's called trauma, Jimin."

RM, who was sitting by the window, smirked. "Or just common sense. When was the last time we actually had a peaceful night?"

Sehun leaned back against the wall, arms crossed. "If you keep questioning it, you're gonna jinx it."

"That's what I'm saying." Jin sighed, stretching his arms. "Some of us just don't trust peace anymore."

Suga, who had been unusually quiet, said. "That's because it never lasts."

Jimin, leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "You think it's really safe out there?" His voice was calm, but his eyes betrayed his concern.

Suga, who had been staring at the floor, finally lifted his gaze. "Safe? We all know what that word means now. Not much of it left."

RM nodded grimly. "Yeah, we can't afford to get too comfortable. Just because we've had a quiet night doesn't mean it'll last."

Hobi shrugged, glancing over at Taehyung. "Maybe we've earned a little rest, though, right? I mean, we've been at this for so long."

"I don't think it's about earning it," Jin replied, "I think it's about not knowing how much longer we can take it." He paused, meeting everyone's eyes. "The more we sit here, the more it feels like we're waiting for the other shoe to drop."

Sehun let out a low chuckle. "That's what happens when you survive this long. Nothing feels permanent."

"Yeah, it's like living on edge," Jimin added, his voice quieter now.

"Always