1 hour earlier: (M/N)'s P.O.V
After agreeing to the place Jungwoo recommended, we cautiously entered the run down apartment and tried to clear out all the zombies in the vicinity as quietly as possible to not alarm any abnormals.
"I think that's all of em.": Johnny hyung said before killing the last one and pushed it off the roof.
"Where did you say your place was at again?": I turned around and asked Jungwoo.
"Oh yeah, follow me.": he said as we all followed him down the stairs.
Walking along the dark corridors since electricity doesn't seem to work here, we stopped at the third door where he quickly fetched out his keys from his pocket.
"Here we are.": he said while pushing open the creaky door and headed in before us. "Please don't mind the mess.": he shyly commented.
"I thought you lived at Lightway street.": Taeil questioned, I remembered that the place was where the rich lived.
"Ah about that.": he paused, scratching the back of his neck. "That was a fake address so that I could enter the company, I actually live with my grandma here.": he explained.
"But why didn't you move somewhere else?": his colleague asked.
"She doesn't want to, she says there's too many memories left here since this is where she raised my mom.": he replied and earned an understanding nod.
The two settled down to talk more since this is the last stop for the day while me and Johnny hyung paced around to check for things. Unlocking the sliding door that led to the balcony, I walked out to feel the fresh air. Ever since I arrived to the city, I've been missing the fresh air back at town.
Johnny hyung walked out as well to accompany me as well as he leaned against the railing, body physically relaxing. I could tell he was tired since us olders didn't get much sleep last night to take turns on the lookout.
"What's the time?": he asked, breaking the silence.
Looking at the watch on my wrist, "4:00": I answered.
"It's almost dark, we should go and meet them.": he said and I nodded my head as we grabbed our bags to head out again.
"You two can stay here and rest up, we're heading out to bring them back.": Johnny said as he opened the door.
"Wait!": Jungwoo called out, making up stop to look back at him.
"Please be safe.": he said.
We just smiled at him. "We will, see you later.": Johnny hyung said before closing the door behind us.
"Back to the city again.": he huffed as we walked down the corridor.
"I don't think I'll be able to take care of so many people at once.": I said as we walked down the stairs.
"Tell me about it.": he chuckled, but it was definitely easier for him since he was a teacher whom took care of criminals.
"At least-": I stopped and immediately ducked down when my foot tripped a rope.
Expecting that it was a trap since these mechanism were common back in town to kill somone, I nearly missed the heavy gas canister that swung at me from behind, force strong enough to make a crack in the wall.
Knowing that it was a trap made by someone in the building that we didn't manage to spot when we came in, I quickly got back to my senses as I took out my gun and pointed at the top of the stairs.
As expected, a guy walked out of the shadows but we didn't manage to take a look at his face since the rays of the sun was shining directly at us. The click from his gun didn't fall on deaf ears though.
"Who are you people?": he asked, tone hard.
"We're not here to cause trouble okay? Just put the gun down.": Johnny hyung reasoned.
"Answer the damn question or I blow that gas can.": he said, not letting his guard down.
"We came here from the city looking for shelter, someone we know lives here and we were just about to go out to get our friends.": he explained while slowly lowering his gun as I just followed hesitantly. "Please, put the gun down, we're not here for trouble.": he admitted.
Seeing us lowering our guns, he seemed convinced enough that we're not dangerous and finally lowered his as well. With cautious steps, he walked down the stairs toward us, allowing us to see his face.
He had sharp features, a well sculpted nose, defined jawline, big doe eyes, sleek brows and thin plump lips. All suitable facial traits for an idol paired with his magenta dyed hair. Looking at him more closely, I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity, like I've seen him at a point of time before I was sent to that town.
"The city you say?": he asked with a raised brow.
"Yeah, we separated into groups to find resources.": Johnny hyung replied.
"I have a friend who is also at the city.": he said.
"I mean, you can come along with us if you want.": Johnny hyung convinced.
He shook his head. "It's better to travel alone.": he said.
"They're partially blind, uses their hearing more.": I said, making him look at me.
"(M/N)?": he said my name, making me pause. "It's been so long since I've seen you. You rarely came back to visit after you went to live with your mom.": he said, tone surprised.
"Wait...": I paused as my mind tried to process who he was as I took in his every detail until a name clicked in my mind. Of course, how can I forget my first ever friend. "T-Taeyong?": I asked, dumbfounded at how much he had changed over the years.
"Yes, glad you still remember me.": he cheered before giving me a hug. "You missed out so much, I have a lot to tell you.": he said with a smile, its scary how he was able to change from one expression to another so quickly.
"Maybe later? We're kinda running late here.": Johnny hyung cut the conversation short with an awkward smile.
"Oh right right, let's go.": he said before turning around and headed down the stairs.
"It's hard to believe that you almost killed me with a gas canister.": I said to him.
He sniffled a laugh. "Sorry about that.": he cheekily apologized.
------
"Are they here yet? I'm boreddd.": Jisung pouted.
Looking at the time on his watch, Doyoung felt that something was wrong, the sun is already starting to set but there was still no signs of them. Taking out his sniper rifle to look through the scope for anything out of the ordinary, he spotted the second group which is Mark, Heachan and Chenle but there was another man behind them.
Upon spotting them, Doyoung along with the other two went down to meet up like the plan.
"Glad you guys are back. Have you seen the others?": Jaehyun asked.
"No, I thought they were suppose to arrive back earlier than us since they're closer?": Mark questioned.
"No way! Am I dreaming right now?!": Jisung exclaimed when he saw the man behind his hyungs but was quickly shushed by Doyoung.
"What?": the older asked.
"Its Nakamoto Yuta! You know? The famous rock star?": he exclaimed.
"Ohhhhhh no wonder he looked so familiar.": Chenle said as he took second looks at the idol behind him.
"W-who?": Jaehyun asked, seemingly the only one along with Mark who is oblivious about who the man is.
"He's an idol.": Haechan explained.
"Oh.": the both replied simultaneously as they looked at the newest company.
"Okayyyyyy enough hyping about, where are you guys heading?": he asked.
"We were suppose to meet up with the other group here before dawn but they seem to be running late.": Jaehyun explained.
"Well in a situation like this, do you maybe-": the idol paused when he heard a loud roar.
"It's the direction they headed.": Doyoung said, the bad feeling now at the pit of his stomach.
"Well let's go then!": Yuta urged, running first as the others followed behind.
After a few minutes, they stopped to see someone fighting with two large abnormals and a bunch of "upgraded" zombies.
Not even bothering to see who it was, they took out their weapons and rushed into the scene to help. Seeing the struggling boy, Yuta threw a stun grenade at the abnormal closest to him to blind it but it was too late as it had managed to stratch the boy.
Pulling him to the side of the road nonetheless, he quickly took out a handkerchief from his pocket before tying it tightly onto his wounded arm to try and slow down the infection. It was the least he could do for now.
"Hang in there buddy.": he patted the boy on the shoulder and was about to set off but was weakly pulled by the boy.
"F-flare.... Help...": he muttered out weakly before pointing at the red flare that was dropped on the ground in the middle of the road.
Quickly catching what he meant, Yuta nodded his head before running toward it while dodging some incoming zombies. Fetching out a lighter beforehand, he slid under one of the abnormals and lighted it up the moment the flare was in his hands. Hopefully the person this was suppose to signal to make it in time cause he doesn't think they'll be able to hold them off much longer.
-----
"Jinwoo stole a potato and nearly got his finger chopped off.": I said to him, remembering the funny memories.
"No way!": Taeyong laughed.
"It's not that bad until-": I paused when a bright red flare lit up in the sky.
I paused for a moment, not believing what I was seeing.
"What's that?": Taeyong asked.
"It's them! C'mon guys!": Johnny patted me on my shoulder, snapping me out of my thoughts as we quickly ran toward that direction.
Not even stopping for one second knowing that they are in danger, we eventually arrived to see the youngers hiding in a store while the others fought with two abnormals. Seems like they miscalculated the number of abnormals in the area.
Observing the situation, bombing wouldn't be suitable for killing the two since everyone is so close. Firing wasn't a good option as well since it wouldn't do much so the last remaining option was to run. Looking around, I felt my blood run cold when my eyes landed on Jinwoo laying on the side of the road with a bloody arm. No....this can't be happening....I thought to myself as my mind went blank.
"Step back guys!": Taeyong shouted, pulling me back into reality as I saw him throw something toward the two giants.
The moment the thing got close to the abnormals, it immediately attatched itself tightly onto their skin before sending a large wave of electricity that successfully killed them in an instant.
Knowing that it wasn't time to celebrate just yet, we took out the remaining zombies with little effort. The moment the last one dropped to the ground, I immediately ran toward Jinwoo while they checked on the youngers.
"Woo! Can you hear me?!": I shook him roughly. "Wake up!"
He slowly slurred awake, eyes barely able to open along with his short, rugged breaths.
"(M/N)....": he smiled weakly at me.
"Ok good good, stay awake woo, I'll bring you back to heal.": I said and was about to carry him but was stopped by him pushing me away.
I could see the dark purplish marks building up on his arm. "Woo..": I called out to him.
"I guess they were right, I could never be the hero after all.": he weakly chuckled before violently coughing.
"No! You are a hero Woo. You saved them and brought us time.": I said to him. "You managed to outrun one of them, distract them. Heck, even the girl back in town said you are a hero Woo."
"A-am I going to d-die (M/N)?": he asked.
"What? God no! Woo, just-": I couldn't control my mixed emotions as I punched the concrete floor. "God I'm so fucking useless, I even promised to take you to see the city.": I said to him, not caring if tears were falling down my face.
"It's o-okay.... At least y-you got to s-see them right?": he said, even in this moment he still puts others in front of him like he always did.
"We're going to see them together, just hang on a bit longer okay?": I said while cupping his face.
He groaned in pain, making me look at the open wound that I had accidentally touched. Pulling my hand away, my eyes widen in disbelief when the wound started stitching itself back, leaving nothing but dried blood.
"Wha-what?": he said as he looked at his arm.
Seeing the blood that was dripping from the wound on my hand, it seemed to be the only answer even though it was as unbelievable as it is.
"It healed....": Jaemin being a medical student, immediately crouched down beside me to observe.
"I need you to check my blood when we get back.": I said to him before standing up and reached a hand out to Jinwoo to stand as well.
"Jinwoo oppa! I'm sorry!": Yuumi cried as she pounced onto him for a hug with tears dripping down her face.
"Hey hey, it's not your fault Yuu. Don't cry.": Jinwoo chuckled as he bent down to comfort my crying sister.
"What happened?": I asked.
"Jinwoo hyung pushed Yuumi away when an abnormal almost got her.": Jeno explained as he slung Renjun's arm over his shoulder.
"Are you okay Renjun?": I asked worriedly when he coughed.
"Yup, just got hit. I'm fine.": he said as I nodded my head in understanding.
"Yuta! You okay?": I see Taeyong rushing over to the stranger named Yuta. Looking more closely, he doesn't look local.
"Yeah yeah, I'm fine, do you know them?": he asked, face held with curiosity.
"Not really, just (M/N) here who's my childhood friend.": he replied after giving me a brief look.
Giving him a handshake, I briefly introduced myself and let the others do the same as well on their own since I wasn't good at the interaction side much. When the last person said hello to them, we heard another roar from a distance away.
"We better hurry.": Johnny said before carrying Yuumi on his back before I even had the chance to get to her, how kind of him.
"Yeah, I'm pretty drained too.": Yuta said while slinging his backpack over his shoulder and started walking alongside Taeyong hyung.
"C'mon Woo.": I lend out a hand for him to stand up with wobbly feet.
We were walking at the back of the group in our own pace since Jinwoo here has been walking with wobbly feet.
"You feeling okay?": I asked, feeling slightly concerned that he doesn't look recovered even though he technically has.
"Yeah, just a bit....dizzy.": he replied before shaking his head.
"Hang in there, we're almost there.": I told him as he replied with half a nod.
Seeing him in this state made me feel guilty for making him walk so I stopped in front of him and bent down a bit.
"Climb on, I'll carry you.": I said to him.
"You sure? I'm heavy as a rock now.": he weakly joked.
"And I'm not made of tofu Woo, just climb on.": I shot back with a smile.
"If you insist.": he shrugged before climbing onto my back as I carried him with little effort since he's still a petite boy despite his personality.
"Starting to regret your decisions now?": he asked with a grin.
"Nope. I used to carry you like this everywhere we went when you-"
"Stop! Don't even say that!": he cut me off when Renjun and Jeno who were in front of ua turned their heads to listen in on the story.
"When you flipped off from a chair and broke your leg.": I ignored him and continued the sentence.
Hearing the sniffled laughs from the two in front of us, he huffed in embarassment. "Man, now they're gonna think I'm uncool.": he sighed.
"You already lost your image the moment you pulled out your lame fat mama jokes.": I snickered.
Arriving back at the place a few moments later, I placed him down on the couch before walking toward the others to listen in on their plan after making sure he was fine.
"No way! It's actually them!": I heard Jungwoo squeal.
"I would've never thought I would meet them in real life.": Taeil said.
"Sorry that you had to meet us at such a bad timing.": I heard someone say.
"Who?": I questioned as I approached the little crowd.
"Its Yuta and Taeyong! You know? The famous idol and model?": Jisung said.
"You don't know them? What rocks do you guys live under?": Chenle asked.
"Uhhhhh...you do understand where we just came from right?": Jaehyun said, making them apologize.
"So you're a famous model now I see.": I teased with a raised brow.
"Oh come on, theres no way your lives not interesting.": he said.
"Actually....can I talk to you for a moment?": I requested.
"Sure, lets catch up on some things.": je agreed as we made our way to the more quiet kitchen.
Settling ourselves down on the dining table, it was akwardly quiet as we waited for each other to start the conversation.
"Why are you here at these types of places?": I started.
"Oh, I had some free time off schedule and decided to pay a visit to my grandma here.": he replied.
"Any signs of her?": I asked, hoping to hear some good news.
He sighed and shook his head. "She passed away a month ago."
"I'm sorry.": I said sincerely, feeling sad when I remembered how I would always run over to stay at their place whenever my mother came home after another drunk day.
"Well its better that she left to be honest. I wouldn't know how she would be able to live in such conditions at this time.": he faltered. "What about your dad?": he questioned.
"Moved out few years ago and kinda lived in a small secluded town, he left when I was 16.": I spoke with a hint of hate laced in my tone.
"Did you two have an arguement or something?": he asked.
"Not that I can think off.": I blurted. "I don't know...he just....got up and left one day."
He nodded in understanding and was about to speak up when a voice cut him off.
"(M/N) hyung...can I talk to you for a sec?": he stood by the door and requested, worry evident in his tone.
"Sure.": I said before following him into a room he had set up in a hurry.
He walked in front of the table where his microscope and laptop were placed along with a thick note book that had sticky notes sticking out in all directions. Turning around, I could see the slight hint of fear and uncertainty in his eyes.
"Its about the blood samples that I took from you and Jinwoo.": he paused before moving aside to show me the monitor. "Your blood seemed to have an immune system, but when it enters a person who has been infected...": he pointed at the screen that showed the blood cells, some a firm pallete shape while the others were indefinite in shape, almost distorted. "It was able to fight the infected blood for a period of time until it can't when-": he stopped mid sentence when the shapeless blood cells acted.
"So you mean the blood cells could only control the infected ones for a certain amount of time?": I predicted.
The younger nodded in respons.
"So what happens during the time when they couldn't keep it under control?": I questioned with a raised brow.
He gulped. "Well...from what I presume Jinwoo might-": he paused when he heard loud shuffling of things falling to the ground along with a loud groan.
"Oh no...": he said with worry.
"Well I guess your assumptions were correct.": I said to him before approaching the door to greet whatever that was.