Monsters

~°~10~°~

(Taeyong's POV)

We made it to about the center of town, the park just in sight when a sudden scream alerted us.

I looked at the boys before nodding and running in that direction, hoping we got there in time. I realized it was a boyish scream.

When we arrived we saw two boys hanging on to a ladder on the side of a building for dear life, about six monsters surrounding them. I looked at Johnny and Mark and nodded.

I hit the wall hard, making the monsters turn to us. They started running as soon as they saw 'easy' targets.

I swung hard at them, killing a few when a pained yell made me shoot my head towards Mark, seeing one of the infected digging it's teeth into his arm.

I went rigid.

I knew no amount of medication could pull any of those boys from what they were gonna feel about their best friend being bitten, being dead.

A grunt made me shoot my head over to see Johnny with one on his back. I could feel tears threatening to fill my eyes.

He gave me a soft smile. "Take care of the kids Yongie." I nodded weakly, looking over to Mark, seeing him share the same pained smile. "Hey? Hyung? Tell....tell Minki...I love him...bunches.." I nodded again, the tears finally slipping down my cheeks.

I killed the infected on them and Johnny pulled out the gun he kept in his belt. "When...when I pull this....more are...gonna be attracted...take...fuck...take those kids and get out of here Taeyong...they'll need a safe place...and...." He was cut off by a cough, looking me in the eyes. "And...those boys at home'll...need ya.." Another pained smile.

I covered my mouth, trying to not let out a sob as I motioned the two boys to get of the ladder. Mark looked at Johnny, black veins growing up their necks.

Johnny pointed the gun at mark, shooting off a round into his forehead. I heard the thump of Marks body hitting the ground and felt droplets splash against my side.

Johnny then turned the gun on himself. "Tell all the boys I love em." Bang. I tried not to fully breakdown as I grabbed the two boys wrists and started running, blood splattered on my face from Johnny's shot.

----+----

When we got home I trudged inside, the two boys, who I learned were named Sungchan and Shotaro, following behind.

When I stepped in, I saw all of the boys in the living room and kitchen. My eyes filled with tears again, the dried blood on my clothes catching their attention.

"H...hyung? Where's...where's Johnny?" Lucas asked, his brows furrowed worriedly.

I sob broke from my lips and I dropped my bag, falling to my hands and knees and bowing deeply in apology, begging for forgiveness.

I heard footsteps coming down the stairs and looked up to see the blurry silhouette of Minki.

I started sobbing harder.

I felt arms encircle me.

I leaned into the person's touch, sobbing hard and gripping their shirt. "I-I- I-I c-couldn't save them...t-t-too m-many...i-im s-so sorry-" A soft shhhh silenced me as fingers ran through my hair. I looked up through my tears to see Minki's tear stained face.

I hugged him tightly, hiding in the crook of his neck as he did the same with me, our sobs mixing together as soon enough everyone else joined in on our hug.

----+----
(Minki's POV)

After everyone had cried, I made them some food, trying to ignore the pain in my chest when I grabbed two too many plates.

I carefully set the table and went upstairs to get everyone from thier rooms.

I finally made it to Taeyong's.

I knocked softly.

Nothing came from the inside so I softly pushed open the door.

There he was, sitting on the edge of his bed, his head in one of his hands as he held a ziplock bag in the other.

As I got closer I realized what was in the bag. I collapsed, alerting him that I was there.

He came running over, wrapping his arms around me. 'It....its my fault they're gone...oh god..' my hand fell limply. Taeyong shook his head. "No, no no no, it's not your fault at all Minki, it was mine. I should have been paying more attention. I should have helped more." He said, tears gathering in his eyes as well.

I stared out of his window. 'Can...can we make them grave stones? I...I know we can't get their bodies but...but I still want to honor them..' I questioned, my hands shaking.

He nodded, helping me stand. "Of course. We can do it after we eat. We need to stay strong for them, and for the others." He said to me, caressing my head. I nodded.

We leaned against each other as we headed downstairs to the dining room.

I sat down and ate small bites, listening to the chatter between everyone as they got to know the two newest additions to our little family.

I heard Taeyong tell everyone what we planned to do after dinner but I didn't fully feel like I was there.

----+----

We were outside, staring down at the beautifully made wooden crosses planted into the ground, a bouquet of wild flowers setting on each.

Sniffles could be heard all around, but no one could cry anymore, we had already cried so much.

I felt two sets of arms wrap themselves around my waist.

I looked to see Chenle and Jisung, both staring at Marks cross. I softly caressed their heads. 'Don't worry boys..he's watching over us...I just know it...' They both nodded softly.

I hugged them tightly before walking up to the crosses, kissing my pointer and middle before softly pressing them onto Johnny's cross, repeating the process for Marks. I carefully reached towards the sky, pointing to two stars that seemed to shine brighter when I pointed.

"A-ahl...a-always with...u-uhs..." I whispered out.

I turned and walked into the house, feeling too exsausted to do anymore that night, I heard footsteps behind me, telling me that everyone else was calling it a night too.

I curled up in bed, tears falling off the bridge of my nose as I tried to sleep.

I jumped, thinking that I had felt someone put their arms around me. I looked around in panic, only to hear a soft I love you. I teared up more and looked up the ceiling, hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the boys I loved the most.

Nothing.