Before I Fall | Bangtwice Fanfic

Acumen

To Jimin, the world, his world, had stopped moving. Clouds hung still in the sky like last breaths of dying men, like death was watching over them all. The only things that moved, that were still alive, were the six of them, and even with Hoseok's voice at its quietest level, it cut through the air like a blade.

"Namjoon called me just now at the hotel and told me we should all go to Bucheon, because it's reportedly safe there. We were supposed to meet up first but..." The oldest member of the group trailed off with a frown.

"Don't worry. We will get there. All of us." Taehyung placed a reassuring hand onto Hoseok's shoulder.

"Should we... keep moving then?" Sana spoke up hesitantly, "Or find a place to stay in this apartment..."

The realization that daylight doesn't last forever was like a punch to Jimin's gut; the world does not stop moving, not for them, not for anyone, and if they were to ever forget that –

"I think we should check it out, see if it's safe first," Hoseok said, interrupting his thoughts. "And get more supplies while we're at it."

"But-but what if we don't decide to stay here and we can't find anywhere else later on?"

Hoseok was deep in thought for a few seconds. Jimin took the moment to scan the environment – which was abnormally, suspiciously quiet – and then at the five around him. Momo looked like she wanted to say something to the group but could only press her lips together, Sana's eyes were wide and alert, Taehyung never once kept his bat out of sight.

And Dahyun...

Dahyun hadn't spoken a word.

An ache formed in his throat. His own weapon, now useless without the knife, suddenly felt heavy; he wished he could throw it away, throw this feeling of defencelessness away.

"Think about it, the apartment buildings here are the only ones in this area. We might be an easy target if others choose to hide here and they bring those things over, or if they raid us at night. We should quickly find weapons and supplies and head to the next safe neighbourhood," Hoseok continued. "Is everyone okay with this? Any other suggestions?" He turned to Jimin.

"No, I have none, but... are you sure about this, hyung? Would it really be okay? We only have a short time left before the day ends."

Hoseok paused, then smiled. A smile that was not like his usual smiles because there was no life there. A pang of regret stabbed Jimin's heart.

"Hopefully. It's what Namjoon would do."

They silently left their positions hidden between two hedgerows in front of the buildings. From what they could see, there wasn't anyone around – did they already evacuate to somewhere safer or did they choose to stay? Hoseok pointed to the security office in the nearest building and whispered, "Master key."

Taehyung moved forward first. He approached the counter outside the small office and was about to step around it when he stopped.

His body became so stiff that when he shifted his foot back, Jimin thought he would fall.

Everyone quickly moved closer to see what he saw.

A dead man lay on his back in a pool of blood, his uniform dishevelled and stained red, his skull bashed in until he was almost unrecognizable.

Momo and Sana gasped. Hoseok went just as still as Taehyung. Jimin stole a glance at Dahyun; her hair hid her face as she turned away, but she was shaking all over.

Hoseok didn't waste any time and gently signalled Taehyung to continue. The younger member seemed lost for a second before he kneeled beside the body and began searching the pockets, while Hoseok entered the office.