all that bloodshed, crimson cover (we'll still dream anyways)

at least i'm trying

Everything was, in fact, not all okay. News quickly spread that the spheres were dropping all over Korea, and one had fallen right onto campus grounds, destroying their school gymnasium, which had caused the deafening thud they had heard the previous night.

However, even if such a discovery causes an uneasy feeling to settle in the hearts of each student momentarily, it isn't enough to startle everyone. And it certainly isn't enough to stop the antics of the students and their mission to study and train at the same time.

As the crowd of her classmates disperse after Heerak and Joonhee's little scuffle, Dan turns away, chuckling at their humorous tiff, only to see Chiyeol's looming expression.

Concerned, she approaches Chiyeol, tapping lightly on his desk, "You okay, Chiyeol?"

"Huh? Yeah..."

"Come on, Dan-ie! Kimchi is just brooding because Younghoon left early! He's okay!" Wootaek, who overhears their little conversation, comes skipping over, slinging a playful arm over Dan's shoulder as he jests.

Shrugging Wootaek's heavy arm off, she shoots back, "Got it, dude. And who said you can call me 'Dan-ie'?"

"Ay, don't be like that! We're close, aren't we?"

"Sure, sure..." Sending one last look to Chiyeol, who returns a weak smile, Dan returns to her seat.

Is he okay?

The spheres may be dropping, but that doesn't change the fact that they are now full-time student soldiers. Lessons don't get any easier and neither does the training. Though, Dan can't help but notice that the training appears to be more focused on rifle training this day, which is a jump from the stamina-centred exercises they were undergoing the previous day.

During a break, she brings up her observation, "Guys, don't you think they're making us practise with the rifle so much more today?"

With her classmates still panting and groaning about their sore bodies, only Taeman has the energy to chime in, "Who cares? It's fucking tiring both ways."

"Besides, be it running or rifle drills... you're so damn good, Song Dan. Did you practise secretly?" Heerak chimes in, laying flat on his back and using his hands to shield his eyes from the sun beating down on them.

"And how would I be able to do that? It's just called natural talent, boys, so watch and learn from your noona ."

Her classmates start cheering and booing her at the same time, creating a bustle that is quickly shut down by the soldiers rushing them into the next practice.

Like most young people, the students catch on and learn quickly. They get more skilled in the various drills they are made to undergo and they get better at swallowing the terrible food made for them at the cafeteria.

"Yah, you have to at least put the pebble on so that I can shoot!"

Well, most of them anyways.

Dan looks over to the source of the shout and sees Aesol being berated by Bora for not being able to carry out her part of the drill.

"Sorry..."

Feeling annoyance rising in her, Dan starts to get up when she sees Youngshin stride over to the pair, taking the pebble from Aesol instead, diffusing the situation with undoubtedly witty remarks that forces Bora to relent.

Youngshin, that sly fox...

Nighttime becomes a solace for the students, who can finally wash themselves off and relax while chatting. Everyone is engrossed in their own peaceful activities, enjoying the little free time they still have.