Harem in a zombie apocalypse

[78] Small talk

Her words took me by surprise, and for a moment, I was at a loss for words. It was an unexpected question, especially given our current circumstances. Yet, as I looked into her eyes, I realized it was a question born out of genuine curiosity and a need for some semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos.

I let out a small chuckle, running a hand through my hair. "Well," I began, trying to find the right words. "I have to admit, I'm not the best person to ask either. I've never dated before."

Her eyebrows shot up in surprise at my confession, a playful smile playing on her lips. "Oh, really?" she said, her tone teasing. "I would have thought a guy like you would have had plenty of experience."

I shrugged, offering her a wry smile. "You're not the only one who's surprised," I admitted. "But seriously, dating... It's about being there for each other, I guess. You know, sharing the good times, the bad times... Just being able to count on each other."

Her eyes softened as she listened to my words, her smile growing. "That... That sounds nice," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Being there for each other..." I repeated, glancing at her sideways. "Sounds like something we've already been doing."

Her smile broadened at that, and she nodded in agreement. "Yeah," she said, her tone filled with warmth. "I guess we have."

Cassidy exhaled heavily, her gaze fixed on the steering wheel. Her knuckles, white from the tight grip, relaxed as she began to speak. Her voice was soft, layered with a hint of vulnerability. "You know, a lot of guys have hit on me in the past," she began, her tone casual but her words heavy with unspoken emotions.

I listened in silence, giving her the space to open up at her own pace. My eyes shifted from her face to the road ahead and back, my attention divided between driving and absorbing her words.

"But," she continued, a humorless chuckle escaping her lips, "as soon as they realize how crazy I am, they all shy away. They all just... disappear." The raw honesty in her voice was moving, her confession surprising yet heartrending at the same time.

"Being 'crazy' is not necessarily a bad thing, Cassidy," I said after a moment, my voice gentle, hoping to reassure her. "Maybe those guys just couldn't handle someone as strong and independent as you. It's their loss."

She chuckled softly at my words, her eyes glancing at me. "Thanks, Chang," she said, her voice a touch lighter. "But seriously, I can be a real piece of work. I'm stubborn, headstrong, and I've got a temper that can rival a hurricane. Most guys just can't handle that."

"I've seen all of that," I said, giving her a sidelong glance, "and I'm still here, aren't I?"

A soft smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and she nudged my arm playfully. "Yeah," she said, her voice soft, "you are."

A moment later, Yan-Hua came back. "Come we need help!" her voice urgent.

Without being told twice, me, Cassidy and Hazuki were on our feet.

Q: What do you think happened?