As long as I'm here, no one can hurt you. (Lee Su-hyeok x Reader)

twenty six

The group was devastated at the loss of another friend but we all knew we had to keep going.

We were tired, out of breath, and sick of all of this. But we had to make it, if not for us, then for the ones we've lost. So, we ran and ran, luckily not meeting any zombies on our way.

We completely lost track of time, the fogginess and the smoke from the explosion making it hard to tell what part of the day it was. We also had no idea where we were, if we actually made it to Yangdong, or if we were walking in circles for hours on end. Soon, our question was finally answered, a familiar rail track and a train station with the sign Yangdong in sight.

My grip on Su-hyeok's hand tightened as he squeezed my hand in return. I looked at him for a little bit longer when a loud yell snapped me out of it. „UP AHEAD!" A soldier yelled, everyone flinching.

The closer we came, the more soldiers we saw. Every single one of them pointed their gun at us, as Mi-jin who took the front hesitantly held up her hands. Su-hyeok's hand, which was still holding mine, slowly lifted in the air, bringing mine up too.

I gasped for air, my heart pounding in my chest as the realization hit me.

We're getting rescued.

The sights and sounds of the rescue team's actions washed over me; a flurry of voices, urgent footsteps, and the piercing wails of the sobs from my classmates.

Suddenly, everything felt surreal, as if the entire world stopped for a moment.

Seeing the rescuers come closer, I couldn't help but think of the friends who hadn't made it. Those who had been by my side, laughing and joking just days ago, were now gone. Their absence was like a heavy stone lodged in my chest, a constant reminder of the horrible things we survived.

I couldn't help but think of Nam-ra. Would she be still here with us if I hadn't lashed out like that? Would there be a way to cure her? Was it all my fault that her condition got worse?

With each step away from danger, I couldn't shake the feeling, that I didn't deserve this rescue, off. That it should have been her standing here in my place, breathing the air of freedom. The guilt gnawed at me, a voice in my head whispering accusations that I had somehow cheated fate.

The rescuers were so close, everyone's hands in the air watching the rescue team approach. Relief surged through me, undeniable and urgent, as the sight of salvation drew near. But right alongside that relief was an undercurrent of unease, a knot of distrust that twisted in my gut.

I couldn't shake the memory of the day on the rooftop when we got left behind by them. They did it once, why wouldn't they do it now?

We had been left alone, forced to rely on our own wits and strength to survive. The scars from that betrayal ran deep, making it hard to trust again. The memory of the cold night and our desperate struggle to stay alive still haunted me. Could we really let ourselves believe in these rescuers, and open ourselves up to the possibility of being let down once more?

My question was left unanswered when the armed man pulled me away from Su-hyeok, a horrified glance on my face. I looked back at Su-hyeok, seeing a reassuring glance on his face. „It's okay." He mouthed and I turned back to the middle-aged man, who was currently looking for any bite marks or injuries on my body. My heart pounded faster and faster, remembering the deep wound on my arm. What if he thinks I got bitten? Would we get left behind again?

His gaze locked onto my arm, and I knew hiding the injury was stupid. „Could you please show me the wound?" He asked, his voice calm, way more understanding of my behavior than the soldiers we met on the rooftop yesterday.