Surviving Together

Chapter 1: A Chance Reunion

A few weeks before the events of the prologue...

Seoul lay under a blanket of twilight, its neon signs casting a colorful glow on the bustling streets below. The world had not yet descended into chaos, but there was an uneasy stillness in the air, as if the city itself sensed the impending doom.

It was a chance encounter that brought Donghun and Jian back together, a few days before the events that would plunge their lives into darkness. They had met unexpectedly on a quiet street, their paths crossing after a year apart. The reunion was bittersweet, their initial surprise giving way to a flood of emotions that neither could fully articulate.

Donghun walked through the crowded streets, his thoughts preoccupied with the memory of seeing Jian again after so long. They had agreed to meet at a small restaurant they used to frequent, a place that held memories of simpler, happier times.

When he arrived, he saw her waiting by the entrance, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the streetlights. Jian looked up and met his gaze, a shy smile spreading across her lips. Donghun's heart skipped a beat; he had missed her more than he realized.

"Jian," he said softly, approaching her.

"Donghun," she replied, her voice tinged with nervousness. "It's been a while."

"It has," he agreed, his own nerves showing in his voice. "Shall we go in?"

The restaurant was cozy, with a warm, inviting atmosphere that contrasted with the cool night outside. They found a quiet corner and sat down, the familiarity of the place easing some of their initial awkwardness.

Donghun watched Jian as she scanned the menu, her eyes flickering with indecision. "Do you remember what we used to order?" he asked, trying to break the ice.

Jian nodded, her smile growing more genuine. "Of course. You always liked the bulgogi, and I usually went for the japchae."

"Let's do that, then," he said, signaling to the waiter.

As they waited for their food, they talked about the past year. Donghun told her about his struggles and triumphs, and Jian shared her own stories, both of them finding comfort in the familiar cadence of each other's voices. There was a shyness in their conversation, a hesitancy that spoke of the time apart, but also a warmth that hinted at deeper feelings.

Their meal arrived, and for a moment, they simply enjoyed the food and each other's company. It was almost like old times, a brief escape from the reality that loomed over them.

"Do you remember our last dinner here?" Jian asked suddenly, her eyes soft with nostalgia.

Donghun nodded. "I do. It was raining that night, and we stayed here for hours, just talking."

Jian smiled. "I missed that. I missed us."

Donghun reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "I missed you too, Jian. More than I can say."

They finished their meal, the conversation flowing more easily now. The restaurant began to empty, and they decided to take a walk through the city, reminiscing about old times. The streets of Seoul were alive with activity, but there was an undercurrent of tension, a feeling that something was about to change.

As they walked, Donghun and Jian talked about their hopes and dreams, their laughter mingling with the sounds of the city. They were lost in their own world, oblivious to the growing unease around them.

Suddenly, a rattling sound caught their attention. They turned to see a commotion up ahead, a group of people seemingly fighting in the middle of the street. Curious, they moved closer, trying to understand what was happening.

It took only a moment for the horror to register. The people weren't just fighting; they were being attacked by something. Jian's eyes widened in fear as she saw one of the attackers turn towards them, its lifeless eyes and bloodied mouth revealing its true nature.

"Donghun, what is that?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

"Run," Donghun said urgently, grabbing her hand. "We have to run!"

They sprinted through the streets, the sounds of chaos and terror following them. Jian stumbled, nearly falling, but Donghun's grip on her hand kept her upright. They turned a corner, only to find more of the undead shambling towards them.

"Over here!" Donghun pulled Jian into a narrow alley, hoping to lose their pursuers. They ran until their lungs burned, finally stopping to catch their breath.

Jian leaned against the wall, her eyes filled with fear and confusion. "Donghun, what's happening? What are those things?"

"I don't know," he admitted, his own fear mirrored in his eyes. "But we need to find a safe place. We need to survive."

Jian nodded, her hand still tightly clutching his. In that moment, they knew they had to rely on each other, their bond the only thing standing between them and the chaos that had consumed their world.

As they made their way through the darkened streets, their thoughts were consumed by the uncertainty of what lay ahead. But amidst the fear and the danger, they found strength in their shared determination to survive, their love a beacon of hope in a world descending into darkness.