Quintuplets of the Dead

Chapter 003

The sun finally rises Fuutaro's group is actively loading up all of their supplies onto the bus. Hiratsuka asks, “Do you know where the ammo is? I could’ve sworn I left it somewhere.” Raiha replies, “Ah, I know where they are. Be right back!”

On the other hand, Fuutaro is examining the engine before they embark on their search for others. Hiratsuka watches the two as she curls a proud smile on her face.

How did these three end up in such a predicament?

Fuutaro and Raiha were shopping for some new clothes before the outbreak started. Fuutaro couldn't believe what was happening but to his surprise, Raiha unexpectedly stepped up. He never thought his little sister would pull such a courageous act.

They found themselves at the food court and coincidentally met with Hiratsuka. They barricaded themselves for days on end in that area. After discovering the zombies’ weakness, they immediately embarked on the massive store. They were able to find a nearby gun shop and stocked enough weapons. And they were also lucky enough to find a functional bus outside.

They managed to fix it up thanks to Fuutaro's knowledge. He's usually great at learning different kinds of things and spends most of his free time studying and working hard. Hiratsuka did her best to take care of the siblings by cooking and patching their wounds if they ever got one.

The biggest surprise of them all is Raiha's craze for zombies. It's almost as if she was preparing for this moment in her entire life. She knew exactly what to do in sticky situations and had great intuition for just a 9-year-old kid. The two eldest were shaken as they never witnessed this side of Raiha. Her cute and innocent facade completely dropped onwards.

And thus, that's how the three ended up in such a predicament.

Raiha comes back with the ammunition they need. Fuutaro starts up the bus and says, “Try not to waste some ammo unless we have to shoot something. Did you hear that, boss?” Raiha gives a salute and replies, “Yes, big bro! Save ammo for later!” Fuutaro chuckles before driving off.

Fuutaro asks, “Sensei, where’s the next gas station?” Hiratsuka skims over the map and replies, “Keep driving. I'll tell you when to stop.” Fuutaro nods with his eyes on the road. Raiha yawns as she takes a nap at the far back of the bus.

Fuutaro says, “You should take a nap too, sensei. You're probably tired.” Hiratsuka curls a sly smile and says, “Then, can you drive and navigate the map at the same time?” Fuutarou blushes due to their faces being this close. He stutters, “R-right… I never thought of that.” Hiratsuka says, “Just keep driving.”

===

Tanaka wipes his sweat off as he seems to be on the verge of passing out due to exhaustion. He asks, “Yotsuba, where are we now?” Yotsuba mumbles, “Aw, crap…” Tanaka says, “What? What do you mean by that?” Yotsuba sheepishly says, “I was holding the map upside down. Hehe…” Tanaka just stares at her in disbelief and says, “How’s that even possible? Didn't you notice the words were upside down?” Yotsuba says, “N-no…?”

The two had gone out for the entire morning searching for food. Yotsuba is currently wearing her jogging pants and a sports bra while Tanaka is completely shirtless with his sweatpants on. For most of the trip, Yotsuba kept staring at his toned stomach and it was quite distracting.

Tanaka sighs, “Forget it. Let's just continue walking.” Yotsuba replies, “Y-yeah…” She quickly skims over the map again but this time in its proper way of reading it. While looking over the map, Yotsuba glances at his toned abs and visible muscles. They've been walking for too long so it makes sense that their bodies are often covered with sweat and stay in their best shape.

Tanaka then says, “I remember this area. Me and my friend Ohta always come here after school to eat. We can check one of the diners for supplies.” Yotsuba snaps out of her trance and stutters, “O-okay… lead the way.”

As they head towards the restaurant, Tanaka notices her reddened face and silently chuckles. Yotsuba asks, “A-aren’t you cold, Tanaka-san?” Tanaka replies, “I don't think so. I already got used to being shirtless. Why do you ask?” Yotsuba blushes, “J-just asking…”

Tanaka teases, “Why? Should I cover up?” Yotsuba tries to hide her embarrassment and stutters, “N-no! I was just asking!” Tanaka smirks, “You don't need to worry about me. How about you? Aren’t you cold?” Yotsuba quickly shakes her head in response. Tanaka then says, “Right. We're here.”

Tanaka carefully opens the door when a zombie suddenly falls on him. Yotsuba shrieks as Tanaka struggles not to get bitten while being ground. Yotsuba's quick to kick the zombie on top of him. Tanaka immediately grabs a weapon nearby and easily decimates the undead.

Yotsuba sighs in relief then quickly checks up on Tanaka. She asks, “Are you okay, Tanaka-san? Did it bite you? Do I have to kill you?” Tanaka smiles, “I'm fine. Now, let's clear this joint and find some food.”

Yotsuba nods as they begin working.

===

Oreki finishes cooking a warm soup as he goes near Miku who's lying unconsciously. He puts his hand on her wrist to feel her pulse as he lets out a sigh of relief. He soaks a towel and gently places it on her forehead. Oreki mumbles, “I'm going to feed you now…”

Miku remains quiet while being unconscious. Oreki sighs as she's been unresponsive again. It's already been a month, and she hasn't budged at all. It's becoming worrisome for Oreki. He adjusts her unconscious body and gently feeds the soup to her. There's nothing he could do.

Once he feeds her enough soup, he helps her drink water and finish the rest of the soup. After that, Oreki lies next to her and falls asleep.

To be continued…