Plague 2023 (Plague 2022 Season 2)

Episode 25

FRACTURED UNITY: THE WEIGHT OF SECRETS

The tension in the air was palpable as Sae Joon Hyun and Jaeyeon prepared to leave, the cold night wind whipping through the open door. Just as they were about to take off, Eunhye’s voice cut through the roar of the motorcycle’s engine. "You don’t have to do this, Sae Joon Hyun!" she shouted, her voice trembling with desperation as she stepped forward, her eyes wide with fear. "Try to understand that we’re all scared—"

Sae Joon Hyun didn’t even turn around, but his body stiffened at her words. Slowly, he exhaled, his breath visible in the night air. "I am doing you all a favor, Eunhye," he replied, his voice low but firm, cutting through the tension like a knife. "You’re all scared, so we’re leaving. But remember…" He paused, finally turning his head to lock eyes with her, his gaze intense and unwavering. Then, he looked pointedly at Yon, his expression hardening before he returned his attention to Eunhye. "When he was revealed to be half-zombie, I didn’t push to kick him out. I only asked that he be restrained if anything happened."

Hailey clenched her fists at his words, a bitter taste forming in her mouth. She knew he was right. At that time, Sae Joon Hyun’s decision had been measured, humane even, despite the fear that had gripped them all. He hadn’t spoken of getting rid of Yon, not even once. He had only suggested precautions to ensure everyone’s safety. And now, as that memory resurfaced, the weight of her own fear and prejudice pressed down on her, making her feel small and ashamed.

The truth was undeniable, but that didn’t make it any easier to swallow. Hailey’s heart pounded in her chest, her mind racing with a thousand thoughts she couldn’t articulate. She had wanted to protect them all, to keep them safe from the horrors of the world outside. But in doing so, she had turned her back on someone who had been there for them, who had saved them time and time again. Her fear had clouded her judgment, and now it was too late to take it back.

Sae Joon Hyun’s gaze swept over the group one final time, his face a mask of stoic resolve. There was a finality in his eyes, a cold determination that sent a shiver down their spines. Without another word, he tightened his grip on Jaeyeon, pulling him closer as if to shield him from the world. The engine roared to life again, and with a flick of his wrist, Jaeyeon urged the bike forward. The headlights pierced the darkness, illuminating the path ahead as they sped off into the night.

The remaining group members watched in stunned silence as the motorcycle grew smaller and smaller, its taillights fading into the distance. The cold wind stung their faces, but no one moved, no one spoke. They were gone. Sae Joon Hyun and Jaeyeon were really gone, and the realization hit them like a ton of bricks.

"We…" Su-yeong’s voice broke the silence, hesitant and uncertain. Her words hung in the air, drawing the attention of Yuri and Eunhye, who turned to look at her with a mixture of confusion and hope. Su-yeong swallowed hard before continuing, her voice barely above a whisper. "We have a phone."

Her statement was met with wide eyes and a sudden flicker of hope in the others. It was as if a lifeline had been thrown to them in their moment of despair. Yuri and Eunhye exchanged a glance, their expressions shifting from shock to cautious optimism.

"If you want," Su-yeong continued, her voice gaining strength as she spoke, "we can call him. He… he arranged all of this in case we ever had to split up. I never thought it would actually come to that, but…"

The implications of her words hung heavy in the air. Jaeyeon had foreseen the possibility of separation, and had prepared for it. He, even with the situation he was in had thought of them first, he had given them a way to reach out, to bridge the gap that now stood between them.