Plague 2023 (Plague 2022 Season 2)

Episode 28

BEYOND THE THRESHOLD OF HUMANITY: THE ZOMBIE WITHIN

As soon as Su-yeong and the boy jumped into the bus, the atmosphere inside was tense, charged with the urgency of their escape. The door had barely slammed shut behind them when the boy shouted, "Dong-hyun! Drive, drive!" His voice was edged with desperation, and there was no time to lose. The zombies were already swarming around the bus, their decayed hands slapping against the metal sides, their moans reverberating through the air like a chilling chorus.

Dong-hyun, the boy at the driver’s seat, didn’t hesitate. He turned the key with a practiced motion, the old engine groaning before it finally roared to life. His foot slammed down on the gas pedal, and the bus lurched forward, tires screeching as they fought for traction on the blood-slick pavement. The force of the acceleration knocked Su-yeong back into her seat, her body still trembling with fear and adrenaline.

With a sickening crunch, the bus plowed through the horde of zombies, the heavy vehicle sending bodies flying as it barreled forward. The sound of bones breaking and flesh tearing was almost unbearable, but Su-yeong forced herself to keep her eyes open, to focus on the fact that they were getting away. The bus swerved slightly as it cleared the last of the undead, the road ahead blessedly clear of obstacles for the moment.

Finally, as the bus picked up speed and left the carnage behind, Su-yeong allowed herself to slump in her seat. Her breaths came in ragged gasps, her chest heaving as she tried to calm her racing heart. She had survived. The realization washed over her in waves, almost too overwhelming to process. All those days of isolation, of hiding and barely holding onto hope, had led to this moment. She wasn’t alone anymore. She had made it.

The boy who had saved her, the one with the bow and arrows, stood in the aisle in front of her, his expression softer now that the immediate danger had passed. He offered her a small, reassuring smile. "I’m Hamin," he introduced himself, his voice steady, though still tinged with the adrenaline of the chase.

Su-yeong nodded, finding her voice after a moment. "I’m Su-yeong," she replied, her voice shaky but filled with relief. Her eyes met his, and she could see the same exhaustion and determination reflected back at her. They had both been through so much, and somehow, they had found each other in this nightmare.

Hamin nodded in acknowledgment before stepping aside to give her some space, but the introductions weren’t over yet. From the back of the bus, a female student who had been sitting quietly now spoke up. She was wiping a shovel with a stained handkerchief, the pinkish hue suggesting it had seen more than its share of battle. The girl had a fierce, confident look about her, her eyes sharp and assessing as they took in Su-yeong.

"Awesome. A girl," she remarked with a half-smile, her voice laced with approval. "I’m Nam Ah-rim." She offered Su-yeong a brief nod, the kind of nod that one warrior might give to another after surviving a battle.

Su-yeong managed a small smile in return, grateful to be among people who didn’t treat her like a burden but as someone who had fought her way to survival just like they had.

"And I’m Kang Dong-hyun," the driver said, his voice coming from the front of the bus. He glanced at Su-yeong through the rearview mirror, offering her a quick, reassuring smile before focusing back on the road ahead. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, knuckles white with tension, but there was a calm confidence about him. He had been through this before—he knew how to navigate the chaos.

"Hello. I’m Lim Tae-oh," another voice chimed in. Su-yeong turned to see a boy sitting on the seat opposite hers. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes were alert, constantly scanning the windows as if ready for anything. He gave her a quick nod, his expression friendly but serious.