𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐙𝐈𝐀: 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐄 𝐁𝐈𝐑𝐃 | Kang Yeosang

Chapter 06: Unexpected Encounter

The early morning light filtered through the shattered windows of the abandoned building, casting eerie shadows across the floor. Y/N, Dawon, and Wonho prepared to head out, their movements quiet and efficient as they gathered their gear. With supplies running low, they needed to find more food and essentials to keep everyone going, especially Gahyeon.

Y/N double-checked her backpack, making sure her knife was within easy reach and her handgun was loaded. She glanced over at Dawon, who was adjusting the strap of his rifle, and Wonho, who was securing a machete to his belt. They were ready.

"We'll head toward the market district first," Y/N said, her voice steady and calm. "It's risky, but there might be some untouched shops there. We stick together, stay quiet, and keep our eyes open. If we run into trouble, we get out. No heroics."

Dawon nodded, his expression serious. "Got it. Let's hope we find something this time."

Wonho gave a tight smile. "Just remember, if things get bad, we regroup back here. No splitting up."

With a final nod, Y/N led the way out of the building. The streets outside were eerily silent, the remnants of a once-bustling city now reduced to crumbling ruins and scattered debris. They moved carefully, sticking to the shadows and avoiding open spaces. Every sound seemed amplified in the quiet, every movement a potential threat.

They reached the market district, where the smell of decay hung heavy in the air. The shops were mostly ransacked, their windows shattered, and their interiors stripped bare. Y/N motioned for Dawon and Wonho to follow her as she carefully approached one of the less damaged stores, her eyes scanning for any signs of movement.

Inside, the store was dark and cluttered, shelves knocked over and debris scattered everywhere. Y/N moved cautiously, her footsteps silent as she made her way through the wreckage. Dawon and Wonho spread out, each of them keeping an eye out for anything useful.

They had just started filling their bags with a few cans of food and some medical supplies when a sound outside made Y/N freeze. She held up her hand, signaling for Dawon and Wonho to stop. They listened, straining to hear over the pounding of their hearts.

Voices. Low and tense, coming from just outside the store. Y/N's grip tightened on her knife as she edged closer to the broken window, peeking out to see who was there.

To her surprise, she saw Yeosang, San, and Wooyoung standing in the middle of the street, their backs to the store. They were arguing about something, their voices low but urgent.

"We need to be more careful," Wooyoung was saying, his voice barely above a whisper. "We can't afford to attract any attention out here."

San nodded, glancing around nervously. "I know, but we need these supplies. If we go back empty-handed, we're screwed."

Yeosang, who had been scanning the surroundings, suddenly turned toward the store, his eyes narrowing. "Wait. I think we're not alone," he said, his voice tense.

Y/N ducked back behind the wall, motioning for Dawon and Wonho to get ready. They knew Yeosang, San, and Wooyoung were from another group nearby, but they had never had a direct encounter with them. In this world, strangers could be as dangerous as the infected, and they couldn't afford to take any chances.

"Stay low and be ready," Y/N whispered to Dawon and Wonho. "If they come in, we might have to fight."

Dawon nodded, gripping his rifle tightly, while Wonho took a position near the door, his machete at the ready.

Outside, Yeosang signaled for San and Wooyoung to follow him as he cautiously approached the store. Y/N could hear their footsteps crunching on broken glass and debris, getting closer and closer. Her heart raced, every muscle in her body tensed for action.

As Yeosang stepped inside, his eyes swept over the dim interior, searching for any signs of movement. Y/N held her breath, waiting for the right moment to strike if necessary.

Suddenly, Wooyoung spotted her through the shadows. "There!" he shouted, pointing in her direction.

Before anyone could react, Y/N stepped out of the shadows, her knife held at the ready. "Stop right there!" she commanded, her voice cold and authoritative.

Yeosang, San, and Wooyoung froze, their hands slowly moving toward their weapons. Dawon and Wonho emerged from their hiding spots, their guns aimed directly at the newcomers.

"Easy," Yeosang said, holding up his hands in a gesture of surrender. "We're not looking for a fight. We just need supplies."

Y/N didn't lower her knife, her eyes locked on Yeosang. "We all need supplies," she replied sharply. "But that doesn't mean we're going to share. Turn around and leave, and we won't have a problem."

San glanced at Wooyoung, who nodded slightly. "Look, we didn't know anyone else was here," San said carefully. "We're just trying to survive, same as you. How about we split what we find and go our separate ways?"

Wonho scoffed. "And how do we know you won't just turn on us as soon as we do?"

Yeosang's expression was earnest, his hands still raised. "We're not like that. We've got people depending on us, just like you do. We don't want any trouble."

Y/N hesitated, her eyes flicking between the three men. She could see the sincerity in their faces, but she also knew how quickly things could go wrong. After a moment, she nodded slightly. "Alright. We'll split what we find. But if you try anything, we won't hesitate to defend ourselves."

San and Wooyoung nodded, slowly lowering their hands. "Understood," Wooyoung said. "Let's just get what we need and get out of here."

With a tentative truce in place, the two groups cautiously worked together, gathering what supplies they could find. The tension in the air was palpable, each side watching the other carefully for any signs of betrayal.

Once they had filled their bags, Y/N gave a curt nod. "Alright, that's enough. We're leaving now. You go your way, we'll go ours."

Yeosang nodded, holding up his hands again. "Fair enough. Safe travels."

With that, Y/N, Dawon, and Wonho slowly backed out of the store, keeping their weapons ready as they made their way down the street. It wasn't until they were out of sight that Y/N finally allowed herself to relax, letting out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding.

"That was close," Dawon muttered, glancing back over his shoulder. "Think we can trust them?"

Y/N shook her head. "No. But we don't have to. We just need to stay smart and stay alive. Let's get back before anything else happens."

With that, they continued on their way, knowing that in this world, trust was a luxury few could afford. And they weren't about to take any unnecessary risks.