Hearts of the Wasteland

Understanding

The next morning, San woke first. His eyes opened slowly, the grip on his gun loosening as he sat up and scanned the room. Wooyoung was still asleep, an unguarded picture of vulnerability. San noted the absence of any weapons near him—an unusual oversight that piqued his curiosity.

"If I wanted to kill you, San, let's be honest—I'd have done it already,"

San's lips tightened. It was true—Wooyoung had ample opportunity to end him in his sleep. And yet, here he was, a source of irritation as much as intrigue. San had no intention of getting close; companionship was a liability he couldn't afford. Once they retrieved San's bag, they'd part ways, and San would erase this encounter from his mind. He didn't need anyone slowing him down.

Choi San was better off alone.

"Staring is considered rude in most societies, you know." Wooyoung's drowsy voice jolted San from his thoughts, making him look away, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I get it. Don't worry. You know, I used to be a model before all of this." Wooyoung stretched, his playful grin never fading. "I wasn't checking you out..."

The other raised a brow, clearly not believing him, "I—I wasn't!" San stammered. He hadn't been checking Wooyoung out; he had merely been lost in thought while observing the other man.

"Right... And birds don't fly," Wooyoung teased with a chuckle, standing up and reaching for his gear. San's instincts flared, and he moved to his gun, his hand hovering with tense readiness. Wooyoung's eyes rolled. "Would you relax already?"

San's eyes lingered on Wooyoung for a moment longer than he intended, and he caught himself before his gaze softened. He hardened his expression, drowning out any positive feelings that seemed to start brewing for the one in front of him.

They set off shortly after, retracing their steps back to the supermarket.

"What's your plan?" Wooyoung suddenly asked, climbing over the fallen tree they had navigated the day before.

San, following suit, raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Well, society's in ruins, most people are dead, there are dangerous gangs lurking everywhere," Wooyoung listed off, his tone light yet serious as he hopped over the same tree. "What's your next move?"

San shrugged, a hint of indifference in his voice. "I don't know."

Wooyoung's face brightened with a mischievous grin. "Imagine if we could pull a movie stunt? Gather a group of good people, start a civilisation and rebuild society! I'd definitely be the leader," he said with a sly chuckle.

San's mind caught on the word "we."

"Wait. What do you mean 'we'?" His steps faltered, eyes narrowing in confusion.

Wooyoung turned back, looking puzzled. "As in... you and me?"

San's brows knitted together. "What? You think I'm going to start depending on someone else?" His tone became defensive.

Wooyoung stood with arms crossed, an expression that was almost maternal. "You really plan on being alone forever? You can't just keep dodging danger on your own, you're bound to end up in a situation where you can't save yourself."

San was momentarily taken aback. He hadn't anticipated such a candid challenge. Wooyoung's words struck a chord; as competent as he was solo, there would inevitably come a day when numbers or circumstances would overwhelm him. But how could he articulate that Wooyoung's persistence was a threat to his carefully maintained solitude?

"So, it's settled," Wooyoung said with a resolute nod, turning back to the path ahead. "It's still 'we'."

San huffed, the battle of words unwinnable. With a resigned sigh, he fell into step behind Wooyoung, the faintest trace of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth despite himself.

When they arrived at the supermarket, they climbed the fence into the abandoned parking lot, their guns ready in case of trouble.

Fortunately, the only remains in the lot were the bodies from the previous day—no new threats or signs of gang activity. "You'd have dropped it next to the fire escape," Wooyoung said, his voice tinged with distaste. The smell of decay was an ever-present reminder of the world they'd lost.

San's relief was palpable when he spotted his bag still in place, untouched. "Thank god," he murmured, striding over to it and slinging it over his shoulders, making sure it was securely fastened this time.

Wooyoung's face lit up with a pleased smile. "We should go inside and grab some more supplies. You cool with that?" He asked, his hand on the fire escape door, ready to lead the way.

San nodded, silently signaling Wooyoung to stay behind him. Wooyoung, amused, acquiesced and followed, watching San take charge.

Inside, the supermarket was eerily quiet, save for the scurry of a small animal darting through the aisles. "Perfect. Less hassle for us," Wooyoung whispered, heading toward the aisles to check for useful items. San kept a vigilant watch, scanning the opposite aisles.

Most of the shelves were bare, but as San turned a corner, he came face-to-face with a lone zombie. It was an unwelcome sight after a few days of relative calm. The zombie was listlessly swaying in front of a shelf, making low, tired grunts.

San moved with practiced stealth, drawing his knife. He crept up behind the zombie, the blade glinting as he brought it down swiftly. He targeted the side of its neck, slicing through with precision to cut off its air supply and stifle any noise. The zombie crumpled quietly, a testament to San's skill. Wooyoung turned the corner to find San gently placing the creature on the ground as it bled out.

The moment underscored the ever-present dangers lurking around every corner. As San stood up, he glanced over to find Wooyoung watching him with an impressed smirk. San felt a flicker of awkwardness, unsure of what to say, but held Wooyoung's gaze, his own expression guarded.

This silent exchange highlighted the unspoken understanding developing between them. Although San's feelings remained cold and distant, a part of him recognized that Wooyoung's presence was increasingly complicating his solitary existence. It was a complication he hadn't anticipated, and though it was unwelcomed, it was undeniable.