Survival Instinct // Namkook

chapter 17 - screaming for help

Namjoon had never been one for physical closeness, especially in a world like this. It was a vulnerability, an opening for weakness. Yet as he sat there in the dim, crumbling room, with Jungkook nestled against him, he found himself strangely at ease. His arms were wrapped firmly around the younger man, providing not only warmth but also a quiet sense of security. He hadn’t expected to enjoy the sensation, but there was a quiet comfort in it that surprised him.

Jungkook’s breaths had evened out, soft and rhythmic against Namjoon’s chest. Namjoon leaned back slightly, resting his chin gently atop Jungkook’s head, inhaling the faint scent of dirt, sweat, and something almost sweet. His body relaxed more than it had in days, maybe even weeks. He let out a slow exhale, his heartbeat steadying as sleep tugged at the edges of his consciousness.

He hadn’t realized just how much he’d missed this—the simple act of holding someone close, of knowing someone trusted him enough to let down their guard. The irony wasn’t lost on him; he’d been trying so hard to keep his distance, to not let Jungkook in, but now, with the boy leaning into him, trusting him with that small vulnerability, he couldn’t push it away. Not tonight.

Namjoon didn’t move, his arms remaining securely around Jungkook. Slowly, his eyelids grew heavy, and without fully realizing it, he drifted into sleep.

---

A faint noise stirred Namjoon from his sleep. His eyes blinked open, adjusting to the dim light filtering in through the cracks in the walls. For a moment, he didn’t move, feeling the comfortable weight of Jungkook still resting against him. His body was warm, the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest reassuring. Namjoon found himself reluctant to break the quiet moment, his hand still resting protectively on Jungkook’s back.

But there it was again—a faint, distant sound, like a scream, barely audible but unmistakable. Namjoon tensed, his senses sharpening as he listened closely. He remained still, trying to gauge the direction of the noise. He could hear it clearly now, a desperate cry for help somewhere far off, carried faintly on the wind.

For a moment, he considered letting it go. It wasn’t their business, and getting involved could be dangerous. He shifted slightly, careful not to wake Jungkook just yet, weighing his options. He’d heard screams before, sometimes from those too far gone to save. One time an ambush...he wasn't sure what to make of this one.

Namjoon’s gaze drifted down to Jungkook, still fast asleep, his face peaceful against Namjoon’s chest. He tightened his grip for a second, the warmth of Jungkook’s body grounding him. For the first time in a long while, he didn’t feel alone. And for that brief moment, he let himself enjoy it. He let himself feel the comfort of someone trusting him, the quiet peace that came from not having to fight through the world alone.

But the scream came again.

This time, it was enough to stir Jungkook. His body shifted against Namjoon’s, and the younger man blinked awake, his eyes bleary with sleep. He didn’t move away though, still resting in the protective hold.

“Did you hear that?” Jungkook mumbled, his voice still thick with grogginess.

Namjoon nodded, his expression serious. “Yeah. Sounds like someone’s in trouble.”

Jungkook sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes as the reality of the situation sank in. The noise was faint but unmistakable now—someone was calling out, perhaps trapped beneath the debris of a collapsed building or worse. Jungkook looked at Namjoon, his eyes uncertain but curious.

“What do we do?” Jungkook asked quietly, his voice still tired.

Namjoon hesitated, torn between the instinct to protect them both and the pull of responsibility that gnawed at him. There was no telling what kind of situation they’d be walking into, and it could very well be a trap, but ignoring a cry for help wasn’t something Namjoon was wired to do.

“We check it out,” Namjoon finally said, his voice steady. “Could be nothing, but if it’s someone trapped…”

Jungkook nodded, the tension easing a little from his shoulders as he shifted to stand. Namjoon missed the warmth immediately, but he quickly shook it off, his focus turning to the task at hand.

They gathered their things quietly, moving with practiced efficiency. Namjoon kept his eyes on the doorway, ears straining to catch any other sounds that might signal danger. The air outside was still thick with dust and the lingering echoes of the earthquake, but the city was eerily quiet. Even the distant screams and crashes had faded into a heavy, unsettling silence.

Jungkook stayed close to Namjoon as they made their way through the ruined building, stepping over broken furniture and debris that littered the floors. His body was tense, but Namjoon could feel the quiet determination radiating off him. Despite his earlier hesitation, Jungkook was ready to act.

As they reached the door, Namjoon placed a hand on Jungkook’s shoulder, stopping him for a moment. “Stay close,” he said, his voice low but firm. “We don’t know what we’re walking into.”

Jungkook nodded, his wide eyes serious. “I will.”

With that, they slipped outside, the faint cries growing louder with each cautious step.

---

Oh no, what—or who could it be? Are they getting themselves in danger by checking it out?👀