And Then, The World Ended

Chapter 14 Noah

I stumble through the shrine. The man who claims to be from a government agency, V, keeps pace beside me.

"Listen," he says. "We need to get you somewhere safe and out of sight."

"What about my friends? Sophie, Jordan—"

"We'll find them. But first, we need to disguise you." He gestures toward a narrow path leading deeper into the woods. "Follow me."

I nod and sprint after him. We navigate the underbrush until we reach a hidden cabin nestled among the trees. It looks abandoned—broken windows and an overgrown garden—but it feels safe compared to the chaos outside.

Inside, V scans the space before motioning for me to enter. The interior is cluttered with old furniture covered in dust.

"Stay low," he instructs as he rummages through a box in the corner.

"What kind of disguise?" I ask.

He pulls out a set of clothes—dark pants and a fitted black hoodie that seems almost tactical. "Put these on. It'll help you blend in."

I take them from him, hands shaking slightly as I change behind an old screen. The fabric feels foreign against my skin but somehow comforting in its anonymity.

V stands watch by the door, tension across his features as if he expects trouble at any moment.

Once I'm dressed, he inspects me with a nod of approval. "Perfect. Now we need masks." He produces two ski masks from another box and hands one to me.

"Seriously?" I can't help but laugh nervously as I pull it over my head.

"It's either this or getting caught by Hanami," he retorts sharply.

"Okay, okay." I tug it down tighter around my face, feeling ridiculous yet oddly empowered.

V studies me for a moment before gesturing toward a map tacked on the wall. "Here's where we think they might have taken your friends."

My heart sinks as I look at the scribbles marking various locations around Kyoto. It feels like an impossible task—a maze where every turn could lead to danger.

"We move now," V says, determination lighting his eyes.

I swallow hard but nod again, steeling myself for whatever comes next.

The shelter hums with disorder as V and I enter, my pulse quickening. The air is thick with anxiety, the sound of people in worry. I scan the crowd, searching for familiar faces.

"Stay close," V warns, his eyes darting around.

I nod, feeling the weight of uncertainty pressing down on me. Suddenly, a figure catches my eye—Sophie, her hair a messy halo of panic.

"Sophie!" I shout, breaking into a sprint.

"Noah!" She rushes toward me, wrapping her arms around me tight. Relief washes over me like a wave.

"Are you okay?" I ask, pulling back to look at her.

"I was so worried! We thought you were lost."

Jordan and Jake following right behind her, and before I know it, I'm engulfed in another hug. It feels surreal to be together again.

"Stop being so obvious, they might be watching." I hear V's voice as I pull away from the hugs.

"Where's Hayes?" I ask, scanning for him.

"He's right here!" Sophie points to where Hayes is. My breath catches as he spots me.

"Thank god," he says as he pulls me into another hug. "I thought we'd lost you."