𝙨𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙚𝙤𝙪𝙡 / 𝙗𝙩𝙨

𝙞𝙭

As they stepped into the dim forest, the shadows stretched long and foreboding, but the unity of the group gave Y/N a sense of comfort they hadn't expected. Every rustle of the leaves, every snap of a twig beneath their feet sent their senses on high alert. Yet the presence of Namjoon and the others kept fear from creeping too far into their mind.

Jungkook moved ahead, scouting the path with a sharp eye, his body tense but graceful, while Taehyung led the way with careful steps, his knowledge of the valley giving them an edge. Behind them, Yoongi and Jin kept close to Jimin, helping him along without making it obvious that he needed the support. Hoseok walked beside them, his constant chatter subdued for once, but his presence was a balm to Jimin's exhaustion.

Y/N fell in step with Namjoon, who kept a steady pace beside them, his hand brushing Y/N's arm every so often as they navigated the dense foliage. His calm presence anchored them, and Y/N couldn't help but glance up at him every now and then, reassured by his quiet strength.

The silence of the night pressed in, broken only by their footsteps and the occasional murmur of reassurance. Y/N's thoughts drifted to the faces of the scavengers they had fought. It was only a matter of time before they crossed paths with them again—or worse, something deadlier.

Suddenly, Taehyung paused, his hand shooting up in a silent command to stop. The group halted immediately, all senses on alert.

"What is it?" Jungkook whispered, moving closer to Taehyung.

Taehyung crouched down, examining something on the ground. "Footprints," he said quietly, his voice barely audible. "A group passed through here recently. It might be them."

Namjoon's face darkened. "Are we close to the town?"

Taehyung nodded. "Just over that ridge." He pointed ahead, where the trees thinned out, leading to a shadowy cliffside.

Namjoon exchanged a glance with Y/N, his eyes filled with worry but also determination. "We don't have time to wait. We need those supplies."

Jungkook nodded, his jaw set in determination. "We can't afford another fight right now."

Y/N's heart pounded, but they knew Namjoon was right. They had to keep moving. The group quietly fell back into formation, moving faster now, urgency driving them forward.

As they reached the ridge, the town came into view below them. It was dark, eerily quiet, and surrounded by the thick forest that had become their temporary refuge. Y/N felt a surge of hope—they had made it. But the town, while providing a flicker of safety, also filled them with a sense of foreboding.

Namjoon's voice cut through the tension. "Let's go. We'll split up and search for what we need. Be quick, stay low, and meet back here in twenty minutes. If anything goes wrong, regroup at the old church on the hill." His gaze shifted to each of them, his voice firm. "Stay safe."

With a nod of agreement, the group dispersed, each heading toward different parts of the town. Y/N stayed close to Namjoon, their eyes scanning the empty streets for any signs of danger. The town felt abandoned, yet there was an underlying sense that they were not alone.

As they entered a small shop, Y/N couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. The shelves were ransacked, but a few supplies remained—enough to help Jimin, enough to get them through another day.

"Grab what you can," Namjoon whispered, his movements quick but cautious as he filled his bag. Y/N did the same, trying to focus, though their mind was racing.

Suddenly, a noise from outside made both of them freeze. Footsteps—heavy and deliberate—echoed through the empty street. Y/N's eyes widened, and they glanced at Namjoon, who immediately signaled for silence. They moved to the back of the shop, hiding behind the counter as the footsteps grew closer.

The tension was suffocating as they waited, hearts pounding in their chests. Whoever was out there was searching, and Y/N could only hope they wouldn't be found.

Minutes stretched like hours, the air thick with tension. Finally, the footsteps faded, and the eerie silence returned.

Namjoon let out a quiet breath, his hand brushing Y/N's shoulder as he gestured for them to move. "Let's get out of here," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

With their bags filled, they slipped out of the shop and into the shadows of the alley. As they made their way back toward the ridge, Y/N felt a sense of urgency pulling them forward. They had what they needed, but the danger was far from over.

Reaching the edge of town, they found the rest of the group waiting, their expressions a mixture of relief and worry. Jimin was pale, but still standing, leaning heavily on Jin and Hoseok.

"We have to move," Namjoon said quietly, glancing back at the town. "Someone else is here."

The group didn't need to be told twice. They set off into the night, their pace quickening as they left the town behind. With supplies in hand and danger still looming, Y/N knew they were far from safe. But for now, they had survived another night.

And they would continue to survive—together.