Rise Of The Fallen || KTH FF

Chapter 2: Reality

The sun was setting as you walked home, kicking small stones on the cracked pavement, the chilly breeze tugging at your jacket. The streets were quieter than usual, but you barely noticed, too lost in your thoughts.

A flash of the morning replayed in your mind. You had been about to head out for the day, throwing on your jacket when Yoongi stepped in front of the door, blocking your way. His expression was serious, more serious than you were used to seeing from him.

"Are you really going out right now?" Yoongi asked, his voice filled with concern. "Maybe we should stay inside until we know more about what's going on."

You had rolled your eyes, brushing past him as you slung your bag over your shoulder. "Yoongi, it's just some exaggerated news story. Zombies? Come on, you don't really believe that, do you?"

He grabbed your wrist, stopping you for a moment. "I'm serious, Y/N. Something feels off. If you don't want to listen to me, at least be careful."

You gently pulled your hand from his grip and gave him a teasing smile. "If you're that worried, why don't you stay here until this whole 'zombie thing' blows over?" you joked. "Keep the place warm for me, huh?"

With a small, playful shove, you walked out the door, leaving his worried gaze behind. But now, hours later, the memory of his words clung to you, creeping back into your mind as you walked the eerily quiet streets.

The news had kept nagging at you all day—breaking stories about sudden attacks, people turning violent, even biting each other. It had to be a mistake, right? Sensationalism. That's all it was. You shook your head, trying to push the unease away. It wasn't the first time you had heard wild rumors or exaggerated headlines. The reporters claimed something about a "zombie outbreak" spreading in the city, but you couldn't bring yourself to believe it. Zombies? That's movie stuff. They're not real.

Pulling your phone out of your pocket, you scrolled through your messages. No new updates. You shot a quick text to Yoongi:

"Hey, be careful outside!"

As you turned the corner to your street, the familiar sight of your apartment building came into view, a comforting presence amidst the strange atmosphere of the city tonight. But the silence felt different, like the calm before a storm. A shiver ran down your spine, and for a brief moment, you felt the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

You stopped walking.

There was a sound. Something—no, someone—was moving just ahead, between the shadows of the buildings. You squinted, heart quickening, trying to make sense of it. A figure limped out of the dark alley, dragging its feet, staggering in your direction. For a second, you assumed it was just an injured person, and instinctively, you called out.

"Hey!" you slightly screamed, your voice shaky. "Do you need help?"

The figure's head snapped up. The streetlight flickered above, and that's when you saw it—blood smeared across its mouth and neck, skin pale and decaying. Its eyes locked onto you, hollow and lifeless, and it started shuffling faster in your direction.

Your heart pounded in your chest as the realization hit you.

It wasn't just a person. It was real.

A zombie.