In the UK, the weather was infamous for its cold, gloomy demeanour. Yet, as the seasons shifted from the gentle warmth of spring to the height of summer, Ryujin and her family found themselves sweltering in the blistering heat.
During a drive to a neighbouring city, Yuna couldn't help but argue. "With fewer humans around to cause global warming, shouldn't it be cooler now? Why am I sweating like a pig?" she grumbled.
Seulgi, driving the Humvee, looked over her shoulder to the young soldier, "It's because the greenery's gone wild without maintenance. Plants can trap heat, making the area feel even hotter."
Yuna called bullshit.
In the front seat, Chaeryeong watched the road with Seulgi, keeping an eye out for any dangers that might arise. Beside Yuna, Yeji was napping against the window, her head gently bobbing with the car's motion. Squished in the back, Lia and Ryujin passed the time playing chopsticks—Ryujin won every round without fail.
The group was on a supply run, which they had jokingly renamed "family fun day," a way to make the task feel lighter. Though the undead inevitably lurked around every corner, Ryujin had faith in her family. She was certain they'd all make it back in one piece.
"Is there anything in particular we're searching for on this run?" Seulgi asked, glancing into the rearview mirror.
"Not really," Ryujin replied, flicking one of Lia's fingers in their game of chopsticks, gaining the upper hand. "But maybe some light clothing? I'm sweating like crazy back here."
Lia furrowed her brows, focused on her next move. "Yeah, smells like it too."
Without missing a beat, Ryujin retaliated with a quick flick to the top of Lia's head, earning a loud yelp.
The sound startled Yeji awake from her nap. "W-what happened?!" she asked in a panic, her eyes darting around as if she'd been rudely snatched from a dream back to reality.
Yuna chuckled, reaching over to pat Yeji's shoulder. "Your girlfriend's busy tormenting a sloth in the backseat. Don't worry, it's nothing serious."
"No, it's not okay!" Lia retorted, rubbing her head with a pout.
"You said I stink!" Ryujin shot back, crossing her arms, clearly more offended than she had any right to be.
Yeji turned to face the commotion, her expression softening as she addressed the sulking Ryujin. "Ryujin doesn't smell bad. Actually, I really like the way she smells."
Like a child being praised by a parent, Ryujin's eyes turned into crescents as she beamed at Yeji, her whisker dimples on full display. "Thanks, Yeji!" she chirped happily.
Lia, on the verge of making the most exaggerated gagging sound from the depths of her disgust, was cut short as Seulgi slammed on the brakes. The sudden jolt sent everyone lurching forward, and Lia smacked her head against the back of Yeji's seat, letting out a loud groan.
"I need my head, guys! I'm the smartest one here—"
"We can't drive any further," Seulgi interrupted, ignoring Lia's complaints as her gaze locked on the road ahead. A sprawling metal graveyard of cars blocked their path, stretching all the way into the city.
Everyone twisted in their seats to get a better look at the scene. The abandoned vehicles were in various states of decay—tyres melted into the asphalt and panels eaten away by rust.
Seulgi shut off the engine and unbuckled her seatbelt, twisting in her seat to face the group. "So, what's the plan now, girls?"
Chaeryeong and Yuna exchanged indifferent shrugs, while Yeji and Lia both turned expectantly toward Ryujin.

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Home; I Found With You // Ryeji FF
ActionIn a world plunged into chaos by a hellish apocalypse, amidst the hordes of the undead and the ever-present threat of annihilation, Ryujin must survive. She had lost everyone she had ever loved and cared for. Death wasn't an option; no matter how h...