Z APOCALYPSE

CHAPTER 31: Unpredictable

☣️☣️☣️

LUHAN

The recent turn of events has been surprisingly positive for us. In just a few days, the drainage system around the prison has been meticulously cleaned out, revealing a previously hidden source of potable drinking water. While we still need to let it flow for a couple more days to ensure its safety, it's a wonderful change of pace from the past conditions. For the first time in a long while, things felt almost normal—at least, as normal as living in a prison can be. But I couldn't deny that it felt good, a flicker of comfort amidst our chaotic lives.

I've been approaching my responsibilities with a newfound sense of diligence. I've tried to shoulder as much of the workload as possible, reluctant to let anyone else take on shifts, knowing how much we all depend on each other here. I could see that the others were doing their part as well, each of us striving for the same goal of survival.

"You've been busy lately, hyung," Taehyung called out as he approached me, a playful grin lighting up his face. Before I could respond, he threw his arms around me in an enthusiastic embrace, his energy infectious and bright.

"So have you," I replied, a small smile breaking through my otherwise serious demeanor. It's something I never imagined—having a sniper as my best friend, right alongside Baekhyun. In these dire circumstances, that piece of equipment could mean the difference between life and death, and I made sure to keep it by my side at all times.

"I hope I've been helping enough," he said, his voice laced with a mix of determination and that characteristic square-shaped cuteness that made it hard to feel anything but joy around him. I ruffled his hair affectionately, feeling a swell of pride for him.

"You've been doing a great job," I reassured him, appreciating the weight of his contribution to our collective efforts.

"Thanks! I need to get going, hyung. I still have to deliver water to the others outside. They're collecting wood," he said, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm for the task ahead. "Talk to you soon, Luhan-hyung!" He waved exuberantly as he darted off, and I returned the gesture, once again feeling a warmth in my chest as we split off towards our respective duties.

As I walked up the creaking stairs of the watchtower, I couldn't help but smile. Taehyung seemed particularly upbeat today, and that brightened my mood even more.

Once at my designated spot, I found Kyungsoo already in place, relaying instructions in his usual serious manner. He was finishing up his shift, his eyes scanning the area vigilantly.

"Soo, get some rest," I suggested, settling onto a fixed metal bench that was firmly anchored to the ground, its cold surface contrasting with the warmth of the day. The watchtower was our sanctuary, but it also felt like a cage—always here, always watching.

"I'm fine," he replied tersely, taking a sip from his cup, the remnants of what looked like a once-hot coffee now tepid and uninviting.

We lapsed into a comfortable silence. I was used to it, after all. It was one of those unspoken understandings between us—sometimes words were unnecessary.

Kyungsoo, though somewhat standoffish, cared and was fiercely protective of our group. After a spell, he broke the quiet, his tone flat yet sharp. "You're getting closer with Sehun."

His observation caught me off guard, but I turned my gaze towards the fallen tree in the distance, where some of the team was busy clearing what would become firewood. "He's a good friend," I responded carefully, not wanting to delve deeper into that topic. My heart raced at the very thought of Sehun; I wasn't ready to explore those feelings.