In a hidden bunker within their home on the Geumjeong-Gu, Kim Tae Kyung and his younger sister, Kim Hye Rin, were spending their time in the dim darkness. They were two figures who had become each other's only family since their parents' departure when they were very young. Now, as the responsible older brother, Tae Kyung safeguarded and protected his sister in this harsh situation.
On that day, Hye Rin sat in one corner of the bunker, deeply engrossed in the diary she always read with enthusiasm. The girl had possessed exceptional analytical abilities since birth, and the journals left behind by their parents were the primary source of knowledge she explored to understand the outside world she couldn't experience directly.
"Brother, what's the situation out there?" Hye Rin asked with a curious gaze that never faded from her eyes.
Tae Kyung, sitting beside her, leaned his crossbow against the bunker wall, taking a deep breath before answering, "Same as usual, Rin. Nothing has changed. Quiet. The animals outside remain elusive."
Hye Rin nodded, understanding that life on the Geumjeong-Gu was never easy. They relied on Tae Kyung's hunting to procure food, and every time her brother ventured out of the bunker, it was a tense moment for both of them. They had to hope that Tae Kyung would return with enough to fill their stomachs.
Tae Kyung then noticed the diary in his sister's hand. He knew how valuable that source of knowledge was to Hye Rin, and he wanted to know more about what was inside.
"Can I see what you're reading, Rin?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
Hye Rin lifted her gaze from the diary, her sharp eyes meeting Tae Kyung's. She carved a thin smile on her face and handed the journal to her brother.
"Of course, Brother. This is the last diary our father left before he left. He wrote a lot about the outside world before 'The Falling Sun' event," Hye Rin replied.
Tae Kyung opened the diary carefully and began to read. The contents of those pages brought back memories of their parents and how they had struggled to survive in a changing world. He felt touched as he read his father's words about his hope that one day they would see the sun shining again.
Meanwhile, Hye Rin continued to observe her brother's face. She knew that Tae Kyung always felt responsible for their safety, and she also knew that he always longed for the outside world he had never known. Hye Rin wanted to bring a little light into her brother's burdened life.
"Brother, Dad always talked about the sun, didn't he? He always hoped we would see it again someday," Hye Rin said gently.
Tae Kyung nodded, returning the diary to his sister. "Yes, Rin, he always talked about it. And I'll do everything I can to make that dream come true."
The two of them returned to the silence of the bunker, reflecting on the past that was etched in their family journals and the uncertain future. But amidst it all, their love and strength for each other remained a shining light in the darkness that surrounded them.
Kim Tae Kyung and Kim Hye Rin sat side by side, still engrossed in reading their family journals. Those journals brought them closer to their departed parents and served as a wellspring of knowledge about the ever-changing world. Yet, there was one thing that had always nagged at Tae Kyung's mind, something that had remained a mystery throughout his life.
With a heavy heart, Tae Kyung decided to confront this mystery. He turned to his younger sister with a serious expression.
"Rin, we've lived together for twenty years, and during that time, there's been one big question that has always weighed on my mind."
Hye Rin looked at her brother with curiosity.
"What is it, Brother?"
Tae Kyung extended his right hand, revealing his wrist adorned with a unique birthmark. The birthmark resembled a trident, with three sharp-tipped ends.
"This, Rin. This birthmark. Both of us have the same mark on our wrists. It's not ordinary, and I've always wondered what it means."
Hye Rin gazed at her wrist, which bore an identical birthmark. She touched it as if trying to find answers within the symbol.
"Brother, I've also wondered about this for a long time. But I've searched through all the journals we have, both our father's and mother's, and I've never found any records that discuss it."
Tae Kyung nodded, understanding that his sister had done her best to seek answers. However, their curiosity about the birthmark had never faded.
"I know, Rin. But I feel like there's something we need to know about this mark. I don't think it's a mere coincidence. Is there a possibility that there's a hidden record we've missed?"
Hye Rin shook her head.
"I've read those journals repeatedly, Brother. I'm sure nothing has been overlooked. Perhaps we should try to find out more about the meaning of this mark out there if there's anyone who knows."
Tae Kyung nodded, realizing that seeking answers outside the bunker was their only option. However, he was also aware that the outside world had transformed into a harsh and unfriendly place.
"We will try, Rin. But we must be cautious. The outside world is not like what we used to know."
Hye Rin looked at her brother with the same determination.
"We'll watch out for each other, Brother. Just as we've always done."
Tae Kyung sat in the quiet bunker, his eyes fixed on the cold bunker wall and the thick walls that shielded them from the harsh outside world. He pondered his younger sister Hye Rin's words, who was so certain that they needed to seek answers about the birthmark they both bore in the outside world. It had been a mystery that haunted him throughout his life, and although he also wanted to understand the meaning behind that mark, he couldn't ignore the fact that the outside world was a dangerous place for his sister.
"This mark..." Tae Kyung murmured as he gazed at his wrist, bearing the same Trident symbol as Hye Rin's.
"I also feel that this is not just a coincidence. But..."
He stopped himself, trapped in a deep conflict. On one hand, there was a strong curiosity to uncover the secret behind the mark, to understand what made them both so unique. However, on the other hand, there was an obligation to protect his sister, one he couldn't ignore.
Tae Kyung knew that the outside world had turned into a frozen battlefield full of dangers. Mutated creatures, extreme weather conditions, and scarce resources made it difficult to survive. He felt anxious and responsible for Hye Rin's safety.
"Rin means everything to me," Tae Kyung thought, his voice echoing in the silence.
"I must protect her with everything I have. I cannot endanger her life just to satisfy my curiosity about this mark."
Tae Kyung knew he had to make a difficult decision. He wanted to find answers about the birthmark, but he also knew that his top priority was his sister's safety. He couldn't jeopardize Hye Rin by facing the harsh and unfriendly outside world.
He took a deep breath, making a heavy decision in his heart.
"We will stay here, in this bunker. We will fend for ourselves and fight to survive. The answers about this mark may remain a mystery, but Rin's safety is the most important thing."
Tae Kyung felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders. He knew that his decision was the best for both of them. Hye Rin was his family, his only family, and he would do anything to protect her.