[August 23, 2070]
The next day, as the cold morning swept across the Geumjeong-Gu, Tae Kyung prepared for his usual hunting expedition. However, before he could step out of the bunker, the soft call of his younger sister, Hye Rin, stopped him in his tracks. Tae Kyung turned, looking at his sister who sat in the corner of the bunker with a serious expression.
"Is there something you want to discuss, Rin?" Tae Kyung inquired, understanding that something weighed on his sister's mind.
Hye Rin nodded, her face thoughtful. "Yes, brother. I think we need to talk for a moment."
Tae Kyung lowered his firearm and sat down beside his sister, ready to listen to what she had to say. Hye Rin slipped her notebook between them, taking a deep breath before speaking.
"Brother, I know that we've always struggled to survive in this bunker. And I'm truly grateful that we've managed to do so. But for the past twenty years, I've felt... isolated," Hye Rin gently expressed.
Tae Kyung listened with mixed emotions. He loved his sister more than anything in the world and didn't want to see her lonely or unhappy.
"What are you thinking, Rin?"
Hye Rin gazed at her brother with determined eyes. "I feel like we need to find out more about the outside world, brother. I've researched all of our parents' journals, and while they give us insights into the world before 'The Falling Sun' event, they don't provide many answers about the current state of South Korea.
I want to know if there's still green land, if there are places we can explore, places that might give us clues about this mark." Hye Rin pointed to their matching birthmarks on their wrists.
Tae Kyung pondered his sister's words. He understood her desire to learn more about the outside world, to no longer feel trapped in the confines of the bunker. However, he was also deeply concerned about the dangers awaiting them out there. He knew that the outside world had turned into a frozen battlefield, unforgiving and harsh.
"Rin, I want you to be happy and not feel lonely," Tae Kyung said gently.
"But the outside world is very dangerous. We've always struggled here to keep ourselves safe. I don't want to risk our lives by trying to venture out."
Hye Rin nodded, understanding her brother's concerns.
"I know that, brother. But I also feel that we've reached our limits inside this bunker. I feel like there's something we're missing out there. What we're doing now, it's just survival. I want more than that."
Tae Kyung contemplated for a moment, biting his lip in deep thought. He knew that his sister longed for adventure, to explore the world, and that was something to be valued. Finally, he nodded, agreeing to learn more about the outside world.
"Alright, Rin. We'll give it a try. But we have to be cautious and prepared for any possibilities. We must look out for each other," Tae Kyung declared with determination.
Hye Rin smiled, a sense of happiness lighting up her face. They would face the harsh outside world together, as inseparable siblings.
Tae Kyung knew their adventure would be fraught with danger, but with his sister by his side, he was ready to face it. They would search for answers about their birthmarks and explore a new world that might still exist out there, together.
That morning, after discussing with his sister Kim Hye Rin, Tae Kyung decided to heed his sister's desire to seek information in the outside world. Tae Kyung that day chose not to go hunting and instead opted to prepare their supplies because he had decided to leave the bunker the next day after their preparations were complete.
After Hye Rin finished her preparations, Tae Kyung sat down beside her and began to plan.
"Tomorrow morning, we're setting off, Rin. We're going to explore the outside world as you wish," he said with determination.
Hye Rin nodded with a spirited smile on her face. "Thank you, Brother. I know this wasn't an easy decision for you."
Tae Kyung smiled gently. "We'll do it together, Rin. We'll watch out for each other."
After deciding on their departure date, Tae Kyung chose not to go hunting that day. Instead, he decided to gather the supplies they would need for the upcoming journey. With unwavering resolve, he headed towards the part of the bunker that housed the remaining food, clothing, medicines, and other equipment they could take.
Hye Rin diligently assisted, noting down all the items they would carry and making sure nothing was forgotten. She also prepared medicines, including those they might need in emergencies. She did all of this meticulously, demonstrating that she was ready for the journey ahead.
While they were busy preparing supplies, Hye Rin asked Tae Kyung about their first destination.
"Where are we going, Brother ? What's our first goal?"
Tae Kyung thought for a moment before answering.
"When we talk about exploration and the possibility of life outside, our first goal should be to head to the capital city, Seoul. Most likely, all developments, information, and the largest population will be there. It's the place we need to visit to find answers about the outside world."
Hye Rin nodded in agreement. She felt it was a wise decision.
"You're right, Brother. Seoul is the most logical place to start our search. We'll go there."
Tae Kyung felt relieved to hear his sister's approval. He knew that their journey would be filled with challenges and dangers, but he was confident that together, they could face them.
The day passed quickly, filled with preparations and planning. As the sun began to set, and the bunker fell silent again, Tae Kyung and Hye Rin felt ready.
They would venture into the harsh outside world, seeking answers about their mysterious birthmarks, and facing whatever would come their way together. In their togetherness, they found strength and hope for an undisclosed future in that sunless world.