Night had descended, shrouding the barren landscape in darkness. Ryo, having finished his meager meal and tidied up the area, felt the weight of fatigue settle on his shoulders. He lay down on the shop floor, his eyes scanning the nearby zombies as he lit a cigarette. He inhaled, the smoke curling around him in the faint light.
As he exhaled, he noticed the zombies had unwittingly formed a protective circle around him, their mindless shuffling creating an unintended barrier against potential dangers. Ryo's eyes narrowed in comprehension—the zombies, in their own peculiar way, were safeguarding him from harm.
"You guys are something, aren't you?" he murmured, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I guess there's truth to the saying—safety in numbers." He took another drag, his gaze softening as he regarded the undead creatures with a hint of affection.
