Disclaimer: This novel is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to real events, people, or places is coincidental. The author does not endorse or promote any harmful or illegal activities, including violence, discrimination, or harmful survival practices. The novel's content is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as a guide for real-life survival or preparedness. Always prioritize safety, respect, and well-being in your actions and decisions.
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The three of them sat on the couch in the living room, an awkward silence hanging heavy in the air. Min-ho looked at his brother, then at Hana, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"Min-su Hyung, what were you doing out there?" Min-ho asked, his voice laced with concern. "And who is she?"
Min-su took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before speaking. "I was clearing the apartments, making sure it's safe for us to stay here. And Hana... she was trapped in her apartment, surrounded by infected. I had to help her."
Hana's eyes dropped, her gaze fixed on the floor. Min-ho's eyes narrowed, sensing there was more to the story.
"What happened?" Min-ho pressed, his voice softening.
Min-su hesitated, then continued, "Her family... they didn't make it. She was alone, scared, and had nowhere to go. So I brought her here."
Min-ho's expression softened, his eyes filling with empathy. He looked at Hana, then back at his brother.
"But happens if she turn into a zombie?" Min-ho asked.
Min-su answered with calm and collected expression "Min-ho it takes only a hour to awaken the substance which entered through rain but it only takes 10 minutes at most to turn into a zombie by bite or scratches And I was with her for around twenty minutes so It's clear that she is not infected"
"And now?" Min-ho asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Min-su's eyes locked onto Hana, a determined glint in his eye. "From now on, she's a member of our team."
The room fell silent, the only sound the heavy breathing of the three of them. a small smile appeared Hana's lips, as she nodded slightly, a silent thank you.
Then Min-ho asked a question that had been lingering in his mind for hours. "Min-su Hyung, how do you know so much about this apocalypse? You seem to know everything, from the infected's behavior to the safest routes. How is that possible?"
Min-su's gaze locked onto Min-ho's, his eyes searching for something. Then, with a deep sigh, he began to speak. "I need to tell you something, but you both have to promise me one thing: never mention this to anyone else. Ever."
Hana and Min-ho exchanged nervous glances, but they both nodded in unison. "We promise,Hyung" Min-ho said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Min-su's eyes seemed to bore into their souls, as if searching for any sign of deception. Then, his expression softened, and he began to speak in a low, measured tone. "I've lived through this before. I've seen the apocalypse, fought the infected, and lost loved ones. But then... I died."
Hana's eyes widened, and Min-ho's jaw dropped. "What do you mean?" Min-ho asked, his voice laced with disbelief.
Min-su's eyes seemed to glaze over, lost in thought. "I mean, I died, and then... I came back. I returned to the present, with all my memories intact. I don't know how or why, but I suspect it has something to do with reincarnation or time travel. I know it sounds crazy, but I can't explain it any other way."
The room fell silent, the only sound the heavy breathing of the three of them. Hana and Min-ho looked at each other, then back at Min-su, their minds reeling with the implications. Reincarnation? Time travel? It sounded like science fiction, but Min-su's words carried a weight that couldn't be ignored.
Hearing the explanation, Hana's eyes locked onto Min-su's, her voice barely above a whisper. "What happened to me in my previous life?"
Min-su's expression turned somber, his eyes dropping. "I was a scaredy-cat, Hana. When the apocalypse happened, I was at work. I never made it home."
Hana's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with possibilities. "So, you're saying I... died?"
Min-su's voice was barely audible. "I'm sorry, Hana. I can only assume what happened to you. Your brother... he was eaten by the two zombies that broke into your apartment. And then... they turned on you."
Hana's expression darkened, her eyes flashing with anger and sadness. Min-su's words painted a vivid picture in her mind, a picture she couldn't shake off.
Min-su's gaze shifted to Min-ho, his eyes filled with a deep sadness. "In my previous life, I searched for you everywhere, Min-ho. I scoured the entire city, but I only found you a week before... I died."
Min-ho's eyes widened, his mind reeling with the implications. "You mean, we were separated during the apocalypse?"
Min-su's nod was almost imperceptible. "I was so close to finding you, Min-ho. But I ran out of time. This time, I promise to protect you with my life. I won't let anything happen to you, no matter what."
The room fell silent, the weight of Min-su's words hanging heavy in the air. Hana's eyes still flashed with anger, while Min-ho's eyes shone with a mix of fear and determination. Min-su's promise had sealed their fate, a promise he was determined to keep, no matter the cost.
Hearing His brothers word he also found determination to survive along side him.
Which is why, Min-ho broke the silence, his voice firm and determined. "Min-su, we need a plan. You know more about this apocalypse than we do. What should be our next move?"
Min-su's face lit up with a warm smile, proud of his brother's adaptability. "I've already got a plan, Min-ho. Tomorrow, I'll barricade the stairs going down and clear out the nearby apartments. Then, we'll explore the floor above us."
Hana's eyes welled up with tears as she remembered her parents, but Min-su quickly reassured her. "Hey, Hana, we'll take care of you now. You're part of our family. No more crying, okay?"
Hana wiped her tears away and forced a bright smile onto her face. Min-su turned to his brother and said, "Let's get to work. Unpack the baggage I bought and put everything in its place."
Min-ho curiously asked, "What's in the baggage?"
Min-su replied, "Food, water, first aid, medication, and a few miscellaneous items. We'll need them to survive."
As Min-su headed to the kitchen to cook a simple Korean dish, Hana and Min-ho began unloading the items from the baggage. The sound of pots and pans clanging in the kitchen was a welcome distraction from the eerie silence that had filled the apartment earlier. As they worked, Min-su's words echoed in their minds: "We'll take care of you, Hana. You're part of our family now."