After a brief greeting, the group entered the library.
The half-destroyed frames and bloodstains on the walls immediately reminded me of the library after the apocalypse.
Sam, still supported by me, noticed me looking around and responded.
"We've cleaned up as best as we could. Hope you make yourself at home, brother Palmer."
"You've really been through a lot."
I answered vaguely while surveying the area. And the conversation between Kane and Nina caught my ear.
"Sorry, we didn't find much."
"It's fine. We still have enough food to last a few days. What matters is that you're safe."
It seems like Kane is the leader of the group…and Nina seems to be right below him
'Were they friends even before the apocalypse hit?'
Kane was explaining what had happened to the woman named Nina, and Bruno lightly tapped Kane's shoulder.
"Oh, Bruno."
"I'll take the injured up first. Sam! You should hurry too."
"…Huh, me?"
"Yeah. Why are you clinging to the new guy like a cockroach? I told you to speak up if you're hurt."
"Ha, haha. Sorry, Brother."
Sam awkwardly laughed and limped as he followed Tae-san up the stairs.
Goodbye, Mr. Information Dumpy.
The atmosphere was unpleasant, but I felt a bit grateful too.
By the way, is there really not that many people left in this huge building?
Considering this place was occupied by a group, there were too few people for the number I'd observed.
Even after watching the stairs where Bruno's group went up, no one else came down.
"Uh…Palmer, sir?"
I heard Kane's voice.
"Yes, what is it?"
"Ah, Nina asked to see you for a moment."
Kane, awkwardly smiling, turned around to reveal Nina, standing with her arms crossed, silently glaring at me.
Hmm, the atmosphere feels off.
Nina's eyes reminded me of the owner's gaze during my interview at the neighbourhood convenience store.
"Yes, what's the matter?"
"Did you come from Walker road?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"I heard the rescue teams went there. Why did you stay at the apartment?"
She seemed quite curious.
Her large eyes were filled with doubt and suspicion. However, she is seriously acting like a bitch.
"Have you watched many zombie movies?"
"…Huh?"
"Because, you know, in most zombie apocalypse clichés, anyone who goes to a shelter usually dies."
"…Are you talking about a movie right now?"
"Yeah. Is there a problem with that?"
"…Huh."
Nina, as if taken aback, let out a dry laugh.
"Nina, I've checked everything…"
"Kane, you stay quiet. We did what you said for Cristine. We need to double-check these things, right here."
"…Yeah."
Speaking of which, where did Cristine go? She vanished like a ghost at some point.
Nina, still with her arms crossed, stepped closer to me.
Her chest, made more prominent by her crossed arms, kept drawing my eyes.
Now that I think about it, her outfit seemed completely out of place for this situation.
A pink blouse, a fluttering white tennis skirt, and black flats.
Although the marks of bloodstains and the blackened parts were visible, they didn't obscure the essence of her appearance.
"Your place is quite far from here, yet your clothes seem brand new."
"Yeah. I'm friends with the zombies. They said goodbye when I left."
"…Excuse me?"
I smiled in response to her confused expression and continued.
"I know you're probably suspicious of everything right now. You must be cautious around strangers, and I completely understand that."
I gave her a look that conveyed I understood everything.
"Please give me the time to earn your trust. Of course, before that, you can assign a watcher to me or take similar precautions. I'll accept it all."
"…I think I've been too short-tempered. I apologize for that."
I smiled at Nina, who lowered her head slightly in apology.
As she did, the neckline of her round-neck shirt shifted, revealing her pale chest.
God… this is unbelievable.
"Hahaha, Nina is just a bit shy. Let's go upstairs now. I need to introduce you to some people and show you around."
It seemed like the situation had mostly been resolved, so Kane hurriedly grabbed my arm and started leading me up the stairs.
Behind us, Nina was still watching me with suspicious eyes.
If someone like Kane had been giving me that look, I would've torn him apart, but her beauty made me forgive it.
I can forgive this girl for some time…but don't know how long, she is seriously getting on my nerves.
"The building consists of a basement level and five floors. The basement level used to be a shop, but it's too dark to use since the power's out. You should avoid it."