Four Seasons: Summer 2/2
A/N :D Reading comments from the lastest chapter of Four Seasons made me really happy. Even though everyone seemed sad I smiled brightly. Thank you for reading and enjoying the story so far. I hope you enjoy this part too. P.S. The reason I split these up is to keep the average word count between 5000-6000 I didn't want just one huge chapter for summer.
Summer Part 2
“This is impossible!’ Jonghyun yelled, “There’s no fucking way, if he was bitten then he would’ve turned by now. He must have gotten bit after he left.”
“We don’t know if he’s bit.” Taemin responded.
“Look at his fucking eyes!” Jonghyun raved, “He’s infected! We know how people get infected! They either die or they’re bit! Well does he look dead to you?” Jonghyun’s voice cracked, “He’s infected. He’s bit ok? Damn it, damn it why’d you have to leave? Why’d it have to be you? Why one of us?”
“When were you bit?” Jinki asked.
“When I was with the kid,” Key answered
“Honestly Key just tell us. When were you bit? Jonghyun sighed.
“I already told you.”
“No, it’s been days,” Taemin burst, “That’s not possible. We know what happens to people when they get bit. It takes only hours, sometimes less if they got bit in a bad spot. Sometimes with a lot of help it takes a full day. There’s no way that’s when you got bit.”
“Let me see the wound,” Jinki began clinically, “If you’re telling the truth then you’ve been infected for almost four days.”
Key hesitantly rolled up his pants leg revealing the bandaged wound. Jinki moved to unwrap it but Minho stopped him.
“I’ve got it.” He muttered, carefully taking off the bandage and revealing the wound.
Jinki looks at the wound for only a moment when he gasps and begins fishing in his bag. He doesn’t say anything but he moves hurriedly, his hands shaking.
“Hyung what is it?” Taemin asked moving closer.
“It-it-he-he-” he stuttered dropping the clean ointment and panicking.
“It’s healing.” Minho answered in shock before turning his gaze to Key, “You’re healing!”
“What?” Jonghyun grumbled, “That’s impossible, bites don’t heal. People don’t live long enough for them to heal.”
“Jonghyun it’s healing,” Jinki shouted at him finding his tongue “He’s healing. We need to get somewhere safe for the night. You need to eat something. You didn’t take food with you. I’ll wrap this for you.”
“I can’t go with you.” Key said quickly wrapping his wound in the old bandages pushing Jinki’s hands away. “You’re going to that pick up with the Japanese.”
“But you’re healing!” Jonghyun started, “You can come with us we still have a few days to get there. This is perfect, we didn’t want to leave without finding you.”
“No this is more than perfect.” Jinki continued, “You could end this. You could be the answer. You could help make a vaccine. This is a miracle”
“I can’t go with you,” Key snapped, “Not until it’s completely healed.”
“Key,” Minho tried but Key pulled away standing.
He took his axe from the sand, “I left for a reason.”
“Then why?” Minho asked.
“I can’t go with you to Japan. Have you found a radio?” Key questioned, “I found one yesterday in a car on the road. There’s a ship coming and I won’t be healed in time. I don’t know when the next one will come. I don’t know if it’s a hoax or a trap but if it is the real thing there’s no way they’d let me on that ship with the way I am now.”
“But you need to get to Japan. They probably have doctors there, specialists. With you they could fix all of this.” Jinki pleaded, “You have to go more than any of us.”
“Haven’t you heard the broadcast?” Key glared, “They’d kill me on sight. No infected.”
“But you didn’t turn.” Jonghyun said wiping his eyes.
The familiar sound of gun shots cut their conversation short. “We can’t stay here now. Let’s go.”
As they were moving the sound slowly came to a stop, they continued on knowing the echo of the gun shots would only attract the dead. Surely enough they ran into a small herd the noise had attracted. Key signaled them to follow him and moved forward first. The corpses didn’t try to grab at Key at all almost as if he weren’t there. Minho was taken back to when he first met Key and the corpse had brushed past him.
He took out their legs making them easy targets for them as they followed behind him. It had only been ten or so but each one had ignored Key as though he were just one of them.
“They don’t recognize you as one of us.” Jinki said as they moved farther from the town.
Key shrugged, “They aren’t exactly bright.”
They didn’t speak until they had found a place to camp, an abandoned convenience store and gas station that didn’t have much inside.
“Have you had a fever?” Jinki started he sounded clinical as he approached Key again. Key glared but Jinki held out his bag, “Ok, ok, let me change the bandages at least. Have you had a fever?”
Key shrugged allowing Jinki to do as he pleased, “Maybe, I passed out after I made it to that town. I woke up more sweaty than normal after some hours so probably.”
“Passed out?” Jinki went on carefully inspecting the wound with a flashlight. “You fell asleep or you fainted.”
“Both? I got really dizzy and I blacked out, but I was tired and becoming dehydrated too.” He winced as Jinki cleaned the wound.
“People usually die from the fever,” Jinki replied putting ointment on the wound, “that means your antibodies are fighting the virus and winning.”
“I know what it means doc.”
Jinki began wrapping the wound, “So you know how infection works?”
“It’s not like we haven’t all seen it.” Key sighed, “Besides aren’t we all infected, that’s why people turn even if haven’t gotten bit.”
“Yes, it’s dormant in all of us.” Jinki went on, “Somehow triggered by death and bites.”
“The bite introduces the virus to the immune system, a virus the body didn’t know it already had. That’s why it kills people so quickly, the body suddenly starts attacking everything even the dormant virus. It speeds everything up. Then the virus attacks the brain, it kills so it can live on to do its real job reanimating cells.” Key explained, “But it doesn’t reanimate everything, after reanimating the brain stem and jump starting the body it stops. The virus completes its job and waits active inside the corpse. Then that active virus can be transferred to another with a bite and the cycle starts again.”
“How do you know that?” Jonghyun questioned, “Was there some doctor or scientist in a group before?”
Key didn’t answer. He rolled down his pants leg and looked away, “You should get prepared for nightfall. You don’t want to attract any attention. With that broadcast, survivors will be heading toward the coast and which means the corpses will follow, double trouble. If you all want to make it to the pickup you’ll need rest anyways. I’m going to look around for supplies.”
He stood and no one stopped him from walking away. Jinki looked as though he was in deep thought.
Jonghyun patted his shoulder, “He’s right we’ll talk about this after we’ve settled in. I’ll get firewood.”
As they split apart Minho used this chance to speak to Key alone. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
“Minho.”
“You could’ve said something.”
Kibum rolled his eyes, “Oh what should I have said, ‘hey I got bit saving that kid so I’m just going to leave don’t risk your lives trying to stop me just go look for that broadcast and hopefully get the fuck out of here?’ Is that what you wanted?”
“Anything would’ve been better than me just waking up thinking you were there when you’d jumped out of a fucking window to leave,” Minho snapped.
“I repelled out of that window,” He hissed out, “and I gave you my goodbye.”
“Is that what that was? I’m sorry I was confused,” Minho said sarcastically, “I somehow thought you saying you loved me meant that you loved me. I didn’t know you were only saying it as goodbye. I didn’t know it meant you were abandoning me to think you died.”
“I was trying to let you know how important you are to me,” Key retorted, “I didn’t leave you because I wanted to. Do you think I would’ve gone to the fucking beach if I never wanted to see you again?”
“Then why did you?”
“I was bit. I didn’t know what would happen. I had to wait but I didn’t want to put you in danger,” Kibum countered, “So don’t snap at me.”
“You didn’t know what would happen? You had to wait?” Minho paused, “This isn’t the first time?”
“Be quiet.”
“You need to tell the truth. If this isn’t the first time you-”
“I’ve told you enough.” Kibum growled, “This is because you couldn’t leave well enough alone. You had to come after me like some love-sick puppy. You could’ve gotten everyone killed.”
“You really think I forced them to come with me. Taemin would’ve volunteered even if I hadn’t said anything.” Minho argued,
“And the blood bath path you left made it hard for us to encounter any trouble. We ran into more corpses that met your axe than walking. I don’t know why you think I wouldn’t come after you; unlike you, when I said I love you that’s exactly what I meant.”
Kibum opened his mouth to refute him but snapped shut as Taemin entered the room. He glared yellow and red in his eyes making his gaze more frightening, “I’m done here.”
“Key,” Minho reached out to take his hand but he snatched away and walked out quickly.
Taemin waited for a moment before he spoke, “Did you get around to looking?”
“Not really, sorry, I’ll finish looking through here. There probably isn’t much but I’ll be thorough.”
Taemin started searching the room quietly. “Did you two fight before he left?”
Minho glanced at Taemin, “I don’t want to talk about it Taemin.”
“Just because you’ve known each other longer, that doesn’t mean you should burden him,” Taemin commented lowly,
“There’s no use sticking so closely if you’re only going to bother him.” Minho turned to him fully, but Taemin turned away, “Doesn’t look like there’s anything here. I’m going to check outside.”
Minho finished looking through the store and met back with Jonghyun and Jinki. Taemin and Key were not in sight.
“Key said he was going to look for a fishing net in the down the road. Taemin volunteered to go with him of course,” Jonghyun sighed, “I know you were thinking it. So are you two having a fight? I thought you’d be over the moon finding him alive.”
“Jonghyun!”
“Right, right it’s none of our business. We’re just supposed to pretend nothing’s happening.” Jonghyun went on, “Like it won’t possibly affect our wellbeing at all.”
“What do you want Jonghyun?”
“The truth,” Jonghyun gave him a hard look, “I know you know more than you’re telling. I expect Key to keep the truth from us but I know he’d slip in front of you so what did he say?”
“That we shouldn’t have come after him,” Minho answered, “And he’s upset that we risked our lives looking for him instead of getting to the pickup.”
“Has he ever talked about his past with you?” Jinki asked, “Like about what happened to him before he was alone.”
Minho shook his head, “I know that he was in a group a long time ago he’d been alone for a while when we met. He never talks about it but it must have been bad, really bad, worse than the rest of us. He’s never talked about his family except saying that he missed his grandmother once. He doesn’t like it being brought up though. He knows all about me but I don’t really know anything about him. He didn’t even give me his real name until after we’d known each other for months.”
“I don’t think this is the first time he’s been bit,” Jinki started, “I think he knew he there was a chance he wouldn’t turn and I think he was with Special Forces or some type of higher level military group after day zero someone who explained the virus to him and learned these skills from.”
“We’d never know for sure though,” Jonghyun turned to Minho, “What do you think?”
“I don’t think he left thinking he would die but I don’t think he was sure he would live either.” Minho slumped, “I think he just thought it would be safer for us if he left because he couldn’t be certain he wouldn’t turn.”
Jinki nodded, “I agree Key doesn’t seem to like taking risks without backup plans. He left because he was unsure.” He smiled a bit, “It feels kind of nice knowing he prioritized our safety, like he cares about us.”
“Well we are friends, hell at this point we’re basically all any of us has left.” Jonghyun remarked but he smiled, “Still that guy can be a little cold, so it does feel nice knowing we’re actually important to him.”
Minho wants to feel happy about it too but the argument he had with Key is weighing on him and he busies himself with securing the place for the night. He returns inside just before Key and Taemin arrive.
Taemin returned with Key grinning, “Look hyung, got this.” He excitedly showed off the fish and one last thing, “Look.”
“An octopus?”
“It got caught in the net,” Key shrugged taking a seat.
“Thanks for the fresh food Key,” Minho said hoping Key’s mood would perk up after a meal.
It didn’t Key seemed on edge and wouldn’t allow anyone to get close to him. The tension was tangible. Minho was trying to think of a way to get the other to talk to him or even just sit beside him. It was awkwardly silent until Key sprang up and left.
Minho darted after him only to find him throwing up at the side of the building.
“Damn,” He cursed, making sure Kibum’s hair was out of the way and patting his back. “Are you alright?”
“Does it look like I’m ok?” He answered voice rasping.
“I’m sorry,” Minho responded still rubbing his back, “I didn’t know you were still feeling sick.”
“Sick? I’m infected Minho.” He brushed off Minho’s hands and stepped back. “What do you think I’ve been doing these last
few days? Skipping around happily killing corpses? Breaking news, this just in I am a fucking corpse.”
“But you aren’t going to turn.”
“Maybe I won’t but maybe I will, either way it’s still true.” He spit, turning his back and hunching over with a pained groan. “Why the hell did you do this Minho?”
“What?”
“You could’ve made it to the pickup by now, if you hadn’t wasted time,” Key sighed . “Why would you waste it? You were so excited to hear about that broadcast and here you are farther from where you need to be.” He breathed hard, “And you let them come with you.”
“I wanted to find you. We all did. I wanted to get out of here with you Kibum. I wanted all of us to get out together.”
“This world is not about what we want,” He hissed out. “It’s about what we need and you needed to be at that pickup.”
“I came for you because I love you,” Minho responded trying not to shout.
“Then fucking prove it by trying to survive asshole.” Key stopped taking a shuddering breath, “I killed all those walkers because I wanted to make sure if you needed to come that way for a radio it’d be easy. I didn’t want you or our friends to die. So I thought if there was one less walking around you would make it. If I had known it would be like this, I would’ve just told you and let you shoot me.”
“Kibum don’t.” Minho moved in to hug him but Key pushed his arms away.
“Minho I can’t go with you.” It was dark but Minho could tell he was crying, “I’m infected.”
“There,” His throat was getting thick, he was forcing himself not to cry, “Kibum there has to be a way.”
“We can’t afford to act like there are options when there aren’t. You have to get them to that pick up, Minho. Taemin can’t be here anymore. He just can’t. You've seen him. He's changing. He's going to turn into the type of people that kidnapped him if he stays here. You have to get them there.” He pushed at Minho weakly, “You have to.” Minho felt him falling and was glad he was able to catch him.
He pulled Kibum onto his back and trudged back inside where the others were waiting anxiously. Jinki immediately came to help him.
“What happened?” He helped Minho lie him down.
“He threw up and then he passed out.” Minho informed.
“His fever is back,” Jinki sighed, “He’s still recovering he’s probably been pushing himself this entire time. He needs rest. I still have a cold patches left from when we found that home clinic, that should help some.”
“Is there a chance he could still turn?”
“He’s healing,” Jinki said hopeful, looking through his bag, “He won’t turn and he won’t die. I can at least nurse him back to health.” He cleaned Kibum’s face and placed a patch on his forehead, “You’ll have to head to the pick up without me.”
“What?” Jonghyun snapped, “We’re not leaving without you.”
“Key can’t travel in this condition.” Jinki went on, “I need to be here to give him the speediest recovery but we shouldn’t all have to stay behind. The broadcast said the pickup lasts three days. That means you can make it. There’s no reason for us all to stay.”
“No, we should stay together. Tomorrow we’ll find a place sturdy enough to hold up in for a few days while Key gets better,” Jonghyun argued, “We can get the next pickup together.”
“That’s right,” Taemin added, “We need to stay together.”
“Jonghyun we’re older we’re hyungs,” Jinki started, “We have an obligation to take care of our younger members. Do you think keeping all of us here is the best way to do that?”
They shared a look. Minho understood immediately as their gazes turned to the youngest. “No, no, no you can’t make me.”
“Taemin,” Minho took a deep breath, “I know you don’t want to leave but you don’t have to stay here. You asked if we fought we didn’t. We didn’t fight until after we found him. He was angry with me for not going to the pickup. He could understand Jinki-hyung and Jonghyun-hyung but he was angry that I didn’t get you to the pickup. He said you can’t be here anymore. So we’re going to head out in the morning.”
“No,” Taemin grit his teeth stomping angrily, “I’m not going.”
“You wanted to do something for Key right?” Minho added, “You wanted to pay him back for saving you? This is how you do it. You don’t waste it.”
“No you can’t send me alone. I know you’re not going to just leave Key-hyung here and someone has to stay behind to help Jinki-hyung. ” He broke, crying, “I can’t go alone. I can’t.”
“We’ll be on the next pickup we can make Taemin it won’t be long.” Jonghyun coerced, “It’s not going to be like the last time you were alone. It won’t be anything like that. You’re going to be safe and we’ll be on the next ship we can make.”
“I don’t want to go alone.”
Minho went to him and held him, “I wanted us all to go together too but this world isn’t about wants anymore. It’s about needs. You can’t stay here anymore. It’s already done more than enough to you. You need to go and I need to get you there.”
Taemin bawled for a long time, so Minho just held him while Jonghyun rubbed his back until he was finally able to calm down. He didn’t say anything just lied down using his bag as a pillow and clutching his crowbar close. They were silent until morning. Kibum still hadn’t woken up. Minho was worried. He didn't want to leave without speaking to him.
“I’ll take Taemin to the pickup,” Jonghyun said the next morning, “That way you can stay and help hyung.”
Minho shakes his head, “No, I’ll take him. Find a secure place, I should be back here in a few days.”
“Minho I can take him.”
“I know but could you leave him? Or would you go with him? If that’s the case then the three of you should go and I’ll take care of Key.” Minho explained, “So who’s going to Japan Taemin or the three of you?”
“He’ll take him Jonghyun,” Jinki answered, “The goal is to get Taemin out first. We’ll leave a message for you here. I marked on this map where the pickup is. If anything happens, if Taemin can’t get on the ship, if people stop you or there's a herd anything its ok; just get back here alive.”
Minho nodded. Kibum didn’t wake up before they left that morning but Jinki assured them he was ok stating that with his fever and over exerting himself meant he needed a long rest. Minho and Taemin didn’t talk when they traveled. Minho understood why he’d feel the same way if he were in Taemin’s position. It was thankfully a quiet day with very few corpses and no people. IHowever day two they stumbled upon a corpse trying to get into a car, Taemin made the first move bashing it’s skull with his crowbar.
Minho was wiping the bloodied window to look inside when Taemin spoke, “This is the woman from before, the one with the kid.”
Minho slumped now able to see inside the car. “It’s the kid.”
Taemin came beside him, “Is he alive?”
“It wouldn’t have tried to get inside if he weren’t.” Minho bit his lip, “Damn.”
Taemin checked the handle, “It’s not locked.”
But neither of them opened the door. Taemin looked to him but they remained silent, thinking the same thing: could they take the child with them? It would slow them down. It could attract corpses. There was a list of reasons why there weren’t any small children running around anymore.
“I don’t know if I could live myself if we didn’t.”
“You might not have to if we take him. He could get us killed.”
“We’re good people Taemin.” Minho sighed, “This is the kid Key got bit to save and we are good people right?”
Taemin bit his lip nervously before yanking the door open. “Only because I'd rather get on that ship with this kid than alone.”
The child was sleeping. He smelled of urine and looked like he had fallen asleep from crying. “Gross.” Taemin gagged as
Minho took him from the car. “Let’s go down to shore and clean him up.”
The small strip was just enough to wring out the boys clothes and wash him up. He barely woke as Minho washed him only whimpering. They didn’t wait for his clothes to dry opting to put him into Taemin’s spare shirt and his now clean but damp underwear so they could move on. When the kid woke he only whimpered and clung to Minho tighter.
“Umma.” He was crying but it was very quiet. Nothing like the screams the boy had put out last they met, “Umma was a monster.”
“It’s ok, it’s ok.” Minho said trying to comfort him, “Minho-hyung and Taemin-hyung are going to take you to a place with no monsters. Ok?”
He nodded against Minho’s shoulder. “But you have to listen to hyung.” Taemin added, “No screaming when there are monsters.”
“I know.” He answered with a small pout. “You put your hand over your mouth. You don’t scream because it makes the monsters want to eat you. Key-appa told me.”
“Key appa told you? What else did Key-appa tell you?”
“He said to listen to umma because I’m very lucky.” He sniffed, “I’m sorry I peed in my clothes. Umma said I couldn't get out of the car.”
Minho smiled, “That’s ok. You were in that car for a long time and you were being a good listener. What’s your name?”
“Jung Yoogeun.”
“How old are you Yoogeunnie?” He watched the kid awkwardly hold up three fingers. “Three, yeah you’re really lucky Yoogeunnie. Your umma took such good care of you.”
They take turns carrying the kid and their pace isn’t affected much. In fact thanks to the kids sharp eye they always know when corpses are near as he will quickly cover his mouth. Yoogeun is sleeping in Minho’s lap after eating. Taemin sits beside him, looking over the young boy.
“We’ll be there tomorrow. You should get some sleep.” Minho commented.
“No, I’ll take watch,” Taemin replied, “You’re going to need the rest more. I’ll be able to sleep in Japan. Rest up, we have cans up and I’ll wake you up if I start to nod off.”
Minho is able to get a few hours of good rest thanks to Taemin. He wakes up at dawn because of the cans rattling and he remembers when he used to be a heavy sleeper. Taemin is already on his feet.
“I’ll get it.”
It’s only one corpse but after taking care of it Taemin packs up the cans. “You wanna start early? It was pretty quiet most of the night but you know, you never run into just one corpse.” Minho nods and Taemin reaches for the kid. “I got him.”
Within minutes they’re back to walking, “We’re really close.” He says folding up the map. “And we made it with a day to spare.”
They arrive at the small town hours later and from the hill they can see the huge ship off the coast. “It’s real.” Taemin whispered in disbelief.
Yoogeun points to it, “That’s a big boat.”
“You’re going to get on that boat with Taemin-hyung.” Minho responded a wave of relief washing over him. “You’re going to be far away from the monsters.”
The town is clear of the dead and the location turns out to be a port. There are few ships there and a few bodies with clean holes through the skull. There’s a sign that reads “NO INFECTED. BITTEN WILL BE TERMINATED.” At the end of the port a boat with two soldiers and one woman, they rush to them.
“Lower your weapons and bags.” The woman instructs.
Minho sets Yoogeun down and they follow the directions. “Are any of you infected?”
“No.” Minho answered for them, “We’re not infected. We heard the broadcast.”
They all come forward guns pointed. The woman looks a little pleased to see them. “You’re the first ones of the day.” She started, “We’ll have to take a sample. I’m sorry but people have lied before. Even though you’re young and you have a child we have orders to take every precaution.”
Their fingers were all pricked and as soon as she gave the guards a thumbs up their guns lowered. “All clean,” She smiled looking relieved. “We’ll register you on the way to the ship and your placement will be decided later.” Minho is a little taken back at how easy it is. The woman takes Yoogeun’s hand, “We’re going to take you all some place safe.”
Taemin turns to get his bag but a soldier stops him. “You can’t take that with you. We have supplies. You won’t need any of that.”
“No I need that.” Taemin pushes past a soldier to grab his crowbar.
The one soldier speaks to the woman in Japanese the other has his gun trained to Taemin.
“Please,” Minho says stepping in between the pointed gun and Taemin, “He won’t hurt anybody. It’s just very special to him. He was kidnapped by some people, horrible people. People that were horrible before this all started, the person who saved him from those people gave that crowbar to him. It’s all he has to remember them by for now.”
Minho knows the woman is listening she speaks to the soldiers and the gun lowers. “Please let me carry it for now. I will give it back to you but for now I must carry it.”
Taemin is reluctant and Minho knows he’s thinking about staying. He holds out his hand to Taemin, “Think about Yoogeun ok. He doesn’t have anyone. He’s going to need you. She said you’ll get it back besides you’ll see him again you’re just going there to wait for us.”
Taemin hesitates but hands over the crowbar to him and he passes it to her. She understands from how he’s spoken to Taemin. “You’re staying here?”
“My friend couldn’t travel but we’ll be at the next pick up. It was just important to get them here.” Minho explained, “When is the next pick up?”
“It won’t be for another month maybe longer I’m not sure. Right now we’re trying to take islands so that we can have room to grow food and house everyone in the future. We’ve done well. We cleaned Taiwan. We’ve cleaned the main island of the Philippines and we’re close to taking another.” She looked worried, “This was our last stop before returning to Japan. Can you make it another month? Can your friend make it another month?”
“Our friend is immune.” Taemin began, “He’s immune. I’ve seen it. He was bit weeks ago but he never turned and his bite healed. He hurt his ankle before we heard the broadcast and didn’t want to slow us down. So you have to make another pick up. The sooner you can the better because he’s immune and that means there's a cure right.”
She turns to Minho seeking confirmation. He goes along with Taemin’s lie. “He’s immune. He was bit but he hasn’t turned.”
They wait a moment while she speaks to the soldiers. One soldier seems displeased he probably thinks they'relying but then the woman is talking on a radio with, he assumes to be people on the ship. Minho wishes he understood more Japanese but he only understands when she says yes understood. She then turns to the soldiers giving them orders. After that a soldier gives Minho his assault rifle and a flare gun. The other pulls out a duffle from the boat and carries it to him.
“Food, water, medical kit, a machete, flashlight, a radio, and other supplies,” She hands him a blocky yellow phone. “It’s a satellite phone. Do not lose this. The number is already programmed in. They are going to send people for you. As soon as possible they will send a team for you and your friend. You have to stay alive no matter what.” She sighed frustrated, “We can’t send a team for you right now. There’s a typhoon coming and our resources are already spread thin. You have to update every five days understood. You don’t update we assume you’re both dead and that’s it this deal is off. Do you understand? The entire world is on your shoulders right now because we don’t have a choice.” She takes his hand gripping him tight, “Five days I need to hear from you and your friend in five days. I swear we will get you out of here as soon as we can.”
Minho nodded, “Every five days.”
“Say your goodbyes then.” She turns around, taking Yoogeun to the waiting boat.
Minho takes a deep breath. “We’ll stay safe. Try to look out for him while you wait for us.” Taemin nodded but it’s very clear that they’re both holding back tears and holding back words.
A soldier escorts him to the boat and they’re all boarded leaving Minho alone on the port. Taemin looks back at him and that’s when it hits him this may be the last time he sees him again. He knows there’s nothing but uncertainty going back into this nightmare even if they’ve helped his odds. He knows that Taemin knows this too so he has to tell him before it is too late. He has to convince him to stay on that boat.
“You’ll see all your hyungs again. You’ll see Jinki-hyung, Jonghyun-hyung, me,” He pauses making sure his voice doesn’t betray him. He has to be strong for Taemin, “And Kibum-hyung.”
Taemin yells over the boat engine, a soldier is holding his shoulder as he leans over the edge, “Kibum-hyung?”
“That’s your hyung’s name, Kim Kibum!”
A/N: I hoped you enjoyed reading this. Feel free to let me know what you think in a comment. I've already started Autumn so I'll have it up sometime next week. :) Thanks for reading!
Summer Part 2
“This is impossible!’ Jonghyun yelled, “There’s no fucking way, if he was bitten then he would’ve turned by now. He must have gotten bit after he left.”
“We don’t know if he’s bit.” Taemin responded.
“Look at his fucking eyes!” Jonghyun raved, “He’s infected! We know how people get infected! They either die or they’re bit! Well does he look dead to you?” Jonghyun’s voice cracked, “He’s infected. He’s bit ok? Damn it, damn it why’d you have to leave? Why’d it have to be you? Why one of us?”
“When were you bit?” Jinki asked.
“When I was with the kid,” Key answered
“Honestly Key just tell us. When were you bit? Jonghyun sighed.
“I already told you.”
“No, it’s been days,” Taemin burst, “That’s not possible. We know what happens to people when they get bit. It takes only hours, sometimes less if they got bit in a bad spot. Sometimes with a lot of help it takes a full day. There’s no way that’s when you got bit.”
“Let me see the wound,” Jinki began clinically, “If you’re telling the truth then you’ve been infected for almost four days.”
Key hesitantly rolled up his pants leg revealing the bandaged wound. Jinki moved to unwrap it but Minho stopped him.
“I’ve got it.” He muttered, carefully taking off the bandage and revealing the wound.
Jinki looks at the wound for only a moment when he gasps and begins fishing in his bag. He doesn’t say anything but he moves hurriedly, his hands shaking.
“Hyung what is it?” Taemin asked moving closer.
“It-it-he-he-” he stuttered dropping the clean ointment and panicking.
“It’s healing.” Minho answered in shock before turning his gaze to Key, “You’re healing!”
“What?” Jonghyun grumbled, “That’s impossible, bites don’t heal. People don’t live long enough for them to heal.”
“Jonghyun it’s healing,” Jinki shouted at him finding his tongue “He’s healing. We need to get somewhere safe for the night. You need to eat something. You didn’t take food with you. I’ll wrap this for you.”
“I can’t go with you.” Key said quickly wrapping his wound in the old bandages pushing Jinki’s hands away. “You’re going to that pick up with the Japanese.”
“But you’re healing!” Jonghyun started, “You can come with us we still have a few days to get there. This is perfect, we didn’t want to leave without finding you.”
“No this is more than perfect.” Jinki continued, “You could end this. You could be the answer. You could help make a vaccine. This is a miracle”
“I can’t go with you,” Key snapped, “Not until it’s completely healed.”
“Key,” Minho tried but Key pulled away standing.
He took his axe from the sand, “I left for a reason.”
“Then why?” Minho asked.
“I can’t go with you to Japan. Have you found a radio?” Key questioned, “I found one yesterday in a car on the road. There’s a ship coming and I won’t be healed in time. I don’t know when the next one will come. I don’t know if it’s a hoax or a trap but if it is the real thing there’s no way they’d let me on that ship with the way I am now.”
“But you need to get to Japan. They probably have doctors there, specialists. With you they could fix all of this.” Jinki pleaded, “You have to go more than any of us.”
“Haven’t you heard the broadcast?” Key glared, “They’d kill me on sight. No infected.”
“But you didn’t turn.” Jonghyun said wiping his eyes.
The familiar sound of gun shots cut their conversation short. “We can’t stay here now. Let’s go.”
As they were moving the sound slowly came to a stop, they continued on knowing the echo of the gun shots would only attract the dead. Surely enough they ran into a small herd the noise had attracted. Key signaled them to follow him and moved forward first. The corpses didn’t try to grab at Key at all almost as if he weren’t there. Minho was taken back to when he first met Key and the corpse had brushed past him.
He took out their legs making them easy targets for them as they followed behind him. It had only been ten or so but each one had ignored Key as though he were just one of them.
“They don’t recognize you as one of us.” Jinki said as they moved farther from the town.
Key shrugged, “They aren’t exactly bright.”
They didn’t speak until they had found a place to camp, an abandoned convenience store and gas station that didn’t have much inside.
“Have you had a fever?” Jinki started he sounded clinical as he approached Key again. Key glared but Jinki held out his bag, “Ok, ok, let me change the bandages at least. Have you had a fever?”
Key shrugged allowing Jinki to do as he pleased, “Maybe, I passed out after I made it to that town. I woke up more sweaty than normal after some hours so probably.”
“Passed out?” Jinki went on carefully inspecting the wound with a flashlight. “You fell asleep or you fainted.”
“Both? I got really dizzy and I blacked out, but I was tired and becoming dehydrated too.” He winced as Jinki cleaned the wound.
“People usually die from the fever,” Jinki replied putting ointment on the wound, “that means your antibodies are fighting the virus and winning.”
“I know what it means doc.”
Jinki began wrapping the wound, “So you know how infection works?”
“It’s not like we haven’t all seen it.” Key sighed, “Besides aren’t we all infected, that’s why people turn even if haven’t gotten bit.”
“Yes, it’s dormant in all of us.” Jinki went on, “Somehow triggered by death and bites.”
“The bite introduces the virus to the immune system, a virus the body didn’t know it already had. That’s why it kills people so quickly, the body suddenly starts attacking everything even the dormant virus. It speeds everything up. Then the virus attacks the brain, it kills so it can live on to do its real job reanimating cells.” Key explained, “But it doesn’t reanimate everything, after reanimating the brain stem and jump starting the body it stops. The virus completes its job and waits active inside the corpse. Then that active virus can be transferred to another with a bite and the cycle starts again.”
“How do you know that?” Jonghyun questioned, “Was there some doctor or scientist in a group before?”
Key didn’t answer. He rolled down his pants leg and looked away, “You should get prepared for nightfall. You don’t want to attract any attention. With that broadcast, survivors will be heading toward the coast and which means the corpses will follow, double trouble. If you all want to make it to the pickup you’ll need rest anyways. I’m going to look around for supplies.”
He stood and no one stopped him from walking away. Jinki looked as though he was in deep thought.
Jonghyun patted his shoulder, “He’s right we’ll talk about this after we’ve settled in. I’ll get firewood.”
As they split apart Minho used this chance to speak to Key alone. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
“Minho.”
“You could’ve said something.”
Kibum rolled his eyes, “Oh what should I have said, ‘hey I got bit saving that kid so I’m just going to leave don’t risk your lives trying to stop me just go look for that broadcast and hopefully get the fuck out of here?’ Is that what you wanted?”
“Anything would’ve been better than me just waking up thinking you were there when you’d jumped out of a fucking window to leave,” Minho snapped.
“I repelled out of that window,” He hissed out, “and I gave you my goodbye.”
“Is that what that was? I’m sorry I was confused,” Minho said sarcastically, “I somehow thought you saying you loved me meant that you loved me. I didn’t know you were only saying it as goodbye. I didn’t know it meant you were abandoning me to think you died.”
“I was trying to let you know how important you are to me,” Key retorted, “I didn’t leave you because I wanted to. Do you think I would’ve gone to the fucking beach if I never wanted to see you again?”
“Then why did you?”
“I was bit. I didn’t know what would happen. I had to wait but I didn’t want to put you in danger,” Kibum countered, “So don’t snap at me.”
“You didn’t know what would happen? You had to wait?” Minho paused, “This isn’t the first time?”
“Be quiet.”
“You need to tell the truth. If this isn’t the first time you-”
“I’ve told you enough.” Kibum growled, “This is because you couldn’t leave well enough alone. You had to come after me like some love-sick puppy. You could’ve gotten everyone killed.”
“You really think I forced them to come with me. Taemin would’ve volunteered even if I hadn’t said anything.” Minho argued,
“And the blood bath path you left made it hard for us to encounter any trouble. We ran into more corpses that met your axe than walking. I don’t know why you think I wouldn’t come after you; unlike you, when I said I love you that’s exactly what I meant.”
Kibum opened his mouth to refute him but snapped shut as Taemin entered the room. He glared yellow and red in his eyes making his gaze more frightening, “I’m done here.”
“Key,” Minho reached out to take his hand but he snatched away and walked out quickly.
Taemin waited for a moment before he spoke, “Did you get around to looking?”
“Not really, sorry, I’ll finish looking through here. There probably isn’t much but I’ll be thorough.”
Taemin started searching the room quietly. “Did you two fight before he left?”
Minho glanced at Taemin, “I don’t want to talk about it Taemin.”
“Just because you’ve known each other longer, that doesn’t mean you should burden him,” Taemin commented lowly,
“There’s no use sticking so closely if you’re only going to bother him.” Minho turned to him fully, but Taemin turned away, “Doesn’t look like there’s anything here. I’m going to check outside.”
Minho finished looking through the store and met back with Jonghyun and Jinki. Taemin and Key were not in sight.
“Key said he was going to look for a fishing net in the down the road. Taemin volunteered to go with him of course,” Jonghyun sighed, “I know you were thinking it. So are you two having a fight? I thought you’d be over the moon finding him alive.”
“Jonghyun!”
“Right, right it’s none of our business. We’re just supposed to pretend nothing’s happening.” Jonghyun went on, “Like it won’t possibly affect our wellbeing at all.”
“What do you want Jonghyun?”
“The truth,” Jonghyun gave him a hard look, “I know you know more than you’re telling. I expect Key to keep the truth from us but I know he’d slip in front of you so what did he say?”
“That we shouldn’t have come after him,” Minho answered, “And he’s upset that we risked our lives looking for him instead of getting to the pickup.”
“Has he ever talked about his past with you?” Jinki asked, “Like about what happened to him before he was alone.”
Minho shook his head, “I know that he was in a group a long time ago he’d been alone for a while when we met. He never talks about it but it must have been bad, really bad, worse than the rest of us. He’s never talked about his family except saying that he missed his grandmother once. He doesn’t like it being brought up though. He knows all about me but I don’t really know anything about him. He didn’t even give me his real name until after we’d known each other for months.”
“I don’t think this is the first time he’s been bit,” Jinki started, “I think he knew he there was a chance he wouldn’t turn and I think he was with Special Forces or some type of higher level military group after day zero someone who explained the virus to him and learned these skills from.”
“We’d never know for sure though,” Jonghyun turned to Minho, “What do you think?”
“I don’t think he left thinking he would die but I don’t think he was sure he would live either.” Minho slumped, “I think he just thought it would be safer for us if he left because he couldn’t be certain he wouldn’t turn.”
Jinki nodded, “I agree Key doesn’t seem to like taking risks without backup plans. He left because he was unsure.” He smiled a bit, “It feels kind of nice knowing he prioritized our safety, like he cares about us.”
“Well we are friends, hell at this point we’re basically all any of us has left.” Jonghyun remarked but he smiled, “Still that guy can be a little cold, so it does feel nice knowing we’re actually important to him.”
Minho wants to feel happy about it too but the argument he had with Key is weighing on him and he busies himself with securing the place for the night. He returns inside just before Key and Taemin arrive.
Taemin returned with Key grinning, “Look hyung, got this.” He excitedly showed off the fish and one last thing, “Look.”
“An octopus?”
“It got caught in the net,” Key shrugged taking a seat.
“Thanks for the fresh food Key,” Minho said hoping Key’s mood would perk up after a meal.
It didn’t Key seemed on edge and wouldn’t allow anyone to get close to him. The tension was tangible. Minho was trying to think of a way to get the other to talk to him or even just sit beside him. It was awkwardly silent until Key sprang up and left.
Minho darted after him only to find him throwing up at the side of the building.
“Damn,” He cursed, making sure Kibum’s hair was out of the way and patting his back. “Are you alright?”
“Does it look like I’m ok?” He answered voice rasping.
“I’m sorry,” Minho responded still rubbing his back, “I didn’t know you were still feeling sick.”
“Sick? I’m infected Minho.” He brushed off Minho’s hands and stepped back. “What do you think I’ve been doing these last
few days? Skipping around happily killing corpses? Breaking news, this just in I am a fucking corpse.”
“But you aren’t going to turn.”
“Maybe I won’t but maybe I will, either way it’s still true.” He spit, turning his back and hunching over with a pained groan. “Why the hell did you do this Minho?”
“What?”
“You could’ve made it to the pickup by now, if you hadn’t wasted time,” Key sighed . “Why would you waste it? You were so excited to hear about that broadcast and here you are farther from where you need to be.” He breathed hard, “And you let them come with you.”
“I wanted to find you. We all did. I wanted to get out of here with you Kibum. I wanted all of us to get out together.”
“This world is not about what we want,” He hissed out. “It’s about what we need and you needed to be at that pickup.”
“I came for you because I love you,” Minho responded trying not to shout.
“Then fucking prove it by trying to survive asshole.” Key stopped taking a shuddering breath, “I killed all those walkers because I wanted to make sure if you needed to come that way for a radio it’d be easy. I didn’t want you or our friends to die. So I thought if there was one less walking around you would make it. If I had known it would be like this, I would’ve just told you and let you shoot me.”
“Kibum don’t.” Minho moved in to hug him but Key pushed his arms away.
“Minho I can’t go with you.” It was dark but Minho could tell he was crying, “I’m infected.”
“There,” His throat was getting thick, he was forcing himself not to cry, “Kibum there has to be a way.”
“We can’t afford to act like there are options when there aren’t. You have to get them to that pick up, Minho. Taemin can’t be here anymore. He just can’t. You've seen him. He's changing. He's going to turn into the type of people that kidnapped him if he stays here. You have to get them there.” He pushed at Minho weakly, “You have to.” Minho felt him falling and was glad he was able to catch him.
He pulled Kibum onto his back and trudged back inside where the others were waiting anxiously. Jinki immediately came to help him.
“What happened?” He helped Minho lie him down.
“He threw up and then he passed out.” Minho informed.
“His fever is back,” Jinki sighed, “He’s still recovering he’s probably been pushing himself this entire time. He needs rest. I still have a cold patches left from when we found that home clinic, that should help some.”
“Is there a chance he could still turn?”
“He’s healing,” Jinki said hopeful, looking through his bag, “He won’t turn and he won’t die. I can at least nurse him back to health.” He cleaned Kibum’s face and placed a patch on his forehead, “You’ll have to head to the pick up without me.”
“What?” Jonghyun snapped, “We’re not leaving without you.”
“Key can’t travel in this condition.” Jinki went on, “I need to be here to give him the speediest recovery but we shouldn’t all have to stay behind. The broadcast said the pickup lasts three days. That means you can make it. There’s no reason for us all to stay.”
“No, we should stay together. Tomorrow we’ll find a place sturdy enough to hold up in for a few days while Key gets better,” Jonghyun argued, “We can get the next pickup together.”
“That’s right,” Taemin added, “We need to stay together.”
“Jonghyun we’re older we’re hyungs,” Jinki started, “We have an obligation to take care of our younger members. Do you think keeping all of us here is the best way to do that?”
They shared a look. Minho understood immediately as their gazes turned to the youngest. “No, no, no you can’t make me.”
“Taemin,” Minho took a deep breath, “I know you don’t want to leave but you don’t have to stay here. You asked if we fought we didn’t. We didn’t fight until after we found him. He was angry with me for not going to the pickup. He could understand Jinki-hyung and Jonghyun-hyung but he was angry that I didn’t get you to the pickup. He said you can’t be here anymore. So we’re going to head out in the morning.”
“No,” Taemin grit his teeth stomping angrily, “I’m not going.”
“You wanted to do something for Key right?” Minho added, “You wanted to pay him back for saving you? This is how you do it. You don’t waste it.”
“No you can’t send me alone. I know you’re not going to just leave Key-hyung here and someone has to stay behind to help Jinki-hyung. ” He broke, crying, “I can’t go alone. I can’t.”
“We’ll be on the next pickup we can make Taemin it won’t be long.” Jonghyun coerced, “It’s not going to be like the last time you were alone. It won’t be anything like that. You’re going to be safe and we’ll be on the next ship we can make.”
“I don’t want to go alone.”
Minho went to him and held him, “I wanted us all to go together too but this world isn’t about wants anymore. It’s about needs. You can’t stay here anymore. It’s already done more than enough to you. You need to go and I need to get you there.”
Taemin bawled for a long time, so Minho just held him while Jonghyun rubbed his back until he was finally able to calm down. He didn’t say anything just lied down using his bag as a pillow and clutching his crowbar close. They were silent until morning. Kibum still hadn’t woken up. Minho was worried. He didn't want to leave without speaking to him.
“I’ll take Taemin to the pickup,” Jonghyun said the next morning, “That way you can stay and help hyung.”
Minho shakes his head, “No, I’ll take him. Find a secure place, I should be back here in a few days.”
“Minho I can take him.”
“I know but could you leave him? Or would you go with him? If that’s the case then the three of you should go and I’ll take care of Key.” Minho explained, “So who’s going to Japan Taemin or the three of you?”
“He’ll take him Jonghyun,” Jinki answered, “The goal is to get Taemin out first. We’ll leave a message for you here. I marked on this map where the pickup is. If anything happens, if Taemin can’t get on the ship, if people stop you or there's a herd anything its ok; just get back here alive.”
Minho nodded. Kibum didn’t wake up before they left that morning but Jinki assured them he was ok stating that with his fever and over exerting himself meant he needed a long rest. Minho and Taemin didn’t talk when they traveled. Minho understood why he’d feel the same way if he were in Taemin’s position. It was thankfully a quiet day with very few corpses and no people. IHowever day two they stumbled upon a corpse trying to get into a car, Taemin made the first move bashing it’s skull with his crowbar.
Minho was wiping the bloodied window to look inside when Taemin spoke, “This is the woman from before, the one with the kid.”
Minho slumped now able to see inside the car. “It’s the kid.”
Taemin came beside him, “Is he alive?”
“It wouldn’t have tried to get inside if he weren’t.” Minho bit his lip, “Damn.”
Taemin checked the handle, “It’s not locked.”
But neither of them opened the door. Taemin looked to him but they remained silent, thinking the same thing: could they take the child with them? It would slow them down. It could attract corpses. There was a list of reasons why there weren’t any small children running around anymore.
“I don’t know if I could live myself if we didn’t.”
“You might not have to if we take him. He could get us killed.”
“We’re good people Taemin.” Minho sighed, “This is the kid Key got bit to save and we are good people right?”
Taemin bit his lip nervously before yanking the door open. “Only because I'd rather get on that ship with this kid than alone.”
The child was sleeping. He smelled of urine and looked like he had fallen asleep from crying. “Gross.” Taemin gagged as
Minho took him from the car. “Let’s go down to shore and clean him up.”
The small strip was just enough to wring out the boys clothes and wash him up. He barely woke as Minho washed him only whimpering. They didn’t wait for his clothes to dry opting to put him into Taemin’s spare shirt and his now clean but damp underwear so they could move on. When the kid woke he only whimpered and clung to Minho tighter.
“Umma.” He was crying but it was very quiet. Nothing like the screams the boy had put out last they met, “Umma was a monster.”
“It’s ok, it’s ok.” Minho said trying to comfort him, “Minho-hyung and Taemin-hyung are going to take you to a place with no monsters. Ok?”
He nodded against Minho’s shoulder. “But you have to listen to hyung.” Taemin added, “No screaming when there are monsters.”
“I know.” He answered with a small pout. “You put your hand over your mouth. You don’t scream because it makes the monsters want to eat you. Key-appa told me.”
“Key appa told you? What else did Key-appa tell you?”
“He said to listen to umma because I’m very lucky.” He sniffed, “I’m sorry I peed in my clothes. Umma said I couldn't get out of the car.”
Minho smiled, “That’s ok. You were in that car for a long time and you were being a good listener. What’s your name?”
“Jung Yoogeun.”
“How old are you Yoogeunnie?” He watched the kid awkwardly hold up three fingers. “Three, yeah you’re really lucky Yoogeunnie. Your umma took such good care of you.”
They take turns carrying the kid and their pace isn’t affected much. In fact thanks to the kids sharp eye they always know when corpses are near as he will quickly cover his mouth. Yoogeun is sleeping in Minho’s lap after eating. Taemin sits beside him, looking over the young boy.
“We’ll be there tomorrow. You should get some sleep.” Minho commented.
“No, I’ll take watch,” Taemin replied, “You’re going to need the rest more. I’ll be able to sleep in Japan. Rest up, we have cans up and I’ll wake you up if I start to nod off.”
Minho is able to get a few hours of good rest thanks to Taemin. He wakes up at dawn because of the cans rattling and he remembers when he used to be a heavy sleeper. Taemin is already on his feet.
“I’ll get it.”
It’s only one corpse but after taking care of it Taemin packs up the cans. “You wanna start early? It was pretty quiet most of the night but you know, you never run into just one corpse.” Minho nods and Taemin reaches for the kid. “I got him.”
Within minutes they’re back to walking, “We’re really close.” He says folding up the map. “And we made it with a day to spare.”
They arrive at the small town hours later and from the hill they can see the huge ship off the coast. “It’s real.” Taemin whispered in disbelief.
Yoogeun points to it, “That’s a big boat.”
“You’re going to get on that boat with Taemin-hyung.” Minho responded a wave of relief washing over him. “You’re going to be far away from the monsters.”
The town is clear of the dead and the location turns out to be a port. There are few ships there and a few bodies with clean holes through the skull. There’s a sign that reads “NO INFECTED. BITTEN WILL BE TERMINATED.” At the end of the port a boat with two soldiers and one woman, they rush to them.
“Lower your weapons and bags.” The woman instructs.
Minho sets Yoogeun down and they follow the directions. “Are any of you infected?”
“No.” Minho answered for them, “We’re not infected. We heard the broadcast.”
They all come forward guns pointed. The woman looks a little pleased to see them. “You’re the first ones of the day.” She started, “We’ll have to take a sample. I’m sorry but people have lied before. Even though you’re young and you have a child we have orders to take every precaution.”
Their fingers were all pricked and as soon as she gave the guards a thumbs up their guns lowered. “All clean,” She smiled looking relieved. “We’ll register you on the way to the ship and your placement will be decided later.” Minho is a little taken back at how easy it is. The woman takes Yoogeun’s hand, “We’re going to take you all some place safe.”
Taemin turns to get his bag but a soldier stops him. “You can’t take that with you. We have supplies. You won’t need any of that.”
“No I need that.” Taemin pushes past a soldier to grab his crowbar.
The one soldier speaks to the woman in Japanese the other has his gun trained to Taemin.
“Please,” Minho says stepping in between the pointed gun and Taemin, “He won’t hurt anybody. It’s just very special to him. He was kidnapped by some people, horrible people. People that were horrible before this all started, the person who saved him from those people gave that crowbar to him. It’s all he has to remember them by for now.”
Minho knows the woman is listening she speaks to the soldiers and the gun lowers. “Please let me carry it for now. I will give it back to you but for now I must carry it.”
Taemin is reluctant and Minho knows he’s thinking about staying. He holds out his hand to Taemin, “Think about Yoogeun ok. He doesn’t have anyone. He’s going to need you. She said you’ll get it back besides you’ll see him again you’re just going there to wait for us.”
Taemin hesitates but hands over the crowbar to him and he passes it to her. She understands from how he’s spoken to Taemin. “You’re staying here?”
“My friend couldn’t travel but we’ll be at the next pick up. It was just important to get them here.” Minho explained, “When is the next pick up?”
“It won’t be for another month maybe longer I’m not sure. Right now we’re trying to take islands so that we can have room to grow food and house everyone in the future. We’ve done well. We cleaned Taiwan. We’ve cleaned the main island of the Philippines and we’re close to taking another.” She looked worried, “This was our last stop before returning to Japan. Can you make it another month? Can your friend make it another month?”
“Our friend is immune.” Taemin began, “He’s immune. I’ve seen it. He was bit weeks ago but he never turned and his bite healed. He hurt his ankle before we heard the broadcast and didn’t want to slow us down. So you have to make another pick up. The sooner you can the better because he’s immune and that means there's a cure right.”
She turns to Minho seeking confirmation. He goes along with Taemin’s lie. “He’s immune. He was bit but he hasn’t turned.”
They wait a moment while she speaks to the soldiers. One soldier seems displeased he probably thinks they'relying but then the woman is talking on a radio with, he assumes to be people on the ship. Minho wishes he understood more Japanese but he only understands when she says yes understood. She then turns to the soldiers giving them orders. After that a soldier gives Minho his assault rifle and a flare gun. The other pulls out a duffle from the boat and carries it to him.
“Food, water, medical kit, a machete, flashlight, a radio, and other supplies,” She hands him a blocky yellow phone. “It’s a satellite phone. Do not lose this. The number is already programmed in. They are going to send people for you. As soon as possible they will send a team for you and your friend. You have to stay alive no matter what.” She sighed frustrated, “We can’t send a team for you right now. There’s a typhoon coming and our resources are already spread thin. You have to update every five days understood. You don’t update we assume you’re both dead and that’s it this deal is off. Do you understand? The entire world is on your shoulders right now because we don’t have a choice.” She takes his hand gripping him tight, “Five days I need to hear from you and your friend in five days. I swear we will get you out of here as soon as we can.”
Minho nodded, “Every five days.”
“Say your goodbyes then.” She turns around, taking Yoogeun to the waiting boat.
Minho takes a deep breath. “We’ll stay safe. Try to look out for him while you wait for us.” Taemin nodded but it’s very clear that they’re both holding back tears and holding back words.
A soldier escorts him to the boat and they’re all boarded leaving Minho alone on the port. Taemin looks back at him and that’s when it hits him this may be the last time he sees him again. He knows there’s nothing but uncertainty going back into this nightmare even if they’ve helped his odds. He knows that Taemin knows this too so he has to tell him before it is too late. He has to convince him to stay on that boat.
“You’ll see all your hyungs again. You’ll see Jinki-hyung, Jonghyun-hyung, me,” He pauses making sure his voice doesn’t betray him. He has to be strong for Taemin, “And Kibum-hyung.”
Taemin yells over the boat engine, a soldier is holding his shoulder as he leans over the edge, “Kibum-hyung?”
“That’s your hyung’s name, Kim Kibum!”
A/N: I hoped you enjoyed reading this. Feel free to let me know what you think in a comment. I've already started Autumn so I'll have it up sometime next week. :) Thanks for reading!