episode_0061

The autumn rain, which had continued for four days, showed no sign of stopping.

Just when it seemed the rain was letting up, it would pour down heavily again.

The temperature, stolen by the rain, made the change of seasons palpable.

The only problem, if it could be called one, was the illusion that winter had arrived, skipping autumn entirely.

From our perspective, needing to worry about various things for survival, it was like an added handicap.

Even amidst the rapid temperature change, the atmosphere in our classroom was heated.

Though their bodies might have shriveled from the cold, the group was engrossed in moving. The heat was such that beads of sweat dripped, soaking the floor.

Under the grand theme of survival, everyone diligently moved their bodies.

Just three or four days of training wouldn’t lead to explosive, major developments.

But effort never betrays.

Their movements were awkward, but their postures were starting to show a respectable form.

The formations for movement also began to take shape.

Real combat was different again; they would have to face it directly when the time came.

Still, it was far better than collapsing helplessly, unable to do anything.

When a dangerous moment arrived, they could at least put up a final struggle.

And the more they struggled, the higher their chances of survival.

Was that why?

The group participating in the training was serious.

“…Let’s stop here for today.”

Everyone gasped roughly, slumping to the floor.

Just as they wondered why he’d suddenly stopped.

“It seems you’ve all gotten a bit of a feel for it, so let’s focus on maintaining that. Your stiff bodies seem to have loosened up somewhat too.”

The group nodded, steadying their breathing.

I meticulously observed them.

They seemed to have recovered quite well from the shock at Times Square.

Everyone had regained their vitality and significantly improved their condition.

Grandfather, in particular, was surprisingly strong.

He had a considerable amount of lean muscle that could be described as “practical” everyday strength.

His form with a crowbar or axe looked quite familiar.

“Well, I ended up like this from doing all sorts of things just to make a living,” he said.

Grandfather, revealing the secret to his muscles with a warm smile, lightened the mood by joking that the hardships of his youth were now coming in handy.

Shia and Bomi had also recovered from the bruises that had swollen their faces and various other places.

Dong-woo’s crying had diminished.

‘It’s time to start moving.’

It seemed like the minimum preparations were complete.

All that was needed was for Byeongsu and Young-cheol, who were injured, to be able to walk.

Even just walking along would be a grueling schedule, but I didn’t want to waste any more time.

Was it because I had confirmed the existence of the shelter?

…Somehow, the feeling of wanting to leave this place kept lingering.

After checking everyone’s condition and letting them catch their breath, I subtly brought up the topic.

“Since it’s raining, how about we cook something delicious?”

“Oh!!”

“Something delicious sounds great! Is there anything to eat?”

It was a sudden suggestion, but the group welcomed it.

Since they had exerted themselves so much, they also needed time to recover.

It was a simple thought: since they were resting anyway, it would be nice to have a change of pace.

Other survivors received combat rations or had meager meals.

The group knew that fact as well.

They were them, and we were us.

If they felt it was unfair, they could simply go out and get their own.

Our group, facing reality, didn’t care about the opinions of others.

While everyone excitedly went to wash up, I asked Grandmother for a favor.

As expected, Grandmother’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.

She felt more energetic than when she was doing nothing and sitting still.

Many elders say that if they do nothing, they will get sick.

Grandmother also seemed to be the type who needed to keep moving.

I left the menu to Grandmother and headed to the infirmary.

The two people who were unseasonably reliant on the hospital were still uncomfortable, but they seemed to have no problem walking and moving.

Just as I was about to check their physical condition and take them to the dining area.

“Excuse me.”

I turned my body at the sound of someone calling me from behind.

“It’s you, isn’t it? The one who saved us.”

It was the female soldier who had suffered a serious injury and lost consciousness before.

Was her name Lieutenant Lee…?

“It’s a relief that you’ve recovered safely.”

“Ah… I heard about it. Thank you very much.”

Lieutenant Lee still seemed very uncomfortable, unable to properly control her body.

It seemed she had only recently regained consciousness, as her voice lacked strength.

She tried to get up in that state, so I dissuaded her and simply received her greeting.

“Sergeant Kang went through a lot. He said he had to save you, Lieutenant-nim.”

“……Yes, I know.”

“Then, take care of yourself.”

It felt awkward to speak at length in front of a patient, so I cut it short.

“I, I thought I was certainly going to die! Thank you so much!”

I gave a slight nod to Lieutenant Lee, who was frantically calling out, then took the two managers and left the infirmary. I didn’t want to get involved with the soldiers anymore.

I had to be content with simply receiving a proper thank you.

With those thoughts, I walked the short distance to the classroom.

I felt the gazes of soldiers and people I encountered along the way.

It felt a little different from before.

If the soldiers’ gazes were closer to goodwill, the people’s were curiosity.

I wondered why it was suddenly like this, but it was easier to ignore it.

However, that small curiosity was resolved the moment I entered the classroom.

“It’s because the story about Seonghan has spread among people.”

I sent a look that asked what he meant, at Young-cheol’s words from behind me.

“Well, they’re saying Seonghan brought back supplies for the soldiers and saved people. That rumor has spread widely.”

“…Who has been talking about it?”

“The soldiers seemed to be excitedly talking about it. I heard a lot of things while lying in the infirmary, you see.”

It seemed more than just one or two people were chattering about it.

I had a suspicion, and it was confirmed.

…As long as they didn’t cause trouble, there wasn’t much I could say.

But it seemed I wasn’t merely the subject of simple gossip, as I had expected.

“They also said you recovered the dog tags of fallen soldiers. The soldiers aren’t just ordinarily grateful after hearing that. With the supplies, the soldiers’ morale has recovered, and people were amazed to hear the story while receiving food rations.”

“Some people even came and apologized to us.”

Listening to Young-cheol’s excited chatter and Byeongsu’s subtle additions, I understood why people were looking at me with those eyes.

“And they said you went out again right away to get medicine after you came back. I was so surprised to hear that.”

“I really don’t know how to thank you.”

“That’s right. Really… thank you, Seonghan. Thank you for saving us.”

“Uh… um… it’s fine since you’re safe.”

My face flushed from the sudden barrage of thanks.

I had gone to get medicine and to beat up the gangsters.

I felt a little sorry because my goodwill wasn’t entirely pure.

The two men, misunderstanding my reaction, sent me looks filled with emotion.

‘I can’t exactly tell them the truth about this…’

As the awkward atmosphere threatened to linger, I quickly changed the subject.

“How are things going with Bomi?”

“…Huh?”

Byeongsu’s pupils trembled at my words.

Perhaps because it was unexpected, it worked well.

“Bomi was embracing you quite tightly. She was holding your hand and wouldn’t let go.”

“My, my older sister?”

“Don’t you remember?”

“Uh… that, I thought it was a dream…”

“You kept holding her hand even after you came to your senses.”

“Uh, th-that was…”

Seeing Byeongsu’s face flush red in return made it amusing.

This man, whom I had perceived as quiet, had a naive side to him.

As Young-cheol chimed in from the side and we teased him for a moment, Byeongsu’s face truly turned like a ripe tomato.

How should I put it?

The impact of teasing him with words was incredibly satisfying.

I stopped, fearing he might cry if I continued any longer.

I tried to seat the two men and help Grandmother, but I was refused.

“Leave these things to me, young man, and you go rest.”

Her gentle yet firm words ultimately left me to just watch from behind.

Not long after, the group returned in a rush and joined, making the classroom noisy and bustling. The group was busy, helping Grandmother prepare food or setting up seats.

Watching them, the situation outside felt like a lie.

A peaceful atmosphere and warm air.

I wondered if this was what it felt like to be part of a large family.

For me, who had lived almost my entire life alone, it was a somewhat ticklish yet awkward sight. For some reason, I couldn’t tear my eyes away.

“Oppa. What’s wrong?”

Shia, who had sat down next to me without me noticing, quietly spoke.

Shia, whom I turned to look at, seemed refreshed, perhaps because she had just washed up.

Much of her swelling had gone down, and there seemed to be no other painful areas.

Looking at her delicate features on her small face, she was indeed a beauty.

Even without makeup now, I felt she was very pretty.

“Are you very tired?”

Seeing Shia ask with concern, my mood felt soft and airy for some reason.

Staring at her, I asked without much thought.

“You said you were scared of men, but you’re not scared of me?”

Shia, who nodded without hesitation at the unexpected question, genuinely didn’t seem scared of me.

“Oppa. You’re—”

“Everyone, time to eat~”

Grandmother’s call interrupted our conversation.

Shia sighed softly, then stood up and led me.

“Let’s just eat.”

“…Okay.”

Led by Shia’s hand, I sat down.

In just a short while, Grandmother had skillfully prepared a spread of delicious-looking dishes. Every time I saw her create such a feast with limited ingredients, I truly admired her.

With the food before them, everyone had bright expressions.

My mouth was watering too.

But no one picked up their spoon or chopsticks.

“…Why aren’t you eating?”

“Everyone will pick up their spoons after you take the first bite.”

“What?”

Grandfather casually said something that would make a pedantic scholar flip the table. Everyone looked at me, surprised and questioning, with smiles.

I felt like I understood how everyone saw me.

Still, I wondered if it wasn’t a bit much.

“Oh, well then. If Grandfather and Grandmother take their first bites—”

“Here, Oppa. Say ah~”

Grandmother nudged Shia’s side, and Shia promptly offered a piece of ham to my mouth.

Hesitating in momentary embarrassment, I eventually ate it.

“Eheheheh~ Everyone, let’s eat before it gets cold~”

At Grandfather’s cheerful words, everyone began to eat.

Laughter burst out while I was chewing the ham.

The atmosphere was very pleasant and enjoyable.

Perhaps because it was a meal after moving their bodies, their appetites returned.

Though there were shortcomings, it was a magnificent feast unfitting for the circumstances.

This moment made them forget their heavy feelings, if only for a little while.

You could tell not just from my expression, but from everyone else’s.

As they slowly enjoyed their meal, smiles bloomed on everyone’s faces.

I was confused whether they were savoring the taste or the atmosphere.

But a not-bad feeling lingered around my chest.

‘Am I getting melancholic [a feeling of sentimentality or sadness often associated with autumn]?’

I was naturally accustomed to living alone.

This unfamiliar feeling was very awkward.

Unable to handle this feeling, I finally stood up.

With everyone watching, I pulled out a large bottle of soju from my bag.

“Let’s just have one glass each.”

“Whoa!!”

The reaction was explosive.

A rainy day, delicious food, a good atmosphere, and a glass of soju.

It was a good combination.

I filled the glasses appropriately, passed them around, and prepared to drink.

“Shouldn’t we have a toast?”

At Grandfather’s words, urging a toast while swallowing his saliva, I pointed to Hyuk hyung. The momentarily flustered Hyung soon smiled and didn’t refuse.

“To all of you who have given me this glorious opportunity, I extend my deepest gratitude~”

A burst of laughter.

Everyone burst out laughing at Hyung, who was suddenly speaking in an awards ceremony tone.

Kim Jihyuk Hyung continued speaking, a deep smile around his eyes.

“Since everyone looks eager, I’ll keep it short. You’ve all worked hard, and let’s continue to stick together and survive. I’m always grateful, truly grateful, to Seonghan for leading us.”

Everyone formed faint smiles and nodded.

Hyung cleared his throat once, then immediately raised his glass and shouted.

“To all of our futures—!”

“To our futures—!”

They emptied their glasses in unison, and soon deep exclamations burst out from all around.

The alcohol, which I hadn’t tasted in a long time, felt incredibly sweet.

The refreshing sensation as it went down my throat made my mouth water.

Holding the soju bottle, I cautiously said.

“…Should we only drink this one bottle?”

“Agreed!!”

“Oh, that’s great! Great!”

“One glass isn’t enough, it’s tantalizing!”

“Alright. We’ll finish with just this one bottle!”

With ten people sharing 1.8L of soju, it was just right.

It wasn’t enough to get properly drunk, just a little short, but it was sufficient.

The taste and aroma of the alcohol, and the moderate buzz, soothed their bodies and minds.

It felt as if it was seeping into our weary selves.

It was a shame they couldn’t drink to their heart’s content now, but this much was enough, and they could look forward to next time.

The atmosphere became a little boisterous with the slight buzz.

I liked this moment, where a scene from everyday life unfolded.

Now, encountering a moment that might never have been seen again.

The desire to survive surged powerfully.

…And if possible, all together.