episode_0109

The grandeur, diversity, and abundance of American style.

Zombies were rampant, but the joy was so great that I couldn’t even notice them.

My companions, shoulders slumped by the gloomy reality.

Even if it wasn’t to the same extent as I felt then, I wanted to let them experience a similar feeling.

Thus began the three men’s supply procurement.

The reaction of our companions to the food and alcohol, enough to fill three cargo trucks, was incredibly enthusiastic.

It was a simple idea, but the effect was not bad.

“You really worked hard!”

Representative Choi clapped, delighted, and a few even shed a tear.

The ones who shed tears were the women who had recently joined.

Judging by their reaction, they seemed to have suffered quite a bit because of food.

But the atmosphere truly improved.

The worry that had filled their faces was almost completely erased.

It wasn’t a huge quantity, but the visual impact was significant.

Thanks to this, the atmosphere became much more relaxed and amicable.

People regained a little vitality.

That was yesterday, ending the day in such a heartwarming atmosphere.

Now, gathered to rest well and eat breakfast.

“Ugh…”

“Hyung-nim… my whole body aches…”

“…”

Dong-woo and Incheol, stumbling as they approached, groaned.

It was a natural result, as they had performed intense physical labor, using muscles they weren’t accustomed to using.

I felt sorry for them, but their appearance was somehow amusing.

Suppressing a chuckle that threatened to escape, I gently patted them.

“We have to go again after eating, what will you do?”

“…Ah…”

“Eat a lot. Manual labor needs food strength.”

The faces of the two youths darkened when I announced the remaining labor.

Their unexpectedly witty reaction finally made me laugh out loud.

Hearing our conversation, the companions subtly suggested joining.

“Seonghan. Wouldn’t it be better if we went together?”

“Dr. Jang said yesterday not to overexert yourselves.”

“No, I’m much better now. Really.”

“You really are better. And wouldn’t it be too hard for just three of you?”

“Isn’t work always easier and better when there are more people?”

Jihyeok hyung and Grandfather appealed quite strongly.

They certainly seemed to be recovering quickly, but they weren’t fully recovered.

I didn’t want to make them work until they had fully recovered, but their resolve was firm.

‘….Sense of responsibility? Or guilt…’

It seemed they didn’t like the idea of only sending us, the young ones, out when the perception that ‘outside is dangerous!’ was prevalent.

It wasn’t something I couldn’t understand, as they had shown good qualities in many ways.

Their eager attitude, without any sign of reluctance, was also good.

That stubbornness is a bit much, but it doesn’t feel bad.

As I watched my hyung, who was still earnestly appealing, I subtly turned my eyes to Dr. Jang Heeyeon. Dr. Jang, whose eyes met mine, let out a small sigh.

“These are the kind of people who would get sick if I didn’t let them go out. It’s fine to go out, but you absolutely must not overexert yourselves. Understood?”

Dr. Jang, reluctantly giving permission, shook her head.

Throwing up her hands at the two men’s stubbornness was a bonus.

Only after receiving a promise that they absolutely wouldn’t overexert themselves could I dissuade Hyung and Grandfather.

Representative Choi and Young-cheol, who had a good physique, also wanted to come along, but I refused.

Representative Choi was still not in good condition, and Young-cheol still suffered from the lingering effects of his head injury. On top of that, he had been ill for a long time, so it was too much.

I gratefully accepted their intentions and appeased them, telling them to focus on recovery.

Then, this time, the women rushed forward.

But I refused them outright.

I was very grateful for the women’s eagerness.

However, it wasn’t an urgent matter that required even their help right now.

I asked the women to take care of the cleanup later and calmed them down.

Only after sorting that out could we eat.

“…Eating is hard.”

At my self-deprecating remark, people let out soft chuckles.

A commotion had erupted early in the morning, but the atmosphere was nothing but good.

Everyone enjoyed their meal cheerfully in an energetic atmosphere.

‘…’

Everyone gathered here had determination and enthusiasm.

Their positive thinking and willingness to combine their strength were truly exemplary.

It’s an apocalypse, but what if everyone had this kind of atmosphere?

I wondered if reconstruction beyond mere survival wouldn’t be too much to ask.

Of course, it was a meaningless thought, running my optimistic daydreaming at full capacity.

Unlike us in this space, danger lurked outside.

Leaving that danger aside, there were far too many humans who were overly faithful to their instincts and had begun to sprout the seeds of selfishness.

And those emotions were turning into deep malice.

I, and the others, had experienced such malice at least once.

Perhaps that was why people were so proactive.

They might have realized that the atmosphere and people in this space were a rare case they might not encounter again.

It was good to see them finding vitality despite being hurt and struggling.

The scent of humanity was beginning to emanate from them, a pleasing sight.

And amidst that, I could smile a little more naturally.

To maintain this atmosphere, I stood up.

“Alright! Let’s go to work!”

The hastily formed procurement team gathered with energetic expressions.

The four men and I began our commute(?) for everyone.

* * *

It took two days to completely clear out all the supplies from the gangsters’ hideout.

Still, Hyung’s words, “It’s good when there are a lot of people!” were indeed true.

Only two more people had joined, but the work had become that much easier.

Nevertheless, the task took quite a long time.

Moving and loading the cargo was one issue, but the time spent going back and forth to empty the cargo trucks also subtly ate into our time. Furthermore, moving at a relaxed pace without overexerting ourselves also played a part.

Still, the results were very significant.

The companions had their first experience of procuring supplies themselves.

Although I had cleared the surroundings, the outside was still dangerous.

The companions keenly felt that even getting a simple meal was by no means easy.

Was that why?

Their gazes towards me carried a deeper sense of friendliness.

It wasn’t bad, but the intense gazes from the men were a bit burdensome.

Anyway.

The companions didn’t get complacent with the abundant food that put their minds at ease.

They once again deeply recognized the danger outside and physically realized their own shortcomings.

“…I think I need to exercise a bit…”

“…Hahaha…”

On the last day.

Having loaded all the remaining supplies and finally catching our breath.

Hyung and Grandfather were gulping water with tired expressions.

Their faces weren’t bad, but their breathing was ragged and heavy.

It was good that they had eagerly jumped in, but their lack of stamina was unavoidable.

Hyung, being an actor, seemed to have done fitness training or other exercises to manage his body, but his muscles were closer to being “balloon muscles” [bulky but not functional].

Grandfather was undoubtedly spry for his age, but age truly couldn’t be hidden.

Dong-woo and Incheol were the same.

All members of the hastily formed procurement team were keenly feeling the lack of physical stamina.

Everyone was complaining of muscle pain from the three days of hard labor.

Despite the cold weather, they were sweating profusely.

Seeing them, I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Seonghan, are you… laughing at us?”

“Hyung-nim, aren’t you tired?”

“…Hyung-nim feels like an overpowered character…”

“Hey, if you have something good for your body, don’t eat it alone, share some…”

I offered a remark to the men who were on the verge of collapsing.

“When we go back, let’s do some physical training together.”

“…”

“For the future, for everyone, we need to exercise.”

“…”

“Why are your reactions like this? Dong-woo, what does that expression mean?”

The four men looked at me with cold, disappointed expressions.

Soon, they sent forth vigorous jeers.

Everyone burst into laughter at their playful expressions.

No one showed any reluctance when I suggested training.

Instead, they showed enthusiasm, almost welcoming the idea.

They weren’t content to rest on their laurels in a slightly safer situation and wanted to try harder.

These points combined would increase their chances of survival.

And I wanted to join these companions.

‘…It seems it would be interesting.’

As I smiled at their positive attitudes, Hyung asked with a questioning tone.

“…Why is your expression like that?”

“What about my expression?”

“…You look like a villain…”

“It’s just your imagination.”

“…”

“Alright, alright~ Everyone get up. Let’s head back soon.”

I made my companions get up before they slumped even more.

It was definitely better to shower and rest in a soft bed than to stay on the cold ground like this.

The expressions of the companions, who reluctantly forced their bodies up, were very bright.

It seemed they welcomed the fact that they wouldn’t have to worry about hunger for a while and that the labor was over.

Without exception, they all got into the cars with light hearts.

The three cargo trucks, fully loaded with supplies, powerfully drove through the quiet streets.

“Ah~ The weather is great.”

“Indeed. It’s a perfect day for a nap.”

“…Hyung-nim. That doesn’t quite suit you.”

“You don’t know me, but I sleep a lot. I also like lounging around.”

“That’s quite unexpected.”

Judging by Incheol’s reaction, he seemed to have quite a misunderstanding about me.

I chuckled and encouraged Incheol, who was excited on the way home.

The co-driver’s role is to cheer on the driver.

For me, who often got rides in private cars, this was nothing.

Thanks to this, the atmosphere inside the car became much more lively.

And yet, Kang Incheol drove smoothly and safely.

Perhaps because it was a road they had driven for a few days, he had a sense of ease from familiarity.

“I didn’t notice it much at first, but there are quite a few burnt traces. It seems there was a big fire.”

“Hmm…”

Perhaps because his vision had broadened with his ease?

I flinched at Incheol’s observation skills, pointing out something I hadn’t thought of.

‘I did that.’

What kind of reaction would he show if he knew that the arsonist was right beside him?

I was secretly curious but kept my mouth shut.

As I pretended indifference and subtly watched out the window, Incheol didn’t say anything more.

Instead, I deeply sympathized with his dream of a drinking party, saying he was craving alcohol.

I wondered if it was time to open some of the alcohol we had been saving up.

“Everyone’s almost recovered, so should we suggest having a little drink?”

“Hyung-nim, please!!”

“Hehe. Let’s talk about it when we get back.”

“Oh~ Hyung-nim, my mouth is already watering.”

Incheol, lost in anticipation of drinking, kept swallowing saliva repeatedly. And I was the same.

My mood brightened as pleasant thoughts swirled around.

It was then.

“Oh, Hyung-nim. Aren’t those people?”

“…”

“What should we do?”

As we approached Sagajeong Station, several people became visible on the roadway.

It seemed they were clearing the surroundings.

They had stopped moving and were looking at the approaching cars.

I could faintly see their somewhat flustered gestures and wary expressions.

“Slowly. Don’t provoke them, just pass by quietly.”

“…Understood.”

His excitement instantly vanished, and his face hardened with tension.

Incheol, like our companions, had also been hurt by people.

Perhaps even more so.

I couldn’t blame his intense wariness towards strangers.

I was the same.

I readjusted my posture, ready to jump out if needed.

It was then, as we were passing the slightly cleaner market front.

“Oppa!!!!”

“Huh?”

A young woman a little ahead waved her hand and bounced excitedly.

Then, without fear, she approached the slowly moving cargo truck.

At her sight, Incheol gasped in surprise and slowed down.

I clicked my tongue at the sudden situation.

“Oh, you scared me. Hyung-nim, isn’t that someone you know?”

“No, I don’t know—”

“It is you! Oppa! It’s been a while~”

“Ah…”

It turned out to be one of the young women who had been held captive in Yeom’s room.

I didn’t know how she recognized me from such a distance.

She seemed very glad to see me, but my annoyance came first.

Even though we had slowed down, I hadn’t expected her to approach a moving vehicle.

I clicked my tongue at her poor sense of safety.

“What are you doing? It’s dangerous!”

“Oh~ It’s okay, you’re just passing slowly. More importantly, why didn’t you come? We kept waiting~”

“Why would I go there?”

“Oh my? You just left without a word back then, that’s so mean. All the unnies are waiting to thank you!”

“Please tell them it’s fine and not to worry about it.”

“Oh my~ Still a cold man~♡”

“…Hyung-nim?”

“Ugh…”

At the time, I was moving everyone in a hurry and hadn’t noticed, but now I saw she was quite a lively woman. Or perhaps, she had no sense of personal space.

My temples throbbed from her zero-like proximity.

“It’s really fine, so you don’t have to—”

“Excuse me, hello? You’re that person from back then, right?”

“…”

“…Hyung-nim?”

“…”

I ignored Incheol’s gaze, which was silently asking for an explanation.

At some point, people had gathered around us.

Among them were quite a few women, and one of them recognized me.

It was awkward.

They hadn’t done anything wrong to me, but I didn’t want to get involved.

That’s why I had quietly slipped away back then.

As I massaged my throbbing temple, the young woman spoke.

“Oppa! Don’t just go, stop by and hang out for a bit~♡”

“…”

“…”

A suggestion similar to a classic industry line.

The subtle destructive power it carried, thrown by a pretty young woman.

At that, Incheol and I froze solid.