episode_0202

“Just think of it as a break… I’ll see you tomorrow.” “…Understood.”

Miri’s dad reluctantly stepped back.

After Sergeant Kang’s group’s integration was decided, they all initially withdrew.

They were currently undergoing 24-hour quarantine for disease control, and it didn’t look right for them to approach first and join their space. Because of that, the conversation itself felt like it had ended short.

In the past, the Black Death swept across the continent. People, startled by its powerful contagiousness, took their own measures. They disinfected and strictly quarantined. Despite that, the spread could not be stopped.

There were several reasons, but some were due to people. Even during quarantine, there were loopholes, and those loopholes were exploited by high-ranking clergy or powerful figures. There’s a theory that they openly traveled under the guise of funerals, meetings, or sick visits, spreading pathogens within the blockaded cities, just like us now.

Because of that, the conversation itself felt like it had ended short.

‘…No problems will arise, right…?’

It was clear they both had many things they wanted to say and hear. Miri’s dad, in particular, couldn’t hide his impatience in many ways. Sergeant Kang, who was much younger, even seemed more composed.

Still, for everyone’s sake, there was nothing else to do, so they barely managed to calm down and promise to meet tomorrow.

With lingering regret, those who left quickly dispersed to attend to their respective tasks.

‘…What a pity.’

As I exited the temporary tent with Captain Lee, I clicked my tongue in regret.

It had been a long time, and the unexpected reunion was quite a refreshing shock. I, too, wanted to talk more with Sergeant Kang. Miri’s dad’s survival made it a meaningful encounter in many ways.

The agile woman I was rather curious about couldn’t say a word. She strangely avoided my gaze, and while I was curious about why, I decided to put it aside for now…

‘So this is what it means to have an itchy mouth [to be itching to tell someone something].’

Truly… I want to go and deliver this good news quickly. Wouldn’t everyone be happy about this rare good news?

As I was thinking that for a moment, Captain Lee subtly spoke to me.

“You seem to be in a good mood.”

“Ah.”

“It’s the first time I’ve seen you smile like that.”

“…Is that so?”

It seems I had been grinning without realizing it.

As if my good mood was contagious, Captain Lee also wore a faint smile.

“Even though the world is in this state, I think such good things must happen… That’s what I feel.”

“Hmm…”

Perhaps it was because he was hit by snowflakes right after finishing a major task. Captain Lee seemed a bit emotional.

Captain Lee, with a slightly melancholic gaze, asked me.

“Seonghan.”

“Yes.”

“What do you think about the zombies behaving strangely?”

No, with that look, he’s changing the subject like this?

“I… participated in the Gangnam Recapture Operation, but I was assigned to rear support. I was deployed to guard supply lines and secure retreat routes.”

“……”

“None of my comrades or acquaintances… returned.”

‘He was lucky.’

I felt sorry for Captain Lee and the fallen soldiers, but I couldn’t help but say he was truly lucky. Otherwise, this man wouldn’t be here now. Of course, I didn’t say it out loud.

“I don’t know the exact details, but I have a general idea. Not just the sheer numbers, but also the mutated variants that people talk about, I heard they were a big problem.”

“I heard the same.”

“I haven’t directly encountered a variant yet. I’ve seen them from afar, but… seeing a giant monster at Yongsan Base was my first time.”

Captain Lee, who had been walking slowly, stopped.

“Seonghan, do you know anything about these things?”

Captain Lee looked directly into my eyes and spoke seriously.

“Hmm…”

“Both the zombie that attacked Kang Incheol’s group and the one I saw on the bus roof. Are they truly variants?”

“Why are you suddenly asking that?”

“It keeps lingering in my mind. And… the thought that we need to prepare doesn’t stop.”

Was it due to his experience as a soldier, or a warrior? It seemed he was naturally aware of the need to be wary of variants. If it was based on instinct, I wanted to tell him it was excellent.

“…I was thinking I needed to say something about it anyway, so this works out.”

“Is that so?”

“You were quite busy at Yongsan Base, so there was no opportunity.”

“Ah, indeed…”

“Even if I say this, I don’t actually know much. So don’t expect too much.”

Captain Lee nodded heavily.

“Even something trivial is fine. Anything.”

“Before we leave, I will tell everyone what I know. Could you arrange a time?”

“That would be good. Understood.”

“Include Sergeant Kang, too. It will make the conversation easier.”

“Hmm. Understood.”

Captain Lee set aside his immediate curiosities with that.

And then he began walking again.

“Oh, by the way. Where’s the examination room?”

Captain Lee explained the location and then left to attend to his pending duties.

‘I could tell him right away, but…’

There was also my mistake of forgetting to say it even after thinking I would…

I figured it would be better to tell the key figures all at once. And it would be even better if we could exchange other information we’d overheard.

Organizing various thoughts as I walked, I arrived at the examination room.

It was a building located close to the one where Dr. Pyo’s office was.

[Temporary Clinic]

At the entrance, which was adorned with a makeshift banner instead of a signboard, two soldiers stood guard. They noticed me, but didn’t stop me.

The interior, which I entered while looking around, was quite clean. It seemed they were taking care to manage it, as it was a medical space.

“How may I help you? Oh! Seonghan!”

I was wondering where to go when a nurse recognized me.

“Are you hurt anywhere?”

“No, it’s nothing like that. My companions are here.”

“Are you perhaps referring to the two American women?”

“Yes. Where are they now?”

“Please follow me. I’ll show you the way.”

Smiling warmly, the nurse stepped forward and led me down the corridor.

She was someone I remembered. The nurse who saved me just before I was raped when I first went to Dr. Jang’s hospital. She was one of the two nurses who had stayed at our shelter for a while. She must have come here with Dr. Jang after assisting with the surgery for the shot doctor.

“It’s been a long time. How have you been?”

“I have. Nurse-nim? Are you getting by?”

“Oh~ I’m getting by.”

While exchanging brief words, I subtly observed her. From her bright demeanor, she seemed to be doing okay. I wondered why she was here, and it turned out to be because of Dr. Jang. She had received care and help during difficult times in many ways. Most of all, she said that the time she spent with Dr. Jang was quite long, and she had grown deeply fond of him. That was her reason for coming to help him.

“Here it is. Go on in.”

I slightly bowed my head to the nurse who had escorted me to the door.

“Thank you.”

“Oh, it’s nothing. If you need anything, please call me.”

Leaving behind the nurse who disappeared with light steps after a cheerful farewell, I entered.

The interior was set up in a similar style to a hospital ward. Several narrower beds than standard hospital beds were arranged. The somewhat chilly room had no other patients visible.

I approached the two people lying down, occupying a space inside.

‘…What the. Are they sick?’

Lawrence and Heize were asleep, receiving IV drips. I checked their complexions, but they didn’t look bad. It was then, as I wondered if something was wrong and checked them.

“They are just asleep, so you don’t need to worry.”

“Dr. Jang-nim.”

At the gentle voice, I turned around and saw Dr. Jang standing there.

“The pregnant woman is receiving it for vitamin supply, so it’s fine.”

“Why is she like this?”

“She’s in a state of severe fatigue and weakness, so she’s being given glucose and vitamins.”

“……”

“Neither of them are malnourished, but they aren’t in good condition. They’ll feel much better after receiving this.”

Listening to Dr. Jang’s explanation, I gazed down at the two of them.

“They both need to rest for a while. While they don’t show it, it’s hard to say they’re in very good condition.”

“Could Dr. Jang-nim look after them?”

At my words, Dr. Jang shook her head.

“Considering rest and recovery, Seonghan’s residence would be much better.”

“……”

“It’s possible here too, but there are many deficiencies. The quality of meals alone would be a big difference.”

“Ah.”

“I only heard from Heeyeon that it’s quite a good place.”

Was it evident from my expression? Dr. Jang quickly added a remark.

It seems Dr. Jang Heeyeon was discreet about the shelter. It’s hard to tell if she’s the type to keep secrets or not.

“Fortunately, Heeyeon can also attend to pregnant women, so she’ll handle it well. I can attend to them too, but she’ll likely be better than me.”

“Understood.”

“Seonghan, aren’t you hurt anywhere?”

“I’m fine.”

“That’s a relief.”

Seeing her maintain a gentle composure in front of patients, I figured I didn’t need to worry.

“I just saw the new arrivals, and I’ve been hearing talk about you everywhere, Seonghan. The story of your great performance with Captain Lee is circulating.”

“Hmm…”

“Thanks to you, people’s expressions are much brighter. You’ve truly worked hard.”

“Thank you.”

…It’s a bit embarrassing. Seeing them spread stories about me, it seems people are quite bored because there’s nothing else to enjoy.

I showed little interest and fixed my gaze on the two of them.

Dr. Jang must have thought I was very worried. She then continued her explanation in a reassuring tone, as if speaking to a guardian.

“Judging by their condition, they will likely be asleep for a long time.”

“Are they hurt or is there any problem…”

“No, it’s not like that.”

Dr. Jang said I could stay and watch them, then left.

“I have some things to attend to. I’ll see you again this evening.”

“See you later.”

Click.

After Dr. Jang left, the room became silent. Only the faint sounds of the two people breathing could be heard.

Their sleeping faces looked as peaceful as their steady breathing.

I quietly brought a chair and sat down between the two.

‘……’

I had thought they would be very tired, but their condition was a bit worse than expected. Yet, they endured without showing any sign of it. …They are stronger women than I thought.

Lawrence, who I was most concerned about, and the baby are safe for now. For what comes next, I’ve unreservedly recommended Dr. Jang Heeyeon, so I should follow her advice.

A sigh escaped me.

Only now do I feel a bit relieved.

Being in a position where there are things to protect is tiring in many ways. It doesn’t quite suit me. As expected, simple action is the genre that fits me.

What suits me best is a peaceful slow life, lounging around at home. When I return this time, I should try to spend it leisurely.

As I made pleasant plans, I looked at Heize’s deeply sleeping face.

The long eyelashes on her eyelids, covering her large eyes, stood out.

‘…There’s no getting out of this now [meaning one is stuck in a situation with no escape].’

I had hoped I could get a grace period using Lawrence’s childbirth as an excuse, but it was useless.

Well, what can I do? I have to take her as promised.

“Mmm…”

Seeing Heize mumbling in her sleep at just the right moment made me let out a hollow laugh.

I crossed my arms and leaned back in the chair.

I breathed quietly, matching the rhythm of the two sleeping people’s breaths. I could feel my body’s tension slowly releasing in response.

A languidness I hadn’t felt in a long time. I savored the relaxing sensation as I watched over the two sleeping figures until they opened their eyes on their own.