Blood dripped down the blade of his knife on the ground. Getting himself bitten carelessly made his body tremble. It was the worst injury he could have possibly possessed but in the meantime, he felt his consciousness fading. It was such a long journey and he finally able to find his way into this world. Every part of his body aches and he couldn’t even squeezed out a word. Maybe it was because of the pain in his neck but the man only felt helpless.
He could finally, finally saw him again and yet he was already this exhausted without even seeing a shred of his hair. Such a disgraceful appearance, if he was seen like this, they’d definitely freak out.
He lift his head up to the sky as he subconsciously let go of the knife in his hand. His whole body was trembling, it was throbbing like crazy in the part where he was bitten by those things. His hand shook and as soon as he realized it, he was kneeling on the ground as he helplessly fight back with the remaining consciousness he had.
The man closed his eyes slightly regretting the fact that his long search is coming to an end. He came all the way into this world and yet he still haven’t seen a strand of his hair.
Only then, did his eyes shed tears. The only thing he wanted the most was to keep his promise to him. No, he wanted to see him and be with him. Even if it’s a bit too much to asked, he wanted to at least say ‘Thank You’ but his consciousness is already fading and a strong urge of hunger immediately enveloped his sense.
Just then before he turned into a disgusting beast. He mouthed the last words in the wind, hoping that it would reach his ears. “Thank you for saving me.”
Around that time, Byul and Stanley were both walking down the streets. The two of them managed to fished out a pistol from one of the corpse. Probably, because it became bloody Byul was the one to held on it.
The two split up for a moment and as if a tacit understanding was already established between them. Byul took the other side and hope to secure some supplies while the other was expected to find them both some mode of transport. Before going on separate direction, they met each other’s gaze and immediately understood the other.
Maybe it’s because they’ve been traveling together for a few months that they already knew each other to the bones but all in all it was simply because their moves and habits are simple and predictable.
Well, seeing that Stanley already left his sight. Byul immediately snuck into the building. The food was scarce and since he instantly spotted the building which looks like a place with supermarket on the way, he didn’t hesitate to split up.
Entering the building, he carefully look around. Before stepping inside, he stopped and check then inspect if something valuable can be found. Seeing that the whole surrounding was devastated and ransacked already, he felt a little helpless. The whole floor of the supermarket was already scraped off and there’s no more remaining rations for them.
After thinking for a bit, Byul just sighed helplessly and left.
He only have an hour to get some food and it’s already been around ten minutes since he start to scourge the supermarket. Seeing that there’s really nothing inside. He went out and walked down the street.
After turning from corner to corner, he finally found an inconspicuous vending machine. It was still functioning but the glass was slightly cracked and had a huge trace of blood in it.
“Welp, it’s better than nothing”
He simply shrugged his shoulder and went towards the vending machine. After getting close to his target, he eyed the surrounding like a thief. Food was scarce and greed is no longer a sin but who knows what might jump off him out of nowhere? There’s probably some few zombies roaming around so Byul silently observed for a while. Seeing that the coast is clear, he immediately bashed the glass of the vending machine and scourge everything into his backpack.
After taking every last bit of the snacks, Byul zipped up the bag and hurried back to the place where they’re supposed to meet up. He ran into the corners he walked from before and turned into an intersection, then into the road, and finally reached the meeting place.
Seeing that Stanley was still not around. He rested for a while and decided to gnaw on the chocolate he saved on his pocket. The little fool was in full smiles thinking that the bastard’s is taking too long so it’s probably fine to indulge himself for a bit.
But the truth is, Stanley already came and go many times before he came around. Going back for the third time, Stanley saw him sitting on the pile of rocks while secretly munching on something. The carefree image of him made his eyebrow twitched. That stupid fool. He really thinks he could enjoy himself longer!
With his irritation fuming in his heart. Stanley silently walked towards him. His back was facing him so Byul didn’t realize he was actually there. After reaching his side, Stanley reached out his hand and gave his shoulder a light tap.
“F*ck!”
The sudden sound of gunshot rang in his ears as the blood on the corner of his cheeks dripped down revealing a slight cut. That moment, Stanley’s face turned dark and grim. Byul turned his head and was planning to fire another shot when he suddenly widened his eyes in surprise.
“What the hell?! It’s just you!”
Byul snarled at him, his lips were still covered with small bits of potato chips and judging by his character, he probably already devoured three bags of chips.
“How can you be so laid back?! You just wasted a shot!” Stanley coldly spoke while wiping away the blood on his cheek.
If it wasn’t because for his fast reflexed, this idiot would’ve already opened a hole on his head. Thank God! It’s just a close call!
“It’s your fault! You sneaked up on me! I really thought it was a zombie!”
The two glared at each other for a while. Sensing that the other’s gaze won’t back out, Stanley gritted his teeth and finally pointed out his evil deed. “How dare you! I secured a car and still waited for you to take off but you found some food and immediately dig in! You selfish prick! I even lend you the gun and now you want to shoot me?!”
All those words and phrases were fired like bullets rapidly hitting his ears. Byul wasn’t able to retort that and before he even realize it, his tears already fell. He never heard Stanley raised his voice this much. He knew he do it when he’s pissed at him but it’s a first to see him this mad! He’s even glaring at me!
Stanley saw him crying and immediately soften his gaze. He didn’t intend to raise his voice but he didn’t expect that Byul was so weak! Why’d he cry with a bit of scolding! He wasn’t like this!
Byul sniffed and just handed him the bag saying: “I’m just really hungry so I ate…”
After that he handed him the gun and said in a rather annoyed voice. “I shot you right so here. Go pull the trigger and shot me and that’s it!”
Seeing his weak self trying to be strong-willed all of a sudden made Stanley burst out laughing. Damn. He really want to kiss him right now! How can he look so cute at this moment ah?!
Byul just glared at him thinking that he already gone crazy. He must be insane to laugh so hard after hearing something like that! He wasn’t even joking!
Stanley just smiled and give him back the gun. The two of them stared for a while and finally decided to forget the matter.
Byul simply walked passed him and Stanley followed. After several minutes of walking he heard a scratching sound followed by a messy, incomprehensible scowl. He didn’t need to even look, he knew full well what it is just by smelling the rotten stench.
Stanley didn’t speak and Byul didn’t turned his head and before the sound ever gets close, the two of them sped up their pace as they ran side by side. Stanley pointed to the direction of the car as they quickly tried to ran as fast as they could to reach the place. The zombies were incredibly fast and they were already just a meter away from them. Byul instinctively realized that they more or less already evolved into something more. How can they ran so fast like this otherwise?
A week ago, they’re still as slow as slug but right now they can finally ran in a human speed.
Byul and Stanley ran towards the car and immediately jump inside closing the door as Stanley started the car in a lightning speed. He already prepared it beforehand for such unforeseen situation so that they could quickly able to get away from danger.
Stanley slammed his foot on the accelerator and drove in the highest speed. When the zombies finally left their line of sight did they finally become relieve. After realizing what they’ve seen, the two of them was silent. Thinking about the stuff that could happen next made the both of them shook.