The sky outside the window was filled with dark clouds. It wasn't quite foggy, but a faint mist lingered in the air, and a light drizzle fell intermittently. Watching the raindrops tap against the glass, Kim Hanbyul felt her mood quietly settle.
It wasn't cozy, but it was... calming. Sentimental, even, though that feeling didn't suit the current situation. Still, compared to being inside the forest, or running for her life after escaping it, this was a much better place to be—no doubt about it.
'Come to think of it… I used to really like rainy days.'
From a young age, Kim Hanbyul had enjoyed walking under the rain, umbrella in hand, listening to music. A quiet happiness within the monotony of everyday life. She found herself yearning for a cup of coffee—hot and rich enough to warm her from the inside out. Just one cup, and maybe, just maybe, she could forget everything surrounding her for a little while.
With a wistful expression, she gazed out at the rain-streaked world. The gray shadows cast over her body told her dusk had already fallen. After everything that had happened today, both her body and mind were exhausted. She rubbed her drowsy eyes and turned away from the window.
The room was about 66 square meters (roughly 700 square feet). Spacious. Everything they needed was here—food, water, bedding, a bathroom, even a shower.
They had stumbled into the city while fleeing. Kim Hanbyul had felt an odd sense of unease as they entered—it was too quiet, like no one lived there. She had honestly thought the city might be dead. Still, they'd found a mid-sized building with a black-painted roof that had caught their attention. Whether it was luck or instinct, the place had everything they needed.
Her body and mind begged for rest, but it didn't quite feel right to sleep just yet. Ahn Sol was still semi-conscious, barely holding on. Ahn Hyun was beside her, completely preoccupied with taking care of her.
And as for Lee Yoojung...
Hanbyul easily spotted her—standing by the front door, holding a sword. A sword Hanbyul had carefully set down there earlier. She could already guess what Lee Yoojung was thinking. Letting out a small sigh, Hanbyul spoke.
"Unnie."
"Yeah?"
"Put the sword down."
"No."
Yoojung didn't even glance back as she unlocked the door. The loud clack of the lock startled Ahn Hyun, who burst out of the room and frowned as he saw the weapon in Yoojung's hands.
"It's pointless. Just put it down and wait patiently."
Hanbyul's calm voice earned her a glare from Yoojung.
"Why?"
"..."
"I'll go bring Soo Hyun oppa back. You all just stay here."
'Soo Hyun oppa.'
She repeated his name in her mind. Kim Hanbyul thought of him. From the moment she first saw him, she felt they were similar. Something about him stood out—even in the open field. That calm expression. That confident voice. Those steady eyes. It was probably why she'd been drawn in by his judgment, his calm energy on the hill.
She stared at Yoojung for a moment, then spoke again.
"You're not the only one worried about him. But even if you go, what can you do? Staying put is the only way to help him."
"He might still be waiting for us. I'm saying it again—if you're not coming, move. I'll go and bring him back myself."
"Yoojung, Hanbyul's right. Just put down the sword."
Hyun's firm tone made Yoojung look away. She stared at the two of them for a moment, then let out a sarcastic laugh.
"You guys are unbelievable. He might be out there, searching for us everywhere. Right?"
Unbelievable.That one word held so much weight. Everyone felt a sting in their chest upon hearing it. Ahn Hyun kept his mouth shut, but not Hanbyul. She glanced toward the adjacent room, where Sol was still unconscious, then replied.
"We didn't have a choice. Those things were coming for us—our lives were in danger. If it wasn't for her, we might all be dead right now."
"Like I don't know that? We ran and brought Sol here. So what, that's it? We're safe now, so he'll figure it out and come on his own?"
Yoojung's pointed tone made Hanbyul's chest tighten. She didn't like the yelling. Or the way Yoojung constantly spoke informally. Before she knew it, Hanbyul's lips curled into a cold smirk.
"Then go. Go find him all you want. Whether you die or not, I won't stop you."
She regretted the words the moment they left her mouth—but it was already too late. Ahn Hyun looked shocked. Yoojung, stunned for a moment, let out a hollow laugh.
"You… You're really something, huh? So that's the kind of brat Soo Hyun oppa sacrificed himself to save? Disgusting. So all that concern you showed earlier was just an act?"
"I told him not to go. He made the choice. Why are you blaming me?"
"You… Ugh, forget it. I don't even want to talk to trash like you anymore. Just keep that pretty mouth of yours shut, you cold-hearted bitch."
Hanbyul hadn't expected Yoojung to avoid escalating further. And hearing herself called "trash" stung more than she thought it would. She didn't realize it, but her breath had quickened. Her voice, when she responded, was low, controlled—but trembling with emotion.
"That's harsh. Tell me—what exactly did I say that was wrong?"
"I don't care. I just don't want to live like a fake, like you."
"Are you done?"
"Oh, look at you, glaring at me with those big eyes. What now? You want to fight? Scratch up that pale little face of yours?"
"That's enough!"
Ahn Hyun, unable to take it anymore, yelled. Both Yoojung and Hanbyul fell silent. After glaring at them both, Hyun held out his hand to Yoojung.
"Give it to me."
"…No."
She clutched the sword tightly. Hyun sighed, his voice weary now.
"I'll go find him. Maybe you're right."
"…Really? Then I'll go too."
Yoojung's expression brightened slightly, but Hyun shook his head.
"No. It's better if I go alone. Who knows if those things are still out there? You and Hanbyul stay and look after Sol."
"With her? No thanks. I can't trust her anymore."
Being constantly berated made Hanbyul feel something boil up inside her. She had held it in long enough. But she wasn't the type to scream when angry—no, her voice became colder, sharper. She finally spoke.
"Don't go. If you do, you'll end up just like him."
"Will you shut up?"
"You shut up."
"What?! Say that again!"
Yoojung's eyes widened as if she were ready to slap her, and Ahn Hyun quickly grabbed and took the sword from her. But Hanbyul wasn't backing down anymore.
"You don't know anything. What do you think would've happened if Sol wasn't there? Didn't you see how swords and fists didn't work? He's probably dead if you go now. So why are you so desperate to go?"
"You bitch—!"
"You're swearing because you have nothing left to say, right? Do you even know where he is? Think, if you've got a brain."
"Oh, perfect. Now your real self's showing. Forgot how we got here thanks to Soo Hyun oppa? You put on a sweet little act while scheming in the back. You're even worse than that bastard."
That comparison—being called worse than a known traitor—was the last straw.
Hanbyul's expression twisted. Her voice rose, trembling.
"He's dead! And we're alive! What's so wrong with trying to stay that way?!"
Those words were the final spark.
Yoojung shoved Hyun aside and lunged, and Hanbyul raised her hand to strike back—
Click!
The door unlocked.
"What's with all the noise?"
A calm voice rang out, and a man stepped inside. A composed face. A confident voice. Steady eyes. A crossbow strapped to his left arm.
Everyone in the room froze.
The tense, boiling atmosphere vanished like a lie.
"I'm glad you're all safe."
He smiled gently, removed the crossbow from his arm, and raised his right hand in greeting.
It was Kim Soo Hyun.