POV : Kang-Dae
I still couldn't calm my racing heart.
The terminal emitted a low, steady hum, almost pleasant, if you forgot what was a few meters behind me. No matter how hard I tried to focus on the screen, my eyes always ended up drifting back to the trees.
Left to right.
This image refused to leave my head.
I swallowed and wiped my mouth with my sleeve. My stomach was still churning.
I pressed myself against something; the idea of staying here, close to this body, almost made me want to vomit again.
Bip.
The borne lights up.
Arrival: REFRESHMENT POINT.
Several boxes contained bottles of water, packaged rations, and equipment whose purpose I did not know.
I approached cautiously.
– Is that all?
My voice came out in a whisper. I looked at the supplies, then at the forest.
I picked a bag and filled it.
He occasionally glanced back as if he were afraid of being attacked.
Crack! Crack!
He froze completely.
Footsteps echoed behind me.
I turn around cautiously, the bag clutched to me.
– Oh!
My heart leaped so violently that I stumbled backward against the boxes.
Four shadows slipped between the trees.
Fishhhh
They are getting closer.
I cover my mouth.
The heat is getting all over my back, my hands are sweaty and slippery.
NOT!
(Appears)
Kim Young
– Ah~
He felt a long, cool breeze, his back relaxed and curved, and gradually his heart returned to a normal rhythm.
She looked him up and down and waved back
– come, it's free
she said casually.
Ji-Yunwoo appeared first, while Yun Seo and Jae were a few steps behind.
They all looked much more presentable than me. In fact, it was mostly my condition that made the comparison unpleasant.
Kim Young stopped in front of the boxes.
His gaze moved over my face, down to my dust-covered clothes, then settled on the open boxes.
– hum.
I felt a little ashamed.
–...
She asked for nothing
"What is it?" asked Ji-Yunwoo.
– Water. Rations. A few things I don't know.
Ji-Yunwoo approached to examine the interior. Jae leaned over his shoulder, while Yun Seo walked around the terminal to check the other compartments.
"There are quite a few," Jae remarked.
"Then let's take as much as possible," replied Kim Young.
They didn't need to be asked twice.
Jae retrieved several rations and packed them in his bag. Yun Seo took care of the bottles, while Ji-Yunwoo examined the available equipment.
Kim Young, on the other hand, took a direct interest in the boxes at the back.
I stayed to the side, my bottle still in my hand.
They had come together. How long have they been getting along?
I wasn't really surprised to see Kim Young leave with them, but seeing her like that, surrounded by her little group, reminded me rather unpleasantly that I had been left behind.
I looked down at my own supplies.
Frankly, I didn't want to make a scene for a few rations. I just wanted my share and to leave.
I immediately turned my head away.
- Are you doing well ?
The question came from Ji-Yunwoo.
I looked up at him. Had he interrupted his examination of the equipment to look at me?
–..... Yes? Yes…..I think so…
He watched my face for a few seconds, then glanced over there
– Is there something there?
I squeezed the bottle.
Kim Young sat up with a small metal box in his hands.
– What's going on?
"Nothing," repeated Ji-Yunwoo. "Your teammate looks sick."
"I'm fine," I insisted.
Kim Young looked at me briefly, without trying to get me to speak. She put the box in her bag and resumed her inventory.
That was all.
She clearly had better things to do.
- SO ?
I blinked.
– So what?
She abandoned her research and inclined her head slightly.
– Are you coming with us?
I stared at her without answering.
She continued, in that perfectly calm tone:
– Are you coming or would you prefer to "sit down"?
My gaze drifted a little around the group, to Ji-Yunwoo's eyes, then Jae and Yun Seo. None of them seemed particularly interested in my answer. They had already gathered their things and were simply waiting for Kim Young to make up his mind.
— Is…
interrupted me.
Long silence.
Kim Young sighed slightly.
- As you wish.
She adjusted the strap of her bag.
- Here we go.
Jae left first. Yun Seo followed him, then Ji-Yunwoo set off on the path after casting one last glance in
my direction.
Kim Young did not turn around.
She walked away with them
I found myself alone with us
–…I'm really going to end up going crazy.