Soon, the other students began to wake up. Na-rin was the first to step out of her room.
When she ca out to check on Elaine and Jaxon, she froze. They were sitting close together by the window, their hands intertwined.
"Miss Elaine?" Na-rin called softly.
Elaine startled and quickly turned her head, only to find Na-rin staring at them with wide eyes. Her gaze then flicked down to their clasped hands, and a small frown ford on her brow.
Elaine hurriedly pulled her hand back. "This... it’s nothing."
Before she could explain, Hae-in and Claire erged from their room together.
"Miss Elaine, we’ll switch watch with you," Hae-in said in a low voice but then noticed Na-rin standing nearby with a curious frown.
"Is sothing going on?" Hae-in asked, tilting her head.
"No, everything’s fine," Jaxon’s calm voice cut in.
"Mister! You’re awake," Hae-in said cheerfully, a small smile forming.
"Mm... can I borrow your phone again?"
Hae-in’s smile faltered. "Ah... sorry. I dropped it when I tripped," she muttered, looking down.
"It’s fine," Jaxon said with a small nod. ’We’re close either way... we should reach them soon.’
From another room, Bong-gu and Ryan appeared, rubbing their eyes and yawning, still half-asleep. Both looked healthier than the first ti Jaxon had seen them, though exhaustion still lingered in their movents.
"Mister, may I ask... where are we going now?" Claire spoke up, her voice gentle but curious. The others looked at him expectantly, waiting for an answer.
"We’re not moving today," Jaxon said, glancing at Hae-in’s leg. "We’ll rest here for one night. By morning, we’ll head out to et my group."
"Your group?" Elaine asked, interest lighting her green eyes.
"Mm," Jaxon nodded. "I was with my family when we ca to this city, but we got attacked by the infected and got separated."
"I see... I’d like to et them," Elaine said with a small smile.
Jaxon returned the nod. "Before we move tomorrow, the place my family and so friends are heading is the safe zone in Blackridge Facility."
The na sounded unfamiliar to them, but the words safe zone was enough. Safe zones were the dream of every survivor, the one place anyone would hope to reach. Of course, so preferred to go lone wolf, but for most, a secure place ant a chance to survive.
Jaxon’s gaze swept over each of them. "You can co with us, or you can make your own plans. I won’t force anyone. But if you decide to join, I can promise you this, I’ll do my best to keep you safe until we reach our destination."
The group exchanged quiet glances.
"We’ll co with you," Elaine said, deciding quickly, as if she had already made up her mind. One by one, the others nodded, silently agreeing.
Jaxon looked at each of them in turn, surprise flickering across his face. "Really? I thought so of you might try to find your families... or friends."
The ntion of family and friends made their expressions fall instantly. The weight of the thought hit them, and silence hung heavily in the room.
Elaine forced a small smile, hiding the tension in her chest. "I tried contacting my parents, but I couldn’t get through. They were at their office when this all started. It’s right in the center of the city..."
She didn’t have to say more. Anyone who knew the city would understand, the center ant crowds, chaos, and very little chance of surviving.
"My mom and dad... they work in the center too," Hae-in whispered, her voice trembling as tears welled up.
"Sa with ," Bong-gu said quietly, his eyes downcast. Ryan nodded, his lips pressed into a thin line.
"My brother..." Claire murmured, her fingers tightening as she spoke. "I saw him once... at school... one of those infected took him..."
Jaxon stayed silent, realizing how lucky he had been. Their families were gone, not like his own. All he could do now was try to keep them alive.
Then Na-rin spoke, her voice calm, almost detached. "I don’t know how my mom is doing, but trying to find her now would be suicide. I’ll co with you." Her words held no bitterness, only quiet resignation, as if her bond with her mother wasn’t sothing she clung to.
No one pressed her further. They knew better than to question her when she had made her decision.
"So it’s settled. You all can rest for now. We still have plenty of ti before we move."
"Mister! We forgot sothing important!" Hae-in suddenly exclaid, her bright voice pulling everyone’s attention.
Jaxon raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
"We still don’t know your na," she said, forcing a small smile. It was her way of bringing a little normalcy back into their day, trying to push aside the shadow of worry and loss that hung over them.
"I guess we didn’t have a proper introduction," Jaxon admitted. He had brushed it aside when they first t since he never planned to stay with them. Yet, sohow, he found himself growing closer to them than he had intended.
"Alright, Mister, I’ll go first," Hae-in said, trying to lift her own spirits as much as the mood of the group. "I’m..."
"Hae-in, right," Jaxon interrupted before she could finish.
Hae-in blinked, surprised to hear him say her na. For a mont, she thought maybe she was special... then Jaxon continued, looking at each of them in turn. "Bong-gu, Ryan, Claire, Na-rin, and Elaine."
Hae-in was left speechless, while the others exchanged quiet, surprised glances. Well... everyone except Na-rin, who simply raised an eyebrow, already expecting it.
"So... you knew," Hae-in said, pouting slightly.
"I heard from your talks," Jaxon replied calmly. Observing people had always been a habit of his, long before this chaos, a quiet, introverted passive skill to avoid unnecessary trouble. Even now, it helped him understand those around him.
Hae-in frowned, a little embarrassed. "I’m ashad... I don’t even know your na."
"It’s Jaxon. Jaxon Hawk." He extended his hand toward her with a small smile.
Hae-in’s face instantly brightened. "Your na suits you, Mister... I an, Jaxon." She reached out and took his hand, a little warmth passing between them as they shook.
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