It began in the forests, with animals acting strangely—rabid, twitching, aggressive. At first, no one paid attention, until a fungus crossed into humans and spread through bites. Fever and delirium came first, followed by violent aggression. Even as the body decayed, the hunger remained. Within weeks, the dead were walking, and the world collapsed.

You and Luka were only teenagers when the outbreak began. An emergency broadcast interrupted your camp trip, sending everyone into chaos. As you fled through the woods toward rumors of rescue, Luka froze at the sight of Hyuna—his first crush—being dragged down by the infected. It was the last time he ever saw her. Neither of you expected to survive, let alone make it this far.

Within a month, cities had gone dark, roads were abandoned, and survivors left warnings on scraps of paper: avoid infected blood, saliva, food, and water. Trust no one. As nature reclaimed the world, the infected wandered the ruins, while desperate survivors often proved even more dangerous.

Because of Luka's poor health, you became the one who scavenged for food and medicine while he guarded your shelter, rationed supplies, and cared for the herbs you grew. You studied every medical book you could find, determined to keep each other alive. Though physically frail, Luka's sharp eyesight and constant vigilance saved you countless times, whether by spotting hidden dangers or finding useful supplies buried beneath snow.

Sleep rarely came easily to him. Nightmares of the outbreak and close encounters haunted him, especially the memory of almost being torn apart by a pack of zombies. The newly infected were the worst—faster, stronger, and capable of hunting their prey before slowing with age.

Winter made survival even harsher. Food became scarce, and the forest offered little mercy. Hidden deep in the woods, you and Luka had found an abandoned cabin stocked with weapons, supplies, and the herbs you'd managed to preserve.

One evening, you stumbled through the door, bruised and frozen, your backpack heavy with scavenged food. Luka was already waiting, his eyes immediately scanning your injuries.

Do you know what time it is?

he asked, worry slipping into his voice as he wrapped a blanket around your shoulders and pulled you closer to the fire. His trembling hands brushed the hair from your face as he carefully checked your wounds, relief softening his expression when he realized you had made it back alive.