[CONTENTID1]Phoenix[/CONTENTID1]

[CONTENTID2]Chapter Twenty-Six[/CONTENTID2]

[CONTENTID3]

All members of EX9, Seri, Minhee and Yeji gathered in the military’s administrative building. It had once been a regular office owned by a large company, but the soldiers had adjusted it to their needs. Junmyeon invited the group to his personal office, which was a little small for so many people.

“Finish your paperwork so that we can show you your new homes. It helps us keep track of everyone who lives on the island and makes it easier to find suitable jobs for you,” Junmyeon said and handed each of them a form where they were supposed to fill in their information, such as their names, birthdates, and former occupation. Seri took a pen and filled out her form before taking care of Minhee’s as well. She then returned it to Junmyeon who thanked her.

“Seri, there’s something I need to discuss with you,” he told her. “Keep your immunity a secret. As you know, we have begun research on a vaccine and a possible cure, but it’s all strictly confidential for now. We don’t want to give anyone false hopes and avoid rumors among residents. Also, if you want, you can join Wendy and participate in our research efforts.”

“I would love to participate, and in case the hospital on the island needs any support, I’d be willing to help. I’m a trained surgeon and specialize in heart and lung issues. I’m able to treat injuries as well.”

“It’s appreciated.” Junmyeon’s shoulders relaxed slightly as he heard her answer.

“We’re grateful for all help we get,” Yixing smiled. “I’ve been working in the hospital since I’m an army surgeon. Another experienced surgeon on the island will change the situation for the better.”

“Then there’s one more thing to discuss—members of the military and their families have the option to stay in the military’s apartments. Another possibility would be one of the residential buildings for civilians,” Kyungsoo explained.

“What should we do?” Seri asked Baekhyun. Would it be better for Minhee to move into a building with other civilians? Then, however, Baekhyun and Seri would be farther away from their companions—the people they trusted the most.

“I have a suggestion. Since you’re extremely important to our research, it would be best if you stayed with the military as Wendy does. It will be easier to protect you in case of an emergency. Jeju City is a relatively safe place, but being careful won’t hurt. We ran into issues with survivors before, and Wendy has been under our protection since she arrived,” Junmyeon reasoned.

“It would make me feel better too,” Baekhyun answered—he didn’t mind an extra layer of safety for his fiancée and Minhee.

“What about me? Does this mean I have to live alone from now on?” Yeji wondered and shifted her weight from one leg to the other. She glanced at Jongin and back at Junmyeon. The leader of EX9 remained silent, but his lips twitched suspiciously as he gazed at Jongin.

“You could stay with me?” Jongin offered and was promptly rewarded with a relieved beam. Yeji’s pink lips formed a smile.

“Thanks, Jongin. You’re the best!”

“Great, then we’ll take you to your new homes now so that you can get settled in before dinner. Food is served three times a day in several cafeterias in town,” Junmyeon explained, pausing to consider if he had forgotten about anything. His eyes scanned over the towers of paperwork on his desk and jumped to the checklist he had taped on the unused computer screen. “I guess that’s all you need to know for now.”

The group left the building together, much to Minhee’s joy who had grown bored of listening to the adults talking for such a long time. She tugged at Baekhyun’s hand as they crossed the main street and followed Junmyeon and the other members of EX9. Seri, now equipped with crutches, wasn’t far behind them and chatted with Yeji. The younger woman was ecstatic about the prospect of living with Jongin, and Seri inwardly knew it was only a matter of time before they would end up together. After all, they had been flirting for most of the passage…

As they walked through town, they came upon countless different buildings in various states of decay. Some were relatively unharmed while others looked like they had seen war. Occasionally, the group encountered other people, most of them between 20 and 50 years old. Seri was pleasantly surprised by their welcoming attitudes as they greeted the soldiers, seemingly familiar with some of them. These people clearly didn’t have it easy in the past, but unlike the survivors in the last safe zone, they hadn’t given up hope.

The green areas in town were frequented by people who enjoyed the nice weather outside. An older couple planted new flowers in a flowerbed at the entrance to a park, getting rid of small weeds that threatened to overgrow the area. They seemed dedicated to helping Jeju City regain its former glory. Perhaps it had been their home all along. A playground was nestled in the greenery not far from them, two children playing on the swings. Seri smiled at the sight, taking a mental note to visit this place with Minhee one day.

Eventually, the group reached a tall apartment building. Several military vehicles occupied the parking space in front of it. The house itself had survived the outbreak with fairly little damage. It had several stories and balconies facing the ocean. To Seri and Baekhyun, it was the greatest luxury they could imagine. After months without a proper home, they had finally reached their destination; a safe new home, far away from death and ruin. Seri’s emotions flared, bringing tears to her eyes. She inconspicuously rubbed her face and blinked the wetness away.

Junmyeon spoke to a soldier on guard at the entrance and received four different keys, which he handed to Chanyeol, Sehun, Jongin, and Yeji, as well as Seri and Baekhyun.

“Check the numbers on the key and you’ll find your apartments. Yours is on the third floor, Chanyeol. The others are on the second. If you need toothbrushes and other necessities, there’s a small shop down the road. They’re handing them out for free,” Junmyeon explained. “I’ll leave you alone now so you can get settled in. We’ll see each other at dinner.”

They agreed to meet up later since the newcomers had no clue where the cafeteria was. With that, EX9 split up and each member went their separate way for the time being. Seri, Baekhyun, and Minhee searched the hallway on the second floor for their new apartment and found it next to Sehun’s. To say they were excited to move in would have been an understatement. Minhee sensed the excitement hanging in the air and begged Baekhyun to unlock the door, which he did. She was the first one to run inside and gasped.

“Wow! So big!”

They entered a short hallway, which opened up to a modern living room with a cozy couch and several bookshelves. The TV hanging on the wall couldn’t be used for now, just like the lamps on the ceiling, but maybe this would change in the future. Seri found the design of the lamps interesting. Tiny crystal shards hung below them that would sparkle when hit by light. A soft cream carpet lay in front of the coffee table. Some areas were dusty and would have to be cleaned, but overall, it was much better than what Seri had imagined.

“Baekhyun,” she said, her tone filled with awe, “Isn’t it pretty?”

“It is. They must have worked like crazy to renovate all these apartments and repair the damages. Not to mention, kill every single zombie on the island.”

She nodded in agreement and followed Minhee, who had just vanished into an adjacent room. It was the kitchen, a bright room with yellow walls and white tiles. The cabinets and cupboards were white as well, filled with dishes and kitchen utensils. A round table with several chairs made up the middle of the room.

“I really can’t believe this is ours now. W-We didn’t even pay anything for it,” Seri whispered. She couldn’t keep it together anymore. Tears rolled over her cheeks and dripped down her chin as her surroundings blurred.

Baekhyun at first didn’t realize what was happening since he was facing away from her, but once he turned around, his eyes widened. “Oh, angel,” he murmured and put his hands on her hips, pulling her closer for a hug. He rubbed his hand over her back and she pressed her wet face against his chest, into the fabric of his dark shirt.

“I’m happy but I can’t help it,” she sniffled. “It’s overwhelming.”

“It’s definitely a lot to take in. Even in my wildest dreams, the safe zone didn’t look this great,” he chuckled softly, lips brushing her forehead as he kissed her. “But we deserve this. All of this. We earned it by making it this far.”

“You’re right,” she exhaled and raised her head to smile at him. His warm hands cupped her cheeks and wiped the tear tracks away.

“Seri?” Minhee’s unsure voice asked, and the two adults separated. “Are you crying?”

“Yes, a little bit. Sometimes people cry when they’re happy.”

“You don’t have an ouchie?”

“No, don’t worry,” she chuckled. “Now let’s take a look at the rest of the apartment together!”

Baekhyun’s arm remained wrapped around her back as they left the kitchen and discovered the bathroom. Minhee stood on her tiptoes and the faucet, staring in wonder when water gushed out.

“I’m looking forward to a real shower,” Baekyhun sighed.

“You bet I am too,” Seri said.

The apartment luckily had two bedrooms, and one of them must have belonged to a teenager. Its decoration was more playful than that of the other rooms. It had blue walls and was furnished with a wardrobe, a desk, a shelf, and a bed.

“Looks like this one will be yours, Minhee,” Baekhyun told her and earned a wide beam from the girl. Her cheeks took on the color of ripe peaches, and her eyes gleamed like the stars. She immediately, inspected the inside of the wardrobe and then proceeded to throw herself on the bed, bouncing on the mattress.

“I think she likes it,” Seri giggled and met Baekhyun’s amused gaze. “Want to take a look at our bedroom?”

“I can’t wait.” His smirk betrayed his naughty thoughts. Seri’s lips twitched.

“Of course you can’t.”

They left Minhee, finally seeing their own bedroom for the first time, and it didn’t disappoint. The furniture had a natural wooden texture and was adorned with modern elements made of metal. Two globe-shaped lamps sat on the bedside tables which framed the wide bed. It stood opposite a large window with a balcony.

“I think I’m going to cry again,” she whispered.

“I’ll distract you.”

And her fiancé showed her that he meant it. He embraced her, splayed his hands over her back and leaned his forehead against hers. Her eyes shimmered, reflecting her curiosity about his intentions.

“My angel… you’re beautiful,” he murmured against her lips, almost letting her taste him. Seri’s breath hitched in as tension filled the air between them. “I’m so ing lucky you’re still here.”

“I love you,” she said and wrapped his arms around her neck when she closed the distance between their lips. With their bodies pressed together, she felt every ridge of his muscular body, heat rising in her belly. Suddenly, she burned to touch his bare skin like many times before—it had been his intention to distract her, and he had succeeded. His sinful lips made her head spin. He deepened the kiss, forcing her to submit. His tongue brushed over the line of her lip, making her skin tingle pleasantly. A sigh escaped her when he gave her a moment to catch her breath. Her chest heaved and she gazed at him with dark eyes, biting her lip.

“Satisfied?” he smirked. His voice was husky—she didn’t doubt he would have taken things further, had they been alone in the apartment, but these kinds of distractions would have to wait for some other time.

“Mhm,” she whispered and briefly kissed his lips. “You’re a natural at being a distraction, Baekhyun.”

“Same to you, angel.” He studied her and his eyes got stuck on the necklace she wore every day. He picked up his identifi