Seri stopped in front of Baekhyun’s room and hesitated. Why had she come here in the middle of the night? The answer was easy to find. She needed comfort, and he was the only one who could provide it. She silently cracked the door open and gazed into the dark room where she found his silhouette on the bed in the corner.

“Baekhyun?” she whispered and closed the door behind her with a soft click. She couldn’t tell whether he was asleep at first, but she got her answer when he turned his body towards her.

“Seri?” he mumbled sleepily. “What’s going on?” Now he sounded more awake and alarmed.

“Nothing, it’s nothing. I couldn’t sleep, so…”

“So you thought I could help,” he stated, prompting her to blush. When he worded it like this, she felt embarrassed about her decision to disturb him in the middle of the night. However, Baekhyun didn't mind her nightly visit.

“Come here," he whispered. She heard rustling when he made space for her on the bed, and her embarrassment was forgotten. The mattress dipped as she lay down next to him, spreading the cover over herself. It was another cold fall night, but the bed was warm and smelled of him. He scooted over and put his hand on hers underneath the cover. The gesture made her heart swell. She sighed softly, already feeling better. Coming to him had been a good decision. Baekhyun apparently didn’t mind sharing his bed with her.

“Did you have a nightmare?”

“Not this time, but I don’t feel well.” She rolled on her side and watched him in the darkness. It was hard to make out his features although he lay close to her.

“It’s because of what happened today, hm? You were quiet during dinner too.”

“Yes, it scared me,” she admitted and bit her lip. “All I need is a safe place to live, that’s it. I don’t want to die or be infected. I just want a calm life, is that too much to ask for?”

His thumb drew patterns on the back of her cool hand, gradually warming it up. Baekhyun was silent for a while, considering her words. “No, it’s not. Perhaps we’ll find a way to live safely. It’s not impossible. Establishing a safe zone with other survivors could be a solution.”

“Sounds too good to be true.”

“Maybe it’s too soon for something like that, but we should keep it in mind,” he answered and squeezed her hand. “Stop worrying, Seri. No matter what happens, I will protect you. You have nothing to fear.”

“I don’t know why you’re so kind to me, but I appreciate it,” Seri whispered.

If the room hadn’t been dark, she would have seen his soft smile. “It’s the least I can do for the woman who saved my life.”