D+1: Awkward Mornings and the Seeds of an Empire
One of the most heart-pounding nights of my life had passed, and Hye-yeon auntie and I returned to the harsh reality of the "zombie apocalypse." We had a simple breakfast of salad and bread.
Every time our eyes met, my heart raced from what had happened last night, and she seemed more stiff than usual as she brought the salad to her mouth. Whether it was because of the zombie apocalypse or the morning mishap(?), I couldn't just sit there enduring the awkward silence at the table.
"Auntie, before the power went out last night, didn't we say we'd eat the perishable stuff first?"
"Yeah, we did."
"Then how about some meat for dinner tonight? The power's still on, so we can use the air fryer—no smell or noise."
"Sounds good. Ahem... I'll prep the meat for dinner later."
In this bleak situation, I brought up "food"—something anyone would care about—and especially "meat," the undisputed top choice. Her face softened a bit, and the mood improved. But it didn't last. When our eyes met, she cleared her throat unnecessarily and looked down. Then her pale face and neck flushed red in turn, like a signal begging me not to say more.
The table fell back into uncomfortable silence. My chest tightened, but at the same time, I felt this strange satisfaction? Excitement? It was probably because she was acting this way after seeing my bulging crotch that morning.
Well... it'll get better with time. And hey, she seems to be thinking about me too...
After a quick breakfast, Hye-yeon auntie and I started scraping together all the new info that had popped up overnight. While power and internet were still holding, we needed to gather as much as possible—it'd make survival way easier.
We spent about an hour digging through the internet, flooded with rumors and attention-seekers. Cross-checking what we'd each found, we pieced together some new facts:
Key Intel Summary
1. Martial law declared; president and top government officials evacuated to Jeju Island. Attempting to restore national functions. (Confirmed via NewTube live government briefing.)
2. All operational military units relocated from fallen cities like Seoul to the Nakdong River defense line.
3. Zombies attack all non-infected "animals" except themselves.
4. During daylight with bright sunlight, zombies' visual detection drops. (Cat carefully passing through zombies.mp4)
5. Based on #4, flares or bright lights at night could temporarily blind them.
Strong light impairs their vision... so they react more to sound and movement than shapes? By the time we'd wrapped up this valuable session—securing updates on the government, military, and zombie traits—Hye-yeon auntie, who was checking her tablet next to me, suddenly showed me a video.
"Minwoo, check this out."
"Huh? What's this?"
Forgetting the morning awkwardness, she shoved the tablet in front of me like usual. Then I saw the community site logo and a sensational title.
The familiar National Assembly plenary hall from the news—where brawls weren't rare—was captured in the video, politicians getting torn apart by zombies.
Hmm... legislature OUT.
They were pointless in a zombie apocalypse anyway, so no pity watching them get eaten. If anything, a bit of cathartic glee seeing those selfish pigs slaughtered. The comments were mostly cheers too.
Self-inflicted.
After confirming the chaos in the assembly hall, we had lunch with bread nearing its expiration and took a short break. I started brainstorming our survival strategy.
My thoughts naturally turned to "resources."
I don't know how many survivors are left, but securing supplies will be key. Seoul's cut off—no external supply, resources are finite...
Seoul was basically an island now. That meant fierce competition among survivors for the city's leftovers. Whoever secured plenty would dominate in survival and power.
Immortan Joe didn't rule Mad Max for nothing with his water and food... Oh!
As a different post-apoc flick lingered in my mind, the MILF Collector app popped up—specifically, the "shelter" function sparking an idea.
Using the endless water and power from shelter upgrades to run an exchange... might mean no need to risk farming outside?
Right now, water and power flowed, and marts might still have batteries and bottled water. But over time, clean water and electricity's value would skyrocket.
Looks like I can upgrade multiple bases too. Maybe rent out rooms...
Pondering gas and heating sales, a familiar industry came to mind: hospitality.
Safe lodging in zombie-infested Seoul with water, power, gas, and heat? Even without business experience, it felt solid. Visions of a bustling exchange and full rooms flashed by—then I realized I'd need "firepower."
This service would attract endless thugs and troublemakers. In this lawless world, "violence" would become "justice" over useless laws.
Definitely... running an exchange or inn needs overwhelming force. Just me and auntie? Not enough.
As I mulled securing muscle for the business, Hye-yeon auntie—half-reclined on the sofa—sat up with a serious tone.
"Minwoo. I'm gonna shower... that okay?"
"Huh?"
"Water makes noise... worried zombies might hear."
"Should be fine. Master bath's far from the door, and our place is well-insulated."
"Cool. Gotta shower while water's still on—who knows when it'll cut."
She beamed at my reassurance, stood, and headed to the master—her 40-inch hips swaying mouthwateringly—then paused.
"Minwoo, you too, right?"
"M-me?"
"Yeah. Shower before water's gone."
"Right, yeah."
"Okay. I'll hurry and tag out for you."
"N-no rush."
For a second, I misread her as inviting a joint shower. Seconds later, realizing I'd chugged a bowl of wishful kimchi soup alone, embarrassment burned my face.
She caught it, smirking mysteriously.
"What? Wanna shower with auntie?"
"No! I'm not a kid..."
"Aw... thought I'd scrub my cute nephew's back for old times' sake."
With a playful grin, she slipped into the master. Staring at her back, regret slipped out.
"Ah... should've said yes... No, that'd make it weird since she was joking."
Impulse clashing with reason—had I missed a chance? Why were my eyes sweating?
Click.
Leaving her dazed nephew behind, Lee Hye-yeon entered the master bedroom. Touching her forehead, she scolded herself.
"What? Shower together? Lee Hye-yeon, you're crazy..."
She was flustered by the half-joking remark that had slipped out unbidden.