Nursing Student Kim Ha-ryeong (3)
“Hyung…… I think I’m okay now.”
As they moved away from the pharmacy, Yang Min-cheol stirred on the cart and spoke up.
Go Cheon-su glanced down slightly to check his condition. The wound was still a concern, but honestly, dragging him along like this any further was pushing it.
“Yeah.”
Go Cheon-su stopped the cart and helped Yang Min-cheol sit up.
“If you can walk, let’s just walk.”
Yang Min-cheol wobbled a bit at first but soon found his balance on his own.
“Whew. See? I’m good now.”
“Don’t push it.”
Forcing himself and screwing up would be a real hassle.
“Don’t worry, hyung. I won’t be a burden.”
“Easy to say.”
He’d already used up plenty of mental energy on it. Go Cheon-su cast his gaze into the distance, pondering their next move.
“A car would be nice……”
But in this situation, finding a working one would take pure luck.
It wasn’t that simple.
“Guys, that only works on ancient beaters anyway.”
Triggering the ignition by force and having the steering lock from the anti-theft was the least of it. Modern cars were so complex, only a pro mechanic could touch them.
“Finding an intact one’s faster. Don’t waste energy.”
Even his streaming knowledge had limits. He couldn’t handle that level of complexity.
Go Cheon-su sighed and turned his gaze sideways. Jang Seo-yeon was rummaging through her backpack.
“Jang Seo-yeon, what’re you doing?”
“Huh? Oh, I’m hungry.”
“Hungry?”
Come to think of it, it had been a while since they’d eaten. He’d been so focused on Yang Min-cheol that he’d forgotten his own hunger.
“I gave some food to that girl earlier, and she figured out I was hungry.”
She said it like she’d uncovered some profound truth. Go Cheon-su let out a hollow chuckle.
“Min-cheol, you hungry too?”
“Huh? Oh, I……”
He didn’t need to say it—he was definitely starving. He’d suffered through the injury with no food since, so if his stomach wasn’t in knots, that’d be weirder.
“Guess we need to refuel first.”
No matter where they went next, patching up their stamina came first. Go Cheon-su scanned around and pointed to a spot.
“There.”
It was a snack bar, beat-up and rusted in places. An LPG tank sat outside—probably not hooked to city gas. Either way, they could cook.
“Oh.”
Jang Seo-yeon entered first and let out a small sigh.
“Nice vibe.”
It wasn’t trashed or filthy. No one had left zombie guts behind, at least.
“Yeah, atmosphere’s solid.”
The tables were neatly arranged—like a fancy restaurant.
“Hyung, wanna check inside?”
“Min-cheol, hold up.”
Go Cheon-su shook his head, stopping Yang Min-cheol from opening the fridge.
“Better not.”
No hum from the fridge. Power was out for sure. And without power, the food inside was obvious.
“Might puke your guts out. Leave it. You get it?”
“Ah…… yeah.”
Yang Min-cheol pulled back, realizing late.
Meanwhile, Jang Seo-yeon was poking through the kitchen cabinets.
“Sugar, salt, gochujang…… basics are here, some ramen too. Even a water jug for the purifier.”
“Fridge is overkill, guys.”
Go Cheon-su sighed.
“And sparse? That’s your sponsorships to me. I’m broke, so donate more.”
Who’d expect just an axe? Go Cheon-su hefted it and headed for the entrance.
“Hyung, where you going?”
“Wait here a sec.”
He answered Yang Min-cheol and stepped out, immediately turning toward somewhere.
A convenience store…… there’s gotta be one nearby.
Korea had more convenience stores than you could imagine. Per capita, it felt like social welfare.
“Come on out, come on.”
Found it. Down an alley, a small one. Go Cheon-su approached and peered inside. Nothing dangerous.
Ding-a-ling.
“Ah!”
He flinched hard entering.
“Damn, that scared me.”
Just a stupid bell. He yanked it off the glass door and went in.
Lucky no threats. But Go Cheon-su frowned suddenly.
Now that you mention it……
Aside from the Ents at the arboretum, no real monster threats yet. Not even a zombie where you’d expect one.
Hmm.
No point dwelling. He grabbed a basket and browsed.
“Instant rice, porridge, soups…… ham steak, meatballs……”
Shelf-stable stuff you could heat up was common lately, with long expirations—safe. Mostly spilled and torn boxes, but intact inners went in the basket.
“That…… sucks.”
One lunchbox in the fridge—untouchable. But drinks were fine; he grabbed some.
“Let’s go.”
No need to overdo it now. As he turned to leave with the basket, he froze.
“……”
Someone stood at the door.
It was Kim Ha-ryeong. Seeing her disheveled face there, Go Cheon-su exhaled softly.
“……Viewers, keep an eye on our backs.”
Mukbang or not, wandering eyes could kill.
“Whew.”
But he didn’t raise the axe. She’d saved Yang Min-cheol, after all. Plus……
Figured she’d tail us.
He’d suspected as much. In games, these types stalked you.
Hope it plays out as expected.
Time to see if she’d join. Go Cheon-su approached the door.
“What, stalking me?”
“……”
Door between them—she tilted her head, maybe didn’t hear. He sighed, opened it, and nodded inside.
“Come in.”
She entered; he set the basket on the counter.
“Why follow? I already paid her back.”
Not ideal spot for this chat amid scattered food, but cans were all he had earlier.
“……Well.”
Kim Ha-ryeong hesitated, then blurted.
“Thought you might need me. Patients need ongoing care, right? Wounds can worsen anytime. Yeah.”
“Need?”
Go Cheon-su’s brow twitched.
“Not sure that’s your call. Want more thanks? I can do that.”
“……”
She looked away, dodging the point.
He had an idea. But without confirming utility, no investment.
The sound part.
Need to read her thinking to proceed. Feigning impatience, he grabbed the basket.
“No more to say? We’re out. Gotta hustle. Once we recover and bounce, you’re off the hook.”
He ended it abruptly, opened the door, and left. Kim Ha-ryeong hurried after.
“Really no need? I’d be useful. Not the best, but…… that patient worries you. Take me.”
“Then why not ask Min-cheol? Why track me?”
Go Cheon-su turned.
“Why wait till I’m alone?”
“Oh, that.”
She fidgeted, avoiding eyes—psychologically shaky.
“You seem like the leader?”
Her fidgeting stopped at his question.
“Not the patient, you wanna join the group.”
Jang Seo-yeon had been wary, tone harsh—scary for Kim Ha-ryeong. So she approached solo.
“N-no, not that. With a patient, I’d help……”
“Same thing.”
His sharp edge made her swallow hard. Then she trembled.
“Ah, uh……”
Totally different from first impressions. Go Cheon-su was sure: this was her real self.
Confident when useful……
Now, desperate without role.
No wonder a quirky girl like her was alone.
He breathed steady, regaining calm seeing her freeze.
Every game had oddballs; grasping their narrative fast shaped strategy.
Kim Ha-ryeong. Supporter confirmed.
Scary side aside, viable.
Good.
Decision made.
“Back, hyung? Where’d you……”
Yang Min-cheol opened his mouth as Go Cheon-su entered the snack bar, then gulped at the basket.
“Hey, Min-cheol! You good with spicy ramen…… huh?”
Jang Seo-yeon peeked from the kitchen, eyes widening.
“What’s that?”
Her gaze locked on the basket.
“Found us some chow?”
“Yeah. Real food’s best.”
He set it on the kitchen table; Jang Seo-yeon’s expression turned odd.
“These…… intact?”
She eyed the stripped-down packs cautiously.
“Yep, don’t worry. Only good stuff. Trust me.”
Long solo life honed retort food savvy—like a QA inspector.
“I’ll prep fast—grab a pot and pan.”
He sorted quick-cook items urgently.
“Why the rush?”
“Rush? This is normal. Stomach’s growling.”
Long without food—starved proper.
Not the real reason, though.
Go Cheon-su lit the gas stove without replying.