D-25 (1) — The Midnight Escort
“Even that… I can’t give you a definite answer right now.”
Yubin wore a regretful expression.
“It’s not something I can decide on my own—or even among just us. It’s not my call to make.”
No matter how willing the proud commander of the special forces unit was to bend, the question of whether to share information about JL and Big Island lay far beyond his authority. He would need to consult Alex, Jimmy—the leader of the rescue team—Jenny, Terra, and every other member of their group. If any of them objected or sensed danger, then an alliance was impossible.
“Hmm. Fair enough. I didn’t expect an immediate answer anyway.”
Cho Cheol-woong clapped his hands once, satisfied. Everyone had superiors to answer to. For now, the fact that Yubin had agreed to ask was enough.
“Go on, then. Head back. …Kim Joong-sa, form two teams and provide escort.”
Cho Cheol-woong gave the order. Assigning eight men for such a short distance was excessive, but after what had happened to Master Sergeant Hong, he wanted every precaution taken.
“Yes, sir! I’ll make sure they return safely!”
Kim Joong-sa snapped a salute and led the way out the door. He felt the same way as his commander.
Crunch, crunch! Gulp—!
When they reached the rooftop to gather their gear, the rescued soldiers were eating and drinking, the dry sounds of combat rations and water echoing everywhere. Huddled together for warmth, they clutched the blocks of rations with filthy hands. The sight made it painfully clear how brutal their day had been.
“Just so you know, we’re not tagging along because we don’t trust you or because we want to keep an eye on you. Don’t take it the wrong way. We just want to make sure you get there and back safely.”
After readying the special forces soldiers, Kim Joong-sa descended the stairs with Yubin’s group. He felt the need to clarify the purpose of the escort.
“Understood. I know.”
Yubin nodded without hesitation. Though they hadn’t known each other long, these men were clearly as straightforward as Sheriff. If they had truly wanted to spy on them, they would have simply detained someone by force.
Graaaah—! Kwaaaah—!
As they approached the rear exit, two zombies outside rattled the shutter violently. From the front shutter that Yubin and Sheriff had clumsily secured, more zombie moans drifted in.
“Goddamn these bastards… making such a racket. Anyone with a weak heart would pass out, seriously.”
Swearing at the zombies, Sheriff pointed toward the bushes on the hill connected to the Jungnang Stream.
“Jinwoo, over there… four more wandering on the ridge. See them?”
This time, even Jinwoo could make them out clearly.
“Yeah.”
Jinwoo raised his K-2, ready to fire, and asked Kim Joong-sa a favor.
“Could you tell the guys on the roof not to shoot until we’re on the boat? I’ll handle it.”
The special forces were skilled enough to avoid friendly fire, but there was always a chance. Especially with Samsuk-i in the mix.
“Got it… Sure.”
Kim Joong-sa answered with a slightly hollow tone and pressed the transmit button on his radio. There were snipers from the special forces unit on the roof, yet he was asking them to hold fire. It felt absurd, but this kid had more than earned the right to make that request.
Tat-tat! Bang! Bang! Tat-tat!
Once Kim Joong-sa finished the transmission, Jinwoo first dealt with the zombies shaking the front and rear shutters. The moment their heads burst and they were flung backward, Sheriff cut the cable ties and heaved the shutter door upward with all his strength.
Rattle—!
Sheriff, hammer in hand, and Jinwoo charged out first. The rest of the special forces soldiers advanced in formation, flanking Yubin on both sides.
Bang! Bang! Bang, bang!
While the last two special forces soldiers lowered the shutter and secured it again with cable ties, Jinwoo’s K-2 roared from the front.
Thud! Thwack! Thwack!
Zombies that had spotted prey and come sprinting down the hill dropped one after another.
“At this point… it’s not even surprising anymore.”
Kim Joong-sa, following with his shotgun, muttered in disbelief. No matter how fast they came, Jinwoo dropped them one by one in an instant, swinging his muzzle in every direction.
The special forces’ anti-zombie tactics—using shotguns to create distance then finishing with three-round bursts—had proven highly effective in countless battles. Yet in the face of Private Park’s incredible marksmanship, those proud tactics suddenly felt inadequate. Back at the Samcheok Homeplus, the kid had been sharp, but not to this degree…
Tat-tat-tat!
After quickly crossing the hill and reaching the Jungnang Stream, Yubin’s group and the special forces soldiers split into two boats and started the motors.
Vroom—!
A spray of water kicked up behind them, and the boats cut through the current, powering upstream along the Jungnang Stream.
“Hey…”
Kim Joong-sa, seated beside Yubin in the same boat, hesitated several times before speaking quietly so the other soldiers wouldn’t overhear.
“Are you… close with Pink Punch like Private Park is?”
Minutes from now they might be fighting zombies for their lives again, yet this was what he most wanted to ask. In the end, even this elite soldier was just a man. In the face of the idol group’s power, rank and status meant nothing. Only the divide between Jenny fans and Terra fans remained.
“Ah… Yes. That’s right.”
The moment Yubin answered readily, the next question came without pause.
“How far from your barracks do you live?”
Barracks… These people tried to understand everything through a soldier’s lens. Yubin paused, unsure how to respond.
“It’s… not that far. We run into each other now and then.”
“When you meet, do you greet each other? Talk?”
“Yes.”
“Then why didn’t you ask Private Park to be more careful with your hair? Geez.”
Though it wasn’t his problem, Kim Joong-sa clicked his tongue in genuine frustration. Yubin touched the uneven tufts of hair sticking out from under his headlamp and smiled.
“Is it that bad?”
“Bad doesn’t even begin to cover it! I mean, sure, it’s fine for fighting, but if it were me, I’d never let Jenny or Terra see me with hair like that. It just feels wrong. Of course, they’re both so kind they’d never say anything to hurt your feelings, but still…”
Jenny was the one who cut it…
Yubin answered silently in his head. Even he had felt uneasy the moment she picked up the clippers. But when she begged so earnestly, acting cute like a child—“Oppa, just trust me this once, okay? Please!”—what could he do?
“Must be nice… Haah!”
Kim Joong-sa turned his gaze toward the pitch-black upper reaches of the river and let out a deep sigh.
“Getting to see Pink Punch’s faces once in a while… It must feel like your life is being extended.”
The longing buried in that sigh was clear: if only he were allowed, he would gladly stay at their barracks for a few days.
“Yeah…”
Yubin wholeheartedly agreed. If he hadn’t met Jenny at that convenience store that day… he might still be alive, but he wouldn’t be this happy. The thought of a life without her beautiful smile, her affection, and her playful teasing was unbearable.
“We’re here. Which way?”
Before they knew it, the boat had reached Gunja Bridge. While the soldiers tied the rubber boats to the half-submerged pillars of the walkway, Kim Joong-sa prepared to take the lead and asked Yubin.
“Head out to Neungdong-ro, then turn right at Gunja Station.”
Yubin answered honestly, without hiding anything. There was no reason to keep more secrets from people who had gone this far to help them.
“Move out! This time we take point.”
Kim Joong-sa instantly switched into combat mode and tapped Yubin’s shoulder.
Tat-tat-tat! Tat-tat-tat! Tat-tat-tat!
The special forces soldiers on both sides were already advancing, pouring 9mm Parabellum rounds into the zombies hidden in the darkness.
“Hyung, it’s me! We’re heading there now!”
-Chiiik…! So, you’re done with the soldiers? Chzz…!
Mingu asked. With the distance reduced, the transmission quality had improved. His voice came through clearly, without static.
“No, it looks like we’ll need to work with them a bit longer.”
Yubin answered with a hint of guilt. Even though they had kept their distance, it weighed on him that he hadn’t asked for Mingu’s opinion on such an important matter. But Mingu didn’t seem bothered at all.
-Chzz…! If that’s what you decided, then there must be a good reason. Chzz…!
“We should arrive in about ten minutes. Please join us. Dress warmly. On your way down, bring Jinwoo’s bag and the sniper rifle from the theater. It’d be better if we don’t show our faces upstairs. Ah, and bring your knife bag too.”
He wanted to stay as far from danger as possible, but if a fight to the death broke out with the forces arriving by helicopter tomorrow, Mingu would be an invaluable asset. The man never hesitated to cut someone down.
-Chzz…! Got it. By the way… what about that woman? Chiiik…!
It was a question about whether it was safe to leave the witch alone. Yubin glanced at Sheriff walking beside him.
“Ah… She’s Sheriff’s responsibility now.”
“What the hell, you bastard! Why’d you say it like that? Crazy son of a bitch, what responsibility? Did I sleep with her? Why am I suddenly responsible?”
Sheriff, who had been walking quietly, jumped and snapped. Yubin shrugged as if it were obvious.
“You’re the one who has to get information out of her tonight. Otherwise, why the hell are we putting on this whole show?”
“Just me? What are you guys gonna do?”
“Weren’t you listening when I was on the radio with Mingu? We need to meet with the major and figure out what to do when the helicopters show up tomorrow.”
“When’s that meeting gonna end? If that’s the plan, you should’ve finished the meeting first and then left! Why keep running back and forth in the middle of the night? It’s dangerous!”
Sheriff asked seriously. Yubin shook his head.
“We can’t. Once the meeting’s over, we’ll catch a few hours of sleep and start preparing at dawn. The helicopters will arrive before eleven.”
“Damn it! So you’re really leaving me alone with that girl all night? You bastards are unbelievable!”
While they argued under the escort of the special forces, they soon arrived in front of the theater. Yubin signaled for Kim Joong-sa to stop and patted Sheriff’s broad shoulder.
“When Mingu brings the guns down, take Samsuk-i and head up, Sheriff. Your role is really important.”
“What the hell am I supposed to do all night?”
Sheriff grumbled, looking between Yubin and Jinwoo with a dumbfounded expression. Jinwoo stroked Samsuk-i’s head and spoke.
“Why stay up all night when you’re tired? Just talk for a bit, then you sleep your way, she sleeps hers. Samsuk-i will keep watch.”
“Even if that’s true, what’s the dog watching for? Don’t tell me you’re scared she’ll stab me in my sleep?”
“Who knows? How can we be sure what she’ll do while you’re asleep? Hey, there are guns everywhere. MP5, the lieutenant’s K-2, two Glocks in the bag… Can you deflect bullets?”
Jinwoo counted off the weapons on his fingers. Even excluding the PGM338 that Mingu was bringing down, there were four firearms total. Add the tactical knife, pocket knife, hammer, and heavy tools in the bag, and they could arm a whole squad.
“Bullshit! You think I’m just gonna sit there while she grabs a gun? Even if I’m dead asleep, the second I hear anything, I’m up.”
Sheriff tried to sound sharp, but both Jinwoo and Yubin shook their heads at the same time.
“No, Sheriff. When you’re drunk and passed out, you wouldn’t notice even if someone kicked you, let alone heard a sound.”
Yubin said. Jinwoo added,
“Even when we first met and went up to the Costco roof, you were the first one to black out.”
“That was because I was actually enjoying myself and drinking! You think this is the same? Why the hell would I chug like that now?”
Sheriff gave a bitter smile. But Yubin wasn’t backing down.
“You never know. Once you start drinking, who knows what’ll happen? So even if she asks you to tie up Samsuk-i or lock him away, don’t agree. Whether you’re smoking on the roof or eating on the fourteenth floor, you and Samsuk-i need to stay in the same space. Got it?”
When Yubin emphasized it with a serious face, Sheriff finally accepted reality.
“Fine! Fine! Ugh, this is such a pain! But… what the hell am I even supposed to talk to her about? I can barely understand what she’s saying anyway!”
“Tonight, forget talking. Just be nice to her. Winning her over is what matters. She’s probably furious by now.”
“Why?”
“Mingu tied her up and left her alone for… about five and a half hours. Anyone would be pissed.”
“You’re insane. Hey, damn it! Why does cleaning up after that fall on me?”
Sheriff’s voice rose again. Calming down an angry woman wasn’t his specialty—especially not when the woman was as difficult as the witch throwing a fit. Having to suppress his temper and take it… was that even humanly possible?
“Who else is gonna do it? She’s your girlfriend.”
Jinwoo smirked and teased. Sheriff smacked him on the back.
“Don’t say that! I told you to stop! I’m gonna kill you, seriously!”
“Gah! Ow, that hurts! You actually hit me, you bastard! Heh-heh!”
Jinwoo staggered but couldn’t stop laughing. The sight of the hot-tempered Sheriff, who ignited faster than gasoline, having to appease the witch was too funny. Samsik should’ve been here to enjoy this…
Despite the commotion, the eight special forces soldiers stood in a circle with their backs turned, not even glancing over. They simply fired their suppressed MP5s at any approaching zombies, focusing entirely on their escort duty.
“Haa…”
Sheriff shook his head and muttered while rubbing his face.
“Just thinking about dealing with that girl is already pissing me off.”
“From what the major said earlier, it sounds like several lives depend on her decision. Don’t tell her where we are. Keep sweet-talking her and get as much information as you can. Don’t just demand her dad’s phone number.”
At Yubin’s advice, Sheriff slumped his shoulders and sighed.
“Yeah… Got it. But damn, give me something I’m actually good at.”
A moment later, the long hallway leading into the theater brightened, and Mingu approached the shutter.
“Here, take this!”
Mingu opened the shutter and immediately handed Yubin a lightweight padded jacket. For Yubin, who had been relying on a single space blanket until now, it was exactly what he needed.
“Whoa…! Thanks, hyung!”
Yubin quickly slipped his arms into the sleeves and expressed his gratitude. He hadn’t expected to need it for such a short trip, but he had really missed having proper padding.
“I’m heading up… You guys take care of things here.”
Sheriff waved to his friends and walked wearily into the theater.
Rattle—!
From below, the sound of Yubin lowering and locking the shutter echoed. Samsuk-i, who had followed at Jinwoo’s request, gave a short bark toward Sheriff as if to cheer him on.
Woof!
“Like that’s gonna help, you mutt. You don’t like her either, do you?”
Sheriff patted Samsuk-i’s head and trudged up the stairs. It was a hassle, but for the sake of the people trapped in the Taeyang Group, he had no choice but to play along with that girl.
“Mmph! Mmmph…!”
When Sheriff opened the door to the fourteenth floor and stepped into the dark theater, the witch—who had been tied up and lying face-down against the wall—thrashed wildly and let out muffled groans.
“No! Hey, don’t freak out! It’s me, it’s me! Why the hell did you leave her like this?”
Sheriff quickly reassured her and rushed over to untie her hands first.
“Mmmph…! Ah! Sweety? Is that you? Really? Hic!”
The moment her hands were free, the witch tore off the tape covering her mouth and asked tearfully. Her bloodless lips trembled, and her fingers, now clutching Sheriff’s arm tightly, were filled with the desperate resolve never to let go again.
“Yeah. Damn… What the hell happened to you? That guy really has no heart. Why’d he even tape your mouth shut? Tsk!”
Sheriff frowned deeply and sympathized with her. At first, he had worried acting pitiful would feel awkward, but seeing the witch lying there with tears streaming down her face and her hands bound behind her back, he didn’t need to pretend. In that moment, his pity was genuine.
“Hold still! I’ll untie your legs too… Huh? What’s this? Why’s the floor so wet? Is something leaking…?”
As Sheriff reached for the tape around the witch’s ankles, his palm touched the damp carpet. He lifted his wet hand to his nose. The witch gasped and grabbed his wrist.
“No! Don’t smell that! Don’t sniff it!”