Archive of Our Own

The apocalypse came on a Thursday.

Which was a pity, Leehan always thought that it would appear on a Tuesday. It made more sense, being the middle of the week and all.

He watched from his front porch as people ran screaming, followed by speedwalking zombies. 

Well, strange corpse-like creatures to be more accurate. Although they didn't seem to speak, wanted to bite living creatures, and looked downright ugly, the creatures still managed to walk at a rapid pace. 

Either way, the news called them zombies so zombies it is.

A woman tripped and fell in the distance, screaming bloody murder as a zombie walked towards her. She could barely say a prayer as she got bitten on the head, writhing on the ground in pain as she slowly deformed.

Cringing at the sight, Leehan walked back in. He was going to have to move out soon. Plans are needed to be made.

The first thing Leehan did during the zombie apocalypse was order a large chicken and mushroom pizza. With extra cheese.

More intriguing, the pizza place actually picked up. Albeit a little slow on response.

"As its just...me working...right now sir...it might be a little...late...is that...okay?"

"No problem, just knock on the front door." Leehan replied before hanging up. He had preparing to do before the pizza came in.

He busied himself, grabbing his large duffle bag. He emptied out his scuba equipment and sorted through them in an attempt to find anything useful. Failing to do so, he moved on and continued to pack.

A little after an hour just as he finished packing he heard a soft knock on the door.

He grabbed his bag and walked over.

The sight that greeted him was certainly a strange one.

His pizza was there, in the box and ready. Holding it was a pair of bluish arms though.

Slowly, his eyes traveled upwards.

Normal shirt with tomato stains, bluish neck, greying face that was strangely pretty and large eyes that were staring him down like a predator that had found his prey.

Leehan grabbed the box from the delivery boy's hands.

He frowned, not feeling the usual heat from the box. He looked back up and narrowed his eyes, "don't you think you took a bit too long?"

The boy stared at him, only a few centimeters taller but his neck was fully bent. Even more than it should be possible.

His eyes were awfully dilated to the point it seemed like they were pulsing. 

He was silent for a while and then slowly, he opened his mouth, "awfully...sorry."

"It's fine," always one to accept a sincere apology, Leehan closed the door only to be stopped a foot.

He opened the door again, eyeing the boy who still hadn't blinked since their encounter.

"Nice sneaker."

"...Are you...running...away?"

"Uh, yeah?"

He didn't respond, looking into Leehan's eyes as if he were a telepath. It was discomforting. The expectations that were being held for him.

Not wanting to disappoint his first client, Leehan made an attempt. "You want to come with me?"

Finally, the delivery boy blinked. It reminded Leehan of a cat, sort of cute.

"...Me?"

Leehan nodded, even going as far as to move to a side to let the boy in. He looked about his age despite the grey skin, almost prettier than Leehan himself.

The delivery boy stood motionless for a full minute, just staring into the distance. Leehan's patience paid off as he finally took a step inside. 

Once he was in, Leehan closed the door and opened the pizza box.

It really was cold.

He glared at the delivery boy again only to be met with an unapologetic stare. Customer service really was at an all time low these days.

He placed the pizza on the dining table and sat down, not bothering to wait for the delivery boy to take a seat himself. He planned on enjoying his last good apocalypse meal to the fullest before he went on the run.

Speaking of the apocalypse...

"So, how did you turn anyway?"

"..."

Leehan chewed on his annoyingly hard crust, not bothered by the stare down he was receiving. He's faced worse from his professors, what can a mere boy turned zombie who was only his age do?

"...you knew?" The delivery boy finally asked, taking a step forward.

The underlying assumption was offensive, and Leehan made sure to voice it out. "I've been watching y'all walk around everyday, you think I can't recognize one up close?"

"...and yet...you still...let me...in."

"And yet you are still working?" Leehan shook his head in pity, "even as a zombie you can't get a day off. How unfair."

The delivery boy had finally sat down. His smile did not go unnoticed by Leehan but he was kind enough to pretend that it did.

"It's for...people like...you."

"You're the real hero in this apocalypse."

The delivery zombie boy had the audacity to nod after bringing him cold pizza.

There was a moment of silence as the delivery boy refused a pizza slice, leaving Leehan to eat alone. He could only eat two slices before calling it a meal and getting up.

"You're still going to come with me?"

The delivery boy stared at him and nodded once.

"You don't want to bring anything?"

"...No."

"Awesome, you can hold my fish tank then."

The delivery boy's name was Taesan.

He had a surname as well, but Taesan didn't remember and Leehan didn't care. As far as he was concerned a last name was the last priority in an actual apocalypse.

The two walked off as none of them had a driving license. They had a map however that Leehan had downloaded in the last minute, one that would get them out of their current town at least.

"According to the news we're currently a yellow level alert," Leehan spoke as they walked, "which is like we have a lot of zombies but also not that much"

Taesan nodded along, clearly not updated on the current news. "Where...is the most...alert?"

Leehan pointed at a larger city on the top corner of the map, "there. It's a red alert there, I think it even started from there. This whole thing."

"Their...fault."

"Yeah, assholes."

Taesan stumbled a little, the water in the fish tank sloshing around. He was fairly strong, not having broken a single sweat from holding the large tank filled with water and other trinkets. Leehan's fish seemed quite pleased too, swimming back and forth as it took in the sights it had never seen before.

A slight pang of guilt hit leehan as he realized his fish will never see a sight more beautiful than the literal apocalypse. He should have brought it out more.

"...Leehan."

"Huh, what?"

"What if...people see...me?"

Leehan turned to him, slowing down so they can walk side by side. "They'll be the ones running if they see you man. I mean no offense, you're good looking compared to uh, zombie standards but you're still a zombie."

"I was...good looking...as a human...too"

"Okay not the point, people will run away if they see you so it'll be fine."

-

The people did not run away when they saw Taesan.

In fact, Leehan wished Taesan would run away.

"What are you doing!? Start running already!" Leehan screamed from a floor above, watching the speedwalking man nervously. He was going to drop Leehan's fish tank at this rate.

They had stopped by a rundown shop in hopes of stocking up on something useful. Leehan had forgotten that every other human would have had the exact same thought as well.

Taesan looked up at him, his glare obvious from even a story below.

"Can't run...only...walk"

"Oh for f-" Leehan took off as he saw the duo sprinting towards Taesan with the obvious intent to kill. He could not let his overly expensive and newly bought tank to shatter within the first month.

Taesan speedwalked behind a shelf just in time for Leehan to run forward and spread his arms wide.

"I'M HUMAN."

His words seemed to have startled the two as they abruptly stopped. One fell face forward.

His companion didn't even look over as he walked towards Leehan, gripping the metal pipe tightly. Leehan remained calm.

"Look at me man, human."

The boy, who looked surprisingly young from up close, scanned Leehan from head to toe. His eyes paused at the bare skin on his neck, as if confirming that Leehan was just a normal fair skinned boy. 

He looked back up with the same ferocious glare.

"Where's your friend?"

"Who?"

"The actual zombie, I know its there"

Leehan frowned before realizing what he meant. "Oh, you mean Taesan!"

"...Leehan...no-"

"Oh yeah don't worry he's chill."

"He's a zombie."

Leehan scoffed as the boy looked ready to lunge again. "Yeah and he's currently holding my fish tank so he can't die."

The sentence seemed to confuse both the boys in front of him. The one behind him, whom had finally stood up asked in an uncertain tone. "That's a joke right?"

"Huh, I don't get it"

"Since he's a zombie, so he's already dead."

Realization dawned on Leehan as he threw a thumbs up at the boy while grinning, "that's pretty funny!"

The boy grinned back.

Their short interaction was ruined by the one in the middle, now waving his pipe around. He looked angrier as he threatened Leehan, "just show us the god damn zombie."

The boy was taller than Leehan, maybe taller than Taesan. Even then, Leehan could not help but find the boy more amusing than threatening.

"I can't man," Leehan raised his hand in mock surrender, "but I can promise you that he won't do anything."

"You can't promise shit."

"Yeah no I can't, but it's more of a figure of speech you know? Also I trust him so..."

The boy looked more frustrated than ever, going as far as to stomp his foot on the floor.

His friend walked over and put his hand behind the boy's back. "I say we leave them."

"Hyung, that's a zombie."

The boy shrugged, "yeah and it seems like he has a friend. You know, one who wouldn't continue running if he fell face first."

"...Are you mad?"

The two took a few steps back to discuss (more like desperately apologize; "I'm sorry hyung", "please hyung") and Leehan took the chance to look behind the shelf to check on his fish. 

Taesan was sitting on the ground cross-legged holding Leehan's fish tank close to his chest.

He cared for Leehan's fish this much, there's no way he could be a bad person. Leehan smiled at him, receiving the smallest one back.

The two came back, the taller angry one much calmer. He had an obedient look on his face, probably after being scolded.

His friend walked forward, a suspicious smile on his face.

"We've agreed to not go after your zombie friend," he spoke as he reached out a hand for Leehan to shake.

Leehan grabbed it and the other finished his sentence. "As long as we can talk to him."

Leehan pulled his hand back, suspicion growing. "No."

"We just want to ask a few questions."

There was a desperation in their eyes. Not ones that desired to kill, but to survive. After all, they may be humans today, but who knows what they will become tomorrow?

Leehan contemplated their words when he heard a soft voice from behind, "okay..."

They all turned to see Taesan now standing behind Leehan. He looked at Leehan and gave a small nod, eyes filled with an emotion he could not show on the rest of his face.

Leehan sighed and turned back to the anxious duo. He stood in between unmoving, his arms crossed hoping to convey his stubbornness.  

"Ask away."

After a few seconds of nudging each other the shorter, less angry boy finally spoke up. "How did you become a zombie?"

A bit too personal.

Leehan raised his hand to put a stop to the question when Taesan answered. "My coworker...bit me...I was...trying...to save him."

"Why can you talk so well?" The taller one asked with a frown. 

"We can all...talk"

"Huh? Then why aren't the others talking?"

"...they don't...like...you."

There's a moment of stunned silence as the people in the shop learned how petty zombies were.

The shorter boy laughed with disbelief, like he was going to go crazy. Leehan wondered if he really was. 

In a split second he became serious again, looking right through Leehan at Taesan. "What are your weaknesses?"

"...I don't...really like...ice...cream

"No what- not your weaknesses I meant the zombies obviously."

"Oh...I don't...know"

The boy sighed, deflating as the other put a hand on his shoulder. Leehan and Taesan watched as they silently come to a conclusion and turn back to them.

"Thanks for answering, just...one last thing."

"Yes?"

The taller pointed at Leehan, "how did he tame you?"

Leehan frowned at the choice of words. It felt far too wrong. Taesan answered it nonetheless, "he...ordered...pizza"

"What?"

"Oh you're a delivery boy?"

"He did what?"

The two of them turned to stare at Leehan who threw them a casual peace sign.

They looked away from him, seemingly out of questions to ask.

The shorter one finally took a step back, preparing to leave. "Thanks for answering everything and uh, good luck? To both of you." 

Leehan and Taesan nodded as well.

Before they could walk away the shorter turned around and yelled one last time. "If you see a human just say you know a Riwoo and Woonhak! Chances are they'll let you go!"

"Okay!" Leehan waved at them, the taller one waving back until they were out of each other's sight.

He then turned to Taesan and walked off together, side by side.

"We should take a break and sleep at the next bus stop area."

"...Okay."

-

Leehan was...weird.

Taesan watched the sleeping boy with wide eyes. His pulsing eyes have slowed down now, calmer along with the dead of the night. From afar he could see multiple creatures of his kind still roaming around, in search for a bite.

They kept away from the duo's tent however. His scent masking Leehan's more humane one. 

It wasn't easy, especially with how delicious Leehan smelled.

He leaned down closer, his bangs almost touching Leehan's forehead. It was a small prize just to enjoy the scent. 

Leehan, so oblivious to his surroundings, took a deep breath in. His chest heaved as he exhaled and Taesan could not help but fantasize how it would feel to drag his teeth across the boy's chest and have a taste of his beating heart. Simply having the boy's heart wasn't enough. Taesan needed to ingest it. Metabolize it so it became a one with his body instead. He would even crawl into Leehan's chest and replace the heart with himself for the sake of intimacy.

He has only known Leehan for a day.

Within that one day, Leehan had managed to show him unconditional acceptance. Even care.

He didn't need to know Leehan for a lifetime to treasure him, right?

A twig snaps and so does Taesan's train of thought.

He sees a person up close, standing still after being caught. 

It's not human, Taesan can sense it.

The figure stands unmoving even as Taesan gets up. If Taesan can sense it, it can sense Taesan too.

Unfortunately it can also sense Leehan. 

They continued the staredown for a while with nothing but the moon to watch them.

The creatures takes a step froward and Taesan snarls at him.

"Don't you...dare."

The figure rasps, low-pitched and throaty. "It's unfair...to...gatekeep... you know."

"I don't care...stay the fuck...away."

"Or what?"

Taesan doesn't bother to answer, choosing to directly pounce on the creature instead. He wraps his hands around the creature's neck, dull eyes watching as it squirmed and choked.

"I can't... kill you... but you can... want... death"

He pressed harder and harder until a loud crack echoed through the area.

The creature continued to groan as Taesan stood back up, walking away like it was none of his business. He made sure to clean up the scene, not wanting Leehan to wake up to a gory mess.

He sat by Leehan's side, the same fond look reappearing again. He was going to protect Leehan

No matter what.

-

Leehan woke up to cool wind against his face.

Groggily, he opened his eyes to the sight of Taesan waving a large piece of cardboard in front of him. 

The zombie put the board down once Leehan sat up, he gave the boy the box of leftover pizza slices which Leehan took gratefully. He handed Taesan a slice and the two began to eat.

They munched on the slices in silence with nothing but the thick clouds overhead and rampaging zombies around. Once finished they walked off again, enjoying the peaceful silence.

The duo managed to take only a few steps when they came across a body-less head on the floor.

It was relatively clean for a decapitated head, not a speck of blood in sight. It's eyes were closed, and had dark curly hair falling on its greyed forehead.

They walked around it and took a few more steps when Leehan heard a low whisper, "hey"

Leehan was not a screamer. He jumped back a few feet instead.

Ashamed that Taesan hadn't even flinched he tip-toed back and looked behind them.

The head had it's eyes wide open now. Looking right at them.

"Heyyyyy"

"What the hell."

"Help...a head...out."

"Zombies are actually immortal?" He asked Taesan who shrugged

"I'm not...a zombie"

"He's...an idiot" 

Leehan giggled at Taesan's words. The head continued to speak in a more offended tone.

"I'm...not...please just..."

Leehan walked closer to it and Taesan finally turned around frowning.

Leehan leaned over to make eye contact with the zombie head who was smiling widely. He must have been a looker as a human but he didn't quite reach Taesan's level.

"Are you...taking me...with..."

Leehan picked up the head and turned towards Taesan. He was frowning harder now.

"No"

"Aw come on, he's literally just a head."

Taesan remained silent, his expression so severe that Leehan remembered he was a zombie. 

Still, Taesan replied with a short nod.

The zombie head grinned gleefully, enjoying the misery of the gatekeeper.

All the stupid human with the decent smell needed to do was carry him in his arms and he can just bite him with ease. 

He smiled wider at zombie guy who shot him a murderous look.

"Let me...carry him"

"Who's going to hold Joe if I do?" Leehan refused making the zombie head even happier. "Besides, I have a better idea."

-

Jaehyun never imagined he'd be hung on the zipper of a giant oversized backpack. 

He was swinging back and forth so much that it felt as though he was going to experience a third death. 

He was facing the ugly gatekeeper whom he now knew as Taesan. The guy was smiling so wide that it made him look uglier than usual. Jaehyun was sure if he wasn't holding on to the fish tank he'd try to hit Jaehyun.

"So Jaehyun،" the stupid human, who was named Leehan spoke up. "How did you become a zombie?"

"I don't...want to...talk about it"

"Oh, sorry" 

Hearing the guilt in Leehan's voice Taesan's smile dropped. It was replaced with a threatening glare. If Jaehyun had a spine a shiver would have run down it.

"Well...I..."

"Oh no need to talk about it," Leehan interrupted him. "I just thought it was fine because Taesan was fine with telling."

Taesan brightened visibly, smiling again. It reminded Jaehyun of a face changing doll.

"Because...it's for...you..."

Leehan turned around causing Jaehyun to move and miss the whole interaction. But when he was brought back to his original position Taesan was smiling so widely. Unlike his usual sneers, he looked pleased.

He was staring at the back of Leehan's head as if it was the most delicious thing in the world and yet, Jaehyun could not detect the slightest hint of hunger in those eyes.

A hungerless desire...

It couldn't be, right?

What kind of freaks has he gotten involved with!?

-

Once again Leehan was in a deep sleep with no awareness of the world. Taesan sat next to him, admiring the glow of moonlight against the boy's skin.

"Dude... are you... serious?"

The serene moment was ruined by a grating voice.

He looked over at the head who was staring up at him with wide eyes.  Undeterred by Taesan's glare, he continued to speak. 

"You're...a zombie."

"Yeah?"

"And he's...human."

Taesan looked away, annoyed by the head's disability to get to the fucking point. 

Annoyed by Taesan's ignorance and the fond look he was giving Leehan, Jaehyun spit out, "he'll never like you."

The zombie spun back quickly, his dark eyes pulsing faster. Veins crept along his neck and cheeks as he growled lightly. Jaehyun watched helplessly, unable to run away even if he wanted to.

Thankfully Taesan calmed down at once, leaning his head against the alley wall with a sound thud. He looked tired. Almost human.

"I know," he replied in a low voice. 

Taesan barely remembered his life before he was a zombie anymore. His clearest memory is Leehan, looking up at him with sparkling eyes and a dazzling smile. 

Of course he knew Leehan didn't like him.

He didn't understand why Leehan invited him on this journey. Whether it was out of pity or for fun, he has reached out to Taesan and welcomed him with open arms. He was the ropes to Taesan's wrecked ship, only thing forcing him to stay afloat and above the water.

Taesan needed Leehan.

He knew, better than anyone else that Leehan did not need him in return. Leehan didn't even necessarily want him, just accepting his presence. 

Still, even if Taesan wasn't wanted or needed, Leehan kept him around. Making him hold the fish, making him scrounge for food. He made sure Taesan was useful.

And Taesan was willing to let Leehan use him until there was nothing left of him to use. As long as he can stay by Leehan's side.

"I know," he repeated again and for once Jaehyun didn't know what to say.

The silence continued into the night, an invisible truce between the two as they accepted the positions they were in.

"Can you...lay me down...so I...can watch...the stars?"

"No."

-

There was something strange about Taesan today. He was staring again Leehan far too much.

It wasn't the staring that was strange, Taesan stared at him a lot. To the point that Leehan had grown used to always having a pair of eyes on him.

However this...He was being stared as if Taesan wanted to rip his skin apart. Dig into it.

Even Jaehyun was quiet, which was unsettling. The body-less boy has talked to him nonstop last night until Leehan had fallen asleep, chattering about various topics. He was pretty funny once you let go of all his other lies and pretenses.

But today when Leehan woke up the boy had been quiet, almost meek.

Did they fight last night? No, Leehan would have heard it happen otherwise. 

They continued their journey, almost at the borders of their town. Once they step out they will have to find a new place to live. Living on the streets with two zombies was a one way road to death.

A light shone on Leehan's eyes distracting his from his thoughts.

He stepped back with a groan, bumping into Taesan. Hearing a painful hiss he quickly moved away.

"Sorry Jaehyun."

Taesan looked down at him, tilting his head to a side. It really was cute, especially with his wide eyes.

Leehan waved his hands and looked away feeling weirdly hot, "yeah no I'm fine, what was that anyway?"

Taesan pointed at the top of a large house in front of them. Huh, how did he miss that?

More like a moderately sized building now boarded with metal planks. Clearly someone's hideout. Leehan's group would have to trespass if they wanted to get to the other side.

He turned to Taesan, this time remembering to bring his bag to the front as well. "Alright guys we'll need disguises."

"Put me in the bag?" 

"Too full, too suspicious." Leehan answered rummaging his duffle bag and taking out a long scarf. He walked towards Taesan and gestured him to lean down.

Taesan did so, eyes not leaving Leehan once. 

Ignoring the stutter in his heartbeat, Leehan tied up Taesan's effectively making a mask. It was suspicious but not enough to become accusatory. 

Once finished, Leehan put his hands down but did not step back. Taesan didn't stand back up either, watching Leehan from the close distance. 

Leehan kept his eyes down, the heat increasing. For reasons he couldn't understand he did not dare to bring himself to look up. It wasn't necessarily fear, but-

Jaehyun began to gag snapping the two out. Leehan took a step back, Taesan straightened up, and the moment was gone. 

They both turned to Jaehyun who was smiling sweetly. 

Leehan picked his bag back up and walked off, leaving Taesan to follow.

"Hey...what about...me?"

"As long as you stay quiet it will all work out."

-

Sungho readied himself for the pair of guests at his door. He held his baseball bat in hand, the nails hammered onto it glimmering dangerously. 

He was supposed to get some rest after days of being on his guard and preparing his hideout. Except today of all days he needed to have unwelcome guests.

He was ready to welcome whoever they were.

He didn't expect his guests to knock on the door.

Confused, he walked closer just in time to hear the ongoing conversation. 

"What do you mean just walk in? You think it's more human to walk in?" 

...

"Don't look at me like that, you know I'm right. You know you knocked on my door too the first time we met so-

Sungho opened the door to two boys. One holding a large fish tank and the other a large backpack. The two stared at him with wide eyes, clearly not expecting to open the door.

He crossed his arms, eyeing them. "Identify yourselves."

The one who had been talking, smiled at him. It was youthful and Sungho felt his heart warm at the grin. 

"I'm Leehan! And this is my travel buddy Taesan."

Taesan, who was covered from head to toe bowed at Sungho. 

Weird.

Sungho corrected his grip on the baseball bat while staring at Taesan. Leehan seemed to have caught on and intercepted smoothly. Getting between them like it was a daily scenario.

"Don't mind his weird get up, he thinks that's the ultimate defense against zombie bites."

Sungho was left speechless unsure of an answer. It was truly a smart idea.

"...He thinks that?"

"Yep, he's pretty smart like that."

Sungho hummed, eyeing Taesan for a few more seconds but looking away. "What brings you here?"

"We're trying to leave this town," Leehan spoke up as Taesan looked around. "We want to stay here for the night."

Sungho hummed again in thought.

Finally he stepped aside to the let the two of them in. Sure they had strange quirks, but in a literal apocalypse people would do anything to cope and survive. Plus, they knocked before entering.

The two of them walked in.

They were only a few steps in when Sungho stopped them, "wait."

They froze, so silent one could hear a pin drop.

"What the hell is that on your bag?"

Slowly, Leehan turned around to face Sungho. With the nonchalance of a basketball player doing a free throw he answered,

"A keychain."

"Pardon?"

"It's my keychain, why?"

"No, I- it's-" horribly ugly, Sungho thought but kept quiet. With a sigh he waved them off, informing them to choose a room wherever. He needed a nap.

-

Leehan collapsed to the ground as soon as they chose a room, along with Taesan whose shoulders obviously sagged with relief. 

The most important part of their plan has been flawlessly completed.

The two shared a smile before Leehan remembered Jaehyun who hadnt said a word. Thinking that the body-less head was upset he grabbed his bag and turned it around.

To his surprise Jaehyun didn't look mad at all. Intead his eyes were concetrated on the door, wider and thrumming faster. He had a delirious smile on his face and Leehan could swear there was drool on the corner of his mouth.

"Uh, Jaehyun?"

Suddenly his bag was gone from his arms, now in Taesan's hold. Taesan was looking down at him and if Leehan was a genius at deciphering the zombie's emotions then he would've believed Taesan was nervous.

"You should...ask Sungho....about the....situation."

Alas, he was not so he could only leave the room to find the other human.

-

As soon as Leehan closed the door Taesan turned towards Jaehyun. The dazed head did not even notice his vicious glare, still smiling to himself. It was a look that Taesan recognized, the starvation. The desire.

"What do you....think you're...doing!?" Taesan whisper-yelled, shaking the bag to get Jaehyun's attention.

It worked, Jaehyun slid his eyes towards Taesan with the same creepy grin. "Dude...I finally...get you."

"You fucking...don't" Taesan argued back. Jaehyun hadn't even spoken to Sungho once, Sungho didn't even know he existed. They were nothing like him and Leehan. Not alike at all.

Jaehyun continued to swoon, the veins along his eyes becoming more pronounced. Taesan was glad Jaehyun lacked mobility. 

"You need...to take me...to him."

"You're...a keychain."

"And he's...my key...Taesan...please-"

Taesan rolled his eyes and looked away from the oversized keychain who had switched to begging him to wipe the drool on his face.

He looked around the room, hoping for a weapon of sorts. It was awfully bare, not the best place to hide in case of-

"ZOMBIES"

Taesan heard it before he smelled it. Sungho's high pitched scream echoed through the house.

"Leehan"

"Sungho"

He grabbed Jaehyun and sped out of the room, ripping a strand of his hair. Jaehyun screamed, holding  back from cursing due to the emergency. He'll have to curse Taesan out later.

Taesan went to the railing to find Leehan and Sungho back to back, each holding their own weapon as they are surrounded by zombies trying to break in. Sungho's boarding skills were top tier from the way the zombies struggled to rip off the boards even with their inhuman strength.

"Leehan!" Taesan called out in a panic. The ladle in Leehan's hand was shaking but his eyes stayed steadfastly on the window in front of him.

Taesan speedwalked down the stairs, Jaehyun still in hand. 

He wasn't even halfway down when a window broke and multiple zombies came forward. Sungho ran forward, swinging his baseball bat with a force of ten men.

Taesan and Jaehyun watched as he took down all three zombies in one hit. He could feel Jaehyun's drool on his hand again. 

By the time the two were down most zombies had broken in. Sungho was effectively taking down multiple in one hit.

Leehan was doing relatively well too, his kicks high as he slammed his foot into zombie's head. Unexpected of the boy who refused to carry even his fish tank.

Taesan made his way to Leehan, kicking and punching zombies. Sungho threw him a thumbs up when one of the zombies went flying backwards.

He pushed a zombie right behind Leehan before grabbing him by the waist and moving him sideways. Leehan wrapped one arm around his neck, his other arm raised his ladle and brought it down on one zombie's head. 

"Not...bad."

"Thanks."

Taesan moved away from Leehan, handing him Jaehyun while punching an incoming zombie at the same time. He then to the duo, "take Sungho...with you...and hide."

"What about you?"

Taesan couldn't help but smile at Leehan's worried tone, "I'll be fine...promise."

They stared at each other for a split second before nodding and turning away. Leehan grabbed a confused Sungho and dragged him away as Taesan stood in the middle unmoving.

"Wh- whu... Leehan?" Sungho stammered as the dark haired boy continued to drag him upstairs. They crouched down behind the large railings, peeking up to watch.

"It's fine," Leehan spoke in a firm voice, "I trust Taesan."

If Sungho noticed the worry seeping through Leehan's words then he didn't mention it. He too looked from the railings, wanting to see Taesan in action.

The zombies seemed to recognize him as one of their own, but the strong scent of humans on him made them wary. They were kind enough to hesitate but completely turned against him once Taesan attacked them.

They speedwalked around him, roaring and growling with mock insults. Taeaan delivered back alike with sneers and snarls. Leehan was still in the house, trusting him and waiting for him. He needed to protect the boy, no matter what.

A female zombie with long, decorated nails slashed his arms, successfully ripping a bit of skin. Taesan grabbed her hands and broke her nails, running off as she fell to the ground wailing. 

They may have an advantage in numbers, but the zombies began to realize Taesan had the upper hand. He could take down four or five of them within seconds, bringing down their numbers in minutes. 

Understanding this fact, most of them started to retreat. Lesser and lesser zombies filled the room and Leehan and the others felt a glimmer of hope and victory.

"Damn your friend's good!" Sungho whistled.

Leehan could barely hear him. He could barely feel the way Jaehyun shook in his hands. He was far too focused on Taesan, his heart on a rollercoaster going up and down with worry and thrill.

Just as he let himself calm down,  Taesan let out a loud roar. His rollercoaster heart fell to his stomach as he jumped up from his hiding spot.

"Taesan?"

Taesan was kneeling on the ground, holding his head. The few zombies left were standing over him, more confused than smug. He was trembling, visible even from where Leehan was standing.

Something was wrong.

He pushed Jaehyun into Sungho's hands, ignoring the boy's utter disgust as he dashed off with his ladle.

He reached just in time to one of them reaching out to Taesan. He swung his ladle and hit them square in the face. 

Leehan crouched down and pulled Taesan towards him, leveling the zombies with a glare that could challenge the devil. "Don't touch him."

Perhaps it was due to the exhaustion and hopelessness Taesan had given them, now paired with the unpredictable fear of what Leehan could do, the zombies actually began to back off. They looked back once in a while, only to be faced with Leehan's piercing glare. 

Once they had all disappeared Leehan relaxed a little. He reached out for Taesan's scarf and pulled it down, lifting the zombie boy's chin to look at his face.

Taesan looked paler than normal, breathing heavy and unsteady. There were veins protruding from his eyes, pulsing even more rapid than usual.  Leehan couldn't help but touch his cheeks with careful hands. He leaned in and whispered, "it's okay now."

Almost immediately, Taesan flopped forward onto Leehan's shoulder. His arms weakly wrapped around the boy's thin frame. Leehan heard the softest whisper against his ear,

"thank you."

Leehan was about hug back when he heard a scandalized gasp making him freeze. They looked over at the railing to see Sungho with wide eyes, still holding onto Jaehyun tightly. 

He looked terrified, pointing at Taesan. "Z-z-z-z...zombie!?"

...

"Let us...explain," Jaehyun spoke up from his arms, forgetting his original position in their story.

There is a beat of silence and then Sungho passes out.

-

Sungho wakes up on a bed.

He stares at the ceiling with wide eyes, thinking about the strange dream he had. It has been days since he's slept, to the point that this one nap had completely rewired his mind. 

It didn't matter, that was the best sleep of his life.

He sits up to see a head on a chair staring at him and all his delusions are shattered.

"Please don't...pass out...again," he hears a meek voice before he could scream. He stops, both in shock and intrigue. 

The head, the so-called keychain was looking at him with wide and wet eyes. It would have reminded Sungho of a puppy if they weren't so eerily dilated. 

Seeing that Sungho was not going to scream the head brightened a little, continuing to speak.

"Leehan said...I should explain...everything...and to...apologize...and all that. He and...Taesan will...come too but...they're uh...talking out...some stuff-"

"Taesan," Sungho cut him off. "Where are they!?"

"Relax! Let me...explain!" Jaehyun hurried to start from the beginning.

-

The silence in the bathroom was unbearably awkward.

Leehan was kneeling on the floor bandaging Taesan's wound. His unskilled hands fumbled around, the silence unnerving him further. 

Still, he didn't know what to say after that display of affection earlier. The way Taesan hugged him was still replaying in his mind.

He waited for Taesan to talk not knowing that the boy was...

Absolutely losing it.

He has been so hungry for so long. Starving for the slightest hint of touch, to feel Leehan on him. Now that he has it, it felt nauseating.

After not having been fed for so long, to feel full so suddenly felt wrong. Like Taesan was going to be forced to vomit it out any moment. His skin tingled everytime Leehan's warm hands touched him, burning him. Caring for him. 

He is not used to the feeling, after being empty for this long. He wants to run away but he also didn't. Leehan's touches were far too fleeting, leaving him before he could enjoy the taste. He wanted to devour, he wanted-

"More."

The awkward silence in the bathroom increased by tenfold.

Leehan's hands shook, confused and embarrassed. He kept his hands on Taesan's banadaged arm, unsure of what the zombie meant. 

"More...what?"

Taesan, through his hardened grey skin of nonchalance, still managed to look extremely embarrassed. He had his face hidden in his kees, trying pull his arm away from Leehan's gentle grasp. 

"...Sorry" he murmured silently. He sounded so heartbroken. Leehan grabbed his face.

He pulled Taesan closer, looking at him in the eyes.

"What do you want?"

Taesan's eyes shook, desire and reality conflicting one another. Finally he gulped and answered, "...You."

"Then I'm yours."

Leehan sounded so firm and decisive, as if there was nothing absurd or wrong about them being together. As if this was how the story was supposed to go all along. 

"But...I'm..."

"It doesn't matter."

"People will..." 

"Who cares about them?"

"We can't..."

"We'll figure it out. Together."

Together.

If Leehan believed that even as a human, he could love a zombie, then who was Taesan to doubt him? 

All Taesan could do was melt into his touch, hoping for the very best as well.

-

"What the fuck!?" Sungo whispered from where he was crouching, Jaehyun in his arms as they both listened in on the other two.

"I've been...dealing with that....for days"

"Yeah you know what, sounds awful"

"It was."

Sungho walked back to his room leaving the duo in their embrace. 

He placed Jaehyun on a chair and fell back onto the bed. 

Watching Sungho for a while Jaehyun finally spoke up, "do you...think it's...weird?"

"A little," Sungho admitted. He turned towards Jaehyun with shiny eyes. "You don't?"

"I did..."

Sungho hummed, "but it's not really weird, is it?"

"Not...really...it's just...love."

"Yeah," Sungho whispered, more to himself. "It really is just love."

Whether it's a monster or a human, they all had a soul who wanted to be loved. And who doesn't deserve love?

Taesan may be a zombie, and Leehan may be a human, but it is their souls that they fell in love with.

With such pure, honest love it is believed they can get through anything. As long as they are full they will have the energy to conquer anything.

As long as they have love.