Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The town is peaceful like always.

That's what Jinwoo thought almost everyday.

The calmness being inside the town while doing his job as a teacher, everything is perfect to him. He doesn't have to deal with the maggots or suffering from the lack of supplies.

He wants to live here forever.

Especially when he have someone he likes here.

Badump, badump

"Hey Guwon.."

He found himself wanting to get closer to Guwon. After Guwon helping him with his heat, Jinwoo tends to get himself clingier to Guwon than he expected.

"... may I ask you some--"

"Boss!! Can you come over here for a minute?"

Guwon glances at Jinwoo who seems want to say something but Jinwoo shakes his head.

"Nothing. I suddenly have stuff to do. See you later." Jinwoo immediately leaving Guwon there with some of the townspeople there, including Sungtaek and Jaejoon.

They seem to be in a serious discussion.

It makes him feel unease.

Why though?

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"That's a cute elephant you draw there, Woojun." Jinwoo says with a smile on his face, watching the three kids colouring their drawings.

The sky is pretty blue today. He can see it from the window of the library. Woojun suddenly coughs so loud and it startled Jinwoo.

"Are you okay, Woojun?" Jinwoo rushes to Woojun's side and rubs his back several times. He grabs the nearest water bottle and hands it to Woojun. "Drink this. If you don't feel so good you can rest. I will send you home after this."

"Thanks Mr. Heo..." Woojun wears his mask back after drinking the water. Jinwoo notices Woojun frequently getting sick and it's worrying him.

He guesses Woojun probably have a weak antibodi and it doesn't help since he can't get a proper medical treatment. He believes Woojun can endure it since he's such a strong kid.

"Okay everyone, now the drawings all done, let's move on to the next class." Jinwoo says, standing up from his sitting.

"Mr. Heo, you smell sweeter than usual." Suddenly Soo-Ah points out when they're walking outside the library for the next class, which is P.E. "I said that because you're sitting beside me earlier."

Jinwoo blinks his eyes at the random questions. "Do I?" he seriously doesn't know. These kids got a sharp nose.

"Yeah..! It makes me want to have a pudina candy right now." Soo-Ha says with a wide smile. The kid having sweet tooth for some candies.

"Im sure the store manager have some." Jinwoo mumbles under his breath. He wonders if he actually is pregnant since Soo- Ah brought up the fact his pheromones getting stronger.

Maybe it's just his feelings because he didn't feel any changes, no, he denies it. He literally wants to cling to Guwon all the time and getting defensive when someone accidentally startled him.

He also nesting again after 2 months of his heat for a quite of time.

And his heat didn't come for 2 months should be enough to tell.

Jinwoo takes a deep breath.

"What you guys want to play today?"

"Hide and seek!!"

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"Jinwoo, your scents is getting stronger." Gyeongha grimaces at him as Jinwoo arrives at the infirmary.

"You're the second person told me that." Jinwoo laughs it off awkwardly.

"Who's the first?"

"Soo-Ah."

"Oh." Gyeongha then continues whatever she's doing right now.

"Where's Jicheol?"

"In the toilet."

Silent again. Jinwoo sits down on a chair and letting out a sigh.

"Jinwoo, I'm sure you're not dumb. You know what's actually happen when your scents are getting sweeter right?" Gyeongha continues without looking at him.

"I know.." Jinwoo murmurs, staring at the floor, twirling his fingers nervously. "I do know."

"You also didn't get your heat for months right?" Gyeongha asks again to make sure.

Jinwoo nods.

Gyeongha sighs. She puts a glass of water on the table in front of Jinwoo.

"Then... That's it. You're pregnant." Gyeongha blurts that out. Jinwoo doesn't seem fazed, suprised or shocked. He keeps a straight face, but his heart pounding hard.

Jinwoo lifts his face to look at Gyeongha serious expression.

Before he could say anything, Jicheol appears and walks to them. "Hey, everything alright? Oh, hi, Jinwoo."

"Jicheol, I--"

"He's pregnant." Gyeongha cuts Jinwoo's words off. Jicheol blinks his eyes.

"Wait, already?"

Gyeongha nods. "Can't you smell that his pheromones literally getting thicker? He didn't went through heat for months too."

Jicheol nods before he smiles. "Congratulations Jinwoo. Im sure you're thrilled about the news."

"Ah about that.." Jinwoo smiles back. "I don't know.. Should I tell Guwon though? I haven't told him."

Jicheol and Gyeongha look at each other before returning to Jinwoo. Gyeongha have a clear disgust on her face while Jicheol's expression is normal.

"You for sure need to tell him. But I rarely see him around, he's so busy lately. I wonder what's up." Jicheol raises his eyebrow as he remembers how packed Guwon's schedule nowadays.

"Yeah, he usually have his ass walking around the town like a damn dog." Gyeongha sputters her words, rolling her eyes and resuming her works.

Jinwoo silents. "I see. I will tell him once he's free then. Thank you."

"Congrats again, and take care of yourself more. You got a new life to care for." Jicheol pats his head with a grin. Jinwoo nods and excusing himself to leave.

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It's already three days after Jinwoo found out he's pregnant. And he still didn't get to tell Guwon.

He wonders what is actually happening to make Guwon busier these days.

He comforts himself by building a nest for a day and went to do his job like usual.

Today, after teaching in the library, he found himself cuddling with the kids. They said they love his pheromones and it reassuring them, especially Woojun who already fall asleep in his arms.

It's cute since at first he was so shy to ask for a cuddle and confessing he really loves Jinwoo's pheromones. Then the twins follow him right after to get a cuddle as well.

They have no idea why his scents is getting powdery than usual. He probably will tell them later.

"I can't move because they're all sleeping on me." Jinwoo lets out a silent chuckle when he realises he's trapped with the kids napping so close to him.

Soon later, Jinwoo also finds himself taking a nap with the kids.

Fortunately the kids wake him up because it's near 2 pm and that's the time the class ended.

A week passed after that.
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"Jinwoo."

"Heo Jinwoo."

He hears several steps approaching him, who's on the bed, opening his eyes to the sight of townspeople surrounding him.

Gyeongha and Jicheol in front of him. They look.. Angry? Disappointed? He can't tell.

They're bleeding in the head too.

"This is all your fault."

They all say to his face.

"Because of you, we all died at the end."

Jinwoo opens his eyes again.

It was a nightmare. He sighs heavily, holding his head while taking a deep breath.

"I keep having these nightmares. What does that even mean.."

During class, he notices Woojun isn't here with them.

"Eh? Where's Woojun?" Jinwoo asks the twins.

"He's sick again and need to rest at home. Don't worry, uncle took a great care of him..!" Soo-Ah reassures Jinwoo with a thumbs up. "He always fall in sick but he will bounce back to usual."

"I see. I will go pay him a visit after class, then." Jinwoo carries the box while the twins follow him by his side. He notices Woojun's temperature a bit warmer yesterday when they're cuddling.

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At Kang Seok-Won house, it's already night and he just finishes putting Woojun on bed after giving him medicine.

He worries about his son's fever that always back after he recovered for some time. He didn't know what should he do. The medicines Woojun depends on decreasing because he eats it two times a day.

He checks the twins bedroom and it seems like they already fall asleep too. Their colour pencils and drawings on the table makes him smile a bit. Suddenly someone knock on his door.

Mr. Kang's heartbeat going so fast as he immediately hides the medicines under the couch. He wonders who is it knocking on the door at this time.

"Hello? It's Mr. Heo."

Oh? Mr. Heo. Woojun's teacher.

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After having words with Mr. Kang, Jinwoo tries to forget how weird Mr. Kang acted earlier when he wants to see Woojun's condition. He didn't mind it though, maybe Mr. Kang didn't want Woojun to feel overwhelmed with people coming over.

He then walks to Guwon's house which is at the top. It's killing his legs everytime he climbs there. Especially knowing he's pregnant now, it's even make him more exhausted.

When he was teaching at library, Guwon passes by and telling Jinwoo to come to his house because he finally have a free time to continue his tutoring session with Jinwoo.

Guwon looks tired. He was laying on the couch, having his arms rest on his head.

"Guwon.. Are you okay? You seem tired." Jinwoo asks the moment he steps inside Guwon's house. He then sits on the floor, and stares at Guwon's figure laying.

"Im okay, Teach. Don't worry." he says as he sits up. "Im just tired from the issues Im trying to solve right now."

"What issue?" Jinwoo asks curiosly.

"Well, it's fine if you don't know, Teach." Guwon grins as he leans against the couch. "How about we continue our lesson?"

"Sure." Jinwoo says. "But if you're tired, you can take a nap, you know?"

"Yeah, but I will take a nap after the lesson though."

"Okay then."

Jinwoo forgot to tell Guwon about his pregnancy during the lesson.

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Two days later, after the lesson, both of them kissing on the couch. Guwon hands on Jinwoo's waist, gripping it while enjoying the kiss.

Jinwoo breaks the kiss and looks at Guwon. His face flushes red from the intensity of the kiss and his heart beating fast.

Guwon said the necklace brings the meaning of Jinwoo as his one and only in this world. Who wouldn't be happy at the statement? Jinwoo feels like his heart going to burst from excitement.

"What do you want to tell me, anyways, Teach?" Now Guwon is asking him. He didn't elaborate much on him saying Jinwoo is his one and only.

"Oh, Guwon, actually I--"

THUD! THUD! A loud knock on Guwon's door.

"BOSS!! WE FINALLY CAUGHT THE RAT!"

"A rat..?" Jinwoo's shoulders slumped hearing that. Meanwhile Guwon's expression changes 180° and begins to get off from the couch.

"Where are you going, Guwon?" Jinwoo asks when he just realizes Guwon standing up. He feels disappointed because he didn't get the chance to tell Guwon the news and he wants to spend time with him.

"I already knew this is happening. Let's go, Teach. There will be a trial."

A trial?

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It's so dark outside. It will be raining in any time now.

Jinwoo touches his stomach for a bit, feeling something is wrong. He was asked to stand within the other crowds by Sungtaek. Then, he sees Jaejoon comes closer to talk to Guwon. He couldn't hear their conversations though.

A baseball bat? He questions when Sungtaek gives the baseball bat to Guwon. He startled when he suddenly hears Mr. Kang's pleading voice. His eyes widened seeing the older man was tied up with ropes and forced to be on his knees.

"Please forgive me.. I wouldn't do it again.. Please, I did this for Woojun, if Im gone, who's going to take care of him..?" Mr. Kang begs and crying.

"Mr. Kang?!!" Jinwoo steps further to get to him, but Sungtaek is so fast blocking him. "You're new here. Watch and learn."

"What?" Jinwoo side eyeing Sungtaek. But that man doesn't say anything further, completely ignoring him.

Guwon sits while having a smug smile on his face. Jinwoo couldn't understand this at all.

Jaejoon begins to talk with the megaphone, elaborating on the medicines supply that has been running so low, specialised to the Hounds who's been working to their bones to get the supplies.

There's one of the townspeople before also broke the rules. And since Mr. Kang breaks the law, which is stealing the medicines, Jaejoon decides the punishment will be death.

Jinwoo's eyes widened.

Death?

Over stealing the medicines for his sick son?

What.

"Wait.. Guwon! This doesn't make sense at all! He stole the medicines for his son! What kind of father wants to see his kid in pain all the time?!" Jinwoo voices out his thinking to Guwon. He doesn't want to believe that Guwon is okay with this.

He wants to change his mind.

"Calm down, Teach... This is a part of a trial."

Guwon's calm voice replying to Jinwoo's concern.

"A part of trial...?" Jinwoo mumbles the words back.

"Okay, we will start the voting system now. Anyone who agrees that Mr. Kang deserves to be punished, raise your hands. And if you don't, keep your hands down. The voting is begin now!"

Jinwoo sighs in relief. There's a voting system! There's no way people will agree to kill off Mr. Kang just for the minor mistake.

But, his hope doesn't last long.

Everyone raises their hands except him.

Everyone is agreeing to kill Mr. Kang.

And so is that. Guwon stands up and approaches Mr. Kang.

He's saying he deserves to be punished first for being so careless and soft with them, by hitting himself on his head with that bat. Three times till he bleeds.

He's... Insane.

"If only I was stricter with all of you..." He begins to raise the bat in the air. Mr. Kang's sobs and pleading is blocked by the rain that begins to pour down to earth.

"Im glad everyone chose the right thing. Thank you for everything you have done for this town." Guwon says, as if sending Mr. Kang his condolences, before smashing the older man's head brutally with the same bat.

Jinwoo didn't get to react. His eyes are so empty watching what just happened. He gets nauseous and suddenly feeling dizzy. He can't believe it. The supposed father of their future child, is killing someone's father without a pinch of mercy.

He feels so sick. Without thinking, he chases Guwon from behind and slaps him. But then, he fainted and falls on the ground.

Jinwoo panic and calls out his name, but then Jicheol arrives with other townspeople and they bring Guwon to infirmary to treat his wounds.

Seeing how devastated he look, Jicheol asks Jinwoo to go on a walk while he's explaining. He understands Jinwoo must be so shock at the situation because it's he's still new there.

Not even one bother to tell him before.

He answers Jinwoo questions, saying they're so afraid to cross Guwon, and agreeing to Guwon blindly no matter what he did.

Jinwoo found out Jicheol's whole family got killed brutally by Guwon too.

Many people living in the town actually was trapped and because of the need to survive, they have no choice but staying here.

This town... Is actually hell.

Jinwoo clutches on his shirt, his face turns pale. Jicheol pats his back to calm him down.

"Don't stress too much. You will hurt yourself and the baby." Jicheol says quietly. Jinwoo glances at him and nods slightly.

"Does he already know?"

"No.. I didn't get the chance to tell him."

Jicheol sighs. "Are you even planning to tell him at all?"

"After witnessing Mr. Kang's death, I don't think I want to tell him anymore." Jinwoo answers as he takes a deep breath. Jicheol stares at him and holding Jinwoo's hands.

"It's okay. It's your choice. Just, I need a bit of help from you Jinwoo."

"What is it?"

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Jinwoo takes off the necklace from his neck. He gazes through the ring that was meant as Guwon's one and only.

He feels horrible. He feels so disgusted and nauseous to the point he almost throwing up.

He grips the ring and sobs quietly.

Him always being by Guwon's side, who directly hurting the people here, makes him feel terrible.

Guwon opens his eyes to the sight of Jinwoo's silent crying. He tries to comfort him, even though Jinwoo seem trembling from trial. He hopes he didn't hurt Jinwoo by doing what he should did as the leader of the town.

To his suprise, Jinwoo asks his permission to allow them use medicines for Woojun. For sure, Guwon didn't allow them to. The supplies of medicines is running low, and it's only for the Hounds and emergency that costs lives.

Woojun is just having a slight fever, it's not like he's dying. His eyes widened when Jinwoo says he's insane. Insane?

Jinwoo did not hesitate to tell him his way is wrong,even though his face starts to turn pale. Jinwoo is teaching him what's wrong and right.

He couldn't help but feel relief and hugs Jinwoo.

Jinwoo stunned.

"And yes, I allow you to use some of the medicines for Woojun." Guwon says again, nuzzles against Jinwoo's neck, inhaling the soft and powdery scent that was never like that before.

"You smell so sweet.. Oh yes, Teach, what did you want to tell me earlier? Ive been dying to know." Guwon murmurs, kissing Jinwoo's cheek softly.

Jinwoo swallows his saliva hard. Why Guwon acts so normal despite what happened earlier? Does he even have regards for humans life?

"Nothing.. I have nothing to tell you." Jinwoo lied. Guwon tilts his head before noticing the necklace on the table.

Guwon thought Jinwoo hates to wear the necklace because it's a bit of hustle. To his solution, he slips the ring to Jinwoo's ring finger, and whispering some words that he will be wearing the same ring so they will match.

Jinwoo is still trembling despite how sweet Guwon's words are for him.

He can't be here anymore.

He lost his love for Guwon.

He needs to leave.

Immediately.

Jinwoo is so stressed out from Mr. Kang's death and Guwon. He feels fatigue all the time. He tries to eat but nothing he can swallow. All he did afterwards is throwing up in the toilet.

Even so, he still eats. Not for himself. For his undeveloped baby in him.

He couldn't sleep. It's already 3 am and he keeps changing his sleep position on bed. He shakes his head while shutting his eyes close.

He's so scared.

He's afraid of Guwon now.

If he can kill someone who's been so much longer contributing to the town, there's a chance where Jinwoo, the new guy in the town, will get killed by Guwon himself over a mistake that everyone call as breaking the law.

He doesn't want the child grows up in this dictatorship place.

He needs to do something.

"Jicheol.. I want to leave this town. I couldn't stay here anymore. Help me escape, please."

Chapter Text

"Jicheol.. I want to leave this town. I couldn't stay here anymore. Help me escape, please."

Jicheol was too stunned to speak. The moment Jinwoo comes in, he stands up to greet him like the usual, but, seeing how stressed Jinwoo looks, making his words fall silent.

"What are you saying, Jinwoo? Calm down. You're not in the right mind." Jicheol pulls Jinwoo to the couch, making sure the younger man sits down first.

"What possessed you to say these things?" Jicheol takes a look at Jinwoo's face. His eyes swollen and there's a dark circle under his eyes as well, which means he didn't get enough sleep.

Jinwoo shakes his head. "I want to leave. As soon as possible." He repeats the words again.

"Are you nuts? The outside of town is dangerous. The maggots are harmless, yes, but there are other potential of dangers. You're safer here. In this town. With me and Gyeongha." Jicheol turns Jinwoo's face towards him.

Jicheol lets out a sigh. "What happened..? Why you really want to leave? Is it because of Guwon?" Jicheol asks slowly, still no reaction from Jinwoo.

It's painful to swallow his saliva. "... Yes.." he answers quietly.

"Even so.. You can't leave. Not with a baby inside you." Jicheol tries to persuade him into staying. He's going to be worried sick if Jinwoo determined to leave this town.

Stillwater Town.

The name given by Jinwoo himself.

"You literally saw how Guwon killed Mr. Kang right? If he can kill someone who's been here for a long time, what about me, who's only been here for months? He can kill me easily if I accidentally make the same mistake as Mr. Kang." Jinwoo blurts out his words. His voice tense.

"And all the townspeople.. Including you and Gyeongha, surely will vote to kill me because you both are afraid to be against Guwon.." Jinwoo continues, his fist clenches on his knees. He knows it's not their faults to blindly agree to follow whatever Guwon please.

He admits, he's a coward for fearing his death.

Jicheol lost his words. He can't deny it. This is the second time someone died from the trial. And he voted two times for that someone to get punished, or killed, to be exact.

"Scratch that, it's just an excuse. Genuinely, Im scared of Guwon. Im afraid of him now. I don't think I can face him normally I would. Just looking at him will make myself wary of him."

"Jinwoo..." Jicheol's voice is soft. "Do you remember when they mentioned the Hounds?" he tries to change the topic.

"Yeah.. What about them?"

In short, Jicheol explains the Hounds. They are the elites. The favourite. Guwon's favourite livestock. The Hounds idolizes Guwon so much till it can be compared to a religious.

They are completely insane, twisted in the head. They're strong as hell. They will follow every order without hesitation. Most of them are Alphas and Betas.

If anything happens to Guwon while he's in town, not even one townspeople will be safe from them.

To be honest, it did send Jinwoo a shiver hearing about the Hounds. The Hounds are murderous, after Jicheol told him the Hounds and Guwon killed Gyeongha's best friend in front of her.

"The Hounds are still outside the town. If you encounter one of them, you are dead. They kill people without mercy." Jicheol says again, his hands hold onto Jinwoo's. "Plus, as long as you're following the rules, you wouldn't be in a trial. Trust me. You just have to live in fear but it's a lot safer, compared to the outside."

Living here and pretending nothing happened? How could he forgot the night Mr. Kang's head got bashed till nothing left? He still remember the festering scent after Guwon done punishing him, blending with the smell of heavy rains.

All because he stole a medicine for his sick son.

It's a nightmare that haunts him today.

The thought of it just makes him nauseous.

Jinwoo looks at Jicheol's face. He knows that older man will try to persuade him into staying till he gives up. Jinwoo doesn't have a heart to keep denying Jicheol's concern, that man just wants the best for him.

With a forced smile, Jinwoo nods. "Fine.. Im not leaving. I will stay here, okay?" Jinwoo says, a slight trembles upon the words, which could only mean one thing.

He is lying.

Jicheol, didn't suspect anything, feels relief and letting out a sigh. "Thank goodness. Im glad you listen to me. Don't worry, as long as you follow the rules, you're safe."

Jinwoo's left eye twitches. His shoulders slumped at the same time he swallows his saliva.

It tastes bitter.
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Jinwoo doesn't want to rush his plan. He wants to leave, yes, but he needs a proper plan and taking time before doing it. Besides, he just can't leave immediately after promising to Jicheol that he will stay.

He did his work like he usually do. Teaching the kids and helping with some town's stuff. And tutoring Guwon at night even though it feels awkward now after knowing his true colours.

Guwon did ask for learning more about sex, but Jinwoo politely declines with an excuse he doesn't feel too good and it may infect Guwon. Fortunately Guwon didn't make a fuss about it.

"I see... Get well soon, Teach. Oh, shouldn't you be resting instead of teaching me?" Guwon's fingers taps the table lightly, looking at Jinwoo with his usual sneaky grin.

"No, no it's okay. Teaching you is not draining my energy somehow." Jinwoo says, organising the books with a slight chuckle.

"Ah.. Just don't push yourself too hard hm. Don't want you to fall sick while we're running out of medicines." Guwon adds, leaning against his chair and stretching his arms.

His words make Jinwoo tenses up for a bit. The word medicine reminds him of Mr. Kang's punishment. His heart beats slightly faster than usual.

"Don't worry.. I recover fast." Jinwoo smiles, trying to suppress his fear in front of Guwon.

"Oh and by the way Teach. I notice your scent getting a lot more sweeter than I remembered." Guwon looks at him, finally remember to ask Jinwoo about that. "Usually your scent smells sharper but this time, it's smell kind of milky? Like a pudina with milk." Guwon rests his cheek on his palm.

Jinwoo's breath hitches at his questions. His scent definitely changing through his pregnancy which Guwon still didn't aware about. But it is actually good that Guwon still oblivious about it.

" Really? Maybe there's some explanation behind it." Jinwoo shrugs it off. "Oh and Guwon, you did this part wrong." Jinwoo quickly to change their conversation topic and shows Guwon his notebook for the question he answered.

Guwon distracted by Jinwoo pointing out his mistake and didn't ask about his scent matters again till the end of the tutor.

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" How are you feeling?"

Gyeongha asks while walking beside Jinwoo. They're both are carrying the boxes full of supplies to the storage. Times gone quickly and it's been 3 weeks since Jinwoo's plan to escape.

"Huh? Uhh.. Great." Jinwoo smiles slightly. Gyeongha raises her eyebrow.

"You seem to have a lot in your mind nowadays." Gyeongha speaks, looking at the front while climbing the stairs first.

Jinwoo just laughs at her statement and following her from behind. She's right. He been thinking to have the easiest way to run away from this place unnoticed. He knows he can leave at midnight, where everyone already fall asleep. Still, it's difficult. He needs to figure out if there's a secret path or door to use. Ain't no way he will climb the wall with his condition like this. Plus there's a risk where the action can draw attention.

"Uhm Gyeongha..." Jinwoo calls out her name after organising the last boxes on the shelf. "Did you ever think to get out from here?"

Gyeongha turns her attention to him. "What? You mean, run away from here? Huh." she scoffs at the question. "Not even once. I might sound crazy but, I still want to survive. Even though I need to face that psychotic's face everyday. This is the only place to have enough supplies and comfort after the apocalypse. Plus I don't have to fight and killing each other here just for a piece of food. I... We didn't have a choice."

Jinwoo falls into a deep silent. "I see. That make sense."

"Why the sudden question?"

"Im just curious what's your answer will be. That's all."

"You make it sounds like you want to run away from here."

"Uh no, Im not."

Gyeongha shrugs her shoulders. "Okay then." She goes silent for seconds before continuing. "Anyways, you can ask Jaejoon to go easy on you and assigning you an easier task to do. Since you're pregnant now.. It's almost 3 months right?" Gyeongha voices out her concern, which makes Jinwoo blinks his eyes.

Gyeongha literally have a soft spot even she doesn't acknowledge it.

"Don't ever think I care about you, I literally don't give a damn worrying about you, okay?!" Gyeongha grunts once she sees Jinwoo's expression. She scoffs, rolling her eyes and walks a bit faster in front of Jinwoo.

"Haha... Sure, sure.. I believe you." Jinwoo says, catching up to her pace.

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Another two weeks passed. And Jinwoo didn't even get any information about a secret door to get out from the town.

This means he's already three months into pregnancy. Even though the baby bump still not showing yet, Jinwoo takes precaution and wears a jacket whenever he's out of his house.

He sighs heavily while carrying his tray of food to a table. He tried to ask Guwon but that man said he doesn't know about it. Or he just doesn't want to tell Jinwoo on the spot.

Jinwoo sits down and begins to take a bite. By then,  Jicheol and Gyeongha approach his table. "Good evening, Jinwoo..!" Jicheol greets him happily, only God knows how much despair that man is and try masking it with a smile.

"Good evening, Jicheol, you too Gyeongha." Jinwoo greets back. Gyeongha just nods and sits beside Jicheol, started eating right away.

Jicheol notices how Jinwoo almost done with his food, and adds some of his food into Jinwoo's tray. "Eat up more. I can't finish all of this so you can have it." Jicheol says, looking at Jinwoo.

Jinwoo smiles at the kind act. "Thanks.." To be honest, he feels hungrier than usual and Jicheol seems to read his mind that he needs more foods than usual.

"Have mine as well." Gyeongha also adds her foods inside his tray. "You need more energy, plus, you still look so pale." Gyeongha mumbles under her breath.

"I appreciate it. Thank you." Jinwoo resumes to eat. His hand trembling slightly while picking up the food to eat. They're so caring about him but then, he's about to leave this town.

"Hey, I have been---"

"Teach..." the husky voice greets Jinwoo from behind. Guwon, looks sneaky as usual, popping beside Jinwoo suddenly. "Are you done eating?"

"Guwon?" Jinwoo turns to face him. Gyeongha and Jicheol already looks uncomfortable but still remains in their seat.

"You eaten a lot of food today. Is the portion too small for you?" Guwon asks, while crossing his arms, looking over at the extra foods given by Gyeongha and Jicheol earlier. "Or your appetite increasing by the time you being here?" Guwon continues with a joking tone.

"Uhh..." Jinwoo chuckles. "Nothing. Jicheol and Gyeongha couldn't finish their food so I volunteered to eat it for them."

"I see..." Guwon nods as if he's understood. "That's such a good example of initiative to not wasting food." Guwon applies the words of initiative for the second time.

He's like a kid. The reaction so adorable it makes Jinwoo almost smiling hearing that.

"Yeah, you get it right."

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Jinwoo puts away the clean tray in a basin after washing them. He freezes while accidentally hearing someone's conversation.

"Hey, is the second door at the back already locked?"

"Not yet, I will talk to Boss about it tomorrow. I totally forgot about it because there's other stuff we need to get it done. The Hounds probably will be back at the end of the week too."

"That early?"

"Yeah. I mean them dogs want to keep being a good boy to Boss, and want to make sure he's safe whatsoever."

"I see. I mean thanks to them we got all the supplies. So can't complain too much."

"Yeah yeah, I know."

Jinwoo keeps himself quiet. A second door? That's mean there's another door to escape. And it's unlocked too!

This is his chance to run before the Hounds come home. The chance in front of him and he needs to grasp it.

"Im so sorry Jicheol. I can't keep my promise to you."

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Jinwoo finally found the second door of the town, which located at the opposite side of the main gate. The second door is used for people to go through, usually for emergency things acquired. Till now, no one use the door yet. And that's the reason why the security head wants to lock it permanently.

The door is unlocked, since it was for emergency. He brings water bottles and some light snacks since that's all he have at his house. At least he have a bag to carry all the stuffs.

He takes a sigh before glancing at Stillwater Town for the last time. It's roughly 3 am and everyone is deep asleep.

Probably Guwon as well.

Jinwoo takes a step, leaving the Stillwater Town to the outside, leaving his comfort zone.

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The outside is so much different than the last time he saw it. How many times have passed since he ever came to this town?

He suddenly gain his conscious once he realises he already walk far away than the town. Did his mind wander off during his runaway?

He stops for a bit and looks around. Everything is a mess. Most tall buildings collapsed to the earth, some houses still standing but it's still destroyed at some parts such as walls or roof.

He drinks the water bottle he took out from the bag, and continues his mission to go as far as he can. He can see some of maggots walk mindlessly but they never attack nor approaching someone.

Jinwoo always wonder, why they didn't attack the humans like the usual stereotypical zombies? Is it because their brain is really dead and can't function?

He rubs his stomach as he actually craving something warm to eat. "Hold on a bit longer. I will make sure to eat in meantime." Jinwoo mutters softly, as if talking to the baby.

He resumes the walking. The environment feel tense and he needs to be alert all the time. There will be danger, no, not the maggots.

It's... The human themselves.

The Hounds story from Jicheol enough to give Jinwoo his first impression about the group. He needs to stay away and avoided any encounter with them.

He stops again to take a breather and rest for several minutes. He feels tired easily, especially when he's not eating anything heavy since last night.

He takes a bite of the corn cracker inside the bag, sighing softly as this is not what he wants. But he can't complain because he's the one who made this choice.

The choice to survive on his own from depending his whole life onto dictatorship leader and system.

A feeling of guilty creeps out when he thinks Guwon saved him before. Give him a shelter to stay and safe from the threat, unknowingly Guwon also one of the said threat.

He shakes his head. "No, no, he also said he will kill me if he found me useless that time. I shouldn't feel bad for leaving him. He probably wouldn't care about me anymore after I left. He can find someone else to be a teacher."
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"Where am I even headed to?"

All Jinwoo hopes is finding a decent shelter he could stay for a while before continuing his journey. But his hope shattered upon stepping to this area, where all destroyed and there's several survivors walking around.

His stomach grumbles again and he shushes it. "I promise we will eat later. Please be patient okay?"

At some point he did regret for running away from the town. If not he probably can stuff himself to the core and have a comfortable place to have the baby.

He's already far away. He can't go back. He determined to keep walking and not giving up. He sure he will survive.

Suddenly, a figure lunges forward and attack Jinwoo with a large piece of sharp wood. Jinwoo startled and manages to avoid the wood from stabbing him.  He begins to sweat as the person in front of him looks absolutely fury.

"Give me everything you have!" The person says. His whole body is trembling, as if trying to suppress his angriness.

"I don't have anything to give to you." Jinwoo answers, before pulling out a knife out of his bag. It's not the first time he got robbed. Even before coming to the town, countless time his father and him almost die from intense robbery.

Humanity is fading out, people didn't care to kill each other as long they're survive and living to see the other day. Hell, even if they die to escape the reality, they will turn to a rotten and ugly maggot and wandering like there's no tomorrow.

Who wants to turn into a maggot anyways? Staying alive the only best option. That's why, they will do literally anything.

Anything. Even it means to sacrifice their humanity value.

The world is going to end.

The person grits his teeth, before lifting his so called weapon to the air and sprints towards Jinwoo.

Without hesitating, Jinwoo grips that man's hand, the one that holds the sharp wood, and twisted it enough to make him drop it.

The man lets out a painful groan, at the same time dropping his weapon. Jinwoo gulps, taking a step back and immediately runs away while the man is distracted with the pain in his hand.

It's all the matter of time till he finds a safe place to hide and keep himself safe from being found by another aggressive attackers.

Or worse, the Hounds.

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Meanwhile in Stillwater Town...

Guwon is doing his usual daily routine, which walking around the town to ensure it's under the control. He whistles while taking a walk and passes by Jinwoo's house.

A naughty smile appears on his face - without thinking he steps inside Jinwoo's house, hoping he already wake up in this lovely morning so Jinwoo spend time with him before the children's class started.

"Teach... Im here." Guwon knocks on his bedroom door, raising his eyebrow when there's no reply.

Maybe Jinwoo still sleeping?

Guwon twists the doorknob to enter but suddenly freezes when someone calls his name from outside of Jinwoo's house.

"Boss!! Can you come here for a bit??!"

Guwon doesn't have a choice except to leave Jinwoo's house.

He can meet him during the night anyways.
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Back to Jinwoo

He lost count at how many times he stumbles upon the maggots, who walks mindlessly to nowhere they know. He wonders if it's a torture for the actual dead, having subconscious part of them still alive but their brain definitely can't function anymore.

He stops for a while, taking a quick rest. He already finish his four water bottles. There's the last bottle of water left.

"How far did I walk to get here...?" A question wanders inside his head. This place doesn't look familiar to him. It looks so strange, maybe because from the disaster doings. On top of that, he confident that he never went here before the apocalypse started.

He takes a look of the surrounding. There's some houses that are still standing but already broken and dirty. He never seen this place before. Is he arriving the rural area?

The environment did gives off the vibes of rural area. Jinwoo steps forward till he find a wooden house.

"No way..." he mutters. His stomach hurts and it makes him stumble slightly. "Ow.." he slowly makes his way to a abandoned looking house and leans against the wall to ease himself.

Jinwoo takes a deep breath and drinks the water to quench his thirst since his throat become dries quickly in this kind of weather.

"What did I even thinking..." Jinwoo mutters by himself again.

A sound of a door opened from inside of the house. "Hey, who are you?" a voice rings out and it makes Jinwoo flinches. A person?

He immediately stands up straight and backs away, when there's a man taller than him, have a stubble beard on his chin, a long dark haired stares coldly at him.

"I ask you again. Who are you and what are you doing here?" The man speaks again. Jinwoo looks at him while didn't give an immediate answer.

"I--"

"Speak now, or I will kill you."