CHAPTER 18

Location: Gas station. Gunfire echoed through the surroundings, stirring the undead from their daze. Slowly, they began to shuffle toward the source of the sound.

"Arghhh! Blood! It hurts! It hurts!" The man clutched his shoulder where the bullet had torn through him, rolling on the ground in agony, his screams piercing the air.

"How dare you! How dare you touch me like that!" Rei snarled, her eyes burning with fury. She lifted her leg, ready to kick him, but Takashi grabbed her arm, stopping her.

"Stop it, Rei! It's a waste of time." His voice was firm as he started the engine of the bike, waiting for her to climb on.

"But—"

"We need to go. That noise we made was too loud." Takashi gestured toward the undead that were already closing in, their vacant eyes locked on the pair.

Rei turned, finally noticing the approaching horde. Panic flashed across her face as the man on the ground began to plead.

"Wait! Don't leave me here! Help me!" he cried, his voice desperate, but all he got in return was the cold, unforgiving stares from both Takashi and Rei.

Without a word, Takashi revved the bike and they sped off, weaving through the encroaching undead. Behind them, the man's screams were abruptly cut off as the zombies descended upon him, tearing into his flesh without mercy.

As they rode, Takashi felt something warm and wet against his back. He realized it was Rei, quietly crying, her body trembling. He didn't know what to say—how could he comfort her after what just happened?

(Hisashi would know what to say... damn it, why am I thinking of him right now? Rei is my girl, not his!) Takashi thought bitterly, trying to push the idea away.

"We should find somewhere safe to rest," he said, trying to change the subject. "We'll head east again tomorrow."

In the distance, a small house stood, isolated from the city. It seemed untouched by the chaos, a perfect place to stay hidden for the night. As they approached, Takashi carefully checked the perimeter. No signs of blood or struggle. Maybe the owners weren't home when the outbreak started.

Inside, the house was simple, with two bedrooms and a living room that connected to the kitchen. Takashi immediately headed for the kitchen, searching for anything that could give them strength to keep moving.

"Ah! Lucky us—tonight's dinner is bottled water and cup ramen," Takashi called to Rei, holding up the meager supplies.

"That's it?" Rei sighed, but her stomach growled in response.

"Looks like whoever lived here didn't stay home much. See all those pictures? They're from all over the world." Takashi gestured toward the framed photos scattered around the living room.

"Sigh, better than nothing. I'm starving," Rei muttered, already boiling water to prepare the ramen.

They ate in silence, the weight of the day's events hanging heavily over them. Neither knew what to say, the tension between them palpable.

"After this, you should take a shower. Your clothes are—" Takashi began.

"I know. You don't need to tell me!" Rei snapped, gulping down the rest of her ramen. She slammed her cup on the table and stormed off toward the bedroom.

Takashi frowned, confused by her sudden outburst. (What's her problem?) he wondered, watching her retreat. He decided to let it go and took a quick shower himself, returning to the living room in fresh clothes.

As he sat down, drying his hair, he noticed something off. Rei had been in the bathroom for a long time. (She's late.)

Concern gnawed at him. He stood and approached the bedroom, his heart pounding. "Rei, are you done yet?" he called, but there was no answer. He hesitated, hearing the water still running.

"Rei?" He knocked, then pushed the door open a crack. His face turned bright red as he realized she was still in the bath. (No, no, now's not the time to peep! Do you want to get killed, idiot?)

But his worry outweighed his embarrassment. He forced the door open. "Rei, I'm coming in!"

Inside the bathroom, he saw her—sitting in the tub, lifeless. His heart dropped. "Rei!" He rushed forward and pulled her out of the water.

To his relief, she wasn't hurt, just emotionally drained. She clung to him, tears streaming down her face. "Takashi... what am I supposed to do? I've scrubbed and scrubbed, but I can still feel his touch. I feel dirty... disgusting."

Takashi held her close as she sobbed against him, her words breaking his heart. "I feel like throwing up... I'd rather just die—"

Before she could finish, Takashi pressed his lips against hers, silencing her. The kiss was filled with desperation, both of them seeking solace in each other's arms. Rei's tears mixed with the kiss, but she kissed him back, her grip on him tightening.

He carried her out of the bathroom and gently laid her on the bed. "Don't say that," he whispered, his voice shaking.

"Takashi?" Rei looked up at him, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Please, Rei... don't say things like that." His eyes, filled with sincerity, locked with hers. She was stunned by the intensity of his gaze.

"Takashi... I love you," she whispered, her voice soft but certain. She reached up, touching his cheek.

Takashi's eyes widened for a moment before softening. "I love you too, Rei. I always have, ever since we were kids."

Their lips met again, this time slower, more deliberate, as they lost themselves in each other. The night continued, their passion a brief escape from the horrors outside, as they clung to one another, shutting out the madness of the world for just a little while longer.