Chapter 35

As they entered their hideout, Kai and Kaori dropped their bags on the scarred wooden table in the sitting room, their contents spilling out in a jumble of salvaged goods.

Amidst the chaos of discarded papers and broken tools, they found bandages, painkillers, and other supplies that they had taken from the pharmacy. Many of the bottles were cracked and some of the medicines had expired, requiring careful disposal to prevent contamination.

They also unearthed cans of food that were dented but still seemed edible, as well as some partially spoiled fruit that could be salvaged with careful cleaning and cooking.

Kaori moved to the small kitchen area, where a single burner stove sat on a rusted metal table, and began to sort through the salvageable food. She gingerly opened a can of beans, the lid popping with a faint hiss as she examined the contents. A faint frown creased her brow, but she scooped the beans into a bowl with a resigned air, murmuring, "It'll do for now."

Kai, meanwhile, moved to the window, scanning the street outside with a cautious eye.

In the window's reflection, Kai's face was a mask of weary determination, the lines of his face sharpened by the twilight. He watched as Kaori set about preparing a meager dinner, his thoughts turning to their scavenging expedition. They had found enough supplies to keep them going for a little while longer, but the food was barely fit for consumption and the medicines were limited.

He turned away from the window, moving to the table where Kaori had set out their haul. "We'll need to ration what we have," he said, his voice low and grave. "It won't last us long."

The hardwood tabletop they were seated at had chips and scratches from years of use. A lone candle flickered in the middle, illuminating the area around them with a gentle, wavering glow.

With their shoulders bent over the inadequate distribution of provisions, Kai and Kaori took seats across from one another. With his elbows propped up on the table, Kai was thinking about their predicament while his fingers tapped out a tense cadence.

Kaori, on the other hand, was preoccupied with the food, dividing her thoughts between their talk and the little food.

As the flickering candlelight danced across their faces, Kai and Kaori's conversation turned to the grim reality of their situation.

"We need to find a way to secure more supplies," Kai said, his voice hushed with concern. "But it won't be easy. The city is a dangerous place these days."

Kaori paused from her work, her eyes meeting his across the table. "We could try to scavenge in other neighborhoods," she suggested, her voice tinged with hesitation. "But it would be risky.

Kai nodded, the shadows of the flickering candlelight playing across his features. "We don't have much choice," he said, his voice firm with resolve. "We can't keep going like this, living hand to mouth. If we're going to survive, we have to take some risks."

Kaori was silent for a moment, considering his words. Finally, she nodded, her eyes shadowed by concern. "We'll have to be careful," she said. "We are well aware of the monster out there."

Lifting the dish of beans to his mouth, Kai tentatively took a bite of the tasteless, stale food. But as soon as the food's flavor reached his mouth, he instantly recoiled as a wave of disgust washed over him.

With a raspy tone, he asked Kaori, "How can you eat like that?" His fingers quivered with distaste as he made a gesture toward the bowl. "It tastes like death."

Kaori arched an eyebrow and curled her lips into a witty smile.

"You're the one who smeared yourself in zombie guts," Kaori said, her voice playful yet laced with concern. "The smell must have gotten into the food."

Kai grimaced, his face contorting with distaste as he pushed the bowl away. "I thought it would mask our scent," he said, his voice tight with frustration. "But I didn't realize it would ruin the meal."

Kaori smirked, her expression growing more playful as she leaned forward, her voice taking on a mock-scolding tone. "It's not the food, dummy," she said, her eyes dancing with humor. "It's you. You smell like a rotting corpse."

Kai snorted, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Very funny," he said, rolling his eyes. "I'm glad you're so amused by my sacrifice for the cause."

Kaori grinned, a laugh bubbling up from her throat.

Standing, Kai stretched his arms overhead, his muscles protesting after hours of scavenging. "I'm going to wash up," he said, his voice carrying a hint of resignation. "If I come back smelling like a rose, don't be surprised."

Kaori snorted, her laughter echoing around the small room. "Don't make me laugh too hard," she said, shaking her head. "I don't think anything can erase that smell."

Kai chuckled, his expression softening as he turned towards the bathroom.

As Kai undressed, Kaori couldn't resist stealing a peek at his figure, her gaze wandering over the well-defined contours of his physique.

His body was toned with discipline and training, and his skin had an earthy brown warmth to it. His body was covered in small scars that each served as a tribute to his survival and recounted the tale of a life lived on the brink.

Kai had sharp, angular features, with prominent cheekbones and a powerful jaw. He had deep-set, black eyes that conveyed the gravity and passion of his persona.

Kai's gaze met Kaori's just as he was about to remove his pants, a look of surprise crossing his features as he noticed her staring.

"What are you looking at?" he asked, his voice low and questioning as he cocked his head to the side.

Kaori shrugged, her expression a mask of nonchalance as she tore her gaze away from him. "Nothing I haven't seen before," she replied, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth.

Kai chuckled, his laughter rich and full-bodied as he shook his head in amusement.