Ryo awoke to the soothing sound of soft laughter and the enticing aroma of breakfast wafting through the air. He stretched his body, his muscles still carrying the tension from the previous night's events. The warmth beside him had faded; Sakura and Aiko were already up and about.
He could hear their gentle voices drifting from the kitchen. With a quiet sigh, he rose from the bed and made his way to the shower. The hot water cascaded over his body, offering a temporary reprieve from the relentless thoughts swirling in his mind. Images of the creeping zombie from the previous night and the muscular zombie he had encountered in town flashed through his thoughts, demanding understanding.
Refreshed after his shower, Ryo quickly dressed and made his way to the kitchen. Sakura and Aiko bustled around, setting the table with a hearty breakfast spread. They greeted him with warm smiles as he took his seat.