Chapter 35: Checking the Haul

After a refreshing shower, Ryo and Sakura felt invigorated. Sakura, wrapped in a towel, headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner, while Ryo dried himself off and put on some comfortable clothes. The smell of sizzling vegetables and the sound of water boiling filled the apartment, creating a sense of normalcy in their otherwise chaotic world.

Ryo joined Sakura in the kitchen, watching her as she moved gracefully from stove to counter, chopping vegetables and stirring pots. "Need any help?" he asked, admiring her concentration.

Sakura looked up with a smile. "No, I've got it. You did all the hard work today. Just relax."

Ryo nodded and took a seat at the small table, feeling a wave of gratitude. Despite everything they had been through, moments like these reminded him of the simple joys of life. Soon, Sakura brought over a steaming plate of stir-fried vegetables with rice and a side of canned soup. They sat down together and began to eat, the warmth of the meal providing comfort.

"This is really good," Ryo said between bites. "Thank you."

Sakura blushed slightly. "It's nothing special, but I'm glad you like it."

After they finished their meal, they cleaned up the kitchen together. The evening was peaceful, a stark contrast to the uncertainty and danger that loomed outside. Once the dishes were done, they moved to the living room where the bags of supplies Ryo had gathered were waiting to be sorted.

"Let's see what we've got," Ryo said, pulling the bags closer. They sat down on the floor, eager to take stock of their new acquisitions.

Ryo started with the clothing bags. He pulled out dresses, blouses, jeans, skirts, and undergarments, laying them out for Sakura to see. "I wasn't sure about sizes, so I grabbed a variety. Hope some of these fit."

Sakura's eyes widened as she looked at the array of clothes. "This is amazing, Ryo. Thank you so much. These are beautiful."

Ryo smiled. "I just want you to be comfortable. You deserve it."

Next, he pulled out the cosmetics—lipsticks, perfumes, skincare products—and placed them in front of her. Sakura examined each item with a mix of curiosity and delight. "You thought of everything," she said, her voice soft with appreciation.

Ryo continued to unload the practical items: sweaters, jackets, comfortable shoes, and a few accessories like scarves and hats. "These should help keep us warm," he said, thinking ahead to the colder months.

Moving on to the next set of bags, Ryo pulled out the tools and equipment. He had managed to get a welding machine, a portable generator, extra fuel cans, and several jerry cans filled with fuel. "These will help us fortify the apartment and ensure we have power," Ryo explained. "The fuel will keep the generator running, and the welding machine will help with repairs and defenses."

Sakura nodded, understanding the importance of these items. "This is great, Ryo. We can make this place even safer."

He then showed her the food supplies he had gathered from various stores: canned goods, dried pasta, rice, bottled water, and snacks. "This should last us for a while," he said. "We just need to be careful with our rations."

They continued to sort through the supplies, finding more useful items like batteries, flashlights, first aid kits, and hygiene products. Each item was placed in its designated spot, creating a sense of order amidst the chaos.

As they worked, they talked about their plans for the future. "We need to think about finding a bigger, safer place," Ryo said, voicing his thoughts from earlier. "This apartment has been good, but it's not secure enough long-term."

Sakura looked thoughtful. "Maybe we can find a building with better defenses. Or a place we can fortify more easily."

Ryo nodded. "Exactly. We need to start scouting for potential locations. Somewhere with good visibility, limited access points, and strong walls."

They finished organizing the supplies, and Ryo took a moment to reflect on the day's achievements. Despite the dangers, they had managed to gather valuable resources and bring a sense of normalcy back into their lives. He looked at Sakura, feeling a deep sense of connection and determination.

"We'll get through this," he said firmly. "Together."

Sakura smiled, her eyes shining with trust and affection. "Yes, we will."

As the evening drew to a close, they settled in for the night, feeling more prepared and hopeful than before. The road ahead was uncertain, but with each other's support, they knew they could face whatever challenges came their way.

After a few moments of silence, Ryo glanced around the room and realized just how full it had become. "You know," he said, "I'm starting to think we're running out of space in here."

Sakura looked around, noticing the piles of supplies they had amassed. "You're right. It's getting a bit cramped."

Ryo chuckled. "I mean, who knew that surviving the apocalypse would come with a storage problem?"

Sakura giggled. "We might need to get creative with where we put everything."

"Yeah," Ryo agreed, looking thoughtful. "The jerry cans and the generator can stay outside, but we need to find better spots for the food and other supplies."

Sakura nodded. "Maybe we can use some of the empty apartments on this floor? Just for storage?"

Ryo considered this. "That's not a bad idea. As long as we keep everything secure and organized, it could work."

They spent the next hour moving some of the supplies to an empty apartment next door, ensuring that the essentials were still within easy reach. Ryo took special care in arranging the fuel cans and generator outside but under shelter, so they would be protected from the elements.

Once they had cleared some space, they returned to their apartment. Sakura gave Ryo a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks for all your hard work today," she said warmly.

Ryo smiled. "Couldn't have done it without you. Now, how about we relax a bit?"

Sakura's eyes lit up. "That sounds perfect."

They sat down together on the couch, feeling the exhaustion of the day begin to fade. Ryo's mind was still buzzing with plans for the future, but for now, he was content to just be in the moment, sharing this time with Sakura.

"So," Sakura said, breaking the silence, "what's next on the agenda for our little fortress here?"

Ryo laughed. "Well, once we're fully stocked and fortified, I think we need to start looking for that bigger, safer place. One step at a time, though."

Sakura nodded, her expression serious but hopeful. "We'll get there. Together."

As they sat there, enjoying each other's company, Ryo couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. They had come so far, and despite the challenges, they were building a life together. And in a world filled with darkness, that was something truly precious.