The made their way home.

They stopped running once they reached town, their mounted pursuers either unable to navigate their vehicles through the cluttered checkpoint, or distracted by the treasure trove of weapon left behind. Noah steeled himself and examined himself, realizing with relief it was only a graze. The wound bled profusely, but it wasn't life-threatening, not if he can clean it soon.

Limping on with his arm around Eunhwa for support, they continued on, adrenaline still spiking their veins, their hearts pounding. They checked behind their back frequently, scanning for any signs of the raiders, but none came, and they finally reached the safety of the house.

Olivia came rushing down the steps, her eyes widening in horror as she took in the sight of her husband's injury. "Oh my God! Noah, what happened?!"

The group staggered into the living room, their heavy breaths filling the air. Olivia immediately set to work, examining the wound. It was deep and ugly, the bullet having left a sizable gouge in his flesh, though thankfully not hitting an artery. She cleaned and bandaged it quickly, her medical training taking over in the midst of chaos.

"You're lucky, you know?" she grumbled, worry etched into her brow. "You could've gotten killed out there."

"I'm sorry," he apologized, wincing in pain. "But we found guns, and a new recruit."

Her eyes flicked to Eunhwa, registering the silver-haired girl for the first time.

"I'm sorry for not introducing myself. I am Olivia, Noah's wife. And you are?"

"I'm Eunhwa," she said nervously, her tough exterior cracking a little under Olivia's piercing gaze. "Just call me Eun. And... sorry for getting him shot."

"She helped us get the guns, led us to them. In exchange, we're giving her shelter," Noah explained, hissing as Olivia tightened the bandage. "Unfortunately we ran into some raiders before we could leave with the weapons."

Olivia frowned. "I see. You should rest. Come, Eun, let me show you to a room, get you some new clothes."

She led the smaller girl up the stairs to the bedrooms. Noah couldn't help but look at the two figures—Olivia's tall, curvy frame contrasting with Eunhwa's lean and petite form—as they left.

Greg, having put down his newfound shotgun, collapsed into the airmchair and smirked at him. "I know that look, you fucking horndog."

Noah scowled and shook his head. "Don't start."

"It'll be like a fuckin’ harem for you," Greg continued, his voice tinged with lust. "A blonde and a silver-haired whore, all for you to play with. I can see why you brought her back. Not sure I wouldn't have done the same in your shoes. But don't forget to share, will ya?"

"Stop," Noah warned. "Olivia's not like that. Don't even joke about it. You're talking about my wife, remember."

"Yeah, yeah. I remember. But that cute little fucktoy... she's fair game, right?" He laughed and leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes and grinning widely.

Noah sighed and rubbed his eyes, trying not to think too much about the implications of his words. And yet, as he drifted off to an exhausted sleep, he couldn't help but think about going out scavenging with the feisty, silver-haired girl, just the two of them in a deserted town.

[-1 Meds]