: Anomaly and Mirrored Memories
They continued their search, gathering rusted batteries and scattered machine parts. Min-jun lifted a box of canned goods, and their fingers brushed by accident. The Stella crystal on So-hyun's ring flared, resonating with the bracelet on Min-jun's wrist.
"This… is strange," So-hyun whispered, his eyes fixed on the glowing stone. "It only shines when you're near."
Min-jun tightened his grip on the bracelet, his voice low and steady. "Mine too."
Memories flooded him like icy water. His So-hyun — the bracelet, the stolen kisses in the barracks' darkness, the promise to protect him… and the tragedy he could not prevent. Pain squeezed his chest. This So-hyun was different, yet his gaze awakened the same emotions.
A deep hum tore through the silence, halting their work. So-hyun raised the sensor toward the sound. The corner of the building trembled, the air around it rippling.
"It's… an anomaly," he said, his voice trembling. "Just like in the bunker."
Min-jun grabbed his shoulder. "It could be dangerous." Yet his fingers lingered against the fabric of So-hyun's suit. So-hyun looked up at him, and the closeness — his warmth, his scent — made Min-jun's heart clench. A tear slipped down So-hyun's cheek, but he did not wipe it away.
The air flickered; black stains spread across the concrete like burn marks, remnants of the virus.
"It's connected to the zombies… to the Echo portal," So-hyun whispered.
The Stella crystal blazed. Min-jun's bracelet burned hot against his skin, pulsing like a living answer.