: Rising Tension
Tension in the bunker mounted by the minute. Even the air seemed thick and viscous, absorbing every footstep and breath. Min-jun and So-hyun stood by the central control panel, discussing the plan to activate the portals as the other survivors gathered around. Fear and growing anxiety were visible in every eye — they understood that this step could end in catastrophe.
"Are you seriously going to use that thing?" asked the gardener, clenching his fists. His voice trembled, though he tried to stay firm. "Do you realize this could destroy everything? The bunker, the people… us!"
Min-jun lifted his gaze, calm and resolute but without aggression. He stepped closer, leaning slightly to meet their eyes on the same level. "I understand the risk," he said quietly, each word heavy with weight. "But if we don't do this, the virus will destroy us all. This isn't just an experiment. It's our only chance."
So-hyun raised his hand, gently touching Min-jun's shoulder. His fingers trembled but held steel within them. "He's right," he said, his voice carrying a confidence even those standing aside could feel. "I know it's scary. But we have to do this."
A moment of silence hung in the air, and everyone seemed to feel the bunker's tension growing with every second. Then, from the shadows, the engineer appeared. His face twisted with rage, eyes flashing with cold fear and desperation. He stepped forward, drawing a pistol.
"I won't let you do this!" His voice shattered the quiet, echoing off the concrete walls. "You want to destroy everything we've built, everything we've fought for!"
So-hyun instantly stepped in front of Min-jun, a shield between him and the weapon. His gaze locked onto the engineer's eyes — resolute, filled with inner strength and readiness to sacrifice. "Don't you dare!" he shouted, voice trembling but firm. "He saved us. He's our only chance."
Min-jun stepped forward, slowly, deliberately, showing control of the situation. He breathed evenly, heart racing not from fear but from adrenaline and resolve. His hand brushed So-hyun's lightly, confirming: "We are together."
The engineer froze, sensing the unbreakable bond between them. In that moment, So-hyun felt the resolve and confidence coursing through his fingers as he clasped Min-jun's hands. They were united, and no fear could break that connection.
"We must act now," Min-jun said, his voice firmer, more resolute. "Time is against us. I cannot wait. So-hyun and I are in control. If we fail — we accept the consequences. If we don't act — we all die."
So-hyun nodded, eyes gleaming in the hologram light. He felt the tremor in his hands, tension in every muscle, but also certainty. He stepped closer; their shoulders touched, and this tiny, almost invisible contact became an anchor of calm amid chaos.
The survivors watched silently. The gardeners gripped their weapons; every breath was uneven. Doctor Yun stood nearby, hands clenched, eyes shining with determination and caution. She didn't intervene, but her presence lent weight to every word from Min-jun and So-hyun.
The engineer clenched his pistol, tension peaking. Min-jun stepped closer, gaze cold and steel. "We don't seek destruction. We seek salvation. If you're not with us, step aside. If you interfere — I won't be responsible for the consequences."
For a second, silence swallowed everyone. The engineer looked at them, then slowly lowered the weapon, gripping it as if he couldn't believe what had happened. He stepped back, breathing heavy, eyes full of mistrust and fear.
Min-jun and So-hyun exchanged a glance. Their hearts still raced, but the tension eased slightly. They knew greater dangers awaited, but for now, they were united. They understood that together, they could endure whatever fate had in store, even if it meant risking everything.
And at that moment, a faint but intense current, like electric energy, passed between them — a reminder that they were not just a team, not just survival allies. They were anchors for each other, points of stability in chaos, where each second could be the last.