Mari let out a shaky breath of relief as the stranger finally unlocked the handcuffs.For a moment, she thought he might assault her. But he didn't.
"My name's Mari," she said, rubbing her sore wrists.
She had planned to meet her friends that morning. They were all supposed to wear their high school uniforms one last time—to take graduation photos before starting university.But the outbreak had cut her plans short. She never made it to her friend's house.
"Sorry I had to do that to you," Gantzuke muttered, peeling off the saliva-covered tactical glove and slipping it back onto his left hand.
"This place looks clear. We should be safe for a while. You hungry?"
She nodded.
"Here."Gantzuke unstrapped his backpack and handed it to her. Inside—snacks, bottled juice, energy bars. Survival fuel.
Mari wiped the blood off her face with her white sleeve, then pulled out a red-wrapped chocolate bar—the first thing that caught her eye—and tore into it hungrily.
"What... what are you planning to do next?" she asked, mouth still full of chocolate.
"Shh."Gantzuke held up a hand, then pointed to the ceiling."There's something up there."His voice dropped to a whisper.
Mari swallowed hard.
"Stay here," he murmured.
She shook her head immediately.
Gantzuke sighed, shrugged, then raised his weapon and flashlight. Without another word, he led the way toward the glass door at the back of the room.
Part of him was glad she wasn't paralyzed with fear.Another part… was terrified of losing her.
He closed his eyes. Centered his breath.Then, with slow, deliberate movement, he raised his silenced pistol and slid the door open to the left.