Zeke navigates through talking to a disturbed Jihyo in the aftermath of a near-death fight.
It's been three weeks since Zeke and Jihyo defeated Vesper.
Hyungwon and his men have rescued more survivors in Dalseong Park after the battle. Thanks to their combined efforts, these survivors have another shot at life without ever worrying about their safety ever again.
They've also recovered Vesper's wind bracers. They were taken to Hyungwon's workshop, but until now, Hyungwon doesn't have any idea how it works.
Hangyeol had a speedy recovery and is already okay a week after the battle. Minhyuk acknowledged his efforts of helping Zeke and Jihyo and has appointed him in his ranks as a head guard of the district, much to Hangyeol's excitement. He was now tasked in patrolling the settlement alongside some of his men during the night.
Zeke still had a few injuries, so he sat down on the majority of his training for now. Jihyo, on the other hand, was back to training with Seojun just two days after the events at Dalseong Park.
On March 24, Zeke and Jihyo celebrated Mina's birthday with a simple dinner. Jihyo used the LCD screen that they used for her birthday greeting to show him pictures of Mina, and tell Zeke alot of stories regarding her, as well as some other memorable parts of Mina's life that she's happy she's a part of.
Since that day, however, Zeke noticed that something was wrong with Jihyo.
She's been distant to everyone, only talking to them if the matter was urgent. She's also spending more time training rather than resting or eating, much to his worry. Now he was concerned about her so much it bothered him to no end.
He always asks Jihyo if something is wrong. Yet, she shrugs off his questions and telling him that she's okay.
Zeke knows she isn't.
April 2, 2023, 10:32 am, Minhyuk's Settlement, Daegu, South Korea.
It was already morning, and Zeke was watching Jihyo train on her own.
"Skyscraping Light!" Jihyo swings upward three times, unleashing three fierce, crystalline slashes that seemingly grew bigger the longer it traveled. They faded after a short while.
"Huff... Again." Jihyo muttered to herself.
She takes a deep breath and gives it another go, only this time, she forces herself to make a stronger swing and accidentally dislocates her shoulder.
"Skyscraping Li--- Agh..!" Jihyo winces in pain as she knelt on the ground. Zeke notices this and rushes toward her.
"Jihyo, hey..." Zeke said. "You've been like this for the last week. You have to relax." He said as looks at Jihyo.
Jihyo looks back at him.
"Zeke, don't worry about me too much. I still got this. I would've told Seojun-nim if I can't do it. And look, I'm okay, see?" Jihyo replied as she snaps her dislocated shoulder back in place, grunting in the process.
"I'm just concerned, Jihyo. You're overworking things, you haven't had proper rest in days, and now... you're getting hurt," He replied as he looks at Jihyo.
Jihyo stands up and takes a deep breath.
"Look, Zeke... I just... I just really want to find my family and friends soon. That's why I work so hard. I'm no stranger to working all the time, I've been doing this for more than a decade. I have to keep going regardless of what's going to happen because I have to be stronger. You know what's out there, and I have to be prepared for that. So, don't worry."
"But Jihyo--"
"You don't need to think about me, Zeke---- your best interest is going home, right? Please focus on that, and just let me do what I need to do!" Jihyo said as she raised her voice a little.
Zeke fell silent. Jihyo notices his sad expression. She knows he's only concerned about her, and now, she suddenly feels guilt all of the sudden.
"...I'm sorry for lashing out like that," Jihyo said as she looks at Zeke with worried eyes. "There's just... a lot on my mind right now."
"It's okay..." Zeke replied. "Things have been tough lately. Now that we have a vague idea of what we are facing because of Vesper's appearance... I can't blame you for being like this..."
Jihyo just nodded in reply.
"How about this... Let's just... head back to the apartment so that you could rest for a while. Then let's have lunch. A sound plan?"
"Y-yeah. Sure." Jihyo replied as they walked inside the settlement.
They are greeted by numerous people--- people whom they have been with throughout their stay in the settlement. Despite being distant from people, Jihyo still keeps her happy face up.
"Hey, Jihyo-ssi!" A woman waved.
"Hello!" Jihyo replied.
"Zeke, how is it going?" A man said from his store.
"Just fine, hope you're doing well too." Zeke waved.
"Yo, Zeke, Jihyo-ssi, come to my spot for some drinks!" Another one said.
"Perhaps next time! Save us some." Jihyo said as she smiled.
Zeke then let out a sigh.
"I'm still not used to so many people greeting me.. Like I'm some sort of celebrity," Zeke said to Jihyo.
"Hmm. Back in our debut as TWICE, I felt the same thing. It just kinda grows into you the longer you expose yourself to it. Sooner or later you'll just get used to the people, the cameras, and the spotlights." Jihyo said as she looks back at Zeke.
"Yeah. I remember our first few weeks here. Jusko. The survivors were flocking to you, asking you for your autograph and pictures as soon as we finish training. If not for Mr. Minhyuks intervention and his rules... It'll turn worse." Zeke said, rubbing his temples. "That was just... I mean, really. We are in an apocalypse."
Jihyo faintly chuckled. "Can you blame them? It's just like you always say. You don't get to see a cute idol wielding a mystical katana every day in your life. And besides... I'd bet you'd do the same if you were in their position. Don't lie, Zeke." She said as she smiled at him.
"Well, you're right... At least they weren't rude back then, too.." Zeke said, scratching his head.
They soon reach their small apartment where they stayed. On the front door was Seojun, sipping on his coffee.
"Seojun-nim, hello," Jihyo said as she went to him.
"Oh, hi, Ms. Jihyo! You're finished training?" Seojun replied.
"Yep..." Jihyo's voice trailed off.
"That's good," Seojun replied as he stirred his coffee.
"So.. Seojun-nim... any update on Minhyuk-nim's plans? I want to head outside the settlement again and search around.." Jihyo said. "You know... In the off chance that my friends are just around somewhere..."
"Sadly, none yet. You should probably take your well-deserved rest for now, while you wait. You seem tired since your battle with Vesper." Seojun said.