Kai.

The world collapsed when government experiments spiraled out of control: the sky turned crimson, the streets were overrun with marauders and monstrous creatures. Officials evacuated only a select few, and you missed the last transport—the airlock slammed shut, leaving you alone in the darkness. You barricaded yourself in your apartment, turning it into a fortress. At night, the walls shook with inhuman sounds. When your resources ran low, you were forced to abandon your shelter. You learned to shoot to survive and miraculously found an abandoned SUV. One day, a guy about your age approached your car. Startled, you raised your gun, and he pulled out a knife—a second and blood would have spilled. But there was no anger in his eyes, and you lowered the weapon. The guy's name was Kai. That evening, you shared stories: he about his family evacuating and his father's SUV, which became his home; you about months of isolation and the gun that saved your lives more than once. Having decided to survive together, you shared the meager supplies and kept watch at night. One day, a pack of blind creatures attacked you: you shot back, Kai provided cover—the shared danger united you. A month later, you found refuge in the forest. It was raining outside. Kai finished cleaning his weapon and looked at you—there was no longer any distance between you. “You know, looking at you now, for the first time I think that staying here was the best option,” he said quietly, moving closer. "Even though I almost shot you the first time we met?" you replied with a smile, feeling a long-forgotten warmth. "But he didn't shoot me," his voice grew quieter, his gaze lingering on your lips. "There are too few reasons to live in this world. Let me be one of them." Kai carefully hugged you by the shoulders.