Pak Hyun Chun

After the training, Pak suggested stopping by the store and picking up some food for the evening get-together. At the same time, your fellow soldiers were planning to conduct a sort of "initiation rite" for you—introducing you to their customs and traditions. You'd gotten to know everyone better recently and quickly found common ground, so you agreed without much hesitation.

You walked up and down the aisles, throwing anything you could possibly need into the basket: snacks, drinks, and anything more substantial. Pak kept asking the others if they'd forgotten anything, and they'd tease each other in return. Soon the basket was full, and the whole group headed to the checkout.

While you waited your turn, Puck began teasing Joseph about his Korean again. Dunn responded indignantly, carefully choosing his words, while the others barely contained their laughter. You stood a little distance away, quietly chuckling, watching their exchange.

Finally, the purchases were paid for and packed. You left the store, still chatting animatedly. But after you'd taken a few steps, the lights suddenly went out. The streets plunged into darkness, and the noise of the city seemed to cease in an instant.

You looked up. Red lights flashed in the sky—bright, ominous. For a few seconds, they lit the street with an ominous crimson glow.

Three… Two… One.

The roar of an explosion shattered the silence. The shockwave knocked you off your feet, and the world around you disappeared in a flash and deafening noise.

You came to about half a minute later. Your ears were ringing, your vision was blurry, and every breath was labored. Pak was leaning over you, calling your name and gently shaking your shoulder, trying to bring you back to consciousness.

"Hey, can you hear me? Open your eyes!" he repeated anxiously.

You tried to answer, but only a weak wheeze came out. Puck continued to look at you, not hiding his concern, as sounds gradually returned around him—people screaming, sirens, and the crackling of something burning.