Eternal Lives

Chapter 3:

The firehouse was bustling with activity when Joon arrived the next morning. The clang of a bell echoed through the space, accompanied by the smell of coffee and the distant chatter of firefighters preparing for the day.

Joon stepped inside hesitantly, his gaze sweeping across the large, open room. The walls were lined with rows of gear—helmets, jackets, and boots—each meticulously placed. A fire truck gleamed under the fluorescent lights, its red paint reflecting a sense of readiness.

It felt surreal. Yesterday, he'd been thrust into this world of smoke and flames, barely understanding how he got there. Today, it felt as if he'd been part of it for years.

"Hey, rookie!"

Joon turned to see Captain Seo waving him over. She stood by a long wooden table where a group of firefighters sat, eating breakfast and laughing.

"Don't just stand there," she called out. "Come meet your crew."

Forcing a smile, Joon walked over. His stomach churned with a mix of nerves and curiosity.

"This is Park Joon, our youngest member," Captain Seo said, clapping him on the back. "You all saw him in action yesterday. Kid's got potential."

A burly man with a thick mustache leaned back in his chair, studying Joon. "Potential, huh? Let's see how he handles dish duty tonight."

The others laughed, and Joon managed a small chuckle, though he wasn't sure if they were joking or serious.

"I'm Kang," the man continued, extending a hand. His grip was firm, almost crushing. "Welcome to the madhouse."

"Thanks," Joon said, trying to mask his discomfort.

Introductions went around the table. There was Jihoon, a wiry man with a quick wit and an infectious laugh; Mina, a no-nonsense medic who seemed to have a soft spot for teasing rookies; and Hyunwoo, the quiet but dependable senior firefighter who radiated calm under pressure.

They treated him like one of their own, which only deepened the strange feeling of familiarity. Joon couldn't explain it, but he felt connected to them, as though he'd known them far longer than a single day.

The day passed in a blur of training drills and chores. Joon found himself navigating the firehouse with ease, his body moving on autopilot. When Captain Seo called for ladder practice, his hands gripped the rungs with confidence. When Jihoon quizzed him on hose maneuvers, the answers came to him as if he'd rehearsed them a hundred times.

It was unsettling, yet oddly reassuring.

"Nice work," Hyunwoo said after a particularly grueling drill. "You've got the instincts."

"Thanks," Joon replied, wiping sweat from his brow. "I guess it's just… muscle memory?"

Hyunwoo raised an eyebrow but didn't press further.

That evening, the firehouse settled into a quiet lull. The crew gathered in the common area, watching a rerun of an old drama on TV. Joon sat on the edge of the couch, sipping a cup of tea and trying to blend in.

"So, Joon," Mina said, leaning over from her seat. "What made you want to become a firefighter?"

The question caught him off guard. He hesitated, his mind racing. What could he say? That he had no idea how he got here? That he'd been a dying cancer patient just two days ago?

"Uh… I wanted to help people," he said finally, keeping it vague.

Mina smirked. "Cliché, but I'll allow it."

"You'll fit right in," Jihoon added with a grin. "We're all suckers for that kind of thing."

The group laughed, and Joon felt a flicker of warmth. For the first time since waking in this strange new life, he felt a sense of belonging.

The peace didn't last long.

At 2 a.m., the alarm blared, jolting everyone awake. Joon's heart leaped as he scrambled to his feet, following the others to the garage. The crew moved with practiced efficiency, donning their gear and boarding the truck in seconds.

Joon's hands shook as he buckled his helmet. He took a deep breath, willing himself to stay calm.

"You ready for round two?" Captain Seo asked, her voice steady despite the urgency.

"Ready," Joon lied.

The fire truck roared to life, speeding through the dark streets of Seoul. Red and blue lights painted the buildings as they passed, the siren cutting through the silence of the night.

Joon gripped the edge of his seat, his mind flashing back to the fire from the night before. The heat, the smoke, the cries for help—it all came rushing back.

This time, he was determined to do more than just survive.

They arrived at an apartment complex engulfed in flames. Residents stood outside, shivering in their pajamas, while firefighters worked to control the blaze.

"Third floor," Captain Seo barked. "There are still people inside. Joon, you're with me."

Joon nodded, adrenaline surging through his veins. He followed her into the building, the heat slamming into him like a wall.

"Stay close and keep your head down," Seo instructed. "Watch for signs of collapse."

Joon mirrored her movements, scanning the smoke-filled hallways. The roar of the fire was deafening, but beneath it, he heard faint cries.

"In here!" Seo shouted, kicking open a door.

Inside, an elderly couple cowered in the corner, clutching each other. Without hesitation, Joon moved to their side.

"Can you walk?" he asked, his voice muffled by his mask.

The man nodded weakly. Joon helped them to their feet, guiding them toward the exit.

They moved quickly but carefully, the flames growing more intense with each passing second. Just as they reached the stairs, a loud crack echoed above them.

"Go!" Seo yelled, pushing the couple forward.

Joon turned just in time to see a section of the ceiling collapse. Instinct took over, and he threw himself to the side, narrowly avoiding the falling debris.

When the dust settled, he looked up to see Captain Seo extending a hand.

"Come on, rookie," she said, a faint smile breaking through the tension.

Joon grasped her hand, letting her pull him to his feet. Together, they made it out, the heat at their backs.

As they emerged into the cool night air, Joon collapsed onto the pavement, his chest heaving. The elderly couple was safe, surrounded by paramedics.

"You did good, rookie," Seo said, clapping him on the shoulder. "You've got the makings of a real firefighter."

Joon stared at the scene before him—the flashing lights, the relieved faces, the camaraderie of the crew. For the first time, he felt like he truly belonged.

But deep down, a question lingered.

How long would this life last? And what would come next?