Untouched by the Outbreak

Yumi stepped out of the bathroom, feeling clean for the first time in what seemed like an eternity. Her hair was damp, treated with the luxurious hair mask she'd found, and her skin was smooth after applying lotion. She wrapped herself tightly in a towel, still adjusting to the strange reality of this place.

As she cautiously entered the living area, she was greeted by an unexpected scene. Sachiko was still in her white doctor's coat, casually scrolling through something on her smartphone. But it wasn't Sachiko that made Yumi freeze in her tracks—it was Ryo, sitting comfortably on the sofa, as if nothing in the world could bother him.

He looked completely relaxed, as if this world of death and destruction was something he had mastered.

But what truly shocked her was the presence of the female zombie, Sayako, who stood near Ryo, watching everything with those eerie, pale eyes. Yumi couldn't believe it. Not only was this zombie allowed inside the house, but it acted as though it belonged here, like it was part of this twisted family.

Sayako's movements were unnaturally smooth, too human-like for comfort, and her presence added an undeniable tension to the room.

Yumi's breath caught in her throat. She had heard about the zombie, seen her terrifying strength, but now seeing her casually standing inside the house with Ryo and Sachiko, it was more than unsettling.

Sachiko glanced up from her phone and smiled, almost playfully, as she noticed Yumi standing there in shock. "Surprised, little girl?" she asked with a smirk, clearly enjoying Yumi's unease.

Yumi didn't know what to say. She clutched the towel tighter, still trying to process the bizarre scene before her.

Yumi's breath quickened, panic swelling inside her. She wanted to speak, to tell them that she didn't have any clothes, but the words were trapped in her throat. Sachiko's smile was playful but predatory, and her next words made Yumi's heart race with fear.

"Can I record tonight?" Sachiko asked, leaning into Ryo's shoulder with a teasing smile. "I can't wait to hear her scream in bed." Her voice was light, but the meaning behind her words made Yumi's stomach churn.

Ryo, without missing a beat, turned to Sachiko with a casual expression and simply said, "Up to you."

Yumi's entire body tensed. The casual way they talked about her like she was nothing more than a plaything made her feel powerless. Her gaze darted around the room, but there was no escape. Sayako, the terrifying female zombie, was still standing silently nearby, a constant reminder of the danger that surrounded her.

Tears welled up in Yumi's eyes, but she blinked them away, refusing to cry in front of them. She couldn't show weakness—not now. But the dread of what was to come weighed heavily on her chest, making it hard to breathe. She stood frozen, unable to move or speak, trapped in this nightmare that seemed to grow darker with every passing second.

Sachiko, sensing Yumi's fear, giggled softly and stood up. "Oh, don't worry, little girl," she cooed mockingly. "We'll find something for you. You'll look perfect for Ryo tonight." She shot Yumi a sinister wink before turning back to Ryo, clearly enjoying the power she held over the situation.

Ryo's eyes fixed on Yumi, his tone sharp with impatience. "Why are you just standing there?" he said, gesturing toward the dress on the counter. "Don't you see Sachiko already prepared a dress for you?"

Yumi's eyes darted to the dress, her body stiff with fear and uncertainty. She knew better than to delay any further but felt trapped, her mind swirling with panic.

Ryo turned back to Sachiko, his voice cold and dismissive. "I don't know why you want to keep this girl around. All she does is cry."

Sachiko, with a playful grin, leaned closer to Ryo, her voice light and teasing. "Oh, Ryo," she said in a pampered, playful tone, "at least you can use her when I'm on my period." She chuckled softly, her words laced with a strange blend of cruelty and affection, making the already tense atmosphere even more unbearable for Yumi.

"Whatever..." Ryo muttered dismissively, clearly indifferent as he took another drag of his cigar. Sachiko, however, leaned into him with a gleeful smile, her lips finding his in a passionate kiss. She was happy—relieved, even. At least Ryo had decided to keep Yumi alive for now.

In her mind, Sachiko felt a sense of relief, knowing that Yumi, the daughter of her former research leader, Dr. Kurose, was safe from immediate harm. But she also knew the fragile line Yumi was walking. Ryo wouldn't keep her around if she didn't submit, if she didn't become his woman. That much was certain.

Sachiko cast a glance toward Yumi, silently wondering what choice she would make—because in this world, it seemed choices were always limited.

Yumi took the dress quietly, her hands trembling as she headed back into the bathroom. The heavy feeling of dread settled over her like a blanket she couldn't shake off. She stared at herself in the mirror for a long moment, feeling a lump form in her throat. She wanted to cry, or scream, or run—anything to break free from this nightmare. But she knew, deep down, there was no option. No escape.

Dead end. Checkmate. Whatever.

She slipped into the dress, the fabric feeling foreign against her skin, and paused to steady herself. Yumi couldn't afford to show any more weakness, not with Ryo watching her every move. She exhaled, forcing herself to calm down. Whatever was about to happen, she had no choice but to face it.

Yumi stood frozen for a moment, her mind racing, yet a dull acceptance washed over her. She knew tonight, she would be claimed by Ryo. It wasn't a question of if anymore—it was just when. The thought weighed on her like a heavy chain, tightening with each second that passed.

There was no choice, no escape. She'd seen what he could do, what his zombies were capable of. She didn't want to be fed to the Brutes or Striders, and she couldn't bear to see her prototypes torn apart. If surrendering herself was the price she had to pay to stay alive and keep her creations safe, then so be it.

Her heart pounded like a war drum as she steeled herself mentally, the silence of the house thickening around her like a heavy fog. Every shadow seemed to loom larger, amplifying her nerves. She stepped out of the bathroom, the cool air sending a shiver down her spine, acutely aware of Ryo's gaze lingering on her, a mix of anticipation and something deeper simmering in the air.

She could feel the weight of the moment, the tension crackling like electricity, knowing all too well what was coming next.
Read exclusive content at empire

Sachiko perked up, standing from the couch. "I'll make us something to eat," she said, her usual playful tone softened for a moment. But before she could move toward the kitchen, Ryo reached out and stopped her.

"No," Ryo said, his voice firm yet calm. "You'll stay here with me." He shot her a glance, one that left no room for argument. "I need your company right now."

Sachiko smiled, leaning into him with a knowing smirk. She didn't argue, enjoying her place beside him.

Ryo then turned his gaze to Yumi, who was standing awkwardly by the doorway. His eyes pierced through her. "You. Cook something," he ordered, his voice cold and authoritative.

Yumi blinked, stunned. Her heart raced, and for a moment, she thought of protesting, but she quickly realized there was no use in resisting. Ryo's word was final here. Any hint of disobedience might lead to something far worse. She nodded, swallowing her fear, and made her way to the kitchen.

Stepping into the large, well-stocked space, Yumi was taken aback. The kitchen was filled with an abundance of supplies—bags of rice, dried food, all sorts of spices, canned goods, and stacks of instant noodles. There was no shortage of anything. She stood there, her eyes wide with disbelief.

"How...?" she muttered to herself, her mind racing with questions. How did they manage to live so comfortably while everyone else outside was struggling, barely scraping by? Even her, who had once lived in relative safety, had never seen such a fully stocked kitchen since the outbreak. It felt surreal, almost wrong.

Her thoughts wandered to the survivors she'd left behind, most of whom were likely clinging to the last stronghold she knew of—the massive domed city, the last refuge for those who hadn't been torn apart by the zombie hordes. Yumi shuddered at the thought of the others, huddled in fear, while Ryo and Sachiko lived in near-luxury.

With a sigh of resignation, she began preparing a meal, her hands moving automatically through the motions as her mind whirled. Ryo's command still echoed in her ears, reminding her of the terrifying reality she now lived in. There was no choice for her but to obey.