Untouched by the Outbreak

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Yumi woke up to the morning light filtering through the curtains, feeling the aches of the night before. Her gaze fell on the bed, the traces of red against the sheets marking the end of her innocence. A mix of disbelief and acceptance washed over her—what was done, was done. She looked over at Ryo and Sachiko, feeling a strange sense of belonging she hadn't expected.

The memory of the night replayed in her mind, how Ryo had claimed her, yet shared his attention equally with Sachiko, making her feel… included, in an odd way she hadn't thought possible.

Yumi still felt a twinge of surprise at how she'd allowed herself to become part of this, yet a newfound strength settled within her. She realized that, despite everything, there was something grounding about knowing she belonged somewhere—even if it was here.

Yumi tried to ease herself out of the bed, her movements careful and slow. But as she began to slip free, Ryo's arm tightened around her, pulling her back firmly, his grip unwavering even in sleep. She looked at his face, softened in rest but still marked by that familiar possessiveness. A fleeting thought crossed her mind—maybe, somehow, she mattered to him, even if it was in his own, complex way.

With a resigned sigh, Yumi surrendered, resting back against the bed. The warmth of Ryo's embrace and the steady presence of Sachiko beside her created an unusual sense of comfort, even security. As she lay there, caught between uncertainty and acceptance, Yumi found herself wondering about this strange new life she had entered, one that she never would have chosen, but somehow felt tied to now.

Yumi lay quietly, her thoughts drifting as the night settled around her. She felt an unexpected calmness within, the tension and fear from before now fading. There was no reason to run, no point in resisting anymore. Ryo had claimed her, and in some way, she had accepted it. Her innocence was gone, yet there was no regret.

A strange sense of belonging had taken root, a feeling she hadn't anticipated. With a deep breath, she closed her eyes, letting herself relax into the warmth of Ryo's arms, knowing that from here on, her life was changed.

Yumi felt a surprising wave of relief. Watching Ryo, she recognized a part of him she hadn't noticed before—a man who fiercely held on to what he had earned, what he possessed, and what he had conquered. She could see why Sachiko was so devoted, why she was always by his side with unwavering loyalty.

Sachiko, the woman Yumi remembered from her father's lab, was so different then. Back in those days, Sachiko had always been serious, focused, and difficult to approach. She was immersed in her work, keeping a distance from others. But now, Yumi saw a side of Sachiko she hadn't known before, a softer, almost tender side when she was with Ryo.

It was as if he had brought out a new part of her, or maybe it was a part she had kept hidden all along.

Now, wrapped in this strange new reality, Yumi realized why Sachiko had embraced it, why she stayed. Perhaps, like her, Sachiko had found a sense of purpose in belonging to someone who would never let go.

Ryo stretched awake, catching Yumi off guard as he locked his gaze on her, a sly smirk curling on his lips. Without a word, his hand shot up, gripping her hair firmly, and a jolt of surprise and pain made her gasp. Yumi's eyes widened, her body instinctively tensing, but she held still, bracing herself against his intense presence.

The smirk on his face deepened as he watched her reaction, clearly amused. This silent, commanding look reminded her that resistance was futile—this was who he was. But beneath her initial shock, she couldn't deny the strange sense of stability it gave her, even if it came with a rough edge.

Sachiko, who had just started to stir beside them, glanced over and smiled knowingly. She had seen this side of Ryo countless times, and to her, it was a familiar comfort, a reminder of the possessiveness that bound them all together.

Sachiko felt an unexpected warmth as she watched Ryo assert himself over Yumi, his hand gripping her hair with a possessive ease. She couldn't help but smile, leaning closer to him and planting a soft kiss on his cheek, as if silently affirming her place beside him. Yumi's eyes widened, stunned by the ease with which Sachiko accepted his dominant nature—she even seemed to embrace it.

Seeing Sachiko's relaxed demeanor, Yumi's confusion mixed with curiosity. She hadn't anticipated Sachiko's acceptance or her calm in such a dynamic. It was clear that Sachiko trusted Ryo deeply, a bond forged not only through shared survival but through an unspoken understanding of his fierce loyalty.

Sachiko's gentle affection toward Ryo showed Yumi a different perspective, one where strength and tenderness intertwined, and where loyalty meant everything.

Ryo slipped out of bed, moving with a quiet confidence, and disappeared into the bathroom without a word, leaving Yumi and Sachiko alone beneath the warm covers. The sound of running water echoed through the room as he started his shower, a subtle reminder of his presence even while he was briefly away.

Yumi, still processing everything, felt a mixture of emotions—part lingering shock, part tentative acceptance. Beside her, Sachiko stretched comfortably, as if this was just another morning. She glanced at Yumi with a knowing look, her gaze both reassuring and familiar, as if she understood Yumi's silent questions.

For a moment, they shared an unspoken bond, a connection that went beyond words or explanations. Sachiko's calm presence seemed to soothe Yumi's uncertainty, grounding her in this new reality. As the steam from the bathroom drifted into the room, Yumi realized that, for now, she was part of something bigger, something held together by Ryo's strength—and Sachiko's quiet acceptance.

Sachiko's gentle smile held a trace of amusement as she looked at Yumi. "Don't be too surprised," she said in a soft, knowing voice. "I was just like you back then—crying, terrified, unsure of everything." She reached out, giving Yumi's hand a reassuring squeeze. "But you're lucky, you know? The first time he claimed me, he nearly threw me to the zombies afterward. I had to earn his trust."

Yumi's eyes widened, a chill running through her. She could hardly believe Sachiko's calm demeanor, how she could speak so openly about her past with Ryo. Sachiko's gaze drifted, lost in memories, a hint of warmth crossing her face. "But over time… I came to understand him," she continued, her voice almost a whisper. "To know that once Ryo claims someone, he protects them. It's his way."

Sachiko's words carried a strange comfort, a reassurance that settled in Yumi's heart. She didn't feel so alone in this new reality, realizing that Sachiko had walked this path before her. "So don't be afraid," Sachiko added, her smile returning. "You're one of us now."

Yumi hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. "Sachiko… why? Why would you accept this?" Her eyes dropped to the sheets, feeling the weight of the question. "Most women wouldn't want this. To share someone they care about."

Sachiko's expression softened, a hint of melancholy in her gaze. She gave a small smile, brushing back a strand of Yumi's hair in a gentle, sisterly gesture. "Who am I to question what Ryo wants?" she replied, her voice calm but resolute. "Ryo… he's not like anyone else. And once he claims someone, they become his in every way."

Yumi looked up, her eyes searching Sachiko's face for any hint of resentment or reluctance. But instead, she found a quiet strength, an acceptance that went beyond words. Sachiko continued, her tone thoughtful. "It's not just about wanting or allowing. With Ryo, it's… different. He's someone who protects what's his, and he's given me safety and purpose in this world.

In a place like this, that's everything."

Yumi was silent, trying to take it all in, slowly understanding what Sachiko meant.

Sachiko stretched casually, entirely unbothered by Yumi's shocked stare. She glanced back with a faint smile, her eyes carrying a mix of amusement and understanding. "Trust me, Yumi," she said, her tone both gentle and firm, "resistance won't get you anywhere with him. Once Ryo wants something, he doesn't let go. If he calls you to him, just surrender—he'll only ask once."

Yumi felt a surge of confusion and admiration. She'd never known anyone like Sachiko, someone so at ease, so entirely accepting of Ryo's possessive nature. Watching Sachiko move around the room so naturally, she realized how deeply this woman trusted Ryo's protection, despite his intense, sometimes harsh demeanor.

Sachiko walked toward the dresser, pulling on her clothes with practiced ease, as if this was any other day. She paused, looking over her shoulder at Yumi, who was still sitting in silence. "You'll understand soon enough," Sachiko murmured, her tone almost reassuring.

Sachiko then looked at Yumi with a curious gleam in her eye. "So… how does it feel?" she asked, her tone light yet hinting at a deeper question. "How does it feel after being claimed by Ryo?"

Yumi lowered her gaze, her cheeks tinged with a shy blush, unable to find the words. She felt a strange mixture of emotions—relief, nervousness, and even a hint of something that felt like… belonging. But she couldn't bring herself to say it.

Sachiko smiled knowingly, sensing Yumi's hesitation. She gave her a reassuring nod, as if understanding exactly what she couldn't put into words. "Come on," Sachiko said, a gentle warmth in her voice. "Let's go prepare breakfast for him. Ryo's not one to wait."

Yumi nodded, gathering herself as she rose from the bed, feeling a little steadier. Following Sachiko's lead, she realized that maybe, just maybe, she didn't have to face this all on her own. Together, they moved toward the kitchen, each with a silent understanding of what it meant to be by Ryo's side.