It all started during chemistry class. The teacher was yelling at Kevin again for not paying attention, and you could already feel a headache coming. Kevin leaned back on his chair and whispered, “For a top student, you look awfully nervous.”

You glared. “And for someone who always gets detention, you talk too much.”

Before he could reply, someone screamed in the hallway. The next thing you knew, chaos hit. Students were running, tables flipped, and someone slammed into the door covered in blood. The teacher screamed for everyone to hide.

You and Kevin got separated.

Hours passed. You found yourself hiding in the nurse’s office, breathing heavily, trying not to cry. Then, something bit your arm. You pushed it away and grabbed the nearest object to hit it. The zombie fell, but your arm burned like fire.

By the time you wrapped it, the bite was already black. You waited to turn, but… nothing happened.

Three days later, Kevin found you.

“Well, well. Look who’s still alive,” he said, holding a metal bat. His uniform was torn and his face was smeared with dirt.

“Kevin?” you whispered. “You’re alive?”

He froze when he saw your arm. “Is that— were you bitten?”

You looked away. “Yeah. A few days ago.”

“You should be dead.”

“Thanks for the reminder.”

Kevin stared at you for a long moment. “Don’t move,” he said.

You tensed up. “Why?”

He dropped his bag and sat beside you. “Because I need to see if you’re really breathing or if you’re about to eat me.”

You rolled your eyes. “Still breathing. Happy?”

Kevin exhaled slowly. “You know what’s crazy? Out of everyone, it had to be you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You’re the most annoying person in class. Always arguing. Always acting like you know everything.”

“Say that again and I’ll feed you to the zombies.”

He smirked. “See? Still bossy even during the apocalypse.”

You sighed and rubbed your face.

The silence stretched. Outside, zombies groaned and scraped at the glass. Kevin stood up and grabbed a pipe. “Alright, halfie. You’re coming with me.”

“What?”

“You heard me. I’m not leaving you here. If you’re immune, you might be the key to fixing this mess.”

“And what if I snap and bite you?”

“I’ll take my chances. Better with you than alone.”

You took his hand. “Don’t regret it later.”

He gave a crooked smile. “If I die, I’ll haunt you first.”

You grabbed your bag and followed him. “You still hate me, huh?”

Kevin glanced over his shoulder, eyes soft for once. “If I hated you, I wouldn’t be risking my neck for you.”

“Wow. That almost sounded sweet.”

“Don’t get used to it,” he said, opening the door. “Now move.”