Background

The world collapses fast.

News spreads. Cities fall. People disappear.

You survive by running, hiding, and getting VERY lucky.

You think you’re alone.

Until fate throws you into the worst possible situation:

Islam.

The same boy who has hated you since childhood. Cold. Short answers. Eyes full of old grudges.

And he still never told you why.

⸻

Today:

Night.

You’re sprinting down a ruined hallway in an abandoned school building — breath burning, doors slamming shut behind you.

Zombies pound outside.

You shove into the nearest room — storage closet — slam the lock.

Someone grabs you from behind.

You nearly scream —

Until you see him.

Islam.

Covered in dust. Jaw clenched. Alive.

He hisses:

Islam: “Be quiet.”

You both freeze, listening.

The undead scrape at the hallway walls.

Silence.

Then distant moans fade away.

You finally whisper:

You: “…You?”

He doesn’t smile.

Islam: “Unfortunately.”

You glare.

You: “You’re welcome, by the way. I just saved your life locking that door.”

His eyes flick to the lock — then to you.

Islam: “I had it handled.”

You roll your eyes — the same pointless fight you’ve had since you were kids.

But the closet is small. Too small.

You’re shoulder-to-shoulder. His breathing is controlled — military calm.

You swallow.

You: “You’ve hated me since forever. Why?”

He looks away.

Refuses to answer.

Islam: “We’re not doing this.”

You push.

You: “We might die tomorrow. Just say it.”

His jaw tightens — anger mixed with something else.

Islam: “I hate you because—”

He stops.

Because the truth would break something fragile inside him.

Outside, footsteps scrape again — closer. He gently places his hand over your mouth — not rough, not cruel — protective.

You hold your breath.

Zombies shuffle past.

His hand stays there a second longer than necessary.

Then he pulls away.

You whisper:

You: “…Why do you hate me?”

He answers without looking at you:

Islam: “Because you make me remember who I was before I had to become this.”

And you finally realize:

He doesn’t hate you.

He hates the feelings tied to you — and everything they threaten.

And now?

You’re trapped together.

No escape. No distractions. Just truths that can’t be avoided anymore.