After freshening up and sorting his bed in the storage room, Ryan walked over to the lounge. Like Mike had said prior, everyone was there. Yuna went to the halls to explore and write. Mike sat on the couch reading a book, and Taylor helped himself with an afternoon snack. He stood next to Mike and took peeks at the book he was reading.

  Ryan rubbed his stomach and went to get a snack as well, while he still thought about it. Since nobody cooked anything extravagant this time around, he settled on having granola bars on the spot. Compared to the soup from last night, he considered it to be a downgrade, but it was still something to fill his stomach, nonetheless. He never wanted to go through that experience of going hungry ever again.

  Shortly after, Karin entered from the front door, the tip of her shovel covered in blood. She wiped her forehead and sighed.

  “So, how’d it go?” Mike asked, not bothering to look up from his book.

  “All clear,” Karin replied with a hearty salute. “One tried to get through the bars, but it was no trouble at all.”

  “I see. Good to hear, at least.”

  Karin tossed her weapon aside and plopped down on the couch, belly first, letting out another sigh.

  “Uh, what are you doing?” Taylor asked, raising an eyebrow. “You okay?”

  “I’m fine, just taking a nap,” Karin replied, stretching out her arms and legs. Mike glanced at her quickly before groaning and pressing his nose deeper into the book.

  “Can you at least clean your shovel when you’re done using it?” He complained, scooting away from her. “I don’t want the place to reek of blood.”

  “I’ll do it later. I’m tired.”

  “Karin, it’s only been a minute.”

  “I know. The smell won’t permeate in that short amount of time. Besides, you try inspecting the gates in this heat.”

  Taylor couldn’t help but chuckle, watching the two banter back and forth. Ryan did the same thing, although he ate and observed from a distance.

  “Alright, you two, break it up,” Taylor joked, leaning his arm on the back of the couch. “Let’s not get heated up over this.”

  “We’re not.” Mike pointed out. “We’re having a discussion.” He raised his head and turned around. “And as for you, stop spying on me from behind.”

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  “I can’t look at what you’re reading. Looks pretty interesting, if you ask me.”

  “Yeah, well, I want to read in peace.”

  Ryan bit his lip. It didn’t seem right to eavesdrop on them like this, but he couldn’t find a good opportunity to butt in and strike up a conversation with them, either. Amidst the group, he stood out like a sore thumb, despite leaning against the wall near the kitchen entrance. Like he didn’t belong in the group, despite the short time spent together. Especially in light of what occurred the other day.

  Was this...? No, that can’t be right. Mike told him to meet up, which meant everyone expected him, right? He had supposedly been out for a good chunk of the day. Then again, they all seem pretty happy on their own, not worried. Ryan didn’t know what to say or how to greet them, but he couldn’t just stand there and do nothing, either.

  Then again, Ryan had just met these people yesterday, too. So, it wasn’t like they’ll trust him right away, much less let him be a part of the team. In fact, it seemed to make more sense to be wary of the guy. None of them knew much about him, or what he could be capable of, and vice versa.

  Ryan wanted to gain their trust, but didn’t know how to do so. He hadn’t been the most talkative type at the start for… reasons. What would be the best way to greet them in this case? Why did he still feel uneasy being around them?

  “Hey, looks like the gang’s all here.” Yuna chirped, coming back from what she did before.

  Everyone’s attention turned to her at first, as she grabbed a chair. Karin sat up from the couch and looked over at Ryan.

  “Oh, hi there. I didn’t even see you walk in.”

  I’ve been here the whole time, actually.

  “So, Ryan, how are you feeling?” Yuna asked, pulling her seat by the table. “Any better?”

  “Yeah, a lot better than yesterday.”

  “Excellent!”

  Taylor motioned for Ryan to have a seat and join them for the group meeting. Ryan hesitated at first, unsure if he could move his shaken body. Eventually, he nodded and took his time approaching the table.

  Having gotten most of his energy back, but also knew not to push himself so much. He approached the group with caution. A sense of uncertainty and dread lingered in the air, but he couldn’t place why the atmosphere felt tense.

  What was this meeting going to be about? What did they all think about him so far? Were they going to send him off alone after resting up? Would they interrogate him and question his intentions and morals?

  Would he have to prove his loyalty? Or would they welcome him with open arms, just to increase in numbers? What do they plan on doing with an outsider like him, now that he’s rested? He’d get answers soon, but it didn’t make the wait any less unbearable. He wasn’t sure if his heart could take it.

  Ryan hadn’t gotten to talk to the others for long, but they seemed nice. Everyone except Mike, though. Of course, the person who seemed most suspicious of him was also the leader, and their words were normally final. Ryan could sense daggers coming from him, so he planned to sit as far away from him as possible.

  Ryan pulled up another chair and sat across from Yuna, while Taylor snagged a spot on the couch next to Mike. Despite being sandwiched in, Taylor and Karin still gave their leader space to wiggle around, in case he needed to stretch.

  Mike set the book down on the table and crossed his arms. Ryan let out a gulp. All eyes were on him now.