Wrong Beat
He was very much wrapped up in the music he was working on.
It was his absolute dream to produce amazing music. So much so, that he was slowly pulling away from his education. He doubted his parents would be too thrilled, but it was his dream. He still got good grades, he just had a bad habit of missing classes and being at his studio. But here was yet another bad habit of his. He tended to lose track of time in the studio. Often going hours without even leaving his chair. He's nearly been late to getting home on numerous occasions.
He also struggled to just leave long enough to give his eyes a break. He's had to be reminded by one of his elder tutors to go and get something to snack on. Maybe some coffee, or other drinks. Anything to temporarily get him away, so he could realize there was more to the world than his music. Besides, how was the young alpha to ever find his mate or mates if he never ventured outside? There were many pretty things out there. Beautiful omegas of both primary genders. Alphas weren't meant to function and live alone. They needed their balances in a pack, and in a mate. And it was an alpha's purest and greatest joy and pride, to father at least one pup in their life time.
At least, those alphas that had some semblance of decency. Those that saw the weaker genders as something to bully about and take as they wished, didn't deserve any of that. But those that saw the "weaker" sub-genders as equals, had a chance to gain both and more. So really, they were caring about his future prospects. Not just in the music industry.
And while he tried not to think on the subject too much, his mind did wander to the possibilities. Wondering what his future mate or mates would do until they could reunite at the end of the day. However, he was quick to push this from his mind. Mostly because the idea was a bit too shattering for him at this stage in his life. He didn't deny that one day, he'd want a mate. But he also knew it could wait. After all, his constant presence at the studio meant he would be paid. And if he got paid a decent amount, he could absolutely provide for his future mate and pack, and pups.
Yes, dating and courting could take many months. Even years. But he wasn't risking it just yet. And while he'd argued this point, his tutor still made it clear he wanted him to at least be social with other wolves. To maintain his sanity. And he gave him his dues on that. It was with this he agreed to leave when instructed to. Even if it was for a few small minutes, or even an hour.
Like now, "Kim Hongjoong, you've been in here for the last nearly full day. So you don't forget a sense of time and the world, why don't you go out for a small breather."
Hongjoong wanted to moan and sulk at this, but he didn't. He was just being looked after, and taken care of. Not looking to argue, Hongjoong nodded and saved his work. Without a word, he rose to his feet and made his leave. Unaware he wasn't going to be coming back.
Ever.
//
He'd decided on an Iced Americano.
It had predictably taken Korea by storm. He wasn't sure there were any wolves around his age that didn't have one at least once a day. But it certainly helped promising producers like Hongjoong. When he'd first stepped out into the late afternoon, it seemed like a normal average day in Seoul, Korea. Nothing amiss, nothing weird. Wolves milling about as they often did. So, there were no alarms going off in him either.
Without delay, he turned and headed for the nearest coffee shop for some nibbles and his Iced Americano.
Troubles began to stir just as he reached the coffee shop. However, it was too beyond his senses to notice. He entered the coffee shop, and breathed in the scent of coffee and things to go with said coffee. Some sweets, and some more savory things. He hummed softly, salivating. Okay, some egg bites wouldn't be to bad either. Just as he approached the counter, the chaos outside was slowly building. It had not yet reached the coffee shop sidewalk, but it was inching closer.
With habitual ease, Hongjoong approached the counter and placed his order for his coffee. And some egg bites. His stomach did growl a little at the prospect of food. Another unfortunate side effect of Hongjoong's pension for being in the studio religiously. A habit that was dying, like many of the wolves outside in the slowly growing chaotic streets of Seoul. As the employee set about making his order, his ear flickered. He turned to see what the screaming he was starting to hear was all about. The coffee shop employees were also growing curious.
And a bit anxious.
He frowned a moment, uncertain. Just as his coffee and egg bites were set down, they witnessed other wolves outside running and screaming. Clearly, something was very wrong. He turned, and picked up his order. And as he turned to leave, he finally saw what was wrong. The employees rightfully got frightened, panicking. He watched in horror, even dropping his coffee. Watched as wolves without tails and ears tackled those still with them. And began to consume them.
It was horrifying, and utterly stomach churning. He dropped his coffee, and it splattered all over. There was no cleaning it up, nor getting a new one. The employees had been quick to panic and scatter about. He'd also dropped his small bag of egg bites. He'd not get those again for a long, long time. But what did it matter in the face of zombies?
Like many others, he's seen the movies and shows. He knew not to panic, but it was hard not to. The world they'd known was ending. And zombies were a real thing. Something that should have been anticipated and prepared for. But clearly, had not been.
Somehow he came to the conclusion, he had to get home.
//
Through plenty of startled dodges and quick reflexes, Hongjoong managed to avoid being bitten.
Or even eaten.
Like many others, he was in a panicked state of mind. However, he somehow managed to maintain some semblance of thought. He raced his way home, knowing it was his only option. He didn't stop to try and help others, he just ran. Ran as if his life depended on it. And it did. As it had for the others. He did feel somewhat bad for those that didn't make it. But at this point, it was every wolf for themselves. All they could do, was try and find a way to hunker down. And to wait for the mass panic to leave.
He was unsure how long it would be, but he knew things were different now. No more studio, or coffee. Now, it was all about survival. And learning to trust again. Now the idea of finding a mate and a pack, seemed like a dream. He should have been searching before this happened. But that was the thing. No one had anticipated zombies actually coming true. Hongjoong knew his chances of a mate and pack, were slim to none. But, he had to hold out hope. Hope for a new future, hope for a pack.
A hope, for a mate.
The foreseeable future was much more uncertain, than it had been before the zombies came. He would have to take each day as it came. The first thing he had to do, was get home. Once there, he had to barricade himself in, and keep the zombies out. He'd then have to wait until things settled, and take a survey of his new world. Then, he'd have to pack what he could and leave. He'd have to determine which way the zombies went, and go in the opposite direction they had gone.
Like anything in nature, they would migrate. Eventually, they would happen upon one another again. But until then, they would just have to constantly be on the move. Anything else, would have to be thoroughly decided upon at any and all given moments. Including, how to deal with other survivors.
Before long, he arrived to his family's apartment. Without stopping, Hongjoong made his way to their unit. He practically threw himself inside, and turned and deadbolted the door. And moved some furniture just to ensure he couldn't be taken unaware by other survivors. Or zombies. Or both, really. As he took the time to regain his breathing, Hongjoong flinched and looked about him. Worried his parents were home, and already changed. He listened. Straining his ears. Ignoring the screaming and pounding feet of others outside.
Nothing.
He was alone.
Likely, he'd never see his parents again.
That was fine. He loved them and would miss them. But he had to be his own alpha wolf, now. He'd grieve when he had the chance. But for now, he was as dazed as any other that managed to take refuge for the time being. He'd become his own version of a zombie. Listless, and numb. It would pass. For now, he stumbled his way to his bedroom. Without the familiar hum of electricity, nor the light it gave he had few options. He would get what rest he could. After that, he'd do what he could to prepare fully for a new life and world filled with zombies. And the lack of trust with other survivors.
He didn't have the brain power at the moment, to figure that out. So, some sleep was currently in order.
He'd face tomorrow, the day of.