Untouched by the Outbreak

The first rays of dawn gently pierced the darkness, casting a soft luminescence across the room. Sakura awakened, her eyes fluttering open to behold the serene visage of Ryo, peacefully lost in slumber. A tender smile curved her lips, and she leaned in to press a delicate kiss upon his cheek, her touch gentle and loving.

Mindful not to disturb his restful state, she slipped gracefully from the bed, the soft fabric of her sleepwear whispering against the sheets. Wrapping herself in a plush towel, she quietly made her way downstairs, her footsteps soft and measured.

In the washroom, Sakura relished the warm embrace of the shower, allowing the water to wash away the remnants of sleep and any lingering worries. The shower, with its steady stream of warm water, was a small luxury in their post-apocalyptic world, and she savored every moment of it.

The gentle spray soothed her skin, and she closed her eyes, enjoying the brief respite from the challenges they faced daily.

Meanwhile, upstairs, Aiko began to stir, her gaze falling upon Ryo's tranquil form. She softly kissed his cheek, a tender gesture mirroring Sakura's earlier action, before climbing out of bed. The morning light filtered through the windows, casting a soft glow on her delicate features. She wrapped herself in a cozy towel and made her way downstairs, her footsteps soft and silent on the wooden stairs.

She settled on the couch, patiently awaiting her turn in the washroom, her eyes drifting closed as she enjoyed the calm before the day truly began.

Sakura, her shower complete, emerged from the washroom, a trail of steam following in her wake. She greeted Aiko with a warm smile, their paths crossing briefly in the hallway.

"Good morning, Aiko," Sakura said, her voice cheerful and bright, a welcome contrast to the often somber tone of their lives.

"Good morning, Sakura," Aiko replied, her voice still heavy with sleep but carrying a hint of warmth and friendship.

Aiko entered the washroom, closing the door gently behind her as she embarked on her own morning routine. Sakura, her hair wrapped in a towel, ascended the stairs, her footsteps soft and quiet as she returned to the bedroom. There, Ryo remained asleep, the morning light now painting a serene halo around his relaxed figure, his breath steady and deep.

Sakura turned her attention to the pile of bags stacked against the wall, remnants of their recent move to this safe haven. She began to meticulously sort through the clothes within, searching for a simple yet comfortable outfit for the day. With careful consideration, she selected a soft cotton top and a pair of well-worn shorts, the fabric familiar and comforting against her skin.

She slipped into the chosen attire, the towel around her hair effectively absorbing the remaining moisture from her shower.

Aiko, her shower completed, joined Sakura upstairs, her hair similarly wrapped in a towel. She smiled as she observed Sakura's diligent organization of their clothing, piles of folded shirts and stacked pants surrounding her.

"Finding anything good in there?" Aiko asked, her tone light and playful, bringing a welcome levity to the morning routine.

"Just trying to bring some order to the chaos," Sakura replied with a soft laugh. "It's a bit of a mess, but we'll get there. One outfit at a time."

Aiko nodded in agreement, her gaze then turning to Ryo, who still slept soundly, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. "He really is a heavy sleeper," she remarked softly, a hint of amusement in her voice. "I wonder what it would take to wake him up."

Laughter escaped from Sakura's lips, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "It's a blessing, I suppose. He needs all the rest he can get, especially with the challenges we face each day."

Sakura continued her task, carefully selecting a few more items of clothing from the bags. She paused occasionally to check on Ryo, her eyes softening at the sight of him so peaceful and undisturbed. Aiko watched her friend, a warm feeling spreading in her heart as she witnessed the tender moment between Sakura and Ryo, their unspoken bond evident in every gesture and glance.

As they worked, the two women engaged in soft conversation, their voices a soothing murmur in the quiet house. They spoke of their hopes for the future, their dreams of rebuilding a better world, and their shared determination to protect what they held dear. Their camaraderie was palpable, a testament to the strong bond forged between them amidst the turmoil and uncertainty of their lives.

Finally, with most of the clothes sorted, Sakura and Aiko decided to take a well-deserved break. They chose outfits for the day, dressing swiftly and efficiently, ever prepared for whatever surprises or dangers the day might bring. Their movements remained careful, mindful of the sleeping Ryo, as they shared silent glances and unspoken understandings.

Together, they faced each day with courage, unity, and an unwavering sense of loyalty to one another.

Sakura, the first to finish dressing, turned to Aiko with a questioning look. "Shall we tackle breakfast? I'm feeling hungry, and I'm sure Ryo will be too when he wakes up."

Aiko nodded eagerly. "Absolutely. Let's see what culinary delights we can create today. Maybe we can even try something new."

With a soft smile, Sakura led the way downstairs to the kitchen, leaving Ryo to his peaceful slumber. As they entered the kitchen, the morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room. They set about preparing breakfast, the scent of cooking filling the air, a comforting and familiar routine in their otherwise unpredictable lives.

The two women worked in harmony, each contributing their unique touch to the meal. Sakura's deft hands chopped vegetables with precision, the sound of the knife against the cutting board a soothing rhythm. Aiko's gentle touch whisked eggs to fluffy perfection, her movements graceful and measured.

They chatted as they cooked, sharing stories of their past, dreams for the future, and fond memories of happier times. Their laughter filled the kitchen, a joyful melody that reverberated through the house, a stark contrast to the silence of the outside world.

As the sun rose higher in the sky, casting a warm glow through the windows, Sakura and Aiko sat down at the table, their breakfast spread before them—a simple yet hearty meal of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, freshly baked bread, and a pot of steaming coffee. They savored the flavors, relishing the simple pleasure of a warm meal shared between friends.

Their conversation flowed freely, covering a myriad of topics, from their plans for the day to their hopes and fears, their laughter mingling with the comforting sounds of the morning.

With satisfied smiles, they cleared the table and began to wash the dishes, their hands working in sync as they cleaned. The morning light bathed the kitchen in a warm radiance, illuminating their contented faces. They spoke of the day ahead, the tasks that awaited them, and the small moments of joy they would create along the way.

Their voices carried a sense of determination and resilience, a reminder that even in a world filled with uncertainty, they would find reasons to smile and cherish the little things