Part Last

The group finally stumbled upon a small, abandoned cabin just as the storm showed no signs of letting up. It was cold, damp, and far from luxurious, but it had a roof and a fireplace, which was more than enough for their current situation.

Rick started a fire while Daryl barricaded the door, and everyone huddled around for warmth, still shivering from being soaked to the bone.

Jihyo, however, looked as fresh as a daisy. Her rain gear was spotless as she peeled it off, revealing dry clothes underneath. She smiled cheerfully and pulled her oversized bag off her shoulders.

“Tea time!” she announced happily, kneeling near the fireplace.

The group watched with a mixture of curiosity and irritation as Jihyo opened her bag and began pulling out supplies—a small portable kettle, a tin of loose tea leaves, and even a collapsible cup set.

“Where do you even find this stuff?” Glenn asked, utterly baffled.

Jihyo just smiled. “I like to be prepared!”

“Prepared, huh?” Abraham muttered under his breath. “You got a whole tea shop in there?”

Jihyo ignored him, humming a tune as she boiled water and carefully brewed the tea. The warm aroma filled the room, and soon enough, she handed steaming cups to everyone.

“This’ll warm you up!” she said brightly.

The group sipped the tea gratefully, though they couldn’t help but notice Jihyo’s sneaky behavior. She reached back into her bag and pulled out a sleek tumbler, cradling it close to her chest.

“What’s that?” Maggie asked, squinting.

Jihyo froze mid-sip, then smiled innocently. “Oh, nothing!”

“Doesn’t look like ‘nothing,’” Daryl muttered, his eyes narrowing.

“It smells sweet,” Beth pointed out, leaning closer.

Jihyo sighed dramatically, knowing she’d been caught. “Fine. It’s hot chocolate,” she admitted.

The group collectively groaned.

“You’re telling me,” Abraham started, setting his tea down, “that you’ve got hot chocolate in there and didn’t think to share?”

“It’s my treat!” Jihyo pouted, holding the tumbler protectively.

“Your treat?” Rosita repeated, raising an eyebrow. “We’re out here risking our lives every day, and you’re hoarding hot chocolate?”

“I made tea for everyone,” Jihyo said defensively, gesturing to the cups in their hands.

Rick shook his head, a bemused smile on his face. “You’re something else, Jihyo.”

“Come on, just one sip?” Glenn pleaded, inching closer.

“Nope!” Jihyo said firmly, hugging the tumbler tighter.

“Not even for me?” Daryl asked, raising an eyebrow.

Jihyo hesitated, her resolve wavering under Daryl’s gaze. But then she shook her head. “Not even you!”

Daryl rolled his eyes and leaned back against the wall, muttering, “Unbelievable.”

The group finished their tea in silence, the warmth of the fire slowly thawing their chilled bones. Meanwhile, Jihyo sipped her hot chocolate happily, oblivious to the envious glares from everyone around her.

“I swear,” Abraham muttered to Sasha, “next time we find her bag, I’m checking it for snacks.”

“Good luck with that,” Sasha replied. “She guards that thing like it’s a treasure chest.”

Jihyo, completely unaware of the plotting, simply enjoyed her hot chocolate, content as ever.