Part 1

The group trudged along the abandoned highway, scavenging through cars for supplies. The air was heavy with the scent of decay, and everyone was on edge.

“Anything useful?” Rick called out to Glenn, who was rummaging through the trunk of an old sedan.

“Just some canned beans,” Glenn replied, holding up the dented can.

As they moved farther down the road, Daryl suddenly raised his hand, signaling for everyone to stop. “Someone’s up ahead,” he whispered, nocking an arrow into his crossbow.

Everyone crouched low, their eyes scanning the horizon. A lone figure walked toward them, the sun reflecting off what appeared to be metallic fabric.

“What the hell…?” Abraham muttered.

As the figure came closer, they could see it was a woman, her appearance strikingly out of place in the apocalyptic wasteland. She wore a shimmering gold jacket, high-end leather boots, and designer sunglasses that covered half her face. Her hair was perfectly styled, and her posture exuded confidence despite the chaos around her.

Rick stepped forward, his revolver at the ready. “Stop right there!”

The woman froze, slowly raising her hands. “I’m not armed,” she said calmly, her voice carrying an air of authority.

“Who are you?” Rick demanded.

She removed her sunglasses, revealing sharp, intelligent eyes. “Song Jihyo,” she said simply, as if her name should mean something to them.

The group exchanged confused glances.

“Do we know her?” Glenn whispered to Maggie, who shook her head.

“Doesn’t matter who she is,” Daryl grumbled. “What’s she doing out here dressed like that? Looks like she walked out of some damn fashion show.”

“I could ask the same about you,” Jihyo replied, her gaze flicking to Daryl’s worn poncho.

Carol stepped forward cautiously. “Are you alone?”

“Yes,” Jihyo said. “I’ve been traveling for days. Ran out of food yesterday. Water’s almost gone.”

“Then why the hell are you dressed like a gold trophy?” Abraham asked, raising an eyebrow.

Jihyo smirked. “Because this is what I had when everything fell apart. I wasn’t exactly prepared for the apocalypse.”

Rick studied her carefully. She didn’t seem like a threat, but her appearance and demeanor screamed privilege—something that didn’t sit well with him. “You can travel with us for now,” he said, lowering his gun. “But you’ll need to pull your weight.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Jihyo replied, adjusting her jacket.

As the group continued down the road, Daryl muttered under his breath to Glenn, “Bet she don’t last a week.”

But Jihyo overheard and shot him a defiant look. “You’d be surprised what I can handle.”

By the time night fell and they made camp, the group was still wary of their new companion. Jihyo sat by the fire, her gold jacket reflecting the flames.

“You got any skills?” Maggie asked cautiously.

Jihyo shrugged. “I’m resourceful. Quick thinker. And I know how to get what I need.”

“Great,” Daryl said sarcastically. “Another smooth talker.”

Rick held up a hand to silence him. “Let’s give her a chance. Everyone deserves at least that.”

Jihyo glanced around the group, sensing their doubts. She leaned back, her confidence unwavering.

“Don’t worry,” she said. “I’m not as useless as I look. You’ll see.”

For now, she’d let them underestimate her. After all, she had survived this long on her own. And if she could survive in a world where walkers roamed freely, she could survive with this ragtag group—designer jacket and all.