CODE : SURVIVAL (BTS X READER)

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The first light of dawn filtered through the thick jungle canopy, dappling the old army camp in soft hues of gold and green. Dew clung to every surface—the edges of rusted equipment, abandoned tents, even the sleeves of jackets left outside overnight. The fire had long died out, its ashes still faintly warm in the center of the circle they’d formed.

Jin stirred first.

He groaned softly, stretching his limbs with a grimace. His joints cracked as he sat up, blinking at the light. “Why does the ground feel harder every time we sleep on it?” he muttered, rubbing his neck.

Hoseok mumbled something unintelligible beside him, face still buried in the crook of his arm.

Jin glanced around.

Namjoon was already awake, perched on the edge of a broken supply crate, scribbling in a small notebook he’d found the day before. His brow was furrowed, focused—most likely trying to keep track of time, details, or anything that would help them understand the pattern of the levels.

Taehyung sat with his legs crossed, yawning deeply while staring into the thick trees as birds began to chirp in layers—some normal, some... eerily not.

Yoongi walked out from behind a tent flap, quietly sipping water from a canteen. He nodded at Jin in greeting.

Jimin woke to the sound of leaves rustling and Taehyung poking his side. “Jimin,” Taehyung whispered with a grin, “I think I heard something snoring louder than you last night.”

“Look in a mirror, maybe,” Jimin grumbled back, but there was warmth in his voice as he stretched and sat up.

All around, the others slowly returned to consciousness—groggy, sore, but alive. Another day survived.

Except one hadn’t moved yet.

“Where’s Y/n?” Hoseok asked suddenly, voice low.

They turned.

She was still curled near the makeshift fire pit, blanket drawn up to her shoulders, chest rising and falling steadily. A notebook sat beside her, open—its pages smudged with hastily scribbled words.

Jungkook stepped over quietly, crouching near her.

“She’s still asleep,” he said, voice softer now.

Namjoon approached and glanced at her face. “She must’ve stayed up late.”

“She did,” Jungkook admitted, looking down at her, gaze thoughtful. “She took my shift last night... said she’d handle it.”

Yoongi raised a brow. “Again?”

Jimin smiled faintly. “She’s been the one keeping watch almost every night. Honestly, I don’t think she sleeps unless we make her.”

“She’s going to burn out,” Jin muttered.

The morning air was cool and still. Leaves fluttered gently above them, and for a rare moment, nothing moved. It was peaceful.

“She looks different when she’s asleep,” Taehyung said suddenly, voice quiet and honest.

Everyone turned to him.

“I mean... softer. Like she’s somewhere else. Dreaming of a better place.”

There was silence.

Jungkook tugged the blanket gently to cover her better. “Let her sleep a little more. We’re safe for now.”

Namjoon nodded. “We’ll wait until she wakes before we talk about moving.”

The group fell into gentle activity. Yoongi checked supplies. Hoseok boiled what little water they had. Taehyung wandered off to pick up oddly-shaped leaves. Jimin helped Jin sort through the small pile of food.