Luis' POV
"Yes," I said without hesitation. "I can help you."
Mia didn't breathe for a second.
"And not just help," I continued, stepping closer. "I'll do everything I can."
Something in her shoulders relaxed. Not fully, but enough.
"Come," I said, guiding her toward the corner of my office.
I had lunch prepared earlier.
Not just any lunch.
Japanese cuisine.
Her favorite.
A low wooden table near the indoor garden wall had been set quietly while we were talking. Minimalist ceramic plates. Warm lighting. Private.
Mia stopped when she saw the food.
"You remember?" she asked softly.
Of course I do.
There was salmon sashimi sliced perfectly thin. A plate of tamago nigiri because she used to complain it was "dessert sushi." Chicken karaage with light citrus sauce. Shrimp tempura crisp and golden. And a small bowl of miso ramen, the way she liked it when we were kids during family trips.
"You used to steal my tempura," I said calmly.
She laughed. "Because you never ate the last piece."
"I was saving it."
"For?"
"For you."
Her smile lingered a little longer than usual.
We sat across from each other.
As she took her first bite, I finally felt certain.
This isn't just business anymore.
While she ate, I spoke.
"I investigated the Hawaii island."
Her chopsticks paused.
"Felix Hill is pushing the government to fast-track the resort acquisition. He's suppressing geological data."
Her eyes sharpened.
"There's seismic instability along the eastern ridge. The risk window aligns with what you told me. Less than three months."
She swallowed slowly.
"And the natives?" she asked.
"I increased our bid. I'm buying the island myself."
She blinked. "Luis…"
"I won't let construction begin. I've visited that island three times. The community there trusts me. I won't allow them to lose their homes."
For a moment, she just looked at me.
Not as a business ally.
But as someone she trusted.
"I also had Pablo prepare a list of remote lands we already own," I continued. "Mountain regions. Coastal cliffs with stable rock foundations. Agricultural zones far from major cities."
She leaned forward slightly.
"You did that… for me?"
"For us," I corrected gently.
Silence fell between us.
Then I asked quietly, "What else can I do?"
Mia's POV
I studied his face.
Careful. Serious. Sincere.
Luis has always been quiet but never careless.
If there's anyone I can trust…
It's him.
I set my chopsticks down.
"There will be a zombie outbreak," I said plainly.
No dramatic pause.
No softening.
"I came back from the future. Two and a half months from now, society collapses. In less than two weeks, the first signs begin supply chain delays, strange viral cases, isolated violence."
He didn't laugh.
He didn't interrupt.
His jaw tightened, yes but not in disbelief.
"In my previous life," I continued, voice steady, "Kevin betrayed me. Chelsea too. During the outbreak. They left me."
I saw it then.
Anger.
Luis' fingers curled slightly against the table.
"He used you," Luis said quietly.
"Yes."
The word didn't hurt anymore.
Luis inhaled slowly.
"Thank you," he said.
"For what?"
"For trusting me enough to tell me the truth."
That… I didn't expect.
Instead of looking overwhelmed, he looked relieved.
"As strange as this sounds," he continued, "I'm glad you told me. It means we prepare properly."
We.
Not you.
We.
"I can build a bunker," he said. "Actually several. We can prepare together. The more trusted people we have, the better."
Before I could answer, Pablo knocked lightly and entered, holding a tablet.
"Sir, the compiled remote land list."
Luis nodded. "Thank you."
Pablo handed me the tablet and stepped out quietly.
My heart started racing.
I scrolled through the properties.
Mountain terrains with natural elevation advantages. Remote agricultural plains with underground water sources. A forested plateau two hours outside the city low population density.
"This one," Luis said, pointing to a coastal cliff property. "Stable basalt foundation. I personally inspected it last year."
He leaned closer to explain the terrain layout.
I could feel his shoulder brushing mine slightly.
And strangely
It felt safe.
"We have less than two weeks before subtle signs start," I said. "My goal is to construct underground bunkers within one month. Then another month to stock supplies and build sustainable systems hydroponics, water filtration, backup generators."
Luis nodded.
"We'll divide tasks," he said calmly. "My team handles land acquisition and structural excavation. Your side can focus on interior systems and sustainability design."
He paused.
Then added, softer.
"We could connect our bunkers."
I blinked. "Connect?"
"For safety reasons. Our parents together. If one side is compromised, the other remains accessible."
The idea made sense.
Strategic.
Efficient.
But it also meant—
We would be side by side.
"If the world ends," he said quietly, "we shouldn't face it alone."
My chest tightened.
He wasn't saying it romantically.
He was saying it practically.
But it sounded like something else.
I smiled faintly.
"Alright," I said. "We build together."
His expression softened.
And for the first time since I returned from the future.
The apocalypse didn't feel as terrifying.
Because this time.
I won't die alone.