Will I find you at the beach in every life? (No you wouldn't, you'd open a new door)

by Sdxx

Summary:

When Junhee died, she expected darkness, or perhaps to be a ghost.
Truth is she didn't know what to expect.

It definitely wasn't to wake up 4 days earlier, on the first day of the games.
What will she change? Will her knowing what she knows prevent anything?
When she finds the help of someone else who died, what will the pair do to change the future for their allies?

Notes:

Junhee is my fav, so I am writing this so I can explore her character some more.
This chapter is short just because its the prologue, but when we start writing episodes again then they'll be much longer I promise.

Italics are thoughts, but in this chapter they are Junhee's 7 minutes after death

Chapter 1: Prologue

Junhee watched Gihun walk towards the edge of the platform, as she hobbled towards the doll. She looked at the only ally she had left, and her daughter on the flowerbed next to him, and knew she had entrusted her to the right person. She knew what she had to do, there was only 1:10 left…

 

“Junhee, stay there! I’m coming to get you.” Gihun yelled, and was about to run onto the bridge when Junhee shouted back.

“Mr Seong, no!” She screamed, “No, don’t come back.” Gihun’s eyes widened in horror as Junhee hobbled away from the doll, and towards the edge.

“No, Junhee. I’m coming now! Don’t give up!” Gihun begged, but Junhee wasn’t having any of it.

“Please stay where you are, Mr Seong.” Junhee contradicted the man, tears welling up in her eyes. “If you don’t make it, my baby won’t survive either. You told me… to protect my baby no matter what..” She reminded the man, taking deep breaths to stop herself from breaking down. All these deaths were her own fault anyway, so taking herself off the board meant that the others would survive as well. “That’s what I’m trying to do right now. Please help me.” She begged again, looking at Gihun.

 

The older man was crying, realising what the younger woman was doing. 

“Junhee…” He cried, breathing shakily as took another step, her feet right on the edge of the platform. 

 

Junhee kept her eyes on Gihun as she walked up to the edge, 10 seconds now remaining on the timer. For a split second, her eyes drifted somewhere else. To Myunggi…

She wished she hated the man more, that she didn’t feel the sting when he wasn’t able to help her, or that she never needed him in the first place…

But she also wished for the happier days to return. The days before the scam, pregnancy and games…

But Junhee had changed in the 6 months she’d lived without Myunggi, and she didn’t need him anymore.

 

She left a tear fall as she lifted her injured foot, and dangled it over the edge for a slight second before letting her other foot follow. She felt her back hit the floor hard before it all went dark.

 

“You know, you’re quite cute. Can we go for coffee?” The cute boy from her school asked her, and she said yes. They were 20 and 22 at the time, and it felt more real than anything else ever had.

 

“Youtube?” She asked with a teasing smile, and Myunggi laughed.

“It’ll pay off.”  Myunggi took her hand in his, squeezing it. “Advising people about crypto until I get big enough to be sponsored by companies.”
“And then what?”

“Then we have everything we need, and I’ll take care of you.”
“Promise?”

“Promise.”

 

“Got my first sponsor offer!” Myunggi laughed, scooping her into a tight hug.

 

“Date night?” He’d knocked on her door with fresh flowers and some wine.

 

“I’d like to think we’d meet in every life.” Junhee told Myunggi on a random day when she was 21 and he was 23.

“Where would we meet?” Myunggi smiled, entertaining the idea.

“The beach.” Junhee smiled softly.

“Okay.” Myunggi grinned, pulling her closer. “You will find me at the beach in every life.”

 

“Let me help you.” He smiled as she stressed over her finals.

 

“This is Ahn Mijun.” Myunggi introduced the pair. “Mijun, this is Junhee, my girlfriend.”

“Hey girl, I love your hair.” Mijun gushed and suddenly the pair had become best friends.

 

Two pink lines…

22 years old and pregnant, yet Junhee could only name one moment she’d been happier.

 

“Maybe you’ll be my family.” Junhee whispered to her stomach on her 23rd birthday, alone and 4 months pregnant.

 

“Do you want to earn more money?” The recruiter man asked her after giving her another load of money, and Junhee nodded to him in confidence. She went to her appointment happy she’d beat the man at the game. The boost to her ego had inflated her almost.

 

Being accepted to a team despite her pregnancy.

Mrs Jang saving her, and helping her.

Daeho’s strong presence by her side during Mingle.

Myunggi returned from the bathroom fight, alive. She’d never been more relieved, despite not trusting him.

Giving birth to her baby, and holding her.

Mr Seong getting her baby to the other side.

 

-

 

Junhee hadn’t really bothered learning what happened after death, but wasn’t really that bothered. Mostly because she didn’t think she’d die at 23 years old, the day after giving birth to her only child.

 

She also didn’t think she’d hear classical music as she died, but maybe it was the games haunting her further. Not only had they separated Junhee and her daughter, but she was now being haunted by their awful music.

 

Until her eyes snapped open, and she was in the dormitory, with all 455 of the other players.

 

“This isn’t real. Is it?”

Until she saw her bump, and almost burst into tears.

Junhee had gone back in time to the start of the games, and now she had a mission…

To save her allies, herself and her daughter.

Chapter 2: 001

Summary:

Junhee returns to the past as players gather for a chance to win 45.6 billion won.
Upon finding someone going through the same experience as her, she finds that things might still be the same.
When the votes come down to the final player, will it all pan out the same.

Notes:

Hope y'all enjoy this one.
I had a lot of freetime today, which is why the chapter came out so fast, but it unfortunatley won't always be like this

This must be some twisted nightmare.

Or some sort of sick prank her mind was playing on her.

 

She couldn’t be back, surely…

 

She looked down, still laying on her back, and saw her 222 player badge. She flinched seeing the number, and sat up slowly as her hand fell onto her bump.

 

“I’ll stay this time, sweet girl.” She muttered as she sat up, looking around the room at all the people who had died in her past life; only 8 players (and her daughter) were still alive when she died. Now she was back with the 455 players that had started the games.

 

The majority had gathered in the middle of the room, which would later be the space for voting, and fighting…

The doors buzzed open, and a group of guards walked in, just like last time. The players, hopeful and naive to what fate was going to befall them, looked at the masked guards in confusion as the doors closed behind them.

 

“I would like to send a hearty welcome to all of you.” The square masked guard welcomed all the players and Junhee moved to the edge of her bed. “Everyone here will participate in six games over the next six days. Those who win all six games will win a handsome cash prize.”

 

“Excuse me!” A familiar voice exclaimed, and Junhee looked at Hyunju with a proud look. The woman had saved her too many times in her last life, and died because she came back to help both Junhee and Mrs Jang. Junhee wouldn’t let that happen again. “You said I’d be playing games, but you practically kidnapped me. So how can I believe that?” Hyunju inquired just as she did last time. Maybe only Junhee had been sent back…

“I apologise.” The guard stated. “Please understand that it was necessary to maintain the game’s security.”

“What’s with the mask then?” A woman asked, Player 283. Junhee didn’t recall when she died, but assumed it was one of the first two games. “Is your face also a secret?”

“Yeah! Why are you hiding your face?” Player 444 wondered, and Junhee could recall his death with strikingly clear memory. The final blood of Red Light, Green Light. Mr Seong and Hyunju had risked their lives to save him just for him to die anyway. “Is this some kind of illegal gambling house?”

“Even the dealers don’t cover their faces in those places.” Player 283 told the man, and many other players agreed.

 

“To ensure fair gameplay, and confidentiality, it is our policy not to reveal the faces and identities of the staff.” The guard explained as a player lifted up her jumper.

 

“Did you take off my clothes and put these on me?” Player 196, the first blood of Red Light, Green Light, asked the guard.

“What’s with these shoes?” The purple-haired man, whose name had escaped Junhee, asked while taking off one of his shoes and inspecting it. “My shoes are limited fucking edition, they’re hard to find! You going to replace them if they get ruined?” The man demanded, and Junhee almost laughed. These people would be more concerned for their lives than their outfits soon.

“These don't fit and the colour sucks.” Player 196 complained, still looking at her jumper. “Can I just have what you’re wearing instead? I like pink.”

 

“I’m sorry, but that is not possible.” The guard answered, “You must be in your uniform for the games.”

“What about my phone?” Junhee’s eyes drifted from the guard to the man in the crowd, saying exactly what he’d said last time. “Why did you take my phone and wallet? Give them back, please.” Myunggi had requested.

“We’re keeping your belongings safe. We’ll return them once the games are over” The guard retorted but, just like last time, Myunggi wasn’t having it.

“At least give me my phone, I need to check the crypto market. If I lose money will you compensate me?”

“We will return it to you once the games are over.” The guard repeated.

“I need to monitor the real time prices!” Myunggi yelled. “Do you know how much I’ve invested?”

“Player 333, Lee Myunggi.” The guard started, exposing Myunggi’s personality to everyone else just like last time, which was how he made his two main enemies. One of which, the purple-haired man, was already looking at him. He clicked a remote and the tv behind him turned on, showing Myunggi getting slapped. “Age 26, used to run a youtube channel called MG Coin. After convincing subscribers to invest in a new crypto coin called Dalmation, causing losses of approximately 15.2 billion won collectively, you shut down and disappeared. You’re wanted for fraud, and violating telecom and financial investment laws. Current debt, 1.8 billion won.”

 

Junhee remembered all of this, about 100 million won of that 15.2 billion won being hers.

 

“Player 196, Kang Mina, 45 million won in debt.” The woman looked away.

“Player 120, Cho Hyunju, 330 million won in debt.” The surgeries but no income had caused that, and Junhee knew as much.

“Player 230, Choi Subong, 1.19 billion won in debt.” That was the purple haired man’s name, and he looked down as his face appeared on the screen.

“Player 198, Jang Doyeong, 1.4 billion won in debt.” The man who failed so badly at flying stone in the pentathlon he both pissed his pants and got his whole team killed. Junhee remembered this, as that team was first to go. Right before Hyunju, Yongsik, Geumja, Youngmi and the Shaman whose name she never found out.

“Player 226, Kim Yeongsam, 1.9 billion won in debt.” The first of two men Hyunju had to kill to protect them in Hide and Seek, despite him offering to spare Hyunju if she gave him either Mrs Jang or Junhee herself. Hyunju refused…

“Player 444, Kim Namdu, 2.02 billion won in debt.”

“Player 343, Sim Jaeseok, 2.89 billion won in debt.”

“Player 006, Park Mihwa, 3.1 billion in debt.”

“Player 283, Lee Eunju, 4.02 billion in debt.”

“Player 100, Im Jeongdae, 10 billion in debt.” The man in the video screamed ‘One more game’ just as the man would after the pentathlon despite Gihun and Youngil pleading with the players not to continue playing.

“What are you all looking at?” Player 100 yelled, as players started staring at him. “Do you think it’s easy to get a 10 billion won loan?” The man screamed. “They don’t lend that kind of money to just anyone! Only to those who are capable of paying it back.”

 

“All of you in this room have crippling debts and are now on a cliffedge. When we first came to you, you did not trust us either. But as you know, we played a game and gave you money as promised. And so you trusted us, and volunteered to participate according to your own free will. You have one last chance to decide. Do you want to live like a piece of trash, running from creditors? Or will you seize the last opportunity we’re offering you?” The guard told all the players, who looked around at the people in a similar opportunity to themselves.

 

Junhee looked around the room, sensing someone’s eyes on her. She found Gihun looking around the room critically. Their eyes met for a second, and he cocked his head slightly. This hadn’t happened last time, and Junhee was now confused.

 

The room now held a gold tint as the piggy bank, currently empty, was lowered by the guards remote.

 

“What you see now is the piggy bank where your valuable prize money will be held. After each of the six games you will play, the prize money will accumulate in this piggy bank.”

“How much is the prize money?” Yongsik asked from the floor, and Junhee looked away from Gihun to look at the man who tried to kill her in desperation. She didn’t blame him, but knew that if they made it this far she would stop him from making that decision.

“The prize money for the games totals 45.6 billion won.” The guard deadpanned and the players were all shocked. 

 

They started gossiping to each other about the money, as Junhee caught Gihun’s eye again. His eyes darted to her stomach in shock, or confusion, and she turned her body slightly. She couldn’t tell what was wrong with the man but he wasn’t like this in the last life. They met the following day, and she’d approached him due to his knowledge and strength. Maybe this time they could establish the bond quicker, and she could save him from himself. 

 

“And one of us will get it?” Yongsik asked.

“We will give you the details about the distribution of the money after the first game. For these games, you will be given a special new advantage.” The guard added, and Junhee knew it was about the voting.

“What is it?” Player 100 asked.

“After each game, you will be given a chance to vote whether to continue the games or not.” The guard explained to the players. “If the majority votes to stop playing, you can leave with the prize money accumulated at that point.”

“So you’re saying.” Gihun started, just like his last life, taking a step down the stairs. “We’ll still receive the money even if we leave after the first game?”

“That’s correct.” The guard nodded. Gihun turned to look at the camera before disappearing behind the beds.

 

“Good heavens! Excuse me!” A shrill, yet familiar, voice yelled while storming through the crowd of players. Geumja kept moving, until she reached Yongsik. She slapped him hard on the shoulder. “You idiot!”

“Ma! What… What are you doing here?” Yongsik questioned.

“That’s what I wanted to ask you! What are you doing here?” Geumja shot back, and as Yongsik tried to calm his mother down she felt a tap on her shoulder. That definitely hadn’t happened in her last life. She turned around to see Gihun looking at her, his eyes showing guilt but confusion.

 

“Hello?” Junhee questioned.

“Did you…” Gihun trailed off. “This is going to sound really stupid.”

“That I doubt sir.” Junhee tried to keep up the illusion that she didn’t know him but Gihun’s head was torn between just spitting out what he knew, and keeping it a secret.

“Did you come back as well?” Gihun muttered, as there were a few occupied beds near the pair. Junhee paused for a second before a bright smile crept up on her face.

“Mr Seong.” Junhee nodded her head.

“Junhee.” A small smile crept up on the man’s face as they realised they’d both come back.

“Did you…”

“I died. Your daughter won the games.”

“She was the only one?” Junhee asked and Gihun nodded. 

“Is Player 333 actually her father?” Gihun asked and Junhee nodded. “So he wasn’t lying.”
“Let’s not talk about him.” Junhee shut down slightly, still figuring out what she wants to do about Myunggi. “What can we change? What happened when I died?”

“I found out who the frontman was.” Gihun spat with disgust as Geumja and Yongsik kept arguing below. “Youngil… he’s the frontman.” Junhee gasped as a hand flew up to her mouth.

“What are we going to do about that?” Junhee asked. 

“Keep him, we want things to go as they did last time so he doesn’t suspect. It should be easier for us to take down the games if we know what the Frontman is doing.” Gihun explained and Junhee nodded at the explanation. 

“We can save Jungbae, and Daeho.” Junhee almost laughs at the opportunity. “We can save our allies.”

“We can and we will.” Gihun reassures her. “We may need a slight backstory though, because people are looking and will realise we already know each other. Jungbae will find me during Red Light, Green Light, and we’ll meet Daeho and Youngil after the voting.” He explains to her, as she was the last to join their group. “Weird question but how old are you?”

“23.” Junhee answered, and Gihun nodded.

“Okay, I stopped talking to Jungbae when you were about 19.” He calculates. “You know those teenage helplines?” 

“Yeah… I almost turned to them at one point.” Junhee admits with slight embarrassment.

“Don’t be ashamed.” Gihun squeezes her shoulder. “Say I took you in around December 2021. That’s when I got back on my feet.” She nods, calculating that she would’ve been 20 that year and technically still able to get into the program. It was also the year she met Myunggi, but at that point they would’ve already been dating.

 

The lines started to form as Players signed the consent form and, just like last time, Myunggi got into an argument with Player 124 and Choi Subong. She stayed behind Gihun as they signed the consent forms and after the players had all signed the form, they were led to the staircase and made to take pictures.

 

“Act like nothing's wrong. Like you did last time.” Gihun whispered into Junhee’s ear, to which the younger nodded. She took her picture with a small smile, and waited for Gihun on the other side. The man didn’t smile, just like last time, and suddenly they were off to Red Light, Green Light. 

 

After walking up a set of stairs, a voice called out for Gihun. The pair froze as footsteps clampered towards them.

“Gihun!” Jungbae yelled. “Gihun, Gihun!” He ran over to his friend, while both Junhee and Gihun were trying not to cry.

“Jungbae.” Gihun gasped out, happy to see the man that died right in front of him. 

“Fuck, you were alive this who time.” Jungbae splutters, grabbing Gihun’s face. “What are you doing here?”

“I’ll explain, let’s go.” He pulled Jungbae along, and ushered Junhee ahead of them. “It’s dangerous, Jungbae. You need to be careful.”

“Gihun, I was worried.” Jungbae told the man as they walked up the stairs. “Nobody has heard from you in three years. I heard your mom passed away.” From directly in front of them, Junhee’s eyes widened but she schooled her reaction so Jungbae wouldn’t notice. “I had to hear about it from my wife. I assume things were difficult seeing as you're also here but you should’ve told me.”

“I know, I’m sorry.” Gihun sighed. “I got into a program not too long after my ma died, you know the at risk teenagers one?”

“Yeah, you took one in?” Jungbae gasped. Junhee slowed slightly, turning to look at the pair.

“This is Junhee.” Gihun introduced her to his friend. “Junhee, this is Jungbae. I think I told you about him.”
“Yeah I remember. Marine, right?” Junhee offered her hand.

“I was. You told her about me?” Jungbae took her hand and shook it before they continued walking. “Lovely manners, young lady.”

“Thank you sir.” Junhee bowed slightly, but Jungbae noticed something.

“Are you pregnant, Junhee?” Jungbae asked, and Junhee’s hand went to her stomach. The young woman nodded before turning to Gihun. “What about the father?”

“Ghosted me.” Junhee replied shortly, ending the conversation.

 

They walked in silence for a second before reaching the top of the stairs. 

“Jungbae, Junhee, you need to be careful.” Gihun warned, and Junhee nodded. “It’s incredibly dangerous.” Junhee just nods, realising she needs to act clueless.

“How do you mean?” Jungbae asks.

“Please… just do as I say.” Gihun’s eyes softened and Jungbae nodded.

 

“Junhee, tell me a bit about yourself.” Jungbae starts talking to Junhee.

“I’m 23. Around 8 months pregnant, and I don’t know the gender but I think it’s a girl.” She smiled, knowing exactly what the gender was because she’d birthed her child before.

“That’s sweet. I have a child too, and I’m sure you know Gihun does too.” Junhee nods, because in her last life Gihun had told her about his daughter while advising Junhee to do everything to protect hers.

“I’m here to make money for them.” Junhee half tells the truth, because it was the only reason she was here last time. She’s now here to save them all as well, but discreetly.

 

They walked onto the field that they played Red Light, Green Light on,

“My legs… that was a lot of stairs.” Jungbae sighed and Junhee agreed.

 

“Welcome to the first game.” The female voice exclaimed. “All players, please wait for a moment on the field. Let me repeat. All players, please wait for a moment on the field.”

 

Junhee spied Myunggi out of the corner of her eye, and tapped Gihun’s shoulder.

“Found him.” She squinted, and Jungbae’s eyes turned towards them. “I’ll come find you after a second.”

“Don’t take too long.” Gihun warned her and Junhee nodded before walking over to the man. “That’s the father, and Junhee has a lot to say to him.” Jungbae gasped as Gihun told him this, before turning to look across the field.

 

“Didn’t expect to see you here.” Junhee tutted after tapping Myunggi on the shoulder. “I thought you were dead, not ignoring me. Guess I was wrong huh?”

“Junhee!” Myunggi gasped, surprised to see her. “What are you doing here?”

“The same as everyone else. I have no money, and I was asked to play games.” Junhee spoke, gritting her teeth together so that she didn’t snap.

“Wha…” His eyes drifted down before looking at her belly. “You kept it.”

“I’ve been staying somewhere, and besides, why do you care?” She snapped. “You seemed content to ignore my calls.”

“Junhee, we agreed.” Myunggi tried, reaching for her hand. She pulled it away and placed it on her belly.

“I want to keep it. Don’t pretend you care now.” Junhee snapped, and walked away. She walked back over to Jungbae and Gihun. They both looked at her quizzically.

 

“He’s still the same.” She frowned and the pair both smiled sadly as the door slammed behind them.

 

“The first game is Red Light, Green Light.” The female voice stated.

“Red Light, Green Light? The kids' game?” Jungbae wondered aloud. Junhee pretended to act confused, looking at the doll ahead of them. 

“Cross the finish line in five minutes without getting caught.” The voice explained, and Gihun ran to the front. Junhee’s breath hitched and Jungbae looked confused.

“What is he doing?” Jungbae asked her.

“I wish I knew.” Junhee lied in return.

 

“Everyone!” Gihun yelled, and 455 pairs of eyes fell upon him. “Everyone, listen up! Pay attention! Listen carefully! This is not just a game! If you lose the game, you die!” Voices of laughter and confusion drifted around, even Jungbae letting out a soft chuckle but Junhee didn’t laugh. She watched with practiced indifference.

“Hey! What are you talking about?!” Player 283 shouted back. “We’re going to die playing Red Light, Green Light?”

“Yeah, that's right!” Gihun yelled to all the players. “If they catch you moving, they will kill you. They’ll shoot you from around the edges, stay on your toes! If you get caught, you die! That doll’s eyes are motion detectors! Stay on your toes!”

“What are you talking about?” Player 444 demanded.

“I think he’s trying to scare us so he can win all the prize money!” Player 066 shot back. Shouts of agreement echoed around the room and, despite being quite introverted, Junhee knew she had to step in. She shouted from where she was stood:

“If you’re so confident Player 066, move when it shouts Red Light. See if you’re still alive after that.” Gihun looked at her with a grateful nod. She walked over to him, still shouting. “Why would he tell you to be careful if he wanted the prize money to himself?”

 

The doll turned around before she could get a response from the players.

“Ready, Junhee?” Gihun whispered.

“Ready, Mr Seong.” She affirmed.

“Stay behind me.” He instructed and she agreed. “Directly, at all times.”
“I know.” She smiled, knowing nothing had changed. Despite knowing people were still going to die, people would run when the first blood was shed, the pair smiled. 

 

“Don’t be alarmed or panicked!” Gihun yelled, still facing the players, with Junhee standing in front of him. “No matter what happens, don’t panic and start running!”

 

“Let the game begin.”

 

The doll sang, the song having the same haunting feel as it did last time. The players ran, but Junhee and Gihun stayed still. He raised his hand slightly as the song ended and the doll turned around. Nobody dared to move.

 

“Freeze!” Gihun yelled. He paused for a few seconds before continuing. “Well done! You just need to stay calm like this!” Just like last time, and Gihun knew that. He knew what would happen soon, a bee would cause a bloodbath, but there isn’t much they can do about it for the time being. Just keep as many of them as calm as possible. 

 

The doll’s head turned around, and it started singing again. This time, when the song ended, Jungbae ended up next to the pair.

“Freeze!” Gihun yelled again, and Junhee just stayed still, knowing they’d start moving soon. “Don’t move and stay still!”

“Calm down. It’s you scaring us.” Jungbae muttered, and Junhee knew he’d retract that statement soon enough.

“Speak with your mouth covered, it’s dangerous.” Gihun chastised the man, and Junhee stayed still. The doll turned around again, and started singing. Everyone started moving but, upon noticing that the other two weren’t, Jungbae froze.

“Why aren’t you two moving?” Jungbae turned around, but now the doll was looking.

“Freeze!” Gihun yelled. “Junhee, we need to start moving now. Stay crouched behind me.” She nodded as the doll started singing. Gihun turned around, an arm in front of his mouth as Junhee crouched down directly behind him, an arm on his back. The doll had stopped singing.

“Freeze!” Gihun yelled.

“Gihun, are you crazy?” Jungbae asked.

“I said cover your mouth!” Gihun yelled back. The doll turned around again. “Stay with us!” Gihun told Jungbae as the pair started running. When the doll stopped singing, a pause was held…

Then the scream.

 

“Oh crap! I just moved, didn’t I?” Player 196 chuckled, just like last time. Then a gunshot was heard, and she fell to the floor.

“Nobody move!” Gihun screamed again. “You must not move!”

“Player 196, eliminated.” The female voice echoed across the playing field.

“Jungbae, no matter what happens, don’t move. You too Junhee.” Gihun warns them, only warning Junhee to keep up appearances. He knew Youngil was watching them.

“I won’t, Mr Seong.” Junhee nodded from behind him.

“Nobody move!” Gihun repeated, before another scream and a gunshot.

 

Suddenly, a lot of players were running towards the entrance doors. Each one was shot down, and a line of bodies formed towards the door in the corner, leading to a pile of bodies in front of it.

 

“Let me repeat.” The female voice spoke again, “You can move while the tagger shouts ‘Green Light, Red Light’. If your movement is detected afterwards, you will be eliminated”

 

When the doll started singing again, nobody moved. Gihun didn’t even need to shout ‘Freeze’, they were all frozen out of shock.

 

“Junhee, we need to get to the front. Stay close.” He whispered, and when the doll turned around he started to run. Junhee, however, couldn’t run as fast as Gihun and ended up quite the amount behind him. It stopped for a moment, and started singing again. Gihun was now at the front, and Jungbae had caught up to Junhee.

 

“Are you okay?” Jungbae whispered, Junhee’s breathing speeding up.

“Hurts…” She muttered, forgetting about the pain she experienced during this game.

 

“You’ll also die if you don’t make it in time!” Gihun yelled at the players. “That doll is a motion detector, but it can’t detect motions that it can’t see!” Gihun yelled while moving his hand behind his back. “Get behind someone bigger than you! Like you’re doing follow the leader! We’re running out of time, we’ve got to move!”

 

The doll started singing, and Jungbae pushed Junhee behind him before they ran behind Gihun, and other players formed lines. It stopped singing quite fast.

“Gihun.” Jungbae muttered from behind the man. “I’ll stay close to you now.”

“Good, where’s Junhee?” Gihun questioned, realising she wasn’t behind him like he thought she was.

“She’s right behind me.” Junbare whispered and Gihun let out a sigh of relief.

 

The doll started singing and Junhee saw Yongsik behind her, and Geumja behind him. It stopped after a few more seconds, and now Gihun had stopped screaming. It sang, they moved and stopped just before the song ended. Junhee’s stomach tightened, just as it did last time but this time she leaned into Jungbae a little more.

“Are you okay, Junhee?” He whispered.

“It hurts.” She whispered, leaning on his back heavily.

“Stay close.” He whispered back, and they started moving again.

 

Several rounds went by, with them getting closer to the finish line. People were shot, but more people survived. Junhee was close to Jungbae, but Geumja noticed from behind them. She noticed the condition of Junhee and frowned to herself.

 

When they got closer to the finish line, Gihun told them to move quicker. The timer was on less than one minute remaining, and they still had nobody across the finish line. Gihun crossed the line first, Jungbae and Junhee crossed it right after.

 

“Please help me.” Player 444 begged, and Gihun knew he had to help the man. He knew the fate that would befall him, but he vowed to try and save everyone. 30 seconds remained when Gihun ran back over to Player 444, and stood in front of him and Junhee watched with a controlled expression. Jungbae watched in fear.

“I’ll help you, get up on this turn.” Gihun told the man, who nodded. It played the song again and out of the corner of her eye, Junhee saw Hyunju run over and hold up Player 444 from the other side as the doll turned around. When the doll started singing, they started running. Players started cheering them on, only 5 seconds remaining, and they crossed just as the timer ran out.

 

But once again, Player 444 was still shot in the head.

“Player 444, eliminated.” Gihun shook his head, snapping himself out of it as a roof started covering the arena. Morbidly, Junhee realised that nobody in the arena that was still alive would ever see sunlight again, if Gihun was right. Her baby girl won the games, and she wasn’t born yet. 

 

Gihun ran over to the pair as they started to exit the arena, and once they’d all arrived back into the dormitory, players huddled in groups. He stayed with Jungbae and Junhee as they walked in, and fell into quiet conversation once they’d sat down.

“How did you know?” Jungbae asked Gihun. “You knew it was dangerous.”

“I’ll explain.” Gihun starts.

“Did you know?” Jungbae asks Junhee, who shakes her head.

“Mr Seong has pretty good instincts, I’ve learnt to trust them.” Junhee tells him a half truth.

 

Before they can say anything, the doors open and the guards walk in. Players scramble to hide, and Jungbae pulls Junhee behind him. She smiles warmly, the protective urge warming her chest slightly.

 

“Congratulations for making it through the first game.” The guard started talking, but the players were all hiding away. “Here are the results of the first game.” The board started to change as the guard continued to speak. “Out of 456 players, 91 have been eliminated. 365 players have completed the first game. Congratulations again for making it through the first game.”

 

“Sir, please don’t kill us.” Geumja begged, dragging Yongsik to the middle. “Please don’t kill us, I’m begging you.” The woman sank to her knees, reminding both Gihun and Junhee of what happened in the vote after Hide and Seek. Where she begged the players to save Junhee and her daughters life. Begging never helps, asking the players to think of someone other than themselves… 

Never works, unless you are very lucky.

 

“As for my son's debt,” Geumja continued. “I’ll do whatever it takes to pay you back! Please forgive us. Don’t just stand there, ask for his forgiveness.”
“I’m sorry.” Yongsik was pulled to his knees. “Please forgive me. I promise I’ll pay it back.”

“There seems to be a misunderstanding.” The guard starts, but more players ran onto the floor in the middle of the room and begged for forgiveness from the guards. “We are not trying to harm you. We are presenting you with an opportunity.”

“Clause three of the consent form!” Gihun stood up , and addressed the guards. “‘The games may be terminated upon a majority vote.’ Correct?”

“That is correct.” The guard answered.

“Then let us take a vote right now.” Gihun exclaimed, despite knowing the likely outcome. He’d searched the room, discreetly, for Youngil but had yet to find him. He’d also looked for Daeho, and spotted the shaky man. Regret for killing him seeped through his blood from the minute he killed Daeho until the minute Gihun died, so saving him in this life was crucial.

“Of course.” The guard nodded. “We respect your right to freedom of choice.” A bunch of players gasped in relief from the floor as the guard spoke. “But first, let me announce the prize money that’s been accumulated thus far.”

 

Junhee pulled Gihun back as the players looked at the money falling in, greed overtaking rationality.

 

“Don’t tell them you’ve won.” Junhee whispered.

“Why? How will I be able to explain what I did without it?” Gihun shot back.

“They all lost trust in you and said you were trying to manipulate them, Mr Seong. You can’t tell the players about the pentathlon because Youngil will be there, and he’ll know.” Junhee explained as the guards kept talking. “You need to be careful, we can’t exactly afford to make a mistake.”

 

Gihun pauses, and nods.

“I understand.”

“I don’t want us to die again, or any of them… we were the last ones left.” She sighed as Players started gathering for the vote. “I don’t want to go through that again, Mr Seong.”

 

Gihun looked at the young woman in front of him, and pulled her into a hug. They’d never hugged before, but it felt like the right moment.

 

“Now, let’s begin the vote.” The guard announced, and the duo split up but stayed right next to each other. “If you wish to continue the games, press the O button. If you wish to end the games, press the X button. The vote will be held in reverse order of your player numbers. Player 456.” The guard called for Gihun, who started walking up to the platform.

 

“It’s all pointless!” The Shaman called out from her bed. “You didn’t decide when you came into this world, and you can’t decide when to leave it either. When and where you die was already decided by the gods the moment you were born. No matter how hard you try, you can never escape it.” Gihun continued walking, and slammed his hand on the X button, and Junhee wasn’t surprised whatsoever.

“Once you’ve finished voting, put the patch you were given on the right side of your chest and stand on the side you have chosen.” The guard told the players as a circle guard held out a red patch with a white X in the centre. Gihun put his patch on, and walked to the X side as the next player, Player 454, walked up to the stand. The older woman voted O.

 

“Player 453.” The man voted X.

Just. Like. Last. Time.

 

“It’s gonna end up the same.” Junhee muttered to herself, unaware of Myunggi and Geumja both watching her. The former in confusion, and the latter in worry.

 

“Player 390.” Came soon after, and Jungbae walked up to the platform. He voted X, but Daeho voted O right after. Then Player 380, a young woman Junhee recognised to be on a team with Player 230, Choi Subong, voted O as well.

 

“Player 333.” Junhee thought making Myunggi know she was here would mean that he’d vote X, but it didn’t. He voted O. Junhee flinched, watching her ex boyfriend with a sharp, calculating eye.

 

In the last life, Junhee remembered Gihun making his speech not too long before she voted X. It was right after Choi Subong voted, perhaps it was his glee that made Gihun confront everyone. It wouldn’t happen this time, he wanted the players to trust him, and he hoped his silence would work.

 

228, 226 and 223 voted before Junhee had her turn. She looked at the O side, meeting Myunggi’s eyes with a strong, but hurt, glance. She voted X and walked over to Gihun and Jungbae.

 

Eventually….

“Lastly, Player 001.”

Junhee and Gihun looked up at the board, which read 182-182. Nothing had changed. When Youngil voted O, and condemned everyone to a second game, they knew nothing would ever change.

 

They were trapped, but none of that.

They had people to save, and games to play.

Notes:

I didn't want Gihun to do the same speech and make the same mistakes, so I'll come up with a different way to have him and Junhee help the players.
Gihun is the other time traveller because I didn't want to do Daeho yet, but both he and 'Youngil' will come in next chapter.
I love Junhee and Gihun's bond sm, but also Jungbae with both Daeho and Junhee, so that'll be explored next chapter.
FOUND FAMILY WILL SUCCEED!
Myunggi redemption will happen by the way, but there won't be any Myunghee in this fic.

Hope y'all enjoy, comments and kudos are much appriciated

Chapter 3: Six Legs

Summary:

New player interactions, and conversations that never happened take place as the first day ends.
Dawn breaks, and a new game is happening. If teams of five a required, and each player has an equal stake in their survival, will the teams succeed or suffer collective elimination?

Notes:

Just as a note, this is written in third person limited, following Junhee unless specified otherwise.
This chapter is a little shorter because some things didn't need to happen and the actual episode follows Noeul and Junho's story (Which isn't here due to the POV but both are happening exactly as they did in the show dw!)
Thank you all SO MUCH for the love on the last chapter, your support means more than words can express

The players were lined up for food, grabbing the lunch box and a bottle of water each. The trio sat together in silence, opening their lunch boxes and eating slowly.

“My mum used to make boxes like these.” Jungbae remanised, and Gihun nodded along.

“I remember, mine did too.” Gihun agreed, deciding to make the most of his time with Jungbae, because he didn’t do that last time. Junhee smiled as the two conversed.

“Before you met Gihun, did you ever have these Junhee?” Jungbae asked but Junhee shook her head. 

 

They fell silent as a man started walking over nervously, and Gihun was the first to look up. He tapped Junhee’s back discreetly, and she looked up from her tray to see Youngil. She schooled her expression as the man stood in front of them.

 

“Hello?” Gihun questioned, wondering how the frontman would worm his way into the group now that Gihun hadn’t exposed himself.

“Hello sir, I wanted to thank you.” Youngil bowed slightly, “I was terrified and your advice saved my life.”
“I’m glad it did.” Gihun responded slightly dryly. “But it clearly wasn’t enough to convince you was it?”

“There were 182 other O voters, it wasn’t just me.” Youngil reasoned, and he was right. Gihun wouldn’t admit that though.

“Yet you condemned the 182 X voters to another game.” Gihun snapped. “You kept people here who want to go home. All three of us have children, sir. What if we never see them again?”

“I’m doing this for my child.” Youngil snaps, and Gihun never did find out if that story was real. He does doubt that Youngil would lie about something as serious as that. Gihun shot a look at Junhee, and an eye conversation happened where he seemed to ask her something. Nobody other than them would know.

“You kept mine here before she could give birth to hers.” Gihun responded with a spiteful glare, and Youngil seemed to take a step back. He looked at Junhee, who was just sat there, picking at her food. She looked up as she was mentioned, and Youngil seemed to look her up and down.

“You two don’t look…”
“I’m adopted.” Junhee glared. “Didn’t realise we needed to look alike to be related, Sir.”

 

Before Inho could respond, Geumja had walked over with the lid of her lunch tray. She sat herself down next to Junhee and placed the egg in Junhee’s tray. Junhee looked away from Youngil, and looked at Geumja properly for the first time since seeing her hanging from the bed.

“Have this too.” Geumja told her, ignoring the tension between the group. “You should eat it for your baby. Eggs are good for pregnant women.”

“How did you know?” Junhee wondered, as she hadn’t interacted with Geumja in this life yet.

“I helped more than a dozen women in my neighbourhood deliver their babies. When you almost fell, I noticed your body shape and how you were walking. Your due date seems to be close, and if you keep compressing ii, you may do more damage to your baby.” Geumja explained.

“I know…” Junhee muttered. 

“Junhee.” Gihun walked over, as the pair had moved over a little bit. “Ahh.. sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“It’s okay Appa.” Junhee smiled, and Gihun’s eyes lit up as he nodded. “She was giving me an egg.”

“Thank you Ma’am.” Gihun bowed, and Geumja shook her head.

“Any decent person would do the same, Sir. Be careful young lady, and if either of you need me, I’ll be over there with my son.” The woman explained before walking away.

 

“Appa?” Gihun asked quietly, with a bright smile.

“Was that okay?” Junhee asked nervously, and Gihun nodded.

“More than okay… Youngil was baffled by the way.” Gihun smiled and Junhee chuckled, dryly. “Left him speechless.”

“Good.” She smiled, and they walked back over.

“Miss 222, I’d like to apologise.” Youngil bowed his head sheepishly.

“It’s quite alright.” She responded as she and Gihun sat down. “Don’t make that mistake again please.” Youngil nodded as Jungbae tried to ease tension.

“So now, we can plan for the next game can’t we?” Jungbae asked as Youngil sat next to Jungbae. “It could be something like: tag, or maybe a team game?” Both Junhee and Gihun rubbed a hand over their mouths to hide their smiles.

 

A man jumped from the bed above the group and walked out onto the floor in front of them. It was Daeho, and Gihun almost had to look away at the sight of his bright face. He’d killed Daeho in a fit of rage in his last life, but he wouldn’t make that mistake again.

 

“Ahh, a team game.” Daeho sighs. “Maybe they’ll make us fight another team, like: tug of war. Oh, sir. You were so cool during the game, I’m Daeho. Kang Daeho.” He offered his hand out, Junhee shaking it. “Thank you miss, you were awesome as well. Challenging that man who had no idea what he was talking about.” Junhee bowed her head as Daeho started recreating what Gihun had done during the game. “I’d like to get to know you all, if you’d give me the chance.”

Before any of the players could vocalise their opinion, Jungbae stood up and pulled Daeho’s t-shirt sleeve up.

“Hang on.” Jungbae told Daeho, inspecting his tattoo.

“Yes, sir?” Daeho asked in confusion.

“You were in the marines?” Jungbae questioned, and Gihun smiled to himself as he knew what would follow.

“Yes, why?” Daeho asked with a bright smile on his face, which brought a small one onto Junhee’s. 

“Class number?” Jungbae asked, but Daeho just laughed. Jungbae shook his head and took off his jacket to reveal his own Marine tattoo. Daeho immediately saluted the man.

“Victory at all costs! I was in Class 1140, Sir!”
“Ate ease.” Jungbae saluted him back. “Daeho. I knew there was something about you.” He tapped Daeho’s shoulder and the man shouted again. “Class 746 here, come join our team!”

“I won’t let you down!” Daeho shouted back. The two men continued like this as Gihun whispered in Junhee’s ear.

 

“I didn’t notice those eyes last time, did I?” Junhee’s eyebrows shot up, and he chuckled.

“It’s not…”
“It is, but I won’t object. People aren’t to be blamed for mistakes in the past, especially if they won’t happen in the future.” Gihun told her, and she ducked her head with a small flush on her face. Cruelly, this is when Myunggi lunged off his bed in an attempt to attack Players 124 and 230.

“Aish… two on one?” Youngil muttered, and Junhee slowly stood up. She watched with a critical eye, remembering that everything was different now. She could stop Myunggi maybe… she wouldn’t trust him but she might not shut him out anymore. The two men were kicking the shit out of him, before Junhee turned to Gihun.

“Should I?” She questioned, but Gihun shook his head immediately. He made a small gesture to her stomach before it dawned on Junhee that she was technically still pregnant. She kept on forgetting…

 

Youngil stood up as Daeho and Jungbae started talking about if they should stop the fight.

 

“Boys, what are you doing in the middle of meal time?” Youngil starts.

“It’s the same.” Gihun whispers and Junhee nods, “I think he did it last time so I’d let him be on the team. It must be something like that.”

“Let him, we need to convince him that we’re normal people. Not travellers or whatever.” Junhee whispered back and Gihun nodded.

“No fights during meal time. There are elders present, mind your manners. And two against one? Aren’t you embarrassed?” Youngil critiqued the men, but neither of them looked ashamed.

“You’re lecturing me, when you ended up in this shithole too?” Player 230 asked loudly. “Sir, stop running your mouth and take care of your own damn kids.”

“What did you just say?”

“I said… save the lecture for your own damn kid.” Youngil then did what he’d done in the last life, which was stop both the men from doing anything by fighting them. Player 124 had been easy, two kicks and he was already down. 230 took a minute, and being choked, until he finally caved in. When Youngil stood up, players started clapping.

 

They all cheered, even if none of them had made a move to help Myunggi originally. Junhee didn’t make a move to help the man off the floor, but she watched as he got up after a minute. He placed one hand on his face, and climbed back onto his bed -which is where the fight originated from.

 

“What is he?” Jungbae wondered aloud, mostly talking to Daeho.

“Is he an ex-marine too?” Daeho asked, and both men covered their tattoos before continuing to clap.

 

-

 

The lights went off after a while, leaving only a golden glow in the room.

 

“Will we be okay tomorrow?” Junhee asked Gihun in calm fear. “What if something happened because we…”

“It’ll be fine.” Gihun nodded, looking around the room. “He’s looking at you again.”

“Myunggi?” Junhee asked without turning around. Gihun nodded and Junhee sighed.

“Excuse me?” Youngil walked over. “I’m not interrupting anything am I?”

“No, sir.” Junhee shook her head, sliding her shoes back on. “I’m gonna talk to him Appa, I’ll be back soon.”

“Don’t be too long.” Gihun warned and Junhee nodded before walking away to go and talk to Myunggi. She didn’t want to burn the bridge, she wanted to save him from herself.

 

She walked across the empty floor, until she reached the foot of Myunggi’s bed.

“I’m sorry.” He muttered, looking at her X patch.

“It’s not okay, but I’m glad you are.” She sighed, sitting next to him. 

“You found a team.” He realised. “Any reason?”

“Expect the unexpected.” She reasoned. “We could be playing anything tomorrow, Myunggi. Teams, Pairs, Solo. I may not trust you, and you might’ve hurt me, but I don’t want you to die.”

“Thank you for the warning, but what happened during that game?” He pondered, as he moved the hand in front of his eye so that he could take a look at her properly.

“What do you mean?” She sighed, leaning on the bedpost with her back to him as he sat on the edge of his bed, next to her.

“You’ve always told me that you hate conflict, and talking to new people. At the start of Red Light, Green Light you were shouting in Player 456’s defence.”

“I see when people lie, you know that better than anyone. I didn’t want people to die.”

“If more peo-”
“If more had, would you have voted X. Unlikely. Would the other O members, no.”

“I would’ve, but 24 million wouldn’t be enough for me to do anything Junhee. The police are after me and I have over a billion in debt.”

“Whose fault is that, huh?” She snapped. “I’m trying so hard not to be angry, Myunggi. Lives are at stake here, yours, mine and the baby. You may not have wanted them, but they’re still yours.” She snapped, removing herself from the pole. “If you don’t care, don’t bother. If you do care, even just a little, then remember money isn’t everything.” She then stormed away, not turning around once as she stormed over to her own bed.

 

“Junhee, you okay?” Gihun asked as she stormed past.

“I’m fine. Good night Appa, Good night Sir.” She stopped in her stead and bowed to the two men with rage etched across her face. “I’m going to sleep.” She stormed up the stairs and to her bed before laying down.

 

Her eyes closed as her head hit the pillow, and her hands rested on her stomach as she fell asleep.

 

-

 

“Junhee.” Gihun shook her shoulder as the bright lights shined in her eyes. She shot up with a gasp, and her hands went to her stomach in a beat. 

“What…”

“The game is starting in a minute. We need to get up, and plan.” He explained, and Junhee nodded. She shifted her body, angling it left as she locked eyes with Myunggi. He gave her a regretful look but she shook her head at him. “Youngil will join us, like last time. Same team?”

“Do the same team, we passed last time didn’t we?” Junhee asked and Gihun nodded. 

 

“Attention, please. The second game will begin momentarily. Please follow the instructions from our staff.” The female voice rang through the dormitory as players started getting out of bed. Jungbae rolled out of his bed, and walked next to Gihun and Junhee as well. Daeho and Youngil followed behind them and Gihun wanted to say something but he didn’t. They walked into the game room, with the pair of rainbow circles.

 

“This game will be played in teams.” The female voice started to explain. “Please divide into teams of five in the next ten minutes.” As the voice repeated the instructions, Junhee felt someone tug on her arm.

 

“Junhee… let me explain?” Myunggi pleaded, and she nodded her head very slowly. “I am truly sorry for voting O, and I know that had I voted X we would’ve been able to go home. I’ll make it up to you, I swear.”
“And how can you do that?” She asked with a sharp glare.

“Play the game with me.” He offered but Junhee shook her head.

“I have a team, if you want to make it up for me then vote X.” She snapped.

“But..” 

“I could be at home, safe with my baby. I’m not. You may not be the only O voter, but if you hadn’t voted for it I’d be safe. I don’t trust you enough to team up with you.” She interrupted him. “Play the game, worry about yourself. You seemed to only do that for the last six months anyway.” She then turned on her heel, and stormed away. Myunggi was left there in shock, reevaluating his decisions.

 

“Appa.” Junhee walked back over to Gihun, who spun around instantly. 

“There you are.” Gihun let out a sigh of relief. 

“Would it be okay if I played with you guys?” Youngil asked hesitantly, but the pair nodded.

“Can I join too?” Daeho asked and everyone nodded, the team of five now formed within maybe two minutes.

 

Junhee observed the room with a careful eye as she watched teams form, despite knowing they would break apart soon enough. She watched the purple haired man collect his four other teammates: the other guy who helped beat up Myunggi, a shy boy from the X team, a fan of his music and a woman who Junhee had seen in the last life but never interacted with.

 

When there was 30 seconds left, she saw Hyunju and Youngmi bump into Yongsik and Geumja, with the Shaman joining them to complete their team.

 

“The time for team selection is over.” The female voice spoke cheerily, surely a bot because who’s that happy? “The game you will be playing is Six-Legged Pentathlon. You will start with your legs tied together. Each member will take turns playing a mini game at the 10 meter mark and if you win your team can continue to the next one. Here are the minigames. Number 1: the Ddakji. Number 2: Flying stone. Number 3: Gonggi. Number 4: Spinning top. Number 5: Jegi. Your goal is to win all the minigames and cross the finish line in five minutes. Please decide the players for each minigame.”

 

“It’s a good thing we have a girl.” Jungbae started and Junhee could’ve gone on a rant about that phrase alone, but she wouldn’t. She just kept her hands on her belly and stared ahead. “You can play Gonggi, right?” Jungbae asked and Junhee slowly shook her head in response. “Don’t girls play Gonggi anymore?”

“We didn’t have it where I was raised.” She answered shortly, thinking distantly about the scrappy orphanage.

“Actually…” Daeho butted in. “I can play Gonggi.”

“You? An ex-marine?” Jungbae questioned.

“I grew up with four older sisters. I used to play it with them from time to time.” Daeho explained, and both Junhee and Gihun remembered when he played it last time. Neither had seen anything like it.

“That’s right.” Jungbae patted Daeho on the shoulder. “There’s nothing a marine can’t do.”

“What about everyone else? What games are you confident with?” Gihun questioned, keeping his cover because he knew exactly what each player was going to pick.

“I’ll do Ddakji, I remember telling you the guy only beat me twice.” Junhee told Gihun, who nodded along.

“Okay, Junhee, you can play Ddakji.” Jungbae agreed, “I’ll do Flying stone. I was a pitcher for my baseball team so I’m good at throwing.”

“So we have Jegi, and Spinning Top.” Gihun muttered to himself. “Which are you good at?”

“I’ll play whatever you pick for me, Gihun.”

“How do you know my name?” Gihun questioned, as Junhee’s eyebrows shot up.

“I heard your daughter and friend say it, so I thought I’d try it.” Youngil lied smoothly, but both Junhee and Gihun knew it was a lie. Junhee had called him Appa in front of people, and had also never called him Gihun prior to that anyway. In the last life, and after they’d travelled back, it was Mr Seong. “Is that okay?”

“It’s fine.” Gihun shook his head, but Junhee caught his eye. He raised a brow and she nodded back at him.

“So, Gihun, what are you good at?” Youngil asked, as Gihun pretended to think.

“I think I’m better at Jegi.” Gihun told Youngil, who nodded.

“Then I’ll do Spinning Top.” Youngil told the team.

“Guys, bring your hands together.” Jungbae told the team, who all shifted closer. Jungbae’s hand was at the bottom, followed by Youngil, then Gihun, Daeho and Junhee’s at the top. “On three we go ‘Victory at all costs’. One, two, three.”
“Victory at all costs!” The team all exclaimed as the first two teams stood up to play the game.

 

“Teams one and two, get ready.” The female voice echoed through the room. “Let the game begin.”

“Let’s get it!” 

 

A gunshot went off, and the teams were off. The team in Junhee’s circle started with Player 016 and Ddakji. The man picked up a blue card as the guard threw the red one on the floor. He kissed his card before throwing it onto the other, and successfully flipping it over.

“Pass.” The voice told the team, who wasted no time moving onto the Flying Stone.

 

Despite their good start, the team in their circle would end up stuck on Flying Stone for the remaining 4:30. Their thrower, Player 198, would end up repeatedly missing the stone or stepping over the line.

 

He did eventually hit the stone down, when the timer was on 8 seconds remaining. The team on the other circle were approaching Jegi when they were shot down. The team stayed still next to the flying stone as they too, were gunned down. Their team, who were all standing up, crouched down immediately, and Junhee saw Daeho covering his ears as the gunfire went off.

 

“The following players have been eliminated. Players 016, 045, 178, 189, 198, 254, 286, 341, 395, and 416.” Player 047, one of the men lost to the rebellion, stood up as the voice finished listing off dead players.

“We should’ve left! We’re all going to die now!” He screamed, aimed at the O voters. “We’re all going to die because of those who voted to continue!”

“What are you going to do now?” Another X voter screamed, but Junhee couldn’t see his number. “You think you can survive?”

People kept on screaming, until the doors opened and guards driving forklifts with coffins came into the room.

 

“Attention players.” The female voice rang through the room again. “Please wait while we tidy up the venue.” Guards then started unbuckling the locks that kept their legs tied together, and lifting the bodies into separate coffins. One of the triangle guards forced the circle guards to open the coffin of what Junhee could only assume was either Player 016 or 198, and shoot the body two more times. Maybe the man was still alive?

 

“The next teams, please get ready.” The pit of nervousness in Junhee’s stomach grew slightly as she realised this was the team with the rest of her allies. The team started reassuring each other.

 

After a minute of what seemed like a positive interaction, the teams lined up. Youngmi for Ddakji, Yongsik for Flying Stone, Geumja for Gonggi, the Shaman for Spinning Top, and Hyunju for Jegi.

 

A gunshot went off, and the teams were off.

Notes:

Okay... The pentathlon has begun, and Myunghee seem to be going rocky...
Myunggi's story is extremely different in this and you'll see that within the rest of the Season 2 episodes.
Gihun and Junhee know about Inho being the frontman, but reffer to him as Youngil because neither found out about the fake name while they were alive.

My GCSE results day is tmrw so next chapter probably won't be until either Friday or Saturday, but Daehee will start to form their relationship in the next chapter for all you Daehee fans (Including myself)

LMK What you think of this chapter, and thank you all for reading, kudos' and commenting!!!

Chapter 4: One More Game

Summary:

Teams form and bonds flourish following the results of the second game. Nerves fraying as the second vote takes place.
When a plan to save their allies and unfairly treated players forms, will Junhee and Gihun be able to stick with it as the third game starts?
When a bond forms, one breaks... Who will crack?

Notes:

I'm so sorry this took so long to come out, I got my GCSE results back on the 21st and I was really unmotivated because I almost failed English and I didn't pass History. However, I overcame the block and wrote this whole chapter eventually.
To everyone who's ever kudosed, commented and bookmarked this work, I can't thank you enough it really has kept me motivated to continue it all for you guys.

The teams both reached Ddakji quite quickly, and Youngmi picked up the blue card with trembling hands as Yongsik encouraged her from her right.

Fail. Fail. Fail.

Youngmi was getting overwhelmed, not even able to pick up the card as the Shaman shouted at her. Youngmi picked it up, and Hyunju spoke to her before Youngmi flipped it and threw it again.

“Pass!” Youngmi’s eyes were wide as the team started moving towards Flying Stone.

 

“I can’t watch, it’s making me anxious.” Jungbae muttered to herself as Junhee rested her head on her hands. Watching all of this reminded her of her last life, and she felt sick watching.

“You okay?” Daeho asks, turning to look at her. She looked up from her knees and met his concerned eye. “You look down.”

“Just the baby.” Junhee smiled, but it felt strained. “And you know.” She gestures to the games as Yongsik passes. The pair looked up in mild shock as the team started walking towards Gonggi, small smiles on their faces.

 

Everyone watched with baited breath as Geumja started doing Gonggi, but she failed her first try. Once again, the Shaman started shouting as she started to try again but this time Hyunju slammed a hand over the Shaman’s mouth. Geumja then proceeded to absolutely boss Gonggi and once she passed loads of people stood up, and started to cheer. Junhee herself sat down, but Jungbae and Daeho stood up.

 

“One, two. One, two.”

 

The Shaman started praying and begging the gods for mercy as she started to mutter that she wasn’t passing. There was less than one minute on the clock, but the players were hopeful.

 

SLAP! SLAP!

 

23 seconds remained when the voice rang out ‘Pass’, and Junhee stood up to cheer on the team. Everyone was ushering them on as Hyunju reached Jegi, and asked everyone to turn around.

 

Kick, Kick, Kick, Kick, Kick.

 

As everyone turned around in shock, they all started cheering. They ushered the team forward as the timer was only on 8 seconds. Everyone was cheering and jumping as the team crossed the finish line.

 

“Careful, Careful.” Daeho whispered, patting her shoulder as they celebrated. They then all cheered as Jungbae pulled the pair into a hug. Gihun and Youngil joined the hug as they all jumped in celebration. Their ankles were disconnected and the teams were ushered out the room. 

 

A new hope had inflated the room, yet everything was the exact same…

Player 100 and his team? Pass

Player 230 and his team? Pass

Player 246 and his team? Pass

Myunggi and his team? Pass…

 

As Myunggi left the hall, he turned around to look at Junhee. She didn’t say anything, and neither did he. Just a brief moment of eye contact before he left the hall due to his success. Gihun noticed but said nothing, now wondering how much he’d missed last time. If they were this obvious, how did Gihun not notice until 5 minutes before…

 

Before Junhee died.

 

…

 

“It’s a little sad that we have no audience, isn’t it?” Jungbae asks as their legs are all locked together. Junhee had kept her gaze on the floor, already knowing exactly how this was going to go. Her, Jungbae and Daeho would pass 1st try, then Youngil would spend most of their time on Spinning Top before Gihun does Jegi first try and they pass just before the timer hits zero.

“Hey, are you scared?” Jungbae asked Daeho, as the younger man just stared at the floor. His head snapped up when Jungbae spoke to him, before shouting back:

“No, sir! It’s quieter, and easier to focus, when there’s nobody watching!” 

Jungbae nods in slight agreement before looking at the other team.

“Guys! We’ll see you all again, at the finish line. Victory at all costs!” He encouraged the team.

“Yes! We’ll see each other again!”

“Yes, thank you!”
“We’ll see you again!”

 

Everyone from both teams looped their arms together, as they prepared to start walking.

“I believe in our team.” Youngil told them all, and Junhee noted that he was about to start speaking again, but he didn’t. Junhee couldn’t remember exactly what was said in the last life, because this entire day had been a blur last time. Her nerves do tend to get the better of her.

 

The gunshot went off, and their teams were on the way to Ddakji. They reached it in about 10 seconds and she grabbed the blue card with confidence, she’d always picked blue over red, it was her lucky card. The guard threw the red one on the floor, and Junhee threw the blue card down and flipped the red one with ease.

“Pass.” The female voice rang out and Junhee looked up with a bright smile.

“You did it!” Jungbae and Daeho exclaimed, and the team was on their way to flying stone.

 

30 seconds had been and gone when Jungbae picked up the stone from the box.

“Okay. Let’s get this done first try, I believe in you!” Daeho encouraged Jungbae, and the man slid the leg connected to Daeho’s back slightly as he got ready to throw.

“When I played baseball, my pitches may have been slow, but I had flawless ball control.” Jungbae told him as he threw the stone, and knocked it down straight away. 

“Yes! You did it!” Daeho screamed as the female voice spoke.

“Pass.”

 

The team immediately started to walk, and Daeho was expressing his pride at Jungbae until they reached the Gonggi station. He picked up the stones before the team crouched down, Junhee keeping one arm around her belly as Daeho got ready to play.

“Daeho, stay calm. Even if you mess up…” Jungbae started but Daeho held a finger to his mouth. The whole team stayed silent as Daeho started to play. His hands moving at lightning speed, still impressing Gihun and Junhee beyond belief despite having seen it before. It took Daeho maybe 15 seconds before he caught all 5 Gonggi stones and opened his hand.

“Pass.” The voice rang out as Daeho screamed in celebration.

“That was amazing, Daeho my boy!” Jungbae exclaimed, as they all stood up.

“Come on, let's go.” Gihun reminded them.

“Let's go.” Daeho repeated and they were off.

 

They’d done three of their five stations in a minute and a half, but both Junhee and Gihun knew that they’d be spending the next three minutes on spinning top.

“We’ve got plenty of time.” Jungbae realised, before looking at Junhee. “You’re expecting, so be careful.” He told her, and she nodded very slowly. When they arrived at the Spinning Top station, Junhee had to put her hand on the table to keep herself upright. The stress was tiring her out, and Jungbae seemed to have noticed.

“You okay, kid?” He asked quietly, and she nodded in return. He smiled and the pair both turned to Youngil, who was wrapping the rope. Daeho looked at him with such a bright smile as Gihun just looked stoic.

“There’s no rush, take your time.” Jungbae reassured him, and Youngil nodded.

“Damn, we might get through everything on the first try.” Daeho exclaimed, but Junhee sent a look to Gihun. He looked at Jungbae and Daeho before mouthing:

“Keep calm.”

Youngil pulled the rope out from the top, but it didn’t spin. Everyone’s faces fell, but there was time. Three minutes to be exact.

“It’s okay, we’ve got enough time.” Gihun assured the team. “Let’s go pick it up. Ready, go.”

“No fun passing everything without a hitch.” Jungbae smiled to himself as they walked to pick it up.

“That’s right. You can’t grow without failure, right?” Daeho asks as Youngil picks up the top.

“Now backwards. Ready, go.” Gihun tells them and they start to walk backwards. Youngil starts wrapping the rope around the top as they walk, and when they reach the table, Junhee has to rest her hand on it again. She didn’t forget how tiring being pregnant was, but it was getting to a point.

“It’s okay, just stay calm.” Gihun told Youngil as Jungbae checked on Junhee again. Youngil tried again, but he failed. This time, it flung itself all the way back to the Gonggi station. The man was panicking now, but did he need to? Probably not, he was the frontman afterall.

“I’m sorry.” He apologised, mostly looking at Gihun.

“It’s alright.” Gihun said through gritted teeth that Youngil couldn’t see. “Let’s go pick it up. Alright, let’s go.” He told the team, who all started walking backwards. When they reached it, Youngil bent down to pick it up and started wrapping it around the rope as they walked back to the designated station. Gihun was trying to keep Youngil calm, just like last time. If he did, the result would stay the same. Youngil, however, was getting more worked up. He tried again, and failed. When he grabbed the top to pick it up, he seemed to be in a daze. A minute and a half remained, and Junhee knew Youngil was about to start slapping himself.

“What the hell is wrong with me?” The man yelled, before repeatedly calling himself an idiot and slapping himself, hard, across the face. Gihun grabbed him by his shirt, and held him still as he spoke.

“Nobody is blaming you.” He repeated what he said in the past life, and Daeho picked the rope up off the floor -because Youngil had thrown it down during his little hissy fit. “Alright, take a deep breath. Okay? Remember all the times you had fun playing this. Now, deep breaths.” Gihun kept reassuring the man, as Junhee’s eyes drifted to the timer. 53 seconds, and Gihun still had to do Jegi.  This time, when Youngil attempted to spin the top, he succeeded. The team all let out loud cheers in success as they realised he had succeeded.

“Pass.” There were now 39 seconds left as they finally departed from the Spinning Top station, however it also meant Gihun would have to complete Jegi first try.

 

“How are you holding up?” Jungbae asked Junhee. She gave him a thumbs up, and soon enough they reached the Jegi station. The guard held up five fingers as Gihun picked it up, and he also pushed the hand out of the way -extremely conscious of the time.

“One, two, three, four…” Just like last time, he kicked it too far forward due to being in a rush, but Youngil moved their connected leg forward. This meant that when it landed on Gihun’s foot, it counted as the fifth kick.

“You did it! You did it!” Jungbae exclaimed as the guard made the circle shape with his hands.

“Pass.” The team wasted no time, moving as quickly as they could so that they wouldn’t be shot for not reaching the finish line in time, despite completing all the games. One team was a step away from the finish line, and were shot because the timer ran out. They crossed with 2 seconds remaining, and the team all congratulated each other. But those celebrations fell short when the team on the other circle were all eliminated.

 

“The following players have been eliminated…” Junhee’s ears go fuzzy as the guards start to unlock the locks around their ankles. The minute the full team is unlocked, Gihun pulls Junhee into a tight hug.

“It was on purpose.” He whispers into her ear. “To waste time.”

“I know. The slapping was a little melodramatic.” She whispered back before pulling away. A guard walked up to them, and the team started to follow.

 

They were walking back down the stairs when Daeho -who was in front of Junhee- turned around to check on her.

“Are you okay, miss?” He asked with soft eyes, and Junhee nodded back. He took that answer with a smile before continuing to walk. When they reached the main dormitory, the team walked in. Youngil and Gihun first, then Daeho, Jungbae and finally Junhee.

“They don’t seem happy to see us.” Youngil noted as they walked towards the spot they were at last night, Jungbae waving at Geumja as they walked past her team.

“That sweet old lady.” Jungbae muttered with a newfound softness. “I miss my mom.” As he finished talking, Junhee bowed her head at Geumja, before catching up to her team.

 

-

 

Junhee didn’t notice the pair of eyes that followed her from the O side of the room, as Myunggi looked at her with regret and pride. She had passed… Now he just needed to make it up to her. I can do that, The man thought, nodding to himself.

Step 1: Change the vote.

 

-

 

Junhee sat against a bed post once they sat back on the steps, and Gihun sat two steps above her, on her right side. Youngil sat next to Gihun, with Jungbae and Daeho next to him. They stayed in a comfortable silence for a while, before Youngil broke the silence.

“I’m sorry about earlier, everyone.” He apologised, and everyone looked over at him.

“No, it’s okay.” Daeho brushed the apology off, and so did Jungbae.

“Don’t be. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have made that last kick.” Gihun was partially honest this time, and Junhee could tell. If Youngil hadn’t moved his leg, then the whole team would’ve died. For that, they could ignore his actions for a second.

“Player 222, are you feeling alright?” Youngil asked, as Junhee continued staring at the floor. She looked up as the man addressed her, and nodded her head.

“I’m alright, thank you sir.” She replied as Gihun watched the interaction. He knew what Youngil was doing, getting them to trust him. 

“You smashed that ddakji and flipped it on the first try. That was impressive.” Jungbae remembered, and Junhee bowed her head as Daeho clapped. She felt a small flush creep up on her face, but hid it quite well. “She did great, even while carrying a baby. We’re lucky to have her on our team.”

“What about your flying stone play?” Daeho exclaimed. “You hit it with one shot. With an underhand pitch at that, bam!” He reenacted the play before sitting back down. “You were like Kim ByungHyun.” Everyone let out a small laugh at that, before Jungbae spoke up again.

“And you? Was Gonggi the only game you ever played?” He did the hand gestures just like Daeho did. “ I could barely see your hand, it was like a martial arts move.”

“I’m the only son for two generations.” Daeho told the team. “My mom would only let me play at home with my sisters.”

“And yet they let their precious son join the marines?” Jungbae wondered aloud.

“My fathers idea.” Daeho told him as his bright smile fell ever so slightly. “He wanted me to be more of a man. He fought in the Vietnam war, you see.”

“He seems like a great man.” Jungbae noted and Daeho nodded shortly. “Was he a marine as well?”

“Yeah… Can you excuse me for a moment?” Daeho asked, standing in front of the team now. Just like he was while introducing himself to them the day before.

 

“Listen. I think it would be a good idea to learn each other's names. I still don’t know your names, gentlemen. Or yours, miss.” He looked around the group. “I’ll start. I’m Kang Daeho. Dae means big, and Ho means tiger.”

“Big tiger. What a cool name.” Jungbae exclaims. “My name is Park Jungbae. Righteous and Twice.  My parents wanted me to be twice as righteous.”

“My name is Kim Junhee.” Junhee introduces herself just like last time, and everyone's eyes go to her. “I don’t know what it means, though.”

“Junhee.” Youngil addressed her. “When you get out of here, go and see a doctor right away. You’ve been under a lot of stress, and it’d be beneficial if you get yourself checked out.”

“Okay.” She went back to looking down, and thoughts about her baby clouded her mind.

“I’m Oh Youngil.” He decided to go next. 

“Youngil?” Jungbae repeats.

“Yes.” Youngil nods. “Youngil sounds like zero-one, which is my number. Easy to remember.”

“Oh, that's true!” Daeho exclaims. “Your name is your number.” The team all let out small laughs.

“Oh, Gihun.” Youngil turns to the man. “What’s your last name?”

“My name is Seong Gihun.” He introduced himself, but he knew Youngil knew that already. In this life, the only person who didn’t was Daeho. So it was mostly aimed at him.

“I see.” Youngil muttered to himself.

“Seong Gihun.” Daeho repeated, probably to commit it to memory.

“Seong literally means last name.” Youngil laughed, but nobody laughed with him. The joke was quite awful. Before anyone could speak again, the doors buzzed and a group of guards walked into the room.

 

“Congratulations to all of you for making it through the second game.” The guard addressed all the players. “Here are the results of the second game.” He clicked his remote and the prize pot lowered slightly. The room went dark, with only the golden glow of the piggy bank lighting the room. Money fell into the pot as everyone's eyes went up to it. The amount of players remaining decreased, and the amount of total money -and money per player- increased. “In the second game, 110 players were eliminated. The prize money accumulated up to this point is 20.1 billion. Since there are 255 players remaining, each person’s share is 78,823,530 won.”

 

“Wait what?” A man spoke up, from the O team. “It’s still under 100 million? It’s not even 80 million?”

“Only 110 people died? Is that all?” Player 394, a woman from the O team, shouted. “Did you count them right?”

“That’s all? But you shot all those people!” Player 285, a man on the O team, stood up and accused the guards.

“It was more than that.” “Count them again.” Came from Players 100 and 226.

“Fuck, I almost died twice and that’s all I get?” Player 343 swore under his breath next to the team.”I’d get more money than that if I let someone beat me up!”

 

“I completely understand your disappointment.” The guard spoke up again. “However, we always keep the door open for you to pursue new opportunities. You will now take a vote to decide whether to continue the games or not.” The door behind the guards opened, and two guards rolled the voting stand towards a ramp and into the middle of the room. “Whether to continue the games, or to stop here is entirely your choice. Please feel free to exercise your right to choose in a democratic manner.”

 

Players started to get out of their beds and stand together at the back of the room and Gihun pulled his team in together. Jungbae kept an eye on the prize pot, and Junhee could already feel the upset forming in her stomach. Her baby kicked slightly and she had to grip onto a pole to keep herself upright. She was very close to her due date, and this wasn’t good for her. Especially since she knew she’d be holding her baby girl in her arms in two days time…

 

“Don’t worry.” Youngil told Gihun. “I want to stop here too. I should go and be with my wife at the hospital.” Junhee sent a sly kick to the back of Gihun’s leg. When he turned to look at her, he mouthed ‘Later’ before Daeho spoke up.

“I’m telling you. We’ll get out this time.” The man tugged at his O patch in anger. “Damn it! A marine should think strategically, and know when to retreat. Isn’t that right, brother?” He asked Jungbae, placing a hand on his shoulder. The man turned around and looked at the team.

“Yeah, you’re right.” Jungbae muttered, stammering over his words. “Marines aren’t invincible, we should get out now.

“We need to end these games now.” Gihun took a step down, looking around at his team. “I have a really bad feeling about the next game. Please trust me, and support this vote.” He looked around before his eyes settled on Junhee.

“You know I will, Appa.” She reassured him, keeping her voice steady as she kept a hand on the bedpost next to her.

“Guys, all huddle up again.” Daeho suggested, placing his hand in the middle. Jungbae placed his hand on top of Daeho’s, then Gihun, Junhee and finally Youngil. “In 1, 2, 3. Victory at all costs!”

“Victory at all costs!” The team all exclaimed, before turning to face the front of the room.

 

“This time, the vote will begin with Player 001.” The guard stated once all the players were in one place. “Player 001, please cast your vote.” Youngil gave his team an affirmative nod before walking up to the voting stand. He looked at the guards in front of him, before pressing X and ripping his patch off. He swapped it for an X patch, put the X patch on and walked onto the X side of the room.

“Player 006.” The woman, who had 3.1 billion in debt if Junhee’s memory served her correctly, pressed X again with little to no hesitation. 

“Player 007.” Yongsik and Junhee hadn’t interacted in this life, yet. And never did, one on one, in her last life, so Junhee never knew what made him switch his vote. She could only watch as his hand went over the X button, he looked up at the current 2:0 voting score before his hand hit the O button.

Player 008 votes X, but 009 votes O straight after.

 

Player 015 switches from X to O, but other than that everybody sticks to their original vote. The Shaman lady takes a long time to decide, and some players end up sick of it.

“Hurry up! Are you doing a damn ritual?” One screams, and she lifts her head slightly.

“Shut your mouth!” She shouts back as Junhee walks over to Gihun. The Shaman votes O.

 

“I’m not religious, but we need to stop her from cursing everyone.” She whispers in his ear, and Gihun nods back.

“I’ll run off in the round of four during mingle tomorrow.” He whispers back as she nods. Youngmi is called up to vote and Junhee looks around, seeing the purple haired man’s team. She remembers hearing 256 eliminated during that round.

“Grab 256 as well.” She whispers. “He was kicked out of his team, and find 246. That’s a team you could form. Then we can split into four trios the round after, then two groups of six, and six pairs.”

“Perfect plan, Junhee.” Gihun smiles at her as she returns to standing next to Daeho, who was bouncing with nerves.

 

“You okay, Daeho?” Junhee asked in concern as Hyunju voted O. The results now read 33:34.

“I’m quite alright.” He smiled down at her. “Just worried. What if we don’t get out?”

“I’m sure we can all make it through the next game.” Junhee reassured him, placing a gentle hand on his arm. “We made it this far, and now we’re a team. Aren’t we?”

“That’s smart, Junhee.” Daeho smiled, despite another person voting for O. “We may get out today, but if we don’t then I’ll protect you in the next game. I swear.”

“You don’t need to.” She whispered.

“I want to. It’s the least I can do after voting O in the first round.” He tugged on his patch in anger, as Player 100 started yelling at the voters.

 

“Everyone, I know you’re scared. But if you were to leave now, how much of your debt would that money actually cover. A lot of us owe over a billion, and I know 78.8 million might not even cover 10 percent of your debts. Am I right?” Sounds of agreement arose from all around the room, except the Players who have already voted X. “There is no next step if you get out of here, the money won’t mean a thing!”

“Yeah, he’s right.” Player 043 agreed. “With that amount of money, I won’t last long.”

“It was 25 million after the first game, and now it’s 78 million! After one game, the amount has more than tripled!” Player 100 exclaimed. “If we play one more game, the prize will be at least 240 million!”

 

“But I can’t do this anymore!” Youngmi cried, and it made Junhee wipe a tear welling up in her eye. She couldn’t save Youngmi last time, but this time she’ll make sure that they don’t go into that room, and Youngmi will have more than enough time to get into a room. “Please. Please let me out of here.” She begged, hands over her ears. “I really… I really want to go home. I don’t want to die.”

“Young Lady.” Player 015 spoke up from the O side. “You’re young, so you probably have another chance. But I don’t.”
“Please.” Youngmi cried.

“My family and I have no future.” The man continued, his voice shaking like he was about to start crying as well. “My business failed, and now I owe over 500 million. I’ve got to make at least half of that here, if I want a real shot at a fresh start.”

“What if you die?” Youngil walked out of the X side, and onto the gap between the two teams. “If you die here, your family won’t even get your body. Then it’d be the end for you and your family. Don’t you see?”

“Don’t get fucking scared!” Player 226 shouted from the crowd of people waiting to vote. “Ddakji, Red light, Green light, Spinning Top! It’s not like the games are that difficult. Look! There are still 255 players! Way more than half of us survived! We’ve made it this far, so let’s do it one more time!”
“You make a good point, young man.” Player 100 walks over to 226, and Junhee feels a stray tear fall from her eye. Gihun didn’t even interrupt, yet everything panned out the exact same. Daeho looked to his left, and saw the tear trickling down Junhee’s face, so he brushed his thumb against her cheek and wiped the tear away. “We’ve all played the games well, and are still standing.” Player 100 continued. “Now, let’s play one more game! Just one more, and that’s it. Let’s just play one more game!”
“Yeah, let’s play one more game!” Player 226 turned to face the crowd.

“One more game!” Player 100 started, and soon enough most of the O voters were joining in, and many people from the crowd.

 

The vote ended up the exact same as last time, with 116 X voters, and 139 O voters. Gihun pressed X with quiet resignation. Nothing was changing, but he’d be able to make some changes in the next game. Like keeping 044 on their side, keeping Youngmi and Player 256 alive. Maybe those three would vote X, and they could go home…

 

“The results are 139 for O, and 116 for X.” The guard spoke up again. Based on the majority vote, we’ll proceed to the third game tomorrow. Thank you.” Players started to clear off, but many stood right where they were from the X team.

 

Junhee saw Player 246, whose name she’d never learnt, staring at the board in disbelief. Gihun stood by the stand with a calculating look on his face. Youngmi and Geumja were stood together in sadness, mostly because Hyunju and Yongsik voted O. Junhee herself was standing next to Daeho. He had kept a hand on her arm, and when players started to clear off, they looked over at Jungbae. He had voted O, just like the last life. Nothing would’ve convinced him to change his mind, he needed more money. The pair looked away as the man refused to meet their eyes.

 

Junhee couldn’t see it, but behind her was Myunggi. He was watching with a look that couldn’t be deciphered. He’d changed his vote, now he needed to gain her trust back. It may be hard, but he was willing to, for her… even if they couldn’t be together again.

 

-

 

After being given their milk and bread, the team (except Jungbae) were sat together and eating in a comfortable silence. Junhee just stared at her bread, and knew she’d have to force herself to eat it soon. She wasn’t that hungry though, she just wanted to sleep.

 

“Brother!” Daeho shouted at Jungbae, who was sitting not too far away from them. “Brother Jungbae! Man…” Daeho set his bread and milk down before walking over to the man. “Hey, just come back here.”

“No, I’m good here.”

“Oh, come on.” Daeho sighs, and starts pulling Jungbae’s arms until he’s standing up. “If you didn’t want me to come and get you, you should’ve sat further away. It bugs me seeing you sitting there all pathetic.” He pulled Jungbae back over to the group, but he looked terrified to be there. Junhee and Gihun knew it was going to happen, however, so they didn’t take it as hard as they did in their last life. They just looked up at Jungabe.

“I’m sorry. Junhee, Youngil. I’m sorry. Gihun, I’m sorry. I borrowed some emergency cash, and the creditors are harassing my ex wife and child. If I play one more game, I think I’ll be able to settle my debt.” Jungbae explained himself.

“We would’ve lost anyway.” Youngil replied shortly. “We would’ve needed 12 of the O voters to vote X if we wanted to win.”

“Exactly, it isn’t entirely my fault.” Jungbae sighed.

“To be honest… I can understand why you did it. The money isn’t enough for me either, so when I went up to vote I did think about playing one more game.” Daeho explained, and Junhee’s eyes looked back down to her uneaten piece of bread. Most of them still wanted to play, and it stings to think about it.

“You did?”

“I said I get it.”

“Thank you for understanding.” Jungbae sighs again, and Junhee taps Gihun’s knee. 

“It's alright Jungbae.” Gihun sighs, finally voicing his opinion. “I think our team’s strong enough to get through this.” He looks around at their team. “We did well, and we will do well again.” 

“Exactly.” Youngil immediately agrees and Junhee goes back to staring at her bread. “We just need to eat, pull ourselves together, and give the next game our best shot.” He then picks up his milk, and offers it to Junhee. “Here, Junhee. You can have my milk too. Hang in there until the next game.” The woman looks up at Youngil in confusion.

“No, it's okay.” She tells him.

“Take it.” Youngil insists. “I don’t drink plain milk.” He explains, and -reluctantly- Junhee takes the drink.

“Thank you.” She smiles slowly as the baby kicks again, and she feels herself getting pale. 

“Have my bread too.” Jungbae tells her, placing the food in her lap before she can refuse. “I don’t deserve to eat.”

“I’ll take your milk then.” Daeho offers and Jungbae shoots him a look.

 

The team then drifts into silence as they continue eating, before Jungbae, Daeho and Youngil all go to the bathroom.

 

“Okay, we need a plan.” Gihun lowers himself next to Junhee, who is still eating her first piece of bread. She has the piece Jungbae gave her in her pocket, and both cartons of milk were closed in front of her. “What was the order?”

“10, 4, 3, 6, 2.” Junhee muttered before taking a small bite of her bread. “We need that Shaman lady on our side. Her predictions were mostly right.”

“It was eerily accurate.” Gihun agrees. “Round 2, 4 people. I’ll split off, grab 044, 246 and 256.” Junhee nods.

“Grab 256 after he’s kicked out of his group, so he can see what they’re actually like.” Junhee tells him, and Gihun nods. “Round three is 3 people. By that point, there will be 12 of us. Split into four trios.” Junhee offers and Gihun nods.

“Round 4 is six people.” Gihun tells her. “The round we lost Youngmi.”

“We need to get into a room with no people, we lost her because we had to find a second room.”

“Take your team to an empty door. Tell them you saw people there?” 

“Okay, and pairs?” Junhee asks.

“Again, there will be 12 of us. We can split into six pairs.” Gihun tells her with a smile, and the whole team walks back over.

 

“That purple haired guy really has it out for Player 333.” Daeho tells the pair, and Junhee looks up immediately. “Trying to beat him up again.”

“What happened?” Gihun asks, as he notices Junhee’s reaction.

“We walked into the bathroom, and 333 was being held against the wall by the purple haired guy.” Youngil explains, and Junhee stands up. 

“One second.” She tells them, walking off before any of them can ask.

 

-

 

“What did you do?” She asks Myunggi shortly, leaning on the bedpost of his bunkbed with her arms crossed.

“What did I do?” He asks in confusion.

“In the bathroom.” She explains.

“I was trying to use the toilet, and my vote clearly triggered the guy.” He explains immediately. “He started to argue with me, so I stood up for myself. Tell your friends I said thank you for saving my ass. Again.”

“I will, but you need to be careful.” She warns him. “Thank you for voting X, even if it was fruitless.”

“I don’t want to die, and I don’t want you to die.” He sighed. “Are you going to be okay tomorrow?”

“I think so.” She nods, because she couldn’t guarantee anything. “I have my team, and like they said, You’re more than welcome to join.” She offered, despite knowing that he’d decline.
“I’m okay.” He nods. “I’m just glad you have them.”

 

“Lights out in ten minutes.”

 

“I’m gonna go to bed.” She sighed, and Myunggi nodded. 

“If you need me tomorrow, come and find me.” He offers, and she nods. 

“Goodnight, Myunggi.”
“Goodnight, Junhee.”

 

She walked back over to her team, grabbing both her milk cartons, and placing one in her pocket as she started to drink the other. They weren’t doing the barricade thing, because Gihun wouldn’t be able to say why they needed to. Instead, he offered to keep watch in case something happened.

 

“I’ll go second.” Jungbae offered, and Junhee offered to go third. 

“I can go with you, if you’d like?” Daeho offered and Junhee nodded.

“I’ll go last.” Youngil smiled, and they all agreed on the order. Just as a safety precaution.

 

Junhee was asleep before the lights turned off, but she woke up really needing the bathroom. Due to Gihun being on watch, she can only assume it hadn’t been that long.

 

“Appa.” She muttered, keeping up the facade. It was hardly a facade to Junhee anymore, but she didn’t have time to talk to Gihun about it yet. “Think it’s safe enough to go to the bathroom?”

“I’d rather you didn’t go by yourself.” He smiled softly.

“We can go together.” Geumja appeared on the beds the level above them, giving Junhee a bright smile. Junhee nodded, and the two women walked to the door. Junhee knocked softly, and the window cover was removed.

 

“We need to use the bathroom.” She told the triangle guard through the glass.

“No. Entry and exit is prohibited at this time.” The guard replied dryly.

“Please. I’m not feeling very well.” Junhee asked.

“No. Entry and exit is prohibited at this time.” The guard repeated.

“Look.” Geumja made her way over to the window. “Mr Triangle. Even though you’re wearing a weird mask, you’re still human, aren’t you? In the outside world, you may have a sister like her and a mom like me. When ladies say they need to use the bathroom, it’s for reasons they can’t tell you. If you can’t understand that, you shouldn’t even call yourself human. You really shouldn’t.” Geumja critiques the guard, who re-covers the window. “Listen, ever since I’ve entered my 60s, I’ve had serious bladder control issues. I can’t go without wearing a diaper, but I couldn’t bring any of the things I need here. Do you really have to make me wet myself? Imagine if I was your mother, Mr Triangle. You wouldn’t do that to your mother. I came here because of my son’s debt. I should at least get to pee when I want, shouldn’t I? What did I do in my previous life to deserve…” The door opened before the older woman could continue, and Geumja just smiled before starting to walk through the threshold. “Well, thank you.”

“Could I come too?” Hyunju appeared behind Junhee, her voice very hesitant.

“Oh, that’s okay.” Geumja told both Junhee and the guard. “She’s a woman, her name is Hyunju. It’s fine, let’s go.”

 

The guard started to lead them up the stairs, towards the toilets.

“You can hold onto me if you need any help.” Geumja offered, but shook her head.

“Thank you, but I’m okay.” She then continued to walk, following the guard.

“In a place like this in your condition… Your mom and dad must be worried sick.” 

“Well my Appa is here too, and I don’t have a mom.” Junhee deadpanned, before walking away. She really needed the toilet, and her pain was making her very irritable.

 

They reached the bathroom soon enough, and Junhee was quick to walk to a stall. 

“Listen, if you need anything just let me know.” Geumja offered and Junhee nodded before walking into the stall. She took a milk carton out of her pocket and began to drink from it before the milk got too warm.

“Is she sick or something?” She heard Hyunju ask, as she continued drinking the milk.

“She’s pregnant.” Geumja told the woman, as Junhee finished her milk and lifted the toilet lid. “I think she’s almost due.”

 

Junhee went to the toilet without a problem, but suddenly felt like crying. She had a lot weighing on her shoulders, with the memories, baby, and drive to save everyone… She felt tears streaming before she could control what was going on. She tried to keep them quiet, very unaware that this had happened last time but for a different reason.

 

When Geumja opened the door, she was too deep in her tears to hear what was said. Junhee just told the woman:

“I’m scared.” Before being pulled into a hug, which Junhee latched onto. She sobbed on Geumja’s shoulder for quite a while before wiping her tears away and pulling back slightly. “I’m sorry.” She muttered

“Don’t worry.” Geumja smiled. “Let’s just go to bed.”

 

On the way back down, she accepted Geumja’s help and took her arm as she walked down the stairs before going to bed. Jungbae was awake and alone when she walked back over.

 

“Was I gone for that long?” Junhee asked him, sitting next to him.

“Seems so. I was still asleep when you left.” Jungbae chuckled.

“You can go to sleep if you want. I’ll wake Daeho up.” Junhee smiled, and Jungbae nodded with a yawn before retreating to his bed. Junhee walked over to Daeho and gently shook his shoulder. “Our turn.” She smiled gently as the man woke up.

 

They sat in silence for a little while, leaning against the same bed, until Daeho spoke.

 

“You were crying.” He observed. “What happened?”

“What do you mean?” She asked, shocked that he could see that in the dark.

“When you woke me up, you had tear tracks on your face.” He deadpanned. “Why were you crying?”

“Nerves, hormones.” She sighed. “If something happens tomorrow, or the O team wins again…” She spirals slightly, and Daeho places a hand on her knee.

“I’m sure it’ll be fine. Why don’t we talk about ourselves, to imagine we’re somewhere else?”

“Okay. You start.” Junhee smiled, her head now resting on his shoulder.

“Well, as you know, I’m Kang Daeho. I’m 28 years old, and I was a Marine for 3 years.”

“I’m Kim Junhee, I’m 23 years old, and I’m 8 months pregnant with my first child.”

“That close?” He asked in mild shock.

“Yeah. It didn’t start showing until I was almost 6 months along.” She explained with a small smile. “Any family?”

“Mom, Dad and four older sisters. You?”

“Dad.” She says, pointing at Gihun. “And my baby.”

“Not to pry, but I heard you say that you were adopted after Red light, Green light. When did that happen?” Daeho ponders.

“I didn’t have anyone else, I haven’t since I was like 6 years old. I turned to a teenage helpline when I was eligible and eventually was placed with him. Stayed ever since.” She explains smoothly, despite the placement being a lie. Junhee had always been a smooth liar.

 

They fell into a comfortable silence after that, with Junhee’s head on Daeho’s shoulder and Daeho’s hand on Junhee’s knee.

 

“Is the father in the picture?” Daeho asks.

“No. We broke up 6 months ago.” Junhee sighs.
“So you’re raising your baby alone?”

“I will be.” 

 

They sat like that for a little while before Junhee drifted off on Daeho’s shoulder. Daeho looks down at Junhee and brushes the hair out of her eyes before shaking Youngil’s leg from where he was sat, not wanting to wake Junhee up.

“Your turn brother.” He tells Youngil, before closing his eyes. He may not be on a bed, but he’s never felt more comfortable…

 

-

 

The classical music started playing before the lights turned on, and Junhee stirred from where she was. Her head on Daeho’s shoulder and the man’s head on the bed post next to them. They both gave each other small smiles as they sat up, Gihun and Jungbae getting out of their beds as well.

 

“The third game will begin momentarily.” The female voice spoke to everyone, as Gihun and Jungbae helped Junhee and Daeho up. Youngil also stood up. “All players, please get out of bed and get ready.” As the instructions were repeated, Gihun pulled Junhee aside.

 

“What happened last night with Daeho?”He asked lightly.

“We talked, and I gave him a slight backstory about the teenage helpline. I also told him about Myunggi but kept his name out of it.” She explains.

“Before or after you slept on him?” He asked with a chuckle.

“Before, and that was unintentional.” She huffed but Gihun smiled and rested a hand on her shoulder.

“I’m sure it was.” He smiled before the team left the room. 

 

As they walked up the stairs, Daeho stayed behind Junhee.

“I will protect you.” He swore, grabbing her hand gently.

“You really don’t need to.” She told him, but made no move to let go of his hand.

“I know, but I’m going to.” He smiled, squeezing her hand before letting it go.

 

“Welcome to your third game.” The voice rang throughout the hall as the 255 Players walked into the hall. “The game you will be playing is Mingle. Let me repeat. The game you will be playing is Mingle. All players, please step onto the centre platform. When the game starts, the platform will begin to rotate and you will hear a number. You must form groups of that size, go into a room and close the door within 30 seconds.”
“Oh, this game?” Jungbae ponders. “We used to play something similar on school trips. We’d form groups by hugging.”
“Yeah. Instead of hugging, we go into those rooms.” Daeho realises, his eyes on Junhee.

“If the number is bigger than five, we’ll grab however many more people we need.” Gihun tells the team.

“But what if the number is smaller than five?” Daeho asks. “Like three, or four.”

“We’ll figure it out.” Gihun reassures the young man.

“No matter what happens, don’t panic. Let’s stay calm.” Youngil told the team. “We’ll all make it out together. Here.” He stuck his hand out, and Daeho’s hand immediately fell on top of it, Jungbae, Junhee and Gihun all following up. “One, two, three.”
“Victory at all costs!” The whole team chanted before walking onto the platform.

 

“Let the game begin.” The song then started to play, and the platform began spinning slowly. Daeho rested one of his hands on Junhee’s shoulder, and she sent him back a grateful smile.

 

The platform began to slow, and Junhee felt her chest tighten.

Notes:

Mingle time!!! Next chapter will be where canon actions and conversations start to become less frequent as some players survive, and those survivals create a butterfly effect...
LMK what you think of this chapter in the comments and thank you all so much for reading!!!

Chapter 5: X O

Summary:

When opposing factions form after a devastating end to the third game, tensions start to rise.
Gihun and Junhee put two different plans into play to hopefully keep the number of eliminations down, but something boils over in one of the bathrooms after the vote.

Notes:

OKAY um, this one is (imo) quite sad. Players are saved!!! But A player is lost.
Hope y'all enjoy and tysm for all your comments and kudos' they mean so much to me!

The platform began to slow, and Junhee felt her chest tighten. 

 

The platform came to a stop fast, and everyone stumbled as the voice called out 

“Ten”

 

Junhee nodded her head behind Gihun, signalling to him that Hyunju was right behind him. He turned around and tapped her shoulder.

“How many of you are there?” He asks

“Four.” Hyunju replies.

“That makes us nine.” Jungbae realises and the team behind them tries to pull Gihun’s team away but they end up joining a different team instead.

“We have to hurry.” Gihun tells them, extremely conscious of the decreasing timer.

“There’s no time, Gihun.” Youngil tells him, as the number of players on the platform continues to decrease. Hyunju runs to the centre, seeing the Shaman praying to the centre piece.

“We have ten now!” She yells at the team, and Junhee grabs Daeho’s hand in panic.

“Room 44, Green Door!” Someone yells and all ten of them run towards that door. Youngil held the door open as everyone ran in, before running in himself and closing the door. The timer ran out as the door closed and everyone was just trying to catch their breath.

 

“You’re all alive thanks to me!” The Shaman shouted from the centre of the room, raising one hand high into the air. She looked around the room, her eyes stopping on Junhee quite dramatically. The young woman was still holding Daeho’s hand, but didn’t actually realise. She kept her free hand on her bump as the woman started walking closer. “Alive… did they put you here for a reason?” She muttered to herself before her head snapped to Gihun. Junhee felt her face pale…

 

Last time they were in here, the woman said Gihun was still alive for a reason, before looking at Junhee, and Gihun ended up dying to let her baby win… Maybe she was actually right?

 

“You died before… did they bring you back because you failed to fulfil your destiny?” She asked him loudly, everyone now looking at Gihun. “You were brought here for a reason, and I believe you know that reason.” She told him with wide eyes and a toothy smile, before her head spun back to look at Junhee, who looked at Gihun in shock. The door then unlocked, and the players started walking out.

 

It was at that moment that both Junhee and Daeho realised that they were holding hands. They gave each other a sheepish smile before letting go. Junhee walked over to Gihun, who had an eyebrow raised and a nervous eye.

“Don’t.” She smiled as she fell into step with him.

“Does she know?” Gihun asked nervously, as they walked onto the platform.

“She knows something, that’s for sure. She predicted your fate last time, or the reason for your death…” She muttered. “Get her first, before they can betray her. I’ll find player 256.”

“Got it.” Gihun mutters, and the platform starts to spin.

 

The song started to play as well, and Junhee had to swallow before she was sick. She’d eaten the piece of bread that Jungbae gave her on the way up to the arena, and now regretted it. She looked around the platform, mostly to see if she could find the purple haired man, because Player 256 would be there too. She found him, on their left but almost on the other side.

“Appa.” She muttered, as the platform kept spinning. “256, left.” Gihun nodded and the platform screeched to a stop.

 

“Four.”

Gihun ran off before anyone could get a word in, and Junhee didn’t have time to process that the plan might not actually work before she was pulled by Daeho towards a room with Youngil and Jungbae. There were 13 seconds left when Youngil closed the door, and Junhee hurried to look out the gap. She couldn’t see Gihun, which could’ve been a good thing. Maybe he found a room with the people they’d planned to save.

 

She heard a loud scream come from a room close by, but thought nothing of it. She listened out for the eliminated players, and didn’t hear 256. She had saved someone, and now they just needed to sway his vote from O to X. After that betrayal, it probably wouldn’t be that hard. The doors unlocked with loud clicks, and the group of four were quick to leave the room. Three or four doors down, she saw Gihun exit the room with The Shaman, Player 256 and Myunggi?

 

Perhaps Mr 246 had already found a room. And she wasn’t wishing death upon Myunggi, that wasn’t the person she was, so she was happy he’d been saved but the man disappeared into the crowds. She tapped Jungbae’s shoulder, and pointed at Gihun. 

 

“Gihun!” Jungbae shouts running over. He pulled the man into a hug as the two people beside him looked in either awe or confusion.

“Excuse me… Miss?” Player 256 pulled Junhee aside. “Your Appa told me you saw what happened and pointed him in my direction, I just want to thank you.”

“The kick looked like it hurt.” She sympathised. “And nobody deserves to be betrayed like that.”

“You don’t mind if I stick around, do you?” The man asked.

“Not at all.” She smiles back. “Did any of them try to find you?” She asks as they start walking back onto the platform.

“None of them saw me, but two of them looked around.” He sighs as they walk up to the platform, the Shaman following Gihun now. She knows the next number is three, and their allies -Hyunju, Youngmi, Geumja and Yongsik- aren’t near them at the moment. There’s seven of them, what can they do?

 

The platform starts to spin, and Junhee stands very close to Daeho as the platform starts to spin. 

 

“Three.”

 

“One group of three and two pairs!” Gihun tells them, pushing Jungbae towards Junhee and Daeho. “You three, go!” The three run off as Gihun looks at the three people in front of him.

 

“Semi!” Gyeongsu yells, watching the three men leave her alone. “Someone come with me!” He begs and the Shaman grabs his hand and they start to run. Gihun and Youngil spot a young woman standing on her own and grab her, finding a room quickly.

 

-

 

Junhee leaned against the wall, still trying to catch her breath, as the gunshots started to fire around them. She listened out for familiar player numbers, and didn’t hear a single number that she’d interacted with. She felt bad for all the deaths, but only 100 people would make it out of this round alive, and there was nothing that she or Gihun could do to prevent it.

 

“You okay kid?” Jungbae asked her and she nodded, both arms wrapped protectively around her bump. She felt another kick from her daughter and winced, but didn’t say anything until the doors opened. She couldn’t see anyone, but started to look around anyway. She saw the Shaman, 256 and the woman from 256’s old team, 380. She walked over to them, as they were now on their team.

 

“You guys okay?” She asked, and 256 nodded immediately.

“She was abandoned as well.” He told Junhee, who nodded and extended her hand.

“I’m Junhee.” She smiled and the woman looked her up and down before shaking her hand. 

“Semi. Almost due?” She asked, making Junhee’s eyes widen. “I have a lot of siblings, and I’m the oldest. I knew the signs.”
“Yeah, I’m due in a few days…” Junhee muttered, as she led the three players back over to the team. “Ma’am, what’s your name?” She turned to the Shaman.

“Seonnyeo, Shaman of the sea!” The woman exclaimed, looking at Junhee. “If you were sent back to save people, you’re doing well young miss.”

“Junhee.” She smiled. “Help us?”

“The Gods tell me what you're doing is for good, so I will help you on said journey.” She placed a hand on Junhee’s shoulder as they joined all the other players.

“Never caught your name.” She walked over to 256, as they stood on the platform, now a group of 13… Not ideal when the next number is six.

“Gyeongsu, and yours?”

“Junhee.” She smiled before walking to Gihun. “13 people.” She muttered as the platform started to spin. 

 

It only spun for like 10 seconds before it halted.

“Six.”

 

Youngil disappeared, evening out their numbers but the team all started to panic.

“Split down the middle, let’s go!” Gihun yelled and the two teams started to run.

 

Team 1 consisted of Jungbae, Player 246, Yongsik, Geumja, Youngmi and Seonnyeo. They made it to a room with no problems at all.

 

Team 2 consisted of Gihun, Gyeongsu, Semi, Daeho, Hyunju and Junhee. They started to run towards a room when someone’s leg ended up in front of Junhee’s and she fell stomach first onto the floor. She wrapped her arms around her belly as she fell but her breathing halted and her mind went fuzzy. She couldn’t stand, couldn’t move. 

 

Until some picked her up, and ran her into the room, shutting the door without following inside. She was in a room with her team, and stood up with a wince as she looked through the gap, and gasped.

 

“Myunggi!” She screeched, looking at the man outside of the door in front of her. “Why would you do that?” She pulled on the gap, as if she was trying to open the door. Tears were forming in her eyes and she could feel her breathing speed up as the guards started filing out to kill the players outside of a room.

“Your life meant more.” He muttered, his hand now on the gap as well, on top of Junhee’s. “Do you forgive me?” He asked with tears streaming down his face before the gunshot went off, and Myunggi’s body sank to the floor. She watched it happen with baited breath, tears pouring out of her eyes as she completely froze up.

 

She felt her back collide with the wall, but she wiped all the tears pouring out of her eyes with a numbness she’d never felt before.

 

The other people in the room watched in horror as Junhee silently broke. Hyunju looked at the woman in pity, but she was completely unsure about what to do to help so she just stayed still. Semi and Gyeongsu looked at each other with wide eyes as they saw her break, they wanted to help but they didn’t want to startle the woman who was so close to snapping apart. Daeho was confused, but also heartbroken for her. He may not know the man, but he’d saved Junhee’s life and she clearly knew him well enough if she was grieving this much.

 

Gihun was dumbfounded. This hadn’t happened in their previous life, was it because they’d saved some lives? Were the saving of Youngmi and Gyeongsu what caused Myunggi’s death? He didn’t have time to question it, he just walked over to Junhee and pulled her into a tight hug.

 

“Appa…” She sobbed into his chest, hands clutching his jacket. “Did- did I..”

“No, you didn’t.” He reassured her, knowing she was going to ask if she killed the man. “Keep going for him Junhee, you know it’s what he would’ve wanted.”

 

The door unlocked with a click and they all left the room in eerie silence. As they walked out, and the door closed behind them, Junhee saw a trail of blood on the door that probably belonged to Myunggi. She furiously kept on trying to wipe the tears out of her eyes but the grief was too strong… Myunggi had always meant a lot to her, and she never wished death upon him. In her last life she may have hated him, but even then she didn’t want him to die. He killed people she cared about, and cared a lot about the money, but he was the father of their daughter.

 

He’d never get to meet her…

 

Junhee stared at her bump as the platform started to spin, and she heard Youngil telling the players that he thinks the final number would be two. He was right, but how did he know that?

 

Her and Gihun never planned for this situation, they didn’t know who’d be with them at that point… or if their plan would work. There were 13 of them, someone would be abandoned.

 

“Two.”

 

Junhee wouldn’t find out who was alone, because she was being pulled towards a door as soon as the number was called. She felt her arm being pulled and whoever she was running with. Once she was in, and catching her breath, she saw Daeho holding the door shut with his back. 

 

“You okay, Junhee?” He asked calmly, and she nodded.

“Thank you.” She bowed but Daeho shook his head.

“You don’t need to thank me, I care about you.” The timer ran out and Daeho stepped away from the door as soon as it locked. “Can I hug you?” He asked hesitantly, and Junhee nodded. The man pulled her into a careful, but warm, embrace as she clung to his hoodie like her life depended on it. “It’ll be okay, Junhee.” He whispered into her ear. “You’re going through it right now but it’ll be okay. You’ve done really well to keep going while in your condition, and the fact that you’re still going right now makes you stronger than us all.”

“But I feel so useless… I’m not doing anything to help anyone.” She mutters, feeling her chest tighten as she speaks.

“You’re anything but.” He tells her firmly, “You’re here, pregnant. You’ve made it through the games and you have people who want to help you. Just let us help Junhee… I promise you’re not a burden on anyone.” That last line breaks her and her sobs get a little louder. He strokes her hair as she cries, knowing that the last line would be what weakened her defenses. She clutched onto him, and kept him closer. 

 

The door unlocked with a loud click, and she jumped at the noise. They pulled away from each other as they started walking out, with Daeho walking in front of Junhee protectively. Seonnyeo walks over to them first, abandoning the person that she ran with.

 

“The gods are on your side, Kim Junhee.” Junhee’s eyebrows raised as Seonneyo spoke, realising she’d never told Seonnyeo her last name. “They apologise for taking Player 333 away from you, but it was his ultimate test. He passed, and has been granted access to the heavens.”

“Well that’s good.” Junhee nodded, and the woman kept walking next to her, with Daeho in front.

“The gods also say you're doing well, but more trials will come. Stay strong, and you will pass.” She muttered ominously before going silent. Junhee looked at Daeho, who was looking at her in confusion but Junhee just shook her head as the rest of the team reunited. Gihun with Youngil, Jungbae and Player 246, Hyunju and Youngmi, Geumja and Yongsik and finally, Semi and Gyeongsu. They all walked back into the dorms to find a lot more beds missing.

 

They started walking towards the X side when both of Semi and Gyeongsu’s crazy teammates ran over.

 

“Noona! Gyeongsu!” The purple haired man exclaimed, Player 124 stood behind him. They didn’t respond, just stared at the men in shock. “Just one more game… right?” He asked with a bright smile. The pair looked at each other, and Semi just walked away.

“We’re alright.” Gyeongsu smiled. “You left us both for dead, kicked me hard enough to bruise and left Semi stranded. We’re done with you.” The man looked at his idol one more time, before walking over to the team.

 

“Are you two okay?” Gihun asked Semi and Gyeongsu, who both nodded.

“There are 56 O voters.” Jungbae noted, running over to the team.

“Did you count yourself?” Daeho asks, from Junhee’s side. They were sitting on the floor and she was resting her head on his shoulder just like she had the night before. This time, she wasn’t sleeping. Just staring into space as the guilt still overwhelmed her.

“57.” Jungbae muttered sheepishly. 

“We have 43 on our side, so we’re outnumbered by 14.” Daeho realises.

“Shit, we’re more likely to lose.” Jungbae gasps.

“Not necessarily.” Semi tells him. “I’d hope you’re changing, I am too.”

“Same!” Gyeongsu exclaims from Semi’s side. “Also, Semi. Minsu survived.” He said with a light smile, but Semi just gave him a look before sitting down.

“He’s with Thanos and Namgyu though, isn’t he?” She asked shortly, and Gyeongsu walked out of their little area to check, before walking back in.

“Yes he is.” He replied, his face losing its brightness.

 

“I hate to interrupt, but who is Minsu?” Daeho asked, and Semi and Gyeongsu shared a look.

“Player 125.” Semi answered shortly.

“He was on our team, he left Semi alone in the round we needed three people.” Gyeongsu expanded. “Even though Semi brought him onto the team.” The team all looked at Semi in sadness but she shook it off.

“I don’t care.” She stammered. “I really don’t.”

 

Before anyone -Gihun, Gyeongsu and Junhee- could call Semi’s bluff, the door creaked open and in walked the guards.

“We gotta get up.” Daeho whispered into her ear and Junhee nodded.

 

“Congratulations to all of you for making it through the third game.” The guard announced once the doors had closed. “Now, here are the results of the third game.” The prize pot lowered and the guards started to explain as the players walked out for the voting.

 

“It’s 356 million won, with that kind of money some of them will change their minds.” Jungbae observed, and Gihun nodded along. They stood near the front, with Junhee still stuck to Daeho’s side. He had a comforting hand on her back and she was leaning on him.

“Seven people for a tie, eight and we win.” Daeho tells the team, who all nod.

 

“The vote will once again be held in reverse order of your numbers.” The guard announced. “Player 456, please cast your vote. To ensure fair and democratic voting, we will not tolerate any disruptions from this point onward. Please bear that in mind.” As the guard finished speaking, Gihun voted X. So did Player 448, then 447 voted O. As did 443, 442, 440 and 435. Then 431 voted X. 418 voted O, and so did 411. 401 then voted X and so did Player 400. Then Player 394 voted for O.

 

“Player 390.” Jungbae pressed X with absolutely no hesitation, and switched his patch immediately. Daeho took his hand off of Junhee’s back as Jungbae voted, because he knew he was next.

“I’ll see you in a minute.” He promised, before hearing his number being called. Daeho voted X with no qualms at all, he didn’t want to be here… Even if the money wasn’t enough for him.

“Player 380.” Semi walked away from her spot in between Junhee and Gyeongsu, and walked up to the voting stand. She hit X instantly, and ripped off her patch to replace it with an X patch. As she walked over to the X side, she looked at Thanos, Minsu and Namgyu. Minsu looked nervous, and the other two looked vengeful, so it was certain what was going to happen to her if the X’s didn’t win.

 

377 voted X, and Junhee knew she was in for a long ride, because it was immediately followed by 376 voting O and 370 voting X. 366 also voted for O, and 359 voted X. Back and forth, it was tiring. Junhee was stood still, hands on her belly as she watched Player 358 voted for O. She knew what the result ended up as last time, and quietly wondered if she’d done enough.

 

Or did Myunggi die in vain?

 

During the time Junhee was thinking, Players 353 and 348 had voted O, and Player 349 voted X. This back and forth continued as players from each side stepped up to vote, until it was 20-24 and next up was…

 

“Player 256.” Gyeongsu patted Junhee on the arm, before walking up to the stand to change his vote. The man clicked X with a satisfied smile and he shot a smile at the teammates still waiting to vote. He took his place next to Semi, in front of Gihun, Jungbae and Daeho.

 

“Player 246.” Gyeongseok was the first of the little group of five to vote, having the highest placing number. He pressed X with no thought, and Junhee did hear something about a sick daughter so it made sense.

 

Junhee knew her turn was soon, and that she would be the next player to vote X. And she was proven right, as the O team kept their lead with three consecutive votes of O before the purple haired man- Thanos is what Semi and Gyeongsu had called him- skipped up to the button and kissed it. Junhee wanted to question it but she just kept her mouth shut.

“Team Circle! Let’s go!” Thanos yelled before running over to the O side.

 

“Player 226.” He walked up to the button with no hesitation and pressed O. He didn’t care about condemning people to death. 

 

“Player 222.” Junhee broke away from the voting group to walk up to the stand. She looked up at the guards before pressing X. She walked back over to her side, face twisting up as her stomach cramped up again. She found her team as Player 220 pressed X, walking straight over to Daeho.

 

“Hey.” He whispered as she stood next to him. “You okay?”

“Not really. I wanna go home.” She told him as the Player numbers hit the 100’s.

“I don’t want to die.”

“You won’t.” Daeho promised. “I won’t let you.”

“But what if something happens to you… because of me.” She whispers and he pulls her into a hug.

“It won’t be. Nothing will happen to me, and if it does it won’t ever be your fault.” He promised. As he told her this, Player 185 switched her vote from O to X, which meant that they needed three to draw and four to win. “See, we might even get out now.” He smiled brightly and she nodded. Maybe Seonnyeo would vote X, or Player 006 would stick with her X vote.

 

Could one single action save them?

 

-

 

Player 125, Minsu, switched to X just like last time. 

 

When he walked up with Namgyu, Player 124, Semi looked up from her rings with a nervous demeanour. She masked it fast, looking at Namgyu with pure hatred. When the man finally let go of Minsu so that he could vote, Semi stuck her middle finger up to the man without a care in the world. Gyeongsu grabbed her arm and pulled it down but by then it was too late.

 

And by then, Minsu had switched his vote to X.

 

Hyunju also switched her vote and, from the waiting area, Youngmi was smiling brighter than any star in the sky.

 

-

 

They still drew with the O team. Seonnyeo didn’t change, and Player 006 still did. It wasn’t because of the woman though, because she didn’t bow to her like she did in her last life. She just switched her vote.

 

“It’s a tie. We did it.” Daeho exclaimed, keeping one hand on Junhee’s back as he celebrated. “We have another chance.”

 

“The vote has ended.” The guard stated. 

“Wait, it’s a tie!” Player 100 declared. “What happens now?”

“Clause three of the consent form. ‘In the case of a tie, Players will vote again.’” The guard reminded all the players, but many of them already knew that.

“So, when will we get to vote again?” Player 047 asked.

“To give you some time to think, the vote will be conducted tomorrow.” Junhee crouched slightly as a massive wave of pain washed over her body. Several pairs of eyes fell to her as Daeho held her upright, and both Geumja and Gihun rushed over. “Until then, please think carefully about your future.”

 

Players then dispersed as Junhee started to stand back up on her own.

 

“Are you okay?” Gihun asked in pure terror. This hadn’t happened in her last life, at least not this bad. She’d managed to conceal her pain until she arrived in the Hide and Seek arena. She gave birth twenty minutes later…

“Yeah, just a massive pain.” She winced, leaning heavily on Gihun as he guided her to sit down. “This didn’t happen last time.” She whispered.

“Your grief and stress. She can clearly feel it too.” He whispered back as he sat down as well. Geumja sat herself next to Junhee, as Daeho walked over to talk to Gihun and Jungbae.

 

“What happened, child?” Geumja asked softly, and Junhee winced in pain again.

“I don’t know… The pain has been on and off since Mingle.” Junhee admitted.

“What happened in the round we formed groups of six? You came back to us completely defeated.” Geumja took Junhee’s hands in her own as she asked.

“I got tripped up, and fell. I thought something had happened, because I couldn’t get up. I was pulled up and into the room. I looked out the crack…” Junhee paused as tears welled up in her eyes. “An old friend… who knew I was pregnant, he’d sacrificed his life so I could get in that room.” She started crying again, because thinking about the Mingle game was ruining everything, Myunggi should’ve been able to live. “It’s my fault.”

 

Geumja pulled Junhee into a hug, similar to the one in the bathroom, as Junhee tried to calm herself down.

 

“Never say that. Your friend may have passed, but he’ll live on through you.” She stroked Junhee’s back as she started to calm down. “The pain will be due to either: your stress and emotional levels, or your baby is going to come soon.” She explained and Junhee nodded into her shoulder as the other girls -Hyunju, Youngmi and Semi- walked over to the pair.

 

“You okay, Junhee?” Youngmi asked as they all sat down next to the girls. 

“I am now.” She pulled away from Geumja with a little upturn of the lip.

“If you need anything, let us all know.” Hyunju told her with strong stubbornness. Junhee nodded as Semi placed a hand on her knee. The quiet comfort sent warm waves over Junhee, blanketing the pain that continued to shoot through her body. 

 

The guards then started setting up the tables to collect dinner, and the girls all started to stand. Junhee followed along slowly, walking next to Gihun as they lined up.

“She’s on her way. Something similar happened last time.” She whispered.

“Last time? But you didn’t tell anyone?” He asked in concern.

“There were bigger things happening, like the fight that’s going to break out tonight.” She shot back. “Keep an eye on Player 125, when he goes to the bathroom you need to follow him. Remember that he was the first to leave so I assume something went on with him.” 

“You’re very observant.” Gihun smiled as he reached the front of the line, taking his soda and gimbap. He waited for Junhee to get hers, before they walked back over to the rest of the team. Daeho, Youngil and Jungbae seemed to be in a conversation about the vote as Gihun sat next to Youngil and Junhee sat against her designated bedpost, behind Daeho, in front of Semi and next to Hyunju.

 

“Do you think we’ll be able to win the second vote?” Gyeongseok asked the team after swallowing some soda.

“We’ll have to go for broke. I do think we should start to convince them.” Youngil told them. “Before the second vote in the morning.”

“Will they listen though?” Yongsik asked. “They seem to have lost their minds over the money.”

“The way I see it, we’re more likely to win.” Geumja told her son. “All we have to eat is this roll of gimbap. Everyone will be so hungry tomorrow. When you’re hungry, you’ll start to miss home.” She finished, and Yongsik stood up and looked over to the O team.

 

“Hey!” He shouted, looking at the O team. “Don’t agonise over your decision while eating this dry gimbap. I just want one of you to come over to our side. If we get out tomorrow morning, we could get Korean Beef! I’ll tell you what. It’s my treat!”

“And after that, the noodles are on me!” Geumja stood up too.

“Come over to our side! Anyone!” Daeho waved over O team members. “Come on over!”

 

“Once you all die in the next game,” Player 100 stood up and started shouting at the X Players. “We’ll leave with 800 million each! With 800 million, we could buy a fucking cattle ranch!”

“That’s right, come join us!” Player 418 waved them over, but nobody moved.

“Come over to our side!” Player 226 yelled, which made Daeho stand up.

 

“You’ll get 800 million? Who are you kidding?” Daeho shouts, pointing at the O team voters accusingly. “Do you think you’ll still be alive after the next game? If you don’t all get out now, you’re all going to die!”

“So let’s play one more game, see who dies!” Player 226 walks down the stairs, addressing Daeho with complete carelessness. “Stop running away like a goddamn coward.”

“What did you say?” Daeho asks. “Hey, come here. Come here, asshole!” He starts walking towards the O side of the room and several other players stand up, including Jungbae, Semi, Yongsik. Jungbae starts trying to pull Daeho back to the stairs but Daeho ends up revealing that he was in the marines. 

 

“Hey, if you want to go home, why bother eating?” Player 336 shouts from the O side. “Just starve!” Several X voters storm down from the beds after that, and Hyunju pulls Junhee towards them as Semi joins in the shouting.

 

“Who’s she arguing wi-” Youngmi looks up, and sees moderately greasy hair. “Oh shit.”

“What? Can’t be th-” Gyeongsu looks over, and sees Semi arguing with Namgyu. He doesn’t say anything, just watches as the pair argue until they start walking closer to each other. “Okay.” Now he’s running over, and Namgyu notices. Junhee is still sitting close to Hyunju as the arguments start to die down. Semi comes back eventually, being pulled by Gyeongsu.

 

She was pacing around, clearly trying to burn out her anger as Gyeongsu explained what happened.

“He was talking about Minsu when I got there. I didn’t hear much, but Thanos wasn’t there which was odd.” Gyeongsu observed, and Junhee looked around. 

“I’m gonna go to the bathroom.” She announced, and the others all nodded. “Appa.” She beckoned him over and he rushed over.

“Minsu’s gone to the bathroom.” She tells him, pointing at his empty bed. “Take Youngil with you.” He nods, and Junhee walks to the bathroom. She walked into the bathroom, which was surprisingly quite empty. Only 5 girls were there, including Junhee. 

 

Players 163, 308, 448 and Seonnyeo…

 

When the Shaman saw Junhee, she walked over to the younger girl with a blank face. 

 

“Why didn’t you change?” Junhee asked quietly, looking up at the woman hesitantly.

“The Gods told me it wasn’t time to leave.” Seonnyeo murmured, “They’ve told me of the fates of us all who vote to leave, and it’s not pretty for you.”

“How do you mean?” Junhee asked her.

“You’re without Mr Lee Myunggi, and nobody else will know how to find you. None of them live near to you, so you’ll be on your own. Just like before.”

 

Junhee was seriously starting to question how this woman knew everything. Bile started to rise up in her throat and Seonnyeo must have noticed.

“The baby will prosper, and live a lovely life. There is no doubt about that, it’s you who needs the help.” She informed Junhee, who was already aware of that. “There will be a fight tonight, and I think you already know that. You need to keep yourself away from it.”

“Okay.” Junhee nodded. “Thank you.”

Seonnyeo left the bathroom after that, and Junhee continued to use the toilet in peace, until a load of women walked into the bathroom, both X and O team members.

 

“Player 185.” One woman spoke. “Switching sides are we? Turned into a coward now?”

“Leave her alone.” A different woman shouted back as Junhee started to panic. “If she wants to change her vote then she can.”

“Player 380 did too.” A whisper was heard and Junhee’s chest tightened. Her stomach was also starting to cramp, so now she was getting nervous. “And 120.”
“If you want to fight Player 120, then go ahead. I’m perfectly fine going for the other two.” The first voice shook, clearly the leader of the O team women. The door creaked open, and everyone paused. “Ahh, Player 380. We’ve been wanting to talk to you.”

“Okay, and I don’t want to talk to you.” Semi answered dryly. “Just looking for someone.”

“Well she’s not here.” The first voice snapped, and Junhee curled her body up tight as they continued to argue. “So now you’ll have to deal with us, because you’re a traitor.”

“You hid behind the men in your team during that argument, Player 440. I wouldn’t be speaking.” Semi snapped back, and Junhee now knew who the leader of the O team women was. “At least I was willing to, so at least I’m not a coward.”

“You voted for X!” A shrill voice echoed through the room. “You and your pussy teammates.”

“I’ll go and get 120. I heard how scared you all are of her.” Semi threatened before sounds of a scuffle entered Junhee’s ears.

 

“Get the fuck off me!” Semi screeched and Junhee knew she’d have to do something. She opened the door slightly, to see a bunch of X team members, and she pulled the fork out of her pocket.

“Anyone got one?” She mouthed after quietly gaining their attention. 3 players nodded, and Junhee crept out of the stall, and she walked over to the Players holding Semi down and she drove the fork into Player 440’s neck three times, before all the other O women realised what was going on.

 

“Junhee.” Semi whispered, standing up and in front of the woman. “Thank you.”

Notes:

RIP Myunggi ig, I can't say I'm his biggest fan but I did get a lil sad killing him off so early
Gyeongsu and Youngmi were saved, but at that costs. Also in the place of Youngmi, Player 350 (an X voter) was killed to keep it 50-50
Daehee nation rise! They will have another moment in the next chapter.
Gihun and 'Youngil' may have prevented the bathroom fight, but the girls don't get off so easy.
Who will die? Who knows? It's lights out next chapter and please let me know what you'd like to see bc the rebellion is obvs not happening!

Thank you all so much for reading, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!!!

Also lmk what you think of Seonnyeo (044) bc I lowkey love her tbh

Chapter 6: Friend or Foe?

Summary:

When the tensions tick over and rivalries are formed, is anybody safe after lights out?

Notes:

Short Chapter bc I couldn't think of much to replace the rebellion, but I hope yall enjoy.

Semi and Gyeongsu friendship is so important to ME

“You killed her!” Player 163, an O voter, screeched as the other members of the X team walked next to Junhee and Semi. None of them really wanted to fight, but if it would keep the other members of the X team alive then they knew they’d need to.

“You were about to kill me.” Semi deadpanned. “Don’t act all high and mighty because she saved me.”

“But we didn’t actually kill you.” Player 006’s voice shook as she spoke. 

“You were going to, though. Weren’t you?” Player 400 walked up to the front, standing beside Semi with a fork in her hand. “Player 440 was about to choke her to death, you can’t be mad.”

“You trying to swing the majority?” Player 009 asks, and the O team starts approaching slowly. “You trying to pick us off so that you can win the vote in the morning?”

“You started it!” Player 113 shot back, stepping forward as the teams met face to face. Player 394 swung at the woman and knocked her into the sink…

 

That’s how the brawl started. Player 394 was repeatedly bashing Player 113’s head into the sink when Player 009 approached Semi and Junhee.

 

“She might not have been able to kill you.” Player 009 started, darkly, holding a shard of glass from a broken mirror at the pair. “But I will.” She snarled, walking closer to the pair. “You’re both in that big group of X’s right, with people like 456 and 388? You helped 456 in Red Light, Green Light?” Junhee nodded slowly from behind Semi. “Did you know him?”

“What’s it to you?” Semi snapped, blocking Junhee from Player 009’s view.

“Just curious.” The woman smiled. “Is he the dad?” Junhee almost recoiled, because Gihun would be the last person to father her child, he’s basically her dad!

“Oh my god, no!” Junhee exclaimed. “He’s like, more than double my age what the fuck?”

“That doesn’t stop anything.” Player 009 smiles, waving the glass towards the pair.

“He’s also her dad… so it kinda does.” Semi snaps before grabbing Player 009’s wrist and slamming it into the wall. Semi picked the glass up after the woman dropped it, but then Player 006 kicked the back of Semi’s leg and Semi retaliated by slashing the glass into the woman's leg. Player 006 shrieked in pain and staggered out of the bathroom as Player 009 punched Semi in the face.

 

Player 259 ran over to try and help Junhee get away but Player 163 saw this and drove a fork into Player 259’s back repeatedly. Junhee froze as a different Player ran over and slammed her against the wall by her shoulder. As the woman raised her glass to stab her, the guards finally walked into the room.

 

“If you keep on fighting, we will shoot you.” The guards had guns raised as the 20 (ish) women raised their hands and the players who were dead had their identities scanned. Semi ran over to Junhee and pulled her away from the O voter who tried to kill her.

“You okay, Junhee?” Semi whispered as they stood next to each other, but Junhee’s eyes were unfocused and her mind was somewhere else…

 

-

 

Gihun was sitting with all of his team -except Semi and Junhee- as they finished eating after the arguments.

“They’ve been gone for a while.” Geumja tutted. “I hope Junhee’s okay.”

“She’s been through it today.” Gihun told her. “The pain, Player 333, now we’re stuck here. What if her baby comes?”

“We’ll all be here to help.” Hyunju affirmed, and the rest of their team all nodded in agreement as Gihun warmed up to them all caring for Junhee.

“Thank you all so much.” He smiled at his team. “For looking after her.”

“She doesn’t deserve to be here.” Gyeongseok smiled. “None of us do, but she needs to get out before she gives birth.” Gihun nods, thinking about his past life where Junhee gave birth during the Hide and Seek Game.

“Still, I actually couldn’t be more grateful. Neither could she.” Gihun bowed to the whole team. “So thank you all so much.”

“Thank you both for helping us, Mr Seong.” Daeho looked up at the man and Gyeongsu quickly turned around.

“Yeah, you and your daughter saved my life.” Gyeongsu smiled brightly. “My chest still really hurts, so if it wasn’t for you I’d have been shot.”

“Well I would’ve done it for anyone.” Gihun smiled.

“I know, but I’m still grateful.” Gyeongsu grinned at the man. 

 

A comfortable silence blanketed the group until an alarm rang through the dormitory.

“The following players have been eliminated.” Gihun’s head snapped up. “Players 028, 113, 143, 259, 310, 334 and 440. End of list.”

 

All of the big group of X team members looked up in shock, recognizing that they were members from both teams and female as the men had all come back already. The prize pot lowered and the board started to change.

 

93 Players remaining, 36.3 billion won total, 382,105,263.16 won each.

 

Everyone was now standing up, realising that people had been killing each other.

“What’s going on?” Jungbae questioned, but nobody knew what to say. The guards opened the door for the female O team members to walk in and the X team members started walking in a second later. Semi and Junhee were nowhere to be seen.

 

“What happened?” Someone from the O team asked, and Player 009 ran over.

“We were trying to talk to Player 185.” She started, and at that second the woman walked in, hidden behind Player 448. “Then 380 walked in, and was ‘Looking for her friend’ so we started to question her because we thought none of her allies were there. We were just talking to her when that bitch 222 stabbed one of us in the neck with a fork!”

“Don’t blame it all on them when 440 was on the verge of killing 380!” Player 400 shouted back. “You killed us for trying to get a girl out of the bathroom! How is that fair?”

“Did you want us to sit and watch you kill us all?” Player 349 asked. “Can we not use the bathroom now?”

“Depends if you’re going to send in your bitch with her fork!” Player 394 shouts

“You bashed a girl's head into a sink, bits of her brain were coming out. You have no room to talk!” Player 400 shouted again, and several players flinched. “I’ll send in anyone with a fork if it means I don’t have to see the inside of someone’s fucking head!”

 

“So?” Player 100 walked down to the floor where the women were arguing. “Which side lost more players?” He asked but all of the women froze up, because none of them knew. “Alright, everyone! Let’s count the numbers!” Player 100 summoned all of the O team members as the X team was beckoned over by Player 047. 

 

As they were, the door creaked open to reveal Semi and Junhee. The shouts covered the sound of the door so nobody noticed until they arrived at the line up. Junhee was staring at the floor and didn’t react when her name was called. Gihun ran over to them and looked at Semi in confusion.

“She killed someone.” Semi whispered.

“Oh they were telling the truth.” He muttered in shock.
“Player 440 did…” Semi pointed at the forming bruises on her neck, shaped like hand-prints. “And she was about to kill me, and then Junhee stabbed her with a fork.”

“Okay, go sit with the others and I’ll look after Junhee.” Gihun told her as Semi went to sit next to Gyeongsu, who immediately pointed at her neck. “Junhee…”

 

Junhee wasn’t looking at him as he sat her down, just staring at the blood stains on her hoodie sleeves.

 

“Three people died on our side.” Player 047 alerted the X team as he finished the count.

“Three out of Seven, so they lost four people.” Player 377 whispered.

“So that means we have a better shot tomorrow.” Player 197 grinned.

“Hey, it’s 47 against 46.” Jungbae whisper-yelled. “As long as nobody changes their minds, we’ll win by one vote.”

 

Ding, Ding. Ding, Ding

“Attention, please. Lights will go off in 30 minutes.” The voice rang out and Gihun felt bile rise in his throat. The night fight was underway. “All players please return to your beds and get ready for bedtime.”

“Wait, Team X.” Gihun stood up. “I have reason to believe we’re going to be attacked tonight.”

“What do you mean?” Player 039 asked, and Gihun discreetly pointed at the group of O voters sitting on the stairs. Most notably there was: 100, 226, Namgyu, Thanos, 203, 336, 009.

“Shit, Semi.” Gyeongsu tapped on the woman, and pointed at their old allies. “Maybe taunting them was a mistake?” He asked in panic but Semi just squeezed his knee in comfort.

“It’ll be okay Gyeongsu.” She whispered, and unbeknownst to the pair but Minsu was watching from the far corner with a face full of regret. He knew that he deserved this though…

 

“Everyone, there are 47 of us. Stay in groups of at least 4, if not 5.” Player 047 strategised. “The second that the lights go off, sneak out of your beds and stay with each other.”

“Okay, but what weapons does everyone have?” Jungbae asked quietly. Most players held up forks but a few had their soda bottles and some of the girls had shards of glass, including both Semi and Junhee.

“Where did you get glass?” Geumja asked them.

“Bathroom.” Most of the girls answered, having picked some up as a precaution. 

“Okay, so most of us have weapons. Now, get into groups and get ready to fight. If we want to win tonight, and get out tomorrow, you might have to kill someone.” Youngil stood up now, helping to strategise. Many looked troubled, but ended up agreeing as the X team all split into groups.

 

Gihun ended up with Jungbae, Youngil and Daeho, while Junhee ended up with Semi, Gyeongsu, Hyunju and Youngmi.

 

“You gonna be okay?” Gihun hugged her tightly as they prepared to split off for the night.

“I’m scared.” She whispered, finally speaking since the bathroom incident. “What if something else changes?”
“It’ll be okay.” He whispered into her ear. “I’ll see you soon?”

“You will Appa.” She swore, and Gihun looked at her softly.

“You mean that?” He asks, genuine hope in his eyes.

“I always have.” She smiled before walking back over to her little team. 

 

“We need a plan.” Hyunju tells them. “Namgyu and Thanos are going to be clear problems.” She alerts the team, looking at Gyeongsu and Semi.

“Yeah we’re aware.” Semi nods, but Gyeongsu is just staring at a different team. The team with Minsu in it. “You okay?”

“Yeah, just nervous I guess.” Gyeongsu looks back over with a smile. “I’ll be one second.” He then decides to run over to that team.

“Okay.” Hyunju continues. “We can take a corner, perhaps. Or we could…”

“We might need to get up high.” Youngmi suggests, “The beds have staircases, so they can’t be pushed down.”

“But if we get found, we’re screwed.” Semi counters. “I think we stay low, at the back, near the exit door. We could avoid anyone that wants us dead. Like Thanos, Namgyu and Player 009.” Junhee flinched slightly at that but it didn’t go unnoticed.

“What happened with Player 009?” Youngmi asked as Gyeongsu ran back over.

“Bathroom lady tried to kill us with glass.” Semi told the team, who all looked mildly shocked. “Also tried to say Mr Seong was the father of Junhee’s baby.” 

“I beg your pardon!” Gyeongsu exclaimed.

“Exactly, it’s disgusting.” Semi’s face scrunched up

 

“Lights out in ten seconds.” They started to move towards the back where they knew they couldn’t be seen.

“Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one.” The lights faded out and for a second the golden glow stayed. Then that faded too, the only light being given now was by the O and X symbols in the middle of the room. Semi kept Junhee close as they moved towards the wall, and then towards the bathroom.

 

Then a woman screamed, and the bloodbath had started. Junhee noticed how the teams had been split up, because they didn’t have enough time to get together. The lights started flashing as their team of five started to move when a loud shout was heard.

 

“I found you bitch!” Semi’s head snapped around, and she looked at the others with a strong face and a strong hold on a soda bottle. “Thought you could hide from me huh?”

“Go, now!” She yelled at them all, but winced and held onto her throat. They didn’t want to leave, Junhee and Gyeongsu especially, but Hyunju and Youngmi had to get them away because Namgyu was now approaching.

“Hello Namgyu.” She smiled with her teeth as the team hid not too far away, Gyeongsu ready to step in. “Here to kill me?”

“You think you’re better than me, Noona?” He snarled, clearly high on those pills again. “You fucking bitch!” She smashed the bottle around the bed as he got closer.

 

All of a sudden, a glass bottle came crashing down from the top of the bunk beds. It hit Namgyu on the shoulder and Semi took this as a chance to escape, so she kicked Namgyu’s other shoulder and ran off before she could be attacked again.

 

But it was in the opposite direction from her little group, who couldn’t see where she went. Namgyu was also furious, and started to climb the bunkbeds to find out who helped Semi.

 

“My boy, saving your girl are you?” Namgyu taunted and Gyeongsu felt his whole body freeze. “You think she’ll forgive you? You think Gyeongsu will forgive you? I’m willing to forgive and forget, if you just fight with me. Okay?” They couldn’t hear the conversation that followed, but the two men walked down together and Namgyu settled his sights on a new target.

 

“I helped Minsu…” Gyeongsu whispered to himself as the men ran to the next target. “And he’s now helping Namgyu.”

“It’s not your fault…” Youngmi whispered. “You couldn’t have known.”
“Bu-”

“Is that you, 222?” An O voter shouted and Junhee flinched from where she was standing, behind Hyunju. “You started the bloodbath in the bathroom. Am I right in assuming that?” The player approaching them was Player 226, who was covered in blood, and Player 009 was right behind him. “You killed 440, right?”

“Back off.” Hyunju threatened darkly, fork in one hand and her other raised in a fist.

“We don’t want any trouble.” Player 226 lied through his teeth. “Just to kill the bitch who started this.”

“Well you won’t get her.” Hyunju snarled and Junhee stepped back a little. “Not without going through us first.” Youngmi and Gyeongsu, two seemingly spineless players, were ready to fight on Hyunju’s side to help Junhee.

“And that won’t be hard.” Player 226 snapped before swinging for Hyunju as Player 009 went for Youngmi. Gyeongsu stayed in front of Junhee as the attack went on, before more O voters found them. Junhee was clearly the target and she shivered as Gyeongsu kept a firm glare at the two men approaching her.

“Wanna give us the girl, traitor?” One man asked before a strike of purple came towards them.

“Hey!” He shouted at the O voters. “Leave my boy Gyeongsu alone, go find someone else!”

“He’s got 222 with him.” 

“I don’t care. Hurt my boy and I’ll hurt you too.” He snapped and the two left. Gyeongsu looked at Thanos in shock, but the man was off before he could even utter a thank you.

“Go help Youngmi.” Junhee whispered as Player 009 started to gain the upper hand, but then Gyeongsu ran over and kicked the woman off. She then lunged for Gyeongsu, who hit his head on the bed beside them and fell to the floor in a daze. Youngmi tried to help him, but the woman was elbowed in the face by Player 009 and fell to the floor beside Gyeongsu.

 

“Seems like it’s just you and me now.” She smiled. “Think you can take me?”

“I think you’re scared. Or at least, you will be.” Junhee answered, looking at the person behind her in shock.

“Scared, of what?” Player 009 now had Junhee backed against the wall.
“Of him.” She nodded behind her and there stood Daeho. He didn’t do anything, just held up a fork and took one small step towards Player 009.

“Hurt her and I’ll hurt you.” He threatened and Player 009 lowered her weapon. He took a step towards them and the woman ran off. “You okay, Junhee?” He asked, but Junhee just hugged him.

“Thank you.” She whispered and he nodded. “We need to help Hyunju.”

 

The pair turned to Hyunju and Daeho ran over and smashed a glass over 226’s head. Daeho then kicked him as Hyunju stood back up and then they were running over to Gyeongsu and Youngmi. They shook the pair awake, and the doors opened just as they all stood back up. Guards ran in to start checking the identities of the dead, but the team was still separated.

 

Once the five of them were all together again, they sat closely together as the identities were scanned and numbers were called out. None of the allies and it seemed to be less than last time, which was a plus.

 

“Did you see Semi?” Gyeongsu asked Daeho despite his dizziness. 

“She was with Geumja and Yongsik at the end.” Daeho helped the man up as Hyunju helped up Youngmi. They had both hit their heads and were trying to steady themselves.

“Junhee.” Gihun ran over and pulled her into a tight hug. “You’re okay.”
“Appa…” She softened as he pulled her into the hug. “They’re hurt.”

“I know… we’ll help them. Are you okay?” He asked her in concern.

“I’m okay, but there was a point where I thought we were screwed.” She whispered into his shoulder. “Namgyu found Semi, and she disappeared. Gyeongsu and Youngmi were hurt, 226 was fighting Hyunju and 009 had found me…”
“Well you’re okay now, I promise.” He told her as the group walked back over to the main group.

 

“Semi!!” Gyeongsu gave her a loopy smile as she looked up and saw him. Her eyes widened at his condition as she ran over to him.

“What happened?” Semi asked, looking at the blood on his head and Youngmi’s face, “Your head.”

“Player 009, shoved Gyeongsu into a bed. She also elbowed Youngmi in the face.” Junhee explained with a shaky voice. “Where did you go?”

“I thought I was running towards you… But I ended up running straight into Thanos. Who let me go, which was weird.” Semi explained.

“He let me go too!” Gyeongsu grinned. “Also, Minsu threw that bottle.”

“I’m sure he did, he also killed an X team voter with Namgyu.” Semi snapped and Gyeongsu’s eyes widened.

“I saw them chasing a player… Minsu killed an X voter.” Gyeongsu looked across the room to see Minsu sat alone as Thanos and Namgyu sat together on the O side. Minsu was looking at them as Gyeongsu met his eye, and Minsu looked at him with a sad look before quickly looking away. “I helped him…”

“Well, see how the re vote goes tomorrow, then think about what you both want to do.” Gihun tells them, and both Semi and Gyeongsu nod. “I don’t know about you guys but we should definitely have people on watch tonight.”

“I don’t want to sleep.” Semi told him. “Gyeongsu might need to stay awake just for a little. In case of a concussion.”

“Is anyone going to sleep?” Gihun asked their little team and only a few people raised their hands. Those being Geumja, Gyeongseok, Youngmi, Youngil and Jungbae.

“How about you all go to sleep, there probably won’t be a game tomorrow so we don’t need to worry about being well rested.” Hyunju suggests and they all nod.

 

So, after their allies who wanted to sleep went into the beds, the rest of the team sat in a circle. Awake was Gihun, Daeho, Junhee, Hyunju, Semi, Gyeongsu and Yongsik. They split into little groups, with Daeho, Junhee, Semi and Gyeongsu being one group. Gihun, Hyunju and Yongsik being the other.

 

“You okay, Gyeongsu?” Daeho asked as the group of four sat at the foot of their beds.

“Head hurts.” He muttered from Semi’s side. “I want to go home.”

“Hopefully our plan saved us.” Semi reassured him. “We’ll get you to a hospital, then get the fuck out.”

“Where we going, Noona?” Gyeongsu asked. “We leaving Korea?”

“We can go anywhere kid.” She told him, and Gyeongsu lit up like a lamp.

“Can we go to Europe?” He asked, and Semi nodded. 

“Pay off our debts, and we’ll go to Europe.” She promised, and the other two watched in awe.

Junhee looked at her stomach with a small smile, thinking that maybe they’d done enough to save the X team from all dying. There were only around 20 of them left after the fight, and rebellion. And a few of them changed sides.

 

“What are you going to do Junhee?” Semi asked. “After you give birth?”

“Settle somewhere in Korea, and raise her comfortably.” She admitted. “We’re just us two, so I want to spend it all on her.”

“No dad?” Gyeongsu asked. “What happened to him?”

“I mean, he wasn’t in the picture anyway.” She admitted with a small whisper. “But he passed away recently so we are completely on our own now.”

 

Daeho, Semi and Gyeongsu all clocked exactly what she meant by that pretty much instantly, except Gyeongsu- who took a minute due to his injury. They all knew exactly who the father was, they were all with her in that round of six people.

 

“What about you, Daeho?” Junhee asks, trying to change the subject away from her.

“I don’t really know.” Daeho admitted. “The money isn’t enough to cover all my debts, but they’ll change it in the morning. I doubt it’ll be enough, but I won’t be able to do much. Maybe give some to my sisters, if I can spare it.”
“How much do you owe?” Junhee asked him, curiously.

“Around 800 million.” Daeho admitted sheepishly. 

“What did you do?” Semi asks, and Daeho tenses slightly. “You don’t have to tell us, I’m just curious.”

“I don’t really like talking about it.” Daeho admitted and the team sat in silence afterwards. 

 

Small conversations floated around the small group as they slowly started to bond until the doors creaked open and a new day started.

Notes:

Next chapter will be a small interlude, telling you who's still alive, any kills and their current teams.
LMK What you think and that's it for Season 2!!!
I'm not good at fight scenes but I hope I served.

The interlude will be out tomorrow, and Keys and Knives will either be out Saturday or Sunday!!

Chapter 7: -INTERLUDE-

Summary:

Not exactly a chapter, just telling you who's alive and their kill count, any facts that are need to know and their current vote!!

Notes:

Unless your fav is Myunggi, they are probably still alive!!

Who’s still alive at the start of Season 3?

 

001- ‘Oh Youngil’- Kill count is 1 (Player 343 during Mingle). A part of the main group of X team members. Not an actual player, only known to Junhee and Gihun. Currently on the X team.

 

006- Park Mihwa- Kill count is 1 (Player 143 in the bathroom fight). Currently has a leg injury from the bathroom fight, caused by Semi. Currently on the O team.

 

007- Park Yongsik- Kill count is 0. A part of the main group of X team members. Currently on the X team.

 

009- Unknown Female- Kill count is 0. Seeking revenge on Semi and Junhee because she believes that they started the bathroom fight. Currently on the O team.

 

015- Seon Hannam- Kill count is 1 (Player 056 during the Special Game). Currently on the X team.

 

024- Unknown Male- Kill count is 1 (Player 370 during the Special Game). Currently on the O team.

 

039- Unknown Male/ Lunchbox- Kill count is 0. Currently on the X team.

 

044- Seonnyeo- Kill count is 0. A Shaman who is aiding Junhee on her ‘quest’ to save all the players. Currently on the O team.

 

047- Kwon Byeongsu- Kill count is 1 (Player 348 during the Special Game). Currently on the X team.

 

048- Unknown Male- Kill count is 0. Currently on the O team.

 

080- Unknown Male- Kill count is 0. Currently on the X team.

 

084- Unknown Male- Kill count is 0. One of the only O team members to not partake in the Special Game. Currently on the O team.

 

095- Kim Youngmi- Kill count is 0. Currently has a broken nose from the Special Game, caused by Player 009. A part of the main group of X team members. Currently on the X team.

 

096- Unknown Male- Kill count is 1 (Player 191 in the Special Game- shared with Player 202). Didn’t interact with Gihun’s team in Six Legs like in canon. Currently on the O team.

 

100- Im Jeongdae- Kill count is 0. Hid during the Special Game despite being part of the group that came up with the idea. Currently on the O team.

 

105- Unknown Male- Kill count is 0. Currently on the X team.

 

116- Unknown Male- Kill count is 0. Currently on the O team,

 

119- Unknown Female- Kill count is 0. Currently on the O team.

 

120- Cho Hyunju- Kill count is 0. Got into a fight with Player 226 during the Special Game but neither of them managed to kill each other. A part of the main group of X team members. Currently on the X team.

 

124- Namgyu- Kill count is 3 (Players 094, 185 and 307 during the Special Game, Player 094 is shared with Park Minsu). Out to get Semi and Gyeongsu, along with manipulating Minsu to get his vote changed. Has a shoulder injury due to a glass bottle falling on it because of Minsu during the Special Game. Currently on the O team.

 

125- Park Minsu- Kill count is 1 (Player 094 during the Special Game- shared with Namgyu). Knows what Thanos and Namgyu are doing to him, but is trying to protect Semi and Gyeongsu from their wrath, so he’s going along with it. Currently on the X team.

 

134- Unknown Male- Kill count is 0. Currently on the X team.

 

140- Unknown Female- Kill count is 0. Currently on the X team.

 

145- Unknown Male- Kill Count is 1 (Player 376 during the Special Game). Partook in the rebellion in cannon, but has no actual name. Currently on the X team

 

149- Jang Geumja- Kill count is 0. Has bad knees. A part of the main group of X team members. Currently on the X team.

 

158- Unknown Male- Kill count is 0. Currently on the O team.

 

163- Unknown Female- Kill count is 1 (Player 259 in the bathroom fight). Offscreen- Was the one who told 440 they should talk to the female vote changers, indirectly causing her death in the bathroom. Currently on the O team.

 

192- Unknown Male- Kill count is 1 (Player 331 during the Special Game). Currently on the O team.

 

197- Unknown Male- Kill count is 0. Currently on the X team.

 

202- Unknown Male- Kill count is 1 (Player 191 during the Special Game- shared with Player 096). Currently on the O team.

 

203- Kim Gimin- Kill count is 1 (Player 209 during the Special Game). Currently on the O team.

 

219- Unknown Male- Kill count is 0. Currently on the O team.

 

220- Unknown Male- Kill count is 0. Currently on the X team

 

222- Kim Junhee- Kill count is 1 (Player 440 in the bathroom fight). Still pregnant but almost due, seems to have something going on with Daeho but neither of them know it yet. Time traveled back but nobody knows it except Gihun -who is also a time traveller. A part of the main group of X team members. Currently on the X team

 

226- Kim Yeongsam- Kill count is 1 (Player 401 during the Special Game). Becomes the figurehead of the O team after Player 100’s cowardice during the Special Game. Attempted to kill Hyunju during the Special Game, solidifying their rivalry for Season 3. Currently on the O team.

 

230- Choi Subong/Thanos- Kill count is 1 (Player 102 during the Special Game). Manipulating Minsu to get his vote changed, to guarantee one more game. However, he wouldn’t follow through on any of the threats he made against Minsu, Semi or Gyeongsu if he was told to, because he still cares about them all. Currently on the O team.

 

235- Park Heeyong- Kill count is 0. Currently on the O team.

 

246- Park Gyeongseok- Kill count is 0. A part of the main group of X team members. Currently on the X team.

 

256- Gyeongsu- Kill Count is 0. Ex Member of the Thanos team, and a part of the main group of X team members. Has a concussion caused by Player 009 during the Special Game. Currently on the X team.

 

260- Unknown Male- Kill count is 0. Currently on the O team.

 

268- Unknown Male- Kill count is 0. Currently on the O team.

 

276- Unknown Male- Kill count is 0. Currently on the O team.

 

296- Unknown Male- Kill count is 0. Currently on the O team.

 

299- Unknown Male- Kill count is 0. Currently on the O team.

 

306- Unknown Male- Kill count is 0. Currently on the O team.

 

312- Unknown Male- Kill count is 0. Currently on the O team.

 

320- Unknown Male- KIll count is 0. Currently on the X team.

 

324- Unknown Male- Kill count is 1 (Player 344 during the Special Game). Partook in the rebellion in canon. Currently on the X team.

 

336- Lee Seungwon- Kill count is 0. Currently on the O team

 

349- Unknown Female- Kill count is 1 (Player 334 in the bathroom fight). Currently on the X team.

 

353- Kim Yuntae- Kill count is 1 (Player 206 during the Special Game). Currently on the O team.

 

358- Unknown Male- Kill count is 0. Currently on the O team.

 

359- Unknown Male- Kill count is 0. Currently on the X team.

 

366- Unknown Male- Kill count is 0. Currently on the O team.

 

377- Unknown Male. Kill count is 0. Currently on the X team.

 

380- Semi- Kill count is 1 (Player 241 during the Special Game). Ex member of the Thanos team and a part of the main group of X team members. Is very protective of those closest to her (as of right now that’s Junhee and Gyeongsu). Currently on the X team.

 

388- Kang Daeho- Kill count is 0. Has a mild crush on Junhee, but doesn’t really want to say anything due to the recent loss of Myunggi- he’s unaware that she feels the same. Isn’t a marie, but was a social service personnel. Hasn’t admitted that to anyone yet. A part of the main group of X team members. Currently on the X team.

 

390- Park Jungbae- Kill count is 1 (Player 154 during the Special Game). Regrets the person he killed but only killed them because they were so dead set on killing their team. A part of the main group of X team members. Currently on the X team.

 

394- Unknown Female- Kill count is 1 (Player 113 in the bathroom fight). One of the most vocal O team members, and the most brutal female. Currently on the O team.

 

400- Unknown Female- Kill count is 1 (Player 028 in the bathroom fight). Currently on the X team.

 

411- Unknown Male- Kill count is 1 (Player 267 during the Special Game). Currently on the O team.

 

418- Unknown Male- Kill count is 3 (Players 072, 308 and 431 during the Special Game). Currently on the O team.

 

435- Unknown Male- Kill count is 0. Currently on the O team.

 

442- Unknown Male- Kill count is 1 (Player 172 during the Special Game). Currently on the O team.

 

443- Unknown Male- Kill count is 0. Currently on the O team.

 

447- Unknown Male- Kill count is 0. Currently on the O team.

 

448- Unknown Female- Kill count is 1 (Player 310 in the bathroom fight). Currently on the X team. 

 

456- Seong Gihun- Kill count is 0. A time traveller back to try and end the games earlier by saving more players and ending the games. Working with Junhee, under the impression they are father and daughter. He thinks of her as a daughter anyway. A part of the main group of X team members. Currently on the X team.

30 X voters remain, 21 males and 9 females.

38 O voters remain, 32 males and 6 females

 

68 Players remain. 53 males and 15 females.

Notes:

Place your bets, because hide and seek is fast approaching and you will not see any of it coming!!

Chapter 8: Keys and Knives

Summary:

After a devastating result of the voting, and the start of the new game, Players start to get concerned about their alliances, enemies and injuries.

Notes:

Okay, buckle up season three is on its way!!

Please forgive any Medical/Historical inaccuracies, I'm not a doctor and I failed History

“We hope you all thought about your decisions.” The guard started, pointing his remote up at the piggy bank as the players all got up. “A total of 25 players were eliminated last night, and 68 players remain in the game. The prize money accumulated at this point is 38.8 billion won, and each person's share is 570.5 million won. You will now take a vote to decide whether to continue with the games or not.”

 

The Players all started lining up on their side as the whole team of X voters reunited.

“There’s less of us.” Yongsik stated. “We’re 8 down, there’s 38 of them, 30 of us.”

“Fuck.” Semi whispered, holding up Gyeongsu who was not lucid enough to stand. His head injury is clearly doing something to him, because now he can hardly stand.

“We’re gonna be okay.” Daeho whispered, holding Junhee close to him as she winced in pain. “You okay?” He asked her as he kept her standing.

“Yeah, just twisting pains. I don’t know how to describe it.” She whispered to him and she nodded.

 

“Your vote will again be held in reverse order of your numbers.” The guard announced once they all were waiting. “Player 456, please cast your vote.” Gihun squeezed Junhee’s arm as he walked out of the X area to the voting stand. He didn’t waste any time, just voted X and walked back onto the X side, but for completed voters. 

 

“Next, Player 448. Please cast your vote.” The woman shook as she walked up to the stand, taunting following from members of the O team, notably Players 226, 203 and 202. Player 100 stood at the back, seemingly ostracised from his team. The woman wiped her eyes before pressing O. The X team all lowered themselves in defeat, knowing they were going to lose… again.

 

“Player 447.” The man emerged from the O side and didn’t hesitate to continue with the game. He walked on to the O side with a smug grin as he walked past Player 448.

 

“Player 443.” He walked out of the O side and like Player 447, he didn’t hesitate to continue the games. He pressed O and stood next to Player 447.

 

“Player 442.” The man walked away from his spot between Player 192 and Player 202 before going to press O, and he sent a smug smile to the X team, who were standing at the bag with resigned expressions on their faces. 

 

“Player 435.” The man hesitated as he walked out from the O side, looking between the two options, and then the board above him which currently showed that it was 1-4. He pressed the O button with slight hesitation, before walking over to the O team and standing on his own.

 

“Player 418.” The man emerged from the O team with his tracksuit covered in red splotches. The X team looked between each other in panic at the sight of the blood-soaked man. He pressed O with a smile before going to stand with Player 442.

 

“Player 411.” The man didn’t hesitate to press O, but it wasn’t because he wanted to continue. He knew his debts wouldn’t be covered by 570 million, he needed at least a billion.

 

“Player 400.” The taunts followed the woman as she walked up to the stand from the X side, but she pressed X with no hesitation and sent a small smile to the X team as she stood next to Gihun. The man nodded to her in thanks, and she nodded back in acceptance.

 

“Player 394.” The woman emerged from the O side with a maniacal smile and she pressed O with no hesitation at all, before going to stand with Players 442 and 418.

 

“Player 390.” Jungbae emerged from the X team side with a resigned face. Gihun hadn’t told the others yet but Jungbae had killed someone during Lights Out and the older man knew it was haunting his friend. Jungbae pressed X before walking over to Gihun with a small smile.

 

“Player 388.” Daeho and Junhee separated themselves for each other as the man went to vote. He walked up to the stand with confident steps as Semi turned to Junhee and Gyeongsu. He pressed X with confidence, and she had to unloop Gyeongsu from her. 

 

“Player 380.”

“Can you help him?” Semi asked Junhee, who nodded. “Gyeongsu, stay with Junhee for a minute.” He nodded slowly as the pair sat on the stairs behind them. Semi moved through the team of X’s, bumping into Minsu as she did. She looked up at him, before shaking her head and walking to the stand. She pressed X, and the score was now 5-8. She walked over to Gihun, Daeho and Jungbae with a small smile.

 

“Player 377.” The man walked out from the X side as Junhee looked at Gyeongsu with concern on her face.

 

“Gyeongsu, you okay?” She asked, shaking the man to keep him awake.

“I’m tired Junhee.” He muttered, his voice slurring, “My head hurts and we still have to play games. We’re gonna lose.” 

“We’ll keep you safe, Gyeongsu.” Junhee promised him. “You’ll be okay.”

“It hurts Junhee.” He admits, and Junhee rubbed his back softly. “I want to go home.”

“We’ll get you home, I promise” She promised, “You can go to Europe with Semi, yeah?”

“I want to go to Germany.” He told Junhee. “I like History, you know? Germany is full of history like that.”

“Could you tell me?” Junhee asked as Player 312 walked up to vote. The score currently showed it was 10-12, with the O team in the lead.

“Well in the late 40’s, during the cold war, the Soviet Union had taken over most of eastern Europe. Including East Germany, but they had to share Berlin with the west. In the 50’s, the wall was built around East Berlin to stop people moving to the West due to better living conditions.” He explained, and Player 260 was now walking up which meant Gyeongsu was next.

“Did it get knocked down?” She asked as they both stood up. 

“Yeah, in 1989.” He smiled.

 

“Player 256.” The guard called for Gyeongsu, and Junhee nodded.

“Can you walk?” She asked and Gyeongsu nodded, but when he started to make his way to the stand he started stumbling heavily. He had to grip onto the edges of the stand as he looked between the two colours. He pressed the X button with a loopy smile as Semi ran over to help him as he stumbled again. The votes now showed it to be 11-19.

 

“Player 246.” Gyeongseok walked up to the stand and pressed X with confidence. The X team all knew they were likely to lose, but held onto hope that they’d get some people to change their minds.

 

“Player 235.” Junhee watched the man press O with no problems, and she flinched slightly from where she stood.

 

“Player 230.” Thanos didn’t do anything overdramatic when he left the O side. Just walked up to the stand and paused for a minute. He looked at the X team, namely Semi and Gyeongsu. They both looked at him with hope in their eyes, but that quickly disappeared when Thanos pressed O. He looked at them with something unreadable, before walking over to the O side.

 

“Player 226.” The man walked up to the stand with confidence and pressed O, now seemingly the leader of that team. The O’s all laughed looking at the score, and Junhee braced herself, because it was now her turn.

 

“Player 222.” Junhee took slow steps through her pain to the voting stand and pressed X immediately, walking back over to the X side with her allies. She could feel eyes on her back, namely Player 009 and 226, and she flinched upon meeting the latter's eye.

 

“Player 220.”

 

-

 

It was 19-28 when the next big thing happened…

 

“Player 125.” Minsu trembled as he walked out of the X team's area. He took slow steps while walking up to the voting stand, as he knew who was watching. Minsu thought back to the time after Lights Out, when Thanos and Namgyu were walking over to him

 

Flashback!

 

Minsu was sitting on his own, body shaking as he remembered that he’d killed an X voter during lights out. He killed someone from his team, because of how scared he was of Namgyu. He leaned against a bunkbed, looking at the blood patches on his hoodie.

 

“Minsu, long time no see my boy!” Thanos announced himself, sitting next to the boy.

“Yeah.” Namgyu grinned, crouching in front of him. “You seem lonely."
“I’m fine.” The man muttered, and he meant it. After everything he’d done, he deserved to be lonely. He was lucky to be alive.

“Yeah, you gonna vote O in the vote tomorrow?” Thanos asked, with wide eyes. When Minsu didn’t respond, Namgyu tilted his head up.

“Remember what will happen if you don’t. Your girl Semi, and your boy Gyeongsu will be taken care of in the next game.” Namgyu threatened. “And you’ll watch it before we deal with you too.”

 

End of Flashback!

 

Minsu thought back to Namgyu’s words, and almost pressed X anyway. There was something nagging at him that said the pair would be fine. He looked behind him at Semi and Gyeongsu, who looked indifferent and hopeful respectively. Then he looked at Thanos, who wasn’t looking at him, and then at Namgyu. He was standing at the end of the line, with a dangerous smile.

 

Minsu voted to continue the games.

 

Gyeongsu looked at the man he thought he knew with heartbreak written all over his face as Semi just looked on in upset. 

 

Minsu wiped his eyes instantly, and tried to reassure himself.

“They’re losing anyway.” He muttered to himself as he stood next to Thanos.

 

…

 

28-40.

 

They lost by 12, what Junhee and Gihun tried to prevent still happened... 

 

Hide and seek would be happening…

 

“In accordance with your free and democratic vote, we will proceed with the next game tomorrow. Thank you.” The guard bowed before the doors opened and they all left. The players started walking to their sides. As they did, Seonnyeo approached Junhee and tapped her arm.

 

“I wish to speak with you, alone.” She muttered, and Junhee nodded to her allies before stepping aside with Seonnyeo.

“Forgive me, but why do you keep voting to continue?” Junhee asked as the woman grabbed one of her hands.

“The Gods will tell me when changing my vote is allowed, and I don’t turn my back on the Gods.” Seonnyeo whispered in terror. “The last time I did, I lost my little girl.”

“You have a daughter?” Junhee asks, now feeling sorry for the Shaman.

“I had a daughter, who passed away when she was six in a car wreck. The Gods told me not to go to the park that day, but she really wanted to. So I took her, and on the way home we got into a wreck and she died.” Seonnyeo recounted with tears in her eyes.

“I’m so sorry.” Junhee squeezed her hands, now understanding why Seonnyeo is so stuck to her faith. Turning her back cost her everything.

“It’s been 20 years, Kim Junhee. You are about to complete the hardest part of your quest for redemption.” Seonnyeo reverted back to her usual self at that moment. “You will lose someone important to you if you are not careful. It is unclear who, but the next game is what I’ve been told will take them away. You will face betrayal at the hand who helped you, and you’ll have to do something you don’t want to do yet.” Seonneyo alerted her and Junhee’s eyes widened.

“Is there anything I can do to prevent it?” Junhee asked, with a slightly pleading tone.

“No there isn’t, but if you succeed in tomorrow's quest then the Gods have told me that I can vote to leave.” Seonnyeo squeezed Junhee’s hand and walked over to the O team after that. Junhee stayed frozen in her place for a minute before walking over to the team.

 

“What did she want?” Hyunju asked as Junhee sat down besides Gihun.

“Just telling me some random stuff about our impending doom.” Junhee lied smoothly, remembering what the woman had said to everyone in their last life. “How we’re all going to die and watch and shit like that.”

“What a lunatic.” Geumja tutted as the guards reentered, this time with food.

 

The players all lined up, and were given two sweet potatoes and a bottle of water before sitting together in a big group.

 

“What are we thinking about the next game?” Yongsik asked quietly as they all started to eat.

“Maybe it’s something like Tug of War. Get us into a certain amount of teams, and it would eliminate half of the players. I doubt they expected 68 players by the fourth game.” Geumja explained.

“I think they did.” Gihun butted in. “Mingle was designed so that there would only be 100 players remaining afterward. They would’ve stopped the fight earlier if it wasn’t what they wanted.”

“So they might do a game to start thinning out players, but not so violent that there isn’t enough for two more games?” Youngil asks Gihun, and Junhee looks at the two men in confusion.

“Something like that, yeah.” Gihun nods as they all continue to eat.

“What if we don’t get to pick the teams?” Semi asked nervously after a minute. “If it’s a team game like that, and we don’t get to pick? What if we get forced to eliminate each other?”

“If it's pairs, it’s probably safer to not go together.” Jungbae told the team. “Find another X voter.” They all nodded and fell into a comfortable silence before Hyunju stood up.

 

“I’m going to the bathroom. Is anyone else?” She asked, and all the girls stood up with her. They walked up the stairs slowly, and found the bathroom only had Players 400 and 349, X voters. They all smiled at each other before 4 of them walked into a stall, and Junhee walked over to the sink to wash her face.

 

“Thank you.. For not changing your vote.” Junhee whispered, while washing her face.

“Thank you too.” Player 400 smiled, while Player 349 just nodded and left. “Are you okay?”

“I could be better.” Junhee admits, and the woman nods. “The bathroom doesn’t feel… safe anymore.”

“I understand. I had to kill in self defence here yesterday, because I don’t want to die.” The young woman admitted. “How’s your baby?” She walked a little closer, upon seeing some O voters walk in.

 

“222, 400.” Player 163 smiled. “Ready for the game tomorrow?”

“How can we be, if we don’t know what it is?” Player 400 asked the woman, and she nodded.

“That’s fair. But know that if we can, The O team are coming after all you X bastards.”

“I’m sure you are…” Player 400 muttered. “But you say that like we aren’t going to fight back.” 

“Most of you wouldn’t.” The woman countered.

“Did last night not prove anything to you?” Junhee asked. “We fought back in here, and in the dorms. We may have lost but we didn’t lose as many as you wanted to be rid of.”

“No, because you were ready.” Player 163 snapped. 

“Yeah we were, and we are now.” Hyunju told her, walking out the stall. “You want to fight? I know you saw me beating 226 last night. I can do the same to you if you like?” She threatened and Player 163 looked up in moderate fear.

“No, I'm okay.” She stepped back. “I’ll see you in the games.” She then walked out of the bathroom, never actually using the bathroom.

 

“Thanks, Hyunju.” Junhee smiles at the woman.

“No worries, Junhee. You okay, 400?” The young woman just nods, squeezes Junhee’s arm in a quiet comfort and walks out of the bathroom. “What was that about?”

“With 400 or with 163?” Junhee asks and Hyunju looks at her.

“163.”

“O voter, here in the bathroom fight. She’s close to 009, I think.” Junhee explains and Hyunju nods as the others all leave the stalls and start washing their hands.

“I hate them.” Youngmi admits quietly. “Why do they feel like they need to resort to violence just to win the vote? I know 356 million isn’t enough for everyone, but we’re going to die here because they’re getting greedy. Was 570 million not enough to change somebody's mind?”

“We lost 3 X voters because of the violence.” Semi mutters. “448, 039 and 125.” She says Minsu’s number quietly, with regret. “Gained one in Player 084, but it was too late.”

“Twice now… we’ve been close to leaving but not allowed to leave.” Youngmi sighed. Both Semi and Hyunju looked away in regret, knowing they’d voted O in the first two games. The other three women looked at them with understanding faces.

“We might not understand why you did it, Semi, but we don’t blame either of you. If you were willing to die for the money, then you clearly needed it.” Geumja comforted the young woman.

“I would be dead… If I left without any money.” She admits, closing off slightly. “The outside world, without the money I needed, wouldn’t have forgiven me.”

“That bad?” Youngmi asks and Semi nods. The conversation ends there and the women all leave the bathroom quietly chatting.

 

The rest of the day was spent chatting with their team, before everyone went their separate ways to bed, seeing as most of them hadn’t slept the night before. They all slept relatively peacefully, except for Gyeongsu who kept on waking up in pain. After the third time he woke up, he just sat up on his bed and stayed still, until he was approached.

 

“I’m sorry.” The older man told him, and Gyeongsu looked up to see Thanos. “For kicking you, and forgetting you. I know that doesn’t fix it but I am.”

“What did you guys do to Minsu?” Gyeongsu asks,  his voice slurring slightly due to his head injury. “Why did he vote O?”

“Namgyu is threatening you and Semi, along with Minsu himself.” Thanos admitted. “What happened to your head?” The older man asks tenderly, almost as if he cared…

“I was helping someone, and I got pushed into a metal pole and hit my head.” He admits slowly.

“Before or after I found you?” Thanos asked.

“After.”

“I’ll kill them.”
“Don’t. You don’t have to. You’re on their team.” Gyeongsu sighed. “You don’t have to pretend you care.”

“I do care, about you and Noona.”

“Do you even know her name?” Gyeongsu questioned and Thanos froze. “It’s Semi. I doubt you know any of our names.”

“Course I do. You’re all Su’s. All of us are, technically, except Semi.” Thanos smiled, thinking he’d proved him wrong.

“Namgyu, not Namsu by the way.” Gyeongusu tells him. “He’s told you so many times, we can hear it from the X side of the room.” Thanos’ face falls slightly. “You knew me, and Minsu yeah sure. But you didn’t know Semi, or Namgyu.” Gyeongsu frowns slightly, and takes off his jacket. He then lifts up his shirt to reveal a large purple bruise on his chest.

“Is that…”

“That’s what you did yesterday, during Mingle. If it wasn’t for my team, I’d be dead. If it wasn’t for me, Semi might have been dead. I saw you and Namgyu abandon Minsu in that final round too.” Gyeongsu slowly reminds him. “Namgyu tried to kill Semi last night, he tell you that?” Thanos’ eyes widen at the revelation and Gyeongsu chuckles. “No, I guess not. And now you’re manipulating Minsu, to get his vote changed even though you would’ve won anyway.”

“I wouldn’t have..”
“No, but Namgyu would’ve.” Gyeongsu deadpanned. “I want to go to bed, please go away.”
“I’m sorry Gyeongsu.” Thanos muttered, standing up and walking away. Gyeongsu watched him leave, but didn’t go back to sleep like he said he wanted to…

 

He just stared into space until the lights turned on… and now it was Day 5, and Game 4.

 

-

 

Junhee woke up in even more pain than usual, her stomach cramping more and the contractions starting just as they did in her last life. She slowly got out of bed, and joined up with her team before walking up the stairs like everyone else. This time there was no human chandelier, with all the bodies of those brave enough to try and fight back. Jungbae, Player 015, 047, 072, 145, 324, Gyeongseok… Youngil’s fake body. She remembered hearing Player 072’s number being called out after lights out, and bowed her head knowing the changed decision would end up with him dying that night anyway. She just slowly walked up the stairs, holding onto Gihun as she went.

 

“It’s going to happen today.” She mutters. “She’s gonna be here at some point today.”
“Again?” Gihun asks and Junhee nods. 

“The injury sped up the process, but I think she’ll still come today.” Junhee then has to bite back a scream as another strong one hits. “Fuck…”

 

They walked into the room with the gumball machine, and acted just as confused as everybody else when the female voice started to speak. 

 

“Welcome to your fourth game, this game will be played in two teams. Before we start, you will divide into teams. Please take turns drawing a ball from the gumball machine in front of you.” 

 

Junhee tensed at this, as Hide and Seek was easily her least favourite game. No matter who she lost, and who she saved, this game would always haunt her because of last time.

 

Of everyone she knew, Player 009 went first. She pulled a red ball and Junhee had to hide her pure terror. The woman didn’t know what it meant, but Junhee did. If Junhee and Semi were on the blue team, and Junhee knew she would end up on that team, then they were in big trouble.

 

Seonnyeo pulled a blue ball, just like last time, and looked at Junhee with her knowing eye. Junhee gave her a small nod, and Seonnyeo walked onto her side of the room.

 

Thanos, Namgyu and Minsu were the next named people she knew, and they pulled Blue, Red and Red respectively. Thanos looked at them in annoyance, but due to not knowing what the game is he couldn’t say anything yet.

 

The girls all lined up next. Hyunju went first, pulling blue. Youngmi pulled a red ball. Junhee herself pulled red, again. Semi pulled blue and finally Geumja pulled red. Yongsik went after his ma, pulling blue, but Geumja was quick to reassure him.

 

“We don’t know what the game is yet.” She told him and he nodded, walking over to the blue side and standing with Hyunju and Semi.

 

Youngil pulled blue but then Daeho, Gyeongsu, Jungbae and Gihun all pulled red. Gyeongseok then joined the allies who were on the blue team, and the final person was Player 163. 

 

And she pulled a red ball.

 

Semi looked around in panic, not being on the same team as Gyeongsu. She knew the others were with him, but she wanted to be there. Not only that, she was also on the same team as Thanos… that could be a problem for her.

 

The players were all given a coloured bid that matched their ball before the guard started to talk.

 

“The game you will be playing is Hide and Seek. The blue team must either: find the exit and escape within 30 minutes or stay hidden from the red team until the time is up.” The guard explained.

“What about the taggers?” A man asked from the red team. “Just like when we played as kids, all we need to do is find the ones that are hiding?”

“The Red Team, the taggers, must find members of the Blue Team and kill them within 30 minutes.” Looking around the room, Junhee saw Semi panic slightly as Thanos booed in disappointment, probably because he was on the blue team and not the red one

“Kill them?” A woman on the Red Team asked, as Junhee felt Daeho stand next to her in silent comfort.

“That is correct.” The guard answered her, “The Red Team must find the Blue Team and kill them. If you fail to eliminate any opposing players, you will be eliminated.”

“Those people are going to kill us?” Player 006 asked, from the Blue Team, pointing at the Red side

“That is correct.” The guard nodded.

 

After that, there was a pause, and some people started to look in their boxes from the blue side.

“What is this?” Hyunju asked, showing the key to the guards.

“You have been given keys to doors in the arena. You can use that key to go through doors, but once a door is unlocked, it can’t be relocked.” The guard explained.

“So they can hide somewhere and use their keys to escape. They have it so much easier!” Player 226 exclaimed.

“That’s right!”
“So much easier!”

“On top of that, we need to kill all those people. And with our bare hands.”

“That’s right. This isn’t fair. It’s not like they’re gonna roll over and ask us to kill them! How do you expect us to kill them with our bare hands?” 

“We understand your concerns.” The guard addresses the Red Team. “That’s why we’ve prepared a small gift for the Red Team as well.” 

 

Guards started bringing out red boxes, which contained very sharp knives. Junhee watched as many members of the blue team grew panicked, while most of the red team looked up in pure happiness. None from her team, but from many others it was like a field day.

 

“The Red Team can use knives to attack the Blue Team. However, members of the Red Team aren’t allowed to attack each other.” The guard explained

“Shouldn’t we get a shield or something?” A member of the Blue Team asked. “You give them knives and expect us to run around, unarmed!”

“He’s right. You’ve got to give us something too.”

“Yes, all we have is a key. That’s not fair!”

 

“But you can use that key to open doors and escape.” A member of the Red Team recalled.

“That’s right!” 

“Just hide somewhere. It should be a piece of cake.” Player 226 paused before pointing his knife at Player 100, “Brother… This is what you’re good at. Hiding like a rat!”

 

“Before we start the game,” A guard interrupted before an argument could start, “We will give you one last chance to change your fate. If any of you are unhappy with your role, you may switch roles with a member of the opposing team before the game starts.” Junhee felt herself calm slightly, knowing she should be able to find somebody to switch with. Even if it isn’t… Myunggi.

“What? We can switch roles?”

“That is correct.” The guard paused again. “You can swap your items and vests upon a mutual agreement. But once the game starts, removing or trading your vests will be strictly prohibited. Please make your choice carefully.”

 

The team broke away from the other players quite quickly, taking up a corner.

 

“5 blues, 7 reds.” Gihun muttered distastefully. 

“I’ll swap with someone.” Youngil offered, and everyone looked around.

“So will I.” Gyeongseok offered it as well.

 

“Can I swap with someone?” Youngmi asked quietly, eyes transfixed on the knife in front of her. Everyone nodded and she let out a huge sigh of relief. Gyeongseok gave her his key and vest, and Youngmi gave him her knife and vest.

 

“Junhee..” Gihun tapped her shoulder, and she looked up at him with a face twisted in pain. “Swap with someone.” He pleaded, and she nodded very slowly. Youngil gave her his vest and key, and she slowly took hers off to give it to him, and she slowly handed him her knife.

 

She might not have wanted to give the literal Frontman a knife, but she had to.

 

-

 

Semi knew she needed to swap with Gyeongsu. When the team sat down, she turned to face him instantly.

 

“Swap with me.” She told him, and he looked at her with unfocused eyes. “You’re injured, and quite loopy. Swap with me, I’ll find someone and then I’ll come and protect you.”

“You’d do that?” He asked with a small smile, it was twisted but it was nice to know someone cared.

“Yeah. Europe, remember?” She smiled, taking off her vest and holding her key. “Any specifics in mind?”

“Germany.” Gyeongsu smiled. “You got any ideas?” He asked as he took off his vest.

“I really want to visit Greece.” She told him as they swapped. “It seems like a beautiful country.”

“I’ve read about it before.” Gyeongsu told her. 

“Nerd.” She teased, smiling at him. They put on their new vests as Geumja and Yongsik also swap.

 

“Blue team, please get ready to enter the arena.” The female voice rang out, and the blue team members of their group stood up.

 

They started saying goodbye, and Gihun pulled Junhee into a tight hug.

 

“Stay safe.” He whispered into her ear, voice shaking slightly. “Things are different now, we can’t just hope it’ll go the same.”

“I know, Appa.” She muttered. “I’ll see you after the game.” She promised, and Daeho walked up to her. Gihun pulled away, gave them a knowing smile and walked over to Youngil and Jungbae.

 

“Are you going to be okay?” He asked her, and she didn’t know how to answer. With the other three games it was easier, because it mostly stayed the same. She’d made enemies with most of the O team in this life, especially Players 009 and 163. They were both on the red team, so Junhee knew she was in trouble.

“I hope so.” She whispered. “Are you going to be okay? You know you have to…”

“Kill someone.” He finished for her. “I know. I don’t want to, but if I want to make it back then I’ll have to.”

“Be safe.” She whispered, pulling him into a hug.

“I will be, I’ll see you in the dorm?” He asked nervously, hugging her tightly

“Not if I see you first.” She pulled away as the blue team started to walk away. “Stay with the team.” He nodded and she walked over to her team, who’d all said their goodbyes.

 

They walked into the arena with high nerves. 

 

“Is that Thanos?” Gyeongsu asked and Junhee looked ahead. 

“Yes it is.” She confirmed.

“I thought he’d have made Minsu switch with him or something.” Gyeongsu sighed, as they walked in.

 

The door slammed behind the final player, and the timer immediately turned on.

 

“The taggers will enter in two minutes.” Instantly, everyone scattered. No promises of reassurance, of helping each other like last time. It really was everyone for themselves to these people.

 

-

 

Semi paced back and forth as the timer ticked down, she was slightly further back from the team at the moment, telling them that she needed a minute. She hadn’t really spoken much to any of them except for Daeho. All the girls, and Gyeongsu, bore blue vests. She knew it was better giving that vest to him, though.

She’d killed before, she’d willingly do it again if it meant getting everyone through.

 

“Shame you swapped.” A voice tutted, approaching her. “I wanted to hunt you down so bad.”

“Well you can’t now.” Semi stopped pacing and looked directly at Namgyu. “Didn’t you hear, members of the red team can’t attack each other.”

“Remember that when we find Gyeongsu, yeah?” He threatened darkly, and Semi took a step closer. Unbeknownst to her, but the rest of her team were now watching, ready to step in if needed.

“If you hurt him… I’ll kill him.” She snapped back, and Namgyu knew exactly what she meant. “You couldn’t get him on the red team, so what if I killed him.”
“You wouldn’t kill anyone.” Namgyu bluffed, but Semi twirled her knife with a grin. It was all a front, but Namgyu didn’t need to know.

“I have, though.” Semi told him. “Killed Player 241 during that little night fight you started. You know, after you failed to kill me. How’s your shoulder, by the way?”

 

Namgyu flinched back, and the timer ran out. Daeho tugged Semi’s arm and she turned to look at Namgyu.

 

“If you or Minsu eliminate Gyeongsu, you know exactly what’s next.” Semi reminded him, and Namgyu looked mildly threatened, so she turned around and followed the six men of her team.

 

They were about to enter a point of no return, and they didn’t even know it.

Notes:

Okay, Seonnyeo has set out a new prediction. Will it come true?
Hide and Seek, I will put a note up at the start of the next chapter about all the players but this is the confirmed teams so far.

Hiders- 100, Seonnyeo, Thanos, Hyunju, Youngmi, Junhee, Geumja and Gyeongsu
Seekers- 009, 163, 226, Namgyu, Minsu, Semi, Yongsik, Youngil, Daeho, Jungbae, Gihun and Gyeongseok.

Let me know of any predictions for season 3! I can't thank you all enough for all of your comments, they really keep me going.
I do start school on Monday so I can't guarantee updates will be every other day like they have been but I can tell you they will still be at least twice a week if not more often!!!

Let me know what you think and I'll see you in the next chapter: The Starry Night

Chapter 9: The Starry Night

Summary:

The game starts, and players are put to the test. Loss of close friends and betrayal others leads to players who make it out wondering if they can continue on like this.

Notes:

I AM SO SORRY that this took so long to get out. School started kicking my ass and my mental health hasn't been the greatest for the past two weeks so writing has really been a struggle.

Anyway, THANK you all so much for all the love on the last chapter and I hope this one lives up to your expectations because I'd hate to disappoint you all after making you wait a whole week for it

Semi walked in with the members of her team on the red team, and instantly players started to run off. They all started scattering as the team of Seven all stood together, however they were conscious that Namgyu and Minsu were yet to leave.

 

“I say we split up, into two pairs and a trio.” Youngil suggests and the others all nod.

“I want to go with Semi.” Daeho immediately speaks, and she nods gratefully.

“I’ll go with Yongsik, and you three go together?” Gyeongseok suggests, and the men all nod.

“Hands in.” Jungbae smiled around their little circle. All of them place their hands in the circle. “Find an O voter if you can. Victory at all costs on three. One, two, three. Victory at all costs!”
“Victory at all costs!” The other six exclaimed before they started to split off.

 

Semi and Daeho immediately started walking towards the stairs leading down, and they knew right there that they were being followed. They tried to ignore it for a second, but Semi could feel the pair of eyes on her back, and she spun around.

 

Minsu looked up instantly, and Namgyu paused for a second before grinning.

 

“Wanna team?” He suggested to the pair, who shared a look of moderate disgust.

“No.” Semi responded dryly. “We don’t wanna team.”

“You bitch.” He whispered. “What about you, pretty boy?” He turned to Daeho, who shook his head. “Fuck, you pair of assholes. Whatever, Minsu lets go find some victims. Maybe we’ll find some cross voters.” He cheered gleefully before skipping off. Minsu didn’t move, just stayed rooted in his spot as he looked at the two in front of him. He trembled slightly as he took a step towards Semi, before sprinting off in the other direction towards Namgyu. Semi wiped her eyes as he left before turning around.

 

“We need to go, we don’t have time.” She muttered, walking off. Daeho followed nervously as Semi’s anger started to boil over.

 

She was close to crashing with that anger, and that would be dangerous.

 

-

 

The team all stuck together as they started to walk down the corridors and into rooms. They hadn’t needed to use their keys so far, and that was good. The doors were already unlocked at that point, and the blue vests all walked through.

 

“Okay, can I check all of your keys?” Hyunju asked as she got stuck on a locked door and her key didn’t fit. They all looked at their keys and back up at her in confusion before she looked at the group. “Junhee can I borrow yours?” She asked eventually and Junhee gave her the key around her neck. She inserted it into the lock and opened the door before pulling the other four others inside. “The keys are different.” Hyunju stated as the group stood in a small circle. “I think there’s three. Circle, triangle, square. Between the five of us, we have all three of those shapes. Youngmi and I have a circle, Junhee has a triangle, Mrs Jang and Gyeongsu have a square. What a great team we make.” She smiled as the players all gave each other a small smile.

“Clearly all of us meeting the way we did was meant to be.” Geumja smiled, as Gyeongsu gave Junhee a reassuring squeeze to her shoulder. Youngmi was practically bouncing in joy.

 

“So if we find an exit, then we’ll be able to get out?” Youngmi asked and the others all realised this as well, smiling brighter now that they knew that they may be able to get out easier.

 

“Player 080 eliminated, Player 009 pass.” The system announced and Junhee staggered back slightly. Both Youngmi and Gyeongsu’s hands went to their injuries as the woman was the first to pass.

 

“How did she do it so fast?” Youngmi asked, looking at the timer that read 26:24. It hadn’t even been five minutes.

“She’s after blood, it seems.” Hyunju tutted. “X team blood.”

“Semi and Junhee’s. She said so herself.” Youngmi told her. “The bathroom was apparently really messy, when I spoke to Player 400.”

“Was it that bad?” Geumja asked as she looked at Junhee.

“Yeah, 009 was really deadset on getting Semi and I.” Junhee muttered, thinking back to that awful few minutes of her life. “They think we started it. That’s why they were so desperate for our blood.”

“Jesus.” Gyeongsu muttered, seemingly really far away based on the look in his eye. “I think Hyunju should carry the keys. Easier mobility.” Everyone nodded, and Hyunju held all five keys as they exited the room thanks to one of the square keys. Hyunju checked for any red vests, before they were off down the corridor.

 

-

 

Semi was slowly getting angrier. Almost 5 minutes and no sign of life other than Daeho, who was checking any door that they could. She was holding her knife, ready to attack anyone not on her team if it guaranteed hers and Daeho’s survival, she needed to get back to her friends, and get Gyeongsu out safely without Namgyu becoming a problem.

 

“Player 048 eliminated, Player 442 pass.” The second person on the O team to pass, but the first O team member to die. Semi was cursing internally when a strike of blue ran past them and Semi shouted.

“Daeho! Hider!” She was already running and could see the blue person run into a room but stopped as they realised that the door wouldn’t unlock with their key. They kicked the door in frustration before turning around and looking at Semi in frustration. Daeho was standing out of sight outside, in case the man tried to escape.

 

“Hello lady.” He grinned. “Think you can kill me?” The man Semi was about to fight was Player 299, an O team member. She could deal with that, besides she’s killed before. It’s Daeho she needs to worry about first.

“I’ve killed men on your team in harder places.” She smiled and the man immediately lunged for her. She ducked and drove her knife into his knee as the man fell to the floor. She scrambled on top of him and held her knife to his neck as he tried to fight. “Daeho!” She shouted and he ran in. “You take this one.” She told him and he nodded grimly. 

 

He walked over to the man as Semi got off of him, but kept her knife on his neck to stop him from getting up. He aimed the dagger over the heart, to give him a quick way out, closed his eyes and drove it through the man’s heart. The man went limp fast and Daeho removed his knife. His hands shook as Semi helped him get up, and the speaker went off.

 

“Player 299 eliminated. Player 388 pass.” Semi nodded as Daeho looked at her confused. She grabbed the man’s key from around his neck and they were on their way.

“Why let me have it?” He asked. “And why take his key?”

“I wanted you to pass first. Also if we find Junhee, then you can stay with her while I find someone else.” She explained and Daeho ducked his head with a small blush. “I took the key so we could get into the doors. We’ve been stopped by a lot of doors because we don’t have keys. This means we’ll be able to find a second person, and our friends quicker.”

 

“Player 235 eliminated, Player 096 pass.”

“We gotta be quick though, or I won’t get one.” She joked, but Daeho didn’t laugh. He nodded with force before they started walking to another room.

 

“So what is going on between you two.” Semi asked as they continued walking. “You and Junhee?”

“I don’t really know.” Daeho admitted. “I want to say something, but she just lost someone.”

“Yeah, Player 333.” Semi muttered. “I think he’s the father, you know?”

“So do I, which is why I don’t want to say anything.” Daeho agreed as they turned a corner. “I also don’t want to add to her stress while she’s already got so much on her plate. With her baby, and her dad… I don’t want to make it worse.”

“I don’t think you would.” Semi looked up at him as she unlocked a door. “Honestly-”

 

“Player 024 eliminated, Player 125 pass.”

“Player 006 eliminated, Player 124 pass.”

 

Semi froze in her space, as the speaker noted those eliminations. She didn’t care for either of them, but she knew that they were probably not going to stop there. They’ll find more blue vests and kill them until there’s not enough for Semi and she’ll get eliminated for failing.

 

“Semi!” Daeho shook her shoulder and Semi looked up. “Come on.” He pulled her arm as they turned the corner, and the timer fell to 20 minutes remaining.

 

-

 

Hearing Daeho pass calmed Junhee down slightly, but hearing both Namgyu and Minsu pass made her panic slightly. After the voting, nothing good came from either Semi or Gyeongsu about the man. When they woke up this morning, Gyeongsu was staring at the O side in confusion as Semi sent a glare at Namgyu from where he sat with Minsu and Thanos…

 

At least they were still alive, in the last life both of Junhee’s new friends were dead when she reached this point in her last life.

 

As they trekked down the next corridor, the team ran straight into a red vest player. Or, two.

 

Players 009 and 116.

 

“Shit. Run!” Hyunju shouted as she felt someone pull on her arm and they were off. Junhee was with Geumja and Gyeongsu, but Hyunju and Youngmi weren’t there. They were being chased by Player 009 who was following with a sharp grin until the team hid in a door and she ran straight past it.

 

“We lost Hyunju and Youngmi.” Geumja cursed. “And our keys…”

“Shit!” Junhee cursed as she sat down, taking long deep breaths as her body scrunched up in pain. “We’re stuck here. We can’t even open doors.” She whispered through her pain as Gyeongsu crouched down next to her. 

“It’s okay… calm down Junhee.” He whispered soothingly as she tried to take more deep breaths. “I’m sure they’ll be okay.”

 

“Player 158 eliminated. Player 418 pass.” 

 

“I hope you’re right.” Junhee whispered as Geumja sat next to them. “I really do.”

“Keep breathing, Junhee. Stress isn’t good for the baby.” Geumja soothed, taking Junhee’s hand into her own.

 

“Player 140 eliminated, Player 353 pass.”

 

“Fuck, it hurts.” She tried to keep her voice down as her body kept on betraying her. She was dying to scream out in agony, but she couldn’t. She felt tears pool in her eyes as she bit her sleeve to keep herself from screaming loud enough to bring Player 009 right to their location. However, the world clearly didn’t feel the same.

 

“Player 390 eliminated. Player 001 disqualified.”

 

“They were both seekers.” Gyeongsu whispered as Junhee buried her head in her hands.

“Did Mr 001 kill him?” Geumja asked, rubbing Junhee’s back as her baby finally stopped making her want to cry. But the death of Jungbae, in every life they were bound to lose him?

“Jungbae.” She whispered, trying to wipe her eyes.

“He must have.” Gyeongsu told her. “The only thing that could get you disqualified is being a seeker, and killing someone who’s also a seeker. But why would he do that? We’re on the same side.”

 

-

 

Daeho fell to his knees after hearing Jungbae’s number being called over the speakers. He was trying to keep himself quiet as Semi crouched down and rubbed his shoulder.

“It’s okay to cry.” She whispered. “You’re still a man if you do.” She reassured him and Daeho broke. He was quiet but the tears spoke louder than any loud sounds could. Semi let him cry, knowing he’d need to process this now. She could find a blue vest any time, but if Daeho wasn’t able to process his grief then that could cause problems in future games or even in the dormitory later tonight. They stayed like that for a while, and Semi counted the eliminations of Players 220, 119, 312, 306, 116, 100 and 411, and the passing of Players 047, 145, 192, 203, 226 and Gyeongseok. However, when Player 116 was announced, a number didn’t follow so Semi assumed he was over powered by a blue vest. 

 

Gyeongseok passing is good, that means 2 of the 5 alive red vests are through to the next round. Now just Semi, Yongsik and Gihun left. When Daeho had let it all out, a blue vest ran in front of them and immediately tried to turn around but out came Player 163 and she stabbed him before Semi could do it herself.

 

“Player 447 eliminated, Player 163 pass.”

 

The woman removed her knife from the body with an ugly smile as she looked at Semi.

 

“You know, you better get a move on if you think you’re going to pass in time.” She crouched in front of Semi. “Your friend here, he’s passed. Hasn’t he? Have you? No. You have half the time 380, otherwise it’s open season on your friend if we catch her. 009 has passed, and is searching. I’ve now passed, and will be searching. You better find her before we do, or else she might go and join 440 in hell.” She laughed before walking away and Semi got up, and slammed her against the wall.

“I’ll kill you.” She threatened. “Touch her, and I’ll fucking kill you.”

“Ohhh, touchy subject huh?” Player 163 smiled. “Then what, you die too. Who’ll protect her? Who will protect that boy? The one who you keep oh so close…” Semi pressed her knife closer to Player 163’s throat, her trapped anger getting closer to boiling over. 

“You bitch. You think you’re better than us?” She snapped before her mind flashed back to the night fight.

 

“You think you’re better than me, Noona? You fucking bitch!”

 

Was she… just like Namgyu?

 

Player 163 scrambled away as Semi staggered back. 

 

She had said the sentence Namgyu had said to her. She was talking like he was. She was treating O voters similar to how he treated her. Semi was turning into Namgyu.

 

“Hey, Semi?” Daeho’s voice croaked as he grabbed her hand. 

“I’m not him, I’m me.” She whispered and Daeho looked confused.

“You’re Semi. Not whoever he is.” Daeho reassured her despite her confusion.

“I’m not better than him. I am the same as him.” She whispered again, still extremely out of body. “We are the same. I’m not him.” She sank down to the floor and Daeho sat next to her.

 

What was happening?

 

-

 

“Oh shit.” Junhee whispered as she felt a liquid pooling out of her. “Mrs Jang.” She called the older woman over as Gyeongsu looked up from the floor and gasped.

“Okay… stay calm Junhee.” She whispered. “Gyeongsu, watch the door.” She told the man, who stood up and nodded. Geumja undid the zip on her hoodie and took it off without removing her vest before helping Junhee do the same. 

 

Geumja then tied her hoodie around Junhee’s waist and Junhee removed her trousers and underwear with great difficulty due to her pain getting worse. She laid down on the floor, using her hoodie to keep her screams quiet as Geumja guided her through her birth just like last time.

 

Except Hyunju was missing… still alive, but missing.

 

“Player 366 eliminated, Player 202 pass.”

“Player 359 eliminated, Player 276 pass.”

 

Junhee was biting down hard on her hoodie sleeve as she started to push under Geumja’s encouragement. Junhee was struggling however, the mental strain really taking a toll on her as Gyeongsu held the door shut.

 

“It’s okay… You’re okay.” Geumja whispered to her before she pushed again.

“I- I can’t.” She cried. “I can’t.”

 

“Player 324, eliminated.” 

 

“You’re gonna be okay, Junhee dear.” Geumja promised as she pushed again. The door started to rustle and Gyeongsu was doing everything to keep it shut as they started to get more restless.

“I’m on the blue team!!” The voice screeched. “Please, they’re almost here!”

“Player number?” Gyeongsu asked, remembering everyone on the blue team. 

“Gyeongsu?! It’s me, boy!” Thanos yelled and Gyeongsu stumbled back as he barged into the room, closing the door and holding it close before looking around and immediately covering his eyes. “Shit, sorry!”

 

Junhee waved him off in acceptance before screaming out in pain again. Geumja kept on urging her to push but Junhee was getting closer to passing out, as the strain was worse than last time.

 

“What’s happening?” Thanos asked as he held the door shut.

“She’s giving birth.” Gyeongsu muttered and Thanos’ eyes widened.

“Here?” He exclaimed, horror in his voice. “Just make sure Namgyu doesn’t find us I guess. He’ll gut us like pigs. Asshole stole my pills, and didn’t help me find someone to swap with.” He cursed, hands shaking as he held the door shut.

 

Junhee screamed louder through her sleeve as her body seized in pain. Her nails were scraping the floor as she kept on pushing. There were still ten minutes left. She needed to calm down, but the pain was consuming her.

 

The door was rattling again and the boys tried to hold it shut but then it slammed open, revealing Namgyu and Minsu with their knives raised, eyes surveying the room. Junhee shouted again in pain, and the world became fuzzier.

-

 

“Semi. We need to go.” Daeho urged her, conscious of the 11 minutes remaining on the timer. “You’re not whoever you think you are. You’re the girl who risked everything to save her friends, and they did the same in return. The girl who made sure to check on her injured friend and the girl who let me have the first kill so I could be safe. You’re not a bad person, Semi, and definitely not like whoever he is.” Daeho comforted her as Semi’s head snapped up.

“But I talk just like him, and threaten people like he did.” Semi spoke in a tone so soft Daeho would’ve thought she was someone else if he wasn’t looking at her face. “I am just like the person I never want to be.”

“But you aren’t. Would he have done all the things you did for Junhee? Or for Gyeongsu? Or me?” Daeho asked and she shook her head. “So you’re nothing like him. Now let’s go.”

 

Semi stood up with Daeho’s help and they were waking. Semi wasn’t in a rush, ten minutes could be plenty of time and there were plenty of hiders. 

 

“Player 320 eliminated, Player 296 pass.”

 

She had to admit she wouldn’t be opposed to not finding one, she was on the verge of a breakdown as it was, but then they heard a shout familiar to them both, followed by a taunting voice.

 

“Hyung, didn’t realise you were into pregnant people.” Namgyu’s voice rang around the hallways as Semi tried to run towards but kept on getting lost.

“Where are you?” Semi whispered to herself. “Please don’t be dead when I get there.”

 

-

 

“I’m not. Just here to protect her from the reds. You’ve passed anyway, so you don’t need to kill anyone.” Thanos returned Namgyu’s statement as Gyeongsu hid behind him, knowing he would be Namgyu’s first target.

“Yeah, but then Minsu and I realised that with each hider we kill, a seeker will die for not having killed a hider. Then we get two people’s shares added to the pot. More money for us.” Namgyu explained his reasoning with wide eyes as Minsu stood next to him with numb eyes. “We won’t kill you, just let us get those two.” He offered, but Thanos shook his head. 

“I won’t help you, after you betrayed me.” Thanos spoke slowly, and Namgyu’s eyes somehow got wider as Junhee kept on quietly screaming.

“Thanos…”

“No. I told you, if you ever betrayed me I’d go to the people you hurt as payment.” Gyeongsu stood up slightly and Namgyu saw him.

“You… I told the bitch I’d kill you if I saw you, you know?” Namgyu took a step towards Gyeongsu, who clocked instantly who was being talked about. “She hasn’t passed yet, you know. She was with Player 388, and he passed. Maybe he stole her kill, or she wants to die.” Namgyu laughed as everyone in the room’s eyes widened. As they were distracted, Namgyu lunged towards Gyeongsu as Junhee shouted a warning but Thanos was quicker, and the knife dug into his stomach before Namgyu could stop himself. He shouted in pain as Namgyu looked at what he’d done in horror.

 

“No… No.” He stated as Thanos fell to the floor and Namgyu fell to his knees next to him, the knife still buried in Thanos’ chest. “No, I didn’t…”

“It’s okay… It’s okay.” Thanos spluttered, as running was heard in the corridor and the steps skidded to a stop all of a sudden. “I want to.”

“NO! I didn’t mean to stab you. I wanted…”

“To kill Gyeongsu.” Thanos finished, and Namgyu looked at him with wide eyes as a cry was heard. It was the baby… a little girl. “I wasn’t going to let that happen. You know she’ll kill you.”

“We’re on the same team, I doubt she’d actually do it.” Namgyu tried to reason while figuring out what to do.

“Yeah?” Thanos coughed, and a small clot of blood came out of his mouth. “I think she would.”

“You’re gonna be okay… Just stay awake until the timer runs out… Please!”

“Hey Namgyu?” Thanos asked and Namgyu’s head snapped towards them. “Don’t do anything stupid.” His eyes fluttered shut, and Namgyu shouted.

 

“Player 230, eliminated.”

 

Gyeongsu now stood in front of Junhee and Geumja as Geumja worked on cutting the umbilical cord and getting Junhee’s trousers back on. Minsu was watching everything go down with tears in his eyes, as Thanos still treated him nicely yesterday when Namgyu was threatening him… He didn’t have that anymore, and selfishly he wanted it back.

 

“I’m gonna fucking kill you.” Namgyu shouted at Gyeongsu, picking him up and throwing him against the wall. “Why does he still care about you? Huh? Why couldn’t it have been you who was stabbed?” He shouted with tears in his eyes. “Asshole, you think I won’t kill you too. That bitch isn’t here to play Wonder Woman anymore.”

 

“Except I am.” Semi walked into the room and immediately looked at Thanos’ dead body and took a step back. “I’m assuming that was you?” She pointed at Namgyu, and Gyeongsu nodded as Daeho also walked in, except he rushed straight over to Junhee and Geumja.

“You haven’t passed yet, you know?” Namgyu kept Gyeongsu by the wall as Semi took a step closer. “You have 6 minutes, what are you going to do?”

“Depends what you do to him.” Semi responded with venom in her voice like no other. Namgyu dropped Gyeongsu to the floor and stalked over to Semi.

“Wanna finish this off?” He snapped and she took a step back. “Or are you scared?” He asked before lunging at her with his knife out. 

 

Semi responded by running out into the corridor, and slashing her knife through the air to keep Namgyu away. He ducked beneath it and tackled her to the floor, pinning her down and starting to choke her. She responded by driving her knife into his waist before he screeched out in pain and stabbed her in the chest twice.

 

“You think you’re better than me, huh?” He shouted as he stabbed her, and she screamed out in pain. 

“No.” She muttered, raising her knife behind him. “I know I am.” She drove the knife into the back of his neck and his body fell limp on top of hers. He was dead…

 

She shoved him off, and tried to stand up but her stab wounds said exactly what would be the outcome. She fell back down to the floor, knees and then on her chest as steps were heard.

 

“SEMI!” Gyeongsu rolled her over and pulled her head onto his legs as he tried to put pressure on her wounds.

“You’re safe…” She smiled, taking his hand in hers. “You’re alive.”

“I am… but you’re not.”

“I’m not going to be.” Semi coughed, and Gyeongsu shook his head, a tear falling onto Semi’s face. “Hey… Go to Europe, remember?”

“I wanted to go with you.” He cried as she started to cry as well. “I didn’t mind where.”

“Well I have a request for you.” She smiled and he nodded.

“Anything.”

“Go to the place… you told me about. Germany…” She started coughing more as Gyeongsu nodded. “And go to Denmark. I’ve always wanted to go there… but I could never afford to.”

“I will, I promise.” He cried, linking his pinky with hers as she smiled.

“You know… I’m glad I met you. To remind me, people are still good somewhere.” She slowly trailed off.

 

“Player 124, eliminated. Player 380, eliminated.”

 

Gyeongsu’s loud cry echoed in the halls as Semi’s body went still. She had her eyes on him, even in death, and their hands were still linked as the man cried over her body and a set of footsteps were heard.

 

“Gyeongsu…” Minsu’s voice muttered, looking between the pair as Gyeongsu looked up at him with fury in his eyes.

“Feel better now?” He snapped, looking at the man who used to be his friend with pure hate. “Gonna kill me so that you’re the only one left?”

“No… that’s not-”

“You betrayed her, and then both of us.” Gyeongsu snapped from the floor. “You left her for dead, if it wasn’t for me she might have died in Mingle. Then I warned you and gave you my spare weapon, which I heard was then used against a member of the X team. Then you voted O, and went back to Thanos and Namgyu. Then you go around with Namgyu like you’re his dog or some shit. Like Namgyu did with Thanos…” Gyeongsu screamed, his grief washing over him as footsteps trailed on in the background. “I hope you feel vindicated.”

 

“Gyeongsu?” Youngmi’s voice entered the hallway as Minsu scampered off. “We hear-” She trailed off, watching Minsu run away from the man holding his dead friend on the floor. “Oh no…” She ran over as Hyunju entered the room with the others in and her apologies could be heard from where the others were sitting.

“She…” Gyeongsu broke as Youngmi grabbed his hand.

“It’s okay… you need to let her go.” She told him, but Gyeongsu shook his head. “We have 2 minutes left. You need to let her go.” She repeated as a loud scream was heard.

 

“MOM… why?” Yongsik’s voice trailed as a loud thud was heard.

 

“Player 149 eliminated, Player 007 pass.” 

 

“Mrs Jang…” Gyeongsu and Youngmi both whisper before Hyunju’s shouts of opposition are heard.

“No, It’s not your fault. Don’t do it, Yongsik no!!” Another thud, and a knife clattered to the floor.

 

“Player 007, eliminated.”

 

“SHIT!” Hyunju shouted, kicking either the door or wall in frustration as the baby’s cries were heard. Youngmi looked up in shock, head turning to Gyeongsu.

“Did Junhee give birth?” Youngmi asked and Gyeongsu nodded slowly. “Fuck…”

“Player 197 eliminated, Player 349 pass.”

 

One minute left.

 

Gyeongsu removed his hand from Semi’s slowly, and he laid her on the floor gently while wiping the blood from her face.

 

“Let death treat you better than life and I promise I’ll go to both Germany and Denmark.” Gyeongsu whispered as he stood up, turning away from her body with tears in his eyes.

 

“Player 358 eliminated, Player 456 pass.” 

 

“Oh thank god.” Youngmi sighed from behind Gyeongsu as he walked into the room with the other three, and the bodies of Thanos, Geumja and Yongsik. “Cutting it close, isn’t he?” Junhee wasn’t speaking, just letting the tears slowly fall out of her eyes as Youngmi walked in.

 

10 seconds were left when the familiar sound of a knife entering a body was heard, twice.

 

“Youngmi…” Hyunju trailed off, as the young woman fell to the floor with tears in her eyes and her life was already over. When she fell, Hyunju caught her as her killer smiled at the occupants of the room with that dark expression she always bore.

 

“Player 095, eliminated.”

 

“Shame…” Player 009 smiled as the timer ran out. “I wanted 380, but I guess I’ll have to settle for you in the next game… Bitch.” She snapped at Junhee as she ran away due to Hyunju’s knife-like glare.

 

“The game is over.”

Notes:

Who was chopping the onions while I was writing?
OKAY YALL I'M SORRY I SWEAR!!

For anyone who lost track, these are the players who passed:
009, Seonnyeo, 047, 084, 096, Hyunju, Minsu, 145, 163, 192, 202, 203, 219, Junhee, 226, Gyeongseok, Gyeongsu, 260, 276, 296, 349, 353, 377, Daeho, 400, 418, 442, 448 and Gihun

What happened to Players who's POV don't come up in this chapter (Mostly Seonnyeo and Gihun) will come up after the voting next chapter)

LMK WHAT YALL THINK, and any predictions for the voting!! Will Jump Rope go on, or will they players get out?

Notes:

This will be Daehee/610 because they've really grown on me so if you don't like don't read :D
Next chapter will be S2, E3: 001.
What will Junhee's new knowledge change? (Will she do anything yet, or will she keep quiet?)

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 3 of Squid Game Alternate Universes