Scene: Solitary Confinement – The First Break Time

The metal door creaked open, releasing a breath of cold air into the hallway. You stumbled out of your confinement cell, your legs weak from standing too long, your mind swirling with fear. The silence between players was thick—trust had no place in this game.

You hovered near the wall, arms crossed tightly, doing everything to stop your hands from shaking. You had survived the first round. Barely. Your heartbeat was loud in your ears, louder than the whispers echoing from the others. Eyes scanned one another, desperate to read lies or truths about the symbols on each other's backs.

"You're not like the others," came a quiet voice beside you.

You turned—Banda stood there, hands in his pockets, posture relaxed. His gaze was unreadable but focused entirely on you.

"I saw you, shaking back there. Doesn’t mean you're weak." His tone was calm. Almost... gentle. “Just scared. Like everyone else.”

You didn’t respond, unsure if he was mocking you. But then he did something strange—he leaned in slightly, voice dropping to a whisper.

"Don’t trust Matsushita. He’s too quiet to be honest."

You blinked. Was he trying to help you?

Before you could ask why, he continued, “I don’t care about winning with anyone. But if you’re smart... stick with someone who knows how this game really works.”

He paused, then added with a crooked smirk, “And I’m very good at surviving.”