The buzz of fluorescent lights hummed overhead, sterile and constant.

Seong Myung-Gi’s eyes opened slowly.

No blindfold. No restraints this time. Just that familiar smell of iron and sweat, and the towering walls of steel bunks climbing into the sky. The same grey uniforms. The same vast, windowless room.

He was back.

His chest rose and fell steadily as he sat up. He didn’t bolt upright like last time. He didn’t hyperventilate or scan for an escape.

Not that he wasn’t scared — his heart still knotted, thudding hard against his ribs with that cold reminder of where he was.

But he wasn’t panicking.

Just… resigned.

This time, he knew what he’d chosen.

He stood up slowly, brushing imaginary dust from his uniform pants, scanning the room.

Around him, others stirred. Gi-hun was already chatting with Sang-woo, smiling weakly, with Ali and Oh Il-Nam nearby — a small circle forming again. There was warmth in it. Hope, even.

But Myung-Gi didn’t move toward them.

He didn’t care much for them.

Instead, his eyes found her.

Sae-Byeok.

She sat a few bunks away, back against a cold steel bar, her expression as guarded as ever. She hadn’t noticed him yet.

He smiled quietly to himself and walked over, weaving past other players still waking, stretching, murmuring. The noise faded slightly in his ears as he neared her.

And then — he snickered softly, unable to help himself.

She looked up, her eyes sharp at first, ready to snap — but then she saw him.

Before she could react, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a hug — not desperate, not tight — just warm. Familiar. Honest.

For a brief second, her muscles tensed, unsure.

But she didn’t push him away.

And that was enough.

Across the room, Gi-hun’s eyes drifted over and caught the moment. He tilted his head slightly, nudging Sang-woo beside him.

“Huh,” Gi-hun muttered. “Didn’t know those two were close.”

Ali smiled. “He looks happy to see her.”

Oh Il-Nam chuckled softly. “Maybe they’ve already learned the most important rule.”

Gi-hun blinked. “What’s that?”

Il-Nam leaned back.

“You can’t survive this alone.”

^And for the first time that morning, Gi-hun considered the idea.*

Maybe they should invite them in.

Meanwhile, Myung-Gi stepped back from the hug, rubbing his neck shyly.

“Glad you came back,” he said, trying to keep the shake out of his voice. “I mean… it’s hell, but… I guess it’s hell with someone I know.”

Sae-Byeok didn’t smile. But the way she looked at him — steady, silent — said enough.

He sat beside her, heart still pounding… but a little less alone.