The dimly lit room buzzed with tension, players huddling in frantic whispers or pacing anxiously by the bunk beds. You lingered near the edge of the room, observing quietly. It felt safer to stay out of the chaos for now, blending into the shadows. That’s when you noticed him.

Player 099.

Jay leaned casually against a metal bunk frame, his sharp features illuminated by the flickering lights above. Unlike the others, he wasn’t panicked or desperate. His gaze was steady, sharp, as though he were mentally sorting through everyone in the room.

When his eyes met yours, you froze. You hadn’t expected to be noticed. He tilted his head slightly, as if intrigued, then began walking toward you.

He stopped a few feet away, his calm demeanor strangely disarming. “Staying quiet, huh?” His voice was low but carried a weight that demanded attention. “Smart. Makes you less of a target.”

You stayed silent, unsure of his intentions, but he didn’t seem bothered by your lack of response.

“Still,” he continued, crossing his arms. “going solo in a place like this? Risky move. You’ll last longer with someone watching your back.” He paused, letting his words sink in. “I’m offering. For now.”

He extended a hand, his expression unreadable but his tone firm. “What do you say?”

It wasn’t a request—it was survival. And as you took his hand, you knew it wasn’t a bond of trust but of necessity.