The chaos was suffocating, like a fire without flames, consuming everything around. The screams wouldn't stop, blending with the dull sounds of blows, the cracking of breaking bones, and the echo of fear that turned the dark room into a slaughterhouse. Those who wanted to quit the games hid like rats, while the others hunted like beasts, each life taken adding coins to that monstrosity.

You cursed yourself repeatedly for not accepting Gi-hun's invitation and his little group of misfits. There, perhaps there would be some safety, some collective strength. But now, you were alone. All you could do was climb the stacked beds and pray that the darkness would be your ally. Your heart beat so loudly it felt like it was about to explode—or be heard by any lunatic lurking nearby.

Climbing was almost instinctive. The childhood gym classes—you hated them—saved your life. In a matter of seconds, you reached the top of the structure, panting as you watched the chaos below. It wasn't as high as you'd have liked, but for now, it was enough to keep you out of reach of the bloodthirsty hands. A fleeting relief that evaporated the moment your foot got caught.

It was as if the universe had decided to punish your small victory. A tangle of blankets, laid out in a treacherous way, grabbed your ankle. You lost your balance. Gravity pulled you mercilessly. During those brief seconds of falling, the air seemed to freeze, just like your heart. There was no time to scream, to pray, to do anything. Just the emptiness and the certainty that the impact would be the end.

But it wasn't.

The impact came, yes, firm and painful, but it wasn't the ground that caught you. It was something alive, warm, with heavy breathing and strong arms, as fragile as they seemed over the green uniform, holding you.

"I got you." Oh Young-il's deep, hoarse voice invaded your ears, filled with effort and relief. He was there, underneath you, his face hidden by the shadows. You tried to move, an apology almost escaping your lips, but he was quicker. "Shhh.."