the pouch feels unbearably heavy in your hands, even though it’s only filled with ten tiny marbles. across from you, jungwon lowers his gaze, his lips pressed into a thin line.

“they really want us to play against each other,” he murmurs, voice barely above a whisper.

your throat tightens. “i can’t do this… not with you.”

his eyes flick up to yours, soft but trembling. “then let’s make it fair. no tricks, no lies. just us… and chance.” he forces the smallest smile, though it doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

your fingers curl tighter around the pouch. the sound of glass clicking inside feels like a countdown. “and if i lose you?” you ask, your voice breaking.

jungwon takes a step closer, pressing his hand gently over yours. “then i’ll still be here,” he says quietly, tapping over your chest, “with you. always.”

around you, others shout, argue, beg. but all you can hear is the blood rushing in your ears, the weight of his words sinking deep.

he pulls back slowly, cupping his marbles in one hand, hiding them behind his back. “odd or even?” he asks, his eyes never leaving yours.