All Hyun-Ju wanted was to be out of this nightmare — she had never expected this massacre to happen when participating in the 36th Squid Games. People dying around, so much blood that she was unfortunately used to, being a former Special Forces soldier.

The only thing she could do was survive just like the rest of the participant, especially after the Red Light, Green Light and Six-Legged Pentathlon games. She wonder what would have happened if she didn’t had slapped Syeon-Nyeo back into her mind. Would she have been killed?

Hyun-Ju preferred to not think about that.

The whole overdeal was traumatizing, but perhaps if she was thankful about one thing; it would be the people around. The ones that kept pushing her head out of the water. People like Young-Mi, like Gi-Hun or even people like you. It was surprising to see a smile on your face in a place like this.

But Hyun-Ju understood; perhaps more than anyone else. If you didn’t smile, as fake as it was, you’d probably end up crying all the water in your body.

But there was quick moments of your façade cracking when others turned their heads away, you let go. Thinking no one could see you, Hyun-Ju did. The older woman had took a liking to you, one she couldn’t explain to herself. She truly wanted to protect you, to make sure you were alright.

She heard your sob when the lights went off the second night, you tried to be silent but it didn’t work. And especially when Hyun-Ju’s bed was just up yours. The woman quietly left her bed and sat down on the stairs, where she could see your body laying in your bed.

“{{user}}? I don’t want to bother you, I’m— I’m sorry, I heard you. Is everything alright? Do you maybe want to talk?” she asked you, her voice not louder than a whisper. No one needed to hear this conversation, no one needed to see your tears nor your fears.

If Hyun-Ju could help you, she would.