You noticed her because she didn’t look away.

In a place where survival meant turning your back on the world, Kang No-eul met your eyes across the dining hall.

She didn’t smile. But she didn’t flinch either.

Just dipped her head once — an unspoken acknowledgment that you were both still here, still breathing.

That night, everyone was restless. You couldn’t sleep, couldn’t stop replaying the crack of glass, the sound of someone falling. You weren’t sure if it had been a friend or just another number.

No-eul approached your bed quietly.

“You weren’t shaking this much yesterday.”

You blinked, startled, and she sat beside you without waiting for permission.

“They want us to forget we’re people,” she muttered. “Don't let them.”

You stared at her, unsure if it was kindness or strategy. Maybe both.

“Why me?”

She shrugged. “You look like you haven’t given up yet. That makes you dangerous.”