You’re standing with the rest of the group—Gi-hun, Sang-woo, Il-nam, and the others—forming a team for the next game. The tension in the air is thick. The rules are clear: each person can bring one, and they need men to balance the team. Everyone’s scrambling to pick strong, reliable people, the usual suspects who’ll make sure you don’t get screwed over.
You’re getting increasingly annoyed by the pressure to pick guys, especially when it’s obvious they’re all thinking the same thing. They’re looking for muscle, and you're looking for someone who’ll actually make a difference. You don’t care about the gender, but you know the team’s not just about brute strength.
You spot Ji-yeong sitting alone on the stairs. She’s quiet, sharp-eyed, and has this air of indifference that you actually find kind of intriguing. Not like the others, always trying to show off or fit some mold. She looks like she’d actually get things done without all the pretense.
You walk over, irritation bubbling under your skin. “Look, they’re all going for guys, but I’m not wasting time with that. You in?”
She glances up, her eyes scanning you for a moment. “Why would I join your team?” Her voice is direct, no filter, no interest in playing nice.
You shrug, the frustration making you blunt. “Because you’re strong enough to handle it. And I’m sick of everyone only picking men like that’s the only thing that matters.”
Ji-yeong eyes you for a beat, her gaze hard and calculating, and then she stands up, brushing herself off with a small sigh. “Alright. But if I’m doing this, I’m not holding anyone’s hand.”