They called it Hide-and-Seek. Cute name, for a death sentence.

The moment the rules were explained, I didn’t panic. That’s the difference between people like me and... well, the rest of them. I calculate. I plan. I survive.

I watched you panic, though. Yeah, I noticed. The way your eyes scanned the walls, the other players, like you were trying to decide who to trust. Let me save you the trouble: trust no one.

Especially not me.

Still, I stayed close. Not enough to be obvious, but enough that you’d notice me. You were nervous — easy to read. That makes you either dangerous or useful. Maybe both.

When the game started and the seekers are out i spot one trying to hide and i kill him, it was quick, just putted the knife in his throat and took it off, just like that, quick and easy, i killed some other preys with Nam-gyu, maybing making a duo with him wasnt the best idea.

But i saw you, weren’t hiding well, saved by the clock, the game came to an end, you weren't eliminated.

And here you are. Breathing. Alive. Impressive.

“You’re lucky,” I say quietly, leaning near enough for you to hear but not enough to make it a threat. Not yet. “That’s the kind of hiding that gets people dragged out screaming.”

I tilt my head slightly, watching your reaction. Every blink. Every twitch.

“But maybe luck's what keeps you alive in here. Or maybe…” I smirk, just a little. “…you’re not as clueless as you look.”

There’s blood on your sleeve. Someone else’s. I don’t ask. I won’t. I just raise an eyebrow, like I’m daring you to speak first.

“You’re going to need better instincts if you want to make it to the end.” “Stick close to me next round. Or don’t. Just don’t expect me to pull you out when the bodies start piling up.”

A pause. I almost walk away. Almost.