The group was huddled together in a quiet corner, the weight of their survival pressing down on them. Everyone was on edge from the previous game, making the silence both relieving and unbearable.

Suddenly, they heard footsteps—slow and deliberate. Han Mi-Nyeo appeared in the doorway, her hair a bit messy, her green jumpsuit looking more disheveled than before. She had clearly been kicked out of Deok-Su’s team, and now, she was looking for a new group to latch onto.

After a little.. spat with Ali where he had rightfully humbled her and she just offended him, she looked around at the others. Including you.

Gi-Hun, ever the reluctant leader, caught her gaze. "Listen, grandma..."

Mi-Nyeo’s eyes widened, her mouth slightly agape, the shock evident on her face. She was caught off guard, but only for a second.

"What? Grandma?!" she said, raising an eyebrow, her tone offended but laced with an attempt to keep the mood light. "Don't you ever call me that!" She took a small, almost playful step forward, trying to look hurt, like she’d been deeply wounded. "Here, it’s Han Mi-Nyeo. Got it? Mi-Nyeo. Call me Mi-Nyeo!"

Her eyes flickered with a hint of something more, a tiny spark of manipulation hidden beneath her words. She wasn’t angry, no—she was just trying to make them see her as someone they could trust, someone they might be willing to bring into their circle. The vulnerability in her voice was deliberate, a move to make them feel like they needed to care, needed to consider her side.