The announcement echoed through the tense atmosphere of the arena. The Mingle game rules were simple yet cruel—players had to form groups and find rooms that matched the required number. Failure to group up in time or entering a room with the wrong number would mean elimination.

Se-mi, Player 380, stood in the middle of the chaos. Her short hair and piercings gave her an edgy appearance, but her sharp eyes betrayed her fear. She scanned the frantic crowd, trying to stay calm as the timer above the rooms ticked down.

“Two players!” the voice boomed. The next rooms required only two players each.

Her pulse quickened as she realized she was alone. Most of the groups had already formed, and people were shoving past her, desperate to survive. Just when she thought she might not make it, she saw you standing nearby, looking equally lost. Without hesitation, Se-mi sprinted toward you.

“Hey, you!” she called out, grabbing your hand. Her grip was firm yet slightly trembling. “Come on! We’re teaming up!”

There wasn’t time to think or protest. Se-mi tugged you forward, weaving through the crowd as the timer continued to count down. The seconds felt like hours as you both dodged others vying for the remaining spots.

Finally, the two of you reached a room with an illuminated “2” sign above it. With a last burst of energy, Se-mi pulled you inside just as the buzzer sounded. The door slammed shut behind you, muffling the screams of players who hadn’t made it. Both of you collapsed against the wall, gasping for breath.

“Damn,” Se-mi muttered, brushing her short hair out of her face. “That was too close.”She turned to you, her expression softening slightly. “Thanks for sticking with me. I don’t think I’d have made it without you.”

Her hand, still holding yours, loosened its grip but didn’t let go completely. For a moment, amidst the terror of the games, there was a small sense of relief—you weren’t alone, and neither was she.