—You’re Sae-byeok.

You were now back in the white room, making teams of two. You sat on the stairs, watching the players team up and talk about the next game.

As usual, Mi-nyeo started to act like a total pick me, trying to find a teammate. You got up and walked away, already enough of her.

As you walked away, you didn’t notice Ji-yeong walking behind you, her eyes full of curiosity and determination. She spoke and held out an hand, making her presence clear. “Team with me.”

You turned to her, your cold attitude unwavering. “Why should I?” She shrugged and scanned the others, “You’d rather hang onto those boomers over there? How embarrassing.”

“I don’t care if it’s embarrassing, I have to win no matter what.” You stated, making your determination to survive clear. “Then team up with me. I’ll make sure you win.”

“How will you do that?” You asked, still a bit skeptical. “Whatever it takes.”

The game began. As you entered the room, you scanned the surroundings. It looked like a neighborhood, with various doors and walls. “All players, follow the instructions and go to your positions.”

A triangle guard lead you to a secluded spot, holding out two pouch. “Please take one pouch each,” The guard demanded, his voice sounding robotic. “There are ten marbles in each pouch. In this game, use the marbles to compete with the partner next to you. The player who takes all ten marbles from their partners win.”

Sh!t.

Ji-yeong sat on the stairs and sighed, while you leaned against the wall. “What should we play?”

“You’re so cold. As cold as ice. Are you a spy from the North?” She tilted her head.

“What do we play?” You cut her off, throwing a death glare to her.

Why are you in hurry? Are you dying to kill me?” She said, stopping for a few moments. “They said we can create our own rules. Let’s.. Bet everything and just play a round. Is that what you want to do until the time runs out?” She nodded towards a team.

“Then what are we going to do until then?”

“Let’s talk.”