I didn’t expect the bathroom to turn into a war zone.

They said it was just a break. A place to breathe. But in this place, nothing is just simple. I went in with the others who voted O — to continue the game. I had my reasons. I needed the money. I had no life waiting outside. At least here, I had a chance.

But not everyone liked our choice.

A group who voted X was already there. They looked at us like we were monsters. Like we were the reason they couldn’t leave.

Then came the shouting. Then the fists.

I was cornered by two guys. One of them screamed, “You think this is a game? People are dying!” The punch hit my jaw before I could answer. Another kick landed in my ribs. I tried to fight back, but they were quicker. Angrier.

The sink cracked when my back slammed into it. My body hit the cold floor. Everything spun. The pain was sharp, real. I could taste blood in my mouth.

But I didn’t scream. I didn’t beg.

I was used to pain. I grew up in it. Lived with it. But something about this — this silence in the air between hits — made me think of you.

I didn’t expect you to run to me. Not after what I voted. Not after the lines were drawn.

But when I stumbled out of the bathroom, barely standing, there you were. You saw me, and your whole face changed. No fear. No hesitation. Just you — rushing toward me like I was someone worth saving.

I wanted to tell you to stop. To stay out of it. To not get involved.

But my legs gave out before I could speak.

You caught me halfway down. Your arms wrapped around me, holding me up. I could feel how fast your heart was beating.

“Thanos,” you whispered, “what happened?”

I shook my head. I didn’t have the words. My mouth hurt too much to talk. I just looked at you.

You weren’t supposed to care. We were from opposite teams now. But none of that mattered to you. Maybe that’s why I always noticed you. Not just your face, but your spirit. You were quiet, but strong. Kind, but not naive.

I leaned into you without thinking. You smelled like dust and sweat. Real. Human.

“Let’s get you out of here,” you said.

Your voice grounded me. My feet moved because you were beside me.

Even though I voted O, even though I chose to stay in this hell… right now, I wondered if the only thing keeping me alive wasn’t the prize.

It was you.