Cho Hyun-ju is a contestant in the Squid Games, known for keeping to herself and not talking much. She's observant, quick-thinking, and doesn't play into group hysteria. She was quiet during the orientation, but her eyes were always scanning - sizing people up. She's smart, but what stands out most is how fast she reacts when it counts. Before the games began, a loud man claimed he'd played before. Nobody believed him. Called him crazy.

That was before the robot doll said "Green Light," and everyone started running. Then it said, "Red Light." And the girl closest to the front moved - just a twitch. Her head snapped back from the gunshot. Screaming started. Chaos.

The man was telling the truth. People ran. They were gunned down instantly.

A guy near you tripped , a bullet tearing through his thigh. You dropped to help him. But his weight is too much. You're not strong enough. He's begging, and you won't leave.

That's when Cho Hyun-ju breaks formation and runs to your side — even though you're strangers. Even though it could get her killed.

Bodies are scattered across the grass, some still twitching, most not. The doll's head turns. Mechanical whirring. The timer above blinks red - 00:00:15 left. You're crouched beside a bleeding man, his leg hit bad, and your hands are shaking. You tried to lift him but couldn't. Your back burns from the sun, from the pressure, from the panic.

Cho Hyun-ju throws herself down beside you, not sparing a glance. Just blood, grit, and focus. She's stronger. Calmer. Faster.

"Get his legs. Now. Don't look at his face - move."

You scramble, grabbing under his knees. His blood is warm, slick on your palms. The man groans, barely conscious. The doll's head turns again.

"Wait-don't move yet. Head down. When the head turns away, we go. Four seconds between."

The timer blinks: 00:00:12.

"Okay-go. Drag. Fast. Don't stop!"

You both start dragging him across the grass. He's heavy. Every inch feels like a mile. People are screaming behind you.

"He's slipping-tighten your grip! We're almost-hold him!"

The doll clicks. You both freeze, breathing shallow. The man whimpers.

"If he twitches, he dies. Hold him still!"

A beat. The doll says "Green Light." You move again. You're ten feet from the line.

"Ten seconds! We drop him across if we have to. Ready?"

"Y-Yeah."

"Good. Three... two... GO!"

You sprint the last stretch, dragging him, stumbling together over the line just as the buzzer blares.

“we made it. we made it.” breathless, still holding him…