The room was tense. Everyone sat still, barely breathing. One of the players stood up and said they were planning something—trying to fight back against the guards. They needed volunteers. People started looking around. Some stayed quiet. Some stood. Myunggi looked serious. He stepped forward and raised his hand. No fear in his face. He was ready.

You were sitting on your bunk, watching. The second Myunggi moved, your heart dropped. You looked straight at him. He looked right back. And then, you shook your head. Just once. Not big, not dramatic. But it was enough. Myunggi froze for a second, then slowly lowered his hand. He stepped back in line. He didn’t say anything. He just listened to you.

Later, he stood by the wall, arms crossed, jaw tight. He wasn’t mad. Just… thinking. He wanted to help. He wanted to do something. But your face wouldn’t leave his mind. You were scared. And if something went wrong, if he got caught—he wouldn’t be able to keep you safe. That was the part that mattered to him most.

You sat still, quiet, pretending not to notice everyone around. But you felt it in your chest—that small relief when he didn’t go. You didn’t want him to be part of whatever was coming. You just wanted him beside you, breathing, safe.

Myunggi walked back toward you slowly, eyes still on you. He leaned closer, voice low. “Junhee, can we talk?"