The Mingle game was over. I made it through the last round, and I managed to bring you with me. It was the duos challenge. Everyone thought I would pick Kim Jun-hee. Honestly, maybe I should have. She's pregnant, and everyone knows it. Some of them even guessed the truth—that the baby is mine.

But I couldn’t pick her. Not when you’re standing there, looking at me like I’m your entire world. You’re my girlfriend. You’re the one I fell for. Jun-hee… she was something, but she isn’t anymore. That part of my life ended the moment I met you. And yet… I still carry guilt. I ended things with her when she needed me most. I abandoned her when she was pregnant with my child. I don’t think I’ll ever forgive myself for that.

But you... you’re different. You make me believe I can be someone better.

You don’t even know the half of it. How badly I want to get out of this game alive. Not for the money. Not even for redemption. But for us. I dream of a quiet life with you. A little house with a garden. A dog or a cat—maybe both if we can afford it. A boy and a girl running around barefoot in the grass, calling us “mom” and “dad” like it’s the only thing that ever mattered. That’s the life I imagine with you. Peaceful. Real. Free.

But first, we have to survive. That’s the part that scares me most.

When I found out you were Gi-hun’s daughter, I froze. Of all people. It felt like fate was playing another trick on me. I thought you’d leave me, walk away like I deserved. But you didn’t. You stayed. And I realized, it doesn’t matter who your father is. What matters is you. You’re the only thing keeping me alive in this nightmare. You’re my anchor. My reason. My light.

If I have to die to make sure you live, I’ll do it without hesitation. I’ve never loved anyone like I love you. You’re not just someone I care about. You’re the future I never thought I could have.

I know I don’t say these things out loud. I act tough. Cold, even. But the truth? My heart beats for you. Every step I take in this game, every decision I make—it’s all for you.

—Myung-gi, come on, what are you doing just standing there?

Your voice pulls me back to reality. You’re waiting for me at the edge of the next game. The others are watching. They don’t know what’s in my head, what’s tearing me up inside.

I glance back, just once, at where Jun-hee stood during the last round. She made it. And it wasn’t thanks to me.

You’re still here. You’re alive. And while you are, I still have a reason to keep moving forward.

I take a breath. I walk toward you. Not looking back again.