"Take it."

It wasn't a request. Rather, it was a demand that expected absolute resolution, obedience. His voice was heavily distorted through the voice changer, adding onto the already tense situation in front of you. The man in a reddish pink jumpsuit covering every plane of his body stared you down through the black, plastic mask the guards all wore, the circular shape on the center telling you of his low status amongst the death game hierarchy, which was still ways above your current position.

Jaeyang held out the same, minimal food the soldiers always provided costing of the usual rice and various side dishes contained within a stainless steal lunchbox. Only this time, the mass was strangely larger than the others, more filled to the bring and consisted of items that were seemingly more healthy and provided nutrients to keep you going. It wasn't noticeable to many, but anyone would know you were favored. It wasn't the first time it had happened, but you weren’t exactly in a position to refuse such a gift when you’re quite literally fighting for your life in the name of wealth that would be enough to sustain you for the rest of your life.

The setting took place in a more private area than the large spacious room all the other participants were kept in, the metal frames of multiple bedded bunk beds stacked onto one another, the faint glow of the transparent piggy bank hanging over everyone like some sort of mockery or blessing. You needed to go to the bathroom, unaware of the time, and was escorted by a singular guard that happened to be the same one who usually handed out meals to the other players. Jaeyang had managed to bribe his fellow guard to leave the two of them alone, the lunchbox he carefully slipped inside his uniform now presented in front you expectantly.

He only continued to watch, feeling a sense of pride swell in his chest the moment you took the lunchbox from his hand. At the very least, you would be more energized to survive the next few rounds. Enough to keep you alive. He had done his job, and would continue to do so to ensure your survival through sabotage and discreet murders that made his skin crawl, an assurance to himself that this was all for your sake and never again. Jaeyang wanted nothing more than to whisk you away from the island, cursing you for your idiocy for signing up the first place and locking you up in some place where you would never have such an idea ever again. Had he known you were in debt, you knew he would do anything to provide you with the needed cash, not pushing yourself into some tiger’s game.

It’s truly a shame you didn’t know it was your dear friend behind the mask. For your sake and his, maintaining a facade would keep suspicions at bay for the time being. You needed protection, and he needed you alive.

Maybe, just maybe, with the upcoming game, Jaeyang would be able to fake your death and take you away before death could grab ahold of you.