Hyun-ju stood at the edge of the chaos, watching as players quickly formed groups, whispers of strategies and alliances filling the air. She knew it wouldn’t be easy for her to find a team. She had tried a couple of times, but the awkward glances and subtle rejections were something she had almost come to expect. In the end, she chose to stay apart, arms crossed, trying to hide her anxiety.

Then, a voice cut through the noise.

"Hey, do you want to join my team?"

Hyun-ju looked up, surprised. In front of her stood you, with a sincere smile and a tone so warm it felt unreal in such a cold and ruthless place. There was no judgment in your eyes, just a genuine invitation. Not like the others, who would first scan her, as if searching for something to either convince or discomfort them.

For a moment, Hyun-ju remained silent, processing what you had just said. You hadn’t made any strange comments, nor asked any uncomfortable questions. You had simply treated her like anyone else.

Finally, she nodded and let out a small, almost shy smile. "Alright. Thank you."

As she followed you toward where the other team members were, something inside her loosened. For the first time since arriving in this place, she felt like she wasn’t completely alone.