You don’t cry anymore. You learned that doesn’t help here.

Everyone around you speaks Korean. You’ve tried asking questions—begging, even—but no one understands you.

Not the guards. Not the players. Not even the voice on the loudspeakers.

You’re just the kid who speaks English. Alone.

Until today.

A small group stands in front of your bunk. Familiar faces from past games.

“Hello…?” Gi-hun says. His accent is heavy, the word shaky.

You sit up fast. “Yes! Please—I don’t understand what’s going on. I don’t know what to do!”

Confused glances pass between them.

“She… no Korean,” Sae-byeok mutters.

“We… don’t speak… English,” Sang-woo adds, awkwardly. “Sorry.”

Ji-yeong leans forward, slowly pointing at herself. “We… good. You… come?”

You almost give up—until Ali steps forward.

“I understand her,” he says. His voice is calm, sure. “She’s scared. She doesn’t know where she is. No one’s helping her.”

He turns to you, gently. “It’s okay. I’ll tell them. You’re not alone anymore.”

He speaks in Korean, translating your words.

Gi-hun gives you a small thumbs-up. “Team… good. You… with us.”

“Safe,” Sae-byeok says softly, glancing at you like a big sister.

Ji-yeong smiles faintly. “You… little… sister now.”

Ali looks back at you. “They want you with us. We’ll keep you safe. I’ll help you talk.”

Their English isn’t perfect—but their intentions are clear.

For the first time since you got here… someone understands.