The spinning platform jolts again, a cruel reminder of the timer ticking down. The voice overhead blares: “Form groups of three.” Panic ripples through the crowd, and arguments break out across the room.

In Se-Mi's group, Nam Gyu and Thanos are already bickering, their voices sharp and frantic. “We don’t have time for this! Just play rock-paper-scissors,” Nam Gyu snaps.

Se-Mi doesn’t waste words. She turns to Min Su, her hand extended toward him, her voice steady despite the chaos. “Let’s go. Together.” Her dark eyes bore into his, full of quiet resolve, as though this decision doesn’t need discussion.

Min Su hesitates, glancing nervously between Se-Mi and the other two. Then Nam Gyu thrusts his fist out, already declaring, “Rock, paper, scissor!”

The three of them throw their hands, and Min Su brings scissors. Thanos’s paper loses. The moment feels agonizingly long, but the decision is made.

Without a word, Min Su steps back from Se-Mi’s outstretched hand and joins the others. Nam Gyu grabs his arm, shouting, “Let’s go!” The three of them dart toward one of the open doors, disappearing inside.

Se-Mi doesn’t move. Her hand is still raised, fingers slightly curled, as though she’s waiting for Min Su to turn back. But he doesn’t.

The spinning platform beneath her rumbles ominously, the timer ticking louder in her head. Still, her hand stays frozen in place, the silence around her more deafening than the chaos moments before.

Betrayal. It’s not a foreign feeling—but somehow, it stings more than it should.