⭐️ ————— Mi-Ya sat frozen in place, her heart racing as if it were trying to escape her chest. Her breath came in quiet shallow gasps, and a chill coursed through her body, leaving her skin prickling with fear.

What had she signed up for?

A death trap.

Every muscle tensed, rigid as stone, while her wide eyes darted around, looking at the terrified people around her.

The world around her faded into a blur as her mind raced, caught in a web of panic. She felt the weight of dread settle heavily in her stomach, a nauseating knot that threatened to overwhelm her.

In that moment, Mi-Ya was a statue of fear, trapped in a reality that felt both surreal and suffocating.

She had barely survived the first game.

She had almost died.

And for money?

She wanted out of here.

Mi-Ya's hands violently shook on her lap. She had not uttered a word since the first game. She had stayed glued to Hyun-ju's side.

The woman practically jumped as the alarms blared out, her eyes frantically glancing over at the doors as the masked men walked in.

Everyone scrambled around, trying to hide from the guards. Hyun-ju softly tugged on Mi-Ya's arm, moving her behind the stacks of beds.

"Congratulations for making it through the first game." The square guard spoke, standing in front of the other guards. "Here are the results of the first game."

Mi-Ya glanced up at the screen, seeing the big and bold '456' decrease. Her lips parted in shock as she watched the number stop on '365'.

"Out of 456 players, 365 players have completed the first game." The masked man announced. That meant 91 people had died. That sent shivers down Mi-Ya's spine. "Congratulations again for making it through the first game."

Mi-Ya tore her eyes away from the masked man as she watched the older woman and her son step forward.

The woman fell to her knees, begging for her life, and making her son join her. Soon after, most people rushed forward to beg for their lives.

But Mi-Ya stayed glued to Hyun-ju's side, her hands still shaking at her sides. She swallowed thickly as she looked back over at the guards.

"We are not trying to harm you." The square guard spoke over the pleads. "We are presenting you with an opportunity."

"Clause three of the consent form!" Mi-Ya spun her head around at player 456's voice, watching as he walked down the steps. "'The games may be terminated upon a majority vote." He then raised his brow. "Correct?"

The masked man paused, then nodded his head. "That is correct."

Mi-Ya turned back to player 456, her brows pinching together as she watched him. "Then let us take a vote right now." He continued, a firm look on his face.

"Of course." Mi-Ya let out a sigh at that, sharing a relieved look with Hyun-ju. "We respect your right to freedom of choice." Everyone let of sighs of relief. "But first, let me announce the prize money that's been accumulated."

Mi-Ya bit her inner cheek as she glanced up at the piggy bank, watching as it glowed once more. She didn't care girl much money was in there, she just wanted to leave, even without the money.

Everyone started to step forward, making Mi-Ya shift away from the people walking past her.

"The number of players eliminated in the first game is 91. Therefore, a total of 9.1 billion won has been accumulated." The masked man informed them as the money fell into the piggy bank. "If you quit the games now, the 365 of you can equally divide the 9.1 billion won
and leave with your share."

"How much is that?" Somebody called out.

"Each person's share would be 24,931,500 won." The guard informed them, making some of the people whine about how it was 'too little'.

And that made Mi-Ya scoff.

The things people would do for money.

"Twenty million?" Mi-Ya looked over the crowd to see player 230 speak. "You said 45.6 billion!"

"The rule is that a hundred million won will be accumulated for each eliminated player." The guard informed them. "If you choose to play the next game and more players get eliminated, the prize amount will increase accordingly."

Mi-Ya pursed her lips, one of her hands reaching up for the necklace around her name as she squeezed it in comfort. "How much will it be if you survive until the end?" Someone else asked.

"As I already told you, the total amount of prize money for all 456 players is 45.6 billion won." The masked man continued to tell them. "Those who make it through all six games will equally divide the 45.6 billion won."

"So if you're the only one to survive, you get 45.6 billion?" Another person voiced their question.

The masked man nodded his head once more. "That is correct."

Mi-Ya shook her head at that, pursing her lips as she stared at the people that continued to ask more questions.

She just wanted to leave.

After more questions, the masked man spoke once more. "Now, let's begin the vote."

Mi-Ya fidgeted with her hands as she looked over at the voting station that was in front of the guards.

"If you wish to continue the games, press the 'O' button." The masked man pointed to the blue button as he spoke. "If you wish to end them, press the 'X' button."

Mi-Ya already knew what button she was picking. She glanced at the red 'X' on the floor.

"The vote will be held in reverse order of your player numbers." The guard continued, looking over at the crowd formed. "Player 456."

Mi-Ya looked to the side to see the man step forward. She watched as he walked towards the buttons. "It's all pointless!"

She turned at the voice, looking up at the woman, who was sat on top of the beds. "You didn't decide when to come into this world, and you can't decide when you leave it either."

"What is she talking about?" Hyun-ju uttered to Mi-Ya, who shrugged her shoulders with pinched brows.

"When and where you die we're already decided by the gods the moment you were born." The woman continued to speak, looking down at them all.

Mi-Ya decided to block out the woman's words, turning her head back around to watch player 456.

He walked towards the stand, looking down at the coloured buttons. He didn't hesitate to slam his hand down onto the 'X' button.

"Once you finish voting, put the patch you are given on the right side of your chest and stand on the side you have chosen." The square guard said as the circle guard handed player 456 a patch on his jacket, moving to stand on the red side. "Player 454."

Mi-Ya watched as the woman pressed the 'O' button, making her squeeze her eyes shut, a heavy sigh leaving her lips.

The guard continued to call out numbers, and Mi-Ya was starting to grow anxious as she stared at the number board.

"Player 230."

Mi-Ya couldn't help but shake her head as she watched the purple haired man practically run forwards, and he immediately picked 'O'.

The 'O' side was currently winning, which made Mi-Ya feel nauseous. "Wait a minute, everyone!" She glanced away from the board, looking straight forwards as player 456 turned to the people who haven't voted yet. "You can't do this. Come to your senses!"

Mi-Ya swallowed thickly as she locked eyes with the man, but quickly lowered her head. "Don't you see? These aren't just any games! We will all die if we keep playing!" He yelled out at them. "We have to get out of here now." He then turned back around and pointed at the board. "With a majority vote, we can! We must stop here!"

Mi-Ya sighed as someone barged past her, making her lean into Hyun-ju's side. "Who do you think you are?" Player 100 yelled at the man, making Mi-Ya's brows pinch together at his rudeness. "Why do you keep egging people on like that?" He moved to stand in front of player 456. "You scared us by saying they'd shoot us before the games even began!"

"That's right!" Mi-Ya turned as the woman from the 'O' side stepped forwards. "He was going on about how we'd die, and I almost did because I got so nervous!"

"How did you know they were going to shoot us?" Another person argued, stepping forwards to stand beside player 100. "Are you one of them?"

"Are you conning us all by pretending to be a player?" Mi-Ya couldn't help but quietly scoff at player 100's question.

It was obvious player 456 was freaking out and he wanted to get everyone out of the games.

Player 100 then roughly pushed 456 to the side, pointing over at the masked guards. "Who is this guy? Did you plant him to mess with our heads?" He yelled at the guards.

"That's uncalled for." Player 390 then stepped forward, standing in front of player 100, defending 456. "We wouldn't have won the game and survived if it weren't for him!" And Mi-Ya nodded her head in agreement. "And you!" He pointed over to the man before. "I saw how scared you were. Your legs were shaking! You should thank him, not treat him like a fraud!"

"And who the hell are you?" Player 226 said to him, tilting his head to the side. "Are you conspiring with him?"

Player 390 scoffed. "Rude." He tsked. "How old are you?"

Mi-Ya was fed up at the back and forth going on. She just wanted to go home. She then turned back to the scene as the older woman stepped forward, trying to stop the two from arguing.

"None of us would be alive if it weren't for this gentleman!" She spoke to everyone, pointing at player 456. "Do enough with the greed. Let's put our lives first and get out of this place! Okay?"

Most of the people agreed with the woman, the rest voiced their displeasure. Everyone was yelling back and forth, making Mi-Ya run a hand over her face.

"I have played these games before!"

Mi-Ya froze at player 456's words, her lido parting as she slowly dropped her hand to her side.

Everyone fell silent after his admission.

"I have done this before!" He continued to yell out, panting heavily as he looked around at everyone. "I knew about the first game because I have played it before!" Mi-Ya could see the clear emotion decorating his face.

He wasn't lying.

And that made Mi-Ya feel nauseous even more. "I played these games here three years ago!" Player 456 continued, which made Mi-Ya pause for a moment. "And everyone who was with me..." Mi-Ya didn't miss the glance he sent her, especially when he glanced down at her number. "Died here!"

Mi-Ya swallowed thickly as she stared at the man, who glanced away from her questioning gaze.

"Hold on." Mi-Ya blinked heavily as she turned to the voice. "If they all died, hoe did you survive alone?" Player 226 asked. "Wait, are you saying you were the sole winner?"

Player 456 nodded his head, pursing his lips as he lowered his head. "That's right." He uttered. "I was the final winner." Mi-Ya bit her inner cheek at his words. "If we continue the games, every single person here, just like all the people back then, will die in the end!"

"Bullshit!" Mi-Ya bit back a groan at player 100's words, squeezing her eyes shut. "If you were the sole winner, it means you won 45.6 billion won." He looked at player 456 with a glare. "If you really did, why would you come back here?"

"That's right! He's lying!"

People continued to shout hate at player 456, which made Mi-Ya feel bad for him. But, she watched with furrowed brows as player 230 strutted towards him.

"If you really won, it actually works better for us." The purple haired man said, making player 456 turn around to face him. "You can give us some tips." He grinned. "On how to beat these games."

"That's right!" The old man spoke once more, which made Mi-Ya roll her eyes. "We have a previous winner with us, so what go er have to worry about?" He asked, "come on, let's do this!" He cheered, making people cheer.

Player 456 ignored their cheers, turning back around to the rest, who hadn't voted yet. Mi-Ya glanced at him with pursed lips, looking over someone's shoulder at him. "Please, I'm begging you." He pleaded with them all. "We have to get out now!" He looked at them all. "If we keep playing, more people will die."

He then reached out to grab the man in front of him with a pleading look. "That could be you!" He then let go of the man. "We have to stop this now and get out of here! Everyone!"

Mi-Ya swallowed thickly as she watched one of the guards press their gun into the back of player 456. "From here on, we will not tolerate actions that disrupt the voting process." The square guard said as the triangle guard, that had their gun pointed at player 456, pushed him back into the 'X' section. "Now, let's resume the vote."

Mi-Ya swallowed thickly as the next number was called. She watched as the man walked forwards. A sigh left her lips as he pressed the 'O' button.

More people stepped forwards, and when it was Hyun-ju's turn, Mi-Ya sent her a small smile before she walked down.

Mi-Ya watched as Hyun-ju hesitated, looking over her shoulder for a moment before pressing 'O'. Mi-Ya's brows pinched together at that, watching as Hyun-ju moved to the blue side.

Mi-Ya couldn't hate her for her choice. She knew what Hyun-ju needed the money for, and could not blame her.

But it did hurt.

The numbers kept going up on the score board, which made Mi-Ya swallow thickly. "Player 67."

Mi-Ya sucked in a breath as she took her hands out of her pockets. She glanced at the side as her eyes locked with player 456's, making her send him a subtle nod.

When she stood in front of the buttons, she didn't hesitate to press 'X'. She glanced up at the numbers, to see that 'X' was winning so far.

Mi-Ya uttered a 'thank you', as the guard passed her the red patch, making her stick it onto her jacket before walking to the red side.

She tried glancing over at Hyun-ju, but the woman kept her head lowered. Hyun-ju probably figured that Mi-Ya would hate her for her choice, but Mi-Ya didn't.

A quiet sigh left her lips as she shoved her hands back in her pockets, looking down at the ground as she bit her inner cheek.

The numbers continued to be called out, people voting. "Player 7." The guard called out.

Mi-Ya watched as the man hesitated over the buttons. "Young-sik!" Mi-Ya looked over her shoulder at the older woman, who yelled at her son. "Don't get any stupid ideas!" She warned her son.

Young-sik turned around and pressed 'X', which made Mi-Ya sigh in relief, watching as the number moved up one, making it a tie.

The next player also chose 'X', making the red side cheer in victory. Now, there were only two people left. Mi-Ya looked over her shoulder as the second to last person walked down.

But she squeezed her eyes shut as the man chose 'O'.

Now, it was down to the last person.

Mi-Ya didn't even want to watch.

She simply kept her eyes shut as player 1 walked past everyone and stood in front of the buttons.

His decision would matter the most.

When she heard the buzzer go off, she anxiously opened her eyes, watching as the number moved to 183.

But, it was for the vote to stay.

Mi-Ya's heart sank as she watched the man turn around, smirk on his face. The blue side cheered at that, which made Mi-Ya shake her head.

She was stuck in here for another game.

And another opportunity that she would die.

— madeleines notes.

Cries.

Originally I was gonna have Hyun-ju pick to leave, but it wouldn't work for the plot.

But hyun-ju thinks Mi-Ya doesn't want to be her friend bc of her choice, but she is so wrong.

CRIES.

But Mi-Ya, THINK!!

She has her suspicions about how Gi-Hun was talking about, but she doesn't want to accept it. If you get me.

And I don't want Gi-hun to tell her too early, because if you think, how the hell would you react if you were just told that your sister had died in the games you were playing?

So he won't tell her, but he'll tell her that her brother is safe. Which you will see in the next chapter!

This chapter wad so boring, I have to admit. LMAO.

But probably the longest chapter LMAO.

But, EPISODE THREE IS DONE!!

YAHOOO

I'm definitely going to write the next chapter after I've published this LMAO!!

It's so fun to write this fic OKAY!

My other unfinished fics are crying rn LMAO.

Oopsies.

But I want to finish this fic immediately, ready for season three.

So this fic will be finished, probably this month, NOT TOO SURE OKAY!! So don't hold that against me.

My baby just wants to leave, CRIES.

She had just witnessed loads of people die UGH.

Don't talk to me rn.

But Gi-hun is going through so much deja-vu rn, knowing she is Sae-Byeok's sister. CRIES.

But I hope you all liked this chapter!!

11th January 2025
3055 words