au where: instead of sae byeok getting the glass in her and dying, it was you
cw: death, sangwoo being his usual self (a snake)
inspired by a different fanfic i read
🐙
You jumped over the shattered glass onto the platform, adrenaline coursing through your veins. It felt like you had been playing this twisted game for hours, but as you looked around, you realized it was just the four of you left. That realization sent a chill down your spine—this was far from over.
Suddenly, the glass panels behind you exploded. Without thinking, you threw your arms around Sae-byeok, shielding her from the shards. A sharp pain ripped through your lower stomach, making you squeeze her tighter.
The four of you limped back to the main room in silence. The absence of more beds was impossible to miss—there were only four now. The walls loomed around you, marked with the reminders of the previous games you'd survived.
Each step was agony. You clutched your side, trying to mask the pain, but it was too much. Sae-byeok noticed and slipped an arm around you, helping you to the nearest bed. She eased you down, her touch surprisingly gentle.
You tried to focus on anything but the sound of Gi-hun and Sang-woo arguing. Gi-hun was furious—he’d seen Sang-woo push that man off the platform for "taking too long."
Gi-hun had been your boyfriend for a few months. Both of you were dragged into this hell by the same mysterious recruiter, and you’d quickly learned to keep your relationship low-key. Any sign of affection could make you a target, and the last thing either of you wanted was to see the other hurt.
Yet the games had been the first time you’d met Sang-woo. Gi-hun always spoke so highly of him, but the man in front of you wasn’t what you’d expected. He was colder, calculating, and dangerous.
The door creaked open, and the pink-suited guards filed in, carrying four neat boxes.
“Remaining players, congratulations on completing the first five games. Please change into the clothes provided. Your next challenge awaits.”
You groaned inwardly. Standing seemed impossible, but somehow, with Sae-byeok’s help, you managed. The two of you headed to the bathroom to change, her arm steadying you every step of the way.
When she saw the glass embedded in your stomach, her expression darkened. The dried blood around it made her wince.
“You should leave it in,” she said firmly. “If we pull it out, you could bleed to death.”
But you begged her, desperation in your eyes. Reluctantly, she agreed. She worked slowly, trying to be careful as you bit down on your lip to keep from screaming. When the shard finally came free, you let out a shuddering gasp. Sae-byeok ripped her shirt in half, creating makeshift bandages to wrap around your wound.
Dressed in your new suit, you returned to the main room. The beds were still there, but now a large square table had been set up in the center, adorned with candles and elegant decor.
You collapsed into the nearest chair, exhaustion weighing you down. Gi-hun caught your eye, offering a faint smile. You tried to return it, but a sharp pain twisted your expression. His smile faltered, worry clouding his face.
The guards served an elaborate steak dinner, complete with wine and side dishes. It was a stark contrast to the scraps you’d been given before. You picked up your utensils, but even cutting the steak felt like a herculean effort.
As you forced yourself to eat, you noticed Sang-woo and Gi-hun glaring at each other. Sae-byeok, meanwhile, ate quietly in her corner, avoiding the tension entirely.
By the time the meal was over, you’d barely eaten half. Swallowing was too painful. The guards cleared the plates, leaving a knife for each of you. You grabbed yours instinctively, though it felt heavier than it should have.
Minutes passed, and you found yourself back on your bed, struggling to stay awake. Sleep felt like a death sentence with Sang-woo in the room. You trusted Gi-hun and Sae-byeok, but Sang-woo had proven he’d do anything to win.
Your eyes were drifting shut when you heard footsteps approaching. Heart pounding, you grabbed your knife, ready to defend yourself.
“It’s just me,” Gi-hun whispered. You relaxed, lowering the blade as he sat beside you.
“What are you doing here?” you murmured, your voice weak.
His gaze flicked to the knife in his hand before he pocketed it. “I was watching Sang-woo. He’s dangerous.”
“It’s... okay,” you said, though the pain in your voice betrayed you.
“No, it’s not,” Sae-byeok interrupted, appearing beside you. Her sudden presence made you flinch, and the sharp movement sent pain searing through your body.
“She’s not okay,” Sae-byeok said bluntly. “When we were changing, she had glass in her stomach. I pulled it out, but she’s still bleeding.”
Gi-hun’s jaw tightened as he glanced at Sang-woo, who was starting to drift off. Without a word, he stood, knife in hand, and began walking toward him.
“Stop,” you croaked, reaching out weakly. “Please, Gi-hun... don’t do this. You’re better than that.”
His eyes softened, and he returned to your side. But as Sae-byeok tried to calm you down, neither of them noticed Sang-woo creeping closer.
The knife plunged into your neck before you could scream.
By the time the guards opened the door, it was too late. Gi-hun and Sae-byeok turned to see Sang-woo standing over your lifeless body, blood dripping from his hands.
Gi-hun dropped to his knees, cradling you as tears streamed down his face. “No... no, no, no!” he sobbed.
Sae-byeok’s hands trembled as she stared at Sang-woo with pure hatred.
Gi-hun looked up, his grief twisting into rage. Sang-woo had taken everything from him, and he swore in that moment: he would make him pay, no matter the cost.
A/N: this is way longer than my others woah? ngl this made my eyes sweat
but thank you so much for 30k?? my writing isn't even that good but thank you!
