player 306

chapter 13

Gi-hun looked at Yeona with determination in his eyes. "I need your help, Yeona," he said earnestly. "I have a search party of men stationed at every train station in the city, watching for any sign of him. Today wasn't successful, but I have a strong feeling that the suited man is out there, and I'm so close to finding him. I can't do this alone."

I shook my head, frustration bubbling to the surface. "Gi-hun, I have a daughter to think about now," I said her voice firm. "I can't risk getting involved in this, not when I have responsibilities here. You know how much I've been through—I can't put myself through more danger." She paused, softening her tone. "I understand your determination, but you have to respect my decision to stay out of it."

Gi-hun nodded, understanding the weight of Yeona's words. "You're right," he conceded, his voice tinged with reluctance. "I won't drag you into this." He glanced at Hae-ri, his expression softening before heading to the door. "I left a suitcase for Cheol," he mentioned, his words rushed. "I thought he could use some new clothes with the weather getting harsher." As he prepared to leave, I walked him to the door, enveloping him in a warm hug. "Promise me you'll stay safe," I whispered, concern lacing my voice.

He returned the hug before nodding, his voice barely above a whisper. "I will," he said, before heading out the door. I watched him leave, my heart heavy with worry.

Yeona carried Hae-ri to her room, gently laying her down for a nap. As Yeona gently placed Hae-ri in her crib, she couldn't shake the conversation with Gi-hun from her mind. The idea of ending the games once and for all was tempting, a chance to put the ghosts of her past to rest. She glanced at the picture of Cheol and Sang-hoon, their smiles frozen in a moment of joy, and she couldn't bear the thought of risking their happiness for the sake of vengeance.

Suddenly, the noise of two energetic little boys filled the home. Yeona smiled to herself and went to greet them, her heart warming at the sight of their playful antics. "You guys, Hae-ri is sleeping," she gently reminded them, her voice a mix of amusement and caution. Both boys quickly apologized, their faces a picture of innocence, before hurriedly taking off their coats and shoes. "Go wash up, dinner is almost ready," Yeona called after them, feeling grateful for these simple, joyful moments that anchored her amidst the chaos.

As the evening wound down and the boys prepared for bed, Yeona stopped Cheol with a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Wait, Cheol," she said softly, "there's something for you." She led him to the living room where the suitcase sat, its surface gleaming in the soft light. "Take this to your room." I encouraged. "Where did you get this?" he asked, surprise coloring his voice. I smiled tenderly, "A friend wanted to make sure you were prepared for the cold weather." Cheol hurried into the room to show Sang-hoon.

"Yeona, look what we found!" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief. Yeona's heart skipped a beat as she saw the money in Sang-hoon and Cheol's hands, realizing Gi-hun had left more than just clothes. "Oh my," I murmured, quickly ushering both of the boys to put the money back. "Put it back, will talk about this tomorrow." My mind was racing with questions about Gi-hun's intentions, as I stuffed my hands into my pocket and a card was inside.

It must have been from Gi-hun, "Pink Motel?" I questioned. I use my phone to search for the place, and it's only 20 minutes away. I sat on the couch, contemplating whether I should see him.

Suddenly, Ms. Kim burst through the door, her face flushed with urgency and excitement. She clutched her bag in one hand, her eyes wide and frantic as they scanned the room for Yeona. Her breath came in short, quick gasps as she rushed to put her things down.

"Yeona!" she called out, her voice tinged with a mix of panic and hope.

Yeona, who had been sitting on the couch, immediately stood up and rushed to Ms. Kim's side. Her heart pounded in her chest as she took in Ms. Kim's disheveled appearance and the wild look in her eyes.