SOFT SPOT, player 380

3.

"Neither," Hyejin shot back, narrowing her eyes. "I'm looking for someone."

Player 380 leaned against one of the rails of the bunks, tilting her head as if amused by Hyejin's determination. "Who's the lucky guy? Or girl?" Her voice dipped into a teasing lilt.

"Not your business," Hyejin replied quickly, moving to step around her. But the girl shifted, blocking her path. Hyejin clenched her jaw as she fixed a glare on the woman in front of her.

"If you're looking for someone, maybe I've seen them. What do they look like?" Player 380 offered, her tone light but her posture firm.

Hyejin hesitated, studying the girl's expression for signs of malice or deception. Instead, she found only curiosity—and maybe a hint of something else, something unreadable.

"Older guy," Hyejin said cautiously as she started looking around again, hoping she'd spot the old man and bolt in his direction to avoid the rest of this conversation. "Shit haircut, probably looks like he's been run over by a truck."

Player 380's smirk widened, pointer finger running over her lip ring as her eyes scanned her face. "Ah, so you've got a soft spot for the old man type. Interesting."

Hyejin rolled her eyes. "He's my... friend. Look, if you're not going to help, just move."

"Relax," 380 said, stepping aside with a shrug. "Haven't seen him, but I'll keep an eye out. What's your number?"

Hyejin glanced down at her jacket. "069."

The girl's smirk turned downright mischievous. "Nice."

"Oh, grow up," Hyejin muttered, brushing past her and bumping into her shoulder.

"Don't take it personally," 380 called after her, still chuckling. "I like you already."

Hyejin ignored her, her face hot as she descended the steps to the main floor. She didn't need to get distracted by cocky strangers right now. Gihun had to be here somewhere.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Sure enough, she found him in between the first row of bunkbeds at the back, some weird looking lady conversing with him. "Gihun!" Hyejin whisper-yelled as she jogged over, patting his shoulder. "Hey."

"Hyejin," he turned to her in acknowledgement.

"So this is it? The game?"

As if on cue, an alarm buzzed and there was some mysterious music as some pink-suited guards with their shape masks marched in and stood in somewhat of a line on the metal platform at the front of the room.

The square guard in the center spoke, "I would like to extend a hearty welcome to all of you." There were murmurs gradually spreading through the crowd. "Everyone here will participate in six different games over six days."

Gihun and Hyejin remained where they were at the back, watching everything unfold as the square guard continued, "Those who win all six games will receive a handsome cash prize."

"Excuse me!" 

Hyejin glanced towards where the voice came from; a woman with bangs and a bit of a deep voice. She could just about make out the 120 patch on her jacket. "You said I'd be playing games, but you practically kidnapped me. So how can I believe that?"

A couple of people nodded in agreement, dozens more turning back towards the square guard for an answer. 

"I apologize," the square guard said, not quite sincerely. "Please understand that it was necessary to maintain the game's security."