Lines We Cross ||Front Man x Reader||

The following morning, the harsh blare of the intercom dragged me out of a shallow, restless sleep. "Goodmorning players. A vote will be taking place."

A vote? Again? My stomach twisted. I didn't want to get my hopes up, but maybe people finally grew a fucking brain? Though if last time was anything to go by, I wasn't exactly optimistic.

We shuffled into the middle. Players murmured to each other as we took our places, the giant illuminated piggy bank looming above us like a taunt. Its enormous belly was stuffed with cash.

The square guards finally appeared and spoke shortly. "Players will now vote. This time, we will begin with Player 001."

I stiffened, glancing at Young-il, who stood at the far end of the line. He stared at the two buttons.

I watched intently, half expecting him to press the blue button without a second thought. But to everyone's surprise, he hesitated. His hand hovered over the red button for what felt like an eternity.

Then he pressed it.

The room collectively gasped.

"He changed his vote." I said.

Even Gi-hun blinked in disbelief, his mouth opening and closing like a fish.

Young-il turned and walked towards the red side for X's. When he passed me, he slowed down, leaning in close until his lips were nearly brushing my ear. His voice was low, smooth. "Thought this might make you trust me a little."

I raised an eyebrow and let out a small scoff, my voice low enough for only him to hear. "Anything you do won't change my mind."

His lips twitched into a faint smirk. "We'll see about that."

The voting continued. Our group was sticking to X, hoping to end this nightmare and leave. But when it came to Jung-bae's turn, the unexpected happened.

He stood at the buttons, hesitating for a long moment. His hand hovered over the X button.

But then, to everyone's shock, he moved his hand to O.

"What the fuck?" I blurted out.

Even Gi-hun looked stunned. I mean after all he probably felt betrayed, knowing him and Jung-bae were close friends, and all of a sudden he switched up.

Jung-bae walked back, his head low, avoiding eye contact and instead of returning to us, he moved over to the O side.

"Seriously?" Dae-ho muttered, disappointment etched across his face.

Jun-hee just glared at him.

I clenched my fists. Sure i didn't even like him that much but, of all people, I didn't expect him to flip sides.

As the final votes were cast, the screen lit up with the tally. O had won by four votes.

The O's broke into cheering.

"Fucking fantastic," I muttered under my breath.

"Guess that's it," Young-il said casually, his voice breaking the awkward silence.

"Yeah, what a load of bullshit," I replied.

The voting had ended, and everyone was shuffling back to the bunk beds. Our little group stuck together, except for Jung-bae, who trailed behind like a kicked dog. He didn't dare come near us, his head hanging low with shame.

"Good," I muttered under my breath. "He should feel like shit."

Gi-hun sighed, his hands in his pockets. "Don't be too hard on him. People make dumb decisions when they're desperate."