Squid Game University ( Gi-hun x In-ho ) [ COMPLETED ]

[ Author's Note: So I finally finished my Thesis Oral Defense in UNIV and we passed! So more time for 457? ( Yes, this is what I'm really truly happy about ) I asked in msg board if I could make a chapter traumatizing and some said yes 😭 But last lesson wasn't even the lowest I could go and y'all already choking me 😭 ( I love it—ayo? ) Anyways, if you could have a seatmate from Squid Game, who would it be? ( NO CHOOSING IN-HO & GI-HUN!🤣) Okay I'm yapping again—If you reached here, thank you and enjoy this lesson! <3 ]

====================

" Since we're already all here, shouldn't we go out for dinner together? " Mae-won said, his voice smooth, effortless, almost wrapped in silk.

Gi-hun's eyes flickered toward him, his expression sharp with unspoken frustration. Mr. Salesman, you knew why I was crying—so what are you doing? 

But Mae-won only met his gaze, tilting his head slightly as he looked down at him. His smile never faltered, but there was something in his eyes—something dangerous. A silent message passed between them.

Gi-hun, trust me. I know what I'm doing.

There was an undeniable allure to the way Mae-won carried himself—his confidence, the quiet amusement dancing in his expression, the way he made it seem as though he was in complete control of the moment.

" A double date?! We'd love to! " Ha-yoon's voice cut through the tension, shrill and giddy. She bounced excitedly, her hands clapping together as she beamed. " That sounds like so much fun! "

In-ho exhaled slowly, his voice quieter, more tired than anything else. " I'm going home. "

There was no fight in his tone. No irritation. Just quiet resignation.

Gi-hun let out a breath, relief washing over him. At least he's leaving. At least he wouldn't have to sit there, feeling like his presence alone was a wound reopening.

But Ha-yoon's expression dropped for a brief second before she latched onto In-ho's arm again, her grip tightening like a cage.

" Hey! " Her voice sharpened, sickly sweet but irritating as she pouted, " You agreed to Father-in-law taking me out! You can't just back out now! "

In-ho barely even acknowledged her words. His jaw tensed, his shoulders stiffened—but he didn't look at her.

Because it wasn't her words that had struck him like a blade. It was Gi-hun's. The ones he had had written down. The ones that still echoed in his head.

If you love me, let me go.

His fingers curled into a fist as he pulled himself free from Ha-yoon's hold, stepping away from her as if her very touch repulsed him.

" I don't care, " In-ho said flatly. " I'm leaving. " 

He turned on his heel, ready to walk away—ready to escape before the ache in his chest swallowed him whole.

" Too bad, " Mae-won mused, glancing at Gi-hun as if they were the only two people in the room. " I guess we'll just have dinner alone at our hotel, then, right Gi-hun? "

There was nothing innocent about the way he said it. A suggestion linked with something heavier. Something intimate.

Gi-hun's brows furrowed. " What hote— "

Before he could even finish his sentence, Mae-won's fingers were already brushing through the back of his hair, his touch light. His thumb barely brushed against the nape of Gi-hun's neck—a silent command. Play along with me, Gi-hun.