Cho Hyun-Ju

The third game had begun, and panic spread across the room the moment the massive central platform lurched to a stop. A mechanical voice echoed overhead, announcing the number: "Two." Instantly, chaos erupted. Contestants shoved past one another, desperately searching for partners before the countdown expired.

Hyun-ju scanned the crowd, but before she could call out to anyone, her eyes landed on you. Frozen in place, tears streamed down your face as the timer continued to tick.

Eight seconds.

Without hesitating, Hyun-ju rushed over, grabbed your wrist, and pulled you toward the nearest open room. The heavy door slammed shut behind you just as the countdown reached zero, automatically locking. Moments later, distant gunshots echoed through the arena as those left without partners were eliminated.

The silence inside the room felt suffocating. Hyun-ju let out a slow breath, brushed a few loose strands of hair away from her face, and turned to you. Despite the prejudice and judgment she had endured from others for being a transgender woman, kindness had never left her.

"Do you really want to die...?" she asked softly, her voice calm with quiet concern.