you've changed - cho sang-woo x reader

chapter two

"Pardon me?" You raise your eyebrows at the mysterious, yet handsome man sitting next to you on the bench. He let out a small laugh, and you looked at him, then looked around, trying to figure out if someone else was going to attempt to rob you for the second time today. Your head was spinning, and you couldn't think straight. Clutching your water bottle, you noticed some people were entering and exiting the subway, so you could run to them if something happened. Or hopefully people had the common decency to rush over and help if you were screaming.

"I'm sorry but I don't have any cash on me if you're trying to sell me some random product you put all your money into making." You scoffed, turning away from him. He didn't seem offended by what you said.

Instead of speaking up for himself, the man smiled at you and placed his briefcase on the bench, undoing the latches and opening it up. Your eyes widened as you saw three huge stacks of won, as well as one red and one blue folded paper tile. Was he going to give all of this to you? You couldn't understand what was happening. Perhaps you were simply hallucinating from the shock of what happened not even an hour ago. Yes, that must be it.

"You've heard of the game ddakji, right? Have you played before?" He asked, grabbing the red and blue tiles and holding them up. You looked at them, and then reluctantly nodded your head, wondering what he was up to. If money was involved, there had to be a catch somewhere.

"If you play a few rounds with me, and you win, I'll give you 100,000 won," Your ears began ringing, not wanting to believe that this was happening. Excitement coursed through your veins, but you also were hesitant to agree to this so easily. He continued, "If I win, you owe me the same amount." You realized how risky this was since you currently had no money on you and the only money you did have was for emergencies only, but you believed this was too good of an opportunity to pass up. Plus, if you came home with some money, maybe your mom wouldn't be as mad at you?

"Hm.. okay. You got a deal," You smiled slightly, looking up at him. "So, is it my turn?" The squeaking sound of the subway coming to a stop reverberated throughout the station, bouncing off the walls, and numerous people filed out, chattering amongst themselves. You made out bits and pieces of their conversations, and couldn't help but wonder who they were and where they were going. Have they ever been in such a desperate situation like this? You felt a bit pathetic, resorting to a game for money, but it was so tempting.

"Yes, you may go first," He spoke up, and gauged your reaction before proceeding. "Please choose which color you would like to play as." You were glad that since it was a high-stake game, it was at least one that you were familiar with and have played before. Not to mention, you were also quite good at it. At least, that's what your friends told you whenever you would play with them. A smile spread on your face as you thought of those days: how bright everything used to look through your eyes, how blissfully ignorant you were about money, and how the only responsibilities you had were homework, studying for tests, and waking up on time for the bus. No bills, no student loan debt, no interviews, no job. Your mom always used to tell you that being a kid doesn't last forever, and you didn't believe her. Now, you would give anything to experience it all over again, since you took it for granted.

"Blue." You finally answered after breaking from your thoughts. Hopefully choosing the color had nothing to do with winning, since you only chose it simply due to instinct. It just felt right in the moment.

"Alright." The man smiled and handed you the blue tile, then placed the red one on the floor. He stood up and adjusted his suit, crossing his arms and waiting for you. You stood up as well, tossing your purse onto the empty bench. Inhaling deeply, you raised your arm and threw your blue tile down as hard as you could. It bounced off of his red tile but did not flip it. You freeze, eyes trained on the ground. How is that possible? You used to be so good and even utilized the same technique you always used in the past. Was he tricking you? Looking up, you noticed the man had that same smile on his face but was now smug. His eyes stayed on you until he went to pick up his blue tile, raising his arm and throwing it down with a loud 'clap.' You gulped as you watched your blue tile get flipped upside down. This guy was obviously quite good at the game, so it wouldn't be easy money; you should've known this. Yet, it was still an enticing deal.