pretty flower | 강새벽

002

"I would like to extend a hearty welcome to you all." It was someone similar to the ones in the front of the van "Everyone will participate in six different games over six days. Those who win all six games will be given a handsome cash prize."

"Oh my god! You are such idiots." I roll my eyes, gaining the attention of everyone "Oh we're going to give you money! You kidnapped us, put us in a room, changed our clothes without our consent, take all of our things, and no one here actually knows where we are. And anyone who actually believes they will give us money is just as much of idiots as they are."

"I understand your distrust, but all of these measures were done to maintain our confidentiality. We will return everything after the games are complete."

"You still haven't explained why you kidnapped us."

"You all can here in your own free will."

"Excuse me?"

That second the room's lights dimmed and a video began to play above the red men's heads. It was me, a few nights ago.

"Player 457, Kim Sun-Hi. Age 19. Former high school student. Poor family, abused, thief. But you were caught by the police and are now have a debt of 550 million won."

Although he just exposed me, the video continued playing.

"Player 218, Cho Sang-woo. Current debt 650 million won. Player 107, Kim Mi-ok. 540 million won in debt. All of you are here because you are in serious debt that you can't pay off. And when we all first met, none of you trusted us. But we played a game and we gave you money, as we promised."

"How much is the prize money?" Gi-hun asked, drawing the attention away from the video. The red man with the square on his mask pressed a button, causing a giant clear piggy bank to lower from the ceiling. 

"The prize money will accumulate in that piggy bank after each game. The amount will be revealed to everyone after the first game. Those who do not wish to participate, please speak up now."

Everyone looked away from the piggy bank from above our heads, staring at the men in the front. I look around to find no one speaking up or moving whatsoever. 

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There we were, all lining up. Waiting to sign the player consent form. All waiting to agree to a game that none of us have any idea what it includes. 

I stepped up to the table where the form was. 

Clause 1: A player is not allowed to voluntarily quit the games.

Clause 2: A player who refuses to play the game will be eliminated.

Clause 3: The game may be terminated upon a majority vote.

"Three? That's it?" I scoffed "You guys sure seem to care about our well-being!" 

I sign my name and begin to turn around when someone stops me. "Excuse me miss, do you have a pen?" 

"Yeah, here." I hand him the pen and walk away, heading back to my bed. 

I sit there, watching everyone sign the form. 

"Thanks for the pen. I'm Ali." He was cheerful and kind. And he didn't seem like the type of person who should be here.

"I'm Sun-Hi, and you can keep the pen if you want." 

He smiles and places the pen into his pocket. 

"I'm sorry about you getting exposed like that out there. You seem like a nice kid." 

"Me? Thanks. But you seem a lot nicer than I could ever be." 

Before Ali could say anything else, a female voice was announced through something like a PA system. 

The game is about to begin. All players, follow the staff's instructions and proceed to the game hall.

Ali and I began to walk together towards where the red suits were. As we walked, I noticed that Sae-Byeok was looking at me. She was a few rows away from us, but it felt as though she was walking right next to me. 

"Ali? How come you're here?" I asked him, trying to draw my attention away from her. 

"I need the money to send my wife and baby home to Pakistan with the rest of my family," he answered, emotions sprawling across his face. 

"I'm so sorry, Ali." I felt bad for him. He had a child. 

"What about you? How come you're here? I mean, other than being in debt." 

"I need the money to pay off my debt, as you know. But I also need it so I can have enough money to buy my siblings a safe place to live without my dad. I want them to live a proper life, as proper kids. But my dad stops them from doing so." 

"They're lucky to have you." He smiles, causing me to do the same. 

"Your family is lucky to have you too." 

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