Squid Game x Reader

Six

"The game is about to begin."

Ten minutes ago, I signed my soul away. At least that's what it felt like. Really, it was just a player consent form. A piece of paper with three terms and conditions on it. To put it simply, I can't back out of playing games anymore, unless I want to be eliminated or the majority of players vote to abstain.

Over speakers, a familiar classical song plays. Everyone's shuffling along in a long, winding line. Mixtures of curiosity and apprehension show on players' faces, wondering where we're going, what we're going to play. Some people have a sparkle in their eyes, excited by the prospect of winning money. 

"All players, follow staff instructions and proceed to the game hall."

I walk behind Sang-woo in line again. His eyebrows raise when he glances over his shoulder to find me there. 

"Are you following me, woman?" he asks, turning around to face forward again.

"No." Well, maybe. But only because I feel so out of place. I kind of want to stick around someone I'm somewhat acquainted with. "And my name is (y/n), by the way."

"Interesting," he says, though his flat tone speaks the opposite. 

I choose to ignore him. At the front of the line, people disappear through a side door. A door I overlooked when I first woke up, assuming it was just some cleaning cupboard. Its painted a bright aqua blue that pops out against the white tiled walls.

I hum in thought. I guess these guys have a thing for colourful themes. This theory is reinforced when, minutes later, we reach the door and go through. 

Inside, there's a massive and tall room. The walls are all painted bright colours. Pink, green, yellow, blue. A winding staircase leads up to the top. The architecture of the build is strange and disconcerting, like walking into a children's funhouse. Everything is bright, happy, innocent... and unsettling. The masked men standing around in various corners, motionless and silent, aren't helping. 

"Please look into the camera. Smile!" 

In front of us are screens attached to walls. I watch people take turns to stand in front of them. Some smile as it takes their picture, but most stare into it with a straight face. 

Watching Sang-woo have his photo taken, I could laugh at how uncomfortable he looks. Then I'm next up to take his place. 

Weakly, I attempt a smile, but it probably comes out looking more like a grimace. Then I follow along with the line winding up the stairs. 

I look at the back of Sang-woo's head, deciding to attempt conversation to distract myself from the bundle of nerves forming in my stomach.  "What game do you think we're going to play, Sang-woo?" 

He doesn't look at me. "How should I know? You ask stupid questions." 

Perhaps I should begin to expect these kind of responses from him. "So bitter," I say. "I guess that's what I should expect from a guy who managed to end up 650 million in debt." 

I see a muscle in his jaw tick. I can't help but feel a small sum of satisfaction. "Derision doesn't suit you, woman. Now stop bothering me." 

"But you're so fun to talk to."

He ignores this. We walk further up the confusing array of stairs, reaching a short walkway leading to double doors. 

I avoid looking over the side of this path. The height we're at is enough to make my heart accelerate. I zone in on Sang-woo's back, focusing on following him as we reach the green doors at the end and walk through.