pretty flower | 강새벽

045

( 𝗡𝗢 𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦 𝗣𝗢𝗩 )

There's a lot that goes through a person's mind as they are put in the face of danger. Time seems to slow down, and a rush of adrenaline floods your system, heightening your senses to the extreme. Thoughts race, colliding and intertwining like an intricate web of possibilities. Fear grips their heart, urging them to fight or flee, but a surge of determination often emerges amidst the chaos. Memories flicker, offering fragments of wisdom and experiences, guiding their actions in this critical moment. 

The mind becomes hyper-focused, analyzing the situation, searching for an escape route, or devising a plan to confront the threat. Rationality battles instinct, as the individual battles their inner demons and doubts, mustering the courage to face the unknown. In this turbulent mental landscape, survival instincts take the helm, propelling them forward despite the overwhelming uncertainty. It is a wild symphony of thoughts, emotions, and instincts that defines the human response to danger, shaping the course of their actions and ultimately, their fate.

But things are vastly different when a person confronts fear not only for themselves but also for someone they deeply care about. The sheer thought of never seeing that person again or being unable to convey their deepest emotions intensifies their apprehension. A profound sense of vulnerability intermingles with their fear, as their heart aches with the weight of unspoken words and unfulfilled expressions. At that moment, their thoughts expand beyond self-preservation, and a selfless instinct emerges, urging them to become a protector, a guardian for their loved ones. Every fibre of their being is consumed by a desperate desire to ensure their safety, their well-being, and their happiness. and the continued presence of the person who holds their heart, their thoughts race at a frenzied pace, tirelessly seeking solutions, evaluating risks, and pushing the boundaries of their perceived limitations.

This was what Sun-Hi felt as she rushed through the tedious passageways that she almost escaped through once before. As she ran through the dimly lit hallway, the memory of her previous attempt at freedom haunted her. The eyes of the women she loved stared back at her in betrayal, tears plunging down her face, streaking the flawless skin below as cries of agony ripped from her throat. 

It was obvious that the sight alone broke the girl's heart into pieces, but it also drove her with anticipation and determination. I need to win for her now. Ran through her mind as she made her way to the bedroom where she found Gi-Hun and Sang-Woo once more before being thrown into the dining room together. 

"You gonna kill us now or later?" Echoed through her vocal box, her heart and mind spoke two different languages, unable to communicate with one another. Logic said to run and get as far away as possible. Screw the prize. Leave. But something deep inside of her charged against the idea. Stay and win. Win for her.

Words buzzed out of the guard's mouth in front of her, Sun-Hi barely able to swallow down the bile swimming around in her mouth. Practically incoherent, the words jumbled together into a big mess, an entire sentence being crumpled into two words. "Talking. Now"

"Maybe I should keep talking then." The words, once again, flew out of her mouth uncontrollably. A death wish was what her mind perceived this as. Simple teenage defiance. But no matter how hard she tried to convince herself that everything was going to be okay, the eyes staring at her in disbelief said otherwise. 

Her lack of self-control was going to be the death of her. That was debated to be her cause of death. But as the girl heeded the look of fear, she closed her mouth, taking the time to finally swallow the acidic liquid sloshing around her cheeks and sit down. 

In silence, guards moved around the room in sync, as though the music played and they were following a swift choreography. Setting plates in front of them, juicy steaks glistening off the chandelier above paired with sparkling wine glasses full of delectable red wine.