A Game Of Love And Deception

1

I stood miserably in the dimly lit streets of my worn out neighbourhood. The weight of debt pressed upon my shoulders like an unyielding burden. I trudged wearily through the damp, slippery floors, my every step a struggle. It was an exhausting and dreary journey. I finally make it home yet it doesn't feel very home like. Arriving to a cramped and tight space, it's not hard to feel disheartened.

I plop down on the sofa, exhausted, and kick off my shoes. I let out a deep sigh as my stomach growls loudly. With a heavy drag, I make my way to the kitchen which definitely isn't spacious. I can't help but roll my eyes as I open the fridge, only to find it completely empty. Frustrated, I make the decision to make some instant noodles. After devouring the last spoonful of instant noodles, I let out a satisfied sigh, savouring the comforting taste that temporarily eased my hunger. A wave of exhaustion washed over me. My eyes grew heavy and before I knew it i drifted into an involuntary sleep.

Suddenly my eyes shot wide open in realisation. It was the next morning and I forgot about work. I frantically checked the time and "shit! I'm late!" In a rush I scramble to get ready and I sprint out of the house. I'm determined to make it to the train station on time! If I miss this train then i'll be late for work and I can't afford to do that. As I arrive, panting and disheveled, I realise with frustration that i've missed my train. I let out a quiet swear under my breathe and slump onto the bench, praying that the next train arrives soon. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a man with a briefcase approaching me.

"Hello!" he says with a smile on his face. He sits down besides me. "Do you have a minute?" he asks. "Im good," I reply, feeling confused. I shuffle to the end of the bench, creating distance between us. Despite that, he doesn't stop talking. "I'd like to give you an opportunity," he adds, causing me to raise my eyebrows as I glance at him. "What?" The confusion is evident in my voice. "Would you like to play a game with me?" He asks confidently. I furrow my eyebrows, roll my eyes and scoff in response. He opens his briefcase and slides it towards me. Im in awe as I look inside. Money? What's going on? "Have you played ddakji before?" he inquired. I remain silent, my eyes fixed on the money in the briefcase, contemplating what's happening. He takes out two folded paper tiles out of his briefcase. One red, one blue. "Play with me and every time you win I will give you 100,000 won," he states . My jaw drops in disbelief. Is this guy serious? I look back at the money in the briefcase. He adds, "however each time I win, you must give me 100,000 won." I hesitate, unsure of what to do. I don't have the money, but who's to say I won't win?

"I'll let you go first," he says, giving me a challenging look. "And this isn't some sort of scam?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. He smirks back at me reassuringly. "I'll go first then," I state. He nods in agreement, ready to begin. We both stand. I choose the blue card and he places the red one on the marble floor of the station. I raise my arm in the air and slam my card onto his with force, but to my surprise, it doesn't flip. I let out a frustrated sigh as he picks up his red card with confidence. He gestures for me to move to the side and I do so. I anxiously bite my lip, filled with anticipation, as he raises his arm in the air, ready to throw his card. With a swift motion, he successfully flips my card over. I let out a quiet gasp, feeling both surprised and frustrated.

What do I do now? I don't have any money to pay him. "Do you not have any money?" He asks. I freeze, feeling a mix of fear and desperation. I fumble with my words trying to come up with an excuse. "Money...umm.." I stammer. Before I can respond, he slaps me across the face, leaving me in shock and feeling the sting on my cheek. "I'll take off 100,000 won per slap," he declares. I raise an eyebrow, gathering my strength, and pick up my card again. "One more round!" I exclaim desperately. He nods, and I prepare myself for another round. The train I was waiting for arrives, but i'm too focused on the game to pay it any mind. As people step out of the train, they cast curious glances our way, clearly puzzled. With all my strength, I raise my arm and slam my card onto his, hopeful that it'll flip. To my disappointment, it doesn't.

I mutter a curse under my breathe as he calmly picks up his card, preparing to throw. Once he does, he's successful yet again. He smirks as I ready myself for another slap. He strikes me across the face causing me to let out a grunt. Shaking off the sting, I gather my determination and get ready to continue the game.

As the game continues, I keep losing whilst he keeps winning, my face becoming bruised from all the slaps. Exhausted, I pick up my card again and throw it with a powerful force, flipping his card over. I can't contain my excitement as I jump up and down, exclaiming "I won! Did you see?! I won!" However, in my victorious haze, I almost forget about the 100,000 won at stake. He quickly grabs my arm, preventing me from slapping him, and with a grin, he hands me the money.

As we sit back down onto the bench, my face still stinging from the slaps, I eagerly count the money. The man suggests, "miss, you can make a lot of money by playing such games for a few days." I look at him skeptically, saying, "is this some kind of scheme? I'm not that naive" Chuckling, I continue counting. He sighs then speaks up again, "miss Kang Ji-Yoo." My grin fades as I am suddenly taken aback. How does he know my name? I stare at him in confusion. He reveals, " You signed a disclaimer of physical rights today, didn't you?" I remain silent, shocked. "Name, Kang Ji-Yoo, 38 years old." I gulp as he continues, "Education, Haneul High School. Former employee of Jisik Marketing Agency. Resigned 3 years ago. Currently working at Ari Coffee House. Has one ex, broken up 4 years ago. As of now, you owe 158 million won to loan sharks and 200 million won to the bank." My heart races and I demand, "Who are you? Why did you run a background check on me?" He hands me a brown card with three shapes on the back- a circle, triangle and a square. "We don't have many spots left," he says, leaving me intrigued. He walks off as i analyse the front of the card, which contains a phone number. I look back up and see him entering a train. He smiles and waves as the doors close and the train begins to move.

I stand there, staring at the money I had just won, a smile returning to my face. "Whatever," I laugh, feeling a surge of excitement as I walk off with the money.