ℳ𝓎 ℛ𝓊𝒾𝓃 | 𝐺𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑖𝐹𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑡ℎ

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑵𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝑩𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆

𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕

Today is the day before the hide and seek event.

The whole house was buzzing with fear and dread.

Today, we woke up and found a thousand skincare ready for us.

We all sat in the big makeup and dress up room and did our skincare.

First, we had to wash our face thoroughly with face wash.

Second, we had to put on a face mask and wait 20 minutes.

Peeling off the sheet mask, we put on various serum, toner, and cream. And then, we put on a lip mask after scrubbing it until it was at the verge of bleeding. And then, some lip balm and we were done.

For breakfast, we had nothing. Except for warm tea. By tea, I meant warm water with honey and lemon.

After that, we went through an extreme workout session. 100 jumping jacks, 10 minutes plank, 15 minutes mountain climber and what not.

And then we had to take a shower with a thousand different body wash and shampoo.

For lunch, we had a salad with no protein or dressing. Just lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and other vegetables.

And now, dressing.

We entered the big room again. And this time, there were a lot more instructors.

"I think the blue shirt will make you look more pretty. It's cool tone. Will bring out your fair skin" The nicer guy pointed. I nod once. It was quite pretty.

"But the pink....It will not suit you. And green? Never. But maybe mint..." He trailed off while staring behind me.

Then, he walked away.

I look around and see nothing suspicious.

Turning my attention back to the dresses, I pick out the mint one and head towards the dressing rooms.

I open one of the door and freeze.

There was one of the guys fucking Alex, one of my "friends".

"Get the fuck out" the guy whispered. But i couldn't leave Alex alone. His eyes were screaming for help.

I don't think they are allowed to harass someone before the event.

I step back and call for the nicer guy.

"Someone is fucking Alex. Help please" His hands clench and he storms towards the rooms.

He flung it open and everyone turned to look at them.

"You are not fucking allowed to that. Remember!" He shouts while grabbing the guy's collar and throwing him on the ground.

"Sorry. I was just.."

"You were just what?!" He shouts again.

Meanwhile, I drag Alex out of the room and help him get dressed.

"Are you okay?"

"I-I am...Thanks" He replies weakly.

"Have you eaten?" I ask, my grip on his arm becoming tighter.

"I didn't wanna eat..." He trails off and collapses. His face was pale and his body was hot. How will he be able to do the event tomorrow?

"Help!" I shout and some others turn to me, their eyes slightly widening.

"Fuck! What happened to him?" Out of the blue, Natalie appeared.

"He fainted..." I reply. The nicer guy shows up from behind her, his expression hard and serious.

"Alex didn't eat much since he was not feeling like it. He told me that if he takes one more bite, he'll vomit. And then, just a while ago, that asshole Jack cornered him and.. You know"

Judging from her expression, she was mad. Like really mad.

"Where is he?" She said through gritted teeth.

"Threw a few punch. Knocked him out. He's sleeping for now" Natalie smirked, patting the guy on the shoulder.

"Good job. I knew I could count on you" Then, she turned her heels and walk away.

The guy took Alex from my arms and led him to his room. And all of us returned to our works.

"Hey!" I whisper shout to one of the people beside me.

"Hmm?" The girl answers. She is Mia.

"What happens in the hide and seek event? I couldn't really catch up"

"This is only my 2nd year. Last year, I got away and as promised, you get 3 days off. And if you are caught, you're sold. But if you do anything to defend yourself...The punishment is brutal."

"What is that punishment?"

"Well, after apologizing to the guest, if he still wants to keep her, he can. But if he refuses. There is consequences. The consequences being...locked in a tight space with various bugs and small animals, like spider, lizard, snake and what not. Its like that ancient punishment. And after 10 minutes, they will let the person out and stay in their room. But, no one will treat their wounds. If anything happens, like the snakes biting, you will rot to death. This is the punishment. So, I would advice you not to "defend" yourself because it won't work."

Fucking hell!

What is this place? I mean, no wonder it's called the darkest part of the society.

"Hurry up everyone! You are going to sleep early for tomorrow" The guards clapped and after making some final decisions, we head out.

I take a cold shower and step out of the room. The usual tight space was warm and comforting now. Maybe because it's my last day.

I take a sit on the bed and just stare at nothingness. My thoughts going back to Gemini. This time, even Phuwin. I just wanted to get out of this hellhole.

Tomorrow is the beginning of everything.