Chapter Text
“Hey, Gihun? Are you alright?”
Gihun blinked rapidly, turning around from where he was at the cash register. “Hyunju! You need somethin’?”
He flashed her a playful smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. His jolly aura that usually cheered up everyone around him was dull and forced.
”Hyung. You seem out of it today.” Hyunju stated, and Gihun saw the concern written all over her face.
He sighed, rubbing his hands over his face aggressively, like that would help. “I just didn’t get a lot of sleep last night—that’s all! No need to worry ‘bout me.” He gave her a sheepish chuckle to try and play it off.
Hyunju raised a brow and pushed a bit further. “Did something happen between you and Inho-ah?”
He practically jumped up. ”What?! How’d you know?!” Gihun stammered, glaring suspiciously at his friend.
“You two are usually pretty inseparable. He hasn’t visited the café in a few days either.” She explained. Gihun never understood how she could read him so well.
Damn Hyunju for being so perspective.
He watched Hyunju prepare an iced coffee for a moment, stalling his response.
Gihun finally let out a huff. “Yeah yeah, it wasn’t that big of a deal… just a small argument.” He looked away from Hyunju, and glanced at a customer cooing at Kimchi, who was unamused. It was hard to focus on the tabby kitty, his vision was slightly blurred at the edges. Gihun let it slide—it was probably just his tiredness.
”If it wasn’t a big deal I bet you’d have slept last night.” Hyunju’s voice is flat but there’s a hint of amusement. Even in Gihun's worst moments he always found a way to sound idiotic. It was hard to take himself seriously sometimes.
"I just... agh." Gihun put a hand on the counter. He felt lightheaded. Strange. Not good.
Hyunju almost instantly took a step closer, protectively holding out her hands in case Gihun were to fall. "Gihun-ah." She paused. "You aren't fine. I can get Junhee to..."
That was the last thing Gihun heard from his friend. His lightheadedness soon turned into a dizzying headache. The café interior started spinning. He felt fucked up, seriously. Gihun attempted to speak but nothing came out other than a croak.
———
Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.
Gihun shifted where he laid, trying to twist out the uncomfortable feeling in his torso—and head. Shit, his whole body ached. He blinked, trying to bring the blurred white room into view.
He heard a whisper of a voice, but it sounded drowned out. His ears still rung much louder than whoever was calling out to him. Eventually he could piece out the familiar sound of his name.
“Gihun?”
He almost immediately recognized that voice. Gihun saw the outline of a figure in dark clothes, with a baby in their arms. He groaned, sitting up as much as he could and rubbing his eyes.
”Hwang Inho.”
Gihun attempted to smile. It was lopsided and barely there, due to the lingering pain and exhaustion—but he smiled.
As his vision finally cleared, he confirmed his suspicion. He was in a hospital. Gihun glanced around for a moment, before directing his attention back to the man sitting before him.
Gihun examined Inho silently for a moment. He looked utterly bamboozled. Geez, was saying his full name that big of a deal? Maybe the docs told him that I’d forget everything from the fall. What was that called again? Amnesia.
His gaze fell on the baby cradled in Inho’s arms, Yumin. She looked peaceful, but she was swaddled in a strange green jacket. He spoke up once more. “Are you babysitting Yumin for Junhee?”
Inho blinked and just stared at him for a second. Like he was stupid! Well, he felt stupid. Gihun looked away for a second, slightly embarrassed. Maybe he should just stop talking.
“Gihun… do you remember what happened?” Inho’s voice was slightly shaky. When Gihun looked over again, he saw just how tired Inho looked. His friend looked like he went through hell and back, maybe twice.
Gihun nodded, but he wasn’t actually sure his words were true. “I was just doing my shift at Purrfect Brews and passed out. I’m guessing Hyunju bought me here. You should thank her, y’know.”
He didn’t think Inho could look more confused than he already was. Boy was he wrong. Inho looked like he saw a ghost.
“...What?” Inho stated flatly. There was no nonsense or usual concern radiating off of him–he just looked lost.
Just as Gihun was about to stammer out an awkward reply, the room door clicked open and a nurse walked in. “Ah, Mr. Seong. You’re awake.”
Gihun nodded and switched his attention towards the lady. The nurse would know what the hell happened. Maybe Inho didn't know all the details.
“How are you feeling? I’m going to ask you a few questions. The fall you took could have caused amnesia.” The nurse pulled out a clipboard and stood by the bed.
Ah, right. Maybe he just had some amnesia or something. That was it. Gihun cracked a small smile towards the nurse as he spoke. “I’m feeling pretty sore. Other than that, I'm just splendid!”
His eyes flickered back to Inho for a second—who just stared at him. Maybe I just look really rough. Inho's just concerned and confused.
“I can grab you some more pain medicine after.” She pauses. “Your full name?”
“Seong Gihun, obviously.”
“Date of birth?”
“October 31, 1974.”
“Any relatives or family members?”
“My precious daughter Gayeong, my ma Malsoon–and I guess my ex wife.”
The nurse nodded and checked something off of the clipboard. “Good. Do you remember what happened that got you here?”
“Ah, um…” Gihun chuckled sheepishly. The way that Inho reacted probably meant what he said before didn’t actually happen. What should he say?
Before he could attempt at an answer, Inho interjected. “Can we talk about that later, miss? He just woke up.” His voice was stern. It was a question, but it sounded more like an order.
“Of course... sir. Here, drink some water Mr. Seong. You’re dehydrated.” She grabs a plastic cup with a weird blue straw, and moves to give it to Gihun. Inho grabs the nurse’s wrist and takes the cup from her hand.
“Leave us, please. I can handle this.” He said blankly, letting go of her wrist. Again, it was supposed to be polite—but his tone clearly stated there was no room for argument.
The nurse skittishly backed away and nodded before leaving the hospital room. Inho sighed exasperatedly and directed his attention back to Gihun. He placed Yumin, who was sleeping soundly, in the hospital bed next to him. Now that he had both his hands he grabbed the cup and put the straw up to Gihun’s lips. “Drink. Then we can talk.”
Gihun grumbled under his breath, something about Inho being demanding or something. He didn’t even know himself. Reluctantly he took a big sip. Fuck, I’ve never been this thirsty in all my life.
Inho pulled the cup away. “Don’t drink too fast.” He spoke stoically. Inho placed the cup on the tabletop nearby.
He rolled his eyes—but was now more focused on the baby girl laying next to him. Gihun put an arm around her and held her close. Now that he was sitting slightly upwards, he got a good look at the damage. The blanket was pushed down only around his legs, giving him more view of his bare chest. There was a bandage wrapped around his torso, a side of it was doused in dried blood.
That was probably the most serious damage. There were scars here and there stitched up—or spots that were extra sore. He huffed. It looked like I fell from a skyscraper. Perhaps the ground was covered in spikes as well, haha.
Gihun laid back down on the pillow with a sigh. All that thinking and… stuff, made me sleepy. He opened his eyes slightly to look over at Inho. “Hey. Do the others know I’m here? At least tell Sangwoo and Jungbae. They must be worried I’m not home yet.” He mused—looking up expectantly at Inho.
“Gihun.”
Gihun blinked at the tone of his friend’s voice. It was hard to read Inho, but he could tell something was up. “Yeah, Inho-ah?”
They both just stared at each other for a beat. Gihun fidgeted with the hem of Yumin’s swaddle, that weird green jacket—with the numbers 456 on it. Inho eventually continued. “Please. I’m being serious. Do you actually not remember anything? Anything I’ve done?”
“Are you talking about the fight? Inho-ah, it wasn’t that serious-”
“Gihun. We’ve done way more than just fight.”
“You’re spouting out nonsense right now. Just…” He sighed. “Go. If you don’t want to get Jungbae or Sangwoo, get someone, anyone. Please don’t tell my ma about this yet, though? You know how she-”
“Gihun. I am not leaving.”
“Then tell me why you’re acting so weird!” He hissed, but his anger faded. Too much movement, my body burns. He slumped back onto the pillow sluggishly. “Tell me... Please.”
Inho frowned—looking away in an almost ashamed manner. “It’s best if you heal first. Once you have your memories back… if you get your memories back, then we can talk more.”
Gihun closed his eyes, twisting slightly to turn more to Inho. “Alright, alright. Whatever.” Eventually he opened his eyes again and noticed the door that led to the restroom. The mirror was conveniently placed where he could see himself. “What the- my hair!” He wined, now self aware of how short his hair was. He pouted as he ruffled his locks.
Inho tilted his head slightly and observed Gihun. “What about your hair?”
“It’s so short! I swear it was down to my chin the last time I checked.”
There was a pause. “Gihun, it’s been short for about two years now.”
“Sure, Inho-ah. Sure.” He was too banged up to want to argue anymore.
Inho’s lips pressed together and he sat up straighter. What was up with this dude? He’s acting like everything I say is weird. He’s the weirdo.
Now that Gihun had a better look at himself, he almost flinched. He looked worse for wear. Thinner, he could definitely put on a couple pounds—and maybe he went into the future, since he looked at least 10 years older. “I look shitty.” He mumbled, more to himself than Inho.
“I’m going to order you some food.” Inho mechanically stood up and smoothed out his clothes. He scooped up Yumin from besides Gihun.
Gihun perked up slightly at the mention of eating—letting go of Yumin so Inho could grab her. Now that food was mentioned, he could probably classify his hunger as absolutely starving. “Ooh, can you get-”
“I’m just getting you some rice and soup from the hospital cafeteria.” He interrupted and walked out of the hospital room. The door closed behind him with a soft click.
Gihun blinked and watched his friend leave. “Rude much?” He groaned and picked at the medical tape holding his IV in place.
Gihun stared up at the white hospital ceiling. Now that he was alone he had time to actually think about what the hell is happening.
He still isn’t completely sure why he ended up here. If I didn’t pass out at Purrfect Brews, then what?
Ah shit I totally forgot to ask the nurse.
That was Inho’s fault for kicking her out. Oh Hwang Inho. What is up with you today? You’re acting so weird around me. Did I do something wrong? Gihun’s attention shifts to the clock hanging on the wall. Almost 7pm. He wasn’t incredibly tired since he still wanted to talk to a nurse, or at least Inho.
Though—he decided to close his eyes anyways. Maybe sleeping will bring me back some memories. I hope.
He sagged into the bed and pulled up the scratchy blanket to his chin, with only minimal struggle. Gihun assumed Inho would wake him when he got back with food, so he drifted off.
Gihun woke up to the feeling of coolness in his wrist. He shifts slightly and squints his eyes—expecting the brightness of the hospital lights. He blinked as he realized it was dark, the only light being the illumination of the buttons on many medical machines.
"Mr. Seong. My apologies for waking you."
The soft voice of a woman made him look upward. There, standing over him and currently injecting the plug of his IV with some sort of medication—was the nurse. Gihun watched her work for a moment before he remembered something.
"Hey, nurse gal, did Inho come back from the cafeteria?" His voice was groggy from sleep.
She nodded her head but the motion was barely visible in the dark light. "Mr. Hwang? He saw you were asleep and decided to let you be. That's what he told me."
Gihun suppressed a groan. Why didn't he just wake me up? Now I'm even more hungry. "Ah. Where is he, huh?"
He saw the nurse's gaze flicker to the door. "Right outside of here, talking to the doctor."
Gihun paused for a split second. "I have a question."
She gathered the trash and empty barrel that injected the medication into him, throwing it away before responding. "Go ahead, Mr. Seong."
"How did I get put here? I seriously don't remember—and... my friend won't tell me anything." He grumbled and awaited her reply somewhat impatiently.
She paused in place for a moment before walking slowly back to the bedside. "Well, Mr. Hwang was the only witness we are aware of, but by what he told us..."
There was an uncomfortable beat of silence. "You had jumped off of a high building in an attempt to end your life."
"I did... what?!"
Gihun felt like a bolder of emotions just got thrown onto him. He never thought in all his life—almost all his life—that he would try to kill himself. By what Gihun recalled, he was a happy fellow with a peaceful life as a café owner. Gihun had friends he could count on and a wonderful ma, plus his adorable daughter. What on earth happened that would make him do such a thing?
He barely took notice of the hospital door opening or two people walking in. He wanted to cry, scream, and let out the loudest laugh he's ever laughed all at once. This whole thing is ridiculous and damn near hilarious.
"Gihun. Here, your food." Inho moved to press the button on the side of the hospital bed, which bended the mattress more allowing Gihun to sit up. Inho placed a tray of food—that didn't look half bad for hospital shit—on his lap. It was cold though, probably because its been sitting out for so long.
Gihun mumbled a drowsy thanks and dug into the food like a starving animal. He turned to watch Inho, the nurse, and who he assumed was the doctor all talk to one another. He felt like a 6 year old listening to his parents talk about politics. In short, he felt clueless. Nonetheless he continued shoving rice and soup into his mouth.
He glanced up at the clock in curiosity. 12pm?! He slept for longer than he thought. That also explains how much quieter the building sounds—other than the occasional cry of a child or beep of a machine. Gihun felt a little guilty that he was the reason Inho was still awake. He wanted to yell at him to go home and sleep, but he also didn't want to interrupt whatever serious conversation they were having.
Eventually the doctor turned towards him. "Have a good night, Mr. Seong." The doctor walked out, and was soon followed by the nurse—leaving Inho and Gihun alone once more. Inho stared at the door as it clicked shut before letting out a sigh and sitting down on the chair. Gihun reached to put the now empty metal tray on the tabletop, which he couldn't quite reach from his position—so Inho helped.
"Thanks." Gihun murmured and shifted to look at Inho. The man before him almost looked ominous in the dark lighting. He shook the thought away—Inho was one of the sweetest people he's met. He wouldn't ever think he was even the slightest bit scary. Gihun decided to break the silence. "Um, the nurse told me how I got like, this." He motioned to himself weakly.
Inho quickly glanced away and Gihun swore he saw his face loose color. "Ah. Okay." Inho folded his hands in his lap.
"Is that really what happened, Inho-ah?" Gihun's words almost came out as a whisper—he was afraid of the answer.
A beat. "No."
He let out a shaky exhale. "What happened, then?"
"Gihun. You should sle-"
"Stop avoiding this!" Gihun's voice came out as an angry hiss. He was tired of being left in the dark about what the fuck was going on. Tell me, Inho, I need to know.
He didn't miss the way Inho flinched slightly at his outburst. Inho let out a breath and spoke. "Tomorrow. Tomorrow I'll tell you everything. Sleep... there is still a chance you can get your memories back—and I'm sure resting will help."
Gihun is practically vibrating, wanting to argue that he wanted answers now. He was pissed and slightly disappointed as the dismissal—but accepted Inho's stubbornness and nodded slowly. "Okay. I'll sleep. Then you talk."
Inho hummed, obviously satisfied with Gihun's quick defeat. Gihun watched him stand and walk to the couch. It must be a pull-out bed, since he begins messing with it in the dark until he's able to extend it.
"What're you doing?" Gihun drowsily observed his friend.
Inho didn't look back. "I'm sleeping here tonight."
He scoffed. "I don't need a babysitter, Inho-ah."
Inho doesn't respond and continues setting up the makeshift bed. Once he's content with it, Gihun watches him lie down. Inho lets out a soft coo. "Goodnight, Gihun."
Gihun is amused at his friend's willfulness, he couldn't stay annoyed or argue—so he moved in his own bed to get comfortable. "Goodnight, and sleep tight, Inho."
The last thing he hears the rustling of blankets from the couch where Inho decided to sleep. In a flash, the atmosphere from the hospital shifts. Gihun blinks—the familiar ding of an elevator pulling him out of slumber. His breath hitches as he realizes he's not in bed anymore. He franticly looks around and takes in the unfamiliar room. It's mostly shades of black, the most prominent addition was a leather chair facing a plain wooden chair, and a table in between. There was a wall decorated elegantly with wine bottles.
In the leather chair seats a man with a strange costume on, dressed in silky black with a geometric mask covering his face. Gihun turns to the elevator where he heard the ding, which was down a narrow hallway. The metal doors open. It's him. battered, bruised, and in a weird suit, but him. His eyes flicker the the numbers plastered on his chest—456. Those were the numbers on the jacket that swaddled Yumin.
That was besides the point. Why the fuck was he seeing himself? In this strange room no less. Gihun watched himself walk down the hallway and towards the masked man. Damn, I look pissed. He knew this situation was strange at best, but he was quite interested in whatever drama he and this man had.
"Take a seat. This could take a while." The man's voice was muffled from the mask. Gihun wonders why he's hiding his identity. He watches himself sit down, slowly and reluctantly—not taking his eyes of the masked man. The man continues. "I have a proposition for you." A beat. "It's about your future. And the baby's."
The baby's future? What baby? Gihun tries to think of any babies he knows, but the only one he can think of is Yumin. His thoughts get cut off by his own voice.
"Did we ever... have a future to begin with?" His own lifeless but still very emotional voice made him shiver. Those words were deep—though he was unknown of the context of them.
"As you have probably guessed, the others will target you and the baby in the next game."
"Isn't that what you and the people above you want?" He himself retorted. "That's why you put a newborn in the game." The next words came out as a snarl. "You want to see those money-crazed people kill the baby with your own eyes."
Gihun's eyes widen at his own words. Newborn. Game. Kill the baby? He took a step back towards the wall but didn't look away. What was he talking about?
"I'm trying to help you and the baby here." The masked man spoke sternly.
The other Gihun scoffed. "You're trying to help us?" His voice was very unbelieving.
The masked man pulls out what seems to be a blade and places in on the table in front of his other self with a thud. "Take this knife back to your quarters and kill the trash who wants to kill you and the baby."
His breath stuttered. This man wanted him to... kill? I would never do such a thing. Never. Right?
"They’re fast asleep after all the food and drink. Slit their throats one by one, no one will notice."
Gihun's face paled at the thought. Even just thinking about it made him want to gag. Whoever this man is, they're a piece of shit.
"Why are you suggesting this?" His other's voice was too calm for what the masked man just said.
He observed as the man lifted his hands to cup the black geometric mask hiding his face. Gihun watched in curiosity as he slowly unclipped it and peeled it off his face. His other seemed quite intrigued as well. They both watched as the man pulls back his hood. Gihun stares in horror.
Inho.
"Mr. Seong Gi-hun. I’m sorry about Jungbae."
Sorry about Jungbae? What did Inho do to Jungbae?
He watches the other Gihun grunt, angerly sitting up and holding the knife in a defensive position. The pure anger etched on his own face is horrific. The other's breathing is heavy as he freezes in place.
"Do you want to kill me? Then go ahead. It’s just you and me here."
Gihun stares dreadfully at Inho, then glances as himself. No... no I don't want to kill you. Please don't kill Inho.
"There’s no one here to stop you. But killing me won’t change anything. Someone else will take my place, and tomorrow’s game will still go ahead. And in that game, you’ll have to fight the trash trying to kill you and the baby."
The other Gihun's breath trembles, and he watches him clutch the knife tighter—but lowers it slightly. Gihun watches the suspenseful scene in front of him with wide eyes. He has no idea what Inho is talking about. His own obliviousness makes him more afraid.
"Once you kill all of them, you and the baby will be the only players left. The next game can’t be played with only two people. Then, according to the rules, the game will end there. You and the baby will get out of here alive. You have my word."
Gihun eyes Inho like he's a complete maniac. Maybe he is. What on earth is his friend talking about?
"They will try to kill you and the baby tomorrow. Kill them first. That is the best choice you can make right now."
Gihun watches intently as his other self straightens up. For a beat they just stare at each other, before the other Gihun turns and walks down the hallway. Gihun trembles as he moves to follow.
"Player 456."
He and his other freezes.
"Do you still have faith in people?"
Gihun's breath hitches and he turns to look back at Inho. That question was directed to his other self, but if he were to answer—he'd say he has never not had faith in people. His other doesn't respond to Inho, but speaks.
"You shouldn't be here. Gihun."
Gihun blinks, realizing he was being spoken to. "W-what?"
The other Gihun turns to look at him—his face was twisted and disformed into something horrific and dead. "Wake up."
Gihun gasps when he finally snaps out of it. He breaths heavily and grips the hospital bed sheets, still shook by what the hell just happened. He slowly turns to see Inho, sitting in the nearby chair clutching a cup of coffee. "Gihun. Are you alright?"
He blinks and takes a moment to register the question. He nods dumbly—too dazed to respond.
Inho sighs, placing the cup down. He doesn't push further and attempts to switch the topic. "Do you remember anything now?"
Gihun relaxes his current tense form as he takes in the sunrise lit hospital once more. Was what he just saw, a memory? No. He refused to believe Inho was anything like that man. Gihun shakes his head. "No. I don't."
"Alright. I made a promise." He pauses. "I'll start with the most... crucial thing you should know." Gihun watches Inho's hands dig into the fabric of his pants. Oh boy, this was not going to be good.
Inho swallows before continuing. "Can you name me some of your... friends? Excluding me, if you even call me your friend."
Gihun tilts his head at Inho's words, a bit confused by the question and why Inho would think they aren't friends, but he answers anyways. "Well... there's Jungbae, Sangwoo, Saebyeok, oh—Hyunju, Junhee, Ali..." He was about to continue when Inho interrupts.
"They're all dead."