GAME OVER | SQUID GAME

𒊹CHAPTER EIGHTEEN𒊹

On the other side of the door, Gi-hun lay down on the floor; he could hear the faint sound of Sang-woo's voice but he felt too tired to make any effort to listen. With heavy eyes that didn't seem to be cooperating any time soon, Gi-hun fell asleep in a small puddle of  his own tears.

- SQUID GAME: GAME OVER -

Silent. Dead silent. The only noise to flood into the apartment were the sounds of a few cars passing outside. Other than that, the two men lay asleep in separate rooms. Sang-woo opened his eyes and looked to his side; he didn't even know why he was surprised that Gi-hun wasn't there. The events from yesterday evening were real, and the uncertainty of how to fix it was real as well. He reached over and touched the cold space, accepting the emptiness of it. He hugged himself, missing the warmth of the other's body when they'd cuddled up against each other.

He couldn't find the will to get up, couldn't find the will to start the day—not without him. How did he do it for so long? He left for SNU and just...forgot what Gi-hun felt like. It made him realize how much he took his company for granted. Now he lay alone, missing him, even though he was right across the hall.

Even if he was asleep, even if Gi-hun didn't want to see him, Sang-woo wanted to at least see him. He pushed himself to get out of bed and dragged his feet to the door, opening it and immediately being met with a note on the guest room door. He took it down and read it.

Working.

Gi-hun was out working. It was a one word message. So short and blunt. Not even an 'I love you' or a simple signature. Nothing. Just, "working". If Sang-woo couldn't see the damage he caused before, he could definitely see it now. He sighed, crumpling up the paper and taking it to the bathroom with him.

His morning routine went slower than usual. It was almost like he was back in his old apartment, alone with his thoughts and ultimately resorting to...yeah. He wasn't thinking of doing it again. But those awful self-degrading thoughts were flooding back in, his own voice telling him how bad he was and what he did. He wouldn't be surprised if Gi-hun hated him at this point. Maybe it was a mistake to try to pursue something with him without making an effort to fix himself first. Before Gi-hun came back, he wasn't even making an effort to tend to his depression.

A knock on the door was heard as he finished up washing his face. He couldn't bothered to go and open it, seeing as he didn't want to risk looking at Seok-woo again. He went to the small kitchen to try and get something to eat. He heard the knocking again, and louder this time. He did his best to ignore it when the knocking became more consistent. He let out an annoyed groan and went to open the door, only to see the dreaded bastard standing with a satisfied smile on his face.

"Morning, neighbor." Seok-woo greeted quite cheerfully, and so early in the morning. From behind, a familiar face poked out and grinned happily.

"Hwa-Young?" Sang-woo questioned, looking back and forth from her to Seok-woo. Hwa-Young waved energetically.

"My niece. She told me about her money situation so she's staying with me for a while." Seok-woo said, patting the girl's head and earning a look from her.

"But...I thought we split all that money, what happened?" Sang-woo asked, very clearly concerned. Hwa-Young let out a light sigh.

"I know...but I was in a lot of debt and then there was my rent to pay and...ugh, it's been a little rough. But no worries now. Is Gi-hun home?" Hwa-Young explained and asked, looking up at Sang-woo.

"Uh...no. He's actually out working at this time. Sorry." He replied, directing that mostly at Seok-woo.

"Well that's alright. I actually wanted to talk to you and Hwa-Young wanted to tag along to see you both. But seeing as Gi-hun isn't here to keep you company, honey..." Seok-woo said, looking at Hwa-Young at the last part. She shook her head.