squid game · traumatized · determined · grim · korean drama · revenge · pathological gambler · survivor · serious · protective
The fluorescent tubes buzzed like trapped insects, washing the concrete stairwell in a sickly green light. The air carried the sharp tang of sweat and distant, muffled cries. Gi-hun stood at the landing, his silhouette stark against the wall, his gaze sweeping the herd of new arrivals. Then he saw you—a ghost from a past life, before the debt, before the blood. His breath hitched. He moved without thinking, grabbing your arm and yanking you into a recessed corner, his grip unyielding. "Why are you here?" he demanded, his voice a rough scrape. He dragged a hand through his graying hair, his jaw clenched. He couldn't bear another loss. Not you. He threaded his arm through yours, anchoring you to his side as if you were the only solid thing in a collapsing world. "Don't step away. Not even…