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SIX | NO CHAINS HOLDING ME

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THE COFFEE SHOP WAS packed.

Custom-made rusted wire chandeliers hang overhead and the noise level was at a pleasant buzz. Broad, big tables with comfortable wooden seats, collected from a dismantled boat, were close to the back window. Soo-Jin effortlessly balanced all the coffee cups and snacks in her tray, serving them to all the patrons with ease. Giving everyone a dazzling smile, she returned to the counter and leant against it.

Honestly, she loved the job since the customers were kind to her and very generous and the pay was more than enough to pay her apartment rent.

It was just the son of her boss who was a major asshole.

Seriously, if there was an award for 'biggest asshole of the year', she'd give it to him, undoubtedly.

He was her previous fellow student in SNU. Park Dae-Hyun. They both studied Political Science and she was always ahead of him in the student rank. He despised her for always being the number one student of their class and expressed it numerous times whenever they would see each other outside of the university. Soo-Jin had no idea why all of the mothers he could have, it had to be her boss. Now, whenever he was in the coffee shop, he would boast to her how successful he was now as a lawyer to invoke reactions from her. To his disappointment, however, Soo-Jin doesn't pay him any attention... until now.

There had been numerous times where she wanted to tell her boss about Dae-Hyun's constant pestering, but then always decided against it since Dae-Hyun once threatened her that she would lose her job if she spoke up and he will make sure that she won't get anymore work in Seoul.

"Ya, Chang Soo-Jin," he called her. "Ah, no, no! Waitress! That's right! That's who you are... a waitress."

But, Soo-Jin only passed him, gently placing down her tray. When the next order had been settled, she once again took it and proceeded to the table where it should be served. Unfortunately, Dae-Hyun blocked her path, causing her to glare at him.

"I am working, sir. Kindly step out of my way so I can serve the customers of this café."

"You can only ignore me for so long, Soo-Jin." he taunted. "How does it feel? That I am successful and you're not? You're always going to be this café's waitress. Boys! Come here! This is the girl I've..."

Soo-Jin gave him a tight-lipped smile and stepped to his side to get away from him. Walking back to the counter, she caught sight of a familiar brown business card hidden beneath one of the glasses. Picking it up, she read a location and time and quickly knew that it was where she will be picked up if she decides to return.

Will she return to those games? Even when it had deadly consequences?

She smirked. Why not?

"You'll always be nothing, Chang Soo-Jin! Do you hear me? Nothing until you die!"

Staring at the card again, something clicks inside Soo-Jin and her emotions just shut off.

She spun around on her heel and sauntered over to her tormentor of two years. Dae-Hyun saw her and snickered, tapping his friends' shoulders. He then met her halfway, opening his mouth to speak when Soo-Jin struck his nose. A sickening crack sliced through the air and the patrons around them gasped as Dae-Hyun stumbled backwards, holding his bleeding nose.

"Damn, that was so satisfying." Soo-Jin removed her hair tie and combed her fingers through her hair.

"Aish, you bitch!"

He lunged at her, but she dodged and grabbed him by his ear. She then slammed his head on one of the vacant tables, causing him to fall on the ground with a loud thud.

He groaned, closing his eyes. "You can't accept that I am thriving and -- "

"No, you're envious of me, Dae-Hyun." cut off Soo-Jin, her voice sharp like a knife. "You're insecure because you know deep inside, no matter what you do, I will always be better than you."

"You..."

Rolling her eyes, she delivered another punch to his jaw and he crashed to the wooden floor, yelling in pain. Soo-Jin knelt close to his body. "You better pray we never cross paths again, Park Dae-Hyun, because if we do... I will ruin you."

And with that, she took off her apron and harshly threw it at his face. The brunette looked once again at the card in her hand and gripped it. This was her one chance at a better life and she wasn't going to waste it.

For her sister and herself.

Having been brought down numerous times by people and situations, it was only time that Chang Soo-Jin was going to show what she really was.

What the word achiever really means.

There are no chains holding me. I am that I am. She proudly declared to herself.

"You're going to pay for this!" screeched the son of her boss, holding his nose up to stop the bleeding.

Soo-Jin raised her middle finger.

"I'll pay you..." She replied, opening the door wide upon reaching it and then smirked. "in hell."

CHANG SOO-JIN WAS BACK to what Gi-Hun referred to as the murder warehouse.

As she expected, she was greeted by the sight of the black bunker bed she saw when she first arrived. Once again, she was assigned to sleep in the bottom bed. Groaning, she sat up and clicked her tongue as her eyes darted down to her clothes. She was wearing another teal tracksuit, but her number, three hundred and twenty-one was still on her chest. Soo-Jin stretched her arms to the side and slowly stood up to scan the large white room.

What she first observed was how spacious the room had become as there were now less bunker beds around. Looking up at the screen, she saw that there were 187 players.

So, there are fourteen players who didn't return. She concluded in her mind. Will the hundred million won that is at stake with their lives be added right now or...?

"Miss!"

She turned her head around to see the boy who helped her break free from her binds when the games were first terminated. Her lips fall slightly as she saw him again because Soo-Jin didn't want him to be back, but then who was she to make that choice for him?

"Minjun!" She greeted back. "What are you doing here, you silly boy? Why did you come back?"

He shrugged, looking up to the transparent piggy bank that was filled with cash. "Like you, I want that."

Soo-Jin sighed, feeling her sisterly instincts kick in. She had just met him for hours, but she wanted to protect him already. She wrapped her arm around his shoulder and they walked together. "Okay, we're going to get that together. Just follow my advices, okay?"

"Of course! I believe in you, Miss. When you first confronted that thug, I already knew you're a badass!"

The woman chuckled and ruffled his hair. "Such faith you have in me, boy. Such faith."

Soo-Jin returned her gaze to the remaining players around. This time, they were no longer confused. They were already aware of the consequence that will follow if they fail in the games.

"There, look." She heard a familiar voice utter not far away from them. "That's the woman who couldn't name her kid. She came back too."

It was Gi-Hun and he was talking to player 001, the old man who broke the tie yesterday. She shook her head. Why is he in here? His mother is in the hospital, right? She internally questioned. Tapping her companion's shoulder, they both proceeded to approach him and make themselves known.

"Think she named her kid yet?"

"I don't know."

"I think the real question should be," Soo-Jin voiced out, leaving the boy's side. "Does she really have a kid? Because honestly, I don't think she has one."

"Soo-Jin!"

"Gi-Hun!" She returned his greeting with equal emotion then averted her attention to the old man. Smiling, she bowed her head. "Hello, sir."

"Ya, this is my childhood friend, Soo-Jin! She is our class valedictorian in high school and she's a former student of SNU." excitedly introduced Gi-Hun, leaning close to whisper. "I promise, ask her about the Korean Constitution and she will recite the whole chapter to you even reversed! She has a plan to become a lawyer."

"Gi-Hun..." Soo-Jin tapped his shoulder, growing shy and embarrassed. She wasn't accustomed to people telling her achievements.

"Ah," the old man nodded, beaming. "You're such a brilliant woman! I hope the future will be kind to you."

"Thank you, sir. How are you doing today? Are you okay? You played very well during that first game. You were amazing back there."

001 grinned and nodded. "I'm very much okay, young girl. Thank you." He coughed lightly. "If you don't mind me saying this, you remind me of my daughter-in-law. I had a son, you know. You kind of look like his wife."

Soo-Jin furrowed her eyebrows, curious. "Had? What happened to your son, sir?"

He didn't reply.

"Gi-hun, Soo-Jin."

"Oh, Sang-Woo."

The brunette tilted her head when she saw Sang-Woo for the first thing she noticed was his lack of glasses. He wasn't wearing them anymore. There was also a slight change in him, she noticed like he had gotten more confident and determined. Soo-Jin was then reminded of the times he removed his glasses and that was when he became all serious about certain things.

Actually, she didn't expect him to return, but then he was in debt just like them. Maybe, he wants to save his mother's shop. She thought. "So, you're here. I didn't think I'd see you." Sang-Woo clicked his tongue, lightly shaking his head.

Gi-Hun looked down at the floor and gave an awkward chuckle. "Neither did I. And you? Your mom, did you see her?"

Sang-Woo only released a sigh, not answering the question. The two of them locked eyes and Soo-Jin immediately looked away upon remembering what happened between them hours ago. It was still fresh on her mind and her lips and to say she didn't want to do it again would be a complete and utter lie.

"Hey, good sirs and ma'am!"

Her bestfriend beamed at the sight of the foreigner who saved him from the first game. "Oh, hey! It's my angel."

"I'm happy to see all of you. I hope we make it."

Soo-Jin grinned, finding genuineness in his tone. He was a like a breath of fresh air. Finding people who were kind and genuine were rare to find. She knew then and there he could be trusted. "I like this guy." She mentioned to Gi-Hun then turned to the foreigner. "Thank you once again for saving my friend's life. I owe you one for that."

"Oh, it was nothing, ma'am."

The brunette chuckled. "Oh, don't call me, ma'am. Just call me, Soo-Jin."

"Soo-Jin..." he tested before anchoring his attention to Sang-Woo. "Thanks for the bus fare, sir. It meant so much to me."

"What, you gave him the bus fare?"

"Because he said that he'd walk Yeouido to Ansan."

Gi-Hun and Soo-Jin simultaneously awed and said, "That's so heartwarming." They then both laughed when they realized they said the same words, giving each other a high-five. That was what she loved about Gi-Hun. Things were light around him and when he was around, he always makes sure she never remembers her problems. A true friend.

"We're like a bunch of soldiers at training camp, huh? Don't you think, Soo-Jin?"

"Yes," She answered her friend's question. "Only I am not the one carrying the gun."

"A training camp is... what?" The foreigner asked, confused.

Soo-Jin tilted her head. "You know, it's like the army shooting guns." She then made finger guns and made a gesture like she was shooting someone, "Pew, pew."

"Oh! Soldiers all training together?"

She hummed. "You're adorable. I can tell we will be great friends." At this, the foreigner beamed, nodding joyfully.

"Yes, let's be friends!"

"Wait a minute. Since we're on the subject now, you should join me." Gi-Hun suggested. "We should just form our own team, don't you think?"

By then, Sang-Woo spoke up, surprising Soo-Jin since she didn't expect him to agree. She knew he preferred working alone, but right now, having a team was very helpful especially in creating plans and strategies on how to survive. That's right, survive. They were playing to survive. "You're right. Who knows what game they'll have us play next. It wouldn't hurt to be in a group so we're ready for anything."

"I think it's also safe to be in a team." enunciated Soo-Jin as she eyed player 101, the thug who beat up a young girl yesterday. Speaking of young girl, is she here? She asked herself, searching around. Oh, well. "That guy's recruiting as well. He's ruthless. We don't know what he might do so for protection, we should be in one team."

"Good idea. Hey, you should join up with us." told Gi-Hun, making Sang-Woo snap his gaze toward him as if he had committed a mistake. "I mean, we already know he's crazy strong. You saw it. He lifted me up with one hand like it was nothing at all." He convinced them both.

"You mean... that you, I can join you?"

"Yeah, sure. I don't see any problem with that." Soo-Jin spoke.

"Uh, so then, you'll be the new recruit. These two..." her bestfriend pointed to her and Sang-Woo, boldly. "are the skilled corporal, and that means I'm a sergeant."

The foreigner's lips broke into a grateful smile. "Oh, man. Thank you, sir, ma'am!"

"Please just drop the "sir" and "ma'am", will you?"

The young woman elbowed Sang-Woo's side, making him wince. "Be nice, Cho Sang-Woo."

"Can I join your group too?" This time, Minjun stepped up, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm as he looked at Soo-Jin. "Can I?"

Before anyone can speak up, Soo-Jin pulled the boy's arm and brought him close to her. "Of course!" she ruffled his hair. "You're with me. I will whoop all their asses if they say no."

Gi-Hun cackled. "I have no doubt about that. She's an underground fighter. She'll knock us out cold, but I don't think it's her fists that will get us all unconscious, it's her timeless beauty." He smoothly made known, making Soo-Jin laugh. She gave him another high-five.

"Aish... you flatterer, but yes." She shook her head and then posed as if she were a model in a magazine cover. "I am the national goddess. The soon-to-be star of Asia!"

She and Gi-Hun then hollered. The two of them were very close ever since they were kids so no matter what, they will always be bestfriends. Time and wounds may have torn them apart, but their friendship will forever remain. "Aish, you did want to become a model and actress when we were still kids." her bestfriend mentioned.

"I still want to become one. If I don't become a lawyer, then I'll be a model! I'm forty-six, but I still look twenty. Every beauty product out there will hire me as their brand endorser!"

"Excuse me." vocalized player 001 behind them, raising his hand. "If you don't mind, can I join up with all of you?"

"Yes, of course! So, he's also the new recruit, ans you can be the... Hold on," Gi-Hun paused in thought. "You can be the old major who's been in the army his entire life!"

"Thanks so much!"

The two laughed and Soo-Jin was reminded that Gi-Hun never had a father figure in his life. Perhaps, that was the reason why he had such soft spot for the old man. She, as well, felt it too, but it was like deeper like he was... family.

"Yeah! Quite a team we got going here. Damn! Let's do this!"

The woman flickered her gaze to Sang-Woo who seemed to be doing a million-yard stare. "You're okay?"

He did a double take and nodded. "Yeah, yeah. I'm fine."

"Attention. Your mealtime begins now. All players, please form a line in the center of the room."

Soo-Jin scrunched her nose. "Time for recess, boys. Come on."

And so all of them gathered their meals which were contained in small lunchboxes. Soo-Jin smiled softly at the sight. It was like they were in their kindergarten days and she remembered her adoptive mother preparing her food when she goes to her school. She missed her mother and father so much. They were the ones who really took care of her when she couldn't remember anything about her past. They showered her with the love and care every child should receive and supported her in all of her endeavors.

"Ah, look, Soo-Jin, it's like when we were still kids." said Gi-Hun, showing her his lunchbox.

"Yeah, you would always ask for my chocolate milk because you can't drink plain milk."

"Aish, this really brings back old memories. Do you remember eating lunches like this too?" Gi-Hun talked to the old man.

"Of course. My wife was always in the kitchen every morning. She'd pack lunches just like these ones for me and my kids."

"I wish the rice was piping hot. At least, they could've warmed it up a little. All we need is a stove. Remember doing that?" Gi-Hun gestured to Sang-Woo and then nudged Soo-Jin to get her attention. "The little briquette stove we had in our elementary school classroom. We'd stick our lunch boxes on it."

"Oh, yeah, then it'd get burning hot on us too, and the rice'd get all scorched." Soo-Jin snickered, shaking her head.

"Yes!"

"Gi-Hun," Sang-Woo called him, firmly. "Let's try to stay on the subject. How about putting your mind to what the game could be?"

"Hey, no one can figure that out.We'll find out when it's time."

"You know, considering the last one that we did. I think that there'll be another old game kids played, just like I used to." stated the old man.

"I'll bet you right there. Think of all the ones they could choose. Ddakji, Dabanggu, there's Hopscotch, Biseokchigi, and Tag, Don Katsu, Freeze Tag." Her bestfriend enumerated. "And for girls, there's Gonggi, Elastics, Cat's Cradle and... and what else?"

"Tuho, Jegichagi, Ssireum,, Yutnori," the woman added, then gave both her ex and bestfriend a knowing glance. "and your favorite... Squid game."

"Squid game! Of course, how could I forget that?"

"I don't know how to play those." admitted the foreigner, sadly and anxious.

Minjun raised his hand. "I don't know some of those you both mentioned too."

"You don't know any of the games we listed?"

The foreign man shook his head while the boy shrugged and stated, "I was born in 2002."

Sang-Woo reached out to one of them. Hey, listen to me. All those games are easy to learn, and we'll teach them to you." He patted their shoulders in reassurance. "To the both of you."

"That's much appreciated."

"Thank you!"

Soo-Jin and Sang-Woo shared a glance. "Thank you." murmured the woman. She knew he didn't have to help the boy since she was the one who brought him to the team and she could teach Minjun herself, but he still offered it. He only nodded and the two of them resumed eating.

The brunette couldn't help, but steal another glance at the cheerful boy in front of her. He was indeed old enough to be her son. She pursed her lips. Not only was she now feeling sisterly towards him, but also motherly. She always wondered how she would do as a mother. Would she be a good one?

She sighed. Earlier, she promised herself that she was going to do whatever it takes to win for her sister and herself, but now? Staring at Minjun, she realized she was going to protect him at all costs and ensure he would get out alive.

Oh, how little did she know, he was going to be her guardian angel.