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TWENTY SEVEN | THE LAST SUPPER

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WHEN THEY RETURNED, the dorm was already transformed into an extravagant dining hall. Long glamorous candelabras stood in the center of the room, casting a soft yellow glow. A portion of the floor was covered with a checkered vinyl flooring sheet that resembled a chess board. But, what really drew Soo-Jin's attention was the huge circle table covered with white tablecloth, topped with lamps and flowers. There were sophisticated tableware and five silver cloches, sat in front of the chairs that surround the table. Enticing appetizers were also placed in the place mats, making Soo-Jin's stomach rumble in hunger for it had been a while since she had a proper meal.

Letting go of Sang-Woo's hand, the woman approached Sae-Byeok to check her state. She was still pale, and losing blood. She nodded, weakly. "I am... okay, Soo-Jin. Don't worry."

"How can I not be worried about you? Look at you -- "

"Player 321," announced the square masked staffer. "Please, take your seat."

She threw the watcher a cold glare before moving away from Sae-Byeok and taking her seat. Staring at the cloche in front of her, a guard helped her be comfortable. One of them poured her glass some red wine and opened her cloche to reveal what was inside. It was a delicious T-bone steak and Soo-Jin could aready feel her mouth watering at the sight of the food.

The staffers then bowed their heads to her and left as if she were their superior. Once again, she noticed they were giving her too much care when they shouldn't. Were they showing favoritism? Was that even allowed?

"Tonight's feast is prepared as a token of gratitude for the sacrifice and effort that you finalists have made," proclaimed the staffer. "and to encourage you all to perform even more splendidly in the final game. Now, please relax and enjoy your feast."

Soo-Jin clicked her tongue and raised her glass of red wine. Of course, they were going to be fed well for it might be their last night alive. "Our last supper, everyone. Enjoy."

"I give thanks to you, my Lord God." mumbled the pastor who was just meters away from her. "I am a sinner, but you have been good and gracious to me. Before I eat this bread and drink this cup, I ask for your forgiveness. I am guilty of sinning against you. Cleanse me, O Lord God, and lead my path to victory."

The woman sighed, and only picked up her utensils, slicing her steak and eating it. Moaning at its delectable taste, she continued to eat, not minding how she was chewing her food raucously. She was hungry, why should she care, right?

Gi-Hun, Sang-Woo, and the pastor did the same, leaving their plates empty. Soo-Jin took a bite of the grilled cucumber when she saw Sae-byeok leave half her steak uneaten. She was worried sick for the girl's health. It was like when she discovered that Minjun was missing during the bloodbath. To be honest, she was trying her best to really not care and distance herself from everyone, but she only draws closer to them.

After dinner, the guards took away their plates, but left each of them a steak knife. Soo-Jin swallowed, and glanced at each and everyone around her. It was clear that it was going to be their weapon. The guards gave them the opportunity to kill each other.

Nodding, she took the steak knife and hid it. She knew, for now, the fight was a four versus one. The pastor was alone, and she together with Gi-Hun, Sang-Woo, and Sae-Byeok could take him down.

The red-clad employees cleaned the dorm, putting back their beds. They separated their beds, placing each of them far away. Soo-Jin caught the ailing girl and led her to her own bed and monitored her state. The woman pulled the knife from earlier and stared at it. She gripped its handle and imagined herself killing someone with it. It was horrifying, but she knew she will have to do it later. The pastor across from them was praying again, mumbling, asking for guidance and wisdom on his next action. She was actually very anxious of him because she recalled after the tug-of-war, he suggested to kill off the weak players.

A few quiet minutes later, the woman's eyes started to flutter close, she was falling asleep. She was bone-weary and all she wanted is to just end everything and go home to her sister.

"Soo-Jin?" asked someone behind her. The brunette jumped and pointed her knife, but she caught sight of the familiar lean figure of her bestfriend.

Gi-Hun raised his hands. "It's all right. It's just me. Calm down. You're dozing off."

She sighed in relief, and leant her head against the wall. Her bestfriend sat beside her and twirled the knife in his hands. "I have this with me because of that pastor over there. Protection, you know." He breathed out. "How is she?"

The woman shifted her gaze to Sae-Byeok who was resting. Soo-Jin sighed and shook her head. "She's not well. The stab wound was not fatal, but she's losing a lot of blood."

"It's going to be okay, Soo-Jin. She's going to live."

"I'm sorry," she shut her eyes, swallowing. "I'm sorry for not telling you about my plan during the third game. I should've told you about -- "

"No, you were making sure everyone was going to survive. It's okay. I understand. You already said it, this is survival. Life and death." He then patted her shoulder. "I appreciate your honesty."

The woman was about to say something when player 067 stirred awake.

"Soo-Jin," coughed Sae-Byeok, waking up. The woman abruptly stood up from her position and brushed the girl's hair back, furrowing her eyebrows when she felt sweat. Placing her hand on 067's forehead, she gasped when she realized the girl had a fever. "It's too cold."

"Oh, my god. Wait here," The brunette went to the bathroom and tore a piece of her dress shirt. Immediately, she wet it and rushed back to the dorm.

"... Just leave me. I'll be okay." Soo-Jin heard Sae-Byeok dismiss Gi-Hun, but he only released a breath and moved closer. Sang-Woo was also standing beside them, his hands clasped in front of him.

"Ya, Kang Sae-byeok. Whatever the game, we'll help each other get through this as teammates. You, me, and Sang-Woo here... we'll share all that prize money and just run away." explained Gi-Hun, optimistic. She really couldn't understand how he still maintained his hopeful outlook when it was somehow clear some of them will not live tomorrow. "And do you know what you're gonna do with all that money once we get out? I'd pay my debt off first. And buy a nice clean store in the city for my mom."

Her bestfriend looked up. "She always hoped to run a, a real store, not just the kind of little stall. And I would... finally start being a dad to my girl... for once in my life. I was not there when she was born. I wasn't always present for half of her life, you know."

Soo-Jin pushed her feet forward and used the wet cloth to wipe Sae-Byeok's face. She put it on the girl's forehead in hopes it would lower her rising temperature.

"How old is your daughter?"

"She's ten."

"That's also how old my little brother is."

"And where is your brother staying now?" This time, it was Sang-Woo who spoke up. Both he and Gi-Hun assisted Soo-Jin in making Sae-Byeok feel comfortable.

"In an orphanage in Macheon-dong. I promised that he'd get out of there soon." narrated Sae-Byeok, shivering. "Our mother is stuck in the North right now. I said I'd get her once I was able to make enough money, and I'll get us all a house."

"There's so much in there. I think even with half, you'll have plenty."

"Ya, Soo-Jin, Gi-hun, Sang-Woo..." muttered Sae-Byeok, frail. "I think we all should make a deal."

"What kind of deal?"

"Just in case either of us... can actually make it out of this hellhole somehow, we'll look after each other's loved ones, okay?"

Soo-Jin shook her head and pulled herself closer to the girl. "Ya, don't say that! Come on. We'll all get out of here together. I promise."

"Soo-Jin, promise me, you'll take care of my brother, okay? Please." she sobbed, and the woman's heart shattered into pieces. She was going to lose someone dear to her again. "Please, I need you to swear that you'll look after him."

"Yes! I swear, I swear! I'll get your mother out of North Korea and reunite her with you and your brother." She soothed and kissed Sae-Byeok's forehead. "Just rest, okay? Don't die on me right now."

Sae-Byeok, Sang-Woo, and Gi-Hun were Soo-Jin's last pieces of hope and conscience. She knew, if anything happens to any of them, she'd finally snap and only god knew what she might do.

She then noticed that Gi-Hun was holding his knife a little tighter and he was staring at the pastor across them. Gulping, he took one bold step forward, but then Sang-Woo stopped him.

"Gi-Hun, don't do it." uttered he, raising his head. "That isn't you. You're a good person at heart." Sang-Woo straightened his posture, and gently tugged their friend's arm. "Hyung," he spoke once again and then shook his head. "Come on."

Gi-Hun glanced at him and a second later, he relented, traipsing back to her and Sae-Byeok, hiding the knife in his pocket. Soo-Jin reached out to hold her bestfriend's hand. "You did the right thing, Gi-Hun."

Seong Gi-Hun was a good person. He had a big heart and always cared for others more than himself. He was also the type of person who avoided conflicts whenever possible and would find other ways to settle them instead.

Her lover and bestfriend sat down on the floor, leaning their heads against the wall while Soo-Jin took care of Sae-Byeok. She sat beside the sleeping girl, combing her short hair with her fingers. That was when a yawn escaped the brunette's lips and she shook her head rapidly, trying her best to fight off sleep.

"It's okay, my love." assured Sang-Woo, taking her hand. "You can sleep. Gi-Hun and I will watch you two."

She wanted to object, but then he raised an eyebrow and she just nodded, pursing her lips. "I love you." whispered she.

"I love you."

Settling herself in Sae-Byeok's bed, she started to let slumber take over her, but not before hearing the conversation between her lover -- or fiancé and her bestfriend. Honestly, she was slightly confused if they were now engaged again since the proposal kind of informal and he asked her after they had sex.

The achiever pursed her lips and rest her head against the pillow. Fatigue and stress wore her down and she could feel herself getting weaker everyday. The wounds in her cheek and upper arm hurt, and her heart still ached because of the deaths around her.

To be honest, Soo-Jin never expected she'd end up here. She never expected she'd participate in something that endangered her. Oh, what would Hana say if I told her all about this? She thought. Her sister will surely be angry at her for risking her life.

This reminded her of the day Hana discovered she joined underground fights to win fast money.

It was a torrid afternoon, she recalled. Soo-Jin's clothes felt so sticky and uncomfortable thanks to the unbearable humidity; she prayed for the weather to break and relieve it, ignorance truly was bliss.

Hana recently finished her classes and the woman had just come home from her third fight. A small bruise marred her cheek and right upper arm. She took quite a beating the night before for her opponent was looking for a formidable rival. In the end, she still won since she used her wits, and not her brawls.

Colorful kites floated in the bright blue sky and the woman watched the grass sway from side to side, being lightly pushed by the warm summer's breeze. Soo-Jin lightly patted the bruise she already covered with foundation. That was when Hana tapped her arm that the woman glanced down to give her attention.

"What is it?"

"I saw this earlier in your room." Hana showed her the calling card of the underground fighting club Soo-Jin joined a month ago. "What is this?"

Eyes slightly growing wide, she put up a large smile and brushed it off. "It's just a calling card for a job I'll apply for. It's nothing."

Hana frowned. "You were talking on the phone earlier, saying you're ready for another fight."

Soo-Jin was taken aback. She didn't expect her sister would be so attentive. "Oh, uh, I just teach some people some basic defense moves, you know."

"Why are you lying?"

"Ya, you beat a police officer in asking questions. What are you, an investigator? You're just thirteen. Aish," the woman scratched her head, kicking some scattered leaves on the road.

"As long as it's legal." remarked Hana. "You always tell me that, right? As long as it's legal, it's fine."

"Kid, it's legal."

"No, it is not. I know what it is. I did my research."

"Then, why are you even asking if you know?"

"Because I just want you to be honest." Hana sighed, tugging her wrist. "You're risking your life for me. I don't like that."

Soo-Jin knelt down in front of the girl. "Listen, Hana, you're my family. If I have to go meet the devil himself to keep you safe and healthy, then I will."

"Just make sure you'll be fine and you'll come home."

She smiled. "Chang Hana. Do you even know who your sister is? I am Chang Soo-Jin. I am smart, talented, and determined. Death is afraid of me."

At present, the brunette raked her fingers through her hair. She still had to see her sister. She will get out of here and go home ot if she can't, then she'll make sure Sang-Woo, Gi-Hun, or Sae-Byeok will. Soo-Jin doesn't want Hana to be alone.

"Hyung," She heard Sang-Woo as her sleep tried to conquer her. "I'm sorry for everything I said."

She fluttered her eyelashes close.

"... You're a good person. Your heart is always at the right place... I hope you can forgive me for what I said..."

There were gaps between her lover's words and Soo-Jin cursed internally since she wanted to hear more of their conversation. It was a heart-to-heart talk, one she knew Sang-Woo would rarely do. It was something she wanted to remember.

"... Hyung, I want you to promise that if anything happens to me, you'll take care of mother and Soo-Jin. Okay?"

The female furrowrd her eyebrows. It sounded like goodbye. She didn't like that. He promised her they'd all live. They had just been together. They recently reconciled. Why was Sang-Woo saying that? She wanted to push herself up and counter his statement, but then weariness triumped over her and soon, she fell asleep.

The female achiever jolted awake, immediately sighting her surroundings. There was a pang of pain in her chest she couldn't understand. Her heart was beating wildly almost as if it knew something was wrong. Her hand began to feel clammy and she could feel her sweat beading on her forehead as her heart threatened to burst forth from her ribcage.

Something was definitely wrong because the pastor... who was supposed to be in front of them was missing.

Alarmed, she inclined her head, and shook Gi-Hun awake for Sang-Woo was nowhere to be seen as well. "Gi-Hun!"

He jumped awake, alert, and looking around. "What is it?"

"The pastor's gone! Where's Sang-Woo? Have you seen him?"

His confused eyes instantly told her that he didn't know and Soo-Jin began to panic. "Shit!"

As if on cue, she heard a door open and in came the pastor whose face and hair was drenched in blood. Her eyes darted down to the steak knife in his right hand, it was dripping red.

Without any second thought, she sprinted outside of the dorm and barged into the bathroom.

Scarlet blood was lashed over the whole washroom, painting the scene. It was everywhere. The tiles, the stall doors, the sink. There was also two shattered mirrors across from her. It was clear there was a struggle, but where was Sang-Woo?

She kicked every toilet and shower door open, but there wasn't any body. No sign of her beloved.

Where are you, Sang-Woo?

She rushed into the hallway, snatching one of the guards' collar. "Where is he? Where is 218? Where the fuck is he? Tell me!" demanded the woman, frantic. Her body grew tense to the point of shaking. She needed to see him.

They didn't answer her and soon, she heard Gi-Hun's yells from inside the dorm. Heart stumbling over its own rhythm and feeling overwhelmed, like they are losing control, she raced inside and heard her bestfriend screaming for help.

"Ya! We need help. She's lost a lot of blood!" Gi-Hun struck the sliding doors. "Somebody get in here! There's a badly injured girl! Is anybody out there?"

Soo-Jin rushed over to Sae-Byeok's side, frail and dying. "Soo-Jin..." she spoke, her eyes starting to close. "I want to go home now."

"Get in here, you assholes! Someone's dying! Hello? Send help in! You need her alive if you want her in the next round Somebody out there, please, answer me!"

"Yes, yes," the woman soothed the young girl. "We're going home. Just stay with me, Sae-Byeok. Stay with me, okay? You have to see your brother. He's waiting for you. Keep your eyes on me -- "

That was when she felt a presence looming behind her like a dark shadow. Soo-Jin could still hear her bestfriend's screams and pounds for help. So, who was behind her?

Slowly turning around, her muscles stiffened and she swallowed the lump in her throat. It was player 244.

He wore a nonchalant expression in his face, but murder was clear in his eyes. His whole hands and visage was covered with scarlet blood, a look one wouldn't expect from a religious man. His knife was also raised beside his head, ready to be buried deep into her flesh.

"Your sacrifice will ensure my victory."

He was going to kill her.