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NARI WOKE WITH THE LIGHTS but no music played to wake the players so some were still sleeping while others stirred awake. The air still felt heavy and tense but Nari tried not to let it settle on her shoulders, she blinked a few times fighting the urge to fall back asleep however, she knew that sleeping would be difficult that night if she did. It was strange, admittedly, to wake up in a dorm like space rather than being woken up by a leaky ceiling or the fighting couple in the apartment next door to her; a part of her found it peaceful while another missed it.

She sat up and looked around, her eyes landing on the group that had circled player 456 the day prior, they were all talking together and Nari assumed it would possibly be strategies and possible ways to survive the games. She was thankful to Dae-ho for warning her about the possible second game but truthfully, she didn't think it's going to be Dalgona simply because there was a previous winner in the games. They wanted people to die and giving them the knowledge for the next game would take that away unless people's skills genuinely failed them. It was sick and twisted but a small part of Nari admired the execution of the games; a part she pushed away.

The guards door blared the alarm before they stepped out, the Square in the middle once again while the Triangles with guns stood like statues around them. "Welcome to your day of peace. This is a privilege that we have given you to respect the ones you mourn and allow you a chance of respite. Understand that any fighting on this day will result in elimination," The Manager warned everything, those scheming immediately came to a stop before growing silent in the tense air. "Please step into four single file lines to collect your breakfast," The Manager added as four circle guards stood in front of the tables.

Nari climbed out of bed and pulled on her shoes before following the crowd to collect a carton of milk, a boiled egg and a bun for breakfast. She bowed gratefully to the circle guard as he handed her the items before she made her way back to her bed, the young woman settled against the back board of her bed as Nam-gyu approached and sat down opposite her. Thanos trailed not too far behind with Gyeong-su following him, asking questions about his career and the other friends he had. Thanos glanced at Nari as she peeled the shell from her egg, her eyes wandering the room as Nam-gyu stuffed his face with the bread.

"Will you return to rapping after this?" Gyeong-su asked gaining Nari's attention, she gently covered her mouth as she chewed her egg watching Thanos with a raised brow. "I, uh, I don't know," Thanos replied though his gaze was locked with Nari, she sent him a reassuring smile before focusing on eating her bread. Gyeong-su continued with his questions, Nam-gyu interrupting every now and then to swiftly change certain topics. Thanos half-heartedly responded to some of Gyeong-su's questions, he was more focused on Nari as she hummed softly to herself; a familiar song from his past.

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"Nari!!" Dae-ho called out once most of the players had finished their breakfast, some mingling with respective groups while others focused on themselves in the moment of peace. Nari smiled before looking to her makeshift group, "Excuse me for a moment." She held her rubbish, stopping by the circle guard collecting it all and carefully placed it in the bag for him. "Thank you," Nari spoke as she bowed her head before turning and walking away, the circle guard watched her and smiled softly under his mask before frowning; he hoped she'd make it to the end of the games.

"Hello Dae-ho," Nari greeted the male who was smiling wide at the younger girl, he waved her to sit with him. "How are you feeling?" Dae-ho asked as players 390 and 456 spoke to each other, player 001 silently observing the room of players while listening to the nearby conversations. "I'm feeling okay, Dae-ho. You don't have to worry about me so much," Nari reassured him as she rested her hand on his arm, "But I appreciate the concern." Dae-ho nodded before his smile fell, "It's just... you shouldn't be in here with your... condition." His wording caught the attention of the others.

"Condition? Are you sick, 229?" Player 390 asked causing the others to perk up in interest and concern. "Oh no!" Nari reassured with a smile before she let out a breath, "I'm... pregnant." Players 390, 456 and 001 looked at her with wide eyes before focusing on her stomach, she wasn't wearing her jacket and the position she was sitting allowed her bump to be more clear. "That's what that girl meant before the first game," Player 456 stated as he recalled the woman who was shot first in Red Light, Green Light. "Uh, yes... Mina... she, uh, helped me with my ex," Nari replied as she looked towards Sung-Ja, a cocky smirk on his face as he sat like a king on a throne.

"Oh... Have you eaten enough?" Player 390 asked quickly before looking around to see if there was any extra food for her. "Yes, I did. Thank you," Nari replied, bowing her head in gratitude before letting out a slow breath and turning to player 456. "Mister?" Nari called softly, her tone and gentleness sparked a sense of familiarity through him as he remembered Ali Abdul's soft kindness followed by his death at the hands of someone he called an ally─ a friend. "Yes, miss 229?" Player 456 replied, his pained expression didn't go unnoticed by player 001 who was intrigued by the interaction.

"You were in these games before, right?" Nari questioned, mentally cursing herself for the stupidity of the initial question and followed through with another, "Did you come back to stop them?" Player 456 sighed at the question, "I intend to do what I can to end these games." Nari nodded in understanding, her brows eased as she smiled softly, "Well, we can help however we can to make that happen. People shouldn't suffer like this simply because of mistakes they've made in their lives. To play with people─ to treat them like dolls.... its cruel and... inhumane." Her eyes grew misty, "I'd never had a friend other than Nam-gyu and Mina, she..."

Dae-ho wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled Nari into his side, "I'm your friend now. And I'm sure these guys would be happy to be your friends too!" Nari sniffled and smiled bashfully as she leaned into Dae-ho's side, his actions reminded her of Nam-gyu; the brotherly affection that she liked. "Yeah, you aren't alone, 229," 390 assured her with Dae-ho, a kind smile on his face; he reminded her of that overly cheery uncle that always tells funny jokes and allows you to eat dessert before dinner. "Even if you've found yourself in a group with troublemakers," 390 added as he glanced towards Thanos who was glaring at the arm around Nari's shoulders.

456 also noticed and smirked slightly, he knew better than anyone what that form of jealousy was. It was intriguing to see such natural and normal aspects of life still being present in a situation like this. "Are you okay being with them?" 456 asked Nari as he motioned to Thanos, Nam-gyu and Gyeong-su though the latter was uninterested in Nari's whereabouts as he fanboys to Thanos who was clearly ignoring him. "Well, I know they can be... abrupt and impulsive to emotions... but Nam-gyu and I grew up together before he moved away. He's like my brother," Nari expressed to 456 who nodded in understanding.

"And 230?" 001 asked in a deep tone, his gaze burning into Nari's as she turned to him feeling a strange feeling of familiarity with the man; perhaps he was someone she had seen in passing outside the games. "He's... not the kindest but I'm sure, like everyone else, he hasn't been dealt the kindest hand out there. Plus, he was─ wasn't himself yesterday but he definitely deserved that beating," Nari replied with a soft giggle, she shook her head as she looked towards Thanos, smirking as he quickly looked away from her pretending he wasn't watching. "I just think he's a little lost in the dark right now... maybe I could... guide him out," Nari expressed with a soft expression.

"I'm sure that if anyone could, it'd be you," 390 told her sweetly, she beamed at his words before letting out a slow breath. "Just be sure to remember that you need to work to survive as well," 456 added with a stern expression, the words resonated with her as he added, "It's not just others you need to think about." Nari nodded at his words, she knew he was referring to her baby and he was right, she had to prioritise herself the future she was carrying. The conversation faded into a random topic, for a moment it felt like they were a small mismatched family meeting up for a break from the chaos of their lives; And it was peaceful.

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After some time, Nari excused herself from the men to use the bathroom that the guards had allowed them to access. As Nari stepped into the bathroom, she smiled politely to a few other women before turning to the sink and looking into the mirror at her reflection. She had slightly puffy eyes from the recent emotions but she was happy to see her eyes no longer had dark bags under them as she had managed to get some real sleep for a change; which was surprising considering the environment she was in. Her focus was taken by two women talking in the stalls, a frown making its way onto her face.

"Did you hear what he said, Da-eun?" The first spoke before adding, "She got pregnant to baby trap him when he wanted to end things and now she's here trying to force herself onto him!!" The other woman gasped in disbelief, "You aren't serious!? How much of a slut can you be?" Nari wasn't stupid, she knew they were talking about her and it didn't surprise her that Sung-Ja was making up lies to win sympathy points with the women. "Oh yeah, and now she's hanging off that rapper like some whore and he's soaking up the attention," The first woman added as she flushed the toliet. "He'll drop her once he gets what he wants," The second woman replied as she too flushed the toliet.

Nari kept her focus on her reflection as the two women stepped out, their eyes immediately locking on her bringing amused smirks to their faces. The numbers 072 and 098 stood out clear as day on them as they approached the sinks either side of Nari. "You do realise how desperate you look trying to win him back, right?" 098 asked with a laugh. "I don't want him back, he's a lowlife who walked away because I wasn't a good enough trophy," Nari snarked back, her emotions all over the place. "Oh please, like we're gonna believe some nobody who was abandoned by her parents. Even they knew better than to stay," 072 taunted with a smirk.

"Are you two done?" Another voice interrupted while Nari lowered her gaze, tears building in her eyes at the mention of her parents. 072 and 098 turned their heads to the fourth person to see player 120 standing tall with an unimpressed look on her face, a raised brow daring them to say something more. Both women immediately ducked out of the room before anything more could be said leaving Nari and 120 alone. "Are you alright?" 120 asked as she stepped closer, Nari looked up at her as tears rolled down her cheeks. "Oh," 120 muttered before welcoming her into her embrace, brushing down Nari's hair.

"T-Thank you, Unnie..." Nari hiccuped through her tears, 120 fought her own emotions as she comforted the younger woman. "Don't listen to a word they say, 229. They're bunnies. Hopping from one man to another to handle their heat," 120 expressed, her choice of analogy made Nari laugh as she pulled back to look at the woman before her. "My name is Ha Nari, what's yours?" Nari asked. "I'm Cho Hyun-ju," Hyun-ju replied as she reached for a hand towel, dampening it before lightly wiping the dried tears from Nari's cheeks. "Pleasure to meet you, Unnie," Nari spoke softly, the term of endearment settled sweetly in Hyun-ju's chest.

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After the encounter in the bathroom with 072 and 098 along with the affectionate assistance from Hyun-ju, Nari had parted ways from the older woman and headed into the main room. She looked around for a moment before her eyes landed on 222, she let out a slow breath before making her way over to the young woman. "Hello," Nari greeted softly, the woman looked up at Nari before allowing a small smile onto her face as they shared a familiar situation. "I'm Ha Nari, and you?" Nari introduced as she sat down next to 222, her friendly nature was nice to witness to those nearby.

"I'm Kim Jun-hee," Jun-hee replied to Nari, the two were silent for a moment before Jun-hee added, "You're pregnant too?" Nari nodded her head, her eyes trailing to Sung-Ja as she spoke, "And he's the father." Jun-hee sighed at those words, her own gaze turning to Myung-gi who was sitting alone with a frown permanently etched into his bruised face. "He's the father of mine," Jun-hee motioned to Myung-gi prompting a gasp from Nari before the brunette giggled and clasped Jun-hee's hand in her own. "It's like we're soul sisters," Nari exclaimed with a beaming smile, the words resonated within Jun-hee and for the first time since finding out about her baby, she didn't feel alone.

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Jun-hee and Nari spent time getting to know each other, even player 149 came over and introduced herself to Nari as Jang Geum-ja along with her son, 007, named Park Yong-sik. While Jun-hee appeared apprehensive towards Geum-ja's offer of assistance, Nari welcomed it and was beyond glad that she had someone in the games experienced with the condition she was in. As dinner came and went, a small tray identical to the day before, Nari had wished her new companions a good night before heading towards her own group.

"Excuse me, Nari?" A male called as he stepped in front of her, she turned her head up to look at player 001. "Yes, 001?" Nari replied with a raised brow. "I couldn't help but take notice that... you remind me of someone and was hoping you could tell me your parents names," 001 asked, his words seemed friendly but there was a demanding undertone to his voice that made Nari a little uneasy. "My mother is Kim Yu-ri and my father is Ha Wi-joon, sir," Nari answered, she began fiddling with the ring on her finger as 001 felt dread pool in his chest.

"Are you an only child?" 001 asked causing confusion to wash over Nari's face before she answered, "Yes, I am. My mother couldn't have kids due to a complication so I wasn't blessed with siblings." 001 swallowed slowly as he looked the young woman over before asking, "How old are you?" Nari smiled softly at his question, she just assumed that she was reminding him of his own children he dearly missed. "I am 26 years old," Nari answered him, the response hitting him like a tidal wave he didn't wish to face. "One minute until lights out," The PA announced pulling Nari from her thoughts.

"Well, good night, 001. See you tomorrow," Nari spoke before she made her way around 001, a skip in her step due to the bonds she had created throughout the day. 001 turned his head watching her as she approached Thanos and Nam-gyu, both immediately greeting her as she removed her shoes and climbed into her bed, laughing at something Nam-gyu said to her. A thousand thoughts seared through 001's mind at the words that echoed through his head ─ Kim Yuri... 26 years old... pregnant... Ha Wi-joon ─ and it was not a situation he ever wished to be in. Face to face with the child he and his late wife put up for adoption hoping for a better life than their financial problems; and here she was.

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Rosie Nova Here. . .

What a chapter!
Some bonding, some lore, some foreshadowing... love that for this!

So... Nari is actually... Hwang Nari!?
Or is he mistaken? Hmmmmmmm....

Also, I didn't do name introductions with Gi-hun's crew as they do that after the second game :)

How did you feel about this chapter?

Thoughts? Suggestions? Questions?

See you in the next chapter!

Unedited
Written via phone