"Gamebound"

The next morning, Hae Jin sped through the streets on his father's motorcycle, the engine roaring as he skillfully weaved through traffic. The rush of wind and adrenaline fueled him, pushing his thoughts of danger and secrets to the back of his mind. For a moment, it felt like freedom.

Arriving at school, he parked the bike neatly in the lot, earning glances from a few students nearby. The old Seung Min couldn't even ride a bike, let alone a motorcycle, and Hae Jin reveled in the whispers of disbelief.

As he strolled toward the school building, his sharp eyes caught movement from above. Several students standing at the windows of the upper floors were signaling to a group near the entrance. The group, clearly anxious, exchanged glances and hurried inside, their hurried footsteps echoing through the hallway.

Hae Jin smirked but kept walking casually. He had an idea of what might be going on, but he wasn't in a rush to find out. Whatever awaited him, he'd face it on his terms.

Reaching the corridor outside his classroom, he noticed a few students crouched by the windows, peering nervously inside. Their tense whispers stopped as he approached, and they quickly scattered, pretending they hadn't been spying.

Opening the classroom door, Hae Jin immediately took in the chaos inside. Jin Ho was hunched over, clutching his face, blood trickling from his nose. His usually composed demeanor was replaced with pain and humiliation.

Standing protectively in front of him was Dae Hyun, his fists clenched and his jaw tight. He was glaring at Tae Hwan and Ki Seok, who stood nearby with smug expressions.

"What the hell is going on here?" Hae Jin's voice cut through the tension like a knife.

All eyes turned to him as he stepped inside, his presence commanding attention. The old Seung Min might have cowered or stayed silent, but Hae Jin wasn't one to back down.

Tae Hwan narrowed his eyes, clearly irritated. "This has nothing to do with you, Seung Min. Mind your business."

Hae Jin smirked, his calm demeanor unnerving. "Oh, but it does. You see, I'm not a fan of bullies—especially ones who think they're untouchable."

He stepped closer, his gaze locked on Tae Hwan and Ki Seok. "Do you have a problem with him?" he asked, nodding toward Jin Ho. "Or are you just bored?"

Ki Seok chuckled, his smirk widening. "Look at you, acting all brave. What's with the sudden confidence, huh? Did you forget who runs this place?"

Before Hae Jin could respond, movement from the corner of his eye caught his attention. Do Jin was sitting calmly at his desk, his expression unreadable. Slowly, he stood up and began walking toward them, the tension in the room growing thicker with each step.

Stopping a few feet from Hae Jin, Do Jin reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. He turned the screen toward Hae Jin, revealing the familiar interface of the mysterious game app.

The corner of Do Jin's lips curled into a sly grin. "The game's already started, Seung Min," he said, his voice low and taunting. "Are you ready to play?"

Hae Jin's eyes flickered to the phone screen, his heart pounding despite his outward calm. Whatever this was, it wasn't just a game. It was a battle—a dangerous one—and he was right in the middle of it.

Without breaking eye contact with Do Jin, Hae Jin smirked. "Always."

Do Jin's grin widened as he looked at Hae Jin's bold response. Around the room, tension grew heavier. Ki Seok, standing beside Tae Hwan, exchanged a glance with him, both clearly agitated but intrigued.

"Fine," Do Jin said, slipping his phone back into his pocket. "Let's see how far you can go."

Suddenly, a notification sound echoed from several phones in the classroom. The students froze as they checked their devices, their faces reflecting a mix of dread and disbelief.

Ki Seok pulled his phone out and stared at the screen, his jaw tightening. A single card flashed on the app's interface: The King. His hands trembled slightly before he clenched his fists.

"Looks like you're up," Do Jin said with a smirk, nodding toward Ki Seok.

Ki Seok looked around the room, his eyes narrowing at the others. Beside him, Tae Hwan also checked his phone, revealing The Jack on his screen. A grimace of frustration crossed his face.

From different corners of the classroom, other students hesitantly raised their phones, each revealing their assigned cards: Ace, Queen, Joker—all different roles in this twisted game.

Hae Jin leaned against the desk, watching the scene unfold with a calculated calm. He wasn't holding a card, but the fact that these students were being drawn into something dangerous was clear.

Ki Seok stepped forward, his glare fixed on Do Jin. "What's the objective this time?" he growled.

Do Jin tilted his head, his smile never fading. "Simple. You play your roles. Follow the instructions. Win… or face the consequences."

Several students exchanged uneasy glances. One of them, a timid boy with glasses, whispered, "What happens if we don't play?"

Do Jin's smile darkened. "You don't want to find out."

Hae Jin's eyes darted around the room, observing the players. Ki Seok, despite his arrogance, was visibly tense. Tae Hwan, though usually cocky, seemed to hesitate. The others were either frightened or trying to mask their fear.

Do Jin's gaze shifted back to Hae Jin. "You'll be a spectator this round, Seung Min. But don't get too comfortable. Your turn will come soon enough."

Ki Seok, frustrated, stepped closer to Hae Jin, his finger jabbing toward him. "This is your fault," he spat. "You think you're so smart, walking in here like you own the place. Just wait—when it's your turn, we'll see how tough you really are."

Hae Jin didn't flinch. Instead, he smirked and leaned in slightly, his voice low but firm. "Be careful, Ki Seok. In games like these, arrogance can get you killed."

Ki Seok stepped back, his expression faltering for a moment before he turned away.

Do Jin clapped his hands, breaking the tension. "Alright, let's get started. Everyone with a card, meet in the abandoned gym after school. The next round begins there."

The announcement sent chills through the room. Hae Jin watched as the players reluctantly nodded, their fear palpable. He knew that whatever this game was, it wasn't just a test of skill—it was a fight for survival.

As the students dispersed, Hae Jin stayed back, his mind racing. He had to find out more about this game, and fast. Whatever secrets were hidden in this school, they were tied to this twisted competition. And if he wanted to survive, he needed to be ready for whatever came next.

As the classroom emptied and the tension hung thick in the air, Do Jin approached Ki Seok and Tae Hwan, his sly grin unwavering. He placed a hand on Ki Seok's shoulder, leaning in just enough to speak in a low voice.

"Ki Seok," he began, his tone both condescending and calculating, "don't let Seung Min rattle you. He's playing it cool, but sooner or later, he'll make a mistake. People like him always do."

Ki Seok, still fuming from Hae Jin's earlier remark, clenched his fists. "He thinks he's better than us," he hissed. "I'll put him in his place during the game."

Do Jin chuckled, a dark glint in his eyes. "Good. But don't rush it. You're the King this round, Ki Seok. That means you control the others. Use them wisely. If you play it right, you'll crush him without even lifting a finger."

Tae Hwan, standing nearby with his arms crossed, raised an eyebrow. "What about me?" he asked.

Do Jin turned to him, his expression shifting slightly. "You're the Jack. Support Ki Seok, but don't take the spotlight. Remember, this game is about survival, not ego. If you mess up, the Joker might take you out before the round is over."

Tae Hwan's jaw tightened at the mention of the Joker, his mind racing with the implications.

"And Seung Min?" Ki Seok asked, his voice dripping with disdain.

Do Jin's smirk widened. "Let him watch this round. He's already under pressure, pretending to be calm. The more he sees, the more it'll mess with his head. By the time he actually gets involved, he'll be second-guessing every move."

Ki Seok nodded, his confidence returning. "Fine. I'll play along for now. But when the time comes…" His voice trailed off, his intent clear.

Do Jin patted his shoulder and stepped back. "Good. Remember, we're all in this together… until we're not."

With that, Do Jin walked away, leaving Ki Seok and Tae Hwan standing there, their minds spinning with the weight of his words.

As they prepared to leave, Ki Seok glanced out the window, spotting Hae Jin leaning casually against his motorcycle in the parking lot, his expression unreadable.

"I'll make him regret ever stepping into this school," Ki Seok muttered under his breath, determination and malice burning in his eyes.

Tae Hwan crossed his arms and glanced at him. "Just don't screw this up. If Do Jin's right, Seung Min's more dangerous than he looks."

Ki Seok smirked. "We'll see."

The two left the classroom, their minds already plotting their moves in the twisted game they'd been forced to play. Little did they know, Hae Jin was already two steps ahead, determined to uncover the secrets behind this deadly game—and win it on his terms.

As the match began, all the participants holding cards stepped into the center of the hall, which had been transformed into a game arena. Dim lighting illuminated the room, creating a tense atmosphere. The rest of the students, who were not part of the game, stood on the sidelines, watching anxiously.

Ki Seok strode forward confidently, exuding a commanding presence. As the King in this round, he seemed to be in complete control. Behind him, Tae Hwan walked with a stern expression, ready to follow orders at any moment.

Do Jin sat at a bench on the edge of the hall, a sly smile playing on his lips as he observed the game like a puppet master pulling the strings. "Let's see what you're capable of, Seung Min," he murmured, his gaze fixed on Seung Min, who stood among the crowd.

The game began with a challenge set by the King—Ki Seok. He stepped forward, holding a microphone, his eyes scanning the participants. "This time," he said coldly, "the challenge will test your physical endurance. Anyone who fails to keep up will be eliminated immediately."

The first challenge was announced: hang from a steel bar for three full minutes without touching the ground. A large bar descended from the ceiling, and the participants prepared themselves.

Several students, including Jin Ho and a few others, looked uneasy. Jin Ho, still not fully recovered from his bleeding nose, glared at Ki Seok with determination.

"This is nothing," Ki Seok said as he firmly gripped the steel bar. He leaped up and began hanging effortlessly, displaying his strength without hesitation. Tae Hwan followed suit with ease, his expression remaining cold and serious.

When it was Seung Min's turn, all eyes were on him. He walked toward the bar calmly, but there was something about his demeanor that made Do Jin narrow his eyes. "What's he up to?" Do Jin thought.

Hae Jin—inhabiting Seung Min's body—leaped onto the steel bar with smooth precision, gripping it tightly. His body remained steady as the seconds ticked by. Even after a minute, he appeared relaxed, causing Ki Seok to frown slightly.

"Two minutes remaining," the game supervisor announced.

Some participants began losing their strength. Jin Ho was on the verge of falling but gritted his teeth, trying to hold on. Meanwhile, Tae Hwan remained unbothered, but Ki Seok glanced at Seung Min, realizing this boy wasn't as weak as he seemed.

As time ran out, one participant fell, followed by two others. When the final bell rang, only five participants remained: Seung Min, Ki Seok, Tae Hwan, Jin Ho, and another student.

"Impressive," Do Jin commented from the sidelines, his eyes still locked on Seung Min. "He's tougher than I thought."

Ki Seok jumped down from the bar and approached Seung Min, his face barely masking his anger. "You're pretty good, but don't get too cocky," he said in a threatening tone.

Seung Min simply gave a small smile, replying nonchalantly, "I'm just playing by the rules, aren't I?"

Ki Seok snorted and walked away, while Tae Hwan gave Seung Min a hard-to-read look.

The game continued to the next challenge, this time testing the participants' mental sharpness. They were tasked with solving riddles under intense time pressure. While others showed signs of stress, Seung Min remained calm, steadily solving each puzzle. Ki Seok, on the other hand, started to show frustration. Meanwhile, Do Jin's interest in Seung Min seemed to grow with each passing moment.

But Hae Jin, trapped in Seung Min's body, knew one thing: he wasn't just playing to win this game. He was playing to uncover all the secrets hidden behind it and the grudges entwined in this deadly competition.

As Seung Min stepped forward for his turn, the air grew thick with tension. The crowd around them watched intently, their breaths held as the match unfolded. Seung Min stood in front of Ki Seok, his expression calm but focused.

Seung Min made the first move, using a simple and straightforward punching technique. It was deliberate, not too flashy, yet calculated. Ki Seok smirked, as if unimpressed. "Is that all you've got?" he taunted before launching a swift counterattack.

Ki Seok's hand struck Seung Min's stomach with surprising speed and force. The impact seemed to take Seung Min by surprise. He staggered backward, clutching his stomach, and then collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

Gasps erupted from the spectators, and Ki Seok raised his head arrogantly. "Too easy," he muttered, turning his back on Seung Min to face Do Jin. "This is the level of the opponents you bring me? Pathetic."

But before Ki Seok could finish his words, there was a sudden, loud brak! Everyone's attention snapped back to the scene. Ki Seok's body crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

The crowd froze in shock as Seung Min, now standing tall, brushed off his hands casually. "Never turn your back on an opponent," he said coolly. It turned out his earlier fall was nothing but a prank to lower Ki Seok's guard. The moment Ki Seok turned around, Seung Min delivered a precise flick to the side of his neck, targeting a pressure point that rendered him unconscious instantly.

From a distance, Jae Hoon, who had been silently observing the match, widened his eyes in disbelief. He couldn't hold back a muttered, "Wow… he's something else." Beside him, Dae Hyun crossed his arms and smirked with approval. "I knew there was more to him," he said, his tone laced with amusement.

Meanwhile, up in the shadows of the building's upper window, Jin Seok watched the scene unfold with an eerie calm. His expression betrayed no emotion, only the faintest flicker of interest in his cold gaze.

Seung Min glanced at Ki Seok's unconscious body before turning his attention to Do Jin, who now wore a faint smirk. "Not bad," Do Jin said, clapping slowly. "But don't think this changes anything. The real game is just beginning."

Seung Min's eyes narrowed slightly. "Then bring it on," he replied, his voice firm. The hall was silent except for the murmurs of the onlookers, who couldn't decide whether to be impressed or terrified by Seung Min's unexpected prowess.

As Seung Min walked toward the school gate after the intense match, he noticed Jin Ho leaning against a wall, clutching his stomach with a pained expression. His usual confident demeanor seemed to have disappeared, replaced by visible discomfort.

Seung Min hesitated for a moment but eventually walked over. Reaching into his bag, he pulled out a small bottle of water and handed it to Jin Ho. "Here," he said simply. "It'll help you calm down."

Jin Ho looked up at him in surprise, his expression softening slightly. He took the water and muttered a quiet, "Thanks," before unscrewing the cap and taking a sip. Though reluctant to admit it, he appreciated the gesture.

Before either could say more, Dae Hyun appeared from the other direction, his steps purposeful. He approached them with a scrutinizing gaze, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Seung Min. "What are you up to, Seung Min?" he asked sharply, his tone suspicious. "Why are you helping him all of a sudden?"

Seung Min remained calm, his expression unreadable. "Just being decent," he replied lightly, shrugging. "Not everything has to be a scheme, you know."

Dae Hyun didn't look convinced, his eyes darting between Seung Min and Jin Ho. Before he could press further, Jin Ho straightened up and said, "I'm fine. Thanks for the water." He quickly walked away, eager to avoid further attention.

Dae Hyun, however, called out after him. "Jin Ho, wait!" He took a step in his direction, but Jin Ho kept walking without looking back.

Left alone with Seung Min, Dae Hyun turned back toward him, his gaze still filled with suspicion. "You're different these days," he said slowly. "It's like you're a completely new person."

Seung Min smiled faintly at Dae Hyun's words, though there was an edge to it—a hint of something unreadable. "Maybe I am," he said cryptically before walking away.

Dae Hyun watched him go, his unease growing. Seung Min headed toward the parking lot, where his sleek motorbike awaited. He swung his leg over the seat, started the engine, and, with a low roar, sped off into the evening, leaving Dae Hyun standing alone, lost in thought.

That evening, Seung Min sat comfortably on the living room couch, his legs propped up on the coffee table as he mindlessly flipped through TV channels. The dim glow of the screen illuminated the room, while his father, still in his business suit, leaned back against the sofa, looking exhausted.

The silence of the moment was broken when the front door suddenly opened. Seung Min's attention shifted as his mother walked in, followed by someone unexpected—his homeroom teacher, Nina Park, who was also Hae Jin's older sister.

Seung Min stiffened, his heart skipping a beat. Nina's gaze was calm and composed, though there was a subtle tension in her expression. She greeted Seung Min's father politely, bowing slightly. "Good evening, Mr. Kang," she said.

His father raised an eyebrow, visibly surprised by the unexpected visit. "Ms. Park? What brings you here at this hour?" he asked, his tone polite yet curious.

Before Nina could answer, Seung Min's mother spoke up. "I invited her," she said with a small smile. "We had a chance to talk earlier today, and I thought it'd be good to discuss Seung Min's progress in school."

Seung Min's heart sank further. He quickly turned off the TV and sat up straight, trying to appear more composed. "Progress? There's no need for that," he said quickly, flashing a forced smile. "I'm doing fine, really."

Nina's sharp eyes met his, and for a moment, it felt as if she could see straight through him. She set her bag down and took a seat across from Seung Min. "That's not entirely true, Seung Min," she said evenly. "Your recent behavior in class has been... different."

His father furrowed his brow and looked at him. "What does she mean by that?" he asked, his tone carrying a hint of concern.

Seung Min opened his mouth to respond, but Nina cut him off. "It's not necessarily bad," she clarified, her tone softer. "In fact, it's almost like you've become more assertive and confident. However, it's a drastic change compared to how you used to be. It's concerning, and I felt it was important to address it."

Seung Min clenched his fists, his mind racing. He couldn't let them dig too deep—not when he wasn't even supposed to be the "Seung Min" they knew.

His mother, sensing the tension, stepped in. "I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation," she said, looking at her son. "Seung Min, is there anything you'd like to share?"

Seung Min forced a laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "I guess I've just been feeling more motivated lately," he said casually. "Nothing to worry about."

Nina's eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn't press further. Instead, she turned her attention to Seung Min's father. "If anything unusual happens, please don't hesitate to let me know," she said.

Seung Min exhaled quietly, relieved the conversation was wrapping up. But as Nina stood to leave, she glanced back at him, her expression unreadable. "Goodnight, Seung Min," she said. "Take care of yourself."

As the door closed behind her, Seung Min leaned back against the couch, his heart still pounding. He knew that Nina wasn't convinced—and that she would be watching him closely from now on.

Elsewhere, at Jin Seok's house, the night was calm and quiet. In the spacious and tidy living room, his father, Lee Joo Hyun, sat on the sofa sipping warm tea. Across from him, Jin Seok sat casually, though his eyes showed a hint of disinterest as he looked at his father.

"There's something I need to tell you," Lee Joo Hyun began, his tone serious but calm. "Your stepbrother, Lee Min Joon, will be joining your school starting next week."

Hearing this, Jin Seok immediately looked up. His eyes narrowed as he processed the information. "Min Joon? He's going to my school?" he asked flatly, though there was clear disapproval in his tone.

Lee Joo Hyun nodded, unbothered by Jin Seok's reaction. "He needs a more challenging environment. And I think you can help him adjust there. After all, you need to take responsibility as his older brother."

Jin Seok let out a small, sarcastic smile. "Older brother, huh? We both know it's never been like that," he muttered. However, his father gave him a sharp look, warning him not to argue further.

In the corner of the room, a boy sat cross-legged on the floor, casually engrossed in the phone game he was playing. This was Lee Min Joon, Jin Seok's stepbrother. The boy didn't say much, fully immersed in his game. However, from time to time, he glanced at Jin Seok, as though sensing the tension in the air.

Jin Seok finally glanced at Min Joon, his expression cold, before looking back at his father. "He won't last there," he said curtly. "That school isn't for someone like him."

Min Joon, without looking up from his phone, suddenly spoke. His voice was light but carried a subtle undertone of mockery. "Don't worry, Hyung. I won't be a burden to you," he said, the corner of his lips curving slightly in a smirk.

Jin Seok gripped the armrest of the sofa, restraining himself from reacting. "We'll see about that," he muttered to himself more than anyone else.

Lee Joo Hyun stood up, looking between his two sons. "I don't want any problems between the two of you. Jin Seok, take care of your brother. Min Joon, don't cause trouble," he said firmly before leaving the room.

As soon as their father left, the atmosphere in the living room turned colder. Jin Seok stared at Min Joon sharply, while Min Joon remained calm, focused on his phone. Though no words were exchanged, the tension between them was palpable. Jin Seok knew that Min Joon's presence at his school could spark new complications, and he wasn't sure if that would end well—or badly.

🎵 "God's Menu" – Stray Kids