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dawnseternallight · 1 year ago

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Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Persona 5 Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Akechi Goro & Kurusu Akira, Akechi Goro & Amamiya Ren, Akechi Goro & Persona 5 Protagonist Characters: Kurusu Akira, Amamiya Ren (Persona Series), Persona 5 Protagonist, Akechi Goro Additional Tags: Time Travel Fix-It, Time Loop, Character Study, Second Chances, Akira trying his best to save Akechi, He’s also pretty eh about his own death, give him a break he’s done this a bunch, Akechi is stubburn, but Akira is even moreso Summary:

One of Akira’s greatest regrets in life is being unable to save Akechi. He swears this time he will manage it. No matter how many times he has to die to make it happen.

“If you kill me here, I won’t stop.” Akira said, the cool tip of the gun already warming against his forehead, “I won’t stop. I refuse to. No matter how many times I have to try.”

The pressure lessens, Akechi’s surprise enough for him to pull away, even if the difference was only incremental.

It didn’t matter. It never did in the end. No matter what words came out of Akira’s mouth at this point, Goro Akechi never listened. He was too far gone into his fury, raging against Akira’s betrayal.

And why shouldn’t he? For all intents and purposes, Akira had betrayed him. He’d spent months lying to him, working to try and convince the other boy to give up his quest for revenge by whatever means he could.

It felt like Akira had tried everything at this point. He’d done this loop, starting from the day he’d first met Akechi at the TV station and going all the way up to the engine room so many times now. Most loops he didn’t even make it to the engine room, jumping the gun to admit to the other boy the truth of the matter. “I know who you are. I know what you’re planning.” It seemed the only way after watching Akechi self-destruct time and again without the admission.

So he’d changed tactics. If pure friendship couldn’t sway the other boy he’d try everything else. From pleading with him, to outing his evils to Sae early, and even one incredibly disastrous attempt to seduce him. That loop had to take the award for his quickest death. Akechi did not appreciate false interest in that way. It had been unfair to them both to even try. Akira didn’t want a relationship built on lies, and Akechi would grate against any attempt to puppet him in that way. It had been stupid. Desperate, but stupid.

“If I kill you here and now you would be forced to stop.” Fury was the main ingredient in Akechi’s voice, but it held an undercurrent of confusion as well, “Unless, but no. That would be impossible. The metaverse does much, but even it cannot control time.”

At least he was quick enough on the uptake to understand that Akira had gone back in time. Even if he was still denying it. He’d never actually given Akira enough time to explain just how he’d managed to go back in time. If Akechi wasn’t always so shoot first, ask questions later about Akira, he’d have eventually learned that while the Metaverse alone couldn’t control time, a few enterprising gods and beings that existed between certainly could.

“Furthermore, if I kill you, there should be nothing left to send back in time.” Akechi continued, brows furrowed.

Akira shrugged, uncaring of his friend…enemy…no friend’s confusion. He was just waiting on the bullet at this point. This was the point of no return. It was always the point of no return. Without fail every time Akira had told Akechi anything along the lines of the truth, his friend had shot him point blank. Too deep in his own plans to allow for the kind of chaos a time traveler might bring to the equation.

It was predetermined. The rule imposed on him by this deal he’d made. He could keep trying. Keep going. Keep pushing, until one of two things happened: Akira admitted that Akechi was irredeemable and would always fall to his fate, or he accepted Akira’s revelation that he’d known Akechi’s identity this entire time, and had simply been trying to save him from himself.

Akira absolutely refused to give into the first option. He was doing all this because he knew his friend could be saved. It had to be true. If he could defy the fate set upon him by Yaldabaoth and triumph over a false reality, then he could turn the fate of the one person he’d been unable to save.

See, Akira had spent a long time thinking about Goro Akechi. Years after the boy’s death he still haunted Akira’s days and nights. He’d spent so much time wishing for another chance to save his friend who’d had a fate forced upon him, one he’d never asked for. To reach his hand out to someone who’d never had anyone reach for him willingly. To be able to show Akechi that he was wanted. All those wishes had eventually piled up, matchsticks tumbling one after another into a mound set to become a roaring blaze.

And that blaze had become a deal.

Akechi cocked the gun, the sound sharp in the quiet space of the attic Akira had made his home.

His face twisted into a furious grimace, “If you’ve really done this before as you claim you have, you should know nothing will change my mind. Taking down Shido is my only option.”

“I know.” Akira said, “You remind me of that every time.”

He sighed, exhaustion lacing his shoulders. He’d hoped this would be easier. But Akechi was as stubborn as Akira himself was.

Instead he reached up, movement slow, and gripped the gun, pulling it back forward that same incremental distance Akechi had lessened, “Go ahead.” He said, “Do it so I can try again.”

The gun dipped in a sudden and shocking movement, still between them, but pointed more towards Akira’s shoulder. His hand fell with it, leaving Akechi’s expression clear. He was frowning.

“Why?” He asked again, tone softer now, before turning into a growl, “Why do you want to ruin my life? Why continue with this charade?”

Akira tilted his head to the side, “What makes you think I want to ruin your life?”

“You said it yourself, we’re rivals.”

Well, if this attempt was this much of a dumpster fire, Akira might as well throw a bit more fuel to it and set the whole thing roaring.

“Rivals sure, but we’re friends, Akechi.” He stepped back, hand dropping off the gun to run through his hair, forgetting it was even there, still hovering between them.

“Stop spouting nonsense.” Akechi spit, “We are enemies, diametrically opposed in every way.”

A broken laugh burst out of Akira’s chest, and he had to press the back of his hand to his mouth to surprise it. Akira was tired. Tired of trying so hard to nudge Akechi towards the truth. His whole life he’d been more of a listener rather than a speaker. He preferred to take in what others were saying, mull over it, and hand them back the important bits, shiny and polished by care. But there was something about Akechi that made Akira want to become a flood. The other boy pulled words out of his mouth like unstopping a dam piece by piece. First they flowed slowly, and then all at once in a rush.

Well, if Akechi was going to force the truth from him, this time Akira would give it to him, in all its painful messy glory.

“Don’t be an idiot, Akechi. You and I? We’re the same. Two broken boys who were rejected by their families shoved into the same role and told to dance to the tune of a monster who never cared enough to be fair when asking the world of two stupid teenagers.”

He could be talking about Shido. He could also be talking about Yaldabaoth. He was probably talking about them both if he were to be honest with himself.

Akira was on a roll now, heedless of the shock spreading across Akechi’s features,

“You’re so damn stubborn. We’re the same in that too, rushing forward with our truth held between our teeth like pit bulls. For once in my life I am going to be the selfish one, and I’m not stopping until I’ve gotten what I wanted.”

Akira shot him a grin, “I’m a thief, Akechi. I came here to steal your fate. And I’m not leaving without you. So go ahead, kill me here. I’ll just rise up again and try until I can convince you of my feelings. I will try again, and again, and again. As many times as it takes to make you see the truth far before you can self-destruct.”

Akechi’s eyes were wide, pools of crimson opened wide in an attempt to take in the downpour that was Akira’s monologue.

He clenched his fists by his side, still not done, unwilling to let the other get another condescending word out before he’d said everything that had been piling up within him for years.

“I’ll do it to save your stupid, foolish ass, you idiot.” Akira snapped, voice angry and hard, like he had on one sleepless night. He’d been raging at the sky then, Akechi’s face almost visible against the stars, “You died and I had to go on living. I had to step into the world each day knowing I’d failed you. Knowing that no matter what I did it still meant you didn’t get your second chance. And I’d rather fail a thousand times again and again if it meant that eventually I’d succeed.”

Suddenly the gun was back in Akira’s face, “Liar.” The word was a hiss.

“You couldn’t possibly want to save me. Fault my plans? Yes. Push your own stupid ideas of justice? Of course. But save me? Shut up.” Akechi spit the words, his tone solid venom, “I spent months plotting your death, and the death of your friends. I killed Futaba’s mother, murdered your friend’s father. Killed countless others. There is no saving me. You should not want to save me.”

Akira sighed, “Then shoot me. I don’t know how to make you believe I care about you, but I’ll figure it out.” He locked eyes with Akechi, “I swear it.”

They stood there for a moment, frozen in time, hearts beating between the decision. Slowly, Akechi shifted, brows furrowing before his eyes widened, the in the next breath sharpened.

“How many times?”

Surprise made Akira blink, “What?”

“How many times have you done this? And do not try to tell me you can’t remember.”

“I wouldn’t dare.” Akira said, his shock at this question pulling the truth from him, not that he needed to lie. They hadn’t been sparring for a long time now, “Forty seven so far. Forty eight if you count the time I accidentally tripped into your sword.”

Akechi blinked at him, “You mean to tell me that you’ve allowed me to shoot you forty seven times?”

“And impale me once. But that was a genuine mistake. You weren’t even mad at me, in fact we were hitting it off really well in that loop. I thought it might be the one.”

Akira couldn’t describe the look on Akechi’s face. It had twisted up, but not with fury or confusion or even irritation. If Akira hadn’t felt this loop was already irreparably screwed up he’d have thought perhaps Akechi was about to cry.

“I hate you.” Akechi growled, “I—”

And then the impossible happened, tears slipped down Akechi’s face. He tried to glare, and instead it came out just sad.

“I hate you.” He said again, voice hoarse, “I hate you so much. Why do you have to be so damned perfect?”

His hand dropped at last, the gun falling to his side. Even with that concession, something burned behind his eyes, all that potential Yaldabaoth had seen in him smoldering even through hot tears. He stepped back, widening the gap between them to something far less intimate than it had been moments before.

“To think you would subject yourself to being killed by me that many times.” He shook his head, disbelief clouding anger, “You truly are a fool.”

He turned his face up, eyes locking on the cobweb lined ceiling, “I thought perhaps you’d only done it once. A single attempt to right a wrong. Yet here you stand.” Akechi looked back at him, “Tell me about the attempts. I want to know you aren’t lying.”

Akira smiled, hope finally blooming in his chest. Now that he thought about it, he had never managed to tell Akechi he’d been looping before. Even subtly. It was always over far too fast after he’d admitted simply to having gone back in time once.

Of course that’s what it would take. For someone desperate to experience one ounce of genuine care Akechi would believe nothing less than something as fool heartedly desperate as Akira’s scheme.

“I can do that.” Akira nodded, “I’ll give you as many details as you need.” He promised. “Because you deserve at least one person in your court.”

Because it could have just as easily been him on the other side of this mess. Jaded and furious at an unfair world, all his potential driving him to chaos.

“If humoring you has turned you into something sickeningly sentimental then perhaps I will not sit for them all.”

This only made Akria’s smile widen into a bright grin, “I can’t promise that, after all you’re listening to me at last.”

The other boy let out a bitter laugh, “After forty eight rejections, I feel obligated to give into your stubbornness at least once. After all, as you said, we are both akin to pit bulls.”

Akechi tucked the gun back under his coat, into the holster he’d kept it in, “Know this, I will be requiring a detailed explanation of your actions. While your earnest reaction to this conversation and your frankly baffling lack of self preservation has convinced me that you have somehow contrived of a way to go back in time, I need to know more. Perhaps a full explanation will stop me from making what I can only assume is a monumental mistake.”

“Something like that.” Akira’s grin could probably be described as goofy, relief was flooding him.

“Yes, well. I would rather not die in pursuit of my revenge, especially if it is dictated by fate as your story seems to indicate.” His lips twisted into a firm line, “My life is my own, not some puppet master’s.”

“I did try to tell you once someone was trying to control your fate.” Akira mused, remembering the rather explosive reaction he’d received.

“Do not forget you are trying to control my fate as well Akira.”

He waved off the words with the air of someone who had heard far worse, “Nonsense, I told you, I’m trying to steal it.” He shot Akechi a sharp grin, “I am a Phantom Thief after all.”

This prompted a genuine laugh, something Akira thought he’d never get to hear again.

“Indeed you are. Well then, Mr. Phantom Thief, do your worst. Tell me all about this plan to steal my fate.”

And for the first time, Akira knew he had finally succeeded.

#persona 5 #goro akechi #akira kurusu #ren amamiya #time loop fic #time travel fic #fanfiction #ao3 fanfic #this came to me in a haze of feels last night and I wrote it instead of the sick fic I was planning #these two are very stubborn #and make me just want to yell #Precious Posts

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lost-in-fiction-like-ur-mom · 6 months ago

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Hello! I would like to make a request about Dae-Ho, a character I love. I would like the story to show how Dae-Ho and the reader develop a special connection during the games, despite being on opposite sides. She is part of Thanos' team, but they still interact frequently. On one of those nights, they kiss and promise to get to know each other better once it's all over. However, that promise is not fulfilled because she dies in the carousel game.

I hope this story fits the bill. Happy holidays! <3

Anything Is Possible?

KANG DAE-HO X READER

Summary- You are number 230's, rapper Choi Su-bong, sister. Just because you are on 'Thanos Team', does that mean you can Dae-Ho cant get together? Will you survive long enough?

Warnings- Squid Games, Angst, mentions of blood, murder, and death

A/N- I combined this ask with another anon request, "badass reader and daeho! maybe she is related to 100 and that's why the romance is kind of forbidden but she doesn't agree with his actions and thinks daeho is very cute. I would love a first kiss between the two, which she initiated and he was all embarrassed but really excited" I hope y'all don't mind, they were very similar!

Word Count- 4,605

"What is your problem!" You found yourself yelling at your brother. While this was not uncommon, the situation surely was. Thanos the rapper, or just known as Choi Su-bong to you, had pushed several people down on purpose. This killed them in the Red light, Green light game.

"You killed them!" You continued, though he did not seem to care.

"Look, as far as 'The Thanos' is concerned, each body means more cash for MOI!" He spoke, uncaring.

"Oh, and if it was me, would you let me get shot!" You crossed your arms, eyeing him up and down.

He looked around, checking for any guards. He then slipped out his cross form under his shirt. You knew he had some kind of drug in there.

"Look, if it will shut you up, you can have one. But keep your mouth closed!" He ushered his cross in your direction. You rolled your eyes.

"I'd like to at least be aware of my surrounding in a death defying game!" "Shhh, Shhhh!" His face scrunched up as he looked at you, offended. He thought someone might have been drawn to your choice words.

You scoffed and walked off, sitting on the edge of a bed to catch a train of thought.

With a puff, you pressed your head into your hands. Could you really go on like this? Risking your life? Then it hit you, your life was over either way. Loan sharks were bound to kill you the second you left... Might as well go out with a bang?

The gruesome thought lingered until you felt the bed sink next to you.

"Thanos, I don't want to-" You looked up to not see your brother. Instead a man with a '388' on his jacket.

"Well I'm not sure who 'Thanos' is, but are you doing okay?" He looked genuinely concerned.

You started at him for a second, "Like fifty people just died..."

He faltered, "W-well yeah... Obviously you aren't okay... I just, I saw you arguing with that guy... The one with purple hair." You sigh again at his response. Well, this might be the last conversation you ever have. Why not be an open book!

"That's my brother. He thinks since he got one hit song, he can boss anyone around." You again rolled your eyes at the thought of him.

"Oh... I see. I-I have three older sisters, I know how it can get." He said, trying to offer you some sort of condolence.

You gave a side smile at him, appreciative of his efforts. "Thanks... What got you into these games?" You figured there's no reason for 'proper exchanges.' What was the point anymore?

He seemed ashamed at the question. "Sorry, if it makes you feel any better- I'm about 30 million won in debt. Some online crypto coin my brother swindled me into. Lost big time." You explained.

He shook his head, "No, no, its fine. See, I was a marine. Couldn't find a job after I got out. Guess I just got carried away with the wrong people... Got into some bad loans."

You gave a sympathetic face. "That sucks..." He just nodded sheepishly.

A silence fell between you two, but it wasn't awkward or annoying. It just...was.

"Well, uh, which are you going to vote?" He asked like it had been on the tip of his tongue all day.

As the Guards had told us earlier, we would get a chance to vote before the next game. Stay or Go.

"My brother seems pretty adamant on staying... And I honestly don't think it would be smart to piss him off anymore. He's got me in his little clique already." You didn't really know which one you would have chosen if the vote was anonymous.

He nodded in understanding. "I mean, I don't have a groupie or anything. But, you could stick with me if you wanted."

Your heart fluttered. Looking up at him, you seemed to just notice how handsome he was... Then reality hit.

"I deeply appreciate that... But I think you might have better odds without me. Choi- uh Thanos, would probably do something to you... I don't really want to risk it, I'm sorry." You knew that you really did want to be on his team, but you also knew how your brother was.

He had a slight look of defeat on his face, "I get it. I feel confident about the next game. I mean, if they're all children games, how hard can it be? I'll vote the same as you."

You agreed, "Then, maybe I can talk to Thanos? See if he wants another member?" You smiled at him.

He opened his mouth to speak, happily, but the two of you were interrupted when the pink guards came back in. Letting everyone know it was time to vote.

"See ya on the other side." You said, standing up to rejoin Thanos. Plus his newly acquired group of 3.

"Yes ma'am!" He responded, giving a small salute. You just laughed as you glanced at him a last time.

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"Are you crazy!" Thanos whisper-yelled at you, turning the two of you away from the group. "Are you tryna embarrass me in front of my boys!" He scolded you like a child. His arms and shoulders going up.

"It's not that big of a deal, he was a marine, he could be good for us." Thanos just "tsked' in response.

"No. We are already perfecto. No more room." He said as-a-matter-of-fact. His arms making an 'X.'

You turned and looked at the two men staring at you. "Thanos, there are four of us in total. What if the next game is five players!"

"Huh, and what if its four! Then I'd be pushing YOU out, Cause of ya mouth." He made faces at you, then laughed loudly. "I'm just joking sistah! I'd only do that if you really pissed me off.... We are sticking to four." His expression turned serious.

"Fine."

At a mere coincidence, you turned around and saw '388' staring at you. You mouthed a 'sorry' and shook your head. Signalling Thanos said 'no.'

He nodded, then smiled at you anyways. At that, you watched him walk over and sit with a group of 'X's.

------------------------------------------

The lights soon went out. You laid back in your bed, trying to get some kind of sleep. It was useless, especially when you heard a 'psst' right next to you.

You turned your head, playing cool, even though it did startle you a bit. "Shh, It's just me." The voice rang familiar, and when you squinted your eyes in the dark your made out number 388's face. He was on his knees, crouched down next to your bed.

"What are you doing!" You whispered at him, sitting up quickly. Thanos and his two members were just a bed away.

"Shhhh, I have something to tell you." He said, his hands were waving slightly, a nervous tick.

You eyed him, moving closer. "What?"

"One of the guys has played these before. He said he won the games...That he knows which one is next."

Your hands rise to rub sleep from your eyes, "Really? You think he's telling the truth?"

With a frantic nod he continues, "It was the guy who knew about the Red light, Green light. Number 456."

You looked down, "Why are you telling me this..." You questioned, unaware of any kind of unconditional kindness.

"I want you to survive, why else?" You locked eyes with him. They were honest and pure.

"Well, what's the next game?" You didn't know how to respond to such generosity. For all he knew you would stab him in the back. Not that you could bring yourself to, not after he snuck over to tell you.

"He said its Dalgona. Ya know, the game where you scratch out the candy shape?" You knew the game, having played it in your youth.

"Make sure you pick the Triangle. It's the easiest one." You nodded.

At that, a shuffle made both of you turn your head. Thanos moved in his sleep, rolling over. His eyes were closed, but he was now facing you.

"You better go, in case he wakes up." You warned, not wanting any drama.

His head shook in agreeance, he raised to walk off.

"Wait!" You whispered, he looked back. "What's your name?"

"Dae-Ho. Dae-ho Kang."

"Thank you, Dae-ho..." The corners of your face rose, almost grinning at yourself saying his name.

He gave a small wave of his hand, another salute. You suppressed a giggle, and laid back down. Sleep came easier this time...

------------------------------------------

"Welcome to your second game, this game will be played in teams. Please divide into teams of five in the next ten minutes."

You looked around, Dalgona was not a team game. Had Dae-Ho lied to you? No, why else would he sneak over in the middle of the night. It didn't make sense. Maybe 456 was lying?

"Should have listened to me, now we have to find another person." You remarked to your brother, smugly.

"Trust trust, my skeptic sister. Thanos has got this under control!" He spoke about himself, immediately levitating to the closest attractive women. You, once again, found yourself rolling your eyes.

"Señorita, excuse me?" You wanted to physically face palm at his attempt at a pickup line.

------------------------------------------

Quickly enough, time selection was up. Everyone was orderly sat in their groups. Conveniently, Dae-Ho and his group sat behind you.

"Dae-Ho." You called, moving to be in his range of sight.

"Ahh, hey!" He said, excitedly. His demeanor changing from skittish when he saw you.

"So, what happened to Dalgona?" You asked, not blaming him- just curious.

He gave an unsure face, equally as confused. "He said the games must not be the same. I'm sorry."

"What for?" You beamed, knowing it was not his fault.

He laughed, "I guess I don't know.."

You just shook your head humorously. "Which game are you going to do?"

"Uhmm, Gong-Gi... My sister's played it a lot, so I'm used to it."

"They've got me doing spinning top. I was never any good at Gong-Gi." You made a glance to Thanos, he was high out of his mind. You caught him slipping Nam-Gyu a pill. He didn't notice you talking to Dae-Ho.

"I wish you the best of luck!" He gave a quick bow of the head.

------------------------------------------

The game went smoothly enough. Though, it took much longer than Red light, Green light. Watching all of the teams go one at a time was excruciating.

A handful of words exchanged with Dae-Ho while waiting was calming, it grounded you. He had nothing to gain by helping you, he simply did. It was flattering.

You and Dae-Ho had figured out that his team was going last. It was nerve-wracking to think about him not making it. No one had ever effected you like this before...

Eventually your team went, suffering frequent verbal degration from Thanos and Nam-Gyu. Thankfully your team made it with 8 seconds to spare. Too close for your comfort.

The worst part came when you had to wait. You felt like you could hear a large clock ticking right by your ear.

Would Dae-Ho's team make it? You didn't doubt his Gong-Gi skills, but he was dependent on the skills of his team mates as well. It was terrifying to think they were shot with not enough time to complete the games.

You couldn't bare Thanos bantering, he complained about every survivor. It just made you more paranoid about Dae-Ho's possible death.

Trying to settle your mind, you stepped away from your group, preferring to sit by yourself on the edge on the steps. You picked at your nails, praying he would make it.

Minutes and minutes went by. No one had come out in a while. Was the game finished? Did they die?

Just as you were about to return to your brother hopeless, one last group appeared.

A gasp left you as you watched Dae-Ho's team emerge. You stood up, cheering with a handful of other players. Your hands were clasped gleefully In front of you.

Dae-Ho's gaze was fixed on you, he chuckled. His first raised in victory.

You gave him a salute back.

------------------------------------------

You managed to slip away from Thanos. He was too busy hitting on Se-Mi. You were grateful for her, it took some of the pressure and attention off of you. You had to remember to thank her later.

"Dae-Ho!" You called out, he turned around and stepped away from his group.

"You were amazing! You went 'Wooshhh' and got the top first try!" He was practically bouncing on his heels. He mimicked the process of spinning a top with his hands and body.

"Thank you, Thank you." You pretended like you were bowing to an applauding audience.

"How did Gong-Gi go?" You asked, antsy. He rubbed the back on his neck.

He grinned deep, "Would you believe me if I said I got it first try too?"

Your face lit up, "Really!"

"I swear it!" He placed a hand across his chest.

You gave a quick clap to him, "I knew you could do it!"

You felt like a schoolgirl again. Talking to Dae-Ho made you feel like a blushing bride. He was such a ray of light and hope for you.

"What do you think the next game is?" He questioned, taking a seat on a step by the large doors.

You thought for a second, "I don't know, Maybe some kind of mind game. Since the last two have been really physical."

He nodded, "Yeah, maybe, maybe. Thats smart thinking."

You joined him on the step facing him. While you were about to change the conversation, you overheard a few people talk about what they were voting next. It reminded you of the real life-or-death situation you were in.

"So, d'ya think you're going to change your vote?" You became more solemn.

"...Yeah, I just... The others have convinced me. I mean, truly, I shouldn't have voted 'stay' in the first place..." He looked down, almost as if he had disappointed you.

"Honestly, Dae-Ho... I want to leave too... But, but, what if I press 'leave', and we still have to continue the games. Then Thanos would be pissed, and deep down I need him. He's still my brother." You hated the fact, but you were scared of what Thanos would do.

Dae-Ho thought for a moment. He mumbled something you didn't quite catch. "What?" He stood up.

"I can protect you. Honest. With my life." Your breath hitched, you stood up as well.

You shook your head, a lump forming in your throat. "Oh Dae-Ho... That's just the thing. I can't have you risking your life. Not for me."

He gently lifted your hands into his. "You are worth risking my life for."

"Dae-Ho, you don't even know my name." Your voice quivered.

He nodded quick, "Then lets change that. What's your name." You bit your bottom lip before telling him.

"Now, I can defend you from Thanos. He won't do anything to do." He ended with your name, it sounded angelic coming from his mouth.

"I'm sorry... I just... can't." You let go of his hands, fully set on walking away. But, he stopped you. He grasped your shoulder.

"Please don't go. I'll stop talking about it, I swear." He pleaded. He truly just wanted to be with you, he was content with you.

And you were with him.

You closed your eyes, shook your head. You fought off any kind of objection. "Okay."

The two of you talked and talked, time ran past. You no longer seemed to worry about the games, just that you knew you wanted to stay with Dae-Ho.

Until, the large doors opened and the pink guards once again announced a vote.

You said a quick 'goodbye' to Dae-ho, hoping the games wouldn't continue. Even if you never saw him again, at least he would be alive.

------------------------------------------

Much to your dismay, the games would continue another round. The vote wasn't even close this time. It was almost relieving, knowing that your vote was not the determining factor.

Once again, the lights went out to signify the night. You noticed teams were huddling together for protection, taking shifts and keeping watch. It was getting more serious as each hour went by. You could not find rest, feeling extremely uneasy.

While you tried to find some sort of reassurance in Thanos, he was fast asleep. You decided to take your chance and go see Dae-Ho. Just as he had done for you.

You knew the general area where his group was, but couldn't make out specific people in the dark. Not from your distance.

You racked up the nerve to quietly shuffle over. Your socks helping to muffle any noise.

"Shh, someone is coming." You heard a man whisper, it was 456. You could see the large numbers next to the 'O' on his jacket.

"I-is Dae-Ho with you..." You ask, shakily.

"And what do you want with him?" A man next to 456 spoke, defensively.

"I- Hes my friend, I need to talk to him." You tried, fiddling with your fingers.

"Yeah, Sure he is. You're probably trying to get in and take one of us out, huh!" The man 390 rose, acting like he was ready to fight.

You stepped back, "No, really, I swear I'm not!"

You heard your name, a confused Dae-Ho crawled out from under a bed. "Dae-Ho, please tell them in not trying to kill any of you."

"What?" He was still weary from sleep, rubbing his eyes. Once he saw the position you and 390 were in, He quickly stepped between the two of you.

"No, No, she wouldn't do that. Really, whatever shes saying she's telling the truth." Dae-Ho came to your rescue.

"Can we talk Dae-Ho?" You stepped closer to him, both of your hands gently resting on his arm. He nodded rapidly, stepping away from his group.

The two of you found a cluster of abandoned beds, and sat on the floor between them

"Are you okay? Did someone hurt you?" He looked you over for any visible infliction's.

"No, no I'm fine..." You pulled your knees to your chest. "I just wanted to see you." You felt silly once it left your lips.

His face flushed beet red, you could even tell in the dark. His hair falling in his face made you reach a hand out and brush it back. "O-oh"

"You never told me what you think the next game is, Dae-Ho." You needed a distraction.

He shook his head, like he was getting some thoughts out. "I have no idea... I just hope its an easy one. Gi-Hun, uh 456, said that they've already played Tug-of-war, Marbles, and some kind of glass stepping game. So, uh, I would assume none of those would repeat."

"I'm glad I missed Tug-of-war... That would mean the number of survivors would be half..." You thought.

He changed the subject, beginning with your name. "What's wrong? I know you said you wanted to see me, but, I guess I don't understand why."

"Dae-Ho, I don't really know why either. I just, wanted to be with you. I feel safe with you. I feel like I'm alone anytime you walk away..." You blinked away a stray tear.

Dae-Ho was lost in thought, he had thought his feelings weren't reciprocated. Maybe they were after all?

He didn't have time to speak, because you have lounged yourself forward in a burst of confidence. You wrapped your arms around his neck, and pushed him to the floor. He was laid on his back with you on top of him, as you pressed a hard kiss to his lips.

His eyes widened, his body went rigid. When you pulled away to look at him, he stammered. "I-I, Uhm."

At his reaction you pulled away quickly, "I'm so sorry, I thought-"

"Can you please do that again." He was now giddy, a fat smile on his face. Excitement radiated out of him. "A-are you sure.. You seemed so..."

"No, no, you just caught me off guard, please, please kiss me again." He scrambled to a sit, hoping you would come closer again.

With a refound joy, you moved closer. This time you went slow, making sure to bask in the moment. You once again wrapped your arms around Dea-Ho's neck, pulling him in for a kiss.

"You're perfect.." He mumbled against your lips. Though, he felt something wet on his face. He pulled away, his eyes soft, "Whats wrong?"

You sniffled, "Promise me. Promise me, that after everything is over, that we will find each other." You asked, pressing your cheek against his.

"I swear it, I swear we will meet after the games." He leaned in for another kiss.

------------------------------------------

"Welcome to your third game. The game you will be playing is Mingle."

Okay, this one seemed safe. You had a large group, this can work. You tried to be positive, you had someone to look forward to after the game.

"Heyyy, we'll be mingling together. Doesn't that sound like so much fun?" Thanos went on, trying to hype everyone up. The only one who was just as high as him was Nam-Gyu. It worried you that he wasn't fully aware of his surroundings, but at least he wasn't on your tail about everything.

"Please step onto the center platform. When the game starts, the platform will begin to rotate, and you will hear a number. You must form groups of that size, go into the rooms, and close the door within 30 seconds."

You nodded, understanding the rules. Everyone gathered to the platform. You noticed groups staying together, huddling close.

While following Thanos, you passed Dae-Ho's group, you caught his eye and gave him a small salute. It seemed the two of you now had an inside joke.

"Let the game, begin."

At the jump and pull of the platform, you almost lost your balance. You reached a hand out and held onto your brother. He looked over at you, for a split second he actually seemed like your brother. He was there for you.

That's until a muffled snort came from Nam-Gyu. Thanos pushed your hand off, laughing at you.

You sighed and thought of a smart remark, but the platform stopped spinning and a 'Ten' rang out.

Thanos laughed loudly, "We needa four!!" He screamed, shaking his face all about.

"Were four!" A man yelled back, and Thanos took off running. Your eyes widened and you ran after him. "Run, Hurry!" You yelled at Se-Mi, who had stopped to grab Min-Su.

Luckily everyone had made it to the room, just as the door shut the timer went off. The door locked shut. You peaked out of the doors small slit. You didn't see Dae-Ho. A good sign.

Multiple gunshots rang out, each making your body jolt.

"Ha Ha! My family! We did it!" Thanos bantered, clapping some of the men on their backs.

When the doors finally opened again, you looked around. You looked and looked for Dae-Ho. Finally sighing in relief when you saw him. He ran over to you.

"You're okay, thank God!" He hugged you, you held him tight.

You swallowed hard, "It's not over yet. I'll find you after the next round!" You said, quickly finding Thanos again.

"Yeahhhh! Easyyy!" Him and Nam-Gyu joked back and forth. They started dancing to the music as the platform started rotating again.

'Four'

Thanos stopped and looked at his group for a minute. "Gyeong-su, you're with me!" He grabbed his hand, pulling him.

"Damn!" Nam-Gyu said, gripping your arm and pulling you. While you were happy to be chosen, you were worried for Min-su and Se-Mi.

"Lets goooo!" Thanos yelled once we were all in the room.

"Thanos what was that! Gyeong-su over me!" You pointed your finger at him.

"I swear I thought I was pulling you! Besides, you gotta stop running your mouth. You made it, you're fine!"

You couldn't believe what he was saying. Sure, he talked a lot about leaving you. But it was always just talk? Right?

The door opened once again, you were thankful to be away from Thanos. Your new objective was to find Dae-Ho now.

This time, the second you saw him- you ran to him. You no longer cared about what Thanos thought, nor what he'd do.

"I'm so happy to see you." Dae-Ho mumbled into your hair, which his face had been shoved into right after you ran into his arms.

"I have to stay with you, Thanos tried to leave me. I can't make it with him." Dae-Ho didn't hesitate, and pulled you over to his group.

Though, Thanos didn't like that. "Yo, brotha. What're you doing with my sister!" He tried to shove Dae-Ho, but he was bigger and stronger.

The platform started to spin.

"Leave her alone, you obviously cant take care of your sister." He ushered you behind him.

"I don't know what you're talking about bro! I save her, shes only alive because of me and Nam-Gyu!" He argued, leaving out the crucial part of information where he wasn't the one who grabbed you.

"It doesn't matter anymore. I will keep her safe now, you can mind your own business and get along with Nam-Gyu."

They continued to yell and argue over the carousel's music, it was difficult to hear them. Until,

'Three'

Thanos gripped one of your arms, Dae-Ho held another.

"Thanos, let go!" You yelled, trying to pull from his grasp.

It was chaotic, screaming was heard around you. "Dae-Ho, this way!" Two men yelled out, Dae-Ho twisted his head but didn't move.

Your stomach dropped. You couldn't be the reason Dae-Ho would die. You were all running out of time.

"Dae-Ho, go. Please! I'll go with Thanos and Nam-Gyu!"

"I'm not leaving you!" He was adamant about protecting you. Damned everyone else.

"If you don't go, we will all die. Time is running out!" Dae-Ho battled internally, you let go of his hand.

"Go! It's okay, I'll see you in a minute!"

He didn't want to leave, he couldn't. But you made him. When he slowly walked backwards, you let out a relived sigh. You then turned to run with Thanos. Nam-Gyu was already in a room, his yelling ushering you two forward.

It was going to be okay, The three of you in a room. Everything was fine. There was time.

Until, Nam-Gyu moved out of the way... Gyeong-su was behind him... There was already two in the room. Thanos ran in, not thinking twice.

Your running came to a stop right outside of the door. Where Thanos himself had closed it on you.

A "NO!" Was heard from across the room. It was Dae-Ho. He tried to come to you, but he was too far.

Player 456 and player 001 were pulling him into a room. Forcing the door shut. You could see Dae-Ho looking out of the door slit, his hands peaking out as well.

You didn't turn to see what Thanos might have been doing. You didn't care. Not anymore.

You just wanted your last moment to be looking at the most handsome man you'd ever met. His soft eyes were filled with tears as he watched you.

You weren't upset, not scared, not nervous. Not anymore.

It would all be over soon.

You gave him one last salute before a loud bang rang out.

A/N- Not going to lie ya'll, I ate that up. But I still love hearing y'all's constructive criticism! Please LMK if you want to be added to my tag list, TYSM for reading!

Dae-Ho Taglist- @fuzzyscissorsmakerpie-blog @thethreeeyed-raven

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