**Chapter 4: Embers of Desire**

As they broke apart for air, Sae Byeok's smile was like a ray of sunlight in the dimly lit room. Sang Woo felt his heart skip a beat as he gazed into her eyes, the spark of attraction between them now a raging flame. He knew that they couldn't ignore it anymore, not when it felt like the entire world had come to a standstill. Sae Byeok took a step back, her eyes never leaving his, and began to peel off her jacket. The movement was slow and deliberate, as if she was savoring the moment. Sang Woo's eyes followed her every move, his breath catching in his throat as he caught sight of the tank top underneath. He felt a surge of desire, mixed with a hint of uncertainty. What were they doing? Were they really crossing this line? But as he looked into Sae Byeok's eyes, he saw a sense of determination and longing that brooked no doubt. Without a word, Sang Woo reached out and gently pulled Sae Byeok into his arms. Their lips met again, the kiss deepening as they lost themselves in the moment. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, suspended in a sea of desire. As they kissed, Sang Woo's hands wandered over Sae Byeok's body, tracing the curves of her face, the softness of her skin. She shivered in response, her hands slipping under his shirt to explore the contours of his chest. The room around them grew hotter, the air thickening with anticipation. They stumbled backwards, falling onto the bed in a tangled heap of limbs and clothes. Sang Woo felt a rush of excitement as Sae Byeok's hands slipped under his belt, her fingers brushing against his skin. He groaned in response, his body reacting to her touch. Sae Byeok smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief, and began to undress him, her fingers tracing the lines of his body. As they shed their clothes, Sang Woo caught glimpses of Sae Byeok's past, the scars on her body a testament to the hardships she'd endured. He felt a pang of regret, wondering if he was adding to her pain, but Sae Byeok's eyes told him that she was ready, that she wanted this. Their bodies entwined, they lost themselves in the moment, the world around them dissolving into nothingness. For a few fleeting hours, they forgot about the Squid Game, forgot about the dangers that lurked outside, and simply existed. As the night wore on, Sang Woo felt a sense of peace wash over him, a sense of belonging that he'd never known before. He glanced over at Sae Byeok, her eyes closed, her chest rising and falling with each breath. In that moment, he knew that he'd do anything to protect her, to keep her safe from the world. The game might be over for them, but a new game was just beginning, one that would test their love, their loyalty, and their very survival.