"A Web of Deceit and Betrayal"
Part 17
As the VIPs retired to their quarters, exhausted from the day's events, the players gathered in small groups, strategizing and discussing their next moves. Inho, still standing beside Myung-gi, guided him back down to the player bunk room, both of them wearing their masks. The large door creaked open, revealing a sea of faces, all watching with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. The room fell silent as the guards parted, allowing Inho and Myung-gi to enter. Myung-gi's eyes scanned the room, taking in the familiar faces, before landing on Gihun, who stood tall, his eyes fixed intently on Inho. Player 120 and 388 flanked him, their expressions stern. Gihun's voice boomed through the room, "What are you doing here? Why did you put us in this place?" He took a step forward, but the guards closed in, blocking his path. Inho's expression remained calm, his voice devoid of emotion. "I'm here to ensure the games proceed as planned." Daeho's eyes darted between the guards and Inho, his gaze lingering on Myung-gi's black mask. That's when he saw it – the three numbers on Myung-gi's breast pocket: 333. His eyes widened in shock as he whispered, "Myung-gi?" The room erupted into chaos as Daeho's words hung in the air. Gihun's eyes locked onto Myung-gi, his face twisted in anger. "You traitor!" he shouted, his voice waking the baby in his arms. Myung-gi's heart sank as he watched the baby cry, its tiny hands waving in distress. He took a step forward, trying to reach out to Gihun, but the older man moved away, his eyes blazing with anger. Inho's voice cut through the tension, "I think it's time we took the baby into our care." With a swift motion, he pistol-whipped Gihun, sending him crashing to the floor. Myung-gi rushed forward, relief washing over him as he scooped up the baby. As they turned to leave, Inho's voice echoed through the room, "Tell Gihun that I'm sorry about Jungbae." The words hung in the air, a cryptic message that only Gihun would understand. With the baby secure in Myung-gi's arms, Inho led the way out of the bunk room, leaving the players to process the shocking revelation. As they disappeared into the darkness, the room fell silent, the only sound the baby's soft wails and Gihun's labored breathing.