**Chapter 4: Shadows of the Past**

As the dim lights of the bunk room flickered, casting eerie shadows on the walls, Young-il's eyes remained open, his gaze drifting across the room. Myung-gi's gentle snores filled the air, a stark contrast to the turmoil that churned within Young-il's mind. The memories of Myung-gi's ordeal still lingered, and Young-il's thoughts were consumed by the desire to protect this fragile, broken boy. Gihun's voice cut through the silence, his tone low and cautious. "Young-il, can I talk to you for a minute?" He nodded towards the corridor, indicating that he wanted to discuss something in private. Young-il's eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded, carefully extricating himself from Myung-gi's grasp. He followed Gihun out of the bunk room, the cool air of the corridor a welcome respite from the stifling atmosphere within. As they walked, Gihun's eyes scanned the surroundings, ensuring they were out of earshot. "What's going on with Myung-gi?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "He's been through a lot, hasn't he?" Young-il's expression turned somber, his eyes clouding over. "He was...abused," he said, the word hanging in the air like a challenge. "By his family, I think. I've seen the way he reacts to certain things, the way he cowers when he's scared. It's not just physical abuse; it's emotional, too." Gihun's face darkened, his jaw clenched in anger. "Those people...they're monsters," he muttered. Young-il's gaze locked onto Gihun's, a spark of understanding passing between them. "We have to protect him," Young-il said, his voice firm. "We have to make sure he feels safe here, with us." Gihun nodded, a resolute look on his face. "We'll do everything we can. But, Young-il, we need to be careful. We don't know what's going on outside these walls, or what the game is planning for us. We have to stay vigilant." As they spoke, the sound of footsteps echoed through the corridor, growing louder with each passing moment. A figure emerged from the shadows, dressed in the familiar attire of a guard. His masked face was expressionless, but his eyes seemed to bore into Young-il's very soul. "Orders have been issued," the guard announced, his voice devoid of emotion. "The game will resume in 30 minutes. All players are required to report to the central hub for briefing." Young-il's heart sank, his mind racing with the implications. What new challenges lay ahead? And what would be the cost of survival in this twisted game? He glanced back at the bunk room, his thoughts consumed by the fragile, broken boy who had come to trust him. He knew that he would do everything in his power to protect Myung-gi, no matter what horrors lay ahead.