Tensions Rise in the Shadows

As the group continued to converse, Myung-gi started to feel increasingly uneasy under Young-il's touch. The grip on his arm seemed to tighten, and the gentle caress that was supposed to be soothing only made him feel more trapped. Myung-gi tried to think of an excuse to get away, and a perfect opportunity arose when he suddenly felt the urge to use the restroom. He let his voice gently cut through the conversation, "Excuse me, I need to go to the bathroom." Gi-hun nodded, and everyone went back to their discussion, except for Young-il, who didn't seem willing to let go of Myung-gi's shoulder. Myung-gi turned his head and quietly asked, "Could you let go of my shoulder?" Young-il's expression didn't change, but he reluctantly loosened his grip. Myung-gi quickly paced to the bathroom, his mind racing with thoughts of escape. As soon as he was inside, he moved the neckline of his shirt to examine the damage done to his shoulder. A clear, dark bruise was forming, shaped like a handprint. It was already darker than the ones inflicted by Thanos and Namgyu a couple of hours ago. Myung-gi winced in pain but tried to focus on using the restroom. He preferred the privacy of a stall, so he walked in and did his business. As he was finishing up, he heard the sound of the bathroom door opening and closing, followed by the murmur of voices. Some of them he recognized as players from the game. As he walked out of the stall to wash his hands, he felt himself getting grabbed by Thanos, who shoved him back into the stall and left the door open behind him. Namgyu stood in the doorframe, keeping guard. Thanos threatened Myung-gi, his voice low and menacing, "You remember the scam, don't you? You remember how much money I lost? You'll have to pay me back, all of it." Thanos forced Myung-gi to sit on the toilet seat as he pinned him against the toilet. Myung-gi's heart was racing, and he thought he was in grave danger. Just as it seemed like Thanos was about to do something, Young-il walked through the bathroom door. Namgyu instantly alerted Thanos, who quickly got up and hustled out of the bathroom with Namgyu, clearly scared of the older man. Young-il stalked over to the stall, his eyes scanning the area before landing on Myung-gi. He grabbed Myung-gi's hand and pulled him up and into his chest. "Did they do anything to you?" Young-il asked, his voice low and concerned. Myung-gi shook his head, trying to wriggle free. Young-il held him tight for a moment before letting go, allowing Myung-gi to wash his hands. As Myung-gi was washing his hands, Young-il grabbed his waist from behind and leaned his head forward, resting it on Myung-gi's unbruised shoulder. Myung-gi tensed, feeling uneasy and trapped. He quickly finished washing his hands and wiggled his way free, anxious to escape. Without another word, Myung-gi ran back to the bed hall, desperate to get away from Young-il's suffocating grip and the danger that lurked in every corner of the game.