**Chapter 1: Reunion in Seoul**

The city lights of Seoul twinkled like diamonds scattered across the dark canvas of night as Sang Woo stepped off the bus. He had been on the road for hours, and the exhaustion was starting to creep into his bones. As he made his way through the crowded streets, he couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had been following him since he left his hometown. He had been running on fumes, both physically and emotionally, ever since he managed to scrape together enough money to pay off his debts. As he turned a corner, a familiar face caught his eye. Sae Byeok, the North Korean defector he had formed an uneasy alliance with during the Squid Game, stood outside a small street food stall, munching on a hotteok. Sang Woo's eyes narrowed, unsure of what to make of this unexpected encounter. Sae Byeok's eyes locked onto Sang Woo, and a hint of a smile played on his lips. "Sang Woo," he said, his voice low and even. Sang Woo approached him cautiously, his mind racing with questions. What was Sae Byeok doing here? And how did he even know Sang Woo was in Seoul? The two men had parted ways after the Squid Game, each going their separate ways, trying to rebuild their shattered lives. "Long time no see," Sang Woo said, trying to sound casual despite the tension humming between them. Sae Byeok nodded, his eyes never leaving Sang Woo's face. "I've been looking for you." Sang Woo's instincts went on high alert. What did Sae Byeok want from him? He had thought they had put the past behind them, but the intensity in Sae Byeok's gaze told him otherwise. As they stood there, the sounds of the city swirling around them, Sang Woo couldn't help but think about the games they had played, the lives they had lost, and the scars they still carried. He had thought he was done with that world, but Sae Byeok's presence here, now, made him wonder if he was really free. "Let's talk," Sae Byeok said, his voice firm, and Sang Woo nodded, curiosity getting the better of him. They walked to a nearby alley, the neon lights of the city giving way to a more subdued atmosphere. The air was thick with the smell of exhaust fumes and greasy food. As they stopped in the shadows, Sae Byeok turned to Sang Woo, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. "I have a proposition for you, Sang Woo. One that requires your... particular set of skills." Sang Woo raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite himself. What could Sae Byeok possibly want from him? And what kind of proposition could be worth the risk of getting entangled with this enigmatic and sometimes deadly man?