"Moments of Uncertainty"

As every team finished the six-legged race, they were led back to the large open area where they had first formed teams. The disembodied voice announced that it was time for the vote again, and Jongwoo couldn't help but feel a sense of dread wash over him. The voting process was quick, and soon they were being led to a new game area. Dinner was provided, and Jongwoo ate gratefully, his stomach still growling from the previous day's events. After dinner, they were told to get some rest, and Jongwoo was relieved to find that there were no further complications that night. He drifted off to sleep, exhausted. The next day, Jongwoo was awoken by the sound of loud music and chatter. He quickly got dressed and followed the others out of the room. They were led to a massive room that looked like a circus, complete with colorful lights and a large open space. "Welcome to the game of Mingle," the disembodied voice announced over the intercoms. "A number will be announced, and you must find a room with that exact number of people. If there are any more or any less, you will all be eliminated. If you stay outside or get locked out, you will also be eliminated." Jongwoo felt a surge of fear as he looked around at the chaos. People were running wildly, trying to find rooms with the correct number of occupants. But as he grouped up with his team, he started to feel more at ease. They worked together, moving from room to room until they found one with the correct number of people. The game continued, with numbers being announced and teams scrambling to find rooms. Jongwoo started to feel a sense of excitement, enjoying the thrill of the game. But as the last round was announced, Jongwoo's heart sank. The number was 2, and he immediately thought of Soo-jin, his pregnant ex. He reached out to grab her hand, intending to run into a room with her. But before he could do anything, Daeho grabbed his hand, his grip tight. "Let's go," he said, pulling Jongwoo into a nearby room. They were locked in, the doors closing behind them with a loud clang. Jongwoo looked at Daeho, feeling a sense of unease. They were alone, trapped in the room for 25 minutes while the guards cleaned up the bodies of those who had been eliminated. As they stood there in silence, Jongwoo started to question Daeho about his behavior. "You've been acting weird towards me, Daeho," he said, his voice low. "Ever since Soo-jin joined our team." Daeho's expression didn't change, but Jongwoo could see a flicker of something in his eyes. "I don't know what you're talking about," Daeho said, his voice neutral. But Jongwoo persisted, his curiosity getting the better of him. "You've been watching me, Daeho. I can tell." Daeho's expression cracked, and he looked away, his eyes flashing with emotion. "I...I just couldn't help it," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I've been watching you for years, Jongwoo. Since I met you at the office, when you were just a teenager. You were so cute, so full of life." Jongwoo's eyes widened in shock as he realized that he had seen Daeho around before. He had talked to him, even. But he had never suspected that Daeho felt this way. As Daeho continued to talk, Jongwoo felt a sense of unease growing inside him. This was obsessive behavior, and it was making him uncomfortable. He thought of Moonjo, the way he had acted towards him, and he pushed the thought away. He didn't want to think about it. But Daeho's words kept coming, a torrent of emotion that Jongwoo couldn't ignore. "I thought I'd never see you again, Jongwoo. But fate brought you back to me, and I couldn't let you go." The doors finally opened, and Jongwoo rushed out, grateful to be free. He looked back at Daeho, feeling a sense of uncertainty. What did this mean for their relationship, for their team? He didn't know, but he knew he needed to get out of there, away from Daeho's intense gaze.