**Chapter 2: Shadows of the Past**

The revelation hung in the air like a challenge, daring anyone to speak up. Myung-gi's eyes remained fixed on Daeho, a mix of fear and recognition etched on his face. Daeho, on the other hand, seemed to be savoring the moment, his smile growing wider as he leaned back against his bed. Jun-hee's scowl deepened, her eyes flashing with anger. "This is sick," she muttered, her voice barely audible. Gihun's gaze darted between Daeho and Myung-gi, his mind racing with questions. How could Myung-gi have worked for Daeho at such a young age? What kind of relationship did they have? And what drove Daeho to such obsession? Thanos, ever the provocateur, decided to stir the pot. "Well, well, well. Looks like we've got a real-life stalker in our midst." His chuckle was low and menacing, and Daeho's eyes narrowed in response. "Shut up," Daeho spat, his voice dripping with venom. "You don't know anything about me." Myung-gi's face was pale, his eyes welling up with tears. "How did you... how did you end up here?" he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. Daeho's smile faltered, and for a moment, a glimmer of sadness flickered across his face. "I was... I was in a bit of a bind, financially speaking. And then I received an offer I couldn't refuse." Gihun's ears perked up at this. "An offer? What kind of offer?" Daeho's eyes locked onto Gihun, his gaze cold and calculating. "An offer to participate in this little game of ours. And in return, all my... issues would be taken care of." The room fell silent once more, the players exchanging uneasy glances. It was clear that Daeho was not the only one with secrets, and the air was thick with tension. Suddenly, the door to the dormitory slid open, and a figure clad in a crisp white uniform strode in. "Good evening, players," the figure said, their voice cheerful and detached. "I trust you're all adjusting well to your new surroundings?" The players exchanged skeptical glances, their faces a mix of exhaustion and wariness. "We're managing," Gihun replied, his tone neutral. The figure nodded, their eyes scanning the room. "Excellent. I'm here to inform you that the next game will commence shortly. Please report to the briefing room in twenty minutes." As the figure turned to leave, Myung-gi's voice stopped them. "Wait," he said, his voice shaking. "What happens to us... if we don't play along?" The figure's smile was a cold, calculated thing. "Let's just say that... cooperation is highly encouraged." With that, they turned and exited the room, leaving the players to wonder what lay ahead. The atmosphere in the room was now electric with tension, the players exchanging worried glances. It was clear that they were in this together, for better or for worse. And as they prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead, they couldn't shake the feeling that they were being herded towards some unknown fate, with Daeho's twisted desires and secrets lurking in the shadows.