**Beyond the Threshold**

As they emerged from the darkness, Sang-woo and Sae-byeok blinked in the bright light, their eyes adjusting slowly to the sudden change. The air was crisp and clean, a welcome respite from the stench of their captors' cruelty. They found themselves in a narrow corridor, the walls a sterile white that seemed to glow in the fluorescent lighting. Without a word, they began to move, their footsteps echoing off the walls as they made their way through the deserted corridors. Sang-woo's heart was still racing with excitement and fear, but he knew they had to keep moving. They couldn't stay in one place for too long, not when their captors could be hot on their heels. As they turned a corner, they caught sight of a staircase leading down to the ground floor. Sang-woo's eyes locked on it, a surge of hope rising up in his chest. They could make it. They could escape. Without hesitation, they began to make their way down the stairs, their footsteps growing louder as they descended. At the bottom, they found themselves in a deserted alleyway, the cool night air a welcome relief after the stifling confines of their prison. Sae-byeok let out a sigh of relief as they emerged into the night air, her eyes scanning the rooftops for any sign of danger. Sang-woo's eyes were locked on her, his heart still pounding with excitement. He felt a sense of pride and possessiveness wash over him, a feeling he couldn't quite explain. As they made their way through the alleys and side streets, they stumbled upon a small park. The green oasis in the midst of the concrete jungle seemed like a haven, and they collapsed onto the grass, exhausted. Sae-byeok closed her eyes, letting out a deep breath as she let her guard down. Sang-woo watched her, his eyes drinking in the sight of her relaxed face. He felt a pang of jealousy as he noticed a group of players watching them from across the park. One of them, a tall, lean man with a charming smile, caught Sae-byeok's eye and nodded in greeting. Sae-byeok returned the nod, a friendly smile on her face. Sang-woo's eyes narrowed, his grip on her hand tightening. He didn't like the way that guy was looking at her. He didn't like the way Sae-byeok was smiling at him. Without thinking, Sang-woo reached out and grasped Sae-byeok's hand, his fingers intertwining with hers. It was a possessive gesture, one that he didn't even realize he was making. The next game began, and Sang-woo found himself holding onto Sae-byeok's hand for dear life. He wouldn't let her out of his sight, not even for a moment. As they navigated the challenges and obstacles, Sang-woo's grip on her hand only tightened. Sae-byeok raised an eyebrow, a questioning look on her face. "Sang-woo, what's wrong?" she asked, her voice low. Sang-woo's eyes flicked to hers, a flash of possessiveness in his gaze. "Nothing," he said, his voice tight. "I just don't want to lose you again." Sae-byeok's expression softened, and she squeezed his hand. "I'm not going anywhere," she said, her voice gentle. But Sang-woo knew that in this game, anything could happen. And he was determined to keep Sae-byeok safe, no matter the cost. As the game wore on, Sang-woo's jealousy only grew, simmering just below the surface. He knew he had to keep a level head, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he was losing her, even if it was just to a glance or a smile.