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During the early stages of his childhood, Chongyun didn’t have any friends. It wasn’t because he was a mean kid or didn’t make an effort, it was because his classmates misunderstood him. Due to his shy and introverted nature, matched with his exotic icey-blue hair, he was viewed as cold and reserved, given the nickname ‘icey boy.’ The other kids always avoided him, even the teachers gave him strange looks if he got too close. They acted as if he had a superpower which could freeze them. It was like he had the plague, that something horrible would happen to anyone who got too close.
Throughout the first few years of school, Chongyun was nothing short of an outcast. Hiding in the bathroom when the teachers announced a group project, eating lunch under a shady tree in the corner of the playground to avoid awkward conversation, children pointing at him and whispering in each other’s ears as he walked past. It was a pattern. Well, it was a pattern until a boy was introduced to the class at the beginning of third grade. Immediately, the boy caught Chongyun’s attention.The boy had a positive, calming aura people were automatically drawn to, a beautiful smile which could brighten anyone's day, he held himself with a posture and confidence which even made the teachers feel intimidated, making him seem wise beyond his years. Although, the aspect of the boy which stood out to Chongyun the most was his hair. This was because his hair, like Chongyun, was different from the other kids. The ethereal boy had the most beautiful navy-blue hair which stood out from the crowd, which matched his beautiful name, Xingqiu.
At the beginning, Xingqiu and Chongyun didn’t really talk. It wasn’t that Chongyun didn’t want to talk to him, he just didn’t have the confidence to, opting to admire him from afar. Unlike Chongyun, despite Xingqiu’s unique hair colour he quickly gained popularity. With his charismatic nature and beautiful smile, others just seemed to be drawn to him. Instead of his differences making him an outcast it made him someone people admired.
Chongyun was convinced that the gorgeous boy would never spare him a second glance, and had come to accept that. However, he was proven wrong in the middle of third grade. The teacher announced to the class that they were going to start a new group project, telling them to separate into pairs. Chongyun was just about to excuse himself to the bathroom to avoid any awkward conversations, however before he could the navy-blue haired boy skipped over to his desk.
“I like your hair.” Xingqiu complimented with a warm smile, tilting his head to the side slightly as he gazed at Chongyun in interest.
“I-I uh-“ Chongyun stuttered, caught off guard by the sudden compliment. Especially since he was being complimented on something that others usually looked down upon. “Thanks?” He said; however it came out more of a question then a sign of gratitude.
“Let’s be partners.” Xingqiu declared confidently.
Chongyun didn’t know how to respond to the boy's sudden demand, more so how to interpret it. He looked left and right where the other kids were standing, paranoid at the thought of them laughing at him and his gullibility from the corner. “Are you serious?” He questioned with disbelief.
“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” Now it was Xingqiu’s turn to look confused, it was as if the boy was completely oblivious to the way others treated Chongyun.
“N-nothing.” Chongyun choked out, then a small smile made its way onto his lips. “It would be nice to be partners and-” He hesitated, “I like your hair too.”
That lunch, Xingqiu introduced Chongyun to his friends, trying to make him feel as welcome as possible. Chongyun noticed that If any of Xingqiu’s friends treated him with any hostility Xingqiu would glare at them until they had a change of heart. From then on, Chongyun and Xingqiu became attached at the hip. They did everything together. Shared their deepest secrets, followed one another to family gatherings so the other wasn’t bored, and had countless inside jokes that could make anyone hanging out with them feel like a third wheel.
As the boys grew older and entered their teenage years they grew closer, and their feelings for eachother expanded beyond friendship. The magnet that pulled them towards one another was now pulling for more than one reason. Over the years, their hidden feelings kept growing, turning into something as beautiful as love.
On the night of prom, Chongyun confessed his feelings for Xingqiu which were reciprocated, making it the most memorable and best night of his life. For the next couple of years, Chongyun’s smile didn’t falter. He was always in disbelief that he was able to date someone so perfect like Xingqiu. If you asked him at the time, he would agree that they were soulmates.
Although, not every fairytale has a happily ever after.
When graduation came around, they both had different plans for their future. Xingqiu wanted to study business, and was accepted into a university course abroad. After a lot of convincing from his parents, he dropped his dream to become a martial artist and hoped to assist in running the family business to, one day, overtake it. On the other hand, Chongyun had always been interested in supernatural creatures. Therefore, when he saw an ad to be a cameraman for a famous ghost hunter's new TV show, he didn’t hesitate.
Then the arguments started. The stress of university and the world in general got to them, and they took it out on eachother. Originally, it started off with the problem of how they would be able to contact each other when Xingqiu went overseas, although it eventually turned into something of reputation and standards. One felt that they were too good for the other and the other felt that they were too little. When they used to balance equally on a scale, one suddenly rose while the other fell.
When Xingqiu used to make Chongyun feel accepted, he now made him feel like an outcast. Reminding Chongyun of the loneliness he felt during the early stages of his childhood. Except this time, Xingqiu didn’t come to make him feel included again.
It became too much for both of them. Therefore, after many tears and painful words, they came to the mutual decision to separate. They promised to reunite in a few years to see if they still had a spark.
However, not all promises are kept.
After Xingqiu left, Chongyun never felt so low. He hadn’t just lost his boyfriend, but he lost his best friend, his soulmate. The one person Chongyun thought would always be by his side. He tried to distract himself, going out drinking and to late night parties. He attended work too late in the mornings and left too early at night. His work performance decreased, some of his friends slowly faded away. It was only when his colleague, Xiao, talked some sense into him did he get his life back on track.
Although, as soon as his life started to get back on track, his mother died. Chongyun never had a father, nor did he have siblings, so it truly left him with no one.
He fell back into his original depressive state, however this time it was worse, and there was no one to pull him out of it. He was all alone. He eventually lost his job, as instead of attending work he opted to go gambling instead. He borrowed money, from the bank, from services and from anyone who listened. Spending hours every night gambling in an attempt to achieve good results, although it rarely worked out in his favour.
By the time his 25th birthday came around, he was officially broke. Having nothing except a list of debts to pay off. Therefore, when a strange man in a business suit approached him outside his house and played ddakji with him, then gave him a business card with the promise of money, he couldn’t just ignore it. He made use of the opportunity presented to him and called the number.
Besides, no matter the outcome he didn’t have much to lose. His family was dead, his friends had left him and Xingqiu was somewhere abroad, probably with a big, happy family and running a successful business.
Therefore, when Chongyun saw Xingqiu in that annoying jumpsuit at squid games, he was shocked to his core. It filled Chongyun with various questions. The main one being why the boy who he was certain achieved success was in a place that only the desperate would attend. Once Chongyun saw him, he was desperate to talk to him, to look at him, to question him. However, as soon as Xingqiu caught his eye he seemed to do everything in his power to avoid Chongyun. Wherever Chongyun was standing, Xingqiu was at the other side of the room, whoever Chongyun introduced himself to, Xingqiu seemed to avoid.
Then they played ‘red light, green light.’
Everything changed.
Chongyun felt absolute horror and paralysing fear when he heard the gunshots echo, when he heard the screams that filled the air as people attempted to flee to safety, but was only led to their ends. The fear he felt when he looked around and couldn’t see Xingqiu nearby. The amount of force it took him to push himself up and continue walking in an attempt to reach the finish line before the timer was up.
Although, those emotions didn’t compare to the relief he felt when he looked to his right and saw that Xingqiu had crossed the finish line as well.
They had to vote soon after, to see whether the majority wanted to stay or leave. When Chongyun walked up to the buzzer, he didn’t take long to choose to leave. Sure, the outside world sucked but at least there wasn’t almost certain death awaiting him.
Chongyun watched as Xingqiu walked up to the buzzer. The navy haired male’s expression was stone cold, unreadable. Without hesitation, he clicked the green button, indicating that he wanted to stay.
To Chongyun’s horror, most people had the same idea as Xingqiu. As soon as the red masked men confirmed his fears that they were staying, Chongyun knew there was no way he was making it out alive.
For the next two games at the horrid place, Xingqiu still avoided Chongyun. Making Chongyun give up hope of achieving communication early on.
During honeycomb, Chongyun did eeny, meeny, miny moe which resulted in him choosing the circle. When he looked to his left he saw Xingqiu chose the triangle. Xingqiu’s choice didn’t really surprise him, Xingqiu had always been wise beyond his years so of course he figured the game out early on.
Then tug-a-war came around. Unlike honeycomb, not a lot of knowledge was required. Luckily, Xingqiu was charismatic enough to make his way into one of the strongest teams, guaranteeing a win.
Chongyun’s team winning was just out of pure luck. His team wasn’t strong at all, so the odds surely weren't in their favour. Somehow, teamwork kicked in and despite the other team being strong, they didn’t have a strategy, whereas Chongyun’s team did. Therefore allowing them to live another day.
It was when the fourth game came around that things changed.
Chongyun was searching for a suitable partner, seeing that nearly everyone had already split into pairs, when he felt a tap on his back. He quickly turned around and came face to face with the familiar navy haired boy from his past.
Looking at him up close, Chongyun noticed that he hadn’t changed much. His hair was messy, half falling across his face whereas the other half was pushed back. He was evidently tired due to the dark bags painted under his beautiful hazel eyes. His face was spotless, without a dot or crease in sight. Therefore upholding a youthful look, although his features still looked mature and sharp to match his age. He was nothing short of beautiful.
Xingqiu coughed as he avoided eye contact, then he suddenly spoke up. “Let’s be partners.”
“H-huh?” Chongyun questioned, turning around to look behind him in case Xingqiu was asking someone else.
“For the next challenge, let’s be partners.” Xingqiu repeated, more confidently this time. Chongyun just nodded his head, still in shock that Xingqiu was actually talking to him. Xingqiu sighed before he continued to speak. “I have to win.”
“Well, we’ve got to make sure that happens then.” Chongyun responded softly, to which Xingqiu offered him a small smile in reply.
For the rest of the time they stood there in silence, playing with the fabric of their jumpsuits and taking great interest in what was happening around them. After what felt like hours but was probably only minutes, the red guards came out and beckoned them into another room. The room was strange, there were fake buildings left and right, looking like old houses and brick walls. Chongyun looked around curiously, interested to see what the next game could be. Hide and seek? Tag?
Then a guard came up to them. Proceeding to hand them each a bag with ten marbles. A loud voice then echoed through the speaker, which announced that they were going to be competing against each other.
The colour faded from Chongyun’s face as every emotion was replaced with fear. He quickly turned his head to look at Xingqiu, the other boy matching his expression. Chongyun had never felt so scared and regretful in his life.
Chongyun looked up as the thirty minute timer started, the majority of pairs around them already planning what game they were going to play. He was only snapped out of his trance when Xingqiu spoke up.
“What game do you want to play?”
Chongyun looked at him. A small, sad smile making its way onto his lips. “Game already? That desperate to kill me, huh?”
At this, Xingqiu looked horrified as he shook his head frantically. “W-what? No! That’s not it. It’s just that we have to choose a game and I’m not sure what game and-”
“It’s okay, I was kidding.” Chongyun interrupted his rambling.
Without saying a word, Chongyun went to sit on a nearby step. Xingqiu followed and sat a few steps above him. They sat in silence for a while, until Xingqiu suddenly clapped his hands together, gaining Chongyun’s attention as he turned around to face him. “Okay then, let's play one simple game near the end of the round.” Xingqiu wasn’t looking at him, he was staring forward with an indifferent expression on his face.
“What are we going to do in the meantime?” Chongyun chuckled nervously, “talk?”
As soon as he said that, the air grew even more awkward as silence fell upon them. Chongyun looked up and noticed the timer go down, they only had 25 minutes left. “What are you doing here, Xingqiu?” Chongyun mumbled.
Chongyun wasn’t sure if Xingqiu didn’t hear him, or if he was ignoring him, as he was met with silence. A few minutes passed and Chongyun gave up hope of getting a reply when he heard a quiet voice behind him. “I gambled, had too much faith and confidence in myself. Made stupid decisions and deals in the hopes of expanding my buisness, I ended up losing money instead of earning it. I went into debt.”
Chongyun nodded despite being almost certain that Xingqiu couldn’t see him as they were actively avoiding looking at each other. A few minutes passed until Xingqiu finally mumbled, “and you?”
“Like you, except I didn’t have anything to lose.”
“Having nothing to lose makes you careless.” Xingqiu whispered, to which Chongyun hummed in agreement at. He turned around to face Xingqiu.
“What are you going to do, if you get out of here with the money?” He asked, surprised when Xingqiu finally met his eye. Chongyun couldn’t detect the specific expression Xingqiu wore on his face. Xingqiu just looked blank, indifferent, and emotionless. It was scary to see Xingqiu look like this, to display such little care towards the two possible outcomes of their upcoming ‘game.’
“I’ll get my business back running, I at least owe that to my parents.” Xingqiu sighed, “I also want to study more, possibly do a course in psychology. It might also be enjoyable to take a few martial art classes as well. I used to be so passionate about them in my youth.” Xingqiu smiled slightly at the thought. “What about you?”
At that question, Chongyun was caught off guard. What about him? What were his life goals? What would he do if he won? What did he want to do? He knew he couldn’t drag the silence out forever, so he answered with the most believable idea that came to mind. “I might do research into the supernatural?” His tone was more questioning than anything.
Xingqiu hummed in response, although Chongyun couldn’t tell whether it was judgemental or not. “What have you been up to?”
Chongyun avoided eye contact when he heard that question. Unless he lied, there was no way he could answer it and still look good, if he even looked good in Xingqiu’s eyes anyway. “I’ve just been going around… Doing... Errands.” He stuttered.
Luckily, Xingqiu didn’t ask him to explain himself any further. “Seeing anyone?” Xingqiu then questioned, catching Chongyun off guard.
“If I was seeing someone, I probably wouldn’t be here right now. If I loved someone I wouldn’t leave them, even without the knowledge that this would turn into a-” he motioned with his hands at the person who was just shot. “ Death trap.” Silence fell upon them at that. Chongyun sighed heavily and turned away from Xingqiu. “Although, I assume you believe differently. Since loving someone doesn’t seem to stop you from leaving.”
There was momentary silence, before Chongyun heard a long, drawn out sigh from behind him, followed by a surprisingly gentle tone. “Are we really going to do this now?”
Are they really going to do this now? When they had around 20 minutes left to live? Are they going to spend their last moments reopening wounds that they’ve both, individually, tried so hard to heal? Chongyun had always wondered what exactly went wrong. Sure, an outsider looking in would say that they argued too much and would be better apart. However, Chongyun sometimes questioned whether there was more than that to the picture. He was aware that Xingqiu and him always had a special bond, being best friends since childhood and inseparable for the majority of their lives. He always wondered what that shift was, what the change was that made everything, their love, their memories, their happiness, go down the drain.
“Why not? I’m sure there isn’t a better time to clear the air than now.” He finally replied, gaze travelling to the recently shot individual.
“It wasn’t that- It wasn’t that I wanted to leave you,” Xingqiu stuttered, “we just didn’t work out. We became toxic. There was no hope in trying to repair something that was beyond repair. It happens to many couples, it was unfortunate that we were one of them. Besides, don’t forget it was mutual.”
Xingqiu was right, it wasn’t fair for Chongyun to put all the blame on him. However, it was so hard not to.
“Where did we go wrong, Xingqiu?”
There was silence, until Chongyun heard his voice, just above a whisper. “I-I don’t know.”
Chongyun considered whether he wanted to ask the next question on his mind, although then he realised that this was his last chance to do so anyway. Why not get everything out into the open? “Do you regret it?”
Silence.
“What part?”
“Any of it?”
“I- I regret-” Chongyun and Xingqiu both jumped as a gun went off, catching them both off guard and momentarily making Xingqiu stop speaking. After a minute, Xingqiu continued. “I don’t regret our relationship, our friendship, our memories. I regret how it came to an end. Perhaps if we weren’t so stuck in our own worlds, things may be very different for us.”
Chongyun felt his eyes become glossy, because Xingqiu was right. If they weren’t so stuck in their own worlds, if they weren’t so stuck in the present, then things may be different. Chongyun may be happy. Instead of sitting here, minutes away from his possible death, he could be in a nice house on the other side of the world with the man he loves. He could have ensured security, love and happiness. They might have had a couple kids by now, some pets as well. It would have been perfect.
Another gun went off, sending a shiver down Chongyun’s spine.
“Things could have ended really differently for us, you know.” Chongyun voiced his thoughts out loud, being met with Xingqiu’s hum of agreement.
“If only things were…” Xingqiu trailed off. Chongyun turned around to face Xingqiu again, and felt a pang in his heart when he saw a tear trail down the other boy's face. “I’m sorry.”
Chongyun titled his head to the side in confusion. “Why are you sorry?”
“We lost so much time because of me. Both of our actions led to the breakup, but it was mostly from my end. I also ignored you, which I’m sure you’ve picked up on, when we first got here. I didn’t help you when I knew the games and-” Xingqiu sniffled, “I’m so sorry.”
Chongyun felt his mouth go dry. “Why did you ignore me? Why didn’t you help me?” He choked out.
“I don’t know-” Xingqiu’s voice trembled. “I just- the circumstances are less than ideal. I guess I knew that if I even interacted with you in the slightest I would become weak. I couldn’t afford that, I have to get out of here alive.”
Chongyun could understand that, and maybe if he was just as determined as Xingqiu was then he would act the same. However, he still had another unanswered question on his mind. “Then why did you ask me to be your partner?”
“I- I guess I had a feeling.” Xingqiu stuttered, now avoiding Chongyun’s gaze. Chongyun’s eyes narrowed.
“What do you mean by that?”
“I- I don’t know. Don’t worry about it.” Another tear ran down Xingqiu’s face, then another. Chongyun felt his own face begin to get wet too.
Chongyun looked up at the timer, ten minutes left. He guessed all these pauses in their conversation wasn’t the best idea.
“Do you remember, when we were younger-” Chongyun began, “how you used to always prank me, pull tricks on me, whatever came to your mind. I would normally brush it off, however sometimes when we were especially young I would get upset with you. I would try to avoid you for as long as I could, however I eventually gave in. I was never able to be upset with you for long, and to make up for it you would always go buy me a blue ice-pop.” At Xingqiu’s hum of acknowledgment, he continued, “although this time around you can’t buy me a blue ice-pop, can you?” Chongyun felt his throat close up. He knew it was a pretty stupid thing to bring up considering the circumstance, and if he really thought hard enough he could probably find a better memory to convey what he was feeling. But despite this, the memory also felt perfect.
“Then we would watch horror movies-” Xingqiu continued for him, “you would always love them. You wouldn’t stop commenting on the movies whilst we were watching them, it was like you were a new person.”
“Yeah-” Chongyun chuckled, “it was one of my favourite things to do, watch horror movies... With you. Although you constantly pointed out the movie's flaws and the idiocy of the characters, it did kind of ruin it.”
“Because it was stupid. The characters and the plot were stupid. It’s like the protagonist wanted to put themself in a horrible situation.”
Chongyun giggled at that, he missed this. “But you ruined the fun of it. Besides, is it ever really meant to make sense?”
“I guess not. Although I still stand by my word. My martial art movies were better anyway.” Xingqiu said proudly.
“They were not!” Chongyun laughed, “they barely had any plot, just fighting scenes.”
“Exactly!” Xingqiu exclaimed, “meaning the possibility of me picking out the movie's idiocracy lessens.”
Chongyun rolled his eyes. “Well next time we watch a movie, we should pick one that includes an equal amount of martial arts and horror.”
Silence followed that statement, making Chongyun wonder whether he said something wrong, then the realisation hit him. “Oh…”
“Yeah.”
The firing of another gun confirmed the harsh reality.
Chongyun looked up at the time, four minutes left.
“Maybe…” Chongyun's breath caught in his throat as he mentally prepared himself for what he was going to say. “Maybe we should just pick a game, and play it. Get it over and done with.”
Xingqiu's gaze averted to the side, the fact that he was mulling it over in his head made Chongyun feel both relieved and disappointed.
“Okay, I agree. What game shall we play?”
Chongyun looked at the ten marbles in his hand, then he looked up and around at his surroundings. His gaze landed on one thing in particular. He motioned with his hand for Xingqiu to follow him, as he stood up and walked till he stood a fair distance away from a brick wall.
“Whoever throws their marble closest to the wall wins.” He said with a sigh, as he heard Xingqiu come up behind him.
“Mhm.” Xingqiu hummed in agreement.
“Do you want to go first?” Chongyun asked him curiously, to which the other boy nodded his head.
Chongyun watched as the other boy reached inside his bag and pulled out a marble.
Xingqiu rolled the marble back and forth in his hand, before throwing the marble with quite a lot of strength towards the brick wall. It didn’t make it all the way to the wall, but it went quite a fair distance, maybe a metre off the checkpoint.
Xingqiu sighed, then turned towards Chongyun. “Your turn.” He muttered.
Chongyun reached inside his bag and pulled out a marble, he bent his knees and prepared to throw it as close as he could to the wall. But then he hesitated.
What would he do if he got out of here? Who’s waiting for him? What goals does he want to achieve?
The only person he would go back for wouldn’t be there...
He looked over at Xingqiu, whose gaze was set on the floor as he kicked rocks back and forth, before Chongyun’s gaze averted back to his marble.
Xingqiu deserved to get out of here. Chongyun promised to help Xingqiu get out of here.
Chongyun sighed softly, before dropping the marble onto the ground with no effort, it only rolling a few centimeters forward.
“Hey, what are you doing?” Chongyun stood up straight and turned around to see Xingqiu staring at him, pure horror in his eyes.
“I lost, you won.” Chongyun replied softly. A small, sad smile making its way onto his face.
Xingqiu looked like he was still processing what was happening, before he took a few steps forward, backing Chongyun into the wall. Xingqiu grabbed Chongyun’s shoulders and shook him, desperation evident in his eyes. “Stop. Why would you do that? That makes no sense.”
Chongyun chuckled softly as he removed Xingqiu’s hands, he shrugged his shoulders. “You know I’ve always had butterfingers.”
“When you said-'' Xingqiu stuttered, a tear escaping his eyes. “When you said we need to make sure I win, was this what you meant? Did you assume I would be g-grateful?”
Chongyun didn’t reply, and he was sure the silence was enough to confirm Xingqiu’s suspicions.
“Throw again.” Xingqiu then demanded, voice still shaky.
“It wouldn’t make a difference.” Chongyun muttered softly, tears now escaping his own eyes. “Please, just let me do this.”
“Chongyun stop this!” Xingqiu shook Chongyun’s shoulders again, his voice shaky as it raised a couple octaves higher. “Stop being so kind and stop putting others before yourself, do something for you for once and just throw again!”
Chongyun felt more tears fall out of his eyes, the reality of the situation was really horrible. Chongyun took a deep breath in a pathetic attempt to regain his composure. “I have nothing...”
“What do you mean?”
“When you asked me what I would do if I got out of here, I didn’t know what to say. Because there is no one I would be going back to, nothing I want to achieve. I just told you the most believable answer. But really, I have nothing waiting for me. Whereas you… You’ve got a reason to live. I don’t.” Chongyun felt a few more tears escape his eyes before continuing. “Don’t die here, escape. Go study your martial arts and psychology, get your business back running. Most of all, watch all the martial arts, horror movies you can find.”
“B-but… It’s not going to mean anything if you're not there.” Xingqiu’s voice broke and more tears escaped his eyes, Xingqiu looked so broken. The sight pained Chongyun.
“I was a big part of your past, now someone else will be a big part of your future. People come and go from your life, it just so happens that I will be one of them.” Chongyun muttered, softly placing his hand on Xingqiu’s cheek in an attempt to be reassuring.
“But I don’t want someone else to be in my future, I want you…” Tears were rolling down Xingqiu’s face more rapidly.
“I know…” Chongyun mumbled. “We wasted so much time.”
“I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry-” Xingqiu continued to repeat as he buried his face into the crook of Chongyun’s neck. Xingqiu’s tears wet the icey-blue haired boy's clothes.
“I know.” Chongyun said softly, his gaze flicking over to the timer. 50 seconds left.
Chongyun put his hand under Xingqiu’s chin and lifted it up, so the other boy's eyes met his.
“Take these…” Chongyun muttered as he placed his bag of marbles into Xingqiu’s palm, and closed Xingqiu’s fingers around them.
Then Chongyun took a step forward and placed his lips onto Xingqiu.
The kiss was so many things. Desperate, awaited, sad, longing, bittersweet. It didn’t last more than a few seconds before Chongyun pulled away, moving some hair away from Xingqiu’s face.
“Now go, and win this game.” He said softly. Xingqiu gave him a once over before taking a few steps back.
“I never stopped loving you, you know.” Xingqiu said softly.
Despite the horrible circumstance, Chongyun felt his heart flutter and joy spread throughout his body. A small smile appeared on his face.
“I never stopped loving you too.”
Chongyun watched as Xingqiu walked away and handed his marbles to the red guard. He watched as the guard pointed a gun towards his own head as he awaited his fate.
“Xingqiu-” He suddenly called out, the other boy stopping but not turning around. “Thanks for playing with me.”
Then a loud sound echoed through the room as everything went black.