Kangmin Yoo:
For what feels like a single moment, and yet all of time, there’s darkness—only accompanied by the painful throbbing in my head. And then suddenly…

?????:
Welcome!

Kangmin Yoo:
A bright and cheery voice breaks the silence, ringing in my ears as my vision begins to come back. And the scene I see before me is…

Kangmin Yoo:
A… a beach? H-how did I get here?

Kangmin Yoo:
After looking out at the ocean bordering the shoreline to my left, I then notice that there are six unfamiliar men also standing on the beach, each of them looking equally as confused. Just when I thought things couldn’t get any more confusing, I notice a small creature in a frilly dress waving a limb to all of us.

???????? ???:
Wh-what is that…?!

??????? ???:
A-an island…?

??????? ????:
Wait a second—I can’t remember how I got here! How much did I have to drink last night?!

???????? ??:
My head feels fuzzy too… I think I’m hallucinating that the weird plushie thing is talking to me.

?????? ??:
I—! I can’t connect to the internet! There’s no wifi here! How is this place luxurious when it doesn’t even have the bare essentials for us to survive?!

????????? ???:
I’m assuming someone brought us here for a reason, is that right? What… do you want with us?

Kangmin Yoo:
A-a game?

Kangmin Yoo:
I can’t help but wince in fear at the sound of that. Being kidnapped and told to play games only makes me think I was suddenly transported into a horror movie…

?????? ??:
Well, are you going to tell us how we play this game or what?

???????? ??:
With who?

???????? ???:
And why would we want to get those…?

??????? ????:
We c-can’t leave? Why should we trust you? You literally kidnapped us! You might just keep us here forever!

?????? ??:
Uhh… That thing is creeping me out. I don’t think I want to play anymore.

??????? ???:
From the sound of it, it’s not like we have to struggle to survive. That thing said that this island is luxurious, right?

Kangmin Yoo:
That’s what she says, but looking around, all I can see is just this empty beach, surrounded by a tropical forest.

????????? ???:
…

Kangmin Yoo:
As much as I’d hate to awkwardly make small talk with a bunch of strangers, it looks like I have no choice right now. As the other men gradually move to chat with those around them, I turn to the one closest to me.

Kangmin Yoo:
Hey, I’m Yoo Kangmin. This is really awkward, isn’t it?

???????? ???:
Yeah, it is pretty awkward getting kidnapped and trapped on an island, forced to play games with perfect strangers.

Dongheon Lee:
I’m… Lee Dongheon.

Dongheon Lee:
Ultimate Photographer

Dongheon Lee:
… Sorry, I’m not sure what to say. I’ve got a lot on my mind right now…

Kangmin Yoo:
This guy seems kind of distracted. I can’t blame him though. I’m nervous to get off this island too! But might as well try to “bond” or wherever to get those Hope Fragment things.

Kangmin Yoo:
You’re an Ultimate Photographer, right?

Kangmin Yoo:
It’s hard enough talking to people without this weird jellyfish butting into our conversation…

Kangmin Yoo:
Ultimate Luck? If he’s so lucky, then how did he end up here?

Dongheon Lee:
Stop! How do you even know about that? You don’t have any right to talk about it!

Kangmin Yoo:
Looks like Jelpi put Dongheon in a bad mood. He doesn’t want to talk, so I should meet some of the others. Looking around, I see someone standing alone, looking out to the ocean.

??????? ???:
I must be pretty far from home…

Kangmin Yoo:
Hey, I think I know you.

Hoyoung Bae:
You probably do. I’m Bae Hoyoung. You might’ve seen me in some magazines.

Hoyoung Bae:
Ultimate Model

Kangmin Yoo:
I think I saw you in an ice cream ad. You were dressed like a squirrel!

Hoyoung Bae:
Out of everything I’ve done, you recognize me from that one? That was years ago…

Hoyoung Bae:
I don’t really like to reminisce. I’m the kind of person that likes to look forward—including in our current situation. I’m curious how this will turn out…

Kangmin Yoo:
You and me both. But I probably don’t have the same type of curiosity. Mine is more morbid—I assume nothing good can come from a situation as sketchy as this.

To my right, there’s two men already talking. I make my way over to greet them as well.

??????? ????:
I need a drink. Or ten.

???????? ??:
No, man. Your body is a temple. Just stop at five.

Kangmin Yoo:
Noticing me approaching, they turn to look at me.

Gyehyeon Jo:
Oh, hey, it’s this kid. You look like you might be the youngest one here. I’m Jo Gyehyeon. You can call me hyung.

Gyehyeon Jo:
Ultimate Athlete

Minchan Hong:
I’m Hong Minchan, but who the hell cares? Do you see what kind of situation we're in?

Minchan Hong:
Ultimate Cook

Minchan Hong:
Whoever put us here probably sees us as cattle. They’ll cook and eat us at any moment now.

Kangmin Yoo:
You don’t think they actually want to eat us, do you?

Gyehyeon Jo:
Don’t worry. If they try anything, I’ll put up more than a fight.

Kangmin Yoo:
Why is this thing always following me?

Kangmin Yoo:
Wh-what are you thinking right now?!

Kangmin Yoo:
Decidedly, I’m moving on—and away from Jelpi once again—to talk to the remaining people. The last two are already chatting together.

Yeonho Ju:
I’m Ju Yeonho—Ultimate Gamer! Are you an ultimate too?

Yeonho Ju:
Ultimate Gamer

Yongseung Kim:
I— I’m… Ultimate Fortune Teller, Kim Yongseung.

Yongseung Kim:
Ultimate Fortune Teller

Yeonho Ju:
Huh? Really? Is that a real ultimate ability?

Yongseung Kim:
Of course it is…

Kangmin Yoo:
Wow! To be honest, I’ve never heard of it before either, but it sounds really cool. Oh— Hi, I’m Kangmin.

Yeonho Ju:
Kangmin, do you have an ultimate ability too?

Kangmin Yoo:
I—

Kangmin Yoo:
I’m hit with the sudden realization that I can’t remember who I am. Whether I have an ultimate ability or not isn’t relevant—I can’t even remember my life!

Yongseung Kim:
A-are you okay, Kangmin…?

Kangmin Yoo:
I-I don’t know—

Kangmin Yoo:
Jelpi suddenly calls out, causing everyone to look over at her. There’s a moment of anticipation where we’re all worried for what’s to come. Did our introductions earn us any Hope Fragments? Can we go home soon? Or will there be more for us here, trapped on this island?

Yeonho Ju:
Uhh… we’re all really attractive?

Yongseung Kim:
… We all have ultimate abilities…

Kangmin Yoo:
Looking around at the others, I can’t say that most of their faces or names are familiar. But since they all seem older than me, it only makes sense that they must have graduated years before me.

Gyehyeon Jo:
I know I graduated from Hope’s Peak, but… why can’t I remember it? There’s like a huge gap in my memories.

Hoyoung Bae:
You’re responsible for taking our high school memories, aren’t you?

Dongheon Lee:
Trust you? I can’t think of a single reason why we should!

Yeonho Ju:
No thanks. Just lead the way, you freakish jellyfish. The sooner we do your weird game, the sooner I can go home and get back to playing my own.

Kangmin Yoo:
Traveling further into the island, I wonder if we’re actually heading to meet our dooms. But soon I see what indeed looks like a tropical resort, just as promised. There are seven cabins with our names written on signs outside. There are also many facilities for leisure nearby—a cafeteria, a library, a gym, and so on.

Gyehyeon Jo:
Are these all really for us?

Minchan Hong:
Really? What’s the catch…?

Kangmin Yoo:
I’ve got a bad feeling about this…

Kangmin Yoo:
This first night in an unfamiliar place, I can hardly sleep at all. The cabin is comfortable—homey even—but this heavy sense of dread keeps creeping into my mind and preventing me from relaxing. And so when morning quickly comes, I’m tired, miserable, scared… and alone.

Kangmin Yoo:
As I look out at the deep blue ocean, I wonder if there’s a simple way out of this situation. Can’t I just walk off of the island and travel along the ocean floor, leaving this place far behind? The ocean water threatens my bare feet as the waves reach out to me.

Kangmin Yoo:
…

Hoyoung Bae:
Ahh! Hahahah!

Kangmin Yoo:
…?

Kangmin Yoo:
I hadn’t noticed Hoyoung was farther down the beach. He’s approaching the water and running away when it reaches his feet, laughing in amusement.

Kangmin Yoo:
Is he… okay??

Kangmin Yoo:
While I’m wondering if I’m witnessing this model’s mental breakdown, he suddenly looks over and notices me watching him.

Hoyoung Bae:
Oh, Kangmin!

Kangmin Yoo:
Hoyoung comes running over. He’s breathing heavily, but a big smile is plastered on his face.

Hoyoung Bae:
Have you come down to the beach to play?

Kangmin Yoo:
Huh? Play? How… How are you having fun in a situation like this?

Hoyoung Bae:
I—

Kangmin Yoo:
Aren’t you terrified about what’s going to happen to us?

Hoyoung Bae:
Well… terror and excitement are the same thing, aren’t they?

Kangmin Yoo:
What? How are they the same thing? What on Earth is wrong with this guy?

Hoyoung Bae:
You feel terror when you look at something in a pessimistic way—but excitement comes when you’re feeling hopeful. Both of these emotions result in a powerful reaction where you feel like you just can’t sit still as you think about the future.

Hoyoung Bae:
So they’re the same. Or maybe kind of like siblings. Do you know what I mean?

Kangmin Yoo:
I…

Kangmin Yoo:
Something about the way this guy is talking is pissing me off. He’s undermining the kind of situation we’re in!

Kangmin Yoo:
… You’re sick.

Hoyoung Bae:
Huh? I’m just trying to—

Kangmin Yoo:
Feeling anything but complete and utter dread in a situation like this makes no sense! In fact, being trapped here with someone like you makes me feel worse!

Kangmin Yoo:
How are we ever going to escape this island if there are sick freaks like you here getting off on this kind of thing?

Hoyoung Bae:
Kangmin, I—

Kangmin Yoo:
If this is so exciting to you, then just stay here! But I’m getting off of this island!

Hoyoung Bae:
…

Kangmin Yoo:
Refusing to look at that guy anymore, I storm off, going straight back to my cabin. That guy can’t understand how I feel—I’m the only one who will ever know. I crawl into bed and close my eyes shut before tears can come out. I’m in this alone. I have to think of a way out before our unknown captors finish us off!

Kangmin Yoo:
…

Kangmin Yoo:
…

… Knock knock knock.

Kangmin Yoo:
…?

Kangmin Yoo:
Did I seriously fall asleep? I must have dozed off for a while when I’m suddenly woken up by a knock at my door.

Gyehyeon Jo:
Hey kid, there’s someone out here to see you! Are you sleeping?

Hoyoung Bae:
D-don’t wake him up if he’s sleeping! It’s not that important…

Gyehyeon Jo:
It must be important since you were out here pacing for like an hour.

Kangmin Yoo:
I can hear them talking outside my door. I don’t really want to face them, but I won’t be able to get peace and quiet otherwise. After a little bit of contemplating, I decide to open my door.

Kangmin Yoo:
…

Hoyoung Bae:
Hi…

Kangmin Yoo:
… Hi.

Gyehyeon Jo:
… Well, I’ll leave you two to it then.

Kangmin Yoo:
Gyehyeon walks off, leaving just me and Hoyoung standing there, staring awkwardly at each other. I’m embarrassed by what I said to him at the beach when my emotions got the better of me, but I’m super not ready to apologize. Luckily, Hoyoung breaks the silence first.

Hoyoung Bae:
I— I don't have many friends, so… I really don't want to lose a chance at friendship between us already. I’m sorry about earlier. I didn’t mean to make it sound like I don’t care about our situation. Of course I want to help everyone get off the island. And I’m willing to do anything I can to make that happen.

Kangmin Yoo:
I’m… sorry too. I’m really stressed about this whole situation. Ever since I got here, I’ve only felt scared, so I felt jealous that you didn’t seem to be afraid at all.

Hoyoung Bae:
Kangmin, earlier… you asked me how I’m not terrified about what might happen to us. But I spent my whole life afraid that nothing would ever happen to me at all—nothing good and nothing bad. People that don’t know me might assume that my life is grand and exciting, but in truth… my whole life has been dull up to this point.

Hoyoung Bae:
Although what’s currently happening is scary… it’s kind of exciting too. I mean, look around! We’re on a luxurious tropical island, and there’s no agenda for us besides hanging out and having fun.

Hoyoung Bae:
I know it’s scary… but being scared isn’t helping us right now. Since we don’t have a solid reason why we should start panicking, we should just fully take in our situation and deal with problems if and when they arise.

Kangmin Yoo:
With such inspiring words, I suddenly feel like I can trust this guy. Because of his grand speech, there’s a part of me that thinks that if he’s here, I have a chance of making it off of this island unharmed. But at the same time, I still have no idea how we’d even make our escape!

Hoyoung Bae:
Come on, don’t frown. We’ll be okay in the end. But let’s focus on making us feel okay right now.

Kangmin Yoo:
As I’m wondering what that’s supposed to mean, Hoyoung turns around and shouts towards the cabins:

Hoyoung Bae:
Everyone! Let’s go to the beach!

Kangmin Yoo:
…

Kangmin Yoo:
Looking out to the ocean now is a much different sight from before. The others are all on the beach playing and enjoying themselves. The water they splash around looks a lot more appealing when the day is reaching its peak temperature. But forgetting our troubles and having fun like this…

Kangmin Yoo:
Is this really okay…?

Hoyoung Bae:
Kangmin-a…

Kangmin Yoo:
Hoyoung looks at me with a friendly and understanding smile. And before I can dispute the action, he grabs onto my hand and excitedly pulls me along to join the others.

Hoyoung Bae:
Let’s have some fun!

Kangmin Yoo:
This moment feels unreal. Everything about it. The laughter in the air, the smell of the salt water, the look on everyone's faces as they have fun despite what the future may hold. How is it possible?

Kangmin Yoo:
And not to mention… Can a man really have hands this soft? I guess Hoyoung really is a model, after all. Every inch of him must be perfect.

Hoyoung Bae:
I moisturize.

Kangmin Yoo:
…

Hoyoung Bae:
… I can feel you rubbing my palm, so I thought you’d like to know.

Kangmin Yoo:
…!

Kangmin Yoo:
Oh my god I’m so embarrassed, I could dieeee!

Kangmin Yoo:
I slip my hand out from Hoyoung’s and stop as my feet enter the water. Seeing only ocean for miles and miles in the distance intimidates me, but a sudden splash to my face takes my full attention.

Gyehyeon Jo:
Hey, kid, come on! What are you waiting for?

Minchan Hong:
The water’s perfect, let go and hop in!

Dongheon Lee:
Wait! It’s important to put on sunscreen first.

Hoyoung Bae:
Then let’s slather up.

Kangmin Yoo:
I’m immediately put in the opposite situation I started. Coming to this island against my will, void of any hope, I felt so deeply lonely. And now here I am, playing side by side with everyone, laughing under the rays of the sun. Every second here used to feel painfully long, but now, I’m not sure how much time is passing, as I’m truly having fun that I originally thought was impossible. After what must be hours, the sun only begins to set.

Hoyoung Bae:
Hahahaha! You guys are so crazy.

Kangmin Yoo:
…

Kangmin Yoo:
Looking at Hoyoung now, I’m really grateful he made today possible. Who knows what kind of dark place I would’ve went to without his help.

Yeonho Ju:
Oh! Did you hear that?! There was a ping!

Gyehyeon Jo:
Huh? I didn’t hear anything.

Yongseung Kim:
You might have water stuck in your ears.

Kangmin Yoo:
We watch Yeonho run back to the shore and try to follow the sound.

Yeonho Ju:
It sounded just like a phone notification! There must be some sort of tech somewhere! But where did it come from?

Yeonho Ju:
AAHHHH!

Yeonho Ju:
YEAH, KIND OF.

Dongheon Lee:
…

Kangmin Yoo:
We all look at each other in uncertainty, not ready to face whatever hell might come next, before deciding to walk back on shore. Jelpi extends seven tendrils and hands us each a rectangular device.

Kangmin Yoo:
I’m able to find everything Jelpi mentions on the e-Handbook, but there’s something else that catches my eye. There’s a notification with a single bright little symbol on it shaped like a six-pointed star.

Hoyoung Bae:
What is this star supposed to be?

Yeonho Ju:
You have a star? I don’t see one on mine.

Minchan Hong:
So does this mean we can go home?

Tap Tap. Tap Tap Tap. Tatatap.

Yeonho Ju:
Hm…

Kangmin Yoo:
What do we do? Whatdowedo? Whatdowedo?

Hoyoung Bae:
Calm down, it’ll be okay…

Dongheon Lee:
Calm down? Jesus Christ, there’s still a bomb somewhere on the island! Let’s be realistic about this—we absolutely cannot relax until we find it.

Minchan Hong:
Dongheon, we’ve been running around like idiots looking for this thing for hours now! If you really want to be realistic, then come to terms with the fact that we’re not gonna find it!

Minchan Hong:
After hearing about the bomb, Yongseung immediately shut down and is just hiding in his room. And who the hell knows where Gyehyeon went? They’ve already given up, and we—

Tatap. Tata. Tapta—

Minchan Hong:
Would you quit tapping your fingers?! It’s bad enough we have to die an explosive death!

Yeonho Ju:
…

Yeonho Ju:
I ignore Minchan’s outburst. I’m trying to solve the bomb situation, and I don’t want to forget my lead.

At sunset today, Jelpi told us there was a bomb hidden on the island, and if we didn’t find it on time, it would explode and take us all out. We’ve already spent hours searching the island, but it’s much harder to do at night.

Yeonho Ju:
Right now, most of us are pacing around the cafeteria, trying to think of what to do in this sort of situation. Although my heart pounds with the others, my mind feels clear. I know I can solve this.

Ding dong, bing bong.

Yeonho Ju:
Almost on cue, the cafeteria monitor turns on for a routine announcement about the bomb. Every hour, it updates us with how much time is left until our deaths. But last time, I noticed something else that could be heard in the message, and I’ve been waiting for it to play again so I can listen more closely.

Yeonho Ju:
Before the video message turns off, I listen closely to the subtle beeping that plays in the background.

-- --- ..- -. - .- .. -. / - .-. .- .. .-..

Yeonho Ju:
It definitely sounds like morse code! I try again to work out what letters the beeps make out. If only I noticed this sooner…

Kangmin Yoo:
I’m tired…

Dongheon Lee:
Well, we can’t sleep. There won’t be a sunrise for us to see if we don’t keep trying.

Hoyoung Bae:
Kangmin should go rest, at least. We should keep our energy up so we can keep looking.

Minchan Hong:
Look where? We’ve already searched everywhere physically possible. Instead, we should probably look for somewhere that’ll protect our bodies so we come out of this less maimed.

Kangmin Yoo:
…!

Hoyoung Bae:
We won’t get maimed.

Minchan Hong:
You’re right, Jelpi made it clear. We’ll just die!

Hoyoung Bae:
…

Yeonho Ju:
I barely take note as Minchan storms out and Hoyoung tries to console Kangmin.

Hoyoung Bae:
I’m sorry… I can’t do anything. I’m just…

Hoyoung Bae:
Come on, let’s get some rest.

Kangmin Yoo:
Okay.

Yeonho Ju:
They take their leave when I finally solve the final letters of the morse code.

Yeonho Ju:
T. R. A. I. L.

Dongheon Lee:
Huh?

Yeonho Ju:
Dongheon, everything will be okay. I can solve this. Trust me, I’m a gamer.

Dongheon Lee:
Uh. Okay?

Yeonho Ju:
I rush out into the night following my one lead. “Mountain trail”—that’s what the morse code was spelling out. I have more than enough experience with ARGs to know what to do next.

I head out to the start of the hiking trail. It takes a lot longer than I expected to get to the top, but once I’m there, nothing stands out to me.

Yeonho Ju:
Hrm…

Yeonho Ju:
With a sigh, I look at the few tower viewers near the cliffside railing, only to notice one is pointed at a strange angle. Instead of looking out into the island view, it’s pointed inward and tilted up.

Following the view, I shine the light from my e-Handbook and find something high up on a nearby palm tree. Could this be the next clue?

Yeonho Ju:
What the hell, does Jelpi really expect me to climb this huge ass palm tree to reach that?

Yeonho Ju:
I lean on the rail with a defeated sigh before a sudden movement in the bushes nearby startles me.

Yeonho Ju:
…! Gyehyeon! Where have you been?

Gyehyeon Jo:
I’ve been searching this island top to bottom, obviously.

Yeonho Ju:
This whole time? It’s been hours!

Yeonho Ju:
What a feat of human strength! That’s the kind of performance you’d expect from the Ultimate Athlete! I was hoping I could solve this little scavenger hunt myself, but…

Yeonho Ju:
Say, Gyehyeon, why don’t we team up?

Gyehyeon Jo:
Team up? What for? And why would I team up with you? Aren’t you just some geek?

Yeonho Ju:
I’m not just some geek—I’m the Ultimate Gamer. And I’m just what you need in this situation.

Yeonho Ju:
Finding this bomb is going to require more skills than any given individual has. It’s basically like a multiplayer game—so naturally, you need teammates to help you.

Gyehyeon Jo:
This isn’t some video game, this is real life. I’m better equipped to handle finding it as an athlete.

Yeonho Ju:
I’m an athlete too!

Gyehyeon Jo:
Esports don’t count.

Yeonho Ju:
They absolutely do. It tests reaction time and decision making just as much as other sports—only I sit in front of a PC and just my hands are busy doing the physical part.

Gyehyeon Jo:
Hah, yeah. I’m sure your hands do get “busy,” geek.

Yeonho Ju:
…!

Yeonho Ju:
So uncalled for!

Yeonho Ju:
A-anyways, this is a game. That’s exactly what Jelpi called it before she revealed the bomb. And while you were running around aimlessly, I solved the first puzzle that she subtly gave us.

Yeonho Ju:
You may not see value in what I do, but just like “real” athletes, I have a sharp mind and eyes like a hawk. This sure isn’t my first point and click adventure.

Yeonho Ju:
You need my experience to help find this bomb. And I need you to do the physical stuff.

Gyehyeon Jo:
… Fine. I suppose I could use a geek’s help too.

Gyehyeon Jo:
Just point me in the right direction. And I’ll… What’s the clicking for?

Yeonho Ju:
In a point and click, clicking is how you interact with the environment— Wait, that’s not important. I’ll tell you about computer games later. For now, I need your help reaching that thing at the top of that tree.

Yeonho Ju:
Gyehyeon paces around the palm tree in silence for a minute. After finding what must be a good path, he wipes his hands on his pants and wraps himself around the base of the tree, pressing himself against the bark as he begins his ascent.

Gyehyeon Jo:
I’m pretty good at rock climbing.

Yeonho Ju:
I can tell!

Yeonho Ju:
Getting closer to the top, he finally reaches and grabs the piece of paper.

Yeonho Ju:
What does it say?

Gyehyeon Jo:
Uh. I don’t know.

Yeonho Ju:
Can you, like… read?

Gyehyeon Jo:
Of course I can! Here, see what I mean for yourself!

Yeonho Ju:
He balls up and throws the paper down to me. I manage to catch it, and I read it aloud as Gyehyeon slowly makes his descent.

Yeonho Ju:
“You keep its disarmed weapon close to your throat. But the single weapon won’t be missed, as it has rows and rows more in its arsenal. People scatter when its flag is in view, but you must be brave. Do not wait for it to break the surface before facing it eye to eye at the risk of getting ripped apart limb from limb.”

Gyehyeon Jo:
Pretty useless, huh?

Yeonho Ju:
No, it’s about what I expected. It’s a riddle.

Gyehyeon Jo:
Ahh, I know about those. What’s harder to catch the faster you run?

Gyehyeon Jo:
Your breath!

Yeonho Ju:
Why does he seem so cute suddenly? I just watched him scale a palm tree with ease, yet somehow he seems adorable right now.

Yeonho Ju:
Since we’re both familiar, let’s focus on solving this one.

Yeonho Ju:
I can’t make any connections to anything in the beginning, but here’s what I find interesting. The thing we’re supposed to find has weapons, and the way it attacks with them is ripping someone limb from limb. What kind of weapon does that?

Gyehyeon Jo:
Erm… Sounds like the kind of torture where they tie your limbs to several horses and then make them run in different directions?

Yeonho Ju:
Heheh, creative. And how do you keep several horses close to your throat?

Gyehyeon Jo:
Uh… you eat the horses?

Yeonho Ju:
… It seems that all your stat points went into your face.

Gyehyeon Jo:
What is that supposed to mean?

Yeonho Ju:
I’m… not insulting you. I’m saying you’re attractive…

Gyehyeon Jo:
O-oh. Well, all your skat points went in your face too.

Yeonho Ju:
The poor understanding and execution of that phrase is kind of cute coming from him too…

Yeonho Ju:
L-let’s focus on the riddle at hand.

Gyehyeon Jo:
Hmmm… The part that says “break the surface” sounds like a swimming term.

Yeonho Ju:
Oh, that’s right, that could have something to do with water!

Yeonho Ju:
Hm… Follow me, I think I know where we need to be!

Yeonho Ju:
We descend the mountain and make our way over to the island shore. The moonlight isn’t strong enough to reveal what I’m looking for, so we carry on towards the lighthouse. On the beach nearby, I can finally see it as the light passes by.

Gyehyeon Jo:
Did you find it? What are we actually looking for?

Yeonho Ju:
What we’re searching for must reside in the water. It’s something that has the power to rip you apart. And what weapon can do that besides teeth?

Gyehyeon Jo:
So you’re saying it’s something like a shark?

Yeonho Ju:
Exactly. Sharks have rows and rows of teeth, and shops sometimes sell shark tooth necklaces, hence the “keeping them close to your throat” part. And for the last hint, the “flag” that makes people scatter is… the fin!

Yeonho Ju:
I point out as the lighthouse’s beam passes over something in the shape of a shark fin bobbing in place with the water.

Gyehyeon Jo:
Eh? No way, is that really a shark?

Yeonho Ju:
Sharks don’t stay still like that. My guess is it’s a buoy shaped like a shark fin with something anchoring it down. According to the riddle, it sounds like we have to check below the surface for the next clue.

Yeonho Ju:
…!

Yeonho Ju:
Without my asking, Gyehyeon is already pulling his shirt off and throwing it down on the sand on top of his hat and jacket.

Yeonho Ju:
It’s really dangerous to swim at night, isn’t it?

Gyehyeon Jo:
I’m a strong swimmer. Besides, we can’t wait until sunrise…

Yeonho Ju:
Not being able to argue with that, I watch as Gyehyeon enters the dark ocean. With his powerful swimming, he reaches the buoy in no time and dives down into the water. An uncomfortable second passes. And another. And a few more.

Yeonho Ju:
…

Yeonho Ju:
Starting to worry about him, I slip off my shoes. Approaching the water, I know that if the Ultimate Athlete can’t handle the ocean at night, there’s no way someone like me will fare well out there. But if I have no choice…

Gyehyeon Jo:
Hah! Found it!

Yeonho Ju:
Gyehyeon calls out after finally breaking the surface, waving his hand with something in it. I breathe a sigh of relief and nonchalantly put my shoes back on as I wait for Gyehyeon to come back to the shore.

Gyehyeon Jo:
It’s a box.

Yeonho Ju:
He shows me this palm-sized waterproof box. I quickly pop it open and see the photo of one of the other graduates that was brought here.

Yeonho Ju:
Yongseung…?

Yeonho Ju:
Without a word, Gyehyeon and I break into a sprint to the cabins, as seeing Yongseung’s photo has reminded us of the very real stakes. Our search has taken us a lot of time so far, so if this next part turns out to be another clue, I don’t know if we’ll make it. But if the bomb turns out to be near the cabins…

Gyehyeon Jo:
Yongseung!

Yeonho Ju:
Gyehyeon pounds on Yongseung’s cabin door until he answers.

Yongseung Kim:
Did something happen—?

Yeonho Ju:
We push past him and look around, quickly starting to widen our search around and behind furniture.

Yeonho Ju:
Do you hear that? Ticking…

Yongseung Kim:
You mean from the clock?

Yeonho Ju:
Gyehyeon swiftly pulls a chair over and stands on it to reach the clock before removing it from the wall and taking out its batteries.

Yongseung Kim:
Th-there’s still a ticking noise? What is it from? It couldn’t be—

Yeonho Ju:
Shh…

Yeonho Ju:
I quietly listen for where the barely audible ticking noise is coming from while slowly pacing around the room. I stop in front of Yongseung’s bed. No way…

I drop to my knees and pull out the bomb from underneath.

Yongseung Kim:
I-it—! It was right by me the whole time?! I would’ve—! I-I!

Yeonho Ju:
In a panic, Yongseung runs out of the room while I keep looking at the bombest looking bomb I’ve ever seen right in my hands. Suddenly, I feel very nervous about how I’m handling it.

Yeonho Ju:
Wh-what do we do? We don’t have much time left!

Yeonho Ju:
Eyeing the bomb’s countdown timer, only a minute remaining, I carefully set it down on the bed as slowly as possible while Gyehyeon pulls out Yongseung’s photo from the box again.

Gyehyeon Jo:
The back of the picture says something! “Instead of exploding like a supernova, this star will be steadily shining bright, newly full of your hope. Reach out and let its hope spread from one to another.”

Yeonho Ju:
Star?

Yeonho Ju:
My mind is only drawing a blank. The ticking of the bomb next to me keeps holding my attention hostage. I can’t think—!

THUD.

Yeonho Ju:
Before I can think of what to do, I’m suddenly pushed down onto the bed, and I find Gyehyeon leaning over me.

Yeonho Ju:
Huh…?!

Gyehyeon Jo:
Yeonho! The star it's referring to is a Hope Fragment!

Yeonho Ju:
I— I…

Yeonho Ju:
Gyehyeon’s way too close—I can’t do anything but look into his eyes and feel his breath on my face.

Gyehyeon Jo:
This is what Jelpi wanted in the first place, isn’t it? We have to earn a Hope Fragment right now!

Yeonho Ju:
H-hold on! How exactly do you think we’ll earn one?!

Gyehyeon Jo:
W-well… We have to bond and form a deep connection… And I thought maybe…

Yeonho Ju:
I-I’m sure there’s other ways to do it—!

Yeonho Ju:
But is there even enough time? Wait a minute! What if we already—?

I desperately pull out my e-Handbook and notice a sparkle in the Hope Fragment collection that wasn’t there before.

Yeonho Ju:
Gyehyeon! We already earned one together!

Gyehyeon Jo:
Really? When did that happen?

Yeonho Ju:
Wh-who cares! Let’s stop this bomb!

Yeonho Ju:
From the sound of the riddle, I’d just have to touch my e-Handbook to the bomb. I hold my breath and gently place my e-Handbook over it, and a loud beep startles me. I slowly open my eyes to find the time on the bomb along with the ticking has stopped. The bomb finally seems to be disarmed.

Yeonho Ju:
W-we did it!

Yeonho Ju:
Wha—? You knew we already earned the fragment and you just watched and said nothing? Why didn’t you come in and tell us?!

Gyehyeon Jo:
I’m going to kill it.

Yeonho Ju:
If violence isn’t allowed, then why did you put a bomb here?!

Gyehyeon Jo:
You…

Yeonho Ju:
…I was only able to do it because of Gyehyeon. He deserves whatever reward you have.

Gyehyeon Jo:
Hope’s Peak? You’re going to tell me what memories I lost?

Yeonho Ju:
This is huge. Since coming to this island, not a single one of us have been able to remember our time at Hope’s Peak. Retrieving precious lost memories can really be comforting at a time like this.

Gyehyeon Jo:
So what is it? Tell me.

Yeonho Ju:
After a close encounter disarming the bomb Jelpi hid, Gyehyeon and I come out from the cabin, into the light from the rising sun, and spot Minchan heading towards us.

Minchan Hong:
Gyehyeon, you're okay!

Gyehyeon Jo:
Uh… yeah. Why wouldn't I be?

Minchan Hong:
I saw your shoes by the ocean, and I thought…

Minchan Hong:
Nevermind. I'm just glad you're okay.

Yeonho Ju:
I'm glad we're all okay.

Minchan Hong:
No doubt! What even happened to the bomb?

Gyehyeon Jo:
We disarmed it.

Yeonho Ju:
It was a real rush! It felt like I was close to gambling my life away, but we made it!

Minchan Hong:
Well, I’m glad we're not all exploded!

Yeonho Ju:
But, hey, have you seen Yongseung? He ran out of the cabin when we found the bomb under his bed… We should tell him it's safe now.

Minchan Hong:
Nope, I haven’t seen him since early last night. Hope he's doing alright. I mean, hell, the bomb was in his room? Geez…

Minchan Hong:
Anyway, I'm gonna go take a nap because I'm way too tired.

Yeonho Ju:
Minchan heads in the direction of his own cabin. I, myself, don’t want to turn in just yet. That wasn't my first all-nighter staying up playing a game, and the thrill wound me up so high that I don't feel the least bit tired.

I’m about to tell Gyehyeon my plan to hang out more when I'm suddenly aware of his understandably despairing vibe.

Yeonho Ju:
Gyehyeon, are you… okay?

Gyehyeon Jo:
Yeah, I just… What Jelpi told me about my friend…

Gyehyeon Jo:
How could I forget? He used to be my best friend, and I forgot he even died…

Gyehyeon Jo:
We were friends since we were kids but… I still can't remember anything about what happened years ago when I was at Hope's Peak…

Yeonho Ju:
It's not your fault. I don't remember anything either. Whoever brought us here took our memories for whatever reason, but I'm sure they'll come back.

Gyehyeon Jo:
Yeah… I hope they do. Listen, I think I'm going to go grab my clothes and then head to bed.

Yeonho Ju:
Have a good sleep, man. You earned it.

Gyehyeon Jo:
You're not gonna sleep?

Yeonho Ju:
Nah, I have a real urge to play some games. I'm gonna hit up the library for a computer room and see if I can't find a PC preinstalled with Minesweeper—or at least Solitaire if our capturers have any mercy.

Gyehyeon Jo:
Let me know if they have 3D Pinball.

Yeonho Ju:
You play pinball?

Gyehyeon Jo:
I mean there's basketball, baseball, volleyball… I thought pinball would be like those, but I still liked it after I realized it was a nerd's game.

Yeonho Ju:
Jocks really like balls, huh?

Yeonho Ju:
Poor wording. Whatever.

Yeonho Ju:
I’m kind of in shock you’ve even played a video game before. We'll have a lot to discuss later, hyung!

Gyehyeon Jo:
See ya.

Yeonho Ju:
I head off to check out the library for the first time and am surprised the building is pretty clean and nice looking. But walking inside, it feels kind of like a liminal space with no one around in such a large building.

Yeonho Ju:
I guess the others aren’t quite the reading type.

Yeonho Ju:
But admittedly, neither am I. Unless the reading takes place inside a visual novel.

I make my way over to the computer room where I see ancient looking computers lined up in rows. I’m not feeling too hopeful about this until I notice a row of CD-ROMs lined up on one of the nearby shelves.

Yeonho Ju:
Wow… King’s Quest, RollerCoaster Tycoon, The Oregon Trail, Myst.

Yeonho Ju:
Along with the classics, there’s so many other titles that I’ve never even heard of. I think I’ll play all of them—starting with the first King's Quest in the series. After boosting up a computer, I find there’s no internet available, as expected.

Yeonho Ju:
I start playing the game, hours pass, and then I'm onto the next one. Before I know it, time has really flown as I make my way through the series before deciding to give it a break and check out another single-player adventure puzzle game next. After I insert the disk for Myst and begin setup, I decide to get some food while I wait for it to install, suddenly realizing I'm super hungry.

Yeonho Ju:
I noticed some vending machines in the front near the check out when I first came in. As I approach them again, I see through the windows that it’s already getting dark out.

Yeonho Ju:
The hell? I really spent all day playing games just like back home, huh?

Yeonho Ju:
Shrugging it off, I get back to my goal to snack. It takes me a minute to realize I can scan my e-Handbook below the vending machine’s number pad to pay. Hoping this place is complimentary instead of putting everything on a tab I’m not aware of, I pick out canned coffee from the drink machine and a bag of chips from another.

Yeonho Ju:
The “no food or drinks in the computer lab” signs won’t stop me.

Yeonho Ju:
I’m heading back to the computer room when a sudden thud surprises me. If this place looks liminal already during the day, at night, the horror factor is boosted exponentially. Peaking around the library shelves, I see a familiar face putting away some books.

Yeonho Ju:
Yongseung!

Yongseung Kim:
…!

Yeonho Ju:
What’re you doing here? You know your cabin is safe again, right? The bomb’s disarmed, and Gyehyeon and I even earned a Hope Fragment—!

Yongseung Kim:
It doesn’t matter.

Yeonho Ju:
Huh?

Yongseung Kim:
It doesn’t matter that we earned another Hope Fragment. As long as we’re here, our lives are in danger. That was proven with the bomb. What’s to stop Jelpi from threatening us again? We really don’t know what will happen to us next.

Yongseung Kim:
Furthermore, we don’t even know if they’ll let us go once we collect enough Hope Fragments. We have no reason to trust whoever is behind this. They had the resources to kidnap us in the first place. There’s no reason why they would just let us go just like that.

Yeonho Ju:
…

Yongseung Kim:
Wh-what?

Yeonho Ju:
I’m kind of shocked. That was the most you’ve ever said to me.

Yongseung Kim:
…

Yeonho Ju:
But for real… What are you doing here?

Yongseung Kim:
… Hiding.

Yeonho Ju:
From Jelpi?

Yongseung Kim:
… From all of you.

Yeonho Ju:
… Oh. Did we do something wrong? Why wouldn't he want to be around the others in a trying time like this? Then again, I'm already starting to isolate myself again too. Even in a tropical paradise, my old habits are already coming back, only a few days in.

Yongseung Kim:
A-anyway, while I've been here, I've been researching for a way to get off the island… Or at least trying to.

Yeonho Ju:
You've been working on that this whole time?

Yeonho Ju:
While I've been slacking off… He really is admirable, but he looks like a wreck.

Yeonho Ju:
Have you even eaten today? When's the last time you slept?

Yongseung Kim:
I…

Yeonho Ju:
Come on, let's get some more snacks. You deserve a break, right?

Yongseung Kim:
…

Yeonho Ju:
Yongseung looks unsure, so I decide to put some pressure off of him.

Yeonho Ju:
Look, there's vending machines right at the front. If you wanna, get some snacks and come meet me at the computer room. I'll be playing a puzzle game. It'll be fun.

Yongseung Kim:
… You shouldn’t eat at the computers.

Yeonho Ju:
There’s probably some keyboard cleaning goo around here somewhere. I’m sure it’ll be fine.

Yeonho Ju:
With a shrug, I head back to the lab. I’m not confident Yongseung wants to join me, but just in case, I load up Myst and delay starting the game while I’m eating my chips and coffee. But as Yongseung doesn’t show up when I’m done, I decide to get carried away with playing this classic game. I could’ve sworn I already played Myst before, but every part feels like new to me, and though I was making good progress for a while, I found myself getting stuck on a puzzle.

Yeonho Ju:
What am I supposed to do again? Where am I supposed to go? Am I missing something?

Yeonho Ju:
Hrm…

Yeonho Ju:
There’s usually not a single puzzle that can stop me and not a single level I can’t beat, but with everything going on lately, it’s like my brain has been scrambled.

I’m so focused on the game that I almost don’t hear the door to the computer room open.

Yongseung Kim:
… Hi.

Yeonho Ju:
You came.

Yongseung Kim:
I thought I should take a break, like you said…

Yeonho Ju:
Yongseung cautiously comes closer and stands beside me, awkwardly peering at my screen.

Yeonho Ju:
I’m playing Myst. Sorry, I already got pretty far in… Come, sit down.

Yongseung Kim:
O-okay…

Yeonho Ju:
The atmosphere is a little awkward between us as Yongseung slides a chair over next to mine. Just as I think of what to say to break the ice, a loud growl sounds from Yongseung’s stomach.

Yeonho Ju:
You still haven’t eaten?

Yongseung Kim:
Ah, I forgot…

Yeonho Ju:
I’ll go get you some food.

Yongseung Kim:
No, that’s okay, I should get it myself—

Yeonho Ju:
Let’s go together. And on the way, you can tell me what you learned about the island.

Yongseung Kim:
… Sure.

Yeonho Ju:
We head to the vending machines—which I’m happy to visit again since one small bag of chips wasn’t nearly enough to satisfy me—and talk about our current situation.

Yeonho Ju:
So is this island owned by a freak or something? Is it like The Most Dangerous Game and they dropped us here to hunt us down? Actually—you noticed there’s cameras everywhere, right? Maybe this is more like The Truman Show.

Yongseung Kim:
I can’t find anything that alludes to a reason why we were brought here. The history of the island is pretty vague as well. I learned more about the monuments and facilities built here though.

Yeonho Ju:
Anything interesting there?

Yongseung Kim:
Umm… There's an amusement park. And a music venue…

Yeonho Ju:
Oh, cool, I love music.

Yongseung Kim:
The venue is called Titty Typhoon.

Yeonho Ju:
…

Yongseung Kim:
…

Yeonho Ju:
You’re not joking.

Yongseung Kim:
I am not.

Yeonho Ju:
Ah, I thought so. You don’t seem like the type.

Yongseung Kim:
Well… you’ll just have to find out if your assumption is true or not.

Yeonho Ju:
The unexpected teasing tone coming from Yongseung excites me. I’m finding myself quickly wanting to get to know him more.

Yeonho Ju:
So, do you like music too?

Yongseung Kim:
…

Yeonho Ju:
Is it that hard of a question?

Yongseung Kim:
Well, in truth, I do… But when I tell people I like to dance, they always ask me to show them. It’s really embarrassing…

Yeonho Ju:
He DANCES?!

Yeonho Ju:
…!

Yongseung Kim:
…

Yeonho Ju:
Don’t worry, I won’t ask you to show me. I’ll just try to imagine what you look like when dancing to satisfy my curiosity.

Yongseung Kim:
… Stop looking at me. This is just as embarrassing somehow…

Yeonho Ju:
We drop some food and drinks from the vending machines and head back to the computer room. Spreading out our bountiful feast of snacks on the table, I'm really looking forward to the night ahead.

Yeonho Ju:
This is just like a sleepover.

Yongseung Kim:
You’re going to sleep at the library too?

Yeonho Ju:
Well, you don’t really sleep at a sleepover, it’s only optional.

Yongseung Kim:
Oh. I wouldn’t know. I’ve never been to one before.

Yeonho Ju:
Oh, really—? Wait, did you say “too?” Are you sleeping here tonight?

Yongseung Kim:
I’m kind of too scared to sleep back at my cabin…

Yeonho Ju:
That makes sense. I’d also be shaken up if I found a bomb under my bed. But in the kind of situation we’re in, I’d also be scared to be alone, so far away from the others’ cabins. Maybe I should stay here with Yongseung to keep him company all night. Though, I was already going to do that so I can get through all these games. Only this time, I’m doing it with a friend.

Yeonho Ju:
As we have our feast, I explain what Yongseung missed from the game I’m playing. He seems to be taking interest in it and looks like he’s relaxing slightly, becoming more comfortable with me.

Yeonho Ju:
After having enough cheesy puffs, I dust off my fingers and put my hands back on the controls, looking around in the game and trying to progress with fresh eyes. As I’ve spoken enough about my interest in this game, I prompt Yongseung to speak about himself.

Yeonho Ju:
So, Ultimate Fortune Teller, huh?

Yongseung Kim:
Yeah.

Yeonho Ju:
Really? Then… Can you predict lottery numbers?

Yongseung Kim:
No.

Yeonho Ju:
Can you at least use your talent to tell me where to go next in this game?

Yongseung Kim:
I'm not a walkthrough!

Yeonho Ju:
But I’m stuck, and I can’t look it up…

Yongseung Kim:
Are you not really the Ultimate Gamer?

Yeonho Ju:
I-I am!

Yeonho Ju:
It’s just that… I think I played this game so long ago, back in high school. And we all know those memories are gone…

Yongseung Kim:
Hm… Good thing.

Yeonho Ju:
Huh? “Good thing?" Do you like that your memories were taken or something?

Yongseung Kim:
…

Yongseung Kim:
Throughout my schooling, I’ve always been bullied for one thing or another.

Yongseung Kim:
I’m sure high school wasn’t any different. In fact, I’m sure I was just as unloved then too.

Yeonho Ju:
…

Yongseung Kim:
… Sorry. I shouldn’t talk about that.

Yeonho Ju:
Yongseung turns away from me, but I grab onto his arm without thinking.

Yongseung Kim:
…?

Yeonho Ju:
Uh, you’re too far away. Come closer so you can see the game properly.

Yongseung Kim:
Uh, okay…

Yeonho Ju:
He scoots his chair closer, and I nudge mine so they’re both touching.

Yeonho Ju:
I’m sorry things were like that for you.

Yongseung Kim:
… It’s okay.

Yongseung Kim:
Tell me about what else you've been playing today.

Yeonho Ju:
With Yongseung’s permission to indulge in my specialty, I tell him all about the games I found and managed to play through today while continuing to aimlessly walk around in Myst. That hardly matters, as I’m having a good time chatting for a while. But suddenly, Yongseung points up at the screen, his shoulder bumping into mine as he leans in.

Yongseung Kim:
Have you tried going down that path? The place that you just passed…

Yeonho Ju:
Oh. Oh my god. How did I forget that was there?

Yeonho Ju:
You really do have the power of clairvoyance.

Yongseung Kim:
This has nothing to do with my ultimate ability. The only orbs I used were my eyes.

Yeonho Ju:
And you’re so modest too.

Yongseung Kim:
Maybe some time later, I’ll show you my actual fortune telling.

Yeonho Ju:
Hell. Yeah.

Yeonho Ju:
I can admit that the power of clairvoyance excites me like it would most people, but I can feel there’s another motive for wanting to spend more time with Yongseung. He looks happy as well, smiling at the computer screen, making no move to lean away from me as we're shoulder to shoulder. Despite knowing what to do now, I’m hardly interested in playing the game.

Yeonho Ju:
Hey, how old are you?

Yongseung Kim:
23.

Yeonho Ju:
Oh, we’re the same age.

Yongseung Kim:
Really?

Yeonho Ju:
Most of the others are older than us from what I heard. It’s awesome to have a friend my age.

Yongseung Kim:
A friend…

Yeonho Ju:
… Hey, Yongseung?

Yongseung Kim:
Hm?

Yeonho Ju:
Do you think that we knew each other at Hope’s Peak?

Yongseung Kim:
Hm… it’s possible since we must have been in the same grade. But judging by our ultimates, our majors were very different. We might not have crossed paths.

Yeonho Ju:
Oh…

Yongseung Kim:
… But it would be nice if we did.

Yeonho Ju:
…

Yeonho Ju:
The thought makes me happy, ignoring that even if we did know each other—even if we were friends—we didn’t keep in contact after high school. I can’t remember my time at Hope’s Peak, but I know how my life moved on after, and Yongseung wasn’t a part of it.

Yeonho Ju:
The thought feels lonely, but I didn’t realize I was at the time. I never had deep friendships with the people I spoke to over voice chat—and even then, I only heard from them when I was playing games all day and night. After a while, my other problematic hobby started taking up most of my time until it completely isolated me. But one random day, I found myself plucked from that situation and placed here on this island. Here, with Yongseung.

Yeonho Ju:
We’re both loners for our own reasons. And even though we’re hiding away from everyone else in this library, we’re finding comfort in each other’s presence. We may be taken away from our homes and put on this empty island, but we don’t have to be alone.

Yeonho Ju:
Haha.

Yeonho Ju:
How can I be thankful I was put here, even if it was just a split-second thought? I know how ridiculous it sounds, but looking at Yongseung sitting so close to me, I’m reassured that I’m allowed to feel happy even in a time like this. Even if I’m tired out of my mind from desperately trying to disarm a bomb the night before, there can be other things that make moments here special.

Yeonho Ju:
…

Yongseung Kim:
…!

Yeonho Ju:
Before I knew what I was doing, I leaned in and lightly bit Yongseung’s shoulder.

Yongseung Kim:
Wh-what was that for?!

Yeonho Ju:
Sorry, I just wanted to rest my head, but your shoulder looked too tasty.

Yongseung Kim:
…

Yeonho Ju:
If you don't like it, I won't do it anymore.

Yeonho Ju:
But you can rest your head on my shoulder if you want—I mean, it’s just ‘cause you look tired and…

Yongseung Kim:
…

Yongseung Kim:
…

Yeonho Ju:
Yongseung holds my arm steady and rests his head down on my shoulder.

Yeonho Ju:
…

Yongseung Kim:
Are you going to keep playing? I can still watch.

Yeonho Ju:
Um… Yeah.

Yeonho Ju:
I put my hand back on the mouse to keep playing, but I’m too distracted to focus on the game, that’s for sure. I’m nervous that Yongseung will notice my brain fog through the way I’m aimlessly clicking around, but minutes go by and he doesn’t say anything. After a while, the lack of progress is too embarrassing.

Yeonho Ju:
I think I’m stuck again…

Yeonho Ju:
Yongseung not responding to my plea for help, I look down to find his eyes closed shut and his body subtly moving as he deeply breathes.

He really just fell asleep on me! I knew he was tired, but he seemed so unfriendly at first only to do this days later?

Yeonho Ju:
I find myself able to take in what he looks like, studying his features without needing a reason behind staring. There wasn’t a question as to whether Yongseung was handsome before, but now seeing him so defenseless has brought a new idea to the table. He’s cute too.

Yeonho Ju:
…!

Yeonho Ju:
I’m losing my mind! I barely know this guy! Why am I so happy that he fell asleep on me? It kind of feels like the same success as gaining the trust of a nervous street cat—which actually happened to me once. Before then, I only had experiences with robot pets when I was a kid. Though the way Yongseung acts, showing little variance in emotion, is not too dissimilar from a robot at all.

Yeonho Ju:
Are you more like a Poo-Chi Dog or a Tekno Puppy?

Yeonho Ju:
Wah!

Yongseung Kim:
…!

Yeonho Ju:
I accidentally wake Yongseung up with my sudden movement. For someone that wants us to bond, Jelpi sure is set on ruining our time together by appearing now!

Yongseung Kim:
H-hiding from you…!

Yeonho Ju:
You threatened us with a bomb!

Yeonho Ju:
…

Yeonho Ju:
I may enjoy gambling, but that was going too far!

Yeonho Ju:
Huh? Why do you say that?

Yeonho Ju:
I want to prod Jelpi for an explanation about what she meant, but she quickly changes the subject.

Yongseung Kim:
…

Yeonho Ju:
Both Yongseung and I take our e-Handbooks out to find a notification—there’s a message from one of the apps that looks a lot like an emailing system. Opening it, it seems to be an invitation for a dinner party.

Yongseung Kim:
Huh? A dinner…

Yeonho Ju:
… Why did you send an invite if you could have just told us here in person?

Yongseung Kim:
Rather, why did you bother showing up if you already sent an invite?

Yeonho Ju:
Good point.

Yongseung Kim:
…

Yeonho Ju:
I did notice another notification on my e-Handbook. A new star shines in my collection—the second one I earned and the third we collectively have in total. Before I let my cheeks redden from acknowledging the apparent deep bond Yongseung and I formed, I bring the subject back to the invitation.

Yeonho Ju:
Why have a dinner party?

Yongseung Kim:
And, uh… What are you planning to serve for dinner?

Yeonho Ju:
… Okay, but I’m going to make sure we’re all present at the dinner table with all of our limbs intact before I’m eating anything.

Yongseung Kim:
…

Yongseung Kim:
… I’ll go too.

Yongseung Kim:
Since Yeonho is going, I want to join him—

Minchan Hong:
A whole day passes with nothing going wrong, and I don’t know whether I should be relieved or suspicious. The last time Jelpi left us alone for a day, she planted a bomb in one of our cabins. So after I got a relaxing day to myself, followed by a good rest, I had a feeling I was going to wake up to something horrible.

Minchan Hong:
Ya~wn.

Minchan Hong:
A couple of the others are already up and chatting outside of the cabins. I make my way over to join them.

Minchan Hong:
What are you guys talking about?

Hoyoung Bae:
The invitation.

Minchan Hong:
The… invitation?

Gyehyeon Jo:
Did you not get one last night? They were sent to our e-Handbooks.

Minchan Hong:
I take out my device and find no new notification and nothing on any of the apps.

Minchan Hong:
The hell? I don’t see it anywhere.

Hoyoung Bae:
Maybe you didn't get invited?

Minchan Hong:
Wh— Why wouldn't I—?

Hoyoung Bae:
That's weird, because I know Kangmini and Yeonho got one.

Gyehyeon Jo:
I think everyone else did too.

Minchan Hong:
…

Gyehyeon Jo:
Minchan, where—?

Minchan Hong:
I quickly leave the two as I spot an annoying orange blob slinking around outside.

Minchan Hong:
HEY, Jelpi!

Minchan Hong:
Why is everyone invited to… to whatever event is happening but not me? What did I do wrong?

Minchan Hong:
And why not?

Minchan Hong:
…!

Minchan Hong:
What, do you want me to be flattered or something? I'm the only person qualified to cook out of the seven men here.

Minchan Hong:
…!

Minchan Hong:
You do?

Minchan Hong:
Why give this all to me? Why do I need to "succeed"…?

Minchan Hong:
Wh-what? Did you plant another bomb or something?! Is it on me? Get it off!

Minchan Hong:
Like I’d let you do that! I’m way bigger than you, you can’t take me on!

Minchan Hong:
I hesitantly look over at the nearest utility pole with a camera mounted near the top. It slowly moves to point in my direction.

BA-BA-BA-BANG!

Minchan Hong:
AHHHH!

Minchan Hong:
The nozzle underneath the camera fires right in front of my feet. I freeze in panic until it ceases fire.

Minchan Hong:
This can’t be real…

Minchan Hong:
…

Minchan Hong:
…

Minchan Hong:
Is that an actual warning? You think I'd actually do that?

Minchan Hong:
Jelpi slinks away, and I’m left alone, not able to choke down the despair I’m feeling.

Minchan Hong:
I-I have to get out of here…

Minchan Hong:
I have to hide, I have to do something! I can’t just be a part of Jelpi’s sick game!

Minchan Hong:
The adrenaline from being nearly shot at is taking over my body. I take just a step forward when I see the camera from earlier still observing me. Turning around, I make it a decent amount of paces away before seeing another.

Minchan Hong:
Damn it. Damn it, damn it, damn it…

Minchan Hong:
…

Minchan Hong:
Having no choice but to play by Jelpi’s rules, I consider my options for an assistant chef.

Minchan Hong:
The Ultimate Photographer, no. Ultimate Athlete, no. There’s no way the Ultimate Model knows anything besides looking pretty. Hm… Maybe the Ultimate Gamer has played Cooking Mama before? No, that’s not good enough…

Minchan Hong:
I’m almost considering having the Ultimate Fortune Teller tell me what I should do when I spot Kangmin walking by.

Minchan Hong:
That’s it! Hey, Yoo Kangmin!

Kangmin Yoo:
…?

Minchan Hong:
I may not know what this guy’s ultimate is—or if he even has one—but he’s young, so he can probably take orders well and won’t get in my way. And, hey, young people are moldable—there’s a chance that Kangmin could find his passion in cooking.

Minchan Hong:
Kangmin-a, my Ultimate Sous Chef.

Kangmin Yoo:
Your… ultimate sus chef?

Minchan Hong:
Oh, the youth. So funny. Kangmin, have you ever made lobster thermidor?

Kangmin Yoo:
I dunno… I’ve never heard of it.

Minchan Hong:
What about ratatouille?

Kangmin Yoo:
You mean the cartoon rat?

Minchan Hong:
I’m going to die today!

Minchan Hong:
Burgers and fries! How about burgers and fries!

Kangmin Yoo:
I don’t think I’ve grilled a burger before… But I bet I could make fries from the frozen food aisle!

Minchan Hong:
Okay, that’s more like warming up and less like cooking, but that’s something!

Kangmin Yoo:
…

Minchan Hong:
…

Minchan Hong:
Actually, maybe I should choose someone else. This is life or death.

Kangmin Yoo:
Huh? Life or death? What’s going on?

Minchan Hong:
Given how hard Kangmin took it when the pressure was on with the bomb Jelpi planted a couple days ago, I don’t feel right telling the kid about the circumstances. The stress would be too hard on him.

Minchan Hong:
I’m just being dramatic. You know the dinner party tonight? I’m cooking for it, and I want you to be my sous chef—er, uh, my assistant. Do you think you can handle that?

Kangmin Yoo:
Sure, I’ll do whatever I can to help.

Minchan Hong:
Let’s hope it’s enough!

Minchan Hong:
The party is ten hours from now, so let’s hurry to the kitchen, and I’ll explain to you the basics!

Minchan Hong:
Understanding me so far?

Kangmin Yoo:
Y-yeah, I think.

Minchan Hong:
That’s your work station and this is mine. Keep your station clean and take care of messes as they come up. I’ll assign you simple tasks now and again. Say ‘yes, chef,’ so I know that you hear my orders.

Kangmin Yoo:
Yes, chef!

Minchan Hong:
I finish running Kangmin through what tools we’ll be using in the island’s kitchen and where they are.

Jelpi wasn’t lying about supplying me with everything I’d need to succeed, and they’re all organized nicely, so it’s easy to find my way around. Since everything is here, my success or failure really is all on me.

Minchan Hong:
Ah, one more thing. If I'm carrying a bunch of glasses or knives or something potentially dangerous, stay away from me. If I trip, do not help me, you’ll only get hurt!

Kangmin Yoo:
What? How can I just stand by and not help if that happens?

Minchan Hong:
I fall all the time, and I always turn out fine. It's you who should be careful, I’m used to it.

Minchan Hong:
Okay, we only have nine hours now. Let’s see what we have to get done… Kalua pork, lomi lomi salmon, shoyu chicken, chicken long rice, pipikaula, poke…

Minchan Hong:
We should definitely get the slow cooker ready.

Kangmin Yoo:
Yes, chef!

Minchan Hong:
As Kangmin is being a good little chef’s assistant, taking out the slow cooker along with the necessary ingredients and seasonings, I prepare my carving knife over the roasted pork. My eyes briefly stop on a surveillance camera, and I let out a big sigh to calm myself before continuing.

Minchan Hong:
Hi, I’m Hong Minchan and this is how to make a Kalua Pig at home. First, we tear our roasted pork to shreds…

Kangmin Yoo:
Huh? Are you talking to me—?

Minchan Hong:
Then, when your assistant chef brings over the vegetables, chop them into small, bite-sized pieces.

Minchan Hong:
Don’t forget to generously salt before adding everything into the slow cooker.

Kangmin Yoo:
What are you doing?

Minchan Hong:
Narrating for my cooking show.

Minchan Hong:
I nod at the camera. I’m half playing around, but half explaining my actions to help Kangmin in an engaging way.

Kangmin Yoo:
You’re kind of weird, huh?

Minchan Hong:
Hey, you don’t know—maybe there is an audience behind that camera and not just our kidnappers watching our every move.

Kangmin Yoo:
…

Minchan Hong:
Kangmin clearly didn’t need the reminder about our situation. I quickly get him to work to take his mind off things.

Minchan Hong:
Why don’t you take over chopping the vegetables. You’ve seen me do it… Do you think you can do the same?

Kangmin Yoo:
Yeah, I can try.

Minchan Hong:
After casually observing him now and again while tending to my own work, I notice Kangmin is not bad at following directions, but his inexperience is pretty obvious. I’m hoping and praying internally that the inconsistency in his vegetable cutting doesn’t affect the final quality of the meal… But Jelpi is kind of the worst hell-creature ever, so I’m not confident she’ll be the least bit lenient.

Minchan Hong:
We diligently work on our tasks for hours. When about two thirds of our time is up, I glance around the kitchen, looking at the progress of all of our dishes, and realize we’re not close to being done despite how much time has passed. My movements have been too clumsy, and Kangmin needs too much guidance.

Minchan Hong:
…

Minchan Hong:
I try to swallow my fear and keep focused on the tasks at hand, but I can’t stop the spiraling. What if nothing gets done? What if the meat is raw? What if cooking it faster in compensation dries it out? What if the side dishes aren’t good enough to make up for it? Heck, what if the salt was actually sugar, and the sugar accidentally salt this whole time? Would Jelpi mislabel them on purpose?! I’m smothered with worry that fills me with anxiety. I need to finish cooking!

Kangmin Yoo:
Are you okay, Minchan?

Minchan Hong:
I… I don’t know.

Minchan Hong:
Not wanting to worry him and knowing that it wouldn’t help the situation, I replace my worry with a different, relatable one.

Minchan Hong:
I just… hope we can make it off of this island someday.

Kangmin Yoo:
… Something tells me that hoping in this kind of situation is pointless. But… maybe we will make it out. I mean, we just need 21 Hope Fragments, and we already have 3, so!

Minchan Hong:
21 Hope Fragments…

Minchan Hong:
I finally notice my feet are intensely aching from standing this whole time. I’m completely overwhelmed with thoughts and pain, so I decide I can’t go on without taking a quick rest.

Minchan Hong:
I’ll be back. Don’t let the stew boil over, remember to stir it every few minutes.

Kangmin Yoo:
Yes, chef!

Minchan Hong:
As I step out of the kitchen, I worry about whether I'll make it out alive by the end of the day. This might really be the end for me. But then again, I don’t think I’ll matter in the long run…

Minchan Hong:
If we need 21 fragments and we’re each responsible for making them, I'm sure I’ll be of no help. I’m unlovable—I know I am—I can’t form a deep bond with anyone. So there’s no way I can earn any Hope Fragments at all. We might as well be on this island forever.

I lean my back against a wall and slide down until I’m on the floor.

Minchan Hong:
I’m dooming myself if I fail tonight. I’m dooming everyone else if my cooking passes. There’s no way out of this!

Minchan Hong:
I don’t even have the energy to jump in surprise when Jelpi shows up out of nowhere.

Minchan Hong:
What? There is?

Minchan Hong:
Not under these conditions! Just tell me what else I need to do!

Minchan Hong:
…!

Minchan Hong:
If…?

Minchan Hong:
I feel my heart sink. I wouldn’t… I couldn’t! But the alternatives are to die tonight or to live and trap everyone here forever!

Minchan Hong:
I don’t respond as my legs take me back to the kitchen. Inside, I see Kangmin stirring the big pot with his back turned to me.

Minchan Hong:
…

Minchan Hong:
He’s mindlessly humming, not able to hear me as I slowly step up to him. My eyes land on a knife resting on the counter before moving to the boiling pot on the stove. Kangmin carefully adjusts the heat before giving one last stir and tapping the wooden spoon on the rim of the pot.

Kangmin Yoo:
…!

Minchan Hong:
Kangmin looks at me curiously, surprised that I was silently standing behind him. I quickly turn to a nearby cabinet and look through the contents.

Minchan Hong:
There’s gotta be something here with alcohol…

Minchan Hong:
I really don’t want to be sober right now. I find vanilla extract and call it good enough!

Kangmin Yoo:
Is that going in the stew or something? Minchan…?

Minchan Hong:
I leave the kitchen again and sit down in the empty hall.

Minchan Hong:
35% alcohol…

Minchan Hong:
I twist the cap off of the vanilla extract and start drinking, hoping it’ll take the edge off. It’s gross, but I’ve been craving a drink the second I got here, only to find nothing!

Minchan Hong:
A fail chef, making a fail meal. I must’ve peaked in high school, huh?

Kangmin Yoo:
Who are you talking to…?

Minchan Hong:
Kangmin asks as he steps into the hall, quickly noticing what it is I’ve got my lips around.

Kangmin Yoo:
Hyung!

Minchan Hong:
Kangmin yanks the tiny bottle from my hand.

Kangmin Yoo:
You can’t drink that, you’ll get a tummy ache!

Kangmin Yoo:
What’s wrong?

Minchan Hong:
… I can’t do this.

Kangmin Yoo:
What? Cook our dinner? Yes, you can! You’re the Ultimate Cook!

Minchan Hong:
I know that I was an ultimate at Hope’s Peak… But since then, I just… I just feel so…

Minchan Hong:
I’m surprised as Kangmin grabs my shaking hands. He looks me right in the eyes, wearing a deadly serious expression.

Kangmin Yoo:
Being an ultimate isn’t a joke. I believe in you. And I’ll try my best to help you with anything you need, I promise!

Minchan Hong:
…

Kangmin Yoo:
I know it's hard to have to work with me, but I know you can do this! I've seen how you work, and it's unbelievable how elegant every move you make is. Thank you for letting me see your talent, but please show me how to see this feast through!

Minchan Hong:
…

Minchan Hong:
… It’s not hard to work with you.

Kangmin Yoo:
…

Minchan Hong:
Come on… Let’s finish what we started!

Minchan Hong:
I guide Kangmin back into the kitchen and give him orders, not wasting any time.

Kangmin believes in me, he’s cheering me on. I can’t sacrifice him, of course not! And I can’t let this be the last he sees of me! I’ll show him what I can do—what we can achieve together. And if I’m lucky enough to not become a full course for Jelpi, I swear to god I’ll teach this kid how to make every dish known to man every day that I’m still alive!

Minchan Hong:
With determination, I grab a bowl full of liquid ingredients to transfer it.

Minchan Hong:
Kangmin-a, let’s get this in a—

Minchan Hong:
I stop as I feel my stomach suddenly start to hurt. Powering through, I move to continue carrying the heavy bowl across the kitchen, but Kangmin is already shadowing my movements.

Kangmin Yoo:
Do you need help with th—?

Minchan Hong:
Ugh!

Minchan Hong:
A sudden cramp in my stomach causes me to trip, and the liquid flies out of the bowl and onto Kangmin as it drops.

Minchan Hong:
I really shouldn’t have drunk that vanilla extract, huh…?

Kangmin Yoo:
Wh-what do you need? Ginger tea? An antacid? Water?

Minchan Hong:
There’s no time. Hurry and get cleaned up, you’re absolutely coated.

Kangmin Yoo:
… Yes, chef.

Minchan Hong:
Kangmin leaves to clean up, and I pick myself up off the floor and get restarted on the batter for the dessert. I laser focus in on the steps and start to hardly notice the dull aching in my stomach.

Minchan Hong:
I was never going to do it…

Minchan Hong:
No. Jelpi…

Minchan Hong:
I know what I am and am not worth. Kangmin isn’t the one that should be sacrificed. I could never hold my life higher than anyone else's.

Minchan Hong:
What?

Minchan Hong:
Why is that interesting?

Minchan Hong:
Jelpi just stares at me blankly with that unsettling smile.

Minchan Hong:
Jelpi slinks away. I’m not sure what that was about, but I feel pretty confident in my decision. I may cook and fail, resulting in my death. I may live and trap everyone on the island here with me. But there’s no way in hell I can cook up a Kangmin kebab. My escape isn’t worth someone else's life. It was never an option!

Kangmin Yoo:
I’m back!

Minchan Hong:
Good. We have a lot to get done. I’m not even sure that we’ll make it on time…

Kangmin Yoo:
I know we will! Your orders, chef?

Minchan Hong:
Ah… I can always count on you, my loyal sous chef…

Kangmin Yoo:
Everyone, dinner is served!

Minchan Hong:
The other island residents hurry over to the tables that we prepared on the beach. Amongst the decorative plants and flowers is a large variety of foods perfect for a luau. I’m feeling a little hopeful when their eyes light up in amazement, but the worry returns when considering they have to like how it tastes too.

Hoyoung Bae:
Did Jelpi make all this?

Dongheon Lee:
As if there’s a difference from us eating the food prepared in the cafeteria to eating this now. I suppose if Jelpi wanted to poison us, it would have happened already.

Minchan Hong:
Of course not…!

Minchan Hong:
What kind of sabotage is this?! My life depends on whether they enjoy the meal or not—there’s no reason to make them suspicious and reluctant to even try it!

Yeonho Ju:
This isn’t our last meal or something, is it?

Minchan Hong:
They all look at each other before they start gathering at the tables and filling their plates with the food in acceptance. I can’t help but hold my breath when they finally take a bite.

Yongseung Kim:
…! This is…!

Hoyoung Bae:
…! Minchan really made this…?

Minchan Hong:
…

Minchan Hong:
Are these reactions good or bad?! Elaborate, I’m begging you!

Gyehyeon Jo:
Oh, wow…

Yeonho Ju:
Are you guys tasting this too? I knew he was the Ultimate Cook, but hot damn!

Minchan Hong:
…!

Dongheon Lee:
If the food in the cafeteria was like this, I’d never want to leave…

Dongheon Lee:
It was 1000% a hyperbole, don’t get too excited.

Dongheon Lee:
But Minchan is a godly chef, I’ll give him that.

Minchan Hong:
I watch in anticipation as the others try each of the food items, hoping that there isn’t a single complaint to be had. I’m so fixated on the others that I don’t expect a nudge on the back of my leg.

Minchan Hong:
Huh?

Kangmin Yoo:
…

Minchan Hong:
Looking over, I see Kangmin smiling wide and not yet moving to eat either. He seems to be just as lost in the moment of seeing our creations finally be tasted as I am. The poor kid had a rough time emotionally dealing with being here, but I gave him something to work towards and something to be proud of. And he gave me hope in myself.

Minchan Hong:
Watching everyone happily eat, I’m feeling better about my chances but still cautious.

Minchan Hong:
So… Do I pass?

Minchan Hong:
Gyehyeon, for the love of god!!!!

Gyehyeon Jo:
What? I’m really digging the flavors. Let me take my time so I can savor it.

Minchan Hong:
So we’re good? I can live?

Hoyoung Bae:
H—

Dongheon Lee:
What are you talking about?

Yongseung Kim:
This was another life-threatening challenge…?

Minchan Hong:
…

Kangmin Yoo:
What? Why didn’t you tell us? O-oh god, if I knew the stakes, I would’ve…! I thought this was just for fun! I-I was snacking on our ingredients the whole time! Why did you let me do that? We might’ve had nothing left to cook with if I ate as much as I wanted!

Minchan Hong:
I put my hand on Kangmin’s shoulder to calm him down.

Minchan Hong:
I’m okay. We made it, didn’t we?

Kangmin Yoo:
…

Kangmin Yoo:
We did, but…

Minchan Hong:
I don’t think I could have failed since I had you to help me through this, whether you knew what the stakes were or not. Thanks for being my sous chef.

Kangmin Yoo:
…

Minchan Hong:
The redness on Kangmin’s cheeks only looks more exaggerated under the sky’s pink beginnings of a sunset. I have to stop myself from ruffling at his hair and pulling at his ears in response to his cuteness. Instead, I address the others, who are still standing around looking concerned for me.

Minchan Hong:
I made it through the day, so let’s celebrate! Everyone, let’s keep eating and have a good time!

Yeonho Ju:
If you insist, then I’d like to make a toast first! To Chef Minchan!

Minchan Hong:
The others raise their drinks and cheer. Despite being a little freaked out hearing about the circumstances I had to work under, they seem happy about my triumph, and the mood becomes lighthearted again.

Minchan Hong:
Kangmin-a, you haven’t even tasted the food. Don’t you want to see what the complete dishes are like?

Kangmin Yoo:
Oh, right.

Minchan Hong:
I pick up a Hawaiian butter mochi.

Minchan Hong:
I know you’ll love this. Say ‘ah…’

Minchan Hong:
Kangmin opens up for me to feed him, but after I bring it up to his mouth, I stick a finger in his way instead. He lightly touches his teeth to my finger before jumping back in surprise.

Kangmin Yoo:
Hyung, why?!

Minchan Hong:
Heheheh. Sorry, no more teasing. I’ll feed you for real now.

Minchan Hong:
Kangmin cautiously decides to trust me again, and I don’t take it for granted, feeding him a bite of the desert.

Kangmin Yoo:
…! We made this?

Minchan Hong:
We did.

Minchan Hong:
Finally being able to relax today, I take part in indulging in the foods, joining the others in stuffing myself. After a day full of stress, it feels good to spend time just having fun!

Minchan Hong:
I-I did? Really?

Minchan Hong:
I really didn’t think it was possible—! But if I can earn one, I can earn more. Maybe I won’t be dooming the others with my presence. Maybe we can really make it out of here together!

Kangmin Yoo:
Hyung, are you crying?

Minchan Hong:
N-no, I just… I really wish I had some booze!

Minchan Hong:
Wh-what?

Minchan Hong:
…! Jelpi, I—!

Minchan Hong:
I was just going to say that you threatened my life, caused me unrelenting anxiety, and made me question myself nonstop, so the least you could do is let alcohol be my therapy. You owe me that much!

Minchan Hong:
Ahaha, tonight is gonna be awesome! Drinks all around! Let’s party until daylight!

Minchan Hong:
Watching the last moments of the setting sun, everyone is gathered around the campfire on the beach. Dongheon pours soju into everyone’s glasses as he makes his way around the campfire, stopping at Kangmin.

Dongheon Lee:
He seems the youngest out of all of us… Is he even able to drink?

Kangmin Yoo:
I can’t remember anything about my life, but… Jelpi said I was a graduate from Hope’s Peak too, right? That means I’m at least 20.

Yeonho Ju:
He’s probably already had a drink to celebrate either turning 20 or graduation. So let’s all drink up.

Minchan Hong:
Here’s to 4 Hope Fragments!

Minchan Hong:
I take a shot of my soju and look up to see the others do so too, even Kangmin is taking it well.

Gyehyeon Jo:
Man, but forget those fragment things though. I look forward to getting to know you dorks anyway—whether or not we need to earn them.

Yongseung Kim:
I mean, we shouldn’t forget about the fragments… They’re kind of important, aren’t they?

Minchan Hong:
I hadn’t noticed Hoyoung sitting silently, his glass of soju unchanged as he hesitates, looking down at it. He turns his head and slowly lifts it to his lips, looking like he has no intention of downing it in one go. With the glass raised to Hoyoung’s mouth as he’s about to take a cautious sip, I lift his elbow so that the contents of the glass go all in. Hoyoung’s a bit surprised, but swallows quickly to avoid the flavor.

Minchan Hong:
Don’t sip it, you’re supposed to take it as a shot with the rest of us.

Hoyoung Bae:
Ah, I see, thanks.

Minchan Hong:
I grab the soju bottle and pour Hoyoung another glass. Hoyoung accepts but seems a little hesitant.

Minchan Hong:
Are you sure you’re not actually younger than Kangmin?

Hoyoung Bae:
I’m the same age as you, Minchan!

Minchan Hong:
Then why are you acting like you’ve never drank alcohol before?

Hoyoung Bae:
… Because I haven’t.

Minchan Hong:
…!

Gyehyeon Jo:
What? Really?

Yeonho Ju:
You never had alcohol before? How did you manage to avoid drinking at your age…?

Minchan Hong:
Your image is really that clean, huh?

Hoyoung Bae:
I wasn't allowed to drink. I had to maintain my body and health. But now…

Minchan Hong:
Hoyoung tilts his head back and quickly downs another shot without thought.

Kangmin Yoo:
…! Hyung!

Yeonho Ju:
Wow, the good boy goes bad! What’s next? A dating scandal?

Hoyoung Bae:
I’ve… never actually dated before.

Gyehyeon Jo:
…! With that face?

Kangmin Yoo:
I can’t believe it…

Dongheon Lee:
I’m losing my mind.

Yeonho Ju:
Wait! Hoyoung, don’t tell me you’ve never kissed anyone either!

Hoyoung Bae:
Of course not. I already said I haven’t dated anyone, who could I have kissed?

Yeonho Ju:
Oh, you poor, innocent thing.

Kangmin Yoo:
Hyung is too good for this world, too pure.

Hoyoung Bae:
…

Minchan Hong:
This guy is different from me in every way, huh? I don’t really know if I can get along with him, but I admit he has my attention.

Minchan Hong:
After my own glass is filled again by Gyehyeon, I open a new soju bottle and give Hoyoung a cautious look, intending to pour him another glass, though I’m not sure if he can handle it.

Minchan Hong:
…!

Minchan Hong:
To my suprise, Hoyoung grabs the bottle from my hand and starts to chug it.

Gyehyeon Jo:
Whoa!

Minchan Hong:
Ah, hell, yeah. We should’ve been doing this from the start!

Minchan Hong:
Sure that Hoyoung will be fine since his liver is fresh—and sure that I’ll be fine since my liver has already been through hell, what’s more damage gonna really do?—I take advantage of the plentiful amount of alcohol Jelpi provided earlier before she dipped out to get “beauty sleep.”

Minchan Hong:
As if I’d believe that. She’s probably watching us now.

Kangmin Yoo:
What’d you say, hyung?

Minchan Hong:
Ah, nothing.

Minchan Hong:
Let’s drink up and forget our worries!

Gyehyeon Jo:
Cheers!

Minchan Hong:
We drink and have a good time despite our circumstances of being trapped on an island together. None of that seems to matter now as we tell jokes and laugh as the night goes on. Before I know it, I think I might even be blissfully drunk.

Minchan Hong:
Ahhhhh it’s not so bad here, huh?

Dongheon Lee:
How could you even say a thing like that?

Minchan Hong:
My life wasn’t so good before I came here. And now look—I’m still miserable, but this time, I don’t pay for drinks.

Yeonho Ju:
I bet Hoyoung would never have to pay for drinks if he set foot into the right bar.

Hoyoung Bae:
Heheh…

Minchan Hong:
A loud yawn from Yongseung seems to remind everyone of how late it is now. But not wanting to turn in for the night just yet, I call him out for bringing attention to himself.

Minchan Hong:
Ultimate Fortune Teller, why don’t you ultimately tell me… When’s the soonest we’re gonna get out of here and go to an actual bar?

Yongseung Kim:
Hm… I don’t know… We’ve been steadily gaining Hope Fragments so far, but consider that the earlier ones are the most easy to get.

Yongseung Kim:
It’s natural for some people to get along, but what happens when those who don’t mesh well are the last ones left?

Yongseung Kim:
And come to think of it, it seems like there’s a struggle in and of itself to stay alive until the very end. If one of us dies, does that mean we won’t be able to get all 21 Hope Fragments and can’t go home?

Kangmin Yoo:
…

Minchan Hong:
There’s a silence at his heavy words as we’re forced to consider our demise and permanent entrapment.

Minchan Hong:
Ya, I was asking for a psychic reading, not a logical analysis.

Yongseung Kim:
Isn’t a logical analysis better?

Minchan Hong:
I wanted you to inspire me with hope, not hit me with the gross reality. I need another drink…

Yongseung Kim:
You wanted me to lie? And then offer a better outcome if you buy my trinkets and charms, like with other psychics?

Minchan Hong:
Yes, exactly!

Yongseung Kim:
Well, I won’t lie to you. And I won’t make any predictions that I believe will have below an 80% chance of happening.

Minchan Hong:
What’re you? The most ethical psychic on the planet?

Yongseung Kim:
I just think false hope can sometimes make things worse.

Minchan Hong:
How can it get any worse than this?

Kangmin Yoo:
…

Gyehyeon Jo:
Is Kangmin, like, sleeping?

Yeonho Ju:
We better call it a night, huh? I’d like to pass out too.

Dongheon Lee:
Then let’s head to bed.

Minchan Hong:
Dongheon and Gyehyeon try to wake Kangmin before just deciding to carry him away, Yongseung and Yeonho following behind. I’m surprised to find Hoyoung just watching as they walk away without making a move.

Minchan Hong:
You’re not gonna sleep?

Hoyoung Bae:
Not yet, I’m just… too excited.

Minchan Hong:
Excited? Why?

Hoyoung Bae:
I got to do so many things on this island that I wasn’t allowed to before. I don’t want to go to bed yet.

Hoyoung Bae:
I want to continue the night of debauchery!

Minchan Hong:
…! Where’d you hear that word from?

Hoyoung Bae:
An episode of Spongebob.

Minchan Hong:
Pffft— Figures.

Minchan Hong:
There’s not really anything to do here. Everyone went to bed, and it’s not like a party of two people is the most exciting thing.

Minchan Hong:
Well, maybe it could be. Heheh.

Minchan Hong:
Hoyoung grabs something off of the ground and throws it into the ocean with a splash. He quickly reaches for another rock and throws it again.

Hoyoung Bae:
How do you skip rocks?

Minchan Hong:
You don’t. It’s too dark out, why don’t you wait until tomorrow?

Minchan Hong:
Hoyoung frowns, and I feel like I’m letting him down on his fun night, but there’s nothing I can do about it. After a minute of silence, I’m about to call it a night when Hoyoung suddenly turns towards me with a smile.

Hoyoung Bae:
I’ve got an idea.

Minchan Hong:
…!

Minchan Hong:
Hoyoung grabs my hand and pulls me along as we stumble our way towards and past the cabins and into the gym, having grabbed every suitable rock that he saw on the way. We make our way to the large indoor pool.

Hoyoung Bae:
It’s not too dark in here. Show me how to do it.

Minchan Hong:
Hoyoung hands me a rock and waits for me to demonstrate the proper way to throw them… and I fail.

Minchan Hong:
What the hell? I did it right… You just flick your wrist or whatever. I swear I’ve done this before.

Minchan Hong:
We both haphazardly try a few more times simultaneously, and one rock happens to skip.

Hoyoung Bae:
I did it!

Minchan Hong:
You did it? That was my rock.

Hoyoung Bae:
The rock was on my side!

Minchan Hong:
Well, I threw it crooked and it went diagonal onto your side…

Minchan Hong:
Wha—?

Minchan Hong:
Without warning, Hoyoung starts to unbutton his shirt.

Hoyoung Bae:
It looks awesome in there. In the water. I wanna go in.

Minchan Hong:
No, no, no, no. You can’t go swimming right now, you’re drunk as hell.

Hoyoung Bae:
But I want to—

Minchan Hong:
No. You will drown. You understand? You can’t swim while drunk.

Hoyoung Bae:
…

Minchan Hong:
Not me, though, I’m skilled. Watch this.

Minchan Hong:
I stand on the side of the pool, trying clumsily to take off my pants and almost falling over face first on the ground.

Thinking back on what Yongseung said earlier, I ultimately decide it’s better to take my own advice and not swim in this condition. It’ll be best to try to stay safe in case it ruins the others’ chance of making it off the island.

Minchan Hong:
I stand staring into the water when Hoyoung comes over, wrapping his arms around me. He’s stopping me from making bad decisions, isn’t he? What a great guy—!

Minchan Hong:
HEY, WAIT—!

Minchan Hong:
Hoyoung unexpectedly pulls me towards the pool, and it’s taking all the strength that I can muster in my drunken state to keep myself away from the edge.

Hoyoung Bae:
Come on, I wanna see what you were going to show me! Are you chickening out?

Minchan Hong:
Hoyoung stops trying to force me into the pool and pulls me into a headlock, which I can’t say is better.

Minchan Hong:
I’m allowed to have second thoughts about this. I mean look at the situation we’re in! I’m staying alive for your benefit. You’re very welcome!

Minchan Hong:
After a second of consideration, Hoyoung lets go of me.

Hoyoung Bae:
Yeah… You’re right, it’s too dangerous to swim like this.

Minchan Hong:
With a sigh, Hoyoung sits down at the edge of the pool, not caring that his pant legs are getting soaked as he dejectedly kicks his feet in the water. I sit down next to him and try to cheer him up with a promise.

Minchan Hong:
We’ll swim and skip rocks tomorrow when we’re sober. How does that sound?

Minchan Hong:
Hoyoung spends a moment thinking, and in the silence, I consider that it’s nice to have plans that don’t involve drinking—and even rely on not getting drunk at all. It wasn’t like that for me at all outside this island, when I was alone. The change is kind of surprising.

Minchan Hong:
And speaking of surprise, Hoyoung is different than I thought he’d be. I thought I’d have to subdue my natural self to hang out with a pure guy like this, but it seems like he’s more wild and fun loving than I am. I even find myself slightly intimidated by him for unexpected reasons.

Interrupting my train of thought, Hoyoung agrees with my suggestion.

Hoyoung Bae:
We should invite the others to come play too. Kangmini would have a good time.

Minchan Hong:
Kangmin… Hmmm… As long as Jelpi doesn’t tell me to drown him, I’m fine with it.

Hoyoung Bae:
What? Drown him? Why would she tell you to do that?

Minchan Hong:
…

Minchan Hong:
Hoyoung, during that last challenge, Jelpi gave me an alternative way to leave the island.

Hoyoung Bae:
Huh? Really?

Minchan Hong:
Yeah, but Jelpi told me to… hurt Kangmin.

Hoyoung Bae:
…

Minchan Hong:
What? I didn’t do it! I only thought about it a little.

Hoyoung Bae:
What?

Minchan Hong:
I’m just kidding! There wasn’t a chance I’d do anything to him!

Minchan Hong:
Hoyoung silently kicks at the water, disgust written on his face. He seems really offended on Kangmin’s behalf. But that makes sense—the idea that his friend was potentially put in danger would be disturbing to hear.

Minchan Hong:
Kangmin was safe, he always was. He’s so young, it would have been a horrible thing to do to him.

Hoyoung Bae:
So if it were someone older, you would have done it?!

Minchan Hong:
No! That’s not what I meant!

Minchan Hong:
I couldn’t have done it no matter who else was in his place. None of you guys’ lives are worth less than mine. You’re better than me in every way…

Hoyoung Bae:
I don’t know about that… I’m not better than you at cooking.

Minchan Hong:
Well, yeah, I’m sure the friggin Ultimate Cook is the best one here at that. But it’s different out there, outside of the island… Back home.

Minchan Hong:
It doesn’t matter that I graduated as an Ultimate. When your talent is subjective, it basically puts a target on your back for criticism.

Minchan Hong:
But, that’s fair, right? Everyone has their own tastes. You could make the best soup in the world, and there will still be people who hate soup. Art is subjective like that.

Minchan Hong:
The other Ultimates wouldn’t understand. Yeonho could get the objectively best speedrunning score. Time will tell when an ultimate clairvoyant’s fortune is proven to be true. Gyehyeon could win every gold medal. And here I am, being judged for as little as using pans without proper handles.

Minchan Hong:
But at least I’m not alone. Some Ultimates here can probably understand the artistic struggle. Dongheon has to deal with subjectivity in the world of photography. And you probably understand as an artist too, Hoyoung.

Hoyoung Bae:
Me? I admit that my profession is subjective, but what makes you think I’m an artist…?

Minchan Hong:
Your body is like art.

Hoyoung Bae:
…!

Minchan Hong:
…!

Minchan Hong:
What I mean is, you’re a model, and so you put effort into crafting a performance to look visually pleasing, which you’re real good at. So therefore—and I mean this in the most platonic way—you’re really a work of art to me, smoking hot.

Hoyoung Bae:
???

Minchan Hong:
I mean if I had to get with someone on this island, and I had to choose right now, I’d pick you…

Hoyoung Bae:
!!! Doesn’t sound very platonic to me! Are you trying to confess?!

Minchan Hong:
I’m not into you, I’m just saying if I had to choose!!!

Hoyoung Bae:
Are you hearing yourself right now? Are you actually trying to correct a misunderstanding? Or do you just actually like me?

Minchan Hong:
It’s not my fault, I’m EXTREMELY drunk right now, and I don’t know what I’m saying!!

Hoyoung Bae:
That’s not a very good excuse! Doesn’t being drunk make people more truthful?

Minchan Hong:
Shut it! But ANYWAY MY ORIGINAL POINT IS that we are artists.

Hoyoung Bae:
I don’t think I am. I just model the image that people give me. I don’t make the clothes, my makeup artist does my face and hair, and all I do is stand and walk and pose how I’m told to.

Minchan Hong:
But the way you do those things is art, which makes you an artist.

Hoyoung Bae:
I can’t be an artist just because you consider me art. I didn’t do anything in the process besides exist—and I didn’t make me, my mom did!

Hoyoung Bae:
I’m just following along with whatever she says I should do…

Minchan Hong:
Do you… not want to be a model?

Hoyoung Bae:
I don’t know… My mom decided my career for me, so I didn’t even get the chance to consider what I’d do instead.

Minchan Hong:
Forget about your career then. What else do you want to do?

Hoyoung Bae:
… Become friends with you?

Minchan Hong:
…!

Hoyoung Bae:
I’ve never had a friend my age. I guess I didn’t have any real friends at all…

Minchan Hong:
…

Minchan Hong:
Hoyoung-a, don’t you think we’ve already become friends?

Hoyoung Bae:
I suppose so.

Minchan Hong:
So since that’s already taken care of, tell me… What do you want to do right now?

Hoyoung Bae:
I guess all I want to do right now is…

Hoyoung Bae:
Debauchery?

Minchan Hong:
Hahah, that’s what I wanna hear! Let’s get more drinks and freaking party!

Minchan Hong:
Ugh… Man, what…?

Minchan Hong:
There’s a throbbing in my head, and I can’t even bear to open my eyes to the blinding light. It must be morning, but the last thing I want to do is get out of bed. I grip my sheets and roll over, and my hand hits something soft.

Minchan Hong:
Hm?

Hoyoung Bae:
…?

Minchan Hong:
Somehow, I find myself looking right at Hoyoung’s face. What’s he doing in my bed? Wait a minute—!

Minchan Hong:
HUH?!

Minchan Hong:
I sit up as fast as I can, trying to remember any little drop of context from last night, but nothing comes to mind. Just why did we wake up together?!

Minchan Hong:
Hey, where’s my shirt?!

Minchan Hong:
I look for my stuff as Hoyoung slowly sits up, hand cradling his head with a look of pain. I find my e-Handbook discarded on the floor.

Hoyoung Bae:
What did we do last night?

Minchan Hong:
I don’t know, but, uh… We earned a Hope Fragment…

Minchan Hong:
Wow, two fragments in a row. I am on a goddamn roll.

Hoyoung Bae:
Why did— What did we do to earn a Hope fragment…?

Minchan Hong:
Jelpi had suddenly popped up out of nowhere, but we’re kind of already in a state of shock at our situation.

Hoyoung Bae:
Oh, did we earn it when we declared our friendship beside the pool?

Minchan Hong:
Before then?

Minchan Hong:
Wh— Then just what the hell did we do?!

Minchan Hong:
Think, think, think! I can’t remember anything after we left the pool to get more drinks! We definitely had too many!

Hoyoung Bae:
What?