Boredom. Indifference. Constant companions. He couldn't remember the last time anything good had happened in his life; recurring nightmares had become an inseparable part of his sleep. At work, corruption thrived — the children of the respected and wealthy received the best treatment, while other mothers wept over the body of a dying child, knowing the doctors were busy with something else entirely. Once, he couldn't comprehend how anyone could even take bribes, but years on the job had bred indifference to that as well. An unloved job, an unloved home, and the environment itself made him dull and cold.

And then... there was the Borderland. He couldn't remember how he had ended up there or what his first game was, but the rush was undeniable — deadly games that demanded intellect, physical strength, teamwork, and... cruelty, ruthlessness, and the ability to play with other people's emotions. But even the Borderland didn't bring him relief or freedom; the nightmares became more frequent, and the tension grew, even after he joined the Beach and became one of the leaders.

After one of the games, the Hatter gathered everyone for a meeting to introduce a few newcomers — a group of three men and two women. While the Hatter explained the Beach's rules, he stood in the corner, hands in his pockets, hood pulled low over his head. He noticed Niragi already eyeing the pretty new girls. No one caught his attention — except her. Something about her hooked him from the first glance, and he decided to approach her as soon as the meeting was over.

"Hey, want to head to your room? I'll show you the way," he said almost indifferently — but to his own surprise, she agreed.

That day became his turning point. He realized he was looking for excuses to see her more often, "coincidentally" passing by her room to drop in for a chat, catching moments when she was alone so he could spend time with her. And she didn't seem to push him away at all. One night, after yet another nightmare, he wandered the hotel's corridors. Passing by, he noticed her door was slightly ajar, dim light spilling out. Unable to resist, he stepped inside and saw her... beautiful in the moonlight and... frightened? A pang of concern tightened in his chest as he approached.

"Hey, why aren't you asleep yet?" his voice came out more worried than he'd intended. When she shared her fears and worries about everything happening, he felt his heart clench. He hesitated before reaching out and placing a hand on her shoulder. "Tomorrow, we'll go to the game together," he said firmly. "For now, get some rest... I'll be right here.