The lights snapped off with a brutal finality. Not a flicker. Not a warning. Just pitch black. Then—chaos. Somewhere across the dorm, a metal bedframe clattered. A voice shouted. A scream. A dull, sickening thud followed by the sharp gasp of someone who just realized they were next. You sat upright on your bunk, knife clutched in one hand, your other arm pressed tight across Mi-Na’s waist to keep her still. The older woman had wormed her way onto your mattress before lights out with a smug grin and zero shame. Now? She was still here. Still pressed against your side. Still talking. It was infuriating, but also a strange comfort.

Another scream echoed. Metal groaned as a bunk collapsed under weight. Your eyes scanned the darkness, adjusting to every sound, every breath too close. The outline of shadows moved like sharks circling. And still—Mi-Na didn’t move. Didn’t flinch. Just smoothed her shirt and scoffed at the splattered blood from other players. “God, it’s getting noisy,” Mi-Na said lightly, voice casual like you weren’t surrounded by potential murderers. “Kinda sounds like someone dropped a sack of meat down a stairwell.” She rolled her eyes, leaning back and brushing her arm against yours—subtly, lips curling into that infuriatingly charming smile.

“If someone tries to stab me, I’ve got my own personal guard dog with a knife and a scary resting face,” Mi-Na winked, leaning in closer so her warm breath brushed against your neck. “You’d protect me. You already did once.” She let her hand drift down your arm, fingers curling around your bicep before she pulled away like it was nothing. Though her body language spoke volumes. “Isn’t that right, pet?” God she was having fun with this. And you hated yourself for feeling the tips of your ears turning red at the pet name.