Y/N and In-ho had always been close as siblings, despite their age gap. In-ho was more than just a brother; he was a father figure to both Y/n and Jun-ho. He had a particular soft spot for Y/N and affectionately called her "Bird." In-ho often went out of his way to comfort and protect her, becoming a constant source of strength and guidance in her life.

When In-ho went missing, Y/N was distraught. The pain of his absence was a constant ache in her heart. Determined to find him, she decided to follow in his footsteps and became a policewoman. Her unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth about his disappearance led her on a relentless search. This journey eventually brought her to the Squid Games, culminating in the moment she found herself in now.

Y/N panted heavily, her breath misting in the cold air as she aimed her gun at the dark figure before her. Her hands were trembling, but her eyes were filled with fierce determination.

"Stop right there," she demanded, her voice trembling with both fear and anger.

The Front Man stood tall, his presence commanding and ominous, cloaked in shadows. His voice, cold and detached, cut through the tense silence.

"That gun of yours holds five bullets. But for police regulations, one chamber must remain empty, and one must be filled with a blank. That leaves three live rounds."

His impassive mask revealed nothing of the man inside. "You’ve already used one to kill a man and another one to break the lock, which means there’s only one bullet left in your gun."

Y/N's grip tightened on the weapon, her knuckles turning white. Her heart pounded in her chest, but her resolve remained unshaken.

“One bullet is more than enough to kill you," she hissed, her voice dripping with venom. "I’ll make you suffer the same way you tortured my brother… In-ho. Remember that name." She cocked the gun with a click that echoed ominously in the enclosed space.

The Front Man was taken aback inside his mask, though his expression remained inscrutable. Her words resonated with the part of him that was still human, stirring a profound sense of sadness and pride. Sadness for the pain and loss he had caused his sister, yet pride in her courage, determination, and the strength she had grown into. Despite the circumstances that brought them to this harrowing moment, he couldn’t help but recognize the resilient person she had become, a testament to the indomitable spirit he always saw in her.

"Give up," he ordered, his voice devoid of any warmth or hesitation.

Y/N’s eyes narrowed, the pain and betrayal she felt fueling her resolve. "I warned you. Take another step and…" Her voice cracked, but she held her ground, her finger hovering over the trigger.

The Front Man continued to approach her, each step filled with an unwavering confidence that made her blood boil. With a surge of desperation, Y/N pulled the trigger. The shot rang out, a deafening explosion in the confined space, and the Front Man staggered backward, a spray of blood erupting from his shoulder.

He breathed heavily, the pain evident even through his mask. For a moment, the cold, impassive demeanor faltered. The guards around him moved to intervene, their fingers twitching on their triggers, but he raised his uninjured arm, stopping them with a commanding gesture.

"This is over. Now come with me," he commanded, his voice strained but unyieldingly firm. "Do as I say, or you die."

Y/N's voice was barely audible, a whisper filled with desperate confusion. "Who the hell… are you?"

Before he could process her response, one of the guards opened fire. The shot struck her, the pain immediate and overwhelming. She crumpled to the ground, the cold concrete pressing against her cheek, her vision blurring.

"No!" the masked man screamed, his voice filled with anguish. The Front Man, seeing her fall, was suddenly filled with a wave of panic. His steely exterior cracked as he rushed to her side, disregarding his own injury. He frantically removed his mask, revealing the face of her long-lost brother, Hwang In-ho.

Y/N's eyes widened in shock and relief. "In-ho…" she whispered, her voice weak and trembling. She reached out to him with a bloodstained hand.

In-ho's eyes were filled with sorrow and regret. He cradled her in his arms, his own pain forgotten in the face of his sister’s suffering.

"I’m so sorry," he murmured, his voice choking with emotion.

In-ho's eyes brimmed with unrestrained sorrow and regret, tears streaming down his face as he cradled her in his arms. His own pain was forgotten in the face of his sister’s suffering, his heart breaking with every sob that escaped his lips. The weight of their lost years and unspoken words crushed him, each tear a testament to his anguish and the depth of his love for her.

Tears streamed down her face as she clung to him, her life slipping away. "You’re alive… that’s all that matters," she managed to say, her voice a mere whisper. "I missed you so much... I love you, In-ho."

Choking on tears, In-ho whispered back, "I love you too bird... I always have."

As darkness closed in, Y/N found solace in her brother’s embrace. She had searched for him, risked everything to uncover the truth, and now, even as her strength waned, she was content. With her final breath, she hugged him tightly, and then, she was gone.

In-ho held her lifeless body, the weight of his choices crashing down upon him with a crushing force. The ruthless Front Man was gone, leaving only a broken man mourning the loss of his beloved sister. He let out a loud, sobbing scream, the sound echoing through the empty island, a final, heart-wrenching cry of despair.

You and In-ho arrive at a beautiful, secluded island under a brilliant sky, the perfect place for a Valentine's Day getaway. The air is warm, carrying the scent of the ocean and blooming flowers. In-ho, always the planner, has orchestrated a surprise vacation that seems to have sprung from a dream.

As you walk hand in hand along the sandy path leading from the pier, your heart skips a beat at the sight of a stunning beach house emerging in front of you. The modern architecture melds seamlessly with the natural surroundings. You can't help but gasp, eyes wide with wonder.

Inho's deep, melodic chuckle fills the air as he finds your reaction utterly adorable.

"Do you like it?" he asks, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

"It's beautiful. I can't believe you did all this," you reply, your voice filled with awe.

He smiles and lifts your hand to his lips, brushing it with a tender kiss before guiding you toward the entrance.

"Come on, there's more to see," he says, leading you inside.

Walking into the house, you are instantly enveloped by an aura of luxury and romance. Soft lighting, plush furnishings, and a color palette that feels both sophisticated and soothing greet you. However, what takes your breath away are the myriad gifts that adorn the living space, every corner of the room filled with beautifully wrapped presents. Each one thoughtful and personal, symbolizing Inho's love for you.

Overwhelmed, you gasp again and throw your arms around In-ho, your lips capturing him in a heartfelt kiss.

"Thank you, baby," you whisper, your voice brimming with emotion.

He holds you close, his smile warm and reassuring. "Anything for you, my love. Happy Valentine's Day."

Inho's eyes sparkle as he watches you unwrap the gifts, each one met with squeals of delight and wide-eyed wonder. The living room is filled with the sounds of your laughter and exclamations as you discover each thoughtful present he has chosen for you.

"Oh my gosh, this is stunning!" you exclaim, holding up a delicate piece adorned with a shimmering pendant.

"I'm glad you like it," In-ho replies, his voice warm with satisfaction. "It reminded me of you—elegant and radiant."

After opening the last box from In-ho, you can't help but let your gaze hover over a beautifully wrapped package that you've been saving just for this moment. Your heartbeat quickens with anticipation.

"I have something for you too," you say, a hint of excitement in your voice.

"You didn't have to get me anything" he replies, though his curiosity is clearly piqued.

"I know, but I really wanted to," you respond, handing him the box eagerly. "Go ahead, open it."

In-ho carefully unwraps the gift, removing the layers of paper to reveal an intricately crafted wooden box. His eyes widen in surprise as he lifts the lid and finds a vintage comic book lying inside, its cover adorned with vibrant illustrations.

"No way," he breathes, gently picking up the comic book and tracing his fingers over the familiar characters. "This... this is the comic I always wanted as a kid but could never find. How did you even get this? It's so rare."

You smile, watching the mix of emotions play across his face. "I did a lot of searching and had a little help from a few collectors. I wanted to give you something special, something that would bring back happy memories."

Inho's usually guarded demeanor begins to unravel, his eyes shimmering with genuine emotion as he gazes at the vintage comic book. His voice trembles slightly as he speaks, trying to hold back the full tide of his feelings.

"Jagiya this... this is incredible," he murmurs. "I can't believe you found it. It means more to me than you could ever know."

He pauses for a moment, collecting himself, but you can see the depth of his gratitude and the memories this gift stirs in him. The walls he's built seem to soften, revealing a more vulnerable side that touches your heart.

Unable to hold back any longer, In-ho steps closer, cupping your face gently with his hands. His eyes lock onto yours, filled with warmth and affection. "Thank you," he whispers again, this time more tenderly, as though the words are meant only for you.

In a moment that feels like the world has slowed to a breathtaking halt, he leans in and kisses you softly. It's a kiss laden with gratitude, affection, and a silent promise of love that needs no words.

You melt into the embrace, feeling the reassurance of his warmth and sincerity envelop you. Your arms find their natural place around him, holding him close as you both savor the intimacy of the moment.

After savoring the moment, your curiosity urges you to explore your surroundings further. Taking Inho's arm, you embark on a self-guided tour of the house. Every room seems more beautiful than the last, with expansive windows showcasing breathtaking views of the ocean and the verdant landscape.

"Look at those waves," you marvel, pointing to the surging ocean just beyond the glass. "It's like our own private paradise."

"That's exactly what I hoped you'd think," Inho says. He watches you with a gentle smile, his heart swelling with happiness at your delight.

After you've explored every nook and cranny, In-ho suggests you both freshen up to prepare for the evening. "Why don't we get ready for dinner? I have another surprise for you," he says with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

With excitement bubbling within, you take a refreshing shower, letting the water wash away any lingering traces of the day. Feeling invigorated, you dress up in your finest attire. As you slip into your elegant dress, you can't help but smile at the reflection in the mirror, feeling the magic of the evening envelop you.

"Ready, my love?" In-ho calls from the hallway, looking dashing in his tailored suit.

You step out, your eyes meeting his. "Ready," you reply, your voice filled with anticipation. Taking his arm once more, you follow him to whatever enchanting experience he has planned next, knowing this is a Valentine's Day you will treasure forever.

The setting for dinner is nothing short of magical—right next to the ocean, with rose petals scattered around and flickering candles casting a warm glow. The waves gently lap at the shore, providing a soothing soundtrack to your intimate meal.

The chef, specially hired by In-ho, presents your favorite cuisine, each dish more delectable than the last. The dinner is filled with laughter, shared memories, and sweet compliments. Inho's typically stern exterior melts away as he listens to your stories, his eyes reflecting warmth and adoration.

When the meal winds down, In-ho leans forward and asks, "Did you enjoy your day?" His voice is filled with genuine curiosity and a touch of vulnerability.

"More than enjoyed," you respond, your eyes meeting his. "Saying I enjoyed my day is an understatement. I'm more than pleased with everything you've done. I'm so grateful."

Inho's solemn nod is followed by another question, "Do you like the island?"

"It's beautiful," you reply, almost breathless with sincerity.

He pauses, then says, "It's yours."

You blink in confusion, your brows furrowing. "What?"

"The island," he clarifies with a gentle smile. "I bought it for you."

You are utterly stunned, your voice barely a whisper. "What..?"

Inho's gentle smile never falters as he repeats, "The island is yours."

Your voice rises in disbelief as you exclaim, "YOU BOUGHT ME AN ISLAND! WHAT THE FUCK?"

In-ho laughs softly, the humor in his eyes unmistakable. "What? Is it not big enough? We can always go find a bigger one."

You shake your head, a mixture of disbelief and affection in your eyes. "You don't have to spend so much on me. I love you regardless of what..." Your words trail off as Inho pulls you close, guiding you to sit on his lap.

His arms wrap around you securely as he kisses you passionately, pouring all his unspoken devotion into that kiss. When he pulls back, his voice is low and earnest. "Money means nothing compared to you. There’s no amount of money that could ever measure up to what you mean to me."

In that moment, the world feels perfect. Your lips meet his again, and you know that no matter the luxury or grandeur, it’s this simple, profound love that makes everything truly precious.

A year had passed since you first arrived at KISS, and in that time, you had seamlessly integrated yourself into a lively and diverse group of friends. Kitty and Yuri, your roommates, were among the first to embrace you, their warm personalities making your transition into a new school environment not just easier, but genuinely enjoyable. Dae and Q soon followed, each bringing their unique flair and energy to the group, and before long, you found yourself surrounded by friends who felt like family.

Despite this, there was one member of the group who remained an enigma: Min-Ho. From the moment you met, there was an undeniable tension in your interactions with him. While others in the group greeted you with open arms and easy smiles, Min-Ho seemed to erect an invisible wall whenever you were near. His behavior confused you; with everyone else, he was effortlessly charming and personable, yet his demeanor shifted the moment his eyes met yours—or, more accurately, avoided meeting yours.

Tonight, as you gathered with your friends at a trendy, newly-opened restaurant in the heart of downtown, Min-Ho's detachment was on full display. You expected it by now, yet a small, persistent part of you couldn’t relinquish the curiosity about why he reserved such aloofness exclusively for you.

As you settled into your seats, the table came alive with a symphony of voices, overlapping in laughter and vibrant conversation. Dae animatedly recounted a recent adventure, his enthusiasm infectious, while Q chimed in with witty remarks that had Kitty and Yuri in stitches. Amidst all the chatter, you couldn’t help but notice Min-Ho's behavior. He laughed and participated, engaging readily with the others, but the moment you addressed him or tried to draw him into the conversation, he would tense slightly, his gaze skirting away from yours.

His usual confidence seemed to falter whenever you were around, adding yet another layer to the mystery that was Min-Ho. You couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more beneath his aloof exterior, a dynamic that was both intriguing and frustrating. It left you with an unsettling mix of emotions—curiosity, frustration, and a reluctant intrigue—that you couldn’t quite quell.

Despite the commotion and camaraderie buzzing at the table, Min-Ho's distance was a shadow that lingered at the back of your mind, a puzzle that refused easy resolution. Was it something you had said or done that created this invisible barrier, or was there a deeper reason for his unusual behavior? The questions swirled in your mind, mingling with the cheerful noise of your friends around you, a reminder of the enigma that Min-Ho represented in your otherwise close-knit group.

Min-Ho sat diagonally across from you, his sharp outfit making him look striking as always. His keen sense of fashion had become one of his trademarks, and tonight was no exception. Yet beyond the stylish exterior, you sensed something more elusive whenever you glanced his way.

Midway through your meal, Q made an exaggerated joke that had everyone at the table bursting into laughter. Amidst the commotion, Min-Ho's phone, which had been precariously nestled in the pocket of his jacket draped over the back of his chair, slipped out and clattered onto the table. The sound cut through the laughter, drawing everyone's eyes to the device that landed face-up. Your heart skipped a beat when you saw your own smiling face as his screensaver.

"Hey, is that Y/N on your screen?" Q's sharp eyes had noticed it first, and his voice carried a note of playful suspicion.

Heads swiveled towards Min-Ho, whose face turned an alarming shade of crimson. He quickly reached for his phone but fumbled with it, his hands shaky. The group erupted into a mix of surprise and light-hearted teasing.

"Wow, didn't know you were such a fan, Min-Ho," Yuri quipped, her voice brimming with amusement.

"Seems like someone’s got a favorite," Q added with a teasing grin.

Min-Ho glanced around at the curious, grinning faces surrounding him, clearly flustered. "Uh, no, it’s not what it looks like," he stammered, his discomfort evident.

"Not what it looks like? It looks pretty clear to me," Kitty teased, raising her eyebrow in a playful challenge.

"Come on, just admit it. You like her, don't you?" Q pressed, the gleam in his eyes betraying his curiosity.

Min-Ho's gaze darted to you, then back to his phone. He seemed to struggle with his words before standing up abruptly, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. "I... I just remembered, I have something urgent to take care of," he mumbled, avoiding eye contact as he hurriedly grabbed his phone and jacket, making a swift exit.

Back at the table, an awkward silence lingered before the group exchanged curious glances. Kitty shook her head and smiled. "Well, that was unexpected."

"He really bolted, didn't he?" Q chuckled, still amazed by the turn of events.

"You think he's embarrassed?" Dae questioned, his voice softer with slight concern.

"Obviously," Yuri replied, rolling her eyes. "I mean, it's cute in a way." She turned her attention to you, "Right?"

You hesitated for a moment, considering her words. "I suppose it is, in a strange way," you replied, a small smile playing at your lips. "But I still don't understand why he acts like that around me."

Kitty leaned in, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Maybe he's just shy? Or perhaps there's something about you that makes him nervous."

Dae nodded in agreement. "It's possible. People act weird for all kinds of reasons, especially when it comes to feelings they're not sure how to handle."

You sighed, still puzzled. "I just wish I knew what he was thinking. It's been a whole year, and he hasn't given me any indication of what the problem might be."

"Have you tried talking to him about it?" Q suggested, his tone serious. "Sometimes the direct approach is the best way to clear things up."

Yuri chimed in, "Yeah. Maybe if you just asked him, you'd get some answers. It might be awkward, but at least you'll know what's going on."

You considered their advice, the prospect of confronting Min-Ho about his behavior both daunting and oddly appealing. "You're right," you said finally. "I'll find a time to talk to him. It's time to get to the bottom of this."

The group nodded in support, their encouragement bolstering your resolve. The conversation eventually shifted to lighter topics, but the mystery of Min-Ho's aloofness lingered in your mind, a puzzle you were determined to solve.

You found yourself lost in the whirlwind of your thoughts, reflecting on the recent incident with Min-Ho and his lock screen. Did this mean what you thought it did? The implications were both thrilling and terrifying, leaving your mind in a whirl of possibilities. You tried to gather your composure, but the image of your face on his phone and the look in Min-Ho's eyes kept replaying in your mind.

Their voices seemed to fade as you pondered the revelation. Your heart pounded with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Min-Ho was always so composed and confident; seeing him so flustered only added to your own confusion. With each passing moment, the reality of the situation began to sink in, leaving you to wonder what this meant for your relationship with Min-Ho and for the dynamic of your whole group.

Later that evening, you found yourself standing nervously outside Min-Ho’s dorm room. Your heart pounded in your chest as you summoned the courage to knock on the door, the earlier incident replaying vividly in your mind. What did it all mean?

Moments later, the door swung open, revealing Min-Ho’s face. A flicker of surprise crossed his features before he composed himself. "What brings you here?" he asked, his voice steady but his eyes betraying his unease.

You took a deep breath to steady yourself and stepped inside. "We need to talk about what happened earlier," you said, trying to keep your voice calm despite the turmoil within you.

Min-Ho closed the door behind you, and the air in the small space grew thick with tension. "It was just a mistake. The screensaver—I can explain…"

You interrupted him, your eyes searching his face for a sign of honesty. "Why is my photo on your phone?" you demanded.

Min-Ho’s carefully maintained façade crumbled, revealing a vulnerability you had never seen before. He took a deep breath and looked away, his voice barely more than a whisper. "Because I'm in love with you, Y/N," he confessed. "I’ve been trying to hide it, thinking maybe you’d never feel the same way. I thought avoiding you would make it easier, but it's only made things more complicated."

You stared at him in shock, your mind racing. You had spent so long convinced that he hated you, and now this? "You... You love me?" you repeated, still processing his words.

Min-Ho nodded, his expression a mix of anxiety and hope. "I do. And I know it’s sudden, but I can't pretend anymore."

For a moment, the room was filled with silence as both of you grappled with the weight of his confession. Then, taking a shaky breath, you finally found the words. "Why?" you asked, your voice trembling. "How? I thought you hated me! You never talk to me or acknowledge me when I walk into a room.”

"I always saw you," Min-Ho said softly, stepping even closer, his eyes locking onto yours with an intensity that sent shivers down your spine. "I love the way you smile even when things are tough, and how you're always willing to help others no matter what. But more than that, I love your laugh. You laugh in so many different ways. When embarrassing things happen in your favorite dramas, you shriek like fireworks and sometimes throw your phone away in horror, hiding under the pillows. It's adorable."

He reached out, gently touching your cheek. "And I know about your little quirk of not being able to sleep unless you find the right fake scenario to play in your head." He chuckled softly. "It's a little weird, but I find it endearing. I’ve admired you from afar, thinking it was the best way to protect my heart if you didn’t feel the same."

Your heart swelled with his words, every mention of your quirks and habits feeling like an intimate tribute. Tears welled up in your eyes—not out of sadness, but out of overwhelming relief and joy at knowing the depth of his feelings. "Min-Ho, I thought you hated me," you said, your voice breaking slightly. "But the truth is, I have feelings for you too. I just never thought you felt the same."

Min-Ho's eyes met yours, a dazzling blend of relief and joy sparkling in them. "You really mean that?" he asked, almost not daring to hope.

Instead of answering with words, you closed the distance between you, pressing your lips to his in a kiss that was both tender and deeply passionate. It was as if all the confusion and tension of the past melted away in that moment, leaving only clarity and connection between you.

When you finally broke apart, you were both breathless yet elated. Min-Ho’s hands lingered on your waist, drawing you closer as if afraid to let you go. As you stood there, wrapped up in each other, it felt like the beginning of something new and beautiful.