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PROLOGUE: THE DREAMER'S DREAM

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THE BLAZING MIDDAY sun shone relentlessly on the playground area. Peaceful chirping noise came from the birds hidden amongst the trees. The play area was full of screaming, happy children spending a fulfilled day on the many swings, slides, and roundabouts. Sitting on a tread was Soo-Jin whose eyes were currently focused on the boys playing across the field, her hands full of reviewers as she was studying for her upcoming quiz bee competition.

"Soo-Jin!"

The young girl flickered her gaze to one of her bestfriends, Gi-Hun, who was mirthfully waving at her from across the grassy field. "I'm already Inspector Royal!"

Soo-Jin giggled and waved back to him. "Good job!"

Sang-Woo, her other bestfriend, bent his knees and positioned them slightly between his ankles. He was ready to block Gi-Hun from reaching the top of the field since he was on the defense team. They were both participating in a game called Squid Game, a version of tag with attackers and defenders. The goal was for a member of the offense team to tap the circle, or the 'squid's head,' at the top of the field with their foot, with the defense trying to stop them.

Soo-Jin stood up from her tread and momentarily set aside her notes to support her two bestfriends. She then put her hands around her mouth, yelling, "Go, Gi-Hun! Go, Sang-Woo!"

"Ya!" Gi-Hun shouted. "Whose side are you really on?"

Soo-Jin grinned, cheekily. "Both of you! You're my bestfriends!"

Truthfully speaking, she was kind of nervous for them both. She knew how violent the game can be as the defense team will do whatever was necessary, including pushing and pulling, to keep the offense team from winning.

At this, Gi-Hun ran past Sang-Woo and successfully evaded capture although his shirt was ripped apart since the one of the offense team members forcefully pulled it. The other kids in Gi-Hun's team yelled victory and gathered altogether in one circle, celebrating.

Soo-Jin clapped her hands, impressed and happy that her friends enjoyed their game. Right after, they all shook hands and her two bestfriends dashed to her side, instantly peeking at her papers. The soiled boy shook his head. "Until now, you're studying?"

The young girl looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Yes, of course! The quiz bee's tomorrow. I have to make sure I have memorized everything. I don't want to lose."

Gi-Hun then sat beside her, sighing. "When have you ever lost, Soo-Jin? You and Sang-Woo are like the smartest people out there! You will win this quiz bee! I just know it!"

"He's right. You are going to win." agreed Sang-Woo, giving a small smile. "Here, have this." he stuck his hand in his pocket and pulled out a Yeot candy, handing it to her. "Mother said it will help the knowledge you obtained from studying stick in your mind."

Soo-Jin took the candy from him. It was widely believed that eating sticky candies will help stick the materials they studied into their heads. The young girl awed and pulled her bestfriends close to her. "Thank you both so much for your support!"

"Of course!"

They had been bestfriends ever since they were toddlers for they all lived adjacent to each other. They all grew up together in the neighborhood of Ssangmun-dong and had been inseparable ever since. Their mothers were friends as well since her mother often bought food from Sang-Woo and Gi-Hun's mothers.

As the three friends continued to converse with one another, Soo-Jin found herself staring at the the blue sky above them. It was dotted with fluffy white clouds that drifted lazily in the gentle breeze. "What do you want to be when you grow up, Sang-Woo?" suddenly ask the little child, her expression enthusiastic and hopeful.

"I want to become a businessman."

She nodded, turning her attention to her other bestfriend. "How about you, Gi-Hun?"

He hummed in thought. "I don't know yet, but I think I want to be an engineer."

"What about you, Soo-Jin? What do you want to be when you grow up?" This time, it was Sang-Woo, who asked the question. The girl tapped her chin and hummed. She had so many dreams and goals in life. She wanted to have a job that will support her family and satisfy her, make her feel fulfilled.

"I want to be a... famous actress! A model!" She abruptly stood up from her seat, pointing to the large advertising board several meters away from them. "I want to see my name plastered on every billboard out there!" She jumped in delight. "or I can be a lawyer so I can defend people in court!"

Gi-Hun beamed. "Oh, that is so nice! You'll become the most famous person! Everyone will know you!"

Soo-Jin smirked, placing her small hands on her waist. "I want to be famous not only here in Korea, but also the whole world."

"And you'll get it!"

The little girl spun around to observe the whole playground in front of them. She was a dreamer. She always had new goals for herself and rarely thought that something is impossible. She had always believed in herself and her capabilities. She knew the dreams she had for herself and her drive to reach them will help her achieve greatness at Seoul National University.

Soo-Jin sighed in content. They were absolutely going to reach their goals. As the playground was the heart of their school, it also became the witness of what they dreamt about their future.

If only they knew how bleak their future would be...

SOO-JIN WANTED TO take the bus.

But, Sang-Woo convinced her that they ride a train to Seoul National University instead since it would take them there faster. So, there she was, patiently waiting for the train on a crowded platform. She observed her surroundings quietly. Passengers like her sat on benches and smoking or reading newspaper. A few were pacing up and down the platform and the vendors were having a busy time.

It had been two years already ever since they left Ssangmun-dong to study in the most prestigious university in Korea.

The young brunette shivered from the wind that entwined around her body. It was freezing cold; like the air was made of broken glass in her opinion. She had already worn a thick coat and scarf to shield her from the icy blast, but the chill of the air still got to her.

Cupping her hands, she blew and rubbed them together. The hot air from her lungs heat up her hands and she quickly placed them on her cheeks to warm her. She couldn't wait to get on a train already. She knew their second ride would be two hours long and that was enough time for her to rest since she had a long day.

She and Sang-Woo visited their mothers earlier and finally announced to them that they were now a couple. To say that they were happy about it was an understatement, they were over the moon. They approved of the relationship very much. After all, Soo-Jin and Sang-Woo were perfect for each other, at least, acccording to their mothers. They had worked out their blood type and astrological signs compatibility lineage, alliances between their families, and financial benefits. Everything just worked. However, Soo-Jin can't help sometimes think if they will indeed last long since they were both ambitious and really competitive.

Two years ago, they both graduated as valedictorians since they both received the highest grades. Nothing could break their tie so their school decided to put them as co-valedictorians. She found it kind of funny how they used to be rivals and now were lovers.

Soo-Jin suddenly felt her hands being lifted up and she turned to see Sang-Woo handing her a pair of gloves. She looked behind her and saw a vendor selling mittens and scarfs, immediately concluding that her partner bought a pair for her. "I can't bear seeing you like this. Go on, wear it." Sang-Woo urged.

"You know my hand size very well." She uttered, wearing them comfortably.

"I know everything about you, love. I have them memorized here." He pointed to his temple before pushing up his glasses.

Soo-Jin laughed. Sang-Woo was a very reserved man. He was often shy and aloof, preferring to be alone, leading others to think that he was two-faced and cold. But, he was really caring and thoughtful. He preferred actions over words since he believed words are meaningless compared to actions. The young woman then stared at her watch. "I wonder what happened to Gi-Hun? He's supposed to meet us here before we go back."

"I don't know... maybe he's -- "

"Soo-Jin! Sang-Woo!"

The couple inclined their heads to see a rushing young man, pushing his way through the crowd. "Gi-Hun!" cheerfully greeted her bestfriend, opening her arms wide to embrace him. Once they had finally come face to face, the man enveloped her in his arms and twirled her around. Soo-Jin chuckled and only tightened their hug. "I thought you were never going to arrive! What happened to you?"

"I had some emergency, but here I am now!" He replied, offering her the bouquet of roses that were in his hands. Soo-Jin's eyes widened in surprise. She didn't notice him holding it earlier and was elated to see them.

"Oh, wow!" She took them and gently inhaled its scent, beaming widely. "This is so lovely! Thank you!"

"Anything for you."

Soo-Jin shyly chuckled, looking down at the floor. She previously found him very attractive and considered him as someone she could be with, but then she knew her mother will not allow them to be together.

Actually, her mother, Chun-Hei, isn't her real mother. When Soo-Jin was four years old, she was found on the streets, lost and alone. Her adoptive mother was selling vegetables at that time when they crossed paths. Soo-Jin had no memories of what happened prior to that. All she remembered was that she was walking on the streets and ended up in the neighborhood, grimy and cheeks stained with wet tears. Sometimes, she would have a memory of a car crashing against a tree, but that was it. A month after she was brought into the adoption center, the kind woman who found her brought her into her home, giving her the warmth of family. Chun-Hei's husband, Sung-Ho, was delighted by her presence since they had no children. It was easy to say that Soo-Jin had a good childhood. Her lovely adoptive parents even adopted another girl to be her sister so she won't be alone.

"Sang-Woo!" Gi-Hun chirped, waving his hand. Her boyfriend only responded with a nod of his head, then slightly moved closer to Soo-Jin. "Look, Soo-Jin, I was, uh, thinking... since you know, it's going to be long again since we see each other..." her bestfriend scratched the back of his head, making her raise her eyebrow for him to continue his statement. "maybe we can, uh, go out? You know like a date then -- "

That was when the train stamped in.

Soo-Jin winced as the streaking steel finally slowed to a screeching stop and there was a great rush at the doors. Sang-Woo gently entwined their hands and tugged her closer to him. "Train's here, love. Come on." he simply implied, his lips pursed together.

The woman bit her lip. "Uh, Gi-Hun... you see, uh, Sang-Woo and I are... dating."

Gi-Hun blinked twice and Soo-Jin swore she saw the spark in his eyes fade for a moment before he put the biggest smile on his lips. "Aish! Won't you look at that? Two of my friends finally got together! I'm so happy for the both of you!"

Soo-Jin knew him well enough to know he was lying.

She sighed, staring down at the platform they were standing. The train doors were about to close soon and without giving it a second thought, she grabbed her earmuffs from her bag and passed it to her bestfriend, embracing him. "Thank you, Gi-Hun... for everything. Thank you for being my bestfriend. We'll see you again soon, okay?"

She heard him sigh and pat her back. "Take good care of yourself, Soo-Jin."

Soo-Jin broke their embrace and nodded, returning to Sang-Woo's side. He once again took her hand and led her inside the train car just as its doors closed. The woman spun around to see her bestfriend again and chuckled when she saw him wear the earmuffs she gave him. In content and relief, she laid her head against Sang-Woo's shoulder.

As the train departed the station, the sound of the pulsing locomotives pounded through the night, the deep booms of its powerful thrusts quietening down to gentle beats in the heart of the night. It would be take quite some time again before they all see each other and God only knew what would happen to each of them at that time. A lot can happen in just minutes, what more after months?

Unfortunately for Chang Soo-Jin, it wasn't going to be nice.

"COME ON, SANG-WOO. Tell me, do you see my name there?" Soo-Jin rapidly tapped her foot against the floor tiles, nervous. She bit her bottom lip and rubbed her arms even though it was hot and humid. Today was the release of the latest student ranking and she was tense.

She took up political science just like what she proclaimed years ago and it would only be one more year before she goes to Law school. The student ranking was very important to her since she wanted to make her parents proud. Actually, every student studying in Seoul National University had the same mindset like her. In their country, academic success was often a source of pride for families and within their society at large. Education was a high priority, as success in education was crucial for improving their socioeconomic position in society. Soo-Jin knew more than anyone that graduating from a top university with excellent reputation was the ultimate indication of prestige, high socioeconomic status, promising marriage prospects, and a prestigious and respectable white collar career path.

"Soo-Jin..." vocalized Sang-Woo, his expression downcast.

Soo-Jin spun around, her heart racing like a formula one race car. "What? What is it? I'm not there, am I?" She grimaced.

He tsked and shook his head. "You are..." he started, pushing his glasses back up. "currently leading the student rank. Congratulations."

The young sophomore gasped and placed her hand on her mouth. "Omo!" She exhilarated, jumping up and down and finally, capturing her boyfriend in a tight hug. In a moment of pure joy, she pecked his lips. "I did it! Oh, my gosh! I love you!"

Sang-Woo awkwardly patted her back, a bit taken aback by her public display of affection. Soo-Jin chuckled as she let him go. They had never held hands or kiss in a public setting, preferring only to show their love for one another in the confines of their rooms, but she was beyond happy for her achievement.

"Your hardwork paid off, love. I'm so proud of you." Her partner brushed her hair aside. "We should celebrate."

"I'm broke, love. You know my parents want to open that shop they have always talked about, right?"

He cocked an eyebrow. "Who said you'll pay?"

"Sang-Woo, no. You should be saving up your allowance..."

"Did you forget I'm a Business major? Money and budgeting is my expertise." he bragged, rolling his eyes. He took her hand in his. "Plus, we only celebrate once in a while. Come on -- "

Soo-Jin laughed again and there was that feeling blooming again in her chest, the feeling of stability. She let him lead her again outside of their building when her flip phone wildly buzzed, alerting her. The young woman paused in her tracks, fishing it out from her pocket.

A small smile painted her lips when she observed the flip phone in her hands. It was her parents' birthday gift to her, the most expensive one by far since mobile phones were new in Korea. She had no idea how they were able to afford it since they were only middle class family and mostly, people from the upper class could only buy it, but she was really grateful for it since it made their communication faster and smoother.

Flipping it open, Soo-Jin brought the gadget to her ear, ready to listen to her mother's voice. However, it wasn't her parent who was on the other line.

"Hello?"

"Soo-Jin! It's me, it's Gi-Hun!"

The young woman stood up straighter, alarmed by the evident panic in her bestfriend's voice. "What is it? What's going on? Why do you have my mother's phone?"

"Your father and mother... they're here right now in the hospital, Soo-Jin! They're both in critical condition and -- no, what do you mean time of death, doctor? What? No! Save them!"

It was as if Soo-Jin's world had just burned into ashes that she almost dropped her phone in shock. Her body suddenly lost strength and she stumbled forward, her partner catching her by her shoulders. Her chest grew so tight it became hard to breathe and her stomach contracted into a tight ball at the news. She wrapped her arms around him.

"Sang-Woo..."

"Soo-Jin? What is it? What happened?"

"My-my parents... they're -- oh, my god!" She didn't finish her sentence and instead rushed off to flag down a cab, her eyes burgeoning with tears. Without saying another word, she and her boyfriend climbed inside the vehicle and went to the address of the hospital Gi-Hun texted them. Sang-Woo didn't sit at the passenger's seat and instead sat beside her, squeezing her hand. It didn't do anything to calm her panic and anxiety inside her, but she appreciated his comfort. Her mind was spiralling out of control, stuck on thoughts about her parents.

Life was about to kill the dreamer's dream.