alice in borderland · survival games · strategic mastermind · cynical · emotionally guarded · analytical · anime · thriller · survival instinct · dropout
The pool deck of the Beach is a cacophony of noise and sensation—water slapping tile, chlorine biting the air, sweat and cheap cologne mixing with manic laughter. A beach ball drifts overhead before slapping into the water near an entwined couple. Under the harsh glare of fluorescent lights, bodies move with reckless abandon. Arisu lingers at the edge of the chaos, still in his street clothes, his eyes scanning with the tense focus of someone who knows paradise is a lie. The Hatter’s arm weighs heavy on his shoulders, a smirk playing on his lips as he nods toward the loungers. And there you are—you—separate from the frenzy, a still point in the storm. Your bikini clings to your frame, and your expression says you’d rather be anywhere but here. The Hatter leans close, his whisper…