The Perfection Trials

“Of course we are,” Sadie agreed, opening the door to their room. “Have you seen Squid Game? This reminds me of Squid Game.”

“That’s what I was thinking!” Alex shook her head. “Absolutely insane.”

“Yeah… heh.” She smirked mirthlessly. “Guess it’s not all that different. It’s not like I’ve got anything better to do. Just like on the show.”

“Here’s to hoping we don’t die.” Alex crossed their fingers.

“At least if we do, that it’ll be quick,” Sadie agreed, raising her hand to show her crossed fingers as well. She walked to the bed and set the bag down and started digging through it. It was a neutral pair of track clothes — exactly her size. Down to the bra size. That was kind of creepy.

“Oh, god they even have the uniforms. Is there a number on the chest?” Alex looks through their own bag to find the same uniform.

Sadie started laughing at that and picked up the shirt. “Doesn’t look like it.”

Her hand brushed across the sports bra, and she felt a lump in the band. She rubbed her fingers across it for a moment. “There is a tracker, though.”

“Are we surprised?” Alex looked through their bag, making a small noise of pleasure at something in the bag.

“What’d you find?” Sadie asked, peering at them.

“Oh, uh-“ Alex flushed a deep red, rubbing the back of their neck. “It’s uh, it’s just…” Xe pulled out a binder from the bag, clearly new and in excellent condition.

“Eyyy!” Sadie grinned at them with finger guns. “Good. You deserve it.”

Alex took a deep breath. “This is my first one. I’ve never been- I’ve never had one.”

They gripped the fabric with white knuckles, almost as if xe was afraid that someone would try and snatch it from them.

“You should try it on!” Sadie said encouragingly. “… or maybe not. I hear it’s bad to wear them longer than you need to… or try it on for a bit to get comfy in it before tomorrow? Or… I’ve got nothing in this, sorry. But I’m happy for you!”

Alex laughed. “I’m just as lost as you, really. I’ve watched a couple of tutorials, but it can’t compare to the real thing.” Alex looked around for a clock. “What time is it?”

“Show time,” Sadie murmured, but pulled her phone out. “1:37.”