"Silence can mean de-escalation, or it can mean someone's advancing from a planning stage to action."
"You think the lighting malfunction was intentional?"
"I think it's worth investigating."
"Kang is investigating. The technical director is investigating. The venue's insurance will investigate." Soo-jin's smile remained in place. "Many people are handling this. Your role is complete for tonight, yes?"
The phrasing was careful. Polite. The message was obvious.
You can leave now.
"My role is complete when the principals are secure in their hotel," I said. "That hasn't happened yet."
"The band is in the dressing area. Kang's team is managing the transport. He has everything contained." He tilted his head slightly. "Unless you have specific security concerns that require your presence?"
I had several. I didn't trust the lighting malfunction explanation or the convenient operator replacement. The timing of the threats ending right before technical systems started failing was suspicious. Most of all, I didn't trust Soo-jin's focused attention on Rune.
Saying any of that would sound like paranoia. Overreaction. It was the instinct-over-procedure thinking that had ended my career the first time.
"Professional thoroughness," I said finally.
Soo-jin's expression didn't change. "I appreciate your dedication. However, the band needs space to decompress after performing. Too much security presence can be... intrusive. Suffocating."
"I'm not in the dressing room."
"No, but you are still here. We contracted The Guardians for threat assessment and supplemental protection. The immediate threat tonight is over. Kang's team has transport secured. Perhaps your time would be better spent preparing for tomorrow's show?"
It was a professional suggestion. Completely reasonable. It was also a dismissal.
I considered pushing back, citing the scope of my contract. "I'll clear out once Kang confirms transport," I said.
"Of course." Soo-jin's smile widened slightly while his eyes remained cold. "Professional thoroughness. I understand completely."
He walked away, footsteps precise on the concrete floor. Soo-jin was watching, and he wanted me to know. I walked back toward the preparation area.
Most of the post-show chaos had cleared. Handlers had dispersed. The corridor was quieter, with voices coming from the dressing rooms in muffled bursts.
Taemin emerged wearing street clothes, hair still damp from a quick shower. He saw me and grinned.
"Griffin. You're still here."
"Making sure everything's secure."
"Mm. Secure." He moved closer and lowered his voice. "That lighting thing was scary. Rune tried to hide it, but he tensed when everything went black."
"You joined him immediately."
"Of course. He was alone." Something showed beneath Taemin's playfulness. "We protect each other. Have done that since way before you. Before Kang. Since our debut."
"I should go," I said.
"Or should you stay?"
Before I could answer, Minjae appeared in the doorway behind Taemin. "Are you bothering Griffin again?"
"Always. It's my job."
Minjae rolled his eyes, but his expression was fond. He looked at me. "The lighting thing tonight, will it happen again tomorrow?"
