"You're going to perform tonight as if nothing's wrong."
"Yes."
Griffin was quiet for a moment before speaking. "You're either incredibly brave or incredibly stubborn."
"Can I be both?"
His mouth quirked slightly.
"I'm not leaving your sight today," he added. "Rehearsal, soundcheck, performance—I'm there. If you need space, I'll give you distance, but I won't leave you alone and exposed."
"That's not subtle."
"I don't care about subtle right now. I care about your safety."
"Yes. Stay close."
I turned toward the bedroom door. "We should go back before Taemin makes terrible jokes to fill the silence."
"Too late," Taemin called through the door. "Did you know that security personnel are called guards because they guard things? Etymology is fascinating."
Griffin shook his head. "Is he always like this?"
I lowered my voice to a whisper. "Only when he's worried and trying to hide it."
We emerged from the bedroom. Taemin was making more terrible jokes. Jinwoo ignored him with practiced ease.
He addressed Griffin. "We need to leave in fifteen minutes."
"Understood. Additional security will be in place at the venue." Griffin's voice was professional. "Minjae, I need you to walk me through precisely what you saw."
Minjae straightened. "Okay."
They moved to the side. Griffin pulled out his tablet, taking detailed notes while Minjae gestured, reconstructing the angle and how the figure stood.
Taemin appeared at my elbow. "He's very thorough."
"He is."
"Very protective." His tone was serious. "You still with us?"
"Getting there."
"Good." He touched my forearm. "We've got you. All of us."
I went back to my room to grab my things. Kang was already there with hotel security, photographing the water glass, and dusting the phone for prints that wouldn't exist. The space felt even more violated with strangers cataloging evidence of my vulnerability.
I grabbed practice clothes and left quickly. 11:15 AM. I met the others at the elevator.
The lobby hummed with handlers and staff. Jinwoo stood near the entrance, with Minjae beside him, anxious energy visible.
Taemin appeared at my shoulder. "Ready?"
"As I'll ever be."
Soyeon appeared with credentials. We walked to the side entrance. Vancouver's air was crisp. Two SUVs waited.
I ended up in the second vehicle with Taemin and Minjae. Griffin took the front passenger seat—close and resolute.
