I checked the peephole before opening my door. The hallway looked wrong. Two security officers I didn't recognize stood at the elevator bank. New faces. Positioned with clear sight lines to my door.
I locked myself back inside.
Griffin:Security adjustment overnight. Nothing immediate. Kang briefing at 11:00.
Rune:What kind of adjustment?
Griffin:Enhanced proximity protocols. I'll explain at the briefing.
Enhanced proximity meant more eyes, tighter margins, and less air.
At 10:58, I knocked on Kang's door. Griffin answered.
For one unguarded second, our eyes met and everything from last night surfaced: the heat and the honesty. Then his expression smoothed into professional neutrality.
Kang stood by the window. Soyeon sat on the couch. Jinwoo was already there, posture alert.
No Soo-jin. It was worth noting.
"Sit," Kang said.
I sat beside Jinwoo. Griffin positioned himself near the door, where he could see everyone.
Kang spoke. "Overnight, we implemented enhanced protocols. That means additional personnel and shortened check-in intervals."
"Why?" Jinwoo asked.
"Pattern escalation. Portland confirmed what Griffin and I suspected. Something or someone is testing boundaries systematically."
Griffin spoke quietly. "Someone's determining how close they can get. They're looking for vulnerabilities."
His voice was calm and professional. No one would have guessed last night happened.
"The unsealed corridor wasn't an accident," Griffin continued. "Someone overrode the lockout protocols. They pulled a security officer off his position citing a comms issue that didn't exist. The timing was too precise."
Jinwoo's jaw tensed. "And you think they're targeting Rune specifically?"
"Yes," Kang said.
Everyone's attention shifted toward me. It was a protective reflex.
"What do we do?" I asked.
"We maintain protocols. Enhanced proximity. Limited movement. Controlled environments until we understand the intent."
"For how long?"
"Until the threat resolves or we identify the source."
That meant indefinitely. I nodded as if it were reasonable to be contained.
Kang announced new rules. "I'm revising the rest day protocols. No solo movement. Security accompaniment is required for any off-site activity. Pre-approved routes only."
"Can I walk?"
Everyone looked at me. "Walk where?" Kang asked.
"Anywhere. Outside. With security. I don't care about the route. I need air that isn't filtered."
