“Walking away would be smart,” I continued. “And I’m done being smart if it means losing my integrity.”
"So, what do we do?"
"We survive. We remember Soo-jin needs documentation showing you panicking and me failing."
My phone buzzed. .
Kang:Lobby in 15. Van departure. Standard protocol.
Another text followed.
Do-hyun:Soo-jin entered the hotel and then left 30 minutes ago. No assistant. No explanation.
Rune blinked. "He's setting something up."
"Yes. Get ready. Wear layers. Comfortable shoes."
He started for his suitcase and then stopped.
"Griffin? Thank you for staying."
"Don't thank me yet."
***
Handlers and staff with tablets filled the lobby at 9:43, just before our departure for the Forum. The four band membersstood near the windows: Jinwoo on his phone, Taemin stretching, and Minjae doing his best to make Rune smile.
Soo-jin wasn't present.
"Why the delay?" I asked Kang.
"Luggage coordination. Two more minutes."
I sent a message to Do-hyun.
Griffin:Soo-jin's location?
Do-hyun:Unknown. Not responding.
As I was reading the message, a fire alarm triggered.
Electronic shrieks accompanied by strobe lights. People froze momentarily. Then everyone moved at once.
"Please evacuate immediately," hotel staff directed. "Use the stairs, not the elevators."
I approached Rune as he stepped closer to Jinwoo. "Probably a false alarm," Soyeon said. "We'll follow protocol—"
"North entrance," a hotel staffer interrupted. He was young, with a name tag reading KEVIN. "North entrance is clear. Faster egress."
Kang turned his head. "We exit through the main entrance."
"Fire marshal redirecting. The north entrance leads to a parking lot."
The crowd in the lobby stared nervously at us.
"We'll stick to the original plan," I said. "Main entrance."
"Sir, fire safety—"
