Cameras clicked and lights swung overhead, casting a glow over Everbloom as they stood in perfect formation. Each member held her own pose, every expression sharp and unyielding, radiating a confidence that seemed to make the air itself hold its breath.
Behind them, staff leaned forward, admiration written across their faces as the five idols, dressed in contrasting black-and-white outfits, moved with effortless grace against the pristine white backdrop.
"Good—just like that—beautiful girls," the photographer praised, snapping each shot with precision.
After a while, the photo shoot ended. The photographer lowered his camera, giving an approving "okay" sign. A satisfied murmur ran through the staff, and the girls finally allowed themselves to relax.
As the girls slumped into their dressing room seats, exhausted, Manager Li and the other managers moved between rooms, checking on them and the rest of the day's schedule.
Song Meiqi sat before the mirror as the makeup artist removed her makeup, with Manager Li standing behind her, ready to assist.
"Sister Li," Meiqi called just as the makeup artist moved on to the other members. Manager Li looked up and walked over.
"Any updates… about my stalker?" Meiqi asked, her voice tinged with worry.
Manager Li's eyes flickered with concern. "Unfortunately, no. But if the stalker does anything more than just sending threats, tell me immediately. We'll do everything we can to keep you safe."
There was a long pause before Meiqi spoke again. "No… there's nothing to worry about."
Her eyes drifted away from Manager Li, fixed on some point in the distance. "The stalker hasn't sent any messages since we reported it to the authorities. Maybe… he got scared. And Willow Park has high security—he can't really do anything."
Even as she spoke, a shiver ran down her spine. Her mind replayed that night—the shadowy figure trailing her down the empty street, her heart pounding in fear—and the message from last night that refused to leave her thoughts.
She lied, forcing a calm tone as she spoke. The truth was far more complicated. The photo from last night involved Haoran, and the possibility that he might be with someone else gnawed at her.
"What should we have for lunch?" Si Yu's sudden question cut through Meiqi's thoughts. She looked up to see the other members watching her.
"Kung Pao chicken with peanuts and chili sauce," Lina said, a grin spreading as she imagined it. "Ying Ying?" She turned to Xiuying on her left.
"Probably… sweet and sour pork," Xiuying replied with a small smile.
"I'm on a diet," Mengyao said with a mock-serious sigh. "So… just a salad for me." In reality, she still felt sick from drinking too much last night, but the excuse worked.
All eyes shifted to Meiqi, waiting for her answer. She hesitated, thinking over the choices. "Mine… shredded pork in spicy garlic-chili sauce," she said at last.
"Then I'll have braised fish and steamed buns," Si Yu added, looking eagerly at Manager Li. Her eyes flickered with a touch of sadness, like an abandoned puppy hoping for attention.
Manager Li immediately understood and pulled out her phone to place the delivery order.
Meiqi smiled at the scene, her heart melting at Si Yu's adorable behavior.
'No wonder she's the youngest,' she thought.
Then, as her eyes drifted, she caught a glimpse of Mengyao's bracelet—a piece that looked strangely familiar.
"Yaoyao… is your bracelet new?" Meiqi asked, trying to sound casual.
Mengyao glanced at her, then at her wrist. "Mm… I bought it when we went to Country N. Why?"
Meiqi smiled lightly. "Nothing… it's just pretty."
The bracelet looked familiar in a way she couldn't quite place—almost like the one the woman in the photo with Haoran was wearing—but the picture had been too dark to tell for sure.
Shaking off the thought, she joined the others as the day moved on. Everbloom went through their schedule, practicing dance choreographies nonstop until almost seven in the evening, preparing for their final stage concert in less than two weeks.
A couple of hours later, after everyone had gone home, Meiqi sank against the cold floor of her apartment, her eyes fixed on the diary before her—still trapped, unsure of what lyrics to write for her song.
She let out a sigh of defeat, her mind completely blank. 'Maybe a can of beer would help,' she thought, but when she opened the fridge, she realized she had finished the last one a week ago.
Meiqi hesitated for a moment before deciding to buy one from a store just a couple of blocks away from her apartment. As she stepped out, she felt a small relief—Willow Park's convenience store made it easy for residents to grab what they needed.
Minutes later, Meiqi strolled down the quiet streets, the evening air cool against her skin, a bag of beer cans swinging lightly in her hand. But as she walked, the faint rustle of leaves behind her made her pause.
She heard footsteps that sounded like the ones from that night—an eerie chill crawled down her spine as she realized she wasn't alone.
Meiqi steadied her breath, trying to calm her nerves, and started walking again—this time faster and more alert. One hand gripped the plastic bag tightly, while the other slipped into her windbreaker pocket, fingers curled around the pepper spray, ready for anything.
She had learned her lesson from that night. She wouldn't run this time—she would catch him. Her eyes flickered with determination.