The building didn't feel like it was standing still.
Even though the walls were solid and the lights were bright, Lian felt the tremor inside the air — a tension moving through the corridors like a storm warning. Maybe it was his nerves. Maybe it was the world outside shaking.
Maybe it was both.
Jun's shoes clicked sharply across the floor as he led them into a private holding room inside Vale Studio. Rian stayed close behind Lian, a constant shadow at his shoulder. His presence was steady, controlled, but Lian could still feel the tension inside him like thunder under skin.
"Okay," Jun said, exhaling, "you sit here. Don't faint. Don't hyperventilate. Don't cry in front of any cameras. I'll check the outside situation."
"What outside situation?" Lian asked weakly.
Jun gave him a look.
"You mean besides the fans forming a small country on the sidewalk?"
Lian blinked. "Huh?"
Rian pulled his phone from his pocket. "Look."
