The air outside the studio had turned electric.
Not the loud, chaotic electricity of chanting crowds or flashing cameras—this was different. This was the crackle before a storm breaks, the pressure drop that comes right before lightning hits the ground.
Lian felt it the moment they stepped into the conference wing of Vale Studio.
Rian walked beside him, tall and solid, his presence a shield. Jun followed behind, phone glued to his ear, speaking in half sentences and sharp whispers as he juggled agencies, journalists, and possibly the apocalypse.
The carpeted hallway muted their footsteps, but nothing could mute the tension vibrating through Lian's bones.
He had agreed.
He had chosen to step forward.
But choosing bravery was one thing.
Living inside it was another.
They reached a glass door with the agency name taped hastily across it: LUMEN TALENT GROUP — EMERGENCY MEETING ROOM.
Emergency.
Like this was a disaster.
Like he was a disaster.
