At eight-forty-five, I stood outside the main entrance, duffel bag gripped in both hands.
I'd checked twice before leaving Room 102.
Suppressants wrapped in a spare sock at the bottom. Scent patches sealed in a toiletry bag. Clean clothes. Towel. Notebook.
Everything necessary to maintain the illusion for one night away from private walls.
Four buses idled in the compound lot, exhaust curling into the morning chill.
Trainees clustered near each vehicle—Vocal, Dance, Rap, Ace—while production assistants checked clipboards and called names.
I scanned the groups.
Jinwook stood near the Dance bus, arms crossed, watching Taeyong demonstrate something with sharp hand movements.
Doyun and Minjae waited by the Rap bus, both looking tense.
And near the third bus, Jisoo practically vibrated with energy while Haejun spoke quietly to Ren, Hyunki leaning against the vehicle with his usual scowl.
Different destinations?
