The hotel room felt too small suddenly.
Soorin stared at Haejin sitting on her bed.
His shoulders were tense. Jaw tight.
Still holding his phone with that photo.
She rubbed her face.
"Okay. So. Strategy."
"What?"
"We need a plan. Before she gets here."
He nodded slowly.
"Right. A plan."
"You said I was checking on you. Professionally."
"Yeah."
"At almost three in the morning?"
"You were worried. About my insomnia."
Soorin stood up. Started pacing.
"That's weak. She'll tear holes in that."
"You have a better idea?"
"Give me a second to think."
She walked to the window. Looked out.
Vegas in the morning was different.
Less neon. More normal.
Her brain worked through possibilities.
"What if we say I brought you sleeping pills?"
"Do you have sleeping pills?"
"No. But I could get some."
"That's still weak."
She turned around.
"Then what? What story works?"
Haejin stood up too.
"Maybe we tell her the truth."
