The air in the private conference room was thick with anticipation. The walls, soundproofed to ensure no outside interference, provided an almost suffocating sense of privacy. The only light came from a sleek overhead lamp casting a cold glow on the glossy, dark wood table at the center of the room. Si-woo sat at the head of the table, fingers drumming lightly against the surface as he glanced at the clock on the wall. He was waiting for someone—another mysterious figure in the world of K-pop who, despite being an idol, had managed to maintain an elusive and almost ghostly presence in the industry.
272Please respect copyright.PENANACCqGDxtB9l
The door creaked open, and Si-woo's gaze immediately snapped toward the entrance. Standing there was none other than Tracer, a top-tier K-pop idol with a reputation that made even the most powerful figures in the entertainment industry look over their shoulders. His striking appearance, chiseled features, and air of quiet dominance had made him one of the most sought-after idols in the world. But it wasn't just his fame that made him valuable. Tracer had connections—dangerous ones—and Si-woo needed them if he was going to unravel the tangled conspiracy that had been unfolding behind the scenes.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzTWnxqkAwN
Tracer entered the room without a word, his dark eyes scanning the surroundings before settling on Si-woo. A faint smirk tugged at his lips. "I trust this meeting is as important as you've made it sound, Si-woo," he said in a low, steady voice, his tone filled with quiet authority. "You've called me here for a reason. What is it you want from me?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANAY2ICmBGMhH
Si-woo leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "You could say it's a matter of mutual interest," he replied, his voice calm but laced with an undercurrent of tension. "I've been following your movements, Tracer. You're not as invisible as you think. But I'm sure you know that already. You and I, we're not so different. We both have our secrets."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAlINNL2J5w3
Tracer raised an eyebrow, intrigued but still guarded. "Secrets? Everyone in this industry has secrets, Si-woo. It's part of the game. But that doesn't mean I'm in the habit of sharing them."
Si-woo's lips curled into a small, almost imperceptible smile. "Not sharing, no. But I think you'll be interested in what I have to offer."
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4CdpXn0DDD
With a gesture, Si-woo motioned to the other side of the table. "This is Hawk," he said, his tone more formal now, like he was introducing someone of significant importance. "They've been in the shadows, gathering intelligence, tracking the real players behind all the leaks and power struggles within the industry. Hawk is not just any spy, Tracer. They're someone who's been embedded deep within the system, someone who knows what you can't see from the outside."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAW1lI1fXl9e
From the shadows across the room, Tracer stepped forward. Their face was mostly obscured by a dark mask, but their posture was fluid, controlled, and exuded the kind of quiet menace Si-woo knew all too well. As they moved toward the table, Tracer's sharp eyes never left them, a flicker of recognition—or perhaps wariness—flashing across his features.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzVsGmbwxto
"You?" Tracer asked, his voice edged with surprise. "You're the one who's been pulling the strings behind the scenes?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4ysznFEPCW
Hawk didn't respond immediately. Instead, they moved to the opposite end of the table, their eyes locked on Tracer's, studying him with an intensity that seemed to strip him of his composure.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYpS29f4e2p
Finally, they spoke, their voices deep and clipped. "I've been watching everything," they said. "The leaks, the manipulations, the alliances forming behind closed doors. Everything. I know who's behind the curtain. And I know how to stop them."
272Please respect copyright.PENANA2bEWL0RNjP
Si-woo's eyes flicked between the two of them, sensing the tension in the room. This wasn't just a casual meeting. This was a power play. Kai, despite his calm exterior, was sizing up Hawk, evaluating how much trust he could afford to place in them. After all, a spy like Hawk was a double-edged sword—valuable, yes, but just as dangerous if they decided to play their own game.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAsHvXe3RzbD
Tracer spoke with his voice cool and calculating. "And what makes you think I need your help, Hawk? I've got my own sources. I don't need some shadow to tell me who's leaking information or sabotaging careers."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAJKFGe0buKm
Hawk tilted their head slightly, unfazed by the challenge. "You've got sources, but they're limited. What you don't have are the connections that can take you straight to the core. The ones pulling the strings? They've been operating under the radar for far too long, and you're still hunting for answers. Let me make it simple for you. We either work together, or you keep stumbling in the dark."
272Please respect copyright.PENANABjRUkvPeab
Tracer's gaze hardened, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—a realization that perhaps Hawk was right. He had been running in circles, trying to maintain control, but there were deeper forces at play. Forces that Hawk seemed to understand intimately.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVYttNQIxER
"Any information?" Tracer repeated, his voice quiet but edged with curiosity.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAwmqBIUu2AG
Si-woo interjected before Hawk could answer, his tone sharp. "Not just any information. This is the kind that could change everything for you. If you want to know who's really pulling the strings in this industry, if you want to be on top of the game instead of buried beneath it, you need to listen."
272Please respect copyright.PENANArli6vUOwgS
Hawk finally spoke again, their eyes unwavering. "I've got the names. The players who think they can control the industry. And if you want them to fall, Tracer, you're going to have to get your hands a little dirty."
272Please respect copyright.PENANA50aldSiMdA
The weight of their words settled into the room, and for a long moment, there was silence. Si-woo could feel the tension rising between the two. Tracer was a man of action, and Hawk wasn't offering empty promises. This was a dangerous game, and they were all players in it now.
272Please respect copyright.PENANA7KFEudO6Ij
Tracer finally leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving Hawk. "Alright," he said, voice low. "I'll hear you out. But know this—if you betray me, you'll regret it."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWUC8LuaQoz
Hawk gave a single nod, their eyes still unreadable behind the mask. "Trust is earned, not given. And right now, we need each other. Let's see where this takes us."
272Please respect copyright.PENANA7zKwYC9CtS
Si-woo watched as the two of them locked eyes, a new, unspoken understanding passing between them. The alliances were forming, but so were the risks. In this world of hidden power, no one was ever truly safe.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWRdlOrP1Zd
...
272Please respect copyright.PENANAqoKxWc7ZmR
...
272Please respect copyright.PENANALGxDOq6zQN
...
272Please respect copyright.PENANA1o4XfXMSG5
Three days later, the conference room was filled with the soft hum of conversation as the K-East team gathered for a crucial private meeting. The walls, adorned with promotional posters of the group's past achievements, seemed almost surreal in the tense atmosphere. The staff had been preparing for this moment for days — the team was about to discuss the upcoming changes to their schedule and the postponement of their highly anticipated GO! K-EAST show.
272Please respect copyright.PENANARcnuOLXnto
At the head of the table was of course their CEO, Bang Si-woo. His eyes scanned the room, noting the concerned faces of his staff and managers.
272Please respect copyright.PENANA0etH88T4lu
"Alright, everyone," Si-woo began with his voice calm but authoritative. "Thank you for coming on such short notice. We all know what's at stake here. Today, we need to make some important decisions regarding our schedule and GO! K-EAST."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAAIwIO8RgSx
He paused to let the gravity of the situation sink in, then continued. "First and foremost, we need to address the delays. We have a lot riding on this show, and the fans have been eagerly waiting for its premiere. Unfortunately, external circumstances have forced our hand. We'll need to push back the date, but before we go into details, let's hear from our head of production."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAlxouM3pock
Director Seo Mi-Na, a seasoned veteran in the entertainment industry, stood up from her seat. She was well-regarded for her ability to keep things moving smoothly, even in chaotic situations.
"Thank you, sir Bang," she said, adjusting her glasses as she began speaking. "As you all know, the production crew has encountered several setbacks over the past week. Due to some unforeseen issues with our venue and technical difficulties with the live broadcast setup, the GO! K-EAST show simply cannot go ahead as scheduled."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAAriTjVWkVf
She paused, flipping through a few notes on her tablet. "We were hoping to resolve the issues quickly, but after consulting with the team and analyzing the logistics, it's clear that rushing the show would not only compromise the quality, but it could also affect the safety of our performers and staff. The new target date, after we account for these delays, would be two weeks from the original date."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAKcV2ODO59p
A murmur of understanding passed through the room. Everyone knew how much the show meant to K-East's reputation, as well as to their fans, but there was no question about the necessity of taking the time to do things properly.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmOHeDWCcUs
Manager Kim Soo-Hyun, one of the top managers at K-East, leaned forward. "I think we're all in agreement that postponing the show is the right move, but we also need to consider the fallout with our fans. We've already promoted the initial release date heavily on social media and through various media outlets. Fans are excited, but they also expect us to deliver."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAO1KzzRISvV
Ji-Hoon nodded thoughtfully. "That's a valid point. Our PR team needs to prepare a statement explaining the reasons behind the delay, and we'll need to apologize for the inconvenience. We can also offer them something to keep their spirits up. Maybe a live broadcast event with a special behind-the-scenes segment in the meantime. Director Seo, can we push forward with that idea?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANAaZ2G5BFXGK
Seo Mi-Na gave a small nod. "Yes, we can arrange a live stream. It would give the fans something exclusive to look forward to while also showing them that we're still working hard behind the scenes."
Public Relations Manager Park Eun-Jeong added in, saying. "We'll need to be transparent about the reasons behind the delay and assure our fans that we are committed to making the show the best it can be. I also recommend we offer a sneak peek into some of the unreleased footage or perhaps an interview with the members to keep the excitement alive."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAyahOy59v6l
Ji-Hoon raised an eyebrow at Eun-Jeong's suggestion. "I like the idea of a member-focused interview. Let's get them involved in the communication with the fans. We can even include personal messages from the members about their progress in preparing for the show."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAJ17xiXoEPZ
Artistic Director Lee Joo-Hee spoke next, her voice laced with concern. "We have to take into account how this will affect the rest of our schedule. If we push GO! K-EAST back, it could interfere with some of our other planned promotions and events. We'll need to adjust our calendar, especially with the holidays coming up."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAEiuIoJlPdU
Ji-Hoon nodded, deep in thought. "We can work around the schedule. Let's push for a clear timeline for GO! K-EAST and then make the necessary adjustments for everything else. We can move some smaller events to accommodate the new show date."
Manager Kim Soo-Hyun added, "We may also need to consult with the sponsors and partners. They've been expecting the show on the original date, and we don't want to risk losing their support or causing any strain in our business relationships."
"Understood," Ji-Hoon said. "I'll have a team reach out to all of our partners and sponsors. We'll ensure they're kept in the loop and that they fully understand the reason behind the delay."
Seo Mi-Na stood again. "Lastly, we need to prioritize the health and wellbeing of our members. We've been pushing them quite hard to prepare for the show, and they've been under a lot of pressure. Let's make sure they have enough time to rest and refresh before we go live."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAuEiXOPFLxa
At the mention of the members' well-being, the room fell quiet for a moment. The group's members had been working tirelessly, and there was always the risk that pushing too hard could lead to burnout or injury.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQTMwSqy91Q
Ji-Hoon sighed, rubbing his chin. "You're right, Mi-Na. Let's ensure that they have a proper break before we ramp up again. We want them to be at their best, physically and mentally."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAZANBqUBpDl
The room hummed with agreement, as everyone understood the importance of balance in the intense world of K-pop.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmf7jb1YVX3
Finally, Ji-Hoon addressed the room, his tone decisive. "Alright. Here's the plan: We will officially announce the postponement of GO! K-EAST in a statement, ensuring we give the fans a clear understanding of the situation and offering them a sneak peek. We'll schedule the new show date two weeks out. We'll also have smaller fan events and behind-the-scenes content to keep the energy up. The members will take some well-deserved rest, and our production team will double down on ironing out any remaining issues."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAtCz7hjR3MM
He looked around the room, his expression confident. "This is a temporary setback, but we will turn it into an opportunity. We'll make sure that GO! K-EAST will be the best show we've ever put on. Let's get to work."
272Please respect copyright.PENANADLjakakYpb
As the team nodded in agreement, the mood in the room shifted. While the postponement was a disappointment, there was a sense of unity and determination. The staff knew that this setback was just a stepping stone toward an even greater success.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAkfNKayEkNH
After the meeting wrapped up, the K-East staff slowly filed out of the conference room, their minds already racing with the tasks ahead. Jiyoo, who had been listening attentively throughout the entire discussion, lingered for a moment, gathering his things. As he walked toward the exit, one of the assistants, a young staff member named Min-Ji, approached him with a hesitant expression.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAGC6m9vupTI
"Jiyoo-ssi," Min-Ji called softly, causing him to pause and look back. "Si-woo sunbaenim would like to see you in the main office."
272Please respect copyright.PENANA2wjtjUUwcb
Jiyoo raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. Si-woo was also the company's chief strategist, known for his calm demeanor and his knack for managing even the most chaotic situations.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAO6FA2gBBfb
Although Si-woo wasn't one to call people into his office for no reason, Jiyoo couldn't help but feel a slight sense of unease. He glanced back at his members, who were standing together near the door, still discussing the outcome of the meeting.
272Please respect copyright.PENANArdQYinC3Q5
Taeyun, ever the perceptive one, caught Jiyoo's eye. His gaze sharpened with a hint of confusion, and he gave Jiyoo a questioning look. "What's going on, hyung?" he asked with his voice quiet but filled with curiosity. He looked between Jiyoo and Min-Ji, sensing something was up but not quite understanding what.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAK9pVTf1mnK
Jiyoo gave him a small, reassuring smile. "I'll be fine," he replied, though his tone was slightly uncertain. "It's probably nothing. I'll head over now."
272Please respect copyright.PENANANpiyYCCe59
With a final glance at his members, Jiyoo nodded, his expression slightly guarded, and walked toward the main office. As he made his way through the hallway, his thoughts drifted briefly to the meeting they had just wrapped up. The postponement of the GO! K-EAST show was certainly a setback, but Jiyoo wasn't one to dwell on things for too long. There was always something else to focus on.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAq6OC14WXFj
When he reached the door to the main office, he knocked lightly, and upon hearing the soft words.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAC2SO929Q7k
"Come in," The CEO said as soon as Jiyoo stepped inside.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAcfCBt8rJ6I
The atmosphere in the room was quieter than he expected, and as he closed the door behind him, he found him sitting at his desk, a warm smile playing on his lips.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmZyz2oWcyu
"Jiyoo," Si-woo greeted him in a smooth and friendly tone. "Have a seat."
272Please respect copyright.PENANACfErPLvnjH
Jiyoo hesitated for a moment, still unsure why he had been summoned, but his welcoming demeanor made him feel somewhat jittery. As he settled into the chair across from his desk, his posture relaxed but his mind was still curious.
Si-woo gestured forward and compressed the papers by shuffling them altogether, then set them aside and leaned back in his chair, folding his hands thoughtfully. "It looks like you enjoyed your vacation for a week. I wanted to talk to you about the show, about the members, and... well, about the future."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWVqDcwlQ40
Jiyoo raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "The future? What do you mean?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANAhDc4vfekiJ
Si-woo chuckled softly, his eyes glinting with a mix of kindness and wisdom. "It's no secret that there's been a lot of pressure lately, especially with everything being pushed back. But I've been observing the group, Jiyoo. You and your members... you've been handling things remarkably well, considering how stressful this time has been. But I know it's not always easy."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAgvsy589bQm
Jiyoo wasn't sure how to respond. He'd always been the type to focus on the task at hand, and while the group had certainly faced challenges before, the uncertainty surrounding GO! K-EAST was something different.
272Please respect copyright.PENANA94TpLB8VFc
"Have you found them?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANADNoCjxiZXi
Jiyoo looked up at him, blinking in startlement. "Huh? Sorry, I don't get what you mean."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAbfZn04Tsx5
"The others have speculated that you visited the Lotte World that is closed and some recent news that you were trying to catch somebody on the highway. Is that true?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANAxjbWOgnkCw
Jiyoo paused and thought of what his friends said. Instead, he uttered in a low tone, saying. "No... I was- I was practicing how to drive."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAardgGERvAq
"I see. You know how the netizens are seeing through the media these days. Anything can come out as rumors, evidence, or an issue. Also, I would not mind if you are interested in finding out the vendetta, but since you and the members are performing the next shows, it's unlikely impossible," Si-woo leaned forward slightly, his voice quieter now, as if sharing something more personal. "I just wanted to let you know that I'm proud of the way you've been handling things. I'm sure you feel the weight of everything, especially with your members depending on you, but I believe in you. And I want you to know that you're not in this alone."
272Please respect copyright.PENANArAkgydULvU
Jiyoo blinked, slightly taken aback by Si-woo's unexpected words. The calm yet genuine reassurance in Si-woo's voice caught him off guard. Despite being used to leading in public and maintaining a composed appearance, hearing someone like Si-woo express such support felt strangely comforting.
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6uZJwUdJLp
"Thank you," Jiyoo said, his voice soft but filled with sincerity. He felt a wave of gratitude toward Si-woo, not just for his words, but for the underlying recognition that, even as a leader, Jiyoo wasn't without his own struggles.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAr0A2cBlKfN
Si-woo gave him a knowing smile, his gaze warm and encouraging. "Of course. Just remember, it's okay to lean on others when things get tough. That's what we're here for — to support each other."
Jiyoo nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. He felt lighter now, more grounded, as if the burden he'd been carrying had been shared, even if just a little. "I'll keep that in mind," he replied, his tone firmer, more assured than before.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAgYCjMYekg2
Si-woo got a little frustrated at the imposter troubled girl, including the Narrow squad in his own mind. He then informed Jiyoo, saying. "You have an appointment in the evening and I suggest you dress in a formal attire."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjjwwvvcqDY
Jiyoo gulped and stood up from his chair, facing his back. Then, he stopped in his own tracks when he listened to him.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAOzZOrcSYqf
"If I ever see you pull another trick by acting so carelessly, you will not like what I'm about to order you. Is that clear, Mr. Park...?" Si-woo said in a light warning, pushing the circular specks forward his nose bridge.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAEpI77OgXB0
Jiyoo nodded silently in agreement. He blinked a few times before he sharpened his gaze in chagrin at the thought of his words to him.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAqDIyVhoxEn
Si-woo chuckled again, his expression easing into a more relaxed one. "Good. Now, go take a break. You've been working non-stop. The members are probably waiting for you, and I'm sure you could use some time to recharge before we dive back into the craziness. I'm sure your father is going to be happy to see you again."
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4eDtcvHk3l
Jiyoo slightly breathed through his nostrils to control his anger that was filling up his clenched fists. Then he slowly glanced over his shoulder at him and said politely. "Alright, I will. Thanks again, sir Bang."
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6ZYUuj79JT
"Anytime, Jiyoo. Anytime," Si-woo said with a friendly nod and his smile was still present.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQTGNnIYfzv
Once Jiyoo left the office, the door clicking softly behind him, he felt a sense of reassurance that hadn't been there before.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAqkWTkPV2Pe
There was still much work ahead, but now, with Si-woo's words in his mind, he knew he wasn't carrying it alone.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYlrdlp5GfY
Meanwhile, Jason had been working tirelessly with the squad, putting them through rigorous training sessions that pushed their physical and mental limits. His approach was tough but effective, focusing on hand-to-hand combat, endurance, strategy, and even unorthodox techniques. Today, they were in the gym, with the sound of grunts and the rhythmic thud of fists hitting pads filling the air.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAcdH1Csl1oB
"Focus, Julong!" Jason shouted, as he sparred with one of the new recruits. "Don't just react—anticipate! Use your opponent's energy against them!"
272Please respect copyright.PENANAg9rnlb1wvI
Julong dodged a punch and countered with a swift kick, but Jason was already there, stepping in to correct his form. "That's better, but remember—timing over power."
272Please respect copyright.PENANA7plJYNL1vf
In a lit room elsewhere in the facility, Kain sat silently in the shadows, watching the training session on a monitor. His face was unreadable, his posture relaxed but poised. He was always observing, always calculating. A soft knock on the door broke the stillness.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAnzGfRf4f98
"Yes?" Kain's deep voice rumbled as it creaked open.
272Please respect copyright.PENANADWB8EdDTqu
A figure stepped inside—one of the higher-ranking officers in their organization. The officer, who was always brief with words, addressed Kain without ceremony.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAthtwV3V08c
"Sir, any word on Valerie? Has she decided whether or not to join the squad officially?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANAMDOgay0jCG
Kain didn't immediately respond, his eyes never leaving the screen where Jason was pushing the squad through their grueling drills. His fingers slowly drummed on the armrest of his chair before he spoke in his usual calm, almost cryptic tone.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAU6pABYzhsz
"Valerie hasn't made a decision yet. She's... torn. There's hesitation, but it's not about her abilities. She's more than capable. It's about her place with us. She's not the type to be easily bound to anything, especially not to an organization like ours."
272Please respect copyright.PENANA1dx5qQluwX
Kain shifted slightly, his eyes narrowing as he spoke, clearly focused on something deeper in Valerie's internal struggle. "She needs to feel something greater than just following orders. She needs a purpose. Until she sees that here, she won't commit. But when she does... she'll be more powerful than we can imagine. If she chooses us."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQu3d33fP1w
The officer nodded, understanding the gravity of Kain's words. "Do you want me to encourage her, sir?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANApqdXKrOMf7
Kain shook his head slowly, his expression unreadable. "No. Let her decide in her own time. Encouraging her might push her away. Valerie will come to us when she's ready—if she ever is."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAp76g9fTsBg
There was a brief pause before the officer spoke again, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAz4EcHcOUuE
"Do you think she'll join, sir?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQs6Snmk9X7
Kain leaned back in his chair, his eyes drifting from the screen, as if considering the very nature of Valerie's potential allegiance. After a moment, he gave a small, almost imperceptible smirk.
"I never waste my time worrying about what might be. If she joins, she joins. If she doesn't, we will continue forward. But one thing is certain: she won't be easily replaced."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAfssd1P4yu9
The officer took that as his cue to leave, knowing there was little more to be said. As the door closed behind him, Kain sat back, still lost in thought, his fingers now resting lightly on the armrest. It was clear that, for him, the choice of Valerie was far from simple. She was a wild card, and he had no intention of forcing her hand. Whether she chose to join or not, Kain was confident that the squad would remain strong—and if Valerie decided to walk alongside them, they would have someone powerful on their side.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAyCBOR8MJA1
Back in the gym, Jason was still training the squad, unaware of the quiet deliberations happening in the shadows. But Kain knew, as he always did, that every decision, no matter how small, could change the course of their mission—and Valerie's decision would be no different.
272Please respect copyright.PENANApgSQszjZ5u
"We'll start by doing roundhouse kick exercises. Luke Wong, you're up first," Jason commanded lightly.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAg6ifHUE94C
Luke nodded silently in obedience and positioned himself to kick the dummy bag.
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6MGCdftZ4I
A few minutes had passed and the squad had just finished another intense training session, their muscles aching from the relentless drills. Jason was offering some final corrections and words of encouragement to a few of the members when the heavy door to the gym creaked open.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAUYzzcgRDy5
Without a word, Kain stepped inside, his presence commanding immediate attention. His dark silhouette framed by the light from the hallway, he surveyed the squad for a moment, his gaze cold and calculating. The room fell silent as Kain's eyes finally locked on Jason, signaling him to stop what he was doing.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAPNy2r6hGST
"Gather up," Kain ordered in his deep, controlled voice.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAFas3BsadAk
Jason immediately signaled to the others to cease their activities. Within moments, the squad had assembled in front of Kain, standing at attention. His face was as unreadable as always, but there was an edge in his demeanor—something new, something urgent.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAlHUipt76mj
"This training session will be cut short," Kain began, his voice even but laced with a certain finality. "We've got bigger problems."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAfkLmz5GM8I
A murmur rippled through the squad, but Kain's sharp gaze silenced any further noise. He took a step forward, his expression grim as he surveyed each of them. His next words were deliberate, each one hanging in the air with weight.
272Please respect copyright.PENANA3VDAGNrt0D
"We're being hunted again," Kain said flatly, his gaze flicking to the screen embedded in the wall behind him, which displayed an encrypted series of files. "Si-woo has picked up our trail, and the CEO's people are closing in. They're investigating us, looking for weaknesses, trying to find leverage."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAot8csr3TK3
The room tensed, but Jason was the first to speak up in question.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAc6UPKBmdZq
"Si-woo again? Damn it, I thought we'd shaken him off after the last mission."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAkeXW2imTWR
Kain's lips barely twitched in what might have been a smirk, but there was no humor behind it. "Si-woo doesn't give up easily. He's relentless. And this time, it's not just him. The other CEO has sent his best trackers and his personal enforcers. They're more skilled, more dangerous. If they catch wind of our location, they'll descend on us like wolves."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAeNR0h2RuuQ
A sense of unease spread through the group, but Kain's voice cut through the tension, firm and commanding.
272Please respect copyright.PENANA0inlyihF5B
"Listen carefully. We've been compromised. Their agents have already infiltrated key areas of the city, and they're targeting anyone who's been associated with us. They'll be using every tool at their disposal—surveillance, hacking, human resources, even blackmail. We cannot afford to slip up."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWEmVhswW5r
One of the squad members, Yuki, raised an eyebrow, looking towards Kain with concern. "How much time do we have, sir? Can we outrun them again?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANAejjHcny3Pt
Kain's eyes darkened as he met her gaze. "Time is a luxury we no longer have. Si-woo and his men are not like before. They're more organized, and they have resources we haven't faced yet. We need to stay off their radar—and quickly."
272Please respect copyright.PENANA1QNt1DrZH0
Max, usually the first to speak up in situations like this, stepped forward. His face was a mixture of disbelief and concern, but there was a flicker of determination in his eyes.
272Please respect copyright.PENANA0BnVVIgGCt
"Kain, how sure are we that Si-woo's already on us? I mean, we've slipped out of his grasp before. He's not exactly... untouchable, right?" He asked, crossing his arms and looking at Kain with a mixture of skepticism and hope. "We've evaded him before. Why is this different?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANASKwZmiyipb
Kain's cold gaze settled on Max, unblinking. "This is different because Si-woo isn't working alone anymore. He has access to resources that we don't even know the full extent of. The CEO's people are taking matters into their own hands now, which means we're up against far more than just a former colleague with a grudge. They've got everything we've been trying to hide—technology, surveillance, connections. If we don't act fast, we'll be caught. This isn't a game of cat and mouse anymore."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAJIDn17KPjV
Julong, his sharp eyes flicking from Kain to Max, stepped forward, his voice tense but calm. "So what do you want us to do? Just run? Split up? Go into hiding until they get bored?" His hands flexed at his sides as he paced, clearly agitated. "We're not exactly a small group to hide in the shadows."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzW1eQrq5sR
"That's exactly what we're doing. Hiding. For now. We won't stay in one place long enough for them to lock us down. We split up, we stay off the grid, and we avoid making any contact unless it's absolutely necessary. No more playing the hero. This isn't about taking them head-on—this is about surviving long enough to regroup."
272Please respect copyright.PENANANvxuJWEid3
Moonki, who had been quiet up until now, shifted uncomfortably. He ran a hand through his short, messy hair, clearly rattled by the news. "Are we really sure we're ready for this?" he asked, his voice laced with doubt. "I mean, we've always managed to handle ourselves, but these guys sound different. And if they're pulling out all the stops... how do we even fight them without getting caught?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANAS4TPFqaxLw
"That's the point," Kain replied, his voice low and controlled. "We're not fighting them head-on right now. We're outnumbered, and they have the advantage of surprise. We'll use our strength in other ways—stealth, speed, and deception. Avoid confrontation until we have no choice. But we're not dead yet, Moonki. We fight smart, not recklessly."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAkYKiNGaYvQ
Henry, always the one to consider logistics, stepped in with his usual dry tone, though his concern was evident. "So what happens if one of us gets cornered or caught? We're all in this together, but we can't afford to get anyone taken. What's the plan for extraction if things go south?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANAwmZoU51bY6
Kain gave Henry a quick, assessing look before answering. "Extraction? There won't be an extraction if you're caught, Henry. If we're compromised that badly, it'll be too late for anything except to get out of the area. The moment they have one of us, we don't make a move. We let them think they have the upper hand, and we use that time to slip through their fingers."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAvTAYp62xp9
Woonjae, who had been standing a little farther back, stepped forward with a hard expression, his voice cutting through the tension. "What about Sunghoon? He barely made it out. How do we know they didn't follow him here? If they're that close, can we even trust that our location's still safe?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYpvrWv84fC
Kain paused, eyes narrowing slightly. He was about to speak, but Beom interrupted him, his tone unusually sharp.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmSkyPIPp7M
"Wait, Kain," Beom said, raising a hand to stop the conversation. "Before you answer Woonjae's question, there's something else we need to figure out. Are we sure Sunghoon was even followed here? I mean, he might have just been shaken up from running. If they're really closing in on us, how do we know this place isn't compromised already? What if they've been tracking us for days, and we're just walking into a trap?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANAo9MkhD2epJ
Kain's expression darkened, and for a brief moment, it seemed as though he might hesitate. But then his features hardened, and his voice dropped to a dangerous level. "That's exactly why we need to move now, Beom. No more waiting around. Sunghoon might have shaken them for a while, but I trust his instincts. We're not safe here long-term, but we are safe for now. If we waste time second-guessing, we'll be dead before we get the chance to act."
272Please respect copyright.PENANABCbZzirW7L
Byung-seok, who had been silent for most of the conversation, suddenly spoke up in a low, even tone. "So what's the priority, Kain? Are we going underground, or are we hitting back? Because if we're going to disappear, we need to move fast, and we need to get our gear ready. If we're not prepared to fight, then we need to disappear—and we need to do it now."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAUNeQafocXT
The room went still again as everyone looked to Kain for the final word. His eyes swept over the squad, his gaze colder than ever.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmJlZe6tABo
"Get your gear ready. We're not running away—we're going underground," Kain said, his voice steady and unyielding. "This isn't about revenge, it's about survival. And we'll fight when the time is right. For now, we stay out of sight, stay smart, and we wait. But don't mistake this for a retreat. This is just the beginning."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAFXZSsd4CCZ
The squad exchanged looks, some more confident than others, but each of them understood the stakes. Kain had spoken, and when Kain spoke, there was no room for argument.
Jason stepped forward, already assessing the situation in his mind. "So, what's the plan?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmuWwdarvez
Kain's voice remained cold, but his words were sharp and direct. "We go underground. I'll make sure all comms are wiped and encrypted. We'll split up for now—keep a low profile, don't make contact unless it's absolutely necessary. Jason, you'll lead one team. Yuki, you take another. I'll keep a watchful eye from here. I'll provide updates as needed."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAHwfZrscOVS
Jason nodded, his expression hardening. "Understood. We'll stay out of sight."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAbaNiNpsloc
Kain's gaze swept over the squad once more, his eyes narrowing with a quiet, deadly intensity. "And remember this: if they find us, it won't be just our heads on the line. The squad stays tight. We survive, or we all go down together."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAZw4MF0N2hJ
There was a brief pause as everyone processed the gravity of the situation. Jason's jaw clenched, but he knew that Kain's words were a harsh truth. The team had always been in danger, but now, the threat was far more personal—and far more immediate.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAkZI1zcHbao
"Any questions?" Kain asked, his tone suggesting he expected none.
272Please respect copyright.PENANASJPMrkBlkJ
No one spoke. The silence in the room was heavy, but there was also an unspoken understanding. This was no longer just about missions and training. It was about survival.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAiBDzUj8vZl
"Good," Kain muttered, his tone still unwavering. "Get moving. We have a lot of work to do, and not much time to do it."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAGDekGtCsCB
As the squad scattered, preparing for what lay ahead, Kain remained behind. He stared at the screen, the faces of Si-woo and the CEO's henchmen flashing briefly on the monitor before they were replaced by a map of the city. His fingers hovered over the controls for a moment, but then he simply leaned back, the weight of leadership settling back on his shoulders. This was the game they played—and Kain was determined to make sure they were the ones who walked away victorious.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAfBafeEpOrU
The squad had barely begun to settle into their new orders when the door to the gym slammed open with a deafening crash. Everyone immediately turned, weapons instinctively drawn or hands poised to defend themselves. But the figure in the doorway was unmistakable—Sunghoon, one of their own, looking completely out of breath and visibly agitated. His clothes were torn, his hair matted with sweat, and his usually calm demeanor was replaced by a frantic energy that caught everyone off guard.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAruvF8BuxJ6
Jason's eyes narrowed in concern and was taken aback. "Sunghoon?! What the hell happened?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANAAkWZ3JW68b
Sunghoon staggered inside, pressing a hand against the doorframe to steady himself. His breath came in ragged gasps, his chest heaving as he tried to regain control. For a moment, he didn't speak—his eyes scanning the room, his mind racing, no doubt considering what he was about to say.
272Please respect copyright.PENANASVDEogKLop
"Sunghoon?" Kain's voice was sharp now, his usual calm demeanor giving way to a flicker of unease. "What's going on?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANAnMmzScUhrV
He straightened up slowly, wiping a trickle of blood from his lip. His expression was grim, more serious than anyone had ever seen him. He took in a deep breath, then finally spoke, each word heavy with urgency.
272Please respect copyright.PENANA7uGTCUIh8p
"They're coming," Sunghoon said, his voice strained but forceful. "The CEO's people... they're already here. They've got eyes everywhere."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQEgMB1sQYn
Jason's jaw tightened. "What do you mean? You're saying they've found us?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANALHA4HAPIVn
Sunghoon nodded, shaking his head in disbelief. "I barely made it out. They've got surveillance teams sweeping the city. I tried to shake them, but I lost them for only a few minutes before they started closing in again. They've set up shop in key locations around the city, pulling strings, watching us... and now they know everything."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAMtHRXJvw4R
He wiped the sweat from his brow, his face a mix of frustration and fear. "I saw some of them outside the building I was hiding in. They had these... high-tech drones. They've upgraded their operations. It's not just ground agents anymore, they've got tech that's tracking us."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAN6D7pqjT9B
Kain's eyes narrowed dangerously. "So we've been compromised again. This is what I feared. Si-woo's not playing around anymore."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWDMBfMJd96
Sunghoon took a slow, deliberate step forward, his voice low but firm. "It's worse than that. They've got information. Not just on us—but on you, Kain. The CEO knows everything about the operation, and they're coming for you specifically." He glanced at the squad, his gaze locking on each of them in turn. "We need to move. Now."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAt2zYvVXPbK
The air in the room thickened with tension. Jason exchanged a look with Sarah, his hand still on his weapon but his mind working to assess their options. He turned back to Sunghoon, his voice low but urgent. "How much time do we have? What's our next move?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANAxvW2ib4fKs
Sunghoon's eyes flicked nervously toward the door, as if he could already hear the footsteps of their pursuers closing in. "Not much. They're mobilizing fast. I tried to lead them off, but they're too well-organized. They've already infiltrated some of the city's grids—they could be tracking our every move. We need to disappear and regroup, or we'll be caught in a trap."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAj0GRzHuAdv
Kain's gaze was steady as he regarded Sunghoon, his expression unreadable. But there was an unmistakable flicker of calculation in his eyes as he processed the new information. "How many are we talking about, Sunghoon? How many agents?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANAyUacDYC3UD
"Too many," Sunghoon replied, frustration creeping into his voice. "It's not just about numbers anymore. They've got high-level operatives—mercenaries, tech specialists, you name it. They're ready for a fight. And they know we're dangerous."
272Please respect copyright.PENANASW2dz4L3V5
Jason's fists clenched, his jaw tight with frustration. "So we go dark, then?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANAE7uZ9s2ixU
"Exactly," Sunghoon confirmed, still trying to catch his breath. "We need to disappear off their radar, but quickly. We can't afford to be careless. I'll give you all the details I know about their movements and the sectors they've been targeting. But we need to move fast. The moment they pinpoint us, it'll be over."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAFLVblwqRnS
Kain's voice cut through the tension like a knife. "Get ready. We split up immediately. We're not giving them a chance to corner us. Jason, you take half the squad. Sunghoon, you stay with me. We're going underground."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAS9LKKug2NP
"Understood," Jason replied immediately, his eyes already scanning the room, thinking ahead to how best to divide the team.
272Please respect copyright.PENANArcUQmtHBpg
Sunghoon wiped his forehead again, glancing around at the squad. He wasn't usually one to show signs of panic, but the gravity of the situation was starting to weigh heavily on him. The look in his eyes now was one of a man who knew the stakes—and knew they were dangerously high.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdQzR7defFl
"We've always been one step ahead of them," Sunghoon said quietly, meeting Kain's gaze. "But if we don't act now, we won't get a second chance."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAqsLEbvXuZH
Kain nodded once, his voice cold and commanding. "Then let's not waste it."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAIXIvjpj2U7
As the squad swiftly mobilized into action, Sunghoon took a step back, his mind still racing through the details of what he had seen. They were no longer just on the defensive. They were being hunted—and the only way out was to outsmart their enemies before it was too late.
272Please respect copyright.PENANANmMLMf3wQn
...
272Please respect copyright.PENANAO6QT440uPS
The trio, consisting of Bryan, Sally, and Ava, had come together with a shared goal: to focus on their respective work tasks and complete the jobs at hand. They were methodical in their approach, each contributing their unique skills and strengths to get the job done efficiently.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAyMArvSPpUS
Bryan, known for his meticulous attention to detail, tackled the more technical aspects of the tasks. Sally, the creative one, brought fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the table, ensuring the work was both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Ava, with her strong organizational skills, kept everyone on track and ensured that deadlines were met, all while maintaining a sense of harmony among the group. Together, they formed a well-balanced and effective team, steadily advancing toward their objectives.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAXrEjvmGMxv
Meanwhile, K-East, a popular boy group, was off to a different kind of challenge. They attended interviews at KBS, one of South Korea's largest broadcasting stations, where they answered questions, shared insights into their music, and engaged with the media in a charismatic and professional manner. The atmosphere was electric, as fans eagerly followed the event. After the interviews, K-East performed their songs live, showcasing their impressive vocal and dance abilities. The performance was nothing short of spectacular, with high-energy choreography, emotional delivery, and seamless harmony, further cementing their status as rising stars in the music industry. While Bryan, Sally, and Ava focused on their tasks, K-East was shining in the entertainment spotlight, each group excelling in their respective pursuits.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAJg908w2PZS
After the whirlwind of interviews and live performances, the members of K-East, along with Jiyoo, gathered in their lounge area backstage. They were winding down, exchanging stories from the day, when the conversation turned to a curious encounter they had witnessed earlier.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdvL3hH4oGx
Jaesang, always the observant one, was the first to bring it up. "Any sign of that girl on the motorcycle?" He asked, leaning forward with a mix of curiosity and amusement in her eyes.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAGkZkR1quJh
The K-East members, still buzzing with excitement from their performance, paused and exchanged glances. "So far, there's barely any trace of her. She really caused that flat tire on one of our cars," Ryung, the group's leader, said.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAN5V1L8Xzjn
"Yeah, that was crazy," Min-jun replied, a smile tugging at his lips. "She looked like she was in a rush, but there was something cool about her. Like, she didn't care about anyone or anything around her."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzin5v86bGJ
"Right?" Jaesang added, chuckling. "She was going way too fast. Almost like she had some secret mission."
272Please respect copyright.PENANA2LtjWfgoXR
"She definitely had the vibe of someone who wasn't afraid of anything," Hwan chimed in. "But, I don't know... I couldn't help but think there was a little mystery behind her."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAflmNHSNC91
"Yeah..." Jiyoo agreed, her tone taking on a more thoughtful quality.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAvWYcWbvUq2
"I bet she's probably a rebel type," Min-jun mused, leaning back in his chair. "You know, the kind who doesn't follow the rules, lives on her own terms. I'm kind of curious if we'll ever cross paths with her again."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAK5H5oWmnME
"Maybe she's an undercover agent or something," Hwan jokes, leaning forward with a grin. "Imagine her showing up at one of our concerts in disguise."
272Please respect copyright.PENANATViMQMeRoI
"Or maybe she's just really into motorcycles," Jaesang said with a shrug. "But honestly, she made an impression. I don't think any of us will forget her anytime soon."
272Please respect copyright.PENANA45o5E91Uvr
Jiyoo smiled at the playful banter but seemed lost in thought. "Who knows? Maybe we'll run into her again. It's funny how some people just have that kind of presence. She wasn't just passing through; she left an impression. Maybe she's someone special."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAqEFawwfYVK
The group laughed together, but Jiyoo's lingering curiosity seemed to fuel their collective fascination with the mysterious girl. His lips faltered into a frown at the thought of her, not knowing how they are able to deal with her by the time they see her. The conversation drifted to other topics, but the image of the girl on the motorcycle stayed with them, lingering like an unsolved puzzle—one that would perhaps remain in their minds for much longer than they'd expected.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzDThTtIZhl
As the group relaxed after the interviews and performances, the conversation shifted to memories from their past. Jiyoo was casually scrolling through his phone, checking messages, when Taeyun, who had been quietly lost in thought as well, suddenly looked up at him with a hint of uncertainty in his eyes.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAxDGe8BfN9B
"Hey, Jiyoo," Taeyun began, rubbing the back of his neck in that familiar way he always did when he was trying to remember something. "Do you... do you ever think about our old high school friend? The one who used to hang out with us all the time? I... I can't seem to remember her name, and it's bugging me."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdeauPYeTLr
Jiyoo paused and looked up, his brow furrowing slightly. He wasn't sure where he was going with this, but he nodded in recognition. "Yeah, I remember her. She was always so cheerful, always got us into trouble with her wild ideas, right?" she said with a nostalgic smile, leaning back in her chair.
272Please respect copyright.PENANATPvcfoWHhf
Taeyun's eyes lit up, slightly relieved that Jiyoo shared his memory. "Exactly! She was the one who dragged us into that crazy camping trip where we ended up staying out all night. Remember how we almost got caught by the teachers because we snuck out?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQPPRBnPcp7
Jiyoo chuckled faintly at the memory, clearly evoking fondness. "How could I forget? She made us promise to keep it a secret, and we almost failed miserably when you accidentally spilled the beans to Mr. Dong. But the name... you're right. It's on the tip of my tongue. It's like I can see her face, but the name is just slipping away. What was it again?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANA9c3nip8NuO
Taeyun tapped his fingers on his knee, trying to jog his memory. "I can picture her too—her laugh, her messy hair, those ridiculous neon-colored sneakers she used to wear—but the name's just not coming to me."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAAL59EZ0YzA
Jiyoo tilted his head with his thoughtful expression. "It's strange, isn't it? You spend so much time with someone, and then it's like their name just vanishes one day. I feel like if I heard it, it'd come rushing back."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAFjcvrgymBL
For a moment, the two of them sat in silence, each mentally sifting through the haze of their high school days. Then, Taeyun suddenly snapped his fingers, his eyes widening. "Wait, wait! I think I got it! Wasn't it... Hana? Yeah, Hana! That was her name."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAoi6p5D9Nv7
Jiyoo's face broke into a smile as if a door had just been unlocked, but he was beginning to doubt a little and sighed. "I guess so. She was such a big part of our group. I wonder what she's up to now. Do you think she's still around?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANANDdeHP2kh4
Taeyun leaned back with a contented sigh, clearly relieved that he'd finally solved the puzzle. "I hope so. She was always so full of energy. I bet she's off doing something amazing. Maybe one day we'll run into her again. Wouldn't that be wild?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4LJCgS2DSS
Jiyoo nodded, her eyes sparkling with a mix of nostalgia and curiosity. "It would be so good to catch up with her. If we ever find her again, we need to make sure we don't let her drag us into another one of her crazy schemes."
272Please respect copyright.PENANA3y3yIp4G5A
The two of them shared a laugh, the memory of Hana and their high school days bringing a sense of warmth and camaraderie. For a brief moment, it felt as though no time had passed at all, as if they could simply pick up where they left off, no matter how much had changed since then.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAgMGgJQAWdg
Curiosity still lingering from their conversation about their former high school friend, Jiyoo and the others decided to take matters into their own hands. They weren't about to let the mystery of Hana's whereabouts go unsolved. After all, it had been years since they last saw her, but the memory of her vivacious personality was still fresh in their minds.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAZbmDB335DT
"Alright," Jiyoo said, tapping his phone screen and turning it toward the group. "Let's see if we can find any trace of her online. Maybe there's a picture or something. I bet if we Google her name, we'll find something."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAcbZG74xHji
Taeyun, still looking thoughtful, grabbed his own phone. "I'll help too. I remember Hana was pretty active on social media back then. If she's still around, maybe we can find her profile or an old post."
Hwan leaned in, his curiosity piqued. "I feel like we should search for some of her old interests too. Remember how obsessed she was with music, art, and writing? Maybe those hobbies are still part of her life."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAvMuziFAGuL
As they began searching, typing in various combinations of her name, past school activities, and hobbies, the group fell into a quiet rhythm. Each of them scanning their screens for any leads. After a few minutes of fruitless searching, Hwan suddenly gasped.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAKQ9vtatFBO
"Wait, hold on! I think I found something..." he said, his voice rising with excitement. The others crowded around, peering over his shoulder at the screen. A photo appeared—an old group shot from high school, with their faces obscured by time, but there she was. Hana. Her hair was in a messy ponytail, her signature neon sneakers visible beneath her faded jeans with her eyeglasses on.
272Please respect copyright.PENANA3r246kOeaX
"That's definitely her!" Jiyoo exclaimed. "I can't believe it, this is like a time capsule."
272Please respect copyright.PENANABUD2CZWYIe
"But this is just an old picture," Taeyun said, furrowing his brows. "Let's see if there's anything more recent."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAW2rOm8gAkf
After more searching, Jiyoo's eyes widened as he came across an article that seemed a bit out of place. It was about a recent award ceremony where a mysterious figure had taken the spotlight, receiving the "Platinum" award from Big Prime, an influential and high-profile company in the music and entertainment industry. The headline immediately caught his eye: "The Imposter Who Took Big Prime's Platinum Award by Storm."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAMS0aeFQHNA
As the group huddled around Jiyoo's phone, examining the article about the mysterious imposter and the "Platinum" award, a sudden thought struck Jiyoo—something that had been lingering at the back of his mind ever since their earlier conversation about the girl on the motorcycle. With a small smirk playing on his lips, he reached into his bag, pulling out a small, unassuming device.
The group turned to look at him in puzzlement.
272Please respect copyright.PENANASoPapaPYN0
"What's that?" Ryung asked, his eyebrows furrowing as he eyed the object curiously.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAnfPqRJ8KpF
Jiyoo held it up, letting it glint under the dim backstage lights. "It's a mini dot tracking device. I might have accidentally planted it on the motorcycle earlier today," he said, his tone playful but also a little mischievous. "I figured, why not? If this girl on the motorcycle was really as interesting as we thought, maybe we'd get lucky and track down where she went."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAGLlnxad27e
The rest of the group stared at her in stunned silence for a moment, before laughter erupted around the room.
272Please respect copyright.PENANARwSIyATy3e
"Wait, you what?" Taeyun asked, shaking his head in disbelief. "You threw a tracker on her motorcycle without telling us? And you're just telling us now?!"
272Please respect copyright.PENANAE2nkEP7iqK
Jiyoo shrugged nonchalantly. "I mean, I had a feeling there was more to her than just being some random biker. I figured if we were gonna find out anything, we needed to follow the trail. Plus, I didn't think anyone would notice."
272Please respect copyright.PENANADhmg1d3sit
Jaesang's eyes widened as he leaned closer to the device in her hand. "That's... that's actually really clever. But are you sure it's even still there? She could've figured it out by now."
272Please respect copyright.PENANA3rDqtLgx46
Jiyoo sighed, holding up his phone. "I checked earlier, and it's still working perfectly. It's connected to this app. We should be able to track her exact location. Honestly, I didn't expect it to be this easy. I mean, what's the worst that could happen? Either we track her to her destination, or we just chalk it up."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAPNheEBYMGl
Hwan shook his head, still trying to process the situation. "I can't believe you actually did this. It's a little... over the top, don't you think? I mean, tracking someone like that... it's kind of borderline creepy."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAhRd83yHOzo
"I wasn't tracking her for no reason," Jiyoo quickly defended. "I just wanted to understand who she is. After all, she was an interesting part of our day. I mean, come on, she was acting like she had something to prove—or maybe she was running away from something. Either way, it's worth investigating."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAAAxGv7k3Xz
"Besides, we are already involved in this situation, so we might as well just get on with this," Taeyun said in agreement with his best friend.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAx7B2snIJIA
"Right," Min-jun muttered with a nod.
272Please respect copyright.PENANA0tOFBuKJRC
The group fell quiet as they stared at the small device, which blinks steadily on Jiyoo's phone, showing the motorcycle's movement across the map. It was a few streets away from the broadcasting station, and the device had been tracking her for the past few hours. The blip on the map seemed to stop near an unfamiliar area—a part of the city none of them recognized.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzEGPHIxgEY
"Look," Jiyoo said, zooming in on the map, "it looks like she's stopped near this warehouse area. That's... strange, right? It's not exactly a place where people usually hang out."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAiJOdrTINsE
"I've heard of that part of town," Taeyun said slowly, narrowing his eyes. "It's kind of off the beaten path. A lot of shady stuff happens around there. Maybe she's just keeping it low?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANAeyIRihguBI
"Maybe," Jiyoo said, his voice trailing off. "But I don't think that's it. Something about this feels intentional. And if Hana is also somehow involved in all of this, it might be exactly where we need to go."
272Please respect copyright.PENANASi2yYfhsQ3
Joon-woo leaned back, clearly intrigued, though a little uneasy. "So, we're actually going to check this place out? After everything we've been talking about? What if this is all a huge coincidence?"
"Or maybe," Ryung said thoughtfully. "We've just stumbled on something bigger than we expected. We won't know unless we take the chance."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzePTgoxVJl
The tension in the room was palpable as they all exchanged looks, uncertainty hanging in the air. The device on Jiyoo's phone blinked again, confirming that the motorcycle was still there, stationary. The warehouse district was dark and quiet on the map, giving the group an eerie feeling.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzh77Ue27Ee
"Alright," Jiyoo finally said, his voice firm with resolve. "We're doing this. We've come this far, and if this is really connected to Hana—or whatever she's become now—we need to know. Let's go."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAM7US4lQuRr
"Wait," Hwan said, hesitating for a moment. "You're not seriously suggesting we follow her, right? I mean, what if we're walking right into something dangerous? This could be a trap."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAAaxfjI98qA
"I didn't think it through," Jiyoo admitted with a slight wince. "But we can't just sit here wondering. I don't know about you guys, but I've got a gut feeling this might be the clue we've been waiting for. Besides, we've faced worse things before. Let's just stick together and be careful."
272Please respect copyright.PENANALtr0OPn29r
With that being said, the group stood up from their seats as their minds continued to race with possibilities. They prepared to leave the comfort of their backstage lounge.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYcslJW02Zu
Jiyoo, holding the tracking device in his hand, felt the pulse of excitement and uncertainty surge through him. Whatever was waiting for them at the warehouse, they would soon find out together.
It was already past 11 pm and the air was already thick with anticipation, just when the K-East members quietly slipped out of the Prime building area. They knew the next steps in their plan wouldn't be easy, but they were committed.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAvCb7lyK0Sq
With Jiyoo and the others planning to investigate the mysterious location from the tracking device, K-East's role was clear; they needed to cause a distraction. The security guards who patrolled the perimeter of the building were sharp, and if they wanted to make it out unnoticed, they'd have to act fast.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAEM9YYRaWvZ
Ryung glanced at the others and nodded. "Alright, here's the deal," he whispered, his voice low but confident. "We need to keep the guards occupied while the others head out. We'll create a diversion on the east side of the building to pull them away. The fewer eyes on the exits, the better."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAkFjoWuaN5f
Hwan always up for some action, grinned. "I've got an idea. I'll set off some of the alarms in the parking garage. That should get their attention."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAFaZup5zGha
"Perfect," Jaesang added, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Once they're distracted by that, we can slip out through the loading dock. If we time it right, they won't even know we've gone."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAnN7Ie44rDz
The plan was simple, but it required precision. Taeyun, who had been keeping watch, gave a quick nod. "There's a guard near the back entrance. I'll make sure he's busy. If anything goes wrong, I'll handle it."
272Please respect copyright.PENANArT6nKnBOWN
The group split into their roles, moving swiftly through the building's hallways, each member walking with the practiced confidence of those who knew how to blend in. Hwan and Joon-woo slipped down the corridor toward the service elevators, their steps light and quiet.
272Please respect copyright.PENANA56lLgz2SyJ
Meanwhile, Jiyoo and Taeyun headed toward the underground parking garage. Jaesang, already with a gleam in his eyes, pushed open a door that led to a dimly lit stairwell. "Here's where the fun begins," he muttered. As they descended to the lower levels, the sound of muffled conversations and the low hum of machinery echoed off the concrete walls. Ryung's eyes darted to a panel near the garage's entrance—a series of security alarms that could be easily triggered if one knew what they were doing.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAoibEhe6OwL
"I'll hit the button," Ryung said, pulling his hood lower over his head as he neared the panel. "This'll get them running in circles."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAElbVavgbtk
Taeyun kept watch with his eyes trained on the hallway to ensure they weren't spotted. "Make it quick," he urged, his voice tense but controlled.
272Please respect copyright.PENANATxDtQGZQHb
Ryung's fingers went flying over the panel. The alarms blared to life—loud, piercing, and sharp. The sound reverberated through the entire parking structure, instantly alerting every security guard in the area.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAd82f25hwZU
In an instant, the place was in chaos.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAKzzIKQDcyL
All the guards went scrambling to identify the cause of the disturbance, shouting to each other as they dashed through the garage.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAqIbvpiGpTO
With the alarms ringing in the distance, the tension among the K-East members mounted.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAUlPvkVBCcx
Hwan and Joon-woo, now in position by the loading dock, watched as the guards, confused by the sudden noise, moved toward the parking garage. "This is our window," Hwan said under his breath, glancing at Joon-woo, who nodded in agreement.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjuJjHgTAAu
They took a few quick steps toward the exit, the sound of the alarms masking their movements.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAA6RJw3uprY
As the guards were preoccupied, the group moved with fluidity, their actions quick and decisive. They crossed the parking lot unnoticed, slipping out of the building through a side door that led into an alley. The quiet of the night felt like a breath of relief after the chaos they had just set in motion.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAEQGI3HnewR
"Let's go," Hwan said, a hint of excitement in his voice. "We've got just enough time to follow the others before anyone realizes we've left."
272Please respect copyright.PENANA82hUlU8v6H
They moved swiftly through the back streets, their steps light as they made their way toward the rendezvous point. The security disturbance had worked exactly as planned, and now they were on their way to join Jiyoo and the rest, ready to uncover the truth behind the mystery of the girl on the motorcycle and the enigmatic "Platinum" imposter, which is now known to be the suspect.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAkq767JQJdX
An hour later, K-East had been navigating a labyrinth of confusion and uncertainty since the first tracking alert pinged from Jiyoo's phone. They knew they were getting closer to finding out the identity of the mysterious figures who had been making their lives increasingly difficult, but every new piece of information only seemed to raise more questions.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQZvFeO1iFI
Ryung's knuckles gripped the steering wheel of his car as he maneuvered through the streets. His mind was racing, trying to piece together the puzzle. The suspect, who had been leaving cryptic traces all around, was now heading to another location—likely to hide, possibly to meet someone else.
272Please respect copyright.PENANASgLbMlEgKt
"Do you think it's all the same person?" Joon-woo asked, breaking the silence in the car. His voice was quiet but intense, reflecting the unease they were both feeling.
272Please respect copyright.PENANASF3MG5O5Ub
Hwan's gaze stayed focused on the road ahead. "I don't know, but it doesn't make sense that we're dealing with three different people. Everything lines up too perfectly, almost like they're one step ahead of us." His words were laced with doubt, and yet, deep down, he felt something more sinister was at play—someone pulling the strings.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAXyUcFapCMC
Joon-woo nodded, tapping his fingers against the dashboard. "The 'Platinum' imposter, the girl on the motorcycle, and the other person—if they're all the same person, we're dealing with someone incredibly dangerous, someone who knows how to manipulate everyone around them."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAlSFEQaCIdB
Hwan frowned. "But if it's one person, how do you explain the different personalities? Different skill sets? It doesn't add up."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAEWxt73pQPs
Joon-woo sighed, leaning back in his seat. "That's the part that scares me. We're not just chasing a person anymore. We might be chasing an entire identity, a fake life."
272Please respect copyright.PENANACfr39HJD5d
Concurrently, Min-jun, Jiyoo, and Jaesang were in Taeyun's car, equally tense but determined.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAShJkcVA3Cg
Jiyoo kept his eyes trained on the phone, watching the tracking signal pulse on the screen. "The suspect just exited the warehouse," he said, his voice steady but tinged with worry. "We need to move fast."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAAOHnn6CUkz
Jaesang, who was sitting behind him, couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. "What if it's not just one person? What if there are multiple imposters working together?" He had been vocal about his suspicions since the beginning, always hinting at the possibility of a larger conspiracy.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAaZJqjEyUvy
Min-jun's eyes narrowed as he analyzed the data Jiyoo had just relayed. "We can't assume that. If it's multiple people, we're not just dealing with an imposter—this is a coordinated effort. We need to figure out if we're chasing a single person or if we're up against a bigger web of deception."
272Please respect copyright.PENANA9Md4czp6KU
Jiyoo exchanged a glance with Taeyun, who was focused on driving but visibly tense. "Do you think the girl on the motorcycle could be one of them?" He asked, already knowing the answer but wanting to hear it aloud.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAHc1OGhCZpl
"I don't think she's connected to the Platinum imposter directly," he said, his tone calm but firm. "But it's possible she's working with them—or at least knows something about them. If she's involved, it's more than just a coincidence. She might be the key to uncovering the entire operation."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAeVbKuGo7n4
Jaesang leaned forward and said suspiciously. "What if there's no 'Platinum' imposter? What if we're seeing the same person in different forms? A master of disguise?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANAHvFTH3qRjh
Jiyoo shook his head and said. "Then, we're dealing with a genius."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAd0V3vl7mCe
They all knew the stakes. The mystery of the Platinum imposter, Hyun-Aera's imposter, and the girl on the motorcycle that leaves warehouse traces was far bigger than any of them had anticipated.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAZkNdZx7aLl
The decision was clear now that the group had split up, agreeing that staying together would only increase the risk of being detected. They would have to rely on their individual skills, knowledge, and instincts to track down the mysterious figures. The distance between them felt like it could be a death sentence, but it was the only way forward.
272Please respect copyright.PENANARLGKOceyGc
Hwan and Joon-woo kept their eyes peeled for any sign of the suspect's next move, hoping the trail would lead them to the imposter's true identity. Along with Min-jun, Jiyoo, Taeyun, and Jaesang, they were on a parallel track, hoping to catch any clues that would tie the motorcycle girl to the Platinum imposter—or reveal that they were the same person all along.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAfnAC3jGdLl
The tension was palpable in both cars as they sped through the night, each member wondering the same thing: Who was behind all of this?
272Please respect copyright.PENANABYYPjVT09J
They all had just begun to process the information they had gathered when Jiyoo's phone buzzed, signaling another new tracking alert. The notification was a sharp jolt to their already heightened senses. His eyes quickly scanned the message, and he immediately relayed the news to the others, his voice calm but with a trace of urgency.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAsDJWYsQWPk
"The suspect just exited the warehouse. They're on the move again. Heading to another location—likely somewhere in hiding," Jiyoo announced, his tone firm as his fingers hovered over the screen, zooming in on the map that showed the suspect's next possible destination.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzySPI4LD5n
Min-jun was quick to lean forward, his brows furrowed with concern. "Another place? This person's been on the move all night. How long are we going to keep chasing shadows?" His frustration was palpable, but his voice never wavered.
272Please respect copyright.PENANA2ln11NwqFG
Jaesang, sitting behind Jiyoo in the backseat, gave a slight shake of his head. "We can't assume it's just one person anymore. How do they keep getting away? The fact they're using different locations to hide only proves they know we're onto them. We might be dealing with someone who's more than just an imposter."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAJStYWoy9c2
Taeyun, focused on the road ahead, threw a quick glance toward the rearview mirror at the others. "We can't afford to second-guess now. We have one chance to catch up to them before they disappear again. No more hesitation."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAJIe5hv2Mrh
Jiyoo nodded and glanced back at his phone, fingers quickly typing out a message to Ryung and the others in the other car. "We need to move fast. Hyungs, you're not far from the next location. Stay sharp."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAly20ev3iSr
The silence in the car was thick as they all processed the weight of the moment. It was clear that this wasn't just about finding an imposter anymore—it was about uncovering the tangled web of deception that had been carefully spun around them.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAepoZQSdpdR
Jiyoo exhaled sharply. "Do you think it's all connected? The two imposters and the girl on the motorcycle... Is it the same person doing all of this?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANAipNqEe4XOg
Min-jun's lips tightened as he thought for a moment. "I can't say for sure, but whoever they are, they're trying to lead us in circles. I'd bet anything they're expecting us to make a mistake, and we can't let that happen." He paused, his expression hardening. "If it's the same person, they're playing us like puppets."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAat2eyXxt5W
Jaesang added. "It could be three different people, but at this point, I don't think we can rule anything out. One thing's for sure—whoever this is, they're dangerous."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAZJv09SW58d
Taeyun nodded, keeping his eyes on the road. "We split up. They won't expect that. We'll each head to different points and try to surround the suspect."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdFuKcU6pe1
The car sped toward the next location as the weight of the chase hung over them. The suspect was slipping through their fingers yet again, but they couldn't afford to lose track of them now. They needed to know who was behind this, and why they were being hunted. The answers felt just out of reach, but the team was determined to get them—no matter what it took.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAtubOmmpLTN
As the K-East members drew closer to their destination, they all knew the time for subtlety was over. The moment had come for them to close in on the suspect, and they had no intention of letting anyone escape.
After a quick exchange of messages, they decided to split their efforts further to ensure that no one would escape unnoticed.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAlynLW0HVGu
Hwan, Joon-woo, and Ryung's car took up position at the first exit, their eyes scanning the surrounding area with acute focus. The parking garage they were positioned near had only two exits, and they knew the suspect would need to leave through one of them. With their car parked in a narrow lane, they blocked the path without drawing attention. The faint hum of the engine was the only sound that accompanied their tense silence.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAyP5xFtIW9h
Ryung kept his gaze locked on the exit, every instinct telling him that this would be the moment the suspect would make their move. "We can't let them get away this time," he muttered under his breath, gripping the steering wheel. His voice was low, but determination radiated from him. Joon-woo, sitting in the passenger seat, nodded grimly.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmQU4LZE5BN
"If they try to leave this way, we're stopping them—no hesitation," Ryung glanced in the rearview mirror, his eyes constantly scanning for movement, hoping that the others on the other side had set up their block too.
272Please respect copyright.PENANA663RdLcyyX
On the other side of the building, Min-jun, Taeyun, and Jaesang were ready to execute their own part of the plan.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAbXS0qNPvs1
Their car was parked at the second exit, hidden in the shadows of a nearby building, giving them a clear view of anyone who might attempt to leave. They'd been waiting for what felt like an eternity, but now the final pieces were in place. Min-jun was the first to speak, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. "This is it. No one leaves through here without us knowing. We've got this side covered."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAPm7coSLHjv
Jaesang gave a quick nod and peered out of the window, scanning for any sign of movement. "We've got a clear line of sight. If they try to sneak out, we'll be right on them." His voice was confident, but there was an edge of urgency in it. They knew they couldn't afford any mistakes. Taeyun, always the calm presence in the group, checked his watch before speaking up. "Stay alert. They'll be expecting something, and we need to catch them off guard. If they get away, we're back to square one."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAp7jcByPT6m
The minutes had passed and the team was now in position, silently waiting. Each member is aware of the immense pressure to act swiftly and decisively. The exits were covered, and there would be no way for the imposters to escape without facing one of them.
272Please respect copyright.PENANADCEjLP8yuX
Jiyoo sat in the backseat of Taeyun's car, his eyes focused on the tracking device in his hand. The steady beeping of the signal was the only sound breaking the tense silence among the team. His mind raced, trying to make sense of the next move. The imposters were close, but they had yet to make any decisive moves. His fingers gently gripped the device as he looked up at the team.
272Please respect copyright.PENANA1A4g3S01ba
"I'll go," Jiyoo said, his voice calm but unwavering. It was a decision he had made at that moment, knowing the urgency of their situation. His gaze flickered to each of his teammates, his eyes hardening with resolve. "I'm the one who can track them down. With this device, I can follow their trail without being detected."
272Please respect copyright.PENANATlV0pzbIQg
Taeyun, who had been silent up until then, turned to look at him, his expression both concerned and approving. "Are you sure? It's risky. We don't know what we're walking into."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAUYlUJsP92h
Jiyoo gave a small nod, his confidence in his skills shining through despite the stakes. "I'm sure. I can handle it. Besides, it's the best shot we've got." He met Taeyun's gaze firmly, making it clear that this was the right move.
272Please respect copyright.PENANANFpUWLRb9M
Min-jun, sitting beside Jaesang, leaned in forward and his brow furrowed. "We trust you, Jiyoo. Just... be careful. If anything feels off, you come back immediately."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVD6X8kDUri
Jiyoo's eyes softened, a flicker of gratitude passing through them. "I will. I'll stay in touch. Just keep the exits covered, okay?"
272Please respect copyright.PENANAymgmDDk5wO
With a final look of determination, Jiyoo opened the car door and stepped out into the night air. His team's voices faded as he moved, the sound of the tracking device in his hand now the only constant. The darkness around him felt almost suffocating, but he was used to the shadows. He had always preferred them. With each step, he became more focused on the mission at hand.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAxuriy1KzqH
He carefully made his way through the tall grass and the wind rustling softly around him near the building. His mind racing as the beeping from the tracking device guided him closer to the target. The device vibrates slightly, a signal that they were nearing the source. Jiyoo's eyes narrowed as he approached a massive, seemingly abandoned building up ahead. It looked like an old crack house—abandoned, with no signs of recent activity. But the device was pulsing stronger now.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjcL6yTGUGJ
"This is it," he muttered to himself, his voice barely audible above the wind. The crack house stood like a dark sentinel, its walls cracked and covered in grime. The windows were boarded up, and the heavy door hung half open, as if inviting him to step inside.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAFTxkIJp4KK
Jiyoo hesitated for a moment, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end. Something felt off about this place, but his instincts told him this was where he needed to be. He glanced back at the car, reassuring himself that his team was covering the exits. He had no time to waste.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjozsm0Z6a3
With a final, quiet breath, Jiyoo took a step forward, making his way toward the entrance of the crack house. He was closing in on the truth, and nothing was going to stop him now.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAtYVj21qodS
The weight of the mission pressed on him, but he was ready. He had always been the one to track and follow the clues, and now, more than ever, he knew that finding the imposters—and exposing their true identities—was a task that fell squarely on his shoulders.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYq8tuh5O5w
His footsteps were measured, deliberate, each one bringing him closer to the mysterious building ahead. The structure loomed ominously, a large, abandoned crack house standing like a forgotten relic from a bygone era. There was an unsettling silence around it, the kind that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. His tracking device in hand continued to beep, signaling that the suspect was nearby, yet there was something off about this place. It didn't feel right.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAoW3F9wg9H1
Jiyoo took a deep breath, steeling himself before moving closer to the cracked door. With a quiet push, he entered, slipping into the shadows without a sound. His footsteps echoed lightly on the floorboards, but he moved with purpose, his eyes scanning the dimly lit interior. Dust particles floated in the air, creating an eerie stillness as if the building hadn't been disturbed in years. It was a strange place to find the truth, but his gut told him that this was where the imposters had been hiding.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAHFdHPplzEY
He made his way deeper into the building, moving cautiously through the rooms. Each step was deliberate, his breathing quiet and controlled as he searched for any sign of life—or any clue that would bring him closer to unraveling the mystery. His heart beat steadily in his chest, but the air was thick with tension, making every creak of the floorboards feel magnified.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAXdjWi6fvIc
As he entered a narrow hallway, his foot nudged something small and metallic. It rolled with a soft clink, echoing through the room. Jiyoo froze, his eyes darting toward the sound. A small tin can, old and worn, had moved slightly across the floor. He narrowed his eyes and took a careful step forward, unsure of what he had just triggered. But before he could make another move, the can tipped over, spilling a few small contents as it rolled. Then, without warning, it let out a faint hiss as a haze of smoke began to pour from it.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAyVxzoMbvn5
Jiyoo's instincts flared, and he took a sharp breath, eyes widening in realization. *A trap.* He had no time to think. The smoke filled the room quickly, swirling and thickening around him, making it hard to see. He stumbled backward, coughing, his heart racing. The air was heavy, almost suffocating, and the smoke seemed to distort everything around him.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAif21jdoSQG
"Damn it!" Jiyoo muttered under his breath, his voice strained as he covered his mouth, trying to hold his breath. He had walked straight into a carefully laid trap. Panic surged briefly, but he shook it off, focusing on the mission. He had to stay calm.
272Please respect copyright.PENANA2qOD5yWKK5
The smoke swirled and thickened, reducing visibility to nearly nothing, but Jiyoo was trained for situations like this. He pulled out a small flashlight from his pocket, flicking it on and cutting through the haze. His eyes scanned the room in the dim light, trying to find any clue, any trace of the imposters—anything that could lead him to their true identity.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVvcQL8IYzz
"Stay calm, Jiyoo," he whispered to himself, his voice steadier now. "Focus. This is just another obstacle." He stepped forward cautiously, trying to make his way deeper into the house, his flashlight scanning the dark corners. The smoke seemed to be everywhere, growing thicker with every passing second. His fingers tightened around the flashlight, determined not to let the trap defeat him.
272Please respect copyright.PENANA99rRRkjMkp
Then, as the smoke began to clear, Jiyoo's instincts screamed at him—something wasn't right. The building was still silent, but the air felt wrong. He took a slow, deliberate step forward, keeping his eyes peeled for any sign of movement. His hand slid to his side, readying for whatever came next.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAFxkoVqYY2R
The mystery of the imposters was about to get even more dangerous.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAEYE3X1qFU9
Jiyoo's lungs burned as the smoke thickened around him, forcing him to cough violently. His hand shot up to cover his nose, but it didn't help much. The air was dense, and his vision blurred, the flashlight's beam slicing through the haze but revealing little. His mind raced, trying to make sense of what was happening. He had fallen right into their trap, but he couldn't let panic take over. *Stay focused. You're close. Don't let them get away.*
272Please respect copyright.PENANAsozUNrn3Ve
Just as he took another step forward, his head was suddenly struck hard from behind. The force sent a shock of pain through his skull, and his vision blurred for a split second. He stumbled, the impact dizzying him for a moment. But before he could react further, his training kicked in—his body responding instinctively.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAfuFMY1umfL
He spun around sharply, his muscles tense and ready. In one smooth motion, he delivered a spinning kick, his leg slicing through the air with precision. The kick landed solidly, connecting with the chest of his attacker. The force sent the imposter crashing to the floor with a heavy thud. Jiyoo's heart raced, his breath coming in quick bursts, but he didn't stop. He quickly moved into a defensive stance, his eyes scanning the area, searching for any more threats.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAiYwdfD2Qqv
The figure on the ground groaned, dazed but still conscious. Jiyoo stood over them, his breath steady despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins. The person was dressed in black, their face partially hidden beneath a dark mask, making it hard to tell who they were. The smoke still lingered in the air, but Jiyoo's focus was sharp now, honed in on his fallen attacker.
272Please respect copyright.PENANA756LFvXfQy
"Who are you?!" Jiyoo demanded, his voice cold as he moved closer, eyes narrowing.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAZRYfJx6xo9
The imposter groaned again, but didn't respond, their body still twitching slightly from the impact.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAo7bQ5zVK2t
Jiyoo's mind continued to race. This wasn't just some random trap—this was the person he had been chasing. He had them now, and he wasn't about to let them slip away, but something didn't sit right. The smoke, the ambush, and the eerie silence of the crack house—everything felt too staged, too deliberate.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAvFKQHyesjv
He knelt down, his hand hovering over the imposter's mask. "If you won't talk, I'll make you," he muttered under his breath, his fingers twitching in anticipation. But before he could pull the mask away, the sound of footsteps echoed in the distance—someone else was coming.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAiDB731xvIO
Jiyoo's grip tightened, and his mind snapped back into focus. He wasn't alone anymore.
272Please respect copyright.PENANA5MtVEZX1Pd
The imposter, still on the ground, managed to regain their bearings faster than Jiyoo had anticipated. In an instant, they lunged at him with their hands grabbing for the Platinum object. They were now locked in a desperate struggle as their bodies twisting and turning as they fought for control of the object. The room around them seemed to spin in a chaotic blur of motion, the thick smoke only adding to the confusion.
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6Pa4FXNRQG
Jiyoo's breath came in sharp gasps as he struggled to keep the suspect pinned down. They were stronger than he expected, especially their movements fueled by a fierce determination.
272Please respect copyright.PENANASckvDvWXdT
The sound of their struggle echoed throughout the crack house as their bodies crashed into walls. The floor shook beneath them as they tangled. He could feel the cold, hard object slipping through his fingers, but he wasn't about to give up that easily.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAEMAgeXOg2g
"Let go of it!" Jiyoo growled, trying to wrench the Platinum object free from their grip, but they weren't having it.
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4XjmYqhFRp
They kicked him by sending him stumbling back, but he quickly regained his stance, stepping forward to wrestle her down once more. The object continued to slide between their hands, rolling off their bodies with every shift and struggle.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAIu8QjLTtCt
In the heat of the battle, the two of them collided with the wall in the corner of the room. The force of the impact rattled the nearby furniture, and the Platinum object was sent flying, landing with a heavy thud against the ground.
272Please respect copyright.PENANA2jmuIUgZat
Both of them stopped for a split second, eyes flicking toward the object, but neither made a move to grab it. The tension in the room was palpable, the fight far from over.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAafh81Jbm04
With a swift motion, Jiyoo toppled over her, his body pinning hers to the floor. She squirmed underneath him, her hands clawing at his chest as she fought with everything she had.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAckRrhRCKFk
As they struggled, something unexpected happened. The helmet that had been so securely fastened to their head slipped free, tumbling off and revealing her face.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAI3gslVY1YK
Jiyoo froze for a brief moment, eyes widening in bewilderment and disbelief.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAyaCZ88amQ3
Underneath the mask was a woman that he recognized as she stared back at him, full of alarm, timidity, and defiance.
272Please respect copyright.PENANArHYvxKcAU7
The mystery was thickening and the same person he had been expecting, but the situation didn't allow him time to process it.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAefwRaV7gvn
Jiyoo's eyes grew wider at the person that revealed herself, which shook him to the point that he had seen a ghost.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAMW9cn1vAfQ
"You are...!"
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVHDmrUvzVO
She glistened back and forth at him in astonishment for about a few seconds, then bolted upright by backing away. Her hair swiftly tossed behind her just as she held her gun directly at him before she clicked it and commanded him firmly.
272Please respect copyright.PENANASn92X6r9Kh
"Stop! Don't come any closer..."
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4xlJK8bE3D
Jiyoo halted on his tracks, so he then glowered at the sight of her bracelet that struck him to a realization by saying slowly. "Valerie.... After all this time..."
272Please respect copyright.PENANAMUOmn6dQqN
She made no response to him whatsoever since she kept her impassive gaze at him fiercely.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAbBL58dRV7O
"Your name isn't Hana, nor is it Hyun-Aera... it's Yon-hae..." Jiyoo enunciated carefully and repeated in a daze.
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVDVdJd5dhQ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAIfLRyRyjwg
272Please respect copyright.PENANAPig4Ttqrom
272Please respect copyright.PENANAxUuzqpH1zZ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAwM9URfcWOz
272Please respect copyright.PENANAnGBLm5M5a3
272Please respect copyright.PENANAUTueTrW5z2
272Please respect copyright.PENANAoNxtzVsFCF
272Please respect copyright.PENANAW9IYFaI2pH
272Please respect copyright.PENANAlXoz4PfkdT
272Please respect copyright.PENANAapx4jUDB4v
272Please respect copyright.PENANAe2dglPFGSF
"Yon-hae Lockhart..."The air in the private conference room was thick with anticipation. The walls, soundproofed to ensure no outside interference, provided an almost suffocating sense of privacy. The only light came from a sleek overhead lamp casting a cold glow on the glossy, dark wood table at the center of the room. Si-woo sat at the head of the table, fingers drumming lightly against the surface as he glanced at the clock on the wall. He was waiting for someone—another mysterious figure in the world of K-pop who, despite being an idol, had managed to maintain an elusive and almost ghostly presence in the industry.272Please respect copyright.PENANAISNxZqWW9p
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQ1tOyYaKWn
272Please respect copyright.PENANARJp6aO9Wbv
The door creaked open, and Si-woo's gaze immediately snapped toward the entrance. Standing there was none other than Tracer, a top-tier K-pop idol with a reputation that made even the most powerful figures in the entertainment industry look over their shoulders. His striking appearance, chiseled features, and air of quiet dominance had made him one of the most sought-after idols in the world. But it wasn't just his fame that made him valuable. Tracer had connections—dangerous ones—and Si-woo needed them if he was going to unravel the tangled conspiracy that had been unfolding behind the scenes.272Please respect copyright.PENANAXevB1tRZpC
272Please respect copyright.PENANAPD84ZHThRF
272Please respect copyright.PENANAo9UFSTjw5M
Tracer entered the room without a word, his dark eyes scanning the surroundings before settling on Si-woo. A faint smirk tugged at his lips. "I trust this meeting is as important as you've made it sound, Si-woo," he said in a low, steady voice, his tone filled with quiet authority. "You've called me here for a reason. What is it you want from me?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAWiSaJ66u2U
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdjDuE8qUnQ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAq3VLdbhB14
Si-woo leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "You could say it's a matter of mutual interest," he replied, his voice calm but laced with an undercurrent of tension. "I've been following your movements, Tracer. You're not as invisible as you think. But I'm sure you know that already. You and I, we're not so different. We both have our secrets."272Please respect copyright.PENANAXPIP4kKuPY
272Please respect copyright.PENANAU0AnCw5vwf
272Please respect copyright.PENANAwZiXmDaT4O
Tracer raised an eyebrow, intrigued but still guarded. "Secrets? Everyone in this industry has secrets, Si-woo. It's part of the game. But that doesn't mean I'm in the habit of sharing them."272Please respect copyright.PENANAuqgmUJtLYN
Si-woo's lips curled into a small, almost imperceptible smile. "Not sharing, no. But I think you'll be interested in what I have to offer."272Please respect copyright.PENANAfAiXLCz6YI
272Please respect copyright.PENANAqvCc2tTKNH
272Please respect copyright.PENANARaAXaVpGXS
With a gesture, Si-woo motioned to the other side of the table. "This is Hawk," he said, his tone more formal now, like he was introducing someone of significant importance. "They've been in the shadows, gathering intelligence, tracking the real players behind all the leaks and power struggles within the industry. Hawk is not just any spy, Tracer. They're someone who's been embedded deep within the system, someone who knows what you can't see from the outside."272Please respect copyright.PENANAtDmjQpTIHh
272Please respect copyright.PENANA3hLbyTecon
272Please respect copyright.PENANAyLZYHtjxm1
From the shadows across the room, Tracer stepped forward. Their face was mostly obscured by a dark mask, but their posture was fluid, controlled, and exuded the kind of quiet menace Si-woo knew all too well. As they moved toward the table, Tracer's sharp eyes never left them, a flicker of recognition—or perhaps wariness—flashing across his features.272Please respect copyright.PENANAOeoEXoixpe
272Please respect copyright.PENANAHHPR7ClDN5
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVO4paNoSil
"You?" Tracer asked, his voice edged with surprise. "You're the one who's been pulling the strings behind the scenes?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAlaMKHT1ITd
272Please respect copyright.PENANAK1v1IC4rlp
272Please respect copyright.PENANAxxTHVa1xtG
Hawk didn't respond immediately. Instead, they moved to the opposite end of the table, their eyes locked on Tracer's, studying him with an intensity that seemed to strip him of his composure. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAM10HOb0qRE
272Please respect copyright.PENANAo02oR8WYeP
272Please respect copyright.PENANADtg8HDScCL
Finally, they spoke, their voices deep and clipped. "I've been watching everything," they said. "The leaks, the manipulations, the alliances forming behind closed doors. Everything. I know who's behind the curtain. And I know how to stop them."272Please respect copyright.PENANAd3dJrKlUoL
272Please respect copyright.PENANAU0UWuIombh
272Please respect copyright.PENANAfHF7msF3Hr
Si-woo's eyes flicked between the two of them, sensing the tension in the room. This wasn't just a casual meeting. This was a power play. Kai, despite his calm exterior, was sizing up Hawk, evaluating how much trust he could afford to place in them. After all, a spy like Hawk was a double-edged sword—valuable, yes, but just as dangerous if they decided to play their own game.272Please respect copyright.PENANACeLA0aQ7dy
272Please respect copyright.PENANAkVQMXuD9DF
272Please respect copyright.PENANAegvfXDOGNz
Tracer spoke with his voice cool and calculating. "And what makes you think I need your help, Hawk? I've got my own sources. I don't need some shadow to tell me who's leaking information or sabotaging careers."272Please respect copyright.PENANArCsxqy9S8I
272Please respect copyright.PENANA8jPsifui8L
272Please respect copyright.PENANAX36GgJOYxL
Hawk tilted their head slightly, unfazed by the challenge. "You've got sources, but they're limited. What you don't have are the connections that can take you straight to the core. The ones pulling the strings? They've been operating under the radar for far too long, and you're still hunting for answers. Let me make it simple for you. We either work together, or you keep stumbling in the dark."272Please respect copyright.PENANATuQ6qBCLYG
272Please respect copyright.PENANASxE4mqCupU
272Please respect copyright.PENANAJrfkikuumY
Tracer's gaze hardened, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—a realization that perhaps Hawk was right. He had been running in circles, trying to maintain control, but there were deeper forces at play. Forces that Hawk seemed to understand intimately.272Please respect copyright.PENANAh0fN9qjcR2
272Please respect copyright.PENANAKnjOK8RXiD
272Please respect copyright.PENANAq5Zw2yu4tE
"Any information?" Tracer repeated, his voice quiet but edged with curiosity. 272Please respect copyright.PENANA5aOtIiuPBc
272Please respect copyright.PENANAZJrTC5z8xS
272Please respect copyright.PENANAiptL6SX3SD
Si-woo interjected before Hawk could answer, his tone sharp. "Not just any information. This is the kind that could change everything for you. If you want to know who's really pulling the strings in this industry, if you want to be on top of the game instead of buried beneath it, you need to listen."272Please respect copyright.PENANAkNK3MI4I0b
272Please respect copyright.PENANA1bqrg0lMFY
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVjdrOhIUGs
Hawk finally spoke again, their eyes unwavering. "I've got the names. The players who think they can control the industry. And if you want them to fall, Tracer, you're going to have to get your hands a little dirty."272Please respect copyright.PENANA8TLJO5In6B
272Please respect copyright.PENANAi57NVf73mc
272Please respect copyright.PENANAHeQmVDEQab
The weight of their words settled into the room, and for a long moment, there was silence. Si-woo could feel the tension rising between the two. Tracer was a man of action, and Hawk wasn't offering empty promises. This was a dangerous game, and they were all players in it now.272Please respect copyright.PENANAxMu04skZos
272Please respect copyright.PENANALQCiYelYxz
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWTnjJmD63t
Tracer finally leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving Hawk. "Alright," he said, voice low. "I'll hear you out. But know this—if you betray me, you'll regret it."272Please respect copyright.PENANAaiYEj8br0o
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmqYhI5dv8B
272Please respect copyright.PENANAPmd5oxsmWf
Hawk gave a single nod, their eyes still unreadable behind the mask. "Trust is earned, not given. And right now, we need each other. Let's see where this takes us."272Please respect copyright.PENANABNJndpmPmA
272Please respect copyright.PENANAl0rYdXxXTo
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQDahHLkT18
Si-woo watched as the two of them locked eyes, a new, unspoken understanding passing between them. The alliances were forming, but so were the risks. In this world of hidden power, no one was ever truly safe.272Please respect copyright.PENANAc2ScQpmCCP
272Please respect copyright.PENANAbEdzTtVLPp
272Please respect copyright.PENANAfRWLiNXNMO
...272Please respect copyright.PENANA638OdGyQ7o
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjIFRQToJSs
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmO1937WTHJ
...272Please respect copyright.PENANAHYoYasqH6k
272Please respect copyright.PENANAkkALyRfk8C
272Please respect copyright.PENANAn5NT3nXm8u
...272Please respect copyright.PENANAAuceBREnDn
272Please respect copyright.PENANAOMZx0Ke23x
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdSUEclULyY
Three days later, the conference room was filled with the soft hum of conversation as the K-East team gathered for a crucial private meeting. The walls, adorned with promotional posters of the group's past achievements, seemed almost surreal in the tense atmosphere. The staff had been preparing for this moment for days — the team was about to discuss the upcoming changes to their schedule and the postponement of their highly anticipated GO! K-EAST show.272Please respect copyright.PENANAjNMFd65Lbf
272Please respect copyright.PENANAXQmzhfIW9b
272Please respect copyright.PENANA5jPE7iU6QB
At the head of the table was of course their CEO, Bang Si-woo. His eyes scanned the room, noting the concerned faces of his staff and managers.272Please respect copyright.PENANAqZgX6zRPbH
272Please respect copyright.PENANA3DCUy7Sra1
272Please respect copyright.PENANAMVjX5hEm4K
"Alright, everyone," Si-woo began with his voice calm but authoritative. "Thank you for coming on such short notice. We all know what's at stake here. Today, we need to make some important decisions regarding our schedule and GO! K-EAST."272Please respect copyright.PENANABlCgzTmxjt
272Please respect copyright.PENANAynMWDz4DB6
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVTiWKe0Z2n
He paused to let the gravity of the situation sink in, then continued. "First and foremost, we need to address the delays. We have a lot riding on this show, and the fans have been eagerly waiting for its premiere. Unfortunately, external circumstances have forced our hand. We'll need to push back the date, but before we go into details, let's hear from our head of production."272Please respect copyright.PENANA2ZxyYRc51Y
272Please respect copyright.PENANANzQ5s4QCfB
272Please respect copyright.PENANAXCY2F1FkOP
Director Seo Mi-Na, a seasoned veteran in the entertainment industry, stood up from her seat. She was well-regarded for her ability to keep things moving smoothly, even in chaotic situations.272Please respect copyright.PENANA2QqdKo1HVa
"Thank you, sir Bang," she said, adjusting her glasses as she began speaking. "As you all know, the production crew has encountered several setbacks over the past week. Due to some unforeseen issues with our venue and technical difficulties with the live broadcast setup, the GO! K-EAST show simply cannot go ahead as scheduled."272Please respect copyright.PENANAPjCa7KlvI4
272Please respect copyright.PENANACwDkcpTSKg
272Please respect copyright.PENANA1s6L45YPJv
She paused, flipping through a few notes on her tablet. "We were hoping to resolve the issues quickly, but after consulting with the team and analyzing the logistics, it's clear that rushing the show would not only compromise the quality, but it could also affect the safety of our performers and staff. The new target date, after we account for these delays, would be two weeks from the original date."272Please respect copyright.PENANA9jysziAxs0
272Please respect copyright.PENANA5UH2iymEg5
272Please respect copyright.PENANAUv7yXlv6rg
A murmur of understanding passed through the room. Everyone knew how much the show meant to K-East's reputation, as well as to their fans, but there was no question about the necessity of taking the time to do things properly.272Please respect copyright.PENANAfO2ZWylD3Y
272Please respect copyright.PENANAc3nM6YC7jb
272Please respect copyright.PENANAX3rvzMZCzq
Manager Kim Soo-Hyun, one of the top managers at K-East, leaned forward. "I think we're all in agreement that postponing the show is the right move, but we also need to consider the fallout with our fans. We've already promoted the initial release date heavily on social media and through various media outlets. Fans are excited, but they also expect us to deliver."272Please respect copyright.PENANAAgOQHka1mn
272Please respect copyright.PENANA9o3faLnDO2
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmO9jFSwcwj
Ji-Hoon nodded thoughtfully. "That's a valid point. Our PR team needs to prepare a statement explaining the reasons behind the delay, and we'll need to apologize for the inconvenience. We can also offer them something to keep their spirits up. Maybe a live broadcast event with a special behind-the-scenes segment in the meantime. Director Seo, can we push forward with that idea?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAfYSEnyH2pp
272Please respect copyright.PENANAcrcZFGHWKO
272Please respect copyright.PENANAHwyLwfsAz0
Seo Mi-Na gave a small nod. "Yes, we can arrange a live stream. It would give the fans something exclusive to look forward to while also showing them that we're still working hard behind the scenes."272Please respect copyright.PENANAtKa4KiZCLY
Public Relations Manager Park Eun-Jeong added in, saying. "We'll need to be transparent about the reasons behind the delay and assure our fans that we are committed to making the show the best it can be. I also recommend we offer a sneak peek into some of the unreleased footage or perhaps an interview with the members to keep the excitement alive."272Please respect copyright.PENANAANpiWtBakD
272Please respect copyright.PENANABB74S62Aon
272Please respect copyright.PENANApvokJnM2gy
Ji-Hoon raised an eyebrow at Eun-Jeong's suggestion. "I like the idea of a member-focused interview. Let's get them involved in the communication with the fans. We can even include personal messages from the members about their progress in preparing for the show."272Please respect copyright.PENANAQZk89A6Ixi
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVDqmQrUN4Q
272Please respect copyright.PENANAFU3H05JoqJ
Artistic Director Lee Joo-Hee spoke next, her voice laced with concern. "We have to take into account how this will affect the rest of our schedule. If we push GO! K-EAST back, it could interfere with some of our other planned promotions and events. We'll need to adjust our calendar, especially with the holidays coming up."272Please respect copyright.PENANAAj3pSPhEPO
272Please respect copyright.PENANA5y0Cdf3bqr
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4SaE39E0rb
Ji-Hoon nodded, deep in thought. "We can work around the schedule. Let's push for a clear timeline for GO! K-EAST and then make the necessary adjustments for everything else. We can move some smaller events to accommodate the new show date."272Please respect copyright.PENANAdXOPpGQu5U
Manager Kim Soo-Hyun added, "We may also need to consult with the sponsors and partners. They've been expecting the show on the original date, and we don't want to risk losing their support or causing any strain in our business relationships."272Please respect copyright.PENANAoR5S3oDn23
"Understood," Ji-Hoon said. "I'll have a team reach out to all of our partners and sponsors. We'll ensure they're kept in the loop and that they fully understand the reason behind the delay."272Please respect copyright.PENANATEdAp81Isy
Seo Mi-Na stood again. "Lastly, we need to prioritize the health and wellbeing of our members. We've been pushing them quite hard to prepare for the show, and they've been under a lot of pressure. Let's make sure they have enough time to rest and refresh before we go live."272Please respect copyright.PENANArMuVfsqxkn
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYJ4v096eVN
272Please respect copyright.PENANAIJQrTZMkjj
At the mention of the members' well-being, the room fell quiet for a moment. The group's members had been working tirelessly, and there was always the risk that pushing too hard could lead to burnout or injury.272Please respect copyright.PENANAIEKuJWbhM6
272Please respect copyright.PENANAy5qklFDPLq
272Please respect copyright.PENANAyl63HS3wy0
Ji-Hoon sighed, rubbing his chin. "You're right, Mi-Na. Let's ensure that they have a proper break before we ramp up again. We want them to be at their best, physically and mentally."272Please respect copyright.PENANAUHQCpWElTn
272Please respect copyright.PENANAS6WFNL8071
272Please respect copyright.PENANAIcULYg0J5h
The room hummed with agreement, as everyone understood the importance of balance in the intense world of K-pop.272Please respect copyright.PENANACZfZDkOAu8
272Please respect copyright.PENANAw2dx47naeh
272Please respect copyright.PENANARAHZsYfvQH
Finally, Ji-Hoon addressed the room, his tone decisive. "Alright. Here's the plan: We will officially announce the postponement of GO! K-EAST in a statement, ensuring we give the fans a clear understanding of the situation and offering them a sneak peek. We'll schedule the new show date two weeks out. We'll also have smaller fan events and behind-the-scenes content to keep the energy up. The members will take some well-deserved rest, and our production team will double down on ironing out any remaining issues."272Please respect copyright.PENANABfhveIySpJ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAXjkYXwE0iA
272Please respect copyright.PENANAhWSvoC0YEc
He looked around the room, his expression confident. "This is a temporary setback, but we will turn it into an opportunity. We'll make sure that GO! K-EAST will be the best show we've ever put on. Let's get to work."272Please respect copyright.PENANAUX4HRHrzs0
272Please respect copyright.PENANA8WEqwub8XC
272Please respect copyright.PENANATiH6Uhxhah
As the team nodded in agreement, the mood in the room shifted. While the postponement was a disappointment, there was a sense of unity and determination. The staff knew that this setback was just a stepping stone toward an even greater success.272Please respect copyright.PENANAND3L78dRBT
272Please respect copyright.PENANAt9t1LEYwzd
272Please respect copyright.PENANAuEob0bKX9y
After the meeting wrapped up, the K-East staff slowly filed out of the conference room, their minds already racing with the tasks ahead. Jiyoo, who had been listening attentively throughout the entire discussion, lingered for a moment, gathering his things. As he walked toward the exit, one of the assistants, a young staff member named Min-Ji, approached him with a hesitant expression.272Please respect copyright.PENANA7Mx9pTTjmZ
272Please respect copyright.PENANARzEme1xenq
272Please respect copyright.PENANATCINYgNaFM
"Jiyoo-ssi," Min-Ji called softly, causing him to pause and look back. "Si-woo sunbaenim would like to see you in the main office."272Please respect copyright.PENANAN1JMdI0rT0
272Please respect copyright.PENANAH1N3h00zFn
272Please respect copyright.PENANAREIlwGvDvq
Jiyoo raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. Si-woo was also the company's chief strategist, known for his calm demeanor and his knack for managing even the most chaotic situations. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAOpaVVX2lgT
272Please respect copyright.PENANAOB9y0vk31V
272Please respect copyright.PENANAlLcJ8n4I76
Although Si-woo wasn't one to call people into his office for no reason, Jiyoo couldn't help but feel a slight sense of unease. He glanced back at his members, who were standing together near the door, still discussing the outcome of the meeting.272Please respect copyright.PENANAwIOq2Wzql6
272Please respect copyright.PENANAXacUcdM9xS
272Please respect copyright.PENANAbItMGPy6se
Taeyun, ever the perceptive one, caught Jiyoo's eye. His gaze sharpened with a hint of confusion, and he gave Jiyoo a questioning look. "What's going on, hyung?" he asked with his voice quiet but filled with curiosity. He looked between Jiyoo and Min-Ji, sensing something was up but not quite understanding what.272Please respect copyright.PENANA7HH4eSGkIi
272Please respect copyright.PENANAfvp91AsHzB
272Please respect copyright.PENANAyS8xSPR8MB
Jiyoo gave him a small, reassuring smile. "I'll be fine," he replied, though his tone was slightly uncertain. "It's probably nothing. I'll head over now."272Please respect copyright.PENANAPdK2ijrIqj
272Please respect copyright.PENANAeNBZNkcqbx
272Please respect copyright.PENANA0PS4D2HZTn
With a final glance at his members, Jiyoo nodded, his expression slightly guarded, and walked toward the main office. As he made his way through the hallway, his thoughts drifted briefly to the meeting they had just wrapped up. The postponement of the GO! K-EAST show was certainly a setback, but Jiyoo wasn't one to dwell on things for too long. There was always something else to focus on.272Please respect copyright.PENANAncALCB0reJ
272Please respect copyright.PENANA78nQJU8s8s
272Please respect copyright.PENANABTPu7jdkkU
When he reached the door to the main office, he knocked lightly, and upon hearing the soft words. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAXIU2bIMH4p
272Please respect copyright.PENANAwDQ0tdslzN
272Please respect copyright.PENANALz332b1Buy
"Come in," The CEO said as soon as Jiyoo stepped inside. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAdIPudc9WUd
272Please respect copyright.PENANAX6GRTTbkto
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdA4fqJiJok
The atmosphere in the room was quieter than he expected, and as he closed the door behind him, he found him sitting at his desk, a warm smile playing on his lips.272Please respect copyright.PENANAkFmdRqjmTM
272Please respect copyright.PENANATPZ6oVyYZy
272Please respect copyright.PENANAfsClwGxArE
"Jiyoo," Si-woo greeted him in a smooth and friendly tone. "Have a seat."272Please respect copyright.PENANAsGvrle7zPO
272Please respect copyright.PENANA2arHB27VAN
272Please respect copyright.PENANAsZ9q7GA2Ze
Jiyoo hesitated for a moment, still unsure why he had been summoned, but his welcoming demeanor made him feel somewhat jittery. As he settled into the chair across from his desk, his posture relaxed but his mind was still curious.272Please respect copyright.PENANA4VzTfee58y
Si-woo gestured forward and compressed the papers by shuffling them altogether, then set them aside and leaned back in his chair, folding his hands thoughtfully. "It looks like you enjoyed your vacation for a week. I wanted to talk to you about the show, about the members, and... well, about the future."272Please respect copyright.PENANAchZ3jNZ7VS
272Please respect copyright.PENANA796QWtwNK1
272Please respect copyright.PENANAO2Lm9lRaSJ
Jiyoo raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "The future? What do you mean?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAMj9u2EpOgY
272Please respect copyright.PENANA5N9mkoPRTk
272Please respect copyright.PENANAK2FDHrFJbp
Si-woo chuckled softly, his eyes glinting with a mix of kindness and wisdom. "It's no secret that there's been a lot of pressure lately, especially with everything being pushed back. But I've been observing the group, Jiyoo. You and your members... you've been handling things remarkably well, considering how stressful this time has been. But I know it's not always easy."272Please respect copyright.PENANAydgF3ocLJf
272Please respect copyright.PENANATzifQi6gLJ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdZpOYCHO58
Jiyoo wasn't sure how to respond. He'd always been the type to focus on the task at hand, and while the group had certainly faced challenges before, the uncertainty surrounding GO! K-EAST was something different.272Please respect copyright.PENANAOI9Sl47RNj
272Please respect copyright.PENANAC5JX74ClmG
272Please respect copyright.PENANADSOP3Xpzy9
"Have you found them?" 272Please respect copyright.PENANAxWXgRgoSTl
272Please respect copyright.PENANANbkptwluG3
272Please respect copyright.PENANAIUXv5zflej
Jiyoo looked up at him, blinking in startlement. "Huh? Sorry, I don't get what you mean."272Please respect copyright.PENANAmtNkCONvWs
272Please respect copyright.PENANAIAMV2otc2V
272Please respect copyright.PENANAFAtAApNQiS
"The others have speculated that you visited the Lotte World that is closed and some recent news that you were trying to catch somebody on the highway. Is that true?" 272Please respect copyright.PENANAckbXgBa5zR
272Please respect copyright.PENANAwCvK5oQQPJ
272Please respect copyright.PENANA7xAsI3HAdy
Jiyoo paused and thought of what his friends said. Instead, he uttered in a low tone, saying. "No... I was- I was practicing how to drive." 272Please respect copyright.PENANAEfiiM498yv
272Please respect copyright.PENANAN6b4ZmMzic
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjRfbU0OoPp
"I see. You know how the netizens are seeing through the media these days. Anything can come out as rumors, evidence, or an issue. Also, I would not mind if you are interested in finding out the vendetta, but since you and the members are performing the next shows, it's unlikely impossible," Si-woo leaned forward slightly, his voice quieter now, as if sharing something more personal. "I just wanted to let you know that I'm proud of the way you've been handling things. I'm sure you feel the weight of everything, especially with your members depending on you, but I believe in you. And I want you to know that you're not in this alone."272Please respect copyright.PENANA9oJLPDa9qD
272Please respect copyright.PENANAsm3cK36PZA
272Please respect copyright.PENANAbqvjS1kBD5
Jiyoo blinked, slightly taken aback by Si-woo's unexpected words. The calm yet genuine reassurance in Si-woo's voice caught him off guard. Despite being used to leading in public and maintaining a composed appearance, hearing someone like Si-woo express such support felt strangely comforting.272Please respect copyright.PENANAL28h4VI0Rv
272Please respect copyright.PENANAgHy1JDGgWT
272Please respect copyright.PENANAGgqo4bZJmB
"Thank you," Jiyoo said, his voice soft but filled with sincerity. He felt a wave of gratitude toward Si-woo, not just for his words, but for the underlying recognition that, even as a leader, Jiyoo wasn't without his own struggles.272Please respect copyright.PENANAI8MJko4Ntq
272Please respect copyright.PENANAHWiqyiof5W
272Please respect copyright.PENANANGd2Br6OHM
Si-woo gave him a knowing smile, his gaze warm and encouraging. "Of course. Just remember, it's okay to lean on others when things get tough. That's what we're here for — to support each other."272Please respect copyright.PENANACpUdiz1pIE
Jiyoo nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. He felt lighter now, more grounded, as if the burden he'd been carrying had been shared, even if just a little. "I'll keep that in mind," he replied, his tone firmer, more assured than before.272Please respect copyright.PENANAgM8CLidmwZ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAxYNY83J8fC
272Please respect copyright.PENANAAryan3EJZL
Si-woo got a little frustrated at the imposter troubled girl, including the Narrow squad in his own mind. He then informed Jiyoo, saying. "You have an appointment in the evening and I suggest you dress in a formal attire." 272Please respect copyright.PENANA6vqOFewxos
272Please respect copyright.PENANAc6YyCBOHmb
272Please respect copyright.PENANA5BON0875Z2
Jiyoo gulped and stood up from his chair, facing his back. Then, he stopped in his own tracks when he listened to him. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAyidVrcA6xX
272Please respect copyright.PENANAcLvMbq9IWH
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6OFuDHgWnn
"If I ever see you pull another trick by acting so carelessly, you will not like what I'm about to order you. Is that clear, Mr. Park...?" Si-woo said in a light warning, pushing the circular specks forward his nose bridge. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAbqZJcm7YT3
272Please respect copyright.PENANANUTw3NCf1Q
272Please respect copyright.PENANATrdD9gg8wY
Jiyoo nodded silently in agreement. He blinked a few times before he sharpened his gaze in chagrin at the thought of his words to him. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAFglRWEKDso
272Please respect copyright.PENANAsFScHfEYfr
272Please respect copyright.PENANAszZwTf6dXh
Si-woo chuckled again, his expression easing into a more relaxed one. "Good. Now, go take a break. You've been working non-stop. The members are probably waiting for you, and I'm sure you could use some time to recharge before we dive back into the craziness. I'm sure your father is going to be happy to see you again." 272Please respect copyright.PENANAf2fP37nDZp
272Please respect copyright.PENANAX6WCVgwLYc
272Please respect copyright.PENANALFbGVv6OMn
Jiyoo slightly breathed through his nostrils to control his anger that was filling up his clenched fists. Then he slowly glanced over his shoulder at him and said politely. "Alright, I will. Thanks again, sir Bang."272Please respect copyright.PENANAM3ZFDEcbgE
272Please respect copyright.PENANA0phFv1HnAp
272Please respect copyright.PENANAPxOuHWGILH
"Anytime, Jiyoo. Anytime," Si-woo said with a friendly nod and his smile was still present.272Please respect copyright.PENANAq878vF3kMm
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWlf7I51Hwc
272Please respect copyright.PENANA7hUlliWCOL
Once Jiyoo left the office, the door clicking softly behind him, he felt a sense of reassurance that hadn't been there before. 272Please respect copyright.PENANA9HmsIGYe8b
272Please respect copyright.PENANAUg1CbQS8qM
272Please respect copyright.PENANATqGY16JLqW
There was still much work ahead, but now, with Si-woo's words in his mind, he knew he wasn't carrying it alone.272Please respect copyright.PENANAfpzXFejd8Q
272Please respect copyright.PENANA2UhUG5qUds
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVlej03FBO3
Meanwhile, Jason had been working tirelessly with the squad, putting them through rigorous training sessions that pushed their physical and mental limits. His approach was tough but effective, focusing on hand-to-hand combat, endurance, strategy, and even unorthodox techniques. Today, they were in the gym, with the sound of grunts and the rhythmic thud of fists hitting pads filling the air.272Please respect copyright.PENANA07eK9iDahk
272Please respect copyright.PENANAHZ58VZ1ZfO
272Please respect copyright.PENANAOQa8I3HDPx
"Focus, Julong!" Jason shouted, as he sparred with one of the new recruits. "Don't just react—anticipate! Use your opponent's energy against them!"272Please respect copyright.PENANAExllfbNDPB
272Please respect copyright.PENANANsScBlAy6H
272Please respect copyright.PENANAUXNqp6vpbH
Julong dodged a punch and countered with a swift kick, but Jason was already there, stepping in to correct his form. "That's better, but remember—timing over power."272Please respect copyright.PENANAhs4KF1hSlN
272Please respect copyright.PENANARDTlHVrqPR
272Please respect copyright.PENANAk2LRMFbIJa
In a lit room elsewhere in the facility, Kain sat silently in the shadows, watching the training session on a monitor. His face was unreadable, his posture relaxed but poised. He was always observing, always calculating. A soft knock on the door broke the stillness.272Please respect copyright.PENANAX2JmA4xq3t
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4FGpfjNrPQ
272Please respect copyright.PENANATpKVQSDThU
"Yes?" Kain's deep voice rumbled as it creaked open.272Please respect copyright.PENANAI7nvfWtZTD
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVf8abJUO0m
272Please respect copyright.PENANAHxNP4cO002
A figure stepped inside—one of the higher-ranking officers in their organization. The officer, who was always brief with words, addressed Kain without ceremony.272Please respect copyright.PENANAAVX9Kn7fWb
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjSt6Choi00
272Please respect copyright.PENANAp7pK9i7FKU
"Sir, any word on Valerie? Has she decided whether or not to join the squad officially?"272Please respect copyright.PENANArYLCFigk69
272Please respect copyright.PENANAbP44DcC8BJ
272Please respect copyright.PENANA9XUIpSRqbc
Kain didn't immediately respond, his eyes never leaving the screen where Jason was pushing the squad through their grueling drills. His fingers slowly drummed on the armrest of his chair before he spoke in his usual calm, almost cryptic tone.272Please respect copyright.PENANAwr5RPeD48H
272Please respect copyright.PENANArqoN4MTtv1
272Please respect copyright.PENANA077aa46iuC
"Valerie hasn't made a decision yet. She's... torn. There's hesitation, but it's not about her abilities. She's more than capable. It's about her place with us. She's not the type to be easily bound to anything, especially not to an organization like ours."272Please respect copyright.PENANANVc0AzvNLh
272Please respect copyright.PENANArLO3fX92uG
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjx4UF7LjQn
Kain shifted slightly, his eyes narrowing as he spoke, clearly focused on something deeper in Valerie's internal struggle. "She needs to feel something greater than just following orders. She needs a purpose. Until she sees that here, she won't commit. But when she does... she'll be more powerful than we can imagine. If she chooses us."272Please respect copyright.PENANACBsdBnkU0j
272Please respect copyright.PENANAXhQM81YKE5
272Please respect copyright.PENANAm7RHbxM6az
The officer nodded, understanding the gravity of Kain's words. "Do you want me to encourage her, sir?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAFeLA9aiaSk
272Please respect copyright.PENANAE4afiGl8qj
272Please respect copyright.PENANAl25930Fe7s
Kain shook his head slowly, his expression unreadable. "No. Let her decide in her own time. Encouraging her might push her away. Valerie will come to us when she's ready—if she ever is."272Please respect copyright.PENANAnZjZ6tiWVG
272Please respect copyright.PENANARPB0WpDrZw
272Please respect copyright.PENANAO7ZYB0zcpE
There was a brief pause before the officer spoke again, his voice tinged with uncertainty.272Please respect copyright.PENANADqUErA6TY1
272Please respect copyright.PENANAMK1TwFUFY4
272Please respect copyright.PENANAY5MC7A0rbY
"Do you think she'll join, sir?"272Please respect copyright.PENANADGILn7K46X
272Please respect copyright.PENANAn0SbmdnO2n
272Please respect copyright.PENANAS3tldrzbig
Kain leaned back in his chair, his eyes drifting from the screen, as if considering the very nature of Valerie's potential allegiance. After a moment, he gave a small, almost imperceptible smirk.272Please respect copyright.PENANAjO83aHkZIq
"I never waste my time worrying about what might be. If she joins, she joins. If she doesn't, we will continue forward. But one thing is certain: she won't be easily replaced."272Please respect copyright.PENANAajuKY4ajsT
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYOvc2wi3gv
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmTPpprtuzF
The officer took that as his cue to leave, knowing there was little more to be said. As the door closed behind him, Kain sat back, still lost in thought, his fingers now resting lightly on the armrest. It was clear that, for him, the choice of Valerie was far from simple. She was a wild card, and he had no intention of forcing her hand. Whether she chose to join or not, Kain was confident that the squad would remain strong—and if Valerie decided to walk alongside them, they would have someone powerful on their side.272Please respect copyright.PENANAwn46B5VJFr
272Please respect copyright.PENANAyh752NN2gU
272Please respect copyright.PENANAiCrlX0JnSL
Back in the gym, Jason was still training the squad, unaware of the quiet deliberations happening in the shadows. But Kain knew, as he always did, that every decision, no matter how small, could change the course of their mission—and Valerie's decision would be no different.272Please respect copyright.PENANAy49SE7pudC
272Please respect copyright.PENANANP2L1r3uVu
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWOwuu8VOKI
"We'll start by doing roundhouse kick exercises. Luke Wong, you're up first," Jason commanded lightly.272Please respect copyright.PENANA4XZ2xHSdzA
272Please respect copyright.PENANAH7iqY2NS4V
272Please respect copyright.PENANAFEisSJx34H
Luke nodded silently in obedience and positioned himself to kick the dummy bag. 272Please respect copyright.PENANASSv1Csi9mn
272Please respect copyright.PENANAF1T9gYAbun
272Please respect copyright.PENANAygkixdpjUy
A few minutes had passed and the squad had just finished another intense training session, their muscles aching from the relentless drills. Jason was offering some final corrections and words of encouragement to a few of the members when the heavy door to the gym creaked open. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAZjnGyyDKTq
272Please respect copyright.PENANA5nzEpELXwV
272Please respect copyright.PENANAu2xrig7Y2m
Without a word, Kain stepped inside, his presence commanding immediate attention. His dark silhouette framed by the light from the hallway, he surveyed the squad for a moment, his gaze cold and calculating. The room fell silent as Kain's eyes finally locked on Jason, signaling him to stop what he was doing.272Please respect copyright.PENANAaRFoQwIAmG
272Please respect copyright.PENANAUEWz4qyq2p
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmGeHNgyEMn
"Gather up," Kain ordered in his deep, controlled voice.272Please respect copyright.PENANAA2I4Nfw6A0
272Please respect copyright.PENANAfpdJPqfJDE
272Please respect copyright.PENANAidhJ6iGg2y
Jason immediately signaled to the others to cease their activities. Within moments, the squad had assembled in front of Kain, standing at attention. His face was as unreadable as always, but there was an edge in his demeanor—something new, something urgent.272Please respect copyright.PENANAUqLmAVV840
272Please respect copyright.PENANAwJvzyG8z20
272Please respect copyright.PENANAUqceCcdD86
"This training session will be cut short," Kain began, his voice even but laced with a certain finality. "We've got bigger problems."272Please respect copyright.PENANAGH8apYxgcO
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6EpOLJJ7HL
272Please respect copyright.PENANAC6x5Cn0iV1
A murmur rippled through the squad, but Kain's sharp gaze silenced any further noise. He took a step forward, his expression grim as he surveyed each of them. His next words were deliberate, each one hanging in the air with weight.272Please respect copyright.PENANA0oBor882kj
272Please respect copyright.PENANAvBFNsZNZY3
272Please respect copyright.PENANAesK9kunblQ
"We're being hunted again," Kain said flatly, his gaze flicking to the screen embedded in the wall behind him, which displayed an encrypted series of files. "Si-woo has picked up our trail, and the CEO's people are closing in. They're investigating us, looking for weaknesses, trying to find leverage."272Please respect copyright.PENANAKkgNwf5PTw
272Please respect copyright.PENANAnvqYclnZIN
272Please respect copyright.PENANA63wBJPlkAD
The room tensed, but Jason was the first to speak up in question.272Please respect copyright.PENANARughBJ2Rno
272Please respect copyright.PENANAeMExQvILCW
272Please respect copyright.PENANATJXXbMZVFE
"Si-woo again? Damn it, I thought we'd shaken him off after the last mission."272Please respect copyright.PENANAKSvcUZiDXb
272Please respect copyright.PENANAbUcEs6fm79
272Please respect copyright.PENANATpKwcKujZ2
Kain's lips barely twitched in what might have been a smirk, but there was no humor behind it. "Si-woo doesn't give up easily. He's relentless. And this time, it's not just him. The other CEO has sent his best trackers and his personal enforcers. They're more skilled, more dangerous. If they catch wind of our location, they'll descend on us like wolves."272Please respect copyright.PENANAeHzTpZqBd5
272Please respect copyright.PENANAY4T6wmZCb1
272Please respect copyright.PENANAHfsrNWShDR
A sense of unease spread through the group, but Kain's voice cut through the tension, firm and commanding.272Please respect copyright.PENANALc9jL3pheN
272Please respect copyright.PENANABN0TCrDXVP
272Please respect copyright.PENANADFKSnpUbDy
"Listen carefully. We've been compromised. Their agents have already infiltrated key areas of the city, and they're targeting anyone who's been associated with us. They'll be using every tool at their disposal—surveillance, hacking, human resources, even blackmail. We cannot afford to slip up."272Please respect copyright.PENANAN9EfuwQ2r5
272Please respect copyright.PENANAH2KrlKkDnT
272Please respect copyright.PENANAkIUxHfY3Fw
One of the squad members, Yuki, raised an eyebrow, looking towards Kain with concern. "How much time do we have, sir? Can we outrun them again?"272Please respect copyright.PENANA3Kw37hyN19
272Please respect copyright.PENANA7GNbUfervb
272Please respect copyright.PENANAuiBkTu4DdR
Kain's eyes darkened as he met her gaze. "Time is a luxury we no longer have. Si-woo and his men are not like before. They're more organized, and they have resources we haven't faced yet. We need to stay off their radar—and quickly."272Please respect copyright.PENANAdhPIaA59fM
272Please respect copyright.PENANAMham96ocfX
272Please respect copyright.PENANA0DCM1Eg1ZS
Max, usually the first to speak up in situations like this, stepped forward. His face was a mixture of disbelief and concern, but there was a flicker of determination in his eyes.272Please respect copyright.PENANAhJkmvZ7P1h
272Please respect copyright.PENANA8YXdUzogdk
272Please respect copyright.PENANAy1rJtcnHqg
"Kain, how sure are we that Si-woo's already on us? I mean, we've slipped out of his grasp before. He's not exactly... untouchable, right?" He asked, crossing his arms and looking at Kain with a mixture of skepticism and hope. "We've evaded him before. Why is this different?"272Please respect copyright.PENANA0wog5cigrh
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4061zMSyD3
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdHtu5ZSBAy
Kain's cold gaze settled on Max, unblinking. "This is different because Si-woo isn't working alone anymore. He has access to resources that we don't even know the full extent of. The CEO's people are taking matters into their own hands now, which means we're up against far more than just a former colleague with a grudge. They've got everything we've been trying to hide—technology, surveillance, connections. If we don't act fast, we'll be caught. This isn't a game of cat and mouse anymore."272Please respect copyright.PENANAvlCImbPLoP
272Please respect copyright.PENANAAZCEoJcLX4
272Please respect copyright.PENANAIAzwHbKJTf
Julong, his sharp eyes flicking from Kain to Max, stepped forward, his voice tense but calm. "So what do you want us to do? Just run? Split up? Go into hiding until they get bored?" His hands flexed at his sides as he paced, clearly agitated. "We're not exactly a small group to hide in the shadows."272Please respect copyright.PENANA5Jlm5eNwdX
272Please respect copyright.PENANALBn2JDmwk7
272Please respect copyright.PENANA2wbVPskvHX
"That's exactly what we're doing. Hiding. For now. We won't stay in one place long enough for them to lock us down. We split up, we stay off the grid, and we avoid making any contact unless it's absolutely necessary. No more playing the hero. This isn't about taking them head-on—this is about surviving long enough to regroup."272Please respect copyright.PENANAcA73IeSKb2
272Please respect copyright.PENANALd4PpYp78h
272Please respect copyright.PENANAGz0sj0fwLl
Moonki, who had been quiet up until now, shifted uncomfortably. He ran a hand through his short, messy hair, clearly rattled by the news. "Are we really sure we're ready for this?" he asked, his voice laced with doubt. "I mean, we've always managed to handle ourselves, but these guys sound different. And if they're pulling out all the stops... how do we even fight them without getting caught?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAV9HIIVF19F
272Please respect copyright.PENANAOf51GSDVJN
272Please respect copyright.PENANAtfOuxvYuWC
"That's the point," Kain replied, his voice low and controlled. "We're not fighting them head-on right now. We're outnumbered, and they have the advantage of surprise. We'll use our strength in other ways—stealth, speed, and deception. Avoid confrontation until we have no choice. But we're not dead yet, Moonki. We fight smart, not recklessly."272Please respect copyright.PENANAnvCsh4gje9
272Please respect copyright.PENANAZAVG7AKuVu
272Please respect copyright.PENANAsApxG6Alhh
Henry, always the one to consider logistics, stepped in with his usual dry tone, though his concern was evident. "So what happens if one of us gets cornered or caught? We're all in this together, but we can't afford to get anyone taken. What's the plan for extraction if things go south?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAlWh6ObMSjo
272Please respect copyright.PENANAfun7HwnVus
272Please respect copyright.PENANARJD54yZ0NB
Kain gave Henry a quick, assessing look before answering. "Extraction? There won't be an extraction if you're caught, Henry. If we're compromised that badly, it'll be too late for anything except to get out of the area. The moment they have one of us, we don't make a move. We let them think they have the upper hand, and we use that time to slip through their fingers."272Please respect copyright.PENANA1Fp0gUPcno
272Please respect copyright.PENANAd1etsndGO6
272Please respect copyright.PENANAut7w7tqoRb
Woonjae, who had been standing a little farther back, stepped forward with a hard expression, his voice cutting through the tension. "What about Sunghoon? He barely made it out. How do we know they didn't follow him here? If they're that close, can we even trust that our location's still safe?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAaoNFCEnnTl
272Please respect copyright.PENANAi411XeI8Hl
272Please respect copyright.PENANA85wC2XiI85
Kain paused, eyes narrowing slightly. He was about to speak, but Beom interrupted him, his tone unusually sharp.272Please respect copyright.PENANALNU1EVpJOx
272Please respect copyright.PENANAriDHX3Qltu
272Please respect copyright.PENANAwCJUfYLyGN
"Wait, Kain," Beom said, raising a hand to stop the conversation. "Before you answer Woonjae's question, there's something else we need to figure out. Are we sure Sunghoon was even followed here? I mean, he might have just been shaken up from running. If they're really closing in on us, how do we know this place isn't compromised already? What if they've been tracking us for days, and we're just walking into a trap?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAtxi93pN2qr
272Please respect copyright.PENANAgmX7l55TEf
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6Xm1TK5N9i
Kain's expression darkened, and for a brief moment, it seemed as though he might hesitate. But then his features hardened, and his voice dropped to a dangerous level. "That's exactly why we need to move now, Beom. No more waiting around. Sunghoon might have shaken them for a while, but I trust his instincts. We're not safe here long-term, but we are safe for now. If we waste time second-guessing, we'll be dead before we get the chance to act."272Please respect copyright.PENANAhqSZ3agi6S
272Please respect copyright.PENANAHd1UfjZ9qE
272Please respect copyright.PENANAfljAMscBDu
Byung-seok, who had been silent for most of the conversation, suddenly spoke up in a low, even tone. "So what's the priority, Kain? Are we going underground, or are we hitting back? Because if we're going to disappear, we need to move fast, and we need to get our gear ready. If we're not prepared to fight, then we need to disappear—and we need to do it now."272Please respect copyright.PENANA7qMdKpTcqr
272Please respect copyright.PENANA2rZhqW32V0
272Please respect copyright.PENANA0cr88JBwpi
The room went still again as everyone looked to Kain for the final word. His eyes swept over the squad, his gaze colder than ever.272Please respect copyright.PENANAFymCORSWUu
272Please respect copyright.PENANAtk1jxoOQV2
272Please respect copyright.PENANAtaPs3XIC5N
"Get your gear ready. We're not running away—we're going underground," Kain said, his voice steady and unyielding. "This isn't about revenge, it's about survival. And we'll fight when the time is right. For now, we stay out of sight, stay smart, and we wait. But don't mistake this for a retreat. This is just the beginning."272Please respect copyright.PENANAQ8cf0d8adk
272Please respect copyright.PENANAEhs2Alrf8o
272Please respect copyright.PENANAHJbMH6g2Cx
The squad exchanged looks, some more confident than others, but each of them understood the stakes. Kain had spoken, and when Kain spoke, there was no room for argument.272Please respect copyright.PENANAfgSXwongG7
Jason stepped forward, already assessing the situation in his mind. "So, what's the plan?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAbX2XprnhXm
272Please respect copyright.PENANAAE55geq9Gp
272Please respect copyright.PENANAz22Sqy95PC
Kain's voice remained cold, but his words were sharp and direct. "We go underground. I'll make sure all comms are wiped and encrypted. We'll split up for now—keep a low profile, don't make contact unless it's absolutely necessary. Jason, you'll lead one team. Yuki, you take another. I'll keep a watchful eye from here. I'll provide updates as needed."272Please respect copyright.PENANA7VFBNSivG2
272Please respect copyright.PENANABiDkETQaWV
272Please respect copyright.PENANAr4gwf7HbRl
Jason nodded, his expression hardening. "Understood. We'll stay out of sight."272Please respect copyright.PENANAWYt1MWH6fO
272Please respect copyright.PENANALkDjdPcfMu
272Please respect copyright.PENANATUHiBiWaG2
Kain's gaze swept over the squad once more, his eyes narrowing with a quiet, deadly intensity. "And remember this: if they find us, it won't be just our heads on the line. The squad stays tight. We survive, or we all go down together."272Please respect copyright.PENANAW6dpXlEmLN
272Please respect copyright.PENANAv03m0MiKVO
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzycSLpkuUw
There was a brief pause as everyone processed the gravity of the situation. Jason's jaw clenched, but he knew that Kain's words were a harsh truth. The team had always been in danger, but now, the threat was far more personal—and far more immediate.272Please respect copyright.PENANADzVsCub0At
272Please respect copyright.PENANAivAp2BRC6M
272Please respect copyright.PENANAAVwhu6Y6Bp
"Any questions?" Kain asked, his tone suggesting he expected none.272Please respect copyright.PENANABsjxsJsRtY
272Please respect copyright.PENANAlvuH45EIbS
272Please respect copyright.PENANAJdqwUjmlaO
No one spoke. The silence in the room was heavy, but there was also an unspoken understanding. This was no longer just about missions and training. It was about survival.272Please respect copyright.PENANAGwWQn5CXNy
272Please respect copyright.PENANAUo8R2exiYh
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQ36OhTNt7m
"Good," Kain muttered, his tone still unwavering. "Get moving. We have a lot of work to do, and not much time to do it."272Please respect copyright.PENANAyNcTxquMre
272Please respect copyright.PENANA06w4kurBo1
272Please respect copyright.PENANAH2WOb6kZRe
As the squad scattered, preparing for what lay ahead, Kain remained behind. He stared at the screen, the faces of Si-woo and the CEO's henchmen flashing briefly on the monitor before they were replaced by a map of the city. His fingers hovered over the controls for a moment, but then he simply leaned back, the weight of leadership settling back on his shoulders. This was the game they played—and Kain was determined to make sure they were the ones who walked away victorious.272Please respect copyright.PENANAFBC244rwFL
272Please respect copyright.PENANAtZyIdqVyjW
272Please respect copyright.PENANAXSdKdnAHAT
The squad had barely begun to settle into their new orders when the door to the gym slammed open with a deafening crash. Everyone immediately turned, weapons instinctively drawn or hands poised to defend themselves. But the figure in the doorway was unmistakable—Sunghoon, one of their own, looking completely out of breath and visibly agitated. His clothes were torn, his hair matted with sweat, and his usually calm demeanor was replaced by a frantic energy that caught everyone off guard.272Please respect copyright.PENANAf5hpjrnQLJ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAwAUh5Jvhmb
272Please respect copyright.PENANAOAgpbfoIpA
Jason's eyes narrowed in concern and was taken aback. "Sunghoon?! What the hell happened?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAROgOJip9X7
272Please respect copyright.PENANAyLJMQXs1dB
272Please respect copyright.PENANAkUrSvRBHy8
Sunghoon staggered inside, pressing a hand against the doorframe to steady himself. His breath came in ragged gasps, his chest heaving as he tried to regain control. For a moment, he didn't speak—his eyes scanning the room, his mind racing, no doubt considering what he was about to say.272Please respect copyright.PENANAyWGkahCdZI
272Please respect copyright.PENANApS4vXsgNZR
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQ0sIQr43nZ
"Sunghoon?" Kain's voice was sharp now, his usual calm demeanor giving way to a flicker of unease. "What's going on?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAMerunqg1dn
272Please respect copyright.PENANAgUnbF1skvV
272Please respect copyright.PENANAyhYn4PhVkM
He straightened up slowly, wiping a trickle of blood from his lip. His expression was grim, more serious than anyone had ever seen him. He took in a deep breath, then finally spoke, each word heavy with urgency.272Please respect copyright.PENANA3c4gdOUt1R
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4tenV1sP7h
272Please respect copyright.PENANANPLocVJOEo
"They're coming," Sunghoon said, his voice strained but forceful. "The CEO's people... they're already here. They've got eyes everywhere."272Please respect copyright.PENANA3cCfXtDND6
272Please respect copyright.PENANAxI59pfEuyl
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWHgBhGKk3S
Jason's jaw tightened. "What do you mean? You're saying they've found us?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAeTMkGT1eoE
272Please respect copyright.PENANA2G5O9YXQ9g
272Please respect copyright.PENANAww1ucoeIcv
Sunghoon nodded, shaking his head in disbelief. "I barely made it out. They've got surveillance teams sweeping the city. I tried to shake them, but I lost them for only a few minutes before they started closing in again. They've set up shop in key locations around the city, pulling strings, watching us... and now they know everything."272Please respect copyright.PENANAPunYHblOng
272Please respect copyright.PENANAeveP3rBwM5
272Please respect copyright.PENANAliLL8vLhqp
He wiped the sweat from his brow, his face a mix of frustration and fear. "I saw some of them outside the building I was hiding in. They had these... high-tech drones. They've upgraded their operations. It's not just ground agents anymore, they've got tech that's tracking us."272Please respect copyright.PENANALNBUf0JX6W
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQfWUeaBdsg
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVVF3BkTgyQ
Kain's eyes narrowed dangerously. "So we've been compromised again. This is what I feared. Si-woo's not playing around anymore."272Please respect copyright.PENANAgMTI6OWFa4
272Please respect copyright.PENANAuB3uMYtNc6
272Please respect copyright.PENANAkU0Q796l36
Sunghoon took a slow, deliberate step forward, his voice low but firm. "It's worse than that. They've got information. Not just on us—but on you, Kain. The CEO knows everything about the operation, and they're coming for you specifically." He glanced at the squad, his gaze locking on each of them in turn. "We need to move. Now."272Please respect copyright.PENANAgzWCTwuMYs
272Please respect copyright.PENANAPM6d3Bo5mq
272Please respect copyright.PENANAU6op8xfbvg
The air in the room thickened with tension. Jason exchanged a look with Sarah, his hand still on his weapon but his mind working to assess their options. He turned back to Sunghoon, his voice low but urgent. "How much time do we have? What's our next move?"272Please respect copyright.PENANArT8pd5ktK4
272Please respect copyright.PENANAllfra43UYb
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzFutpjMxNi
Sunghoon's eyes flicked nervously toward the door, as if he could already hear the footsteps of their pursuers closing in. "Not much. They're mobilizing fast. I tried to lead them off, but they're too well-organized. They've already infiltrated some of the city's grids—they could be tracking our every move. We need to disappear and regroup, or we'll be caught in a trap."272Please respect copyright.PENANAkRgpdddQ8a
272Please respect copyright.PENANA8xfhwW2067
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWsup4WJ7rI
Kain's gaze was steady as he regarded Sunghoon, his expression unreadable. But there was an unmistakable flicker of calculation in his eyes as he processed the new information. "How many are we talking about, Sunghoon? How many agents?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAB3J1uhTPgk
272Please respect copyright.PENANA2nd61d3hDS
272Please respect copyright.PENANACu69hqyX5n
"Too many," Sunghoon replied, frustration creeping into his voice. "It's not just about numbers anymore. They've got high-level operatives—mercenaries, tech specialists, you name it. They're ready for a fight. And they know we're dangerous."272Please respect copyright.PENANA6QExZtKTKp
272Please respect copyright.PENANAs17ksDIzL2
272Please respect copyright.PENANAwdOXG74NTN
Jason's fists clenched, his jaw tight with frustration. "So we go dark, then?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAyzr129pb2M
272Please respect copyright.PENANAJwnk3gGzAG
272Please respect copyright.PENANADIFvl5jSnz
"Exactly," Sunghoon confirmed, still trying to catch his breath. "We need to disappear off their radar, but quickly. We can't afford to be careless. I'll give you all the details I know about their movements and the sectors they've been targeting. But we need to move fast. The moment they pinpoint us, it'll be over."272Please respect copyright.PENANAGgg90Sqt4C
272Please respect copyright.PENANAEf42bsVzQn
272Please respect copyright.PENANAx3iE7pdhSw
Kain's voice cut through the tension like a knife. "Get ready. We split up immediately. We're not giving them a chance to corner us. Jason, you take half the squad. Sunghoon, you stay with me. We're going underground."272Please respect copyright.PENANAOJZkITBxZq
272Please respect copyright.PENANAGkxbeMUd1T
272Please respect copyright.PENANACElz58DqIe
"Understood," Jason replied immediately, his eyes already scanning the room, thinking ahead to how best to divide the team.272Please respect copyright.PENANAFa74ftjqLM
272Please respect copyright.PENANAIj6B2WICE4
272Please respect copyright.PENANAJxS6b80ae4
Sunghoon wiped his forehead again, glancing around at the squad. He wasn't usually one to show signs of panic, but the gravity of the situation was starting to weigh heavily on him. The look in his eyes now was one of a man who knew the stakes—and knew they were dangerously high.272Please respect copyright.PENANALQLzd43reu
272Please respect copyright.PENANAnqGXdlfA5B
272Please respect copyright.PENANAing7bQrcud
"We've always been one step ahead of them," Sunghoon said quietly, meeting Kain's gaze. "But if we don't act now, we won't get a second chance."272Please respect copyright.PENANAVzZq2I4VDw
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6NHmjdCIBi
272Please respect copyright.PENANAArWoJh98Ti
Kain nodded once, his voice cold and commanding. "Then let's not waste it."272Please respect copyright.PENANAvLzkhRoGRw
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzswCu1OvSu
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYHy5CSAhPV
As the squad swiftly mobilized into action, Sunghoon took a step back, his mind still racing through the details of what he had seen. They were no longer just on the defensive. They were being hunted—and the only way out was to outsmart their enemies before it was too late.272Please respect copyright.PENANAMINlWFpo64
272Please respect copyright.PENANA8X0BTd1KVi
272Please respect copyright.PENANArcoooAOOwd
... 272Please respect copyright.PENANAkHCAwsJ4sK
272Please respect copyright.PENANAZU52H5d32w
272Please respect copyright.PENANAfwOZm4ZgzG
The trio, consisting of Bryan, Sally, and Ava, had come together with a shared goal: to focus on their respective work tasks and complete the jobs at hand. They were methodical in their approach, each contributing their unique skills and strengths to get the job done efficiently. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAWA3X32Pebs
272Please respect copyright.PENANABq613SklF9
272Please respect copyright.PENANAp78f7sPuIG
Bryan, known for his meticulous attention to detail, tackled the more technical aspects of the tasks. Sally, the creative one, brought fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the table, ensuring the work was both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Ava, with her strong organizational skills, kept everyone on track and ensured that deadlines were met, all while maintaining a sense of harmony among the group. Together, they formed a well-balanced and effective team, steadily advancing toward their objectives.272Please respect copyright.PENANA1tlY3Lb7Wn
272Please respect copyright.PENANA7sVtZZUxWx
272Please respect copyright.PENANA10aLArTUDq
Meanwhile, K-East, a popular boy group, was off to a different kind of challenge. They attended interviews at KBS, one of South Korea's largest broadcasting stations, where they answered questions, shared insights into their music, and engaged with the media in a charismatic and professional manner. The atmosphere was electric, as fans eagerly followed the event. After the interviews, K-East performed their songs live, showcasing their impressive vocal and dance abilities. The performance was nothing short of spectacular, with high-energy choreography, emotional delivery, and seamless harmony, further cementing their status as rising stars in the music industry. While Bryan, Sally, and Ava focused on their tasks, K-East was shining in the entertainment spotlight, each group excelling in their respective pursuits.272Please respect copyright.PENANArXyUvnYoQr
272Please respect copyright.PENANAIptexnpDBt
272Please respect copyright.PENANAz2oe1p0M5D
After the whirlwind of interviews and live performances, the members of K-East, along with Jiyoo, gathered in their lounge area backstage. They were winding down, exchanging stories from the day, when the conversation turned to a curious encounter they had witnessed earlier.272Please respect copyright.PENANA1H0GGB5vuD
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6Gnijs76Et
272Please respect copyright.PENANAi5RYho4Uiz
Jaesang, always the observant one, was the first to bring it up. "Any sign of that girl on the motorcycle?" He asked, leaning forward with a mix of curiosity and amusement in her eyes.272Please respect copyright.PENANAHdVbXdPrRw
272Please respect copyright.PENANAbbaJcqiOwW
272Please respect copyright.PENANAJgZGU5dEa6
The K-East members, still buzzing with excitement from their performance, paused and exchanged glances. "So far, there's barely any trace of her. She really caused that flat tire on one of our cars," Ryung, the group's leader, said. 272Please respect copyright.PENANA8uLomXI9sH
272Please respect copyright.PENANA9cOVkBmzAV
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6sXckuP6cA
"Yeah, that was crazy," Min-jun replied, a smile tugging at his lips. "She looked like she was in a rush, but there was something cool about her. Like, she didn't care about anyone or anything around her."272Please respect copyright.PENANAk7w7qBJKmJ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAk3wgi7k23F
272Please respect copyright.PENANARJSKIXDStK
"Right?" Jaesang added, chuckling. "She was going way too fast. Almost like she had some secret mission."272Please respect copyright.PENANAlJKG1EYhU0
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzThUep7mlO
272Please respect copyright.PENANAsobzn3sNhc
"She definitely had the vibe of someone who wasn't afraid of anything," Hwan chimed in. "But, I don't know... I couldn't help but think there was a little mystery behind her."272Please respect copyright.PENANAve2MaYdn1S
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4OCF3PObCv
272Please respect copyright.PENANAizgXQHHTvm
"Yeah..." Jiyoo agreed, her tone taking on a more thoughtful quality. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAF1F3bh0Jd5
272Please respect copyright.PENANAf6bwErfyzF
272Please respect copyright.PENANAuJmnmcmTSx
"I bet she's probably a rebel type," Min-jun mused, leaning back in his chair. "You know, the kind who doesn't follow the rules, lives on her own terms. I'm kind of curious if we'll ever cross paths with her again."272Please respect copyright.PENANA6nqPgVpnI8
272Please respect copyright.PENANAo440bAiMnQ
272Please respect copyright.PENANA0gBqj7CJJJ
"Maybe she's an undercover agent or something," Hwan jokes, leaning forward with a grin. "Imagine her showing up at one of our concerts in disguise."272Please respect copyright.PENANA8hXjXu6EDu
272Please respect copyright.PENANAvPxiJLJmFs
272Please respect copyright.PENANAoQWitOCTTg
"Or maybe she's just really into motorcycles," Jaesang said with a shrug. "But honestly, she made an impression. I don't think any of us will forget her anytime soon."272Please respect copyright.PENANAx9G7MWHdY5
272Please respect copyright.PENANAPxMAAxK7hT
272Please respect copyright.PENANA55vfIYLBxh
Jiyoo smiled at the playful banter but seemed lost in thought. "Who knows? Maybe we'll run into her again. It's funny how some people just have that kind of presence. She wasn't just passing through; she left an impression. Maybe she's someone special."272Please respect copyright.PENANAkoNE8exDmk
272Please respect copyright.PENANA9nRHlQqRCC
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzpBiQTwXy5
The group laughed together, but Jiyoo's lingering curiosity seemed to fuel their collective fascination with the mysterious girl. His lips faltered into a frown at the thought of her, not knowing how they are able to deal with her by the time they see her. The conversation drifted to other topics, but the image of the girl on the motorcycle stayed with them, lingering like an unsolved puzzle—one that would perhaps remain in their minds for much longer than they'd expected.272Please respect copyright.PENANAvg5vozCZ2J
272Please respect copyright.PENANAvzPrG74DUh
272Please respect copyright.PENANAhULBU2Kuyf
As the group relaxed after the interviews and performances, the conversation shifted to memories from their past. Jiyoo was casually scrolling through his phone, checking messages, when Taeyun, who had been quietly lost in thought as well, suddenly looked up at him with a hint of uncertainty in his eyes.272Please respect copyright.PENANAfqgo4cFe6h
272Please respect copyright.PENANAim1SfFkX92
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjd8lVgpnWb
"Hey, Jiyoo," Taeyun began, rubbing the back of his neck in that familiar way he always did when he was trying to remember something. "Do you... do you ever think about our old high school friend? The one who used to hang out with us all the time? I... I can't seem to remember her name, and it's bugging me."272Please respect copyright.PENANA5svTJXFgo4
272Please respect copyright.PENANALZVwmnDdYa
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWVdnzdR5Iw
Jiyoo paused and looked up, his brow furrowing slightly. He wasn't sure where he was going with this, but he nodded in recognition. "Yeah, I remember her. She was always so cheerful, always got us into trouble with her wild ideas, right?" she said with a nostalgic smile, leaning back in her chair.272Please respect copyright.PENANASwiS7VMehF
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmGwxOB7To9
272Please respect copyright.PENANASYFxlFzSnF
Taeyun's eyes lit up, slightly relieved that Jiyoo shared his memory. "Exactly! She was the one who dragged us into that crazy camping trip where we ended up staying out all night. Remember how we almost got caught by the teachers because we snuck out?"272Please respect copyright.PENANADo6YHFaGvd
272Please respect copyright.PENANA8XqzlDajBQ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWaBSGjuuTo
Jiyoo chuckled faintly at the memory, clearly evoking fondness. "How could I forget? She made us promise to keep it a secret, and we almost failed miserably when you accidentally spilled the beans to Mr. Dong. But the name... you're right. It's on the tip of my tongue. It's like I can see her face, but the name is just slipping away. What was it again?"272Please respect copyright.PENANA1m7eRIfNHv
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjxMlQPgNrc
272Please respect copyright.PENANAbbdDtc0LHU
Taeyun tapped his fingers on his knee, trying to jog his memory. "I can picture her too—her laugh, her messy hair, those ridiculous neon-colored sneakers she used to wear—but the name's just not coming to me."272Please respect copyright.PENANA9RzXTKvJP7
272Please respect copyright.PENANAxaDKL5RLbp
272Please respect copyright.PENANAPak0Ue5TYv
Jiyoo tilted his head with his thoughtful expression. "It's strange, isn't it? You spend so much time with someone, and then it's like their name just vanishes one day. I feel like if I heard it, it'd come rushing back."272Please respect copyright.PENANAPuuYKnOUxD
272Please respect copyright.PENANAGPDpQEL89S
272Please respect copyright.PENANAH7o6WRVusC
For a moment, the two of them sat in silence, each mentally sifting through the haze of their high school days. Then, Taeyun suddenly snapped his fingers, his eyes widening. "Wait, wait! I think I got it! Wasn't it... Hana? Yeah, Hana! That was her name."272Please respect copyright.PENANAZVHHIoLIHN
272Please respect copyright.PENANAXoLTTF1Q75
272Please respect copyright.PENANAZLA4g5Pxv1
Jiyoo's face broke into a smile as if a door had just been unlocked, but he was beginning to doubt a little and sighed. "I guess so. She was such a big part of our group. I wonder what she's up to now. Do you think she's still around?"272Please respect copyright.PENANA26mzYwm4Lo
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYpqOg2j0He
272Please respect copyright.PENANAA1Zl0rJhES
Taeyun leaned back with a contented sigh, clearly relieved that he'd finally solved the puzzle. "I hope so. She was always so full of energy. I bet she's off doing something amazing. Maybe one day we'll run into her again. Wouldn't that be wild?"272Please respect copyright.PENANA9ASdJEWQJx
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYVykXa49rK
272Please respect copyright.PENANAtBqaBP4JPG
Jiyoo nodded, her eyes sparkling with a mix of nostalgia and curiosity. "It would be so good to catch up with her. If we ever find her again, we need to make sure we don't let her drag us into another one of her crazy schemes."272Please respect copyright.PENANAyg3rw4GKq7
272Please respect copyright.PENANAltWPaGFRqh
272Please respect copyright.PENANAeLYL1VQ8Lt
The two of them shared a laugh, the memory of Hana and their high school days bringing a sense of warmth and camaraderie. For a brief moment, it felt as though no time had passed at all, as if they could simply pick up where they left off, no matter how much had changed since then.272Please respect copyright.PENANAIFpVVRbT0r
272Please respect copyright.PENANAm1uxPFLuZp
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdHsi34tAM7
Curiosity still lingering from their conversation about their former high school friend, Jiyoo and the others decided to take matters into their own hands. They weren't about to let the mystery of Hana's whereabouts go unsolved. After all, it had been years since they last saw her, but the memory of her vivacious personality was still fresh in their minds.272Please respect copyright.PENANAU9gCADYzi1
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjNGSDSeQwF
272Please respect copyright.PENANAalpGBXagzy
"Alright," Jiyoo said, tapping his phone screen and turning it toward the group. "Let's see if we can find any trace of her online. Maybe there's a picture or something. I bet if we Google her name, we'll find something."272Please respect copyright.PENANAWbknzJZuxE
272Please respect copyright.PENANArBA416q871
272Please respect copyright.PENANAoWluEgBru8
Taeyun, still looking thoughtful, grabbed his own phone. "I'll help too. I remember Hana was pretty active on social media back then. If she's still around, maybe we can find her profile or an old post."272Please respect copyright.PENANARfAjMAW1Gx
Hwan leaned in, his curiosity piqued. "I feel like we should search for some of her old interests too. Remember how obsessed she was with music, art, and writing? Maybe those hobbies are still part of her life."272Please respect copyright.PENANA4ZSJNVpIsY
272Please respect copyright.PENANAvRjZda6dtK
272Please respect copyright.PENANAF7LaJfIyOx
As they began searching, typing in various combinations of her name, past school activities, and hobbies, the group fell into a quiet rhythm. Each of them scanning their screens for any leads. After a few minutes of fruitless searching, Hwan suddenly gasped.272Please respect copyright.PENANAoqyiXhhH69
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6JnSi7AVf1
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdUzfig313x
"Wait, hold on! I think I found something..." he said, his voice rising with excitement. The others crowded around, peering over his shoulder at the screen. A photo appeared—an old group shot from high school, with their faces obscured by time, but there she was. Hana. Her hair was in a messy ponytail, her signature neon sneakers visible beneath her faded jeans with her eyeglasses on.272Please respect copyright.PENANAZ3MXee1Dj3
272Please respect copyright.PENANA3FDeoxBveX
272Please respect copyright.PENANAeZtGHUsKUA
"That's definitely her!" Jiyoo exclaimed. "I can't believe it, this is like a time capsule."272Please respect copyright.PENANAL5mJ2jLy0q
272Please respect copyright.PENANAnGnHLvpVkT
272Please respect copyright.PENANAz3V1cjgAyl
"But this is just an old picture," Taeyun said, furrowing his brows. "Let's see if there's anything more recent."272Please respect copyright.PENANAf5dkvH4grj
272Please respect copyright.PENANA7kqjVf7C6E
272Please respect copyright.PENANA32LqLos7mM
After more searching, Jiyoo's eyes widened as he came across an article that seemed a bit out of place. It was about a recent award ceremony where a mysterious figure had taken the spotlight, receiving the "Platinum" award from Big Prime, an influential and high-profile company in the music and entertainment industry. The headline immediately caught his eye: "The Imposter Who Took Big Prime's Platinum Award by Storm."272Please respect copyright.PENANAlmQv7pvtiG
272Please respect copyright.PENANA53GJXAaIQm
272Please respect copyright.PENANAcDOx49pKxt
As the group huddled around Jiyoo's phone, examining the article about the mysterious imposter and the "Platinum" award, a sudden thought struck Jiyoo—something that had been lingering at the back of his mind ever since their earlier conversation about the girl on the motorcycle. With a small smirk playing on his lips, he reached into his bag, pulling out a small, unassuming device.272Please respect copyright.PENANAMEmKEZbTWq
The group turned to look at him in puzzlement.272Please respect copyright.PENANACQOt9iJAhi
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWSv4GfPbTW
272Please respect copyright.PENANAZOzllSH1cP
"What's that?" Ryung asked, his eyebrows furrowing as he eyed the object curiously.272Please respect copyright.PENANACjSWw0OGiX
272Please respect copyright.PENANAZpq0MIoQdq
272Please respect copyright.PENANAibq0GSGmDB
Jiyoo held it up, letting it glint under the dim backstage lights. "It's a mini dot tracking device. I might have accidentally planted it on the motorcycle earlier today," he said, his tone playful but also a little mischievous. "I figured, why not? If this girl on the motorcycle was really as interesting as we thought, maybe we'd get lucky and track down where she went."272Please respect copyright.PENANAsS2F7QieBf
272Please respect copyright.PENANAFCxERmVMiH
272Please respect copyright.PENANARPqV2sjC0M
The rest of the group stared at her in stunned silence for a moment, before laughter erupted around the room.272Please respect copyright.PENANAQf9LLIklmV
272Please respect copyright.PENANA0BeKAqo6Uj
272Please respect copyright.PENANAB4g0wxtOOc
"Wait, you what?" Taeyun asked, shaking his head in disbelief. "You threw a tracker on her motorcycle without telling us? And you're just telling us now?!"272Please respect copyright.PENANAtYD36Y5ps4
272Please respect copyright.PENANAUJhJmeQxeE
272Please respect copyright.PENANApdn1MzM9e2
Jiyoo shrugged nonchalantly. "I mean, I had a feeling there was more to her than just being some random biker. I figured if we were gonna find out anything, we needed to follow the trail. Plus, I didn't think anyone would notice."272Please respect copyright.PENANALLGb6uZImE
272Please respect copyright.PENANA5YX1oH6J7N
272Please respect copyright.PENANAOah5svj5Ze
Jaesang's eyes widened as he leaned closer to the device in her hand. "That's... that's actually really clever. But are you sure it's even still there? She could've figured it out by now."272Please respect copyright.PENANAW3BxneG1Jb
272Please respect copyright.PENANAlpfXLxlvj6
272Please respect copyright.PENANA0immoQni1r
Jiyoo sighed, holding up his phone. "I checked earlier, and it's still working perfectly. It's connected to this app. We should be able to track her exact location. Honestly, I didn't expect it to be this easy. I mean, what's the worst that could happen? Either we track her to her destination, or we just chalk it up."272Please respect copyright.PENANAGTfw80u0YE
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWw87VhNAWs
272Please respect copyright.PENANAXPasazRUOu
Hwan shook his head, still trying to process the situation. "I can't believe you actually did this. It's a little... over the top, don't you think? I mean, tracking someone like that... it's kind of borderline creepy."272Please respect copyright.PENANAmaFKSK3hyc
272Please respect copyright.PENANAoOW9nRpizh
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmUAMpuYoLs
"I wasn't tracking her for no reason," Jiyoo quickly defended. "I just wanted to understand who she is. After all, she was an interesting part of our day. I mean, come on, she was acting like she had something to prove—or maybe she was running away from something. Either way, it's worth investigating."272Please respect copyright.PENANAU3dZVmX66Y
272Please respect copyright.PENANABK88ZS7nmW
272Please respect copyright.PENANAxXJxNA5m05
"Besides, we are already involved in this situation, so we might as well just get on with this," Taeyun said in agreement with his best friend.272Please respect copyright.PENANAUGwSF1tLsv
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQabMetQWXo
272Please respect copyright.PENANAC4xKyIDCN5
"Right," Min-jun muttered with a nod.272Please respect copyright.PENANAuOmHvjViOi
272Please respect copyright.PENANAq4C4YO5zav
272Please respect copyright.PENANAbJjyFgxiHn
The group fell quiet as they stared at the small device, which blinks steadily on Jiyoo's phone, showing the motorcycle's movement across the map. It was a few streets away from the broadcasting station, and the device had been tracking her for the past few hours. The blip on the map seemed to stop near an unfamiliar area—a part of the city none of them recognized.272Please respect copyright.PENANAo68rNWFFSV
272Please respect copyright.PENANApokVYJZ8yX
272Please respect copyright.PENANAH6K5mlk3Lc
"Look," Jiyoo said, zooming in on the map, "it looks like she's stopped near this warehouse area. That's... strange, right? It's not exactly a place where people usually hang out."272Please respect copyright.PENANAdqfwTeFuEM
272Please respect copyright.PENANAFkgAR2GN8d
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdvDxcsmAhy
"I've heard of that part of town," Taeyun said slowly, narrowing his eyes. "It's kind of off the beaten path. A lot of shady stuff happens around there. Maybe she's just keeping it low?"272Please respect copyright.PENANA2vfvIPiYGG
272Please respect copyright.PENANA5uXH29V3aj
272Please respect copyright.PENANAcKIXf06CBn
"Maybe," Jiyoo said, his voice trailing off. "But I don't think that's it. Something about this feels intentional. And if Hana is also somehow involved in all of this, it might be exactly where we need to go."272Please respect copyright.PENANAO0HrIyync3
272Please respect copyright.PENANADVxEPywF9I
272Please respect copyright.PENANAlG2UMpUsdf
Joon-woo leaned back, clearly intrigued, though a little uneasy. "So, we're actually going to check this place out? After everything we've been talking about? What if this is all a huge coincidence?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAxWUnPqIx6g
"Or maybe," Ryung said thoughtfully. "We've just stumbled on something bigger than we expected. We won't know unless we take the chance."272Please respect copyright.PENANAx1Y3sqwgzF
272Please respect copyright.PENANA9s0chvUH9W
272Please respect copyright.PENANAO4GxGh5FyP
The tension in the room was palpable as they all exchanged looks, uncertainty hanging in the air. The device on Jiyoo's phone blinked again, confirming that the motorcycle was still there, stationary. The warehouse district was dark and quiet on the map, giving the group an eerie feeling.272Please respect copyright.PENANAUGfDOZ0jZL
272Please respect copyright.PENANApk1mbKhAvV
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYvf0TXKo8X
"Alright," Jiyoo finally said, his voice firm with resolve. "We're doing this. We've come this far, and if this is really connected to Hana—or whatever she's become now—we need to know. Let's go."272Please respect copyright.PENANATWEnY8fPHC
272Please respect copyright.PENANAh1KWeYuiwy
272Please respect copyright.PENANAGh0HoLATqV
"Wait," Hwan said, hesitating for a moment. "You're not seriously suggesting we follow her, right? I mean, what if we're walking right into something dangerous? This could be a trap."272Please respect copyright.PENANA1XOjESSh55
272Please respect copyright.PENANAA3Gs5hez64
272Please respect copyright.PENANAqCN4vDLx5D
"I didn't think it through," Jiyoo admitted with a slight wince. "But we can't just sit here wondering. I don't know about you guys, but I've got a gut feeling this might be the clue we've been waiting for. Besides, we've faced worse things before. Let's just stick together and be careful."272Please respect copyright.PENANAsEFaWvzxR5
272Please respect copyright.PENANA7TtTzJKnVP
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYIz4Z2eVCz
With that being said, the group stood up from their seats as their minds continued to race with possibilities. They prepared to leave the comfort of their backstage lounge.272Please respect copyright.PENANAvsEm3FgyNd
272Please respect copyright.PENANA3rOxNFOKMD
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQRuNOORsym
Jiyoo, holding the tracking device in his hand, felt the pulse of excitement and uncertainty surge through him. Whatever was waiting for them at the warehouse, they would soon find out together.272Please respect copyright.PENANA22S2BscxQq
It was already past 11 pm and the air was already thick with anticipation, just when the K-East members quietly slipped out of the Prime building area. They knew the next steps in their plan wouldn't be easy, but they were committed. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAO1OEv7ZSqj
272Please respect copyright.PENANAwqNMEYFeap
272Please respect copyright.PENANAuyumkbXS3N
With Jiyoo and the others planning to investigate the mysterious location from the tracking device, K-East's role was clear; they needed to cause a distraction. The security guards who patrolled the perimeter of the building were sharp, and if they wanted to make it out unnoticed, they'd have to act fast.272Please respect copyright.PENANAz7NGi8vUIk
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmL6kaO6E7o
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdbwAacTIcl
Ryung glanced at the others and nodded. "Alright, here's the deal," he whispered, his voice low but confident. "We need to keep the guards occupied while the others head out. We'll create a diversion on the east side of the building to pull them away. The fewer eyes on the exits, the better."272Please respect copyright.PENANAhUN6uhD2Ua
272Please respect copyright.PENANA27UDSxAN3t
272Please respect copyright.PENANAUzxODqk8W7
Hwan always up for some action, grinned. "I've got an idea. I'll set off some of the alarms in the parking garage. That should get their attention."272Please respect copyright.PENANA5sXl3VATGv
272Please respect copyright.PENANAPh4WhbiEVI
272Please respect copyright.PENANAUG9HryKcf4
"Perfect," Jaesang added, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Once they're distracted by that, we can slip out through the loading dock. If we time it right, they won't even know we've gone."272Please respect copyright.PENANAemto4BdMGS
272Please respect copyright.PENANAHblkauZYKh
272Please respect copyright.PENANAEgpgFyPCFh
The plan was simple, but it required precision. Taeyun, who had been keeping watch, gave a quick nod. "There's a guard near the back entrance. I'll make sure he's busy. If anything goes wrong, I'll handle it."272Please respect copyright.PENANAeP9BsafRj7
272Please respect copyright.PENANApxj6q9ty7l
272Please respect copyright.PENANAOERdwFfCTv
The group split into their roles, moving swiftly through the building's hallways, each member walking with the practiced confidence of those who knew how to blend in. Hwan and Joon-woo slipped down the corridor toward the service elevators, their steps light and quiet.272Please respect copyright.PENANAw38Am3dO1u
272Please respect copyright.PENANA3cizQNCrOc
272Please respect copyright.PENANAReB95vSTIj
Meanwhile, Jiyoo and Taeyun headed toward the underground parking garage. Jaesang, already with a gleam in his eyes, pushed open a door that led to a dimly lit stairwell. "Here's where the fun begins," he muttered. As they descended to the lower levels, the sound of muffled conversations and the low hum of machinery echoed off the concrete walls. Ryung's eyes darted to a panel near the garage's entrance—a series of security alarms that could be easily triggered if one knew what they were doing.272Please respect copyright.PENANA2SgsousO9p
272Please respect copyright.PENANAE6l6pgdzPk
272Please respect copyright.PENANAZ0q0d18r1u
"I'll hit the button," Ryung said, pulling his hood lower over his head as he neared the panel. "This'll get them running in circles."272Please respect copyright.PENANAOYiwmZ9y2k
272Please respect copyright.PENANAs3M2OUaQrh
272Please respect copyright.PENANAranpaOPoy2
Taeyun kept watch with his eyes trained on the hallway to ensure they weren't spotted. "Make it quick," he urged, his voice tense but controlled.272Please respect copyright.PENANAxvwTIZVZM2
272Please respect copyright.PENANA1m6vHMmbM8
272Please respect copyright.PENANA1vCZovZF6v
Ryung's fingers went flying over the panel. The alarms blared to life—loud, piercing, and sharp. The sound reverberated through the entire parking structure, instantly alerting every security guard in the area. 272Please respect copyright.PENANA18LNq4Zsg0
272Please respect copyright.PENANA0UJw5iIgcr
272Please respect copyright.PENANABstx6s8MjJ
In an instant, the place was in chaos. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAl7larYwNlA
272Please respect copyright.PENANAOl6jO5foqz
272Please respect copyright.PENANAhZAvC3YZX9
All the guards went scrambling to identify the cause of the disturbance, shouting to each other as they dashed through the garage.272Please respect copyright.PENANAGPuyzq56l6
272Please respect copyright.PENANAhB6doal10v
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzK5Q6NpSEK
With the alarms ringing in the distance, the tension among the K-East members mounted. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAFXMBckrbHe
272Please respect copyright.PENANAG4vrSXz7KA
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzgjNrqnI1i
Hwan and Joon-woo, now in position by the loading dock, watched as the guards, confused by the sudden noise, moved toward the parking garage. "This is our window," Hwan said under his breath, glancing at Joon-woo, who nodded in agreement. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAS4y10H0G2q
272Please respect copyright.PENANAakTbJakfBh
272Please respect copyright.PENANA41kIJFbZiZ
They took a few quick steps toward the exit, the sound of the alarms masking their movements.272Please respect copyright.PENANApFfPYLiR6u
272Please respect copyright.PENANAsL7TuD2FZR
272Please respect copyright.PENANAu6MwZGCgW3
As the guards were preoccupied, the group moved with fluidity, their actions quick and decisive. They crossed the parking lot unnoticed, slipping out of the building through a side door that led into an alley. The quiet of the night felt like a breath of relief after the chaos they had just set in motion.272Please respect copyright.PENANAbds3rRg0eM
272Please respect copyright.PENANADS41Ho9bSr
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmgap78xHVK
"Let's go," Hwan said, a hint of excitement in his voice. "We've got just enough time to follow the others before anyone realizes we've left."272Please respect copyright.PENANAQxadagFCW5
272Please respect copyright.PENANAKDVLPLJkK1
272Please respect copyright.PENANAk3WwNmL7Ef
They moved swiftly through the back streets, their steps light as they made their way toward the rendezvous point. The security disturbance had worked exactly as planned, and now they were on their way to join Jiyoo and the rest, ready to uncover the truth behind the mystery of the girl on the motorcycle and the enigmatic "Platinum" imposter, which is now known to be the suspect. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAbqRe9qiMoh
272Please respect copyright.PENANAm1CpzYtnEI
272Please respect copyright.PENANA2h1qlfiurF
An hour later, K-East had been navigating a labyrinth of confusion and uncertainty since the first tracking alert pinged from Jiyoo's phone. They knew they were getting closer to finding out the identity of the mysterious figures who had been making their lives increasingly difficult, but every new piece of information only seemed to raise more questions.272Please respect copyright.PENANAByyUJkhCQy
272Please respect copyright.PENANAyQOJQh75Pp
272Please respect copyright.PENANAM9wIZ511lg
Ryung's knuckles gripped the steering wheel of his car as he maneuvered through the streets. His mind was racing, trying to piece together the puzzle. The suspect, who had been leaving cryptic traces all around, was now heading to another location—likely to hide, possibly to meet someone else.272Please respect copyright.PENANAYkMaZ9CBPF
272Please respect copyright.PENANAkBGjAvfEMs
272Please respect copyright.PENANA9pL6mEfFnq
"Do you think it's all the same person?" Joon-woo asked, breaking the silence in the car. His voice was quiet but intense, reflecting the unease they were both feeling.272Please respect copyright.PENANAMsiGXgu1wU
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzktO3Xhjsh
272Please respect copyright.PENANAW8RVBVqa7a
Hwan's gaze stayed focused on the road ahead. "I don't know, but it doesn't make sense that we're dealing with three different people. Everything lines up too perfectly, almost like they're one step ahead of us." His words were laced with doubt, and yet, deep down, he felt something more sinister was at play—someone pulling the strings.272Please respect copyright.PENANAWQ8zod0jMS
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYxSGZJeOR6
272Please respect copyright.PENANAG2UT8xljkf
Joon-woo nodded, tapping his fingers against the dashboard. "The 'Platinum' imposter, the girl on the motorcycle, and the other person—if they're all the same person, we're dealing with someone incredibly dangerous, someone who knows how to manipulate everyone around them."272Please respect copyright.PENANAiixNBeWcgm
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdFsl2zrnzY
272Please respect copyright.PENANAGNkTyJHdDw
Hwan frowned. "But if it's one person, how do you explain the different personalities? Different skill sets? It doesn't add up."272Please respect copyright.PENANAZvHQU10gGH
272Please respect copyright.PENANARhorWc9CUO
272Please respect copyright.PENANAo0mij08pgF
Joon-woo sighed, leaning back in his seat. "That's the part that scares me. We're not just chasing a person anymore. We might be chasing an entire identity, a fake life."272Please respect copyright.PENANAEiZNPSPYty
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYqiKINSOEZ
272Please respect copyright.PENANABRlhnDAkvj
Concurrently, Min-jun, Jiyoo, and Jaesang were in Taeyun's car, equally tense but determined. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAgwfIdqvjBF
272Please respect copyright.PENANAxGmuBvPLH2
272Please respect copyright.PENANAfJwo2U9vhY
Jiyoo kept his eyes trained on the phone, watching the tracking signal pulse on the screen. "The suspect just exited the warehouse," he said, his voice steady but tinged with worry. "We need to move fast."272Please respect copyright.PENANAzTktTp5aro
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYflravPk3l
272Please respect copyright.PENANAyLaPpsVXvf
Jaesang, who was sitting behind him, couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. "What if it's not just one person? What if there are multiple imposters working together?" He had been vocal about his suspicions since the beginning, always hinting at the possibility of a larger conspiracy.272Please respect copyright.PENANA6hDIIk4REa
272Please respect copyright.PENANATr4tpyKbXZ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAiwRkzVmK5U
Min-jun's eyes narrowed as he analyzed the data Jiyoo had just relayed. "We can't assume that. If it's multiple people, we're not just dealing with an imposter—this is a coordinated effort. We need to figure out if we're chasing a single person or if we're up against a bigger web of deception."272Please respect copyright.PENANAOySkCH2DTk
272Please respect copyright.PENANAypxSALHlmA
272Please respect copyright.PENANAkHl14ZZ3Po
Jiyoo exchanged a glance with Taeyun, who was focused on driving but visibly tense. "Do you think the girl on the motorcycle could be one of them?" He asked, already knowing the answer but wanting to hear it aloud.272Please respect copyright.PENANAXdpKaxu2FU
272Please respect copyright.PENANAApeFLfOsyp
272Please respect copyright.PENANAbE3AhVEp0Q
"I don't think she's connected to the Platinum imposter directly," he said, his tone calm but firm. "But it's possible she's working with them—or at least knows something about them. If she's involved, it's more than just a coincidence. She might be the key to uncovering the entire operation."272Please respect copyright.PENANAbmkgl90mzv
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzz5v05ITyY
272Please respect copyright.PENANAxC9WbBJknj
Jaesang leaned forward and said suspiciously. "What if there's no 'Platinum' imposter? What if we're seeing the same person in different forms? A master of disguise?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAG0YTGHEclG
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjpbnGoFstK
272Please respect copyright.PENANAx0nL6ODbO4
Jiyoo shook his head and said. "Then, we're dealing with a genius."272Please respect copyright.PENANAbfOBEcxCxd
272Please respect copyright.PENANAUssFY1NWgU
272Please respect copyright.PENANA7BwxVmfFBI
They all knew the stakes. The mystery of the Platinum imposter, Hyun-Aera's imposter, and the girl on the motorcycle that leaves warehouse traces was far bigger than any of them had anticipated.272Please respect copyright.PENANAQl98BKWlY8
272Please respect copyright.PENANAC82uEuHDvU
272Please respect copyright.PENANAi3vOaaBqbj
The decision was clear now that the group had split up, agreeing that staying together would only increase the risk of being detected. They would have to rely on their individual skills, knowledge, and instincts to track down the mysterious figures. The distance between them felt like it could be a death sentence, but it was the only way forward.272Please respect copyright.PENANA54XtnXaabP
272Please respect copyright.PENANAi5UCTDaTgY
272Please respect copyright.PENANAhIb3vwzzeg
Hwan and Joon-woo kept their eyes peeled for any sign of the suspect's next move, hoping the trail would lead them to the imposter's true identity. Along with Min-jun, Jiyoo, Taeyun, and Jaesang, they were on a parallel track, hoping to catch any clues that would tie the motorcycle girl to the Platinum imposter—or reveal that they were the same person all along.272Please respect copyright.PENANAm6fnunYWOl
272Please respect copyright.PENANAhfe4Hq6iuI
272Please respect copyright.PENANAiUqB6dnH8m
The tension was palpable in both cars as they sped through the night, each member wondering the same thing: Who was behind all of this?272Please respect copyright.PENANAmnMJevv5Xp
272Please respect copyright.PENANAEoyZCJULi3
272Please respect copyright.PENANArUbYiRY6kL
They all had just begun to process the information they had gathered when Jiyoo's phone buzzed, signaling another new tracking alert. The notification was a sharp jolt to their already heightened senses. His eyes quickly scanned the message, and he immediately relayed the news to the others, his voice calm but with a trace of urgency. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAAGnh670qlG
272Please respect copyright.PENANAeYXB7fqcr8
272Please respect copyright.PENANATm4l89Qbad
"The suspect just exited the warehouse. They're on the move again. Heading to another location—likely somewhere in hiding," Jiyoo announced, his tone firm as his fingers hovered over the screen, zooming in on the map that showed the suspect's next possible destination.272Please respect copyright.PENANA5zbtqcj0KA
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzMhLbOK61M
272Please respect copyright.PENANAOe9kly9XLf
Min-jun was quick to lean forward, his brows furrowed with concern. "Another place? This person's been on the move all night. How long are we going to keep chasing shadows?" His frustration was palpable, but his voice never wavered. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAV8JBw7n227
272Please respect copyright.PENANANklAE6KaOd
272Please respect copyright.PENANAiUy5lx3u57
Jaesang, sitting behind Jiyoo in the backseat, gave a slight shake of his head. "We can't assume it's just one person anymore. How do they keep getting away? The fact they're using different locations to hide only proves they know we're onto them. We might be dealing with someone who's more than just an imposter."272Please respect copyright.PENANAvUftbj35nf
272Please respect copyright.PENANAx7qBf1xha1
272Please respect copyright.PENANAvV5gCtEweo
Taeyun, focused on the road ahead, threw a quick glance toward the rearview mirror at the others. "We can't afford to second-guess now. We have one chance to catch up to them before they disappear again. No more hesitation."272Please respect copyright.PENANAT1KaPsKziB
272Please respect copyright.PENANAyyPovkfG26
272Please respect copyright.PENANAnVRUBRdNXA
Jiyoo nodded and glanced back at his phone, fingers quickly typing out a message to Ryung and the others in the other car. "We need to move fast. Hyungs, you're not far from the next location. Stay sharp." 272Please respect copyright.PENANAcMZ1SUrXdh
272Please respect copyright.PENANAqWhsUH7Tru
272Please respect copyright.PENANA71gbAWDmcM
The silence in the car was thick as they all processed the weight of the moment. It was clear that this wasn't just about finding an imposter anymore—it was about uncovering the tangled web of deception that had been carefully spun around them. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAvGHBvEbgR4
272Please respect copyright.PENANA8NuHPJzswo
272Please respect copyright.PENANAEKSUJULUxF
Jiyoo exhaled sharply. "Do you think it's all connected? The two imposters and the girl on the motorcycle... Is it the same person doing all of this?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAQFxlpn9zCU
272Please respect copyright.PENANAHpuLTdc28b
272Please respect copyright.PENANAZzibqyVpap
Min-jun's lips tightened as he thought for a moment. "I can't say for sure, but whoever they are, they're trying to lead us in circles. I'd bet anything they're expecting us to make a mistake, and we can't let that happen." He paused, his expression hardening. "If it's the same person, they're playing us like puppets."272Please respect copyright.PENANARmlrSQIVCD
272Please respect copyright.PENANAIxbwyaoRfc
272Please respect copyright.PENANALmMvYOpzq2
Jaesang added. "It could be three different people, but at this point, I don't think we can rule anything out. One thing's for sure—whoever this is, they're dangerous."272Please respect copyright.PENANAgaTmhOlF1M
272Please respect copyright.PENANArAGcabR22i
272Please respect copyright.PENANAgDENTIaGbm
Taeyun nodded, keeping his eyes on the road. "We split up. They won't expect that. We'll each head to different points and try to surround the suspect."272Please respect copyright.PENANABLRAeQKLqf
272Please respect copyright.PENANAK8b5GzQe5C
272Please respect copyright.PENANAZbsiRkrLJf
The car sped toward the next location as the weight of the chase hung over them. The suspect was slipping through their fingers yet again, but they couldn't afford to lose track of them now. They needed to know who was behind this, and why they were being hunted. The answers felt just out of reach, but the team was determined to get them—no matter what it took.272Please respect copyright.PENANAuovz3rGVoe
272Please respect copyright.PENANA9UmAwQ70T9
272Please respect copyright.PENANAPQq5eVo2CD
As the K-East members drew closer to their destination, they all knew the time for subtlety was over. The moment had come for them to close in on the suspect, and they had no intention of letting anyone escape.272Please respect copyright.PENANA7xZdU17CDd
272Please respect copyright.PENANAkg0Zk180sd
After a quick exchange of messages, they decided to split their efforts further to ensure that no one would escape unnoticed. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAsXMkcUMC9w
272Please respect copyright.PENANAbTrNFnEWH7
272Please respect copyright.PENANAgNRTQgaPQq
Hwan, Joon-woo, and Ryung's car took up position at the first exit, their eyes scanning the surrounding area with acute focus. The parking garage they were positioned near had only two exits, and they knew the suspect would need to leave through one of them. With their car parked in a narrow lane, they blocked the path without drawing attention. The faint hum of the engine was the only sound that accompanied their tense silence. 272Please respect copyright.PENANARDlL7Oo7US
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4nhCm60QqK
272Please respect copyright.PENANAk3neI5I7uc
Ryung kept his gaze locked on the exit, every instinct telling him that this would be the moment the suspect would make their move. "We can't let them get away this time," he muttered under his breath, gripping the steering wheel. His voice was low, but determination radiated from him. Joon-woo, sitting in the passenger seat, nodded grimly. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAKSVy63ufv2
272Please respect copyright.PENANAhZbDbjRCFI
272Please respect copyright.PENANALKvarM48KF
"If they try to leave this way, we're stopping them—no hesitation," Ryung glanced in the rearview mirror, his eyes constantly scanning for movement, hoping that the others on the other side had set up their block too.272Please respect copyright.PENANASzXjlHzhB0
272Please respect copyright.PENANAPWtr9NpmNn
272Please respect copyright.PENANAxujrs4oihw
On the other side of the building, Min-jun, Taeyun, and Jaesang were ready to execute their own part of the plan. 272Please respect copyright.PENANA7WJYOAMUBa
272Please respect copyright.PENANAwoqMgPZdw8
272Please respect copyright.PENANA578p3oTYJ0
Their car was parked at the second exit, hidden in the shadows of a nearby building, giving them a clear view of anyone who might attempt to leave. They'd been waiting for what felt like an eternity, but now the final pieces were in place. Min-jun was the first to speak, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. "This is it. No one leaves through here without us knowing. We've got this side covered."272Please respect copyright.PENANAMKtlM340zg
272Please respect copyright.PENANAeMHCQHxY1K
272Please respect copyright.PENANA43KGSdS4cO
Jaesang gave a quick nod and peered out of the window, scanning for any sign of movement. "We've got a clear line of sight. If they try to sneak out, we'll be right on them." His voice was confident, but there was an edge of urgency in it. They knew they couldn't afford any mistakes. Taeyun, always the calm presence in the group, checked his watch before speaking up. "Stay alert. They'll be expecting something, and we need to catch them off guard. If they get away, we're back to square one."272Please respect copyright.PENANARLQpGB4Pck
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdcMcQYlMsE
272Please respect copyright.PENANAhRDAOi9UzX
The minutes had passed and the team was now in position, silently waiting. Each member is aware of the immense pressure to act swiftly and decisively. The exits were covered, and there would be no way for the imposters to escape without facing one of them.272Please respect copyright.PENANAMXGfDxhXTj
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4ndCRAx8QG
272Please respect copyright.PENANAxzyMRqfUFy
Jiyoo sat in the backseat of Taeyun's car, his eyes focused on the tracking device in his hand. The steady beeping of the signal was the only sound breaking the tense silence among the team. His mind raced, trying to make sense of the next move. The imposters were close, but they had yet to make any decisive moves. His fingers gently gripped the device as he looked up at the team.272Please respect copyright.PENANAwj3isOhSXl
272Please respect copyright.PENANAgYfB9OQs45
272Please respect copyright.PENANA2NQ8oBNhY7
"I'll go," Jiyoo said, his voice calm but unwavering. It was a decision he had made at that moment, knowing the urgency of their situation. His gaze flickered to each of his teammates, his eyes hardening with resolve. "I'm the one who can track them down. With this device, I can follow their trail without being detected."272Please respect copyright.PENANAltokbB8RO3
272Please respect copyright.PENANAllyYILeMM1
272Please respect copyright.PENANADg23dQZuBs
Taeyun, who had been silent up until then, turned to look at him, his expression both concerned and approving. "Are you sure? It's risky. We don't know what we're walking into."272Please respect copyright.PENANAhfTDoAQYiP
272Please respect copyright.PENANAXJpSnL1EAi
272Please respect copyright.PENANAAXBjoOSsXB
Jiyoo gave a small nod, his confidence in his skills shining through despite the stakes. "I'm sure. I can handle it. Besides, it's the best shot we've got." He met Taeyun's gaze firmly, making it clear that this was the right move.272Please respect copyright.PENANAzB67RA0v4y
272Please respect copyright.PENANACaWoX4yhSQ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVWBO5VWSmS
Min-jun, sitting beside Jaesang, leaned in forward and his brow furrowed. "We trust you, Jiyoo. Just... be careful. If anything feels off, you come back immediately."272Please respect copyright.PENANAJNPZ3dFyHI
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6LbLi8qPXm
272Please respect copyright.PENANAcAtEbbaV4h
Jiyoo's eyes softened, a flicker of gratitude passing through them. "I will. I'll stay in touch. Just keep the exits covered, okay?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAfZWpewWJdk
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdPrTJahAtB
272Please respect copyright.PENANA8NURwa6uLn
With a final look of determination, Jiyoo opened the car door and stepped out into the night air. His team's voices faded as he moved, the sound of the tracking device in his hand now the only constant. The darkness around him felt almost suffocating, but he was used to the shadows. He had always preferred them. With each step, he became more focused on the mission at hand.272Please respect copyright.PENANAYuk1CESxgu
272Please respect copyright.PENANAicT90O4rSJ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVEJ9UODy5C
He carefully made his way through the tall grass and the wind rustling softly around him near the building. His mind racing as the beeping from the tracking device guided him closer to the target. The device vibrates slightly, a signal that they were nearing the source. Jiyoo's eyes narrowed as he approached a massive, seemingly abandoned building up ahead. It looked like an old crack house—abandoned, with no signs of recent activity. But the device was pulsing stronger now. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAS4H61dAuKL
272Please respect copyright.PENANARiBww0ZvIN
272Please respect copyright.PENANA9dtpJHhB2r
"This is it," he muttered to himself, his voice barely audible above the wind. The crack house stood like a dark sentinel, its walls cracked and covered in grime. The windows were boarded up, and the heavy door hung half open, as if inviting him to step inside. 272Please respect copyright.PENANATJYLwC8q6s
272Please respect copyright.PENANAn6PB0nCKSl
272Please respect copyright.PENANAswHer5rxJ6
Jiyoo hesitated for a moment, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end. Something felt off about this place, but his instincts told him this was where he needed to be. He glanced back at the car, reassuring himself that his team was covering the exits. He had no time to waste.272Please respect copyright.PENANAIxpu89INNx
272Please respect copyright.PENANA1bJ54jRkUU
272Please respect copyright.PENANAOT8cuypaC4
With a final, quiet breath, Jiyoo took a step forward, making his way toward the entrance of the crack house. He was closing in on the truth, and nothing was going to stop him now.272Please respect copyright.PENANA3H5k8DW19b
272Please respect copyright.PENANA01i7qOcJvF
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYGfLE8aCSN
The weight of the mission pressed on him, but he was ready. He had always been the one to track and follow the clues, and now, more than ever, he knew that finding the imposters—and exposing their true identities—was a task that fell squarely on his shoulders.272Please respect copyright.PENANAth8tVMubVW
272Please respect copyright.PENANA81ED4AP4gw
272Please respect copyright.PENANAUyIGp0bPay
His footsteps were measured, deliberate, each one bringing him closer to the mysterious building ahead. The structure loomed ominously, a large, abandoned crack house standing like a forgotten relic from a bygone era. There was an unsettling silence around it, the kind that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. His tracking device in hand continued to beep, signaling that the suspect was nearby, yet there was something off about this place. It didn't feel right.272Please respect copyright.PENANAEFunUhZIAL
272Please respect copyright.PENANA07VcedJzVr
272Please respect copyright.PENANAiGOub2vAIX
Jiyoo took a deep breath, steeling himself before moving closer to the cracked door. With a quiet push, he entered, slipping into the shadows without a sound. His footsteps echoed lightly on the floorboards, but he moved with purpose, his eyes scanning the dimly lit interior. Dust particles floated in the air, creating an eerie stillness as if the building hadn't been disturbed in years. It was a strange place to find the truth, but his gut told him that this was where the imposters had been hiding.272Please respect copyright.PENANA3av6LAe0fq
272Please respect copyright.PENANAHNKBlIHllR
272Please respect copyright.PENANALvB7P5S0dv
He made his way deeper into the building, moving cautiously through the rooms. Each step was deliberate, his breathing quiet and controlled as he searched for any sign of life—or any clue that would bring him closer to unraveling the mystery. His heart beat steadily in his chest, but the air was thick with tension, making every creak of the floorboards feel magnified.272Please respect copyright.PENANAHAzlX2abq6
272Please respect copyright.PENANA5UQ7biPOPP
272Please respect copyright.PENANA2hNt7N8yKV
As he entered a narrow hallway, his foot nudged something small and metallic. It rolled with a soft clink, echoing through the room. Jiyoo froze, his eyes darting toward the sound. A small tin can, old and worn, had moved slightly across the floor. He narrowed his eyes and took a careful step forward, unsure of what he had just triggered. But before he could make another move, the can tipped over, spilling a few small contents as it rolled. Then, without warning, it let out a faint hiss as a haze of smoke began to pour from it. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAZxtnFHDrtE
272Please respect copyright.PENANA5WdIaAhKhd
272Please respect copyright.PENANA8bVao15prZ
Jiyoo's instincts flared, and he took a sharp breath, eyes widening in realization. *A trap.* He had no time to think. The smoke filled the room quickly, swirling and thickening around him, making it hard to see. He stumbled backward, coughing, his heart racing. The air was heavy, almost suffocating, and the smoke seemed to distort everything around him. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAUtXuVhsQLC
272Please respect copyright.PENANAccYuIqLuJw
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdOpaUx6tQx
"Damn it!" Jiyoo muttered under his breath, his voice strained as he covered his mouth, trying to hold his breath. He had walked straight into a carefully laid trap. Panic surged briefly, but he shook it off, focusing on the mission. He had to stay calm.272Please respect copyright.PENANAptl8haRzX6
272Please respect copyright.PENANAErDycYQgfE
272Please respect copyright.PENANAJ5DI8NEgzi
The smoke swirled and thickened, reducing visibility to nearly nothing, but Jiyoo was trained for situations like this. He pulled out a small flashlight from his pocket, flicking it on and cutting through the haze. His eyes scanned the room in the dim light, trying to find any clue, any trace of the imposters—anything that could lead him to their true identity.272Please respect copyright.PENANAqG8N0eyaYG
272Please respect copyright.PENANAgPIyTxYw3k
272Please respect copyright.PENANA9qO92I8fG3
"Stay calm, Jiyoo," he whispered to himself, his voice steadier now. "Focus. This is just another obstacle." He stepped forward cautiously, trying to make his way deeper into the house, his flashlight scanning the dark corners. The smoke seemed to be everywhere, growing thicker with every passing second. His fingers tightened around the flashlight, determined not to let the trap defeat him. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAzYzzDuWJ31
272Please respect copyright.PENANACdu6To5cwo
272Please respect copyright.PENANAbejlItl0g8
Then, as the smoke began to clear, Jiyoo's instincts screamed at him—something wasn't right. The building was still silent, but the air felt wrong. He took a slow, deliberate step forward, keeping his eyes peeled for any sign of movement. His hand slid to his side, readying for whatever came next.272Please respect copyright.PENANAuLCfvqLVBO
272Please respect copyright.PENANA82bgVfq3xg
272Please respect copyright.PENANANo0Px0ikT2
The mystery of the imposters was about to get even more dangerous.272Please respect copyright.PENANABH6ItR0IMb
272Please respect copyright.PENANAkXGbJVTjr8
272Please respect copyright.PENANAHKhAzpp0jH
Jiyoo's lungs burned as the smoke thickened around him, forcing him to cough violently. His hand shot up to cover his nose, but it didn't help much. The air was dense, and his vision blurred, the flashlight's beam slicing through the haze but revealing little. His mind raced, trying to make sense of what was happening. He had fallen right into their trap, but he couldn't let panic take over. *Stay focused. You're close. Don't let them get away.*272Please respect copyright.PENANAb24EyMDBce
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzeRNyo4XPL
272Please respect copyright.PENANAOiKfmi8iEo
Just as he took another step forward, his head was suddenly struck hard from behind. The force sent a shock of pain through his skull, and his vision blurred for a split second. He stumbled, the impact dizzying him for a moment. But before he could react further, his training kicked in—his body responding instinctively. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAkEQMJgz4Dc
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6BNPWr7tsV
272Please respect copyright.PENANAsiyeWx9nFG
He spun around sharply, his muscles tense and ready. In one smooth motion, he delivered a spinning kick, his leg slicing through the air with precision. The kick landed solidly, connecting with the chest of his attacker. The force sent the imposter crashing to the floor with a heavy thud. Jiyoo's heart raced, his breath coming in quick bursts, but he didn't stop. He quickly moved into a defensive stance, his eyes scanning the area, searching for any more threats. 272Please respect copyright.PENANA6PKnZWonBJ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAUGhcC6QGQ9
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6wrZSyPova
The figure on the ground groaned, dazed but still conscious. Jiyoo stood over them, his breath steady despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins. The person was dressed in black, their face partially hidden beneath a dark mask, making it hard to tell who they were. The smoke still lingered in the air, but Jiyoo's focus was sharp now, honed in on his fallen attacker.272Please respect copyright.PENANAqwu9ZS1xhI
272Please respect copyright.PENANANobI1HvXnG
272Please respect copyright.PENANA9vCSqSR6ry
"Who are you?!" Jiyoo demanded, his voice cold as he moved closer, eyes narrowing. 272Please respect copyright.PENANALhME9p29u6
272Please respect copyright.PENANAXw723ntTzI
272Please respect copyright.PENANAaxmlBMw7C5
The imposter groaned again, but didn't respond, their body still twitching slightly from the impact. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAft7pdxdeTc
272Please respect copyright.PENANATmXNwWr6Bq
272Please respect copyright.PENANA747ANouL0c
Jiyoo's mind continued to race. This wasn't just some random trap—this was the person he had been chasing. He had them now, and he wasn't about to let them slip away, but something didn't sit right. The smoke, the ambush, and the eerie silence of the crack house—everything felt too staged, too deliberate. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAvJaToeks2E
272Please respect copyright.PENANAkfUTY8bL22
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmfeFQgdB5C
He knelt down, his hand hovering over the imposter's mask. "If you won't talk, I'll make you," he muttered under his breath, his fingers twitching in anticipation. But before he could pull the mask away, the sound of footsteps echoed in the distance—someone else was coming.272Please respect copyright.PENANAGhlFrjHJiU
272Please respect copyright.PENANAuwKkExQajM
272Please respect copyright.PENANAlf5lOMDd1A
Jiyoo's grip tightened, and his mind snapped back into focus. He wasn't alone anymore.272Please respect copyright.PENANAxRu1ELgpx0
272Please respect copyright.PENANAynNARpLkAy
272Please respect copyright.PENANAwy1hUsbOcL
The imposter, still on the ground, managed to regain their bearings faster than Jiyoo had anticipated. In an instant, they lunged at him with their hands grabbing for the Platinum object. They were now locked in a desperate struggle as their bodies twisting and turning as they fought for control of the object. The room around them seemed to spin in a chaotic blur of motion, the thick smoke only adding to the confusion.272Please respect copyright.PENANA9umqqCmzDc
272Please respect copyright.PENANAiX8d4mFfdr
272Please respect copyright.PENANAcTgObTXhLH
Jiyoo's breath came in sharp gasps as he struggled to keep the suspect pinned down. They were stronger than he expected, especially their movements fueled by a fierce determination. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAZtkloIoHY6
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjYKC3Pbhtm
272Please respect copyright.PENANAutOKJddfGS
The sound of their struggle echoed throughout the crack house as their bodies crashed into walls. The floor shook beneath them as they tangled. He could feel the cold, hard object slipping through his fingers, but he wasn't about to give up that easily. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAzTmMf0qF4w
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYngDsy87vG
272Please respect copyright.PENANAgaPlPrjwkr
"Let go of it!" Jiyoo growled, trying to wrench the Platinum object free from their grip, but they weren't having it. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAJxjxe7pclB
272Please respect copyright.PENANAUfu0NNSJYk
272Please respect copyright.PENANAaD3uyR8ZOa
They kicked him by sending him stumbling back, but he quickly regained his stance, stepping forward to wrestle her down once more. The object continued to slide between their hands, rolling off their bodies with every shift and struggle.272Please respect copyright.PENANArnqjlXGTsR
272Please respect copyright.PENANAeCo56So483
272Please respect copyright.PENANANMmQFFl0If
In the heat of the battle, the two of them collided with the wall in the corner of the room. The force of the impact rattled the nearby furniture, and the Platinum object was sent flying, landing with a heavy thud against the ground. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAFT8zNXZm2G
272Please respect copyright.PENANADMXQlBOAlz
272Please respect copyright.PENANAaAE9MogoJZ
Both of them stopped for a split second, eyes flicking toward the object, but neither made a move to grab it. The tension in the room was palpable, the fight far from over.272Please respect copyright.PENANAWJVYXyB2zP
272Please respect copyright.PENANA8gXL8IaWgp
272Please respect copyright.PENANAa14NpYpgeZ
With a swift motion, Jiyoo toppled over her, his body pinning hers to the floor. She squirmed underneath him, her hands clawing at his chest as she fought with everything she had. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAsypZw5zFGT
272Please respect copyright.PENANAvo7zsNXAsB
272Please respect copyright.PENANABm7bbRxN9A
As they struggled, something unexpected happened. The helmet that had been so securely fastened to their head slipped free, tumbling off and revealing her face.272Please respect copyright.PENANA3ZgCoik5gJ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAsjHwSH3OLn
272Please respect copyright.PENANAAq3K9OYY5H
Jiyoo froze for a brief moment, eyes widening in bewilderment and disbelief. 272Please respect copyright.PENANA0oihIFxfnF
272Please respect copyright.PENANAimVp1jqFcG
272Please respect copyright.PENANAaiTHXMcyUd
Underneath the mask was a woman that he recognized as she stared back at him, full of alarm, timidity, and defiance. 272Please respect copyright.PENANApBu3kkZkbG
272Please respect copyright.PENANAf4bqpcOlDY
272Please respect copyright.PENANAl3htzprvaF
The mystery was thickening and the same person he had been expecting, but the situation didn't allow him time to process it. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAf2b6ILk4gr
272Please respect copyright.PENANAL30JnGjz5A
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWCNFL8EWTN
Jiyoo's eyes grew wider at the person that revealed herself, which shook him to the point that he had seen a ghost. 272Please respect copyright.PENANA5Yzs2cbOuK
272Please respect copyright.PENANApgRf8MiZRO
272Please respect copyright.PENANAnE4v8MzlwA
"You are...!"272Please respect copyright.PENANAv8jxtJSNQk
272Please respect copyright.PENANA0LWKdAjFjm
272Please respect copyright.PENANAqk5J5scOoA
She glistened back and forth at him in astonishment for about a few seconds, then bolted upright by backing away. Her hair swiftly tossed behind her just as she held her gun directly at him before she clicked it and commanded him firmly. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAGzLGE917ur
272Please respect copyright.PENANAGMI68AT6DL
272Please respect copyright.PENANAtMkq4zWkf4
"Stop! Don't come any closer..."272Please respect copyright.PENANATUlBJnstnB
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6YSinIbqTU
272Please respect copyright.PENANATEYcAzHJ3g
Jiyoo halted on his tracks, so he then glowered at the sight of her bracelet that struck him to a realization by saying slowly. "Valerie.... After all this time..." 272Please respect copyright.PENANAAjtyMs5TsP
272Please respect copyright.PENANA8laDhQ6Ei7
272Please respect copyright.PENANAK4TeH91RoI
She made no response to him whatsoever since she kept her impassive gaze at him fiercely.272Please respect copyright.PENANAL8SsO87HIy
272Please respect copyright.PENANAxCCnZvZeyO
272Please respect copyright.PENANABD6ceC6RqK
"Your name isn't Hana, nor is it Hyun-Aera... it's Yon-hae..." Jiyoo enunciated carefully and repeated in a daze.272Please respect copyright.PENANAknKgoHyadR
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzCkdTYHmge
272Please respect copyright.PENANAw3FHqMYrP1
272Please respect copyright.PENANAlvCshuUK0o
272Please respect copyright.PENANAuI2wFFRDGa
272Please respect copyright.PENANAhIld8RfSHo
272Please respect copyright.PENANAoETn0wQW8s
272Please respect copyright.PENANACIiTjf1Trv
272Please respect copyright.PENANAXNXy553ngq
272Please respect copyright.PENANAb24J2nyuCw
272Please respect copyright.PENANAwEkI2prsuI
272Please respect copyright.PENANAGvq672WADs
272Please respect copyright.PENANADzmCB6DIjX
272Please respect copyright.PENANA0XSOlyLSot
272Please respect copyright.PENANAtAdfpyZqYD
272Please respect copyright.PENANAeQPMTTXAG7
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmd966fVLtZ
272Please respect copyright.PENANA9ID7ltOXky
272Please respect copyright.PENANAAjvxCyVaEm
272Please respect copyright.PENANAcZ9SLxFI1P
272Please respect copyright.PENANAm8Oyr4vCLR
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4KxkE2UVtV
272Please respect copyright.PENANAZd38dL9gtl
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4XPAUoIf0v
272Please respect copyright.PENANAtcId7Fdr6f
"Yon-hae Lockhart..."The air in the private conference room was thick with anticipation. The walls, soundproofed to ensure no outside interference, provided an almost suffocating sense of privacy. The only light came from a sleek overhead lamp casting a cold glow on the glossy, dark wood table at the center of the room. Si-woo sat at the head of the table, fingers drumming lightly against the surface as he glanced at the clock on the wall. He was waiting for someone—another mysterious figure in the world of K-pop who, despite being an idol, had managed to maintain an elusive and almost ghostly presence in the industry.272Please respect copyright.PENANAFe5ydsyw1W
272Please respect copyright.PENANAv9prDy6Izd
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmuHNXTxhCf
The door creaked open, and Si-woo's gaze immediately snapped toward the entrance. Standing there was none other than Tracer, a top-tier K-pop idol with a reputation that made even the most powerful figures in the entertainment industry look over their shoulders. His striking appearance, chiseled features, and air of quiet dominance had made him one of the most sought-after idols in the world. But it wasn't just his fame that made him valuable. Tracer had connections—dangerous ones—and Si-woo needed them if he was going to unravel the tangled conspiracy that had been unfolding behind the scenes.272Please respect copyright.PENANAwRpSxSSdVX
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4iXDRtYBzM
272Please respect copyright.PENANAiQVehMARfj
Tracer entered the room without a word, his dark eyes scanning the surroundings before settling on Si-woo. A faint smirk tugged at his lips. "I trust this meeting is as important as you've made it sound, Si-woo," he said in a low, steady voice, his tone filled with quiet authority. "You've called me here for a reason. What is it you want from me?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAajiKbfwfiz
272Please respect copyright.PENANArKm8311kyr
272Please respect copyright.PENANATexSrxY9OT
Si-woo leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "You could say it's a matter of mutual interest," he replied, his voice calm but laced with an undercurrent of tension. "I've been following your movements, Tracer. You're not as invisible as you think. But I'm sure you know that already. You and I, we're not so different. We both have our secrets."272Please respect copyright.PENANAXHKXOWZBRx
272Please respect copyright.PENANAnkmSfWa7Bs
272Please respect copyright.PENANAxrSfWoeJFg
Tracer raised an eyebrow, intrigued but still guarded. "Secrets? Everyone in this industry has secrets, Si-woo. It's part of the game. But that doesn't mean I'm in the habit of sharing them."272Please respect copyright.PENANAONm918pSxt
Si-woo's lips curled into a small, almost imperceptible smile. "Not sharing, no. But I think you'll be interested in what I have to offer."272Please respect copyright.PENANAGEZBLM94n2
272Please respect copyright.PENANA70I7XTDnRJ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAbGCT7Eb7ye
With a gesture, Si-woo motioned to the other side of the table. "This is Hawk," he said, his tone more formal now, like he was introducing someone of significant importance. "They've been in the shadows, gathering intelligence, tracking the real players behind all the leaks and power struggles within the industry. Hawk is not just any spy, Tracer. They're someone who's been embedded deep within the system, someone who knows what you can't see from the outside."272Please respect copyright.PENANAO240Ac9YBD
272Please respect copyright.PENANAKDLR3uZr6l
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVqnSoSEIcp
From the shadows across the room, Tracer stepped forward. Their face was mostly obscured by a dark mask, but their posture was fluid, controlled, and exuded the kind of quiet menace Si-woo knew all too well. As they moved toward the table, Tracer's sharp eyes never left them, a flicker of recognition—or perhaps wariness—flashing across his features.272Please respect copyright.PENANADkINnqB78w
272Please respect copyright.PENANAr9jvnFqzcs
272Please respect copyright.PENANAeyVJX4FTKT
"You?" Tracer asked, his voice edged with surprise. "You're the one who's been pulling the strings behind the scenes?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAA7DGdAxm2L
272Please respect copyright.PENANAlU6CPh5YW2
272Please respect copyright.PENANA3AxXPQjkHA
Hawk didn't respond immediately. Instead, they moved to the opposite end of the table, their eyes locked on Tracer's, studying him with an intensity that seemed to strip him of his composure. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAxrxVuuZOie
272Please respect copyright.PENANADwo7JHJNci
272Please respect copyright.PENANAyLs3RNA0UH
Finally, they spoke, their voices deep and clipped. "I've been watching everything," they said. "The leaks, the manipulations, the alliances forming behind closed doors. Everything. I know who's behind the curtain. And I know how to stop them."272Please respect copyright.PENANAtLSk2tLHEB
272Please respect copyright.PENANAm2sUbJyHjX
272Please respect copyright.PENANAhDE4M9KPS0
Si-woo's eyes flicked between the two of them, sensing the tension in the room. This wasn't just a casual meeting. This was a power play. Kai, despite his calm exterior, was sizing up Hawk, evaluating how much trust he could afford to place in them. After all, a spy like Hawk was a double-edged sword—valuable, yes, but just as dangerous if they decided to play their own game.272Please respect copyright.PENANAlHMScMD89e
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQJUb6L91X1
272Please respect copyright.PENANAc360TDX0sV
Tracer spoke with his voice cool and calculating. "And what makes you think I need your help, Hawk? I've got my own sources. I don't need some shadow to tell me who's leaking information or sabotaging careers."272Please respect copyright.PENANABfJsZaWN0u
272Please respect copyright.PENANAMpVkZfyRQt
272Please respect copyright.PENANAxE1qliiiKE
Hawk tilted their head slightly, unfazed by the challenge. "You've got sources, but they're limited. What you don't have are the connections that can take you straight to the core. The ones pulling the strings? They've been operating under the radar for far too long, and you're still hunting for answers. Let me make it simple for you. We either work together, or you keep stumbling in the dark."272Please respect copyright.PENANA8PwMgS7ToA
272Please respect copyright.PENANAGTa5heOX1h
272Please respect copyright.PENANA7dPV4yO8oA
Tracer's gaze hardened, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—a realization that perhaps Hawk was right. He had been running in circles, trying to maintain control, but there were deeper forces at play. Forces that Hawk seemed to understand intimately.272Please respect copyright.PENANAIB9G1ptUte
272Please respect copyright.PENANA07pxbdO9nC
272Please respect copyright.PENANAXFr7yVUPAC
"Any information?" Tracer repeated, his voice quiet but edged with curiosity. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAzLenRbD8E3
272Please respect copyright.PENANADM6StF778t
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6hPnEegL4T
Si-woo interjected before Hawk could answer, his tone sharp. "Not just any information. This is the kind that could change everything for you. If you want to know who's really pulling the strings in this industry, if you want to be on top of the game instead of buried beneath it, you need to listen."272Please respect copyright.PENANAKJXkqrDFG1
272Please respect copyright.PENANAyAS7i6ZXza
272Please respect copyright.PENANAoQso3mSWaR
Hawk finally spoke again, their eyes unwavering. "I've got the names. The players who think they can control the industry. And if you want them to fall, Tracer, you're going to have to get your hands a little dirty."272Please respect copyright.PENANADQUUDJI2JR
272Please respect copyright.PENANAih2yzinEyQ
272Please respect copyright.PENANA0NdurvxT8l
The weight of their words settled into the room, and for a long moment, there was silence. Si-woo could feel the tension rising between the two. Tracer was a man of action, and Hawk wasn't offering empty promises. This was a dangerous game, and they were all players in it now.272Please respect copyright.PENANAxSRfrdk3Zi
272Please respect copyright.PENANA8Lm2vmAh1S
272Please respect copyright.PENANAaEfahXjQ94
Tracer finally leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving Hawk. "Alright," he said, voice low. "I'll hear you out. But know this—if you betray me, you'll regret it."272Please respect copyright.PENANAAhLHAaursn
272Please respect copyright.PENANAW0xFpiMgEE
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjZjxEP5Kpz
Hawk gave a single nod, their eyes still unreadable behind the mask. "Trust is earned, not given. And right now, we need each other. Let's see where this takes us."272Please respect copyright.PENANAeVq6P09Tvc
272Please respect copyright.PENANAhCx9zg5YAG
272Please respect copyright.PENANAiAx4MIKHOS
Si-woo watched as the two of them locked eyes, a new, unspoken understanding passing between them. The alliances were forming, but so were the risks. In this world of hidden power, no one was ever truly safe.272Please respect copyright.PENANA6oNLKpoAFb
272Please respect copyright.PENANA2CucbYdH2H
272Please respect copyright.PENANA32c99cRkAF
...272Please respect copyright.PENANABlLvbCVrKL
272Please respect copyright.PENANAyPmeCn2Fww
272Please respect copyright.PENANAnTr2q5npll
...272Please respect copyright.PENANAUuQzs0xZj6
272Please respect copyright.PENANAU9bEajxzoW
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmjM3ngp0Hq
...272Please respect copyright.PENANAsiSeePJlKh
272Please respect copyright.PENANAr9fUUn31vW
272Please respect copyright.PENANAUayDQD5oqs
Three days later, the conference room was filled with the soft hum of conversation as the K-East team gathered for a crucial private meeting. The walls, adorned with promotional posters of the group's past achievements, seemed almost surreal in the tense atmosphere. The staff had been preparing for this moment for days — the team was about to discuss the upcoming changes to their schedule and the postponement of their highly anticipated GO! K-EAST show.272Please respect copyright.PENANAtHUa2v1bxB
272Please respect copyright.PENANAoSG3hPLT6I
272Please respect copyright.PENANAuMI6LXhApS
At the head of the table was of course their CEO, Bang Si-woo. His eyes scanned the room, noting the concerned faces of his staff and managers.272Please respect copyright.PENANAZBvU0hwoif
272Please respect copyright.PENANAOhnqpOSaHb
272Please respect copyright.PENANAPxiOlvdqHg
"Alright, everyone," Si-woo began with his voice calm but authoritative. "Thank you for coming on such short notice. We all know what's at stake here. Today, we need to make some important decisions regarding our schedule and GO! K-EAST."272Please respect copyright.PENANAvfUhGYwsFc
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4lhX4wbwRK
272Please respect copyright.PENANA3Ick6dcy3e
He paused to let the gravity of the situation sink in, then continued. "First and foremost, we need to address the delays. We have a lot riding on this show, and the fans have been eagerly waiting for its premiere. Unfortunately, external circumstances have forced our hand. We'll need to push back the date, but before we go into details, let's hear from our head of production."272Please respect copyright.PENANAt2I0ng5kkG
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVCpW2OPfEA
272Please respect copyright.PENANALIEqnrs70H
Director Seo Mi-Na, a seasoned veteran in the entertainment industry, stood up from her seat. She was well-regarded for her ability to keep things moving smoothly, even in chaotic situations.272Please respect copyright.PENANAQOiplPVpjr
"Thank you, sir Bang," she said, adjusting her glasses as she began speaking. "As you all know, the production crew has encountered several setbacks over the past week. Due to some unforeseen issues with our venue and technical difficulties with the live broadcast setup, the GO! K-EAST show simply cannot go ahead as scheduled."272Please respect copyright.PENANAx8iYUBq5Ws
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdXZ3h8ZTri
272Please respect copyright.PENANA45G8EEYMSD
She paused, flipping through a few notes on her tablet. "We were hoping to resolve the issues quickly, but after consulting with the team and analyzing the logistics, it's clear that rushing the show would not only compromise the quality, but it could also affect the safety of our performers and staff. The new target date, after we account for these delays, would be two weeks from the original date."272Please respect copyright.PENANAidN8fQ4NB5
272Please respect copyright.PENANAFRpLmai3QM
272Please respect copyright.PENANAUNyJITKpJF
A murmur of understanding passed through the room. Everyone knew how much the show meant to K-East's reputation, as well as to their fans, but there was no question about the necessity of taking the time to do things properly.272Please respect copyright.PENANAHxkg8mxRoz
272Please respect copyright.PENANA3aa93qacyW
272Please respect copyright.PENANALq1fJQMEFr
Manager Kim Soo-Hyun, one of the top managers at K-East, leaned forward. "I think we're all in agreement that postponing the show is the right move, but we also need to consider the fallout with our fans. We've already promoted the initial release date heavily on social media and through various media outlets. Fans are excited, but they also expect us to deliver."272Please respect copyright.PENANARSQY9POcjn
272Please respect copyright.PENANAv2dBxBTRHJ
272Please respect copyright.PENANARvCCwK0RAp
Ji-Hoon nodded thoughtfully. "That's a valid point. Our PR team needs to prepare a statement explaining the reasons behind the delay, and we'll need to apologize for the inconvenience. We can also offer them something to keep their spirits up. Maybe a live broadcast event with a special behind-the-scenes segment in the meantime. Director Seo, can we push forward with that idea?"272Please respect copyright.PENANA7ECAhwUJXM
272Please respect copyright.PENANASPwQhGGzo4
272Please respect copyright.PENANAFKSvcGFn2a
Seo Mi-Na gave a small nod. "Yes, we can arrange a live stream. It would give the fans something exclusive to look forward to while also showing them that we're still working hard behind the scenes."272Please respect copyright.PENANAHbzo9gQNbQ
Public Relations Manager Park Eun-Jeong added in, saying. "We'll need to be transparent about the reasons behind the delay and assure our fans that we are committed to making the show the best it can be. I also recommend we offer a sneak peek into some of the unreleased footage or perhaps an interview with the members to keep the excitement alive."272Please respect copyright.PENANA5qW7yyLGQy
272Please respect copyright.PENANARRC3O9awHl
272Please respect copyright.PENANAKqELR4RiXh
Ji-Hoon raised an eyebrow at Eun-Jeong's suggestion. "I like the idea of a member-focused interview. Let's get them involved in the communication with the fans. We can even include personal messages from the members about their progress in preparing for the show."272Please respect copyright.PENANAs6t0rbRd3m
272Please respect copyright.PENANAeIuKraQ0OK
272Please respect copyright.PENANAyyl2wPYCvf
Artistic Director Lee Joo-Hee spoke next, her voice laced with concern. "We have to take into account how this will affect the rest of our schedule. If we push GO! K-EAST back, it could interfere with some of our other planned promotions and events. We'll need to adjust our calendar, especially with the holidays coming up."272Please respect copyright.PENANAQSerOfF7yo
272Please respect copyright.PENANALCp175rwSI
272Please respect copyright.PENANAFf7TBWfqEQ
Ji-Hoon nodded, deep in thought. "We can work around the schedule. Let's push for a clear timeline for GO! K-EAST and then make the necessary adjustments for everything else. We can move some smaller events to accommodate the new show date."272Please respect copyright.PENANAZCUOJRciNF
Manager Kim Soo-Hyun added, "We may also need to consult with the sponsors and partners. They've been expecting the show on the original date, and we don't want to risk losing their support or causing any strain in our business relationships."272Please respect copyright.PENANAwbpHmfSUIA
"Understood," Ji-Hoon said. "I'll have a team reach out to all of our partners and sponsors. We'll ensure they're kept in the loop and that they fully understand the reason behind the delay."272Please respect copyright.PENANASQJrGGEYsM
Seo Mi-Na stood again. "Lastly, we need to prioritize the health and wellbeing of our members. We've been pushing them quite hard to prepare for the show, and they've been under a lot of pressure. Let's make sure they have enough time to rest and refresh before we go live."272Please respect copyright.PENANAHfuYc25m98
272Please respect copyright.PENANAJXKBAXjjkB
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYGyGLQ1wRx
At the mention of the members' well-being, the room fell quiet for a moment. The group's members had been working tirelessly, and there was always the risk that pushing too hard could lead to burnout or injury.272Please respect copyright.PENANAOJ4QHUQEH4
272Please respect copyright.PENANA16FiAn63gA
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVmbE3JNMP0
Ji-Hoon sighed, rubbing his chin. "You're right, Mi-Na. Let's ensure that they have a proper break before we ramp up again. We want them to be at their best, physically and mentally."272Please respect copyright.PENANAJXXoDzGt3x
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdFPkBm2qqk
272Please respect copyright.PENANAqz8VAFekmt
The room hummed with agreement, as everyone understood the importance of balance in the intense world of K-pop.272Please respect copyright.PENANA86TAIbPysC
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzqZjj9eppy
272Please respect copyright.PENANACnntVxmB66
Finally, Ji-Hoon addressed the room, his tone decisive. "Alright. Here's the plan: We will officially announce the postponement of GO! K-EAST in a statement, ensuring we give the fans a clear understanding of the situation and offering them a sneak peek. We'll schedule the new show date two weeks out. We'll also have smaller fan events and behind-the-scenes content to keep the energy up. The members will take some well-deserved rest, and our production team will double down on ironing out any remaining issues."272Please respect copyright.PENANA0b0aTkiuw5
272Please respect copyright.PENANAhTJlbeurLH
272Please respect copyright.PENANAHJcymFmOng
He looked around the room, his expression confident. "This is a temporary setback, but we will turn it into an opportunity. We'll make sure that GO! K-EAST will be the best show we've ever put on. Let's get to work."272Please respect copyright.PENANAtpvKc6Vinb
272Please respect copyright.PENANAiebVHypeCO
272Please respect copyright.PENANARoOV2Mk7iC
As the team nodded in agreement, the mood in the room shifted. While the postponement was a disappointment, there was a sense of unity and determination. The staff knew that this setback was just a stepping stone toward an even greater success.272Please respect copyright.PENANAklNSOxZ7JE
272Please respect copyright.PENANASm3XrKfL0Q
272Please respect copyright.PENANAPlbIJchadA
After the meeting wrapped up, the K-East staff slowly filed out of the conference room, their minds already racing with the tasks ahead. Jiyoo, who had been listening attentively throughout the entire discussion, lingered for a moment, gathering his things. As he walked toward the exit, one of the assistants, a young staff member named Min-Ji, approached him with a hesitant expression.272Please respect copyright.PENANAbZx6ii9lwX
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4AUGdURH6K
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYP8Eab2ThS
"Jiyoo-ssi," Min-Ji called softly, causing him to pause and look back. "Si-woo sunbaenim would like to see you in the main office."272Please respect copyright.PENANAGygPIjsRMc
272Please respect copyright.PENANAGykfTcaRN1
272Please respect copyright.PENANAKzGPg7x62a
Jiyoo raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. Si-woo was also the company's chief strategist, known for his calm demeanor and his knack for managing even the most chaotic situations. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAe1M2gruJMy
272Please respect copyright.PENANAm4esi7rVbp
272Please respect copyright.PENANA9MaLGDLH5H
Although Si-woo wasn't one to call people into his office for no reason, Jiyoo couldn't help but feel a slight sense of unease. He glanced back at his members, who were standing together near the door, still discussing the outcome of the meeting.272Please respect copyright.PENANAkXpaM8rWES
272Please respect copyright.PENANAMZcGEoZBvI
272Please respect copyright.PENANA2sCaPC48Bb
Taeyun, ever the perceptive one, caught Jiyoo's eye. His gaze sharpened with a hint of confusion, and he gave Jiyoo a questioning look. "What's going on, hyung?" he asked with his voice quiet but filled with curiosity. He looked between Jiyoo and Min-Ji, sensing something was up but not quite understanding what.272Please respect copyright.PENANA6S4CATJghG
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjGGVw2sxxY
272Please respect copyright.PENANAW5tixDydFi
Jiyoo gave him a small, reassuring smile. "I'll be fine," he replied, though his tone was slightly uncertain. "It's probably nothing. I'll head over now."272Please respect copyright.PENANA94XJtKw4RM
272Please respect copyright.PENANAJ7YYXXL7R9
272Please respect copyright.PENANABezM0fYumk
With a final glance at his members, Jiyoo nodded, his expression slightly guarded, and walked toward the main office. As he made his way through the hallway, his thoughts drifted briefly to the meeting they had just wrapped up. The postponement of the GO! K-EAST show was certainly a setback, but Jiyoo wasn't one to dwell on things for too long. There was always something else to focus on.272Please respect copyright.PENANAvPiLKhpyY4
272Please respect copyright.PENANAj86J45KkQY
272Please respect copyright.PENANAAICFfvvkTq
When he reached the door to the main office, he knocked lightly, and upon hearing the soft words. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAZmAazD4EmC
272Please respect copyright.PENANAeOaJytHrH0
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzDMMRdmdSp
"Come in," The CEO said as soon as Jiyoo stepped inside. 272Please respect copyright.PENANA7ORwEOtxxf
272Please respect copyright.PENANATlo20lRiPf
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQDn0KldN5G
The atmosphere in the room was quieter than he expected, and as he closed the door behind him, he found him sitting at his desk, a warm smile playing on his lips.272Please respect copyright.PENANAnRQQaR0pkd
272Please respect copyright.PENANA3paxYVbRdH
272Please respect copyright.PENANA053CIM7aTK
"Jiyoo," Si-woo greeted him in a smooth and friendly tone. "Have a seat."272Please respect copyright.PENANAS7dWxBcEK9
272Please respect copyright.PENANAW0EhywlHLb
272Please respect copyright.PENANAAYzHImey2U
Jiyoo hesitated for a moment, still unsure why he had been summoned, but his welcoming demeanor made him feel somewhat jittery. As he settled into the chair across from his desk, his posture relaxed but his mind was still curious.272Please respect copyright.PENANASAl0tE0i1M
Si-woo gestured forward and compressed the papers by shuffling them altogether, then set them aside and leaned back in his chair, folding his hands thoughtfully. "It looks like you enjoyed your vacation for a week. I wanted to talk to you about the show, about the members, and... well, about the future."272Please respect copyright.PENANAyYBrtIL35q
272Please respect copyright.PENANAAvmaX7kkeX
272Please respect copyright.PENANAHYD7l7OYK6
Jiyoo raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "The future? What do you mean?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAarnfHIyW0s
272Please respect copyright.PENANAl0xBibjESa
272Please respect copyright.PENANA1fnnOXOE5Q
Si-woo chuckled softly, his eyes glinting with a mix of kindness and wisdom. "It's no secret that there's been a lot of pressure lately, especially with everything being pushed back. But I've been observing the group, Jiyoo. You and your members... you've been handling things remarkably well, considering how stressful this time has been. But I know it's not always easy."272Please respect copyright.PENANAiMon4ggzhs
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYxlsj6S9FT
272Please respect copyright.PENANADdxxJCr8UX
Jiyoo wasn't sure how to respond. He'd always been the type to focus on the task at hand, and while the group had certainly faced challenges before, the uncertainty surrounding GO! K-EAST was something different.272Please respect copyright.PENANADBVzC3xJiu
272Please respect copyright.PENANA28rEHRUZmq
272Please respect copyright.PENANAqETQmc04r9
"Have you found them?" 272Please respect copyright.PENANAwqAcf9oQDA
272Please respect copyright.PENANAPqYwz1Dumv
272Please respect copyright.PENANAhCvsrtaQl9
Jiyoo looked up at him, blinking in startlement. "Huh? Sorry, I don't get what you mean."272Please respect copyright.PENANAlk5YIvWLut
272Please respect copyright.PENANAB3Dz2WYz3S
272Please respect copyright.PENANA8zlnWq59t4
"The others have speculated that you visited the Lotte World that is closed and some recent news that you were trying to catch somebody on the highway. Is that true?" 272Please respect copyright.PENANALeAQZg4o5b
272Please respect copyright.PENANAJ0YPD2na0o
272Please respect copyright.PENANAZy4JJDDC5S
Jiyoo paused and thought of what his friends said. Instead, he uttered in a low tone, saying. "No... I was- I was practicing how to drive." 272Please respect copyright.PENANABPzl0M9MV7
272Please respect copyright.PENANArgT9EmIBSt
272Please respect copyright.PENANAKeqcAVr2mm
"I see. You know how the netizens are seeing through the media these days. Anything can come out as rumors, evidence, or an issue. Also, I would not mind if you are interested in finding out the vendetta, but since you and the members are performing the next shows, it's unlikely impossible," Si-woo leaned forward slightly, his voice quieter now, as if sharing something more personal. "I just wanted to let you know that I'm proud of the way you've been handling things. I'm sure you feel the weight of everything, especially with your members depending on you, but I believe in you. And I want you to know that you're not in this alone."272Please respect copyright.PENANAnPjY0DR82A
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6Bvktkmukq
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVyDF555Rdp
Jiyoo blinked, slightly taken aback by Si-woo's unexpected words. The calm yet genuine reassurance in Si-woo's voice caught him off guard. Despite being used to leading in public and maintaining a composed appearance, hearing someone like Si-woo express such support felt strangely comforting.272Please respect copyright.PENANAHn0GmSvY54
272Please respect copyright.PENANA2atmdn8odE
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6Bjzf8Tl01
"Thank you," Jiyoo said, his voice soft but filled with sincerity. He felt a wave of gratitude toward Si-woo, not just for his words, but for the underlying recognition that, even as a leader, Jiyoo wasn't without his own struggles.272Please respect copyright.PENANAnYiTeKP1rj
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWeQy3xXTi7
272Please respect copyright.PENANASZuBnNJtjL
Si-woo gave him a knowing smile, his gaze warm and encouraging. "Of course. Just remember, it's okay to lean on others when things get tough. That's what we're here for — to support each other."272Please respect copyright.PENANAVVjv7L5jj1
Jiyoo nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. He felt lighter now, more grounded, as if the burden he'd been carrying had been shared, even if just a little. "I'll keep that in mind," he replied, his tone firmer, more assured than before.272Please respect copyright.PENANAqribSlDYwp
272Please respect copyright.PENANA0O5jLNJfjI
272Please respect copyright.PENANAIs1NVMfQrF
Si-woo got a little frustrated at the imposter troubled girl, including the Narrow squad in his own mind. He then informed Jiyoo, saying. "You have an appointment in the evening and I suggest you dress in a formal attire." 272Please respect copyright.PENANAsDCwnXWPma
272Please respect copyright.PENANAc3vEMHPpm1
272Please respect copyright.PENANAaIqw7JQ1qA
Jiyoo gulped and stood up from his chair, facing his back. Then, he stopped in his own tracks when he listened to him. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAls11deeHse
272Please respect copyright.PENANACK2pPIcdx2
272Please respect copyright.PENANAe54eo5vuFn
"If I ever see you pull another trick by acting so carelessly, you will not like what I'm about to order you. Is that clear, Mr. Park...?" Si-woo said in a light warning, pushing the circular specks forward his nose bridge. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAhRyljrs7bf
272Please respect copyright.PENANAeSQkAhpYuF
272Please respect copyright.PENANAa3keCeHXHB
Jiyoo nodded silently in agreement. He blinked a few times before he sharpened his gaze in chagrin at the thought of his words to him. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAQiQec3kv5F
272Please respect copyright.PENANAupOZbHymZ8
272Please respect copyright.PENANAo7XkBAgSEl
Si-woo chuckled again, his expression easing into a more relaxed one. "Good. Now, go take a break. You've been working non-stop. The members are probably waiting for you, and I'm sure you could use some time to recharge before we dive back into the craziness. I'm sure your father is going to be happy to see you again." 272Please respect copyright.PENANApNENAsVNbZ
272Please respect copyright.PENANA5HFlXPRTaW
272Please respect copyright.PENANA7VBZgn9F0T
Jiyoo slightly breathed through his nostrils to control his anger that was filling up his clenched fists. Then he slowly glanced over his shoulder at him and said politely. "Alright, I will. Thanks again, sir Bang."272Please respect copyright.PENANAkQaMqgwBT3
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmdL89epKDh
272Please respect copyright.PENANAUXSs5PHxJz
"Anytime, Jiyoo. Anytime," Si-woo said with a friendly nod and his smile was still present.272Please respect copyright.PENANA5gworK2I8x
272Please respect copyright.PENANANgcDkz74h6
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQVLI2xTrke
Once Jiyoo left the office, the door clicking softly behind him, he felt a sense of reassurance that hadn't been there before. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAxZCL1hWMEa
272Please respect copyright.PENANA3kNFzH8fu7
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6xovQTI5hV
There was still much work ahead, but now, with Si-woo's words in his mind, he knew he wasn't carrying it alone.272Please respect copyright.PENANAx2xz6D3APk
272Please respect copyright.PENANAIhG5Sgb1mz
272Please respect copyright.PENANAcenYwzdFtQ
Meanwhile, Jason had been working tirelessly with the squad, putting them through rigorous training sessions that pushed their physical and mental limits. His approach was tough but effective, focusing on hand-to-hand combat, endurance, strategy, and even unorthodox techniques. Today, they were in the gym, with the sound of grunts and the rhythmic thud of fists hitting pads filling the air.272Please respect copyright.PENANA5q4bveTge8
272Please respect copyright.PENANAG8eJJoOECL
272Please respect copyright.PENANASS0C0kgyov
"Focus, Julong!" Jason shouted, as he sparred with one of the new recruits. "Don't just react—anticipate! Use your opponent's energy against them!"272Please respect copyright.PENANATrMF3CiLAc
272Please respect copyright.PENANAJoCwD97u7R
272Please respect copyright.PENANAgHZBSwTXGP
Julong dodged a punch and countered with a swift kick, but Jason was already there, stepping in to correct his form. "That's better, but remember—timing over power."272Please respect copyright.PENANArb5Z5D2e41
272Please respect copyright.PENANAk4b9OHY4hu
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWCgWe8kp68
In a lit room elsewhere in the facility, Kain sat silently in the shadows, watching the training session on a monitor. His face was unreadable, his posture relaxed but poised. He was always observing, always calculating. A soft knock on the door broke the stillness.272Please respect copyright.PENANAmYhf9yyyFD
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWTS0Y6qYkj
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4dNEzTlBFO
"Yes?" Kain's deep voice rumbled as it creaked open.272Please respect copyright.PENANAfUIZrC6wPF
272Please respect copyright.PENANALuAZV2pKP5
272Please respect copyright.PENANAq28rH4oKFF
A figure stepped inside—one of the higher-ranking officers in their organization. The officer, who was always brief with words, addressed Kain without ceremony.272Please respect copyright.PENANASkofawEkXt
272Please respect copyright.PENANAbkFU6paz83
272Please respect copyright.PENANAJk2vr6cxni
"Sir, any word on Valerie? Has she decided whether or not to join the squad officially?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAJGZL2j7Fpo
272Please respect copyright.PENANAx78EMpCjXR
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVYaNyuPIJJ
Kain didn't immediately respond, his eyes never leaving the screen where Jason was pushing the squad through their grueling drills. His fingers slowly drummed on the armrest of his chair before he spoke in his usual calm, almost cryptic tone.272Please respect copyright.PENANAAugUebsFwp
272Please respect copyright.PENANANjg9F5FLSm
272Please respect copyright.PENANAbUE7nlbpiD
"Valerie hasn't made a decision yet. She's... torn. There's hesitation, but it's not about her abilities. She's more than capable. It's about her place with us. She's not the type to be easily bound to anything, especially not to an organization like ours."272Please respect copyright.PENANAk3kMIugf33
272Please respect copyright.PENANAt2fjLIRapi
272Please respect copyright.PENANAviyEcYw4tI
Kain shifted slightly, his eyes narrowing as he spoke, clearly focused on something deeper in Valerie's internal struggle. "She needs to feel something greater than just following orders. She needs a purpose. Until she sees that here, she won't commit. But when she does... she'll be more powerful than we can imagine. If she chooses us."272Please respect copyright.PENANAYi5Yjjq4mv
272Please respect copyright.PENANAd2SDPaIiYT
272Please respect copyright.PENANAvQzx8q1mxk
The officer nodded, understanding the gravity of Kain's words. "Do you want me to encourage her, sir?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAJXVBDabY30
272Please respect copyright.PENANAMSukNR93bN
272Please respect copyright.PENANADa6Sk3v5Yt
Kain shook his head slowly, his expression unreadable. "No. Let her decide in her own time. Encouraging her might push her away. Valerie will come to us when she's ready—if she ever is."272Please respect copyright.PENANA308xhFgibS
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQECK4Atxyh
272Please respect copyright.PENANAnFwJ9jJUDc
There was a brief pause before the officer spoke again, his voice tinged with uncertainty.272Please respect copyright.PENANAJaXQTPxNP5
272Please respect copyright.PENANAE4gJvEKhiP
272Please respect copyright.PENANAlR8Z31fPcH
"Do you think she'll join, sir?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAMqXjrpfxRl
272Please respect copyright.PENANATH9fVD1HXF
272Please respect copyright.PENANAbMWSwFojbq
Kain leaned back in his chair, his eyes drifting from the screen, as if considering the very nature of Valerie's potential allegiance. After a moment, he gave a small, almost imperceptible smirk.272Please respect copyright.PENANACTmpeOERDn
"I never waste my time worrying about what might be. If she joins, she joins. If she doesn't, we will continue forward. But one thing is certain: she won't be easily replaced."272Please respect copyright.PENANAgKwxeu5C9E
272Please respect copyright.PENANAuqg7GotJIy
272Please respect copyright.PENANA9O4kPGicxl
The officer took that as his cue to leave, knowing there was little more to be said. As the door closed behind him, Kain sat back, still lost in thought, his fingers now resting lightly on the armrest. It was clear that, for him, the choice of Valerie was far from simple. She was a wild card, and he had no intention of forcing her hand. Whether she chose to join or not, Kain was confident that the squad would remain strong—and if Valerie decided to walk alongside them, they would have someone powerful on their side.272Please respect copyright.PENANAjzqfoescs9
272Please respect copyright.PENANA0eLmnhTt3C
272Please respect copyright.PENANAm60891Jror
Back in the gym, Jason was still training the squad, unaware of the quiet deliberations happening in the shadows. But Kain knew, as he always did, that every decision, no matter how small, could change the course of their mission—and Valerie's decision would be no different.272Please respect copyright.PENANAvJ7sov6bxU
272Please respect copyright.PENANAxj0kLCtIwM
272Please respect copyright.PENANANbueloc1UN
"We'll start by doing roundhouse kick exercises. Luke Wong, you're up first," Jason commanded lightly.272Please respect copyright.PENANAC08ve6cmtB
272Please respect copyright.PENANAiioeWaQGzD
272Please respect copyright.PENANAXexwlYrE17
Luke nodded silently in obedience and positioned himself to kick the dummy bag. 272Please respect copyright.PENANA60bVBRqiaS
272Please respect copyright.PENANANLv7CdA2og
272Please respect copyright.PENANA3YKUtgA9nh
A few minutes had passed and the squad had just finished another intense training session, their muscles aching from the relentless drills. Jason was offering some final corrections and words of encouragement to a few of the members when the heavy door to the gym creaked open. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAfbYPVB1yyg
272Please respect copyright.PENANAGzCeieA9wa
272Please respect copyright.PENANAIBmb6HMgTa
Without a word, Kain stepped inside, his presence commanding immediate attention. His dark silhouette framed by the light from the hallway, he surveyed the squad for a moment, his gaze cold and calculating. The room fell silent as Kain's eyes finally locked on Jason, signaling him to stop what he was doing.272Please respect copyright.PENANARarf2ychYj
272Please respect copyright.PENANAbr6Hl2vK9Z
272Please respect copyright.PENANAcs3zX9iWoi
"Gather up," Kain ordered in his deep, controlled voice.272Please respect copyright.PENANAlkoCZUJzYq
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjFFx5X1Aoz
272Please respect copyright.PENANABH9ZFWKcYD
Jason immediately signaled to the others to cease their activities. Within moments, the squad had assembled in front of Kain, standing at attention. His face was as unreadable as always, but there was an edge in his demeanor—something new, something urgent.272Please respect copyright.PENANAOZepDd3Gc7
272Please respect copyright.PENANAgtii7v91td
272Please respect copyright.PENANA7NnLnEdDJd
"This training session will be cut short," Kain began, his voice even but laced with a certain finality. "We've got bigger problems."272Please respect copyright.PENANAyqSmXi3ub1
272Please respect copyright.PENANAEPuXKnZctx
272Please respect copyright.PENANAuKVTkXYB3q
A murmur rippled through the squad, but Kain's sharp gaze silenced any further noise. He took a step forward, his expression grim as he surveyed each of them. His next words were deliberate, each one hanging in the air with weight.272Please respect copyright.PENANAa1whg1emBR
272Please respect copyright.PENANAoN0oHpnjxX
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWe3AINOb9E
"We're being hunted again," Kain said flatly, his gaze flicking to the screen embedded in the wall behind him, which displayed an encrypted series of files. "Si-woo has picked up our trail, and the CEO's people are closing in. They're investigating us, looking for weaknesses, trying to find leverage."272Please respect copyright.PENANAfnGWTruBqe
272Please respect copyright.PENANAOEoG9c3s48
272Please respect copyright.PENANArPzpDXbqRC
The room tensed, but Jason was the first to speak up in question.272Please respect copyright.PENANAFnntyptIOK
272Please respect copyright.PENANAoT8CiQsc2b
272Please respect copyright.PENANAelRIG5QsUl
"Si-woo again? Damn it, I thought we'd shaken him off after the last mission."272Please respect copyright.PENANAWd6FqZd2hj
272Please respect copyright.PENANAArbTlXeB8r
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzt9SXKOZJQ
Kain's lips barely twitched in what might have been a smirk, but there was no humor behind it. "Si-woo doesn't give up easily. He's relentless. And this time, it's not just him. The other CEO has sent his best trackers and his personal enforcers. They're more skilled, more dangerous. If they catch wind of our location, they'll descend on us like wolves."272Please respect copyright.PENANAsSOSfYu7ak
272Please respect copyright.PENANA7LmuApKwwV
272Please respect copyright.PENANA5WvufDwFE6
A sense of unease spread through the group, but Kain's voice cut through the tension, firm and commanding.272Please respect copyright.PENANAeHmTwNQ0t2
272Please respect copyright.PENANAAAT9eEDKdo
272Please respect copyright.PENANAO3jCIYohUO
"Listen carefully. We've been compromised. Their agents have already infiltrated key areas of the city, and they're targeting anyone who's been associated with us. They'll be using every tool at their disposal—surveillance, hacking, human resources, even blackmail. We cannot afford to slip up."272Please respect copyright.PENANALhKMs2TZcC
272Please respect copyright.PENANAEPOLiBNdjn
272Please respect copyright.PENANAZXUHSky88H
One of the squad members, Yuki, raised an eyebrow, looking towards Kain with concern. "How much time do we have, sir? Can we outrun them again?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAbyhSh0wLgv
272Please respect copyright.PENANA8iea3Znfsv
272Please respect copyright.PENANAckUqgpHvNK
Kain's eyes darkened as he met her gaze. "Time is a luxury we no longer have. Si-woo and his men are not like before. They're more organized, and they have resources we haven't faced yet. We need to stay off their radar—and quickly."272Please respect copyright.PENANAWsNJe3mBCw
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWSTMLOWz0k
272Please respect copyright.PENANAf3snSqlViB
Max, usually the first to speak up in situations like this, stepped forward. His face was a mixture of disbelief and concern, but there was a flicker of determination in his eyes.272Please respect copyright.PENANAh4C0VY0d1L
272Please respect copyright.PENANAx5OIKojpwO
272Please respect copyright.PENANAaboHJXb1qK
"Kain, how sure are we that Si-woo's already on us? I mean, we've slipped out of his grasp before. He's not exactly... untouchable, right?" He asked, crossing his arms and looking at Kain with a mixture of skepticism and hope. "We've evaded him before. Why is this different?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAFpcoqkLGhB
272Please respect copyright.PENANAlhqntgDbsr
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQf4YYRiGWk
Kain's cold gaze settled on Max, unblinking. "This is different because Si-woo isn't working alone anymore. He has access to resources that we don't even know the full extent of. The CEO's people are taking matters into their own hands now, which means we're up against far more than just a former colleague with a grudge. They've got everything we've been trying to hide—technology, surveillance, connections. If we don't act fast, we'll be caught. This isn't a game of cat and mouse anymore."272Please respect copyright.PENANAapkkV0WCyX
272Please respect copyright.PENANA2YzsJeORzT
272Please respect copyright.PENANAJ5o3fFjZ7o
Julong, his sharp eyes flicking from Kain to Max, stepped forward, his voice tense but calm. "So what do you want us to do? Just run? Split up? Go into hiding until they get bored?" His hands flexed at his sides as he paced, clearly agitated. "We're not exactly a small group to hide in the shadows."272Please respect copyright.PENANAeCOeiSrwlc
272Please respect copyright.PENANAD2bTtKEsUg
272Please respect copyright.PENANA1xgne6bJFL
"That's exactly what we're doing. Hiding. For now. We won't stay in one place long enough for them to lock us down. We split up, we stay off the grid, and we avoid making any contact unless it's absolutely necessary. No more playing the hero. This isn't about taking them head-on—this is about surviving long enough to regroup."272Please respect copyright.PENANAAYOhTwRB0F
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6ztpK766iz
272Please respect copyright.PENANADfyDZpdFR9
Moonki, who had been quiet up until now, shifted uncomfortably. He ran a hand through his short, messy hair, clearly rattled by the news. "Are we really sure we're ready for this?" he asked, his voice laced with doubt. "I mean, we've always managed to handle ourselves, but these guys sound different. And if they're pulling out all the stops... how do we even fight them without getting caught?"272Please respect copyright.PENANA5jlhKf1uCN
272Please respect copyright.PENANAvKQ4FFb12R
272Please respect copyright.PENANAs05cO4Dowl
"That's the point," Kain replied, his voice low and controlled. "We're not fighting them head-on right now. We're outnumbered, and they have the advantage of surprise. We'll use our strength in other ways—stealth, speed, and deception. Avoid confrontation until we have no choice. But we're not dead yet, Moonki. We fight smart, not recklessly."272Please respect copyright.PENANAlX9niOPLAM
272Please respect copyright.PENANAbDiS1g811d
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYrq5cZRIeq
Henry, always the one to consider logistics, stepped in with his usual dry tone, though his concern was evident. "So what happens if one of us gets cornered or caught? We're all in this together, but we can't afford to get anyone taken. What's the plan for extraction if things go south?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAPVT4Ho5YSO
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6NxfOkPHga
272Please respect copyright.PENANAPKt0EfXCFg
Kain gave Henry a quick, assessing look before answering. "Extraction? There won't be an extraction if you're caught, Henry. If we're compromised that badly, it'll be too late for anything except to get out of the area. The moment they have one of us, we don't make a move. We let them think they have the upper hand, and we use that time to slip through their fingers."272Please respect copyright.PENANAeQm8YHrqp3
272Please respect copyright.PENANAtfKtyYYkxD
272Please respect copyright.PENANABl0Af6ne05
Woonjae, who had been standing a little farther back, stepped forward with a hard expression, his voice cutting through the tension. "What about Sunghoon? He barely made it out. How do we know they didn't follow him here? If they're that close, can we even trust that our location's still safe?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAvfPztJysMP
272Please respect copyright.PENANAIA81kPzvU1
272Please respect copyright.PENANA0PJpHDw5ra
Kain paused, eyes narrowing slightly. He was about to speak, but Beom interrupted him, his tone unusually sharp.272Please respect copyright.PENANAfHNV2TWh8h
272Please respect copyright.PENANANw5BH5TIFD
272Please respect copyright.PENANAwZ3lIgZaYM
"Wait, Kain," Beom said, raising a hand to stop the conversation. "Before you answer Woonjae's question, there's something else we need to figure out. Are we sure Sunghoon was even followed here? I mean, he might have just been shaken up from running. If they're really closing in on us, how do we know this place isn't compromised already? What if they've been tracking us for days, and we're just walking into a trap?"272Please respect copyright.PENANALJnnRCEBLL
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQcILcE6i8N
272Please respect copyright.PENANAp4YQPRNo0O
Kain's expression darkened, and for a brief moment, it seemed as though he might hesitate. But then his features hardened, and his voice dropped to a dangerous level. "That's exactly why we need to move now, Beom. No more waiting around. Sunghoon might have shaken them for a while, but I trust his instincts. We're not safe here long-term, but we are safe for now. If we waste time second-guessing, we'll be dead before we get the chance to act."272Please respect copyright.PENANAv8gBVvZqH4
272Please respect copyright.PENANA71yijuvlbQ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAfOJPiFIXSS
Byung-seok, who had been silent for most of the conversation, suddenly spoke up in a low, even tone. "So what's the priority, Kain? Are we going underground, or are we hitting back? Because if we're going to disappear, we need to move fast, and we need to get our gear ready. If we're not prepared to fight, then we need to disappear—and we need to do it now."272Please respect copyright.PENANAe6G3XD8P4P
272Please respect copyright.PENANALqHN6OCQJ8
272Please respect copyright.PENANAnseSsblnYu
The room went still again as everyone looked to Kain for the final word. His eyes swept over the squad, his gaze colder than ever.272Please respect copyright.PENANABGUhDW6RNf
272Please respect copyright.PENANA1Xc9xJwfDL
272Please respect copyright.PENANA8f0V0cOoVE
"Get your gear ready. We're not running away—we're going underground," Kain said, his voice steady and unyielding. "This isn't about revenge, it's about survival. And we'll fight when the time is right. For now, we stay out of sight, stay smart, and we wait. But don't mistake this for a retreat. This is just the beginning."272Please respect copyright.PENANAuVMMx96Ybz
272Please respect copyright.PENANANzj2kIWaS5
272Please respect copyright.PENANA9y2p9wfRQ1
The squad exchanged looks, some more confident than others, but each of them understood the stakes. Kain had spoken, and when Kain spoke, there was no room for argument.272Please respect copyright.PENANArrDXpXWqnZ
Jason stepped forward, already assessing the situation in his mind. "So, what's the plan?"272Please respect copyright.PENANA2ErM3vl4Vw
272Please respect copyright.PENANA0kQ1C8vXRa
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWPuisnIZs5
Kain's voice remained cold, but his words were sharp and direct. "We go underground. I'll make sure all comms are wiped and encrypted. We'll split up for now—keep a low profile, don't make contact unless it's absolutely necessary. Jason, you'll lead one team. Yuki, you take another. I'll keep a watchful eye from here. I'll provide updates as needed."272Please respect copyright.PENANAgvLvJzYFIM
272Please respect copyright.PENANAV2TTRvC3X6
272Please respect copyright.PENANAqK5M8yyhdc
Jason nodded, his expression hardening. "Understood. We'll stay out of sight."272Please respect copyright.PENANAZ9ICh5bT8W
272Please respect copyright.PENANAHwREnWwJCU
272Please respect copyright.PENANAKYtatpCFBD
Kain's gaze swept over the squad once more, his eyes narrowing with a quiet, deadly intensity. "And remember this: if they find us, it won't be just our heads on the line. The squad stays tight. We survive, or we all go down together."272Please respect copyright.PENANAkptOtg0D35
272Please respect copyright.PENANA7lxHMpHru5
272Please respect copyright.PENANAkYdeVnXTm8
There was a brief pause as everyone processed the gravity of the situation. Jason's jaw clenched, but he knew that Kain's words were a harsh truth. The team had always been in danger, but now, the threat was far more personal—and far more immediate.272Please respect copyright.PENANA9ELxq9b2Pi
272Please respect copyright.PENANAf2fWvSM3KR
272Please respect copyright.PENANA3FXeM66Scn
"Any questions?" Kain asked, his tone suggesting he expected none.272Please respect copyright.PENANAORJvjUoLI4
272Please respect copyright.PENANAStrbY4jxm8
272Please respect copyright.PENANAwCiT9pgobD
No one spoke. The silence in the room was heavy, but there was also an unspoken understanding. This was no longer just about missions and training. It was about survival.272Please respect copyright.PENANAv9dXAvo6SY
272Please respect copyright.PENANAc3Pblpg1Cu
272Please respect copyright.PENANAamkooAyBzo
"Good," Kain muttered, his tone still unwavering. "Get moving. We have a lot of work to do, and not much time to do it."272Please respect copyright.PENANAn7csWmf466
272Please respect copyright.PENANA41SKVmDg0l
272Please respect copyright.PENANAsKANAnTecE
As the squad scattered, preparing for what lay ahead, Kain remained behind. He stared at the screen, the faces of Si-woo and the CEO's henchmen flashing briefly on the monitor before they were replaced by a map of the city. His fingers hovered over the controls for a moment, but then he simply leaned back, the weight of leadership settling back on his shoulders. This was the game they played—and Kain was determined to make sure they were the ones who walked away victorious.272Please respect copyright.PENANAOrRlAs4ZIF
272Please respect copyright.PENANAF1LtGMRNO3
272Please respect copyright.PENANAuBqLUK81Y1
The squad had barely begun to settle into their new orders when the door to the gym slammed open with a deafening crash. Everyone immediately turned, weapons instinctively drawn or hands poised to defend themselves. But the figure in the doorway was unmistakable—Sunghoon, one of their own, looking completely out of breath and visibly agitated. His clothes were torn, his hair matted with sweat, and his usually calm demeanor was replaced by a frantic energy that caught everyone off guard.272Please respect copyright.PENANAR7tmDIV3u4
272Please respect copyright.PENANAz2cjfDlAts
272Please respect copyright.PENANAvw1MA59zey
Jason's eyes narrowed in concern and was taken aback. "Sunghoon?! What the hell happened?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAiaR00NimUW
272Please respect copyright.PENANADa6EAgTdv5
272Please respect copyright.PENANAwlzUuw8Py3
Sunghoon staggered inside, pressing a hand against the doorframe to steady himself. His breath came in ragged gasps, his chest heaving as he tried to regain control. For a moment, he didn't speak—his eyes scanning the room, his mind racing, no doubt considering what he was about to say.272Please respect copyright.PENANAWN1Sy91fO7
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjMOazdUsqn
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjlnf0PbYZi
"Sunghoon?" Kain's voice was sharp now, his usual calm demeanor giving way to a flicker of unease. "What's going on?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAo6WmUE40yO
272Please respect copyright.PENANAkTSshHuWrE
272Please respect copyright.PENANAS5DfM2G784
He straightened up slowly, wiping a trickle of blood from his lip. His expression was grim, more serious than anyone had ever seen him. He took in a deep breath, then finally spoke, each word heavy with urgency.272Please respect copyright.PENANAaWRw260EAz
272Please respect copyright.PENANA87nphPsRDZ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAj3SJDC4UvQ
"They're coming," Sunghoon said, his voice strained but forceful. "The CEO's people... they're already here. They've got eyes everywhere."272Please respect copyright.PENANAPf7jRczhka
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYmmRhw05aD
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVRXMXZE4JW
Jason's jaw tightened. "What do you mean? You're saying they've found us?"272Please respect copyright.PENANA7n2YIMovks
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYPbU6Gu0wn
272Please respect copyright.PENANAesMU6ygy5b
Sunghoon nodded, shaking his head in disbelief. "I barely made it out. They've got surveillance teams sweeping the city. I tried to shake them, but I lost them for only a few minutes before they started closing in again. They've set up shop in key locations around the city, pulling strings, watching us... and now they know everything."272Please respect copyright.PENANAPdbhuh6nz0
272Please respect copyright.PENANActdyb53NeG
272Please respect copyright.PENANAljBRzRVeuT
He wiped the sweat from his brow, his face a mix of frustration and fear. "I saw some of them outside the building I was hiding in. They had these... high-tech drones. They've upgraded their operations. It's not just ground agents anymore, they've got tech that's tracking us."272Please respect copyright.PENANAit9wBAfWPR
272Please respect copyright.PENANAZFBXV3Cigw
272Please respect copyright.PENANAZxkeyt5wBR
Kain's eyes narrowed dangerously. "So we've been compromised again. This is what I feared. Si-woo's not playing around anymore."272Please respect copyright.PENANA4iE6GpilXg
272Please respect copyright.PENANANwvuT1L6tQ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdlZrkZxwKm
Sunghoon took a slow, deliberate step forward, his voice low but firm. "It's worse than that. They've got information. Not just on us—but on you, Kain. The CEO knows everything about the operation, and they're coming for you specifically." He glanced at the squad, his gaze locking on each of them in turn. "We need to move. Now."272Please respect copyright.PENANAbCQIcjxkGo
272Please respect copyright.PENANANRFXVRsKnu
272Please respect copyright.PENANA9hcwmDtY32
The air in the room thickened with tension. Jason exchanged a look with Sarah, his hand still on his weapon but his mind working to assess their options. He turned back to Sunghoon, his voice low but urgent. "How much time do we have? What's our next move?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAnaA71KWVfG
272Please respect copyright.PENANAk3szmy0beR
272Please respect copyright.PENANARdqGE4t8js
Sunghoon's eyes flicked nervously toward the door, as if he could already hear the footsteps of their pursuers closing in. "Not much. They're mobilizing fast. I tried to lead them off, but they're too well-organized. They've already infiltrated some of the city's grids—they could be tracking our every move. We need to disappear and regroup, or we'll be caught in a trap."272Please respect copyright.PENANABIAVZLxhyi
272Please respect copyright.PENANAqfJzWs0HE7
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdDDm7F5cvq
Kain's gaze was steady as he regarded Sunghoon, his expression unreadable. But there was an unmistakable flicker of calculation in his eyes as he processed the new information. "How many are we talking about, Sunghoon? How many agents?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAYDhFqG4oUw
272Please respect copyright.PENANAquW23zK7Gm
272Please respect copyright.PENANAixDLEZUzDl
"Too many," Sunghoon replied, frustration creeping into his voice. "It's not just about numbers anymore. They've got high-level operatives—mercenaries, tech specialists, you name it. They're ready for a fight. And they know we're dangerous."272Please respect copyright.PENANAzYG4xAmLbs
272Please respect copyright.PENANAoIdt0yEnR0
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4YL3JD6ge3
Jason's fists clenched, his jaw tight with frustration. "So we go dark, then?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAfrkG7REkHu
272Please respect copyright.PENANA8lM1RZdpTE
272Please respect copyright.PENANAeR5IEyBTvz
"Exactly," Sunghoon confirmed, still trying to catch his breath. "We need to disappear off their radar, but quickly. We can't afford to be careless. I'll give you all the details I know about their movements and the sectors they've been targeting. But we need to move fast. The moment they pinpoint us, it'll be over."272Please respect copyright.PENANAMikCkENcwQ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmOZciZ0Wlq
272Please respect copyright.PENANAqLrJybdIVB
Kain's voice cut through the tension like a knife. "Get ready. We split up immediately. We're not giving them a chance to corner us. Jason, you take half the squad. Sunghoon, you stay with me. We're going underground."272Please respect copyright.PENANAL9bcJz2nQj
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzIaC4v8BPw
272Please respect copyright.PENANA63ZIPok7JL
"Understood," Jason replied immediately, his eyes already scanning the room, thinking ahead to how best to divide the team.272Please respect copyright.PENANAWZnFGpp9Od
272Please respect copyright.PENANACR7KS5NX2B
272Please respect copyright.PENANAAEz1K25Aym
Sunghoon wiped his forehead again, glancing around at the squad. He wasn't usually one to show signs of panic, but the gravity of the situation was starting to weigh heavily on him. The look in his eyes now was one of a man who knew the stakes—and knew they were dangerously high.272Please respect copyright.PENANAxZzTDWSujQ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAPy72KErvWa
272Please respect copyright.PENANAMSDIdvIrPI
"We've always been one step ahead of them," Sunghoon said quietly, meeting Kain's gaze. "But if we don't act now, we won't get a second chance."272Please respect copyright.PENANAPAhoAMzPCy
272Please respect copyright.PENANASCumoOsIvr
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQiSWKdJtRY
Kain nodded once, his voice cold and commanding. "Then let's not waste it."272Please respect copyright.PENANAV0Jn2NWzrI
272Please respect copyright.PENANA8WU6AMaRHV
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQja32RRrKu
As the squad swiftly mobilized into action, Sunghoon took a step back, his mind still racing through the details of what he had seen. They were no longer just on the defensive. They were being hunted—and the only way out was to outsmart their enemies before it was too late.272Please respect copyright.PENANApTLgfnZder
272Please respect copyright.PENANAoy6CF3L7pP
272Please respect copyright.PENANAkzcthUqjAI
... 272Please respect copyright.PENANA0gygSqszDs
272Please respect copyright.PENANA2dbUmBYbQ7
272Please respect copyright.PENANAuuQzafsPjf
The trio, consisting of Bryan, Sally, and Ava, had come together with a shared goal: to focus on their respective work tasks and complete the jobs at hand. They were methodical in their approach, each contributing their unique skills and strengths to get the job done efficiently. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAS6iiYiTnDE
272Please respect copyright.PENANAPvkcK62NOz
272Please respect copyright.PENANA8YhS05xbSt
Bryan, known for his meticulous attention to detail, tackled the more technical aspects of the tasks. Sally, the creative one, brought fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the table, ensuring the work was both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Ava, with her strong organizational skills, kept everyone on track and ensured that deadlines were met, all while maintaining a sense of harmony among the group. Together, they formed a well-balanced and effective team, steadily advancing toward their objectives.272Please respect copyright.PENANAQGHuYk3UzC
272Please respect copyright.PENANAufsuGj84pV
272Please respect copyright.PENANARsMSVeRbbT
Meanwhile, K-East, a popular boy group, was off to a different kind of challenge. They attended interviews at KBS, one of South Korea's largest broadcasting stations, where they answered questions, shared insights into their music, and engaged with the media in a charismatic and professional manner. The atmosphere was electric, as fans eagerly followed the event. After the interviews, K-East performed their songs live, showcasing their impressive vocal and dance abilities. The performance was nothing short of spectacular, with high-energy choreography, emotional delivery, and seamless harmony, further cementing their status as rising stars in the music industry. While Bryan, Sally, and Ava focused on their tasks, K-East was shining in the entertainment spotlight, each group excelling in their respective pursuits.272Please respect copyright.PENANA9zbTvygYLB
272Please respect copyright.PENANAT70NctnCSj
272Please respect copyright.PENANAF8SxUBa5KZ
After the whirlwind of interviews and live performances, the members of K-East, along with Jiyoo, gathered in their lounge area backstage. They were winding down, exchanging stories from the day, when the conversation turned to a curious encounter they had witnessed earlier.272Please respect copyright.PENANAQ2vRlL2YHN
272Please respect copyright.PENANArFPabN9jbS
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWEbuEw3YYv
Jaesang, always the observant one, was the first to bring it up. "Any sign of that girl on the motorcycle?" He asked, leaning forward with a mix of curiosity and amusement in her eyes.272Please respect copyright.PENANABdpIUms90k
272Please respect copyright.PENANAGL1codSDNl
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVbM2squopR
The K-East members, still buzzing with excitement from their performance, paused and exchanged glances. "So far, there's barely any trace of her. She really caused that flat tire on one of our cars," Ryung, the group's leader, said. 272Please respect copyright.PENANALF8oVBlwCE
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQY5UhnSGpD
272Please respect copyright.PENANApYV1CzfmF7
"Yeah, that was crazy," Min-jun replied, a smile tugging at his lips. "She looked like she was in a rush, but there was something cool about her. Like, she didn't care about anyone or anything around her."272Please respect copyright.PENANAvZvAy2a9Io
272Please respect copyright.PENANAE3ZGT0wlKN
272Please respect copyright.PENANAXQkUnYCVbe
"Right?" Jaesang added, chuckling. "She was going way too fast. Almost like she had some secret mission."272Please respect copyright.PENANAkOfUeBuiep
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYlWMSFojVQ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAwACDhng3YA
"She definitely had the vibe of someone who wasn't afraid of anything," Hwan chimed in. "But, I don't know... I couldn't help but think there was a little mystery behind her."272Please respect copyright.PENANAxC1ZUDENKr
272Please respect copyright.PENANAE87BcIgV9f
272Please respect copyright.PENANAvUpee0U7Kr
"Yeah..." Jiyoo agreed, her tone taking on a more thoughtful quality. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAv3DFXg3jsq
272Please respect copyright.PENANAoE0efZ9Ay2
272Please respect copyright.PENANAiWxE45eq4W
"I bet she's probably a rebel type," Min-jun mused, leaning back in his chair. "You know, the kind who doesn't follow the rules, lives on her own terms. I'm kind of curious if we'll ever cross paths with her again."272Please respect copyright.PENANAjlZoZSygcv
272Please respect copyright.PENANAak41cltfGv
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjG3Omeknmq
"Maybe she's an undercover agent or something," Hwan jokes, leaning forward with a grin. "Imagine her showing up at one of our concerts in disguise."272Please respect copyright.PENANA3mr8qhyn7J
272Please respect copyright.PENANAIGbTh2MinL
272Please respect copyright.PENANAiXVe56ftUG
"Or maybe she's just really into motorcycles," Jaesang said with a shrug. "But honestly, she made an impression. I don't think any of us will forget her anytime soon."272Please respect copyright.PENANAHaaLdMuDer
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4F750TS2uP
272Please respect copyright.PENANAaOmBAkXdU7
Jiyoo smiled at the playful banter but seemed lost in thought. "Who knows? Maybe we'll run into her again. It's funny how some people just have that kind of presence. She wasn't just passing through; she left an impression. Maybe she's someone special."272Please respect copyright.PENANAVB7FatqVRd
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjwpVccqBsL
272Please respect copyright.PENANAobCpa6Ilgj
The group laughed together, but Jiyoo's lingering curiosity seemed to fuel their collective fascination with the mysterious girl. His lips faltered into a frown at the thought of her, not knowing how they are able to deal with her by the time they see her. The conversation drifted to other topics, but the image of the girl on the motorcycle stayed with them, lingering like an unsolved puzzle—one that would perhaps remain in their minds for much longer than they'd expected.272Please respect copyright.PENANAqnqdWlwyEX
272Please respect copyright.PENANAsUXCJtr6qM
272Please respect copyright.PENANAa5gjmMgDBP
As the group relaxed after the interviews and performances, the conversation shifted to memories from their past. Jiyoo was casually scrolling through his phone, checking messages, when Taeyun, who had been quietly lost in thought as well, suddenly looked up at him with a hint of uncertainty in his eyes.272Please respect copyright.PENANAOuTgcYcD2m
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjP3Xgj2z0M
272Please respect copyright.PENANAASqY9tkmmx
"Hey, Jiyoo," Taeyun began, rubbing the back of his neck in that familiar way he always did when he was trying to remember something. "Do you... do you ever think about our old high school friend? The one who used to hang out with us all the time? I... I can't seem to remember her name, and it's bugging me."272Please respect copyright.PENANACFwTb7ORAK
272Please respect copyright.PENANAiK2VSCuOgB
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdldhaYjTub
Jiyoo paused and looked up, his brow furrowing slightly. He wasn't sure where he was going with this, but he nodded in recognition. "Yeah, I remember her. She was always so cheerful, always got us into trouble with her wild ideas, right?" she said with a nostalgic smile, leaning back in her chair.272Please respect copyright.PENANANPZFpoDDaQ
272Please respect copyright.PENANADaO3l15qJy
272Please respect copyright.PENANA9yU30iJXbU
Taeyun's eyes lit up, slightly relieved that Jiyoo shared his memory. "Exactly! She was the one who dragged us into that crazy camping trip where we ended up staying out all night. Remember how we almost got caught by the teachers because we snuck out?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAkRjtQzY3Be
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVH8j0HbTV4
272Please respect copyright.PENANAvMvYDGIBDs
Jiyoo chuckled faintly at the memory, clearly evoking fondness. "How could I forget? She made us promise to keep it a secret, and we almost failed miserably when you accidentally spilled the beans to Mr. Dong. But the name... you're right. It's on the tip of my tongue. It's like I can see her face, but the name is just slipping away. What was it again?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAT87iFTFKuz
272Please respect copyright.PENANATkmVPMWlO4
272Please respect copyright.PENANAEBh4hlW3vH
Taeyun tapped his fingers on his knee, trying to jog his memory. "I can picture her too—her laugh, her messy hair, those ridiculous neon-colored sneakers she used to wear—but the name's just not coming to me."272Please respect copyright.PENANAApxD07IfCQ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdeE8EYUbrj
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjzWK7joFRP
Jiyoo tilted his head with his thoughtful expression. "It's strange, isn't it? You spend so much time with someone, and then it's like their name just vanishes one day. I feel like if I heard it, it'd come rushing back."272Please respect copyright.PENANAvAcDjyV6kZ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAZQnYSWnoGH
272Please respect copyright.PENANA3u0wVfYVi5
For a moment, the two of them sat in silence, each mentally sifting through the haze of their high school days. Then, Taeyun suddenly snapped his fingers, his eyes widening. "Wait, wait! I think I got it! Wasn't it... Hana? Yeah, Hana! That was her name."272Please respect copyright.PENANAOdlBGpDTjx
272Please respect copyright.PENANAXcqf1Fqmwa
272Please respect copyright.PENANAsS7UYQaZql
Jiyoo's face broke into a smile as if a door had just been unlocked, but he was beginning to doubt a little and sighed. "I guess so. She was such a big part of our group. I wonder what she's up to now. Do you think she's still around?"272Please respect copyright.PENANADNRpBRdWtI
272Please respect copyright.PENANAth69bCRoCY
272Please respect copyright.PENANAPGFaRQuf8P
Taeyun leaned back with a contented sigh, clearly relieved that he'd finally solved the puzzle. "I hope so. She was always so full of energy. I bet she's off doing something amazing. Maybe one day we'll run into her again. Wouldn't that be wild?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAHQlYjuDH6Z
272Please respect copyright.PENANAtYD1SH8i7h
272Please respect copyright.PENANASqqGsciN4C
Jiyoo nodded, her eyes sparkling with a mix of nostalgia and curiosity. "It would be so good to catch up with her. If we ever find her again, we need to make sure we don't let her drag us into another one of her crazy schemes."272Please respect copyright.PENANAFzq2OslxJJ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAn9vaHZprTe
272Please respect copyright.PENANAGMnvuuogww
The two of them shared a laugh, the memory of Hana and their high school days bringing a sense of warmth and camaraderie. For a brief moment, it felt as though no time had passed at all, as if they could simply pick up where they left off, no matter how much had changed since then.272Please respect copyright.PENANA4eI6orRTMz
272Please respect copyright.PENANAKdyfez8o1a
272Please respect copyright.PENANAt0CNChaVCe
Curiosity still lingering from their conversation about their former high school friend, Jiyoo and the others decided to take matters into their own hands. They weren't about to let the mystery of Hana's whereabouts go unsolved. After all, it had been years since they last saw her, but the memory of her vivacious personality was still fresh in their minds.272Please respect copyright.PENANAEvHXjaPVQ1
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6hie4mApZ7
272Please respect copyright.PENANAhf0XbMGxGZ
"Alright," Jiyoo said, tapping his phone screen and turning it toward the group. "Let's see if we can find any trace of her online. Maybe there's a picture or something. I bet if we Google her name, we'll find something."272Please respect copyright.PENANAwofsPGWk9T
272Please respect copyright.PENANAkkHgLdbiVR
272Please respect copyright.PENANAiveR1NL4Aa
Taeyun, still looking thoughtful, grabbed his own phone. "I'll help too. I remember Hana was pretty active on social media back then. If she's still around, maybe we can find her profile or an old post."272Please respect copyright.PENANAn1eUcAaz4Y
Hwan leaned in, his curiosity piqued. "I feel like we should search for some of her old interests too. Remember how obsessed she was with music, art, and writing? Maybe those hobbies are still part of her life."272Please respect copyright.PENANAauRkC6Nzzw
272Please respect copyright.PENANAtCgNZUrDvQ
272Please respect copyright.PENANANeLTlqvPaN
As they began searching, typing in various combinations of her name, past school activities, and hobbies, the group fell into a quiet rhythm. Each of them scanning their screens for any leads. After a few minutes of fruitless searching, Hwan suddenly gasped.272Please respect copyright.PENANAmrhFH3d9bd
272Please respect copyright.PENANAqcDfsVf9G7
272Please respect copyright.PENANAIyN1kmbKZn
"Wait, hold on! I think I found something..." he said, his voice rising with excitement. The others crowded around, peering over his shoulder at the screen. A photo appeared—an old group shot from high school, with their faces obscured by time, but there she was. Hana. Her hair was in a messy ponytail, her signature neon sneakers visible beneath her faded jeans with her eyeglasses on.272Please respect copyright.PENANA7Snvl2N0u9
272Please respect copyright.PENANAqHkQj8U8Pq
272Please respect copyright.PENANA0DGJ3NOXy4
"That's definitely her!" Jiyoo exclaimed. "I can't believe it, this is like a time capsule."272Please respect copyright.PENANAYG5msxbh5g
272Please respect copyright.PENANAekdDnnsMkz
272Please respect copyright.PENANAsSAqs5u985
"But this is just an old picture," Taeyun said, furrowing his brows. "Let's see if there's anything more recent."272Please respect copyright.PENANA1ksk7bjrgj
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWJhCi6Zp4q
272Please respect copyright.PENANAkWBekckilI
After more searching, Jiyoo's eyes widened as he came across an article that seemed a bit out of place. It was about a recent award ceremony where a mysterious figure had taken the spotlight, receiving the "Platinum" award from Big Prime, an influential and high-profile company in the music and entertainment industry. The headline immediately caught his eye: "The Imposter Who Took Big Prime's Platinum Award by Storm."272Please respect copyright.PENANAT7ldmE7tUg
272Please respect copyright.PENANAoNNw1BOrGB
272Please respect copyright.PENANACFzM2nKUnw
As the group huddled around Jiyoo's phone, examining the article about the mysterious imposter and the "Platinum" award, a sudden thought struck Jiyoo—something that had been lingering at the back of his mind ever since their earlier conversation about the girl on the motorcycle. With a small smirk playing on his lips, he reached into his bag, pulling out a small, unassuming device.272Please respect copyright.PENANAxzuutZojUu
The group turned to look at him in puzzlement.272Please respect copyright.PENANArxIrli5ABI
272Please respect copyright.PENANActvcNh6e2B
272Please respect copyright.PENANAhp7eTaBDFu
"What's that?" Ryung asked, his eyebrows furrowing as he eyed the object curiously.272Please respect copyright.PENANAWKrnoiVOkE
272Please respect copyright.PENANAZSSIfHnQRL
272Please respect copyright.PENANAkfJMOSPRFg
Jiyoo held it up, letting it glint under the dim backstage lights. "It's a mini dot tracking device. I might have accidentally planted it on the motorcycle earlier today," he said, his tone playful but also a little mischievous. "I figured, why not? If this girl on the motorcycle was really as interesting as we thought, maybe we'd get lucky and track down where she went."272Please respect copyright.PENANAj5hwSALznd
272Please respect copyright.PENANAJuoVnHJRY1
272Please respect copyright.PENANAg6BSv4C4zM
The rest of the group stared at her in stunned silence for a moment, before laughter erupted around the room.272Please respect copyright.PENANAvdZSCkEL4E
272Please respect copyright.PENANA8lVSce72Il
272Please respect copyright.PENANASWMzhc2oLc
"Wait, you what?" Taeyun asked, shaking his head in disbelief. "You threw a tracker on her motorcycle without telling us? And you're just telling us now?!"272Please respect copyright.PENANAVJYpAZTDoA
272Please respect copyright.PENANA93ApF9mSSw
272Please respect copyright.PENANAc6qcPLJvPI
Jiyoo shrugged nonchalantly. "I mean, I had a feeling there was more to her than just being some random biker. I figured if we were gonna find out anything, we needed to follow the trail. Plus, I didn't think anyone would notice."272Please respect copyright.PENANATM3brHqkBl
272Please respect copyright.PENANAcLg4GeSahg
272Please respect copyright.PENANABO7AWouViO
Jaesang's eyes widened as he leaned closer to the device in her hand. "That's... that's actually really clever. But are you sure it's even still there? She could've figured it out by now."272Please respect copyright.PENANA6Kc1GX4AG6
272Please respect copyright.PENANADk0hy2xC1t
272Please respect copyright.PENANANLSiX6BvHW
Jiyoo sighed, holding up his phone. "I checked earlier, and it's still working perfectly. It's connected to this app. We should be able to track her exact location. Honestly, I didn't expect it to be this easy. I mean, what's the worst that could happen? Either we track her to her destination, or we just chalk it up."272Please respect copyright.PENANAflLnNS79np
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQnlGgljESu
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmhvlm31NBk
Hwan shook his head, still trying to process the situation. "I can't believe you actually did this. It's a little... over the top, don't you think? I mean, tracking someone like that... it's kind of borderline creepy."272Please respect copyright.PENANAcuMtIpiVYO
272Please respect copyright.PENANAJjNEL3YVos
272Please respect copyright.PENANAUIseIZwEAc
"I wasn't tracking her for no reason," Jiyoo quickly defended. "I just wanted to understand who she is. After all, she was an interesting part of our day. I mean, come on, she was acting like she had something to prove—or maybe she was running away from something. Either way, it's worth investigating."272Please respect copyright.PENANAmvnQqGyRIB
272Please respect copyright.PENANA1yRMmh9KXo
272Please respect copyright.PENANA3zm5KVTbIH
"Besides, we are already involved in this situation, so we might as well just get on with this," Taeyun said in agreement with his best friend.272Please respect copyright.PENANACGIjFWOb09
272Please respect copyright.PENANAs15dO6vyzC
272Please respect copyright.PENANA8j6FUlXobE
"Right," Min-jun muttered with a nod.272Please respect copyright.PENANAVha1e8je7b
272Please respect copyright.PENANAgsqq0gk3Ez
272Please respect copyright.PENANAv3RvOHIwt9
The group fell quiet as they stared at the small device, which blinks steadily on Jiyoo's phone, showing the motorcycle's movement across the map. It was a few streets away from the broadcasting station, and the device had been tracking her for the past few hours. The blip on the map seemed to stop near an unfamiliar area—a part of the city none of them recognized.272Please respect copyright.PENANA4n49kcyXHA
272Please respect copyright.PENANAo5dXc9iCQ9
272Please respect copyright.PENANAyv9dxLeM04
"Look," Jiyoo said, zooming in on the map, "it looks like she's stopped near this warehouse area. That's... strange, right? It's not exactly a place where people usually hang out."272Please respect copyright.PENANAO1SxHMrpB8
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWRY8kC4Aj9
272Please respect copyright.PENANAynoTTWKjXD
"I've heard of that part of town," Taeyun said slowly, narrowing his eyes. "It's kind of off the beaten path. A lot of shady stuff happens around there. Maybe she's just keeping it low?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAwduFYMvOEb
272Please respect copyright.PENANAGqJfHKdC7O
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6H1ARuyz5B
"Maybe," Jiyoo said, his voice trailing off. "But I don't think that's it. Something about this feels intentional. And if Hana is also somehow involved in all of this, it might be exactly where we need to go."272Please respect copyright.PENANATD6SSHhvVS
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4XemQIQMo6
272Please respect copyright.PENANA8TqQeXQdnY
Joon-woo leaned back, clearly intrigued, though a little uneasy. "So, we're actually going to check this place out? After everything we've been talking about? What if this is all a huge coincidence?"272Please respect copyright.PENANADpRADTj6TW
"Or maybe," Ryung said thoughtfully. "We've just stumbled on something bigger than we expected. We won't know unless we take the chance."272Please respect copyright.PENANANZhqijI8jX
272Please respect copyright.PENANA3C0PKWX7k2
272Please respect copyright.PENANAqcpoGl40NB
The tension in the room was palpable as they all exchanged looks, uncertainty hanging in the air. The device on Jiyoo's phone blinked again, confirming that the motorcycle was still there, stationary. The warehouse district was dark and quiet on the map, giving the group an eerie feeling.272Please respect copyright.PENANA3GhHnBAvFA
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4TtVgQWTIG
272Please respect copyright.PENANAcYEzhWxTvY
"Alright," Jiyoo finally said, his voice firm with resolve. "We're doing this. We've come this far, and if this is really connected to Hana—or whatever she's become now—we need to know. Let's go."272Please respect copyright.PENANAN4c0SpRkQn
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjuRwt4Gwg0
272Please respect copyright.PENANAfBnB7xqHDU
"Wait," Hwan said, hesitating for a moment. "You're not seriously suggesting we follow her, right? I mean, what if we're walking right into something dangerous? This could be a trap."272Please respect copyright.PENANAN7vdfl99Q8
272Please respect copyright.PENANAyXN5LVZl21
272Please respect copyright.PENANACGbkoZqhTc
"I didn't think it through," Jiyoo admitted with a slight wince. "But we can't just sit here wondering. I don't know about you guys, but I've got a gut feeling this might be the clue we've been waiting for. Besides, we've faced worse things before. Let's just stick together and be careful."272Please respect copyright.PENANAq3BoiVWGiU
272Please respect copyright.PENANAlMIorSueHK
272Please respect copyright.PENANAL7ciNLln2N
With that being said, the group stood up from their seats as their minds continued to race with possibilities. They prepared to leave the comfort of their backstage lounge.272Please respect copyright.PENANA4Mg1p4ZYl1
272Please respect copyright.PENANAIh7KG1SiLm
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVGviArGLMW
Jiyoo, holding the tracking device in his hand, felt the pulse of excitement and uncertainty surge through him. Whatever was waiting for them at the warehouse, they would soon find out together.272Please respect copyright.PENANAAaF5nhyPCH
It was already past 11 pm and the air was already thick with anticipation, just when the K-East members quietly slipped out of the Prime building area. They knew the next steps in their plan wouldn't be easy, but they were committed. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAXNsPycZ2qi
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4D1ULGrnFf
272Please respect copyright.PENANAoCXv2gqc0S
With Jiyoo and the others planning to investigate the mysterious location from the tracking device, K-East's role was clear; they needed to cause a distraction. The security guards who patrolled the perimeter of the building were sharp, and if they wanted to make it out unnoticed, they'd have to act fast.272Please respect copyright.PENANAIw1XJATHth
272Please respect copyright.PENANAPrwulzVlsY
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdJXXGrS2Rv
Ryung glanced at the others and nodded. "Alright, here's the deal," he whispered, his voice low but confident. "We need to keep the guards occupied while the others head out. We'll create a diversion on the east side of the building to pull them away. The fewer eyes on the exits, the better."272Please respect copyright.PENANAVWDbaTYJ27
272Please respect copyright.PENANAnwXwiHovlK
272Please respect copyright.PENANAc0CrQM6ELS
Hwan always up for some action, grinned. "I've got an idea. I'll set off some of the alarms in the parking garage. That should get their attention."272Please respect copyright.PENANADrp7hZ5UVV
272Please respect copyright.PENANAKRlITFJtr4
272Please respect copyright.PENANAiyXQMnVC4N
"Perfect," Jaesang added, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Once they're distracted by that, we can slip out through the loading dock. If we time it right, they won't even know we've gone."272Please respect copyright.PENANAai4fYUAfXr
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYj98vYzj7W
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQ7LBxqxYa8
The plan was simple, but it required precision. Taeyun, who had been keeping watch, gave a quick nod. "There's a guard near the back entrance. I'll make sure he's busy. If anything goes wrong, I'll handle it."272Please respect copyright.PENANAeZG3XQCUdT
272Please respect copyright.PENANAp2lJDVXXws
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYuVQfgWUod
The group split into their roles, moving swiftly through the building's hallways, each member walking with the practiced confidence of those who knew how to blend in. Hwan and Joon-woo slipped down the corridor toward the service elevators, their steps light and quiet.272Please respect copyright.PENANAxrUQ6L8DGy
272Please respect copyright.PENANA9IkKp4h8NX
272Please respect copyright.PENANAxehP7EB10i
Meanwhile, Jiyoo and Taeyun headed toward the underground parking garage. Jaesang, already with a gleam in his eyes, pushed open a door that led to a dimly lit stairwell. "Here's where the fun begins," he muttered. As they descended to the lower levels, the sound of muffled conversations and the low hum of machinery echoed off the concrete walls. Ryung's eyes darted to a panel near the garage's entrance—a series of security alarms that could be easily triggered if one knew what they were doing.272Please respect copyright.PENANAWckDliCISE
272Please respect copyright.PENANAZiVpOK3wzn
272Please respect copyright.PENANAIjvWkV6HF4
"I'll hit the button," Ryung said, pulling his hood lower over his head as he neared the panel. "This'll get them running in circles."272Please respect copyright.PENANAs0vEDcyFLr
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjRHC9nqKRy
272Please respect copyright.PENANAT9Dx5oYeTq
Taeyun kept watch with his eyes trained on the hallway to ensure they weren't spotted. "Make it quick," he urged, his voice tense but controlled.272Please respect copyright.PENANADKHIMSRC38
272Please respect copyright.PENANA7lVQ5InVx2
272Please respect copyright.PENANAfCqRRMkVlw
Ryung's fingers went flying over the panel. The alarms blared to life—loud, piercing, and sharp. The sound reverberated through the entire parking structure, instantly alerting every security guard in the area. 272Please respect copyright.PENANANkXt7FrumL
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4iIKcxC4wF
272Please respect copyright.PENANADyBTS73tsh
In an instant, the place was in chaos. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAyZpD8zOc0l
272Please respect copyright.PENANAxi0IJcaIuk
272Please respect copyright.PENANAccAiLFvl2a
All the guards went scrambling to identify the cause of the disturbance, shouting to each other as they dashed through the garage.272Please respect copyright.PENANApQkHWfMmYL
272Please respect copyright.PENANA0t3qAquFH1
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4Kjzh21nIT
With the alarms ringing in the distance, the tension among the K-East members mounted. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAXvJB2z9CzG
272Please respect copyright.PENANAyRCIj9ruPt
272Please respect copyright.PENANAw8V07bFRL6
Hwan and Joon-woo, now in position by the loading dock, watched as the guards, confused by the sudden noise, moved toward the parking garage. "This is our window," Hwan said under his breath, glancing at Joon-woo, who nodded in agreement. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAfTdAg8YutB
272Please respect copyright.PENANAKynAKfdGgJ
272Please respect copyright.PENANA4rqmUIXkWR
They took a few quick steps toward the exit, the sound of the alarms masking their movements.272Please respect copyright.PENANAwbsez4i5Cg
272Please respect copyright.PENANATn0haVqxxN
272Please respect copyright.PENANASppr2rItSC
As the guards were preoccupied, the group moved with fluidity, their actions quick and decisive. They crossed the parking lot unnoticed, slipping out of the building through a side door that led into an alley. The quiet of the night felt like a breath of relief after the chaos they had just set in motion.272Please respect copyright.PENANAAfSFGEU3mp
272Please respect copyright.PENANAC3KPDewue1
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjVwGOjByrF
"Let's go," Hwan said, a hint of excitement in his voice. "We've got just enough time to follow the others before anyone realizes we've left."272Please respect copyright.PENANA6VhLOSns4n
272Please respect copyright.PENANAKdcS2rluYY
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzQYKM4IaDY
They moved swiftly through the back streets, their steps light as they made their way toward the rendezvous point. The security disturbance had worked exactly as planned, and now they were on their way to join Jiyoo and the rest, ready to uncover the truth behind the mystery of the girl on the motorcycle and the enigmatic "Platinum" imposter, which is now known to be the suspect. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAzyGKRjuhd7
272Please respect copyright.PENANAN376Cu6LnJ
272Please respect copyright.PENANALvBeWrNTcr
An hour later, K-East had been navigating a labyrinth of confusion and uncertainty since the first tracking alert pinged from Jiyoo's phone. They knew they were getting closer to finding out the identity of the mysterious figures who had been making their lives increasingly difficult, but every new piece of information only seemed to raise more questions.272Please respect copyright.PENANAJPxkzJ1LLI
272Please respect copyright.PENANAyWtuDOoNnk
272Please respect copyright.PENANAe2MyJG3Olw
Ryung's knuckles gripped the steering wheel of his car as he maneuvered through the streets. His mind was racing, trying to piece together the puzzle. The suspect, who had been leaving cryptic traces all around, was now heading to another location—likely to hide, possibly to meet someone else.272Please respect copyright.PENANA5GKknpYXlA
272Please respect copyright.PENANA40dAAHrSGb
272Please respect copyright.PENANA5PDeuV0R7W
"Do you think it's all the same person?" Joon-woo asked, breaking the silence in the car. His voice was quiet but intense, reflecting the unease they were both feeling.272Please respect copyright.PENANA1ZjWfBDp5L
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQCnL9FM4R7
272Please respect copyright.PENANA5aPF0miIPD
Hwan's gaze stayed focused on the road ahead. "I don't know, but it doesn't make sense that we're dealing with three different people. Everything lines up too perfectly, almost like they're one step ahead of us." His words were laced with doubt, and yet, deep down, he felt something more sinister was at play—someone pulling the strings.272Please respect copyright.PENANABgwi3g3yeG
272Please respect copyright.PENANAOsFzEG7ptA
272Please respect copyright.PENANAnShsaYhxKQ
Joon-woo nodded, tapping his fingers against the dashboard. "The 'Platinum' imposter, the girl on the motorcycle, and the other person—if they're all the same person, we're dealing with someone incredibly dangerous, someone who knows how to manipulate everyone around them."272Please respect copyright.PENANAHZUy31CaAF
272Please respect copyright.PENANARPiolEuSHD
272Please respect copyright.PENANA1g4iLbJD47
Hwan frowned. "But if it's one person, how do you explain the different personalities? Different skill sets? It doesn't add up."272Please respect copyright.PENANACw6VC2yVgC
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVuf3mx145U
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQtLcdHUgBx
Joon-woo sighed, leaning back in his seat. "That's the part that scares me. We're not just chasing a person anymore. We might be chasing an entire identity, a fake life."272Please respect copyright.PENANARd3CC51XOP
272Please respect copyright.PENANAkQkjUS48Bo
272Please respect copyright.PENANAMLf8VFTE4w
Concurrently, Min-jun, Jiyoo, and Jaesang were in Taeyun's car, equally tense but determined. 272Please respect copyright.PENANA28XsjNrkRx
272Please respect copyright.PENANAykbUkRI0LH
272Please respect copyright.PENANA3kmfbVkxrz
Jiyoo kept his eyes trained on the phone, watching the tracking signal pulse on the screen. "The suspect just exited the warehouse," he said, his voice steady but tinged with worry. "We need to move fast."272Please respect copyright.PENANAGD5GZQgNWE
272Please respect copyright.PENANANoOqskj1Va
272Please respect copyright.PENANA90fSNgsqws
Jaesang, who was sitting behind him, couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. "What if it's not just one person? What if there are multiple imposters working together?" He had been vocal about his suspicions since the beginning, always hinting at the possibility of a larger conspiracy.272Please respect copyright.PENANAgV0HLDGWD4
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6oAFD2kQGT
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdEJ6DDPO8I
Min-jun's eyes narrowed as he analyzed the data Jiyoo had just relayed. "We can't assume that. If it's multiple people, we're not just dealing with an imposter—this is a coordinated effort. We need to figure out if we're chasing a single person or if we're up against a bigger web of deception."272Please respect copyright.PENANA7QLK5JahI4
272Please respect copyright.PENANAE4KUNeSslq
272Please respect copyright.PENANACZj1tWKvqy
Jiyoo exchanged a glance with Taeyun, who was focused on driving but visibly tense. "Do you think the girl on the motorcycle could be one of them?" He asked, already knowing the answer but wanting to hear it aloud.272Please respect copyright.PENANAkLEBBuAXHB
272Please respect copyright.PENANAITU5Mt0aWM
272Please respect copyright.PENANA3kyQ90IJeS
"I don't think she's connected to the Platinum imposter directly," he said, his tone calm but firm. "But it's possible she's working with them—or at least knows something about them. If she's involved, it's more than just a coincidence. She might be the key to uncovering the entire operation."272Please respect copyright.PENANAPKUSNX7KX3
272Please respect copyright.PENANAm7Oho3Ua4i
272Please respect copyright.PENANATltLes1KsO
Jaesang leaned forward and said suspiciously. "What if there's no 'Platinum' imposter? What if we're seeing the same person in different forms? A master of disguise?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAVuiz2Nu6zl
272Please respect copyright.PENANAfKfwzYQPPP
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdQLbYWF0wA
Jiyoo shook his head and said. "Then, we're dealing with a genius."272Please respect copyright.PENANAIzOORAGIAr
272Please respect copyright.PENANAPFs2vjnREZ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAbj16bwSZnG
They all knew the stakes. The mystery of the Platinum imposter, Hyun-Aera's imposter, and the girl on the motorcycle that leaves warehouse traces was far bigger than any of them had anticipated.272Please respect copyright.PENANAbEfn5x2dx5
272Please respect copyright.PENANARDmc91qGoy
272Please respect copyright.PENANAOtFZ1N4cs6
The decision was clear now that the group had split up, agreeing that staying together would only increase the risk of being detected. They would have to rely on their individual skills, knowledge, and instincts to track down the mysterious figures. The distance between them felt like it could be a death sentence, but it was the only way forward.272Please respect copyright.PENANADtvISR7gTn
272Please respect copyright.PENANAgGeE9IGEuy
272Please respect copyright.PENANApFkLkfQ95D
Hwan and Joon-woo kept their eyes peeled for any sign of the suspect's next move, hoping the trail would lead them to the imposter's true identity. Along with Min-jun, Jiyoo, Taeyun, and Jaesang, they were on a parallel track, hoping to catch any clues that would tie the motorcycle girl to the Platinum imposter—or reveal that they were the same person all along.272Please respect copyright.PENANAn37vDQZyiU
272Please respect copyright.PENANAi78JdzlGF0
272Please respect copyright.PENANAeulngTGRw8
The tension was palpable in both cars as they sped through the night, each member wondering the same thing: Who was behind all of this?272Please respect copyright.PENANAcyo7CJ9NUr
272Please respect copyright.PENANAL4NSqcgopT
272Please respect copyright.PENANAndcq6nnI5P
They all had just begun to process the information they had gathered when Jiyoo's phone buzzed, signaling another new tracking alert. The notification was a sharp jolt to their already heightened senses. His eyes quickly scanned the message, and he immediately relayed the news to the others, his voice calm but with a trace of urgency. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAfssBdob87l
272Please respect copyright.PENANArNDq4nKg2p
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjjourvEgUi
"The suspect just exited the warehouse. They're on the move again. Heading to another location—likely somewhere in hiding," Jiyoo announced, his tone firm as his fingers hovered over the screen, zooming in on the map that showed the suspect's next possible destination.272Please respect copyright.PENANAdcdZDONuYr
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmbTW5UYTOr
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjNB0rlIsdT
Min-jun was quick to lean forward, his brows furrowed with concern. "Another place? This person's been on the move all night. How long are we going to keep chasing shadows?" His frustration was palpable, but his voice never wavered. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAWaYHdsR2Cm
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6SF7edfD08
272Please respect copyright.PENANALiEZZWn8zY
Jaesang, sitting behind Jiyoo in the backseat, gave a slight shake of his head. "We can't assume it's just one person anymore. How do they keep getting away? The fact they're using different locations to hide only proves they know we're onto them. We might be dealing with someone who's more than just an imposter."272Please respect copyright.PENANAI2lmOHF43C
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWbBtCbNqSf
272Please respect copyright.PENANA79B5ADkbb0
Taeyun, focused on the road ahead, threw a quick glance toward the rearview mirror at the others. "We can't afford to second-guess now. We have one chance to catch up to them before they disappear again. No more hesitation."272Please respect copyright.PENANAIRbgFmAhWU
272Please respect copyright.PENANAaIP4cj4d2u
272Please respect copyright.PENANAW6xXHH9kZ7
Jiyoo nodded and glanced back at his phone, fingers quickly typing out a message to Ryung and the others in the other car. "We need to move fast. Hyungs, you're not far from the next location. Stay sharp." 272Please respect copyright.PENANA4ze0JsLSAX
272Please respect copyright.PENANArxzLQA1G2F
272Please respect copyright.PENANAfSqA76e1Y1
The silence in the car was thick as they all processed the weight of the moment. It was clear that this wasn't just about finding an imposter anymore—it was about uncovering the tangled web of deception that had been carefully spun around them. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAcpCLvVaQ7t
272Please respect copyright.PENANAtYHDeGKwEU
272Please respect copyright.PENANADoyGeqJZUg
Jiyoo exhaled sharply. "Do you think it's all connected? The two imposters and the girl on the motorcycle... Is it the same person doing all of this?"272Please respect copyright.PENANANPIaKUpQOp
272Please respect copyright.PENANAX0iASJCYcB
272Please respect copyright.PENANAAyZXeX9Nmu
Min-jun's lips tightened as he thought for a moment. "I can't say for sure, but whoever they are, they're trying to lead us in circles. I'd bet anything they're expecting us to make a mistake, and we can't let that happen." He paused, his expression hardening. "If it's the same person, they're playing us like puppets."272Please respect copyright.PENANAgMKTeZXeoJ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVaJ7YtMGn8
272Please respect copyright.PENANAqFiC0oXtqW
Jaesang added. "It could be three different people, but at this point, I don't think we can rule anything out. One thing's for sure—whoever this is, they're dangerous."272Please respect copyright.PENANAFzU5lDbkVq
272Please respect copyright.PENANAwQPP3Hj26m
272Please respect copyright.PENANAXjf7I8Euji
Taeyun nodded, keeping his eyes on the road. "We split up. They won't expect that. We'll each head to different points and try to surround the suspect."272Please respect copyright.PENANAOtnyhpJmZz
272Please respect copyright.PENANA676s2I8efS
272Please respect copyright.PENANAO66Y7kebtn
The car sped toward the next location as the weight of the chase hung over them. The suspect was slipping through their fingers yet again, but they couldn't afford to lose track of them now. They needed to know who was behind this, and why they were being hunted. The answers felt just out of reach, but the team was determined to get them—no matter what it took.272Please respect copyright.PENANAeg2GsT0AW0
272Please respect copyright.PENANARhY6LDH7wM
272Please respect copyright.PENANAoq6Ae9ugGz
As the K-East members drew closer to their destination, they all knew the time for subtlety was over. The moment had come for them to close in on the suspect, and they had no intention of letting anyone escape.272Please respect copyright.PENANAiEJoPilwWh
272Please respect copyright.PENANAyv2ZlOEJvj
After a quick exchange of messages, they decided to split their efforts further to ensure that no one would escape unnoticed. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAfjfMpeWVOB
272Please respect copyright.PENANAXrsSCkQHqZ
272Please respect copyright.PENANABjzAShjYOd
Hwan, Joon-woo, and Ryung's car took up position at the first exit, their eyes scanning the surrounding area with acute focus. The parking garage they were positioned near had only two exits, and they knew the suspect would need to leave through one of them. With their car parked in a narrow lane, they blocked the path without drawing attention. The faint hum of the engine was the only sound that accompanied their tense silence. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAEI94xokpBB
272Please respect copyright.PENANANsDqrEUiya
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWoWF4aej0E
Ryung kept his gaze locked on the exit, every instinct telling him that this would be the moment the suspect would make their move. "We can't let them get away this time," he muttered under his breath, gripping the steering wheel. His voice was low, but determination radiated from him. Joon-woo, sitting in the passenger seat, nodded grimly. 272Please respect copyright.PENANA182jgk5cY4
272Please respect copyright.PENANAZq9DoysJzS
272Please respect copyright.PENANAlH6RFMk0mY
"If they try to leave this way, we're stopping them—no hesitation," Ryung glanced in the rearview mirror, his eyes constantly scanning for movement, hoping that the others on the other side had set up their block too.272Please respect copyright.PENANARHZ9maRtY8
272Please respect copyright.PENANAGXN509VMJz
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYFLY3nE9qe
On the other side of the building, Min-jun, Taeyun, and Jaesang were ready to execute their own part of the plan. 272Please respect copyright.PENANA8DomCUgKrn
272Please respect copyright.PENANAvfCVbqbS0H
272Please respect copyright.PENANA1XAA979ik5
Their car was parked at the second exit, hidden in the shadows of a nearby building, giving them a clear view of anyone who might attempt to leave. They'd been waiting for what felt like an eternity, but now the final pieces were in place. Min-jun was the first to speak, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. "This is it. No one leaves through here without us knowing. We've got this side covered."272Please respect copyright.PENANAhtJFyHoVP5
272Please respect copyright.PENANANgkJsuWkAD
272Please respect copyright.PENANAxo3qssummT
Jaesang gave a quick nod and peered out of the window, scanning for any sign of movement. "We've got a clear line of sight. If they try to sneak out, we'll be right on them." His voice was confident, but there was an edge of urgency in it. They knew they couldn't afford any mistakes. Taeyun, always the calm presence in the group, checked his watch before speaking up. "Stay alert. They'll be expecting something, and we need to catch them off guard. If they get away, we're back to square one."272Please respect copyright.PENANAynYXtqNeLt
272Please respect copyright.PENANADLBmzEV7xu
272Please respect copyright.PENANAPYovdBB5J4
The minutes had passed and the team was now in position, silently waiting. Each member is aware of the immense pressure to act swiftly and decisively. The exits were covered, and there would be no way for the imposters to escape without facing one of them.272Please respect copyright.PENANArdi6FqDjhi
272Please respect copyright.PENANA36DDbUG9R2
272Please respect copyright.PENANAF7EPlChiah
Jiyoo sat in the backseat of Taeyun's car, his eyes focused on the tracking device in his hand. The steady beeping of the signal was the only sound breaking the tense silence among the team. His mind raced, trying to make sense of the next move. The imposters were close, but they had yet to make any decisive moves. His fingers gently gripped the device as he looked up at the team.272Please respect copyright.PENANAGWYCeB5omX
272Please respect copyright.PENANAbbwRkzZGay
272Please respect copyright.PENANAW4zqf6gM1J
"I'll go," Jiyoo said, his voice calm but unwavering. It was a decision he had made at that moment, knowing the urgency of their situation. His gaze flickered to each of his teammates, his eyes hardening with resolve. "I'm the one who can track them down. With this device, I can follow their trail without being detected."272Please respect copyright.PENANA5pkNwakawH
272Please respect copyright.PENANAUP16VHlkkx
272Please respect copyright.PENANAhwjynXGYW2
Taeyun, who had been silent up until then, turned to look at him, his expression both concerned and approving. "Are you sure? It's risky. We don't know what we're walking into."272Please respect copyright.PENANAE19pxVCndL
272Please respect copyright.PENANAT9VwWa8FOh
272Please respect copyright.PENANA7IAgpm0cRv
Jiyoo gave a small nod, his confidence in his skills shining through despite the stakes. "I'm sure. I can handle it. Besides, it's the best shot we've got." He met Taeyun's gaze firmly, making it clear that this was the right move.272Please respect copyright.PENANAAlIQMdtG71
272Please respect copyright.PENANAocHYWoxyD6
272Please respect copyright.PENANA2ZSAxj5k8Z
Min-jun, sitting beside Jaesang, leaned in forward and his brow furrowed. "We trust you, Jiyoo. Just... be careful. If anything feels off, you come back immediately."272Please respect copyright.PENANAHZr6if9vd5
272Please respect copyright.PENANAHRSHHwTfDr
272Please respect copyright.PENANA12gk79o170
Jiyoo's eyes softened, a flicker of gratitude passing through them. "I will. I'll stay in touch. Just keep the exits covered, okay?"272Please respect copyright.PENANAt5Me7KSqE1
272Please respect copyright.PENANA72s3tOZbUQ
272Please respect copyright.PENANAKrYy6qzylt
With a final look of determination, Jiyoo opened the car door and stepped out into the night air. His team's voices faded as he moved, the sound of the tracking device in his hand now the only constant. The darkness around him felt almost suffocating, but he was used to the shadows. He had always preferred them. With each step, he became more focused on the mission at hand.272Please respect copyright.PENANAyhvd1DXs2E
272Please respect copyright.PENANAUcFOmXxcee
272Please respect copyright.PENANAf6sJTXMkUX
He carefully made his way through the tall grass and the wind rustling softly around him near the building. His mind racing as the beeping from the tracking device guided him closer to the target. The device vibrates slightly, a signal that they were nearing the source. Jiyoo's eyes narrowed as he approached a massive, seemingly abandoned building up ahead. It looked like an old crack house—abandoned, with no signs of recent activity. But the device was pulsing stronger now. 272Please respect copyright.PENANASbo7hHS4i5
272Please respect copyright.PENANAOFZ7QrItfc
272Please respect copyright.PENANAvnvSIiuumh
"This is it," he muttered to himself, his voice barely audible above the wind. The crack house stood like a dark sentinel, its walls cracked and covered in grime. The windows were boarded up, and the heavy door hung half open, as if inviting him to step inside. 272Please respect copyright.PENANA0lBrgrRGGq
272Please respect copyright.PENANAob8nvazrAv
272Please respect copyright.PENANAptkfpWaOvA
Jiyoo hesitated for a moment, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end. Something felt off about this place, but his instincts told him this was where he needed to be. He glanced back at the car, reassuring himself that his team was covering the exits. He had no time to waste.272Please respect copyright.PENANAiTsyLMy8iw
272Please respect copyright.PENANAd0dKRDZ02D
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQSYwJiquM8
With a final, quiet breath, Jiyoo took a step forward, making his way toward the entrance of the crack house. He was closing in on the truth, and nothing was going to stop him now.272Please respect copyright.PENANAn20r7qqiwO
272Please respect copyright.PENANAbrTXeReKNl
272Please respect copyright.PENANAqaI2S6Zeqs
The weight of the mission pressed on him, but he was ready. He had always been the one to track and follow the clues, and now, more than ever, he knew that finding the imposters—and exposing their true identities—was a task that fell squarely on his shoulders.272Please respect copyright.PENANAUR3KeXyc5E
272Please respect copyright.PENANAGNUCP0HrcS
272Please respect copyright.PENANAeNWKo8QmXK
His footsteps were measured, deliberate, each one bringing him closer to the mysterious building ahead. The structure loomed ominously, a large, abandoned crack house standing like a forgotten relic from a bygone era. There was an unsettling silence around it, the kind that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. His tracking device in hand continued to beep, signaling that the suspect was nearby, yet there was something off about this place. It didn't feel right.272Please respect copyright.PENANAEEWXRV9fE6
272Please respect copyright.PENANAFtMUhF2Xy2
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYfLD8MgEDU
Jiyoo took a deep breath, steeling himself before moving closer to the cracked door. With a quiet push, he entered, slipping into the shadows without a sound. His footsteps echoed lightly on the floorboards, but he moved with purpose, his eyes scanning the dimly lit interior. Dust particles floated in the air, creating an eerie stillness as if the building hadn't been disturbed in years. It was a strange place to find the truth, but his gut told him that this was where the imposters had been hiding.272Please respect copyright.PENANA5kYac2PZtf
272Please respect copyright.PENANAUGr0VpdQKz
272Please respect copyright.PENANAW9pKlkgTN1
He made his way deeper into the building, moving cautiously through the rooms. Each step was deliberate, his breathing quiet and controlled as he searched for any sign of life—or any clue that would bring him closer to unraveling the mystery. His heart beat steadily in his chest, but the air was thick with tension, making every creak of the floorboards feel magnified.272Please respect copyright.PENANAzscTKDABtl
272Please respect copyright.PENANAKPgz2CUIKi
272Please respect copyright.PENANAkKQdXS4e52
As he entered a narrow hallway, his foot nudged something small and metallic. It rolled with a soft clink, echoing through the room. Jiyoo froze, his eyes darting toward the sound. A small tin can, old and worn, had moved slightly across the floor. He narrowed his eyes and took a careful step forward, unsure of what he had just triggered. But before he could make another move, the can tipped over, spilling a few small contents as it rolled. Then, without warning, it let out a faint hiss as a haze of smoke began to pour from it. 272Please respect copyright.PENANABPO3qTrBRR
272Please respect copyright.PENANAFZVMX9sYxp
272Please respect copyright.PENANANm8ydAmbyr
Jiyoo's instincts flared, and he took a sharp breath, eyes widening in realization. *A trap.* He had no time to think. The smoke filled the room quickly, swirling and thickening around him, making it hard to see. He stumbled backward, coughing, his heart racing. The air was heavy, almost suffocating, and the smoke seemed to distort everything around him. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAQvoTVEyuj1
272Please respect copyright.PENANAuOZJ7cjlVn
272Please respect copyright.PENANAiWQ3K2fash
"Damn it!" Jiyoo muttered under his breath, his voice strained as he covered his mouth, trying to hold his breath. He had walked straight into a carefully laid trap. Panic surged briefly, but he shook it off, focusing on the mission. He had to stay calm.272Please respect copyright.PENANA0PwCyVQDpX
272Please respect copyright.PENANAoh60y3O6iL
272Please respect copyright.PENANAcfbMNZpBQi
The smoke swirled and thickened, reducing visibility to nearly nothing, but Jiyoo was trained for situations like this. He pulled out a small flashlight from his pocket, flicking it on and cutting through the haze. His eyes scanned the room in the dim light, trying to find any clue, any trace of the imposters—anything that could lead him to their true identity.272Please respect copyright.PENANAXoZeEwGDma
272Please respect copyright.PENANAl3jvUjeNxa
272Please respect copyright.PENANAsnW1uTSWvj
"Stay calm, Jiyoo," he whispered to himself, his voice steadier now. "Focus. This is just another obstacle." He stepped forward cautiously, trying to make his way deeper into the house, his flashlight scanning the dark corners. The smoke seemed to be everywhere, growing thicker with every passing second. His fingers tightened around the flashlight, determined not to let the trap defeat him. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAqI4m7Wd62y
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmAi09brauP
272Please respect copyright.PENANALL5AbsSnvo
Then, as the smoke began to clear, Jiyoo's instincts screamed at him—something wasn't right. The building was still silent, but the air felt wrong. He took a slow, deliberate step forward, keeping his eyes peeled for any sign of movement. His hand slid to his side, readying for whatever came next.272Please respect copyright.PENANAUEAwsXuqox
272Please respect copyright.PENANAbzTWkfoY4c
272Please respect copyright.PENANAxuK0dNfGzf
The mystery of the imposters was about to get even more dangerous.272Please respect copyright.PENANAX2ZHJF0kLH
272Please respect copyright.PENANAt4wBVqKmiT
272Please respect copyright.PENANA240WP1KIeQ
Jiyoo's lungs burned as the smoke thickened around him, forcing him to cough violently. His hand shot up to cover his nose, but it didn't help much. The air was dense, and his vision blurred, the flashlight's beam slicing through the haze but revealing little. His mind raced, trying to make sense of what was happening. He had fallen right into their trap, but he couldn't let panic take over. *Stay focused. You're close. Don't let them get away.*272Please respect copyright.PENANAiCWxwX9b0J
272Please respect copyright.PENANAuou9l18hb5
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjBs1sHxkcY
Just as he took another step forward, his head was suddenly struck hard from behind. The force sent a shock of pain through his skull, and his vision blurred for a split second. He stumbled, the impact dizzying him for a moment. But before he could react further, his training kicked in—his body responding instinctively. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAdgvUxiACwX
272Please respect copyright.PENANA11zx25tyVi
272Please respect copyright.PENANAZ1ddMvcsA5
He spun around sharply, his muscles tense and ready. In one smooth motion, he delivered a spinning kick, his leg slicing through the air with precision. The kick landed solidly, connecting with the chest of his attacker. The force sent the imposter crashing to the floor with a heavy thud. Jiyoo's heart raced, his breath coming in quick bursts, but he didn't stop. He quickly moved into a defensive stance, his eyes scanning the area, searching for any more threats. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAgkNXQLrE6t
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYZdSpdXdOS
272Please respect copyright.PENANAnLB2gWGqri
The figure on the ground groaned, dazed but still conscious. Jiyoo stood over them, his breath steady despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins. The person was dressed in black, their face partially hidden beneath a dark mask, making it hard to tell who they were. The smoke still lingered in the air, but Jiyoo's focus was sharp now, honed in on his fallen attacker.272Please respect copyright.PENANAUEVHKx4NEn
272Please respect copyright.PENANAOHzLPvuiW8
272Please respect copyright.PENANAlnDt1d7sft
"Who are you?!" Jiyoo demanded, his voice cold as he moved closer, eyes narrowing. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAHDhPK3E1QO
272Please respect copyright.PENANA337IGGGlFI
272Please respect copyright.PENANAcfcfIDvlOb
The imposter groaned again, but didn't respond, their body still twitching slightly from the impact. 272Please respect copyright.PENANA866r7viFHW
272Please respect copyright.PENANArQH3nJuPoj
272Please respect copyright.PENANACZZJEYJO4j
Jiyoo's mind continued to race. This wasn't just some random trap—this was the person he had been chasing. He had them now, and he wasn't about to let them slip away, but something didn't sit right. The smoke, the ambush, and the eerie silence of the crack house—everything felt too staged, too deliberate. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAyKJqrfWGRd
272Please respect copyright.PENANAIG4kOaSww9
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdJhWo9FwD1
He knelt down, his hand hovering over the imposter's mask. "If you won't talk, I'll make you," he muttered under his breath, his fingers twitching in anticipation. But before he could pull the mask away, the sound of footsteps echoed in the distance—someone else was coming.272Please respect copyright.PENANASLaFODBlM8
272Please respect copyright.PENANAsnjSz3NcyW
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmMrEbcnD0J
Jiyoo's grip tightened, and his mind snapped back into focus. He wasn't alone anymore.272Please respect copyright.PENANAdKEvK6JOta
272Please respect copyright.PENANAgAioGxBnLG
272Please respect copyright.PENANA9bwS5UKBtV
The imposter, still on the ground, managed to regain their bearings faster than Jiyoo had anticipated. In an instant, they lunged at him with their hands grabbing for the Platinum object. They were now locked in a desperate struggle as their bodies twisting and turning as they fought for control of the object. The room around them seemed to spin in a chaotic blur of motion, the thick smoke only adding to the confusion.272Please respect copyright.PENANANSUtwo7O2X
272Please respect copyright.PENANAhTzK0c2oJU
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVyzUsCvyw5
Jiyoo's breath came in sharp gasps as he struggled to keep the suspect pinned down. They were stronger than he expected, especially their movements fueled by a fierce determination. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAf4LMuhbiFv
272Please respect copyright.PENANAku5T6eb2Gu
272Please respect copyright.PENANAW6QBt9W0nK
The sound of their struggle echoed throughout the crack house as their bodies crashed into walls. The floor shook beneath them as they tangled. He could feel the cold, hard object slipping through his fingers, but he wasn't about to give up that easily. 272Please respect copyright.PENANARIHId2XA5Y
272Please respect copyright.PENANA2KtppMAr7W
272Please respect copyright.PENANAGRgvzP3B2w
"Let go of it!" Jiyoo growled, trying to wrench the Platinum object free from their grip, but they weren't having it. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAaFg5PW82Qk
272Please respect copyright.PENANAt1S20EM8KM
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYBCAv6q6fw
They kicked him by sending him stumbling back, but he quickly regained his stance, stepping forward to wrestle her down once more. The object continued to slide between their hands, rolling off their bodies with every shift and struggle.272Please respect copyright.PENANAXdW8SNL4fw
272Please respect copyright.PENANAfKD4rcEE3K
272Please respect copyright.PENANAswuhTFQdj5
In the heat of the battle, the two of them collided with the wall in the corner of the room. The force of the impact rattled the nearby furniture, and the Platinum object was sent flying, landing with a heavy thud against the ground. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAbyX5eHwJGy
272Please respect copyright.PENANABPDpqb9ama
272Please respect copyright.PENANALjOq2GHP4c
Both of them stopped for a split second, eyes flicking toward the object, but neither made a move to grab it. The tension in the room was palpable, the fight far from over.272Please respect copyright.PENANAPd24D0lwQF
272Please respect copyright.PENANATGvgRtyIx7
272Please respect copyright.PENANAWzyzREqgjY
With a swift motion, Jiyoo toppled over her, his body pinning hers to the floor. She squirmed underneath him, her hands clawing at his chest as she fought with everything she had. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAzzjSHemeEs
272Please respect copyright.PENANAhTskhhzkoL
272Please respect copyright.PENANAKpeteVpVsF
As they struggled, something unexpected happened. The helmet that had been so securely fastened to their head slipped free, tumbling off and revealing her face.272Please respect copyright.PENANAh4dv2wvS8j
272Please respect copyright.PENANAwIw2BFptf3
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQOSTEuJpyL
Jiyoo froze for a brief moment, eyes widening in bewilderment and disbelief. 272Please respect copyright.PENANATolPOuZTwg
272Please respect copyright.PENANAVAydCv18G0
272Please respect copyright.PENANAxoNb2gLL9S
Underneath the mask was a woman that he recognized as she stared back at him, full of alarm, timidity, and defiance. 272Please respect copyright.PENANA8zKRCtaT01
272Please respect copyright.PENANAcenTmtSKWj
272Please respect copyright.PENANABNrk4GRvqP
The mystery was thickening and the same person he had been expecting, but the situation didn't allow him time to process it. 272Please respect copyright.PENANATsRiZW5HMN
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzCimNgWkpZ
272Please respect copyright.PENANA3R1bPaLAqa
Jiyoo's eyes grew wider at the person that revealed herself, which shook him to the point that he had seen a ghost. 272Please respect copyright.PENANACd6GmEBW9r
272Please respect copyright.PENANAdBVLRHZ0U2
272Please respect copyright.PENANAJ6OoNhasKu
"You are...!"272Please respect copyright.PENANAzpX3qjaGiw
272Please respect copyright.PENANAaCA9UGyTpH
272Please respect copyright.PENANAyynsm6w5Ku
She glistened back and forth at him in astonishment for about a few seconds, then bolted upright by backing away. Her hair swiftly tossed behind her just as she held her gun directly at him before she clicked it and commanded him firmly. 272Please respect copyright.PENANAh6P7DnI2lG
272Please respect copyright.PENANAOGMEeoI0tF
272Please respect copyright.PENANAzPjIfVsLEC
"Stop! Don't come any closer..."272Please respect copyright.PENANASupKQ8gGMA
272Please respect copyright.PENANAc5e1RojJvB
272Please respect copyright.PENANAnXYqPZHW58
Jiyoo halted on his tracks, so he then glowered at the sight of her bracelet that struck him to a realization by saying slowly. "Valerie.... After all this time..." 272Please respect copyright.PENANAt4ZELfVe5p
272Please respect copyright.PENANAcQBF9E5lvb
272Please respect copyright.PENANA8TzCnjUWyS
She made no response to him whatsoever since she kept her impassive gaze at him fiercely.272Please respect copyright.PENANAhs0Vsl9UkK
272Please respect copyright.PENANAOkruukt5p3
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYgTRq4zCoo
"Your name isn't Hana, nor is it Hyun-Aera... it's Yon-hae..." Jiyoo enunciated carefully and repeated in a daze.272Please respect copyright.PENANARMJkxvqggT
272Please respect copyright.PENANAxDjGdujF9O
272Please respect copyright.PENANAI7EdiABLuU
272Please respect copyright.PENANA8DDj5egZ7u
272Please respect copyright.PENANAbFOHdoSJOH
272Please respect copyright.PENANAj8Bxn31EIT
272Please respect copyright.PENANAPGII1mAVnm
272Please respect copyright.PENANAGo5b98LvrA
272Please respect copyright.PENANAxUGGiR7zLE
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6iAtsuOJMe
272Please respect copyright.PENANAUvHDRF1h2a
272Please respect copyright.PENANAybY65yJmXV
272Please respect copyright.PENANA6hCrDblio6
272Please respect copyright.PENANA7WnQAkJ7fM
272Please respect copyright.PENANAjCMWVr2fBf
272Please respect copyright.PENANAskjQfH9H53
272Please respect copyright.PENANAYlRC0ZcWio
272Please respect copyright.PENANA49XoT4SwQw
272Please respect copyright.PENANAehqeLgURJK
272Please respect copyright.PENANAMQ4C5YTNje
272Please respect copyright.PENANA7fxBORAMPU
272Please respect copyright.PENANAmvjvUBpGzz
272Please respect copyright.PENANAq9L3aiMekp
272Please respect copyright.PENANAQG5H4Huwh5
272Please respect copyright.PENANAAExS7aP1aI
"Yon-hae Lockhart..."
ns216.73.216.82da2