Ash gazes at the clock.
10:17 PM.
Kai should have answered by now. Should have appeared. He glances at his phone—no call. That queasy knot in his stomach tightens further.
He clutches his jacket, grumbling to himself.
Ash (whispering):
"He should've been there. He would've been there…""
He calls Kai.
Rings.
No answer.
Directly to voicemail.
Something is off.
Ash bursts out the door.
Rain spits from the air. Neon signs blur under the rain. Ash speeds through traffic, dodging puddles, looking for
The alleyway outside the backroom.
Empty.
The door—locked.
He shakes the handle, then slams on it.
Ash:
"Kai? KAI!"
No response.
His voice breaks.
He steps away, pounding heart. He pulls out his phone once more—and this time, he doesn't dial Kai's.
He dials Noah.
Ash (panicked):
"Something's off. Kai's not here. I think Mr. Baek reached him."
