The world outside Vale Studio didn't calm down.
If anything, it grew louder.
The chanting of the crowd shook the glass walls. Cameras flashed like lightning strikes. Journalists shoved microphones against the windows just to catch a glimpse of movement inside.
But the real storm —
the one no one could see —
was building inside Lian's chest.
He stood in the center of the empty rehearsal room, staring at the polished floor as his pulse pounded in his ears. The air felt thick, too thick, like trying to breathe through water.
Rian and Jun stood by the door, whispering with a tension that vibrated through the space.
Every shadow felt too sharp. Every sound too loud. Every breath too heavy.
Lian didn't realize his hands were shaking until Rian called out softly:
"Lian… breathe."
He looked up.
Rian's expression softened in an instant.
"You're spiraling."
Jun winced. "He's right. You look like you're about to pass out."
