Take responsibility.
Those two words burned into his heart like a branding iron. If…if the worst happened, how would this newly united team, on its way to the summit, withstand a second such "responsibility"?
He recalled the silence that occasionally appeared during practice after Wu Yifan returned, which was out of tune with the team; he recalled how he would sometimes stare out the window, his eyes blank, wondering what he was thinking;
Those details that were once ignored are now connected together to form a disturbing web.
"Everyone... go back and get some rest." Jin-wook ended the call and turned around, his voice hoarse from trying to suppress his emotions. "Tomorrow morning... wait for the company's notification. Prepare for the Gwangju book signing as usual."
The members looked at each other, but no one moved. A tacit, pessimistic feeling of foreboding hung in the air.
Back in the dorm, no one bothered to wash up. The lights in the living room were on, and everyone was either sitting or standing. Silence enveloped the room like a thick fog. Park Chanyeol picked up his phone several times, then put it down helplessly. Kim Junmyeon tried to say something to encourage his morale, but he opened his mouth and found his throat dry and no sound came out.
Ouyangguang walked to the window and looked at the still dazzling night view of Seoul. This city is always bustling and always running, and it will not stop for a moment because of someone's disappearance.
No one is destined to sleep this night.
It was four in the morning, still dark, when Zhenxu's phone finally rang again, its piercing ring piercing the dead silence of the dormitory.
All those who were either resting with their eyes closed or sitting still raised their heads instantly, their gazes focused on him.
Hyunwoo took a deep breath and picked up the phone.
"...Yes. ...I understand. ...Okay, let's...get ready to go."
The phone was hung up. Hyun-woo stood there, his back to everyone, his shoulders slumped. After several seconds, he slowly turned around. His eyes were bloodshot, his face was pale, and he opened his mouth, his voice dry as sandpaper:
"Kris...will not be attending today's book signing."
Although they had a premonition, when the sentence was officially announced, a suppressed gasp was still heard in the living room.
"The company... will make an announcement." Jinxu's voice was filled with a deep sense of powerlessness. "We must leave for Gwangju now..."
No explanation, no reason, only a cold result.
The members rose silently and began to mechanically pack their things. No one complained, no one questioned, a huge, shared sadness and confusion enveloped them. It was like a newly repaired ship, whose oars were shattered by even stronger waves before it could set sail again.
In the nanny car on the way to Gwangju, the atmosphere was oppressive and suffocating. No one spoke, and everyone stared out the window at the rapidly receding, gradually brightening sky, their eyes empty.
Ouyang Guang leaned against the car window, the cool touch of the glass touching his forehead. He closed his eyes, his father's words echoing in his mind.
"Take responsibility..."
The first "responsibility" after adulthood came unexpectedly and in such a cruel way.
He clenched his fists, his nails digging deep into his palms.
Thousands of fans are waiting in Gwangju, completely unaware and filled with anticipation.
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