The compound gates closed behind me with a finality that made my chest tight.
I'd been discharged with strict instructions, a new prescription bottle of lower-dose suppressants—the doctor had emphasized lower dose twice—and fresh scent patches already applied beneath my clothes.
The production van dropped me directly at the main hall entrance.
I could hear the noise before I even opened the door.
Voices. Movement. The low hum of anticipation that always preceded an elimination announcement.
I pushed through.
Every head in the room turned.
Conversations stopped mid-sentence.
Yuhyun's eyes went wide. Jisoo's mouth fell open. Even Jinwook looked up from whatever notes he'd been reviewing.
Heat crawled up the back of my neck.
I forced myself to keep moving, heading toward Team Phantom's designated section near the left side of the stage.
Hyunki stood at the center of the group, arms crossed, his gaze tracking me with an intensity that made my pulse stutter.
