𝐁𝐨𝐲𝐬 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 - 𝑩𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒇𝒇 (𝑨𝑴𝑩𝑾)

44. Mole

Liliana's POV

Lee Know motions for us to leave, his expression unreadable. Confused, I follow him and Seungmin out of the club. We step into the chilly night air, and I'm still trying to process everything when they lead me to a cream-colored Jeep parked a few meters away.

Seungmin slides into the driver's seat, Lee Know takes shotgun, and I climb into the back.

"This is your car?" I ask, unable to hide my surprise.

Seungmin looks at me through the rearview mirror, feigning offense. "What's that supposed to mean? You think I'm not capable of having a nice car?"

"N-no, that's not what I-" I start, but Lee Know interrupts with a wave of his hand.

"Focus, children. What's important is I couldn't get anything out of that smug manager," he says, leaning back in his seat with a scowl.

Seungmin starts the car, pulling out of the parking lot as Lee Know continues.

"I showed the manager one of the pictures of Liliana in the club and demanded answers. He claimed he had no idea who took the photos. He said the club is known for its strict no-photography policy, but there's no official statement declaring it. People just assume it's a rule because no case like this has happened before. Since the images weren't directly linked to Club Lucia, he doesn't see why the club should take any responsibility."

I frown. "That actually sounds... plausible. But it's still so suspicious."

Seungmin, ever the logical one, chimes in. "The pictures were taken with a high-end camera, probably one with a telephoto lens, to capture details in a dim club. Clubs like that don't allow such equipment inside. The only way it got in is if someone on the staff smuggled it through."

"So, the question is, who?" I murmur.

Lee Know sighs, rubbing his temples. "Exactly. This staff member must have connections to someone higher up. Even ordinary staff wouldn't be allowed to bring in something like that."

Seungmin nods, his jaw tight. "That's our lead. We just need to figure out who has that kind of access."

Lee Know straightens in his seat, determination flickering in his eyes. "Once we get back to the Stray Kids dorm, I'll dig into Club Lucia. I'll find anything I can."

I nod, grateful but still uneasy. "I guess that's all we can do for now."

The car falls into a tense silence until my phone vibrates. I glance at the screen and feel my stomach drop.

"It's an email... from the company," I say, my voice trembling slightly. "They've scheduled a meeting with me at 8 a.m. tomorrow."

Seungmin looks at me in shock, his lips parting as if to speak, but no words come out.

"It's not over yet," he finally says, his tone hesitant but hopeful. "They might not fire you-this could just be a formal warning or something."

Lee Know scoffs. "If they even think of firing you, I won't let it happen. Not on my watch." He twists in his seat to face me, his voice growing firm. "You've worked too hard and come too far for this. No one is going to ruin your debut. If they want a fight, I'll bring the war."

His fierce words send a wave of warmth through me. Despite everything, I can't help but smile softly.

"Thank you," I say quietly, my voice barely above a whisper.

Lee Know smirks. "Don't thank me yet. Save it for when I actually crush whoever's behind this."

Seungmin rolls his eyes but smiles faintly. "He's dramatic, but he's got a point. We'll figure this out together."