Shadows of the Spotlight

Chapter 64

I watch as the event wraps up, the energy still buzzing in the air as staff and crew members flood into the backstage area. Laughter, conversations, and the occasional cheer fill the space as everyone unwinds after a long but successful night. I stand slightly off to the side, scanning the room, waiting for Arc to show up.

The warmth from the stage lights is still clinging to the space, but my thoughts feel distant. The earlier moment with Han A-Su lingers in my mind, replaying itself like an unwelcome echo.

Before I can dwell on it any further, Jihoon spots me. He makes his way over, his usual easy going demeanor in place.

"릴라, 애프터 파티에 올 거야?(Lila, are you coming to the after-party?)" he asks casually.

I hesitate for a moment. Normally, I wouldn't consider going, but Arc always attends these gatherings, and a part of me wants to see him—perhaps for reassurance, perhaps just to talk. Pushing aside my unsettled thoughts, I give a small nod. "Okay."

Jihoon grins. "좋아요. 저와 함께 라이드하세요. 우리 모두 함께 행사장으로 향하고 있어요.(Great. Ride with me—we're all heading to the venue together.)"

I follow him outside, where several cars are already lined up to transport the staff. The drive is short, and before I know it, we arrive at a high-end restaurant, the chosen venue for the celebration.

The moment we step inside, the atmosphere is already in full bloom—staff members laughing, clinking glasses, and indulging in the well-earned celebration. The room is lively, filled with chatter and music as people unwind from the pressure of the event. I move through the space, scanning for Arc, but he's nowhere in sight.

I find Jihoon again and approach him. "아크 씨가 안 오시나요? (Isn't Arc coming)?" I ask, trying to sound casual, though my voice betrays a sliver of expectation.

Jihoon takes a sip of his drink before answering. "아니, 그는 오늘 밤 한아수 씨와 저녁을 먹을 예정이에요. (No, he's having dinner with Han A-Su tonight.)"

The words hit me with a strange sense of finality. My grip tightens around the glass in my hand before I remember I haven't even taken a sip. I force a small smile, nod and leave him, as if the answer doesn't affect me.

I feel a sudden tightness in my chest. I move to the exit of the restaurant and Dae-jung spots me. He asks me, "파티를 즐기고 계신가요?(Enjoying the party?)"

"나는 돌아갈 것 같아요 (I think I'll head back)," I say, pressing my fingers lightly against my forehead. "두통이 오는 것 같아요.(I feel a headache coming on.)"

Dae-jung frowns. "정말요? 운전기사를 불러서 데려다 드릴까요? (You sure? Should I have a driver take you?"

I shake my head quickly. "괜찮아요. 택시를 타겠습니다.(It's okay. I'll just take a cab.)"

He hesitates for a moment before nodding. "좋아. 좀 쉬세요. (Alright. Get some rest.)"

I offer a faint smile before slipping out of the restaurant, leaving the noise and warmth behind.

The moment I step outside, a cool breeze rushes past me, lifting strands of my hair and cooling the heat that had settled on my skin. The air feels crisp, carrying the faint scent of the city at night—a mix of damp earth from a recent drizzle, distant car exhaust, and the subtle sweetness of flowers planted along the sidewalk. The stark contrast between the lively warmth of the restaurant and the quiet solitude outside makes my chest feel oddly hollow.

I close my eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply, willing myself to push aside the lingering weight in my chest. But no matter how much I try, the thoughts don't leave me. The moment replaying in my mind—the way Han A-Su and Arc stood together on stage, their matching blond hair catching the lights, the way the staff whispered about them as if it was an undeniable fact.