Shadows of the Spotlight

Chapter 69

I got up from the bed with a firm decision—I wasn't going to let what happened today shake me to my core. I wouldn't let it define the rest of my time here.

I was about to head out to look for Arc, but then I glanced down and froze.

I was still wearing nothing but his oversized T-shirt.

My face heated up as I tried to recall what happened to my jeans. I didn't remember where Arc had put them after helping me change. My eyes scanned the room, and that's when I spotted my bag tucked neatly by the closet.

At some point—probably during all the chaos—Arc must have taken it from me and handed it off to the security team. And somehow, he'd made sure it ended up here.

I quickly grabbed a fresh pair of clothes from the bag and headed to the bathroom. I took a careful shower, making sure not to get the bandage on my knee wet. The sting of the scrape reminded me that the fear was real—but so was the fact that I'd gotten through it.

I changed into a simple T-shirt and jeans, grabbed my phone, and left the room. I walked down the hallway to the one Arc had mentioned in his note. I hesitated for a second before knocking. A voice called out from inside, so I gently pushed the door open.

The room was filled with people.

Nearly ten men were gathered inside along with Arc, Jihoon, and Dae-jung. As I stepped further in, I recognized the men—they were part of the security team from earlier at the airport.

I bowed slightly, suddenly feeling out of place.

I hadn't expected to interrupt a meeting. I was about to quietly excuse myself when Arc stood up and walked toward me.

"Oh, you're awake," he said, his voice lighter than it had been all day. "방금 당신을 보러 가려고 하던 참이었어요.(I was just about to come check on you.)"

Jihoon followed behind him. "괜찮아요? 뭐 필요한 거 있어요?(Are you okay? Do you need anything?)"

I shook my head quickly. "아뇨, 괜찮아요. 활주로 연습하러 가야 해서 여러분을 찾으러 가려고 했어요. (No, I'm fine. We're supposed to leave for runway practice, so I thought I'd come find you all.)"

Arc frowned. "오실 필요 없어요. 좀 쉬세요. 여기 호텔에 묵으시면서 좀 쉬세요.(You don't have to come. You should rest. Stay here at the hotel and take it easy for a bit.)"

Jihoon nodded in agreement. "진짜, 연습은 충분히 해봤어. 오늘 정말 힘든 경험을 했잖아. 이번 훈련은 쉬어도 괜찮아.(Seriously, we've got practice handled. You went through a really intense experience today. It's okay to sit this one out.)"

I hesitated, but only for a moment. "알아요, 하지만... 제 일이 거기 있는 거잖아요. 그리고 솔직히, 혼자 방에 있는 것보다 일하는 게 더 도움이 될 것 같아요.(I know, but... it's my job to be there. And honestly, I think working will help me more than staying alone in the room.)"

Arc opened his mouth to protest again, but Jihoon spoke before he could,"절대적으로 확신할 때만. 조금이라도 의심이 든다면, 조금만 더 시간을 들이면 아무도 당신을 탓하지 않을 겁니다. 오늘 일어난 일은 누구든 흔들릴 겁니다. (Only if you're absolutely sure. If you have even the slightest doubt, no one will hold it against you if you take a little more time. What happened today would shake anyone.)"

I gave a small smile, trying to steady my voice. "저는 흔들렸습니다. 하지만 잠을 좀 자고 나니 다시 제 자신이 된 것 같아요. 이 두려움이 자리 잡을 틈을 주고 싶지 않아요. 지금 앞으로 나아가지 않으면 영원히 나아갈 수 없을지도 몰라요.(I was shaken. But after getting some sleep, I feel more like myself again. I don't want to give this fear a chance to settle in. If I don't move forward now, I might never be able to.)"