Autumn is a second spring

128. Injured

The living room of Kao and Earth's house buzzed with tension that evening. The mood was far from the usual warmth of their gatherings. 

Yacht sat at the head of the table, phone clutched tight in his hand, his expression grim. Around him, Boston, Sammy, Kao, and Earth leaned in, waiting for the next words.

"The issue is really big," Y finally said, breaking the silence. "We can't cancel the concert at the last moment. Though no one is gravely injured, thank God, but they are in no state to perform."

SZ Entertainment was going to conduct a concert the next day. But the bus transporting most of the lineup got into an accident. 

Sammy hissed, wincing as Boston gently massaged his swollen legs. Boston's eyes narrowed, his tone firm. "Canceling the concert now isn't an option. Do you know the kind of loss we would suffer? Refunds, venue, sound systems, lighting—all the prep work. It would crush us."

Yacht nodded, though his voice carried frustration. "I know that. But what's the alternative? Do we even have one?"

Kao tapped his fingers on the table, thinking. "SZ has plenty of artists under its wing. Can't we shuffle things around? Replace the injured performers with others? It's not like we lack talents under us."

"That's the problem." Yacht ran a hand through his hair. "We do have artists, but none are prepared. The concert is tomorrow night—six hours of stage time to cover. A handful of them could perform without rehearsal, but that won't be nearly enough."

The room fell into silence, the weight of the situation pressing down. Earth broke it, his brows furrowed. "What time does the concert start?"

"Six in the evening," Boston replied, "till twelve in the midnight."

Earth pulled out his phone, scrolling quickly, already piecing together a plan. "Sammy, summon Prem back from Chiang Mai. Add his name to the lineup."

Sammy blinked. "Prem?"

"Yes." Earth's tone left no room for argument. His gaze slid to Boston. "And check P' Boun's schedule. Can he perform?"

Boston hesitated. "I will ask."

"Don't ask, Phi" Earth corrected firmly. "Make sure he does. Just tell him it is an emergency and that he needs to clear his schedule for tomorrow. We can't afford to lose him." He rattled off a few more names—artists capable of pulling off last-minute sets. When he finally looked up, he noticed everyone staring. "What?"

Sammy's voice was tentative. "Are you... planning to put P' Boun and Prem together on stage?"

Earth let out a short laugh, though his eyes softened. "No. I am not heartless. I know what they are both going through. But this is the company's crisis, and they are our artists. They are obligated to step up. They don't have to see each other—they will have separate performances. That way, we spare them unnecessary pain and add more variety to the program."

Boston raised a brow. "That could work."

Earth's lips curved in a wry smile. "Then add Fluke's name too."

That finally shook Ohm from his quiet corner. He had been silent most of the meeting, playing the role of a passive observer since his memory loss. But now his voice cut through. "Wait. Fluke isn't an SZ artist anymore. He has been swamped with work. He might not even have the time."

Kao leaned back in his chair, calm and confident. "Maybe he isn't under SZ anymore, but he is still a major shareholder. If this concert flops, he will feel the loss too."

Ohm faltered, uncertainty flashing across his face. He nodded slowly, though doubt lingered.

The air in the room shifted as each person absorbed Earth's plan. Ohm glanced toward Atom and Poom, who sat awkwardly at the side. They had tagged along when Yacht, Boston, and Sammy had rushed here for the emergency meeting. Their expressions betrayed their skepticism. To them, Fluke was a cold, stone-faced businessman, not someone who could waltz onto a stage and save a concert. But they kept their thoughts to themselves.

Earth's focus returned to Yacht. "I will handle the show's preparations and adjustments, Phi. You contact PR. Tell them to announce that the injured artists will withdraw, and their slots will be filled by Prem, Boun, Fluke, and the others. Also, add an option for refunds. Some fans bought tickets for specific artists—we can't trap them."

Boston nodded. "Good idea. But honestly, with Prem, Boun, and Fluke in the lineup, the refunded tickets will sell out again in no time. Their popularity is through the roof."

Kao added quietly, "Make sure PR also updates fans on the condition of the injured artists. They will need reassurance."

Yacht was already typing furiously on his phone, thumbs flying as he drafted messages for the PR team.

Earth turned to Ohm. "Where's Fluke, Phi?"

"At work," Ohm answered automatically.

Earth shook his head. "No. He came home earlier."

Surprise flickered in Ohm's eyes. "Then I will check his room." He pushed himself up, and Atom and Poom quickly followed him upstairs, glad to escape the tense atmosphere.

They searched Fluke's room but found it empty. A faint rustling sound from down the hall drew their attention. When they peeked into the dog's room, they stopped short.

Fluke was curled up on the oversized bed, one arm draped around Oatmeal, his beloved dog. His face was softened in sleep, the hard lines of the businessman replaced with something tender.

Atom and Poom exchanged startled looks. The man they knew at work—the intimidating superior—was nowhere to be seen. Here was just Fluke, quietly vulnerable, wrapped around his dog like a child clinging to comfort.

Oatmeal stirred, sniffed the air, and let out a soft woof. Fluke's eyes fluttered open, and he blinked blearily, immediately catching sight of the three pairs of eyes watching him.

Embarrassment flushed across his face. He sat up quickly, patting Oatmeal's head to cover his discomfort. "What?"

Ohm coughed, turning his gaze away to give Fluke some dignity. "Earth wants you downstairs. He will explain." He hesitated, deciding it was better to let the others do the convincing.

Fluke ruffled Oatmeal's fur once more, then got to his feet and brushed off his clothes. Without another word, he headed downstairs.

Left in the quiet hallway, Ohm turned to Atom and Poom. "You two free tomorrow evening?"

Atom raised a brow. "I think so, Phi. Why are you asking?"

"I want you to come to the concert with me," Ohm said. His voice was casual, but his eyes betrayed something else—a quiet anticipation. With his injury, he knew they wouldn't let him step on stage, and with everyone else caught up in the chaos, he didn't want to be alone. Deep down, he wanted to see Fluke perform, to witness a side of him he had never seen before. But he kept that part to himself.

Poom tilted his head. "Can you really take us without tickets? I mean, I heard the nurses say that the tickets are really pricey and I am a bit tight on budget."

Ohm allowed himself a small smile. "Yes. I can bring up to five people. Shareholder's quirks."

The cousins exchanged a quick glance, mischief sparking in their eyes. Atom leaned in, his tone sly. "Then... could P' Linlalin and her friend come too?"

Ohm didn't think much of it. "Sure. Why not?"

Poom and Atom grinned mysteriously, already plotting something between them.