24H | SEVENTEEN

९४

"Breaking news this morning authorities have confirmed the arrest of multiple suspects linked to the Moon Club trafficking case.

According to police reports, the Moon Club had been the center of a months-long investigation involving money laundering, drug distribution, and potential links to several talent agencies. At least fourteen individuals have been detained, including Kim Yohan, a key figure suspected of coordinating illicit deals between entertainment industry insiders and private investors."

"The Seoul Crime Unit conducted the raid late last night, interrupting what sources describe as a 'private party' hosting several mid-level entertainment executives and unaffiliated brokers. Preliminary statements suggest that the club also served as a meeting ground for illegal exchanges and blackmail operations tied to trainee exploitation."

"Authorities are currently expanding the investigation to verify connections between the suspects and major entertainment agencies. The Ministry of Culture and the National Police Agency have announced a joint task force to review the growing issue of corruption and abuse within the industry."

"Online reactions have been swift, hashtags such as #CleanTheStage and #MoonClubCase are trending nationwide, with fans demanding accountability from agencies suspected of involvement.

"Despite mounting speculation, officials remained tight-lipped on rumors about undercover operatives. Eyewitness accounts surfaced online, fueling both curiosity and fear as speculation grew over how deep the scandal reached."

"We'll bring you more updates as this story unfolds."

Jeonghan glanced toward Seungcheol, who sat beside him with a grim expression. The low hum of the hospital filled the air, distant footsteps, soft beeps, the occasional rustle of paper. The TV mounted on the corner wall replayed the same headline for the fifth time, the words "Moon Club Trafficking Case" flashing in bold beneath the anchor's composed face.

"Fourteen detained, huh?" Jeonghan muttered, voice low. Seungcheol didn't answer. His elbows rested on his knees, fingers knotted together, his eyes fixed on the floor. There was a deep crease between his brows one that hadn't left since they'd gotten the call. Jeonghan glanced at the other members wearing similar expression. The call that Dino had been found came like a lifeline, but relief was fleeting. None of them had expected the condition they found him in, and certainly not with Rumi beside him. Shock, questions, frustration; all were pushed aside by the urgency for their recovery.

Jeonghan glanced at the others, their expressions solemn. In that moment, explanations could wait. All anyone wanted was for Dino and Rumi to be safe again, for the world outside, the headlines, the hashtags, the rumors, everything to slip away, if only for a few hours. Jeonghan shifted uneasily in his seat, fingers picking at the seam of his sleeve. Every so often, a white-coated nurse would pass by the open doorway, and all the members' heads would snap up, hope and dread in their eyes, only to look away again when she continued down the hall.

In the corner, Minghao sat with his arms folded tightly across his chest, staring at the tiled floor, his leg bouncing restlessly. Jun and Joshua murmured quietly, voices hushed so as not to break whatever fragile calm clung to the room. Nobody mentioned how pale Seungkwan looked or how Vernon had been chewing his lip raw for the last hour. If anyone spoke, it was to ask if anyone wanted water or to offer reassurances, they barely believed themselves. Yet, their manager did his best trying to convince otherwise.

Finally, the door swung open with a gentle creak. A doctor entered, clipboard in hand. The entire group straightened as one, their breath caught in their throats. The doctor's face was serious but not grim, he scanned the boys faces and settled his eyes on their manager. "You can see them now, but only a few at a time. They're both resting, Lee Chan is conscious and stable, though he's exhausted and a bit shaken. The lady, Rumi, is asleep. She's expected to make a full recovery, but both will need time."