Flashing me one of his trademark sadistic smiles, Myung rose to his feet and strode out the door, closing it behind him to lend me some privacy while I dressed. I was honestly somewhat surprised, having half expected him to stay and watch. Not that I would actually let him, but I thought he’d at least try.

The white duvet covers balled up in my hands crinkled as I pushed them aside and made my way over to the walk-in closet across the room. Choosing an outfit had become a lot less complicated lately, being that my only options were the few pairs of skinny jeans and shirts Min-Soo had given me. Truth be told, I’ve been dreading the day I’d have to face D. Bag Derrick and Skanky Alexis again. What do you even say to someone who put you out on the streets and screwed your boyfriend? Howdy?

Seems a little weak, if you ask me.

Sighing heavily, I squeezed myself into another pair of white-washed jeans, struggling every time my toes accidentally breached the torn ripples in the front. Finally managing to yank the zipper up, I threw on a loose jet-black t-shirt and called it a day, bursting out into the hallway to join Myung and his dimwit lackeys. As per usual, Joonie was too engrossed in his phone to notice anything else, and Sang was just…there, I guess.

Shooting a sideways glance into the living area, I caught a brief glimpse of Min-Soo hobbling towards his room, bowl in hand. To my astonishment, he was dressed in nothing more than a plush white robe bearing a monogrammed “M,” exposing his clammy complexion.

An unnerving sensation settled in the pit of my stomach.

The idol’s usually rigid, perfect posture had been reduced to that of a sick animal, his feet dragging behind him while his body drooped into a doubled-over position. He braced himself against the wall with his free hand, visibly shaking with each step. Every subtle movement seemed to take an excruciating amount of effort, his body lurching forward in staggered motions. I’ve heard of lightweight drinkers, but Min-Soo’s on a whole other level.

Even his iconic wavy hair was in complete disarray, plastered in sticky clumps to his dewy forehead.

I furrowed my brows in concern watching him, vaguely aware of the stark contrast between the vibrant assortment of fresh berries he was carrying and his overall grave pallor. Hopefully he feels better after eating something, I thought to myself anxiously. Some fruit, water, and rest should do him good.

“Gaja!” Myung barked in my ear, pulling me away from my thoughts by roughly tugging on my wrist. Why am I always left with the mean ones?

“Bye, Min-Soo!” I called over my shoulder as Myung’s minions ushered me out, almost slapping Joonie when I waved. “Feel better soon!”

“Annyeonghi gaseyo!” Min-Soo mumbled back weakly, tilting his head to the side to address me while his back was turned. Part of me wanted to stay and help him, but I knew there wasn’t really much I could do.

Myung stormed over to the elevator in silence, sliding on a pair of sunglasses and a bucket hat on the way down. The others calmly followed suit, with Sang sporting a black baseball cap and Joonie hiding beneath the grey hood attached to his denim jacket.

Am I missing something? Why is everyone putting on shades and hats?

As if reading my mind, Sang slipped a scarlet beret into my hand, whispering, “paparazzi.” Oh, shi—

Ding! Without a second thought, I threw on the hat, feeling Sang reach up behind me to straighten it when the elevator doors opened. The boys escorted me outside wordlessly, body guards flanking us the moment we exited the hotel and shielding us from the blinding flashing cameras. I ducked down a little after one of the body guards tossed their coat over my shoulders, realizing how strange it might look if someone were to take a picture of me with the boys. Fans would most likely recognize Min-Soo’s favorite shirt and automatically assume the worst, so it was best to keep my head low.

The valet opened the doors of our ride for us cheerily, handing off the keys of a luxury crimson rental sports car to Myung—who would’ve guessed that the tiny monster was the only licensed member in the group? Now it makes sense why Jae forced him to go with me.

Joonie and Sang jumped in the back excitedly, repeatedly shoving against each other to try to cram into the car at the same time. Plopping down into the passenger seat and using the tinted windows to conceal my face and telltale chestnut locks, I chose to embrace my role as navigator of both the road and the radio. It’s a very important position, you know?

Seriously, no one likes a lousy car DJ.

After scanning to the perfect pop song and receiving an unfiltered screech of approval from Sang, we set off on our epic mini journey, head bobbing and karaoke singing the whole way.

Hand to God, I swear I had no idea what they were hiding before we arrived.