It didn’t take Yue long to catch up to the others as they were walking slowly together, trying to understand what had just happened. The confusion they felt prevented them from separating and going their own way. They wanted confirmation from each other about the event that had just transpired. They wanted a hint of security now that they had been forced out of where they needed to be.

  Lio wasted no time expressing himself, though more out loud to himself than to the rest of the group.

  “She said we should’ve had more done, but then she kicks us out?” The man returned his cigarette to his mouth.

  “It’s hard to work in that environment anyway. She’s right.” Yue added, joining Lio at the front.

  “Of course, you’re on her side. Leader of the group? Did you sleep with her?”

  Mark and Sasha exchanged a glance from the back of the pack. It was Yue’s turn to feel Lio’s wrath.

  “Don’t be ridiculous.” He calmly replied. The men exited the building into the late afternoon sun.

  “You think she’s the type of person to sleep with someone to raise their career? I’m insulted for her.”

  “Shut up, Mark.” Lio sighed. “Just... what I’m saying is, this whole thing is nonsense. We should be on stage now. Or maybe I should go solo. I’d get things done faster, too. No dead weight like Sasha.” He turned around and pointed towards where the man was, but he was no longer there.

  “How did he leave so quietly?” Lio uttered with genuine interest.

  “Let’s just see how tomorrow goes. He may surprise you.” Yue skipped over the disappearance of Sasha. It’s not like they were friends and needed to say when they were leaving. It was unexpected that they were walking together at all, but Yue didn’t see the point in bringing it up. The aim was to be cohesive after all. As long as they weren’t arguing, they were making progress.

  “I’d be surprised if he turned up on time.” Lio commented, casually flicking his cigarette into the distance.

  On his own at the back, Mark began to play with his earring, lost in thought. He thought it was a bit unfair to judge Sasha without really knowing him. Yeah, he seemed strange, and a bit of a know-it-all, but he hadn’t really done anything to be hated for.

  “King.” He murmured, letting go of the crown earring.

  “Did you say something?” Yue turned around to face him.

  “That’s my nickname.” Mark spoke with more conviction. “King”.

  Yue took in the word. “Red King Rogue? It sounds like a chess piece. On the upside, that’s the most unified you three have been all day.”

  Lio’s sigh was full of contempt. He wasn’t in the mood for being besties with them. Get in, get the job done, and then get out. They were just a means to an end.

  “Have you figured yours out yet?” Questioned Mark.

  “No, but there’s still time. This is me.” Yue gestured down a different path to the one they were walking. He gave a light wave and was gone, leaving the two remaining men in silence. Mark moved up front, taking Yue’s place, but he had no intention of making small talk.

  A few minutes into their peaceful walk together, Lio broke the silence, albeit only just. His voice was quiet against the rushing traffic beside them, and he had no intention of making it clearer.

“You should bring an umbrella tomorrow. I heard it’ll rain.” And, with that, he departed across the road through a gap in the traffic, leaving Mark on his own. The solitary man wasn’t bothered by the newfound absence, he just continued on his way.