That morning, the sky over Bangkok was drenched in sunlight after days of relentless rain. The international airport was packed—voices overlapping with the constant announcements, the rumbling of suitcase wheels rolling across tile. People pressed against one another, yet amidst that turbulent flow, Namtan and Film stood as if in their own world. Their fingers were tightly interlaced—not just to avoid getting separated in the crowd, but as a silent vow: wherever we go, we go together.

Bonnie and Emi had come to see them off, each holding a cup of hot coffee. Bonnie grinned brightly, trying to look casual.

“Bring back souvenirs, okay? I want real British chocolate. None of that local knock-off stuff.”

Film laughed and looked at Namtan, her eyes sparkling with joy.

“You hear that? She’s already placing orders before we even take off.”

Namtan raised a brow in mock seriousness.

“Oh? Free shipping and she still dares to make demands?”

Bonnie pouted and gave Namtan a playful punch on the shoulder, making everyone burst into laughter.

Emi didn’t join in much. She simply watched quietly. In her eyes, Namtan and Film looked unusually peaceful today. The scandal might still be lingering on the news, but the way their hands held together—the way they looked at each other—washed all doubts away. Emi exhaled softly. As long as they stay like this, nothing can break them.

Film turned to hug Bonnie. Her voice was soft but filled with warmth.

“Take care of yourself, okay? If something’s wrong, call me. Don’t hide it.”

Bonnie blinked in surprise, then smiled.

“Don’t worry. I’ve still got Emi here.”

Film and Emi exchanged a glance. Emi gave a firm nod—a silent promise.

The speakers above crackled. Boarding for the London flight had begun.

Namtan gave Film’s hand a squeeze and looked at their friends.

“We’re off. Keep the group lively for us.”

Bonnie waved energetically while Emi simply nodded once. Film looked back one last time, eyes shimmering—and then stepped through the gate with Namtan beside her.

---

Back at LUNAR Entertainment, the atmosphere was the complete opposite.

June sat alone in the waiting lounge, a folder in her hands, though her eyes kept darting toward the hallway. Her heart thumped fast. From the moment she entered this building, she knew: this is where I stake my claim.

Just then, Milk and Love appeared. Milk was holding a stack of documents, chatting casually with Love. Spotting June, Milk blinked in surprise.

“Oh? June, you’re here too?”

June jumped up immediately, like someone drowning who’d found a buoy. Her face lit up, voice shimmering with delight.

“Milk! Did you just come from a meeting? You look so busy!”

Milk laughed, easy and bright like noon sunlight.

“It’s nothing big. Just manager work. So? Feeling the pressure yet?”

June shook her head eagerly, eyes glowing as if trying to swallow every detail of Milk’s presence.

“On the contrary—I think I’m learning a lot. Especially from watching you. You have real leadership qualities, Milk. I… honestly admire that.”

Milk paused for half a second. She was used to polite flattery, but June’s words were so direct—and her gaze so unwavering—that it felt strangely intense.

“Thanks… though I still have plenty to improve.”

Beside them, Love smiled—but her lips were a little too stiff. Her eyes flicked between Milk and June, lingering on June for a beat too long. Admiration? No—that look was too focused, too lingering. Long enough to make something cold crawl down Love’s spine. She tightened her grip on her handbag.

June didn’t seem to notice. She continued chatting sweetly, voice like honey. But in her eyes… there was something else. Sharp. Calculating.

---

Later that afternoon, June happened to run into Bonnie by the elevator. Bonnie had just finished practice, sweat still damp on her forehead. June smiled softly.

“Bonnie? Are you busy? Want to grab lunch with me?”

Bonnie hesitated. Normally she’d politely refuse, but Emi had just messaged saying she was stuck in a meeting and couldn’t join her. With no excuse, Bonnie nodded.

“Sure. Where to?”

“There’s a new ramen shop nearby. Heard it’s amazing.”

They walked side by side. June deliberately slowed her pace, giving space for conversation. After a few small questions, she suddenly shifted the topic right to the weak point.

“Are you holding up okay? After that scandal? People… are still comparing you to Film.”

Bonnie’s steps halted briefly. A pulse of pain struck—but she forced a smile.

“I’m used to it. People compare. What can I do?”

June tilted her head, her gaze brushing gently over Bonnie—as if she could see every hidden bruise beneath the skin.

“You’re talented. I believe you’ll go further one day. It’s just… sometimes people don’t see it yet.”

Bonnie fell silent.

The ramen arrived, steam rising—but she barely tasted it. Something strange stirred within her—comfort mixed with discomfort. Was June encouraging her? Or… digging into the wound on purpose?

June smiled, chopsticks tapping lightly at her bowl. But in her eyes, that glint was anything but innocent.

---

Meanwhile, across the globe, Namtan and Film had just landed in London. A cold breeze swept past, carrying a scent entirely different from Bangkok. Film shivered, tugging her coat tighter, and Namtan instantly wrapped an arm around her, shielding her from the wind.

“It’s freezing…” Film mumbled, burrowing close.

Namtan chuckled, half scolding, half indulgent.

“I told you to pack more layers. Hang in there—hotel’s not far.”

The taxi took them through the city. Through the window, warm streetlights spilled over cobblestone roads and old buildings. Film pressed her forehead to the glass, her eyes glowing like a child’s.

“It’s beautiful… I can’t believe I’m here. With you.”

Namtan watched her quietly, a tenderness blooming in her chest.

“This will be our time. Just us. I promise it’ll be unforgettable.”

Their hotel stood tall—an elegant European-style building. The room overlooked a winter park. As Namtan wheeled in the suitcases, she turned to see Film sitting on the bed, scarf off, still smiling.

“I feel… truly peaceful,” Film whispered, eyes glossy. “Like nothing out there can touch us anymore.”

Namtan sat beside her, fingers gently lacing through hers.

“Exactly. It’s just you and me now.”

Film lifted her gaze. And in that moment, the world outside ceased to exist. No airport. No cameras. No scandal. Only two heartbeats—steady, synchronized.

---

Meanwhile, in Bangkok, night had fallen.

June stood on the rooftop of her apartment, wind whipping her hair. The city lights stretched beneath her—glimmering like countless shards of broken glass.

Across the distance was a massive billboard—an advertisement featuring Namtan and Film. They stood side by side, smiling like fairytale lovers.

June stared at it for a very long time. Then, slowly, her lips curled upward—not in innocence, but something darker.

“Let’s see…” she whispered, her voice carried away by the wind. “Without the two of you… how long can this group stay standing?”

There was no trace left of the sweet girl who had just returned to the country.

Only ambition.

And something else—something dangerous—waiting to ignite.