Page 7 of K-Pop Double Life

Liam and Jason joined us again. “Send that third one out as a decoy goes through the main entrance, draws any press or fans. We take the principals out the service route.”

Jason nodded. “I’ll drive the decoy myself. Sunny will ride with the second vehicle to keep the idols calm.”

“What’s the situation outside?” I asked.

He checked his radio, listening to a crackling report, then looked up. “Venue security has established a perimeter, but there are approximately two hundred fans at the barriers. They know the group is in here. Some are crying, some are trying to get photos, a few are attempting to breach the line.”

“Lovely,” Liam muttered.

“They’re not going to disperse,” Sunny said quietly. “Not until they see the members are safe. That’s how it always is.”

I glanced at Jin, who had tensed at the mention of fans. Sang-hoon’s hand moved to his shoulder.

“The decoy needs to be convincing,” I said. “Can you get some of the crew to fill the vehicle? Make it look like the members are inside?”

Jason nodded. “Already arranged. Three of our local security team and two crew members. They’ll wear hoodies, keep their heads down. The fans will see movement, get their photos, and hopefully follow the decoy to the main entrance.”

“Timing?” Liam asked.

“Decoy leaves first, takes the Croisette, which is slower, more visible. Gives the fans something to chase. You leave thirty seconds later through the service exit, take the back streets. By the time anyone realizes the switch, you’ll already be at the hotel.”

“What if fans are waiting at the hotel?” I asked.

Sunny pulled out her phone, scrolling through what looked like social media feeds. “Some are already there, but hotel security is keeping them across the street. The service entrance is clear.”

“For now,” Liam said.

“For now,” she agreed.

Through the tent flap, I heard the crowd. Not the stadium roar from the concert, but something different. Anxious. Worried. A chant started up: Pryzm! Pryzm! Not celebration this time. Concern.

“They love you,” I said to Jin.

He looked at me, something complicated crossing his face. “Sometimes love is the most dangerous thing.”

Before I could respond, Jason’s radio crackled. “Decoy vehicle in position. Ready when you are.”

“Let’s move,” Liam said.

We stood, and Sunny immediately began organizing the members, checking that they had everything, making sure Tae was able to walk on his injured knee, wrapping a scarf around Woo’s face to hide how pale he was. She moved with the efficiency of someone who’d done this a thousand times, half mother-hen, half logistics coordinator.

Sang-hoon helped Jin to his feet, keeping a steadying hand on his elbow.

Eun-ji appeared at the tent entrance. “Vehicles are ready. Jason, you’re clear to go.”

The Chief of Security stepped outside, and a moment later we heard the engine start, then the immediate reaction from the crowd. Screams, the sound of barriers rattling, camera flashes strobing through the tent fabric.

“Now,” Liam said quietly.

We moved as a unit. Me in front, Jin and Sang-hoon behind me, the other members clustered with Sunny and Liam bringing up the rear. The two close protection officers from Starhouse fell into formation on the flanks.

The service exit was around the back of the tent, away from the main crowd. But as we emerged, I saw at least thirty people pressed against a chain-link fence. Fans who’d figured out there might be another way out. They started screaming the moment they saw movement.

“Jin-ah! Are you okay?”

“We love you!”

“Please, just wave! Let us know you’re safe!”