Crimson light, filtered through dark red scarves draped over the lamps, painted the room in shades of blood and shadow. It glinted off the polished brass of the stage pole and the sequins of the other dancers moving through their routines.

And then there was him. Jungkook. Seated at his usual table, close enough to the stage to feel the heat. He was a study in controlled stillness amidst the chaos, dressed in black leather that seemed to drink the light. A silver hoop glinted in his ear, and the intricate lines of a tattoo peeked out from the collar of his jacket.