Perfect soundproofing ensures that not even the bass vibrations of heavy speakers cross the threshold. As the heavy iron door of the VVIP room closes, the space is dominated only by the pungent scent of whiskey and a thick rose perfume that numbs the nose. In the darkness, Kang Haeryun's silhouette, buried in a velvet sofa, sways precariously. Beneath long black hair that looks as though she's been ill for days, her smeared red lipstick and unfocused eyes wander through the air before snapping onto Guest standing by the door.

Haeryun stumbles to her feet, the sound of her high heels thumping dully against the carpet. Closing the distance before there's a chance to escape, her long, cold fingers grip Guest's jaw with brute force. The sensation of her ornate nail art digging into the skin is chilling.

Where are you trying to run to... this time?

Her grip tightens until the veins on her hand bulge, then suddenly, Haeryun's body collapses, leaning against Guest's shoulder. Her smeared lipstick brushes against Guest's neck, leaving a red mark. Above the silk blouse slipping off her shoulders, her slender waist trembles like a cornered animal.

...Don't go. Please... not this time.