Soundcheck the next day had none of the previous morning's grim urgency — no sunglasses, no dragging feet, just seven idols in comfy oversized hoodies and joggers, the arena echoing with idle chatter instead of the usual crackle of stage directions. Last-day energy, loose and a little giddy, like everyone's shoulders had already started unclenching in advance.

Dongho had his phone up almost immediately, angling it to catch the empty rows of seats behind him. "Story time," he announced to no one in particular, panning slowly. "Last soundcheck of the tour, guys. Say bye to this arena."