"500 miles per hour? That's pretty fast," I remarked, trying to sound impressed even though I knew I could easily outpace the jet.
"Yeah, it's definitely faster than any commercial flight I've been on," Hanna agreed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's going to be so cool to fly in style!"
"Really? What's the usual speed you guys travel at?" I asked, genuinely curious about their travel arrangements.
"Well, it depends," Charlotte chimed in. "For shorter distances within the country, we usually take commercial flights. But for international trips like this one, we sometimes get to fly on private jets, especially if it's sponsored by a company or event organizer."
"It's definitely a perk of the job," Annie added with a smile. "But it's also a lot of work. We have to be on our best behavior and maintain a professional image at all times."
"It's worth it though," Hanna said, her voice filled with passion. "I love performing, and I'm so grateful for the opportunities we've been given."
I nodded, admiring their dedication. "I can see that," I said sincerely. "But we're going to Singapore. Why so fast?"
"Because their government gave us the opportunity," Sophia added, a hint of pride in her voice.
"They invited us to perform at a special event," Cherry explained, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's a huge honor, and we're all really excited about it."
"That's amazing!" I exclaimed, genuinely happy for them. "I can't wait to see you guys perform."
The rest of the flight passed in a blur of conversation and laughter. The girls shared stories about their experiences as idols, their struggles and triumphs, their hopes and dreams. I listened intently, fascinated by their world, so different from my own. It was a world of glamour and fame, but also one of hard work, dedication, and unwavering passion.
As the jet descended towards Singapore, the sprawling cityscape unfolding beneath us, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation.
The jet landed smoothly at Changi Airport, its engines winding down with a gentle hum. We disembarked, the warm, humid air of Singapore enveloping us like a welcoming embrace. A sleek black van awaited us on the tarmac, its tinted windows offering a sense of privacy and anonymity.
"Wait... I'm not going with you guys, am I?" I asked, confused.
"You are with us, come on," Hanna called out, already halfway up the van's steps.
I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I should intrude on their professional commitments. But Hanna's eager expression and the welcoming smiles of the other girls dispelled any doubts.
"Come on, you're coming with us, and you'll stay at our place," Cherry said in her soft, inviting tone.
I couldn't help but smile at their hospitality. "Alright, then," I agreed, climbing into the van and settling into one of the plush seats. The interior was spacious and comfortable, a far cry from the cramped quarters of a tour bus.
As the van pulled away from the airport, I couldn't shake the feeling that this trip was going to be more than just a concert experience. There was an air of mystery surrounding the event they had been invited to, and I couldn't help but wonder what awaited us in the heart of Singapore.
The drive to the hotel was a whirlwind of sights and sounds. Singapore, with its towering skyscrapers, lush greenery, and vibrant cultural tapestry, was a feast for the senses. I gazed out the window, taking in the bustling streets, the intricate architecture, and the diverse faces that passed by. It was a world away from the familiar cityscape of my hometown, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and excitement at being immersed in such a vibrant and cosmopolitan environment.
Upon arriving at the hotel, we were greeted by a team of attentive staff members who whisked us away to our luxurious suites. The rooms were spacious and elegantly furnished, with breathtaking views of the city skyline. I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt at the extravagance, but I reminded myself that this was all part of Hanna's world, a world where success and fame often came hand-in-hand with such luxuries.
After settling in, we gathered in Hanna's suite for a quick briefing about the upcoming event. Their manager, a stern-looking woman with a no-nonsense attitude, outlined the details of the performance, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and maintaining their image.
"This is a high-profile event," she stressed, her voice leaving no room for argument. "The eyes of the world will be on you. So make sure you give it your all and leave a lasting impression."
The girls nodded solemnly, their expressions a mix of determination and nervous excitement. I watched them, a sense of admiration filling my chest. They were young, talented, and driven, and I couldn't help but feel proud of their accomplishments.
Then the manager's eyes fell on me. "And you..." she said, her tone shifting slightly. "Since Hanna has vouched for you, you'll have your own bedroom. Follow me."
I followed the manager down the hallway, my curiosity piqued. I had assumed I would be sharing a room with one of the girls, or perhaps even sleeping on a couch in the living room. But it seemed Hanna's influence had secured me a bit more privacy than I had anticipated.
"At first, I was shocked and confused that Hanna would bring you here," the manager admitted as we walked. "But since we owe you a debt for saving our last concert... it's fine, I guess," she said, her tone still a bit reserved but with a hint of begrudging acceptance. She continued walking, leading me further down the hallway.
I chuckled awkwardly, "Haha, sorry..."
"Don't be sorry, we're grateful," the manager said, her tone softening slightly. "We thought that the concert would be a disaster, but instead, because of you two, it blew up on the internet. A lot of people donated to help with the damages. Thanks again."
She stopped in front of a door and handed me a keycard. "This is your room. Make yourself comfortable. Dinner will be served in the main dining hall at 7 pm. Please be there."
"Okay," I replied, taking the keycard. Then, with a playful grin, I added, "Can I get your number?"
The manager blushed, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "Uhh.. sure, I guess..."
I quickly exchanged contact information with the manager, a satisfied smile spreading across my face. She seemed a bit flustered by my forwardness, but there was also a spark of amusement in her eyes. Perhaps there was more to this stern manager than met the eye.
"See you at dinner then," I said, giving her a playful wink before turning and entering my room.
The room was just as luxurious as the girls' suites, but with a slightly more masculine touch. I closed the door behind me, and the first thing I did was close my eyes.
Detect every ghost in the hotel... I imagined, focusing my senses on the unseen world.
A subtle shift in perception washed over me, as if a veil had been lifted from my eyes. The room remained the same, but now I could sense the presence of others, ethereal beings that lingered in the corners and floated through the walls. Ghosts.
There were several of them scattered throughout the hotel, their energy signatures ranging from faint and melancholic to vibrant and playful. Some seemed content to wander aimlessly, while others were fixated on specific locations or objects, their spectral forms repeating the same actions over and over again.
I focused my attention on the ghosts within my immediate vicinity. There was a young woman in a flowing white dress who seemed to be perpetually searching for something, her ethereal fingers tracing the outlines of the furniture. A mischievous child giggled as he flitted through the walls, leaving trails of icy air in his wake. And an elderly man, his spectral form hunched over with age, sat in a corner, his gaze fixed on a framed photograph on the wall.
Intrigued, I decided to explore further, my consciousness drifting through the hotel, observing the ghostly inhabitants and their spectral routines. It was a fascinating glimpse into the unseen world, a reminder that even in the bustling heart of a modern city, remnants of the past lingered, their stories etched into the very fabric of the building.
As I delved deeper into the hotel's spectral tapestry, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to these ghosts than met the eye. Their presence, their actions, their lingering attachments to the physical world—it all hinted at unresolved stories, unfinished business that kept them tethered to this plane of existence.
< Chapter 170 > Fin.