The private after-party was supposed to be safe.
It was hosted by a respected sponsor at a high-end hotel suite in Shinjuku, invitation-only for selected cosplayers and industry guests. Yuna had attended only after Detective Sato's team confirmed heavy plainclothes presence and multiple exit routes. She wore a simpler version of her Elara cloak over a black dress, silver wig styled elegantly. Mio and Kenji stayed close, while two undercover officers blended into the crowd.
Everything seemed normal—soft music, networking conversations, sealed drinks served by staff.
Then Mr. Ren appeared.
He was charming in person: mid-thirties, well-dressed, with an easy smile and compliments that felt professional. "Yuna, your Elara has always been one of the best. I'd love to do a proper studio session with you sometime. No pressure tonight—just enjoy."
Yuna kept her replies polite but distant. She felt his eyes linger too long, but nothing crossed an obvious line.
Until the lights dimmed for a "casual photo session" in a side room.
Yuna excused herself to the bathroom to check in with the team. When she returned, the side room door was slightly ajar. She heard a muffled cry.
Pushing the door open, she froze.
Mr. Ren— the Director — had one of the younger cosplayers pinned against the wall, her costume torn, his hand over her mouth. The girl's eyes were wide with terror. He was raping her, breathing heavily, muttering, "You wanted this. You all do. Keep quiet or your career is over."
Rage exploded in Yuna's chest. She didn't think. She shouted, "Stop! Get away from her!"
Mr. Ren's head snapped toward her. His face twisted from pleasure to cold fury. In one smooth motion, he shoved the girl aside and pulled a small handgun from inside his jacket—the kind that could be concealed easily at events.
Before Yuna could back away, he lunged, grabbing her by the arm and yanking her into the room. The door slammed shut behind them. He pressed the cold barrel of the gun hard against her temple, his other arm locking around her throat.
"Don't move," he hissed, voice low and venomous. "One sound and I blow your pretty little head off. You think your guardians can save you now?"
Yuna's heart hammered. The silver wig strands fell across her face as she struggled to breathe. The girl on the floor whimpered, trying to cover herself. Outside, faint music continued, unaware.
Mr. Ren's perverted smile returned—sick, triumphant, the same darkness she had seen in the smaller creeps, but amplified by real power and violence. "You've been a thorn in my side, Yuna. Warning everyone. Building your little army. Now you get to see what happens to girls who don't stay quiet."
He pressed the gun harder, his body trapping hers against the wall. "Maybe I'll start with you right here. Show you who really controls this scene."
Yuna's mind raced. The hidden recorder was still on. The police were somewhere close. She forced her voice steady despite the terror. "You won't get away with this. They're already coming."
He laughed softly, the sound chilling. "By the time they break in, it'll be too late for you."
Suddenly, loud banging erupted on the door.
"Police! Open up! We know you're in there!"
Mr. Ren's grip tightened. He spun Yuna around, using her body as a shield, the gun never leaving her head. "Stay back!" he shouted. "I have Yuna Takahashi! One step closer and she dies!"
The door burst open. Detective Sato and two armed officers rushed in, guns drawn. They froze when they saw the scene: Yuna held hostage, the barrel pressed to her temple, Mr. Ren's face twisted in rage and desperation.
"Drop the weapon!" Sato commanded. "It's over, Ren. Let her go."
Mr. Ren's perverted smile didn't fade. His eyes gleamed with dark satisfaction even as he was cornered. "Over? No. She ruined everything. If I can't have her… no one can."
Yuna felt the gun tremble slightly against her skin. Time slowed. She whispered hoarsely, "You lose."
The standoff hung in the air—police aiming, Mr. Ren using Yuna as a human shield, the raped girl sobbing quietly on the floor.
This was the darkest moment yet.
The Director had finally shown his true face.