The group stepped out of the vehicle and quickly made their way toward the private elevator, surrounded by a ring of bodyguards.
The atmosphere remained tense. Every bodyguard scanned the parking garage with vigilant eyes, as though expecting an attack at any moment.
The elevator carried them directly to the penthouse suite on the top floor.
The suite was enormous and lavishly furnished. Floor-to-ceiling windows stretched across the living room, offering a breathtaking view of the city's illuminated skyline.
The bodyguards immediately began a thorough inspection of every room. Only after confirming there were no issues did they withdraw and take up positions in the hallway outside.
"Please make yourselves comfortable. I'll arrange dinner and handle a few other matters."
The manager wiped sweat from his forehead and spoke respectfully to Sol and the others before hurrying away.
Now back in a familiar and secure environment, the three idols visibly relaxed. The tension drained from their expressions, replaced by exhaustion.
They removed their coats and settled onto the luxurious sofas in the living room.
Itadori and Nobara quietly admired the extravagant suite, whispering to each other.
Megumi Fushiguro walked over to the windows and carefully assessed the surrounding area, paying close attention to possible entry and exit routes.
Meanwhile, Sol sat comfortably in a single armchair, completely at ease.
Hoshizuki Hikari glanced at the silent Sol, then at the curious Itadori and Nobara, and finally at Megumi standing watch near the window.
Trying to ease the atmosphere, she spoke first.
"Um... would anyone like something to drink? There are beverages and bottled water in the refrigerator."
"Ah, no need to trouble yourself!" Itadori quickly replied.
Nobara, however, was far more direct.
"If there's bottled water, could I get one? Thanks."
"Of course."
Hoshizuki Hikari stood and retrieved a bottle for her.
With the tension gradually fading, Haruka Natsukawa and Sora Mirai also relaxed and began quietly discussing the frightening events of the day and the adjustments they would need to make to their upcoming schedule.
Not long afterward, the manager returned.
Several hotel staff members followed behind him, pushing dining carts loaded with food.
One exquisite dish after another was arranged across the dining table, filling the room with an inviting aroma.
"It was prepared on short notice, so please forgive the simplicity of the meal. Please enjoy."
The manager smiled politely.
Itadori's eyes immediately lit up. He had been hungry for quite some time.
Nobara rubbed her stomach in agreement.
Seeing this, Megumi walked over to the table.
Although Sol had little interest in the meal itself, he joined them and took a seat.
As dinner progressed, the atmosphere gradually became more relaxed.
Itadori and Nobara carried most of the conversation, enthusiastically discussing popular topics and keeping the room lively.
Megumi occasionally added a comment or two.
Sol remained largely silent, only speaking when necessary while casually eating small portions.
Throughout the meal, Hoshizuki Hikari's gaze drifted toward Sol more than once.
She had met countless people from the entertainment industry, business circles, and political circles.
Yet none of them had ever given her the same feeling.
Despite his youth, he possessed a composure that seemed completely detached from his age. Even sitting quietly without speaking, he naturally drew attention.
After hesitating briefly, she spoke.
"Sol-kun?"
Sol raised his eyes toward her.
"You don't seem to talk very much."
Under the soft lighting, his dark red eyes appeared unusually deep.
"There's nothing to say."
The answer was blunt and straightforward.
Rather than feeling offended, Hoshizuki Hikari found it strangely fitting.
A small smile appeared on her face.
"We really owe you a lot today. I still don't understand exactly what happened, but when I grabbed your sleeve earlier, I suddenly felt much safer."
The statement carried an unintentionally ambiguous undertone.
Haruka Natsukawa and Sora Mirai exchanged amused looks.
Across the table, Itadori and Nobara also shared a knowing glance.
Sol merely responded with a quiet hum.
Seeing the conversation stall, the manager quickly stepped in.
"Everyone has been through a lot today. We've prepared the suite next door for you. If you don't mind, would you stay here tonight? Security has been arranged throughout the hotel."
Megumi looked toward Sol, silently seeking his opinion.
Staying overnight in a suite arranged by strangers was somewhat unusual.
Sol considered it briefly.
The hotel's security had indeed been strengthened considerably.
Through his perception, he could sense numerous guards stationed throughout the building. At least twenty professionally trained personnel were positioned both openly and discreetly.
The curse users had suffered a setback earlier.
The chances of them launching another attack here so soon were relatively low.
"Alright."
He nodded.
Spending one night here would not hurt. It would also allow him to observe whether anything else developed.
Since Sol agreed, neither Itadori nor Nobara objected.
Megumi also nodded in approval.
After dinner, the manager handed over the key card to the neighboring suite.
It was equally luxurious, featuring a spacious living room and three separate bedrooms.
"Then I won't disturb your rest any longer. If you need anything, please contact the hotel staff or call me directly."
After expressing his gratitude several more times, the manager left with the three idols and returned to their suite.
The moment the door closed behind them, Itadori let out a long sigh and collapsed onto the sofa.
"Whew. Today was seriously intense. And honestly, kind of weird."
Nobara examined the room around them.
"This hotel is ridiculously luxurious. Do idols really make that much money?"
Megumi turned toward Sol.
"Sol, do you think the people behind today's attack are the same ones from before?"
"Similar methods. A clearly defined target."
Sol walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows and looked down at the sea of lights below.
"They're most likely connected to the same group."
Nobara frowned.
"Are Itadori and Megumi really their targets? Why do they keep going after the two of you?"
Itadori sat upright.
"Seriously. I haven't done anything to them."
Megumi's expression became serious.
"It's probably because of the power we possess. Sukuna resides within Itadori, and the Ten Shadows Technique of the Zenin Clan is also highly significant within the jujutsu world."
Sol paid little attention to the discussion.
The political struggles and schemes of the jujutsu world held no interest for him.
As long as they stayed out of his way, he had no reason to involve himself.
But if they continued provoking him again and again, he would not mind eliminating the source of the problem himself.
===
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