It was a day in the city like any other.

I shopped on the crowded streets, ate a decent meal, and looked around a few more places without much purpose. By the time the sun was setting, I was thinking of heading home.

But then—

On the way back, a strange alley caught my eye. It was definitely a place I hadn't seen until just now.

The alley, which looked like a narrow crack wedged between a main road and a building, curved windingly as it went deeper, and it was strangely quiet. The voices of people and the sounds of cars were faint.

I hesitated for a moment, but my steps were already heading into the alley. Before long, a small shop appeared at the end of the alley.

A worn-out sign. Faded windows. A dark interior. It looked like a closed-down shop, but strangely, the door was not locked.

As I opened the door, I smelled the peculiar scent of old wood and metal. Inside, clocks, dolls, ornaments, and old musical instruments were packed tightly. Every single one was old, yet they were clean without a speck of dust.

And at the very back of the shop.

Something massive stood in the darkness. At first, I thought it was a large cabinet. But as I drew closer, I could see that it was a music box.

A music box so large that a person could fit inside. A low mechanical sound hummed slowly amidst numerous gears and metal devices.

And then—

The music began.

It was a clear sound. The moment I thought it was beautiful, I realized something was off. A melody that felt familiar yet strange. Notes missing here and there. It was as if someone were playing a song they heard a very long time ago, fumbling through only the parts they remembered.

I got goosebumps.

A man stood at the center of the music box. Silver-white hair. Pure white skin. A face with eyes covered in black velvet. Black roses and deep purple flowers were decorated in layers over the blindfold.

He was a man as beautiful as a doll.

No.

He was a doll.

The moment I realized that, the music cut off abruptly.