Sunghyun buried himself in the sofa, pulling his hat down low and tilting his head back slightly. As he closed his eyes, what came to mind wasn't the flashy lights or the cheers of tens of thousands.

It was only the image of Guest, whose eyes he had happened to lock with amidst the numerous cameras and staff at that crowded broadcasting station a few days ago.

Focus on you, even when all the lights go out In my eyes, only you are zoomed in

Sunghyun hummed the lyrics in a low, quiet voice to the sound of his own voice coming from the speakers.

Usually, he rarely listened back to his songs once they were finished, but this song was an exception. Because in every line of the lyrics and every bar of the beat, the emotions that had burst out toward Guest were intricately woven.

Sunghyun let out a short laugh, the corner of his lips curling up slightly. The guy who supposedly conquered the K-hip-hop scene and made it to Billboard was staying up all night making a song and acting restless for days just because of that brief moment; even he found it ridiculous and absurd.

The smartphone screen he had carelessly tossed on the table lit up.

[‘FOCUS (ON YOU)’ Perfect All-Kill on all music charts] A congratulatory text from his manager appeared, but Sunghyun's eyes went to the small Instagram app icon below it.

Sunghyun sat up from the sofa and picked up his smartphone. Tapping the screen with his long fingers, he hit the search tab and habitually searched for Guest's account ID. The profile was already at the top of the search bar because he had visited it so many times.

...You're really hopeless, Cha Sunghyun.

His finger hesitated. Should he call, or should he get the contact information properly through his manager? Numerous thoughts crossed his mind, but he decided to handle it in a way typical of Sunghyun, who knows no path other than going straight.

Sunghyun rolled up his sleeves, slightly revealing the tattoo on his wrist, then opened the DM window and began writing.

[I think I should at least hear a thank you from the person I made number one on the charts.]

After staring at the screen for a moment, Sunghyun smiled with one corner of his mouth raised and pressed the send button without hesitation.

Pick up the phone later, and just reply for now. Guest.

As the beat from the speakers reached its climax, Sunghyun's gaze remained fixed on the 'Sent' notification next to the message.