Seonghyeon buried himself in the sofa, pulling his hat down low and tilting his head back slightly. When 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

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

It was rare for him to listen to his own 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.

Seonghyeon let out a short laugh, the corners of his lips curling up slightly. The guy who dominated the K-hip hop scene and even made it onto Billboard was staying up all night making a song and feeling restless for days just because of that short moment—it was absurd even to himself.

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 Seonghyeon's eyes went to the small Instagram app icon below it.

Seonghyeon 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. Because he had visited it so many times, the profile was already at the top of the search bar.

"...Seriously, you're hopeless, Cha Seonghyeon."

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 settle it in his own way—knowing no path other than a direct approach.

Seonghyeon rolled up his sleeves, slightly revealing the tattoo on his wrist, then opened the DM window and typed out the text.

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

After staring at the screen for a moment, Seonghyeon 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."

The beat from the speakers reached toward its climax, and Seonghyeon's gaze did not leave the 'Sent' indicator next to the message.