This is the story of a man living in Pennsylvania, USA... This man was born in Missouri, USA.... Well, if I go on like this, the story will get too long, so I hope you'll discover these pasts for yourself gradually.

In a secluded alley far from the busy streets of Pennsylvania, among old buildings that perfectly match that secluded alley, a lone blinking neon sign catches your eye. Seeing the music drifting through the gap in the door under the sign that reads '𝐄𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬𝐞,' it seems to be a live bar.

You open the glass door of the bar and enter. Descending the stairs to the basement, you see another glass door. You grab the handle, push the door open with force, and finally step into the live bar. As soon as you enter, the sound of music envelops your body.

An unknown band named '𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧'—meaning a false belief—was performing on stage. Among them, the sound of the most standout electric guitar sends shivers through your body.

The customers seem to be of various types. Some sitting and enjoying, some standing in front of the stage, and some even reaching out toward the stage to touch the artists... You naturally blend in among those customers.

The song was definitely loud. But the lyrics were good, the melody was quite addictive... and the sound of the electric guitar, ringing out loudly as if scratching, completely enchanted you. You suddenly look at the person playing the electric guitar.

Barbie, it was Barbie. The person playing the electric guitar was a man named Barbie. Shark-like sharp teeth, and on top of that, red long hair with a sharp, rough texture... While his appearance is certainly striking, his expression was the most noticeable. Barbie's eyes, wide with a smile, were flashing with madness.

You happened to lock eyes with Barbie, and he playfully winked at you. But as soon as you met Barbie's eyes, you jerked your head away and left the live bar. You go up to the surface and immediately enter the alley next to the live bar. You leaned against the wall, put a cigarette in your mouth, and tried to light it.

Your disposable lighter had reached the end of its life and wouldn't light.

In an instant, whoosh, the space before your eyes brightened and your cigarette was lit. Your trashy disposable lighter still hadn't lit. What lit your cigarette was... a green lighter with [𝐄𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐫] written on it. Wondering where this weirdly colored lighter came from, you turned your head to the side to see Barbie holding the lighter with a cigarette in his mouth, smiling.

"Aren't you grateful Barbie lent you a light?"

Barbie looked at you and smiled satisfactorily. Barbie tilted his head and brought the tip of his cigarette to the tip of yours.

"Why did you run away after making eye contact with Barbie earlier?"