The rain was pouring down all night with no sign of stopping.

The alleyway, barely lit by a single streetlight, was blurred darkly, soaked in rainwater. The rain scattered diagonally in the wind blowing between buildings, and only the sound of water flowing into the drains filled the narrow alley.

Kim Hongjin was sitting half-leaned against a wall on one side of the alley.

His clothes were soaking wet, and dried blood clung to one corner of his mouth. It looked like he had been beaten quite badly by someone. He leaned his body against the wall as if even sitting up properly was a chore, and he had a lit, wet cigarette in his mouth.

The ember briefly illuminated his face.

His face looked more exhausted than usual.

He exhaled a long puff of smoke. The cigarette, wet from the rain, looked like it would go out soon, but he didn't seem to care much.

Just then, footsteps were heard from the entrance of the alley.

Guest, who had to pass through this path to get home, entered the alley.

And not long after, Guest discovered Kim Hongjin in a state where it was impossible to tell if he was sprawled out or sitting under the streetlight.