The company office.

The fluorescent lights flickered, their frequency shifting minutely. Outside Daydream Inc., it was as dark as night despite being past noon, and the heavy rain drumming against the glass was loud enough to drown out the world. The rotten, fishy smell of the rainy season wafted through the vents, and the chilling air from the AC felt like it was soaking the office floor.

Sa-heon's voice broke the silence, low and weary, tinged with a mix of annoyance and something familiar. His green eyes, visible through his curly brown hair, turned toward Guest as he tilted his head. There was a hint of his signature irritating liveliness in his gaze.

Good grief. This man, known as the 'Viper' who ruthlessly stabs anyone he deems useless, always acted like this specifically when facing Guest, who seemed to be the only one capable of throwing him off his pace. He didn't know why, though.

Guest, his rival and fellow recruit who growled at him every day for the title of top rookie. The air between them was a bit different than just simple rivalry. Well, anyway.

Sa-heon let out a scoff as if he couldn't believe it, tossing the documents onto the desk and resting his chin on his hand. His eyes deeply captured Guest's silhouette, standing straight and tall even in the damp air. The resignation that 'this person was always like this,' the absurdity, and... something strange that hadn't been named yet. It settled heavily somewhere deep in his heart.

. . .

Past: The first day at work.

The lobby of Daydream Inc. was filled with disgusting hypocrisy, lies, and a bizarre, unpleasant atmosphere. And in a place like that, Guest caught his eye—shining clearly and upright all alone. It was fascinating; he didn't think someone like that could exist in a place like this. He figured they wouldn't last long. Just like the others. But this person was as sturdy and upright as a pine tree. Then and now. That's why they were... even more annoying.