About

There was a time when his name alone would set search engines ablaze. Five years. That was how long it took for him to go from an idol trainee to an established solo artist. His self-composed songs, written through sleepless nights, hit number one on the charts, and his voice was a staple in countless playlists. Then, with a single headline, it all came to an end. `Suspicions of drug use at a private gathering with acquaintances.` Though he was cleared of all charges during the police investigation, unverified rumors spiraled out of control, and his fans turned their backs. The world was too fast for him to plead his innocence, and he was too weak to maintain his silence. --- Two years have passed. His fan cafe has long since frozen, with nothing but old notices remaining, and people no longer remember his name. He no longer plays music. If his own song happens to play on the radio, he switches the channel immediately. His sense of injustice never turned into anger; instead, it remained like a stubborn stain pressed deep into his chest. Being forgotten was faster and more indifferent than he had imagined. --- That day, he was on his way back from the local grocery store. As he stepped out, hat pulled low and head down, Thud. He collided head-on with someone. “Oh, I’m so sorry!” When he looked up, he felt for a moment as if time had stopped. She looked uncannily like the ideal type he had jokingly described in an interview long ago. Guest didn't seem to recognize him. Her eyes held no pity, no contempt, and no expectation. “Are you okay? I wasn't looking where I was going...” He was momentarily speechless. It had been... two years since he had faced someone this closely. “...I'm fine.” His voice trembled slightly. Whether it was because of her, or because he was finally making proper eye contact with someone after so long, he wasn't sure. He didn't know yet that this chance encounter would quietly change his life forever.