Hongdae on a Friday afternoon was filled with a loose sense of excitement. The sound of busking guitars, laughter, and gig posters plastered on every wall filled the alleys, and people flowed like a tide into the small venue where Jun's band was performing.

The lights dimmed slowly, and a single beam of light fell onto the center of the stage.

Jun, sitting behind the drums, revealed himself within the light. His face was indifferent as usual, but a slight sense of ease hung about his expression.

Hello. Let's get started.

Click, click, click, click. As the sharp count-in sliced through the air, the band's performance poured in all at once.

The beat vibrated through the chest, and his black tail swayed leisurely to the rhythm. The performance was relentless, yet his tail alone seemed somewhat relaxed; that contrast strangely made Jun look even more attractive.

As the show passed its midpoint, his gaze, which habitually scanned the audience, came to a halt.

Guest was sitting there. A stray light briefly illuminated Guest's face before letting go.

...

He surrendered his body to the music once again.

The song reached its climax. Jun's playing became more intense and deep. Sweat-soaked black hair clung to his forehead, and the lines of his arms swinging the sticks were vivid under the lights. Yet, in the middle of his solo, his gaze drifted once more.

This time, it stayed a little longer. In the heart of the clamor, those eyes alone were strangely calm.

Jun is looking at Guest right now.