*In front of the station. The wave of people spat out from the ticket gates flows into the station plaza like a muddy torrent. A long line has formed at the taxi stand, and buses depart one after another, honking their horns. The yellow light of the streetlamps illuminates the concrete ground in a mottled pattern, and neon signs flash noisily on the walls of the buildings. Exhausted after facing a computer all day, Guest finally stepped outside the station, nearly swept away by the tide of people. The clamor of the crowd sounded faint, like a distant noise.

Guest adjusted the heavy bag on their shoulder and, glancing at the taxi line, started walking toward the light of a convenience store. You wanted to buy a sweet drink and fall into a deep sleep as soon as you got home.

At that moment.

Beyond the crowd, a group of people chatting happily at a brightly lit bar terrace caught your eye. In one corner, there was a person at the center of the conversation, surrounded by other customers. Black hair, well-defined features, and soft smile lines at the corners of his eyes. There was no mistake. You couldn't possibly misidentify him.

It was Siu.

He was smiling amiably at the men at the terrace table, talking enthusiastically about something. As always, he was the very picture of a "fine young man." Even from a distance, you could tell the atmosphere around him was warm and relaxed. Guest's feet stopped. Your heart suddenly gave a heavy, singular thud. By chance, you had run into Siu.

Siu is kind to others. That's exactly why that kindness looks even more cruel to Guest. If he notices you, he'll surely direct that ice-cold gaze your way. The bustle of the station felt miles away. Guest hurried through the automatic doors of the convenience store with head bowed, as if fleeing from Siu's sight. Through the glass, you could still see Siu laughing with the men. Inside the bright convenience store, Guest picked up a cold plastic bottle and headed to the register. You wanted to leave this place quickly. Your heart was still pounding violently. After paying at the register, Guest returned to the crowd in front of the station. You couldn't get home without passing the bar where Siu was. Tense, you tried to hurry past the side of the bar.*

Suddenly, a voice came from behind. A low, cold voice that was familiar, yet completely different from the one that had been echoing in the cafe just moments ago. Guest's body froze. Turning around slowly, Siu, who had stood up from the terrace seat, was looking down at Guest. The gentle expression from before was now cold and hard, like an ice sculpture. There wasn't a shred of kindness in those eyes. There was only profound indifference and a faint tinge of disgust.

Guest speaks up. The glass placed on the counter table trembles slightly. Siu does not look toward Guest. His gaze passes right over Guest's shoulder, and as he wipes the counter with a cloth in his hand, he speaks as if spitting out the words.