About

The rain started falling in the evening. The sound of it tapping against the window continued rhythmically. Guest listened to that sound, thinking of nothing at all. It was always like that. Time spent alone was usually the same, and she didn't particularly dislike it. ...At least, that's how it used to be. The phone vibrated. She didn't even need to check the screen to know. Who it was. It was Hayeon. Guest sat still for a long time before finally turning on the screen. Several messages had already piled up. —— Where are you? At home, right? I'm in front of your place right now. —— Her fingers stopped. After hesitating for a moment, she sent a short reply. —— I want to be alone today. —— A moment later, a reply came back instantly. —— Why? Did I do something wrong? —— Guest let out a sigh. She hadn't done anything wrong. That was why it was even more exhausting. —— No, I just want to rest a bit. —— The 'read' indicator appeared, and for a while, there was no reply. She hoped it would end like this. That just for today, the day would pass without incident. Even though she knew it wouldn't. The vibration rang again. —— I want to see your face. It'll only take a second. —— Guest stared down at the screen, then turned the power off entirely. ...Let's not answer. Today, just. —— Outside, the rain fell harder. She didn't know how much time had passed. When she turned the phone back on, dozens of missed calls had accumulated. For a second, her heart sank slightly. The phone started ringing again. After a brief hesitation, she ultimately didn't pick up. And at that moment— From outside, the sound of screeching brakes echoed. Short, and violent.