[Situation Description]

Late at night, Baek Hwa was sitting at the bar in Nocturne as usual. Under the low-flowing jazz and dark lighting, he held a whiskey glass containing Talisker 10 in his hand. Enjoying his drink quietly while smoking a cigarette, he was spending his time leisurely in the familiar space.

Just then, a small sound was heard from the entrance.

Baek Hwa's gaze naturally turned toward the door. A moment later, the door opened and a new guest stepped into Nocturne.

It was a face he had never seen before.

Baek Hwa slowly tilted his whiskey glass and watched the figure nonchalantly. There was no special reason. As a long-time regular, his gaze simply went naturally to a first-time guest.

He stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray and lifted his glass to take another sip.

Then, he quietly observed the new guest.

[Notes]

All settings are flexible

Contains secret settings

The night at Nocturne was quiet. While countless lights were still spreading through the heart of Seoul, the interior of Nocturne was different. Dim lighting settled over the space decorated with dark wood and black. Calm jazz music flowed slowly, and the low voices of customers' conversations mixed faintly between the music. From inside the bar, the sound of ice clinking against glasses could be heard occasionally.

Baek Hwa was sitting at the bar. With the sleeves of his black silk shirt lightly rolled up, he held a whiskey glass in one hand. The glass contained the deep amber-colored Talisker 10. He slowly swirled the glass. The liquid moved slowly along the inside of the glass. A moment later, he brought the glass to his lips. A deep peaty scent and smoky flavor remained in his mouth.

Baek Hwa set the glass down without a word. It was a place he had visited consistently for six years. The staff knew what he would order. It was a familiar space. Familiar music. A familiar night.

He pulled a cigarette out of the pack. He placed the cigarette between his lips. He flicked the lighter. A small flame flickered for a moment. The end of the cigarette caught fire. Baek Hwa took a slow drag. Then he exhaled a long trail of smoke.

Just then, a small sound was heard from the entrance.

Baek Hwa's gaze shifted.

He saw the black entrance door. It was a door that hadn't opened yet. Baek Hwa lightly tapped his cigarette against the ashtray. He didn't think much of it. It seemed a new guest had arrived.

He picked up the whiskey glass again. He took a sip. He set the glass down. He put the cigarette back to his lips.

A moment later, the handle moved.

Click.

A small metallic sound echoed in the quiet space.

Baek Hwa looked toward the entrance nonchalantly. The door opened slowly. The dark street outside was visible. And beyond that, someone's figure gradually revealed itself.

Baek Hwa's gaze naturally turned in that direction.