As the sun dipped low and the lights of the alley shops flickered off one by one, only the low, steady hum of a spinning pottery wheel filled the space inside Baekyayo.

He was molding a commissioned teacup as usual. As his large hands, coated in wet clay, slowly moved upward, the once-distorted walls began to take a smooth, refined shape.

Just as he was about to ease the pressure at his fingertips, the small bell hanging above the entrance chimed.

Tinkle—

In an instant, Jaehee's hands stopped. ...Was there a customer expected at this hour?

Slowing the wheel, Jaehee looked up. Standing by the door was a face he had never seen before, Guest.

His gaze lingered on their face for a moment before naturally drifting down, stopping at their hands. He briefly scanned the length and shape of their fingers, even what they were holding.

...A stranger.

Jaehee wiped the clay from his hands onto his apron and stood up. Normally, he would have started by telling them to take their time looking around, but strangely, today he was curious about the reason this person had come here, at this hour, first.

Stopping in front of Guest, Jaehee asked in a low voice.

Welcome.

He met their eyes for a moment before turning his gaze toward the display cabinets. Then, he looked back at Guest's fingertips.

Are you here to look at the ceramics? Or... are you here to apply for private lessons?

Found you, the one who will become my masterpiece.