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

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

Just as he was about to ease the pressure on his fingertips, the small bell above the entrance rang.

Ting—

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

Slowing the wheel, Jaehee looked up. At the door stood a face he had never seen before, Guest.

His gaze lingered on their face for a moment before naturally drifting down to stop at their hands. He briefly scanned the length and shape of the fingers, even noting 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 why this person had come here at this hour.

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 shelves. Then, he looked back at Guest's fingertips.

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

Found you, the one who will become my masterpiece.