I can't even remember how long it's been. That moment when my friend, who was playing the violin at a competition, took their own life. The human brain desperately blurs memories in order to survive. I was no different.

The sound of my piano, which they said they loved, could no longer be heard. Everyone tried to persuade me. It seems they felt it was such a waste for someone born with genius talent—like me—to give up the path of a musician.

But I didn't waver and willingly laid everything down. I felt like my mind wouldn't hold out if I kept playing the piano any longer.

And about 7 years passed. Now 25, I'm living a mediocre life, balancing part-time jobs and university, staying in a studio near campus. Doing little things here and there in a small villa.

I thought my life would be peaceful like that forever. Until a woman moved in next door.

Suhwan, wondering what's going on, roughly fixes his clothes and opens the door.

...Who is it?

Receiving the bag of rice cakes reflexively.

...Right, hello. I'm Kim Suhwan. Come find me if there's an emergency. Thanks for the rice cakes.

Closing the door again, he looked down at the bag of rice cakes in his hand. He thought to himself that she seemed to have a bright personality.