The chamomile tea in the glass was still warm. I opened the balcony door and stood with my arms open to feel the breeze and looked up at the dark sky. Tonight only a moon slightly larger than a thumb was visible.

Now I'm waiting for something. While the tea was already half full

Soon what I was waiting for appeared as I predicted. The sound of music playing from the piano sounded.

I took a deep breath. This music-like feeling makes the tea taste even more mellow. I smiled and tapped my foot to the rhythm of the playing. Today the sound is slower than usual. Each note that is pressed carries a deep emotion. I closed my eyes slowly. sound passing into the ear The cool wind that floats gently hits your face.

and the aroma of chamomile that lingers on the tip of the tongue Makes you completely forget the tiredness from today's work all day.

The same old melody that I don't know exactly what it is. But it stuck in my head.

Since moving in it's been more than two months. The first time I heard it Confess that I don't believe Apartment size 25 square meters, someone will bring a piano to play. I think it must be opened from some kind of player. But day after day passed The music still plays the same song each day. There are some mistakes. Play fast, sometimes slow. According to the mood of the person playing

But there is never a day when that music plays until the end of the song. It usually breaks only halfway. Silently cut off It was as if the computer had been unplugged.

Before the tea is finished The music was cut off like the previous day. Today the musicians must be in a good mood. because it played longer than usual And the gentle rhythm conveys the emotion very well.

Loud music floating I'm still not sure which room it came from. Maybe it's a ground floor room. Or the room next to mine. But there was no time to seriously search for the player. All this I didn't really care that much who was playing. Just having to listen to it every day is good.

Some days I secretly record audio to listen to when I'm bored.

I walked back into the messy room. Rinse the teacup under running water from the tap. Then turn it upside down as before. before walking to the bed Scoop up the things that are piled up on the bed. Whether it's a notebook or a book Give enough for the body to sleep in place of those belongings. before turning off the lights Set your alarm for tomorrow morning and go to bed.

I am an employee of a private company. An ordinary career with no excitement. Only the amount of bonuses released twice each year makes my heart beat a little faster.

Tonight I came back later than every day. Because there is a gathering at the company Because there is a new employee entering the department. And I got promoted. This means that I will receive a higher salary and more duties as well.

The beer buffet near my office is a regular place to hang out. I sip my beer slowly. Because I don't have much expertise in alcoholic beverages. As for the newbie, he immediately asked for a soft drink. I felt good hearing that. Because I will erase the nickname The weakest person in the department.

At least there are people who don't touch intoxicants and are now the underdogs instead of me.

strange society Why do you always have to choose social drink as your drunken drink?

While thinking about something fun A humble greeting sounded in my ear.

The new kid smiled at me. He finished introducing himself and politely asked this and that about me.

I answered politely as well. Our conversation wasn't very long. Because in my heart I still regret that today I won't be able to go back in time to listen to the piano. That made me want to return to the condo sooner.

However, this event is considered to be me and the newbie being co-hosts. Moreover, since today is Friday, everyone is intent on pumping their lungs with alcohol. With the thought that no matter what, I can wake up as late as I want tomorrow. Tonight's party will definitely drag on for a long time.

After talking with me for a bit That new kid sat next to me and didn't go anywhere. He ate a little on the table. He's a person who eats little, really matching his figure. I can't blame him because I'm thin too. But I'm a bit taller than this kid. His face showing that he wasn't enjoying the party made me secretly smile. The corners of the mouth are slightly turned down. Those round black eyes moved to look here and there.

After a while, the new freshman turned on his face and stubbornly asked to leave before leaving. Brothers in the dull department Well, let the little one go home easily.

All that's left is me wanting to return so badly. But still sat softly, enjoying the white foam that was still in the first glass from the moment I came to sit.

The sound of music, chatter, laughter was all loud and deafening. The annoying sound makes the beer taste even more bitter.

It would be nice if these sounds disappeared into the soft accompaniment of a piano. The beer flavor might be smoother than this.

When the time was right the party would end. So I returned Everyone began to spread out and go back to rest. Tonight I probably won't be able to make it in time for what I was waiting for. So I picked up my headphones and turned on the music that I had recorded several days before. But that still doesn't make you feel as good as the real atmosphere. There are so many annoying noises.

I turned off the recording and picked up the book I had left reading and read it until the end before going to bed.

On a leisurely holiday, I stop by my regular cafe. Sitting drinking strawberry smoothie I left all work behind. Let your brain perceive only the sweet and fragrant taste of your favorite drink that is cool and refreshing. I chose to sit next to the window in a familiar corner.

I look outside The sunlight that comes in hitting the leaves on the side of the road The shiny leaves reflect the sunlight. It would be nice if there was a piano playing too.

I don't know what fascinated me with that sound. When my mind is free Or when you're tired I always yearn for it.

The sound of the piano still stuck in my ears. I hummed softly in my throat.

I still look at the people outside wearing colorful shirts. In the spring the weather is fine. Makes you feel rejuvenated as well.

Then my eyes fell on someone I just met yesterday. A new kid whose name I still can't remember.

As soon as my eyes met He turned his head. He smiled at me like last night. Bow slightly to say hello. Before walking into the store He walked over and ordered coffee with dignity. Then he immediately walked over and sat across from me with a glass of iced Americano.

He looked at the drink in my hand and started a conversation with what he saw.

Even though I don't really like those questions. But he seemed to be trying to talk himself into what was happening. rather than asking nonsensical questions about my tastes. Therefore, the conversation that takes place is not so ugly.

Because I can't remember his name. So he introduced himself again. and referred to himself as Wonpil. Every sentence that came out of his mouth contained that word. I remember it in my heart, in my brain, Wonpil.

The drink in my hand is almost gone. So we had a conversation in just ten gulps of strawberry smoothies.

I came out ahead of time. Leave the table for him to use in privacy. Then go to the final destination before returning to the condo. second hand book store that I often stop by The smell of books whose paper has begun to change from white to a light yellow-brown color. Rare novels, cheap books. And I believe that every book in this store must have something good that made people before me willing to spend money for them.

I walked slowly, sweeping my eyes along each floor that was lined up.

The bell in front of the store rang again. A well-built man walked closer to me and poked me. His breathing was shaky. It was Wonpil, a new kid from my department who I'd just met at the coffee shop a moment ago. He handed the phone to me. It's my own phone. It must have been when I picked it up to check the time to estimate when the bookstore would open. Then I probably forgot to put it away.

I thanked him according to social etiquette. That should be enough. For what happened

But he asked me to give him a meal. Along with describing the hardships of bringing this phone back to me.

As I processed what had happened, whether I deserved to repay him the way he wanted or not.

The intent in his eyes demanded an answer. staring intently at me I could see the answer he wanted on his forehead.

I let out a soft breath through my nose before answering.

After he heard the answer that just came out of my mouth. He continued by specifying the time when he wanted immediate compensation.

I froze when I heard those things. It's probably because I'm not used to this type of person.

I feel like my private world is being threatened. I couldn't choose just one book. Because the innocent-faced kid next to me who was asking this question asked me this question, so much so that I had to cut through my annoyance by rushing to return the favor according to what the helper wanted.

After eating one meal I started to get to know Wonpil more. He probably needs someone with whom he can feel comfortable. I caught the gist of a few sentences that gave me an idea of ​​what he was doing.

One is a person from another province. He must be lonely being alone. And two of them have faces like his high school friends. That was his whole reason.

But my reason is I like privacy I don't like to hang out with anyone. I usually do things on my own terms. That is something that people around me don't like those actions. But Wonpil is trying to infiltrate.

After finishing eating So I asked to leave. And we should part ways in front of the rice shop. But he still followed me. and still denies that I misunderstood

He followed me all the way to the front of the condo. Part of me thought about calling the police. But on the other hand, I still object because after all, I am an acquaintance.

He has a card to enter the condo. Made me breathe a bit more easily. He took the elevator and got off on the same floor as me.

My thoughts that came to me It's impossible...

He was almost at my room. He suddenly stopped in front of the door of a room and picked up a key. Then he turned and smiled at me before opening the door.

I stood staring in front of the door. The first thing that popped into my mind My personal world…..is definitely broken.

I walked into the room slowly. Another day, I would probably go find a book and read without any distractions.

This evening, the sound of the piano The same melody rang out. Even though the sun hadn't even set yet. The melody that repeats over and over I sat and listened to where this melody would end. Today's melody is faster. Pressing the note is shorter and more resonant than usual.

While listening happily Then suddenly an idea popped into my head.

Or the person who plays the piano It will be Wonpil....

I still meet him at the company as usual. What I have in my heart Questions I would like to ask to clear up my frustration. But I pretended to let it go like I had done in the past. Maybe I'm afraid of the answer.

Wonpil still comes to me. For two reasons, he said. He asked to come home with me. But after receiving more work assignments As a result, I did not return home at the time specified by the company every day. Most of them will be later than usual. So I didn't promise.

But he always came to ask me in the evening before work.

Sometimes I ask on Line. Sometimes I come and ask. What time will I get off work? Been like this for a month. But I refused every time. Because I still have a lot of work left to do after receiving additional responsibilities.

Later, he still came to ask. But he moved away from me to such an extent that I could feel it.

Today I saw his report that I was about to send to my boss from the email that was copied to me. But because he works directly with another person So I couldn't intervene. After the email has been sent The leader then scolded him. And according to the regulations that will be scolded down to the person in order. As a result, today the new students have to stay and fix their work. With an expression that was not very good

I finished the work quickly. and going home Meanwhile, others began to gradually leave the department. Today was supposed to be the day I returned with everyone else. Instead, I chose to sit and wait for the embarrassed-faced little boy who was still staring at the computer with wide-eyed eyes.

When everyone else had gone, after a while I saw him get up and stretch his legs. He looked up and smiled at me. Even though it seems forced

I'm preparing to pick up my bag. because he thought he was finished with his work But he walked away empty-handed. So I put down my bag and went to YouTube to watch my favorite band.

The loud music coming from my headphones made me unconscious. As soon as a flash of coldness touched my arm, The body instinctively responded by flinching. A sound of laughter came from behind. A coffee can with water clinging to it from the cold was placed next to my arm.

Wonpil laughed at what he saw. and also teased that You see me frowning because I watched a live band play. I gave him a dry smile. and give to what you are doing I chose to wait for him instead today so I could go back and listen to the piano, which I haven't listened to lately because I have to come back late every night.

When curious people ask why I'm still sitting here kissing Puk like this. I could only answer indifferently, Get used to this kind of return. Let's look at the five rivers and find reasons why it's good to be back late at night. Few people on the subway The cool air at night was comfortable. Even before being assigned duties, I always came home on time.

He excused himself to continue working. I stopped the music and held the coffee behind him. before secretly telling the mistake that had occurred and small techniques to solve that problem It's a reward from the coffee you get. Even though I don't drink it.

He thanked me profusely before saying that he would feed him food. Even though I refuse But in the end, I was able to eat dinner near the condo tonight.

He's still the same. Habits that I'm not used to While eating, he complained that I was annoyed with him. Or that friends in this city are really hard to find? Can't find someone who's as sincere as he is, stuff like that.

I just sat and listened. He nodded as he finished his sentence. Even though he said it like he really did. But I think he must be really lonely.

While about to arrive in front of the condo So I grabbed his shoulder and squeezed gently. before giving a short word of encouragement Actually, I don't know if what I just said will help. I can see that today must have been difficult for him as well.

After I finished speaking, I walked two more steps and he suddenly stopped walking. Shoulders that are moving I saw tears flowing out.

Even though just now he said it like he was teasing me. those smiles It was probably the pain he had hidden all this time.

Or did I say something wrong? I took a step back to compose myself. What should I do at a time like this?

So I apologized. Maybe it was because I made him feel weak.

He raised his head. Take a deep breath. Then he turned his head and smiled at me. That smile with tears then say thank you to me

Along the way, there was only the sound of shoes hitting the cement. We separated at the front of the room like before.

Work that can be cleared quickly in just one day. They piled up at me again as usual. Tonight it's definitely not less than 10 p.m. After the others had left In zones where there were no people, he started turning off the lights to save energy. while the keyboard sound and the mouse touch sound is still loud I heard a familiar melody. I immediately jerked my head up. to find the source of that sound But no one is there.

I walked over to Wonpil's table. There was no one there. I must be deaf. Thinking about it, I hurriedly packed up my things. Take the work back to the condo to continue. Maybe I'll get back to listening to the music. I haven't heard of this place for a long time.

After returning while opening the notebook There was a knock at the door.

Normally, no one had ever knocked on my door before, and of course, only this unusual person would do it. Wonpil smiled as soon as he saw me.

He apologized for bothering me before asking for my help. It was the first time I went into another person's room. Even though the room layout is the same in every room. But the feeling was completely different. The faint scent of the scented candle he had lit.

Wonpil quickly came up with various excuses. I secretly smiled at that gesture. Before little Wonpil told Aom that he couldn't reach out to change the light bulb, He frowned slightly when he saw me smile. He shone a flashlight so I could do it easily. Fully prepared equipment He probably changed to But it really hasn't changed like he said.

When the power can be used normally I could see his room more clearly. The room was clean and completely different from my room. And there was a piano. I stared dumbfounded at that piano. It was like

Upright Piano

Placed next to a small sofa.

When he saw me staring at the piano, He immediately proudly presented it. As I stood still He made a presentation with a cheerful face. Ready to sit and press down on the piano. I walked closer. It's like fans meeting the artist in person.

This melody was played in front of me. No need to listen through the walls, through the sound of the wind, and the loud sound of the air conditioning compressor. It's clear and loud. I'm even more fascinated by this tune than my favorite band that I listen to often.

He only played briefly. Then turned and smiled at me. An innocent smile appeared on that face.

I asked about the name of the song. But the players couldn't answer as well. He only remembered his mother teaching him how to play this song when he was a child. But he couldn't remember the name of the song or the last part of the song.

I pushed Sue and told him to go back and ask his mother.

Wonpil smiled faintly. before saying that now he is left alone. Family photo on the piano It was picked up and handed to me to see.

I apologize for the stupid question that just came out of my mouth. But he thanked me for coming to help listen. and came to be his friend

I asked him to play it again. A melody that I feel familiar with I was transfixed by those notes. Until he called my name to break me out of the spell.

The younger man smiled brightly. Tell me about your own family. He seemed happy talking about those things. He told me that he often plays the piano when he misses his family. I nod along. Because of this, I can hear the piano every day. But saying that would not be entirely correct. Because if it's like he said

A lonely kid like him would definitely play all day and all night.

Now I felt like I was falling into his world. A new world that I never knew But it's a bright world. and especially cherished

We talked for a while, then I excused myself to go back to my room.

before closing the door I decided to say those words.

A sentence that makes my head hurt again. in my own room Strange things have fully infiltrated my private world. And I was the one who allowed him to come in.

“If we go back to the condo together I'd like to come listen to you play the piano."

He ran and grabbed my hand, teasing me like a child.

"I made a promise, P'J."

Or maybe it was me who had slipped into his world without realizing it...