INK AND SHADOWS [???]

The lights of the pub were dim, the air filled with soft murmurs and the scent of alcohol, fried snacks, and anticipation.

Hara had always loved this place — not because of the drinks, but because of the soul it carried during live performances.

And lately, she'd become obsessed with the band that played here — especially the guitarist.

Something about his playing tugged at her soul, but she could never explain why.

Tonight, she invited Heeseung.

He had just finished a long day of practice, sweat still clinging to his skin, but he didn't hesitate to come when she called.

Heeseung pushed open the pub door and scanned the crowd with curious eyes.

His heart raced slightly as his gaze landed on her — sitting under the soft neon light, silver hair glowing faintly, her cheeks flushed from the drinks, eyes sparkling with delight.

She looked breathtaking. It hit him again, just how deeply he'd fallen for her.

He strode over with a casual air, slipped his arm around her shoulder, and whispered, "You look pretty tonight."

Hara looked up with a tipsy smile.

"Took you long enough."

"I sprinted here," he said with a chuckle, sitting beside her.

She was definitely a little drunk, but he didn't mind.

He could handle it — he just wanted to be by her side.

Soon, the stage lights turned on and the crowd stirred with excitement.

"Come on!" Hara grabbed his wrist and dragged him to the front near the stage.

The band appeared, and the room roared with cheers.

They started with some familiar tunes. The crowd swayed, and Hara beamed, her body moving slightly to the rhythm.

Then came the guitar solo — the part that always made the room erupt.

It did.

The energy shifted as the guitarist stepped into the spotlight.

The crowd screamed louder, including Hara, who clapped and cheered with starry eyes.

Heeseung smiled at first, finding her joy adorable.

But then his gaze snapped toward the guitarist.

That rhythm. That posture. Those fingers on the strings. That emotion poured into every note.

His blood ran cold.

Jay.

There was no mistaking it.

Even with the cap pulled low and a black face mask covering half his face, Heeseung knew. That was him.

He slowly turned to Hara, who was completely unaware.

Her eyes locked onto the guitarist, captivated but oblivious to who it truly was.

She didn't recognize him. She couldn't.

Heeseung's chest tightened.

His gaze returned to Jay, who was pouring his soul into the music — probably unaware of what or who stood just meters away.

God, Heeseung thought. This is wrong.

A quiet war began inside him — guilt and longing fighting like fire and ice.

He knew Jay loved Hara. And she... she still hadn't fully moved on.

Yet here he was, by her side, trying to take the place Jay once held in her heart.

Heeseung's fingers curled into fists.

He silently repeated to himself,

I'm sorry, Jay. I know I'm betraying you. But I want her too. And I swear, I'll take care of her the way you didn't.

The band finished their set. The lights dimmed, and the crowd buzzed with leftover energy.

"I'm going to the washroom real quick," Hara slurred slightly, patting his shoulder before walking off.

Heeseung waited until she disappeared, then turned and slipped toward the backstage door.

He didn't knock — just pushed it open and stepped in.

There he was.

Jay, mask now pulled down, leaned against the wall, cigarette between his lips.

His shirt clung slightly to his frame with sweat, a bottle of water in his hand.

He blinked, surprised.

"Heeseung? What are you doing here?"

"I should be the one asking you that," Heeseung said as he pulled a chair and sat down, arms resting on his knees.

"I didn't know you were in a band."

Jay exhaled smoke, a small smile on his lips.

"It's just a part-time thing. A hobby, I guess."

"You're too rich to do part-time jobs."

Jay chuckled lightly. "You sound like my dad. I'm not doing this for money. I just... feel more alive on stage than in an office."

Heeseung paused, nodding slowly. "Yeah... I get that."

Jay took another drag, then asked, "So, you came here alone?"

Heeseung hesitated.

Then smiled — a lie wrapped in a grin.

"Nope. Came with my girlfriend."

Jay blinked. "Girlfriend? Damn. I should've guessed. Handsome, talented, and now taken."

Heeseung chuckled, though his throat felt dry.

"You should try dating too."

Jay rubbed the back of his neck.

"Don't think I'm in that place yet. My memory's still messy."

"There's this one girl I keep dreaming about, but her face... it's always blurry."

"Like I know her, but can't find her in my head. It's frustrating."

Heeseung's smile faltered.

It's Hara...

He wanted to scream.

The girl you're trying to remember is the one I'm falling for!

But he kept his silence.

"You'll figure it out eventually," he said instead, voice low.

Suddenly, his phone rang.

He looked down — Hara.

He stood, slipping the phone back in his pocket. "I gotta go. She's waiting."

Jay nodded. "Introduce her to me sometime."

Heeseung froze for a second before forcing a laugh.

"Yeah... sure."

He turned and walked out, the door closing softly behind him.

Each step away from that room felt heavier.

"I'm sorry, Jay," he whispered to the hallway, to himself.

"I really am..."