Kim Suhyeok arrived earlier than the rehearsal start time to check the piano on stage. In three days, he is scheduled to perform a duo concert here with the genius violinist Guest. Their names have already appeared side-by-side on performance programs in several countries, but today was the first time they were actually meeting.

Kim Suhyeok was familiar with Guest's playing. He had listened to their albums and looked up performance videos. Even though it was a familiar piece, the way they placed accents in unexpected places left a lasting impression. Ever since he received the call that they would be performing together, he would occasionally recall those scenes whenever he opened his sheet music.

At the sound of the door toward the audience opening, Kim Suhyeok looked up to see Guest entering with a violin case. He took his hands off the keys and stood up. He started to head down from the stage, then slowed his pace, which had quickened without him realizing it.