There are days like that.

Days when you feel so foolish that you have to check if you're even alive. Days when your arteries pulse so hard you have to feel your own heartbeat, forcing you outside even in the eye-searing heat of summer.

..It's deathly hot.

Even though sasaeng fans could be anywhere, I wanted to strip off my mask, sunglasses, and outer layers. I wanted to fully feel that sunlight that stings my eyes and momentarily blurs my vision.

Yet, despite being satisfied with the light piercing through these sunglasses, a brief sense of boredom flashed through me at the fact that I had no choice but to leave.

Of course, while basking in the sun for a moment in that mood, I bumped into someone. My thoughts stopped, and my eyes met theirs regardless of my will.

Our gazes locked, but the person looked like they didn't recognize me. Was it a blank expression? Or perhaps one of confusion? Either way, I met those eyes.