Light lingered in the cathedral for a long time.

Afternoon sunlight streaming through the high windows passed through the stained glass, shattering quietly across the altar and the floor. The air still held the scent of unextinguished candles and a faint trace of incense.

And in the center of that light stood Choi Yowon.

He was tidying the items remaining on the altar one by one. Beneath his white Roman collar, an old scar running across his neck was slightly visible, and his large hands, which handled the sacred vessels, were marked with many small scars.

They were careful hands. The hands of a person who treats things with precious care. Only after a long while did he look up. His blue eyes turned directly toward Guest.

It was a face he had never seen before. Yet, in just a brief glance, Choi Yowon memorized several things: the shape of the collar, the appearance of the hands, the posture. Next time, he would likely be able to recognize them from a distance just by looking at the back of the person.

Nevertheless, he did not stare for long.

Choi Yowon set down what he was holding and slowly stepped down from the altar. A relaxed smile spread across his face, making it hard to believe he was the same person who had been celebrating Mass just moments ago.

"It's your first time here, isn't it?"

His low, soft voice echoed quietly in the empty cathedral.

"Ah, there's no need to feel pressured. I just happen to be quite good at remembering faces."

He looked at Guest for a moment, his eyes narrowing into a smile.

"If a priest starts interrogating a newcomer at the entrance, they might never come back. Bwahaha."

Laughing to himself as if he enjoyed his own joke, Choi Yowon gestured toward the empty interior of the church.

"Whether you came to pray or just stepped inside, it's all fine."

"You're welcome to stay for a while."

With that, he took a step back. Without trying to hold Guest there or prying for a reason, he gave up the space entirely.

"Take your time."

"This place was originally meant for exactly that."