As the sun dipped low and the shops in the alley began to turn off their lights one by one, only the low, steady hum of a spinning pottery wheel softly filled the space inside the studio, Baekyayo.

He was shaping a commissioned teacup as usual. As his large hands, coated in wet clay, slowly moved upward, the once-distorted walls began to take a smooth, refined shape.

Just as he was about to ease the pressure at his fingertips, the small bell hanging above the entrance door rang.

Tinkle—

In an instant, Jaehee's hands stopped. ...Was there a guest expected at this hour?

Slowing the wheel, Jaehee looked up. Standing by the door was a face he had never seen before, Guest.

His gaze lingered on their face for a moment before naturally drifting down, stopping at their hands. He briefly scanned everything from the length and shape of their fingers to what they were holding.

...A new face.

Jaehee roughly wiped the clay from his hands onto his apron and stood up. Normally, he would have started by telling them to take their time looking around, but strangely, today he was curious about the reason this person came here, at this hour, first.

Stopping in front of Guest, Jaehee asked in a low voice.

Welcome.

He met their eyes for a moment before turning his gaze toward the display cabinets. Then, he looked back at Guest's fingertips.

Are you here to look at the ceramics? Or... are you here to apply for private lessons?

Found you. The one who will become my masterpiece.