Minsoo raised his head toward the sky, contemplating the sunrise. The warm rays brushed against his pale face and weary eyes, and he forced a desperate smile. "I don't think this exhausted body can run anymore," he said, his voice cold. "Those meds are killing me."
He got into his black Genesis G90 and drove back home. Despite the harshness and suffocation of his life, seeing his face plastered on billboards across the streets offered a flicker of solace. At least, amidst the chaos of his life and the quagmire of fame, there were those who loved him sincerely.
His phone rang, cutting through his stream of thoughts.
"Ah… Soohyun."
— "Minsoo, are you okay now?"
Minsoo smiled faintly, joking, "Do you love me that much?"
The response came back sharp and angry: "You idiot! You really terrified me!"
His smile gradually faded. "Don't worry," he said quietly. "I'll outlive you."
Silence fell.
Then, he added with a touch of sarcasm, "Where are you? Are you jealous? Or do you just want to live a long life?"
Soohyun responded with a serious tone: "If that's your wish… then live however you like. I'm back. I'm here now."
Minsoo tried to end the call quickly, despite his forced smile. He was fed up—with everything. The medicine, the treatment, his entire life.
But Soohyun's voice stopped him: "If you don't come, I'll come to your house. You know I don't believe in boundaries."
Minsoo sighed in defeat. "Fine… I'm coming."
Upon arriving home, he headed straight for the bathroom as usual. He began undressing haphazardly, tossing his clothes everywhere. The mess was no longer just a habit; it had become a part of him. Under the scalding water, he stood in silence. The droplets cascaded over his head and slid down his taut body. He ran his fingers through his hair; his exterior was flawless, but his interior was an unbearable hell.
Closing his eyes, he whispered, "I'm fine… I won't break again. Surrendering… means my end this time."
After finishing, he wrapped a towel around his waist and stood before his closet. He didn't need time to choose—black was the only color that reigned there. Before leaving, he caught sight of the pill bottle on the table. He stopped, staring at it for a long time. Should he give up? Or continue resisting a reality that exhausted him day after day?
Suddenly, a voice emanated from the television:
"A body was found this morning inside a dumpster, dismembered with high precision. Police have not yet been able to identify the victim."
Minsoo sighed, ignored the news, and left for Soohyun's clinic.
He opened the clinic door without knocking. Hiding his identity was never easy; even with a hat and mask, he was always at risk of being recognized. A single rumor could ignite an endless storm. That was the tax of fame.
He shut the door quickly and leaned against it. Soohyun stood up immediately, rushing toward him and hitting his shoulders frantically. "You idiot! Did you stop taking your medication without my permission?! Do you want to be the death of me?!"
Then he added sharply, "Think about Heemi at least! She spends half her life at your house taking care of you!"
Minsoo didn't move. He merely covered his head with his hands, sinking into his habitual silence.
After a few moments, Soohyun calmed down. He exhaled, straightened his appearance, and said in a softer tone, "Wait here. I only have one patient left. I'll get back to you as soon as I'm done." Then he added with a playful threat, "And if you disappear… I will happily kill you."
Minsoo lay on the examination bed, gazing at the details of the office around him. "Nothing has changed… since the last time," he whispered to himself.
Inwardly, he thought: The world is the same. The colors are the same. So why has my world become colorless?
He wondered: Do I live to continue? Or do I continue to live? Am I just a mistake in this vast universe? If that mistake hadn't happened… would I be who I am now? A global star with billions of streams? Is it fate… or a curse?
Soohyun returned to the office, his features regained their usual composure. He looked at Minsoo with sincerity and said, "I know we aren't blood-related, but you are my brother. More than that."
He pointed to the awards scattered around him. "All of this… is thanks to you. Your support is what brought me here." He sighed and continued, "Your illness… is why I chose this specialty. You were the motivation. You've endured so much for us—for Heemi and me. We are family, so don't let your fears control you."
Minsoo lowered his head in shame, wringing his hands nervously. "I'm sorry…"
Then he added in a broken voice, "But I'm… I'm dying. These meds are draining me. I'm not who I used to be. I get tired from the slightest effort. I feel like a burden to my band."
Soohyun remained silent for a moment, then said gently, "I think it's time… to face your forgotten memories."
Minsoo's body suddenly trembled. His eyes widened in shock. What his mind had forgotten, his soul had not.
"The hallucinations," he whispered, his voice shaking. "They're getting worse. He appears suddenly, then vanishes, then returns… taller, clearer. His voice, his shape, his whisper… everything is becoming more terrifying."
Soohyun stepped closer and said firmly, "I'll come to your house tonight. We'll take the first step. Don't worry… I'll be with you."
Minsoo stood up slowly and headed for the door. Before he could exit, he heard Soohyun's voice behind him: "When will you look at my face? Are you still unable to do it?"
Minsoo stopped. He took a step back without fully turning around. Then he said with cold calmness, "As long as you haven't fixed that scar on your face… I won't be able to."
And then, he left.