Do not cling to the past.
All we have to do is keep moving forward.
Let what has already happened pass.
Leave it behind as nothing more than good memories.
The chances we once had…they deserve them too.
May 22, 2065
SPI Entertainment Building, Hannam-dong, Seoul
A pale purple butterfly fluttered through an air vent into a square room where two black-haired men were deep in conversation. It drifted closer—only to collide midair with a pink butterfly that had been quietly watching one of them from afar.
The purple butterfly swooped down first, seizing Seokjin before the pink one could claim him.
I pushed the door open and found Sanghye sitting on a chair inside.That room—was where we first met.
He held a stack of documents, ready to submit them for review. The examiner glanced through them, then gestured toward the adjacent room.
"Your documents are approved."
Sanghye nodded with a smile and walked forward. I hurried after him.
"Hey—can I talk to you for a second?" I asked."…Why did you want to be friends with me?"
He stopped, turned, and smiled faintly.
"Because I was afraid you'd be lonely."
I nodded, letting out a small laugh.
"Ahaha… then I'll see you at the audition."
"We'll definitely meet again, Mr. Woo Seokjin."He waved lightly. "Hehe."
I nodded and stepped out of the building.
Pulling on a brown coat, a thick cap, and black-rimmed glasses, I disguised myself before walking outside. I checked my watch.
10:14 a.m., November 11, 2069
In front of me stood a memorial plaque engraved with the names of treasured artists, set in the middle of a fountain plaza.
I stopped before one name.
Mr. K — Ji Sanghye
Fresh flowers were still being arranged neatly every day.
I took out a white rose, knelt down, and spoke softly to my friend.
"Whatever you asked of me—I'll do it.I'll always love you."
"Are you here to pay your respects too?"
A teenage girl's voice came from behind me.
I stood and turned around. She looked about fourteen or fifteen, with black hair tied in a ponytail. She waited politely, her smile bright—though sadness lingered in her eyes.
No one recognized me in this getup.
"Oh, sorry to keep you waiting. Go ahead," I said, stepping aside.
She nodded and walked toward Sanghye's plaque, holding a pink hibiscus.
"You're prayin' for him, right?"
"Yeah."
After she finished, I asked, "You know him?"
"Not personally. I'm just a fan," she replied softly. "But… are you his friend?" Her voice was gentle—perfect for singing. Her expressions were natural, full of emotion. I found myself momentarily stunned.
"No. I'm his big fan too," I said. "I heard the other one. What was his name—White, right? He's recovering. Probably close to returning to the stage."
"I hope he recovers soon too," she said. "Seokjin must be having a hard time, losing his close one so suddenly."
I adjusted my glasses and sniffed, not from a cold, but from something welling up inside.
"…Yeah. Seokjin must've loved him a lot."
"He was gentle, humble, and incredibly kind," she said. "I remember when Wolves got on their bus while I was heading home with my friends. They became my inspiration—to walk this path. That's why I wanted to come here myself."
Her words pulled me back to our debut days together.
I blinked, suddenly remembering a girl with a white guitar.
"Ah…" I nodded. "So what are you planning to do next? You seem like someone who loves music."
"I'm not sure yet," she admitted. "Exams are coming up, and I'm stressed about auditions too… then this news happened."
I nodded thoughtfully.
"I've been wanting to make music myself," I said. "I work as a DJ at a club around Hannam-dong—freelance stuff, producing tracks. Maybe I could help you with your audition, if you want."
"Oh~" she hesitated. "I don't think I can afford something like that. My parents..."
"No charge," I said. "Can text me after your exams."
I traced my number in the air with my finger as her ballphone scanned it automatically.
"I'll try to contact you," she said, nodding. "My name's Namjoo.[1]"
Her eyes— they looked just like his.
"Call me Sori," I replied. "Nice to meet you, Namjoo. I'll get going then."
I turned and walked away, smiling with quiet hope.
I headed back to the main road and got into the same car I'd been given back when I was still with Wolves. As I drove off, I glanced up at the OPP4 building, its logo being renovated into a more modern design.
"Looks much better," I murmured.
The car came to a stop at the penthouse hotel. I stepped inside, removing my glasses and cap. Everyone—including the front desk staff—smiled at me.
I approached the counter and spoke to the male receptionist.
"Good morning, Mr. White."
"Just call me Seokjin," I said, dropping the mask. "Has the item I ordered arrived yet?"
"Yes, Mr. Seokjin. It's currently out for delivery—should arrive this afternoon."
"Great. Please let me know when it gets here," I said, miming a phone call.
"Of course, sir."
"Excellent!" I added with a grin. "I'll put in a word for your year-end bonus."
"Thank you very much," he replied, bowing slightly.
I gave him a thumbs-up and headed to the elevator.
Up on the penthouse floor, I was about to open the large door at the end of the hall—when I noticed the small door beside it was slightly ajar.
That door was always locked.
Curious, I changed direction and pushed it open.
Inside was a dim, circular room surrounded by clear, shallow water. At its center stood a tree—pine-like, about two meters tall—decorated with hanging lanterns.
Another door on the right connected directly to the penthouse.
"Whoa…" I breathed. The only sounds were flowing water—released, then returning into the filtration system. I've been through terrible things… but I don't really hate them.
The water that flows out, then back again—it's like memory.
Everything that shaped me…it helped me grow.
Into a great tree.
[1] The little girl in chapter 2.