Anyway, this was the first time I’d seen him since then. Apparently, he was planning to just leave his message with a staff member without seeing me. When I asked what business he had, he silently handed me a card.

It was a black card with white typed letters…… but I couldn’t see it at all. The light was too intense. It was so bright I couldn’t make out even the shape of the person right in front of me, let alone the card.

I told Jin honestly. That I couldn’t see it, asked him to read it. Then in a very awkward voice—thinking back, maybe he was nervous. It might be my imagination—he asked if I would go to an exhibition with him at 3 PM next Saturday!

What’s this about?

That was my first thought, but I didn’t refuse. Coincidentally, the exhibition he suggested was a photo collection of a retired singer…… well, there were other reasons too.

Yes, having read this far, you might wonder, “Is this really a date?” After all, friends can go to plays or exhibitions together.

But one, Jin and I aren’t friends—

Two, he clearly lives in a different area—perhaps not even in a city. He doesn’t talk much about himself—yet he came all the way to Roju to invite me to an exhibition in Roju, then immediately headed to the train station?

Anyway, that’s what I think. I’ll reject any other opinions. Because your advice is needed in a different area.

What should I wear? What kind of clothes do men my age like?

I’ve gone through my closet more than five times but can’t find a suitable outfit. Yet I can’t just wear anything……

What’s your taste, Yuan? I’m asking for research purposes. Please answer!

June 7,

Awaiting your reply, Perry.]

[Dear Perry

Thank you for valuing my judgment. A date…… I have many thoughts, but I’ll omit them for now. Since that’s what you want.

For attire, just wear comfortable clothes. Well, if I had to specify, perhaps avoid high heels? You might fall, and they’ll become more uncomfortable the more you walk.

I don’t have much expertise in women’s clothing, so I have nothing more to add. Whatever you wear, you will carry it off in your own way.

I’m not sure if this was helpful. I hope you have a pleasant time.

I’m sending my share of luck.

June 10,

Yuan.]

[Dear Yuan

I’m sorry, Yuan! Despite asking for your advice, I didn’t follow your ‘only’ suggestion.

In other words, I wore high-heeled shoes. I didn’t intend to ignore you from the start. To begin with, even my highest heels are only about a finger joint high. Plus, I had my reasons.

I wanted to look him in the eye.

He’s very tall. Of course, like a gentleman, he tries to accommodate me by lowering his head or shoulders, but he can’t do that every minute and second. So, well. Yes.

Though they were just finger-joint high heels, they were better than not wearing them. They were also convenient when I needed guidance occasionally.

The photo exhibition was fun. There were quite a lot of visitors, but with Jin beside me, I wasn’t pushed around by the crowd. I could only see vague colors and shapes in the photos—even that was difficult with smaller ones—but Jin explained each one to me.

It wasn’t just a basic description of poses. He told me who was wearing what and doing what, about light bleeding at the left edge, where the location was, who those people were, when it was taken……

Jin carefully explained each photo until I fully understood it. All without a single booklet.

I was so amazed that I asked, and he said this was his second time at the exhibition! He had visited the exhibition in advance on the day he asked me out, and even bought the pamphlet and catalog.

When I asked, “Did you memorize all that?” he calmly nodded. He seemed to have, how should I put it, a sense of responsibility. To make our time together completely…… fulfilling.

This wasn’t my first exhibition. I’ve seen artifacts and portraits before, timing my visits with resident guides. But that day was, how should I say,

Ah,

Different from those experiences.

Yes. Anyway, I had a lot of fun. Thanks to him.

We also had some small talk. Where Jin’s surname came from—his mother’s side—whether he prefers sweet or bitter coffee—the bitter kind—things like that. He seemed puzzled about why I was asking such questions…… but he’ll understand someday.

When we left the exhibition, it was early evening. Though it was still bright because of summer, I was debating whether to suggest dinner or visiting a small gallery nearby. The weather was too nice to just part ways.

The breeze was gentle, the sunshine warm. You know those days? When you feel elated for no reason. That day was exactly like that.

While I was thinking hard, Jin suggested first. He asked if I’d like to go to a jazz bar, saying there was one nearby where we could also have a light meal.

I immediately agreed. I was planning to go soon anyway, and being with someone trustworthy made me feel safer. Though I might be relying on Jin too much…… well, what can I do?

The bar was very stylish. I heard they had cut through the first floor ceiling, which is why the ceiling was so high. The windows shimmered with colorful lights, and there was excellent ventilation. It was as dark as any bar, but thanks to Jin, I didn’t fall on the floor or break any glasses.

Oh, and I met a familiar face there!

Want to guess who it was? It’s someone you know too.

Since I’ve only mentioned a few names in my letters, you’ve probably guessed the answer already.

It was— the owner of the restaurant where I used to work part-time. She noticed me first, and when I happily called out “Boss!” she told me to use her name instead, asking how long it had been since I quit.

Boss, no, Della remembered Jin too. She greeted us warmly and laughed heartily, asking if we were still seeing each other. If she hadn’t been with company, she might have sat right down at our table. Della really, really liked Jin.

The woman with Della was a very tall blonde, probably her new girlfriend. Come to think of it, her ex seemed to be blonde too. Perhaps it’s her preference?

The bar was wonderful. You could hear various music vividly and even request songs. I didn’t know many songs so I just listened quietly, but Jin requested one just before getting up.

I forgot the title, but it was an optimistic song with the same chorus repeating. It matched the day’s weather perfectly.

The sun was setting, and the purple twilight bathed Jin’s cheeks and shoulders. It was truly beautiful. Do you remember last Saturday’s sunset too, Yuan?

June 15,

Sending love, Perry.

P.S. Oh, I forgot to mention what I wore that day. A light purple sleeveless dress—I bought it recently—with a white cardigan. My shoes were darker than the dress, and I half-tied my hair, letting it flow down below. What do you think, would it have suited me?]

[Dear Perry

I’m glad your meeting was satisfactory. Additionally, I wonder if it was helpful for your next production as you had hoped.

Ah, I successfully secured advance tickets for 「Parade Night」. I’ve also arranged my work schedule smoothly. It’s disappointing that the run is so short for a major theater production—just one month, how inconsiderate of the audience’s feelings!—but I’ll have to watch with extra attentiveness.

I’m very much looking forward to seeing what performance you’ll deliver. Less than two weeks remain until opening night.

It’s your big theater debut! And at one of the five largest theaters in Roju! Though it’s known for somewhat disappointing acoustics, I hear the seats are spaciously arranged and the stage is visible from all angles, so I’ll try to keep my mind at ease.

If you happen to see a man bursting into tears as soon as you appear, please don’t be too surprised. It’s likely just from pure emotion.

Why must humans have only one body? If I had two, one could work while the other could watch your performances all day.

Wait.

Well, I should correct myself. Most likely both would fight to see the play. Sadly, I’ll have to be content with what I have now.

Though I’m not two people, I’ll support you with the enthusiasm of two people—no, even more.

June 20,

From your devoted fan.

P.S. Yes, I clearly remember last Saturday’s sunset.

P.P.S. In answer to your postscript: Yes, You must have looked very beautiful.

P.P.P.S. I plan to provide catering services starting tomorrow. I’ve already coordinated with the agency. It’s convenient to communicate immediately now that you have an affiliated agency.]