This is an alternative universe of Bai Tianyi's story, it has no bearing on the main storyline. Please pay close attention to the warnings before reading this.

WARNING : MENTION OF DEEP SADNESS AND GRIEF.

So now it is vain for me to burst into clamour, the glamour. Of childish days are upon me, my manhood is cast. Down in the flood of remembrance, I weep like a child for the past.

26 APRIL 2024: It seems to be part of our evolution, this thing of crying. Babies cry without language acquired by society, hold distress, hunger, boredom, everything—yet, sometimes a lot, without a word, cry still speaks for a reason. As we grow into adolescence, that crying takes hold without knowing what’s happening. Sometimes it is a little, sometimes a lot; one cries for everything and nothing. For unrequited love, disagreements, disappointment, hatred, or even a pretty pinkish petal that fell in front of the window.

But as for Bai Tianyi, he was just so naive about this. He could never grasp the logic behind why people cried while the heart was made, according to him, to hide what had to be hidden instead of just feeling. If the heart is indeed hurt and even leaves a scar, only the role of the mind remains to take over everything—trying to ignore it all, seeking things that allow itself not to linger in sadness. At least, that is the thought of eight-year-old Bai Tianyi. Long before he could channel beautiful melodies on his piano by adding a profound feeling to every key he pressed, And far, far, far before his flower withered in a second.

Petropolis had been untouched by even the gentlest of drizzles for days. The city, already known for its beauty, seemed to possess an ethereal quality as the mild breeze and radiant sunlight graced every corner. In the hushed stillness of 3 AM, a man, bare-chested with only his skin and muscles exposed and clad in black pyjama pants, directed his gaze upward to the twinkling stars. Just a cup of tea kept him company, with its steam curling and dissipating in the dimly lit room. Naturally, he was hesitant to disturb the peaceful slumber of his roommate, Kamal, who likely remained blissfully unaware.

Little did he expect that the little figure, who had been at his side for days, would suddenly settle upon his right arm with eyes half-open.

“Bai Ge, why are you still awake?” Tianyi’s restless thoughts were abruptly interrupted by that small, guttural voice on that early morning.

“I just woke up, Kappa.”

“So... is it Friday already? Is it?”