Good evening.

Most people are asleep right now.

I'm not.

The reason is simple.

My new song is almost finished.

There's a cup of coffee on my desk.

Next to it is an empty energy drink can.

I put on my headphones and replay the same section again and again.

💙 Rei: "Hmm..."

💙 Rei: "Maybe the bass should come in a little earlier."

Play.

Stop.

Play.

Stop.

I've lost count of how many times I've repeated it.

But honestly?

I don't dislike this time of night.

No interruptions.

No distractions.

Just me and the music.

I glance over at the shelf beside my desk.

Sitting there is my favorite plushie wearing black headphones.

💙 Rei: "...What do you think?"

Of course, it doesn't answer.

But somehow...

It feels like it's saying,

"Keep going a little longer."

Probably just my imagination.

I check the clock.

2:18 A.M.

Still fine.

That's what I tell myself as I continue working.

A little while later, a new phrase suddenly comes to me.

I reach for the keyboard.

I play it.

Then listen back.

💙 Rei: "...Ah."

The sound I've been searching for.

The scenery I had in my head.

For the first time tonight, it finally feels real.

💙 Rei: "This is it."

I can't help but smile.

Even though nobody is watching.

Moments like this are why I love making music.

I look at the clock again.

4:37 A.M.

💙 Rei: "..."

💙 Rei: "Alright."

💙 Rei: "Time to sleep."

I close my laptop.

Turn off the lights.

And head toward my bed.

...

...

💙 Rei: "...Actually."

💙 Rei: "Maybe I'll just check the chorus one more time."

A few seconds later, the headphones are back on.

I'm probably not getting much sleep tonight.

But that's okay.

It was a good night.

To Be Continued...