Before heading to dinner, Junnie, Finnian, and Sung had to take extra precautions to camouflage, donning caps, masks, glasses and casual outfits to avoid being recognized and mobbed by fans. Finnian had even joked that they were spies. Kei found their efforts both amusing and surreal, a glimpse into a different world.

The group settled in a private dining room at a cozy yet upscale restaurant nearby. The table was filled with a mix of traditional Korean dishes and modern fusion plates, carefully chosen with consideration for Kei's preferences. Sung had generously ordered plenty of vegetarian and seafood options, remembering Kei's avoidance of red meat, and selected soju over harder liquors. It was obvious his consideration was not for all. He had overlooked Junnie's dislike for vegetables entirely, earning a pointed but playful jab from his bandmate when the dishes were served. Sung's focus had been firmly on Kei, an observation that Kei couldn't help but notice and silently appreciate.

Meanwhile, the conversation flowed effortlessly. Finnian and Junnie kept the energy lively, recounting humorous moments from their rehearsals and teasing Sung about his relentless takes in the recording studio. Sung was known in the team for being a perfectionist in his singing.

Kei, while mostly observing, found himself drawn into the easy Atlantis camaraderie, built by years of working and living together. He honed his craft alone and the notion of succeeding and failing as a team was novel to him. Sung, seated beside him, was animated and made an effort to include him in the conversations, asking thoughtful questions about his creative process and occasionally leaning closer to share an observation, his voice melodic. Sung even teased Kei lightly about his ability to hyperfocus with such a demanding art career, earning a brief, genuine laugh from the potter--a sound that Sung seemed determined to draw out again.

At one point, Junnie leaned forward, his mischievous grin directed at Kei. "So, do you always manage to stay this cool and collected, or is it just an artist thing?"

Kei's eyebrow arched slightly. "I'm not sure what you mean?"

"I mean," Junnie continued, "even when our Sung's throwing all his charm at you, you're unshakably calm. Our Atlantians (the name for Atlantis' fandom) would have swooned and fainted right from the get-go, you know."

Sung protested, running a hand through his hair. "Ignore him, Hyung. He's talking rubbish again. He had too much soju."

Kei chuckled, his gaze shifting to Sung, and spoke matter-of-factly. "He's not entirely wrong. You do have a charming way."

Sung's cheeks reddened slightly, but he held Kei's gaze with his earnest round eyes. "And is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

Kei's lips curved into a small smile. "Oh, I haven't figured that out."

Sung's eagerness did not go unnoticed by Junnie and Finnian, who shared a knowing look but kept their comments to themselves. As the night wore on, the group began to wind down. Sung eagerly offered to walk with Kei back to his apartment, excusing it as wanting to burn some calories after the meal. Finnian and Junnie headed back to their dorms, leaving the two of them to stroll through the quiet streets of Seoul.

Outside, the air was crisp, and the city's lights cast a warm glow on the streets. Sung hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I'm really glad I came today. Spending time with you... it feels easy. Like I can be myself."

Kei glanced at him, surprised by the honesty. "That's rare for you?"

"It is... in a way..." Sung admitted. "Hanging out with you, it's different. I'm mostly with the other members or my company staff. When I'm around you, I don't see myself as Sung from Atlantis. I'm just... me."

For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence filled with unspoken understanding. Finally, Kei nodded. "I'm glad you feel this way... That you can be yourself." As they continued walking, Kei thought briefly about how being around Sung felt oddly natural, even though there was nothing natural about hanging out with a k-pop idol going incognito. But Sung had a knack of knowing what made him comfortable. With Sung around, it was almost like he was finally living out of his head and in the present moment.

Sung smiled, the warmth in his cheeky eyes were enough to chase away the night's chill. "So, what do you say to more dinners?"

Kei's response was quiet but certain. "Sure, I'd like that."

As they parted ways, both couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was developing.