Sung was in an edgy mood.

He had seen the photos first on Finnian's phone—Ethan and Kei standing shoulder to shoulder, smiling for the press this morning announcing Ethan's new gallery featuring Kei's works. They stood together with the kind of ease that takes years to develop. And they both looked so good together. The image gnawed at him.

He tried to sound casual. "Who's that guy with Kei?"

Finnian was more plugged into society news than Sung. He looked up from his game. "Oh, Ethan? Kei's Hong Kong business partner. He comes from old money. I heard they did artist residencies together in Japan. He took over his family's business empire, including the international galleries showing Kei's pieces."

"Were they ever reported to be..." Sung paused, fishing for nonchalance, "a thing?"

Finnian smirked. "Jealous much?"

"No! Just curious."

"Right. Curiosity with teeth."

Sung threw a pillow at him.

Later that afternoon, Sung couldn't stop himself. He showed up at Kei's studio, hoodie up and hands deep in his pockets, rain still clinging to his hair. He hadn't told Kei he was coming and bought Kei's favorite cake for Kei as an excuse.

The studio door creaked open and Sung stepped inside—only to freeze.

Ethan was there, sitting beside Kei, both their heads were bent close together over a tablet. They were deep in discussion.

Ethan looked up first. "Oh, hi there!"

Kei turned, surprised. "Sung! I didn't know you were coming."

Sung's smile was tight. "Didn't know I needed an appointment."

Ethan stood, offering a polite smile and hand. "Ethan Lau. Business partner, retired artist."

Sung shook it, his grip a little firmer than necessary. "Singer. Occasional nuisance."

Kei blinked, sensing his curtness beneath the politeness.

"You two seem familiar with each other," Sung said, his voice light, but his eyes lingering a second too long on their closeness.

Ethan chuckled and leaned back slightly, arm brushing Kei's casually. "We go way back—Kyoto residency days. Spent more time arguing together than some married couples, right Kei?"

Kei blinked, confused by the exaggeration. "Did we?"

"Well, you couldn't stay angry with me long," Ethan replied smoothly. "That's because I cooked, and I listened to you rant about our sinseh."

Sung's brows twitched. "Sounds... fun."

Ethan smiled, just a bit too knowingly. "You could say that."

Sung looked at Kei. "You never told me about your Kyoto residency."

Kei scratched his head. "I guess it just never came up."

Ethan's smile twitched. "Kei's always been bad at details."

"Tell me about it," Sung muttered to himself.

There was a pause. Kei looked confused. Ethan looked amused. Sung looked moodier than his usual self.

"What are you two working on?" Sung asked, voice light but eyes sharp. He also subconsciously edged himself between Kei and Ethan.

Kei had not heard this tone from Sung before. Hesistantly, he handed him the tablet to see. "We are planning my new show at Ethan's latest gallery opening in Hong Kong."

"Sounds... exciting."

"Please come for the opening reception too, Sung!" Ethan said. "Kei's works will take centerstage."

Sung gave a noncommittal hum and leaned against Kei's arm, just slightly.

Ethan caught the movement and smirked. "Alright, I'll leave you two now to your... tea. Got to head for another meeting."

When he left, Kei looked over at Sung with a concerned expression.

"Are you alright?"

Sung stared at the tablet, avoiding his gaze. "Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just not into people flaunting their wealth."

Kei tilted his head in puzzlement. Sung's words didn't quite match his usual breezy indifference towards material things. If anything, Sung had always shrugged off luxury in the Kpop world with a grin. What did Ethan do besides dress expensively to provoke this mood?

Kei frowned slightly but didn't press. Social puzzles were always confusing for him. If Sung wanted to talk, he'd talk. Until then, Kei figured the logical thing to do was give him space.