Jiyong had this peculiar way of being simultaneously a world-famous artist and a complete softie. Today, he'd insisted on a low-key date - just the two of them, away from the industry's constant gaze.

They'd chosen a small, tucked-away café in Gangnam. He wore oversized glasses and a beanie, looking more like a university student than a global music icon. But it was his behavior that made her smile - he kept nudging her hand across the table, playing with the sugar packets, arranging them into little geometric patterns.

"Are you listening?" she teased, watching him construct what seemed like an elaborate sugar packet fortress.

"Hmm?" He looked up, eyes wide and innocent, a piece of cream puff stuck to the corner of his mouth.

When the waitress came, he immediately switched to aegyo mode - that high-pitched, cute voice he used when he wanted something. "One more cake, please!" he sang, batting his eyelashes.

The waitress, recognizing him but playing along, giggled and brought an extra slice.

"You're impossible," she laughed, wiping the cream from his mouth.

He leaned in, suddenly serious. "Kiss?"

Before she could respond, he was already making a dramatic pouty face, sliding closer and batting his eyelashes. His hand crept across the table, fingers walking like a little spider towards her hand.

"Pleeeease?" he added, drawing out the word in his most aegyo voice.

The café around them seemed to fade into background noise. Jiyong could switch from global superstar to a clingy, adorable boyfriend in seconds - and she found it absolutely irresistible.

She rolled her eyes, but couldn't hide her smile. "You're such a child."

Jiyong's response was immediate - he dramatically flopped across the table, dramatically pushing his cheek towards her. "Your child," he proclaimed, then quickly corrected, "Your boyfriend."