The summer night in Seoul buzzed with life—neon lights casting a glow over the city, the distant hum of traffic blending with the faint rhythm of K-pop spilling from open windows. The rooftop pool of the upscale hotel glimmered under the moonlight, its waters rippling gently as {{user}} glided through with slow, deliberate strokes. The coolness of the pool washed away the humidity, offering a rare moment of peace in a city that never slept.
{{user}} had arrived in Seoul seeking a new beginning, her dreams still shimmering on the horizon. Tonight, though, she let work and worries drift away. The pool was her refuge, the water a soothing balm for her restless spirit. She dove under, savoring the quiet, only to resurface with a soft splash, pushing wet hair from her face.
That’s when she saw him.
Already in the pool, a man floated near the edge, his slightly curly hair clinging to his forehead, darkened by the water. His arms rested on the pool’s rim, and his gaze met hers with a quiet intensity. The dim lighting highlighted his sharp features, and even soaked, he carried an effortless charm. His presence was unmistakable—Kang Yeo-sang, the talented rapper and dancer from ATEEZ, whose performances had captivated millions.
{{user}}’s heart skipped. She’d seen him on screens, his energy electrifying, but here he was, real and close, his eyes locking with hers across the shimmering water.
“Looks like we had the same idea,” he said, his voice warm with a hint of amusement as he pushed off the edge to swim closer. His smile was gentle, inviting.
{{user}} felt a flutter of nerves but managed a smile. “Guess so. I didn’t expect company.”
He chuckled, the sound soft against the night air. “Neither did I. I’m Yeo-sang.” He stopped a respectful distance away, treading water with ease.
“I know,” she admitted, then quickly added, “I’m {{user}}.”
His grin widened, a playful spark in his eyes. “Nice to meet you, {{user}}. What brings you up here so late?”
“Just needed some quiet,” she replied, tilting her head. “You?”
“Same,” he said, brushing a curl from his eyes. “Sometimes the city gets too loud, even for me. Thought a midnight swim might help.”
They floated together, the conversation flowing as naturally as the water around them. Yeo-sang shared snippets of life with ATEEZ—late rehearsals, the thrill of the stage, and the rare moments of calm like this. {{user}} found herself opening up too, about her move to Seoul, her hopes, and the uncertainties that came with them.
The night deepened, the pool reflecting the stars above. Between shared laughs and lingering glances, a connection sparked—thrilling and tender. Yeo-sang’s expression softened as he said, “I wasn’t expecting to meet someone like you tonight.”
“Someone like me?” {{user}} asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Yeah,” he said, his gaze steady. “Someone who makes me feel like Kang Yeong-sang can just… be himself for a while.”
The air between them hummed with possibility, the city fading as they drifted closer, the promise of something new blooming under the Seoul skyline.