Nian and Xuanye skipped down the sidewalk, holding hands and jumping with joy.
"Nian," Xuanye said, breathless, "let's buy a cake and surprise the members! What do you think?"
Nian grinned. "Yes! And gifts too—it'll be our little celebration!"
They high-fived and headed straight to a famous cake shop nearby. After placing an order for a 1kg strawberry cake, the shopkeeper told them it would take thirty minutes to prepare.
With time to spare, the two dashed into a toy shop, carefully choosing plushies that matched each SEVENTEEN member's personality. Next, they visited a custom bracelet store, where they spent nearly an hour crafting bracelets with each member's name engraved. Everything was packed as special gifts.
They picked up the cake, now perfectly boxed, and hopped into a cab. While riding back, they were busy writing small handwritten notes for each member, neatly tucking them into the gift bags.
---
Meanwhile, Back at the Dorm…
Panic.
The members were pacing the floor, confused and anxious.
"They're not picking up," Scoups muttered, holding his phone.
"Do we even have their numbers?" Vernon asked.
"No!" Boo yelled. "Why didn't we ask earlier?!"
DK and Minghao sat quietly, hands covering their faces. Neither spoke, both clearly overwhelmed.
"Should we call the police?" Wonwoo asked hesitantly.
"Don't say that!" Joshua snapped. "They're probably at college…"
---
6:00 PM — Surprise Entrance
Nian and Xuanye finally reached the dorm. Nian slowly pushed open the door while Xuanye gently shut it behind them.
The members, too panicked to hear, didn't notice anything—until:
"Guys! We're back~~!"
The entire group turned at once.
But instead of joy, their faces were filled with relief, fear, and anger.
Without thinking, DK and Minghao rushed forward and pulled them into a tight hug.
The girls stood frozen—shocked and still holding the gift bags and cake.
"Where did you go?!" DK's voice cracked as he hugged Nian tightly. "Why didn't you tell me?! I was so scared!"
Minghao trembled in Xuanye's arms, his eyes shut tightly, face damp with tears.
Scoups stepped forward. "We thought you were mad at us…"
"Nian! Xuanye! You can't just vanish like that," Mingyu added. "We were worried sick!"
DK was still hugging Nian tightly, his voice slightly muffled. "Don't do that again… I thought I lost you."
Nian gently rubbed his back. "I'm sorry, DK… we didn't want to wake you."
Xuanye softly patted Minghao's head and whispered, "Minghao, look—I'm here. I'm okay now."
He finally opened his eyes, red and teary, and stared at her with a mix of relief and disbelief.
"Don't cry like a child," she added with a warm smile. "I'm not going anywhere."
DK slowly leaned back. Nian looked at his tear-streaked face and gently wiped his cheeks with her palm. "You look like a mess," she whispered playfully.
The girls then bowed deeply to the entire group. "We're really sorry."
There was a moment of silence.
And then, with a grin tugging at their lips, they both raised their heads and revealed the gift bags and cake.
The room brightened instantly.