Inside the dorm, chaos was unfolding in the most hilarious way. The members were gathered in the living room, playing a new game: "Fill your mouth with cake or get a butt slap."
It was Vernon's turn.
"Come on, Vernon!" Boo said, stretching his palm like he was already warming up.
Vernon coolly took a huge piece of strawberry cake—and in one smooth motion, stuffed the entire thing in his mouth.
The room went wild.
Even Wonwoo, who had previously received a smack, stared with his mouth open and clapped like an annoyed cat who had suddenly become impressed. Vernon stood proud, laughing with puffed cheeks like a victorious chipmunk. Boo, meanwhile, stood there sulking—his slap left un-slapped.
While the laughter echoed, Minghao stood up and wandered to the kitchen for some water. But as he passed by the hallway, he paused.
Xuanye's door was slightly open.
He noticed her inside, squatting down and busy arranging the remaining gifts. At first, he didn't think much of it—but something made him backtrack. Quiet as a shadow, Minghao stepped back toward her room and gently tapped her on the shoulder.
"Hey... what are you doing here?" he whispered.
"AHH!" Xuanye yelped, leaping sideways and clutching her chest. She had smacked right into the wall.
Minghao burst into laughter and squatted down beside her.
"Why are you scaring me like that?!" Xuanye scolded, eyes wide.
"I didn't scare you," he grinned. "I just tapped you. You were the one who got scared."
She let out an exaggerated sigh and sat on the floor beside the scattered gift bags. Minghao, curious, reached out to touch one.
Smack!
Xuanye slapped his hand.
"Don't touch that," she said sternly. "It's not for you."
Minghao gave her a pitiful look and showed her his hand like he'd been wounded.
"Does it hurt?" she asked, rolling her eyes but grabbing his hand to check.
He nodded with the most dramatic expression.
Xuanye gently blew on his hand without thinking. The moment her breath touched his skin, Minghao's eyes widened. His face flushed red like a tomato. His heart started thudding like a drum in his chest.
Xuanye noticed.
She blinked, looked down—her hands still holding his—and her eyebrows slowly lifted.
"Why are you blushing?" she teased, smiling with one brow raised.
Minghao froze. "W-what? Me? No… I'm not… I mean…" His voice trailed into silence.
Xuanye couldn't help it—she laughed out loud, shaking her head.
Trying to escape his embarrassment, Minghao asked, "So… where's my gift?"
She let go of his hand. "Ask Nian," she teased. "I didn't prepare one for you."
Minghao pouted like a sulking puppy.
Xuanye watched him for a moment, then reached behind her and handed him a small, neatly wrapped box.
His eyes sparkled instantly.
"You did get me something," he said softly, beaming as he took the gift. He carefully started to unwrap it.
"Wait!" Xuanye stopped him. "Don't open it now. Read it after we leave, okay?"
His smile faltered. "Are you really… leaving?" he asked quietly.
The question caught her off guard.
"What did you say?" Xuanye asked, voice suddenly trembling.
"I asked… are you really leaving?" he repeated gently.
"No, not that—after that," she pressed.
Minghao blinked. "Ye?"
Her face slowly lit up. She smiled brightly. "There are still two more days left, Minghao," she said, patting his shoulder. "So don't worry. Sleep early, okay?"
Then she got up and left the room.
Minghao watched her go, then glanced at the gift in his hands. He smiled softly and raised the box like a quiet toast.
"Thanks, Xuanye."