As the boys woke up, they all stretched their hands and yawned. Scoups glanced at the clock.
"It's already 7 p.m.," he blinked. "We haven't even packed yet!"
The boys scratched their heads, still half-asleep. DK looked around and said, "Guys… one of us is missing. Who is it?"
Just then, Woozi entered the room and stood in front of the group. "Guys, time's up. Eat first, then pack."
DK, eyes half-closed, smiled brightly. "Aha~ he's the missing member of our group."
The others chuckled, pointing at Woozi and nodding.
Woozi looked confused. "What are you even talking about? Missing member?"
The boys just closed their eyes again and giggled sleepily. Woozi sighed, arms crossed.
After a few minutes, the boys went for dinner. Once they were done, they returned to their rooms and packed.
While packing, DK opened a drawer and saw the bracelet Nian gave him. He smiled brightly and whispered, "Nian, I'm coming."
Minghao, folding his clothes, felt the pearl hairclip in his pocket. He took it out, rubbed it gently, and smiled.
"Ye~ just wait one more day. I'll see you tomorrow," he whispered, hugging it close.
They took their luggage downstairs, boarded the van, and slumped into their seats, eyes already closing. The boys slept the moment they sat.
Zheng looked at them with a warm smile.
"These boys… they're really tired, huh," he murmured, shaking his head.
As the van drove toward the airport, Zheng scrolled through his phone. A message popped up from the company:
> Manager Zheng, Seventeen will have an interview the day after tomorrow at this company. Location is attached. Also, tomorrow they will visit NaPD for the upcoming GOSE.
Zheng chuckled. "If they find out they're meeting NaPD, they'll scream with happiness."
They reached the airport, and Zheng clapped his hands.
"Boys, we're here! You can sleep more on the plane."
The boys jolted awake, startled.
"Zheng, already?" Jeonghan blinked. "So fast?"
"Yes," Zheng nodded. "I know you're all sleepy, but once you board, you can rest peacefully."
Jeonghan rubbed his face and nodded. Zheng took their luggage and left while Scoups, Mingyu, and Jeonghan leaned on each other, walking like sleepy zombies.
Joshua and Jun looked possessed, dragging their luggage as if they'd lost their souls.
Boo, Hoshi, and Dino clung to each other like sleepy cubs, Boo sandwiched between them.
"Guys, I can't even see what's in front of me," Boo mumbled. "You're holding my arms—how do I even lift my luggage?!"
Meanwhile, DK, Minghao, Wonwoo, and Vernon were equally tired, while only Woozi looked fresh.
"Wait, how is Woozi fresh?" Wonwoo asked, squinting. "He danced and did interviews with us too!"
DK tried to open his eyes. "I can't even see where he is…"
Vernon chuckled. "Don't fall. Hold my hand—we'll get through this."
DK rested his head on Vernon's shoulder, while Wonwoo dozed off on Woozi's. Woozi smiled warmly.
At 8 p.m., the boys boarded the plane. As soon as they settled into their seats, they were out like lights.
---
Meanwhile, back in the girls' office, Nian and Xuanye were still working hard preparing for the mystery K-pop group interview.
The girls were tired. While Xuanye flipped through files, Nian leaned back in her chair, rubbed her eyes, and closed them for a moment.
In her mind, DK's bright smile passed through like a memory. She chuckled softly.
"Loudie… you look happy. When will you return? I miss you."
Tears slipped from her eyes.
Xuanye noticed and felt her own chest tighten. She, too, missed Hao—and just the thought made her tear up beside Nian.
As Nian slowly opened her eyes, she saw Xuanye yawning through her own tears.
Nian smiled softly. "Xuanye… if you're sleepy, just rest. Don't pressure yourself."
Xuanye shook her head and smiled brightly. "We'll finish it, Nian."
They shared a smile, wiped their tears, and returned to their work—hearts tired but hopeful.