Back at the dorm, the boys sat in a circle as DK clapped his hands with excitement.
"Guys, we need to plan how we're going to propose."
At once, the boys rolled up their sleeves like they were ready for battle.
Minghao added, "We've decided to sing one of our songs for the proposal. You guys can help us decide which one fits."
DK nodded. "I already have a song in mind, but I'm not sure if it will work."
Woozi leaned forward. "Tell me which one. I'll make it fit."
DK smiled. "Love, Money, Fame. What do you think?"
The boys fell silent for a moment, thinking about the lyrics. Woozi was deep in thought before finally nodding.
"It'll work, DK. It fits your story. But let's tweak the lyrics to match both of your journeys."
Everyone agreed.
Hoshi chimed in, "But you two have to dance. It'll be more romantic, and the girls will be touched."
Minghao and DK nodded eagerly.
"Then tomorrow," Hoshi continued, "we head to the studio. We'll revise the choreography too." He giggled excitedly.
Minghao added thoughtfully, "When my verse comes, I want to bring Xuanye in and dance with her."
DK turned to him in awe. "That's perfect."
He continued with a bright grin, "And what if we recreate our MV outfits exactly? I'll wear a white shirt with blue pants, holding roses when I propose."
Minghao gave him a warm smile and nodded.
The boys were stunned by the visual and clapped so loudly, their cheers echoed through the dorm.
—
Meanwhile, back at the girls' house, Nian quickly created a group chat with Jun, Joshua, Wonwoo, and Woozi titled: "Plan to Surprise Birthday". She proudly showed it to Xuanye.
"Ye~ I've made the group. We'll ask them to meet at the restaurant where we first met the boys."
Xuanye nodded. "But Nian, you should warn them."
"Why?" she asked, confused.
Xuanye cleared her throat and started dramatically, "Because the moment they see this group chat, they'll scream, 'Guys! The girls made a group called Plan to Surprise Birthday!' And the rest of the boys will be like, 'Wait—why weren't we added?!' Boom! Plan spoiled."
Nian blinked at her… then burst into laughter. "You acted exactly like them!"
"I know!" Xuanye said, flipping her hair proudly.
Nian grabbed her phone and began typing:
> Guys, if you see this group, DO NOT react in front of the others. Stay silent. Pretend you don't know anything. Don't ask questions.
Meet us at the restaurant tomorrow at 6 p.m. sharp.
And if anyone opens their mouth… 😵
Xuanye was in stitches. "They're going to be terrified after reading that!"
Nian smirked. "Exactly what we want."
The girls high-fived and then headed out to do their work.
—
Meanwhile, at the dorm, the rest of the boys were deep in discussion while Jun, Joshua, Wonwoo, and Woozi received the message.
Their phones pinged at the same time. They glanced around and, in perfect sync, opened the message.
After a few seconds, they all looked at each other—shocked—and then burst into silent laughter.
Joshua whispered, "What is with these girls? They sound like villains in a drama!"
"Shh!" Jun hushed him. "They told us not to react."
Wonwoo nodded. "They know us too well. That's why they specifically said not to open our mouths."
Woozi chuckled silently and just sent a thumbs-up to the chat.
—
The next morning, the boys arrived at the studio at 9 a.m. dressed in their practice gear. Hoshi played the track and began imagining new steps while Woozi studied their positions.
"Alright, everyone. Stand like you did in the MV," Woozi instructed.
He rearranged them.
"Wonwoo, take DK's place. DK, come to the front. Minghao, stand in Hoshi's place. Hoshi, back to yours."
As everyone adjusted, Woozi nodded. "Now it looks right—the main people are front and center."
Hoshi started the song.
As the beat dropped, they performed the revised choreography. When the hook came, they moved in perfect sync.
But Hoshi paused the music.
"It's still missing something. The emotion doesn't fully match the dance."
DK stepped forward. "What if Minghao and I sing the song live—and the rest of you sing the chorus?"
Scoups nodded. "Let's test it."
Mingyu agreed. "Let's try and see how it feels."
They hit play again.
This time, Minghao and DK sang the verses with raw emotion while the members supported them with the chorus. It worked—perfectly.
When the song ended, the studio was silent for a few seconds.
Then applause.
The boys clapped, touched by the atmosphere they had just created.
DK and Minghao turned to the members, eyes glossy.
"Guys… thank you. We're really grateful," they said in unison, tears threatening to fall.
The rest of the boys couldn't hold back. They tackled them into a big hug.
"DK, Minghao," Jeonghan said warmly, "We're honored to be part of your proposal. We're sure this will touch their hearts."
DK and Minghao laughed through their tears, overwhelmed with love and support.
This wasn't just a plan—it was a memory in the making.