Back at the girls' house, Nian and Xuanye woke up at 7 a.m. and quickly got ready. As they scarfed down breakfast, their mother raised an eyebrow.
"Girls, is your company that busy? Why have you been rushing breakfast the past two days?"
The girls froze like they'd been caught. Slowly turning around, Xuanye replied, "Ma~ there's just a lot of work. We still have to finish editing the interview, and it's airing this week. So… we'll probably be working overtime."
Nian blinked at Xuanye in disbelief, her mouth slightly open, but quickly nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we'll be working late. Don't wait up for us."
They grabbed their bags and bolted out the door. Their mother shook her head, watching them run off. "What's gotten into them?"
Outside, the girls glanced back at the door in sync. Nian whispered, "Xuanye… you told her we're not coming home. Where are we even going to sleep?"
Xuanye smirked. "We still have to pick up the cakes, decorate the studio, and rehearse your song. We won't have time to come home. Better to say it now than get scolded later."
Nian sighed and unlocked the car. As she drove, she said, "Remind the boys again about the meeting. You know how they are."
Xuanye took out her phone and messaged the group:
> "Guys, reminder: meeting at 6 p.m. sharp. Don't be late!"
She placed the phone face-down with a smile.
The girls arrived at the cake shop. Inside, they ordered two 4-tier cakes—one walnut, one cheesecake—with custom photo toppers and handwritten notes.
The shopkeeper asked, "What time should we deliver it?"
Nian turned to Xuanye. "Tomorrow's the birthday… Should we cut the cake exactly at midnight?"
Xuanye raised a brow. "How are we going to get them to the studio by then?"
Nian grinned. "If we just say we're there, they'll come running. Trust me."
They confirmed delivery for 11:30 p.m., submitted the photos and notes, and left the store laughing like mischievous villains.
---
At work, they stayed busy until 5 p.m.
Meanwhile, at the studio, the boys were still preparing for the big proposal. Mingyu suddenly said, "We've planned everything—except the rings."
Dino and Hoshi exchanged knowing glances. "That's the main thing!" Dino declared. "The ring is the moment."
Jun asked, "So, what kind of ring are you guys planning to get?"
DK hugged his knees thoughtfully. "Something unique. Not just diamonds. Something us."
Vernon suggested, "Custom bands? With engraving maybe?"
Minghao whispered an idea to DK, who looked stunned. "I forgot about that. How didn't I think of it before?"
The members leaned in curiously.
"What are you two planning?" Boo asked.
They grinned mysteriously. "You'll see," Minghao said. "But we're going to the jewelry shop now."
Scoups tossed them his card. "Buy whatever you need."
The rest of the boys pulled out their wallets and handed over cash. DK and Minghao were moved to tears.
"Stop," Minghao sniffled. "We have money. You're making us feel guilty."
The members laughed and hugged them.
As DK and Minghao left, Scoups watched them fondly. "These two… such softies."
Wonwoo nodded. "This is our ten-year mark. Tomorrow's a big deal—we have to make it perfect."
The rest of the boys cheered in agreement and started decorating the studio.
---
Meanwhile, Jun checked the time—6:30 p.m. He gasped and signaled Joshua, Woozi, and Wonwoo. They had a group chat message from Nian:
> "Meet at the restaurant at 6 p.m. Don't react. Don't tell the other boys. This is a secret mission."
Jun panicked. "We're late!"
Joshua groaned. "We have to juggle two surprises now?"
The boys awkwardly lined up and nudged Jun forward like soldiers on a mission. Jun sighed and turned to the group.
"Guys, we're… uh… going to get dinner. You keep decorating!"
The others nodded too easily.
Jun blinked. "That was suspiciously smooth…"
Still, they ran out the door and caught a cab to the restaurant.
---
The girls had already arrived at the restaurant by 6 p.m. and were chatting with the owner, who was thrilled to see them.
"So you finally remembered my restaurant, huh?" he teased.
Nian laughed. "Come on, ahjussi~ You know we love this place."
They reserved the space and explained they'd be hosting a surprise birthday dinner for DK and Vernon.
"I'll make sure no one else comes in," the owner said proudly. "You sit and wait—I'll get the food ready!"
The girls giggled and waited.
A little while later, the boys arrived. As they stepped inside, they immediately recognized the restaurant and hesitated.
"Is this… where we first met them?" Woozi whispered.
As they nervously walked in, Xuanye raised her voice, "Boys, we're here!"
The boys flinched like they'd seen a ghost.
"Why are you yelling like that?" Nian laughed. "Even I get scared when you scream in your sleep."
Xuanye gasped. "Yah! When did I scream?"
The girls giggled while the boys slowly shuffled to the table like students in a parent-teacher conference.
"Why did you call just us?" Joshua asked suspiciously.
Nian smirked. "Because you're the only ones who won't spoil a surprise."
The boys blinked, unsure if they were being praised or roasted.
Jun narrowed his eyes. "Is this an appreciation… or an insult?"
"Both," Xuanye said sweetly.
They all laughed, and the food arrived.
As they started eating, Nian explained, "Tomorrow is DK and Vernon's birthday. We're planning a surprise celebration at midnight in the studio."
The boys choked on their food in shock.
"Midnight?!" Joshua sputtered.
"Yes," Xuanye nodded confidently.
"We need you guys to help decorate," Nian added.
The four boys exchanged glances, realizing they now had to balance two surprise events in the same place.
"We'll manage," Jun sighed. "Just… don't worry about the studio."
"We'll call you when it's ready," Woozi added with a nervous smile.
As the girls glared suspiciously, the boys quickly focused on eating.
Nian leaned toward Xuanye. "They're hiding something."
Xuanye smirked. "Let's pretend we don't know."
And the countdown to a night full of surprises had officially begun.