The girls returned to their dressing room, fatigue washing over them after the nearly three-hour concert. Yet deep down, they felt content, knowing their fans had enjoyed the show.
They collapsed into their seats, heaving in shaky breaths as the stage's heat still clung to their skin. Outside, the crowd's cheers faded, and the adrenaline of the performance slowly ebbed away.
"Finally, it's over! My bed and I are having a serious reunion tonight," Si Yu said, leaning back against the hard concrete wall and closing her eyes, imagining her soft, cozy bed. The rest of the girls chuckled softly, silently agreeing as they too longed for rest.
Just then, familiar faces appeared at the entrance of the dressing room, accompanied by staff carrying gifts. One by one, Si Yu and Lina's parents arrived, followed by Xiuying's mother, here to show their support.
The girls' faces brightened the instant they saw them. Their mere presence seemed to lift the heaviness from the room, filling it with a gentle, warm glow.
Seated together, Song Meiqi and Zheng Mengyao curved their lips into small smiles, quietly watching their members reconnect with their families.
At first, Mengyao's heart swelled at the sight. Then, unexpectedly, a surge of jealousy and bitterness washed over her—how she longed for parents like theirs. But the feeling was fleeting. Her thoughts drifted to the image of her own mother, leaving a hollow ache deep in her chest.
She looked away, only to catch Meiqi glancing at her. She was caught off guard as their eyes met, flickering briefly beneath the bright lights. In that instant, she was reminded of how much they were alike—both alone, both hiding behind carefully constructed masks. Yet somehow, sharing this unspoken understanding made the room feel a little less heavy, a little warmer, despite the ache lingering inside her.
But Meiqi did not feel the same. She clenched the hem of her sweater as she looked at Mengyao. For a moment, her heart ached, the truth about her and Haoran pressing heavily on her chest. Then, almost instinctively, she slipped back into her mask, regaining her usual composure before looking away.
…
Wang Zi Rui stood outside the North Wing Stadium, Wang Yixiao just a few steps ahead, her silhouette outlined by the streetlights as they waited for the chauffeur. The night air hung heavy with unspoken words, and the silence between them stretched long—yet neither sensed anything amiss.
"Why invite me to the concert?" Zi Rui asked, his tone calm but edged with curiosity. He couldn't help but wonder why she had suddenly given him an Everbloom ticket, especially since they hadn't seen or spoken to each other in ten years.
Yixiao looked at him, a little surprised, then hesitated before speaking. "I… I just thought we could get closer," she said softly, her fingers fidgeting. "So I wanted to show you something I like… Everbloom is my favourite."
Zi Rui's golden eyes widened slightly as they swept over her. The cold had kissed her cheeks pink, and the streetlights traced the lines of her face—more mature now than the eight-year-old girl he once knew.
Something tugged at his heart. He remembered adoring his younger sister—showering her with gifts and staying by her side until she fell asleep. But after the accident, he had withdrawn even further from everyone. Only now, standing there, did he truly understand the depth of her loneliness—the quiet ache she must have carried in his absence. A slow, heavy sigh escaped him, burdened with the weight of years they had lost.
"Sorry," Zi Rui said, his sharp eyes softening just slightly. "From now on… say whatever you want. I'll listen."
Yixiao froze at his words, and for a moment, he seemed like the older brother she remembered. A gentle warmth spread through her chest, warming her against the night cold, and she nodded slowly, letting the quiet comfort settle around her.
Just then, a sleek black BMW pulled up in front of them. Yixiao paused, glancing back at Zi Rui. For a moment, neither spoke. Then she waved goodbye, a small smile on her lips, before stepping toward the car.
…
As the night sky stretched overhead, a quiet stillness settled over the city. Yet atop a rooftop bar, grand decorations gleamed under lively lights that seemed almost alive.
Song Meiqi, dressed in a casual black top and shorts, stumbled forward, one hand outstretched to feel her way while blindfolded. Lina's excited giggles danced around her, sending a thrill of anticipation rippling through her chest.
Not a minute later, a hand gently lifted her blindfold. As it slid from her eyes, a dazzling scene came into view—twinkling fairy lights draped across the rooftop, colorful balloons swaying in the soft night breeze, and tables set with elegant linens gleaming under the warm glow of lanterns. Streamers hung along the edges, and a gentle hum of music mingled with laughter, each detail making her heart swell with delight.
"Happy Birthday!!!" echoed through the rooftop. Meiqi's eyes widened as she took in the small crowd—her three managers, her fellow members, and a handful of staff who had quietly helped make the surprise possible.
A smile tugged at her lips, and her wide eyes sparkled with gratitude. She hadn't imagined they would go through the trouble of planning even a little celebration for her.
From behind, a familiar voice pierced the chatter.
"Happy Birthday, Little Qi." The smooth, calm tone made her pause mid-step, heart skipping a beat. And she turned around instinctively.
There she saw Si Haoran.