︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it, "Darling, you look perfect tonight"

-Perfect-Ed Sheeran-

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Minho POV:

As we stepped into the elevator, I turned to her and asked,
"How did your exam go today?"

She sighed softly, her eyes glued to the floor. "It was okay... I think I messed up," she confessed, a hint of uncertainty in her voice, but a small, nervous smile on her face.

I couldn't help but grin, trying to offer some reassurance. "Hey, you've worked so hard. Trust me, it'll all work out in the end."

Her silence lingered, but I could see the appreciation in the subtle way her shoulders relaxed.

Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I quickly shot a text to the others, letting them know we had arrived.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Straykids🔥🔥🔥

Minho

in the lift

be ready okay?

Chan

the lights are off

be careful!

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

I motioned for her to step out first.
"Go ahead," I said, my voice soft but firm.

She hesitated for a moment, looking up at me with a confused expression, before she complied. "Okay..." she murmured, glancing back at me as she stepped into the hallway.

I followed closely behind, a buzz of anticipation settling between us. The tension in the air was almost palpable.

As we walked down the hallway, I could feel her curiosity growing.
"What's going on?" she asked, her voice quiet but laced with excitement.

I flashed a teasing smile, catching up to her as I shrugged nonchalantly.
"Nothing's going on. Why do you ask?"

She furrowed her brows, a playful glint in her eyes as she slowed her pace, trying to figure me out. "You're acting strange, Minho."

I couldn't help but smirk, keeping my steps measured.
"I'm acting... like me. Nothing strange."

She rolled her eyes, crossing her arms with a teasing smile. "Sure, sure. But something's definitely up. You're being all sneaky. It's honestly kind of suspicious."

I raised an eyebrow, matching her playful tone. "Suspicious? You're just imagining things."

Her lips curled into a knowing smile, but she didn't press further. Instead, she took a few more steps, her curiosity still dancing in her eyes and evident through her rushed footsteps.

As we neared the door, she glanced back at me, shaking her head with a small smile. She typed in the code on the keypad and stepped inside the foyer. The motion sensors triggered the lights to flicker on.

"Did you do something that'll make me mad? Though, you've never really done that," she mused aloud, glancing around. "Why are the lights off? How are the cats supposed to see?"

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "Hana, seriously? That's all you can think about?"

She shook her head, an amused smile tugging at her lips, and reached to switch on the living room lights.

And just then, a loud chorus of voices rang out, "SURPRISE!"
She froze, her eyes wide with shock as all seven of them jumped out from behind furniture, grinning from ear to ear.

Hana's eyes went wide as the surprise hit her all at once. She froze for a moment, blinking in disbelief, before a gasp escaped her lips. "W-What?" she stammered, her face turning a shade of pink as she glanced around at the grinning faces of the guys.

I stepped forward, unable to hide my smile. "Surprised?" I asked, my voice warm with amusement.

Her mouth opened and closed, like she was trying to find the right words, but all that came out was a breathless laugh. "I don't get it? It's not my birthday—"

I chuckled, enjoying her confusion. "No, it's not your birthday," I said, grinning even wider now. "But we figured you deserved a surprise anyway."

Hana blinked, still processing everything, her brows knitting together. "Then why...?" she trailed off, looking around at the group, still in disbelief.

Chan grinned, stepping forward.
"You've been working so hard lately, we thought you could use a little fun."

Hana opened her mouth to protest, her hands gesturing 'No', clearly flustered.
"You really didn't have to—"

Before she could finish, Seungmin playfully cut her off.
"Shush, we're having none of your humble self today."
He waved a hand dismissively, earning a round of laughter from the others.

She blinked, momentarily stunned by his boldness, before narrowing her eyes in mock annoyance. "Seriously? This is too much, I don't-"

"Nope," Jisung chimed in from the back with a cheeky grin.
"Not allowed. You're getting spoiled whether you like it or not."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the smile spreading across her face. "You guys are impossible," she said, but the warmth in her voice made it clear that her heart was full. 

"Well, it's no party without cake,"
Hyunjin said, stepping forward with a grin that matched the excitement in the room, Felix stepped out as well, lighting the candle.

"Okay, quick, make a wish!"
he added, his voice light and teasing as he held up a small, decorated cake that had somehow appeared out of nowhere.

And I swear I saw Hana freeze.

She stood there, her wide eyes locked on the cake, and for a moment, the playful atmosphere seemed to disappear, replaced by a sudden silence around her.

"What's wrong?" I whispered, stepping a little closer, concern flickering in my voice.

She looked at me, her expression a mixture of confusion and vulnerability.
"I don't know... I don't know what to wish for," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper, the uncertainty clear in her words.

"Well," I said softly, "it should be something you're grateful for. Maybe... being finally free from studying, even if it's only for a while, or..." I paused, thinking for a moment. "Well, anything else. It doesn't have to be big. Sometimes the small things matter the most."

Her gaze flickered down to the cake in her hands, her shoulders slowly relaxing as she let out a quiet breath as she closed her eyes and joined her hands to wish.
"Let's all wish together."

She looked peaceful, a gentle smile curling at the corners of her lips as she focused, probably on that single wish she had finally decided on.

"Okay," everyone murmured in unison, their voices a quiet chorus

And then, after a few moments, she opened her eyes again, her smile soft but genuine. Without any hesitation, she blew out the candles, the flickering light dying with her breath. The room erupted in clapping and laughter as she did.

"What did you wish for Hana?"
Changbin asked.

"It won't come true if you say it out loud."
She chuckled.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Hana POV:

When I looked at the cake in front of me, everything suddenly felt too much. Too overwhelming, but in a good way. For a moment, I had no idea what to wish for. What was there to wish for when everything already felt perfect in this moment?

Minho's voice cut through the haze of my thoughts, grounding me as I tried to calm my racing heart. I closed my eyes, taking a slow, steadying breath, letting his words guide me. 

What was I grateful for? What truly mattered right now?

I thought about it for a moment, letting the truth of it sink in.

I was grateful for this moment. For these people who had come together just for me. For the kindness they were showing, the laughter filling the room, and the warmth that seemed to chase away all the heaviness I'd been carrying for so long.

And, most of all, I was grateful for Minho. I wouldn't even be here with these people if it weren't for him.

"Please keep everyone safe and healthy. Never take them away from me, especially not Minho." I whispered quietly in my mind.

I blew out the candles, my heart feeling lighter than it had all day, and the room erupted into cheers. The laughter, the excitement, the sound of my friends celebrating—it was everything I needed.

As I looked around, I felt my chest tighten with emotion. There they were: the people who cared about me. Their smiles, their laughter, the way they truly seemed to care—it was overwhelming in the best possible way.

I couldn't lie—I was so... happy.

This wasn't just a random celebration. They weren't here because they had to be. They were here because they wanted to make me feel better. And I did feel better.

I was grateful they were here. Because, honestly, today had been one of those days that felt impossible to get through. If I had been alone, I would've buried myself in my own thoughts, retreating into my usual ways of coping after an exhausting exam season.

But this... this was different.

Looking around at all of them, I felt warmth spread from my chest to my fingertips. They were here, not just for a party, but to lift me up. And in doing so, they gave me something no one ever had before. I had never been celebrated like this—not even by my own family. Exams had always felt like just another day in a long series of days. Birthdays were just another year closer to death.

There was never any cake, never any congratulations.

I was used to sweet gestures from Jeongin and Seungmin. They made me feel loved in their own ways, but this... this was different.

With these people, people I had only met a few months ago, everything felt so much brighter. It was the perfect example of The More, The Merrier.

I never expected something like this. I never thought I'd experience such kindness from people who were practically strangers not long ago.

Before I knew it, the knife was in my hands, and I was trembling. Not from fear or anxiety, but from the overwhelming happiness that flooded through me. My heart felt so full, so warm, that I thought it might burst.

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I couldn't stop them. I tried to hold them back, to keep everything together, but it was impossible. My chest ached with the weight of all the emotions I couldn't quite put into words. I didn't want to make a scene, but I couldn't help it. I had never felt so seen, so cared for.

I fed the cake to Minho, Chan, Seungmin, Jeongin, and the others, but the tears wouldn't stop collecting, despite my attempts to hold them back.

"I'm sorry, I can't—" I choked out, my voice breaking as I grabbed a the last piece of cake, for Felix, my hand trembling. But the sobs started anyway, escaping before I could stop them.

"Hana... why? Why are you crying so much?" Felix asked, his voice soft and concerned, and when I looked up, it seemed like he had tears in his own eyes too.

"I don't know," I managed to say, my voice shaky.
"I'm just so happy. I was literally having a bad day... and all of this—"
I waved a hand around, trying to explain the overwhelming feeling I couldn't put into words,
 "I—I don't even know what to say... it's just... too much. I didn't expect this... any of this. And it makes me so... so grateful. I've never felt like this before."

Felix moved towards me, his arms opening wide, and before I could say anything, he pulled me into a tight hug. His warmth surrounded me, and the tears flowed even harder as I buried my face in his shoulder.

"Hana, it's okay," Felix whispered softly, his voice trembling just a bit as he held me close.
"We knew you'd like this, so we had to do it. And besides... it was an amazing chance to see you after a month."

His voice cracked slightly, and I could feel him shaking too. He was holding me tighter, as if he was trying to comfort me, but I could tell he was just as emotional as I was. His own tears were dampening my shoulder, and I realized, with a sudden wave of emotion, that Felix was crying too.

"Why are both of them crying?"
Hyunjin playfully teased.

"Hey hey hey, don't cry there's so much left to do."
Jisung patted Felix, and Minho patted me.

"Felix, why are you crying?" I asked, chuckling through my tears as I gently pulled us apart, wiping my face with the back of my hand.

Felix sniffled, still holding onto me for a moment longer before he let go. He looked at me, his eyes glassy, and then a soft, shaky smile formed on his lips.

"I don't know," he admitted, his voice thick with emotion. "You look very sad when you cry."

His words made my heart ache in the best way, and I couldn't help but let out a small, shaky laugh. It was a strange feeling—both comforted and heartbroken at the same time.

Before I could say anything else, Minho was there, gently wiping away my tears with a tissue. His touch was soft and soothing, and I felt a strange sense of peace wash over me as he quietly tended to me.

"Okay, now you," he said with a teasing smile, his voice light as he offered me a piece of cake. "We can't have you crying all night."

I smiled, albeit through my tears, as I accepted the cake from him. 
"Thanks," I whispered, my voice still trembling, but somehow lighter than before.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

"Okay, well, since it's the weekend after tomorrow, we're all going to an amusement park and then camping," Chan announced with a mischievous grin, his excitement cutting through the lingering tiredness in the room. The energy was winding down, but his words lit a spark of curiosity.

Everyone was starting to get tired—after all, they'd planned all of this on top of their usual work and commitments. It was impressive, really.

I blinked, trying to process the sudden change of plans.
"Wait, hold on. When did you guys even have the time to plan all of this?"
I asked, my voice laced with disbelief, my mind still caught up in the whirlwind of the evening.

Seungmin leaned back and casually said, like it was the most normal thing in the world,
"Oh, who said anything about planning?" he said with a mischievous grin.

"We just came up with it spontaneously," Jeongin added, acting like a surprise trip and camping were things they could pull off at a moment's notice.

"Saturday night, you say?" I asked, just to make sure I heard him correctly.

"Saturday evening, give and take. Pack light, but dress warmly," Chan replied, slapping his knee as he stood up.

One by one, everyone said their goodbyes, and once the last person had left, Minho and I began cleaning up the place.

As I tied up a bag of garbage, I looked over at him. "So, what do you even do at a camp?"

Minho's eyes widened in surprise,
"Wait, you've never been camping?"

I shrugged, feeling a little embarrassed.
 "No... Is it really that surprising?"

Minho looked at me, his expression softening. 
"I guess, camping is very common. But why?"

I nodded, looking down for a second.
"I told you, my parents were barely ever there. They were there for formality, there when it didn't matter the most to me, but to themselves."

Minho's expression remained soft as he listened, and after a pause, he spoke gently.
"Oh... well, now you have the chance. Doesn't matter what you couldn't do before. This is your chance to experience it the way you deserve to."

"So what do you to do?"

"Light a campfire, dress warmly, grill meat, roast marshmallows, pretty much. And if you're lucky, you can see the sunrise."

"I've always wanted to roast marshmallows, they look fun."

"Forget about it being fun, they're delicious as well."

I took a deep breath, feeling a little lighter.
"Oh yes, I've been wanting to tell you, I'm starting volunteering, just as Dr. Areum promised."

Minho's face lit up with a proud smile. "Oh, that's great, Hana." He paused for a moment, his eyes searching mine. "But you're going to be okay, right?"

I nodded, feeling more certain than I had in a while.
"Yeah, and I think I can start driving myself now. I promise, I'm better now."

Minho looked at me for a beat, his gaze soft and reassuring.
"I'm proud of you," he said, his voice warm. "You're doing amazing."

Just as I began to feel a sense of pride in myself, my phone buzzed.
 I pulled it out of my pocket, flashing on the screen was the very familiar caller ID. Hesitant, I looked over to Minho.
"Fuck. What does she want now?"

Minho noticed the shift in my expression immediately. "What's wrong? Who is it?"

I stared at the screen for a moment, unsure if I even wanted to answer. It was my mom or maybe even my dad in the background listening over. The last people I wanted to talk to right now. 

"Just my Mom," I muttered, trying to mask the frustration in my voice.

"Are you going to pick it up?"

I hesitated, staring at the phone, my fingers hovering over the screen.
"I don't want to, but I should. What if... it's something important? Okay, it's fine, I'm just gonna pick it up."

Minho stayed quiet, but I could tell he was still listening closely.

"Hello?" I answered, my voice already feeling strained, the familiar tension building in my chest.

"Hana, how are you doing? How are your exams going?"
My mother's voice was as distant as always, but there was a hint of something in her tone, almost like she was pretending to care.

"I'm doing alright. I think I—no, I did well on my exams, they're over."
I tried to keep my voice steady.

There was a short pause on the other end before she responded, her tone sharp as usual.
"Good, I just hope when the results come out it won't be the opposite. I actually called for something important."

"What is it?" I asked, trying to sound calm, but the tension in my voice betrayed me.

"Your father has been promoted from Chief of Surgery to CEO, and we have to attend his appointment ceremony. I hope you can clear out your schedule for tomorrow. After school, that is."

I took a slow breath, trying to steady myself. It wasn't about me, it never was. It was about them, about the image they needed to maintain. This was business, not family.

"Tomorrow," I repeated. The thought of having to attend yet another one of their formal, cold gatherings made my chest tighten. Every time I had gone to one of those events, it was like stepping into a world where I didn't exist, a world where I was merely a backdrop to their success. I was like a trophy, to show off to the world, to show how great I was to outsiders, but on the inside, all there was, was spite.

"I'll... try," I said, my voice strained.

"Good," my mother replied curtly. "You will come. It's important for your father, for the family. Don't make this difficult. I'm going to send you money for a dress, get a white one of your liking."

"Okay, I'll be there. When should I but my dress?"

"You can go now, if you want. Get something to eat, I guess you can relax for today."

"Really? You're really saying that?" I repeated, my voice dripping with disbelief. The words felt heavy, almost bitter. My mother never gave me a break. It was always about what she wanted, when she wanted it. And now, suddenly, she was giving me permission to do whatever I wanted?

It didn't feel like freedom. It felt like another way to control me, another way to make me feel like I owed them. The idea of going out for something as simple as food, let alone buying a dress for their perfect world, made me want to scream.

"Yes, go ahead," my mother's voice cut through my thoughts.

"Thank you?" I said, unsure if I should sound grateful or annoyed. It was hard to tell what I was supposed to feel anymore.

"Dress well, and you'll come home for dinner later, okay?" my mother continued, her voice still as distant as ever.

"Okay, Mom. I'll be there as soon as I can." I hung up quickly, putting on a smile that felt fake even to me. But something about getting her permission to relax—even just for a little while—made me giddy. Maybe I was just relieved to have the slightest bit of freedom.

"That's unusual? I'm surprised you're not heartbroken right now?"
Minho said chuckling.

I rolled my eyes, unable to hide my grin.
"Are you up for a trip to the mall? I mean, if you're not too tir—"

"Of course I'm up for it," he interrupted, already standing up, ready to go.
"I'm guessing she was nice? What's this dress for?"

I shrugged, grabbing my bag.
"Oh, it's just another one of my dad's ceremonies. Nothing special. She said I could go out and buy a dress and get some food. So, I'm taking advantage of the rare opportunity."

Minho chuckled, shaking his head.
"Wow, that's a first. You're actually getting a little freedom from the ever-present shadow of their expectations."

I let out a deep breath, the tension easing slightly, grabbing my jacket and purse.
"It feels weird, honestly. But I'm not going to question it. I'm just going to enjoy it while it lasts."

"Wow, aren't you ready so quick?" Minho said with a grin, his eyes glancing over me.
 "Let me grab a mask and jacket. Wait for me."

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Minho POV:

Straykids with Hana

Me

I'VE BEEN IN THE MALL
FOR HOURS NOW

HOW LONG IS SHE GOING TO
TAKE TO BUY ONE DRESS???

Kim Menace

who are you with?

mall? dress?

Me

Hana wanted to go shopping

she asked me if I wanted to
come along

I SAID YES

BIG MISTAKE 

Old Man

girls always take way too long
to buy things

how many shops have you
been to?

Me

Idk i think 7?

Old Man

hannah's highest was 15 before she
decided on something

is this hana going to be the same?

either way you're stuck for a while

Dumb person I live with 💖

YOU'RE SO MEAN

I CAN READ THESE

Me

YEAH I KNOW YOU CAN 

WAIT WHERE ARE YOU?

DID YOU LEAVE THIS SHOP
WITHOUT ME?

Dumb person I live with 💖

what if i said yes?

IM SORRY 

I FORGOT THAT I CAME WITH YOU

Me

IM GOING HOME PLEASE

ONE MORE SHOP?

SERIOUSLY?

Dumb person I live with 💖

you're gonna leave me alone
on my first ever free day?

:((

:((((

:(((((

Me

YOU'RE SO MEAN DON'T GUILT 
TRIP ME LIKE THAT

Okay where are you?

Dumb person I live with 💖

The shop beside the one you're in

Andersson bell I think

Yes that's the one

Me

👍🫡

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Minho POV:

I made my way to the shop Hana mentioned, silently praying it would be the last one. Don't get me wrong, I didn't mind spending time with her, but after hopping from store to store for hours, playing the game of "good or bad" with dresses, I was definitely starting to feel the wear.

I found a seat near the changing rooms and sank into it, leaning back to stretch out while I waited. A soft murmur came from inside, followed by Hana's voice.

"I think I like this dress."

I perked up, trying to catch more of the conversation. Then the sales assistant chimed in, "It does suit you well, and fits perfectly."

My curiosity peaked. Was she finally close to picking one? But more than that, I was dying to see how she looked in the dress she'd chosen.

When the door opened, my breath caught. Hana stepped out, and I swear the room seemed to hold its breath. The dress she wore hugged her figure just right—elegant and effortless, like it was made for her. She looked... breathtaking.

I couldn't help but stare for a moment, struck by how effortlessly stunning she looked. The dress seemed to highlight everything about her—her confidence, her grace, and that spark that always made her stand out.

Hana caught my gaze and gave a small, almost uncertain smile, as if she wasn't sure what I was thinking. But the look in my eyes must've said it all, because her smile grew, and she twirled once, letting the fabric of the dress swirl around her.

"How do I look?" she asked, her voice soft but unsure.

I hesitated for just a beat, caught off guard by how perfect she looked. My mind raced for something clever to say, but all I could manage was, "You look... incredible."

"Really? I like this one too. Should I buy it?"

"Yes, definitely. It's perfect. You look perfect."

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Hana's POV:

"You look incredible. You look perfect," Minho said, and my heart did flips in my chest.

 The way he appreciated me, for something as simple as a dress, made me feel warm in a way I could never expect from my parents. Hell, they never took me shopping, just handed me the money and sent me off with a nanny.

"Okay, then, it's decided. I'm buying it," I said, smiling at him.

"Oh, thank God, I thought you'd never be done." He grinned teasingly.

"Shut up, you're so dramatic." I rolled my eyes.

"Okay, go change. I'll wait for you." He waved me off casually.

While we waited for the staff to pack up the dress, we talked about the plans for the upcoming hangout.

"Do you want to spend the night there? It'll be cold, but we can bring sleeping bags and tents, so it shouldn't be that bad," Minho suggested.

"I don't see why not. It sounds like fun! I've never done anything like this before."
I couldn't hide my excitement.

I swear I heard him mutter under his breath, "Cute."

"Sorry, what did you say?"

"Uh, nothing. Just glad you're excited, Hana. And... you're cute when you're excited."

I felt my face heat up as I quickly looked away, the corners of my lips betraying the smile that was threatening to spread. What was going on with him?

"You've been so sweet lately. Are you sure you're the same Minho I used to argue with?" I teased.

"Of course I am. I can argue and still be sweet, you know?"

"I don't see why you need to do that, but... I'll take it."

"You're right, I don't need to do it... but I want to."

Just then, a staff member walked over.
"Ma'am, your dress is ready. Please follow me to the counter."

I shot Minho a quick glance before I followed the staff. The warmth in my chest didn't fade. It felt like I was walking on air.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Yedam's POV:

"So, did you find anything?" Mrs. Choi asked me on the phone, her voice sharp and impatient.

"As expected, she's out shopping with a guy. They seem... happy, laughing together," I said, keeping my tone as neutral as I could.

"What a disgrace. I raised her better than this," her mother hissed, her voice thick with disgust. "Don't worry, Yedam. I'll make sure she comes to her senses. Just wait. I'll take care of it."

"Mrs. Choi, I think we should leave her-"

"Yedam, dear don't be afraid, you shouldn't have to give up on something that was always supposed to be yours just because someone else is being stupid. I don't trust anyone for her other than you. And please, you're like my child, call me mom okay?"

"You're right, Mrs. Cho- Mom. I won't let you down."

"Please, go home now, my dear. I'm sorry I ruined your weekend, especially after you've just finished your exams."

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Old Man

Me

channie hyung

omg come here now

channnnnnnn

chan-ah

where are you?!?!?

Old Man

wtf

i've told i hate that name

yess

oh did hana not finish shopping yet?

omg you can't be whining for that,
you love spending time with her

that's not the point

she's done

she has a really, really, really
 beautiful dress

then?

i can't take it anymore

i need her to be mine

oh fucking finally

what the fuck is that supposed
 to mean?

about time bitch

just... MAN TF UP

how do i know she's not gonna
reject me?

what if she... goes away again?

okay valid concerns

but still irrelevant

don't make me regret coming
to you for help

ohhhh you're here for help 

i thought you just wanted to gush about her

omg this is gonna be long

hey shush im an expert at this

you've been single for as long as
i can remember

coaches don't play, Minho

you out of all people should
know that

hana has an older female colleague

how does this concern me?

you could ask her no., you know?

okay, if you get with Hana by
the end of our camping trip, ill admit
that i've been a lonely loser almost
all my life and ask hana her friend's number

lonely yes, loser no

okay tell me your amazing plan

here's what i think you should do

take her out, as in like a walk or a stroll,
or when you pick her up from university

flirt with her

and then if she gets flustered

just say  "i need to tell you something"

and say the magic words

i have one word, and one word only

Cliche.

and also, fuck off I'm not doing that ew

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶