Author's Pov:

"It was fun, thank you for inviting us", Minhee said. Seungkwan and Junhui smiled. "We are happy to know that you enjoyed", Seungkwan said.

Just as they were about to leave, Minhee stopped them. She glanced at Soomin saying, "Ahh, I want to talk to them about something", turning the Seungkwan and Junhui, "Is it fine?". 

Seeing them nod, she said, "It is about work, nothing important. You can go, Soomin".

"She can stay though-", Seungkwan was interrupted by Minhee's glare, "But it's better if she goes, I guess".

Soomin frowned, "Umm okay, I'll leave". After making sure she went, Minhee pulled out a card, "It's made by Eunsoo. So, next week, it's Soomin's birthday and I know it's not easy but can you guys come? It's going to be just us, our father and her mother in law. So, we would love if you come. Also, try not to mention this infront of Soomin since it's going to be a suprise".

"Not trying to be nosy but why only her father and mother in law?", Seungkwan asked, knowing her both parents and in laws are fit and fine. Minhee bit her lips, "It's a long story. Anyways, hope you all come".

Seungkwan smiled, "We will definitely come". He looked at Junhui who nodded, "Yes, we will come".

After Minhee went, Seungkwan turned to Junhui, "Let's go? They went". He hummed.

Seungkwan glanced at him before saying, "What are you thinking about?". He sighed, "Nothing".

"Yerin? Missing her?", Seungkwan asked. Junhui's gaze remained distant as Seungkwan's question hung in air. He gave a faint smile which didn't reach his eyes, "Hmm, I do miss her. It's been 3 years but sometimes it feels like yesterday".

Seungkwan nodded, understandingly. "We all know Yerin meant a lot to you. It's okay to still think about her but don't forget to live the present too".

He hummed as silence filled the car until they reached the dorms. As they went in, they saw Jeonghan, Mingyu and Seokmin eating the snacks. "What's that in your hand? Looks like a greeting card children make", Seokmin said. Seungkwan smiled, "Yes! it is indeed made by a child— Soomin's daughter".

Before any question could arise, Junhui said, "It's Soomin's birthday next week. So, they are keeping a suprise party for her and we are invited".

"Woah, nice", Mingyu murmured. "But remember not to spoil anything", Junhui reminded. "Umm, I think we better not tell Soonyoung about this?", Seungkwan mumbled.

"What are you guys hiding from me?", Soonyoung raised an eye brow. Seungkwan jumped in suprise seeing him standing behind them."That there's a birthday party for Soomin and we are not supposed to spoil it", Seokmin said.

"Oh, fine. I'm not spoiling anything", Soonyoung said. Seungkwan patted his shoulder, "Good boy".

"Junhui, it's her birthday. What do you think we should gift her?", Jeonghan asked. He shrugged, "I don't know".

"What do you mean you don't know? You are the closet to her", Seokmin said. "That doesn't mean I know", Junhui replied.

"If Soomin would have been a small child we could have given her some chocolates or something", Soonyoung said. 

"I think we can decide it later too? Right? Not like her birthday is tomorrow", Mingyu suggested.

"Yeah, he is right. We can decide it later too", Jeonghan said. "Then why did you ask?", Mingyu teased.

"Just because I wanted to!", he said. Everyone laughed, "Aww cute".

"I need some sleep. I'm heading back", Soonyoung said going back to his room, so did Junhui and Seungkwan while Mingyu, Seokmin and Jeonghan continued to much their snacks.

Next day:

The set was buzzing with excitement as finally they started shooting the Music video.

Soomin and Minhee again found themselves standing beside Ms. Cha. "I think the previous set of costume was better", Ms. Cha said, "Take out the other set for next shoot. The next shoot is only for Hoshi, Coups, Dino. So others can rest".

Minhee and Soomin nodded going back to work. As Minhee went back to arrange costumes, Soomin stood off at side. "Go and talk to her", Jeonghan pushed Junhui towards Soomin. He glared at Jeonghan, "But why? We can gift her anything".

"What do you mean by anything?-"

"Fine, I'm going", Junhui said knowing Jeonghan wouldn't let off the hook. Reluctantly, he approached Soomin.

"Soomin", he said gaining her attention, "Need some help". Soomin nodded, listening intently. "About what? Did anything go wrong?". Her eyes studying his face.

He nervously chuckled, "No. But my mother's birthday is coming soon". Soomin smiled, "Oh nice. So what help do you want me to do".

"What do you think I should gift her?", he asked. "Umm, I don't know to be honest. Just gift whatever she has interest in which I think you know better than me", Soomin answered.

"No but, let's say it's your birthday, what would you like as a gift?", he asked. Soomin blinked, "Honestly, I haven't thought about that. I usually don't celebrate my birthdays".

"Oh", Junhui murmured, "But why?". Soomin hesitated, her gaze dropping to the floor as she searched for right words, "It's just..... a day I not look forward to anymore. I prefer to keep it quiet".

Noticing the sudden change in her voice, Junhui decided not to press the topic further, "I get it. But still, if you were to get something, what would you like?".

Soomin shrugged, "I really don't know. But I think rather than gifts I would prefer memories? Like spending time together".

"So the best gift someone can ever give you is spending time with you?", he asked. Soomin hummed, "I think your mother will like it".

"Will like what?", he asked. "You spending your time with her on her birthday", she answered.

"Oh right. Her birthday", Junhui nervously chuckled, "I forgot". Soomin frowned, "What?".

"Nothing, I think Jeonghan's calling me", Junhui said. "But how come I didn't hear it-", before she could complete her sentence, Junhui had already left saying a thank you.

Jeonghan arched his eyebrows seeing Junhui coming back to him. "She said spending time with her is the biggest gift", Junhui murmured. "Ah! How about gifting her an alarm clock?", Jeonghan suggested.

"Sorry guys! I heard your conversation. Believe me she will curse at you every morning before turning off that alarm clock you are planning to gift", Minhee chimed in.

"Also, it's not necessary to bring gifts? Did we ever mention that?", Minhee continued. They shook their head.

"Right!", Minhee said, "Soomin actually doesn't like celebrate her birthdays". Junhui glanced at Soomin before saying, "She did tell me that she never celebrates her birthday. She looked sad when the topic came up".

"So if you guys really want to gift her something then even a flower can make her happy", Minhee said.

Time Skip:

Days flew by quickly and Soomin's birthday was just few hours away. Soomin worked on her laptop while Soojin and Eunsoo were already asleep.

Hours passed, Soomin was so absorbed in her work that she didn't even realise the time until her phone buzzed. Her heart sank as she saw the date.

It was officially her birthday.

She leaned back on her chair, tilting up her head to stare at the ceiling as if searching for her answers in the blank space.

Her hand made her way to her ring on her finger, the familiar metal cool against her skin. She twisted it slowly, a habit she developed over years.

A lone tear slipped from the corner of her eyes, tracing a path down her cheek. She didn't bother to wipe it away. Her voice barely above whisper as she finally spoke.

"I can't believe it's been 7 years", she murmured, "7 years since you left us, Jinhyuk".