----- Chapter Nineteen -----

 

 

It's been days since that bathroom incident, and Luhan couldn't help but frown upon the seemingly disturbed M leader. The duizhang suddenly became more silent than the usual, and it looked like something has been bothering his mind. Luhan knew something was wrong, being a keen observant he was, but the others did not seem to notice it. There's no way that the doe-eyed Chinese male would miss Kris's behavior, they were roommates after all.

 

"Come on, Kris. Could you just tell me what's wrong?" Luhan asked, with a hint of irritation in his tone. He ruffled his hair, annoyed, as he sat beside the quiet leader on the latter's bed.

 

"For the thousandth time, nothing's wrong, Luhan," Kris responded with the same irritated tone. He turned his back on the shorter male and put on his earphones, probably his way to end the conversation.

 

Luhan rolled his eyes, and noisily sighed at the same time. He then reached for the taller's ear and snatched his earphones.

 

"What the--? Luhan!"

 

"And for the thousandth time, I'm not buying that!" The elder said, gripping unto the earphones tighter as he held it farther from the duizhang. He eyed the latter, raising an eyebrow, demanding a rational answer.

 

Kris scoffed. Luhan's being his nosy self again. And he hated that. He tried his best to calm himself with a huff of breath.

 

"Stop it, Luhan."

 

Luhan just raised his eyebrow even higher, if that's possible. His gaze grew more intense. And Kris flinched at the sight. Damn, he hated an intimidating Luhan more.

 

"Fine. And you could stop glaring at me, you know."

 

Luhan smirked in victory. Finally, their stoic leader gave in. He scooted closer to the latter. He brought his knees together and hugged them. He looked at Kris intently. He was all ready to listen.

 

"So...?"

 

Kris sighed and rolled his eyes. "Demanding, aren't you?" He stated, earning a scowl from the elder. Kris flinched before faking a cough, indicating he was about to start.

 

"It's just that..." The taller male paused, looking away, slightly hesitating at first but he did not want to suffer from Luhan's glares so he had to continue.

 

"I really do think Dara-noona is Ssantokki."

 

And with that, Luhan clicked his tongue then groaned before slumping his back on the bed.

 

"There you go again. You're still not giving up on that suspicion huh?"

 

It was Kris's turn to groan. He turned to the elder, shifting to a more comfortable position.

 

"That's 'cuz I think it is true!"

 

"That's crazy. You're being irrational."

 

Kris scoffed at the remark. "Listen, Luhan---"

 

"That's hyung for you, Kris."

 

The duizhang just rolled his eyes before saying "Whatever." He then eyed the elder. "Listen. I know it sounds really crazy," Luhan nodded in agreement. "But I am not being irrational here."

 

"Oh yeah?" The doe-eyed member lifted his body up and sat with his arms crossed over his chest. "Have any other proof?" He said with a hint of sarcasm.

 

"Look. I told you that she said the same thing I told Ssantokki during the presscon. Exactly same words."

 

"And I remember I told you it might have just been a coincident right?"

 

Kris rolled his eyes for the nth time. "And before that, I had a chat with Ssantokki, and she told me her excitement about the Temptation CF..."

 

"And..? What's wrong about that?"

 

"And what's even more suspicious was the fact that the collaboration was still a secret that time."

 

Luhan's eyes widened a bit and his lips formed an 'o', but were immediately pressed into a thin line. "I'm pretty sure you're familiar with 'sasaengs' right?" He asked sarcastically, with one of his eyebrows raised, still very much unconvinced.

 

"And when we were still stuck in the washroom, I saw Chatpal's app on her phone!"

 

Luhan chuckled, amused at the duizhang who was already desperate in trying to prove his point. He received a glare and a scowl in response.

 

"Relax, dude," he playfully patted the younger's shoulder. "Chatpal is getting quite popular, you know. So I won't be surprise to know Dara-noona's into it too."

 

Kris got tongue-tied for a while before responding back. "I haven't had a chat with Ssantokki for days after the dinner party. And I heard 2NE1 went overseas for their company's concert--"

 

"And you're implying that maybe the reason why Ssantokki hasn't been online since then is because Dara-noona's busy with concerts overseas? Ridiculous."

 

"B-but there's mor--"

 

"Come on, Kris. You're just overthinking things."

 

"No, I'm not--"

 

"Or probably you just really want to believe that Dara-noona is Ssantokki," he chuckled, only to be glared at by a certain duizhang. "Dude, you really need to confess to her."

 

And with that, a huge pillow made its way into Luhan's baby face.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Arghh! Those brats,"

 

Groans of exhaustion echoed the dorm as soon as the boys entered, with tiredness so evident on their faces. Of course they were tired, they had been going to different events, both domestic and overseas. Their schedules were tight, being one of the most popular kpop groups in town. And they just came from a fansign, right after performing in a music event. They all worked hard, and all they wanted was to have as much sleep as they could, because the next day would be a very busy one too.

 

"'Oppa, why do you always look so grumpy? Can you smile for me?' Haha!" Tao laughed hysterically, clutching his stomach, trying to sound as feminine as he could. Kai and Sehun joined him instantly, and the other members couldn't help but snicker.

 

"Stop," Kris sternly said, sitting on a nearby couch. He could not dare to look at the members because if he did, he'd probably snap.

 

"'Sure'," Kai scooted in front of Tao, as he impersonated Kris's voice. Tao exaggeratedly squealed, shaking his fists in excitement, exactly reenacting a certain scene from the fansign.

 

"Tao, you make a horrible girl!" Chanyeol mocked, laughing as he pointed at the Chinese male. The others bursted into laughter. Tao just rolled his eyes in response.

 

"'Omo oppa please smile!'" The wushu-freak panda continued with the act, kept up with the girly gestures as Kai went on impersonating Kris. The boys watched the mini play with amusement.

 

"Stop it, Tao," Kris growled, glaring at the M maknae.

 

But the boys paid no attention, completely ignoring the duizhang.

 

"'Sure'," and with that, Kai smiled just like how Kris did during the fansign. He stretched his upper lip upward, trying his hardest to show his gums. Kris had this signature gummy smile after all. The audience snickered.

 

"Jongin that's not how I ---!"

 

"'Oppa why do you always show your gums when you smile?''"

 

 

 

Snap.

 

 

 

"HAHAHAHAHAHA!" the boys broke into a hysterical laughter a few seconds after Tao hit the punchline. Their laughter was uncontrollable that Jongdae even rolled on the floor, clutching his stomach laughing, hitting the floor with his hand repeatedly.

 

"That nailed it!" Chanyeol managed to say in between his laughter.

 

"Stop it!" Kris hissed, obviously embarrassed and was very much ready to pin down all of s.

 

"Honestly, that was hilarious!"

 

"Did you see how Kris-hyung's face turn red?! Hahaha!"

 

"And I love how the girl was so straightforward!"

 

Kris's face flushed that he had to look down to hide it from his very much amused members. He fisted his hands, because Dude, that was just too embarrassing! During the fansign, one girl came to Kris and asked him to smile for her. And of course, he did what he was told to. And then that happened. That left Kris's ego scarred for life.

 

"His reaction was priceless!"

 

"I could've taken a picture!"

 

"Stop it. I swear guys if you don't stop--"

 

"It was really funny!"

 

And with that, Kris automatically stood up. "Okay fine I'm outta here," he said as he turned his heels and walked out to his room. But that did not affect the situation. They just laughed at him. And it took a while before their laughter subsided.

 

"Okay," Joonmyeon, being a leader that he is, stepped forward and faced the remaining boys. The boys settled themselves and lent their ears to their leader. Joonmyeon turned his head from side to side, making sure that the duizhang was not around before continuing what he was going to say.

 

"So, what do we do?"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Aish! Those brats," Kris ranted as he slammed his door shut. He was so embarrassed. And they were making fun of him instead of sympathizing him. How sweet.

 

He proceeded to his bed, throwing himself on it. "Now this is better," he mumbled as he placed his forearm on his eyes, covering them. He was tired and he needed a good rest, away from his crazy members who'd not stop teasing him. He took a few deep breaths before he shifted position and picked his phone from his pocket. Without any second thought, he clicked on the ChatPal app hoping to see someone online.

 

He scanned the online users list, but unfortunately she wasn't there. He checked on his message inbox but again, he was kind of disappointed that he found no new messages from her. He wanted to ask her something, or to confirm things, but it seemed like he should wait a little bit longer for that. And besides that, he missed talking to her - not that he would admit it anyway. He sighed once again before putting his phone down. He had nothing to do, so might as well catch up some sleep.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was a slight pause before the boys looked at each other, thinking and asking out some suggestions.

 

"We've got only two weeks 'til Kris-hyung's birthday, so yeah. Any suggestions?" The K leader asked as he scanned each member. He patiently waited for some ideas, continuously tapping his feet on the ground.

 

"I know, I know!" Tao squeaked, raising his hand impatiently.

 

"Yes, Tao?"

 

The panda-eyed member put his hand down and looked at the leader. "How about we reserve the Chinese restaurant downtown? It's his favorite!"

 

Minseok, Yixing, and Jongdae hummed in agreement with their maknae. They knew Kris liked the place very much because he would often treat the M members out for dinner there.

 

"We should make the reservation now," Kyungsoo who was all seated on the couch added.

 

"Okay, so everyone agrees?" And all nodded.

 

Joonmyeon hummed, nodding his head. "Okay then, for th---"

 

"Hold it!" Luhan suddenly squeaked as he threw his hand in the air, earning everyone's attention. Joonmyeon looked at the doe-eyed male and signalled him to speak his mind. Luhan smirked in response and placed his hand down.

 

"Why don't we invite Dara-noona?" He nonchalantly said, as if it was nothing.

 

The boys gaped at the idea, wide-eyed, most especially Chanyeol. He even stopped bickering with Baekhyun, frozen.

 

Why don't we invite Dara-noona?

 

 

Silence.

 

 

"Great idea!!" The silence was crushed by the boisterous cheers from the boys. Jongin and Sehun automatically danced in delight, and Minseok swore he could kiss Luhan right there and then. They squealed loudly, and excitement started to build up in their systems.

 

"That's unfair! Dara-noona wasn't there during my birthday!" Tao cried, his eyebrows wrinkled, arms crossed his chest. "How come Kris-ge get to invite noona?!"

 

Baekhyun stood up abruptly and walked straight to the whining M maknae - only to knock the latter's head. "Pabo! That's cuz we hadn't got to know Dara-noona personally that time!"

 

Tao scowled as he caressed his aching head. "But--! They aren't even close!"

 

The boys paused. Tao had a point. Right after the washroom incident, they noticed that Kris became silent and somehow began avoiding Dara, but they didn't question them, yet they somehow felt like the dare was useless. Looking at each other, with a bit of hesitation, the boys frowned, and Chanyeol did not fail to notice it.

 

Think fast, Chanyeol. "But, who cares if they aren't close?" He suddenly squeaked, earning the attention of everyone. He uncomfortably shifted in his seat, before continuing. "I mean, I personally love to see Dara-noona again..."

 

Hearing that, the boys beamed with joy as they furiously nodded, agreeing with the brilliant suggestion. "Of course! Who cares, as long as we get to see noona again!" Baekhyun squealed like a girl - almost.

 

Chanyeol heaved a sigh of relief as he sank further on the couch. Well, he needed to do that. He knew he had to. He wanted to make Dara happy, even if that means he had to give up on her and bridge her to Kris. That washroom dare made everything worse, so he got to do something to bring the two closer. And Kris's birthday party might just be the only chance.

 

"Great. Thanks, Chanyeol," Luhan thought as he laid his eyes on the group's happy virus. He smiled at him gratefully. He wanted to invite Dara to surprise Kris, because that is too much of a coward to confess, so he had to initiate a move for him. He's a great gege after all. Typical Luhan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the first time in a long time, Dara and her girls finally had time for themselves, though it's really not what you can call 'vacation'. It's merely a day off.

 

Dara excited went to her hotel room. She was out of the country since 2NE1 had some international commitments that time. She laid on her bed and grabbed the nearest pillow she saw and cuddled it tightly. She closed her eyes and buried her face on the pillow. She stayed like that for a while before she opened her eyes and reached for her phone on the desk next to her bed. It's been a long time since she last checked her phone. They were extremely busy after all.

 

Being out for a long while, Dara wasn't really surprised to see a lot of unread messages. And of course, it's time for her to read them, and she did. She read the first few of the emails and when she was about to read the next in line, her eyes grew wide when she saw a very familiar group of names among them.

 

"Omo?" She said as she started to read the messages.

 

 

 

From: Suho EXO :)

 

Annyeonghaseyo noona. Aigoo, Kris-hyung's birthday is coming up, and we're planning to have a surprise birthday party for him. Are you busy on the 6th noona? We want to invite you. I do hope you're not busy. Kamsahamnida, Dara-noona. ^.^

 

 

"Jinjja?!" Dara almost screamed as she jolted out of her bed, reading again and again the messages the EXO boys sent to her.

 

 

From: Kai EXO :)

 

Noooonaa! This is Kai ;) Um, are you free on the 6th of November, noona? It's Kris-hyung's birthday. And we'll have a party. Please come noona. Juseyooo. >.<

 

 

From: Kyungsoo EXO O.o

 

Hello noona! This is Kyungsoo :D Noona I hope you're not busy next next week. Kris-hyung birthday is coming up. Are you coming noona? O.o Please come ~~

 

 

From: ChenChen EXO :)

 

Annyeong noona! Are you free on November 6? We'll be throwing a surprise birthday party for Kris. But anyways, that's not really important keke. The thing is we really miss you noona!! Please come please please.

 

 

Dara couldn't believe her eyes. Omo. Really? She blinked her eyes a thousand times before she realized that she wasn't hallucinating. They were inviting her to Kris's birthday party. Kris's birthday party. On his birthday party. Omo! She was thankful that she had the chance to read the messages. Those were sent to her almost a week ago! And she just read them now. And to think that Kris's birthday's already next week.

 

She hastily ped her bag and searched for her planner. She always has a planner. When she found her pink planner with intricate and girly designs, she immediately checked on her schedules on the week of Kris's birthday. And she squealed in delight when she realized they're free on the 4th, 5th and 6th, and they'll be returning to Korea on the 2nd. Thank heavens.

 

She grabbed her phone again and resumed reading the message the other EXO boys sent to her. She still couldn't believe they wanted her to take part on the celebration. And her heart raced just at the thought of it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a long and tiring day for EXO once again. They were exhausted, but they still had fun. They all gathered around the dining table, and Kyungsoo immediately prepared the plates and utensils for the members, while the others prepared the food they bought downtown.

 

"I'm starving!" Minseok whined as he patted his poor and empty stomach. The others agreed, eyeing the sumptuous food being prepared on the table. And as soon as everything was prepared they all raced and started to stuff their mouths.

 

Joonmyeon wrinkled his eyebrows and asked the boys to slow down, while the EXO M leader just rolled his eyes on them.

 

As soon as Kris finished eating, he slumped his back on the chair, looking at his other members still gorging the food as if they haven't eaten for a long time. He was already full, so he just rested on his seat. As the others were busy eating, Kris grabbed his phone and checked his ChatPal. It became a habit to him. And he was very surprised to see some unread messages. He checked on the sender, and a smile crept on his face when he realized Ssantokki just flooded him messages.

 

 

 

Ssantokki00:               duizhang!!!! >.<

 

Ssantokki00:               helllloooooo??

 

Ssantokki00:               come on duizhang..!!!

 

Ssantokki00:               heeellllpppp mee!!! >.<

 

Ssantokki00:               duizhaaaang... X-)

 

 

 

Kris chuckled as he read the messages, and it was too late to realized that he just did it out loud.

 

"What's up with that, ge?" Yixing suddenly asked, totally stopped eating.

 

"Whumpf are yompf lamnphing ampfout, Krishh-ge?" Tao said unclearly with food all stuffed in his mouth.

 

All eyes were on Kris, making the latter uncomfortable. Luhan on the other hand just giggled at the nervous duizhang. He had an idea what Kris was doing, and he was amused at the situation of the leader.

 

"Kris-hyung?" Chanyeol called, curious.

 

"It's nothing," Kris then answered as nonchalantly as he could. He clutched his phone tightly, hiding it from their prying eyes.

 

"Really, Kris?" Luhan interrupted, with a hint of sarcasm. He smirked evilly at the younger.

 

"Really, Luhan," Kris answered back as sarcastically as Luhan. "You sadist," he thought, glaring at the older.

 

"I'll go first," he then announced as he stood up and walked out to his room. The boys followed him with their eyes until he was out of sight.

 

"There's something really weird with him these days," Baekhyun commented before they all went back to eating.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COOLduizhang:          so, you're still alive huh?

 

 

Kris waited for a reply as he laid himself on his comfy bed. Ssantokki was not online, and the messages were sent hours ago. He was working that time.

 

He sighed as he put his phone down and stared at the ceiling. He was practically thinking about nothing. He was bored. He was tired, but he did not want to sleep yet. He wanted to talk with Ssantokki. And he just hoped she was online.

 

He closed his eyes and was about to drift off to dreamland when he heard a buzz from his phone.

 

 

Ssantokki00:               of course I am!! Aish, this duizhang... :P

 

 

His prayers were answered, apparently.

 

 

COOLduizhang:          you're finally online huh? :/

 

 

Dara chuckled before typing in her response.

 

 

Ssantokki00:               omo you miss me? Awwe :'))

 

 

Kris choked on his own saliva.

 

 

COOLduizhang:          dream on :/

 

 

"Aigoo, this man!" Dara mumbled before clicking her tongue.

 

 

Ssantokki00:               I know you do but just won't admit it kekeke >;P

 

 

Kris scoffed playfully and was about to reply when he was interrupted by another buzz.

 

 

Ssantokki00:               anyways, duizhaaang!! Guess what? Guess what? Omo >.<

 

 

Dara was literally squealing in her suite - well, almost. She bit her lips to prevent any sound to escape, since she was sharing the room with Bom. She would never ever want to wake a Park Bom, or else it would be the death of her.

 

 

COOLduizhang:          how obvious. :/

 

 

 And Dara could almost feel the duizhang rolling his eyes or probably smirking.

 

 

Ssantokki00:               aigoo. whatever :/

 

Ssantokki00:               anyways, duizhaangg I'm so happy!! >.<

 

 

Kris smiled.

 

 

Ssantokki00:               I got invited to his birthday party!! Omo omo >.<

 

COOLduizhang:          that's cool. Did he invite selected people or everyone in your workplace?

 

Ssantokki00:               I don't really know, keke >.<

 

Ssantokki00:               he did not personally invite me. I mean, it's a surprise party, and his friends counted me in. Kekeke :)

 

COOLduizhang:          ://

 

Ssantokki00:               but I'm really really excited and thankful for that!! >.<

 

 

Kris sincerely smiled at the girl's optimism. He was happy for her. He's glad that she's happy. Though he never met her personally, he knew she's really kind. And he knew the man she's crushing on was one lucky guy.

 

 

Ssantokki00:               omo duizhang? Could you help me? Pretty pretty please :((

 

 

Kris then raised an eyebrow.

 

 

COOLduizhang:          uh, sure..? :/

 

Ssantokki00:               aigoo...

 

 

Dara hesitated to ask at first, because she was shy. She fidgeted her fingers before finally typed her question.

 

 

Ssantokki00:               what do you guys like?

 

 

Kris was perplexed at her question.

 

 

Ssantokki00:               aigoo, I mean. For a birthday present. What do you guys usually like for a birthday present?

 

COOLduizhang:          huh..?

 

Ssantokki00:               I mean, I have no idea what guys like. You know. It's best to know it from a guy. What do you like, duizhang?

 

 

"What I like as a gift?" Kris thought as he tore his gaze away from the screen and stared at the ceiling. "Hmm, the things I like...huh..?" He mumbled.

 

 

Ssantokki00:               duizhang? O.o

 

 

"Plushies..." Kris smiled at the thought but immediately shook his head in disagreement. He likes plushies but it's not really a man thing. It's kind of unusual for a man to like stuffed toys, right?

 

 

COOLduizhang:          I don't know ://

 

COOLduizhang:          It's just that, men have different tastes.

 

 

 

Upon reading the message, Dara couldn't help but frown. Now, she's got no idea on what to get for Kris. She's too shy to even ask the EXO boys. And that's a real problem.

 

Kris patiently waited for her reply. And as seconds passed by, he felt more guilty and bad. He felt like he must've let her down. She did not respond for almost a minute now, but she was still online. She must've been disappointed and sad. And that ate Kris inside. Kris was almost in panic, thinking of what to say. He did not want to make Ssantokki sad. He never wanted that to happen.

 

Dara was still deep in thought when a buzz made its way to her ear. She hastily checked her phone and smiled.

 

 

COOLduizhang:          but I like green.

 

COOLduizhang:          or probably gray.

 

 

Dara chuckled. "Something green or gray?" She thought and started to think of things to give to Kris.

 

 

COOLduizhang:          don't you have an idea what that guy like? :/

 

 

Dara snapped back when she heard another buzz from her phone.

 

 

COOLduizhang:          I mean, what thing do you usually see with him? What do his friends usually give him?

 

 

And now, Dara went back to thinking again. "What thing do I usually see him bring?" she thought. She sat straight up and leaned against her bed's headboard. "What is it?" She asked herself. She looked around the room and saw her adorable member cuddling her corn plushie.

 

Dara's eyes widened as she squealed in glee. "That's it!"

 

 

Ssantokki00:               STUFFED ANIMALS!! ;) :D

 

 

She excitedly typed it out, almost as fast as lightning. How come she just thought of that right now? She always see him with plushies and stuffed animals in his hands in the airport pictures. And she read that fans usually give him plushies of dogs during fansigns and concerts. And she even read he had a dog plushie named Ace.

 

 

Ssantokki00:               STUFFED ANIMALS!! ;) :D

 

 

Kris swore if he was drinking right now, he could've spilled it all out at once. He never knew that some guy would like plushies too. Oh well, who could resist the wonders of stuffed toys?

 

 

COOLduizhang:          there you have it.

 

 

Dara smiled widely. How thankful she was that she had this friend 'duizhang'. Seriously, she wouldn't have thought of plushies if duizhang wasn't there to help her think it out.

 

 

Ssantokki00:               THANK YOU SO MUCH DUIZHANG YOU REALLY ARE COOL!! XD >.<

 

 

Kris chuckled at the cuteness of this certain Ssantokki. He was really glad to have helped her out. And he was more than satisfied and relieved that he somehow made her happy. She was his special friend, after all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was finally the day of the dragon's birthday. It was supposed to be a special day, but it seemed like it was a normal one with all the schedules and events they had to attend.

 

"Woah, look at all these events! They really aren't giving us a break, huh?" Baekhyun whined as he looked at their schedule for the day. They were all in their dressing room, preparing for a photoshoot. And right after the photoshoot, they had to go to a music event. And the boys all groaned at the thought.

 

"It's supposed to be Kris-hyung's birthday, why can't they give us a day off?" Kai complained, only to get nudged by Kyungsoo.

 

"Yah, stop complaining! Aigoo this kid," Kyungsoo said, rolling his eyes on the younger.

 

"It seemed like we can't celebrate your birthday today, Kris-hyung..," Jongdae commented, half giggling - only to be smacked in the head by Minseok.

 

"Such a bad actor," Minseok murmured as softly as possible, glaring at the younger.

 

"It's fine," the M leader said indifferently, eyes scanning through a magazine he was reading. It wasn't much of a big deal to him anyway.

 

"Huh?! Really hyung? I thought Kyungsoo-hyung reser---!" Tao's cry was muffled by Yixing's hand harshly to prevent him from saying more. Joonmyeon face-palmed at the M maknae's cluelessness and Kai swore he could bury Tao right there and then.

 

"What did you just say, Tao?" Luhan asked with a very threatening and scary voice, eyeing the M maknae. The other boys tried their best to muffle their laughter at the two.

 

"I-I mean, I thought Kyungsoo-hyung would...er...cook for us..later..?" Tao said, trying to make his voice straight and not shaky.

 

"Too bad, today's gonna be a busy day," Sehun then added nonchalantly, as he leaned his back more comfortably on his seat.

 

"A very busy day indeed."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 6th, 9:54 P.M.

 

 

"We're just going to eat out since Kyungsoo's too worn out to cook," Joonmyeon said as the boys rode their extraordinarily huge van. They all tried to catch up some much needed rest during the ride. And some of them were even half-asleep already.

 

"Where do you guys want to eat?" The K leader asked, eyeing Kris.

 

Kris wasn't actually listening, he was just staring out of the window, probably thinking out some things.

 

Tao and some others looked at him, waiting for him to respond. But much to their dismay, he wasn't paying attention, so Tao just answered for him.

 

"How about the Chinese restaurant downtown? I love it!" Tao said in a very unnatural tone.

 

"That's great! Let's go there! I love it too!" Jongdae agreed, in a very suspicious tone as well, half-giggling.

 

Sehun rolled his eyes at the two. "Awful actors," he mumbled.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A few minutes have passed and finally, they arrived at the said place. Joonmyeon, Kyungsoo, Chanyeol and Baekhyun went ahead of them. While the rest were still going out of the van. Luhan stayed right beside Kris, just to make sure Jongdae or Tao won't come up to the duizhang and slip. They were bad actors anyway. As soon as the boys were at the door step, the two said actors couldn't hold their giggles anymore. So, Luhan glared at him, and the rest did as well; thus, silencing the two.

 

Fortunately, Kris wasn't really paying attention to them. He was hungry to even care. So without hesitation, he grasped the door handle and slid the door open.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"SURPRIIISSSE!!!"

 

The boys all shouted in unison right after Kris opened the door. The M leader was definitely caught off guard. He was very much surprised. And of course, he was touched. He was never wrong when he said the boys were the best friends he ever wished to have. A small yet gentle smile escaped his lips, as the boys flocked around him and gave him hugs. He muttered a small 'thank you' as he hugged the boys back. And after that heartwarming cuddle they shared, his eyes roamed around the restaurant. It was all decorated and filled with balloons. It was beautiful. He was deeply amazed and touched with the surprise.

 

He snapped back to his senses when he felt a nudge on his side. He looked at his side and saw Luhan and his signature smirk. Luhan tiptoed and leaned closer to the duizhang's ear.

 

"I have a gift for you..." He whispered, giving slight chills on Kris. The taller looked at Luhan, and the latter turned to the other side, gesturing the younger to follow his eyes, and when he did, he swore he wasn't prepared for this.

 

"Aigoo, Happy birthday... Kris-ssi." A beautiful girl wearing a plain oversized hoodie and skinny jeans greeted him with that very familiar angelic voice.

 

"Happy birthday Kris," Luhan whispered giddily as he skipped his way out to give room for the two.

 

 

----- End of  Chapter -----

 

< Author's Note > This is my birthday treat to you guys. I'm sorry for the hiatus. I'm sorry if this chapter is short, and boring. I'll try my best to update more and write more interesting chapters soon. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME AND MY BIAS IN RV IRENE!! keke.