Anniversary night arrived.

The dorm lights were dimmed. Fairy lights glowed softly. Photos covered the walls. The cake sat perfectly in the center of the table.

Jihoon had background music ready.

Kyungmin whispered, "We execute phase two after cake."

Youngjae nodded. "Copy."

They celebrated properly at first.

Laughter. Old performance stories. Teasing about awkward debut hairstyles.

Dohoon got emotional looking at old photos. "We were babies."

Shinyu stood beside him quietly. "You've grown a lot."

The words weren't loud.

But they meant everything.

After cake, Youngjae suddenly clapped.

"Speech time."

Groans filled the room.

They went in order.

Hanjin thanked everyone for staying together.

Kyungmin made a dramatic speech about "found family but make it chaotic."

Jihoon cried for no reason.

Then it was Shinyu's turn.

He spoke calmly, sincerely, thanking each member.

When he got to Dohoon, he paused slightly.

"...You work harder than anyone realizes."

Dohoon blinked.

The room got quiet.

Youngjae mouthed: SAY MORE.

But Shinyu stopped there.

Operation Confession was failing.

Kyungmin panicked. "Phase three."

And suddenly the music changed.

Slow.

Soft.

Suspiciously romantic.