The sun was setting over Seoul, casting a golden glow on the rooftop as YoungBok and Sherri stood together, hand in hand. The moment they had been waiting for — for months, for years — was drawing closer. Hyunjin was only a few days away from returning, and the final touches for the surprise were nearly complete.
YoungBok gazed around, his heart pounding with anticipation. "It looks perfect," he said, taking in the twinkling lights, the flower arrangements, and the soft white curtains swaying in the evening breeze. The space was warm, intimate, and full of memories — ready to welcome Hyunjin back with open arms.
Sherri smiled, adjusting a flower arrangement on the table. "He'll love it. He'll feel the love we've been holding for him."
YoungBok nodded, but something lingered in his eyes — doubt. "I just hope he's okay. The last few months have been hard on him, and I don't want him to feel like he's been forgotten."
"You've been waiting for him. We've all been waiting," Sherri said softly, her hand resting on YoungBok's arm. "He'll see it in your eyes. He'll know."
As night fell, the Slay Kids members arrived at the rooftop, each of them carrying something to add to the celebration. Changbin brought more food, Minho carried extra lights, and Seungmin lugged around a large sound system. The excitement in the air was palpable, but even amid all the preparation, there was an undercurrent of tension — a sense that something was about to shift.
Chris and Jisung were the first to notice the change. The two of them had been talking quietly when Jisung pulled out his phone, his face going pale.
"What is it?" Chris asked, glancing at him.
Jisung held up the phone. "There's an article. It's about YoungBok and Sherri. Again."
YoungBok walked over, his smile faltering as he saw the headline on Jisung's screen.
> "YoungBok and Hyunjin's wife Sherri are secretly dating each other behind hyunjin back: Rumors of Another Affair Continue to Stir Up Controversy"
YoungBok took the phone from Jisung, his hand shaking slightly. The article was full of the same accusations — twisting every moment into something ugly, something they didn't deserve.
"They won't let it go," YoungBok muttered, feeling the weight of the press's lies pushing down on him. "This is never going to end."
Sherri joined him, her gaze hardening as she saw the article. "We can't let them win. We've been through worse."
"I know," YoungBok said, squeezing her hand. "But it's like they'll never stop. It's draining, and I can feel it. Even the members are starting to notice."
Changbin approached, his expression serious. "They're not just attacking you two anymore. It's us too. Our fans are divided, and it's getting harder to ignore."
Minho spoke next, his tone calm but firm. "We can't let the noise control us. We need to stand strong — for Hyunjin, for the fans who love us, and for each other."
There was a long silence as they all processed the situation. But it wasn't a silence of despair. It was the silence before a storm — before the realization that they were family, no matter what the world tried to say.
Later that night, as the last of the decorations were set in place, the group gathered around the center of the rooftop. YoungBok, Sherri, and the other members shared a quiet moment before the party began.
…..
YoungBok turned to Sherri, his eyes softening. "Thank you Noona, for doing this. For holding it all together."
"I'm doing it because I love you. Both of you," she said, her voice unwavering.
YoungBok leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "We're almost there. Hyunjin's coming home."
Sherri smiled, but there was something bittersweet in her expression. "I know. I've been waiting for this moment for so long."
But just as they were about to share another tender moment, a sharp knock echoed from the door.
YoungBok frowned. "Who could that be?"
Sherri glanced over at the door, her brow furrowing. "I wasn't expecting anyone."
The door opened slowly, and there stood a woman — tall, elegant, with an air of quiet authority. She was holding a simple but luxurious bouquet in her hands.
It was Hyunjin's mother.
"YoungBok. Sherri," she greeted softly, her eyes searching their faces for any sign of trouble. "I came to see how preparations are going."
"umaaa," Sherri said, her voice careful. "We're just about ready. It's going to be a perfect surprise."
Hyunjin's mother nodded, her gaze lingering on Sherri for a moment longer than usual. "I know Hyunjin will be happy to see you both. He's spoken often of how you've kept him alive with your love."
YoungBok stepped forward, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I'm glad you're here, but… there's something else, isn't there?"
Hyunjin's mother hesitated, then handed the bouquet to Sherri. "I wanted to speak with you both. There have been rumors, I know. But they're not just about you two. There's something…
Hyunjin's mother sat stiffly at the sofa, her hands folded tightly in her lap. Her eyes darted between Sherri and Felix, both seated across from her with equal parts tension and disbelief written across their faces.
"I'm saying this because I care about Hyunjin," she said firmly, voice low but unwavering. "With those rumors going around… the affair talk… it's going to hurt him. He's serving his country, and the last thing he needs is gossip distracting him or damaging his name."
Sherri opened her mouth, but Felix spoke first. "You really think us living in the same house is going to make it worse?"
"I know it will," she shot back. "People talk. Neighbors, online… it doesn't take much to twist the truth."
"Which is exactly why we shouldn't let them control the narrative," Sherri said quietly but with conviction. "Hyunjin wanted this. He wanted us to stay together—for the kids, for the family. That's what matters."
Felix nodded. "We're not pretending to be anything we're not. We're just trying to make sure his children are loved and stable while he's away."
"But at what cost?" his mother asked, her voice cracking slightly. "He's my son. And if those rumors follow him back into the military, or worse, stain his record—"
"They're just rumors," Felix said gently, but firmly. "We're not giving them power by uprooting the kids over baseless gossip."
Hyunjin's mother exhaled sharply, frustrated. "I still think it would be best if Felix moved into the dorm. At least until Hyunjin returns."
Sherri looked over at Felix, then back at her mother-in-law. "We're not going to do that. This is what Hyunjin wanted. We're honoring his decision."
There was a long silence. Then she stood slowly, the weight of worry still evident in her eyes. "I hope you're right. For his sake."