June 24, 2024, was a day the members of Enhypen had marked in their calendars with hearts, stars, and every reminder imaginable. It was Sunoo’s birthday, a celebration they had meticulously planned for weeks. After wrapping up his birthday live with fans, the group headed to one of the most renowned restaurants in the Philippines, known for its grand themes and exquisite dishes.
Sunoo, still glowing from the live stream, walked into the restaurant flanked by Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Jungwon, Sunghoon, and Niki. The atmosphere was warm, with faint melodies of classical music and chandeliers casting a soft glow.
The table they were ushered to was decorated with a simple yet elegant centerpiece—a vase filled with white lilies, Sunoo's favorite.
“Wow, this place is beautiful,” Sunoo beamed, his smile lighting up the room.
Jake chuckled, pulling out a chair for him. “Only the best for the birthday boy.”
“Birthday king,” Niki corrected with a wink.
As they settled, the waitstaff brought in their pre-ordered dishes, each one a masterpiece. Sunoo looked around at the members, his heart full, thinking nothing could make this day any better.
And then it happened.
A waiter approached their table with a dish so grand it made everyone stop mid-conversation. It was a replica of the Titanic ship, crafted entirely out of food. The boat was made of carved bread, with details of tiny windows and railings made of edible gold. Inside the “ship,” there were an assortment of dishes: sushi, steak, desserts, and more. The plating was immaculate, resembling the Titanic gliding through a sea of crystal-clear jelly.
The waiter placed the masterpiece on their table and smiled. “This is a special dish for Mr. Kim Sunoo, courtesy of the owner. Happy birthday.”
Sunoo’s eyes widened in disbelief. “This… this is incredible! Wait, the owner?”
As if on cue, the restaurant owner stepped forward, a young man in his mid-twenties with a confident smile and sharp features. His eyes sparkled as he spoke, “Yes, I’m the owner. I’ve been a fan of yours for years, Sunoo. I couldn’t let your birthday pass without doing something special. I hope you like it.”
Jay’s hand tightened around his glass. A fanboy, huh? He exchanged glances with Jake, who seemed equally unimpressed.
“This is… amazing,” Sunoo said, his cheeks flushed as he admired the intricate details.
The owner’s gaze softened. “Anything for you, Sunoo.”
“Anything?” Jay muttered under his breath, earning a nudge from Heeseung, who smirked knowingly.
“Why don’t you join us?” Sunoo offered, his sincerity catching everyone off guard.
The owner blinked, clearly flustered. “I… I wouldn’t want to intrude—”
“Nonsense,” Sunghoon interrupted, his tone casual but his eyes sharp. “You put in so much effort. At least stay for a toast.”
As the owner hesitantly took a seat, the tension at the table thickened. Jay leaned closer to Sunoo, casually draping an arm over the back of his chair.
“So, you’re a fan?” Jay started, his tone light but his smile tight.
“Yes,” the owner admitted, glancing at Sunoo. “I’ve followed Enhypen since debut, but Sunoo’s always been my favorite. He’s… special.”
Jake set his fork down with a little more force than necessary. “He is. Very special to us, too.”
Sunoo, oblivious to the subtle tug-of-war, smiled brightly. “Thank you. It means a lot to hear that.”
