Chapter 12 - 10

A few days later, the big day finally arrived—Mia and Hannah were on their way to the UK. Both of them were filled with excitement as they imagined reuniting with Lia and meeting Harvey's friends. It felt surreal to be heading out on an adventure they had planned on a whim, yet here they were, making it happen.

Meanwhile, Steve was busy traveling and exploring new places with his girlfriend, fully enjoying his relationship and keeping everyone updated with photos from his travels. Jay, on the other hand, claimed he was swamped with "work," though the truth was that he had actually flown to New Zealand to secretly pursue his music career. Unknown to many, he was an impressive musician and had been taking steps to become an idol.

Evan had already made his debut with his group, ENHYPEN, and they recently held their first-ever music show in Japan, making waves in the music industry. Each friend was off living their own dreams, but they all stayed in touch, sharing their highs and lows as their lives took exciting new turns.

As Mia and Hannah settled into their seats on the plane, Mia turned to Hannah with a grin. "This is going to be amazing. I can't wait to see Lia's face when she sees us!"

Hannah laughed, her eyes bright with anticipation. "Same here! And let's not forget we have Harvey's friends to meet. Bobby, Armand, and Max—this is going to be one for the books!"

The two exchanged excited smiles as the plane took off, ready for the unexpected moments and laughter that awaited them in the UK.

As the plane soared above the clouds, Mia and Hannah exchanged glances, their excitement bubbling over.

"Can you believe we're actually doing this?" Mia asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.

Hannah grinned. "I know! It's surreal. And I can't wait to see Lia's reaction when we show up unannounced."

They both giggled, imagining the surprise on Lia's face. They had managed to keep their plans a complete secret, with only Harvey and his friends in on it.

Hannah leaned back in her seat, scrolling through pictures of the UK. "I'm also curious about Harvey's friends. Bobby, Armand, and Max. They sound fun, don't you think?"

Mia nodded, her eyes twinkling. "Absolutely! Plus, I heard Bobby has a sense of humor that'll keep us laughing the whole time."

Hannah laughed. "Oh, I'm ready for that. This trip's going to be unforgettable."

They spent the remainder of the flight going over their plans, chatting about the places they'd visit and what they'd do with Lia once they arrived. As the plane began its descent, Mia glanced out the window, taking in the sprawling cityscape below. "Here we go, Hannah. Let's make some memories."

Hannah squeezed her hand. "To new adventures!"

With excitement humming between them, they gathered their things, ready to start this new chapter of unexpected moments and unforgettable memories in the UK.

Hannah quickly texted Bobby, letting him know they'd be landing in about an hour and a half. Moments later, her phone buzzed with his reply.

*Bobby*: "Perfect! I'll be at the airport to pick you and Mia up. Can't wait to finally meet you both in person! 😊"

Hannah grinned, nudging Mia. "Bobby's picking us up from the airport! This is going to be fun."

Mia smiled, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. "It'll be like meeting our UK tour guide—and maybe a little more, especially for you," she teased.

Hannah rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "Oh, stop. Let's just see how this goes."

As they gathered their things and prepared for landing, Hannah texted Bobby back one last time.

*Hannah*: "Sounds great! We're looking forward to it. See you soon! ✈️"

The anticipation grew as they made their way through the terminal after landing, eyes scanning the crowd for a familiar face they'd only seen through video chats. And there he was—Bobby, holding a small sign that read "Welcome, Hannah & Mia!"

"Hi, welcome! It's nice to finally meet you guys," Bobby said with a warm smile as he greeted them.

"It's nice to meet you too, Bobby," Hannah replied, smiling back at him.

"Here, let me help you with your bags. My car is parked out front—let's go," Bobby added, taking hold of their luggage.

They made their way through the bustling airport, weaving through the crowd as Bobby led them to the car. Once they were settled in, he started driving, glancing at them in the rearview mirror with a grin.

As they walked toward Bobby's car, Hannah couldn't help but notice his easygoing nature and how he seemed genuinely happy to meet them.

"So, you two must be excited to surprise Lia and Harvey," Bobby said, grinning as he stowed their luggage in the trunk.

"Oh, absolutely!" Mia replied, her eyes twinkling. "Lia's been dying for us to visit, and she has no idea we're here. She'll be thrilled."

"Yeah," Hannah added, "It's been about a month since we've all been together like this. Plus, I'm curious to see the life she's building here."

Bobby chuckled as he opened the car door for them. "You're definitely in for a treat. Harvey's been going on about how much Lia talks about you both, so I'm sure they'll be over the moon."

They climbed into the car, feeling a sense of anticipation building as they got closer to the reunion.

"So, is this your first time in the UK?" Bobby asked as he started driving.

"Of course, it's our first time!" Hannah replied, looking out the window, wide-eyed at the scenery. "It's gorgeous, though I'm still getting used to everything being on the opposite side."

"Well, I'll make sure to give you both the grand tour," Bobby said, glancing over with a smile. "You'll be locals in no time."

Mia and Hannah exchanged a look, both feeling grateful for his warm welcome and already feeling like they were part of this new chapter in Lia's life. The excitement for the surprise grew as they headed closer to their destination.

"I told Lia and Harvey to wait at that restaurant Harvey likes," Bobby continued with a grin. "And the guys are stalling them for me."

"Oh, you've thought of everything, haven't you?" Hannah said, raising an eyebrow playfully. "They really have no clue we're coming?"

"Not at all. Harvey thinks he's just meeting the guys for a casual dinner, and Lia's totally in the dark," Bobby replied, glancing at her in the rearview mirror. "This will be a complete surprise."

Mia laughed, "This is going to be priceless! Lia's been begging us to visit, but we kept telling her it wasn't possible anytime soon."

Hannah nodded, "She's going to be so emotional. And I can't wait to see Harvey's reaction when he realizes you were in on it, too, Bobby."

"Trust me, he'll be just as shocked," Bobby said, chuckling. "I'll try to keep a straight face, but with you two there, I doubt I'll be able to pull it off."

As they neared the restaurant, Mia and Hannah felt the anticipation building. Bobby parked the car and looked over at them. "Alright, are you both ready to blow their minds?"

"More than ready!" Mia replied, beaming.

They stepped out of the car, taking a deep breath as they prepared for the big surprise. Bobby led them toward the restaurant entrance, sharing a grin as they got closer. The reunion they'd all been waiting for was finally about to happen.

Bobby led Mia and Hannah through the entrance of the cozy restaurant, glancing around to make sure Harvey and Lia hadn't spotted them yet. The warm lights cast a welcoming glow over the tables, and the quiet hum of diners chatting created the perfect atmosphere for their surprise.

"Alright, they're over there," Bobby whispered, pointing toward a table where Lia and Harvey were laughing together, clearly unsuspecting.

Mia grinned, nudging Hannah. "Ready?"

Hannah nodded, her heart pounding with excitement. "Let's do this."

They quietly made their way closer until they were right behind Harvey and Lia. Bobby gave them a small nod, signaling for the perfect moment.

"Surprise!" Mia and Hannah exclaimed, their voices bright with excitement.

Lia froze, her eyes widening as she whipped around. For a split second, she stared in shock before her face broke into a huge smile. "Oh my gosh, Mia! Hannah! What are you doing here?!"

Harvey turned, equally surprised but laughing. "You two! Did you plan all of this?"

Mia and Hannah exchanged amused looks. "Bobby helped us out," Hannah said with a grin.

Lia pulled them both into a tight hug, nearly bouncing with excitement. "I can't believe you're here! I thought it was just a dream every time I mentioned it!"

Harvey chuckled, shaking his head at Bobby. "You're sneakier than I thought."

Bobby just shrugged, laughing. "I had some good motivation to make it happen."

They all gathered around the table, ordering drinks and sharing stories as if no time had passed. With each laugh, the warmth and joy of reuniting filled the room, making the moment even more unforgettable.

"Hi, Mia it's nice to finally meet you in person. Want to seat besides me?" Armand smiled as he offered a seat for Mia.

Mia smiled back, a bit taken aback by Armand's friendly offer. "Thanks, Armand! It's nice to finally meet you, too," she replied, taking the seat beside him.

Hannah watched with a grin, nudging Bobby playfully. "Looks like Mia's already got herself a seat."

Bobby laughed, giving Hannah a knowing look. "Armand's been looking forward to meeting her. He might've mentioned it once or twice."

As Mia settled in, Armand leaned in slightly. "So, how was the flight? Hope you didn't find it too tiring."

"It was long, but worth it," Mia said, glancing around at everyone. "I mean, just being here with you all is incredible."

Lia smiled at the sight of everyone getting along so well. "I told you the trip would be fun, didn't I?" she teased, reaching over to squeeze Mia's hand.

Armand chuckled, clearly enjoying the company. "Well, here's to the start of an amazing adventure! Let's make every moment count."

Everyone raised their glasses, clinking them together with smiles all around, eager for the days ahead.

"Especially with you," Armand winked as he sounded flirty towards Mia.

Mia felt her cheeks warm slightly at Armand's flirtatious tone. She gave a small smile, trying to play it cool.

"Oh really? Guess I'm lucky then," she replied with a playful smirk as she took the seat beside him.

Armand chuckled, leaning in a bit. "You'll find I'm full of surprises."

Hannah, noticing the banter, nudged Mia teasingly. "Looks like someone's already flirting with each other! "

Bobby laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, alright, let's all settle down. We've got a feast to enjoy and stories to share."

As they all took their seats, the group quickly fell into comfortable conversation. Armand continued to engage Mia, asking about her travels, her interests, and sharing his own stories. Meanwhile, Hannah and Bobby exchanged knowing glances, clearly amused by the unfolding dynamic.

"So, Hannah, what do you want to do?" Bobby asked, then added, "I want to get to know you more, Hannah, and I want us to hang out together—just the two of us."

Hannah was surprised by Bobby's request. She nodded in response and said, "Sure, Bobby, I'd love that." She felt a flutter in her stomach at his words, his sincerity catching her a bit off guard. Smiling warmly, she felt her cheeks flush slightly.

"Great," Bobby said, his face lighting up. "How about tomorrow, then? I know a few places around here that I think you'll love."

Hannah nodded, excitement building. "Tomorrow sounds perfect. I'd love to see more of the area with you."

Mia, overhearing, gave Hannah a playful nudge. "Looks like we both have someone to keep us entertained here!"

Bobby laughed, looking at Hannah with a grin. "Guess it's settled, then. I'll pick you up around ten?"

"Ten works for me," Hannah replied, her smile widening. As they finished their meal, she couldn't help but feel the anticipation bubbling up for tomorrow's plans.

"Seems like Bobby's got the upper hand, but as your resident ladies' man, I've already secured my own," Armand said, standing up with a playful grin. He held out his hand to Mia. "Ms. Mia, would you like to go on a beach date with me tomorrow?"

"Of course, Armand," Mia replied joyfully, taking his hand with a smile.

Armand smiled, helping Mia to her feet with a little flourish. "Then it's a date," he said, giving her hand a light squeeze before letting go. "I know a hidden spot by the coast that's perfect for a quiet day out—pristine sand, blue waters, and hardly any tourists."

Mia's eyes lit up. "That sounds amazing! I can't wait."

Bobby nudged Hannah and chuckled. "Looks like tomorrow is going to be packed with plans. You ladies better be ready for an adventure."

Hannah laughed, glancing at Mia. "Oh, we're more than ready. It's you guys who better keep up."

As the group wrapped up their night, they all shared stories and laughter, and it was clear the connection between them had grown even stronger. Mia and Hannah felt right at home, and the excitement for the next day's adventures filled the air.

Back home, Steve, Evan, and Jay were each caught up in their own lives, moving in different directions but still keeping tabs on their friends' adventures abroad.

Steve had been spending time with his girlfriend, taking short trips to nearby towns and trying out new restaurants. He'd send the occasional photo to the group chat—scenic sunsets, cozy cafés, and candid shots with his girlfriend that were filled with laughter. He couldn't help but feel a bit of nostalgia every time he saw updates from Mia and Hannah, wishing he could be there too but knowing he was where he needed to be.

Meanwhile, Evan was in the middle of rehearsals and preparations with his new group, ENHYPEN. The training was intense, and the pace was exhausting, but each performance brought him closer to his dream. His friends knew he was busy and supportive messages kept coming through the chat, which he'd read during his breaks. He'd smile seeing pictures from the UK, though his mind was fully in his own journey, anticipating his debut and the challenges ahead.

Jay, on the other hand, had flown out to New Zealand to pursue his music career. While his friends thought he was swamped with "work," Jay was secretly exploring the local music scene, finding inspiration in the serene landscapes and the vibrant city life. It was bittersweet, stepping away from the close-knit circle, but he was determined to make a fresh start and focus on his passion.

"You miss your friends?" Steve's girlfriend asked, linking her arm with his.

"Yes, I do. I mean, I'm glad we're all doing our own things now, and it's great we keep up with each other's lives, but I miss the old days when we were together," Steve said, reminiscing with a slight smile.

"Aww~ It's okay, sweetie. I'm sure when the time is right, you'll all be together again," she said reassuringly.

"Thank you, sugar," Steve replied, patting her hand gently.

Meanwhile, in the practice studio, Evan was preparing for rehearsal.

"Evan, rehearsals are about to start!" one of the members called out.

"Oh, okay. I'll be out in a sec," Evan replied, looking at a photo of him and his friends all together.

"Are you alright?" the leader asked as he approached Evan.

"Yeah, I'm okay, leader," Evan replied, though his expression was wistful.

"You miss your friends?" the leader guessed.

"Yeah, a lot. I've never been apart from them like this before. Now that we're all off doing our own things, it's like there's a piece of me missing," Evan admitted.

"I'm sure they miss you too. Hey, instead of feeling down, make them proud! I know they'd be proud of how far you've come," the leader said, holding out his hand to help Evan up. "Now, let's go. PD will get mad if we're not all present."

"Thanks, leader," Evan said, feeling a bit better as he joined his group.

As for Jay, he was alone in a new country, far from familiar faces. But he stayed strong, determined to make this new chapter of his life meaningful, even if it meant cheering himself up along the way.

Lia stared at her phone, scrolling through the group chat. *Steve seems happy,* she thought, smiling at a photo he'd posted of him and his girlfriend laughing together at a restaurant. It was heartwarming to see her friends doing well, even if she missed the way they all used to hang out.

She moved on to Evan's messages. He had sent a photo of him and his bandmates in the studio, looking a little tired but full of excitement. "Having the time of my life here, guys!" he'd written under the picture, and a part of Lia felt proud of him, knowing he was chasing his dreams.

Her smile faded slightly as she noticed Jay's name absent from the conversation, realizing she hadn't seen him active in the chat in days. *Should I call him?* she wondered. *Maybe he's just busy, or maybe he's going through something.*

After a moment of hesitation, she opened Jay's contact, her finger hovering over the call button. She took a deep breath and tapped it, listening as the phone rang.

When he finally picked up, his voice was soft. "Hey, Lia."

"Hey, Jay! It's been a while," she said, trying to sound cheerful. "I just wanted to check in on you. We haven't heard much from you lately."

Jay was quiet for a second before he answered, "Yeah... I've been a bit busy with, uh, 'work.'" There was a hint of hesitation in his voice.

"Well, I'm glad to hear that," Lia replied warmly. "I know you don't have to tell me everything, but if you need someone to talk to, I'm here, okay?"

"Thanks, Lia. That means a lot," he replied softly.

They talked for a few more minutes, catching up on small things, until they both felt a little lighter, reminded of the bond they shared despite the distance.

"You okay, love?" Harvey asked.

"Yes, I'm okay, love. I just called Jay to see if he was alright. He hasn't been responding to any of our texts and was offline for a few days, so I decided to check in," Lia said.

Harvey wrapped his arm around Lia's shoulder, pulling her close. "That was sweet of you to check on him," he said, rubbing her shoulder gently. "He's lucky to have a friend who cares like that."

Lia leaned into Harvey's embrace, finding comfort in his warmth. "I just worry about him," she admitted. "Jay's been so distant lately, and with everyone busy doing their own thing, it feels like he's slipping away. But he sounded okay. I think he just needed a reminder that we're still here for him."

Harvey nodded, understanding. "It makes sense. Sometimes, when you're figuring things out, it's easy to feel alone—even with people who care about you. I'm sure he appreciated the call."

Lia smiled softly, grateful for Harvey's reassurance. "I hope so. I just want all of us to stay connected, even if things are changing. We've all been through so much together."

Harvey looked at her with a reassuring grin. "You'll keep everyone together, love. With you looking out for everyone, no one's going to feel left behind."

"Let's all head out now and have some fun, you guys!" Mia shouted joyfully as she pulled Armand and left the café.

The rest of the group laughed, amused by Mia's enthusiasm. Bobby turned to Hannah, offering his arm with a playful grin. "Shall we?"

Hannah chuckled, linking her arm with his. "Lead the way, Bobby."

Harvey and Lia exchanged a warm look before joining the others. Harvey slipped his hand into Lia's, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Feels good, doesn't it? Just being with everyone, letting loose for a change?"

Lia nodded, smiling up at him. "Yeah, it's exactly what we all needed."

As they stepped outside, Armand and Mia were already a few steps ahead, laughing and chatting like they'd known each other for years. The group strolled through the lively streets, stopping at small shops, taking pictures, and sharing stories. Laughter filled the air, and for a moment, they felt like they'd left all their worries behind.

Bobby glanced over at Hannah as they reached the entrance of a local fair nearby. "How about we try out some games? I'm determined to win you a prize."

Hannah raised an eyebrow with a smirk. "Oh, really? Think you're up for the challenge?"

"Absolutely," Bobby replied confidently, already eyeing the ring toss booth.

The friends spent the afternoon enjoying each other's company, feeling closer than ever as they created memories they'd cherish for years to come.

As they wandered into the fair, Mia spotted a carousel and gasped in excitement, pulling Armand toward it. "Come on, we have to ride this!"

Armand laughed but followed along, clearly enjoying her energy. "Alright, alright. I can't say no to you, can I?"

Meanwhile, Bobby and Hannah strolled up to the ring toss booth, where Bobby was determined to impress. He paid for a round, took a deep breath, and tossed the first ring—only to miss by a mile. Hannah burst out laughing, and Bobby gave her a sheepish grin.

"Okay, I admit, maybe I'm a little rusty," he said, scratching his head.

"Don't worry," Hannah teased. "Maybe by the end of the fair, you'll get it." She took a ring and tossed it perfectly onto a bottle, earning her a small stuffed bear. Bobby gave her an exaggerated look of admiration.

"You know what? I think I'll just leave the prize-winning to you, champion," he said, laughing.

Not far off, Harvey and Lia were enjoying a quieter moment by a food stand. They shared a funnel cake, chatting and taking in the joyful chaos around them. Lia smiled as she looked at their friends laughing and competing at the game booths.

"It's nice seeing everyone so carefree," Lia said. "These little moments make all the difference."

Harvey nodded, wiping a bit of powdered sugar off her nose. "It's been a while since we've all been able to just have fun. It makes me appreciate how lucky we are."

As the day wore on, they went from one booth to the next, cheering each other on at every silly challenge. By sunset, they were all carrying small prizes and souvenirs, with sore feet and big smiles on their faces.

Just as the golden light was beginning to fade, Mia held up her phone for a group selfie, pulling everyone into the frame. They laughed and huddled together, capturing the moment—a reminder of a day they'd always look back on, filled with laughter, warmth, and friendship.

"Everyone, let's take a picture! I'm posting it on Liagram!" Lia shouted, positioning her camera on a stand in the center aisle of the fair. Behind them, the colorful lights of the rides and food stands sparkled, creating the perfect backdrop.

The group gathered together, arms around each other as they struck playful poses. Mia threw up a peace sign, and Armand wrapped an arm around her shoulder with a grin. Bobby leaned in close to Hannah, and she laughed as he tried to make a funny face. Harvey pulled Lia close, resting his head against hers as they smiled into the camera.

"Alright, everyone ready?" Lia called out, setting a timer.

The countdown began, and at the last second, they all made silly faces, laughing as the camera captured the moment. Lia checked the photo, and a warm smile spread across her face.

"This one's going up," she said, tapping to post it. "Perfect memory of a perfect day."

The friends crowded around to see the post, commenting on how it captured them so well—full of energy, laughter, and connection.

"Alright, now let's grab one last treat before we call it a night!" Harvey suggested, glancing at a nearby stand with towering ice cream cones. They all agreed eagerly, making their way over to end the day on a sweet note. As they shared their final treat under the fair's glowing lights, it felt like they'd found a piece of magic together, something they'd carry with them long after the night ended.