The next morning was peaceful but filled with the usual buzz of activity as Jeno and Dino got ready for school.

The early sunlight filtered through Dino's bedroom window, casting a soft glow across the room, making everything feel a bit more relaxed despite the impending school day.

Both boys were half-dressed, lazily pulling on their uniforms as they moved around the room, brushing off sleepiness with casual conversation.

Jeno was leaning against Dino's dresser, lazily fixing his tie in the mirror, while Dino was rifling through his backpack, making sure he had all his notebooks.

In between buttoning his shirt, Jeno casually brought up the upcoming family dinner. "So, uh... you coming over for dinner Thursday? My mom's been talking non-stop about it, and she's already making it impossible for me to bail."

Dino looked up from his backpack, amused by the way Jeno said it, as if he'd already resigned himself to the fate of another awkward family gathering. With a teasing smile, Dino raised an eyebrow. "You think I'm gonna let you hide out at my place to avoid it?"

Jeno groaned dramatically, dropping his head back for emphasis. "Honestly? I was hoping."

Dino chuckled and shook his head, walking over to where Jeno was still fiddling with his tie. "Sorry, no escape plan this time. I'll be there to suffer with you."

Jeno brightened up a bit at Dino's promise to be there, but before he could say anything, Dino added with a playful grin, "Besides, Jaehyun already asked me about it last night."

Jeno's hands froze mid-tie as he turned to face Dino with wide, exaggerated eyes. "*Of course* Jaehyun already asked you about it." He rolled his eyes dramatically, but there was an undeniable smirk tugging at his lips. "He's so smooth, it's almost annoying."

Dino laughed, swatting Jeno's arm playfully. "Don't you dare say anything about it. I don't need you making this weird."

Jeno held up his hands in mock surrender, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Me? Say something? Please, Dino, I'm the picture of subtlety."

Dino gave him a knowing look, clearly not believing him. "Sure you are. Just... behave, okay? This will probably be awkward enough with your guys parents involved."

Jeno tugged his tie tight and adjusted it with a grin. "I'll be good. Promise. But man, you and Jaehyun... that's wild. Could you believe it."

Dino sighed, throwing himself onto his bed with a soft thud. "Yeah, tell me about it."

Jeno joined Dino on the bed, sitting cross-legged at the edge, a playful but soft smile on his face. "I guess it just happened, huh? One minute you're going to get coffee, the next you're watching a movie together, and now there's family dinners and late-night DMs."

Dino shot him a look, half amused and half flustered. "Don't make it sound like that."

Jeno laughed, nudging Dino with his foot. "I'm just saying. It's kinda cute. But fine, I won't say anything on Thursday. I'll be on my best behavior. As long as you promise not to leave me alone with all the adults."

Dino laughed and sat up, shaking his head. "Deal. I won't leave you to fend for yourself. But you also have Jaehyun there too."

Jeno smirked, standing up and grabbing his backpack. "Oh, I think I'll manage. Just as long as you don't act too lovestruck, I think we'll survive."

Dino groaned, getting off the bed to grab his own backpack. "You're impossible, you know that?"

Jeno just grinned wider. "That's why you love me."

Together, they made their way out of the room and down the stairs, the teasing banter flowing effortlessly between them as they headed to school. As they stepped out into the crisp morning air, Dino couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nerves, knowing Thursday was going to be a night to remember.