---One day in August while having a coffee break from their work.

Syd: AG never celebrates his birthday, so Imma say no to that. (drink coffee)

Yeo: We tried to surprise him once, and we're never doing that again.

---Flashback: The boys surprised him on his birthday.

Boys: Surprise!

---AG's wearing his epic blank facial expression and locks himself in his room. Back to present.

Rocky: Okay? And then?

Yeo: The next morning, all the balloons and decors have an X spray paint on 'em.

---Rocky snorts.

Taylor: Seriously. Like some gangstas broke into our house.

Rocky: (laughing) Oh, that is so AG. But come on, you guys. It's just gonna be us anyway. Let's just make him feel like it's just a regular Saturday all-in night.

Rain: (raises his hand) I'm in.

Max: Me too. (eats biscuit)

Taylor: Me too.

Blake: (chuckles shakily) You really won't let this go, won't you?

---And so Rocky planned with the young ones. A little back story on AG. He lived by himself at 16 because he's not on good terms with his stepdad. His dad passed away when he's still young. His mom won't leave him anyway so he just left home. He juggled jobs including composing songs and raps to survive high school and college and being a basketball varsity helped a lot. His success today is all because of his hard work. Since he was 16, he only saw his mom twice because they live in Chicago. He's now turning 28 (he's a year older than the older guys). And so they planned. The four older guys did not participate in the planning because they knew this would fail. But when the young ones ask them for food and decor recommendations, they unconsciously give ideas. AG's birthday came. He was called in the office for an assembly after some months for a very late semi-annual planning. Perfect timing to prepare for his quarantine birthday celebration. He's out by 4 and will probably be home by 5. He said he's ordering dinner once he's home - his yearly birthday tradition. Max went to the cafe downstairs to monitor AG's arrival and call it in. The decors are black and gold and they're all wearing white and yellow since they saw him leave wearing black. It's nearly 5 when Max called in. He rushed to the elevator while AG parked his car. And in just a few minutes, they can hear him unlocking the door. When he stepped in, everyone shouted.

All: Happy birthday!!!

---And the twins popped the poppers and there's confetti all over. As expected, AG's wearing that blank facial expression.

Syd: (murmurs) Told you this is not gonna work.

AG: (exhales) Thank you guys. Let me just get changed.

Rocky: Oh w-w-wait! We got you a gift and a cake. (smiles) Can you at least blow your candles first?

AG: (smiles a bit) Stop using your charm on me, Rocky.

---the boys are amazed and nervous at the same time.

Blake: (whispers) God I hope he doesn't blow up.

---Rain hits his arm.

Rocky: Okay, let's sing for him, come on. (sings) Happy birthday to you...

---And they all sang in unison. Suddenly, a woman in her late 50s came out of the kitchen bringing a cake. AG's smile faded upon seeing her. After the birthday song.

Ellie: Happy birthday, son. (smiles with teary eyes)

---AG's so surprised to see his mom. Then everybody stayed quiet. They actually didn't know whether to stay or to leave the two so they could actually talk. A little flashback: Rocky tried to search for AG's mom since the older boys won't give her address. After some searching, she tried to email her but she got no reply. But after a few days, AG's mom is calling Yeo - that's the only number she got.

Yeo: (panicking) What should I do?

Syd: Don't answer it.

Rocky: Answer it!

Blake: Don't.

Max: Come on you guys, this is for AG.

---And so Yeo answered it. It so happened that AG's mom just flew to NYC to actually visit her son. It could've been sooner but COVID happened. She met with Yeo, Rocky and Blake one time and they told her that they're throwing AG a mini party and that it could be the perfect time for them to talk. She agreed and voila, here she is. Back to present. AG looks at everyone. After a while, he speaks up.

AG: Wow, what a surprise. (slow clap) Enjoy the party.

---Then he walks out of the apartment.

Rocky: AG!

Yeo: Rock, let him.

---But Rocky followed him. Taylor and Rain followed them while the rest dealt with AG's mom. AG walked in the streets with Rocky following him.

Rocky: AG wait up! Hey! (reaches for his arm)

AG: (stops and shoves Rocky's arm)(pissed off) So this was your idea? Huh?

---Rocky's shocked. She's never seen AG this mad. The two boys stayed behind them.

AG: What do you want to happen? Do you actually want me to patch things up with my mom? Like you really dug into my life just to give me a "memorable" party? Huh? Well congratulations! (sarcastic tone) I am beyond surprised and I'll surely never forget this! (Scoffs) I didn't know you could go this far.

Rocky: I'm sorry, I just want to-

AG: You think you're a genie, huh? You think you can just magically appear in people's lives, grant wishes and make everything splendid? Well I'm sorry. Not all of us can have that very ideal and colorful life like yours, so stop sprinkling pixie dust on our lives trying to fix things!

---Rocky is teary-eyed.

AG: This is too much, Rocky. Go mind your own business and let us deal with ours. It could've been better with just the seven of us. (walks back to the apartment building)

---Rocky is left there, stunned. Tears start to run down her cheeks. Taylor and Rain approached her. Without saying a word, Taylor hugged her tight.

Rain: (rubs her back) Hush now. He's just mad, Rock. You know he never meant any of that.

Rocky: I'm sorry. (wipes her tears) I'm sorry I even dragged you into this. (walks away)

Taylor: Rocky! Where are you going?!

Rain: Rock!

---They tried to chase her but she jumped into a cab.

Rain: Now we're in trouble.

Taylor: I got my keys. Let's go!

---They hurried to the parking lot to get Taylor's car. Meanwhile in the apartment, AG's back and he went straight to his room. He washed up and just stayed in bed instead of celebrating with his friends. Kitchen.

Yeo: We're so sorry, auntie.

Ellie: (smiles sadly) No worries, love. (squeezes Yeo's hand) I expected this to happen, regardless of the occasion.

---Blake tried to talk AG through. He's in his bed, reading a book, while Blake is sitting on Syd's bed.

Blake: We're sorry man. But could you at least hear your mom out? It just so happened that it's your birthday so we just thought of it as a perfect time for you guys to finally reunite and patch things up. Either way, she really flew here to see you.

---AG is not talking.

Blake: Please. It's not everyday that you get the chance to talk to your mom, bro. You're so lucky you still have her. I could've spent so much time with my mom if she's still here.

---Then he stands, pats AG's shoulder and steps out of his room. After a few minutes, AG came out. Syd gestured that AG's mom is by the balcony. He got some tea and went out. The boys stayed by the island counter.

AG: (sighs and gives tea) So. The boys told me you flew here to see me.

Ellie: Um, thank you. (exhales) Yes, I did. I could've flown earlier, but the borders locked down because of the virus.

AG: (sits beside her)(looks at the night sky) What's up?

---There's a great moment of silence.

Ellie: It's been a while since I last saw you. You know how I longed to spend time with my only son.

AG: (scoffs) Yeah because your husband won't let you, right?

Ellie: My 'ex' husband.

---AG's stunned but he acted normal.

Ellie: George and I got divorced last year.

AG: Wow, that's some news. What made you do it?

Ellie: He started hurting me.

AG: (eyebrows furrowed) He started what? (looks at his mom)

Ellie: (voice cracking) He became a different person when his business partners pulled him out of the board. He became an alcoholic, he's gotten a temper and he just got really frustrated that he can't get another job that pays well as his former one. And then it suddenly became so hard to deal with him. Then I told him that I wanted to visit you here. He got so furious that he hit me. And he does that everytime I tell him that I want to be with my only son. (crying) I didn't think twice. I would definitely choose my own blood over that sick bastard. It hurts, you know, to let go of the person you once loved. But you just had to, because sometimes they turn into someone that you don't know anymore.

---AG's so surprised to hear this. Now instead of being selfish and hating his mom, he felt so sorry that he wasn't even there to protect his own mother.

Ellie: I'm so sorry, son. I'm sorry if I chose to stay with him when you needed a mother growing up. (sobs) I'm so sorry.

---AG pulled his mom and embraced her tightly.

AG: No, I should be sorry. I should've been there for you, too.

---It was an emotional moment for them. When they both calmed down.

AG: Okay, I think we better stop crying now. (chuckles softly)(wipes his mom's tears) You're here now, you're safe, that's what's important.

Ellie: (smiles as she touches her son's face) My son. Look at you. You made it without me.

AG: (holds his mom's hands) Hey. I made it because you're my mom. My skills, talents and passion? I got 'em from you and dad.

---And they hugged it out for the last time. When they went inside, AG's mom hugged the boys and thanked them. The boys are happy to see them reconcile. And then Max's phone rings.

Max: It's Rain. (answers call) Yo. Yeah everything's good in here. (winks at AG) Where are you guys? Wait, what? She what?

---They all turned their heads to Max.

Max: Hold on. (puts him on loud speaker)

Rain: (on speaker) We're on the road now, looking for the cab she took earlier. I'm afraid we lost track. She won't take our calls, too.

Yeo: Wait, what's going on?

---And they told them what happened. AG looked so guilty and worried. AG's mom told the boys to go look for Rocky. Syd, who's called into an important emergency meeting, decided to keep her company in the apartment. The boys split up - Yeo & Blake and AG & Max. Meanwhile in the apartment, Syd has been walking back and forth, making calls to his dad's connections to track Rocky's location. He can't really focus on the meeting and he's starting to worry. Finally, he got a call from one of his contacts. They were able to ping Rocky's phone inside a bookstore in Queens, NYC.

Syd: (on the phone with Yeo) Yeah. Okay good. Just...let me know when you find her. Okay. Okay, bye.

---Syd ends the call and sighs. He sat by the island counter where AG's mom is. He drinks his beer and finally looks relieved. Suddenly, AG's mom blurted out...

Ellie: You like her. (smiles)

Syd: (looks at her) Um, sorry, what's that auntie? (smiles)

Ellie: Rocky. I can see that you like her.

Syd: Oh. (chuckles shakily) No, no, you're mistaken. I was just kinda worried like the rest of them. We've gotten close to her during the lockdown and...(stammers) and we already kinda have this cool bond and...(drinks beer)(shakes his head) No. (smiles)

Ellie: (smiles) Okay, if you say so. But I tell you, August and I have really strong instincts - as sharp as a knife.

---Syd just chuckled and gulped his beer. The first ones to arrive are Taylor and Rain. They waited for the others outside the bookstore. When they were all complete.

Max: (steps out of the bookstore)(sighs) She's here. I saw her by the children's section.

---They all sighed in relief.

AG: Um...(to Yeo) sorry man, but can I go and get her?

Yeo: (gestures) Please.

---The rest of them just waited outside the bookstore. Inside. Rocky's sitting on the floor like a kid, reading a bedtime storybook. AG stood behind her and just watched her for a bit. When she finished the book, she closed it and sighed. And AG heard her sniffle as she wiped her tears.

AG: I didn't know bedtime stories can make you cry.

---Rocky's startled. She turned around and found AG standing there.

AG: Come here, you. (pulls her up and hugs her tight) I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

---Rocky cries again as she hugs AG back.

AG: (rubs her back) Hush now. (holds her face) I'm sorry. I shouldn't have talked to you that way.

Rocky: I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have-

AG: Shush. Everything's okay now - because of YOU. (smiles) How about that for a bedtime story later?

Rocky: Did you really mean everything you said earlier?

AG: Hey. I wasn't thinking straight when I told you those stuff a while ago.

Rocky: Would you still want me back home?

AG: The couch perfectly fits eight people. It won't be weird without you in it. And we want it weird. (chuckles)

Rocky: (chuckles softly) You're not mad at me anymore?

AG: (scoffs) Really? We wouldn't drive for an hour just to get you if I'm still mad.

Rocky: We???

---And the five boys appeared behind AG, smiling at her. Rocky chuckles and hugs AG again. And then everyone hugged her and told her not to run away next time because she got them worried. And they went back home. Syd lets AG's mom rest in their room while she waits for them. Just when he stepped out of the room, the main door swung open and the whole gang's there with Rocky. They're bringing some food too.

Taylor: Oh what a night. I'm so hungry right now.

Blake: Come on let's prepare this so we can already eat.

---Syd's relieved that Rocky's back. He was about to welcome her with a hug when he remembered what AG's mom said earlier. And so he hesitated - and he doesn't know why. Rocky saw him just standing there.

Rocky: I'll just change up guys. (to Syd) Hey you. Is the meeting done? 'Heard you got called in.

Syd: Um (clears throat) yeah. We just wrapped up actually. So, you runaway kid. Enjoyed your mini adventure? You got us dead worried.

Rocky: Yeah, I'm sorry. I just had to run away for a bit.

---Suddenly, Rocky hugged him. Syd's surprised. AG's about to go to their room to check on his mom when he saw the two. Syd's arms are just hanging, not hugging Rocky back. And his face - flustered.

Rocky: Thank you. The boys told me you used your connections to track me down. I didn't actually have cab money left with me if the boys didn't come to my rescue. (chuckles)

---Syd finally hugged her back.

Syd: (smiles) They shouldn't have. We should've just let you sleep in the streets of Queens. (chuckles)

Rocky: (pushes him and hits his arms) You're so mean!

---Syd kept on laughing while he shields himself with Rocky's tiny punches.

Yeo: Okay now cut that out kids. Come on, time to celebrate.

---AG gets his mom from the bedroom. While enjoying dinner, Rain popped a bottle of champagne for everyone.

AG: (arm wrapped around his mom) Everyone, I just want to offer a toast before we continue our celebration. (raises glass) I wanna thank you all for this party. I admit, it's the most special birthday party I had. Thank you Rock, for your stubbornness - without it, my mom and I could've never reconciled.

---They chuckled.

AG: You guys are the best. Happy birthday to me. Cheers!

All: Happy birthday, AG! Cheers!

---They clinked their glasses and drank their champagne.

AG: Mom? What do we say when we wanna get the party started?

Ellie: (raises glass) Let's get it!

All: Yeah!

---They had a blast that night. AG's mom will be staying in New York for a week. She needs to come back home to Chicago and try to revive her small catering business there. And while she's with the gang, Syd moved out of their room first and crashed on the couch. But he really can't sleep in such an open space. The trio would like to offer him their room, but Syd can't stand their mess and snores. Yeo and Blake thought of switching rooms with Rocky first where the cousins will share the room, but it's a handful - so they just suggested that he'd share the room with Rocky.

Rocky: You can either put your sleeping bag (points) here, or (points) here. Just sleep anywhere you like.

Syd: (puts blanket and pillows on the chair) I might just stay on your right, against that wall. I like that side better.

Rocky: Cool. Do you sleep with the lights on?

Syd: Nope.

Rocky: Cool. Okay, (gets laptop) I'll just catch up with some work outside. I usually sleep late, but I promise I'll sneak in quietly. (winks)

Syd: Sure. (prepares sleeping bag)

---When Rocky stepped out, Syd prepared his sleeping bag. Then he sat by Rocky's dresser to plug his phone and read some messages. While browsing, he saw some polaroid photos stuck on her mirror. One is a photo of Rocky and her dog; one is a photo of her and Yeo's family; then a photo of her with the boys on the 4th of July. Syd smiles. The whole gang's so lucky to have AG's mom for the week for they can actually eat some very good home-cooked meals. Rocky and AG's mom bonded quite a lot. She doesn't have a daughter so she's really fond of Rocky. One time while having lunch.

Ellie: (to AG) You should find someone like Rocky, son. She's such a sweetheart.

Rocky: Aw, that's so sweet auntie. (winks at AG)

AG: Oh come on mom, she's weird.

Ellie: Hold on. You're both single, right? Don't you consider dating each other?

---The boys laughed.

AG: Mom, stop. She's like my sister from another mother.

Rocky: He's right, auntie. There's my new big brother right there. (fist bump with AG) I don't think I'd date anyone in this room.

Taylor: Ow! (hands on chest) Really? We didn't even stand a chance?

Max: You're really hurting my feelings right now.

---They all laughed.

Rocky: Okay, let me think about it again. (chuckles)

---Syd is just looking at her. AG caught him again.

Blake: Okay, since we're on it, who would you most likely date among the seven of us here?

Yeo: Six, I'm exempted.

Blake: Oh yeah, sorry. Six.

Rocky: Should I go by order?

Rain: Oh that's so mean! (laughs)

Rocky: (laughs) No I'm just kidding. You guys are all dateable anyway.

Blake: Okay, at least give us your top 3.

Max: Why am I suddenly getting nervous?

---They laughed.

Rocky: Okay. (wipes her lips) Well, you know I'd date you all, but since some of you are already in a relationship-

Rain: Okay we miss our chance brother. (fist bump with Blake)

Rocky: Sorry. (winks) Okay, (thinks) I'd say...Taylor, Max and AG.

Boys: Whoa.

---Taylor kissed Rocky's hand.

Ellie: (to AG) See? You got a chance with her. (winks)

---AG just rolled his eyes.

Syd: Seriously? I'm not even on top 3?

Rocky: Oh you were. But I just thought you're still not over Carrie so- (shrugs and smiles at him) you know, I don't think I have my chances with you. Any other girl wouldn't stand a chance at this point.

---Syd scoffs as the other boys bully him.

Max: Nice one, Rock. (high five with Rocky)

---And then AG, with Rocky and Yeo,