CHAPTER 15 — Sidelong Glances and Fluttering Hearts
Xuanye slowly turned around—her eyes met Minghao's as he gently held her wrist. Realizing what he was doing, Minghao quickly let go, awkwardly rubbing his neck.
"Are you okay?" he asked softly.
Xuanye's eyes widened. Her voice trembled. "Y-Yeah… I'm fine."
And just like that, she darted back to Nian like a startled kitten.
Across the room, Vernon, Boo, Hoshi, Wonwoo, and Jeonghan surrounded Minghao like vultures sensing a crush.
Jeonghan smirked. "I think our martial arts master just fell in love."
Hoshi crossed his arms dramatically. "Tsk. That's what happens when you skip meditation for a month—it messes with your heart."
Boo burst into quiet laughter while Vernon and Wonwoo tugged at Minghao's cheeks, trying to get a reaction.
But Minghao? He just stood there, smiling faintly, eyes still on Xuanye.
---
On the other side, Nian and DK were busy holding a silent conversation with their eyes. Xuanye grabbed Nian's hand, bringing her out of her daze.
Startled, Nian asked, "What happened?"
Xuanye's voice was shaky. "Can we just leave?"
Nian gave her a gentle nod, then turned to DK. "We'll be heading out now."
DK smiled warmly. "Okay. See you tomorrow."
As Nian and Xuanye stepped outside, Scoups, Mingyu, and Dino watched DK stare after her, dreamy-eyed.
The three exchanged a look before Scoups finally asked, "Why are you staring at her like that?"
DK broke into a grin so wide it showed all his teeth. Without warning, he hugged all three of them and jumped like an excited puppy.
"Yah!" Dino gasped. "DK-hyung! You're strangling us!"
---
Outside, the girls let out a deep breath.
Xuanye glanced at Nian. "Why are you sighing?"
Nian smirked, elbowing her. "Forget that—are you falling for Minghao?"
Xuanye gasped, her eyes widening. "No! Don't say that!"
Nian giggled, but Xuanye narrowed her eyes. "Wait a second… Does DK like you?"
Before Nian could even react, her phone rang. She pulled it out and saw the name: Yichen.
She showed the screen to Xuanye and raised an eyebrow before answering.
"Yichen?" she said.
"Where are you right now?" he asked.
"We're working on our project. Why?"
"Professor Xi asked me to deliver some materials to you," Yichen said. "I'll head over now. Can you share the address?"
Nian whispered, "He's bringing the materials."
Xuanye shrugged. "Then let him. It's just papers, right?"
Nian nodded and gave Yichen the address.
---
Back inside, the members had changed and gathered for lunch.
Joshua, who had wandered near the door, spotted someone unfamiliar approaching Nian and Xuanye.
He froze, then called out to the others, "Guys… they're talking to someone."
DK, Wonwoo, Vernon, Hoshi, and Scoups rushed over. "Who is it?"
Joshua pointed. "Some guy just showed up. Is that… a boyfriend?"
DK squinted, and a tiny spark of jealousy flared in his chest. Hoshi, ever curious, whispered, "Should we go ask them?"
Wonwoo stopped him. "Don't be nosy or you'll get dragged into something."
Scoups nodded solemnly. "Wise advice."
---
Meanwhile, Yichen handed the materials to Nian. "How's the project going?"
"Smooth as butter," Nian said cheerfully. Xuanye nodded beside her.
Yichen smiled. "Did you eat?"
Before Nian could answer, she felt a shadow approaching—no, two.
She turned around to find DK and Hoshi walking toward them like K-drama male leads, hands in pockets, serious faces on.
"W-What are you two doing here?" Nian asked, startled.
"We're going to eat lunch," DK said coolly. "Come eat with us."
Nian blinked, surprised, then smiled and nodded.
Hoshi looked at Xuanye. "Hey! You still haven't asked for my favorite things. Don't slack off on your project."
Before she could reply, he took her hand and tugged her toward the dining area.
DK extended his hand politely. "After you."
Nian hesitated, then turned to Yichen. "Are you joining us?"
He shook his head. "I've got work. I'll see you in class."
She smiled. "Okay."
Just as she turned to follow DK, he walked up to Yichen, glared at him for a beat… then stuck out his tongue like a five-year-old and dashed after Nian.
Yichen stood frozen in place.