CHAPTER 21:The Taste of Goodbye, the Warmth of Cake

Hoshi rushed over and grabbed the cake from Nian's hands, bolting toward the table like a kid who'd just won a prize. Seeing him run, the other members followed in a frenzy. Nian and Xuanye burst into laughter and chased after them.

Hoshi opened the box with anticipation. The moment he saw it was a strawberry cake, his face lit up brighter than the sun. His eyes sparkled, while Mingyu's stomach growled at the sight — his hunger visibly battling his self-control. Joshua and Jeonghan admired the cake's decorations, while Woozi, Wonwoo, Jun, Minghao, DK, Vernon, Scoups, and Boo were already exploring the gift bags brought by the girls.

When Nian and Xuanye saw them tearing into the presents, they ran over in panic and gave them light slaps on the arms.

"Hey! Don't open them yet!" Xuanye said.

All the members looked at them with pitiful, puppy eyes.

"You're making this harder for us," Xuanye groaned. "Don't give us that look — we can't handle it."

Nian laughed.

Mingyu peeked at the cake and asked, "Then… can we at least eat it?"

Nian nodded. "Go ahead."

The boys dove toward the cake, scrambling for seats around it.

"Why the sudden gifts and cake?" Vernon asked, glancing at both the cake and the wrapped bundles.

Nian and Xuanye's smiles softened into something more melancholic.

Nian spoke first. "At first, we were just excited to do our project. But then... we were lucky. We got to meet you all."

Xuanye continued, voice trembling, "I've loved every second here. I won't forget this — it's the best project I've ever had."

The room fell silent. The members' faces dropped, like wilting flowers.

Wonwoo leaned forward. "Why? What happened?"

Nian exhaled. "Our project ends today. But… our professor gave us two extra days because he knew how hard it would be to part from you."

Tears pooled in her eyes.

Xuanye placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, then addressed the group with a heartfelt smile.

"We wish you nothing but great success. You should fly high like the sky and shine like a rainbow. Even if we're not old enough to bless you, we Carats care so much about you. We'll keep praying that you stay happy, together, and always smiling."

The members' eyes shimmered. Jun, clearly holding back tears, quickly cracked a joke.

"Girls… don't say stuff like that. You'll make us cry. That's not fair."

The room laughed gently, even through the emotion.

Nian and Xuanye clapped and cheered, trying to lighten the mood.

"Let's not cry. Let's celebrate — our project won! Thanks to all of you."

They looked at each other.

"So, shall we cut the cake?"

"YEAHHH!" the members cheered.

Together, they joined hands and cut the cake. The sweet aroma filled the room, followed by happy chaos.

Mingyu was already devouring his slice. Hoshi looked like he'd just met his soulmate — in cake form. Boo acted like he was filming a cooking show. Joshua, Jeonghan, Woozi, and Wonwoo were tossing crumbs at each other. Nian and Xuanye watched them with warm smiles.

Xuanye leaned toward Nian. "Now it really feels like I lived my dream."

Nian nodded quietly, her eyes gleaming with emotion.

Later, Nian stepped outside for air. She found DK standing alone, gazing at the moon with his headphones in.

She walked toward him and gently tapped his shoulder. He turned, surprised, then pulled off his headphones.

"Nian? What are you doing out here?"

"I came out for a walk. But what about you? Why aren't you with the others?"

DK smiled and looked back up at the moon.

"I just… felt like I needed some air. And I was right."

Nian tilted her head. "Right? About what?"

DK turned to face her fully. The moonlight hit half his face, making his gaze even softer.

"My instincts told me… you'd come."

Nian froze. Her heart stuttered.

DK smiled and placed a hand gently on her head.

"Next time, don't disappear like that without telling anyone. Not even a note. We were all worried."

Her voice wavered. "I'm sorry, DK. I won't do it again. I didn't mean to make you all worry…"

DK let out a small hum and looked back at the sky.

A cool breeze swept by, making Nian shiver slightly. DK noticed immediately. Without a word, he took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.

She smiled instinctively, heart fluttering.

And side by side, they stood beneath the moon — quietly watching it together. DK glanced at her again, his eyes full of something unspoken but deeply felt.