CHAPTER 30: One Text, A Thousand Butterflies

As Nian and Xuanye left, the members watched them go with pale expressions and heavy hearts before heading back inside. In the car, Xuanye rested her cheek against the window, quiet and distant. Nian glanced at her and asked softly,

"Xuanye… are you still feeling sad?"

Without turning her head, Xuanye replied,

"Nian… after leaving, it feels like a part of my heart is empty."

Nian gave her a faint smile and reached out gently.

"Don't feel sad. We will meet them again."

Xuanye turned to her sharply.

"How? How could that even happen?"

Blushing, Nian smiled shyly and murmured,

"Umm… you know DK, right? He… he proposed to me this morning."

Xuanye slapped her hand over her mouth, gasping. She pointed at Nian with a squeal,

"You—what—when—?! You're seriously bold, Nian!"

"Shhh!" Nian hushed her. "Come closer, I'll tell you."

Xuanye leaned in eagerly. Nian whispered about the incident from that morning, covering her face in embarrassment. Xuanye froze.

"Are you serious?! That all happened today?"

Nian nodded with a bashful grin.

Xuanye tapped her arm in awe.

"I didn't expect DK to propose like that!"

Nian laughed.

"Even I didn't. Honestly, if he hadn't, I would've left him a note with my feelings. But he confessed himself… and I'm happy."

Xuanye playfully pinched Nian's cheeks.

"Niannn~ hearing this fills my stomach with butterflies!"

She kissed Nian on the cheek.

"Hey!! What's gotten into you?!" Nian yelped, rubbing her cheek in mock horror.

"You're acting so weird today!"

Xuanye leaned back and sighed dreamily.

"After hearing your story… my heart feels full, Nian. And knowing that I might have a chance too makes me even happier."

Nian raised an eyebrow.

"What chance?"

Xuanye's eyes widened, and she smiled like a girl in love. She turned slowly to face Nian, then smirked.

Nian's jaw dropped.

"Wait—Xuanye… are you seriously in love with Minghao?!"

Xuanye looked out the window, biting her nail shyly, and nodded.

"I wasn't sure at first. I didn't know if I loved him as an idol… or as a person. But that night—at the celebration… something changed. He's quiet and shy, but the way he talks and carries himself… it made me fall for him, truly."

"But…" she added hesitantly.

"But what?" Nian asked.

"But he's an idol. How can I love him? That thought is stopping me."

Nian nodded slowly, understanding.

"I felt the same when DK confessed. I told him it was impossible. But he said something that made me realize... he doesn't want to be seen as an idol—just as a man. He hides so much pain under his smile, Xuanye. And it made me fall… not for the idol DK, but the real him. The wild, chaotic, sweet DK."

She took Xuanye's hand gently.

"So if you've truly fallen for Minghao, don't let fear stop you. He's human first, idol second. Whether you confess or wait, just follow what your heart tells you."

Just then, Xuanye's phone buzzed.

Her eyes widened.

"It's Minghao!"

Nian laughed.

"See? Fate. We were just talking about him!"

Xuanye grinned and opened the message. It read:

> Ye-did you reach? Take care.

She melted like snow on a sunny day, then leaned back against the seat and squealed happily.

"It's like passing an exam," she whispered, giggling.

Nian watched with a teasing look.

"You two aren't even a couple yet, but you already act like you're married."

Xuanye ignored her and typed quickly:

> Yes, Minghao, we're almost back at college. I'll take care of myself… and you take care of yourself too. Don't eat late. And don't sleep too late either.

As she hit send, she held the phone to her chest and sighed with joy.

Nian smiled softly, turning to look out the window and enjoy the breeze.