CHAPTER 39:"Sweet Like Strawberry, Soft Like Chamomile"

As DK and Nian walked toward his car, he smiled and opened the door for her. Nian chuckled as she got in. DK closed the door happily and practically skipped around to the driver's side. Nian caught his little jump and laughed in disbelief, muttering, "He's such a baby."

DK got in, and they both put on their seatbelts. He looked over at her and asked, "Nian, where should we go?"

Instead of answering, Nian reached over, removed his cap and mask, and said, "Don't you feel suffocated wearing all of this?"

DK was touched. He gently held her hands and patted them. "Nian, you know… being an idol is tough. We always have to be careful not to cause trouble. But I'll try to make this date happy for you."

Nian's eyes widened. In a soft, shy voice, she said, "Loudie… If going out makes you uncomfortable, we can just talk like this in your car. Or I could cook something new for you. Or maybe… I'll come over and keep you company. How's that?"

DK froze, stunned. Then he chuckled. "Your idea is fine, but coming over to my house? My parents will see you, you know. I can't smuggle you in."

Then he leaned in teasingly. "You're eager to come to my house, huh?"

Nian was flustered, her face turning red like the evening sun. She turned away quickly and stammered, "I-I didn't mean it like that! I was just saying, if you're uncomfortable going out… I won't force you."

DK smiled and gently placed his hand on her cheek, patting it softly. "Don't feel bad. I'd be happy to go out with you. And if you ever want to come over, just text me. I'll be there in a few minutes."

Nian gazed into his eyes and nodded with a smile. DK smiled back, patted her cheek once more, and started driving.

As Nian stared out the window, blushing and hiding her face, they passed a dessert shop. Nian perked up. "Loudie! Do you see that dessert shop?" she said, pointing.

DK peeked toward it and nodded. "Yeah. What about it?"

Nian smirked. "That's where Xuanye and I always go. If you taste one bite, you'll feel like heaven's in your mouth. If we had money, we'd eat there every day for lunch!"

DK chuckled. "Do you want to eat?"

She nodded.

"I'll go get it," he said, unbuckling his seatbelt and reaching for his cap and mask.

But Nian stopped him, grabbing his arm. DK looked at her hand, then up at her face, shyly. Nian's voice trembled, "I'll go. You wait here. Don't go outside without your members. And please don't attract a crowd."

She quickly took her bag, opened the door, and headed into the shop.

DK sat frozen, staring at the seat she had just left. He leaned back into his seat with a dreamy smile. In his excitement, he accidentally pressed the horn. The loud sound startled him, and he laughed, placing a hand on his chest.

Inside the shop, Nian saw rows of beautiful desserts. She chose 13 cakes for the SEVENTEEN members and one special strawberry cake just for DK. It was decorated with a chamomile flower.

She looked at the flower and smiled. This flower reminds me of Loudie…

After paying, she took a note from her bag and wrote:

> "DK, this is only for you. Share the rest of the cakes with the members. This flower reminds me of you, Loudie—you're like this flower, making everyone happy. If I keep seeing things like this that remind me of you, I'll have to start a list of names 😄."

She stuck the note on his cake and left the shop.

Back in the car, DK opened the door for her from his seat. Nian entered with a big smile and handed him the cakes.

DK was shocked. "Why did you buy so many cakes?"

Nian grinned. "These cakes are rare, Loudie. You might never get another chance to taste them. The shop opens only once a month, so I bought them now."

DK chuckled and tried to peek inside the box, but Nian stopped him. "Don't open it now. Open it after you return to the dorm."

DK nodded like an obedient puppy. He was deeply touched.

As Nian turned to place the cake in the back seat, DK leaned in and kissed her cheek.

She froze, dropping the cake onto the seat. Her hands trembled, and she was speechless.

DK shyly turned away, grinning.

Nian stared at him, blushing furiously. She gave his cheek a light pinch. "DK! What if the cakes got squished?! I bought them for you!"

She turned away, hiding her flustered smile.

DK laughed and noticed she hadn't put on her seatbelt. He leaned toward her. "Why aren't you wearing your seatbelt? Should I do it for you?" he teased.

Nian's heart pounded. She looked at him, tried not to laugh, and shook her head.

DK smiled, fastened her seatbelt gently, and leaned back into his seat.

Nian looked at him as if he were her most precious treasure. "Loudie, are you a baby or a mature man? I can't unsee it—you'll always be a baby in my eyes."

DK started the car and glanced at her with a soft grin. "For you, I'll always be your baby, Nian."

Nian blushed even more. She leaned forward, hiding her face behind her hair, unable to contain her emotions.

DK looked at her and chuckled. "Don't act like this, Nian. If I suddenly hit the brakes, you'll get hurt. Lean back."

Nian shook her head shyly.

DK watched her with adoration. She calls me a baby, but right now she's acting more like one. But it's okay… because I have her. No matter what happens, I'll protect her. I'll never let her get hurt.