CHAPTER 46: Secrets, Sighs, and Study Breaks

The next day, Nian and Xuanye woke up early to study, with exams just around the corner. They sat down with their books and got to work. After an hour, Xuanye's stomach growled. She looked at Nian and whined, "Nian, I'm hungry. Can we go eat?"

Nian, deeply focused, replied without looking up, "You go ahead. I'll eat later."

Xuanye sighed dramatically. "See? You're proving you're a topper again, huh?"

Nian turned to her with a deadpan look, closed her book, and said, "I can't win against your words. Fine, let's go."

Xuanye grinned and jumped like a puppy. Nian chuckled, and the two headed to the canteen.

As they sat down to eat, Nian's phone rang. She looked at the screen and showed it to Xuanye.

"It's DK," she whispered excitedly.

Xuanye squealed and waved her hand dramatically like she wanted to say hi through the phone.

Nian answered, "Loudie, what a surprise! You're calling so early!"

DK chuckled. "Yeah. We have to start practicing again for a whole month. I'm already exhausted."

"Why? What are you practicing for?" she asked, surprised.

DK replied, "There's a concert next month."

Nian nearly screamed but DK quickly added, "Shhh! Don't scream. This is a secret, okay? Only you, Xuanye, and us know. Keep it quiet."

Her eyes lit up, and she clamped a hand over her mouth.

Xuanye, mid-bite, looked at her confused. "Why are you looking like that? You look like a ghost," she teased.

Nian shot her a glare and turned her attention back to the call.

"When exactly is the concert?" she asked DK.

"It's at the end of the month. The date isn't confirmed yet, but I'll let you know."

Nian nodded eagerly. "Do we get tickets?" she asked with sparkling eyes.

DK laughed. "You want them?"

"I want to buy them myself this time," she said determinedly. "Last time, I couldn't get them. But this time, I will!"

Xuanye muttered, "Is she talking to DK or starting a protest?"

DK chuckled. "If you can't get them, I'll send them to you."

Nian smiled. "Thank you. Did you eat?"

"Not yet. We just woke up. Gonna eat after freshening up."

"Okay. And Loudie, I might be busy for a while. I've got exams, and next month is graduation. I'll message you whenever I can."

DK replied sweetly, "Yes, madam. Just focus on your exams. If you're free and feel like talking, message me. No pressure." He chuckled.

Nian blushed. "Okay, Loudie."

DK paused and softly said, "Love you."

Shocked, Nian replied in a trembling voice, "Love you too, Loudie…" and immediately ended the call.

DK sat frozen, giggling to himself. The members, nearby, stared at him. DK turned and saw them all watching.

Embarrassed, he stood up, stretched, and announced, "Why are you slacking off? Let's go practice! I'm feeling energetic today!"

The members crossed their arms and continued to stare. DK sensed the heat and ran to the door, slamming it shut behind him.

Back at the canteen, Nian placed her phone down, stunned.

Xuanye shook her and asked, "What happened?"

"Ye, don't scream after hearing this," Nian warned.

Xuanye nodded seriously.

"DK said they're having a concert next month!"

Xuanye screamed, "WHAT?!"

"Shhh!" Nian hushed her. "It's a secret."

Xuanye covered her mouth and gasped. "Really?"

Nian nodded.

"At last! I can finally try to get tickets!" Xuanye said.

Nian grabbed her hands dramatically. "After exams, we're free birds. No one can stop us."

Xuanye smirked. "Not even Professor Xi!"

They both giggled—until Nian noticed something behind Xuanye and her smile vanished.

"What's wrong? You look like you saw a ghost," Xuanye said, frowning.

Nian, teeth clenched, pointed behind her. Xuanye slowly turned… and saw Professor Xi standing there.

Xuanye gasped and immediately stood up to bow. Nian wiped her face in embarrassment and quickly followed suit.

Professor Xi crossed his arms. "Girls, don't get distracted before exams. If I see low marks, you'll repeat another year. Understood?"

"Yes, sir!" they said in unison.

"You're sweet with your words, but I know your tricks. Don't try to sugarcoat me," he warned and walked away.

Nian and Xuanye watched him leave, swallowing nervously.

"We just barely escaped," Xuanye whispered.

Nian nodded, still in shock. "Ye, since when does Professor Xi come to the canteen?"

Xuanye shook her head. "I don't know, but we better stay alert until exams are done."

They both sighed and continued eating.