CHAPTER 48: Late-Night Laughter and a Lingering Face
That week flew by in a blur — Nian and Xuanye were immersed in exam prep, while the SEVENTEEN members were fully invested in their concert practice.
The next week, Nian and Xuanye woke up at 6 a.m. and began revising. At 7 a.m., a message popped up in their group chat:
"All the best for your exams, girls! Fighting!! 💪❤️"
Too focused to notice, the girls continued studying. At 8 a.m., when they finally closed their books, Xuanye let out a long sigh.
"Nian, today our exams start. We have to get high marks."
Nian yawned and stretched. "I studied all night. I couldn't even sleep. After these exams, I'm going to pass out like a rock."
She picked up her phone and blinked in surprise. "Ye~ the members sent us wishes!"
Xuanye rushed over, and they both read the message, touched. They quickly replied, sending personal thank-you messages to each member, ending with:
"Thanks for your motivation, guys! Same to you — practice hard! Fighting!"
Xuanye chuckled. "Nian, they're really like our moms."
Nian smiled. "Right? Their families must be so lucky to have them."
After freshening up, the girls left to write their exams.
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By the end of the week, it was time for their final exam. The night before, Nian sat at the table with her glasses on, studying under the glow of a small lamp. Xuanye leaned against the wall on her bed, book in hand.
Suddenly, Xuanye paused, staring intently at a page. Her expression froze like she'd just spotted a wanted criminal.
A few minutes later, Nian turned to ask a question and saw Xuanye completely zoned out.
"Xuanye?" No reply.
Nian stood up, book in hand, and walked to her. She tapped her lightly — no response.
She followed Xuanye's gaze… and saw she was staring at a flower illustration.
It's just a sunflower… why is she looking at it like that?
A mischievous grin spread across Nian's face. She leaned in close and whispered dramatically:
"Xuanye… when I saw Professor Xi today, he called me over and said, 'You and your crime partner… even if you pass, you won't graduate. I'll make you repeat a year…'" She added an evil laugh. "He said that. I didn't tell you because I was scared…"
Xuanye gasped. "W-What?! He said that?!"
Nian nodded solemnly. "Studying now is pointless."
Xuanye's eyes welled up, her brain short-circuiting. "He wasn't even in college today…"
Realization dawned. She turned her head slowly and shot Nian a death glare.
"You really became bold, huh?"
Then came the tickle attack.
"Xuanye!! Stop! My cheeks hurt!" Nian cried between giggles.
"You scared me! I almost cried! Look, I'm even sweating!" Xuanye slapped Nian's arm as revenge.
Nian gasped between laughter. "And YOU! You zoned out staring at that flower! I called your name five times!"
Xuanye froze and glanced at the sunflower illustration again.
Still catching her breath, Nian leaned forward. "What's up with that flower? Why were you looking at it like it's your long-lost lover?"
Xuanye pouted. "It's not that! Just… doesn't this flower remind you of someone?"
Nian studied it and nodded seriously. "Yeah."
Xuanye's eyes widened. "Who?!"
Nian leaned back. "Professor Xi. You seriously can't forget how he made us do that year-long flower project in second year."
Xuanye sighed. "Jelly Nian~ I'm not asking about him. I meant… someone special."
Nian tilted her head. "Nope. But why are you asking? You tired of studying or something?"
Xuanye sighed and mumbled, "When I saw the sunflower, a face flashed through my mind… but I don't know whose."
Nian smirked. "Do you have an ex I don't know about?"
WHACK — pillow to the face.
Nian collapsed onto the bed, laughing. "Okay! Okay! But it was just a face, right? Could be an illusion. Don't think too much. Our final exam's tomorrow — no distractions, okay?"
Xuanye nodded.
Nian stood up and patted her head. "If it's your ex, you can tell me. I won't tell Minghao~"
Xuanye glared, ready to throw a punch.
Nian laughed and walked away.
But Xuanye… still stared at the flower.
"Who was that? Why did his face come to my mind…?"