CHAPTER 61 : “When SEVENTEEN Crashes Your Graduation”

As Yichen clicked the photo, Nian and Xuanye walked over and grabbed the camera from his hands to take a look. Yichen stood frozen, heart pounding as he glanced at the boys standing just behind the girls.

When Nian and Xuanye saw the photo, their eyes widened in disbelief. Nian's heart raced as she zoomed in—the boys stood in a cool formation behind them.

Scoups and Jeonghan leaned back-to-back. Hoshi flashed his signature "horanghae" gesture. Jun pulled a cheeky aegyo pose. Wonwoo kept it cool with a simple expression. Woozi gave a rare, bright smile. Boo held a heart close to his chest. Mingyu angled his head for a perfect side profile. Dino had removed his glasses to show his "eyes of love." DK, as usual, was doing a weird pose. Joshua stretched his arms like he was inhaling peace. Vernon made a big heart with both arms.

And Minghao—he was waving directly at Xuanye.

As the girls stared at the image in awe, the boys walked toward them with the wind gently tugging at their clothes and hair, making them look like they had stepped out of a dream.

Nian and Xuanye stood frozen, their souls seemingly leaving their bodies.

DK tapped Nian's shoulder with a soft smile. She blinked back to her senses and shook her head slightly.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, flustered.

DK chuckled while Jeonghan peeked from behind him. "Surprised?" he grinned. "We lied about practice. We're here to celebrate with you!"

Xuanye whispered to Nian, "I thought they had rehearsal…"

"I don't even know what's happening anymore," Nian muttered, still processing.

Meanwhile, Yichen—completely overwhelmed—walked up to Wonwoo and gave him a tight hug.

Wonwoo blinked in confusion, blushing a little. The members all looked on in amusement.

"I'm your die-hard fan," Yichen confessed.

Wonwoo smiled and gently patted his back.

"Can you pinch my cheek to prove this isn't a dream?" Yichen asked, eyes twinkling.

The boys burst into laughter. Wonwoo, flustered, reached out and gave a soft pinch.

Yichen's face lit up. "This is real! It's real!" he shouted and jumped around while hugging Wonwoo again.

The girls stared at him like, What in the world is happening?

Nian composed herself. "Guys, how did you even get in without anyone noticing?"

DK grinned, patting her head. "It was Jeonghan's plan. And our manager is on duty in case anything goes wrong."

Nian widened her eyes and turned to Xuanye, who was already laughing.

"You guys are really bold," she said. "What if someone recognized you?"

Minghao stepped forward and gently took Xuanye's hands. "No one will notice," he said softly. "See? Everyone's too busy doing their own thing."

The breeze rustled around them, filling the space with a strange sense of calm like they were in their own little world.

DK looked at Nian with a warm smile. "You look beautiful today."

Nian immediately covered her mouth in embarrassment.

Xuanye snorted with laughter beside her.

Meanwhile, Yichen was still hanging onto Wonwoo like a koala.

Wonwoo gave an awkward smile and whispered, "Young man… can you let me go now?"

Yichen blinked and finally pulled away. "Right, sorry." He chuckled.

Turning to Nian, he asked, "Why didn't you tell me you were close with them?"

"I didn't know you were a Carat," Nian said. "And if I told you, it could've made things difficult for them."

Yichen nodded thoughtfully. "Fair. Then… can we take a group photo? Please? I might never get this chance again."

Xuanye smirked. "Yichen, don't be dramatic. You can take infinite photos with them. They won't stop you. Right, boys?"

The members, overhearing her, immediately began fixing their hair and adjusting their clothes like they were prepping for a Vogue shoot.

Yichen laughed. "Wow… they really are ready."

They lined up together. Vernon held the camera.

"One, two, three—" he counted.

DK suddenly lifted Nian into the air. Minghao slipped his arm around Xuanye's waist and pulled her close.

Yichen, caught up in the moment, placed one hand on Boo's cheek and the other on Wonwoo's.

Vernon laughed, trying not to shake the camera, and clicked the picture.

Then Joshua grabbed the camera and took another one.

When it was done, all the members rushed over to Joshua to see how it turned out.

DK gently lowered Nian and leaned close to her.

"Why's your face so red? Are you blushing?" he teased.

Nian stammered, "I—I was just shocked! You lifted me without warning!"

DK chuckled, his voice warm. "You've graduated now, Nian. You're entering a whole new world. All the best for your future."

He leaned in and kissed her cheek.

Nian froze. Slowly, she placed a hand on her cheek and gave him a light slap on the chest.

"Loudie! What if someone saw that?"

DK sighed dramatically. "You always worry too much. Just enjoy the moment."

Nian, flustered but touched, nodded with a small smile.