CHAPTER 62:“Graduation Escape Plan: Operation SEVENTEEN”

As the boys stood together, they smiled and said in unison,

"Nian, Xuanye — Happy Graduation!"

They clapped enthusiastically.

Nian and Xuanye were touched, their hearts full.

"We're truly grateful to see you all here," the girls said in unison.

Feeling cheeky, Nian turned to Scoups.

"Scoups, why didn't you say anything when Jeonghan lied to us?"

The members giggled.

Scoups looked at them like they betrayed him.

"I didn't know Jeonghan was going to pull this off. Honestly, I'm starting to question who the real leader is around here," he muttered, turning dramatically toward the members.

Nian and Xuanye laughed.

"Don't worry," Xuanye said, "but… you guys really shouldn't be here."

Woozi raised a brow.

"Why not? Can't we stay a little longer?"

Nian sighed.

"Today isn't just our graduation, Woozi. The college is also hosting a motivational program, and professional journalists and media people are arriving. If any paparazzi catch you here... it'll be chaos."

The boys froze. Mingyu spoke up,

"But we want to stay for a few more hours..."

The girls looked at him in disbelief.

"You want to get captured by paparazzi, Mingyu?" Nian shot back.

Mingyu shrank back. The boys looked at each other like kicked puppies. Before the girls could respond, Yichen, who had been looking through his camera, suddenly got a call. He glanced at the screen.

Professor Xi.

His expression grew serious. He answered.

"Yes, sir."

As he listened, his face paled.

"Yes, I'll be there in a few minutes."

He hung up quickly.

"What happened?" Nian asked, alarmed.

Yichen turned to them with urgency.

"The media and paparazzi have arrived. They're already on campus. I have to head to the hall — but you guys need to be careful. They cannot see the boys here."

He left quickly. Nian and Xuanye froze for a moment before spinning around in sync and shouting:

"Guys, evacuate now!"

The boys stood frozen.

"The paparazzi are here! If they see you, it's over!"

Scoups snapped into leader mode.

"Cover your faces. Walk calmly to the front... no, scratch that—manager just said the back gate!"

He tapped his earpiece. The manager's voice had just crackled through.

"Guys, the media is here. Don't come through the front. I've parked the van at the back gate. Move now."

The boys panicked.

"In unison," they asked the girls,

"Where's the back gate?!"

Nian and Xuanye pointed immediately behind them.

The members bolted. DK grabbed Nian's hand, Minghao grabbed Xuanye's, and they all ran together through the breeze-filled campus.

"Yay! Why are you grabbing us?!" Nian yelled breathlessly.

"We're just students!" Xuanye echoed.

DK only chuckled, refusing to let go.

They reached the back gate, where the manager was waiting, arms crossed but ready.

The door opened. Everyone climbed in.

Manager Zheng blinked.

"Are they kidnapping their girlfriends now?" he muttered under his breath.

Inside the van, everyone was breathless — the girls included.

"Why did you drag us with you?" Xuanye asked, still catching her breath.

The boys exchanged glances.

Vernon smirked.

"Because if we didn't, how else would we celebrate your secret graduation party?"

Nian gawked.

"Party?! What party?!"

Xuanye added, "Why do you guys keep dropping surprise after surprise?!"

The members just laughed.

Woozi leaned forward with a grin.

"Your graduation ceremony is done. That long speech was going to be boring anyway. It's already 5 PM. You're better off spending time with us."

Xuanye smiled.

"Honestly? You're right. A speech can't beat this."

The boys looked relieved, and Woozi basked in his small victory.