CHAPTER 71 — A Day of Dreams, A Sea of Light

As the boys finished getting ready, they stepped outside where the van was already waiting. The members, a little nervous, started dancing in place and practicing their moves even while standing.

Nian and Xuanye came out just in time to witness the scene. Watching the boys rehearsing in the parking lot made them shake their heads in disbelief as they walked toward them.

Seeing the girls, the members stopped dancing and stood up straight like soldiers at attention.

Nian and Xuanye stood in front of them, hands on their hips.

"All the best for your concert, guys!" they said in unison. "Don't be nervous. You've practiced for months — just go out there and do your best. And don't forget your legendary adlibs!" Xuanye added with a smirk.

The boys chuckled, saluted in unison, and Scoups replied, "We're off! See you at the backstage, okay?"

Nian nodded. "We'll be waiting to cheer for you. Fighting!"

The members waved and got into the van, which slowly pulled away.

The girls took a deep breath, turned toward each other, and Nian rolled her wrist dramatically.

"Now it's our turn to get ready."

Xuanye raised her hand like a general. "Let's go to the concert!"

As Nian and Xuanye arrived at the concert venue, they stepped out of the cab and looked up — their eyes widened at the massive banner fluttering above them:

"Welcome to SEVENTEEN's Concert – Have a Great Day, CARATs!"

Xuanye let out a soft gasp. "Nian... this venue is even bigger than the last one."

Nian giggled. "I know, right? And our first concert? This is going to be unforgettable."

They smiled at each other and held hands, hearts racing with anticipation. But the moment they turned to enter, they froze — the crowd was massive. A flood of Carats had already arrived, and the sea of pastel lights was overwhelming.

Nian coughed. "Xuanye, how are we supposed to get inside? I can't even see an inch of space."

Xuanye, completely unfazed, replied, "Don't worry. We won't have to walk. The crowd will carry us there."

Nian blinked. "What?"

Xuanye shrugged. "You said there's no space, right? Just stand still. Eventually, they'll push us in."

Nian gave her a death glare and kicked her lightly. "Shut your mouth, before someone hears your 'genius' ideas."

Xuanye laughed awkwardly and quickly grabbed her hand as they made their way toward the venue entrance.

They stopped at the merch stall first, buying light sticks and keychains. As they strolled through the merchandise area, they squealed quietly, clutching their items like treasure.

By 9:00 a.m., the crowd began moving toward the main arena. Nian and Xuanye followed the wave, eventually finding their seats. As they sat down, they looked around — the stadium was packed, not a single seat left.

"This is insane," Nian said, glancing around like a lost child. "I've never seen this many Carats in one place."

Xuanye chuckled. "It's beautiful. It's chaotic. It's... SEVENTEEN."

An hour passed in a blur. It was now 11:00 a.m.

Backstage, the members were lined up behind the curtain. Tension filled the air. They held hands tightly in a circle, standing shoulder to shoulder as Scoups looked around at each of them.

"Let's stay positive," he said calmly. "No matter what happens, let's just enjoy it. This stage is for the Carats. Let's make them smile."

The boys nodded, hearts pounding.

At exactly 11:10 a.m., the stage lights burst on and the doors opened.

The crowd erupted.

Back in the audience, Nian and Xuanye sat up straight, blinking in confusion as the roar of screams hit them.

"What's going on?" Xuanye asked.

Nian didn't respond. Instead, she pulled out a pair of binoculars and began scanning the stage.

Xuanye raised an eyebrow. "Binoculars?"

Nian kept her eyes locked ahead. "Essential Carat gear. How else can we see their pretty faces clearly?"

Xuanye reached out. "Where's mine?"

Nian handed her a second pair.

"You're a genius," Xuanye whispered, amazed.

Nian pointed excitedly. "Look, ye! DK and Minghao are standing at the front!"

Xuanye immediately raised her binoculars. Her heart skipped a beat.

There they were — the boys they loved, shining under the lights, giving the crowd the first glimpse of a night that was about to become unforgettable.