CHAPTER 74:"Backstage Hearts and Sweet Confessions"

As the girls exited the venue, they took a deep breath at the gate. Xuanye sighed with a smile, "Nian, this concert was truly a blast—it feels like we just checked something off our bucket list."

Nian laughed, pouting slightly. "Yeah… but now I really want to see them in person."

Just then, delivery men arrived with the desserts and bouquets the girls had ordered. They thanked them, then picked everything up—Nian holding the bouquet and Xuanye carrying the dessert boxes—and headed toward the backstage entrance, careful not to attract the paparazzi.

When they reached the door to the boys' waiting room, they found two tall bodyguards stationed in front. Nian and Xuanye exchanged amused glances.

"How are we supposed to get in now?" Nian whispered.

Xuanye smirked and said, "Just follow my lead," then confidently approached the guards. Nian followed her, looking confused.

Xuanye placed her hands on her waist and tried to step forward, but the guards stopped her. With an air of dramatic flair, she said, "Sirs, we're here to see the members. Look—we brought desserts and flowers. Can we go in?"

The guards shook their heads silently, standing as still as statues. Xuanye blinked at them, stunned, while Nian, trying to hide her laugh behind the bouquet, chuckled at the sight.

Xuanye added quickly, "But Scoups told us we could enter after the concert," flashing a hopeful grin.

The guards didn't budge. Frustrated, Xuanye attempted to push past, but they gently blocked her. Nian couldn't stop laughing and teased, "Sirs… are you that close now?" She pointed at their interlocked hands.

Realizing they were holding each other's wrists, the guards separated as if shocked and coughed awkwardly.

Meanwhile, the boys had just gotten off stage and were making their way toward the waiting room. Minghao, walking ahead, spotted Xuanye arguing with the guards. He froze in place, smiling brightly. The other members, catching up, followed his gaze.

Scoups tapped his shoulder. "Minghao, what are you looking at?"

He pointed. "The girls came to see us."

The boys lit up, surprised and happy. Xuanye turned around in a huff and immediately noticed Minghao's warm gaze.

"Hao!" she squealed and ran toward him, jumping into his arms for a tight hug.

"Awwww~" the boys chorused in unison.

Nian turned and saw DK approaching. She gently placed the bouquet down and opened her arms. DK practically stumbled into her, hugging her like a toddler who hadn't seen his mom all day.

The members turned away, blushing and smiling shyly at the scene.

Meanwhile, Boo had already snatched the dessert boxes from Xuanye's hands and was inspecting them eagerly.

Xuanye turned back to Minghao, eyes brimming with tears. "Hao, you nailed it. I got goosebumps during your performance," she sniffled.

Minghao's expression softened as he gently patted her back. "Ye… why are you crying? I was performing, not going to war."

Xuanye pulled back, wiping her tears. "When I saw your hands… they looked so thin. I couldn't help it."

He laughed, showing off his hands dramatically. "Look—my hands are beautiful. Want them framed?"

She swatted his arm playfully, and he smiled, cradling her face in his palm. "Ye, you're my energy. If you cry, it makes me sad."

Her eyes shimmered. "Hao…"

He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, leaned in—and she pecked his lips.

"I love you," she whispered.

Minghao blinked, stunned. "Ye…" He smiled slowly, brushing her cheek. "I love you too."

Meanwhile, DK was still clinging to Nian. "I missed you," he mumbled. Then, grinning, he added, "But Nian… your dance moves need a little work. When I saw you on the screen, I almost forgot my lyrics."

Her eyes widened in mock offense. "Excuse me? I was dancing because I was happy you chose my favorite songs! If you think my moves are average, then you should teach me!"

DK tilted his head playfully. "Should I? Hmm… what if I say no?"

"Then I'll ask your performance leader. He'd definitely say yes," she smirked.

DK immediately puffed up with jealousy. "No, I'll teach you! You've got an all-rounder boyfriend, remember?" He pointed at himself proudly.

Nian giggled, pinching his cheeks. "Yes, yes, I'm lucky to have you."

DK grinned and made a heart with his hands. She playfully blew him a kiss.

He leaned in closer. "You want to kiss me, don't you~?"

Nian blinked in panic. "W-what?!"

DK burst into laughter—then kissed her lips and leaned back with a mischievous smile.

Nian froze. "Loudie…"

She stepped back, flustered. He held her hand tightly, still grinning.

Nearby, the boys all coughed in unison, arms crossed.

Joshua deadpanned, "Guys… we're right here. Please."

DK and Minghao both blushed.

Just then, Hoshi picked up the bouquet. "Did you get this for us?"

The girls nodded. "And we brought desserts too," Xuanye added—then looked down at her empty hands, confused.

She turned and saw Boo, Dino, Jeonghan, Scoups, Wonwoo, Woozi, Vernon, Jun, and Mingyu already stuffing their faces.

Xuanye's jaw dropped. "When did you—?!"

Boo, with his mouth full, replied, "When you were hugging Minghao. Thanks, by the way."

Xuanye turned bright red. Minghao laughed and patted her head.

Hoshi dragged DK and Minghao to join them. As everyone ate, Scoups raised his voice, "Guys, we're celebrating tonight. Are you in, or are you sleepy?"

The boys cheered, "LET'S GO~!"

Nian and Xuanye watched them fondly, their hearts full.

Woozi looked at the girls and asked, "Would you like to come with us?"

Both girls froze.

Nian gasped. "Really? We can join?"

Woozi nodded, smiling.

Xuanye's eyes sparkled. She turned to Nian and they hugged each other, jumping in excitement.

Watching them, Wonwoo laughed. "We're just going to celebrate, but they're acting like they just debuted."

Jun, licking frosting from his hand, replied, "They still haven't processed that they're not fans anymore—they're basically family now."

Wonwoo looked at him. "If you like it that much, take my cake. Just stop licking your hand like a cat."

Jun snatched the cake without hesitation and began eating. Wonwoo sighed. I didn't mean it literally…