CHAPTER 76: A Night to Remember

As they reached the restaurant at 10 PM, the girls were both stunned and impressed. The place looked grand—just the exterior gave off an expensive vibe. Scoups walked toward the entrance confidently, the rest of the members following behind. Nian and Xuanye trembled slightly, trailing the boys.

As the staff greeted them, a few peeked curiously at the girls and asked, "Who are they?"

Scoups laughed and replied, "They're our family."

The members nodded proudly. The staff chuckled and led them to their seats.

The boys chatted excitedly, while Nian and Xuanye couldn't stop looking around, eyes wide in amazement. As they walked, they accidentally bumped into Joshua. He turned around, chuckled, and said, "Girls, you look surprised."

Xuanye admitted, "Yeah... you guys brought us to such a fancy restaurant. Even if we had money, I don't think we'd dare step in here."

Nian nodded beside her.

Joshua smiled and motioned for them to walk ahead. "Go on. Don't worry so much."

The girls hesitantly moved forward, while he shook his head with a soft laugh.

Once seated, the waiter handed out menus. As the boys flipped through and began ordering, Nian and Xuanye stared at the menu like they were seeing another language—mostly because of the prices.

"Nian," Xuanye whispered, eyes wide, "these dishes are so expensive! How can we even order one?"

Nian nodded, gulping. "The price codes are insane. With this money, I could probably buy their company and become CEO!"

Overhearing them, Mingyu burst into laughter. "Girls, don't worry—we're not making you pay. Tonight, Woozi and Minghao are covering the bill."

They looked over in shock just as Woozi and Minghao handed their black cards to the waiter like it was nothing.

"Just enjoy it," Mingyu added. "You've taken care of us so much—we could never repay that. So please, eat without hesitation." He raised his brows with a teasing smile.

Relieved, the girls nodded. As the dishes started arriving, the boys stood up one by one and served food onto the girls' plates.

"These are our favorites," Boo said proudly. "Try them and tell us what you think!"

Nian and Xuanye took cautious bites... and immediately showed a double thumbs-up, cheeks full. The boys burst out laughing.

As they all ate, Jun raised his glass. "Brothers, today we pulled off an unforgettable concert. And more than that—we've gained a family. Nian and Xuanye were once shy, blushing Carats. But now, they're part of us. They cared for us when we were at our lowest."

The members raised their glasses in agreement.

Woozi added, "We used to be chaotic boys. But when they came into our lives, our dorm and bond became stronger—and yes, even more chaotic."

Nian and Xuanye quickly stood with trembling hands and raised their glasses too.

"You guys are really praising us too much!" Xuanye laughed.

Mingyu chimed in, "Even your cooking made us bow down to you."

Jeonghan and Scoups said in unison, "If you have time, please cook your secret dish again—and maybe even share the recipe?"

The girls chuckled and nodded. The boys smiled brightly.

"Cheers," they all said, clinking glasses. "Let's stay like this—even into old age."

Laughter and conversation flowed freely. As they continued eating, Xuanye whispered to Nian, "Hey... we've been staying at their dorm so long, we haven't even gone home."

Nian coughed. "Yeah... and now that we've got our jobs, we really should go see our parents."

Xuanye nodded, then suddenly said, "Nian, come closer."

She leaned in.

"What if... we take DK and Minghao with us to meet them?"

Nian leaned back, impressed. "I didn't expect you to have this idea!"

Xuanye grinned. "Are you okay with it?"

Nian nodded. "But we should ask them first."

They looked at DK and Minghao, sitting across from them. The boys felt their gazes and looked back in unison, choking slightly as they gulped down water.

"Why are you looking at us like that?" DK asked.

Nian smiled sweetly. "Are you guys free tomorrow?"

Everyone at the table went silent. The boys froze. The rest of the members leaned in, clearly eavesdropping.

DK chuckled nervously. "Why are you asking us now?"

"Just tell us," Xuanye pushed, "are you free?"

Minghao processed for a moment. "Yeah..."

Nian and Xuanye took a deep breath.

"Then... are you ready to meet our parents?"

The entire table exploded.

Joshua's eyes widened like someone stole his 'gentleman' title.

Woozi literally hid under the table.

Hoshi and Dino started giggling, slapping each other's knees.

Wonwoo and Jun spit their food.

Scoups dropped his chopsticks.

Mingyu looked at them like they'd just become the 14th and 15th members of SEVENTEEN.

Vernon resembled a shocked seagull, legs kicking under the table.

DK and Minghao just blinked. "What...?"

"We're heading home the day after tomorrow," Xuanye said calmly. "So we thought this would be the right time."

"Will your parents even let us meet them?" Minghao asked.

"Our mom is a bit strict," Xuanye admitted, "but we think she'll allow it. The rest is up to you two."

DK and Minghao exchanged nervous glances. "Okay... let us know when you're packing."

The girls nodded happily.

Minghao leaned to DK. "Are their parents living in the same neighborhood?"

DK shrugged. "I have no idea. Guess we'll find out soon."