DK looked at her with a soft smile.
Nian blinked up at him and asked, "But how did you guys come here without bodyguards or attracting anyone?"
DK gently patted her head and said, "We wore masks and caps. We were in such a rush to see you that no one noticed us."
Nian nodded with concern. "Loudie… don't go around outside carelessly. What if someone recognizes you?"
DK sat up a little, dramatically placing a hand over his chest and blushing. "I know… you just want me to stay close and take care of you, right?"
Nian stared at him, then whispered, "For that line alone, I might faint again," and immediately covered her face with the blanket.
DK burst out laughing, flopping forward into her lap.
—
Meanwhile, outside the hospital, Minghao, Xuanye, the rest of the boys, and Lian were standing on the sidewalk. Xuanye wiped her eyes and turned to Lian.
"Mam, if you have office work, you can go. Thank you for staying this long."
Lian glanced at the boys, then back at her. "Who are they? Do you know them?"
The boys all grinned and waved at her like eager puppies. Xuanye immediately turned and kicked their legs from behind.
"They're my… brothers," she said quickly.
The boys groaned in pain while Lian blinked in total confusion.
Lian turned serious again. "I'll head to the office and investigate who closed that door. I'll inform you once I know anything."
Xuanye nodded. "Thank you, Mam."
Lian left, and Xuanye let out a deep sigh.
Minghao stepped closer and asked gently, "Xuanye, what exactly happened at the office?"
The boys leaned in curiously.
Xuanye explained everything — from the file room to how she found Nian missing.
Jeonghan asked, "Do you think someone at the office has a grudge against you two?"
Xuanye shook her head. "No… we haven't been there long enough to have enemies."
Minghao looked suspicious. "Still, someone locking that door wasn't an accident."
Dino leaned forward. "Did you see anyone acting suspicious?"
Xuanye frowned. "To be honest… in our office, everyone looks suspicious. Who am I supposed to name?"
Minghao laughed and patted her head while the boys burst out laughing. Dino sulked, "Was my question that bad?"
The others chuckled and gave him reassuring pats.
Then Xuanye suddenly remembered something. "I'm going to buy fruits for Nian. You guys wait here—I'll be right back."
She turned around, but Minghao reached out and gently grabbed her hand.
Her eyes widened. She blinked at him, startled. The boys, of course, were already watching and giggling like high schoolers.
Minghao looked into her eyes and said softly, "Ye… we came to help you. Let us buy the fruits, okay?"
The boys behind them cheered quietly like fangirls.
Xuanye, flustered, looked away. "But Hao… if you guys go, won't people recognize you?"
He smiled. "We'll wear masks and caps. Even the nurses won't know who we are."
She looked around at the boys, who were now eagerly waiting for her approval.
She sighed with a small chuckle. "Okay, fine. Go get fruits for Nian—but don't cause trouble. If anything happens, call me."
They all nodded seriously.
Jun quickly walked up to Minghao and whispered, "We'll go. You just stay here and be the supportive boyfriend," and winked at him before running off.
Minghao stood frozen, gulping, a blush creeping onto his face.
Joshua took the lead, raising a hand like a general, "Let's go, mission: Buy Fruits for Nian!"
The rest of the boys followed behind him in formation, repeating in unison, "Let's gooooo!" as they marched off.
Xuanye watched them go and muttered to herself, "Are they going to buy fruits or start a riot…"
She couldn't help but smile.