As the boys, girls, and their father gathered in the living room, their mother continued cooking in the kitchen. The father smiled brightly at the scene in front of him, while the boys sat nervously like they were on a formal visit to meet their girlfriends' parents. Nian and Xuanye giggled at their awkwardness.
Their father looked at them and asked warmly, "So boys, why are you all here today?"
Wonwoo, amused, replied, "Uncle, the girls invited us."
He nodded happily, but silence soon fell over the group like an unexpected visitor. DK, trying to lighten the mood, chuckled. "Why is everyone suddenly so quiet? Come on, say something!"
The boys smiled awkwardly, unsure what to say—until Hoshi blurted, "Uncle, when will you arrange the wedding?"
DK and Minghao closed their eyes in disbelief, peeking at him like "Seriously, now?" The rest of the members looked at Hoshi with both amusement and agreement, curious about the father's reaction.
Their father burst out laughing. "You're really something, Hoshi! They've just started dating. How can we talk about marriage already?" He raised a teasing brow. "What's with your sparkling eyes? Are you that eager to see their wedding?"
Hoshi giggled with his eyes squeezed shut, playing innocent.
---
From the kitchen, their mother called out, "Girls! Come help me."
Nian and Xuanye stood and headed in. She handed them dishes and said, "Place these on the table. And grab some extra chairs from the balcony."
The girls nodded and got to work. Meanwhile, Vernon took a whiff of the air and nudged Joshua. "Hey, smell that—it's going to taste amazing."
Joshua gulped. "Just the aroma is making me hungry."
Jeonghan's stomach grumbled loudly, and the boys turned to him with knowing smirks. Jeonghan chuckled awkwardly, pretending nothing happened.
Their father stood and gestured. "Let's talk after we eat. Come on."
The boys practically leapt to their feet. Boo whispered dramatically, "Uncle, I was waiting for you to say that. If not, I would've marched to the table myself!"
DK laughed. "Boo, you ate so much this morning. Are you hungry again?"
Boo sulked. "You try watching two lovebirds be all cute without food—then you'll understand my suffering."
DK smiled shyly. "Aww, Boo~ then go cry to your 'closer one,'" he teased.
Boo narrowed his eyes. "With what time? I can barely keep up with myself—and now you're talking about closer ones?" He rolled his eyes, clearly done.
---
At the table, the girls and their parents served the dishes. The boys took their first bites and practically melted.
Mingyu gave a thumbs-up. "Auntie, your cooking is amazing."
She laughed warmly. "Eat slowly, boys. I made plenty, so don't waste anything."
Scoups added, "Don't worry, Auntie. Even if there's extra, we'll pack it and take it back to the dorm!"
She smiled proudly. "If I had a son like you, I'd cook for him every day. But these daughters of mine? They never even praise my food!"
Scoups grinned. "Auntie, the food you made for us during New Year was also incredible. We even took pictures and thanked you!"
"Oh? The girls told me you liked it," she replied with a pleased nod.
The boys kept chewing contentedly. Meanwhile, Woozi eyed Scoups.
"Why is he scoring points like he's about to become the son-in-law?" he muttered.
Wonwoo chuckled. "Uji, he's acting innocent, but let's be real—none of us are normal in this group."
Woozi burst into quiet laughter.
---
Mid-meal, their mother turned serious. "Girls, why didn't you come home for the past two days?"
The girls froze and coughed. Nian quickly answered, "Ma~ we were busy with work."
Boo, under his breath: "Yeah, busy with discharges and public displays of affection."
Nian and Xuanye shot him twin death stares while Minghao kicked him under the table. Boo groaned in pain.
"Discharge?" their mom asked suspiciously.
Xuanye laughed awkwardly. "Ma~ Boo had a stomach ache. We took him to the hospital. That's what he meant."
Boo's eyes widened. "When did I have a stomach ache?! You guys just threw me under the bus!"
Nian and Xuanye were sweating bullets while Boo sulked in silence. Their mom stared at them, puzzled.
Did they rob something or what? Why are they acting like this? she thought, eyeing them suspiciously.
---
After the meal, the boys cleaned up and slouched on the couch, leaning against each other like sleepy puppies.
Their mom sat beside them, smiling. "Boys, what are your names again? I don't know how to call you properly."
One by one, the boys straightened up and introduced themselves.
But she kept staring curiously at Woozi and Jeonghan.
They noticed her gaze and smiled nervously.
Then, their father clapped his hands. "Shall we play a game?" he asked with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
The boys exchanged confused glances and nodded.
He slid to the edge of the sofa. "I'll ask each member to perform my favorite SEVENTEEN moments. Whoever does it well can eat at our house anytime!"
The boys looked stunned but amused. Game on.
"Let's start with Scoups!" he said.
Scoups blinked as everyone leaned forward.
"Do the thunder-and-hot hook step with me!" their dad beamed, standing up.
The girls were giggling like fangirls while the boys ducked behind one another, laughing.
His wife just sighed and muttered, "This man... he'll never change. Even in real life..."
Scoups stood awkwardly. "What song?"
Nian, ever the chaotic fan, pulled out her phone and played "HOT."
As the hook played, her father nudged Scoups. "Go on!"
Scoups chuckled nervously but obliged, doing the hook step while everyone clapped and cheered.
Her dad pulled him into a hug. "I'm proud to be a Carat!"
Scoups laughed, returning the hug.
---
Next was Jeonghan.
"Jeonghan, can you swirl for me?"
The boys snorted while the girls clapped. Their mom leaned forward, intrigued.
Jeonghan scratched his neck shyly, and Nian played the romantic version of "April Shower."
He began walking with exaggerated grace.
Suddenly, DK and Hoshi jumped up, standing on either side of him like princes.
They offered their hands, and Jeonghan—ever the diva—placed his hands in theirs like a princess. DK and Hoshi spun him around as his hair flowed dramatically.
Their father laughed so hard, he had to sit down.
As the spin ended, DK clapped and announced, "A round of applause for our princess, Jeonghan!"
Jeonghan gave a dramatic bow and covered his face in mock embarrassment.
Their mother clapped enthusiastically. "So graceful!"
The room echoed with laughter and applause, as if the family had just gained thirteen sons.