After they finished dancing to Love, Money, Fame, the boys clapped eagerly, and the house was filled with laughter and warmth. The girls' father and mother watched them fondly, their hearts full, as if their own children were simply playing and being happy.
Nian and DK exchanged a soft smile, while Minghao and Xuanye held hands and giggled with joy.
"Alright now, everyone sit down and get some rest," their mother said with a fond smile.
The boys nodded happily and sat down, while Nian and Xuanye joined their parents.
The girls' father looked around the room, eyes glowing. "Boys, it's been a long time since I laughed this much. Today, I'm truly happy," he said, chuckling warmly.
The boys puffed up with pride, as if they were court jesters who had successfully entertained royalty.
Meanwhile, their mother was still staring—completely zoned out—at Woozi and Jeonghan.
Mingyu noticed and whispered to Boo, "Hey, look at their mom. She's staring like they stole something!"
Boo chuckled and elbowed him with a laugh.
The two were giggling when the girls' father raised a brow. "Why are you laughing over there?"
Before Mingyu could cover, Boo betrayed him with a grin. "He has something to ask you!"
The boys peeked at Mingyu in amusement. Mingyu pouted and kicked Boo's foot. "I should've kept my mouth shut," he grumbled.
Still, under pressure, he shyly asked, "Um… Aunt, can I ask you something?"
She smiled. "Of course, go ahead."
He hesitated. "Why do you keep looking at Woozi and Jeonghan like they've robbed something?"
The entire room froze. The girls, their father, and the boys all turned to stare at her. Her eyes widened for a second—and then she chuckled.
"Haa~ That... it's nothing. It's just... when I look at them, they look so cute. And… well…"
The boys all leaned forward, sliding to the edge of the sofa in anticipation. Xuanye prompted, "Ma~ but what?"
She sighed. "They both have long hair and such soft features… I was wondering how they'd look if they were girls."
The room exploded.
The boys and girls froze for a second. Her husband burst into laughter.
"Now you understand how I felt!" he said. "When I first saw them, I thought the same. But you're one step further—you're imagining them as your daughters!"
Their mother flushed with embarrassment, but couldn't stop smiling.
DK, Boo, Hoshi, Mingyu, and Scoups collapsed laughing, clutching their stomachs. Woozi and Jeonghan let out a long sigh.
"How many times do we have to hear this?" Woozi mumbled.
The girls were giggling in the corner, clearly agreeing with their mother.
Then she added, "Don't take it the wrong way, boys. Honestly, you two look even better than my daughters sometimes."
Nian and Xuanye immediately stopped giggling and turned to their mother with deadpan betrayal. Meanwhile, Woozi and Jeonghan tried to hold in their laughter and blushes.
Woozi chuckled. "Aunt, we've heard that a lot from fans—but hearing it from you? That's new!"
Jeonghan nodded. "Even Uncle once mistook me for a girl… and he…"
He trailed off, too embarrassed to finish.
The boys were howling with laughter. Their father laughed too. "Ah, that time! She was jealous and hit me because of it," he teased.
The girls were full-on fangirling, while their mother elbowed her husband. "Are you acting like a young man in front of the boys now?"
Still laughing, she turned back to them. "But honestly, after getting to know you all, I finally understand why these girls are so crazy about you."
Nian and Xuanye blushed as their mother proudly continued, "When I first saw DK and Minghao, I thought, Wow… my daughters found men who look just like their biases! They always said, 'One day we'll find men like them and marry them.'"
DK gave Nian a proud smirk. Minghao chuckled as Xuanye hid her face in embarrassment.
"I used to think, 'Why are they so obsessed with idols?' But now that I've met you, I get it."
The boys looked at the girls with proud, tender smiles.
Joshua added, "Uncle, Aunt, honestly—when we first met them, we thought their college had sent some staff for our project. We never imagined they'd send these two girls who would match our vibes perfectly."
Vernon nodded. "They took care of us like our moms. We're really lucky to have met them."
Their mother laughed. "Yeah, I believe that. Even at home, these girls make so much noise the neighbors ask us to be quiet!"
The boys giggled, while the girls blushed.
She continued, more emotional now. "Even though you boys are so busy, you've taken such good care of my daughters. I'm truly grateful."
Scoups said sincerely, "Aunt, if anything, this is just us returning the love they gave us. What they've done for us can't even compare."
The girls looked at them, eyes misty.
Their mother smiled. "Nian and Xuanye always said just seeing you on screen made them feel calm and happy. I never understood… but now I do. Your smiles have a kind of comfort to them—it's rare, even I couldn't create that kind of feeling."
"Aww~!" the boys said in unison.
Wonwoo added, "But Aunt, we're just being ourselves. We never imagined we'd make anyone feel like that."
Nian said, "Wonwoo, it's real. Ask any Carat—they'll say the same thing. That's what makes you shine."
The boys were overwhelmed, speechless, glancing at each other with teary smiles.
"Okay, okay," their father said. "Let's not get too emotional, or we'll all be crying when it's time to leave."
Just then, Dino checked the time. "Jun! It's 4 PM! Our practice starts at 7:30!"
Jun blinked. "Wait, how did time pass so fast? I was ready to stay for dinner!"
Dino chuckled. "Don't worry—once DK and Minghao get married, we can eat here anytime."
Scoups sighed. "Why do you always bring up marriage?"
Realizing the time, he turned to their parents. "Aunt, Uncle, we have to leave now for practice."
The girls gasped. "Why did time move so fast?" Xuanye groaned.
Their mother stood up. "Wait—I'll pack some snacks. Eat them on your way."
The boys jumped to their feet like obedient kids.
She handed a box to Scoups. "Finish all of it!"
He nodded with a smile.
Then, seeing Woozi and Jeonghan, she suddenly disappeared into her room. She came back holding two rings.
"Come here," she called.
Jeonghan asked, "Aunt, what's this?"
"Give me your hands," she said.
Woozi and Jeonghan looked at each other, confused, but complied.
She slipped rings onto their fingers. "These are my gifts to you."
Woozi stammered, "Aunt… how can we accept something so precious?"
She patted their heads. "To me, you're not just boys—you're like my daughters. And if not daughters, then sons."
Jeonghan and Woozi looked at her in awe, deeply touched.
She turned to the rest of the boys. "That goes for all of you. If you ever want a mother—or a home—you're always welcome here. I'll feed you and take care of you."
The boys had tears in their eyes.
Wonwoo sniffled, "Aunt… we'd love to be your sons."
The boys nodded, eyes red. They rushed forward and hugged her tightly, sobbing quietly.
"If you really mean that," she whispered, "come visit whenever you can. Tell me what you want to eat, and I'll make it."
"Yes, Mother," they said in unison.
Their father stepped forward. "And I'm your father now too, alright?"
"Yes, Father!" the boys echoed, laughing through their tears.
Their mother wiped their faces. "Now go to practice with a smile!"
---
Outside, the girls came to see them off.
Xuanye smiled. "Let's meet again tomorrow, okay?"
Scoups nodded. "After work, come by the dorm. Let's hang out again."
Nian asked, "How are you guys getting to practice?"
DK pointed to the car. "Same way we came, Nian!"
The boys collectively sighed.
Mingyu smirked. "Tonight, let's switch things up. DK and Minghao sit first—then we all sit on their laps."
Scoups added, "I'm driving. First up—DK and Minghao get squashed."
DK and Minghao gulped.
"Boys, be careful!" the girls laughed. "Don't crush them!"
The boys laughed wickedly.
DK and Minghao waved with innocent smiles, then climbed into the car.
Mingyu, Boo, Joshua, Dino, and Wonwoo happily plopped onto their laps. DK and Minghao squirmed, waving awkwardly at their girlfriends as they were crushed under the weight.
The girls waved back, stifling their laughter.
As the car pulled away, Nian watched them go, her heart full.
Seventeen… you gave us the most unforgettable day. This bond—we'll carry it forever. I'm truly lucky to have met you.