Surprise

Chapter 17

Nani and Sky were sitting quietly in the campus café. Even without saying a word, they managed to draw the attention of those around them. Nani, focused on his laptop, barely noticed the glances their way.

Even Nani is still in college, Nani had been working since he graduated high school. His responsibilities were far from small, most major decisions for the company required his input. It was something that made his father incredibly proud.

In fact, Mrs. Hari had already added Nani's name to the company's list of shareholders, particularly for the branch he was most involved in. This meant Nani held a stake in the family business even before officially stepping into his future role as the next-generation leader.

Sky, on the other hand, cradled his drink, taking slow sips as his eyes wandered to Nani every now and then. Sky didn't say it, but there was a quiet admiration in the way he watched Nani work. Moments like this, just the two of them sitting together, felt rare and precious like a small slice of calm amidst the whirlwind of their busy life.

Without realizing it, Sky reached out and gently poked Nani's cheek. The unexpected gesture made Nani pause for a moment, his eyes flicking to Sky. But instead of saying anything, he let out a small, knowing smirk and returned to his work, as if little moments like this had become their quiet normal.

Nani and Sky's peaceful bubble didn't last long. The gentle hum of the café was quickly overshadowed by the unmistakable energy of the F4 gang as they walked in.

Their presence instantly commanding attention. Heads turned, whispers started, and for a moment, it seemed like everyone had forgotten their own conversations to glance at the group.

At first, none of them noticed Nani and Sky sit quietly in the corner.

But Win's eyes lit up when he spotted them. A grin spread across his face as he waved the others over, striding toward the table with the excitement of someone stumbling onto a secret.

Nani saw the whole gang walking toward him. Nani already sensing the storm brewing. His fingers hovering above the keyboard as if pausing to summon patience.

By the time Win cheerfully dropped into the seat beside him, Nani was already rubbing his temple, as though he could feel the whirlwind of chaos approaching before it even fully arrived.

"Win." Nani said, his voice calm but edged with feigned weariness. "Next time, do me a favor, pretend you didn't see me. I came here for some quiet and peace."

Win burst into a shameless laugh, completely unbothered by the pointed remark. "Quiet and peace? You? Come on, Nani, that's the most boring thing I've ever heard." he teased, leaning back casually with a grin that practically dared Nani to try and shoo him away.

Everyone watched the exchange with a quiet smile, their gaze shifting between Nani and Win. They couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle when Nani began rubbing his temple again in a gesture that seemed both dramatic and resigned.

Groya and Prime walked back to the counter since their drinks ready. Dew and Sky were deep in conversation about the camera film, chatting casually.

Bright slid into the seat next to Nani and leaned in to whisper in his ear.

"Nani, are you free tomorrow evening?" Bright asked softly.

Nani raised an eyebrow and nodded. "Why?"

"I want you to come with me to the jewelry shop. I'm thinking of buying a ring," Bright said, his voice quiet but serious.

Nani's eyes widened, surprised as he catch the meaning of Bright. Bright gave him a small gesture to stay quiet.

Nani just nodded, his lips pressed together as he processed what Bright gonna do.

Nani subtly motioned for Bright to step outside, wanting a moment to continue their conversation. They quietly made their way to the door and stepped outside.

"Bright, are you sure you're going to propose to Groya?" Nani asked.

Bright nodded, his expression serious but calm. Nani studied Bright for a moment.

Bright's gaze softened as he nodded again. "Yeah, I've been thinking about it for a while now. I know it's a big step, but it just feels right. I don't want to waste more time. I want to spend the rest of my life with her." His voice held a quiet confidence, as if he had made up his mind long before now.

Nani let out a small sigh, his eyes searching Bright's face. "I guess you've really thought this through, huh? But... are you ready for everything that comes with it?"

Bright's decision wasn't a simple one. Everyone in the gang knew that his family hadn't fully approved of his relationship with Groya yet. If he were to propose, it would be a monumental step, one that could change everything, not only for their relationship but also for the connection between Bright and his family.

Bright gave him a small, reassuring smile. "I am. I want to build a future with Groya. I've never been more certain about anything."

Nani's expression softened, and for a moment, he didn't say anything, simply nodding slowly, understanding more than words could express. "Alright, Bright. I'll support you, no matter what. But I want you to know this. Groya is also my friend. If you're going to play with her feelings, I'll be the one to deal with you."

The seriousness in Nani's voice was clear, and Bright didn't miss it. He met Nani's gaze with gratitude and respect, his expression softening. "I wouldn't dream of it, Nani. I care about her too much for that."

"Good. I don't want that to actually happen," he said softly, his tone carrying the quiet weight of a promise.

As they walked back into the café, Nani noticed Sky had a look of surprise on his face, though Nani wasn't sure why. He made his way to his seat, glancing around. Dew had just given Win a playful smack on the head, and Groya and Prim were sharing a light laugh.

"What's wrong?" Nani asked, raising an eyebrow as he sat down.

Sky leaned in slightly closer to Nani, his voice low and a little hesitant. "Nani, does your mother really want to meet me?" he asked.

Nani blinked, caught off guard, but then a teasing smile spread across his face. "Why? Are you nervous?"

Nani studied Sky's face, his gaze soft but searching. He wasn't just curious, he wanted to know what Sky thought about meeting his mother. Did Sky feel this was too soon, too fast for them to step into another stage of their relationship?

Sky shifted in his seat, his cheeks tinged with a faint pink hue. "I wasn't expecting it, that's all..." he murmured, his voice quieter than usual.

It wasn't hard to see that the idea had caught him off guard, especially since it was Win, the infamous secret spiller, who had let the news slip. Sky glanced at Nani hesitantly before continuing, "I mean, your mom wanting to meet me... it's not like I'm against it, but... I didn't think it'd happen this soon."

Nani's lips curled into a gentle smile, his heart softening at Sky's honest reaction. "Don't overthink it. She's probably just curious."

"But Sky" Nani added, leaning in slightly, his voice lowering to a more personal tone, "if you're not ready or if you feel it's too fast, we can wait."

"No, it's okay." Sky said softly. "I just... I want to make a good impression."

Groya, overhearing, grinned mischievously. "Sky, you made Nani meet your parents without warning. Now that it's your turn, you're nervous?"

Sky blushed harder, glancing at Nani, who chuckled softly. Under the table, Nani reached out and gently squeezed Sky's hand. "It's fine." he said, his voice soothing. "I'll be there with you. You don't have to worry."

Sky's shoulders relaxed as he squeezed Nani's hand back, drawing comfort from the quiet reassurance.

Win, never one to miss an opportunity, coughed dramatically. "Sky, if you're nervous, why not bring all of us with you? Strength in numbers!"

Nani shot him a flat look. "Win, don't even start."

" I haven't dealt with you yet. That's why I don't tell you about anything serious. You never know how to keep a secret." Nani's tone shifted, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Win sat up straighter "Hey, I can keep secrets!" he protested, though the chuckles around the table made it clear that nobody believed him.

Prim leaned back in her chair, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "Oh, sure, Win. Just like that time in high school when you told everyone about Bright's secret crush?"

Win groaned "That's... That's different!" he muttered, but the group was already laughing, the playful atmosphere returning.