Conveniently, Seulgi’s graduation took place a few days after. It did mean that she was unable to attend her friends' graduation, but in exchange, it meant that for once they would be the ones visiting her.

As the only one who had a driver’s license, Johnny borrowed his parents’ car and with Nari, Taeyong and Jaehyun packed in the car, the four of them set off for Busan at the crack of dawn. It was unclear who or how they had decided to drive there instead of taking the train, but Nari seemed excited to go on a car trip and Johnny would not be the one to strip away a small pleasure like this from her.

“Nari.” Jaehyun poked at the girl who was sitting in the passenger seat.

Taeyong gave a weary glance at Jaehyun, having a bad premonition about what was about to befall. They were halfway to Busan and it had been an overall calm and peaceful journey and Taeyong whole-heartedly hoped for it to remain that way.

“Nari,” Jaehyun repeated, not caring that the girl had done a pretty good job at ignoring him so far. “Nari, Nari, Nari, Nari.”

“What?!” Nari finally snapped back, her patience having reached its limit.

Her hands clenched and unclenched and Jaehyun sent Taeyong a look of gratitude for having banned Nari from bringing her mallet or any sculpting tools that could be used as weapons. Johnny stiffened, tightening his grip around the stirring wheel and exchanged an exasperated look with Taeyong through the rear view mirror.                    

“Let's switch places,” Jaehyun chirped, his whole demeanour brightening up now that Nari had reacted.

“No,” Nari replied curtly while sinking deeper into the passenger seat.

“Don’t be so mean. It’s not fair that you get to be all comfy there. ” Jaehyun frowned. “Then maybe you switch with Taeyong? He’s such a bore. I need proper entertainment.”

“Tough luck,” Nari huffed, focusing her attention to the scenery outside.

Meanwhile, Taeyong elbowed Jaehyun in the stomach, taking offence in his earlier statement. Massaging his stomach, Jaehyun sent Johnny a silent plea of help but the older male expertly avoided Jaehyun’s gaze and whistled a casual tune while keeping his eyes focused on the road.

Realising that he was outnumbered, Jaehyun fell back and punched the air while pouting childishly.

Exchanging yet another look with Taeyong, Johnny let out a long sigh and the two childhood friends prayed that the remainder of the journey would remain uneventful.

・・・

Seulgi’s graduation ceremony was no different than what the other four had gone through. The difference though was that rather than suffering a whole day wrapped up in the stuffy graduation gown, they could enjoy the day as bystanders while making sure to cheer as loudly as possible when it was Seulgi’s turn to go on stage; so loud that even Seulgi’s parents felt second-hand embarrassment as a result.

Once the ceremony was over, Nari and Jaehyun sniggered like toddlers as they hurried out of the auditorium. Taeyong and Johnny trailed behind them, feeling grateful that Seulgi was busy with her parents and could not yet avenge for the embarrassment she had experienced going on