it's been 5 days and there were no messages or phone calls to eachother. Zhan messaged yibo asking when he was coming he told Zhan he'll back in 5 days and there was no news of him coming back. yibo intended to live there for a week but after receiving Zhan's message he decided to come back right away even his parents were shocked that he was leaving so suddenly. and Xiao Zhan found himself counting the hours until Wang Yibo's return. He arrived at the train station early, eager to see Yibo's bright smile. but little did he know who else come to see the show.
As he waited, he spotted Yang Jian, arriving at the platform. A hint of surprise, followed by understanding, crossed her face. that was a show well she just wanted to clarify something.
"Professor Xiao," she said, with a respectful nod. "Yang Jian, are you here to pick someone" Xiao Zhan asked her, with a gentle smile.
"yeah professor, oh! yibo is here" she looked behind Zhan and waved at yibo. and Yibo looked at her giving her a smile of annoyance. poor jian.
yibo straight up went her "why the fuck are you here". he asked her. "well i thought i would pick you up, but-" she looked at Zhan who was standing there waiting for yibo and made that weird face again. "but i didn't knew he-" yibo cut her off "please just go back i want to spend some time with him I missed him so much." he pleaded. "ok ok well i was not here for you, i was here for drama anyway I'll go now bye professor Zhan I'll get going."
yibo approached Zhan "why did she leave without you" Zhan asked. "well she was not here for me" he said hugged Zhan "anyway i missed you so much" saying this he kissed Zhan on his cheek. Zhan was shocked from just hug and now kiss?
"let's go now" Yibo said smiling.
As they walked to the car, Yibo chatted about his trip. Xiao Zhan listened intently, his gaze occasionally drifting to Yibo's lips.
During the drive, the atmosphere grew comfortable, with Yibo sharing stories about his family. Xiao Zhan chuckled, feeling at ease.
As they approached Yibo's apartment, Xiao Zhan asked, "Would you like to grab dinner together?"
Yibo's eyes sparkled. "I'd love to."
Xiao Zhan guided Yibo to his favorite restaurant. Over dinner, their conversation flowed effortlessly. Xiao Zhan's gaze frequently met Yibo's, the connection between them palpable.
As the evening drew to a close, Xiao Zhan walked Yibo home.
"Thanks for picking me up, Zhan," Yibo said and hugged him once more.
Xiao Zhan smiled, his eyes crinkling. "Anytime, Yibo." he hugged him back this time. Zhan reminded Yibo about the international music festival. after that they went to their way.
_______________
With only a week left before the "Beijing International Music Festival." Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo intensified their practice sessions. Their daily routines blurred into a flurry of music, fine-tuning every detail.
The university scheduled meetings for participating teachers and students. Xiao Zhan attended the teachers' meeting, discussing logistics and performance schedules. they decided to take advance students as well so there won't be any mistakes afterall it was the big festival. they didn't want to pressurerise the students so there were more things other than music to enjoy.
Meanwhile, Wang Yibo met with fellow students, rehearsing ensemble pieces.
Their individual practice sessions remained uninterrupted, with Xiao Zhan guiding Yibo through intricate piano solos. The tension between them grew thicker, their connection deepening. as they packed up their things, Xiao Zhan's gaze lingered on Yibo. "You're ready for this, Yibo."
Yibo smiled, his eyes sparkling. "Thanks to you, Zhan."
Their hands touched briefly, sending shivers down Xiao Zhan's spine. well this old man just discovered his feelings and he is nervous.
"Let's get dinner," Xiao Zhan suggested, his voice low. Yibo nodded, falling into step beside him.
As they walked, the evening air carried an unspoken promise: their bond would only continue to grow stronger.
Xiao Zhan's eyes never left Wang Yibo's face as they walked side by side. The evening air carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers, but Xiao Zhan's senses were captivated by Yibo's presence.
As they reached the restaurant, Xiao Zhan opened the door, gesturing for Yibo to enter. Yibo's nature shone in the way he nodded, his eyes cast downward.
Seated at their table, Xiao Zhan took charge, ordering for both of them. Yibo's hands rested on his lap, his fingers intertwined.
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, with Xiao Zhan guiding the topics. Yibo listened attentively, his gaze locked onto Xiao Zhan's face. he taught him some etiquettes of the festival, boosting his confidence.
As dinner concluded, Xiao Zhan reached for the bill, his hand brushing against Yibo's.
"Thank you, Zhan," Yibo whispered.
Xiao Zhan smiled. "anything for you." and his eyes widened it's the first time he said something like this. The walk back to Yibo's apartment was filled with tension. Xiao Zhan's hand rested on Yibo's lower back, guiding him.
As they stood outside Yibo's door, Xiao Zhan's eyes locked onto Yibo's. "You're doing exceptionally well, Yibo. I'm proud of you."
Yibo's cheeks flushed. "Thanks to you, Zhan."
Xiao Zhan's voice dropped to a whisper. "I want you to shine on stage. You deserve it."
Yibo's eyes sparkled. "I won't disappoint you." they stood their silently not wanting to say goodbye. "do you want to come over sometime for dumplings i learned from my mom." he asked confidently. "sure after the festival?" he said asking if it was alright by him. "ok then after the festival I'll show you my cooking" he said making poses as if he is a chef holding his cutlery. and Zhan laughed at it. 'he is so cute' Zhan thought.
and like this they said their goodnights.