Worth It

Like a Dream

After all that mockery the only thing I wanted to do was crawl under my bed and hide. 

"Small breakfast, small lunch and no dinner," I thought to myself. 

•••

It had been a normal day. Training in the morning, meeting in the afternoon and back in my apartment during the night time. My day had been so busy I didn't even bother to check my phone. When I finally did, I wasn't surprised. 

10 new notifications from Feng Xiyao and some other anonymous messages from advertisements. Weirdly, there was a voice mail from Lian Huaiwei. 

I clicked on it. "Hi Xia Li, I'm inviting the director and a couple other extras from the concert to dinner. Please come at 8:00PM! If you can't, let me know. Have a nice day," ~ Sent at 2:30 PM.

8:00PM?!? I checked the time and it was well over 9:30PM. Without even grabbing a jacket, I sped out the door and called a taxi to the restaurant. 

Upon arrival, I saw Lian Huaiwei sitting down at the table with his phone in his lap. I felt so embarrassed for being so late. 

I paused at the entrance, thinking about what I wanted to say and brainstorming for a quick excuse. He immediately saw me and waved, gesturing me to come. 

I ran towards him and took a seat across from him. 

"I'm so, so sorry, Lian laoshi (Lian teacher). It was...it was a busy day and I didn't think to check my phone, I only saw your-,"

He shook his head with a soft smile on his face. 

"It's okay, no need to apologize. Everyone has busy days. Life as a trainee is hard, I speak from experience. Are you hungry? Shall we order something to eat?" He asked. 

By this time, I had noticed the black sunglasses covering the upper half of his face. 

"So that's why he isn't swarmed with fans," I whispered to myself. 

"Uhm...no, no thank you, I'm on a diet," I replied, my stomach rumbling in hunger. 

Lian laoshi must've heard because he called the waiter over and ordered something himself for me. 

"Food is fuel, Xia Li, please eat something," he commented, his eyes staring into mine. 

I was upset. I didn't know why I was upset, it was crazy. A menglu (Lian Huaiwei's fandom name), upset with the shining star himself. 

"Lian laoshi, I know you understand," I whispered, insisting on making my point. 

I immediately stood up and left the restaurant, not letting my emotions rise up even more. 

Lian Huaiwei did the same, following me out. 

"Is something wrong?" Lian Huaiwei asked. 

"Yes. Something is terribly wrong," I responded, a slight cry rising up. I continued, "My company boss asked me to lose weight so...so I can attend Youth with You 4. You definitely understand! For your dream, you will do anything. For my dream, I will do-"

Huaiwei came up and suddenly pressed his lips against mine, his hands cupping my face.

I was surprised, but delighted. It was at this moment where I had finally noticed the beautiful sky, filled with dazzling stars. The night was beautiful.

"Lian laoshi, I'm sorry, it's just been really hard. I've been a trainee for too long, with no debut," I murmured, as our lips parted.

"You're right, I do understand and I did do anything for my dream, but I regret it. Please, don't do everything for your dream, there are limits," he murmured back, his voice starting to crack. 

"But, but my boss said-"

"Join my company, please, Xia Li. You have so much potential. Attend Youth with You 4 under my company," Lian Huaiwei replied, a bland smile forming upon his face, his eyes filled with a sort of innocent hope.

"Really?!" I whispered with a surprised tone.

For affirmation, he hugged me, his arms around my waist. 

"Yes, and if I didn't make it clear enough, I like you. I like you a lot, ever since I met you, ever since we practiced together," Lian Huaiwei mumbled, his face turning a bit red.

"Lian laoshi, I like you too," I responded, my face also blushing up.

"I'm sorry if my actions are too straight up, I'm really not use to anything like this," Lian Huaiwei said to me, not knowing how cute his expression was. 

I didn't know what to say, this was definitely the sweetest man on Earth. 

"Thank you," was what came out, but I definitely could've said much more.

Please say I'm not dreaming...

(A/N) - e n j o y