Loving You (Yizhan) ✔

Chapter 4: Gala Pt. 2

"Yibo," Zhan called but was not enough for the younger to hear. Yibo too, was busy at looking on the venue as it also amazed him. Xiao Zhan on the other hand decided to call the younger again but with a louder voice this time.

"Yibo," the latter who was being called froze, he silently smacked his head for being stupid to not notice the older one that was sitting beside him. He turned towards the older and just gave him his usual look because he doesn't know how to respond. After all, something did happen in the past.

Xiao Zhan received Yibo's cold stare and it gave him shivers and at the same time, sadness. He really wanted to make Yibo his friend again but after what he did he only saw 0.1% in that happening ever again. Yibo, who averted his gaze away from the older was too occupied in thinking how he should start the conversation. In short, Yibo was not affected by what Xiao Zhan said to him months ago.

Yibo was about to talk to Xiao Zhan when the hosts made their way to the stage and decided to start with the program.

***
The introduction went pretty well, Zhan could say that there were no mistakes while Yibo on the other hand face palmed himself because of the numerous mistakes that the performers did. Well, he's a dancer after all so it's normal for him to have high standards when it comes to dancing.

"Good evening once again ladies and gentlemen...I am Xu Xian, your host for tonight's gala!" announced the host and fireworks were immediately released unto the night sky and that made Zhan stare at the scenery above him in awe. It was truly beautiful.

"Wow," he unconsciously mumbled while watching the fireworks explode, forming various shapes and displaying wonderful colours that were made for the audience to watch. Unknown to Zhan, a person kept staring at his form while he was admiring the night sky above.

"Beautiful indeed," the person blurted quietly.

"That signifies the beginning of our Gala!" announced the host that made Zhan look at his wristwatch. 'How can an introduction take one hour?!' he asked on his mind. He looked in other directions to watch the other's reactions but none were the same as his. 'Do they find this normal?' he asked and took a peek at the man seating beside him. His side profile greeted him and to be honest, Zhan found Yibo attractive. Aside from that, Yibo's reaction was similar to the others so Zhan made a quote to himself, 'Galas are tiring, be sure to avoid one in the future,'

***

Xiao Zhan sighed as he found the Gala not as fun as he thought it would be. Artists are being called to the stage to give a speech after receiving their award from the host who's presenting it to them and bla bla bla. Bored room was visiting Zhan and then he decided to yawn, he tried to hide it so that no one could see but it hit the timing when Yibo spared a glance at Xiao Zhan who was covering his mouth on the front, making the side view visible. This view made Yibo laugh hard, he tried to hide it but was only choked by it.

'I swear that my laugh is gonna be the end of me,' Yibo thought.

Hearing a stifled laugh, Zhan turned his head to where it came from and saw Yibo who was slapping his thigh while laughing and his other hand covering his mouth to make it not obvious to others. A laugh without a noise made its way to Xiao Zhan's head and he found it funny. Soon, the two of them laughed at each other.

Yibo stopped laughing and looked at Xiao Zhan who was also looking at him. 'Damn, is this going to turn into some awkward silence?' both of them thought at the same time.

'No,' one of them said in their head, determined.

"W-Why were you laughing?" Zhan asked Yibo who was a bit shocked at his sudden question.

'I never thought that Zhan-ge would initiate the conversation first,' thought Yibo but he was willing to answer Xiao Zhan's question for the sake of their relationship. Both of them wanted to repair it back to what it was but one can never return what was before, right?

"Hm, that's because..." Yibo thought about it for a while, he didn't want to blurt out how Xiao Zhan looked when he was yawning. The older might assault him and Yibo doesn't want that. "...you're handsome," said Yibo while smiling and it shocked Zhan.

But Zhan did not give way to his feelings as he did not want their conversation to stop because of him being unable to say anything due to the stun that Yibo gave him. "Hm..." he coughed out before returning the compliment to the younger man, "...you too, you look rather, dashing like a princess in a beautiful suit," Zhan turned his compliment into a joke that made the younger stare at him. "Oh really? You should look at yourself. It's you who looks more like a princess than me," fired back Yibo and before they knew it, the distance they kept from each other slowly faded as they scooted towards one other to continue their talk and would sooner be followed by a series of laughter.

***

"And now, one of the most awaited awards of the year...The Song of the Year Award goes to..." the host made it thrilling for the audience though most of the audience had a feeling of what song won the award. "...Wu Ji, sang by Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo!" the host cheered and looked at where the two artists were sitting only to find them talking like they were the only two present at the moment.

The host decided to call them again, "let us all welcome Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo!" a round of applause was heard throughout the venue but both artists were still looking at each other, laughing and talking not giving a care at the host nor at the award.

"E-Ehem," the host coughed and looked at the crew, obviously asking for help. Then one of the crew went to where the artists were seated and informed them that it was their time to walk on the stage and get the award.

Both of them were embarrassed at what they did but none of them showed it to the audience as that would bring shame to both of their reputations. As the two collected the award, they were also tasked to give a speech of acknowledgement and others to the audience. Zhan wanted Yibo to do that as he had countless experiences but Yibo urged Xiao Zhan to do it as it would be his first. Xiao Zhan looked at the audience and noticed that all eyes were on him. Suddenly, nervousness visited him, unable to make him focus on the front. He looked at Yibo and the younger mouthed, "you can do it,"

This phrase gave Zhan strength and faced the front before giving his speech. "Good evening to you all..." he started, so far it was smooth and good, he then continued until he finished his speech that he just made right now, "...that would be all and thank you," he bowed and was followed by Yibo before going back to where they seated.

Zhan took a deep breath to let go of all the pent up emotions that he gathered from the stage. "Zhan-ge..." he heard the younger call him, he turned to Yibo and smiled, "hm?"

Yibo looked at him with a soft expression plastered to his face, "you did great," Yibo then gave Zhan a thumbs up which Zhan returned back with a smile and a thumbs up.

And that's how Xiao Zhan's first gala went.

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Edited
12/17/21

[Sorry guys, I did not update for the past few days because of Super Typhoon Odette. There were no electricity and water for the past few days until today due to the damage brought by the super typhoon. Thankfully, I managed to catch a signal today and decided to publish this chapter.]

Enjoy!