Unsaid Love Story

Chapter 51

Walking down the hallway with trembling legs, Zhan is thinking about the situation he must face now or then. He isn't sure how others will behave, but being prepared is better than ruining the rehearsal, even if he's a little late. The next concert is not that far away, and he's not only going to face his brother but also his fans. On top of that, it is one of the most extensive opportunities for their dreams when another famous singer joins them on the next stage.

As he reaches the rehearsal room, he fidgets and is surprised to find that no one has arrived except his cousins. He had thought everyone would be here rehearsing for their next concert, but the scenario is different. Perhaps it's also for the best. He gets some time to think and relax. He sighs and moves to put his bag next to Peixin's, but the beta curses disapproving words and puts his bag on the other side, maintaining a distance.

Immediately, tears well up in Zhan's eyes. He swallows hard and pretends nothing bothers him when someone wraps their arm around his shoulders because he knows who that someone is. He puts his hand on Fanxing's, loosening the grip on his shoulders so he can turn around and face him. Forcing a small smile, he squeezes Fanxing's hand and says he's all right.

Fanxing narrows his eyes and gives a questioning look, a clear indication that he doesn't believe Zhan. Because Zhan's face clearly shows how upset he is, and his hands and legs show how trembling he is. The person who knows him well can guess his mentality, so Zhan's not surprised when Fanxing doesn't buy his words.

Just as they start to get emotional again, Ji Li appears and embraces Zhan, sensing his distress. Zhan explains how nervous he is feeling, and Ji Li promises that things will improve soon. Zhan smiles and appreciates the comfort and reassurance Ji Li provides, knowing that he can always rely on his friend in times of need.

Together, they discuss some important things about their concert until they hear loud footsteps in the hallway. Zhan rubs his forehead, trying to keep his mind clear, and focuses on the cracked door where Cheng walks in. The mood in the room immediately shifts; a wave of tension washes over everyone.

Zhan's heart sinks; his breath catches in his throat. All of his determination fades as he locks eyes with Cheng, who stares off into the distance with a stern expression, showing no concern for who is in front of him. The unbearable pain sets in as Zhan realizes that Cheng is not here to listen or understand. They used to be inseparable, but now there is a palpable distance between them, a chasm that seems impossible to bridge.

Ji Li places a comforting hand on Zhan's shoulder, shaking his head in encouragement and redirecting his focus to the important task they have in front of them.

The rehearsal is going awkward and lifeless, but no one comments on it. Each one stays in their own world and thinks about something, not even realizing the presence of the famous singer. The singer tries to break the tension by cracking a joke, but it falls flat. The awkwardness in the room only seems to grow. Eventually, they recognize their mistakes and apologize, taking advantage of their time to learn and create beautiful music. It's a whole new experience, but neither of them is in the mood to appreciate it.

After a few hours, they say their goodbyes and leave the room with their stuff. Immediately, pent-up emotions break down Zhan, and unshed tears slip out of his eyes as he rushes toward his hotel room. Halfway there, Yibo approaches him and lifts his head to look at his face, which is a mask of pain. He asks, "What's wrong?"

Zhan struggles to hold back the flood of emotions that have been building up inside him. He doesn't want Yibo to see him cry, so he quickly wipes his tears away and gives him a fake smile. "I'm fine, just feeling a bit tired."

Yibo sees through the façade, noticing how Zhan attempts to hide his emotions. Not saying anything, he pulls him into his arms and releases his sandalwood scent to push away the distress coming off him. His soothing hand runs across Zhan's back and tries to comfort him. Unknowingly, new tears join the old ones already slipping down Zhan's cheeks.