Neighbor (Zihao x Keita from Boys Planet)

Part 4: Morning

The next morning, Zihao woke up early and headed to the kitchen to help Keita's mom prepare breakfast. She was grateful for his help and showed him how to make some traditional Korean dishes.

As they worked together, Zihao couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort and familiarity in the kitchen. He had grown up helping his own mother cook in China, and the sights and smells of the kitchen made him feel a little bit closer to home.

Takuto was the next one to wake up, bounding into the kitchen with a huge grin on his face. "Good morning, Zihao! Good morning, Mom!"

Keita eventually stumbled in, looking a bit groggy. "What smells so good?" he asked, rubbing his eyes.

"Zihao and I are making breakfast," Keita's mom said with a smile. "Why don't you go wash up and we'll have everything ready soon."

Keita nodded and headed off to the bathroom, leaving Zihao to chat with Takuto. As they waited for breakfast to be ready, Takuto regaled Zihao with stories about his school and his friends, chattering away excitedly.

Zihao couldn't help but smile at Takuto's enthusiasm. He had grown to love the energetic little boy, and he was glad that he had found a second family in Keita's household.

As they all sat down to eat, Zihao felt a sense of contentment wash over him. He had found new friends and a new sense of belonging in this foreign country, and for that, he was grateful.

"Zihao, you should call me Mom, okay?" Keita's mom said sternly to Zihao.

Zihao was a bit taken aback by Keita's mom's stern tone, but he nodded quickly. "Okay, Mom," he said, a small smile forming on his face.

Keita's mom had always been kind to him, but she was also no-nonsense and didn't tolerate any disrespect. Zihao had learned to appreciate her straightforwardness, even if it sometimes caught him off guard.

"Good," Keita's mom said, her expression softening. "You're like a second son to me, Zihao. I want you to feel like this is your home, too."

Zihao felt a surge of warmth in his chest at her words. He had always felt a bit homesick since moving to Korea, but being welcomed into Keita's family had made the transition a lot easier.

"Thank you, Mom," Zihao said sincerely, reaching over to give her a quick hug.

Keita rolled his eyes, but Zihao could see the fondness in his friend's gaze. It was moments like these that made Zihao feel like he had found a second family in Korea, and he was grateful for that.

"Mom, why did you are so soft to Zihao and stern with me" Keita nags.

Keita's mom let out a small laugh at her son's question. "It's because you're my son, Keita," she said, ruffling his hair affectionately. "I love you and I know you can handle it when I'm a little tough on you."

"And me, Mom?" Zihao asked jokingly.

"You are my son in law" Keita's mom chuckled with winking at Keita.

Zihao blushed at the joke, not quite sure how to respond. Keita, on the other hand, groaned and rolled his eyes.

"Mom, come on," he protested, but he couldn't help but grin at the teasing. Zihao had always been a good sport when it came to Keita's family's playful ribbing, and it was clear that he was already becoming an integral part of their dynamic.

"Okay, okay, I'll stop," Keita's mom said, still grinning. "But in all seriousness, Zihao, I'm glad you're here. You're a good influence on Keita."

Zihao smiled at the compliment, feeling a warm sense of pride in his chest. He had always tried to be a positive presence in Keita's life, and it was nice to know that Keita's mom recognized that.

"Thanks, Mom," he said sincerely.

The rest of breakfast passed in a comfortable, easy silence. Zihao felt grateful for the sense of family that surrounded him, even though he was far from his own. He knew that he had found a second home in Korea, and he was excited to see what the future held for him and his new friends.

As Zihao helped Keita's mom clear the dishes, she leaned in and spoke to him quietly.

"Zihao, can I ask you for a favor?" she said, her expression serious.

"Of course, Mom," Zihao replied, wondering what she could possibly need.

"I know Keita can be a bit...difficult sometimes," she said, hesitating. "But he's been through a lot since his father passed away. I worry about him, especially now that he's the only male in the house."

Zihao nodded, understanding. He knew that Keita had struggled with the loss of his father, and he had always tried to be there for his friend.

"I want you to look out for him, Zihao," Keita's mom continued. "I know he can be a handful, but I trust you to keep him grounded. You're a good influence on him."

Zihao felt a surge of pride at her words. He had always tried to be a positive force in Keita's life, and it was nice to know that Keita's mom recognized that.

"I will, Mom," he said sincerely. "I'll always be there for him."

From that day on, Zihao made a point to walk to and from school with Keita every day. It was a small gesture, but he hoped that it showed Keita that he had someone to rely on. And when Keita's moods would swing from irritable to despondent, Zihao would listen patiently and offer words of encouragement. He knew that it wasn't easy for Keita to take on so much responsibility at such a young age, but Zihao was determined to be there for his friend no matter what.