𝖲𝗎𝗋𝗏𝗂𝗏𝖺𝗅 | 𝖧𝖺𝗈𝖻𝗂𝗇

Chapter 17:

They were all wearing their uniforms once again, Zhanghao suddenly feeling like he was going to miss looking like a 16 years old boy.

The name of their group was going to be ZEROBASEONE, zb1 for short. Zhanghao didn't think it was a great name, but honestly, he didn't really care.

Standing grouped, the MC, Minhyun, was sure to make them lose patience for all the suspense.

He started with the 8th place. Minhyun mentioned some of the characteristics of the first debut member, narrowing the options.

"The first member of ZEROBASEONE, placed 8th is...."

"Kim Jiwoong!" Everyone applauded the raven haired boy, going to hug him.

Zhanghao kind of expected it, knowing the immense popularity he had. Jiwoong and Zhanghao were kind of awkward with each other, though.

He took a swift glance at Hanbin, who was standing besides him and listening to Jiwoong's speech attentively.

Next, 7th place was announced.

"the 7th member of ZEROBASEONE is...." Minhyun spoke, taking a break after saying that. Lifting up his mic once the suspenseful music halted.

"Kim Gyuvin!"

Zhanghao was proud of him, hugging his fellow yehua trainee. As long as many of his company mates debuted, he was happy.

Next, it kept going and going.

"... Kim Taerae!"

"Park Gunwook!"

"Ricky!"

and then Minhyun explained that the two candidates for 1st and 2nd place would be shown on the big screen, and Zhanghao felt his hands sweat. Please.

The feeling he got when he saw his face next to Hanbin's on the screen was a feeling he could never be able to describe. Relief washed all over him, as he instinctively looked at Hanbin, who started crying the moment he saw their faces.

He wrapped his arms around the boy, placing a chaste kiss on his neck. "I-I thought you weren't talking to m-me?" Hanbin cried, holding onto Zhanghao's waist, scared to let go.

"I'm proud of you"

After some time they realized they had to separate, as they stood back in their position, before walking up to the spot where they would take their speeches.

Before that, 1st place obviously had to be announced.

Zhanghao didn't care who it was, even though it was obvious it was going to be Hanbin.

He fucking debuted. He did it. And it was all that mattered.

Zhanghao looked at the younger boy, listening to the announcer as he spoke.

"Zhanghao!"

The said boy flinched, not knowing why his name was called.

Then suddenly it clicked.

Turning to Hanbin, he pointed at himself, whispering a "me?"

Hanbin nodded with a smile, hugging Zhanghao. Zhanghao wished he never had to let go.

"This is a dream come true..." The Chinese boy started his speech, trying to stop his hands from shaking.

Hearing the fans chant his name, his face displayed on the screen besides the number one...

Zhanghao felt accomplished. He was truly proud of himself.

But he knew he wouldn't have come this far without one person, who was standing besides him right now.

"Let's walk up together" Zhanghao stated, ignoring the frantic motions of the staff, who wanted them to go up separately.

Hanbin said no, but when Zhanghao interwove their fingers, Hanbin didn't do anything to stop him.

They walked up the stairs together, greeting the other 6 members.

When Zhanghao sat down, he softly touched the 1st place seat, amazed.

"Hao hyung!" Hanbin called, catching his attention.

"It suits you" And then Zhanghao started crying, as he looked down at his shoes.

Stupid Hanbin, stupid emotions.

Last but not least, Minhyun announced 9th place. It was crazy how all the people had started chanting Han Yujin's name.

Zhanghao felt like a dad when it goes to Yujin. He really hoped it was his baby.

"Han Yujin!" Everyone stood up, shouting the loudest they had done until now.

Zhanghao looked at Gyuvin, who covered his face with his hands, probably feeling overwhelmed.

He went to pat the taller boy's shoulder, trying to comfort him.

When Yujin joined them up there, it truly felt like it was reality.

Zhanghao stood in the center proudly. He had many regrets regarding every performance he did, he regretted leaving behind so many people, so many friends. Maybe even family.

And staring down at the other 9 trainees who were left behind, he felt extremely guilty. But deep down he knew, that every single one of them would find a way to shine on their own.

Because that's just what the planet boys do, they shine endlessly. All of them in different ways.

Zhanghao was ready to start a new chapter of his life with these people.

—-

The final actually broke me