Loveless 'solitaire' {YiZhan FF}

.26.

Leone woke up to the sound of his phone buzzing relentlessly. He picked up the phone with bleary eyes.

Papa! Why is he calling at this hour? he thought,"Hello, Papa,"

"Leone, return home immediately", his grandfather's voice was stern.

"Papa, is there something wrong?" Leone's voice became troubled.

"Come back, we will talk about it once you are here, and I want to see those two brats too." 

"I'll start tomorrow then," Leone said. "Why not today?" questioned his grandfather.

"Papa, I have to finish some formalities regarding the publishing company ... and want to bid goodbye to someone..." he said the last part barely audible.

"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow then..."  his grandfather's voice seemed to relax a bit.

"Love you, papa, see you tomorrow..." Leone replied.

"Love you too, my lion..." Grandfather ended the call.

He could feel something going on there from his Grandpa's tone. 

He was saddened that his time with Zhan ge had been cut short. He wanted to create memories that would last a lifetime, even though he knew he couldn't stay with Zhan ge forever.

Leone quickly phoned his brother to let him know about the change of plans.

Song and Wen were also sad, but the chairman's order made them feel scared.

Leone was contemplating the best way to say farewell to Sean. He quickly completed his morning routine, had a fruit bowl for breakfast, and then retreated to his room to call Sean.

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Sean on the other side was up early and busy with his mother setting the flowers. As she sat nearby, his mother couldn't help but observe her son's behavior with curiosity. He seemed lost in his own world, a smile on his face and mumbling to himself.

"I guess some good happened to my bunny, care to share with your poor mother?" Sean emerged from his own thoughts and smiled bashfully, saying, "It's a secret!" 

His mother pouted. "Okay, I'll tell you a little only 'coz you are my sweetest and loveliest ma. But promise me that you will keep this a secret." His mother nodded in response. 

"I think I'm in LOVE" he stated. "But don't ask me who, okay, which I won't tell you now."

His mother knew that her son was in love, the constant smile on his face, the way he mumbled to himself, and the whole pink aura around him. She couldn't help but feel happy for him, knowing that he had found someone special.

"Cross your heart make the pinky promise" Sean demanded like a child. He knew that he could be anything when he was with her, and she would accept him.

Mrs. Xiao simply gave in, despite being 27 years old, the son's behavior could be so childish at times. Sean, who looked much younger, could easily pass as a college student.

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After finishing his breakfast, Sean walked into his room and picked up his phone to check for any missed calls. He noticed that Leone had called him a couple of times.

As he called back, he felt his heart beating with joy, the call connected.

"Good Morning, Lil Lion!... Sorry, I left my phone in my room. Is there anything urgent?"

"Zhan ge, can we meet up today?... I mean not in the evening... can you spend a day with me?" Leone's voice sounded a bit down. 

Sean felt uneasy, "Why not, I'm free... you want us to meet now?"

Leone: "Can we do that?... I don't want to force you or anything..." responded.

Sean: "Anything for my lil lion... I'll get ready right away, okay"

Leone: "Then I'll pick you up from the usual spot, ge" 

Sean: "Okay good with me... see you in an hour"

As Sean was getting dressed, his mind was preoccupied with thoughts about Leone's dull voice. He couldn't help but wonder if something was amiss and if there was a problem.

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An hour later, Sean was picked up from their hotel. 

Leone and Sean decided to spend their day at a theme park. They tried almost every ride, screamed with joy, and giggled like little kids.

Sean was amazed at Leone's sometimes fearless attitude, and how he pushed him to try new things. His smile was infectious, and Sean couldn't help but feel captivated.

The memories they made that day would forever be cherished in his heart.

As the day progresses, he becomes more and more determined to finally confess his feelings. After careful consideration, he decides that today is the day, no matter what the outcome may be.

 As the sun begins to set and evening approaches, he knows that time is running out. Typically, they part ways at 7 PM, and he wants to make sure he has enough time to express himself fully.

Sean was fidgeting, trying to figure out how to confess. However, when he noticed Leone's deep distress, he became more worried.

Leone was gazing straight into his eyes  and said slowly, "Zhan ge, I've to leave tomorrow"

Sean felt something hard stuck to him, "But... why? ... aren't you supposed to leave next week?"

Leone spoke with a hint of sorrow in his voice, "My grandfather called today, he wants me to be back tomorrow, something urgent came up." 

Sean: "Oh..." his heart sank.

Leone: "Zhan ge, ... can I ask for one more favor?"

Sean: "No need to be so formal, you know you can ask me anything..."

Leone: "Then... can you spend some more time with me... I mean... a sleepover at my place"

Sean was experiencing a mix of emotions - a feeling of joy and sorrow had taken over him. However, he knew that he could not let go of the young man. Sean was determined to hold on to this person, as he felt a strong connection with him.

He just replied with a faint smile, "Sure, let us do that  Lil Lion"

As the driver drove the car to the destination, The two people in the backseat were experiencing a rapid and intense heartbeat.

Their small fingers were lightly touching, and they didn't bother to move their palms away. The invisible red thread of fate glowed faintly on their fingers.

-- Have you ever heard of the invisible red thread of fate, which is said to connect two people who are destined to be together? And the thread is said to glow faintly on the fingers of those who are connected. --