🫧REDEMPTION // Zhanyi ff

5🫧

The rooftop was a quiet sanctuary, far removed from the chaos of the city below, chilly wind blew past it; sweeping away the loneliness and fragile emotions.

Zhan's fingers traced the rim of his glass as he wrestled with his thoughts, deeply regretting whatever he had done until now.

The weight of his past actions bore down on him, and the transformation he had undergone felt like an uphill battle. It was a lot for him that he felt overwhelmed. Personalities can't change overnight, so he was going through a hard time changing. Yet he was determined not to mess up things anymore.

He had a clearer goal this time— Wang Yibo.

Xao’s voice broke the silence, his words a beacon of guidance. "You can't change the past, Zhan, but you can shape your future. What matters is who you are now and who you want to be."

Zhan's gaze remained fixed on the distant lights, his voice tinged with regret, his whole past flashing before his eyes. "I never realized how much pain I caused to other people until now. Yibo is different, Hyung. I care about him in a way I've never cared before."

He can't imagine how others would've felt when he used to play with their hearts and treat them as a toy used for sexual pleasure, changing partners like clothes.

Yi Xao studied his cousin's troubled expression, a mix of concern and understanding in his eyes. "Yibo, huh? he's made quite an impression on you. I can feel this different kind of aura radiating from you and it's a really good change, Zhan."

The younger nodded, his thoughts drifting to Yibo's mysterious allure. "He's been through something, Hyung. I can sense it. And I want to be there for him, to make up for my past mistakes."

The older placed a reassuring hand on Zhan's shoulder. "That's the right attitude, brother . But remember, not everyone's story is as simple as it seems. Be prepared for whatever comes your way. I must warn you about that."

Zhan's brows furrowed, his gaze distant as he pondered his brother's words.

He felt a mixture of hope and uncertainty about the path he was embarking on, about his growing feelings for Yibo.

Weeks passed, and his relationship with Yibo deepened. But it didn't have any tag yet. He hated the feeling of hesitation when he questioned himself in front of mirror that what are they both to each other? Are they boyfriend? Cause they've actually never talked about it.

They've been hanging out together after their hook up, going on unofficial dates and all. He has not once hesitated to show his own true feelings for Yibo.

They have shared laughter, vulnerable moments, and whispered promises.

Yet, amidst the blossoming romance, there were still shadows that lingered-shadows that Yibo carried with him, unbeknownst to the former- playboy.

Their love story continued, with Zhan still earnestly trying to prove his feelings to Yibo. Love story? Eh? He would like to label what's going on between them as 'love' because it has never happened before but right now, he felt it with his heart that he had fallen very hard for his angel.

He was falling deeper into the trap, and he didn't even know it.

One evening, as they walked along the moonlit beach, Yibo's fingers intertwined with zhan's. He felt a surge of warmth at the connection, a sense of comfort that he had longed for.

"Yibo," he began, his voice tender as he spoke, "there's something I need to tell you."

The younger looked at him, his gaze a mixture of curiosity and apprehension, lips pouty and eyes shining with curious innocence. "What is it, gege?"

He took a deep breath, his heart racing as he spoke from the depths of his soul. "I've changed, Yibo. I've realized the mistakes I've made, the hearts I've broken. And I want you to know that you've changed me too. I've fallen for you, in a way I never thought possible."

Younger's eyes widened, his grip on his hand tightening slightly. "Z-Zhan..."

He continued, his voice unwavering. "But I also know that you're carrying something, something you haven't fully shared with me. I want you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what it is. We can face it together."

Yibo's gaze dropped to the sand, his shoulders tense, his heart feeling heavy at a sudden. "Zhan, you have no idea
how much your words mean to me. But there are things... things I've kept hidden."

The conclusion that the older has finally fallen for him, only him; slowly started sinking in Yibo's heart as he sighed. His eyes were not able to meet the others, his heart racing.

Zhan noticed how ethereal  his lover looked right now. He reached out, his fingers gently lifting his chin so that their eyes met. "Baobe, I don't want to push you, but I want you to know that you can trust me. I care about you deeply."

Tears shimmered in Yibo's eyes, and his voice trembled. "You're everything I Never expected, Zhan ge. You've shown me a side of you I never thought existed. But I'm also scared of what might happen if you knew the truth."

The brunette wiped away a tear that escaped his pretty angel's eye, his touch gentle and reassuring. "Whatever it is, baby, we'll face it together. You don't have to carry it alone."

In that moment, Zhan's heart swelled with a newfound determination. He realised that now there is no turning back. He was about to officially commit his everything to the mysterious pretty boy he met in a club. His heart, soul, happiness and his life, everything was to be committed towards the younger and he didn't regret it even slightly.

He was willing to stand by Yibo's side, to unravel the mysteries the younger held, and to prove that his transformation was more than just a facade, that he was what he is claiming to be now not how he used to be in the past.

Little did he know, the shadows of redemption were about to collide with the secrets Yibo had sworn to protect, forever altering the course of their intertwined destinies.

To be continued.......................

Adrian—> Has it ever happened to you that you try to transform for someone/something and that same person does something negative that makes you regret putting in the effort? That you were better in your bad shape and this transformation just broke your heart more.