Depths Of Spring

Hint of Love

At the drama set, Zhehan and Gong Jun found themselves seated amidst a forest scene, reenacting the scene they had practiced back in Zhehan's apartment hours earlier. Zhou Zi Shu tended to the bonfire, while Wen Ke Xing gazed at him affectionately, just as they had rehearsed.

However, the memory of their earlier laughter at the apartment replayed in their minds, and they couldn't help but giggle during the final take. This resulted in the director having to call for multiple retakes, cutting the scene more than 30 times.

"Cut!!!" the director exclaimed in frustration.

"What's going on with both of you? This scene is supposed to be easy--just stare, deliver your lines, and walk away. But you two keep bursting into laughter. It's contagious, and everyone on set is joining in. However, we can't dwell on laughter. We need to finish filming," the director scolded them.

Zhehan and Gong Jun nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. They sincerely apologized, ensuring the director that they would rectify their behavior and focus on getting the scene right. The director granted them a smile of reassurance, hoping that this time they would successfully complete the filming and finally enjoy their much-needed dinner break.

With renewed determination, Zhehan and Gong Jun geared up for another take, ready to move forward and complete the remaining scenes of the episode.

After the take, the director called for a break, allowing everyone to rest and have a meal. Tomorrow, they would continue filming the episode, which was only halfway done.

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"Hanhan, I promise I'm fine," reassured Gong Jun, seated on his bed inside his trailer.

"Enough, don't expect me to believe that. Your high temperature says otherwise. Seriously, didn't I tell you to take care of yourself? You're burning up. Are you punishing yourself?!" scolded Zhehan, giving Gong Jun a stern verbal reprimand.

- Flashback *

Zhehan had been practicing his fight scene with the extras when the director called "cut" and hurried over to Gong Jun.

In this particular scene, only Gong Jun appeared as the protagonist, surrounded by girls. On the table were fake food, wine, and glazed armors scattered around. Two girls lay on the floor, and one girl drowsily leaned on Gong Jun's shoulder.

Unable to bear seeing Gong Jun surrounded by women, Zhehan thought it would be better to practice rather than watch. However, in the middle of his practice, the director interrupted, causing the entire crew to rush over to the stage.

Realizing that Gong Jun was present on set, Zhehan panicked and rushed to the stage, where he found Gong Jun rubbing his temples, looking completely exhausted and unable to continue.

Gong Jun smiled at the crowd and reassured them, "It's alright, we can continue. I'm okay."

Although hesitant, the director was tempted to proceed, as it would be in their best interest if Gong Jun agreed to continue. Since the scene was not too complex, the director considered that perhaps Gong Jun could manage.

However, before the director could agree, Zhehan intervened, proclaiming, "Wait!" He stopped the director from making any decisions.

Walking up to Gong Jun, Zhehan kneeled down to meet his level, gently touching Gong Jun's forehead with the back of his hand. Zhehan's eyes widened in shock as he observed Gong Jun's condition. He then turned his gaze to the director.

"Apologies, director, but we can't proceed for now. I hope you can excuse us and postpone filming. Gong Jun has some issues that need to be addressed. Can you allow him to rest?" Zhehan requested, excusing them from the ongoing filming.

The director looked at Zhehan, noticing the serious expression on his face, and finally agreed to Zhehan's request. He nodded and informed the crew that they could take a break for the day.

Zhehan, in turn, looked back at Gong Jun, who lowered his head, unable to meet Zhehan's gaze. Zhehan rose and met Gong Jun's eyes.

"Let's rest for now," Zhehan spoke softly, offering a comforting smile. Supporting Gong Jun, he guided him back to Gong Jun's trailer.

Zhehan helped Gong Jun onto the bed and sat beside him. He examined Gong Jun's eyes, seeking an explanation for what had occurred.

"I'm truly fine, Hanhan. As long as I can move," Gong Jun assured, smiling warmly at Zhehan.

"But I'm not!" Zhehan exclaimed, catching Gong Jun off guard. Gong Jun could only stare at Zhehan in surprise.

Zhehan stood up and walked to the closet, searching for a towel to place on Gong Jun's forehead. After wetting it, he made Gong Jun lie down on the bed and asked if there were any fever-reducing medicine.

Gong Jun slightly shook his head, indicating that there was no medicine available in his trailer. Zhehan nodded, covering Gong Jun with a nearby blanket.

Tapping Gong Jun's shoulder lightly, Zhehan encouraged him to sleep, his touch as gentle as a feather. The warmth it brought felt incredibly comforting, akin to resting in the embrace of a warm breeze.

After a while, Zhehan softly sang a lullaby to lull Gong Jun to sleep. Gong Jun peered up at Zhehan's face above him. The beautiful countenance, the soothing voice, and the tender touch lingered in Gong Jun's mind as he drifted off to sleep.

Gong Jun couldn't fully comprehend the pleasant warmth Zhehan brought. He couldn't understand why Zhehan cared for him so deeply. Yet, that warmth, the gazes, and the smiles held a special place in Gong Jun's heart. There were times when he doubted his own feelings, unsure of what Zhehan truly felt.

As he fell asleep, tears formed in Gong Jun's eyes. They were neither tears of loneliness nor tears of happiness. They were tears of uncertainty and anxiety, fearing that one day Zhehan would utter the words he couldn't bear to hear—the truth that invalidated his own fantasies.

Observing the tears streaming down Gong Jun's face, Zhehan felt a peculiar sensation in his heart. He yearned to embrace Gong Jun, to comfort him. However, he knew he couldn't act on impulse.

Gently wiping away the tears, Zhehan patted Gong Jun's head and stood up. He walked towards the trailer door and stepped out, leaving Gong Jun peacefully asleep in his bed.

Outside, Zhehan took a deep breath, letting the cool air calm his racing heart. He had to suppress his desires and emotions, for he couldn't just embrace Gong Jun as he wished.

He found himself yearning for more, longing to provide comfort and solace to Gong Jun. However, he understood the boundaries that stood between them. The reality of their roles and the constraints of their professional lives kept them at a distance.

Zhehan wiped away any trace of vulnerability on his face, burying his own emotions to be the support Gong Jun needed. He had to be the strong one, the pillar of support for both of them.

As he re-entered the trailer, Zhehan walked over to Gong Jun, who continued to sleep peacefully. He couldn't help but gaze at Gong Jun's face, feeling an indescribable warmth in his heart.

There was something special about Gong Jun, something that drew Zhehan closer day by day. He found himself captivated by Gong Jun's presence, his smile, his laughter. Zhehan cherished every interaction they had.

But in his heart, doubts nagged at him. Uncertainties about Gong Jun's true feelings lingered, causing Zhehan to question the depth of their connection. He wondered if his own longing for Gong Jun overshadowed what Gong Jun truly felt.

With a heavy heart, Zhehan silently left the room, leaving Gong Jun to his peaceful slumber. Deep inside, he held onto his own feelings, fears, and uncertainties, never daring to hope for more than what their circumstances allowed.

For now, Zhehan would remain the friend, the supporter, the one who would always be there for Gong Jun. He had made a promise to himself to be content with that role, no matter the ache in his own heart.

As he closed the door behind him, Zhehan carried his emotions silently, guarding them from spilling over. Daily life on set continued, but behind the scenes, hidden within the depths of their hearts, a profound connection grew, intertwining their lives in unspoken ways.