Love Under Siege | YZ ✓

𝖫𝗈𝗏𝖾 𝖴𝗇𝖽𝖾𝗋 𝖲𝗂𝖾𝗀𝖾

Thunder rumbled in the distance as Xiao Zhan stood on the balcony of his luxurious yet lonely, apartment. The walls seemed to whisper tales of a time when love was simpler and acceptance was a given. Now, that dream were crumbling, much like Xiao Zhan's spirit. His eyes, wide awake and weary, scanned the horizon, searching for solace in the gathering storm.

Xiao Zhan had always dreamed of becoming a famous actor, a beacon of light in the world of entertainment. He worked tirelessly, sacrificing sleep and comfort, driven by his passion and the hope that he could make a difference. After a decade of relentless dedication, he had become the most well-known actor in the industry.

Through his journey, Xiao Zhan met the man who would later fill the void in his heart. The man, who would cherished him in a way that Xiao Zhan had always yearned for. His mother's tales of true love—of finding someone who would cherish and love him for the rest of his life—had shaped his dreams. Achieving fame was fulfilling, but finding a man who treasured him as he reached his dreams was more than he could have ever hoped for.

But reality, cruel and unyielding, had other plans. Their love, pure and profound, was seen as a scandal.

His life crumbled before his eyes when the picture of him and his boyfriend kissing in his car spread like wildfire. It became fodder for the public to feast on. Xiao Zhan could have handled it if the attention was only on him, but people immediately recognized the other person because of his distinctive car.

The amount of hate and discrimination broke his heart and churned his stomach. How could people be so disgustingly mean, saying such nasty things without even knowing him or his boyfriend?

Xiao Zhan had always wanted to be loved and to give love in return. But reality was cruel. Society's harsh judgment was a constant companion, a shadow that followed him everywhere. The public, instead of celebrating their happiness, dissected and ridiculed their relationship. His love for another man, equally famous and equally brave, was seen as a scandal. Every moment was scrutinized, turning their love into a source of public spectacle and hate.

He looked up at the dark sky as thunder made its presence known. A small smile crossed his face as he remembered how he met his boyfriend, Yibo.

It was when they were both cast as the main roles for a series. At first, Xiao Zhan thought Yibo was a snob and arrogant. But as time went on, he learned that Yibo was simply having a hard time meeting new people despite his career and his well-known status in the entertainment industry. Since that day, Xiao Zhan learned everything about him and discovered how lovely Yibo truly was. People misjudged him because of his appearance, but once they met him, Xiao Zhan knew they would definitely like him.

After their series was finished, the two still kept in contact with each other until one day Yibo asked Xiao Zhan out for dinner. At first, it was just occasional dinners or hanging out at each other's places. Then, one night at Zhan's place, the younger actor happily confessed his love to the elder.

Xiao Zhan was afraid and happy at the same time. He talked to the younger, suggesting he might just be experiencing a brotherly love, but Yibo cut him off, expressing his love for him with such conviction that Xiao Zhan couldn't help but be moved. The confession made Xiao Zhan cry, bursting out his feelings to the younger as well as his worries about their future.

"People are just starting to recognize me," Zhan had said through his tears. "And your reputation could be ruined because of me."

That night, the younger comforted him, reassuring the older of the security of their future. "If that happens," the younger actor had said, holding Zhan close, "I will stick to my decision, which is loving you and protecting you from whatever chaos may arise."