Hidden Desires (YiZhan)

Chapter 2

The bell above the café door jingled, announcing the arrival of a new customer. Zhan looked up from behind the counter, where he was wiping down the surface. His heart sank as he saw Yibo walk in, dressed in a tailored suit that seemed out of place in the casual café.

Yibo’s gaze swept across the room before landing on Zhan. For a moment, his expression was one of surprise, but he quickly replaced it with a polite smile. He approached the counter, and Zhan’s stomach tightened.

“Hey,” Yibo said, his voice smooth but laced with an undertone of superiority. “Didn’t expect to see you here. I thought you’d be... elsewhere.”

Zhan forced a smile, trying to ignore the sting of Yibo’s words. “Hello. I work here part-time. What can I get for you?”

Yibo’s eyes skimmed the menu, his gaze lingering on the simple offerings. “I’ll have a cappuccino, please.”

As Zhan prepared the drink, he could feel Yibo’s eyes on him, making him uncomfortable. Yibo’s presence was overwhelming, highlighting the contrast between his expensive appearance and Zhan’s simple work uniform.

“You’re working here?” Yibo asked, his tone almost mocking. “I didn’t know you had a job like this.”

Zhan’s face warmed. He tried to keep his voice steady. “I need to support myself. This job helps with that.”

Yibo’s lips curved into a smirk. “I suppose everyone has to do what they can. I didn’t realize you’d need to work in a place like this.”

Zhan felt a pang of hurt but kept his composure. “It’s not about the place. It’s about earning a living.”

Yibo took his cappuccino and sat down at a table near the counter. Zhan continued to work, trying to ignore the way Yibo’s gaze seemed to follow him.

“Must be tough, working here,” Yibo said, breaking the silence. “I mean, considering the kind of life you probably want.”

Zhan glanced over, his frustration growing beneath the surface. “It’s not so bad. I get by.”

Yibo’s eyes flickered with something pity or perhaps judgment. “You know, it’s interesting. I come from a world where choices are plenty. Seeing someone who seems... content with less is hard to understand.”

Zhan’s heart ached at Yibo’s words. He felt a mixture of irritation and sadness. “I think happiness isn’t about having the most choices. It’s about making the best of what you have.”

Yibo’s gaze softened, but there was still a sharp edge to his words. “I suppose that’s one way to look at it. But don’t you ever dream of something more? Something beyond just getting by?”

Zhan tried to stay calm. “Of course, I have dreams. But I also have to deal with reality.”

Yibo’s eyes held a curious, almost condescending look. “Reality, right. I guess not everyone gets the luxury of choices. Some people are just... stuck.”

Zhan’s hands tightened around the coffee cup he was cleaning. “I wouldn’t say I’m stuck. I’m just making my way the best I can. To follow my dreams I need to earn. Luxury isn't provided to me by birth”

Yibo’s inner thoughts were a whirlwind. He was drawn to Zhan, but his usual confidence and privilege made him act in ways that felt distant and critical. He couldn’t quite reconcile his attraction to Zhan with his need to assert his own superiority.

“So,” Yibo said, leaning back, “what do you really want to do? Is art just a hobby, or do you have bigger plans?”

Zhan hesitated, feeling the weight of Yibo’s scrutiny. “I want to make a career out of it. It’s more than just a hobby.”

Yibo’s expression was a mix of skepticism and curiosity. “I see. Art is... well, not always the most reliable path. You might want to think about other options too.”

Zhan’s frustration grew. “I’m passionate about it. I believe in what I’m doing.”

Yibo noticed Zhan’s frustration and felt a pang of guilt. Despite his harsh comments, he was captivated by Zhan’s determination. The attraction he felt was strong, but it clashed with his tendency to distance himself from what he didn’t understand.

“Look,” Yibo said, his tone softening slightly, “I didn’t mean to be harsh. It’s just... sometimes it’s hard for me to relate to a life so different from mine.”

Zhan looked up, surprised by the hint of vulnerability in Yibo’s voice. “I understand. It’s not always easy to see things from another perspective.”

Yibo glanced at his watch and frowned. “I’ve got an appointment soon. I should get going.”

Zhan nodded, trying to hide his disappointment. “I understand. It was... interesting talking to you.”

Yibo stood up, his gaze lingering on Zhan. “Yeah, it was. I’d like to continue this conversation sometime. There’s more I want to understand.”

Zhan felt a flicker of hope. “I’d like that.”

Yibo gave a small, almost apologetic smile. “I’ll be in touch.”

As Yibo walked out, Zhan watched him leave, his mind racing. The encounter had been challenging, full of harsh comments and uncomfortable truths, but there was something about Yibo’s presence. He was left with a mix of curiosity, wondering where this unexpected connection might lead.

With a final look around the café, Zhan returned to his work, feeling both unsettled and intrigued. The evening had taken an unexpected turn, and he couldn’t wait to see what would come next.
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Good chap? Or is it boring? I need ur views to maybe improve.
-yizhan_BJYX