Chapter 15: Between Distance and Desire

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The next few weeks passed in a blur for both Y/N and Zhang Hao. Their schedules continued to be packed, with Zhang Hao traveling for promotions and concerts, and Y/N taking on more responsibilities at the hospital. Despite their best efforts, they often found themselves too tired for long conversations, relying on brief phone calls and text messages to keep in touch.

Y/N found herself longing for Zhang Hao more with each passing day. The small moments they had shared together, like the time he introduced her to his bandmates or their evening strolls, became memories she held onto tightly. But the physical distance between them was undeniable, and it started to weigh on her heart.

One evening, after an especially long and draining shift at the hospital, Y/N collapsed onto her bed. She stared at her phone, hesitating to send a message. She knew Zhang Hao was busy with rehearsals, but the ache in her chest pushed her to reach out.

"I miss you." She typed the words before she could stop herself and hit send.

To her surprise, Zhang Hao's voice filled her mind almost instantly.

"I miss you too. So much."

His voice was gentle but full of the same longing she felt. It was as if their souls were always in sync, even when they were miles apart.

Y/N smiled softly at the response and decided to call him. When Zhang Hao answered, his voice sounded tired but happy to hear from her.

"Y/N," he breathed, as if saying her name brought him comfort.

"Hey," she replied softly, her exhaustion melting away at the sound of his voice. "How are you holding up?"

"Busy," Zhang Hao admitted with a sigh. "We've been practicing nonstop for the next concert, and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. But talking to you makes it better."

Y/N's heart warmed at his words. "I'm glad. I've been thinking about you a lot."

Zhang Hao let out a soft chuckle. "You've been on my mind all day. It's crazy how much I miss you."

Y/N bit her lip, feeling the same ache of longing he was describing. "It's hard, isn't it? Being apart."

"Yeah, it is," Zhang Hao admitted. "But I keep reminding myself that this is temporary. We'll have more time together soon."

Y/N nodded, even though he couldn't see her. "I know. It just feels like everything keeps getting in the way."

Zhang Hao was silent for a moment, and when he spoke again, his voice was lower, more serious. "What if I come visit you? Like, right now."

Y/N blinked in surprise. "Right now? Zhang Hao, it's late, and you're exhausted from practice."

"I don't care," Zhang Hao replied firmly. "I want to see you. I need to see you."

His words sent a jolt of excitement through Y/N, but she quickly tried to be the voice of reason. "But what about your schedule? Don't you have rehearsals tomorrow?"

"I'll manage," Zhang Hao said, his determination clear. "I just... I can't stand being away from you anymore."

Y/N's heart raced at his boldness, and for a moment, she considered telling him to come over. She wanted nothing more than to see him, to be held in his arms again, but she also didn't want him to push himself too hard.

"Zhang Hao," Y/N began gently, "I want to see you too, but I don't want you to overwork yourself. You need rest."

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and when Zhang Hao spoke again, his voice was softer. "You're right. I just miss you so much."

Y/N smiled, touched by his honesty. "I miss you too. But we'll see each other soon, okay? Just a little longer."

Zhang Hao sighed but didn't argue. "Okay. I'll wait. But when I do see you, I'm not letting you out of my sight."

Y/N laughed softly. "I'll hold you to that."

They talked for a while longer, sharing the little details of their days, and by the time they hung up, Y/N felt a sense of peace. Even though they were apart, their connection remained as strong as ever.

The next few days passed in a similar fashion—quick calls, fleeting messages, and both of them trying to balance their demanding schedules with the desire to be together. But Y/N could feel the distance starting to affect them more. She missed the warmth of his presence, the sound of his laughter, and the way he looked at her as if she were the only person in the world.

One evening, after another exhausting day, Y/N was sitting on her couch, absentmindedly scrolling through her phone, when she received a message from Zhang Hao.

"Are you home?"

Y/N frowned, confused by the sudden question. "Yeah, why?"

Before she could send another message, her doorbell rang. Her heart skipped a beat as she quickly stood up, rushing to the door. When she opened it, there stood Zhang Hao, a sheepish smile on his face.

"Surprise," he said softly.

Y/N stared at him in shock, her heart pounding in her chest. "Zhang Hao... what are you doing here?"

"I couldn't stay away anymore," he admitted, stepping forward. "I had to see you."

Without another word, Y/N threw her arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace. Zhang Hao wrapped his arms around her in return, holding her close as if he never wanted to let go.

"I missed you," Y/N whispered into his shoulder, her voice trembling with emotion.

"I missed you too," Zhang Hao murmured, his voice equally soft. "So much."

For a long moment, they stood there in the doorway, wrapped in each other's arms, the weight of the past few weeks melting away in the warmth of their embrace. All the longing, the distance, the desire—they all faded into the background as they held each other close.

Finally, Zhang Hao pulled back slightly, looking down at Y/N with a soft smile. "Can I come in?"

Y/N laughed through her tears, nodding as she stepped aside to let him in. "Of course."

As Zhang Hao entered her apartment, Y/N couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. He was here, in her space, and for the first time in what felt like forever, they could just be together.

That night, they sat together on the couch, talking about everything and nothing. Zhang Hao shared stories from his tour, while Y/N told him about her most recent cases at the hospital. But as the night grew later, their conversation slowed, and a comfortable silence settled between them.

Zhang Hao glanced at Y/N, his expression turning more serious. "You know, every time we talk, I feel like I fall for you a little more."

Y/N looked at him, her heart skipping a beat. "I feel the same way."

Zhang Hao leaned closer, his eyes locking with hers. "I don't want to wait anymore, Y/N. I want to be with you. Really be with you."

Y/N's breath hitched as his words sunk in. She had always felt the pull between them, the desire that simmered just beneath the surface. And now, it was right there in front of her, waiting to be acknowledged.

Without thinking, she closed the distance between them, her lips meeting his in a soft, lingering kiss. It was gentle at first, a tentative exploration of feelings they had kept at bay for so long. But soon, the kiss deepened, their desire for each other taking over.

When they finally pulled apart, both of them were breathless, their hearts pounding in sync.

"I've wanted that for so long," Zhang Hao whispered, his voice hushed.

"Me too," Y/N replied, her voice trembling with the weight of the moment.

They didn't need to say anything more. In that moment, everything was clear—despite the distance, the challenges, and the busy schedules, they were meant to be together. And now that they had finally acknowledged it, there was no turning back.

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