Fated Connections ZB1 Zhang Hao x Fem reader

Chapter 17: A Moment to Reflect

After spending a few blissful days together, the inevitable reality of their busy schedules returned. Zhang Hao was due back in the studio for rehearsals, and Y/N had to prepare for another string of long shifts at the hospital. Despite the ache of saying goodbye, they knew they were stronger now, having spent time reinforcing the bond that had grown between them.

Zhang Hao stood by the door of Y/N's apartment, his bag slung over his shoulder. He looked at her with a mix of affection and reluctance, not wanting to leave.

"I'll call you as soon as I land," he said softly.

Y/N nodded, trying her best to stay positive despite the tightening in her chest. "I'll be waiting for it," she replied, managing a smile.

Zhang Hao cupped her face in his hands, brushing his thumb gently across her cheek. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too," Y/N whispered. She stood on her tiptoes to give him one last kiss, a lingering reminder of their time together.

With a final glance, Zhang Hao pulled open the door and stepped out into the hallway. He turned back one more time, offering her a small smile before disappearing down the corridor. Y/N stood there, staring at the closed door for a moment, letting the silence of the apartment settle around her.

The days passed quickly, with Y/N burying herself in her work to keep from missing Zhang Hao too much. She knew they had both chosen demanding careers, and she didn't want to let her emotions overwhelm her. But there were moments—quiet, stolen moments—when she would catch herself daydreaming about him. The warmth of his embrace, the way his smile lit up the room, his voice in her mind when she least expected it.

On her lunch break one afternoon, Y/N found herself scrolling through the pictures they had taken during their time together. A soft smile tugged at her lips as she swiped through the memories—Zhang Hao goofing off in a park, the two of them sharing a cup of coffee, dancing to the street musician's tune. These small moments were what kept her grounded, even when the physical distance between them felt overwhelming.

But even though she missed him, Y/N knew that their connection was stronger than ever. The shared voices in their minds were a constant reminder that they were never truly apart.

One evening, as Y/N sat at her desk finishing up some paperwork, she heard Zhang Hao's voice in her mind.

"Y/N, are you free to talk?"

Y/N smiled, setting aside her pen. "Of course. How's everything going?"

"Busy," Zhang Hao replied, his voice filled with exhaustion but also a touch of excitement. "But good. We've been rehearsing non-stop for the next concert, and I think it's going to be amazing."

Y/N felt a rush of pride for him. "I can't wait to see it. You're going to be incredible."

"Thanks," Zhang Hao said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "But enough about me. How's work? Are you taking care of yourself?"

Y/N chuckled softly. "You sound like a worried boyfriend."

"I am a worried boyfriend," Zhang Hao replied, a teasing lilt in his tone. "I know how hard you work. I just want to make sure you're resting too."

Y/N's heart warmed at his concern. "I'm doing my best. It's been busy, but manageable. And I've been thinking about you a lot, so that helps."

"I've been thinking about you too," Zhang Hao admitted, his voice softening. "Every day. I wish we could see each other more."

Y/N sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Me too. But we'll find a way. We always do."

"Yeah," Zhang Hao agreed, a hint of determination in his voice. "I'm planning a little surprise for you soon. So stay tuned."

Y/N raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A surprise? Should I be worried?"

Zhang Hao laughed, his voice echoing warmly in her mind. "Nope. Just something to remind you how much I love you."

Y/N's heart skipped a beat at his words. She had never doubted how he felt, but hearing him say it so openly still made her pulse race. "I'm looking forward to it," she replied softly.

Days turned into weeks, and their routine of texting, calling, and hearing each other's voices continued to sustain them. Y/N grew more comfortable with the distance, knowing that Zhang Hao's love for her was unwavering, even when they couldn't physically be together.

But as much as she tried to focus on her work and keep busy, there was a part of her that couldn't wait for the day when Zhang Hao would return. The thought of being in his arms again was what carried her through the long shifts and sleepless nights.

One afternoon, Y/N received a text message from Zhang Hao. It was short, but it made her heart leap.

"I'm coming to see you. Be ready."

She stared at the message in disbelief. Zhang Hao had been so busy lately that she hadn't expected him to be able to visit anytime soon. But there it was, in black and white—a promise that he was on his way.

That evening, Y/N stood at the door of her apartment, her heart pounding in anticipation. When the doorbell finally rang, she rushed to open it, and there he was—Zhang Hao, standing in the hallway with a bouquet of flowers in his hand and a wide smile on his face.

"Surprise," he said, his voice filled with joy.

Y/N felt tears well up in her eyes as she threw her arms around him, burying her face in his chest. "I can't believe you're here," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Zhang Hao held her tightly, his hand gently rubbing her back. "I couldn't stay away any longer. I needed to see you."

Y/N pulled back slightly to look up at him, her eyes shining with happiness. "I missed you so much."

"I missed you too," Zhang Hao replied softly, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to her forehead.

For a long moment, they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, the world around them fading away. No matter how much time or distance had passed, their hearts always found their way back to each other.

That night, as they lay together on the couch, Y/N felt a sense of peace settle over her. The uncertainty and longing of the past few weeks had melted away, replaced by the warmth of Zhang Hao's presence.

"We'll figure this out," Zhang Hao murmured, his fingers gently brushing through her hair. "No matter how busy we get, I'll always find a way back to you."

Y/N looked up at him, her heart full. "And I'll always be waiting for you."

Their eyes met, and in that moment, Y/N knew without a doubt that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. Their love, their connection—it was stronger than anything the world could throw at them.

And for now, that was enough.