Fated Connections ZB1 Zhang Hao x Fem reader

Chapter 18: Balancing Dreams and Love

Zhang Hao's surprise visit had left Y/N feeling lighter and more connected than ever. The days they spent together had been perfect—full of laughter, love, and shared dreams. But as Zhang Hao prepared to leave again for a new round of promotions, the familiar ache of separation began to creep in.

They stood at the airport, holding hands, the noise of travelers bustling around them. Zhang Hao's flight was boarding soon, but neither of them wanted to say goodbye just yet.

"I hate this part," Y/N said softly, looking down at their intertwined hands.

"I know," Zhang Hao replied, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on her skin. "But I'll be back before you know it."

Y/N looked up, meeting his gaze. "Promise?"

Zhang Hao smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I promise." He pulled her into a tight hug, pressing a kiss to her temple. "I'll call you every day, okay?"

Y/N nodded, hugging him back tightly. "Okay. Stay safe and don't work too hard."

Zhang Hao chuckled softly. "I'll try. You too."

They lingered in the embrace for a few more moments before Zhang Hao finally pulled away, his hand slipping from hers. "I'll see you soon," he said, giving her one last smile before turning to head towards his gate.

Y/N watched him go, her heart heavy but filled with love. She stood there until he disappeared from sight, and even then, she stayed a little longer, letting the reality of the moment sink in.

The following weeks passed in a blur of hospital shifts and late-night phone calls. Y/N and Zhang Hao kept in touch as much as they could, but the demands of their careers often left them exhausted. Still, they made time for each other, even if it was just a few minutes to hear the sound of the other's voice before falling asleep.

One evening, after a particularly long shift at the hospital, Y/N received a video call from Zhang Hao. His face appeared on the screen, looking tired but happy to see her.

"Hey, beautiful," he greeted, his smile brightening the moment he saw her.

Y/N smiled back, settling onto her couch. "Hey, you. How was your day?"

"Long," Zhang Hao replied, running a hand through his hair. "We had back-to-back rehearsals, and I'm exhausted. But I missed you, so I wanted to call."

Y/N's heart fluttered at his words. "I missed you too. It's been a crazy day at the hospital."

Zhang Hao frowned in concern. "Are you okay? You look tired."

Y/N laughed softly. "I am, but it's nothing I can't handle. I just wish you were here."

"I wish I was too," Zhang Hao said, his voice softening. "But I'll be back soon, and then we can spend some real time together."

They talked for a while longer, sharing the little details of their days and making each other laugh. Even though they were miles apart, the connection between them felt just as strong as ever.

As the days went by, Y/N noticed how much Zhang Hao's schedule was starting to wear on him. His texts were sometimes delayed, and when they did talk, he seemed more exhausted than usual. She understood that being an idol came with intense pressures, but it didn't stop her from worrying about him.

One evening, after a long day at the hospital, Y/N received a text from Zhang Hao. It was shorter than usual.

"I'm sorry I haven't called. Work has been crazy, but I'm thinking about you."

Y/N read the message a few times, sensing the underlying stress in his words. She quickly typed out a reply.

"It's okay, Hao. I understand. Just take care of yourself, okay? I love you."

A few moments later, her phone buzzed with his response.

"I love you too. I'll call you tomorrow."

Y/N sighed, placing her phone down. She missed him terribly, but she knew that this was the reality of being in a relationship with someone as busy as Zhang Hao. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that he was pushing himself too hard.

The next day, Y/N was in the middle of a patient consultation when her phone buzzed with a message. It was from one of Zhang Hao's members—Gunwook.

"Hey, Y/N. Just wanted to let you know that Hao fainted during practice today. He's okay now, but he's resting."

Y/N's heart dropped, and she quickly excused herself from the room, stepping into the hallway to process the message. Zhang Hao had fainted? She knew he had been pushing himself hard, but she hadn't realized it had gotten this bad.

She immediately called Gunwook, her hands trembling as she waited for him to pick up.

"Y/N?" Gunwook's voice came through, calm but concerned.

"What happened? Is he really okay?" Y/N asked, her voice filled with worry.

"He's okay," Gunwook assured her. "The doctors checked him out, and they said he just overworked himself. He's resting now."

Y/N let out a shaky breath, relief flooding her system. "Thank you for letting me know. Can I talk to him?"

"He's still resting, but I'll tell him to call you when he wakes up," Gunwook said gently. "Don't worry, Y/N. We're all taking care of him."

Y/N thanked him again before ending the call, her mind racing with worry. She knew Zhang Hao was dedicated to his work, but this was too much. She wanted to be there for him, to take care of him, but all she could do was wait.

Later that night, Y/N's phone buzzed with a call. She quickly picked up, her heart racing when she saw Zhang Hao's name on the screen.

"Hao!" she exclaimed, her voice a mixture of relief and concern.

"Hey," Zhang Hao's voice came through, sounding groggy but familiar. "I'm okay, Y/N. I'm sorry I scared you."

Y/N felt tears prick at her eyes. "You don't have to apologize. I just wish I could be there with you."

"I wish you were here too," Zhang Hao said softly. "But don't worry, I'm fine now. The doctors said I just need to rest."

"You've been pushing yourself too hard," Y/N said, her voice filled with concern. "You need to take better care of yourself."

"I know," Zhang Hao admitted. "I just... I didn't want to let anyone down."

"You're not letting anyone down," Y/N replied gently. "The most important thing is your health. Everyone will understand if you need to take a break."

Zhang Hao sighed softly. "You're right. I'll take it easy for a while."

Y/N smiled, even though he couldn't see it. "Good. I'm holding you to that."

They talked for a while longer, Y/N reassuring Zhang Hao that it was okay to slow down and take time for himself. As they said their goodbyes, Y/N felt a sense of relief knowing that Zhang Hao was safe and resting.

But even as she hung up the phone, she couldn't shake the feeling that their lives were becoming more complicated. Balancing their careers and their relationship was harder than they had anticipated, but Y/N knew that their love was strong enough to get them through anything.

And as long as they had each other, they would find a way.