Fated Connections ZB1 Zhang Hao x Fem reader

Chapter 19: Healing Together

After Zhang Hao's health scare, both he and Y/N began to take a step back, reassessing how they managed their lives and relationship. They both knew they had demanding careers, but they also realized that they couldn't sacrifice their well-being for work.

Zhang Hao took a few days off to rest properly, spending his time with his bandmates, who kept a close eye on him. Even though he wasn't used to slowing down, he couldn't deny how much he needed the break.

For Y/N, knowing that Zhang Hao was resting gave her a sense of peace. Her worry for him had weighed heavily on her heart, and now that he was taking better care of himself, she felt she could finally breathe again.

One evening, Y/N was sitting in her apartment, reading a medical journal, when her phone buzzed with a message from Zhang Hao.

"Feeling much better today. Can we talk?"

Y/N immediately put her book aside and called him. The phone rang a few times before Zhang Hao picked up, his voice sounding lighter and more relaxed than it had in weeks.

"Hey," he said softly.

"Hey yourself," Y/N replied, smiling. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm doing much better," Zhang Hao said. "I've been resting and taking it easy like you told me to."

"I'm glad," Y/N said, relieved to hear the improvement in his voice. "I've been worried about you."

"I know, and I'm sorry for making you worry," Zhang Hao said. "I didn't realize how much I was pushing myself until I collapsed."

Y/N sighed softly. "It's okay, Hao. I just want you to take care of yourself. You're important to so many people, and we all need you to be healthy."

Zhang Hao chuckled. "You sound like Hanbin. He gave me a lecture too."

"Well, he's right," Y/N replied with a laugh. "But seriously, I'm proud of you for taking a step back. You deserve to rest."

"Thanks, Y/N," Zhang Hao said, his voice warm. "I've been thinking a lot about how to balance everything better. I don't want to let anyone down, but I also don't want to end up like that again."

"We'll figure it out together," Y/N said gently. "It's not easy, but we'll find a way to make it work."

Zhang Hao was quiet for a moment, and Y/N could sense that he was thinking deeply. When he finally spoke, his voice was serious.

"Y/N, I don't want you to ever feel like you're second to my career," he said. "You mean the world to me, and I want you to know that. No matter how busy I get, you'll always be my priority."

Y/N's heart swelled at his words, tears pricking at her eyes. "I know that, Hao. And I feel the same way. We're both chasing our dreams, but we're also in this together. I'll always be here for you."

"I love you," Zhang Hao said softly, his voice filled with emotion.

"I love you too," Y/N replied, her heart full.

Over the next few weeks, Zhang Hao kept his promise to take things easier. He still had a full schedule, but he made sure to rest when he could and not overwork himself. Y/N noticed the change in him—he seemed more relaxed and happier, even when they talked late at night.

One evening, after a long day of work, Y/N was curled up on her couch when Zhang Hao called her with exciting news.

"We're wrapping up our promotions soon!" Zhang Hao said, his voice full of excitement. "Which means I'll finally have a few days off to come and see you."

Y/N's eyes lit up. "Really? That's amazing! I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you too," Zhang Hao said. "I can't wait to see you. We can finally spend some real time together, without worrying about work."

Y/N smiled, already thinking about what they could do during his visit. "I'm looking forward to it. Maybe we can just relax, watch some movies, and spend time together. We both need a break."

"That sounds perfect," Zhang Hao agreed. "I'll be there in a few days. I can't wait."

The days passed quickly, and soon enough, Zhang Hao was at Y/N's doorstep once again. This time, there was no rush, no looming work commitments—just the two of them, together at last.

They spent the first day lounging around Y/N's apartment, watching movies, and enjoying each other's company. It felt like a slice of normal life, something they both craved amidst their busy schedules.

That evening, as they sat on the couch, wrapped in each other's arms, Zhang Hao turned to Y/N with a serious expression.

"Y/N," he began, his voice soft but steady. "I've been thinking a lot lately about how we can make this work—our relationship, our careers, everything."

Y/N looked at him, curious. "What do you mean?"

"I want to be with you, always," Zhang Hao said, his gaze intense. "But I also know that we both have demanding careers that keep us apart. I don't want you to feel like we're constantly struggling to find time for each other."

Y/N listened carefully, sensing the weight of his words. "Hao, I know it's not easy, but we've made it work so far. And I believe we can keep making it work."

"I do too," Zhang Hao said. "But I want to do more than just 'make it work.' I want us to have a future together, something we can both look forward to. And I'm willing to adjust my schedule, my life, to make sure we have that."

Y/N's heart raced at his words. "Hao... are you saying...?"

Zhang Hao smiled, a soft, loving expression on his face. "I'm saying that I want us to start planning for our future together. Maybe not right away, but someday. I want to be with you for the long haul, Y/N."

Tears welled up in Y/N's eyes as she realized what he was saying. He wasn't just talking about their relationship now—he was talking about their future. A future where they could build a life together.

"I want that too," Y/N said, her voice shaking with emotion. "I've always wanted that with you."

Zhang Hao leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Then we'll make it happen. No matter how busy we get, no matter how far apart we are, we'll find a way to be together."

Y/N nodded, her heart overflowing with love for him. "I believe in us."

They sat there in comfortable silence for a while, simply enjoying the warmth of being in each other's presence. The road ahead wasn't going to be easy, but with their love and determination, they knew they could face anything together.

And in that moment, wrapped in each other's arms, they knew that no matter where life took them, they would always find their way back to each other.