Sunsun au "Love at first sight [my idol, my lover]"

Chapter 7: Confessions and Connections

Alli sat quietly in his usual spot in the park, the late afternoon sunlight casting long shadows across the grass. This place had always been a refuge for him, a place where he could think without the noise and chaos of school or idol life. But today, his mind was a storm of emotions he couldn't untangle.

Zildjian had told him that he didn't want to be with Stacy — that he wanted to get to know Alli better. And while that had filled Alli with a rush of excitement, it had also left him with more questions than answers. What did this mean for them? Could Zildjian really choose him over his family's expectations, over the pressures of being an idol?

Am I really worth it? Alli thought, staring down at his hands. What if I'm just setting myself up to get hurt?

He sighed, resting his head against the back of the bench as he closed his eyes. For so long, Zildjian had been his dream — his unreachable idol. And now that dream was within his grasp, but it felt more complicated than he had ever imagined.

Zildjian's Struggles

Meanwhile, Zildjian had spent the past few days wrestling with his own emotions. He had never been one to easily open up about his feelings, but there was something about Alli that made him want to try. The way Alli looked at him — with genuine admiration and kindness — was something Zildjian wasn't used to. It made him feel seen in a way that none of his fans or even his bandmates had made him feel.

But there was also the looming pressure of his family's expectations. His mother had been dropping hints about Stacy for months, and now that the rumors were spreading, it felt like the walls were closing in on him. Zildjian knew he had to confront the issue, but every time he tried to bring it up, he froze.

He let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his hair. I just want to figure things out with Alli, he thought, leaning against the wall of the practice room where he had taken refuge. But I can't drag him into my mess.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, and when he saw that it was a message from Alli, a small smile tugged at his lips.

Alli's Message to Zildjian

Alli: Hey, are you free this weekend? I was thinking we could hang out. Maybe get some coffee?

Zildjian stared at the message, a warmth spreading through his chest. He hadn't expected Alli to reach out so soon, but he was glad he had. He needed this — something simple and real.

Zildjian: I'd love that. Let's meet at the usual café on Saturday?

Alli's heart fluttered as he read the reply. For a moment, his worries about the rumors and public pressure melted away. All that mattered was that Zildjian wanted to spend time with him. He quickly typed out a response.

Alli: Sounds perfect. I'll see you then. 😊

Akinoa's Hidden Struggle

But while Alli was lost in the excitement of his upcoming meet-up with Zildjian, Akinoa was struggling to keep his emotions in check. He had always been by Alli's side, quietly supporting him, even when it hurt. But now, as Alli got closer to Zildjian, Akinoa couldn't ignore the growing ache in his chest.

He sat on his bed, staring blankly at his phone, wondering if he should tell Alli the truth about how he felt. What if he doesn't feel the same? Akinoa thought, his hands trembling slightly as he typed out a message to Ace.

Messenger Convo: Akinoa and Ace

Akinoa: Uno, I don't know what to do anymore. I think I'm losing him.

Ace: Alli? What happened?

Akinoa: He's getting closer to Zildjian. I've tried to be happy for him, but it's killing me inside. I don't know how much longer I can keep pretending that everything's fine.

Ace: Have you thought about telling him how you feel? Maybe it's time to be honest with him.

Akinoa hesitated, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. He knew Ace was right, but the thought of confessing his feelings terrified him. What if it ruins everything?

Akinoa: I don't know if I can. What if I lose him completely?

Ace: You'll never know unless you try, Noa. Alli cares about you. No matter what happens, you'll still be important to him.

Akinoa stared at Ace's message, his chest tightening. But what if that's not enough?

The Café Meeting: Alli and Zildjian

Saturday came quickly, and Alli found himself standing outside the café, his heart racing with anticipation. He hadn't been this nervous since the fan contest, and it felt surreal that he was about to spend time alone with Zildjian.

When Zildjian arrived, he flashed Alli a warm smile, his usual calm demeanor putting Alli at ease. "Hey, Alli," Zildjian greeted, pulling out the chair across from him. "Sorry I'm late."

Alli smiled shyly, shaking his head. "It's fine. I just got here too."

They ordered their drinks, and as they waited, the conversation flowed easily. Zildjian asked about Alli's life, his hobbies, and his aspirations, genuinely curious to get to know him beyond the idol-fan dynamic.

"I've always wanted to ask," Zildjian said, leaning forward slightly. "What made you want to enter the fan contest?"

Alli flushed, fidgeting with his cup. "Honestly? It was because of you. I've been a fan for a long time, and I just wanted to do something that might get your attention."

Zildjian's eyes softened, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Well, you definitely got my attention. You were amazing on stage."

Alli's heart skipped a beat at the compliment, and for a moment, all his worries about the rumors and public pressure faded away. Being here with Zildjian, talking and laughing like they were just two regular people — it felt right.

As their conversation went on, Alli felt the connection between them growing stronger. Zildjian wasn't just the distant idol he had admired from afar — he was real, with his own struggles and fears.

The Unspoken Tension

But while Alli was lost in the moment, the tension between his budding relationship with Zildjian and his friendship with Akinoa loomed over him. He hadn't spoken to Akinoa much in the past few days, and a part of him felt guilty for it.

I need to talk to him soon, Alli thought, sipping his drink as Zildjian told a story about his latest practice session. I can't leave him in the dark.

Zildjian's Gesture

As their time together came to an end, Zildjian reached across the table, his hand lightly brushing against Alli's. The touch was brief, but it sent a jolt of electricity through Alli's veins.

"Hey, Alli," Zildjian said softly, his eyes locking onto Alli's. "I know things are a little complicated right now... with the rumors and all. But I just want you to know that I'm serious about getting to know you better. And I'm willing to fight for us, no matter what."

Alli's breath hitched at Zildjian's words, his heart swelling with a mix of hope and fear. "I... I want that too," Alli replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

Zildjian smiled, squeezing Alli's hand gently before letting go. "Good. Let's take things one step at a time."

As they left the café, Alli's heart felt lighter than it had in days. He knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but for the first time, he allowed himself to believe that maybe — just maybe — things could work out.

But as Alli walked away from the café, his phone buzzed with a message from Akinoa. He hesitated before opening it, guilt gnawing at his chest.

Akinoa: Hey, Alli. Can we talk later? There's something I need to tell you.

Ali's stomach twisted with unease. He knew this conversation with Akinoa was long overdue, and part of him dreaded what was coming next.