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

Chapter 8: A Joyful Ending

The concert hall buzzed with excitement as the lights dimmed, signaling the start of the show. Alli sat in the audience, his heart pounding with anticipation. It felt surreal to be here, in the front row, so close to the stage where Zildjian and his band would perform.

The past few days had been a whirlwind. After Zildjian's promise to get to know him better, Alli had found himself daydreaming about what the future might hold. But at the same time, there was an uneasiness that clung to him — Akinoa had asked to talk, and Alli couldn't shake the feeling that their conversation would change everything.

For now, though, he pushed those thoughts aside, his eyes fixed on the stage as the first notes of music filled the air.

Zildjian's Dedication

The concert was everything Alli had hoped for and more. Zildjian was captivating on stage, his presence magnetic, and the crowd's cheers were deafening. Alli's heart raced every time Zildjian's gaze swept over the audience, and he could almost swear that Zildjian was looking directly at him.

Then, as the lights softened and the band prepared for their final song, Zildjian stepped forward, his voice echoing through the hall.

"I'd like to dedicate this next song to someone who's become really important to me," Zildjian said, his eyes scanning the crowd before landing on Alli. "This is for you, Alli."

The crowd erupted in cheers, but for Alli, time seemed to stop. His breath caught in his throat, and his hands trembled slightly in his lap. He's dedicating a song to me?

As the opening chords of "Moving Closer" filled the air, Alli's heart soared. The song was intimate, the lyrics speaking of connection and closeness, and every word felt like it was meant just for him. Zildjian's voice was soft but powerful, and as he sang, he locked eyes with Alli, as if no one else in the room mattered.

Alli's Internal Conflict

Alli felt a rush of emotions wash over him — excitement, disbelief, and a warmth that spread through his chest. But beneath it all, there was a flicker of doubt. What did this mean? Was Zildjian ready to take their relationship into the public eye? Could they really handle the scrutiny that came with being in the spotlight?

As Zildjian's song came to an end, the crowd erupted into applause once again. Alli forced a smile, his heart pounding with a mix of joy and uncertainty. This is what I wanted, he reminded himself. So why do I feel so conflicted?

Akinoa's Confession

After the concert, Alli's phone buzzed with a message from Akinoa, asking if they could finally talk. Alli hesitated for a moment before agreeing to meet him at their usual spot near the park.

When he arrived, Akinoa was already there, sitting on the bench, his usual playful smile replaced with a serious expression. Alli's heart sank — he had known this conversation was coming, but that didn't make it any easier.

"Noa," Alli began, sitting beside him, "what did you want to talk about?"

For a moment, Akinoa was silent, staring at the ground as he gathered his thoughts. Then, with a shaky breath, he finally spoke.

"Alli, there's something I've been meaning to tell you for a while now," Akinoa said, his voice soft but strained. "I... I like you. More than just a friend."

Alli's eyes widened, his heart lurching in his chest. He hadn't expected Akinoa to confess his feelings so directly, and now that the words were out, he didn't know how to respond.

"I've liked you for a long time, Alli," Akinoa continued, his voice cracking slightly. "But I didn't want to mess up our friendship, so I kept quiet. But now... I can't pretend anymore. I just need to know how you feel."

Alli's stomach twisted with guilt. He cared about Akinoa — he always had — but his feelings for Zildjian were undeniable. He had to be honest, even if it hurt.

"Noa," Alli began, his voice trembling, "I... I care about you a lot. You're one of my best friends. But... my feelings for Zildjian are real. I... I'm sorry."

Akinoa's face fell, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. Alli could see the hurt in Akinoa's eyes, and it broke his heart to know that he was the cause of it.

The Aftermath of the Confession

"I knew you liked him," Akinoa said quietly, his voice barely audible. "I could see it. I just... I guess I was hoping things would be different."

Alli's throat tightened as he reached out, placing a hand on Akinoa's shoulder. "I'm so sorry, Noa. I never wanted to hurt you."

Akinoa let out a shaky breath, trying to keep his emotions in check. "I know. It's not your fault. I just... I need some time to process this."

Alli nodded, his chest heavy with guilt. "Take all the time you need. I'll be here if you want to talk."

Akinoa forced a small smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Thanks, Alli. I appreciate that."

As they parted ways, Alli felt a wave of sadness wash over him. He had known that Akinoa's feelings for him were complicated, but now that everything was out in the open, it felt like things between them would never be the same.

Alli's Reflection

Later that night, Alli lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling. The events of the day played over in his mind — the concert, Alli's dedication, Akinoa's confession. It felt like his world was spinning out of control, and he wasn't sure what to do next.

Can I really be with Zildjian? Alli thought, his chest tightening with anxiety. What if this ruins everything?

He grabbed his phone and typed out a message to Zildjian, his fingers trembling slightly as he hit send.

Alli: Hey, I've been thinking a lot about today. I don't know how to explain it, but I'm scared. This is all so new, and I don't know if I can handle the pressure of being with someone like you.

A few minutes later, Zildjian replied.

Zildjian: I get it, Alli. This isn't easy, and I don't want to push you into anything you're not ready for. But just know that I'm here for you, no matter what. We'll figure this out together, okay?

Alli's heart swelled at Zildjian's words, and for the first time that night, he felt a sense of calm.

Alli: Thank you, Zildjian. I really appreciate that.

As he set his phone down, Alli closed his eyes, his mind still swirling with doubts and hopes. The road ahead wasn't going to be easy, but with Zildjian by his side, maybe — just maybe — they could make it work.

As Alli drifted off to sleep, he couldn't help but think about the future. His feelings for Zildjian were strong, but the fear of losing Akinoa weighed heavily on his heart. The path ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear — things were never going to be the same.