Fated Bonds

Chapter 8: "The Uninvited Memories"

The days following Zhan and Yibo’s coffee meeting unfolded in a peculiar mix of hope and anxiety. Zhan felt a budding connection with Yibo, which was both exciting and intimidating. However, a shadow loomed in his heart, reminding him of the unresolved situation with Chen.

As the wedding date approached, Zhan busied himself with preparations, helping his parents finalize details and sending out invitations. He watched as the plans took shape, but every time he put pen to paper, he couldn’t shake the nagging thought of his missing boyfriend.

Zhan had decided not to reach out to Chen again. The silence was deafening, yet he knew it was for the best. Their relationship had become tainted by uncertainty, and he needed to focus on the new chapter of his life. Yet the memories wouldn’t let him go.

It was a bright Tuesday afternoon when Zhan received a text message from an unexpected number.

“Hey, Zhan. It’s Chen. Can we talk?”

Zhan's heart sank as he read the message. Part of him wanted to respond immediately, curious and anxious about what Chen had to say. But the other part felt a surge of anger and disappointment. Why had he chosen to reach out now, after so long?

Zhan took a moment to gather his thoughts before replying.

“What do you want to talk about?”

He hit send, his heart pounding. Moments later, Chen responded.

“I just need to explain. Can we meet?”

Zhan stared at the screen, wrestling with the storm of emotions within him. He had spent the last week trying to move forward, and now Chen was back, threatening to unravel everything. But he also recognized that he needed closure.

“Fine. When?” Zhan typed back, trying to sound indifferent.

“How about tomorrow? Same café?”

Zhan hesitated but ultimately agreed. He had to hear Chen out, even if it meant facing the pain he had tried to ignore.

The following day felt like a blur of nerves and anticipation. Zhan arrived at the café early, the familiar atmosphere now tainted by the weight of the upcoming conversation. He ordered a coffee, trying to steady his racing heart as he waited for Chen.

When Chen finally arrived, Zhan barely recognized him. His once confident demeanor seemed diminished, and his expression was unreadable. Zhan felt a pang of sadness at the sight of his former boyfriend.

“Hey,” Chen said, sliding into the chair across from Zhan.

“Hi,” Zhan replied, struggling to keep his voice steady.

An awkward silence filled the space between them, and Zhan couldn’t help but feel the tension in the air. He took a sip of his coffee, searching for the right words to break the ice.

“Why did you disappear?” Zhan finally asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Chen ran a hand through his hair, looking uncomfortable. “I know I owe you an explanation. Things got complicated for me, and I didn’t handle it well.”

“What do you mean by complicated?” Zhan pressed, his emotions bubbling to the surface.

“I got caught up with some things at work,” Chen said, his eyes darting away. “And honestly, I was scared. I realized I wasn’t ready for the kind of relationship we had.”

Zhan felt a sharp pain in his chest. “You were the one who kept saying how much you loved me. You were the one who always wanted to plan our future together!”

“I know,” Chen said, his voice rising slightly. “But the pressure was too much. I wasn’t being honest with myself or with you. I was just using you for your money, and I didn’t want to admit it.”

Zhan felt his heart drop. It was everything he had feared, but hearing it confirmed was a different kind of hurt. “So, that’s it? You just decided to walk away without a word?”

Chen looked pained, and for a moment, Zhan thought he saw regret in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Zhan. I thought if I disappeared, it would make it easier for both of us.”

“It didn’t,” Zhan snapped, feeling a wave of anger wash over him. “You should have just told me the truth. You didn’t have to ghost me like that.”

Chen sighed heavily, running his fingers through his hair again. “I know. I messed up. But I want to make it right. Can we start over?”

Zhan stared at Chen, feeling a mix of disbelief and anger. “Start over? After everything? You think it’s that simple?”

“I know it’s not simple, but I miss you,” Chen insisted. “You were my first real love. I don’t want to lose you completely.”

Zhan’s heart ached at the nostalgia of their shared memories, but the pain of betrayal loomed larger. “I can’t just forget how you treated me, Chen. I’m about to get married. I have to move on.”

“I heard about the wedding,” Chen said, his voice heavy with disappointment. “You really are going through with it?”

“It’s not just about me anymore,” Zhan replied, feeling the weight of his situation. “There are commitments involved. I can’t just run back to you because things got tough.”

Chen looked down, his face filled with regret. “I understand. I just wanted to see if there was any chance for us.”

Zhan shook his head. “I can’t be your safety net. I deserve someone who values me and is honest about their feelings.”

There was silence between them, thick and suffocating. Zhan felt a strange sense of relief but also sadness. He had finally found his voice, yet he was also saying goodbye to a part of his past he had cherished.

“I guess this is it, then,” Chen said softly, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“Yeah,” Zhan replied, feeling the finality of the moment. “I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

With that, Zhan stood up and walked away, leaving behind the ghosts of a relationship that had once brought him joy. Each step felt lighter, as if he were shedding a heavy burden.

As he stepped outside, the warm sunlight enveloped him, and Zhan took a deep breath, ready to embrace his future—whatever it may hold.