Fated Bonds

Chapter 18: "The Routine of Togetherness"

The sun rose gently over the city, casting a warm golden glow through the curtains of Zhan and Yibo’s apartment. Zhan stirred awake, blinking against the brightness as he stretched lazily in bed. He glanced over at Yibo, who was still sleeping peacefully beside him, the soft rise and fall of his chest calming Zhan’s heart.

Zhan couldn’t help but smile, feeling a rush of warmth wash over him. It had been a few weeks since their wedding, and each day spent with Yibo felt like a new adventure. The novelty of being married still lingered in the air, and Zhan relished in the little moments they shared, from sipping coffee in the mornings to quiet evenings watching movies.

Determined to make the most of their Sunday together, Zhan slipped out of bed quietly, careful not to wake Yibo. He made his way to the kitchen, the soft sounds of the city awakening outside filling the silence. As he rummaged through the cabinets, a plan formed in his mind—he wanted to surprise Yibo with breakfast.

Zhan found the ingredients for pancakes and decided to whip up a delightful breakfast. With a mix of excitement and nervousness, he began to cook, the scent of batter sizzling on the skillet soon filling the apartment. He hummed softly to himself, enjoying the rhythm of cooking.

Just as he flipped the first pancake, Yibo wandered into the kitchen, his hair tousled and his eyes still heavy with sleep. “What’s all this?” he asked, leaning against the doorframe, a sleepy smile on his face.

Zhan turned, holding up the spatula triumphantly. “I thought I’d make us breakfast! Surprise!”

Yibo’s eyes widened in delight, and he moved closer to Zhan, the warmth of his presence enveloping the kitchen. “You’re amazing, Zhan. This smells incredible.”

Feeling a rush of pride, Zhan continued cooking, while Yibo grabbed a couple of plates from the cupboard. They worked together seamlessly, an unspoken rhythm developing between them as they set the table. Zhan poured fresh juice into glasses, while Yibo arranged the pancakes and added a dollop of whipped cream on top.

As they sat down to eat, Zhan’s heart swelled with happiness. Yibo looked at him with such fondness that Zhan couldn’t help but blush. “I hope you like it,” he said, taking a bite of his own pancake.

Yibo chewed thoughtfully, then nodded enthusiastically. “This is amazing, Zhan! You’ve outdone yourself.”

They shared laughs and stories over breakfast, the lightness in the air reinforcing the connection they were building. After finishing, Zhan cleared the table, and Yibo helped him wash the dishes, the two of them enjoying the simple intimacy of the moment.

Once the kitchen was tidy, Zhan suggested they take a walk in the nearby park. “It’s such a beautiful day,” he said, glancing outside at the clear blue sky. Yibo agreed, and they quickly changed into comfortable clothes before heading out.

The park was vibrant, filled with families enjoying picnics, children playing, and couples strolling hand in hand. Zhan and Yibo walked side by side, their fingers brushing occasionally, sending sparks of electricity through Zhan. He glanced at Yibo, who was scanning the area with a calm demeanor, his expression softening as he turned to Zhan.

“Have you been here before?” Yibo asked, breaking the comfortable silence between them.

Zhan nodded, recalling the many afternoons spent with friends. “Yes, I used to come here a lot during college. It was a great place to relax between classes.”

Yibo looked thoughtful. “I can see why you like it. It has a nice vibe.”

They wandered along the paths, pausing occasionally to admire the flowers in bloom and the cheerful chatter around them. Zhan felt more at ease with Yibo than he had in a long time, the worries of their recent marriage fading into the background.

As they reached a small pond, Zhan spotted a group of ducks paddling gracefully across the water. “Look!” he exclaimed, pointing. “Aren’t they adorable?”

Yibo smiled, watching the ducks with genuine amusement. “They are. It’s nice to see something so simple and peaceful.”

Feeling playful, Zhan leaned down to pick up a small handful of bread crumbs left behind by previous visitors. “Let’s feed them!”

With a grin, Zhan scattered the crumbs along the water’s edge. The ducks quickly gathered, quacking excitedly as they enjoyed the unexpected treat. Zhan laughed, delighted by the scene before him. Yibo watched him with a hint of admiration in his eyes, and for a moment, everything felt perfect.

As the ducks finished their meal, Zhan turned to Yibo, a sudden boldness taking hold of him. “Can I tell you something?”

Yibo turned, curious. “Of course.”

“I’m really happy,” Zhan admitted, a shy smile playing on his lips. “I know this is all new and a bit strange, but being with you… it feels right.”

Yibo’s expression softened, and he took a step closer, closing the distance between them. “I’m happy too, Zhan. I never expected this, but I find myself looking forward to every moment we spend together.”

They stood there for a moment, locked in each other’s gaze, the world around them fading away. Zhan’s heart raced, and he felt a pull toward Yibo, a desire to bridge the gap between them.

Before he could think too much, he leaned in, closing the distance between them. Their lips brushed softly, a tentative kiss that sent electricity coursing through Zhan’s body. Yibo responded immediately, deepening the kiss, his hands finding their way to Zhan’s waist.

Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in each other, the warmth of the moment wrapping around them like a comforting blanket. When they finally pulled away, both were breathless, their foreheads resting against each other.

“Wow,” Zhan breathed, a mixture of shock and exhilaration coursing through him.

Yibo chuckled softly, brushing a lock of hair behind Zhan’s ear. “Wow, indeed.”

They continued their walk, but the atmosphere had shifted. There was an unspoken understanding between them, a newfound intimacy that hinted at the potential of their relationship.

Later that evening, after returning home, Zhan felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness bubbling inside him. They settled on the couch, Yibo draping an arm over Zhan’s shoulders as they flipped through movies. Zhan felt content in Yibo’s embrace, his heart racing at the thought of what lay ahead.

As they began to watch a romantic movie, Zhan leaned his head against Yibo’s chest, feeling the rhythmic beat of his heart. It was comforting, and Zhan realized how much he craved this connection. He could feel the warmth radiating from Yibo, enveloping him in a sense of safety.

They exchanged soft words and playful banter, laughter echoing in the living room. In one of those moments, Zhan felt bold again, tilting his head up to meet Yibo’s gaze. “Can I ask you something?” he said hesitantly.

“Anything,” Yibo replied, his tone encouraging.

“Do you think… do you think we’re moving too fast?” Zhan asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Yibo paused, considering Zhan’s question carefully. “I don’t think so. I believe we’re just exploring what we have. And if it feels right to you, then I think we’re on the right track.”

Zhan nodded, absorbing Yibo’s words. There was something reassuring in Yibo’s confidence that made him feel braver. They spent the rest of the evening wrapped in each other’s warmth, sharing stories, and stealing kisses whenever they felt the urge.

As the night wore on, Zhan’s eyelids grew heavy, and he leaned back against Yibo, allowing himself to relax fully. Eventually, they ended up in a comfortable position on the couch, Yibo’s arms around Zhan as they drifted into a peaceful sleep.

In that moment, Zhan felt a sense of belonging he had never experienced before. With Yibo by his side, he felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.