Always by your side | Zhong Chenle

𝐸𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉

They found a quiet bench in the park and settled in, watching as children ran across the grass, their laughter filling the air, while couples strolled hand in hand beneath the golden afternoon light. The moment felt peaceful, untouched by worries or fears.

"Do you remember the first time we met?" Ara asked suddenly, a nostalgic smile curving her lips.

Chenle turned to her, a grin tugging at his own. "Of course." He chuckled. "It was that duo project thingy. We were forced to work together."

Ara laughed softly. "And we came in first." She nudged him playfully. "I knew right then that we'd be great friends."

Chenle nodded, warmth spreading in his chest as the memory resurfaced. Back then, he hadn't expected her to become such a significant part of his life. But now, he couldn't imagine it without her.

The park slowly quieted as the sun dipped lower in the sky, painting the horizon in soft hues of pink and orange. As the day unfolded, a thought settled in Chenle's mind, growing stronger with each passing moment. For the first time, he found himself truly considering what Ara had asked of him.

Could he do it?

With Kun and Ara beside him, maybe... just maybe... he could.

Before he could stop himself, he blurted out, "Alright, I'll do it."

Ara blinked, caught off guard. "Wait... really?"

Chenle nodded, a nervous but determined look in his eyes. "Yeah."

A bright smile spread across Ara's face, pure joy radiating from her. "That's amazing, Lele!" she exclaimed before throwing her arms around him in a tight hug. Chenle stiffened for a second before melting into it, a quiet chuckle escaping his lips.

It felt... right.

Back home, Chenle wasted no time. The moment he stepped into his studio, inspiration flooded his mind. He had made a decision, and now, there was no turning back.

Kun and Ara stood by the doorway, watching with quiet pride as Chenle set up a blank canvas, a spark in his eyes they hadn't seen in a long time.

"He's really doing it," Ara whispered, smiling.

Kun nodded. "And we'll be here every step of the way."

And they were.

Days turned into nights as Chenle poured his soul into his artwork. The world outside faded, replaced by colors and brushstrokes that carried pieces of his heart. He experimented, pushing himself beyond his comfort zone, determined to create something that truly reflected him.

Kun and Ara made sure he didn't lose himself in the process. They brought him meals when he forgot to eat, forced him to take breaks when exhaustion threatened to take over, and filled his space with laughter and encouragement.

"This is incredible, Lele," Ara whispered one evening as she stood behind him, admiring his nearly finished piece. "I've never seen anything like it."

Chenle glanced at her, something warm settling in his chest. "Thanks, Ara."

Kun entered moments later, placing a steaming cup of tea beside him. "How's it going?" he asked, his tone gentle.

Chenle took a sip, his tense shoulders relaxing. "Almost done," he murmured. "I think this might be my best work yet."

Kun's lips curled into a smile, pride shining in his eyes. "I never doubted you for a second."

And Chenle believed it too.

The day of the competition arrived, bringing a whirlwind of nerves and excitement.

Dressed in his best, Chenle stood before the gallery entrance, his heart pounding. Kun and Ara flanked him on either side, their reassuring presence easing his anxiety.

"You've got this," Ara whispered, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze.

Inside, the gallery was filled with stunning artwork, each piece telling its own story. Chenle took it all in, marveling at the talent on display. He had always feared he wouldn't measure up, but as he looked at his own work, he didn't feel small anymore.

He belonged here.

When the time came for the winners to be announced, the room fell silent. Chenle's heart pounded in his ears.

"And the first prize goes to... Zhong Chenle!"

The words didn't register at first.

The applause that followed seemed distant, his breath catching in disbelief.

Ara nudged him, excitement bubbling in her voice. "Lele, you won!"

Kun clapped him on the back, a proud grin on his face. "Go up there!"

Still in a daze, Chenle made his way to the stage, accepting the award with slightly trembling hands. As he turned to the crowd, his eyes immediately found Kun and Ara. They were beaming, their pride unmistakable.

This moment wasn't just his, it was theirs too.

That night, they celebrated at Chenle's favorite restaurant. Belle joined them, her usual cheerful energy lighting up the table.

"I knew you could do it!" Ara said, raising her glass in a toast. "To Chenle, the most talented artist I know!"

Kun lifted his own glass. "To Chenle, and to many more masterpieces to come!"

Belle grinned. "To our very own art prodigy!"

Chenle laughed, shaking his head as their glasses clinked together. As he looked around the table, at the people who had stood by him, believed in him even when he couldn't believe in himself, he felt something overwhelming settle in his chest.

Gratitude. Love.

For the first time in a long time, he truly felt at peace.

And he knew now with them by his side, there was nothing he couldn't do.

A.N -

Happy late Chenle day!! I can't believe he is already 23.