@Vixen Yibo Zhan's grin widened, and he gave Yibo's hand a squeeze in return as they walked, pressing a kiss to Yibo's cheek. Yibo was right. Everything was perfect. "Perfect until we ask your parents if I could take their precious son from them so we can move in together," Zhan whispered with his lips by Yibo's ear, smiling mischievously. "I promised you, and you held up your end of the deal. Tomorrow, let's go get the keys together. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."
@Designer Zhan With his parents on one side and his lover on his other, Yibo was more than happy to be the third party in between them. "This is perfect." he expressed to the people who finally made him feel like he had a sense of direction in life, and he gave Zhan another loving squeeze as they walked hand in hand.
@Vixen Yibo Surprised by Yibo's bold move in front of his parents, Zhan broke away from Yibo quickly. He waited for the 'Why are you dating a man twice older than you?'. It didn't come. Instead, he was given warm smiles by Yibo's parents. As Mrs. Wang fussed over Yibo, the father stood next to Zhan, nodding in greeting. Zhan smiled back politely, nodding even deeper. Yibo's father cleared his throat. "Xiao Zhan, hm? We're going to lunch with the family to celebrate. Why don't you come with us?"
Zhan's gaze shifted to meet Yibo's, his heart swelling. He had expected it to take a while for Yibo's parents to accept him. "I'd love to," he said warmly, holding his hand out for Yibo when the younger's mother let him go.
@Designer Zhan Yibo was grinning widely as he took the bouquet of flowers from Zhan. This was a milestone in his life, as Zhan's promise from before that if he graduated they could move in together, still held true. Unsatisfied with the kiss on his forehead, he leaned in, pressing his lips against the older's with ferocity. "Thanks for coming." he breathed out when their kiss broke, only then realizing his parents had witnessed the entire situation.
Yibo smiled at his parents, who, aside from the shock they just received from witnessing Yibo kiss Zhan, beamed with pride for the son who matured far beyond all their expectations. "We're dating!" he announced happily, then taking a step forward to wrap an around his parents, "Thanks for coming, mom and dad."
His parents took a moment to get over the initial shock, but they knew their son's nature. It could only be the man standing beside Yibo who could've changed him so much in such a short period of time. Otherwise, Yibo wouldn't be standing here today, with such a bright future ahead of him and the happiest smile on his face. As they hugged him close, Yibo's mother met Zhan's gaze, and she gave him a thankful, approving nod.
@Vixen Yibo Before Zhan could answer the Wangs, Yibo came running out between the crowd and leaping into his arms. Zhan opened them just in time to catch him, quickly forgetting about the younger's parents. "Hey," he cooed, bringing Yibo close to his chest, the flowers he held crushed against Yibo's side. "Congratulations, Yibo. You did it. I always knew you could." He remembered Yibo's parents before he could press a kiss to Yibo's temple, straightening the both of them up. "Look at you. Here, I brought these for you." Zhan offered his bouquet, his expression one of complete devotion for his boyfriend.
"Yibo?" Mrs. Wang said, approaching them cautiously. "What... what's this?"
@Designer Zhan The onslaught of people who were walking in the opposite direction of Yibo made it twice as hard for him to get to his destination. Clutching his diploma to his chest, he shouldered his way through people and tried to make out the most handsome of the bunch. Finally, the tall structure of the fountain came into view and Yibo rounded the corner, making a beeline for it.
In plain view was his lover, dressed in a simple pressed white shirt and looking as beautiful as the day was bright. Yibo dashed towards the older, letting go of all regards and yelping excitedly, "Gege!!!" and without waiting to see if Zhan's arms were outstretched to receive him, he jumped.
@Vixen Yibo It took a bit of convincing, but Zhan agreed to attend Yibo's graduation. He had argued that it was a day for family at first, but Yibo was so insistent that Zhan just had to give in. He'd even brought flowers, their petals standing out bright against the white cotton of his dress shirt. Standing beside the spot Yibo had pointed out to him before, Zhan was patient as he looked past the mass of students robed in black for Yibo. It took a while, and Yibo still wasn't out yet, but Yibo's parents did bump into Zhan. It was a pure coincidence, Zhan was sure. He and Yibo hadn't talked about meeting up with them. Still, he smiled and greeted them. They were astounded to see their interior designer there, as if Zhan had no life other than designing.
"The wallpaper you picked out for us is just holding out so well," Mrs. Wang gushed. "Anyway, who are you here for? A family member?"
@Designer Zhan The end of April passed quickly and May came and gone before Yibo knew it, he had completed his last semester of college in June and graduation was right before his eyes. Donning his black graduation cap and gown in the blazing summer sun, Yibo stood in the long line of graduates, hearing the provost make his closing remarks after a four hour long ceremony of speeches and diploma awarding. Yibo had looked into the vast crowd earlier, seeing a sea of people but unable to narrow in on the face he wanted to see the most. No matter, he reminded himself, he had already told Zhan where they could meet after the ceremony, and Yibo was sure the older could be waiting for him there already. Once released, Yibo took off, heading southbound for the water fountain landmark that Zhan would be at.
@Vixen Yibo At Yibo's acceptance, Zhan finally felt himself relax. He smiled, slowly, until his lips were stretched in a dazzling grin for Yibo. If there's a God, he thought as he closed his fingers over Yibo's, thank you. He refused to let go of Yibo's hand even when the waiter returned with their food, his gaze unable to be torn away from the boy across from him. "Let's eat first," he finally said. "We have a lot of time."
Unbeknownst to Zhan, he was being watched carefully through the glass of the restaurant window. Yang Zi stood, her hands tense as they balled, watching her ex-husband hold Yibo's hand so tenderly. She debated on walking inside to say something, but in the end, there was nothing for her to do but accept the that the smile that once belonged to her was given to someone else now.
@Designer Zhan Yibo saw the way Zhan laid his arm across the table, his palm opened and inviting Yibo to take. Cheesy as the gesture was, Yibo jumped happily at the opportunity, clasping his own hand over Zhan's in a heartbeat. His eyes met the older's, and Yibo could see all the sincerity in Zhan's eyes, removing the last of his uncertainties. "Okay. I'd like that. Let's give us a second chance." he said, just as the food arrived.
@Vixen Yibo Zhan wasn't good at talking. His heart filled with an immense gratefulness at Yibo trying to make things easier for him. He wanted to tell him thank you, that he owed Yibo his life, but Zhan couldn't find the words. Instead, he slowly put a hand on the table, his palm turned upwards, and rested it halfway across the table, a silent invitation for Yibo. If Yibo took his hand, Zhan swore to himself. He would perish Yibo for life. He would never leave Yibo again, and love him even past death. "Please give me a second chance," he said quietly, his eyes searching Yibo's desperately, unable to relax until Yibo gave him a certain answer.
@Designer Zhan "Yes, really." Yibo answered candidly, his smile reflecting his blossoming feelings. Though the moments when Zhan pushed him away and ignored him hurt worse than any other kind of pain Yibo remembered going through, knowing that the older was simply putting on an act gave Yibo an immense satisfaction, and he couldn't blame Zhan for his actions even if he tried, "I know it was a tough time for you." Yibo comforted, "I thought if I behaved more like an adult, I would be able to take some stress off you." he admitted.
@Vixen Yibo At Yibo's confession, Zhan felt as though an enormous weight lifted off his chest. "Really?" he asked, his voice hoarse. He took a drink of the hot tea, ignoring the way it scalded his throat. This was it. Yibo had laid out the chance so beautifully for Zhan, and he would be a fool not to take it. Zhan had nothing else he could lose, and no matter how little he deserved this happiness, he was selfish enough to take it. "Me too," he said simply, his eyes filling with more life and hope. "I... I missed you. Back then, I wasn't feeling good, and... I pushed you away even when I didn't want you to go. I... I think I would really like to try again."
@Designer Zhan Yibo frowned when Zhan didn't give a clear answer about what he was thinking. He grabbed the glass of ice water, drinking about half of its contents before taking a deep breath and answering courageously, "I think...if you don't uphold your promises, I'll feel hurt and angry and used." Yibo replied honestly, "Because I still love you. And I want to be with you."
@Vixen Yibo Zhan quieted. Yibo wouldn't be lying about it, would he? There was really no reason for Yibo to make up something like that, and the truth was, Zhan /did/ miss and love Yibo. He tried to look for Yibo's reaction towards Zhan's confessions, but the younger's expression seemed just as neutral as Zhan's. "Did I?" he murmured, taking advantage of the silence when the waiter returned with two mugs of tea. "Then..." Swiping the tip of his tongue over his lower lip in his nerves, Zhan twisted his fingers together in his lap. "What do you think about it?"
@Designer Zhan Yibo never had the opportunity to see Zhan in the morning after he went drinking before, so he didn't have any expectations. When the older admitted that he didn't remember anything, Yibo smiled grimly, wondering if Zhan would count his promises void now when prompted. "You didn't say anything offensive...and I'm not upset, Gege. Well...you said you missed me. You've loved me, even before I left." he said, trying to gauge Zhan's expression to see if there was any surprise or regret in the older's face, "And...you promised you'll take care of me. You mumbled a lot about being sad without me."
@Vixen Yibo Yibo was really beautiful. Zhan's head was void of all thoughts but that as he watched Yibo look over the menu. The younger's sudden question took him by surprise before a bit of shame and guilt settled over him. What had he said exactly? Was it something offensive that would destroy his last chance with Yibo? Zhan had to tread carefully. He took a drink out of the icy glass of water that had been filled for them, stalling for time. "Um," he finally said. Specficis, he didn't remember. Only that he probably went at it with Yibo for a long time (evident by the dark marks scattered over Yibo's neck). "No... What did I say? Are you upset? I'm sorry if I said something offensive."
@Designer Zhan Yibo had to restrain himself from reaching out to take Zhan's arm while they were walking to the restaurant. He lagged a few steps behind the older, peering upwards to steal a glance every few paces. He wondered what was going through Zhan's mind, but even more, he wondered if they would ever be able to return to the way they used to be.
When they reached the restaurant, Yibo took a seat across from Zhan, who still had the same ginger look on his face. He took the menu from the older when offered, glancing through it and deciding quickly. When the waiter came, Yibo ordered 2 sets of American classic brunch, which came with toast, eggs, sausage links, and potatoes. He closed the menu and set it aside, finally meeting Zhan's eye, "Do you remember what you said last night?" he asked first, breaking the silence.
@Vixen Yibo Seeing Yibo in his shirt did something too Zhan. It was a weird feeling, and he couldn't help but stare for a few moments before saying, "There's a breakfast place near my workplace, it's not far from here." Zhan packed their things, which weren't a lot, and motioned for Yibo to follow him out. The walk to the restaurant was done in a stony, awkward silence. Zhan prayed that Yibo would be receptive. He did accept breakfast, so Zhan could only hope that was a good sign. He kicked himself for saying 'breakfast' when it was nearly 1 in the afternoon. Stupid.
They sat across from each other, anyway, the brunch menu placed between them. Zhan pushed it towards Yibo, clearing his throat. "You pick for us. I don't mind."
@Designer Zhan As if the first conversation was not enough of a drawback, Zhan came back outside and spoke so formally with Yibo again, making the younger look like a deflated balloon. He collected himself and slowly made his way to the bathroom again, only closing the door halfway in case Zhan decided to leave before Yibo could finish. Yibo cleaned himself with a wet towel and washed his face. He didn't bring an extra change of clothes, and since Zhan's sweater was conveniently left on the rack in the closet, Yibo took that out and slipped it on. He sighed softly as he went back outside where the older was waiting, lips pressed together in a little smile. "Well I guess-" Yibo started, only to be interrupted by Zhan's invitation.
"Yes, I'd like to." Yibo replied pleasantly, feeling relieved that they didn't have to part yet. "Where do you want to go, Gege?"
@Vixen Yibo Zhan dressed before going back out to the bedroom, giving a jerk of his head towards the bedroom. "Go ahead, it's all yours," he said, albeit a bit awkwardly with none of the affection that once seeped into every word he had for Yibo. With his time alone, Zhan thought of what to do. This was it, for real. If he gave up on Yibo now, he'd never get the younger back if he changed his mind. That time, seeing Yibo with that girl, Zhan knew he wouldn't be able to handle it again. He wanted Yibo to stay, he thinks, but how does he admit his mistakes? Zhan had committed an enormous sin by kicking Yibo away before going to him drunk, and now he had to beg Yibo back. It would be a miracle of sorts of Yibo even considered saying yes. Still, something overcame Zhan when Yibo returned from the bathroom. He stood from the bed, soft as he asked, "Do you want to go out for breakfast? With me?"
@Designer Zhan Why was Yibo expecting to be greeted with the same vigor that Zhan had received him with last night? The smile on his face dropped when the older tossed the towel at him, using it to wrap around his shoulders. "Oh...okay." he sighed, "I'll be waiting outside then." Yibo closed the door dejectedly, returning to bed and lying back down again. Had he been expecting too much last night? He didn't give Zhan the impression that he'd become more of an adult. In fact, recklessly following the older last night probably made him seem even more irresponsible than before.
@Vixen Yibo Yibo scared Zhan. Zhan had been washing up, still completely bare, when the door opened and the younger invited himself in. Zhan jumped, grabbing clumsily for a bath towel to cover himself with, then tossing one at Yibo. He ducked his head, unable to look at Yibo yet. "No," he said, his voice hoarse and scratchy from sleep. "I- I'm fine, just- let me wash up first." Hoping that Yibo wouldn't the it the wrong way, Zhan quickly added, "I won't leave. Just... not now. I want to be alone."
@Designer Zhan Yibo had one of those nights where his body felt like it had been rooted into the bed and no matter how hard he tried to move, his body remained heavy as a rock. When he first blinked his eyes open, it took him a few seconds to come to. The first movement he made was turn to snuggle into Zhan, only to realize that he was met with cooled empty space. He shot up in bed right after that, obviously upset that Zhan would promise to stay by his side but go back on his words. Even if the older was drunk, how could he ditch Yibo here on his good conscience. It was only when he heard the water running in the bathroom that Yibo exhaled in relief. He slid off the bed, slowly limping into the bathroom and opening the door without knocking. He peered inside, smiling when he saw Zhan standing right in front of him, "Gege," Yibo called, "Are you having a hangover?"
@Vixen Yibo When Zhan woke again, it was because of the incessant ringing of his phone. He was quick to search between the sheets to shut it off, catching a glimpse of the time. It was just past noon. With a groan, Zhan stretched out his limbs, squinting in the bright light. As he rolled, he bumped into another mass, and with a start Zhan realized it was another person. Yibo. Yibo? What was he doing here? It took another couple seconds for him to register that they were both beneath the sheets, their skin appearing tan in contrast with the white sheets. It took another minute for everything to rush back to him. Hotel. Dragging Yibo all the way here. Zhan groaned. He was an idiot. Still, with Yibo curled up to him, he couldn't feel that distressed. Sliding off the bed, Zhan stumbled towards the bathroom to clean up, leaving Yibo to wake on his own.
@Designer Zhan It had been so long since Yibo felt Zhan against his body, between his legs, and sleeping beside him. The entire night, he gave in to his inhibition, so much that his voice had gone hoarse by the time they finished. He had to admit that the first few rounds made him sore and took him a while to adjust to the stretch again, but after a while, Yibo was more than enjoying the process, calling for his Gege with all his heart. When they finished for the night, Yibo was long knocked out before Zhan could even get into his sleeping position. Having the warmth of his lover to warm him and his steamy breath as a steady little rhythmic melody, Yibo slept sound like a newborn.
@Vixen Yibo "Of course," Zhan breathed, kissing the younger back with fervour. With Yibo's permission, Zhan sobered up a little, enough for his actions and his intentions to be clear to the younger. They made love, though a little clumsily and rushed on Zhan's part, long enough that when Zhan rolled off Yibo for the last time, the first rays of day were beginning to filter in through the window. He blacked out promptly after that, Yibo tucked tight in his arms so that no matter how drunk he was, Yibo's attempts to escape would wake him.
@Designer Zhan Yibo had heard both the sayings that people could talk extreme nonsense or tell the absolute truth when they were drunk, but he chose to believe that Zhan fell into the latter category since it put him more at ease too. With that reassurance from Zhan, he kissed the older back eagerly, Zhan's lips before slotting their mouths together sloppily. Yibo chuckled at Zhan's childish demand, raising his legs up so the older could pull his pants off with more ease, "Silly Gege," he gasped breathily, reaching his hands out to pull Zhan back against him again, "it's cold, keep me warm."
@Vixen Yibo "Oh yeah," Zhan answered without hesitation, his hands slipping beneath the hem of Yibo's shirt and travelling across the expanse of his smooth stomach. "I love you." He pressed another smothering kiss to Yibo's mouth, messy and smearing saliva across Yibo's skin in a clumsy and definitely not y way, but it aroused Zhan to no end to be able to hold and ravish Yibo. He pulled at Yibo's pants, frowning when they didn't come off as easy as he'd liked, and gave the waistband a more aggressive tug, lifting Yibo's hips off the bed momentarily. "Take them off!"
You know, I see this and I'm just straight up jealous. This takes so much time and commitment and energy and genuine to the core interest in someone's writing. Oh, it's just /rom com sighs/ so romantic and I want that for me so much. I just think of my favorite writer and then i see this and think.. maybe it's possible? (◕‿◕✿) Love this, and hope you guys are still rping somewhere.