Fated Connections ZB1 Zhang Hao x Fem reader

Chapter 21: New Beginnings

Time moved forward, and with the adjustments in Zhang Hao's schedule, life started to feel more balanced. Even though they were still separated by distance at times, the weight of constant uncertainty had lifted. There was more time to enjoy the present, to build on their relationship, and to look forward to the future together.

Zhang Hao had just finished another round of performances and promotions with Zerobaseone, and as planned, he had a short break before they moved on to the next phase of their work. For the first time in months, Y/N and Zhang Hao would get to spend an entire week together.

Y/N paced around her apartment, tidying up here and there, nervous excitement bubbling up inside her. Zhang Hao had sent her a text an hour ago that he had landed, and now she was waiting for him to arrive at her place. She had missed him so much and couldn't wait to have him back, even if it was just for a short time.

When the knock came at the door, Y/N hurried to answer, her heart racing. As soon as she opened the door, there he was—Zhang Hao, standing there with a bright smile and tired but happy eyes. Without hesitation, she launched herself into his arms, and he caught her, laughing softly as he held her tight.

"I missed you," Y/N whispered into his shoulder.

"I missed you more," Zhang Hao replied, his voice soft and full of affection.

They stood like that for a long moment, just enjoying the feeling of being close to each other again. It was a kind of comfort they had both craved for weeks.

Once inside, they settled on the couch, Zhang Hao resting his head on Y/N's lap as they talked about everything and nothing. It was a rare moment of peace for them both, and they cherished it.

"Things are going really well with the group," Zhang Hao said after a while, looking up at her. "We've been working hard, but it feels good. I'm proud of what we've accomplished."

Y/N smiled, running her fingers through his hair. "I'm proud of you too. You've come so far, and I'm glad you're taking better care of yourself now."

Zhang Hao closed his eyes, sighing contentedly at her touch. "It's all thanks to you. I couldn't have done this without your support."

Y/N felt her heart swell at his words, but she shook her head. "You're strong on your own, Hao. I'm just happy I can be here for you when you need me."

They sat in silence for a moment, the gentle hum of the city outside their window creating a calm backdrop. Zhang Hao's breathing evened out, and Y/N realized he was falling asleep. She chuckled softly, knowing that the exhaustion of his schedule had finally caught up with him.

"I guess you really needed this rest," Y/N whispered, looking down at his peaceful face.

Zhang Hao mumbled something incoherent but didn't move. Y/N smiled to herself, leaning down to kiss his forehead gently. She would let him sleep for a while. He deserved it.

The week passed quickly, filled with quiet moments of togetherness. Zhang Hao and Y/N spent their time doing simple things—cooking together, going for walks, and just talking. It was the kind of mundane normalcy they rarely got to experience, and they both relished it.

On the last day of his visit, they decided to go for a walk in the park near Y/N's apartment. The weather was perfect—sunny but cool, with a gentle breeze. They held hands as they walked, enjoying the fresh air and the feeling of being side by side.

"Do you ever think about the future?" Zhang Hao asked suddenly, his voice thoughtful.

Y/N looked up at him, surprised by the question. "Of course. Don't you?"

"I do," Zhang Hao said, squeezing her hand gently. "Lately, I've been thinking about it more and more. About us, about what comes next."

Y/N's heart skipped a beat. She had thought about their future, of course, but she had always been careful not to push too much. Their relationship had to find its own rhythm, especially with the demands of their careers.

"What do you see in the future?" Y/N asked, her voice soft.

Zhang Hao stopped walking and turned to face her, his expression serious but filled with warmth. "I see us together, building a life. I know it won't be easy, with my career and your work as a doctor, but I believe we can make it work."

Y/N felt a lump in her throat, her emotions catching her off guard. "You really believe that?"

"I do," Zhang Hao said without hesitation. "I love what I do, but you're the person I want to come home to. You're my future."

Tears welled up in Y/N's eyes, and she blinked them away, overwhelmed by the depth of his words. "Hao, I feel the same way. I want a future with you too."

Zhang Hao smiled, pulling her into a tight embrace. "Then we'll make it happen. No matter how hard it gets, we'll always find our way back to each other."

Y/N nodded against his chest, her heart full of love for him. She knew that their journey wouldn't always be easy, but in that moment, she believed that they could overcome anything together.

As they stood there, holding each other in the middle of the park, the world around them seemed to fade away. It was just the two of them, wrapped in the warmth of their love and the promise of the future they would build together.