Fated Connections ZB1 Zhang Hao x Fem reader

Chapter 25: Catching Up

The week after Zerobaseone's successful comeback was a whirlwind. Zhang Hao and the group were busy with interviews, music show performances, and fan events. The adrenaline of their accomplishment kept them going, but it also meant Zhang Hao and Y/N had little time to catch up properly. However, despite the craziness, Zhang Hao made sure to send Y/N messages and voice notes whenever he could.

It had been a few days since their last proper call, and Y/N missed hearing his voice. She understood how intense the schedule must be, but the ache of their time apart was beginning to weigh on her. One evening, after a long shift at the hospital, Y/N was on her way home when her phone buzzed with a video call from Zhang Hao.

She smiled, quickly answering. Zhang Hao's face appeared on her screen, his eyes tired but smiling nonetheless.

"Hey," he said, his voice soft. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you too," Y/N replied, her heart lightening at the sight of him. "How are you holding up?"

"Tired," he admitted with a chuckle. "But everything's going well. I've been meaning to call sooner, but we've had back-to-back schedules. I didn't want you to think I was ignoring you."

"I know how busy you've been," Y/N reassured him. "I'm just happy you called now."

They spent the next few minutes catching up, Zhang Hao filling her in on the details of their comeback stages and interviews, while Y/N talked about her work at the hospital. Their conversation flowed easily, the comfort of each other's company a welcome reprieve from their hectic lives.

At the dorm:

Zhang Hao leaned back against his bed, propping the phone up as they continued talking. He could hear the other members moving around the dorm, their laughter and chatter in the background.

"We've been getting great feedback on the new song," Zhang Hao said with a proud smile. "I wish you could've been there for the live show. The energy from the fans was incredible."

"I watched every performance," Y/N grinned. "You were amazing. I could tell how much fun you were having on stage."

Zhang Hao's eyes softened. "I thought about you while performing. Knowing you were watching made it even better."

Y/N's heart fluttered at his words. "I'm always cheering for you, even from afar."

There was a brief pause, a comfortable silence where they both just enjoyed the connection. Despite the distance, it was moments like this that reminded them why their relationship worked. They were each other's biggest supporters, no matter what.

As the conversation continued, Zhang Hao shifted slightly, his expression growing more serious. "Y/N, I've been thinking a lot lately. About us."

Y/N's breath caught slightly. "What do you mean?"

"About how we're balancing everything," Zhang Hao explained, running a hand through his hair. "You know, with my career and your work... it's not easy. But I've realized something. No matter how crazy things get, you're always on my mind. I want to make this work, Y/N. I really do."

Y/N's heart swelled at his words. "I feel the same way, Hao. I knew what I was getting into when we started this, and I wouldn't change it. We make it work because we want to."

Zhang Hao smiled, a mixture of relief and affection in his eyes. "Thank you for being patient with me. I know it's not always easy."

"I think we've both been patient," Y/N replied softly. "But it's worth it. I'm willing to wait as long as it takes, because I believe in us."

The sincerity in her voice reassured Zhang Hao. He knew that their relationship had its challenges, but Y/N had always been the one who made everything feel possible. Their connection went beyond the daily conversations or the time they spent together. It was deeper than that—rooted in trust, understanding, and love.

As their call wound down, Zhang Hao's voice grew softer. "I'll see you soon, okay? Once things calm down a bit, I'll come to visit."

"I'll be waiting," Y/N said, smiling through the screen. "Get some rest, Hao. You've been working hard."

"I will," Zhang Hao promised. "Goodnight, Y/N."

"Goodnight, Hao."

After hanging up, Y/N felt a deep sense of contentment. Even though they were physically apart, the bond they shared kept them close. The strength of their relationship came from moments like this—simple, genuine, and full of love.

Meanwhile, Zhang Hao's thoughts:

As Zhang Hao lay in bed that night, staring up at the ceiling, he couldn't stop thinking about Y/N. He was grateful for her constant support and understanding. Despite the distance and the challenges, she had always been there for him.

He knew their relationship wasn't like others, and he was okay with that. What they had was special, and as long as they continued to fight for it, nothing could stand in their way. Zhang Hao smiled to himself, feeling reassured.

With that thought in mind, he drifted off to sleep, ready to face whatever the next day brought—knowing that Y/N was always with him, in his heart.