Animals + Promises - A Z.Tao x Reader

I think I'm...

Walking back down the hall, I adjusted my stride back to normal. I lifted my face up as I rounded the corner and made a mental switch back to a happier time as I approached the boys. Guangli gave me a look as to ask if I was okay and I smiled at the silent wonder he expressed to me. The other members asked me if I was okay and Tao just listened to my answers. He definitely had a look of worry on his face when I entered. I picked up my bag off the couch and pulled out my phone, checking the time again for effect. I hummed out loud and a few if the C:5 members looked up.

"As much as I want to stay with you guys all day, It's getting late. Tao and I should head back and you guys should get some rest before tomorrow." The boys looked in between each other or at the time, nodding. They started to talk in Chinese, supposedly about getting rest or something and I went to grab my bag from the corner of the room. When I glanced back at them, they were talking to Tao about something. 

Grabbing the bag I went back over and threw a glance at Junjie, who broke off from the group and came over. "Hey, I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused today..." 

He laughed, "don't worry about it, we all have off days, and by the way, it looks like Tao's just being pesty. Don't worry too much about it okay?" 

I nodded, glancing back over at my boyfriend. Then, I turned back to Junjie and gave him a hug, "Thank you for everything" 

He laughed, setting his head down on my shoulder. "Remember to give everyone else a hug too. They'd love it." he laughed quietly. I squeezed him tightly before letting go and then gave him a small smile as we walked back to the group.

After giving everyone else a hug, I took Tao's hand and pulled him out onto the street. He wasn't happy I was dragging him around but he didn't refuse or pull away, so I took that as a good sign. 

We went back to the hotel and I dropped my stuff onto the table, went to the bathroom, and then flopped onto the couch. I pulled up a book on my phone and started reading, something I liked to do in the evenings. A chapter in, I realized the room was dead quiet. 

Pulling myself up, I looked around. No sign of Tao. Not in the bathroom, kitchen, in the hall...then I noticed the door to the bedroom was open just a crack.

I pulled open the door a little more and found all but one small light off. Tao was sprawled on the bed in his nightclothes, asleep. I smiled and opened the door a little wider, slipping in and going over to the bed. I softly pulled the covers over his shoulders and brushed his hair out of his eyes stroking his cheek with my thumb. I spoke quietly to him even though he was asleep and couldn't hear me. 

"Tao, I hope you know I'd never leave you for anyone, and I don't like Jianyu like that. He doesn't matter to me like you do. He's an amazing friend and so is the rest of C:5. You're more than that to me. To be honest, I kinda have another confession to make too. Today, I saw you perform, that dance in the studio. And it got me thinking, no matter how much you seem to hate me right now. Tao..." 

I paused, knowing he wasn't going to answer, just giving myself time to breathe. "I- " I stuttered. I tried again, "Tao, to be honest. I think I'm in love with you."

Suddenly, my eyes were covered and I was pulled onto the bed. I heard a laugh and I squeaked in terror. Still in the dark, I felt lips pressed onto mine. Finding a hand over my eyes, I took the wrist and pulled it away, letting my eyes meet with my favourite brown ones. 

Smiling into the kiss, I placed my hand on Tao's face and brought him even closer to me.

Pulling away, I attacked Tao in a hug. "You heard all of that?" He nodded into my shoulder. Unburying his face he spoke softly.

"(y/n)?"

"Yes Tao?"

"I love you too"