—Years later, far from the spotlight—
Years passed, bringing changes neither Xiao Zhan nor Wang Yibo could have anticipated. Their careers evolved, their lives became quieter, and the exhausting years of constantly hiding their relationship gradually became a distant memory.
Eventually, they found a peaceful home in a seaside town, somewhere they could spend time together without worrying about cameras or curious strangers.
One morning, Xiao Zhan sat on the porch, sketching the ocean while enjoying his tea. Inside the house, Yibo was occupied with his guitar, occasionally playing the same melody until he was satisfied. When he finally came outside, his hair was still messy from sleep.
Without asking, he picked up Xiao Zhan's tea and took a sip.
"Still drawing the sea, lao-po?"
Xiao Zhan glanced at him before reclaiming his cup.
"Still stealing my things, lao-gong?"
Yibo chuckled and settled beside him, resting his head against Xiao Zhan's shoulder. The older man continued sketching with one hand while allowing their other hands to intertwine. They no longer needed to hide these little gestures from the world.
Sometimes, Xiao Zhan wondered how they had managed to reach this point despite everything they had faced. There had been difficult days, painful decisions, and moments when the future seemed uncertain. Yet somehow, they had held on to each other.
Yibo lifted his head and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek.
"What are you thinking about?"
Xiao Zhan smiled.
"Nothing. I'm just happy I am here with you."
Yibo intertwined their fingers more tightly.
"Me too, Zhan-ge."
The waves continued rolling toward the shore as the morning sun illuminated their little home. There were no cameras waiting for them, no interviews to prepare for, and no need to conceal their affection from people who can't understand.
They were simply Zhan and Yibo, sharing their morning together as ordinary as usual. And after everything they had endured, an ordinary life together was the most precious thing they could have asked for.
💚❤️💚❤️💚❤️🐢🐢🦁🐰🦁🐰🦁🐰