Work Text:
There are still two hours to go before the clock strikes midnight. Taipei is deadly cold on the last day of 2023, but Zi Hong’s hands are sweaty from anxiety. It has been almost a year since he has met Rui Jia in person, and probably more than two since he has met the rest of the WBL cast, but he had no reason to stay in Taipei when thousands of opportunities were waiting for him in Mainland China. He filmed a couple of dramas and two movies, one of the latter skyrocketed him into fame, and he has become one of the most desired and popular actors in Asia.
Opportunities come from everywhere now, especially from Taiwan. He rejected them for a long time, prioritizing staying in Mainland China with the person he thought would be his forever companion. But that was months ago. She let go, and he did the same.
He has been in Taipei for six weeks now, enjoying his singleness and his family. Taipei has welcomed him nicely, and he feels the comfort of the city over his broken heart. Leaving China has been a good decision after all.
Being a popular actor now means that everyone is following all of his actions. Just two days after arriving in Taiwan, director Jiang asked him to meet. Zi Hong was greeted with a strong hug and a gorgeous script of a complicated thriller. Jiang wants to make him the lead actor, Zi Hong told him he would think about it. And he will take it but he wants the man to suffer a little more.
But today is different. Rui Jia talked to him over an hour on the phone, convincing and threatening him to come to his New Year get-together. Everyone that is in Taiwan is coming, Zi Hong, don’t be a spoilsport . He accepted at the end.
So as he rings the bell of Rui Jia’s house, he prepares his mind for the confrontation. Rui Jia opens the door and smiles at him broadly. He is still as handsome and fit as ever. Zi Hong smiles back and lets himself be hugged by the only person who really knows what happened two years ago.
“You don’t look that bad,” says Rui Jia, after letting go.
Zi Hong smiles, Rui Jia knows how much he is hurting after the break-up. “I miss you, too,” he ends up saying with a mocking smile.
“You actually look extremely well, Zi Hong,” Rui Jia adds as he invites Zi Hong to come into the house. “Make yourself comfortable, everybody is already inside.”
As he enters the house, one of Rui Jia’s cats comes to greet him. He gets on his knees to pet the ginger cat, who receives the caress with greediness. “With “everybody is already inside”, I didn’t mean my cats. Hurry and greet them, they are quite excited to meet you.”
Zi Hong lets go of the ginger pet begrudgingly but obeys. He is overly nervous, but he wants to be over with it. As he enters the living room, he finds four men talking animatedly.
“Well, hello,” he says. Luo Luo is the first one to stand up to greet him. The tall actor hugs him tightly as he talks non-stop. Chih Tian is next, followed by Lee Chi and Fan Chiang. “I thought you said everyone was here,” he says when he notices the absence of someone else.
“Belle couldn’t come,” says Chih Tian. “her husband and her are in Paris. The good life.”
Zi Hong didn’t mean Belle, but the rest probably don't even think about anyone else. They are the only ones who are in Taiwan, after all.
“Good for her,” he ends up saying.
They are all over him after that point, wanting to know about his stay in China and his plans for Taiwan. Zi Hong replies to everything as briefly as possible, it also helps that Rui Jia interjects when needed. He is extremely thankful.
Chih Tian asks about her, and Zi Hong wants to ignore him, but they haven’t met for a long time. He can’t be rude. “We are good friends now,” he starts, “actually we were acting as friends for a long while, we just didn’t notice.”
“Sorry, Zi Hong,” says Chih Tian, probably reading Zi Hong’s expression and guessing his melancholy. “I didn’t mean to spoil the atmosphere. Let's talk about something else!”
Everyone agrees and starts updating Zi Hong with their recent activities. Zi Hong nods and laughs with them, thankful for their efforts to lighten up his mood. Rui Jia brings him a glass of wine, and he accepts, surprising himself. It is New Year’s eve, he can get drunk today.
“It is so nice that you could come,” says Luo Luo. “It was not the same meeting without you and Yu.”
Yang Yu Teng. How long has it been since I last saw you?
“Our Yu,” says Chih Tian, “he is too busy to have time for us,” he jokes, but Luo Luo looks offended.
“How can you say that? Yu sends all the Korean snacks you want every two months diligently.”
“I was just joking, Evan,” Chih Tian answers boringly. “But he should come to Taipei at some point. With Zi Hong here, we are almost complete. And he just talks to you.”
“Yu has been busy with his tour and the promotion of the Korean drama.”
“Didn’t you say he finished everything last week?,” asks Lee Chi.
“He did, but he is probably finally enjoying Seoul. He didn’t have the chance before as all he did was work.”
Zi Hong has never stopped checking up on Yu. After Zi Hong left Taiwan, Yu did the same. He took his chances, traveled to Japan, released a full album and got the whole nation’s heart. His popularity extended towards Asia, Europe and the Americas, but he became South Korea's sweetheart with his good looks and cute charisma.
“Yu is really amazing,” comments Chih Tian. “He learnt Korean in such a short time.”
“Well he’s got a korean boyfriend, that helps,” comments Lee Chi calmly, while drinking his wine.
“What?” Zi Hong can barely believe Lee Chi’s words. “Yang Yu Teng has a Korean boyfriend?”
“That is what Luo Luo said.”
“I never said that, Lee Chi. That is what rumors say, but it is not true.”
“What happens, Gao Shi De?,” starts Chih Tian, and there is that naughty glint in his eyes that hasn't gone extinct over the years. “Are you jealous of your lao po ?”
They all start laughing then, and although they are making fun of Zi Hong, the camaraderie is such a reminder of his greatest time, that he laughs along.
After everyone calms down, Luo Luo still looks uncomfortable and speaks once again, “just so all of you know, Yu told me himself that he is just friends with that guy.”
“We know, Luo Luo,” says Lee Chi. “But he and Yu look really good together, and the guy is really handsome, isn’t he, Rui Jia?”
“Well he is a korean idol. What were you expecting?”
“Do you know about him, Zi Hong?,” asks Chih Tian, but Zi Hong denies. “Oh, let me show you a fancam,” he says while starting to check on his cellphone. “What was the name of the song, Rui Jia? Love shot?”
Rui Jia’s answer is interrupted by the doorbell, though. “I think my surprise has finally arrived,” he says instead enthusiastically, as he stands up.
He leaves the living room to open the door while the others start whispering. “I thought Zi Hong was the surprise,” says Fan Chiang, while filling his glass with more wine.
Rui Jia doesn’t take long to return, clearing his throat to gain their attention “Well everyone, look who is here!”
Zi Hong turns around, and right behind Rui Jia’s wide frame is Yang Yu Teng. Zi Hong can’t take his eyes off him. He is still as beautiful as ever, the most handsome man he has ever seen. His hair is long and parted to the side, and all he can see is wide almond eyes, high bridge nose, full lips, and the tear mole. Yang Yu Teng hasn’t changed at all in the last two years.
“Hi!,” says Yu softly in between soft giggles, probably having fun at their shocked expressions.
Luo Luo is the first to react and dives into Yu’s direction, holding him tightly against his chest. “You didn’t tell me you were coming. How dare you!” Chih Tian rescues him from Luo Luo’s grip, but he is next to hug him tightly. Zi Hong knows how much every single person adores Yu and his cute antics. Lee Chi and Fan Chiang are a lot calmer than Luo Luo and Chih Tian, but still greet Yu with wide smiles.
Zi Hong is the only one left and he is stuck to the floor. But he doesn’t need to do anything, because Yu gets close to him and gives him a gentle hug before letting go.
“Surprise!,” he says cutely while raising his hands. Zi Hong can still feel Yu’s embrace in his chest and arms.
“How did you convince him to come?” asks Luo Luo, who still looks completely shocked.
“You are not the only one who talks to Yu, Luo Luo,” replies Rui Jia.
“Sorry,” starts Yu. “I was not really sure if I would make it, that’s why I didn’t tell you anything.” Those words seem to be not enough for Luo Luo, who is still sulking.
“The important thing is that Yu is here, and that we are together like back in the day,” deadpanns Chih Tian. “I wouldn’t mind if I get drunk this time.”
Yu sits next to him, while Rui Jia offers him a glass of beer. Yu accepts happily and asks for food. Rui Jia is not good at cooking but his mother has been nice enough to prepare them a nice dinner.
Since they are all finally together, Rui Jia urges them to the kitchen where they organize themselves around the table.
Zi Hong is extremely curious about Yu, he wants to know what he has been up to in Japan and Corea, about his work, his new friends, and probably a lover. But Yu Teng is reserved and the least Zi Hong wants is to make him uncomfortable. All of them seem to think about the same, because instead of asking him questions, they start updating Yu with the last news.
Chih Tian is the most enthusiastic as he keeps talking non-stop. Zi Hong is okay with it until Chih Tian starts talking about him. “And well Zi Hong is single now,”
Yu splatters over his beer, but quickly recovers. “Thanks for updating him for me, Shih Chih Tian.”
“Well you were not saying anything. It is so weird, you are all quiet.” Yu Teng is looking at him with curious eyes, and even through the years, just by connecting their gazes Zi Hong can tell what Yu wants.
“We fell out of love, Yu Teng. Our relationship became a routine, and the flame extinguished.”
There is a long silence, nobody brave enough to say something. Zi Hong hates it, because he can almost feel their pity in his skin. He is ready to change the topic and tell a joke, but Yu beats him. “It took you a long time to figure it out,” Yu is frowning while saying so, and there is a tint of red on his cheeks. He seems to be mad for a moment, but then forces a smile on his face. “But I hope you both still get along.”
Zi Hong doesn’t know what to say, and the second silence is born. This time Chih Tian is ready, because he claps, and then calls to Yu. “So, Yang Yu Teng, back to you. Is it true that you are dating a Korean singer?”
Yu’s expression changes from rancor to confusion. A soft frown appears on his fair forehead while trying to decipher Chih Tian’s words. After a couple of seconds he opens his mouth in understanding. “Do you mean Jong In?”
“No idea, don’t know his name. All I know is that he is hot and extremely good at dancing.”
Yu laughs but nods. “Then it must be Jong In. He is in the army now, though.”
Luo Luo has his mouth wide open as Yu doesn’t deny his relationship with the Korean idol, and while the others are not showing any signs of shock, Zi Hong knows they are all feeling the same. “So you are really dating him?,” asks Chih Tian finally.
“We are not dating at all,” replies Yu, with a frown on his face. “We just… we just see each other sometimes.” He shrugs then and looks to the side, clearly embarrassed. He is bright red once again, and something in Zi Hong screams. He has never felt this way before. He has never been the jealous type, but Yang Yu Teng has never given him reasons. While in Taiwan, he was always right behind Zi Hong, looking up to him and asking for reassurance. Zi Hong has never thought about Yu’s romantic relationships because he stupidly thought he still had his heart. But time passes, and feelings change.
Chih Tian, on the other hand, is overly-excited and starts asking for more. “So you are like friends with benefits, right?”
Yu blushes harder if that is possible, “I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”
Chih Tian is ready to dig harder, but Rui Jia is there to save the day and starts asking about the dinner. They spend the last hours of 2023 eating the delicious food prepared by Rui Jia’s mom and playing two rounds of the card game “Werewolves”. Yu is the witch in the first round and makes the villagers win; and in the second round he is a werewolf and nobody thinks about him until it is too late.
They get into a heated debate because Chih Tian is a sore loser and he thinks Yu is cheating. It is not about five minutes before midnight that they are aware about the time, and they get ready to fill the glasses with champagne for the countdown. Zi Hong had two glasses of wine already, and years ago he would have already been completely wasted, but now he just feels a little tipsy and happy.
They scream the last 10 seconds of 2023 together and have a group hug, forced by Luo Lup, before writing to their loved ones.
Yu excuses himself as he checks on his cellphone, and goes into the direction of Rui Jia’s balcony. Zi Hong’s own cell phone is ringing with all the best wishes from his family, friends and acquaintances. Minutes pass, but Yu Teng isn’t back. Overcome by curiosity, he takes a new glass of wine and follows Yu’s steps and finds him talking to someone in a video call in what seems to be korean. Zi Hong doesn’t understand anything, but Yu’s soft giggles and swift body language says it all. Yu Teng is extremely comfortable with this person.
Yu Teng finishes the phone call with a smile on his face and then turns around, jumping on his place when he discovers Zi Hong in front of him. His giddiness transforms into annoyance when he notices that Zi Hong is holding a new glass of alcohol.
“Wishing a happy new year to your boyfriend?” Zi Hong takes a sip of the wine, hoping to get drowned by it.
“I don’t have a boyfriend, Lin Zi Hong.” Yu Teng’s annoyance is clearer now, he is looking around the room, trying to find an easy way out. “Don’t you think you have enough wine? This is your third glass.”
Zi Hong laughs and takes another sip. Yu’s red face is very sweet. “I have gotten a lot better through the years, Yang Yu Teng. Lots of things have changed.”
“Really?,” asks Yu with a mocking smile on his pretty face. “Then hopefully you will remember everything you do today, and don’t leave people heartbroken.”
Zi Hong is frozen in his place, the distaste of the events from two years ago drowning him in his own regret. Yu was never this straight-forward about this topic, and Zi Hong knew deep inside how much he was hurting but hiding his emotions in the silence.
“I am sorry.” It is the only thing he can say. His heart bleeds for Yu Teng and the love he still has for him.
“You told me the same when you woke up in the hotel room two years ago and chose her over me.” Zi Hong can barely hold the glass of wine, his hands trembling over Yu’s sincere words. “You said you were drunk and that I was a mistake.”
There are angry tears gathering at Yu Teng’s eyes, but he refuses to let them fall. “I didn’t mean that Yu. I said it was my mistake, things shouldn’t have happened that way. I was on a break from my relationship because my head was not in a good place and I wanted to have time for myself,” his words are spluttering now, fast and raw, as his heart has been feeling for so long since he ran away from Taiwan and Yang Yu Teng. “And then it happened, and I was scared, Yang Yu Teng. I was not ready. I'm sorry I was not as brave as you.”
Tears are falling down Yu’s cheeks now, and Zi Hong is tunneling back to that horrible morning when he rejected Yang Yu Teng after holding him in the most intimate way the night before. He had fled from the hotel room after making it clear that he was not choosing Yang Yu Teng, but he had stayed enough time to see the beautiful man break.
“I was in love with you that morning, Yu,” he confesses, and he is sure Yu Teng knows, because he has always been such a clever, bright boy. “But I was also a coward.”
Yu Teng cleans his tears brusquely, and there is pride in his eyes. “Those words mean nothing now. How you felt two years ago is not important today.”
Yu’s words hit him hard. He is right, those words mattered time ago, they don’t anymore. And Zi Hong wonders if he is still a coward or not. Is he ready to finally let go and be honest with his heart? Is he ready to fight against the whole world for the boy in front of him? Is Yang Yu Teng even willing to take him?
The woman he had loved for so long had told him he would never love someone as much as he had loved Yang Yu Teng. And no one knew him as much as her.
“I still love you, Yang Yu Teng,” he admits, his voice breaking while calling the other’s name. “I love you like I have never loved anyone in my life. And I fled from this country because every single thing reminded me of how much I hurt you because of my indecisiveness and cowardice. But I love you the same.”
Yu’s tears are falling again but there is a soft and sweet smile on his face. “Are you that drunk? Are you forgetting what you are telling me tomorrow?,” he asks, as a part of his heart still wants to protect himself, and he needs the reassurance that this time is different.
Zi Hong smiles back and he reads over Yu’s gentle gaze. “There is no way I am forgetting this time.” Yu bites his lower lip but there is so much tenderness in his face, Zi Hong wants nothing but to kiss him. He takes some steps ahead hesitantly but Yu ain't putting up with his indecisiveness. He yanks his arm and lips crash against each other. They are laughing while kissing because it feels like Shu Yi and Shi De’s first kiss, and Lin Zi Hong remembers fondly that sweet night when he first figured out he may also like boys, or at least Yang Yu Teng.
Yu’s lips are as soft and sweet as years ago. He is pliant under Zi Hong’s touch after the drive of the first seconds, letting Zi Hong do whatever he wants. Their tongues tangled in a swift motion, and Zi Hong may be a little drunk because he feels himself hardened. He brings Yu’s waist closer and he is close to devouring the other’s lips but Chih Tian calls for them because he wants to karaoke together.
“How does he always find the way to annoy me the most?” Their lips are still touching and Yu’s hands are holding tightly onto his sweater but his tears are drying and soft chuckles are filling the room.
“Maybe we should escape from here,” Yu has a naught glint in his eyes, and Zi Hong loves it.
“My car is parked not far from here.”
Yu smiles widely, biting his lip to not to laugh out loud as Zi Hong guides him furtively out of the house. As he holds his hand tighter, he swears he is never letting go.