Until We Meet Again...(YiZhan)

Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo sat across from each other at a quiet café, a table tucked in a corner that gave them just enough privacy. Between them lay the old book, its worn cover holding secrets of a love that had lasted through lifetimes.

"We've pieced together so much," Zhan began, his voice soft, "but there's still so much I don't understand. Why us? Why now?"

Yibo stirred his tea thoughtfully, his gaze focused on Zhan. "Maybe it's not about understanding why. Maybe it's about what we do with this second chance."

The sincerity in Yibo's voice made Zhan's heart ache. He wanted to believe in the simplicity of that answer, but the weight of their shared past lingered, unspoken but undeniable.

"What if we fail?" Zhan whispered, his vulnerability showing. "What if fate pulls us apart again?"

Yibo reached across the table, his fingers brushing against Zhan's. "Then we fight it. Together."

The warmth of Yibo's touch sent a shiver down Zhan's spine, grounding him in the moment. For the first time, he allowed himself to hope that maybe, just maybe, they could rewrite their story.

---

The following weekend, Yibo suggested a trip to the mountains. "There's a place I want to show you," he said cryptically, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Zhan, ever curious, agreed.

They drove up winding roads surrounded by lush greenery, the city fading into the distance as the air grew cooler. Yibo's bike roared ahead, his movements fluid and effortless, while Zhan followed in his car, his heart pounding not just from the speed but from the exhilaration of being near Yibo.

When they finally arrived, Zhan stepped out to see a breathtaking view of rolling hills and a serene lake reflecting the sky like a mirror.

"It's beautiful," Zhan murmured, his eyes wide.

Yibo smiled, pulling off his helmet. "It's my favorite place to think. I figured it might help us piece together more of the puzzle."

They sat by the edge of the lake, the quiet broken only by the rustling of leaves and the gentle lapping of water.

"This place feels familiar," Zhan admitted after a while, his voice barely audible.

Yibo nodded. "It's strange, isn't it? Like we've been here before."

Zhan closed his eyes, letting the memories come. He could see himself standing at this very spot, his robes fluttering in the wind, and beside him was Lan Zhan, his expression as unreadable as ever but his presence steady and comforting.

"I remember this," Zhan said, his voice trembling. "We were here… together."

Yibo reached for Zhan's hand, holding it firmly. "And we're here now. Together."

The moment felt fragile yet infinite, as if the universe itself had conspired to bring them back to this place, this time.

---

As the days turned into weeks, Zhan and Yibo grew closer, their connection deepening in ways neither of them had expected. But with every step forward, the weight of their past loomed larger.

One evening, Zhan couldn't help but voice his fears. "What if this isn't just about us? What if there's something bigger we're supposed to do?"

Yibo looked at him, his expression thoughtful. "Then we face it. Whatever it is, we face it together."

His words brought Zhan a sense of comfort he hadn't realized he needed. For the first time, he felt like he wasn't carrying the weight of their shared history alone.

---

But the universe had a way of testing even the strongest bonds.

One night, Zhan received a call from Lu Jianmin, his uncle. "Zhan, we need to talk. It's about the Jian-Wang project."

Zhan frowned. "What's wrong?"

"There's been an issue with Wang Enterprise," his uncle said gravely. "Huang Ziteng is pushing to dissolve the partnership. I don't know why, but he seems adamant."

Zhan's heart sank. He knew how much this project meant to both his family and Yibo's. But more than that, he worried about what this conflict might do to his budding relationship with Yibo.

He called Yibo immediately, his voice laced with urgency. "Yibo, have you heard? Your uncle—"

"I know," Yibo interrupted, his tone clipped. "I'm handling it."

"Yibo, let me help—"

"I said I'm handling it, Zhan," Yibo snapped, and then softened. "Sorry. It's just… complicated. I'll call you later."

The line went dead, leaving Zhan staring at his phone, a mix of frustration and worry swirling in his chest.

---

Over the next few days, Yibo grew distant, his usual warmth replaced by a cold determination. Zhan tried to reach out, but Yibo's responses were brief, his focus entirely on the conflict with his uncle.

It wasn't until a week later that Yibo finally showed up at Zhan's apartment, looking exhausted but resolute.

"I'm sorry," Yibo said, his voice hoarse. "I didn't mean to shut you out."

Zhan stepped aside, letting him in. "I was worried, Yibo. About you, about us."

Yibo sighed, running a hand through his hair. "My uncle's trying to sabotage the project. He doesn't trust the Jian family. He doesn't trust you."

The words hit Zhan like a punch to the gut. "Me? Why?"

Yibo hesitated, then admitted, "He thinks I'm distracted. That I've let my feelings for you cloud my judgment."

Zhan's heart clenched. "And what do you think?"

Yibo looked at him, his eyes softening. "I think he's wrong. You're not my distraction, Zhan. You're my anchor."

The honesty in Yibo's voice brought tears to Zhan's eyes. He stepped closer, pulling Yibo into a tight embrace.

"We'll get through this," Zhan whispered. "Together."

Yibo nodded against his shoulder, his grip tightening as if afraid to let go.

And in that moment, despite the challenges ahead, Zhan knew that their bond—built across lifetimes—was strong enough to weather any storm.