Chapter 1: From Friends to Stars

Cai Xukun and Fan Chengcheng had been inseparable since childhood.

They had met in dance class when they were just kids, two ambitious dreamers who spent hours perfecting every move, pushing each other to be better. Their friendship had been effortless, built on inside jokes, late-night talks, and the unshakable belief that one day, they’d stand on stage together.

And somehow, they did.

Debuting as idols at the same time, rising through the ranks, winning awards—it was everything they had worked for. But fame came with its challenges.

Schedules were relentless. Sleep was a luxury. Every move they made was scrutinized.

And somewhere along the way, something changed.

Chengcheng started noticing the way his heart would race whenever Xukun smiled at him during interviews, the way he felt something dangerously close to jealousy whenever another idol got too close to him.

But it was ridiculous, right?

They were best friends. Brothers in everything but blood.

So why did it hurt to keep pretending that was all they were?

One night, after a particularly exhausting tour rehearsal, they found themselves alone in the practice room.

Xukun sat on the floor, leaning back on his hands, breath still uneven. “You okay?”

Chengcheng sat beside him, wiping sweat from his forehead. “Yeah. Just tired.”

Silence settled between them, comfortable, familiar.

Then, out of nowhere, Xukun whispered, “Do you ever feel like we don’t talk as much anymore?”

Chengcheng froze.

“We talk all the time,” he said, trying to sound normal.

Xukun exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah, but not like before. It’s like we’re always busy, always surrounded by people. I miss… just us.”

Chengcheng’s throat felt tight.

Because he missed it too. More than he could say.

“You know,” Xukun continued, voice softer, “no matter how crazy things get, you’re still the only person I trust completely.”

Chengcheng turned to look at him, heartbeat pounding.

It wasn’t fair.

Xukun said things like that so easily, without realizing how much weight they carried, how much Chengcheng wanted to believe that Xukun saw him as more than just a friend.

But he couldn’t risk losing what they had.

So he smiled, nudging Xukun’s knee with his own. “We’re still us, Kun. Always.”

Xukun smiled back, but Chengcheng couldn’t shake the feeling that they were both holding something back.

Something they were too scared to name.

Chapter 2: Something Worth Fighting For

Chengcheng tried to push his feelings away.

He threw himself into work, into performances, into anything that would keep his mind off Xukun.

But it didn’t work.

Because no matter what, Xukun was always there.

Standing beside him on stage. Laughing with him in interviews. Giving him that look—the one that made Chengcheng feel like he was the only person in the world.

He couldn’t take it anymore.

So, one night, after a long shoot, Chengcheng found himself standing outside Xukun’s dressing room, fists clenched.

He knocked once before pushing the door open.

Xukun, still in his stage outfit, looked up in surprise. “Chengcheng? What’s wrong?”

Chengcheng took a deep breath. “I need to tell you something.”

Xukun frowned. “Okay…”

Chengcheng hesitated. Then, in a rush, he said, “I like you.”

Xukun blinked. “I—what?”

Chengcheng’s chest ached. “I’ve liked you for years. And I can’t—” He exhaled sharply. “I can’t pretend anymore.”

Xukun stared at him, expression unreadable.

For a terrifying moment, Chengcheng thought he had just destroyed everything.

But then—

Xukun took a step closer, then another, until they were too close, until Chengcheng could see every emotion flickering in his eyes.

“You idiot,” Xukun whispered.

Chengcheng frowned. “What?”

Xukun laughed, shaking his head. “I’ve been waiting for you to say that.”

Chengcheng’s breath caught. “You…”

Xukun smiled softly. “I like you too, Chengcheng.”

And then—finally—Xukun pulled him into his arms, hugging him.

It was warm, unspoken feelings melting into reality, years of longing finally breaking free.

When they pulled apart, Chengcheng laughed breathlessly. “Took us long enough.”

Xukun grinned, threading their fingers together and then placing a kiss on Chengcheng's cheek. “We were always going to get here. We just needed time.”

Chengcheng squeezed his hand and then gave him a quick peck on the lips, pulling back and looking at him with a smile.

Maybe love had always been waiting for them.

And now, finally, they weren’t afraid to claim it.