Chapter 1: What We Left Behind

Karry Wang sat in the dimly lit backstage dressing room, staring at his own reflection in the mirror.

Years had passed since TFBoys disbanded, and now he was a solo artist, navigating the industry alone. His concerts sold out, his name carried weight, and yet… something always felt missing.

“Five minutes till stage,” a staff member called.

Karry nodded, running a hand through his hair before standing. Just as he turned, a familiar voice stopped him in his tracks.

“Still nervous before shows?”

His breath caught. He knew that voice—he could never forget that voice.

Slowly, he turned to see Roy Wang leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, a soft smirk playing on his lips.

“Yuan…” Karry whispered, eyes widening.

Roy stepped into the room, looking just the same yet somehow different. Older. More refined. But his eyes—those warm, knowing eyes—hadn’t changed at all.

“It’s been a while,” Roy said, his voice quiet.

Karry swallowed. “Yeah. It has.”

Silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken words.

It had been years since they had last stood in the same room alone. Since they had stopped pretending their feelings were just a fleeting phase. Since they had chosen career over love, sacrificing something they never had the courage to name.

Karry clenched his fists. “What are you doing here?”

Roy hesitated, then smiled softly. “I came to see you.”

Karry’s heart pounded.

“Why now?” he asked, voice barely above a whisper.

Roy sighed, stepping closer. “Because I never stopped thinking about you.”

Karry’s breath hitched, memories rushing back—secret touches during late-night rehearsals, whispered confessions in the dark, the heartbreak of walking away.

He wanted to say something, anything—but before he could, the stage manager’s voice crackled through the speakers.

“Karry, you’re on in one minute.”

Karry exhaled sharply, forcing himself to look away. “I have to go.”

Roy nodded, but just as Karry moved past him, Roy grabbed his wrist.

Their eyes met.

“After the show,” Roy murmured. “Let’s talk.”

Karry hesitated.

Then, slowly, he nodded.

And as he stepped onto the stage, the roar of the crowd drowning his thoughts, he realized something.

No matter how much time had passed, his heart still belonged to Roy Wang.

Chapter 2: The Love We Can’t Hide

Karry found Roy waiting for him on the rooftop of the venue, away from prying eyes, away from the world that had kept them apart for so long.

The night breeze was cool, but Karry felt warmer than ever just standing near him.

Roy smiled, tilting his head. “You were amazing out there.”

Karry chuckled, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I had practice.”

A comfortable silence settled between them before Roy spoke again. “You never reached out.”

Karry’s jaw tensed. “Neither did you.”

Roy sighed. “You know why.”

Of course he did.

They had been young idols, constantly watched, their every move scrutinized. There had never been a space for something like love—especially their love.

Karry exhaled, rubbing his temples. “Why are you here, Yuan?”

Roy stepped closer. “Because I don’t want to run anymore.”

Karry looked up, startled.

Roy’s voice was soft but firm. “I don’t care if we have to keep it secret. I don’t care if the world never knows. I just—” He swallowed hard. “I just don’t want to lose you again.”

Karry felt something crack inside him.

He had spent years convincing himself this was impossible. That what they had was meant to be left behind. But standing here now, with Roy looking at him like he was the only thing that mattered—

Karry gave in.

He surged forward, capturing Roy’s lips in a desperate, long-overdue kiss.

Roy responded instantly, his hands curling into Karry’s jacket, pulling him closer, as if he had been waiting for this moment just as much.

When they finally pulled apart, breathless, Roy grinned. “So, does this mean you missed me too?”

Karry laughed, shaking his head. “You’re unbelievable.”

Roy leaned in, whispering against his lips, “But you love me anyway.”

And Karry did.

Maybe the world didn’t need to know.

Maybe this love wasn’t meant to be displayed under flashing lights.

But it was theirs.

And this time, they weren’t letting go.