Zhan leaves his room and walks to kitchen with half opened eyes, scratching his butt. noticing mom sitting at the table he awkwardly laughs and opens the fridge. 

"where is my water bottle?"

"It's already cold outside, you'll hurt your teeth and throat"

"but mom..."

"stop whining and sit down, where were you last night? you came back late"

"I was working on new program mom"

"stop lying"

"I swear" Zhan pouts and brings palm to his heart "I don't fuck around anymore"

"speak with proper words"

"I'm not having one night stands with any men anymore" Zhan rolls eyes and leans chin on the table "it's irritating, no one believes me. I changed, I really did"

"ok, ok mom is sorry. what would you love to eat before work?"

"you just rest, I'll make omelet for both" Zhan gets up and turns stove on, rolling his sleeves up "how it's going mom?"

"what?"

"my grow up, am I doing well?"

"son, you're already 27 years old, why asking this?" she laughs and Zhan mumbles

"I have my reasons"

"wait, isn't this your Yibo?" mom suddenly exclaims with excited voice and Zhan turns back, as his eyes widens

"where mom?"

"look, in the magazine. article says he is going to take part in Asia Road Racing Championship, which will start in a few days. so he got license back?"

"he is...he is back to China?" Zhan's fingers slowly moves on Yibo's face and tears drops on it. he falls on the chair and loudly sobs out, unable to control himself anymore "It's been already 9 months, 2 weeks and 3 days since he left. I even kept counting seconds and...he is here? how come, how come I was last to find out?"

"Zhan..."

"I forbid myself to cry, I stayed awake making reportage, I was reading, I was watching movies, I was working my ass out to stop thinking about him but in vain. only after he left, I realize how strong my love is, how stupid I was mom. do you know how many times I thought about buying tickets and visiting him, but stopped respecting his decision. the realization that he is this close to me now, makes my heart go crazy. I feel like running to him right now but..."

"It's ok, it's ok my pretty boy"

"Yibo forgot me mom, he didn't bother to call me. he didn't let me to share his happiness, I was dying to be by his side in that important moments. I'm not part of his life anymore"

"I think you're just being overly dramatic Zhan, maybe he wants reunion to be natural. you're going to meet each-other anyway"

"I...I'm not sure anymore. what if there is no love in his heart anymore? what if I gonna meet emptiness in his eyes?" Zhan wipes tears away and painfully smiles "so this is how it felt when I left Yibo behind, serves me right"  

"I think someone is calling you son, calm down and take it" she pats Zhan's head and later one hesitates before answering unknown number. familiar voice rings into his ears and Zhan gasps from surprise

"Mr Wang? yes I can, where? alright, I'll see you later" 

"was it..."

"Yibo's dad wants to meet me. what do you think? is he going to beat me up?" Zhan doesn't wait for reply and literally flies to his room. standing in front of the mirror he eyes himself and deeply breaths in "your Bo di is back Zhan ge, enough with crying and brace yourself, you didn't work for nothing during those months. show him that you're worth to be loved, that you changed. fighting Xiao Zhan"

***

Zhan walks into small cafe and looks around, searching for Feng. later one stands up and waves hand to him, smiling widely. Zhan feels relieved seeing him all healthy and returns happy smile. he greets politely and is about to sit down, but older one pulls his hand forward and takes him into embrace. the warmth of his arms feels like childhood and Zhan closes eyes, enjoying it

"how have you been Zhan? wonder it's you who became taller or it's me getting shorter?" he laughs and signs him to sit down "what would you like to drink?"

"just...tea"

"good for health, or do you wanna please your future father in law?" Feng orders and puts envelope on the table, moving it closer to Zhan "gift for you"

"for me?" Zhan asks with surprise and opens it, taking pictures out. there is Yibo in all of them, smiling cutely "maybe you want to give me heart attack Mr Wang?"

"call me uncle as before, if you don't hate me"

"it's you who should hate me, I'm sorry for putting you in danger for my revenge"

"I never blamed you Zhan. if not you, we all would keep living in lie. I'm grateful. what about your mom? how was her reaction?"

"acting strong as always, but I often hear crying sounds from her room. truth hurt her more, than thought of dad cheating"

"I can fully relate. I wanted to apologize before leaving, but didn't get chance. I'm sorry for not believing in you, for turning blind eye to your pain. my son was more upset towards himself than you, he understood everything but needed time alone like me. somewhere far from her, from our past. our family went through too much, realizing that we both lived with murderer for years was too hard. It's your private relationship and I won't meddle in, but Yibo loves you as before"

"how...how was he doing? you really think he still loves me?"

"he had to go through too many legal procedures, too many medical check ups. it was too painful, too stressful but Yibo never complain, it's weird but he even looked happy. the moment when he was accepted, reminded me his childhood. same excitement I saw in tiny Bo Bo's eyes"

"my love"

"and he kept talking to...wait let me remember his name, oh right Cheng. their calls was too long and only name I could hear was "Zhan". Yibo knew every step of yours, he was watching your reportage for countless times. every time we visited new place, he was asking me to take pictures so he could show them to you. don't ever think that he forgot about you, Yibo never thought about ending your relationship"

"that bastard Cheng" Zhan mumbles and bites on his tongue, coughing awkwardly "sorry uncle, I'm just angry at my friend"

"no worries, I use swearing words sometimes too" he smiles and Zhan knows he is comforted now "so erase this sadness from your eyes and believe in yourself. can't wait to welcome you in my family again"

"why are you being this nice to me?" Zhan feels his chin trembling and swallows tears, reaching Feng's hands "I don't wanna get used to fatherly warmth, I can't endure the pain of losing it again"

"you won't have to" Feng gets up and gently pets his hair "let's be family, as it was always supposed to"

*****

"So you want to attend motorcycle race with the name of our television?" Director raises one eyebrow and eyes Zhan with suspicion "as I remember someone said that he isn't interested in sport, that it's boring"

"I did but..."

"So what happened now?"

"I just changed my mind, I need to be there boss"

"Cheng was faster than you, I already agreed on his request"

"What? That bastard just needs to knock on his door and everything gonna be settled, why taking only chance from me?" Zhan frowns and brings hand to his neck, acting cute "pleeeease, pleaaaase boss. Didn't I work very hard during last months? Didn't I make you proud? Little encouragement won't hurt right?"

"That is exactly why I'm surprised, what is real reason zhan?"

"Yibo is back and I wanna meet him...naturally"

"So, let me check if I get it right. You both doesn't care about work at all, you're going there to get your boyfriends back? Do I have television or matchmaking company?"

"happiness of employees raises productivity of labor"

"no one can win over you right? Your attitude changed a little, but tongue long as before"

"Come on boss, it isn't something hard for you"

"Alright, I'll book tickets for both of you. Just primise you won't curse in the live like then. I won't even hesitate before firing you. watch your words ok?"

"I swear, thank you so much boss. I won't forget to invite you at our wedding" Zhan giggles like kid and runs out, taking his spot in the office. He smiles at Yibo's picture on laptop screen and dials the number "Yes it's me you good for nothing friend. Let's go to race together and smack their asses, let's get our men back"

*****

Zhan leaves Cheng with camera man and walks towards the place, he had funny accident with Yibo. Remembering how angry he felt back then, he laughs and waves hand to boy running to him. Later one hangs on his neck and gently pats Zhan's back

"What are you doing here ge? I missed you"

"Let me take better look at you, wow you look even cuter than before Daniel" Zhan pinches his cheeks and Daniel smiles widely "I'm so happy seeing you smile, it looks best on you"

"You think so?" Daniel lowers eyes and sighs "guess Teo was right, time really heals. still sometimes I see him in my dreams and wake up crying"

"you'll meet right one very soon, like I did"

"hope so...but did you hear about my success? I'm best between beginners ge"

"Sure I did, I'm so proud of you and Yibo..."

"Right, now I know the reason you're here. look at your face shining while mentioning laoshi" Daniel laughs and winks at him "I just talked to him at changing room. Why won't you get in too?"

"did he...say something about me?"

"hmm, actually he doesn't"

"bad boy"

"Yibo ge is very nervous and excited now, he was literally trembling while putting suit on"

"that is why I don't wanna get into his personal space, waiting is better for now" Zhan shakes head with sad smile and gets startled when suddenly motorcycle brakes next to them. Racer's face is covered with helmet, but Zhan's eyes falls on number 85, written in green color. Realizing that he is grabbing Daniel's arm for keeping balance, Zhan quickly let goes and gulps down feeling gaze on him. the moment lasts for just few seconds but feels like centuries, as time freezes for them. Zhan takes one step forward and whispers, hoping he will hear

"good luck Bo di" racer's hand moves to his pocket and Zhan gasps seeing familiar handkerchief. engine sound awakes him from shock and turns to Daniel, talking with shaking voice "did you see it too?"

"what?"

"Yibo still carries my handkerchief as lucky charm. guess he took it from my home in secret. He still loves me Daniel, do you hear? he still does"

"you're literally screaming ge, not only me whole venue heard" Daniel chuckles and cups his shoulders "seriously you're red like tomato, where did that bratty Xiao Zhan disappeared? I still remember being weapon of yours" 

"have a little respect for your senior" Zhan deeply breaths in and out, trying to calm himself down "It's almost time I should leave"

"see you after race ge, take care of yourself"

***

Zhan joins Cheng at the venue and moves too close almost sitting on his lap. latter one sighs and slaps his thigh, making Zhan yelp "what the hell is wrong with you? why being this clingy?"

"come on dude, can't you see how nervous I'm? being a little sweet won't hurt you"

"I just don't want your racer to kill me" Cheng laughs and points to the two guys standing together. Yibo speaks too excitedly and Haikuan listens quietly, nodding to him. Zhan can't help himself, but laugh on their situation

"isn't this too funny Cheng? we look like high school girls, who are drooling over their crushes. If others know, how many pain we both went through"

"Yibo is finally back, so I can see you smiling again soon. just try to follow the flow, don't rush things"

"what about you? do your parents treat you better than before?"

"Honestly I don't really care Zhan. I visit them once in a while and do my duty as son. I needed to fix our relationship before meeting Haikuan again. I don't want to create problems for him too. Actually I kind of use them also"

"Use them and their money"

"Yep, I'm doing well right?"

"Yes, my friend is best" Zhan messes his hair and moves attention to the road again. all racer take their place and Yibo kisses the helmet as habit before race. Zhan tightens grip around Cheng's wrist and without realizing tears fills his eyes "Cheng"

"what?" 

"nothing bad is going to happen again no? I'm too scared"

"it's all in the past Zhan. your Bo di is going to win I'm sure. just wipe your tears and cheer him up ok?"

"mn, everything bad is over, there is only happiness coming for us all"

*****

Cheng is supposed to get interview from other racers, but his eyes searches for that specific one. Making sure that Haikuan isn't around, Cheng makes way out from crowd and walks to last place he can be. After few minutes finally familiar voice reaches his ears and Cheng notices racer sitting nearby.

"Dad will be home soon Bao, don't be naughty ok?..... Sure I won.....oh so you watched race too?.....No it wasn't lie, dad really won in this life, because he has you.....dad loves Bao too, I'm going to eat your cheeks, see you later my little one"

"May I sit here?" Haikuan literally jumps on Cheng's voice and turns back, making sure it wasn't just illusion. His face shows too strong happiness, Cheng hardly stops himself from falling in Haikuan's arms

"Do you need interview from me journalist? I'm not winner tho"

"You're weird man racer" Cheng smiles and sits down next to him "being sad after winning and being happy after losing"

"It depends right? "There are many victories worse than a defeat" I agree on that. I'm so happy that Yibo got what he deserved"

"That is why..."

"What? say it"

"That is why I fell in love with you" Cheng slowly moves closer and hesitantly takes Haikuan's hand between his palms. Feeling missed warmth makes him shiver and aware how strong longing was "and I still feel the same"

"You took too long"

"Am I too late already?"

"Hope you have same taste"

"What?"

"I prepared some things for you at my flat...no, at our home. You didn't gain weight, so those clothes gonna fit well I think"

"Haikuan..."

"Why? Aren't you going to move in with me?"

"I'm only son of rich family and my parents hate the way I'm. I did something unforgivable in the past and..."

"I have nothing against having rich boyfriend"

"They give me money, but I'm using it all for charity"

"See I got excited for nothing"

"You..." Cheng gently hits his hand and Haikuan laughs, cupping his face

"I'll listen to you, I'll let you to tell me everything, but after I get enough of you. after I believe this is really happening. you're really back right? you won't leave me again right?" 

"Haikuan, my love" Cheng softly wipes his tears away and brings their foreheads together "don't let others know how sweet, how warm and cute you're. they're going to take you from me"

"but you're the best"

"I'm grumpy, with bad temper. I look too nice from outside but throwing fit if someone angers me"

"that is cute, so I can baby you"

"so nothing is going to scare you right?"

"nothing in the world can force me to stop loving you" Haikuan moves his hands to Cheng's waist and later one lowly sobs out, hiding face into his neck "without any thoughts, without any worries, let's just be happy together"

"I'll try my best, for you, for our little Bao. I'll start loving myself, I'll keep improving to become worth partner for you. because of our love...I'll forgive myself too"

***

Zhan runs down with his cameraman, after Yibo finally leaves his team members and walks to reporters. his moves full of confidence, his head hold up high and Zhan feels too proud, loving fighter like him. Yibo stops in front of them and slowly takes his helmet off. everyone around starts questioning him at the same time, only Zhan stays in daze, unable to stop looking at his face. nothing much changed, but Zhan still finds him more handsome, cute and sexy. the way long hair playfully moves on his forehead, the way Yibo slides long fingers into it and throws head a little back. the view is fascinating and makes it so hard to concentrate 

"after your crime, why did you decide to keep racing?.....you think Chinese people are going to keep supporting you?.....can you talk about your family situation?.....why is your mother at jail.....are you aiming for championship like before?.....how far your ambitions goes?" loud voices awakes Zhan and he notices growing frown on Yibo's face. latter one clears his throat and starts talking with cold tone 

"I explained everything before and won't repeat myself just for you. also I already got deserved punishment for my crime, there is no need to talk about past.....it's only their choice, support or not. I'm here to do my best and hopefully become champion with the name of our country.....I'm just sportsman, not some kind of celebrity. I won't let anyone to meddle into my personal life. my career has nothing to do with my family matters.....if you came here for making scandalous exclusive, I have to apologize"

"you knew this was going to happen" familiar voice makes Yibo startled and looks around, searching for the owner of it. Zhan takes step forward and finally their eyes meet. little smile makes Yibo's lips curve up and his eyes sparkles with happiness. Zhan gulps down, when his whole body is shamelessly scanned and forces himself to keep talking "there is a huge scandal related to you, but you still decided to come back. you could start a new in other country, avoid this kind of harsh words so why..."

"because I left something here" Yibo stops him and leans closer, shortening the distance between them "I left my heart with someone, so now I wonder...if he was taking good care of it?"

💙At first thank you so much for encouragement my dear readers💙 Your words really helped me to win over my fear. It's still hard but I slowly start to enjoy driving again. you're my lil family and I love you all 💙

hope you enjoyed this chapter, although there was not many interaction between them. at least we got HaikuanCheng couple back 😊