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One moment it was boisterous. The euphonious sound of music filled his ears. Vibrant clothes, blinding lights, the thunderous screams of thousands people cheering his name reverberated throughout the concert stadium.One moment it was almost silent. Only the sound of his breath mixed among the sound of car engines and tires sliding on vacant streets can be heard.The contrast was the life he had led for the past 10 years. One moment he was Cai Xukun, the most popular idol star in China. Another moment he was still Cai Xukun, but without the surrounding of glamor, luxuries, and absolute adoration from his millions of fans. Right now he was the latter. As much as he needed an occasional break from the stage and cameras, he still couldn’t help but feel empty at moments like this.A soft sigh escaped his lips. He turned his head to look at the night sky through the car windows. The moon was particularly bright that night. Its light illuminated his delicate countenance, reflected through a pair of beautiful irises that seemed to contain a whole galaxy in them.Now and then his phone would vibrate, either an incoming call or simply a new message, the contents are all the same; congratulatory words for another successful, record-breaking, concert tour he concluded just a few hours ago. He’s thankful, of course, but he also had enough of the same sentences, half artificial, repeated to him again and again just like how it went at the concert afterparty that he only managed to tolerate for one hour.Then he’s here. Sitting in silence as the car kept moving. Kun watched as the view outside changed from the sparkling, bustling city of Shenzhen to a quiet elite suburb. Skyscrapers and huge LED walls transformed to, sparsely located, huge western styled houses and villas.He was close to his destination; a place he called home. Yet, he wasn’t too excited to finally be home. What would greet him is a dark and empty house anyway. ***“Welcome home. How was the last concert?”As it turned out, he was wrong after all; in such a pleasant way Kun was so happy he could burst, but also in such a surprising way he was left gawking at the door like an idiot.“... Ziyi?” was all that could leave his lips.Ziyi smiled and walked closer to him. He was wearing a semi formal attire; the style he usually went with. Kun’s favorite, actually; a black formal shirt with rolled up sleeves. Ziyi was always handsome. But he looked extra handsome today in his eyes, probably because he hadn't seen that face properly in almost half a year.Suddenly, he found himself in Ziyi’s warm embrace. The warmth spread through his whole body, engulfing his hearth, then showed itself on his face. They had been together for 7 years, yet he still got butterflies everytime Ziyi touched him.“I’ve missed you.” Ziyi planted a soft kiss on his neck, his hand softly stroking Kun's waist. Kun hummed in reply. He didn’t have to say things out loud for Ziyi to understand. Somehow, Ziyi always knew whatever he was feeling and thinking.The hug lasted for a good minute. Only after he let go did Xukun realize that Ziyi was also wearing a silly pink peppa pig apron that Zhengting gifted him as a joke on his birthday a few years ago. The sight was a bit comical. He liked it, though. “I thought you won't be back until next month."Kun said as they both walked into the kitchen. Ziyi was heating a pot of beef stew; the one Xukun absolutely loved. Ziyi’s sister in law always cooked it for them whenever she had the chance.The delicious smell floated throughout the whole house, making this place, which in 6 months felt empty and cold, now finally started to feel like home again.Ziyi didn’t answer. He only smiled. One of his hands circled Kun’s waist, lifting the man onto the kitchen counter with ease. Then he kissed him, deeply.“The filming ended earlier than we thought.” Ziyi said after a while, then gave Kun another soft kiss on the lips. “You’ve been drinking.”“Yeah. At the afterparty. Only two glasses of wine.”“Don’t drink too much, it’s not good for your health.” Ziyi reminded him softly as his fingers combed through the younger man’s hair. Kun couldn’t help but chuckle. Ziyi never change; he was exactly how he was ten years ago when Kun first met him; soft, caring, and always noticed every little thing about him.“Alright, old man.” Working different schedules and living in different cities, it was hard for them to see each other as much as they wanted. Kun understood that very well. But somehow, even with their circumstances, Ziyi always knew when and how to find ways to come to him whenever Kun needed him the most.Just like today.Before coming home, all Kun could feel was emptiness. More than ten years of doing something he loved the most; it felt fulfilling, yet he also found that the fiery passion he used to have at the start was extinguished more and more as time went by. He began to lose his sense of purpose; not knowing what was waiting at the end of this long road he had chosen to walk.That is, until Ziyi reminded him with his presence that he would always be there; sometimes accompanied him along the way, and sometimes waiting for him at the rest stops. “I’ve missed you too.”Kun said softly the words he didn’t say before. Even though he knew Ziyi didn’t need to hear those words to know. Even though he knew Ziyi didn’t need to hear those words to understand the turbulent emotions inside him.He cupped Ziyi’s face with both of his hands, staring at the beautiful eyes that reflected Kun only. He brought that face closer, then kissed him. Even deeper than the kiss they had earlier. From the corner of his eyes, Kun found the sight of Ziyi’s suitcase beside the sofa, along with some other stuffs he got for Kun abroad.The songs Ziyi put on from the living room can be heard faintly, its melodies dancing beautifully around them.Between their kisses, Kun let out a soft whisper,“Welcome home, darling.” —
I used to wonder why I’m here
No rhyme no reason would appear
But since we've met, it's loud and clear
I'm here to see you, home.
— ; end.