Morning sunlight filled the café, bright and soft like a quiet apology from the sky.
Li Wei was already at the counter, stirring milk into a cup even though there was no one to serve yet. The bell above the door stayed silent, and that silence — for once — felt peaceful.
It had been three days since Yuhan's visit.
Three days since the pictures went everywhere.
Three days since the world found something new to talk about.
And yet… it wasn't chaos.
The headlines had burned bright for one day — and then fizzled out, replaced by new gossip and newer stars. The label made no harsh statements. Fans argued online, but Yuhan's calm post had softened everything.
> "Everyone deserves a place where they can breathe."
— Yuhan (official page)
No names. No drama. Just peace.
---
That afternoon, the door opened again.
Li Wei didn't need to look up — he knew the footsteps.
Yuhan walked in wearing simple clothes, a mask under his chin, sunglasses tucked into his shirt pocket. No cameras followed him this time.
"You came early," Li Wei said, smiling a little.
"I missed the smell," Yuhan said, breathing deeply. "And you."
Li Wei shook his head, trying not to smile too wide. "You're impossible."
"Mm. Maybe. But you still saved my favorite seat."
They settled into a quiet rhythm — Yuhan sipping coffee, Li Wei sketching behind the counter. It felt normal again, like before the noise.
Outside, the city went on with its noise, but inside the café, time slowed.
---
Later, as the sun dipped low, Yuhan watched Li Wei pack up the day's leftover pastries.
"You're still doing that," he said softly.
Li Wei looked up. "Doing what?"
"Taking care of things that no one notices."
Li Wei smiled faintly. "Maybe that's my superpower."
Yuhan leaned closer. "Then mine is noticing you."
Li Wei rolled his eyes, but his cheeks flushed. "You and your dramatic lines."
Yuhan laughed — a real, unguarded sound that filled the room like music.
For a moment, they just stood there — the pop star who'd spent years pretending, and the barista who never wanted the spotlight.
And somehow, they fit.
---
When Yuhan had to leave, he lingered by the door.
"Li Wei," he said quietly. "People still talk, you know. Some nice, some not."
"I know."
"It doesn't bother you?"
Li Wei shook his head. "People always talk. But I don't live my life for their voices."
Yuhan smiled — that soft, grateful smile that only Li Wei ever saw.
"I think that's why I fell for you."
Li Wei froze, blinking once. "You—"
Yuhan shrugged. "I didn't plan to say it. But I meant it."
For a long time, the world outside faded again.
No noise. No cameras. No fear.
Just two people standing in the golden light, hearts steady.
---
That night, Yuhan posted another message:
> "Let them talk. I'll keep singing, and I'll keep smiling — for the one who taught me how."
It didn't break the internet this time.
It just made the right people smile.
And somewhere in a small café, Li Wei did too.
---
End of Chapter 8