A/N: Hello everyone, it's about time that I'm coming back. And there's only one more chapter to go! Happy reading and stay healthy during this difficult time!

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The first stages of our relationship were a bit difficult due to work but everything was forgotten when we saw each other. We weren't too lovey-dovey as some expected, but not everything can be easy.

Though Min Hee and Yixing couldn't meet up often, especially because of the artist's solo album release and promotions, they would always keep in touch and didn't necessarily have to meet up. Yixing was the sweetest man, though claiming he wasn't good with words, always looked out for his girlfriend and tried not to make her uncomfortable being a non-celebrity dating a celebrity. 

It's going great, Yixing's a great boyfriend. He might be a bit clumsy due to his lack of experience, but he cared about Min Hee deeply. Always thinking of her, always wondering if she, too, thought of him now, always asking himself if she already regretted her decision to see him. Yixing was still very apologetic towards her for not being 'someone she could date normally in public', he didn't want her to feel neglected if they couldn't meet up.

Truth was, Min Hee didn't care; it was what she signed up for. She knew what the commitment would bring along. After all, the excitement is even bigger when we do get to meet each other. Not because they were in the early lovey-dovey phase of their relationship. It took them about two and a half years since meeting each other for the first time to take the final step to confirm their feelings and starting an official relationship. Feelings had to be developed bit by bit, and for people like Yixing who preferred taking things slowly and getting to know each other over time, he was lucky to have a partner patient as Min Hee who gave him the time he needed. Even if that patience was finally at its limit.

Anyways, they haven't had their first date yet, at least if the small encounters at the studio didn't count. Min Hee reassured him; after finishing his 'Lay02Sheep' promotions, they would approach that topic, but now he should promote without any worries. Though they were dating, nothing changed about their work such as Min Hee leaving much space in his schedule to meet up. No, she would never take advantage of her position. She was one of the key people arranging his schedule, she knew how tiring it was for Yixing but she would never purposely leave some space just so they could hang out. And if, then to get him to rest, but Yixing always takes a pass on it. Private life and work were to be separated as much as possible, it wasn't easy and sometimes unavoidable but Min Hee tried her best. 

Today, Yixing was in his hotel room after finishing a fan signing event in Shanghai. Casually sitting at his desk to compose, he worked on a new song again. Strangely, Yixing's been getting dozens of new ideas recently, more than before he started dating. All of his love songs, well most of them which weren't dedicated to his fans, he wrote with Min Hee in his mind. His songs and work became even more sincere and passionate as now Yixing didn't have to imagine everything silently by himself like with his previous songs. Imagining myself hugging my significant other, imagining her smile and looking at me with lovely eyes. I don't have to hug myself anymore to know the feeling, it's always Min Hee in my head.

A knock on the door went unnoticed by Yixing. Being immersed in music wasn't always good. The door was opened and a person entered, checking if he was alone. Yixing looked up from his laptop and smiled softly. "Oh, you came?" 

"And I brought you some food." Min Hee showed him the bag of food and took a seat next to him. "I figured you'd be hungry. You should eat something before your flight tomorrow." 

"Thanks, you came at the right timing. I was craving some good stuff, and I missed you, too." Yixing was happy to see Min Hee, of course, he was. The last time they met was on his birthday and they've only called and texted after that.

"Good thing I stopped by in the city. Here, you go first." Min Hee fed her boyfriend the first piece, watching him enjoy the food and finish it obediently despite claiming he was on a diet. "How are you? Tired?" 

"A bit but I'm fine now. I'll be better tomorrow after taking a quick nap." Yixing stretched himself and closed the lid of his laptop to fully focus on the person next to him. "By the way, do you remember I'm flying to Changsha in two weeks? I'll visit my family the day before my schedule."

"Yes, I remember. Take all the time in your world with your family and greet your grandparents from me. I'd love to see them again, especially the childhood pictures your grandmother promised to show me." Min Hee  and imagined a cute, little Yixing in her head. I'll have access to all the secret childhood photos Yixing and his mother did not upload on his Weibo.

He reached out to take her hands and caressed their backs gently with his thumb. "Well, speaking of that, it might seem a bit early but I was wondering if maybe, you'd like to come with me and see my hometown. You don't have to if you feel pressured, I understand since I asked you at short notice. I only thought it would be nice to meet them together." Yixing gradually became nervous as he attempted to explain. Maybe I shouldn't have asked her? By the time we visit them, it's only been two months together. He smiled sheepishly to cover his embarrassment.

"Don't you recall me having dinner with you and your grandparents the very day I met them? We weren't together then, but it was rather early. As long as I'm not taking away your precious family time, I'm fine." Min Hee responded with a grin. "Let me guess, your family has been dying to to be introduced to your girlfriend?"

If Yixing introduces his lover to his family, it means he takes the relationship very seriously and thought his decision over wisely; considering the fact that he has never done so before. "How did you know?" Yixing opened his eye widely, genuinely surprised over how Min Hee was able to read his thoughts. "Only my immediate family, not my other relatives or else the whole city will know. But they are not the reason why I'd like you to meet them."

"Alright, I'll be there and take an earlier separate flight. I haven't been there in ages, I should take my time exploring the city." Min Hee squeezed his hand lightly and noticed the time, feeling reluctant to leave already. "It seems like it's bedtime, I should probably leave." 

Yixing pouted when Min Hee let go of his hands. "Why do I need to sleep when I can look at you as much as I want? I don't feel tired at all, I'm already recharged after seeing you and having tasty food."

Min Hee made a face jokingly and hit his shoulder. "So cheesy, where did you learn to say those things?" She shook her head with a laugh and put on her coat, preparing to leave. 

The young artist stood up from his seat and went in for an embrace. "Only from the best teacher. I wish you could stay longer and time could stop. It's been really cold too, so make sure to dress warmly!" Wrapped in a kind fragrance, Yixing didn't want to let go of his girlfriend. "Call me when something happens. Take care outside and drive safely, I'm sorry I can't take you home." 

Min Hee shook her head as they parted and smiled affectionately. "I'll be alright, good night to you, Yixing." He left a gentle kiss on her forehead before seeing her off. Back in her car, Min Hee leaned against her seat and smiled to herself while driving home.

Zhang Yixing, clumsy with relationships and sometimes awkward, but his actions are sweet and thoughtful. He puts deep thought into those and is often unsure about how to handle certain things, but he would do everything for Min Hee selflessly, making sure she is fine first.

Changsha, early November 2017. Both parties arrived safely. Yixing was dropped off by his manager who would come back to pick him up tomorrow for his schedule and Min Hee drove to the address by herself with her car. There wasn't much time for them to look around though Min Hee has already become familiar with the area before her boyfriend's arrival. And before they knew it, they stood in front of Yixing's parents' house early in the morning. 

"Are you nervous?" Yixing turned his head to Min Hee and smiled, probably being the one who was most nervous. He was sure his mother would like and accept Min Hee as his grandparents did, but firsts were always accompanied by nervousness. "My mother can be very straightforward and curious. But knowing your personalities, you will get along well."

"A little nervous but it does seem as if you are a bit nervous yourself." Min Hee replied teasingly and partly to assure herself too. She did have relationships before but never got to the point to be introduced to their parents. It's the first time for both and they have never been so nervous yet excited at the same time.

Yixing's father, Mr Zhang, was out of town due to work which only left Mama Zhang at the house. What her son told her prior to coming? "When I'm visiting, I'm bringing someone I'd like to introduce to Grandma, Grandpa and you." Yixing had talked to his mother over the phone and she immediately caught on. Unlike Yixing, his mother wasn't the clueless type. 

"Son, it's been a long time! And I see, you brought someone home." Mama Zhang opened the door, having waited happily for the day to see her son again and even taking a girl home with him. It's not everyday you see Zhang Yixing with a woman who isn't purely a friend or co-worker. "Come in first, you two. You must be tired from the trip, right?" No words over Min Hee being Yixing's significant other weren't exchanged yet so Mama Zhang wasn't entirely sure yet.

The new couple entered the warm house and sat down on the sofa in the living room. With Min Hee and Yixing sitting beside each other in front of the young man's mother, they were faced with the real deal. 

"Mum, this is Yang Yi Min, my girlfriend." Yixing introduced her to Mama Zhang and glanced back and forth between the two women. There wasn't any tension but Yixing held his breath.

Min Hee bowed her head and greeted Mama Zhang properly. "It's lovely to meet you." That wasn't everything, though. She handed her a few boxes which were piled up to a big one and thus easier to carry. "They are local specialities from my hometowns in China and Korea." Min Hee prepared and made them by herself until yesterday night as they were very time-consuming. The food might be nothing compared to Mama Zhang's cooking, but there was a lot of effort and patience in those dishes. She did give lots of thought into what to gift Yixing's family for her visit. First impressions are important here, I can't mess this up.

"You are the Yi Min my son and his grandparents have been constantly talking about! That's so kind, thank you. We can eat them later today at Yixing's grandparents' house when we go over since they live nearby." Mama Zhang accepted the gift with a grateful smile and looked between the two. Yixing seemed so nervous before and probably eased up a bit. "Neither of you need to be worried. Honestly, I've been waiting to meet you for a long time. Yixing's been talking about you because you work together but he usually doesn't talk about his female friends which got me quite curious! You can take him and have my permission to get married, I've long given up on my son already." She said the last part jokingly not to pressure Min Hee but it was true. "Just take him."

Might be a little early for marriage but yes, I'm gladly taking him. Min Hee chuckled at Yixing's embarrassed reaction. "It's my first time formally meeting you, but we actually did get to talk on the phone before. A few times but it was a while ago." Min Hee said, recalling how Mama Zhang would ask Mr Manager about Yixing's well-being. She sounded like a sweet lady, and definitely bolder and less clueless than her son. Whoever Yixing got that trait from.

"That's why your voice sounds familiar. You were the nice young lady who talked to me in detail about my son's health and work whenever I called. Thank you so much for looking after him. It's good to know Yixing works at a nice environment surrounded by people who care for him." Mama Zhang couldn't help but smile at Min Hee. No wonder Yixing fell in love with her. Just talking to Min Hee, Mama Zhang knew she was neither toying with him nor being a gold digger. She seriously cared.

Unlike many Chinese mothers, Mama Zhang was curious about how they met and how their relationship developed rather than Min Hee's education and career. Of course, the couple left out the details on what happened on the stairs in the studio or with the drinking sessions.

"Yixing, you left her waiting for so long? I don't know whether I would've already given up on you if I had been Yi Min. Being so patient and understanding isn't easy. You sure are lucky to have her." Mama Zhang son, leaving the latter speechless about how fast his mother came to take sides with his girlfriend already. At the same time, he was relieved she adored Min Hee as much as him.

"Though I had to push Yixing a bit forward and was often frustrated, it was worth the wait. I couldn't ask for a better partner, that's how I fell for him." Min Hee confessed and made Yixing blush at her honesty. Between two bold and direct women, he couldn't help but become shy. He will never get used to it.

"Yi Min told us about her side so it's your turn now! How and when did you come to like her? It must've been difficult overcoming those worries, you are too harsh on yourself, son." Mama Zhang was aware of how much Yixing's work and passion fulfilled him, preventing him from opening up and finding time for his feelings. Of course, she would never force him and he sure could do well without a partner, she would simply like him to settle down someday. Especially their immediate family but also the rest of the relatives would keep questioning Yixing when he was going to look for a girlfriend, get married and have a child. He is most afraid of being asked those typical questions by his relatives during the holidays at home. Even with Min Hee on his side now, only his closest family members will know: his parents and grandparents.

Yixing gulped nervously, thinking about how to briefly summarise what was going on in his mind. He has not even talked to Min Hee about it ever since, well, ever since they officially became a couple. "Honestly, I didn't plan on overcoming my worries at first. I thought maybe I'll forget about it in some time and remain as colleagues and good friends because it wouldn't be fair. Yi Min deserved someone who could give her what I am lacking, time and full attention." Yixing felt his face grow warm from expressing his thoughts in words. It was hard. He turned his head to his girlfriend and locked eyes with her.

Reaching out to take Min Hee's hand into his own, Yixing smiled at the fluttering of his heart when returning the tender gaze. The simple touch of her hand made him feel all fuzzy, half of his body became paralysed. "Yi Min didn't let go of me, she showed me that she didn't need any of those as long as we love each other. It would've been foolish of me if I had let Yi Min go instead and I came to realise I had to consider my feelings as well." It was probably the very first time Yixing was extremely open about his feelings in front of his mother.

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