Reason 9. Wang Yibo is Wang Yibo.

Xiao Zhan sniffed and looked away from Wang Yibo. "I've had enough, it's even you who said that it's not working out... Then why do you have to suddenly show that you care?" he whispered as Xiao Zhan can't stop his tears from falling. "Is it very obvious that I haven't moved on yet? Is that your reason why you keep approaching and messing with my feelings?" He laughed bitterly and Wang Yibo couldn't even bring to say anything.

Xiao Zhan felt so suffocated and his head ached a lot. He wipes his tears and nose with his sleeve and said, "Let's stop fighting now, okay?"

At that very moment, it was Wang Yibo's turn who wanted to cry. It's not because of what Xiao Zhan has said, it was because of the pained expression he showed. Xiao Zhan gave Wang Yibo a genuine smile but filled with sadness in it.

• • •

After the incident when Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo were outside the building, they never talked during work even if they saw each other, they went to their separate ways. Zhang Fangxin was assigned to another building and didn't get to see Xiao Zhan anymore. Weeks went by fast and you couldn't even tell that the opening of the Galleria was close, just a week away.

Xiao Zhan silently walked towards the building. They're almost done with the project and Xiao Zhan can finally cut every connection he has with Wang Yibo.

It was the time to honestly let go. No more crying, no more sadness. Just acceptance. If Xiao Zhan would have to talk to Wang Yibo. He wouldn't complain anymore, the easier to face things is to just be numb about it. Xiao Zhan is tired of crying if he was to be asked. So it was literally time to stop.

Besides, Xiao Zhan was the only one who kept provoking Yibo, right? Wasn't it him who will only end up frustrated in the end?

Just a week more and no more Wang Yibo. Xiao Zhan smiled as he encouraged himself. He talked with the crew cheerfully and started socializing with the others. They cooperated with the work to finish things faster. Everything was honestly going pretty well and smoothly. Wang Yibo wasn't interfering since he also has his own job to finish.

"Xiao-ge, I heard you really like to eat chocolates!" Meng Mei said as she approached him. Xiao Zhan smiled at her and nodded. "Yes, I do love them."

"H-Here, I was making chocolates last night for my friend's birthday but ended up making too much," she said shyly as she handed Xiao Zhan a nicely wrapped pouch of chocolates. "Thank you, Meng Mei, I sincerely appreciate it," Xiao Zhan said and gave her a charming smile. The lady's cheeks brighten and returned a shy smiled at him.

Why didn't Xiao Zhan did this sooner? Ignoring the presence of his ex and staying positive by surrounding himself with other people. Xiao Zhan continued to discuss with the others for the final layout of the place.

"Excuse me, Zhan-ge. We brought all the paintings from your apartment, it's in divider number 5," a fellow crew said and Xiao Zhan thanked him with a smile on his face.

Xiao Zhan went to the area where divider number 5 is located and saw the different paintings he made. "Ah, there's honestly a lot," he murmured to himself. He arranged everything orderly and took out some outside to place in the other stalls, when suddenly, something caught in the corner of his eye.

A huge canvas covered with a black cloth. Xiao Zhan stared at it for a few seconds and sighed. "I've always wondered what's under that black cloth," a voice said.

"It's the greatest unfinished masterpiece I-" Xiao Zhan cut off himself and he suddenly realize who actually spoke. He turned around and saw Wang Yibo standing not too far away from him. "Are you gonna show it to the exhibit?" Yibo asked at Xiao Zhan, looking directly into his eyes.

Be strong Xiao Zhan. He thought and replied, "I don't think so, it's basically unfinished."

"Do you plan on finishing it?"

Xiao Zhan chuckled lightly and glanced at the covered painting. "Probably not, there's not enough time left. Besides, the painting has no meaning anymore," he explained.

"Then how come it's your greatest masterpiece?" Wang Yibo questioned and Xiao Zhan was surprised to hear those words. "That was before, now, I don't have tha- I mean, it's not the greatest masterpiece anymore."

They both stayed silent for a moment, feeling each others' presence.

"Can I see it?" Xiao Zhan immediately looked up at him and quickly said, "No."

Wang Yibo expected his answer, who was he to force Xiao Zhan to let him see what's behind that black cloth?

Wang Yibo excused himself and left Xiao Zhan with the other paintings.

• • •

The crew finally finished setting up the whole studio and they wanted to celebrate the party 1 day before the opening for everyone's hard work. The only things that were missing were just a bit designs for the entrance of the buildings and merchandise that can be sold by the day the studio opens.

It was getting pretty late and once again it was only Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo left in the building. But this time, Yibo didn't stay to accompany Xiao Zhan or bother him. "Here are the keys to the building, make sure to lock everything." Wang Yibo said impassively and gave Xiao Zhan a set of keys.

"Yes and uh, thanks," Xiao Zhan replied as he received the keys. Wang Yibo just nodded and turned his back then left. Xiao Zhan sighed with a breath of relief. Finally, no more Wang Yibo for the night!

• • •

After hours of working for the final touches of the stalls and designs, Xiao Zhan stood up. He fixed his brushes and paint. Xiao Zhan looked at his reflection and saw the smudged paints in his face. He laughed lightly and then sighed. "Ah, it's been a while," he murmured to himself.

Xiao Zhan proceeded to lock up and eventually closing the building. He tightened his scarf around his neck as it was already close to winter.

The glowing lights across the street and the people walking by at the sidewalk. Xiao Zhan smiled and finally, finally, he felt a huge weight lifted from his shoulders. That night, Xiao Zhan realized something. He finally did what he should be doing, maybe, if he could see Wang Yibo, he would learn how to forgive.

• • •

The days went by fast and it was the last day at the studio, the crew prepared a not too fancy party just like they planned. Everyone brought food and drinks to share. Xiao Zhan was quietly drinking at a corner when he caught something in the corner of his eye.

It was surprise that Wang Yibo came late at the party, when the said man turned he was carrying a large canvas. Xiao Zhan widen his eyes when a sudden realization hit him. The self-portrait painting.

Xiao Zhan felt his chest tighten at the sight. Why? But he shouldn't jump into conclusions, right? The painting was also covered with a white cloth. While Xiao Zhan was busy staring at the canvas, he didn't notice Wang Yibo approached him.

"Zhan," he started and Xiao Zhan snapped himself from his trance. He saw Wang Yibo was already in front of him. "This is my last and final request," Xiao Zhan felt his chest tighten even harder and it was now hard to breathe, he felt his hands shaking. Why can't I be strong? Don't look at me like that, as if your eyes are filled with care and love. Xiao Zhan thought and his breathing went ragged. "Come early to the studio tomorrow, I have something to show you," that was all Wang Yibo said and didn't wait for Xiao Zhan's reply, he walked away with the canvas.

Xiao Zhan tried to calm himself and counted some numbers. After calming himself, he thought, It will be the last time seeing him, right? Might as well come tomorrow see what he wants to show me.

Everyone was cheerfully talking and discussing with things, some were eating and drinking and others were just slowly dancing to the beat. Xiao Zhan smiled at the sight since it brought back some good old memories to him.

He returned to his seat and took out his notebook. Xiao Zhan turned the pages and stopped at the latest page, Reason 9. Wang Yibo is Wang Yibo.

He chuckled to himself lightly. Ah, yes, Wang Yibo will always be Wang Yibo. You want to know why? He will never be the handsome, bossy, charming, abd cold loving person if he isn't Wang Yibo. The reasons sound ridiculous but those are one of the factors why Xiao Zhan loved him. Wait, scratch that, Why Xiao Zhan loves him.

Moved on is just a pair of words to tell if you're moving forward but you don't need it to exist to say you've already been moving forward.

• • •

The party ended rather early since they need to be on time for the opening of the studio tomorrow. Everyone bid farewells and went to their respected places. Xiao Zhan was about to go when he saw Wang Yibo with his car. He approached him and said, "What type of early morning are you implying?" Xiao Zhan asked and Wang Yibo turned around to face him with a surprised look on his face but disappeared quickly, going back to his impassive looking face. "6:00 AM would be the best, the studio won't be open until 8:00 AM," Wang Yibo replied and Xiao Zhan laughed. "Is that so? What are you even hiding?" The other man teased and Wang Yibo replied with a quick, "Shameless!"

There was a comfortable silence for a while between them. If only things were always like this.

"Well, I'll be going now," Xiao Zhan said, turning his back with a wave of his hand. Wang Yibo was just about to say if he can ride in his car but he stopped himself. It wasn't appropriate, he'll only end up hurting Xiao Zhan again. "Be safe," Wang Yibo whispered, it was impossible for the other man to hear since he was already a few steps away.

Then Wang Yibo too, went to his own place to have some rest.

• • •

The day of the opening of the studio finally arrived and Wang Yibo arrived at the studio rather earlier. He fixed himself and took the building keys from the guard. He opened the building and entered the vacinity.

It was a bit quiet since no one was around yet. It's 5:50 AM and Wang Yibo patiently waited for Xiao Zhan's arrival at the lobby. He knows that Xiao Zhan always arrives on time.

After minutes of waiting, it struck 6:00 AM in the morning and to his surprise, Xiao Zhan didn't arrive yet. Maybe he just got late on the way or over slept. Wang Yibo chuckled at the idea of Xiao Zhan being a heavy sleeper. Those are the rare times when he got late back in the day.

As far as Wang Yibo could remember, Xiao Zhan was the last one to leave at the building, he probably went home late. Which explains he isn't here yet.

Eventually, people from the crew came and greeted Wang Yibo. He replied with a short bow. Wang Yibo took his phone out and texted Xiao Zhan, Running late? Others are already here. The crew started checking the designs if there are any problems. Wang Yibo is still patiently waiting for Xiao Zhan's arrival.

The swords of the clock were moving rather fast and the ticking of the clock can be heard in the quiet lobby. Without noticing the time, it was already 8:00 AM, the grand opening of the exhibit and Xiao Zhan was nowhere in sight.

Wang Yibo sent another text message, Zhan, where are you? Will you arrive late?

They welcomed the visitors who entered the building and everyone got busy accommodating people. "Ah! Wang-ge, can we have a picture with you?" A petite girl asked shyly and Wang Yibo just replied with a nod.

The seconds became minutes and minutes became hours. Wang Yibo was too busy to send another message from Xiao Zhan. Why isn't he still here? He wondered but he can't even afford to call at the moment since they were too busy with the studio.

Night time eventually came and lesser people were coming. Some already left.

The number you have dialed is unattended, please try your call later.

The number you have dialed is unattended, please try your call later.

The number you have dialed is unattended, please try your call later.

Xiao Zhan wasn't picking up and no one could contact him, he didn't even send a message as to why he wasn't present at the opening.

He said he'll come. He said he'll meet up early with Wang Yibo. He said he'll be there.

With a sigh, Wang Yibo shoved his phone inside his pocket and went back inside.

"It's sad that Zhan-ge isn't here."

"I know right, he helped a lot."

"Without him, this studio galleria wouldn't have been successful," another crew member added.

Eventually it was closing time. The galleria was a huge success and they sold a lot of ticket. Sadly, the people were asking for the artist who made the paintings. They told them he wasn't present for an unknown reason.

Slowly, everyone went home one by one. Until it was only Wang Yibo left all over again.

There was still a bit of hope shining inside him, maybe, Xiao Zhan will arrive right now and see him again for the last time.

Still waiting patiently, Wang Yibo roamed around the quiet exhibit. He never noticed the huge canvas covered with a black cloth in the center of a room. Walking closer, he noticed a small sticky note at the bottom. Remove the cover when the time is right.

It was obviously Xiao Zhan's writing. Didn't he say this piece was unfinished and no one can see it? Wang Yibo's curiosity was eating him alive but he restrained himself from pulling the cover. Xiao Zhan wouldn't want that.

If Wang Yibo was to be asked what was he going to show Xiao Zhan, well, it was his greatest masterpiece back home. And the present he never gets to give at Xiao Zhan's birthday.

Late at night, still holding on to that small hope of Xiao Zhan coming, Wang Yibo went back to the lobby and waited.

But he never came.

---
Sorry for the typos and please do tell if I made errors! Also, thank you for reaching at this point of the story, the next chapter will be the last and there will also be an Epilogue!