In between love and death《Yizhan version》

Chapter 34

Xiao Zhan's POV

Their eyes widen when they see the boxes on their laps, "this is rather sudden, it's not even my birthday yet." Yibo smiled at me as Haoxuan ducked in too, "mine's already past."

"I don't even remember mine to be honest." I laughed at Lily and the others their silly comment as I open my mouth, "haha~ it's not for your birthday, silly." Now the three of them eyed me suspiciously, "I meant it when I said I wanted to do something nice for my friends." Perhaps it's the sincerity on my face that relaxes them.

"In that case, I'll happily open mine first." Lily gave me a knowing wink and the other two follow his move.

"Awww, this is the cutest thing I've ever seen." Lily took out a grey teddy bear that's wearing a uniform like her, "wait, is this me?"

"Yes, it's a teddy bear version of you!"

"Awesome! Mine is really stylish with all these chains." Haoxuan held up a purple teddy bear with a big smile.

"Do I look this serious all the time?" Yibo lifted up a brown teddy bear, that playful smile on his face made me giggle, "well . . . Not all the time, but mostly." He laughed, "I'll try to do my best on that."

"You don't have to, it's still a part of you that we like."

"I see, I wonder what else you like." I looked away shyly from his teasing eyes. W-was he flirting with me?

"Thank you so much, Zhan. I'm sure you put a lot of work into this." Lily smiled.

"The quality is just like the time you fixed my teddy!" I blushed, "c-come on, it's not that amazing!"

"Haoxuan has high standards, so believe me when he says it's great." I smile shyly at their praises.

"I'm really glad you all like them-" Before I could finish Yibo cut me off, "we still want to know the reason for these gifts though."

I took a deep breath, "well, the tree of you gave me something I never had before, so I just wanted to repay that even if it's in the smallest way I can."

Yibo raised an eyebrow, "and what is that something?"

"A family, I'm really happy to be part of this family." I beamed with happiness, "he did it again," Haoxuan mumbled.

"Ahh . . . How unfair." I glanced sideways at Lily, "e-eh? What do you mean?" I look at each of them in sudden panic, d-did I misunderstood this whole time? But then Yibo places his hand on my shoulder with a reassuring smile.

"We're the ones that should thank you for stepping into our lives." I held my head oblique at Yibo.

"Thank you, Zhan!" I can't utter a single word in response, but Yibo continued, "since you've done something nice for me, do you mind if I repay it today?"

"W-what?"

"Well, I hoped we could go for a relaxing drive around town." I felt my heart missing a few beats as I tried to collect my words.

"O-Oh, t-that's so nice of you."

"So, would you like to go out and drive with me?" Yibo offered his hand to me with an inviting smile, "now that's settled, shall we?" And so we head for an afternoon together.

***

Now I'm sitting in a new car next to Yibo, "I was afraid you might not drive anymore." He smiled at me, "fortunately, I still like driving, and I don't want to make the same mistake again, I promise to take good care of you no matter where we go from now on." The protective tone of his voice made my body tingle.

My attention switched to the beachfront view outside, "whoa! What a pretty view!" I rolled down the window to feel the cool ocean breeze, "you want to stop by here for a bit?"

"Yes! That would be so lovely!"

***

"Wow! This is amazing!" My giddiness grows as I near the waves, "you must love the beach." I blushed at Yibo's kind smile, "uhm . . . It's actually my first time here." His eyes widened.

"What? You've never been to a beach before?" I shook my head, "did you not have time or . . ." His voice trailed off as he rubbed his hand against his neck, but I gave him a small smile.

"I just didn't have anyone else to go with." My attention moved to the crashing waves, and I hoped he didn't see my red cheeks, "since we're here now. Why don't we make some memories?" I turned to him in surprise.

"W-what do you mean?" Yibo pointed to a bicycle rental hut nearby, "the best way to admire the entire beach is on a bicycle."

"B-But I don't know how to ride one . . ."

"Then you can just sit back and let me do the work." His eyes sparkle with such excitement that I wanted to take his hand right away, "come on, Zhan! It will be fun!"

"Sure! It is my first time here, after all." I excitedly took his hands, in a few minutes, we've rented a tandem bicycle, "so, you ready to see the beach?"

"I can hardly wait!" I took a seat on the back, but I suddenly felt nervous.

"S-sorry, but what am I supposed to hand on?"

"Just hug me, what else?" WHAT!?

Yibo casually wrapped my arms around his waist, "there, now you won't fall."

"O-Okay . . ." Yibo chuckled at my embarrassed squeak, "don't worry, I promise to take good care of you." That sincere smile was pulling my heartstrings once again.

He started to cycle and we took in the incredible view in comfortable silence, I leaned my cheek sleepily against his muscular back, "I think it's time for a short break." I blearily rubbed my eyes when the bicycle suddenly stopped.

We're on the far side of the beach with large rocks strewn about, "had a nice nap?" I blush at his teasing smile, "sorry, I didn't sleep much while I was working on the teddy bears.

"I'm touched, but please don't wear yourself out." I blushed once again when he patted my head affectionately, "a-anyways, you cycled really far, you must be tired by now." He shrugged, "not really, I want to show you my favourite spot here."

Yibo took my hand and we carefully climbed up a cluster of rocks, taking a seat on the edge of it, we sat peacefully in silence once again, I looked Yibo's way curiously, I wonder what was on his mind.

"Are you so bored of the view that you have to keep looking at me?"

"S-sorry." Yibo chuckled low at my flustered cheeks, "don't be, I was just recalling everything that's happened in my life so far. Some are good memories, but most of them are bitter."

"Shouldn't you be happy that you're finally free?"

"Of course I am, but it feels like I didn't end things properly, I wish there was a way for me to truly start fresh as a new person." The heaviness in his voice had me thinking hard about a solution. Aha! I got it!

"Hm? What are you doing, Zhan?" I put both my hands together near my mouth and take a deep breath, "AHHHHHHH!" I scream at the top of my lungs and Yibo stared at me in shock.

"What was that for?"

"Hehe, I heard that if you yell as loud as you can, the ocean will carry your worries away."

"You seriously believe that!?" I snickered, "haha~ Come on! Just try it first!" I pulled his arm and he stood next to me, Yibo awkwardly does the same action and . . .

"Ahh?" I laugh heartedly at his uncomfortable expression, "come on, Yibo! Scream louder than that! You want to feel like a new man, right?"

"Yes, of course."

"And you want a fresh new start, right?"

"Absolutely!"

"SO SCREAM YOUR HEART OUT!"

"AAAAAHHHHH!" Yibo's chest rises and falls quickly, we look at each other for a few seconds before we burst out laughing.

"So, how do you feel now?"

Word count: 1371 words