Next to you

Chapter 18

When the school organized a new trip to Hogsmeade, Oscar decided to stay back and keep Yetao company. Even if he wanted to hang out with his friends, he couldn't leave Yetao alone again. After all, he made him a promise. His friends tried their best to hide their disappointment, but they understood Oscar's feeling. When Oscar and Yetao sent their friends off, they promised to buy some sweets as souvenirs for the both of them and wished them a nice day. Of course the boys had said 'date' instead of 'day', but Oscar decided to ignore them and happily wave at them together with Yetao.

To spend the day, Oscar and Yetao decided to take a boat and just enjoy sailing in the Great Lake. The weather was getting warmer with the approach of the spring, so Oscar decided to dress lightly, in contrast to Yetao who was wearing a comfy sweater. He looked so warm and cuddly. His long hair was also tied up in a loose bun. Since the reveal of his origins, he had always worn the necklace of his family.

After the talk with the Professor and the Headmaster, Yetao had thrown himself into intense training with Zhennan. According to Yetao, he hadn't improved so much, but he was starting to get to know himself better. The nature of his powers was a bit different from normal wizards'. Soon he understood that the spells he made were stronger than the ones made by others. But the more powerful they are, the more difficult it is to control them.

Sometimes Professor Zhennan asked Oscar's help to test Yetao's magic. Of course Oscar was more than happy to accept, but incidents happened often and Oscar had ended up slightly burned or thrown against the walls. Once he hit his knee on the floor so hard that he had to stop practicing Quidditch for a week. After this particular incident Yetao would feel so guilty to avoid him for days, but Oscar had managed to talk to him and make clear that he was helping Yetao on his own free will and that he was fully prepared for any kind of consequences. Eventually Yetao gave in, but refused to ask Oscar's help again.

On the other hand their friends were totally supportive. Oscar was glad that Yetao had felt comfortable enough to share everything with them. The boys had comforted Yetao right away, telling him that they were his family now, especially Fu Sichao who had now become Yetao's sworn brother. Oscar, who at first was jealous of Yetao and Sichao's friendship, had fully accepted it, watching in amusement their interactions. Fu Sichao had fun teasing Yetao, who in response tried in vain to stand up to him. They really looked like siblings.

Even if Yetao spent all of his free time with Oscar and their friends, it was obvious that he was getting tired with his special training. He tried to be cheerful and interactive when they hung out, but Oscar often caught him yawning or almost sleeping on the chair. That's why he was happy when the Hogsmeade trip was announced, so Yetao could have a break and enjoy a day without using magic. It was a pity their friends weren't there with them, but on the other hand Oscar was more than happy to spend time alone with Yetao.

"You know, I've always wanted to see the sea. It must be beautiful." Yetao said at some point. They were peacefully floating on the surface of the lake with their boat. The boat could be moved with magic, but Oscar had refused to use it, preferring using wooden oars. No magic for today.

"Have you never been there?" Oscar asked, surprised.

"I've never been anywhere. My parents were too busy pretending I didn't exist to organize a family outing." Yetao answered with a bitter smile.

"Oh." Oscar's heart ached. "Let's do this then. This summer, you and I will travel across the country together. We will visit all the places you want to see. How's that?"

Yetao gave him a bright smile. He was too pretty. "Are you for real?"

"I am!"

"Won't your parents be disappointed if you will spend summer with me?" Yetao asked.