Behind The Red Curtain | YiZhan ✓

14-Autumn Leaves Lie

"Silence is deadly."

He had heard that term almost a dozens of times. And with being in the movie industry, he had always found it to be absurd, since it was always used in fictional dramas.

But now that he was faced with an excruciatingly long silence from the one and only, he could not find it as absurd anymore.

Yibo's eyes were sharp and intense, while his hand that held his chin in that thoughtful demeanour was making him impatient. He had never thought that it would be this scary to wait for a response. But then again, he had let all of himself out, revealing his darkest desires.

He had expected him to be shocked and in denial, yet what he was faced with was an unexplainable expression and deep silence. He couldn't read his thoughtful gaze no matter how much he tried, and became worried as a result.

His heart was beating fast and loudly, making him wonder if he could hear what was happening beneath his tender chest.

Just then, Yibo looked up and parted his lips. "You... don't have to be worried like that. I don't think any less of you."

Zhan breathed a sigh of relief, despite not being able to relax just yet. "So you don't think that... i'm disgusting?" There was great worry in his words, making the latter feel bad.

Yibo looked down, seeming to be thinking still. "Of course not. If enjoying pleasure makes you weird then... i would definitely be worse."

The older didn't know what he meant, yet knew that he had a deep secret beneath his facade also. But he did not have enough time to go into it when Yibo looked back up to speak to him again. "I just... thank you, for being strong enough to tell me this. It... must've been difficult to hide it with how i last treated you." But Zhan shook his head. "N-no... this was mainly my fault s-so don't-" Yibo smiled, watching as the latter stopped at his words upon seeing him do so. "I'm just glad that you didn't have anything going on with that bastard."

He had of course, not told him about the deal between him and Cheng, nor the threats he had gotten from him. All Yibo knew of, was how he had come to meet him at a bar, and the invitation to Zui-qian street. Nothing more. He couldn't involve him in this.

"But... how come you know of Zui-qian that well? You were quite shocked after the first time of hearing it as well." Yibo scratched the back of his head and averted his gaze before answering. "I used to go there back at uni." Zhan oh'ed, later remembering what Duyi had told him. His eyes slowly rose up to glance at his behaviour, later falling down at his hands and the way they gripped onto the chair handles.

Was he really into men as well? And, could he ask him about it? He probably could after the great secret he had just told him. Yet why couldn't he bring himself to ask? He would part his lips, but no words would come out. Something was off about it, and he did not know what.

"Now that i know, i realize that i am not in any position to stop you from doing what you desire. But... since you trust me enough, i also want you to lean on me. So let me help you get better after you... you know. I don't think i can handle seeing you hurt like this after all."

Zhan thought about it for a bit, later biting his lip shyly. "W-wouldn't you find that weird? I-i mean... being defiled by another man and then... coming to find your consolement..." He paused at his words as quickly as a bird would stop flapping its wings in mid air. Yibo cleared his throat soon after and shook his head. "I want to. So let me lend my hands to you."

The latter seemed impressed at his words as he looked at his veiny hands once more. He was covered with a comfort he never had, finding it easier to be beside him. "Okay then. I don't think i have another choice anyways.." He flashed him a smile, to which Yibo reciprocated back almost immediately.