Behind The Red Curtain | YiZhan ✓

23-Empathy For The Weak

The world is big they say. But how big exactly?

Around 50% of the world's population would say that it's big enough for a lifetime, which should be more than enough for a human being. Yet the other 50% would say the opposite, meaning that the lifetime of a human is too short and should be extended to all lives that live through the earth's corrupt management.

But for Zhan, a lifetime was equal to the friends you make. Once you become all alone, then the words seems to stop and you hit a long pause, meaning no time, no nothing. He thought that was all there was to it before he met Yibo. Because with him, his lifetime wasn't a specific number, but eternity.

Imagine a field of glass, stepping on it barefoot. You would be careful to walk, scared that it would break if you put too much pressure. So you keep your strength under a specific level.

But then you see the person your heart yearns to beat for in the distance and all of a sudden, it all seems to vanish. The hard glass you once felt turns into soft grass, while the stressful fear you once had in your heart becomes nothing but comfort and serenity. Then all of a sudden you can walk all you want, you can jump and even run. So you run to him, because you know that your life will stop the moment your legs do also. Despite knowing it in your heart that the floor might still be glass, you take the risk.

And that's how big Zhan's world was. An eternity by his side.

"You seem thoughtful... did you not like the breakfast? I'm sure i followed the recipe.." Zhan blinked his eyes to break free from his thoughts and looked down at his plate. "No... it's delicious. I'm just... not that hungry."

Yibo sighed and stood up, beginning to gather up the table. "I won't let you leave until you take one more bite at least." The latter looked at his plate and chomped on the egg with a big bite. His eyes then eagerly pointed at the plate, which earned him a laugh from Yibo's lips. "I get it, i get it.. just drink water on top. It should be better than nothing."

Zhan hummed as he obediently stood up and poured himself a glass of water before chugging it down his dry throat. His eyes then slowly peaked to the side and caught a glimpse of Yibo's bare arms. "Aren't you cold like that?" Yibo didn't put too much thought into it and shrugged away. "Not really..."

Zhan bit his lip and leaned against the counter. "I was wondering... have you ever fallen in love?" Yibo suddenly coughed and looked away. "W- *coughs* what kind of a question is that? *cough*"

"Well... i was just curious. Why? Is it uncharted territory?" Yibo finished up his coughing and grabbed the water from Zhan's hand before giving it a sip. "Are you sure you want to know? It's not uncharted- but a dangerous place."

Zhan looked at his sharp eyes pointed directly at him and swallowed. "W-what?" Moments later Yibo chuckled. "I'm kidding. Stop asking weird things and go get ready. I got a call from Duyi a while ago and he said to go to his office."

"Us both?" Yibo shook his head. "No, just you. I'll drop you off so- take something from the wardrobe to wear and-" Zhan blinked in worry. "Why didn't he call me?"

"He said he couldn't reach you. So i checked and seems your battery was dead so i put it to charge."

"When?"

"...now."

Zhan sighed. "And when do i have to meet Duyi?" Yibo smiled to reassure him that there was nothing to stress about. "Don't worry that much, you'll get wrinkles fast." Zhan furrowed his brows playfully. "How about this, you go and take my car. And i'll come with Huizhong after. After that i can pick you up from the office and we could go have lunch. Your phone will be fully charged by then as well."