In the Shadows

Chapter 03

When he awoke the next day, the aroma of a delicious breakfast greeted his senses, already laid out on the table, but realization hit him that that Liu Haikuan wouldn't be visiting him. Xiao Zhan realized he was truly alone. Days turned into a blur, and no visits from Wang Yibo or Haikuan came to alleviate his confinement. Desperation overtook him, with a heavy heart, Xiao Zhan approached the door, his hands fumbling in the darkness. He pressed his ear against the cold surface, hoping to catch any sound from the other side. "Please," he cried, his voice filled with anguish. "Let me out! My family is waiting for me. I need to bring the medicinal herbs to my sister!" His pleas echoed through the empty corridor, but no response came.

Days turned into a monotonous routine of solitude and yearning. Xiao Zhan's heart sank with each passing moment, fearing that he would never see his sister again or fulfill his duty to her. He had to escape, to find a way back home.

On the fifth day of his imprisonment, the door creaked open, and Liu Haikuan stepped inside. Xiao Zhan immediately recognized the familiar scent of oak and cedar that clung to Haikuan, remnants of the forest where he liked to roam. In Haikuan's hands, he held a collection of exquisite garments of black and red, a sandalwood hairbrush, and a vibrant red ribbon.

A new set of footsteps approached, followed by the sound of water cascading into a bathtub nestled in the corner of the room. Zhan's sensitive nose picked up the delicate fragrance of lotus, a blossom likely placed in the bath. Haikuan's voice broke the silence, "Take a bath and wear these clothes. Master Wang Yibo awaits you tonight for dinner in the dining room." With those words, Haikuan left the items on a nearby table and exited the room before Zhan could respond.

With a mix of reluctance and curiosity, Zhan immersed himself in the bath, surrendering to the embrace of lotus-scented water. It had been five long lonely and agonizing days without a bath. As he emerged, he carefully adorned the inner layer of the opulent robes, puzzled by the arrangement of the remaining layers. Unaccustomed to such luxurious attire, he fumbled with uncertainty. The mysterious red ribbon taunted him, its purpose shrouded in mystery. After contemplating for a moment, he decided to loop it delicately around his wrist, relishing the silky sensation against his skin.

Seated in his secluded chamber, Zhan diligently brushed his hair, finding solace in the rhythmic strokes. With each pass of the brush, he anxiously awaited the sun's descent, knowing it signaled the imminent arrival of Master Wang Yibo. Amidst the anticipation, his heart weighed heavy with concern for his ailing sister, who desperately awaited his return with the medicinal herbs harvested from the depths of the forest.

As the door creaked open that evening, Zhan's heart skipped a beat, unsure of who would enter. His inner robe, inadvertently left slightly ajar, revealed a glimpse of his chest. In walked Wang Yibo, his gaze immediately drawn to the exposed skin. Timidly, Zhan mustered the courage to inquire, "Who is it?"

Wang Yibo's voice carried a growl of disapproval. "You're not dressed yet?" he grumbled; his displeasure evident.

Overwhelmed by fear, Zhan's trembling hands caused him to drop the hairbrush, which clattered onto the floor. Sensing his distress, Wang Yibo approached him, closing the inner robe properly. Zhan shivered as he felt the chill of Wang Yibo's touch, but an unexpected warmth began to spread through his body. A blush rose to his cheeks, mirroring the conflicting sensations. With utmost care, Wang Yibo secured the inner robe, ensuring its perfect fit, before assisting Zhan into the outer layer.

Taking Zhan's hand, Wang Yibo gently untied the ribbon from his wrist, repurposing it to gather his hair into a neat ponytail. As he gazed upon Xiao Zhan, Wang Yibo found himself struck by awe, memories flooding his mind of how his beloved Wei Ying used to wear a similar ensemble. Unable to resist the torrent of emotions within him—longing, passion, and a deep ache—he pulled Xiao Zhan into his arms, embracing him tightly.