Drunk in Love

Part 6

Chapter 5

Yibo was looking at the setting sun through the window of the hospital corridor. He was really busy the whole day but now his mind was occupied with the thought of someone. It had been two days he did not get any news from Zhan, not even a single phone call. He felt restless. Should he call Zhan? Yibo just wanted to know about his health. It's normal right? As a doctor, he could inquire about his patient's health. But then, Zhan was not his patient. That day he just treated him once because Zhan was suddenly ill. Then shouldn't Zhan call him at least to say thank you? Wasn't it the minimum act of civility and respect? Yibo was so immersed in his own thought that at first he didn't even realize that his mobile phone was vibrating in his pocket. It was only after some nurse greeted him that he came out of his trance and fished out his mobile to see that it was a call from the person in his thought. He picked up the call, "Hm?"

"You didn't even bother to call me to know how I am doing." Zhan was loud.

"I was thinking of calling you." Yibo said

"Liar." Zhan replied.

"Send me your address. Yibo said, "I will visit you today."

"I don't need your sympathy. I am fine." Zhan cut the call.

Yibo went to the cafeteria and ordered a coffee. He waited for almost fifteen minutes by looking at the screen of his mobile phone but there was no message from Zhan. He bit the corner of his lips and with a very serious face he started to scroll his Ig account which was inactive for quite a while. He searched Xiao Zhan on Ig , saw his posts and followed him there. Yibo was still looking at the mobile screen anxiously when he got the location finally. He got up took his things from the locker and went to the bus stop. After reaching home Yibo took a shower and dressed in a casual t-shirt and jeans. He took his father's car and set off to the address he got in his mobile. After about thirty minutes of driving he reached his destination. He parked the car and took the elevator to the 6th floor. On reaching there he was about to press the bell on a particular door but before he could do so the door opened suddenly. Zhan came out and hugged him. Yibo got so puzzled that he did not know how to react. He could only frame a sentence after Zhan released him, "how are you?"

"I am ok. Come in." Zhan said.

As Yibo placed his palm on Zhan's forehead Zhan said again, "I don't have fever. I am fine, but I am hungry."

Yibo looked at Zhan and went to the kitchen counter. He opened the refrigerator only to find few bottles of alcohol, one cheese pastry and a tub of chocolate ice cream. 'Where is Xuan?" Yibo asked him.

"He did not come. He was busy." Zhan replied.

Yibo frowned, his eyebrows met with a crease as he was looking at Zhan trying to figure out the sincerity of his answer.

"I told him that I don't need him. I don't need anybody. I can take care of myself." Zhan said honestly.

Yibo shook his head and sighed. "I will be right back, you stay here." Yibo said.

Before Zhan could ask him anything he was in the elevator moving downwards. Yibo drove his car to a nearby supermarket and bought some fresh vegetables and groceries. He was back to Zhan's apartment within 45 minutes. Zhan was staring at him since he entered through the door but Ybo did not care. He was busy cleaning the veggies and chopping them.

"Why did you buy so many things? There are few packets of noodles in the kitchen cabinet." Zhan said. "That would do. I didn't tell you to cook for me. I know you are tired. And now you are avoiding me, Yibo."

"You said you are hungry and instant noodles are not an option." Yibo replied quietly. "I told you to eat home cooked food only and still your fridge is full of garbage. You know very well how to torture me." Yibo added, "It's all ready. Now there's no point in arguing."

He cooked chili mushroom, rice and sautéed some vegetables. Zhan was just leaning on the doorframe and observing Yibo.

"Your stare isn't helping me at all." Yibo said suddenly, "Arrange the table."

As Zhan set the table they both ate their dinner peacefully.

"Thank you for the food. It's really tasty." Zhan said.

"You need to avoid alcohol and junk food, Zhan." Yibo said, "These are not good for your health. If you can't cook keep some house help. I won't be here every day to cook for you."

"Why don't you move in with me?" Zhan suggested looking at Yibo.

"Why should I?" Yibo asked.

"Because ....We are friends. Zhan reasoned.

Yibo stood up with his empty bowl. "We are not friends, Xiao Zhan." He said and went to the sink to wash the bowl.

"Then what are we Yibo?" Zhan asked standing behind Yibo.

Yibo got startled. He did not answer. He came out of the kitchen after drying his hands and took his mobile and car keys from the table. "Please try to follow whatever I have suggested. Call me if you need anything." Yibo said while tying his shoe laces.

"And why should I call you?" Zhan was still staring at Yibo.

Yibo looked straight into Zhan's eyes and replied, "Because you make me worried...Xiao Zhan."

Zhan looked away and Yibo went out of his apartment towards the elevator. They did not bid good byes, not even simple good nights. Both were lost to their own thoughts, not sure how to address that. Only their hearts were longing for the warmth they both were oblivious to.