Off Period

Part 1

Consecutive two periods were off today, so Zhan and Yibo were sitting at the garden behind the main building of their college.

"I don't believe in love." Zhan said while plucking the grass from the soil. "Love is bogus. It's just meaningless."

"Why?" Yibo asked.

"See, somebody loves you. Ok. He or she has the liberty to love anyone, but isn't it absurd that you also fall in love with that same person?" Zhan explained. "How is that even possible?"

"It's not at all absurd. It's better to love someone who loves you." Yibo said.

"But, it's not pure love. Zhan reasoned. It's kind of making a habit."

"But, it's love and love is a habit. There is no problem in it." Yibo said. " We have every right on the person we love. Love is beautiful."

"Do you like someone Yibo?" Zhan asked suddenly looking at him. "Mm ...I mean do you have someone you love..like that?"

"Yes. Why?" Yibo answered indifferently while drawing circles on the grass with his finger.

"Wh....who?" Zhan got startled.

Yibo got up and said "Come, we are getting late for the literature class."

Zhan was absent- minded in the class thereafter. He took his books and few files from the locker after the last class and was walking towards the exit when Yibo pulled his hand from behind and asked him, "Where are you going?"

"Home." Zhan replied.

"But, you said we'll have hotpot together after college." Yibo said.

"I don't feel like it." Zhan replied. "We can eat later. Leave my hand."

"What happened?" Ybo asked. "You didn't even take notes in the last class."

"I am not feeling well, Yibo. Leave me." Zhan said. "I will go home."

Yibo observed Zhan with sharp eyes and said, "I knew it."

"Knew what!?" Zhan asked surprised.

"Nothing. Yibo said. " you go home and take rest."

The next day Yibo could not find Zhan since morning. Zhan was absent in the first lecture. He was not in the department. The second period was off. So, Yibo also searched for him in the whole building and at last he found Zhan in the backyard garden of the building. "You are here?" Yibo asked. "And I am looking for you everywhere...won't you attend the next class?"

Zhan did not reply. He looked away from Yibo and sat there silently. Suddenly Yibo sat beside Zhan, held his face and kissed him by taking his lips in his own very lightly. Zhan felt light headed and trembled. He put his head in Yibo's chest and closed his eyes tightly. After few minutes as he opened his eyes Yibo asked, "What happened? Did you feel uncomfortable?"

Zhan did not reply but stared at Yibo without blinking his eyes.

"So, you couldn't handle this. How do we proceed to the next step?" yibo said

"I will complain to the principal against you." Zhan said seriously, "You harassed me."

Yibo got surprised at first at Zhan's reply, but then he laughed and said, "Ok. You can go and report. I will kiss you every day."

Zhan was so angry that he slapped hard on Yibo's cheek, but the next second he lowered his eyes and clasped Yibo's hand tightly. Very quietly Yibo said, "It's my mistake. I am sorry, I got it wrong. Come, we still have to attend the class."

Zhan felt like Yibo was getting away from him. Was it really happening? Or only Zhan felt like that? After that day it had been one month they still sat beside each other during the classes, they chatted together in the off periods in the backside garden, so many times Yibo put his head on Zhan's shoulder while laughing hard. Today Yibo made a deal with him to go to the movie together. Their friendship was still the same. Then why did Zhan feel like this? Why did he feel that he was missing something that was very close to him? Was it not only the friendship? Did Zhan want something more than that from Yibo? Why did he always remember that moment whenever he was alone?

Suddenly someone shook Zhan, "Zhan, what are you doing here alone? You are crying?" Ybo asked.

Zhan felt angry. He was so angry with Yibo. Everything happened for him. He disturbed Zhan's peace of mind. "Why do you care?" Zhan said

Yibo felt awkward and said, " I...I mean...." Before he could complete his words Zhan rushed towards the toilet trying to wipe his tears with his hands. He turned to close the door and got stunned to see that Yibo was standing there leaning on the already closed door. When did he come? All the thoughts got puzzled inside Zhan's head and he started sobbing looking at Yibo. Yibo hugged him and said, "Why are you crying? Zhan, you are a grown up ass; can't you just say what it is. Huh? You still expect me to understand everything just by looking at you like I always did since the primary school. What do you want? To pull a crowd over here? Stop it Zhan. I am already here. Shhh..."

Zhan punched in Yibo's chest in slight anger.

"Oh, now you have got some strength to hit me? Yibo said, "Should I punish you for this?"

Zhan looked up into Yibo's eyes, then onto his lips. Zhan's face was so red and he felt shy still he waited for the expected punishment that never came. Yibo laughed and said, "Let's get out of here. I will go first and then you come after me ok?" Yibo went out without noticing Zhan's eyes those were again welled up.