Hidden Desires (YiZhan)

chapter 14

Yibo stood by the window, his gaze lost in the sprawling city lights below. The night had a calming effect, yet his mind was anything but peaceful. The recent turmoil of betrayal, revenge, and complex emotions had led him to a crucial decision. The face of Zhan had become a persistent presence in his thoughts, and Yibo knew he needed to reach out.

Despite the complicated history and unresolved feelings between them, Yibo decided it was time to reconnect with Zhan. He wanted to bridge the gap that had separated them, to offer understanding and protection. It was a choice fueled by both determination and hope.

In the following days, Yibo made several efforts to reach out to Zhan. He extended invitations for dinner, suggested late-night walks, and proposed quiet, heartfelt conversations. Initially, Zhan’s responses were cautious, tinged with hesitation. But gradually, his resistance began to wane. He started accepting Yibo’s invitations, though he remained reserved.

Their interactions began to build a fragile connection. They enjoyed meals at intimate restaurants, wandered through the city’s lively streets, and engaged in conversations that ranged from the mundane to the deeply personal. Each shared moment served to bridge the gap between them.

One evening, after an emotionally charged discussion, Yibo and Zhan found themselves standing close. They had been sharing stories about their childhoods—Zhan’s warm memories of his parents and Yibo’s reflections on his own troubled family life. Zhan’s wistful recounting of his parents brought a pang of empathy to Yibo.“I miss them,” Zhan said softly, his voice laced with sorrow. “It feels like a piece of me is missing.”Yibo, moved by Zhan’s vulnerability, reached out. His hand brushed against Zhan’s, the touch gentle but full of meaning.

Zhan looked up, their eyes meeting in the soft light of Yibo’s apartment. For a moment, the outside world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in their shared space.Slowly, Zhan leaned in, his breath mingling with Yibo’s. Yibo’s heart raced, a mix of anticipation and nervousness swirling within him. Without hesitation, Yibo closed the distance, pressing his lips to Zhan’s in a tender, exploratory kiss.

The kiss was slow and gentle, filled with a depth of emotion that neither had fully acknowledged before. It was more than just a physical connection; it was a moment of raw honesty, an attempt to mend old wounds. Zhan’s lips were warm against Yibo’s, and as the kiss deepened, Yibo felt a profound sense of peace. The world outside seemed to disappear, leaving only their shared warmth and closeness.When they finally pulled apart, both were breathing heavily. Yibo’s heart pounded, and he could feel Zhan’s pulse racing beneath his fingertips. Zhan’s eyes were closed, his expression a mixture of relief and vulnerability. For a brief moment, the past and its pain seemed to dissolve, replaced by a fragile hope for the future.“I…” Zhan began, but his voice faltered, struggling to find the right words.

Yibo shook his head, gently cupping Zhan’s face. “You don’t need to say anything,” he whispered. “I’m here.”Zhan leaned into Yibo’s touch, his eyes closed as he absorbed the comfort and reassurance. The emotional barriers between them had softened, allowing for a deeper connection. Yibo’s presence was a balm to Zhan’s wounds, and for the first time in a long while, Zhan felt a glimmer of hope.

Just as they began to find solace in each other’s company, the tranquility of the evening was abruptly interrupted by the buzz of Zhan’s phone. The sound cut through their intimate moment, and Zhan’s face went pale as he glanced at the screen. An unknown number had sent a message, and a sense of dread enveloped him.“What’s wrong?” Yibo asked, noticing the sudden shift in Zhan’s demeanor. He moved closer, peering over Zhan’s shoulder.With trembling hands, Zhan opened the message. His eyes widened in horror as he saw the photograph displayed on his phone.

It was a gruesome image of his deceased parents, their faces smeared with blood, their bodies torn and mutilated. The photograph was jagged at the edges, as if it had been ripped from an old album.

Zhan’s breath caught, and he felt his knees weaken. He struggled to process the disturbing image, his mind racing with confusion and terror. The photograph was a brutal reminder of a past he had tried to bury, and the pain resurfaced with a vengeance.“What… what is this?” Zhan’s voice was barely a whisper, his hands shaking uncontrollably.

Yibo’s heart sank as he saw the photograph. He reached out, placing a comforting hand on Zhan’s arm. “I don’t know who did this or why,” Yibo said softly, his voice filled with concern. “But we’ll figure it out. You’re not alone in this.”

Tears began to stream down Zhan’s face, each one a testament to his fear and anguish. His body shook violently, his sobs escaping uncontrollably. The sight of his parents, so violently depicted, was a devastating blow to his fragile sense of security.Yibo wrapped his arms around Zhan, pulling him into a tight embrace. He could feel Zhan’s body trembling against his, the weight of his grief pressing down on them both. Yibo’s hands moved soothingly across Zhan’s back, offering what comfort he could amidst the chaos.“It’s okay,” Yibo murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’m here. We’ll get through this together.”

Zhan clung to Yibo, his fingers gripping Yibo’s shirt as if it were a lifeline. The warmth of Yibo’s embrace provided a small measure of solace, even as Zhan’s tears continued to fall. He buried his face against Yibo’s chest, the steady rhythm of Yibo’s heartbeat a small comfort amidst his pain.“Why?” Zhan’s voice cracked, the word barely audible through his sobs. “Why now? Why would someone do this?”

Yibo didn’t have an answer, but he held Zhan closer, his heart aching at the sight of Zhan’s distress. “I don’t know,” Yibo said softly. “But we will find out who did this. I promise you, I won’t let you face this alone.”

Zhan nodded, his breath still uneven as he tried to calm himself. The comforting embrace of Yibo was a beacon in the storm of his emotions, a reminder that he didn’t have to face this darkness alone. As he slowly began to regain his composure, he looked up at Yibo, his eyes red and swollen from crying.“Thank you,” Zhan whispered, his voice trembling with gratitude and relief. “I… I don’t know what I’d do without you.”Yibo looked down at Zhan, his expression a mix of resolve and tenderness. He knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but he was determined to stand by Zhan’s side. The disturbing photograph was a stark reminder of the shadows lurking in their pasts, but Yibo was ready to face them together with Zhan.

As they stood wrapped in each other’s arms, the outside world seemed to fade away. The promise of support and protection was a fragile shield against the encroaching darkness. Yibo and Zhan’s bond had deepened, and though the path ahead was uncertain, they faced it together, fortified by their shared connection.
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No peace in life🙂‍↔️😮‍💨. I'll torture everyone😮‍💨🙂‍↔️.
-yizhan_BJYX