Breeze

Chapter 2 - Change

Yibo ended the call and took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart. His roommates watched him with concern, unsure of how to comfort him after the shocking events. The room was quiet except for the faint hum of hospital equipment.

"Are you really moving out?" Xiao Zhan asked, his voice tinged with worry.

Yibo nodded slowly. "Yeah. I think it's better if I stay off-campus. I just... I can't stay in that room anymore."

Baishu and Yixuan exchanged glances, both understanding and saddened by his decision. It hadn't been long since they all met, but they had quickly bonded. Xiao Zhan, especially, felt a pang of sadness. He knew Yibo was terrified, and the thought of his friend being so scared that he needed to leave hurt him.

"Let's help you pack up tomorrow," Yixuan offered, trying to lighten the mood. "We'll make it quick and painless."

"Thanks, guys." Yibo forced a smile, grateful for their support.

The next morning, after Yibo was discharged, they all returned to the dormitory. The once-lively room felt different now, tinged with an uneasy silence. They packed Yibo's things swiftly, and soon the room was back to having just three occupants. The empty bed on Xiao Zhan's side of the room seemed to echo the absence of their friend.

As they helped Yibo move his belongings to the new apartment, Xiao Zhan couldn't shake the feeling of guilt. He kept thinking about the night Yibo had fainted, about how scared he'd been, and how helpless he felt watching it all unfold. Once they finished unpacking, Xiao Zhan pulled Yibo aside.

"Hey," he began, his voice soft. "I'm sorry for what happened. I wish... I wish I could've done something."

Yibo looked at Xiao Zhan, his expression softening. "It's not your fault, Zhan. None of us could have known. I just-" He paused, glancing around his new, more modern apartment, far removed from the old dorm. "I just need some time to clear my head."

Xiao Zhan nodded, understanding. "If you ever need anything, or just someone to talk to, I'm here."

"Thanks," Yibo said, smiling faintly. "I'll miss having you guys around, but I think this is for the best."

They spent the rest of the day helping Yibo settle in, making sure he felt comfortable in his new place. It wasn't easy saying goodbye, even if it was only temporary, but they knew Yibo needed this space to feel safe again.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the three roommates left Yibo's apartment. The walk back to the dorm felt heavy, each of them lost in their thoughts. Back in their room, Xiao Zhan found himself staring at the empty bed opposite his, the events of the past few days replaying in his mind.

Later that night, as Xiao Zhan lay in bed, he heard the faintest creak from the hallway. He brushed it off at first, thinking it was just the usual dorm noises. But as he drifted off to sleep, he couldn't help but feel that same eerie chill that Yibo had described.

Maybe Yibo had made the right choice after all.