In Between Us || Zhanyi

Fragile Bond Betrayal

Under Working: 20/08/2024

Notes to work on: Here on the last chapter, it was reflected how uncertain and unconventional Yibo's actions were at times and without his monologues it was obvious for other person not only get wrong idea but also get irritated or somewhere feel insulted too. No one is genie in this world to understand another person untill the person let himself/herself open for other to understand.

So continuing in the chapter with the objective that emphasizes the internal conflict that arises when individuals who are conditioned to submissiveness encounter those who value equality and independence. Some people, whether men or women, grow up in environments where they believe they have no rights or power. They are used to being controlled, dominated, and even manipulated, and they accept this as the natural way of life. They don't stand up for themselves because they don't even realize they deserve better. 

For example, in many rural areas or even in high upper class family it was believed being mistreated or even hit by a spouse could be seen as a sign of love, not abuse. A husband hit his wife because he loves her, care for her and think her good.....they equate control with love. Now when this believe is rooted, if an expectation happened where a husband don't hit his wife, she can feel her husband doesn't love him enough. The fact is they don't enjoy this such treatments but this control is the validation that they are important and needed.

In Yibo and Zhan's case, Zhan wants equality in their relationship, but Yibo feels more comfortable following orders because that's what he's always known. Equality is foreign to him, and he struggles to adapt.

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Zhan's voice cracked as he whispered, "I need you." But as he said it, he realized it was more than just a plea. It was a truth that terrified him. He needed Yibo not just to stay, but to see him, to acknowledge their bond for what it was.

Yibo stood before Zhan, his heart pounding in his chest. The weight of Zhan's words—'I need you'—echoed in his mind, twisting into something he could barely grasp. Zhan's frustration had grown sharper, his voice carrying the ache of someone trying desperately to be understood. But Yibo couldn't fully comprehend what Zhan wanted from him. His gaze flitted over Zhan's tense posture, and he felt himself shrink further, suffocated by the enormous chasm that now seemed to stretch between them.

In Yibo's eyes, Zhan was the perfect husband—strong, protective, reliable. Zhan fulfilled every duty with ease, and Yibo had always felt like he was falling short in comparison. Zhan provided everything: stability, care, even a sense of safety that Yibo hadn't realized he craved until Zhan had given it to him. But what had Yibo given in return? Nothing, it seemed—at least nothing meaningful.

As Zhan spoke, his words sounded like an accusation, sharp and cutting through Yibo's defenses. 'You don't even see what you're doing to us' Zhan said, his voice laced with anger and pain. 'Do you even care?'

Yibo's hands trembled at his sides as he grappled with Zhan's words. Of course, he cared. But what could he possibly offer to prove that? Zhan had already done everything a husband should. He protected Yibo in every way. He provided for him, offered stability, and shielded him from the harshness of the world. Zhan had given everything—had been perfect. What did Yibo have to offer in return?

In Yibo's mind, the answer came with painful clarity. His body. That was the only thing he had left to offer, the one thing he could give to Zhan to show his sincerity. His upbringing had ingrained in him a belief that marriage was a transaction, that each partner had a role to play—a duty to fulfill. His orthodox ideas of marriage told him that submission, sacrifice, was the only way to prove his devotion. Zhan had given everything already, and now it was Yibo's turn.