1975 ➥ yizhan | bjyx

🖇️ | chapter four

Back in the park, Yibo and Xiao Zhan found their bench, now a bit more worn with time. Xiao Zhan sat down heavily, gazing at the lights still decorating the trees.

A soft smile took its place on his lips as he remembered their first meeting.

"I remember the first time we met here," Yibo finally said, breaking the silence. "You handed me a hot chocolate. You were all shy and embarrassed. You were so cute."

Xiao Zhan smiled weakly, his eyes teary at the memory.

"And you spilled it everywhere because you were trying to give me your scarf... Do you remember?"

Yibo nodded, a smile making its way on his lips. His hand then tightened its grip on his boyfriend's.

"I just wanted to warm you up. I've always wanted to protect you, even if I didn't know yet that... that you would become everything to me." Yibo whispered, his eyes soft on him.

Xiao Zhan felt himself blush, but not for long. Fear overcame his shyness and he bit his lip.

"I don't know what I'd do without you, Yibo. I'm so scared..."

"Zhan-ge... We'll get through this. We always have. No matter what your mother says or what others think. We're together, and that's all that matters. Right?"

Xiao Zhan tightened his grip on Yibo's hand, trying to hold back his tears. He couldn't answer his boyfriend, but he knew Yibo was right. Their gazes met, filled with sadness but also with strong love. They knew the road would be long and full of obstacles, but in this park, under the same lights that had witnessed the beginning of their story, they still found a glimmer of hope.

Feeling suddenly a little better —thanks to his boyfriend— Xiao Zhan nestled against Yibo's chest, and they stayed in that position, not wanting to change it.

"Do you still have body pain?" the younger asked, his thumb gently stroking the palm of Xiao Zhan's hand.

"Mn, my injuries from last time haven't completely healed yet, so—"

"No, I meant... you know, after what we did," Yibo admitted, cutting him off with a teasing smile.

Realizing, Xiao Zhan quickly sat up and lightly punched Yibo's arm, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"Yibo!"

The concerned one burst into laughter, finding his boyfriend's reaction hilarious at that moment. And their laughter echoed through the small park, shielded from the cruel world that awaited them. Their laughter sounded like a melody, and it was clear from just hearing it that they were happy.

But only when they were together.

A few hours later, after talking about everything and anything, remembering old times and sharing a few kisses, the two men decided it was time to head home. Yibo, as usual, insisted on accompanying Xiao Zhan. Despite Xiao Zhan's reluctance, Yibo managed to persuade him with a grin by saying: "My motorcycle's parked near your house anyway, and I'm heading that way too. Might as well walk together."

Xiao Zhan rolled his eyes at Yibo's stubbornness, but he finally agreed with a resigned smile. They made their way back to his small house, taking care to keep their closeness discreet. They walked hand in hand, yes, but they tried to be careful not to draw attention from anyone who might be watching.

As they approached Xiao Zhan's house, a knot tightened in his stomach. He suddenly realized how Yibo had managed to distract him from the distressing events he had faced with his mother earlier. A shaky sigh escaped him as he took a deep breath, steeling himself for what awaited him inside.