In Between Us || Zhanyi

Untitled Part 26

Under Work:16/09/2024

The corridor stretched before Yibo like an endless tunnel, each hurried step echoing off the walls as he ran. He didn't let anyone notice his turmoil and crossed pass the hallway, turning his steps towards the stairs. His breath came faster, matching the chaos in his mind. The fluorescent lights overhead flickered, casting long shadows that stretched and swayed as he moved, but he hardly noticed; he was trapped in his own whirlwind of emotions. Every stride felt like a struggle against the weight crushing down on him, as if his legs were dragging through quicksand.

Finally, he reached the rooftop, pushing open the heavy door that led to his solitary sanctuary. The chill of the open air hit him, and he staggered forward, only barely able to keep his balance. The world outside was muted, a stark contrast to the noise of his thoughts, and he pressed himself against the cold wall, feeling its solidity ground him for a split second. Then, as if the dam had finally burst, he collapsed to the ground, his fists clenching tightly against the rough concrete.

His shoulders trembled as he pulled his knees close, burying his head in his hands. Each sob broke free with raw intensity, filling the empty space around him, the pain echoing into the open sky. He couldn't fully explain his anguish --- whether it was for Zhan, for himself, or for the overwhelming heaviness that had settled in his chest. He just needed to cry, to let out the pain that had been festering inside him. His tears fell silently, blending with the wind that swept across the rooftop, carrying away the weight of his heartache, if only for a moment.

The sting of the dean's daughter's words echoed in his mind. The way she'd inserted herself between them, the way she'd confidently claimed, 'Didn't I always tell you, you look more handsome in bright clothes', made him feel profoundly inadequate. Of course, Yibo never doubted Zhan's loyalty. His husband was a man of deep virtue, honor, and unshakable integrity. But it was hard to shake the feeling that maybe Zhan deserved better—a partner who could match his refinement and elegance, someone who fit seamlessly into his world.

The pain was overwhelming, and he couldn't quite contain it. He clutched his chest, the physical ache mirroring his emotional turmoil, as he let the tears fall freely, leaving him vulnerable, alone in his quiet corner, his muffled cries carried away by the wind.

---

In a boardroom across the university, tension filled the air like a dense fog as administrators and faculties exchanged uneasy glances. The emergency meeting had brought together every high-ranking official on campus, their expressions grim as one of the coordinator head finished explaining the situation.

The focus was on the 25 students slated at the airport to attend a prestigious workshop abroad. Everything was set -- students had reached, checked, the respected faculty also reached, the flight was about to depart in 2hrs but One major problem—the professor originally scheduled to supervise the trip had dropped out at the last moment, leaving the university in a bind.

A series of calls poured in from concerned parents, pressuring the university to ensure their children's safety and supervision. A murmur swept through the room, punctuated by the sound of the dean's phone buzzing—another call from one of the faculties already present at the airport.