In Between Us || Zhanyi

|| 42 ||

The night was cool, but Xiao Zhan's body burned with urgency as he exited the main campus building. The initial loathing from his reflections earlier had settled into a heavy ache, allowing him to function just enough to bring his focus back. Sean Xiao Zhan, wasn't a person who let himself drown by accusations and self-loathing. The man knew how to fight over own demons and take a stand even when your whole existence tries to pull you back in the pit of darkness.

Now, with a calm mind, he intended to visit Yibo at the hostel, to face him, to apologize—no, to beg for forgiveness if he had to. Zhan wasn't a man to admit weakness easily, but for Yibo, he would and—if nothing else—just to ensure he was alright.

But as he stepped outside, his thoughts were interrupted by a small commotion near the campus entrance. A group of people, a mix of staffs, stood huddled, their expressions flickering between fear and concern.

Zhan paused, watching as they glanced around nervously. It wasn't until one of the staff members spotted him "Professor Xiao!" the staff called out as soon as he spotted him. The group seemed startled, almost relieved at his presence, and quickly made way for him.

"Good evening, Sir" the staff bowed, followed by others "Thank goodness, you're still here. Please, we need your help. Only you can assist us in this situation."

Zhan frowned, sensing the urgency in their voices. "What's going on?" Zhan's tone was sharp, already sensing something serious.

"It's room 404," the warden of the hostel began, his voice shaking slightly. "The lights in that room have been acting up suddenly—flickering and blacking out randomly. We went to repair it earlier, but... the student inside..." The staff hesitated, casting nervous glances at one another.

"What about the student?" Zhan pressed, his heart beginning to pound.

"He is not responding," another staff spoke up. "We knocked several times, called out, but no reaction. The other students mentioned the boy was not doing well since few days and also seemed very unstable when he returned late this evening. They fear he might have done... something." The weight of their words sank into Zhan like a stone. His jaw tightened as he absorbed the situation. The staff looked to him for leadership, their nervousness palpable. The university's rules were strict, and they couldn't act without proper authority. Zhan straightened, pushing aside his personal turmoil.

"I'll handle it" he said firmly, taking control of the situation.

As they walked toward the hostel, Zhan's mind raced. Room 404—he vaguely remembered it was assigned to a first-year student. However, just as he was piecing things together, the warden walking behind him spoke up.

"Is the student from first year?" Zhan asked as they neared the dorm.

"No Sir, actually it was earlier a first year was staying but there was a switch this morning between room 202 and 404," the warden informed. "The student currently in 404 was the original occupant of 202"

Zhan froze mid-step, his breath catching. Room 202... Yibo's room.