In Between Us || Zhanyi

|| 59 ||

As they lingered in each other's breath, eyes locked—neither willing to move, neither wanting to speak—the world outside ceased to matter. The air between them hung thick with something unspoken, something fragile and powerful all at once.

And then—

Knock knock.

The sound cracked through the stillness like a pebble dropped into glassy water.

Both of them flinched ever so slightly.

Zhan's body tensed above Yibo's, his eyes flickering toward the door in irritation, frustration... and something protective.

From outside, Dajo's voice followed, respectful but firm:

"Master, Dr.Liu has arrived. Should I bring him here?"

Zhan sighed through his nose, slow and deep, the warmth of the moment folding into reality. Beneath him, Yibo blinked, his lips parting as if to say something, but words didn't come. He just looked up at Zhan—soft, confused, and still breathless.

The trance shattered. Like a man waking from a dream, Zhan blinked, reality crashing back around him. His breath hitched, still hovering above Yibo, the weight of his position returning in a heartbeat.

He straightened, suddenly composed, voice clipped but steady.

"Give us a minute."

A beat.

"Yes, Master," Dajo responded, fading back.

Zhan's eyes softened as they returned to Yibo. The younger man was lying beneath, face half-buried in his chest, dazed, a little pink, clearly confused by the sudden shift in energy.

Zhan gently pulled back, sliding one arm behind Yibo's back to help him sit up against the pillows. His movements were tender, precise—as though grounding himself by caring for Yibo.

Yibo looked at him, brows furrowing slightly.

'What's going on?' — he didn't say it aloud, but it was written all over his face.

Zhan leaned down again, kissed the brows. Yibo closed his eyes, the same forehead kiss that made him feel.........safe. Zhan pulled back, brushing a strand of hair away from his cheek.

"Just a routine check up, nothing serious...hmm"

Yibo nodded silently. But just as Zhan was about to rise fully, a warm hand caught his wrist. Yibo's fingers curled faintly around it, stopping him.

Zhan paused, turning slightly.

Their eyes met.

No words required....

Zhan could read Yibo's silence so he leaned down, voice a soft murmur, full of quiet reassurance.

"I'm right here. Just going to greet the doctor, I'm not leaving your side."

Something in his tone calmed the storm behind Yibo's gaze. Slowly, reluctantly, Yibo let go.

Zhan stepped out of the room, the door closing gently behind him. His posture straightened — shoulders squared, features composed — the quiet authority of the master of the house settling over him like a familiar cloak. His expression had cooled into a neutral calm, but a trace of tension lingered in the set of his jaw.

"Dr. Lui," Zhan greeted smoothly, extending a hand. "I really appreciate for your follow up and hope we didn't make you wait long."

Dr. Lui took the offered hand, his grip firm but warm. "Of course not, Mr. Xiao. It's no trouble at all. My patient's recovery is my priority, so I'm happy to assist in any way I can. So, May I proceed to see my patient now?"