In Between Us || Zhanyi

|| 65 ||

[A/N: Please keep in mind, we are now in the healing arc  but not healed, so we will see fluctuation of emotions....like just one point Yibo felt peace then next moment he was again insecure. If you can not relate and feel it is bullshit, feel free to take leave.

There is also change in writing style, I tried to write the way I am drafting my other two stories Meeting for mating or M(R)s. Secretary]

The Week Between Them

It wasn't a day's leave.
It wasn't even a few.

When Yibo finally gathered the courage to check the calendar, it hit him — a full month had been granted for his rest. Not just his, but Zhan's too. The professor, who never missed even a seminar, had signed off "until further notice."

Yibo had stared at the paper long enough for the letters to blur.
until further notice....... For him. Because of him.

The night was still; even the clock had grown tired of ticking.
Only the soft hum of the air and their breathing filled the space.

Zhan lay on his side, one arm draped loosely around Yibo, his face turned into the pillow. His breaths were steady, almost asleep.
Yibo lay facing him, eyes open to the faint blur of city light seeping through the curtains.

He hadn't moved for hours, afraid the slightest shift would wake the man holding him.
But his mind refused silence. It spun — every word from that night in the washroom. It had been already 4 days but Yibo remembered every trembling inch of shame and warmth that followed..... Zhan hadn't even mention anything further, not shown the slightest disgust.

He stared at Zhan's hand resting on his waist — the same hand that had steadied him again and again.
His chest ached.

A thought pressed too hard against his throat until it escaped as a whisper.
"Why aren't you... going to work anymore?"

Zhan's breath hitched — barely. For a moment Yibo thought Zhan must be asleep. Then, without opening his eyes, Zhan murmured,
"I'm on leave."

The reply should've ended there, but something in the calmness made Yibo press further.
"For... how long?"

It was barely a question. More like a thought that escaped before he could cage it.

Zhan's eyelids fluttered open, dark eyes hazy with sleep but focused on him all the same. He didn't answer immediately. His thumb traced the edge of Yibo's jaw, a gentle reminder to breathe.
"For as long as I am required here."

The air felt heavier suddenly — too heavy for words.
Yibo blinked, mouth opening and closing around a thousand protests that wouldn't form.

Something in Yibo froze. His throat worked, but the words stumbled out fractured —
"You—can't— your work—your classes—university"

Zhan's exhale came slow, controlled. "They can manage without me, I can't.........." His tone wasn't soft to comfort; it was firm enough to anchor. ".............without you"

Yibo's breath stuttered. The guilt twisted deeper — not at Zhan's leave, but at how undeserving he felt of that calm certainty.

He didn't lift his head. Only pressed his face harder against Zhan's chest, voice small and shaking,
"It's not right. You shouldn't have—"

Zhan's hand lifted, resting briefly against the back of Yibo's head. The touch was slow, almost reverent.
"Then let me be wrong once," he said softly, eyes closing again.