Finding Strength - YiZhan

The choice is ours

Hey what's wrong? Zhan!" He signal for him to open the door with his keys. With the understanding in between them, words need not be uttered. Yibo knew it was happening again.

"Where is it?"
"Bb ag, poc...ket" he pointed at the stool next to the kitchen top
Straight away Yibo picked it up took a glass of water and put the pills into his mouth. He shouldered him onto the sofa and shut the door. He then stride back to the sofa and lifted Zhan's to his shoulder sitting next to him.

"Zhan! Zhan! Hey are you ok? Do we need to get to the hospital?"

Yibo panicked. He was about to reach for his phone when Zhan tugged at his wrist and said no.

"Give me a min ..." Zhan's eyes still closed he was breathing erratically but clenched his fists to focus on his breathing. He recalled what the doctor has said - 30 counts in and out until he feels normal again. It wasn't until after 5 mins that he opened his eyes.

Yibo can't help but noticed how thin and pale Zhan is since the last time they met. He felt so helpless seeing Zhan this way.

"Hey..." Zhan open his eyes.

"Hey... Yibo managed, forcing his tears back".
"Wha?? What are you doing here? Zhan was surprised but glad to see him. He didn't think he would need to take the medication along as he last checked in he was alright"

"You told me you were fine 6 months back but seems like it's gotten worse, you've seen the doctor?"

Xiao Zhan straighten himself and gave Yibo his trademark smile again only this time his eyes were grieving. "I'm fine Yibo just not getting enough rest hence I'm out here, rented this place to get away. Even then you seem to tracked me down, Just realised Joe owns the stretch of place here" Zhan playfully pouted dissatisfied over his failed escaped mission.

Yibo raised his eyes brows "Joe ? What were you doing with him? And what if something happen to you tonight ? I've tried reaching you . Why didn't you reply? You sent everyone else a note to let them know you are good yesterday, that's what I heard from your company but where's mine? I've been very obedient, I've restrained from pursuing us outwardly, I've complied to your request but look at you!"

Xiao Zhan knows yibo is upset, he kept silent and look down. "I didn't want you to be worried about me, I had many things to think through, decisions to be made. I wanted to be alone and not disturb anyone else."

Xiao Zhan rested his head on Yibo, he just felt
absolutely drained. They sat there quietly until Xiao Zhan's phone rang. Yibo picked up the phone on table - he saw the caller Joe and turned to Zhan "it's late, why is he calling" Yibo forgot they had agreed to part ways and not questioned each other on their personal life but he cannot erase the fact back then it was Joe hitting on Xiao Zhan when they first bumped into each other. It was Yibo that yanked him back from Joe's arm. Although he seems like a decent person he simply don't have a good impression on Joe.

Xiao Zhan hesitated a minute but picked up the phone. "Hi Joe, what's up?" He moved away from Yibo but Yibo held him back. Zhan listen attentively while Yibo can't resist just looking at him... Yibo stroke Zhan's hair as he sat back with his phone.

"Yes I understand, Mmn yup I hear you" and it went on for a few minutes. Yibo on the other hand was just staring at Zhan, caressing his hands.

Zhan put down the phone and kept silent.

"What does he want?" Zhan said nothing. He paused before continuing "Yibo, I'm thankful that you sre here when I'm not okay. I'm feeling alright, my anxiety panic attack came through again as I was too stressed up with all that is happening and decisions that I had to made. That's all. I'm alright. I wanted to discuss.. no I mean I wanted to let you know I will potentially be working for Joe's company. He's offered some deals on the table.