I Love You

19

Xiao Zhan nodded his head with a small smile. He was about to speak when Yibo stopped him. "We have to start from the start. Hold on..."

Yibo went out and knocked on the hospital door. "Come in" Xiao Zhan said and Yibo entered, with flowers in one hand and the lion soft toy in the other.

"XIAO ZHAN! I LOVE YOU!" Yibo shouted as he held up both hands, bringing them in front if Xiao Zhan's face. Xiao Zhan blushed and slightly panicked "A-Aren't we starting from the start?"

Yibo smiled as he placed the things down. "That's how we started... Just that it was you who said it. This time, I'll be the one to say it"

Xiao Zhan nodded "W-Well... I thought we would be introducing our names and hobbies and... and more"

Yibo sat beside Xiao Zhan "We'll do that now. Hi, I am Wang Yibo, 22 years old, male and a teacher. I used to have one night stands but ever since a month ago, when you came back, I never did and never will. I am interested in you and I hope you give me a chance to court you"

Xiao Zhan lightly giggled "You're making this like an interview... Hi, I am Xiao Zhan, 22 years old, male, and a teacher too. I am also interested in you but I hope we both get to know each other better first"

Yibo smiled "We seem to have a lot in common" Xiao Zhan smiled too. They then started talking about what they like, what they dislike and their hobbies.

They also had lunch together, based on Xiao Zhan's cravings, even though he shouldn't be eating too oily and spicy food.

In the evening, Darren finished his work and came over. He stood outside the room, watching the two still talking and laughing.

He smiled to himself. 'As long as my Zhan Zhan is happy, I am too.' Darren thought as he walked away.

"Can I... stay?" Yibo asked. He loves Xiao Zhan's company. Xiao Zhan smiled "Don't. Go back and rest. I'll see you at school"

Yibo nodded but he reached for Xiao Zhan's hand "I admit I've been using you as an excuse but Zhan... I actually really liked you back then. Because you were my first and only friend. Or slave..."

Xiao Zhan smiled "Yibo, you have to know something. Just like I have you in my heart, I also have Darren. He may be less of a lover and more of my best friend but you will have to let him be part of my life.

In fact Darren wants to be friends with you too. He used to say how cool you were. In fact, we started talking when we both watched you playing basketball."

Yibo smiled "Okay, since you have friendzoned him, I can let down my guard a little. But Zhan, please trust me. Ever since you came back, I did not touch anyone.

And if people come up to me again, I'll make it clear that they were one night stands. So if we ever go out together and it happens, I hope you trust me"

Xiao Zhan watched Yibo and squeezed his hand "I trust you" Yibo smiled "Thank you"

The nurse then came in and told Yibo it was time to leave. Yibo left, feeling happy as he thought back about their conversation.

Just then, he was stopped at the entrance of the hospital by Darren. "Care for a drink or two with me?"

Yibo nodded and they headed to a nearby pub. "He told me it was love at first sight" Darren said. Yibo was confused "Huh?"

Darren smirked "Zhan Zhan. He actually met you 2 years before he confessed to you. On the day he first saw you, he wanted to commit suicide.

He was at the beach and was about to drown himself when he heard a voice from behind the rocks.

You were complaining about your father not having enough time for you and people liking you only for your looks.

Zhan Zhan wanted to comfort you but when he saw you, his heart beat so quickly he thought he was going to die." Darren laughed before continuing.

"He said you were so handsome and that you were too bright. He didn't dare approach you. For two years, he secretly followed you around whenever he wasn't doing part time jobs or studying.

He said he only fell for you more. That you were actually kind, fragile and precious. After the two years, he finally earned enough money to continue school while having a little spare.

He went to tidy himself up and bought you gifts. He saw that you did not smile often and wanted to make you smile."

Yibo looked down. He drank his glass of beer. "Zhan... I really won't hurt him anymore. I know I used to be childish but now, my heart really beats for him."

Darren laughed "I know. My heart beats for him too. How can he be so cute without doing anything?"

Yibo laughed too "He was just talking but I felt like I could listen to him talk every minute. I like being just beside him"

Darren nodded with a smile. He then refilled their cups "I am sorry" Yibo looked at him "What for?"

"Back then I was childish too. I was angry at you and wanted to be selfish. I was the one who convinced him to leave.

You know, he did not let me into his heart even after 3 years. But one night, I got drunk. I spewed a few nonsense, about how unfair it was that Zhan only thinks about you.

Zhan felt guilty. He thought he was dragging me down. He wanted to tell me that I am very important to him too. So he started accepting me.

I pretended I don't remember what I said. I was happy. But later, I felt guilty. I knew I was making use of him. Taking advantage of him even though his heart had you.

He lied to himself so many times that he loves me and that I was better than you. I regret it. That's why I brought him back. That's why I am helping you.

I have decided. If you do love him, then I should help the two of you be together, instead of keeping him with me."

Yibo pat Darren's back "Thank you... for doing that. If not, I would not have found my love. Deep inside, I wanted to get revenge on you two. I felt ridiculed and betrayed.

I felt angry that you could steal away someone who only had eyes on me. But now, I really do love him. So leave him with me."

Darren laughed "Whatever. I would not have let him go to you if you didn't love him. And even if you hurt him, I will be there for him."

Yibo rolled his eyes and replied "No thank you, I will not hurt him. He only needs me" Darren scoffed "Zhan haven't even agreed to dating you yet"

"How did you know" Yibo frowned and Darren laughed "Well, now I know. You just admitted it yourself"

Yibo rolled his eyes and gave Darren a jabbed. They played around as they drank and talk about Xiao Zhan.