His Race (YiZhan Fanfiction)

Chapter 25: I've Decided

A month past, neither of them contacted each other.

Yibo keeps himself busy with practice, but he can't seem to focus and seldom make mistakes. But he insists on making up with Xiao Zhan.

Xiao Zhan on the other side, keeps himself getting distracted by drinking with his former colleagues at night. He somewhat forgets his worries when he's drunk, but when it's morning the pain just comebacks on its own.

Now it's morning again, Saturday morning to be exact. Xiao Zhan woke up with his puffy eyes again, for how many days already.

He tried opening his eyes but it's too heavy. He sighed as he let go of his knees.

He slowly opened his eyes, he stood up and stand in front of the mirror.

"You look pathetic Xiao Zhan," He said to himself as he sighs. "I need a shower, I reek of alcohol."

He grabbed his towel and went to the bathroom.

Without removing his clothes, he went to the tub. He sat there while he fills the tub with cold water.

He cupped his face as he rests his elbows on his knees.

The cold water seems to not bother Xiao Zhan. He's getting numb from all those tears that keep on falling from his eyes. It's been a month and Yibo didn't even bother to message or say sorry to him.

He's losing hope. 'So this is what is going to happen?' He thought.

"He can ignore me this long?" He laughed bitterly, his tears keep streaming down his cheeks, mixing with the cold water.

Just then his mother knocked on his bedroom door.

"A'Zhan! You have a visitor," Her mom shouted from the outside.

He immediately stood from the tub, hoping it was Yibo.

"Yes, mom I'm coming!" He answered.

He wiped his face thoroughly. If it was Yibo he will accept him wholeheartedly, even if he doesn't apologize to him he will still accept him.

He immediately removes his wet clothes and grabbed his towel. He wiped his body as fast as he could and change to clean clothing.

He smiled, he's willing to set aside all the pain just to be back with Yibo.

He went down from his room with his Expecting smile on his face.

Just then, his smile faded after seeing who it was. There's no Yibo.

His hopes shattered, 'Yeah, he's busy with his career. What am I even expecting?' He thought.

He forced a wide smile at his visitors.

It was Ms. Lee, Mr. Jiang, and Mr. Lan.

They waved at him as he approaches them.

"What brings you here?" He asked as he smiles at them.

"We were having a survey for the students around here so we decided to come by." Ms. Lee said.

"Oh, that's great. Good luck with that. By the way, want something to drink?" He offered.

"Anything's fine." They said in unison then chuckled.

"Then I'll grab a cold drink. Wait here." He said and chuckled at them.

He went to the kitchen and open the fridge. Then he suddenly felt the pain again, it's escalating all over his body. The fridge has lots of boxed drinks, the one that Yibo always buys for him.

A tear fell from his eyes.

"A'Zhan?" His mom suddenly called him. He immediately wiped his face and get three boxed drinks.

"Yes, mom?" He faced her and smiled.

"I'll just buy ingredients at the supermarket, tell your friends to stay for lunch. I'll cook." She said and gave him a motherly smile.

She knows that Xiao Zhan is suffering and refuse to tell her. She doesn't want to ask until he himself tells her so she kept quiet.

"Take care mom," he said and tried hiding the pain. But the sadness can be seen in his eyes.

Her mom went out and he returned to the living room and gave them the drinks.

"Thanks." they sad and pierce on to the drinks and sip.

He sat in front of them.

"Hey, Mr. Xiao. Have you decided about what I told you last month?" Mr. Lan asked.

"You can call me Zhan, Mr. Lan. Don't be so formal." He chuckled.

"Well then, call me Xichen too. It makes me look old when you're calling me Mr. Lan." He said.

"Well, you're an oldie why bother hiding it?" Mr. Jiang answered that made Ms. Lee and Xiao Zhan laugh.

"Hey, don't embarrass me like that." Mr. Lan pouted.

"It's true anyway." Mr. Jiang said and sipped on his drink.

Mr. Lan whined but then face Xiao Zhan again.

"About my offer?" He asked as he waits for Xiao Zhan's answer.

Xiao Zhan is fidgeting with his fingers. Since it came to this. 'What if I accept the offer?' He thought.

"I don't know yet. But I'll think about it tonight and I'll give you an answer tomorrow. Is that okay?" He asked.

"Hm, you said that also last month. But okay, it's not a rush anyway." Mr. Lan smiled as he finishes his drink.

.

They spend the whole morning chatting and reminiscing their happy memories when Xiao Zhan is still teaching. At least his pain and loneliness lessen.

His mother would always check them and smile, 'At least he's smiling and laughing with them. But his eyes still look hurt' She thought.

The lunch is finished, the three bid their goodbyes as they need to continue their survey again.

Xiao Zhan entered the house after sending them to the gate.

He came across at her mother, who is watching him all along.

"I heard an offer from your friend." She started.

He looked at her and smile. "Ah that, I didn't agree yet mom." He said as he scratches his head.

After a month of Xiao Zhan staying at their house, she knows what is troubling Xiao Zhan. It was Yibo, she may not know what really happened but she thinks that whatever his son's decision, she just needs to be always at his back supporting him.

"Whatever your decision is son, I'll support you. okay?" she said and patted Xiao Zhan's head.

"Thank you, mom." He said and hugged her tight.

"What's the occasion? I want a hug too." His father whined.

Xiao Zhan chuckled as her mother opened her arms and his father came hugging her too.

At least he have friends and family that supports him.

'Now I'm decided.'

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Picture source: Pinterest