In Between Us || Zhanyi

Breaking Points

Working hours had ended, the campus had been empty as well the streets. People were rushing to get back their home but today Prof Xiao had no hurry. The emptiness in his apartment was so deep that he didn't wish to go back. It is been two days, the incident took place and Zhan as promised didn't bother Yibo at all. His own inner self was in too much chaos, he was afraid that if he tried to speak anything Yibo would again take in another way. And he can not deny, even he tried to understand there could be a reason, end of the day it hurts.

It hurts that his husband thought of him so cheap, so low about him, it was like a scar which Zhan could not erase from his mind. 

The clock strike 8pm when finally Zhan dragged his body towards the exit, he drove to a nearby cafe and sat on the corner most table, waiting. In few minutes the bell above the door chimed, a female walked in, with a bright smile. As always, Ziyi radiated warmth and a calm energy, something Zhan had come to appreciate more and more in recent days.

"Sorry, Sorry...I am late"...........Ziyi playfully approached the table.

"Its fine, calm down"............Zhan replied with a quite voice making Ziyi shoot her eyes wide

"My..my.. from when prof Xiao being so lament to late comer? huh?...mmm....Let me guess, prof Xiao being trained by his husband...right?"........Ziyi teased more with a playful smile

Zhan shook his head, rolling his eyes. "I shouldn't have shown you, my kindness."

Ziyi chuckled, taking a seat opposite to Zhan. "Five minutes or five hours same for you, so can not help...but yes, Thank you for your kindness, my majesty. Now tell me how are you?" Her tone was light, but she gave him a careful look when Zhan seemed unusually quite. "You seem tired. Something on your mind?"

Zhan exhaled deeply, not bothering to mask his weariness. "You could say that. Actually I need your help"

Ziyi's smile softened into something more understanding, sensing that the conversation was about to take a heavier turn. She didn't push him, though. Instead, she signaled for the waitress to bring over some coffee. The silence between them was comfortable, a quiet invitation for Zhan to speak whenever he was ready.

Ziyi was one of Zhan's close friend and a professional councilor. One hand she knew from Zhan's personality that if Zhan had asked for help then it must be extremely crucial. Other side she could sense Zhan was troubling with something.

Once the waitress left their table, Zhan leaned back and pinched the bridge of his nose. "It's about Yibo."

Ziyi tilted her head, her interest piqued but not surprised. "What happened?"

Zhan hesitated for a moment, unsure where to begin. "I don't even know where to start. Today... today, there was this... moment." He trailed off, his thoughts still disjointed from the chaos of the scene.