In Between Us || Zhanyi

Zhan returned, his pace quickened, his breathing shallow from the rush. In one hand, he held a hastily wrapped three-layer sandwich; in the other, a small carton of a milk-based protein drink. His eyes darted to the clock as he reached his cabin door. 5:55 to 6:03... eight minutes. He was faster than even he could think.....

His hand hesitated on the doorknob before turning it, careful not to make noise. The cabin was still dimly lit, the heavy curtains blocking out most of the evening light. He stepped inside, expecting to find Yibo still resting where he'd left him, wrapped securely in his overcoat.

But the sofa was empty..............Zhan's heart dropped. The space that had been filled with Yibo's fragile presence just minutes ago was now an unsettling void.

He froze for a second, disbelief rooting him to the spot. Then, as panic began to creep in, he moved swiftly, flicking on the lights. The soft glow of the dimmed room was replaced by harsh illumination. He scanned the cabin—every corner, every shadow. He even checked the washroom, opening the door with a faint hope that Yibo might have stepped inside.

"Yibo?" His voice was low, tinged with disbelief.

Nothing!!!!!!

Zhan stepped back into the corridor, his eyes immediately catching the board hanging on the door of his cabin. Unavailable. It was still there that only implies no one had entered his cabin. He clenched his jaw. No one had entered in his absence, yet Yibo was gone. His mind raced to piece the situation together. Eight minutes... only within eight minutes...what could had happened?..........How could he have disappeared?

His thoughts turned dark, worry gnawing at his resolve. Did something happen? Did he leave on his own? Was he safe?

Panic bubbled under his calm exterior as he strode down the quiet hallway, his steps quick and purposeful, his eyes scanning the relatively quiet campus. The usual daytime bustle had subsided, with only a few scattered groups of students heading to their evening classes. Zhan approached the nearest security guard, his voice calm but edged with urgency.

"Did you notice a student leaving recently? Thin, black hair, wearing a sweatshirt and overcoat?"...........Zhan pressed his temple..... "mm~~student ID CIS20240585....name Wang Yibo......final year.....huh???"

The guard scratched his head, looking apologetic. "I'm not sure, Sir. A lot of students pass through...hard to say. But I think I saw him, the one came out from your cabin's direction."

Zhan nodded, muttering a quick thanks, but the vague answer did little to calm him. His feet instinctively moved toward the main gate, but he stopped himself.. If Yibo left without saying anything... maybe he didn't want me to follow. Maybe he want some space.

The thought stung, but Zhan shook it off, marching back to his cabin with renewed determination. Back at his desk, Zhan turned on his desktop, which almost crushed down with loads of notifications. Ignoring the barrage of notifications that popped up on the screen, he logged into his official account and accessed the campus CCTV feed.

The grainy footage appeared, showing the main gate. Zhan's breath hitched as he spotted the unmistakable figure of Yibo walking briskly through the crowd, the familiar overcoat slipping from his shoulders before he adjusted it. He looked... composed. Not panicked or distressed, but purposeful. Zhan sighed.

Grabbing his phone, Zhan called the hostel warden, he spoke even before the warden could greet him "Has the student of room 202 returned?"

"Yes, Sir," came the quick response. "The student had returned"

"Hmmm", Zhan ended the call. He leaned back in his chair, the weight of the day crashing down on him. He stared at the empty sofa, the faint imprint of where Yibo had rested still visible.

Why did you leave, Yibo? Did I successfully make you hate me?

He exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair. For a fleeting moment, he debated going after Yibo, but he hesitated. If Yibo needed space, chasing him now might only push him further away. It would be best if he allowed Yibo some space, as it was confirmed Yibo was already in the dorm then he could go and meet him in a while but today he would not leave untill he clear their stands.............

Zhan sat there in the stillness of his cabin, the untouched sandwich and drink on the desk beside him, and let the unanswered questions hang heavy in the air as he closed his eyes, pinching his nose bridge.

The sound of the door opening interrupted Zhan's spiraling thoughts. His head snapped up, his heart stuttering for a beat, anticipation surging. Yibo? Was it Yibo? Had he come back? But his hope crumbled as quickly as it rose when the figure stepping inside turned out to be someone else. A familiar face stepped in, and Zhan's irritation surged almost instantly.

....To Be Continued