In Between Us || Zhanyi

Even through his disoriented state, Zhan's instincts always stay at par. Before the car even started, he had already called the hospital, his voice sharp yet trembling as he detailed the situation. He demanded immediate preparations, his tone leaving no room for delay.

By the time the car screeched to a halt at the hospital entrance, a team of nurses and ward boys was already waiting. Their faces blurred in Zhan's vision; all he could focus on was Yibo's pale face resting against his chest.

Zhan didn't waste a moment, he pushed the car door open and stepped out with Yibo in his arms, ignoring the searing ache in his legs and back. "Careful! He is hurt!!! Watch the stretcher—don't jolt it !!!!"  his tone sharp but edged with fear as the hospital staff hurried to his side forwarding the stretcher

Despite his trembling hands and the overwhelming pressure in his chest, Zhan gently laid Yibo onto the stretcher, moving with both urgency and care. His hand instinctively slid under Yibo's head, cradling it protectively, while the other held tightly onto Yibo's limp hand, as though afraid even the slightest misstep would make him lose the person.

"Don't let him feel a thing," Zhan murmured, half to the staff, half to himself. His eyes stayed locked on Yibo's pale face, searching for any flicker of movement. He swallowed hard, his throat dry and tight. "Hey, Yibo, you can hear me, right?" he whispered, his voice trembling. "I've got you. You're going to be fine. Just hold on for me, please."

As the stretcher began to roll, Zhan stayed right by Yibo's side, his steps hurried but careful not to lose pace. His grip tightened on Yibo's hand, as though that connection could somehow anchor his husband to him. His words turned into a stream of quiet murmurs, promises, and pleas. "Just hold on a little longer. I'm not letting you go. Do you hear me? You're coming back to me. You have to."

When they reached the emergency doors, a middle-aged doctor in a white coat stepped forward, his expression both professional and concerned. "This way, Mr. Xiao," the doctor gestured, leading Zhan to the observation room.

The medical team hurriedly wheeled Yibo as Zhan stayed beside like a shadow, anyone could easily say, he was shaken from inside, extremely worried and concerned for the person lying in front of. People on the corridor, looked as they pace faster.

"Hey, you are my fighter husband, right?" Zhan murmured, leaning closer as though his words could reach Yibo's unconscious mind. "You're so strong. Just fight for a little longer. We're here now. Doctor is here. They'll treat you. You will be fine. I promise. I promise, I will do better.... please fight for me"

As they reached the observation room, the doctor stepped forward, gently halting Zhan. "Mr. Xiao," the doctor said softly but firmly, "we'll take it from here. You've done everything you could. Let us help him now."

Zhan's chest tightened as the words sank in. He stared at Yibo's face, pale and motionless, and the thought of letting go felt like tearing a piece of himself away. Swallowing hard, he bent down and pressed a trembling kiss to Yibo's forehead. "Come back to me," he whispered, his voice breaking. "Please, Yibo. Don't leave me."