Requital hope

Fifteen

Yibo's Pov.

It was getting late, so I prepared for bed. I didn't know when Zhan planned sleeping, so I just waited in my bed while reading. I didn't ask because I didn't want to make him feel like he had to go to bed for my sake.

A few minutes passed, and he stood from his bed and headed off to the bathroom. I shut my book and cleaned the floor, stuffing all the candy back in my bag. By the time I finished putting away my stuff Zhan had returned to the room... still shirtless.

"I hope it doesn't bother you if I sleep shirtless?." He said heading towards his bed. Oh, gosh... I have a feeling I won't be able to fall asleep tonight. I can see myself melting under the covers. With that said I still shook my head no. Who was I to deny him that? He's going out of his way to make sure I feel comfortable, and so that I don't get night terrors.

"Alright, well, I'm going to bed. You can hop in anytime, just shut out the light." He smiled at me as he got in bed.

"I-I'm heading to bed now too." I informed him, slowly walking towards the bed.

"Oh, alright." He responded, lifting the covers for me. I shut off the light before crawling in next to him. I could already feel the heat from his muscular body soaking the covers. I'm afraid I might snuggle against him tonight, as I did a couple of days ago. He seemed to take it well the first time, but I don't want to make him think I'm doing it on purpose.

Zhan let out a large sigh before settling into his pillow. "Night, dork." He teased me.

"Night Xiao Sean Zhan." I fire back, in a sleepy tone. He laughed and poked my side, making me squirm. Hehe I guess he really doesn't like that name. And with that, we were off to sleep, despite my earlier worries.

Zhan's Pov. (Earlier in the day)

I did not expect Yibo to break down like he did when I confronted him about his cuts. He seemed really scared. Almost like I was going to attack him... He wept in my arms with his tears covering my shirt. My instinct kicked in and I tightly wrapped him in my arms. I made sure to let him know that I was there for him anytime he needed it. After a long embrace, I led him over to his bed, and he eventually calmed down. While he was collecting his thoughts I figured it would be a good time to get breakfast. I jogged down to the food hall and bagged us both something to eat. I snagged some warm egg rolls, bean tacos, and two cups of decaf coffee.

On my way back to the cabin I realized how lonely and broken he seemed. I'd love to help him, but he just keeps so much to himself. I won't pressure him to tell me anything though. Yibo popped his head up, hearing me enter the room. I gave him a weak smile before handing him the bag. He thanked me for everything, with his hoarse voice. Anyone could tell he'd been crying. I couldn't help but smile. It made me happy knowing that he appreciated me.

I spent the next couple of hours scouring the park, checking to see if anything interesting was happening. I noticed the large fire pit in the middle of the park had been used quite a bit. I guess this is where a lot of the students hang out.

There were some amazing locations around the park that I'd never noticed. Yibo would probably like them. That got me curious as to why he hasn't spent more time outdoors. After touring the park I headed into town. I don't think we're allowed to be without a supervisor but I don't care. This gave me time to check out all of the amazing stores. I spotted bakery after bakery. The smells emitting from the various shops reminded me of Italy. A few years back my dad took me on a trip to Italy and as we roamed the streets we could smell the amazing aromas emitting from the parted doors of the many bakeries placed throughout the town we were staying in.

After my sightseeing, I returned to the cabin. Yibo was still reading, just like he was when I left. When I asked why he didn't go outside more he replied saying he didn't have anything to do. I assumed that was because he didn't have anyone to hang out with. I figured this would be a good time to show him some sites around the park. I asked if he wanted to hang and he gladly agreed.