Forty-nine

Zhan's Pov

School ended. Cindy was nowhere on the school grounds so I assumed she went home. The school was in so much chaos after what happened at lunch. All of our friends looked lost, soulless as if they were hit over their heads with a brick. Seeing this was all too familiar, it was the same for me after all, only, I took it much worse. Having someone you trust so integrated into your life only to find out they've been lying to you for who knows how long can be an extreme shocker, especially if you put your trust in them over someone else, someone like Yibo.

Stepping outside, seeing the green, and feeling the warm breeze against my skin reminded me that summer break was right

around the corner. Knowing that I can spend more time with Yibo made me happy, I would be able to mend the pain I've caused him or some of it at least.

Before I headed home there was one thing I had left to do.

"Xichen, do you mind taking the bus back home?" I asked on our way to the parking

lot.

"Why, you finally getting tired of having me around?" He snarked.

"No, its not that, I just... I have to go tell Yibo's boss he may not be able to come in for a while." I explained. Xichen nodded in understanding before getting in the car.

"We going?" He asked looking through the

window.

"Wait, I just said..." I started, but my

sentence fell short as Xichen watched me

blandly through the glass.

"I want to see where Yibo works." He said. I just sighed and got in the car.

"Alright, just don't complain to me when you get bored." I warned him.

The place was calm when we arrived, with very few cars around. Xichen and I got out of the car and headed for the entrance. The doorbell went off as we entered. I'd forgotten it was there, it had been a while since I'd last been to Yibo's workplace.

"Welcome!" Yibo's boss which I forgot the name came over, greeting us.

"Oh, I remember ya!" She exclaimed. raising a finger.

"You're Yibo's friend, arent'cha?" She asked after a moment of pondering.

"Uh yeah." I confirmed. We're friends, aren't we? I'd like to think so.

"Is he here with ya? Its almost time for him to come in." She asked, studying a piece of paper on her clipboard.

"About that... I came here to tell you that he may need some time off." Worry crossed her face as I finished my sentence.

"Why, is there a problem? I-Is he okay?" She questioned, lowering her clipboard.

"He's fine, just... a lot's happened." I sighed.

"Everything seemed okay when he came in yesterday. What happened?" Sandra asked in a concerned tone. I recalled her name after reading the name tag pinned on the apron.

"I-I don't know if that's for me to tell. You might have to ask him yourself the next time he comes in, assuming you'll keep his position here." I said, trying to respect Yibo's privacy. I don't know if he wants to keep anything under wraps or not but as I said it's not my place to tell.

"I.. I see." Disappointment and sorrow rang in her voice.

"Before ya two go let me treat you to something, anything you'd like." She offered. I was about to decline hoping I could return home to see Yibo sooner but Xichen quickly accepted, taking a seat.

As we were waiting for our meals the door

bell went off, drawing everyone's attention. In walked a long black-haired girl wearing a flat expression. She almost reminded me of my older sister. I think I've seen her around the school before. She tries to stay away from any attention so she doesn't stick out like a lot of people. From what I remember though she was one of the students who used to get in a lot of trouble around school.

"Oh hello Sarah, Yibo won't be coming in today so I have to ask ya for extra help around the shop.' " Sandra greeted. "With bonus pay of course." The tenseness rung over in this girl subsided quite noticeably.

"Why, what's up with him." The girl, "Sarah" asked.

"I don't really know. Though this man right here is one of his friends and he says Yibo may not be comin' in for a awhile." Sandra said, gesturing to me.

"Hey, you're one of those dicks from our school, aren't you?" She started nonchalantly. Normally that probably would've lit a fuse but... I can see it's true, I am a total dick.

"So, can you tell me why Yibo won't be coming in?" Sarah asked, strutting up to me.

"Did you and your friends finally break the poor guy?" She asked, meaning for it to be humorous. When she saw the look that crossed my face her expression darkened like she was ready to break my soul. I could be quite intimidating but this girl was on a whole other level.

"It's complicated. I'd talk about it but I want to respect Yibo's privacy so that isn't for me to share." I explained once again.

"I'm guessing it was that bitch Cindy who pushed him." She snapped. "That tramp seriously has it coming. She's been pissing me and several others off for far too long." She said before turning around and walking into the back.

Just then Sandra returned with two slices

of pie. It looked appetizing, to say the least, but somehow it tasted better than it appeared. Xichen also really seemed to be enjoying it. It made me happy seeing him like that, knowing that we were on okay grounds again, and this was all thanks to Yibo honestly.

"Thanks for the meal Sandra." I said as we exited the diner.

"We should come here more often. We can always snag a free meal." Xichen joked, sending Sandra into laughter. I just rolled my eyes.

"Come back whenever ya went. I don't mind givin' free meals away to ya'll." Sandra said sweetly. I'd feel bad if I didn't pay her though.

"If you keep up that business model you'll be out of business in no time." I stated the obvious, tossing out a wave. It was her turn to roll her eyes.

Upon arriving in the driveway of our house Xichen practically leaped from the car before I finished pulling in. He rushed towards the front door racing the drenching rain. After shutting off the engine and grabbing my keys I followed behind.

Yibo's Pov.

Watching TV to pass time was pretty boring and I didn't have much else to do, luckily Jia is one of those moms who love to show baby pictures of their children. She took a place next to me on the couch, pulling out an album of baby photos containing both Zhan and Xichen's baby photos. There was also a girl I didn't recognize in some of them as well. They were hysterical. Jia and I were set off in a fit of giggles while flipping through them. The photo of baby Zhan, mouth full of bread and bulging eyes unearthed some of my buried emotions. I found myself getting excited about every new picture Jia pulled out. Seeing Zhan and Xichen happy as kids reminded me of my childhood, and it brought a smile to my face.

Sometime after Jia finished showing me the images I went back to watching movies on some channel. It felt odd hanging out around this house without Xichen or Zhan. I patiently awaited their return while watching a bunch of crappy movies.

Just as the movie was about end Xichen came bursting through the front door.

"Yibo!" He beamed coming over to me. "How are you feeling?" He asked.

"I'm alright, just a little bored." I chuckled.

"Wait here, I have a cool idea." He ordered

before running up the stairs and off to his room. I watched, curiously. The front door

opened up once again, this time Zhan being the person entering. We both smiled at each other for a moment before saying anything.

"You feeling okay?" He asked, shutting the door and walking over to me.

"Yeah, just a little bored." I replied wearing a half smile.

"That's good." He said with relief. "I'm glad." He added, taking a seat next to me on the couch.

"Not glad that you're bored, glad that you're okay." He clarified, but I already knew what he meant so I just chuckled. It felt a little strange having confessed my feeling to him yet he continues feeling so comfortable around me. This was not at all how I imagined it to go.

Xichen came running down the stairs holding something in his hand.

"You're going to play me." He demanded, setting down what looked like a video game console. I'm not too familiar with these things as you can tell. Xichen dropped a controller in my lap before taking a seat on the opposite side of the couch as Zhan, sandwiching me between the two of them. It made me very happy. Despite everything that's happened it felt like they were actual friends.

"Oh you boys are back?" Jia's voice rang behind us. We all looked over the edge of the couch to see Jia standing there wearing a smile.

"Hey mom." Xichen said before turning his attention back to the game. I guess they still aren't completely over the rut that's been left. That or Xichen just really likes games.

"Yeah, we got back a little while ago. Zhan answered.

"There's food in the fridge if you boys want anything." She told them before walking off into the next room.

"C'mon Yiboooo, choose a car." Xichen rushed, grabbing my attention. So we're playing a racing game then?

"Oh, sorry." I chuckled. It took me awhile to figure out the controls but that didn't really matter since Xichen still clobbered me in every race. Zhan cheered for me every match despite knowing I would always lose and when I did good he praised my skill. Having the two of them here like this was great, I was having a lot of fun.

Zhan wrapped an arm around my neck and scooted closer to me, my head resting on the side of his shoulder. It became more of a challenge to focus on the game being wrapped in the warmth of Zhan. I was beginning to feel that maybe he actually liked me? Though I don't want to get too far ahead of myself. I don't want to end up being rejected after getting the wrong idea. I don't know how I would handle that, plus I'm satisfied with the way things are now. Jia was kind enough to let me stay here, and Zhan is making great effort to make up for what he did to me. So far things are working out well.

The sound of the door opening caught my

attention once again. This time it was Jang returning from a meeting.

"What's going on here?" Jang asked with a curious chuckle.

"Hangin' out." Xichen uttered over the side of the couch.

"Well this is certainly a surprise. It's been forever since you boys have been in the living room like this." Jang pointed out.

"Oh welcome home sweetie." Jia greeted, coming from the other room before laying a kiss on Jang's cheek.

"Dude, you really should pay more attention to the game." Xichen heckled, noticing my straying eyes. I broke a smile having listened to Xichen's bantering.

Jia and Jang were talking in the kitchen while Xichen and I played games. I offered Zhan the controller but he said he preferred watching. This setting was very comfortable. Sitting on the couch playing video games on a rainy day with adults talking in the kitchen. It felt like I was part of a... family.

After our long gaming session Zhan and I returned to his room. I didn't know what to say or do, so I ended up standing around awkwardly while Zhan was on his computer.

"So uh... how was school?" I asked. hoping to break the silence.

"Quite eventful actually." Zhan chuckled, turning to face me in his seat.

"You remember Cheng, right? Well today he brought this huge monitor into the cafeteria and played camera footage exposing Cindy to everyone." Zhan chuckled, with a devious smirk.

"Wait, you're serious?" I asked, my mouth

ajar. "Why didn't you mention this earlier?"

"Forgot." He shrugged. I pouted in response. If this is true then that means I may eventually be able to go back. All of the judgmental stares and name-calling affected me more than I let on. If that's changed then maybe school will be bearable.

"So... how did Cindy take it?" I hesitantly asked.

"I don't really know yet. She ran off before

anything happened." Zhan said.

"I also forgot to mention that I and Xichen stopped by your workplace after school. I told Sandra you might not be able to come in for a while. She said she'd hold your position until you return." Zhan continued. "Assuming you planned on returning in the first place." I didn't know what to say, I wasn't expecting any of this.

Today was overwhelming. Just yesterday I wanted to end my life, I wanted it all to disappear, but Zhan stopped me. The very next day I get taken in by the Xiao's, Cindy gets revealed to be the fraud she is and by none other than Cheng.

"Thank you, Zhan." I said, a smile capturing my appearance. He returned it, only his was a thousand times more attractive. My pale cheeks flushed a tint of red.

"Alright, well I think I'm going to hit the shower and head to bed." Zhan said, standing from his chair.

"I'll be on the couch tonight. Mind if I take

a blanket and a pillow?" He asked, pointing to his bed. I don't know why but I felt like I'd just received a blow to the gut. I was hoping he would sleep in his bed tonight. Part of me wanted to ask if he would sleep with me in his bed, but on the other half, I didn't feel I was ready for that yet. Plus it would probably be awkward for me to ask him that anyway, especially since I just came out to him.

"I will sleep on the couch." I told him in a

stern manner. I don't want to take his bed away from him, especially since I'm only a guest here.

"No, Yibo, you won't. You can have my bed." He replied in a direct tone. Before I could refuse he interrupted me. "Feel free to use any of my clothes, but I'd suggest the smaller ones in the corner of my closet." He walked out and headed to the bathroom.

Zhan's Pov

After a quick shower, I returned to my room and grabbed one of my covers and pillows, and headed for the couch in the living room. It was nowhere near as comfortable as my bed but I still managed to dose off to sleep pretty quickly.

I was woken by the smell of a familiar scent, Mom's cooking. I heard her and Dad chatting and giggling in the kitchen. I sat up immediately missing the warmth of the sun from the window at my feet. I stood up to stretch and noticed I was still half dressed.

"Good morning dear! Breakfast will be ready soon." My mother beamed as I reached the kitchen.

"Eggs and pancakes, hm?" I questioned.

"Yep!" Mom said, flinging her spatula around.

"Careful honey." Dad said, backing away from her with a worried expression.

"Now now, I'm, not going to hit anyone." She giggled.

Xichen and Yibo both came down a couple of minutes later. I overheard Xichen telling him about some game he wanted to play with him. When Yibo's sight landed on my shirtless torso his eyes shifted and he turned noticeably red. It was the greatest feeling knowing I could turn him on like this. I smirked in response. For the longest time, I had no idea all of his adorable reactions were because of me. All those times he tumbled out of bed, all the times where he'd go red and try to avoid eye contact, they were because of my actions.

I approached him and his eyes shifted anywhere but me. Yibo stopped as I approached while Xichen walked off to the kitchen. I figured this would be a good time to tease him. I left a body's length between us and towered over his shy red self.

"So, how did you sleep?" I asked, almost in a chuckle.

"With a pillow." He nervously responded. I did my best to hold in my laughter.

"No, I mean how was your night?" I reworded my question.

"F-fine." He stuttered.

"Just fine? Why? Is my bed not comfortable?" I questioned.

"No no, that's not it!" He frowned and turned his gaze even farther away. I wanted nothing more than to kiss him right there, but there would be too many drawbacks if I did. I know he likes me but I can tell he's still upset with me, and for good reason. I would've continued teasing the poor guy but breakfast was ready and I still had to get ready for school.

We all ate together like a family, except I thought of Yibo as a love interest rather than a member of the family. My mother and father went balls to the wall with questions like they'd done last time Yibo was over. I felt bad for the kid, but he didn't seem to mind them. One question, in particular, caught him off guard though.

"So, have anyone on your eye?" Dad asked casually, with a chuckle.

"Uh u-um no... yes..... I don't know." He struggled with an answer and was flustered. We were all amused. Me for a different reason than the others.

I and Xichen got ready for school and headed out to the car after finally pealing mom off our backs. I asked Yibo if he was coming but he said he wasn't ready to go back yet.

It just seemed like another average day of school but when I got inside I knew that wasn't going to be the case. Across the hall, a crowd formed, and in the center, I was just barely able to make out what looked to be Cindy, and... Sarah?