The Travel Story

|| EPILOUGE 2.5 ||

AUTHOR'S POV:

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While talking to Yibo, Zhilong was continuously keeping eye towards the door, just to be assured Zhan hadn't leave. But suddenly when he was to mention about Zhan, Zhilong glanced at the door expecting to see Zhan, but saw no one. He looked back again, but still saw no sign of Zhan.

A pang of disappointment gripped him, as he feared Zhan had left. His heart ached, knowing how much this reunion meant for both of them, for Yibo. He knew Yibo has been through unimaginable pain, but he was still holding on and he believed Zhan was the only person who could bring a glimmer of hope back into his life.

Zhilong felt a wave of sadness, but also relief that he had prevented a potentially overwhelming confrontation by asking Zhan not to come directly. Zhilong's felt overwhelmed at the thought that Zhan had given up but again, he could not bring himself to blame Zhan. Yibo was different now, far different from the beautiful, charming young boy Zhan had met, had fell for.

There was no duel that for any person with rational thinking, Yibo was a burden for whom one can feel utter sympathy, can cry, wish to help too. And in possible cases one can love him also. But standing on ground, making a commitment to accept him or to take care of him was not something anyone can do unless he/she had utmost devotion towards him.

Yibo, noticing Zhilong's distracted gaze, furrowed his brow and asked, "Are you expecting someone?"

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Outside the room, a person was still stood there leaning on the wall, overwhelmed by emotion. Tears were streaming down his face as he struggled to compose himself, taking deep, shuddering breaths. He was lost. He was numb. His trance broke when he heard Yibo's voice, filled with a mixture of annoy and sorrow, and it had struck a chord deep within him.

The person hurried, as he understood, Zhilong must be looking for him. Composing his emotion and pushing himself to stand strong for Yibo, he straightened himself for the final showdown.

Zhilong was about to respond to Yibo, his mind racing to find the right words to soften the blow. "No, Yibo, it's just—"

But then, out of the corner of his eye, Zhilong saw a movement at the door. He turned again and noticed Zhan standing there, tears in his eyes but determination etched on his face. Zhilong's heart skipped a beat, a mixture of shock, happiness, gratification and utmost admiration washing over him. He caught Zhan's eyes, and they shared a silent, understanding nod. The weight of the years, the longing, and the anticipation all converged in that brief exchange.

Zhilong, his voice trembling with emotion, turned back to Yibo, "Actually, Yibo, there is someone here to see you. It's Mr.------"

Yibo frowned, a weary look settling on his face. "I don't want to meet anyone today"..................Yibo's voice sounded firm making Zhan stop in his advances.

"Yibo-----"................Zhilong was cut by Yibo