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— No, I'm not coming.
— Come on, Yibo!
— Zhan-ge, I said no. I don't like this
— We'll all be together, you won't be scared.
— What if I'm scared anyway?
— I'll protect you.
— Are you making fun of me?
— No, I'm not laughing. I leave the TV on or a little light on when you finally fall asleep in my bed. I'm careful.
— God, this is so embarrassing. Wake me next time.
— Yes, yes, of course. Are you coming then?
— No, I'm not coming.
— Bo-die! It's the only evening we can all spend together before long.
— We'll meet beforehand at Zhuocheng's. I'll be there part of the evening and when you go on your horrible outing I'll go back to the hotel.
— You're not staying there on your own Yibo.
— I have to go Zhan-ge. See you tomorrow!
Yibo didn't give him time to reply and hung up. Xiao Zhan sighs as he returns to the room where their friends have gathered. They're all sitting round a table, while the owner of the restaurant where they're staying is going back and forth trying his best to please them.
— So? asks Meng Ziyi
— Then he'll stay at the hotel.
— Is it that bad? asks Yu Bin.
— I didn't know he could be so scared, says Zhuocheng.
— I don't want him to spend the evening alone while we're all together. Why get together if it's going to be like this?
— If he's really scared, we shouldn't force him... intervenes Lulu Xuan.
— I'll stay with him, offered Lui Haikuan, I haven't seen him for a while, so we'll be able to keep each other busy.
— Nobody's staying at the hotel, said Ji Li, he'll come with us when he's in the mood for the party.
The debate about whether or not their mutual friend should be there lasts several minutes before the subject changes. Yibo will be there in the early evening and they will all go to the complex together. It's not all horror on this busy street and Xiao Zhan is prepared to let the others go off in fear while he takes Yibo to another game where they won't run into clowns or killers. He's careful not to warn the others, and easily joins in the conversation before they wish each other a good night and go their separate ways to meet up again the next day.
Xiao Zhan has a short day ahead of him, with just a quick shoot and a team meeting in the morning. He exchanges a few messages with Yibo after he lands in the night and is annoyed that he says he slept for a few hours on the plane. A far from restful sleep, which is enough for him to get in early morning filming, a photo shoot and two meetings. Sometimes Xiao Zhan thinks about his friend's overloaded schedule and wants to shake up the team around him for making him work so hard without letting him rest as he should. He knows that Yibo is hard-working and always pushing his personal limits, but Xiao Zhan is convinced that one day his body will call him to order and it won't be pretty.
For the moment, he manages to do some shopping for the evening at Zhuocheng and rests for the rest of the afternoon. He is thinking about the series that will soon be broadcast. He hopes to see it cross the borders of the country and why not the continent. Would Europeans be interested in such a specific theme? A queer story? He knows that the novels have an international resonance and that the author is well known in this world. But a series? The passionate love affair has been transformed into a deep and sincere friendship. Will die-hard fans be disappointed? They've all worked so hard to incorporate the little details, the winks that say "Wei Ying and Lan Zhan love each other, this is a romance". He and Yibo have done their best to pay tribute to the story and their character. The first episode will be broadcast in a month's time and Xiao Zhan is clearly more affected by stress than he thought, as a good two hours have passed since he started thinking about it.
He comes to his senses with a message from his driver, who is downstairs at the hotel to take him to Zhuocheng. Yibo confirms that he is also on his way after his busy day. When he arrives, the house is bustling with all his friends, each with a drink in hand. It's still early evening and only Yibo is missing. He shows up half an hour later with his discreet smile and long hair.
— Yibo, at last!
— How are you?
— What would you like to drink?
Without him realising it, Yibo ends up with a beer in his hand and peppered with questions under Xiao Zhan's amused gaze. He quickly escapes with remarkable finesse and naturally heads towards him.
— Zhan-ge!
— Yibo. I thought you'd never come to say hello.
— They threw themselves at me, Yibo defends himself gently, pointing at the group of friends.
— That's the price I have to pay for not being there last night.
His voice sounds amused but Yibo doesn't seem to hear him. Xiao Zhan sees him tense up.
— I couldn't get free, you know I tried but-
— I know, Bo-die, Xiao Zhan cuts him off. Nobody blames you and you're here now.
He finished his sentence with a quick touch on his arm and smiled. Yibo finally relaxed and returned the smile. They talk for long minutes about everything and nothing, without any of their friends calling out to them. They join in when a card game starts. There are enough of them for a Kems, suggested by Ji Li. Several of them don't know the rules, so a general explanation is given: the aim is to have 4 cards of identical value in your hand and to make your partner guess without the others knowing. The players are divided into teams of two and placed on opposite sides of the table. Each pair must agree on a sign that will allow them to discreetly warn their partner of a Kems. 4 cards are dealt to each player and 4 others are placed in the centre of the table. When the signal is given, the players can swap the cards in their hands with those on the table in order to obtain 4 cards of the same value in as few turns as possible. 1 turn lasts as long as the cards in the middle are exchanged. When no-one is interested in the cards in the middle, they are put aside and replaced by 4 new cards. When a player has 4 identical cards, the chosen sign comes into play, performed by the player and it is the partner's turn to say "Kems" to score the point.
In the blur of understanding the rules, a part of understanding is proposed. When Ji Li asks everyone to choose a partner, Xiao Zhan naturally turns his gaze to Yibo and finds him looking at him.
— I've already got our sign, says Yibo, leading him on.
— Is your competitive spirit sure you want to get together with me? teases Xiao Zhan.
— He doesn't want anyone else, replies Yibo, continuing with his strategy without noticing that his partner has stopped breathing. When he catches his breath, Yibo seems to be waiting for an answer.
— Sorry, what did you say?
— Zhan-ge, concentration, says Yibo seriously.
He tries very hard not to laugh at Yibo's explanation of the strategy and the sign he has chosen. But he doesn't object. Yibo is a competitor when it comes to the smallest game, but he's never a sore loser. Nevertheless, he doesn't want to be a drag on the younger man's victory-hungry spirit and tries to keep everything he has told him in mind. Back with the others, everyone has settled in and they take their places at the table. The cards are dealt and the first game of comprehension begins. Among the beginners, Yu Bin seemed to benefit from Ji Li's expert advice, while Zhu Zanjin and Cao Yuchen were more hesitant about the cards. Meng Ziyi has a good grasp of the game. Zhuocheng and Liu Haikuan win this explanatory game. As they are congratulated, Yibo looks at him calculatingly. Xiao Zhan is sure of it, Yibo has spotted their sign and seen things about the other duos.
The game really begins and Xiao Zhan is impressed by Yibo. They had never played together and he didn't know that he could maintain his concentration to guess what the others were playing and try to catch them. Meng Ziyi and Lulu Xuan make a formidable team. Very observant, they managed to prevent the others from doing Kems by exposing them, while at the same time managing to change their game. He and Yibo do well and lead the game, closely followed by the duo of girls. Yu Bin and Ji Li remain in third place, Zhuocheng and Liu Haikuan in fourth and Zhu Zanjin and Cao Yuchen in last place with 0 points.
— But how is that possible? exclaims Ji Li.
— It's only been two laps! continues his team-mate.
— You must have had 3 identical ones from the start!
— I'm a lot of things Ji Li, but I'm not a cheater, replies Yibo with a smile, not in the least offended by the accusation. We won, he said, raising his arm to Xiao Zhan to clap his hand.
Xiao Zhan laughed as he clapped his outstretched hand. The next few games were played in the same competitive and festive atmosphere. They still lead at the end and win by 2 points over the girls. Yibo exclaims happily as he wraps his arms around Xiao Zhan, while the others pretend to be sore losers. Xiao Zhan takes advantage of this moment and hugs Yibo back, congratulating him on his strategy. Yibo pulls himself away from him enough to face him and flashes him a bright smile that dazzles him. Yibo thanked him and complimented him as usual, saying that nothing would have been possible without his responsiveness. Xiao Zhan touches his waist in an obvious attempt to tickle him and Yibo laughs as he walks away. He loves this dynamic between them so much that he never wants it to end.
The evening continues gently with a few drinking games played with water or light alcohol. The aim is not to throw up in the street later. However, the time to get going comes far too quickly for Xiao Zhan, who counts the remaining minutes with Yibo by his side. Their friends start to get up and put on their jackets. It's 9pm and the air has cooled off considerably. The more chilly ones, like Xiao Zhan, have long had a scarf around their necks. Yibo makes do with a thick long black coat and joins the group with a wave of goodbye.
— This is where I leave you, he begins, enjoy yourselves! And come back in one piece.
— Yibo! Are you sure you don't want to come?
— We'll all go together! It'll be fun!
— It's not even that scary!
— Stop it, interrupted Lulu Xuan, he doesn't want to come and we have to respect his decision, she said, smiling quietly at him. Yibo returned her smile and looked down, a little embarrassed by all the sudden attention.
— But it's great fun!
— Children go there!
— Ji Li, don't push your luck. The labyrinth is forbidden to under-16s, corrects Meng Ziyi.
— He's 21, he's a big boy!
— It won't last that long.
— He's not going to stay on his own when we're all together.
— He might say we left him out on purpose!
— Really?
Yibo's cold, wounded voice echoes in the silence it creates. He looks at them with an icy expression and Xiao Zhan wouldn't want to be in their shoes.
— I'm sorry... apologises Ji Li, that was mean. But we want to spend the evening together...
— No one knows when we'll all be able to see each other again.
— The promotion of the series is coming up soon, replies Yibo, and-
— It won't be the same!
— Xiao Zhan! Yu calls out to him. Well, aren't you going to say anything?
He feels Yibo's gaze move over him and he looks back at him before smiling and moving closer to him.
— He doesn't want to come, he's scared. Stop trying to make him feel guilty, he says, putting a hand on his friend's shoulder before squeezing to show him he's there. No one should play on our fears.
— You wanted him to come yesterday... adds Ji Li to share his guilt.
— I still want him to come. But he can't wait outside on his own while we're inside. So you'll go, and we'll do other things in the building together, he says, turning to Yibo.
— Zhan-ge! says Yibo.
— Xiao Zhan! said Zhuocheng at the same time. You're not going to abandon us too!
— Zhan-ge, no. You really wanted to go, you-
— I'd rather spend time with you than see you go because you can't do what we can do.
— But you want to. You've been talking about it for days!
— Yes, I have. But you're more important than a haunted maze. They'll do it, we'll do something else on our own and we'll meet up at the end for a nightcap. Is that all right with everyone?
— You were supposed to be our sidekick!
— You're the brave one! How are we going to do that?
— It's perfect! says Lulu Xuan. Let's leave now! Boys, stop talking.
With these words of exemplary firmness, and not wanting to spoil the joyous mood of the evening, the reluctant group fell silent and set off in the direction of the labyrinth. It's just a few minutes' walk away and it's easy for them to get around the city. The boys take the lead and walk at a great pace, laughing until they can't breathe, so much so that the girls behind them have to shout at them to slow down, also laughing at the spectacle in front of them. Further back, Xiao Zhan walks quietly alongside Yibo, both with their hands in their coat pockets. The atmosphere is pleasant, although he senses the other man is tense and has something to say. Xiao Zhan decided to give him the opportunity to speak.
— Come on, Yibo, he says, putting his arm around Yibo before putting his hand back in his pocket. The movement encourages physical closeness and their shoulders brush against each other as they walk. Say it.
— Zhan-ge, breathes Yibo with a smile as their arms intertwine.
— Come on, you've got something to say. You've been quiet since we left home.
— It's just that, begins Yibo before stopping and blowing through his nose, you like it, scaring yourself. You've been talking about this horrible maze ever since you decided to go. You shouldn't deprive yourself for me.
— I'm not.
— Zhan-ge...
— I mean it.
They are just a few metres from the group in front of them now, and the laughter of the others covers the sound of their exchange for prying ears. Xiao Zhan feels this bubble of intimacy and allows himself to reveal more. He's already told him that he's important, and now he's proving it.
— You should go and enjoy yourself, not stay bored with me.
— Bo-die, since when have I been bored with you? Mh? Faced with the silence in response to his open question, Xiao Zhan gently nudges Yibo with his shoulder. This is the last time we'll be seeing each other before all the excitement of promoting the series. I want as much time together as possible.
— Xiao Zhan, stop...
— I don't care about the maze. I don't care what we do while they're away. I just want to be with you.
— You can't say that, how am I supposed to resist? laments Yibo, looking up at the sky, embarrassed but smiling at her frankness.
— And since when have you wanted to share me with the others, eh? teased Xiao Zhan. I remember a summer when you had a monopoly on me.
— That's different, Yibo tries to defend himself, grumbling. We were always with the others. There were always cameras around us. We were never alone.
— The same was true with the others.
— Well, all you had to do was say no to me and go with them.
— Impossible, he confesses in a low voice.
He was then pulled back as Yibo stopped walking. His gaze is intense, powerful. But he can also see the worry and torment caused by his speech.
— Zhan-ge…
— It's the same today. You're here and I can't say no to some time just for us.
They face each other and Xiao Zhan has his head slightly forward so that he can look at Yibo without patronising him. Yibo looks at him with a look he rarely sees on his face. Hesitant, frightened, perhaps a little hopeful? His mouth is slightly ajar and his head is slightly back so that he can look at him. Their arms are still linked and they are very close to each other. Xiao Zhan wants to lean in and kiss him. No. He wants to lean towards Yibo, slowly, stop a breath away from him and wait until Yibo closes the distance. His thoughts lose him and when he's brought back to himself by the shouts of the group, he's closer and Yibo seems to have stopped breathing.
— Guys!
— You can talk later!
— We're almost there!
They turn towards their friends in one motion. They're about 50 metres ahead, jumping up and down and shouting at them to hurry up. Xiao Zhan picked himself up first and looked at Yibo again, saying "let's go" before starting to walk again and dragging him along. They managed to catch up and they all set off again towards the huge illuminated building just a few minutes away.
When they arrive in front of it, there are people laughing, others shouting in excitement or fear, groups cheering each other on. The building is huge, several storeys high.
— Ji Li, what is this place again? asks Yibo, watching out of the corner of his eye for the few people dressed up to scare the crowds waiting to get in and ready to liven up the first part of the place. Xiao Zhan, still clinging to his arm, can't contain his smile and feels protective as he discreetly places himself between Yibo and the nearest monster.
— It's an indoor leisure park for adults! enthuses the young man. It's themed Halloween for the period but it's always themed and it changes every 3 months or so.
— I didn't know there was such a big building here, says one of them.
— It's an old disused factory.
— What's inside? asks Meng Ziyi.
— So many things! The ground floor is a labyrinth with hundreds of plants. It gives the impression of being outdoors, and I think the layout changes every 6 months. Upstairs there's a huge room with arcade, skill and café games, escape games and multisensory virtual reality, a bowling alley, karaoke rooms, and on the top floor there's a play area with trampolines, courses and all that! There's even a restaurant!
— You seem to know a lot about it, laughs Zhuocheng.
— It's heaven on earth, replies Ji Li enthusiastically. Come on, hurry up!
Ji Li then set off towards the entrance without worrying too much about whether his friends were following him. They watch him go and Xiao Zhan and Yibo become the centre of attention for the group.
— Are you sure? Aren't you coming?
— We can still do something else and-
— Are you kidding? laughs Yibo. Ji Li would kill me if you cancelled his activity because of me. Get out of here! Zhan-ge, he said, turning his head towards his friend, "last chance to leave with them.
— I'm fine where I am, he replies, moving his arm connected to Yibo.
Yibo looks at him, still dejected, before insisting that the others leave. Now alone, his attention is once again lost on the monsters outside and around them. Xiao Zhan didn't want to stay there any longer than necessary and took charge, directing them towards the entrance.
— So, with that very precise description of Ji Li, where do you want to start?
— Zhan-ge, you haven't -
— Yibo, he says seriously, what do you want to do?
Yibo looked at him and Xiao Zhan felt him give in, stop fighting and give way to their evening as a duo. As they walked through the entrance, he spoke.
— Let's go round floor by floor and see as we go along? How long do they have?
— 1h30 if they're quick, about 2h if they take their time.
— OK, then.
— Karaoke?
— In your dreams Xiao Zhan.
Xiao Zhan laughed and Yibo eventually joined him. In the distance, they see their friends waiting to enter, annoyed by several well-known figures. Several of them seem to regret their choice of activity. Leaving them there, they make their way to the upper part of the building and discover a huge room filled with arcade terminals and various games methodically placed in an atmosphere that reveals the period. Fake spider webs cover the walls and some of the machines, fake spiders are everywhere, costumed mannequins are present and the screens add to the spooky atmosphere. They wander through the aisles, trying out some machines, challenging each other for the best score and laughing. In the distance, Yibo spots a dancing arcade machine and Xiao Zhan can't resist looking at him with those eyes. He can't refuse him anything. Yibo, an accomplished dancer, wins. A good loser, Xiao Zhan bows and praises his merits. Yibo takes offence and shouts his name as he pulls him to his feet before gently slapping him on the arm. They walk around the rest of the floor without entering any machines and go up to the next floor to find a bowling alley, escape rooms and virtual reality.
Between the two of them, bowling goes quickly and Xiao Zhan discovers that he's pretty good. Curiously, Yibo doesn't turn their game into a competition and takes advantage of his friend's natural talent to perfect his game. Xiao Zhan realises this. Yibo takes every piece of advice and applies it diligently, doing his best and seeking the older man's approval. Xiao Zhan doesn't refuse him and watches Yibo get better and better as he throws. Their game ends and two other people approach them to see if they would be interested in a duel, and they accept. Xiao Zhan is back to the Yibo he knew during the summer shoot, doing his best on the track, encouraging his fellow players and not hesitating to tease him. They win and Yibo jumps into his arms and congratulates him. Literally. He saw Yibo come towards him just as he had won the game for them and jump into his arms. By reflex, Xiao Zhan caught up with him and put his hands under his friend's thighs as he found himself with the younger man's weight in his arms. He felt his hips being squeezed by the dancer's muscular thighs and had to take a step back to keep his balance. Time seems to stand still as he feels Yibo hold him so tightly and press his head against his. Her face is in the hollow of his neck and his scent invades him. His perfume of course, strong and woody, but his own smell too. Unique and sweet. Xiao Zhan enjoys it immensely. It's rare to have such intimate access to his friend. He feels the pressure on his hips ease and he allows Yibo to find the ground again, opening his eyes, which he doesn't remember closing. There's a moment's hesitation as they come face to face until Yibo gives him a shy smile and takes his wrist to lead him around the rest of the floor. They pass several escape game and virtual reality rooms with no desire to mingle and find themselves climbing more stairs to the third floor. His wrist still in the firm grip of the other man's hand, they walk together through the floor dedicated to the karaoke rooms. Screens broadcast live what's going on in the rooms and they spend a few moments watching the various groups singing and dancing in the rooms. They then make their way to the fourth floor, looking at their watches. Time passes quickly and their friends must be in the middle of their adventure. They arrive at the huge playground and Xiao Zhan sees the youngest's eyes shining. Yibo doesn't waste a moment before leading him to the nearest entrance. They spent the next hour between the obstacle courses and trampolines. Xiao Zhan is hot and frequently slows down the pace to keep up with Yibo, who doesn't stop for a moment, barely out of breath when he comes back to him.
— Bo-die, I'm dying just looking at you.
— Would you? Too wonderful for you, Zhan-ge? sneers Yibo.
— That's it, replies Xiao Zhan, shoving him aside.
Yibo laughs and they sit down on one of the tables at the side of the facilities. He has bought them two bottles of water and they spend the next few minutes in comfortable silence, recovering from their sports session.
— Zhan-ge.
— What's up?
— I'm going to ask you a question and I want you to be honest with me.
— Yibo? Why would I-
— Just... I need to know.
— Okay.
— If you walk out of here without having been in the labyrinth when it might be the last time we have so much freedom, will you regret it?
— Why are you so pessimistic?
— Zhan-ge, will you regret it?
— It's just a game Yibo. I told you It doesn't matter what we do as long as I can be with you.
— But you wanted to go. You talked about it a lot.
— Well, I did. And I'm sorry if it made you uncomfortable. I'm having a great time tonight.
— You love Halloween, says Yibo as if it were obvious.
— Yes, says Xiao Zhan.
— And why is that? How do you manage not to be scared?
— I don't know, it's never really scared me.
— How do I look? I can't sleep on my own in the dark.
— You shouldn't be ashamed of your fears. There's nothing more legitimate.
— Will you stay with me all the way? If I'm really scared and I hold out, won't you step aside?
— Why would I? Where do you want to go?
— Will you stay or not?
— Of course I will! I already did it during the shoot, didn't I? You've never slept alone after a horror movie night.
— That's it for you. Come on, let's go!
Without giving Xiao Zhan time to question him again or understand what was going on, Yibo grabbed him by the wrist and pulled him down the stairs. They soon found themselves on the ground floor, facing the entrance to the labyrinth. Without thinking any further, Yibo steps forward, tightening his grip on Xiao Zhan.
— Yibo? asks Xiao Zhan, who doesn't understand why he's being led to the place that terrifies the younger man. He slows his pace and resists the pull. What are you doing?
— The others must be near the end, so we won't run into them, replies Yibo, turning towards him. I'll send them a message so they don't wait for us.
Xiao Zhan sees Yibo take out his phone and type a message about the group. He doesn't have time to read the exact words before the phone finds its way back into the pocket of his cargo trousers. He's dragged behind the youngest again, level with the scary figures lining the entrance to the maze. Yibo is startled when a murderous-looking clown jumps in front of them, screaming. Xiao Zhan stood in front of him and made him take a few steps back, placing his hands on his shoulders.
— Zhan-ge?
— What are you doing here? Why are we here?
— Let's enter this labyrinth, Zhan-ge, smiled Yibo, wanting to move forward. Once again Xiao Zhan held him back.
— You're scared. You're terrified of everything around us now.
— Zhan-ge, let's go.
— You don't have to do this. We can go to one of the local bars and wait for the others.
— You want to do that, Yibo insists. You've just spent two hours in an indoor park with me so you won't let me go home alone. He takes Xiao Zhan's hands in his and drops them between them. I want to do this for you. Let me do this for you.
Xiao Zhan feels his heart beating too fast in his chest. The look on the man's face doesn't allow him to say no. Yibo has always been a determined person. When he gets an idea in his head, no one can stop him, not even himself. He gives in.
— All right, then. The smile on his face overwhelms him. He wants to see it all the time, to be the only one to receive it. But I have one condition.
— Xiao Zhan...
— One condition. If it becomes too much for you, you tell me.
— That is-
— You tell me. Promise me.
— I promise. I promise Zhan-ge.
— What do you promise?
Yibo blows his nose, half amused, half annoyed. He's clever and Xiao Zhan knows he could stay terrified in these corridors until the end because he didn't specifically promise to get out if he gets scared. He knows him too well and won't be fooled.
— I promise I'll tell you if I'm really scared and want to get out.
— Good, concludes Xiao Zhan.
He turns round and offers his arm to his partner. Yibo takes it with a smile, wrapping both hands around either side of his elbow and sticking to him. He squeezes hard. He's scared. But he wants to please him. He dives into his nightmares to offer him a moment of amusement. Xiao Zhan is much more touched than he lets on. He smiles at Yibo and starts walking towards the entrance. Many monsters surround them and approach them without stopping. The archway at the entrance hides a longer, empty, serpentine queue. At the ticket office, he doesn't give Yibo a chance to react and pulls out his phone. He pays and leads them inside without listening to Yibo's outburst. In front of the opaque black doors, he checks with Yibo one last time. He's convinced he's already lost some of the colour in his face, but he resists the urge to turn back. Yibo won't back down. He turns his head towards him. He's taller and the tip of his nose is lost in the mass of soft hair.
— Let's go, he whispers, I'll protect you.
He sees him take a deep breath and nod. Xiao Zhan then beckons to the doorman and the labyrinth reveals itself to them, in the first form of a long corridor. It's dark and the place seems immense. The walls of the labyrinth are thin and solid, covered with plants that give a magnificent illusion of a natural labyrinth. The play of light gives the impression of a slightly lit path, playing on the shadows. Soft background music is played, mixed with eerie night sounds when you're alone in the dark.
As soon as they enter, many cries can be heard in several places. Some were the actors in costume, frightening the souls daring to venture in, others were terrified individuals. He feels Yibo squeezing him even tighter. He's clinging on so tightly that Xiao Zhan doubts their ability to move safely.
At the end of the corridor, the path narrows, forcing them to shave the walls. He lets Yibo decide which way to go. Left or right. They went right and let themselves be carried along by the corridors and dead ends they encountered. It took them a few minutes to find the right path, the one that would lead them to their first scare. They hadn't come across any other groups since they entered, but they regularly heard screams. At a bend in the road, as they turn left, a cul-de-sac surprises them and gives them their first startle. A mirror very close to the bend blocked their path and they flinched at their own reflection.
— Damn it, whistles Yibo. If I'm scared of myself, I'll never get out of here alive.
— I've been fooled too, reassures Xiao Zhan. It's a nice appetiser.
— Nice really isn't the word to use here Zhan-ge.
Xiao Zhan laughs and they turn to continue on their way. Before they could take a step, a group of three young women ran past them, screaming.
— Oh dear.
— If this is going to happen, we shouldn't be standing like this, observed Xiao Zhan.
— You're forbidden not to let me hold on to you, Zhan-ge.
— Hang on, replies Xiao Zhan, but more like this.
He took his hand out of his jacket pocket and freed his arm from the younger man's grip. Yibo looks at him without understanding what he's doing.
— Zhan-ge.
— Here, he says, taking her hand and entwining their fingers. Yibo's fingers follow the movement without waiting and a shiver runs through his skin. It'll be easier if you have to run.
— You'd better follow me if I start running in the opposite direction, grumbles Yibo.
— Of course, darling, joked Xiao Zhan, tucking a stray lock of hair back into the front of his dark head.
— This is no time for flirting, Zhan-ge, no time at all.
He wants to look stern and almost succeeds, but the slight smile he tries to hide, the amusement in his eyes and the slight reddening of his cheeks give him away. Xiao Zhan laughed and let himself be led down another path. His hand is clasped in Yibo's and the contact brings him to life. At the corner of an intersection, they turn right and are surprised after a few metres. A tall, thin man in a black cloak and mask leapt in front of them. Xiao Zhan immediately recognised him as the main character from the film Scream. Yibo froze beside him and took a step backwards.
— Zhan-ge...
— Yibo.
— Zhan-ge, repeats Yibo, pulling him back.
Xiao Zhan gives in and lets himself be pulled backwards. He backs away slowly and holds his hand out in front of him as if to keep the masked man at a distance. They both know it's a set-up, but the screams and the atmosphere of the place create a very special atmosphere. When the masked man leaps towards them, screaming, they run to escape him. Xiao Zhan laughs and can barely breathe when Yibo stops in a corridor, making sure they've lost him. Before his frightened partner can say anything, Xiao Zhan pulls him along a path, enjoying the euphoria of the moment. He keeps an eye on Yibo though, making sure he's all right. He looks around and holds his hand tightly, but he's fine. Several turns later, they meet two people coming in the opposite direction, running and screaming, looking back in panic. The narrow corridor causes the duo to stand with their backs to the wall to let them pass. A few metres behind them, a man in a white coat, covered in blood and armed with a smoking chainsaw is chasing them. Yibo reacted instantly and hid behind Xiao Zhan, giving her the impression that she was melting into the wall. The armed man stopped in front of them and came closer, staring at them. Yibo hides further behind him and his free hand grips Xiao Zhan's upper arm so tightly it almost hurts. The man is so close to his face that he can feel his breath on his skin. When he realises that he's not frightening Xiao Zhan, his gaze turns to Yibo. Xiao Zhan is convinced that he is no longer breathing. Wishing to protect him a little longer, he shifts a few centimetres to hide his face completely in his neck. The man with the chainsaw still on finally steps back and heads back in the direction of the two girls, whom he is unable to catch up with. When it becomes clear that he won't be coming back to them, Xiao Zhan backs away a little and turns as best he can towards Yibo, although his arm is still in an iron grip. They look at each other, and Xiao Zhan sees that Yibo is still breathing.
— Yibo... you only have to say the word.
— I know, he replied, taking deeper breaths.
— And that is?
— Let's get on with it. I don't want to see that guy again.
Their walking position changes again as Yibo doesn't let go of his arm and hand. They've been close. They've shot scenes with Lan Zhan picking Wei Ying up in his arms, carrying him and supporting him, but for some as yet unclear reason, today seems totally different. Yibo seems on edge and every shout or sound too close to them makes him jump and tighten around him. He likes having Yibo so close to him and enjoys being protective of him.
— Which side?
— I'll be right behind you. Don't forget you have to protect me.
— I'm a devoted knight. I'll be your monster shield, he agrees, taking a step in the right direction.
— Zhan-ge, you're still flirting, comments Yibo with a smile and his gaze fixed on him.
— What can I say? Xiao Zhan smiles, tilting his head towards him. It would be a shame not to try my luck, wouldn't it?
— Be sure of what you want, Zhan-ge. I could be tempted.
Xiao Zhan wasn't expecting such a strong comeback. He looks at Yibo and can't hide his surprise. His mouth parted slightly and he could see Yibo lowering his eyes to the bottom of his face.
— Wha-
He can't finish speaking. A man wearing the mask of the doll from the Saw saga bursts in from their left and strides towards them. Yibo screamed as he took several steps backwards and dragged Xiao Zhan with him, his heart nearly stopping in surprise. The stranger disappeared as quickly as he had arrived and Xiao Zhan turned back to his partner.
— Yibo, are you all right?
— I'll never watch another horror film, ever, with anyone.
— There's an emergency exit over there, suggests Xiao Zhan, pointing to a path.
— How do you know? asks Yibo, curious and still scared.
Wanting to reassure him and wipe the fear from his face, Xiao Zhan puts two folded fingers under his chin and makes him lift his head above the leafy walls. A luminous sign indicates an emergency exit.
— No, murmured Yibo, Xiao Zhan's fingers still under his chin.
— Bo-die... you're scared.
— I want to do it. For you, I can do it, breathes Yibo in a low voice, taking the hand on his face in hers.
— You don't have to do anything for me.
— Please, Zhan-ge, let's go. Protect me again?
— Always, replied Xiao Zhan.
Resuming their journey, once again bound and glued together, they make their way at a slow pace through the wooded corridors. Sometimes they heard shouting just a few metres away, sometimes a group appeared in front of them or not far away. They came across blocked paths decorated with scary pumpkins, famous masks or booby-trapped screens showing bloody scenes.
Turning at one point, they saw the corridor leading off into a wide expanse of bluish light. The ambient sounds change around here, the blood and gore seem to leave them to make way for a more sensory atmosphere. The closer they get, the more the green walls are adorned with crosses, candles and what appear to be hotels. Xiao Zhan reaches out and Yibo crushes his hand and arm.
— Yibo... ?
The younger man answers, but the sound of his voice is drowned out by a sound that sounds like something out of the worst satanic films Xiao Zhan has ever watched.
— Let's go another way, whispers Yibo as he resists the pull that leads him to discover the bluish space from which murmurs resembling a chant are coming.
— We've covered all the possibilities, Xiao Zhan replies reassuringly, we have to go through here to get to the other half.
— Zhan-ge...
— Trust me. Let's go.
— Zhan-ge. I'm really scared now. I...
— Yibo, you have something to say.
— No, I don't.
— Well, let's go then. Hold onto me and let me guide you.
— Zhan-ge...
They have to get through and Xiao Zhan understands this. Unfortunately, Yibo is blocked by fear, but his stubborn nature prevents him from telling her that he wants to get out. They're close and Xiao Zhan wants more than anything to protect him and take that slight frown off his face. He puts both hands on the sides of his face and lifts his head slightly.
— We have to get through. Hold me and hide your face at my shoulder. You can hold me as hard as you like, scream at me or insult the whole world. We're going as fast as we can.
— All right, all right, Yibo nods in agreement.
Xiao Zhan sees him swallow apprehensively as he removes his hands from his face. Yibo clings to him like a leech, wrapping his hands around his waist and squeezing hard. His pelvis is pressed against hers and his face is quickly hidden in the hollow between her neck and shoulder. Xiao Zhan puts his hands on Yibo's and squeezes. They move forward slowly and Xiao Zhan discovers a scene of an exorcism that is, to say the least, very realistic. The path is guided by plexiglass that is higher than them and prevents them from simply going straight ahead. As they walk along the path, the scene speeds up, the lights change and the noises become louder. Objects fly against the barrier separating them from the stage and smash against the Plexiglas. Yibo doesn't make a sound in his neck, but Xiao Zhan is sure he'll have bruises where he squeezes him. He thinks about the rest of the younger boy's schedule, and in particular the hours of dancing that await him with his body stiff and aching from having been stretched for so long.
The scene passes and they find themselves back in a corridor with several choices of path at its end. Xiao Zhan waits until he is well away to warn Yibo and make him loosen his grip.
— I think I'll stay here Zhan-ge.
— Bo-die, laughs Xiao Zhan, relieving the tension, it seems quieter here.
— It's quiet until the next lunatic decides to jump us.
Xiao Zhan gives in and lets Yibo hold him so close. They walk through many dark alleys and go round and round in circles. Several times they passed the same scary dolls, distorting mirrors and the trapped paths of famous people. Yibo didn't see them, his face buried in his neck. But he heard them, he felt them when they came too close. Xiao Zhan really thinks he's going to get bruises where Yibo is holding him, but he wouldn't swap him for anything in the world. Several groups pass in front of them. Sometimes some of them accompany them for a few metres and they exchange information about the traps on certain paths. However, no one warned them of the one they would fall into a few minutes later. They have been walking through the plant maze for about an hour and a half and the heavy atmosphere is slowly getting to the younger man's nerves. Yibo becomes insulting to everyone who comes near them and shouts more than Xiao Zhan has ever heard. Mostly low-pitched screams, sometimes high-pitched, often far too loud and far too close to his ear. It's not just syllables that come out of his mouth, every now and then it's his name too. Each time, Xiao Zhan tries to reassure him, although he can't help laughing with affection.
Now they're just a few bends from the exit, the atmosphere changes again and they start down a dimly lit path, surrounded by shouting. In the middle of the lane, the gate in front of them slams shut. They took a step back in surprise.
— Okkk, turn back I suppose, says Xiao Zhan.
Before they can even turn round to go back, the same thing happens behind them. The more discreet gate in the alleyway, which had escaped their vigilance, closed behind them.
— Zhan-ge? murmured Yibo with a flash of panic.
—- We're fine. We're alone here. Take a look.
A small sign on the first gate catches his eye. It says "Sometimes you take the wrong path. Patience, 10 minutes should be enough to make you think".
— 10 minutes? exclaims Yibo.
— Use them to breathe and relax a bit, smiled Xiao Zhan, I don't want to carry you out of here.
— Oh no? asked Yibo, letting go of the man's arm and moving away a little.
— What's the matter? You want to be carried?
— Well, it's exhausting being scared. I'm aching all over.
Xiao Zhan looks at his friend with raised eyebrows and a slight smile. Yibo always exaggerates about little things, especially with him. He can't remember ever hearing the younger man complain seriously to the others. It's always done under the guise of a joke. But he knows that underneath the laughter there is some truth. Tonight, his eyes are tired and have lost their sparkle despite his extreme vigilance, his face is pale, his shoulders tense. He's really scared and his body will be really sore tomorrow after having been contracted for several hours. Xiao Zhan has 10 minutes to relax him, so he does the first thing that comes to mind. Yibo is no longer holding him, so it's easy for him to move quickly to his side and put his right arm around his waist and his left arm under his knees. When he bends down to grab his knees, Yibo reacts and looks at him, curious. But he doesn't have time to say anything before he's carried off.
— Xiao Zhan!
— Hm? Anything you want to say?
— Put me down!
— Didn't you say you were tired? I'm fine, we can do the rest of the way this way.
— Zhan-ge! exclaimed Yibo, sniggering and punching the shoulder of the man holding him back without any real will.
— Don't hit me, bo-die!
Xiao Zhan changes strategy and places Yibo on his shoulder, head down. He screams in indignation and struggles a little. Xiao Zhan says nothing and hops up to move the man onto his shoulder. Yibo is surprised but can't complain. He laughs out loud and tries to ask Xiao Zhan to stop between breaths made difficult by his hilarity. Finally, he leaves Yibo alone on his shoulder.
— Relaxed?
— Absolutely relaxed. I'd rather walk after all.
— Good.
Xiao Zhan puts Yibo back on the ground and he stumbles, still a little off balance. Xiao Zhan holds him by the waist to steady him and pulls him closer without really realising it. Yibo puts his hands on his shoulders in return and their faces become close. For a moment, time seems to slow down as they watch each other in silence.
— Zhan-ge, whispers Yibo, what's going on?
— What do you mean? whispers Xiao Zhan breathlessly.
— You're defending me at Zhuocheng...
— I always have, he cuts in.
— You swap your evening horrors, you tell me you want to spend time alone with me, you follow me wherever I go and you've been flirting incessantly ever since we came here.
Xiao Zhan has stopped breathing. His fingers tightened the shirt under his skin and his eyes fell on the full lips and intense eyes of the man opposite him.
— You wanted to come in here, he replies, I could ask the same question...
— I wanted to see you smile, Yibo admits, I wanted to spend more time alone with you.
— Yibo...
— Zhan-ge...
Xiao Zhan leans towards Yibo. His height allows him to dominate him a little. He stops just a few centimetres from his lips and waits. He feels the man's warm breath on his skin. Yibo breathes shakily, his head raised, his hands firmly clasped around Xiao Zhan's shoulders. He doesn't know what to do. He doesn't want to step back, he wants to be here. But should he kiss the man in front of him? Is that really what he wants?
Xiao Zhan seems to understand his questioning and makes the decision for him. He closes the distance between them and kisses him. It's chaste, delicate. He pulls away after a few seconds and barely has time to open his eyes when he kisses him again. The younger man's hands move from his shoulders to the back of his head and the side of his face. Xiao Zhan gasped and pulled Yibo closer to him. Their bodies touch and in a fit of envy, Xiao Zhan takes a step forward as the younger man steps back. He presses him against the green wall and lets his hands roam over the willing body in his arms. The kiss becomes more urgent, deeper. They finally part, breathless. Their foreheads touch and their breathing becomes laboured. Yibo runs his fingers over his face, as light as a feather, as if he were afraid to break reality. Xiao Zhan kisses him again, on the lips, the jaw, the neck.
— Zhan-ge...
— Bo-die...
— What do we do? murmured Yibo.
— Anything you want... Anything Yibo... I've wanted you for so long, replies Xiao Zhan.
His breath makes the skin on her neck tingle and Yibo brings her face to his. Each word is accompanied by a caress
— Zhan-ge, I've been dreaming of this for so long.
— Please don't say that if you don't mean it, I can't.
— I mean it. Ever since our first hours on set I've imagined an ideal life with you, it's-, fuck Zhan-ge I'm so in love with you.
He had barely finished speaking when Xiao Zhan kissed him again and pressed him harder against the wall. They moan and touch each other over their clothes.
— I love you, Yibo. I love you so much Yibo.
— I love you Zhan-ge.
They kiss and smile for a few seconds. They talk about their feelings, how they came to be, how they managed to hide them, to live with them, the frustration that accompanied them during those long months and why they never told anyone about their love. None of their friends, family or staff knew. The minutes of confinement passed and the two portals finally opened.
— Let's get out of here, said Xiao Zhan.
He took Yibo by the hand and they resumed their search for the exit. Yibo keeps a firm grip on Xiao Zhan's hand and puts his free arm around his arm. After several more or less controlled scares, the corridor leading to the exit appeared in their field of vision. In their haste, they were startled and screamed in terror at the giant spider rushing towards them. Yibo, not very comfortable with insects, almost went back into the maze to escape it, to the laughter of their friends waiting for them at the exit.
— At last! said Ji Li, we weren't expecting you!
— 2 o'clock sharp!
— Correct.
Xiao Zhan arrives smiling, dragging a frazzled Yibo who's clearly had enough thrills for the next two years. Xiao Zhan brings him to his feet and wraps his arms around him in a tight, comforting embrace. It only takes a few seconds for the younger boy to relax in his arms, so he places a kiss on his cheek, before the stunned eyes of their friends. They don't give them time to react and start walking ahead of them, smiling broadly.
— So, you've decided on a bar for the end of the evening? Where shall we go?
— Xiao Zhan!
— Wang Yibo!
— Wait, hey!
— Did you just kiss?!
— What happened in there?!