Chapter 17

                                    

                                          
The sterile, dimly lit corridors of the hospital were eerily quiet as Yibo made his way to his uncle's room. His footsteps echoed softly against the tiled floor, and the scent of antiseptic hung heavily in the air. He walked at a determined pace, his heart heavy with worry. It had been a long time since he saw his uncle, now he wanted to see him immediately.
As Yibo turned a corner, he paused. He saw Zhan who was  sitting with his head resting against the wall, fast asleep. Zhan's face bore the marks of worry and exhaustion. He was feeling cold, Yibo felt a pang of pain and sympathy he knew how much Zhan cared for his father. He took off his jacket and carefully draped it over Zhan's shoulders, hoping it would provide some warmth and comfort. He stood there for a moment, watching Zhan breathe steadily, his expression softening. He was looking at Zhan continuously it seems that it is a precious scene that he wants to keep that moment in his eyes forever. Yibo wished he could take away the burdens that weighed so heavily on Zhan's heart.
With a sigh he turned and gently pushed open the door to his uncle's room. Mr Xiao laid on the bed, his body connected to various drips and tubes. The sight made Yibo's chest tighten with sadness. The once strong and vibrant man now seemed so frail and vulnerable.
Yibo approached the bed, his footsteps light, as if not to disturb the fragile peace. He looked down at  him, taking in the pale complexion and the shallow rise and fall of his chest. Memories of his uncle's hearty laughter and the warmth of his embrace flooded Yibo's mind. It was hard to reconcile those memories with the reality before him.
"Why did it have to happen, I can't see gege devastated again. Please uncle be alright".
He   buried his face in his hands for a moment. The weight of the situation pressed down on him, and he struggled to hold back the tears that threatened to fall. He needed to be strong, for Zhan, for everyone who was relying on him.
Yibo reached out and gently took his uncle's hand, feeling the cool, papery skin beneath his fingers. He squeezed it lightly, hoping his uncle could sense his presence and draw some strength from it. 
"Hang in there, Uncle. We're all here for you. Just keep fighting."he whispered softly, 
"Zhan needs you, uncle, he can't endure it if you leave him, we need you." he swept the tears rising in his eyes . Yibo sat there in silence thinking about how he could face Zhan what would he say to him, the room filled with the steady rhythm of the monitors. He stayed by Mr Xiao's side feeling the passage of time only through the slight changes in the light filtering through the window. His mind wandered through memories and worries without knowing what will happen, the future uncertain and daunting.
Zhan felt something warm covering him, he took a look and knew whose jacket is this. He knew that scent, the elegant and sensual smell that speaks about his personality it was Yibo's. But how could it be possible? Yibo wasn't supposed to be there. Confused and startled  Zhan stood up glancing around the quiet corridor, his heart was racing as he sensed his presence here. He noticed a shadow moving inside his father's room. His heart pounded as he approached the door, pushing it open gently.
Inside, he was stunned by the sight before him. Yibo stood by the bedside, holding his father's hand, his face a mix of sorrow and determination. The dim light casts long shadows, giving the scene a surreal emotion.
"Uncle, why didn't you tell me you were unwell?"Yibo's voice trembled, a mixture of hurt and confusion evident in his tone. 
"You also didn't trust me?"
"When did you came?" Zhan asked his voice as slow as murmur
Yibo turned at the sound of Zhan's voice, his eyes softening as he met his gaze.
 "Zhan, I..." he began, but words failed him for a moment. The emotions he saw in Zhan's eyes mirrored his own turmoil. Zhan stepped closer, his eyes never leaving Yibo's face. He hugged him tightly.
"I'd missed you," zhan whispered they can feel their heartbeats through this hug
"I could have been here for you, I could have helped. But I wasn't there, I'm sorry ge." 
Yibo's voice cracked, and he swallowed hard, fighting back tears. 
Zhan gently placed his hand on Yibo's shoulder.
 "He didn't want to worry anyone. He thought he could handle it on his own."
Zhan's eyes filled with unshed tears as he looked at his father, lying so still and fragile.
Zhan took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. He reached out and gently touched his father's hand, feeling the cool, fragile skin beneath his fingertips. 
"I'm sure that you'll survive, fight for me. I don't have anyone except you." Zhan was crying like a child
Yibo put his hand on his shoulder 
"Don't worry gege he'll be alright" zhan looked at him and nodded he wiped hos tears
"You should take some rest It must been a long journey go home now Yibo ".
"I'll go but now I'm here for you , I want to be with you. Remember we'll face everything together." Yibo replied holding Zhan's hand
Zhan didn't say anything and went out.
" I know gege you're not okay, but I don't give up to help you now."
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The next morning Mr and Mrs Wang came to look for Mr. Xiao's health. Zhan was sitting next to his father's bed and yibo was standing in a corner looking at Zhan sadly.
Mrs Wang entered and had a bouquet of flowers in her hand.Zhan stood up looking at her, she took him in a tight hug. Yibo greeted her and she also took him in a hug
"How are you my son?" She asked about holding Zhan's hands
" I'm alright, don't worry mom." Zhan replied and Yibo was surprised by the mention of the word mom it was due to their relationship that was standing at the edge of their hearts.
"Let's go out and speak , let's not disturb Mr Xiao" they went out
" After coming out she took Zhan's hand and made him sit next to her
"What did the doctor say" she enquired
Zhan didn't replied he only shook his head in negation 
Mrs Xiao patted his shoulder "we all are here for you, be brave I know he'll fight with this" she tried to console him.
"It's too late mom. He didn't told us and now its impossible to save him. He wanted me to be brave but I don't want to lose him."A tear fell from his eye on her hand Mrs wang started crying looking at Zhan's situation he was looking like a patient pale skin and the fear of losing his father was clear in his eyes. 
The nurse came with the tray and went inside. After giving medicines she came out 
"Miss, how is uncle? When will he wake up?"
Yibo inquired
"He can be awake anytime, make sure to be there with him. And other members please leave don't crowd the place."she said and left
"Ge see she said he'll wake up soon, now don't worry" yibo tried to convince Zhan but there is no hope in Zhan's life.
Yibo felt a pang of pain in his heart He didn't know what would happen but he wanted to console him to worry less.