Requital hope

Eight

Yibo's Pov.

When I woke up I found myself pressed up against Zhan. I jumped miles out of bed, almost hitting my head against the wooden floor, continuing to embarrass myself. Zhan wrapped an arm around my back just before I fell backward. Our faces were suddenly inches apart. I could hear my heartbeat, and I'm sure my face made it all too obvious that I was beyond flustered. Zhan pulled me away from the edge and I froze, not wanting to cause any more unnecessary trouble.

"I'm sorry. I didn't... I didn't mean to." I apologize for sleeping so close to him and making such a scene. I bet I crept him out.

"It doesn't matter." He said, sounding almost as if it were true. I was able to loosen up a bit though. "Hang on, I'll go get us something to eat." He said before getting out of bed and walking to the kitchen.

My mind was still flushed with embarrassment. I can't believe I got so close to him. I'm starting to feel I haven't changed a bit since I was a kid. Whenever I slept with someone I would always
reposition me next to them, still asleep. It's almost as if my body migrates to the nearest heat source. My mind kept going in circles and before I knew it Zhan had already returned, with two bowls in his hands.

"I brought you a bowl of cereal. Hope that's okay?" He said, handing me a bowl.

"Y-yeah, it is... thank you." I responded surprised. I was still taken aback by his generosity. I worry that I may be fooled again, so I'm always on edge. He just seems... genuine though.

Zhan took a seat on his bed and pulled out his phone. He focused on it while occasionally taking bites of his cereal. I realized I was still in his bed and removed myself as fast as possible. Zhan glanced at me a little strangely, probably for my jumpy behavior. I stood awkwardly in the center of the room for a moment before getting on my bed. The door to the cabin suddenly opened and in walked an instructor.

"The hiking trip starts at twelve. If you're coming, make sure to meet in the middle of the park." He announced, leaving moments later.

"So, are you going?" Zhan asked, looking my way. I made up my mind about that last night. I'm down for it if I can be near Zhan.

"Yeah. I'm going, preferably with you?" I turn my statement into a question. My heart shook like an earthquake when Zhan gave me a toothy grin.

"Sure. That'll be fine." He said, now smiling. That was a sign to me that he meant it. I couldn't help but return the smile after receiving his response. I took our bowls to the kitchen and washed them
after heavily insisting to Zhan. He's already done a lot for me. This little favor wept in comparison to the things he's done.

I sat in my bed reading for some time and decided it would be a good idea to get to the center of the park early. Zhan agreed and we got our stuff and headed for the group. The walk there was quite peaceful. I enjoyed walking around with Zhan. It's a complete change from back home. I don't have anyone and my neighborhood stirs up some pretty ugly memories

When we arrived at the center of the park I spotted the Asian guy from the day we arrived.

"Hey..... you're that guy who fell asleep on the bus, right?" He spoke mockingly.

"Yeah..." I sighed. "Thanks again for the help you gave me." I say giving a weak smile.

"No problem. I never did get your name." He said, curiously.

"O-Oh, right. I'm Wang, Wang Yibo." I introduced myself. It totally crossed my mind. I meant to introduce myself earlier but had my mind off somewhere in a distant land.

"Sounds dorky." He stated simply, with a smirk apparent.

"Right?" Zhan responded. I pouted at him a little. He chuckled in turn.

"My name is Cheng Jiang, nice to meet you." Cheng smiled and extended a hand. I gratefully shook it.

"So, I see you're going on a hiking trip. I guess you did need that extra credit after all." He said, nudging his arm towards me.

"I'm actually going for the sights." I informed. "Extra credit wouldn't hurt though." I admit, giving him a subtle, sly smile.

We ended up spending the rest of the remaining time chatting with Cheng. He's the kind of kid to strive for perfect 'A's in school. He seems pretty outgoing.

Cheng went ahead on the trail while I and Zhan waited awhile. We preferred not to be around the other students so that we could admire the scenery in peace. After everyone was quite a distance away we began the hiking trip. Walking down the first path was already a breathtaking experience. The plant life there was so diverse. I was in awe, like an excited little child.

I couldn't contain my excitement when we entered a dense forest. There were so many things that caught my eye, especially the bunnies that sat next to a nearby tree. I think I released a slight gasp because I heard Zhan chuckle.

"You seem very excited." He said, smirking at me.

"Yeah, sorry, it's just I loved... Love animals!" I correct myself. By the way, currently, I feel there is no denying my feelings towards animals.

"I guess you could've used this trip more than me." Zhan said, shrugging, with a smile appearing on his face. I returned to his side after straying off the path a bit. We made sure to keep the trail guide within sight so that we wouldn't get lost on the path.

"You must like animals if they get you to come out of your shell that much. I've never seen you this lively." Zhan said. looking down at me. I could feel the heat spreading through my body, for two different reasons. One, being an embarrassment, and I'm sure you can guess the other.

"Y- Yeah, I guess they're one of the few things that hold good memories from my childhood." I mumble, looking down at the path.

After many glorious sights and exciting moments, we reached the end of the trail. I can honestly say that this has been one of the best moments I've had in a long time. I'm sure just my mood would give it away. It also made me happy to see Zhan smiling the whole time. It was a good feeling
knowing I didn't bore him.

As we headed down the trail back to the camp, or park rather, we ran into some of my old "buddies"

"Hey, kid, you got any money? My guys and I here want to go into town and have a good time." He gestured to his friends. Of course that was the first thing he started with. He was the same guy I spent all that money on, just to be by his side. What a good way to ruin my day.

"I already said I'm done paying for your stuff." I replied dully.

"Huh? You still owe us!" He responded, getting a little heated. Is he serious?

"If anything I think you have it backward." I decided to retort smugly. Which probably wasn't the best choice. Zhan was watching throughout the whole conversation, probably not having a clue as to what was going on.

"Big mistake. The best way to get money out of a money bag is to beat it, right guys?" He said looking back at his friends. They grew devious smirks. Crap, I wouldn't have responded the way I did if I knew they were going to be so hostile. I don't remember them being this extreme. I guess now that they know I have money they'll try to get as much as they can out of me. So much for not being a target. They definitely had me worried. I didn't need any more beatings on top of what I was
already received from my father.

They lifted stones off the ground and played with them a bit, only to chuck them my way seconds later. My legs wouldn't move. I couldn't run. Just like the times when I spotted my father making his way over to me. They began connecting with my soft skin, easily bruising it. I was frightened. Why... Why did it have to be today? Why them? Will my life always be this cruel? Before I knew it I was wrapped in Zhan's arms. He protected me from the
oncoming sharp stones. I can only imagine what they would do to me. I felt helpless and awful, having Zhan save me. He must be in so much pain. It always upset me greatly to see someone getting hurt for my sake.