Requital hope

Eleven

Yibo's Pov.

When we got back to our cabin after the hiking trip I stood by the door, silent. Life was barely bearable before those bastards were after my money. I don't know how long I can last if they pursue me at school too. My life back at the house was already
messed up enough. I don't need money grubbers trying to take away what little I have left. And now Zhan was involved in all of this. That was the last thing I needed. I feel like I can truly trust him after what he did for me back there, though I still have to keep my guard up. I didn't want to have a chance to be struck from the back when I was least expecting it.

Zhan was rummaging through the kitchen looking for something. He eventually made his way to the bedroom with a first aid kit in hand. Just the sight made me feel bad. He went out of his way to protect me. No one has ever done that since my mom.

After the long pause at the door, I entered the bedroom and quietly sat on my bed. It seemed Zhan was looking through the contents of the first aid kit. I wondered if He needed some help. I would have asked, but I didn't want to interrupt his apparent focus. Instead I just pulled out one of my
half-read books and worked my eyes across the words.

I was startled by the sudden sound of Zhan closing the kit and stuffing it under his bed. He grabbed some clothes and headed for the bathroom. I assumed he was off to shower. I felt really bad for having him step in and save me like that. I mean it's not like I asked him to, but I just couldn't help but feel responsible. He didn't look very comfortable moving around, he must be in pain. I came up with the idea to get us dinner and bring it back here, to the cabin. That way he wouldn't have to strain himself going all the way to the food hall.

I quickly ran out the door and jogged over to the food hall, buffet, kitchen, whatever you want to call it. It wasn't too far from our cabin but I still thought it would be a good idea. I asked the lady behind the counter if I was allowed to take food out of the hall. She said it was okay as long as I didn't take a tray. She pointed me in the direction of some brown bags and told me I could use them to carry the food. I stacked two turkey sandwiches, a box of stir-fried noodles, and a bottle of soda. I got it from a vending machine nearby. I wasn't sure how well it would taste or if this was even something Zhan would drink but I was sure that it was better than what they were serving in the kitchen. I didn't mind spending money on Zhan, it doesn't seem like he would be the kind of guy to leech off someone. Plus it's not like the drink was that expensive anyway.

I packed myself a turkey sandwich, a small salad, and an apple then headed back to the cabin. Thankfully, Zhan hadn't gotten out of the bathroom yet, so I was able to surprise him with dinner. I just hoped that he would be okay with my selection. I haven't known him long enough to figure out his
preferences so this was all I was able to manage. I didn't know whether to wait or not before eating my dinner. I didn't want him to feel awkward with us eating together. Though, I mean he seemed to handle it better than I did the other night. Being torn on the decision for a while, Zhan returned to the room before I could make up my mind. I knew I'd be feeling awkward and shy because Zhan came into the room fricken shirtless! I felt my breath being pulled right from my body as I caught a glance at his perfectly sculpted body. His large pecs with their perfect curves, his chiseled abs, to the defined V line that rode into his pants. I couldn't
seem to breathe properly while taking in the view. After an inner battle with myself, I hid my gaze, turning my sight away from him. I didn't want to make him uncomfortable in any way.

"I, uh. I brought you dinner." I shyly announced. "I-I hope that's okay." I added, worried that this might not be what he wanted.

He grew a warm smile before speaking. "Thanks, this is helpful. I didn't wanna have to go to the buffet feeling like this." Hearing this made me overjoyed, but also a little guilty.

"I'm really sorry." I apologized. This was all my fault after all. I didn't know how to make it up to him. He gave his golden smile again before digging into the bag I left on his bed.

"There are two turkey sandwiches, a box of noodles, and a bottle of soda." I informed him, as he curiously looked through the bag. While he continued eying his food and playing with the first aid kit I finished my dinner. I had unconsciously devoured it in record time. I guess I was really hungry. I decided I would take a quick shower
since it started getting a little late. I
announced to Zhan in case he needed me.
He quickly dug through his bag and handed me another one of his towels. On my way to dinner I checked to see if they had gotten any new towels in, but they hadn't arrived yet. Zhan was kind enough to offer me another one of his. This time around he seemed to be a lot less hesitant. In fact, he seemed almost happy about it.

That was a relief, because I didn't want to cause any more trouble for him. I don't know if I could bear the guilt.

After my relieving shower, I returned to the bedroom noticing Zhan still sitting there, reading the labels on the contents of the kit.

Zhan suddenly spoke as I walked over to my bed. "Do you know anything about first aid?" He asked, peeling his eyes away from the item in his hand and looking up at me.

"Y-Yeah, a little." I reply, trying to keep my gaze on anything but on him.

"Good, give me a hand with this." He ordered, in a deep voice, dropping the kit on his bed and patting the area behind him. There was no way I could disobey, my body just started moving towards him
without me doing so. My nerves were off the chart. He really wanted me to get that close to him, while he's shirtless? If only he knew I was gay. That probably wouldn't be a very good idea. I don't know
how he would react.

I slowly crawled onto Zhan's bed behind him. When I caught sight of his back my jaw dropped and my eyes shot open. It was much worse than I expected. I couldn't help but feel awful about myself,.this was my fault.

"Alright, what's the first step.. to all of this?" He asked, snapping me out of my trance and holding his hands to the kit.

"Alright, what's the first step... to all of this?" He asked, snapping me out of my trance and holding his hands to the kit...Well with cuts and bruises like this.. it would be best to rub some aloe on it." I
inform, taking out a packet of aloe gel.

"Alright, get to it. I'm starving." He demanded, smirking at me. Oh gosh is he serious?! Somewhere deep down I feel like he was doing this to me on purpose.

"W-Wait. You really want me to... rub this.on you?" I question with every word shying more than the last. He nodded and went straight for his dinner. I hesitated, assessing the situation for a while. My
checks reddened and I crept my hands to his back. When they connected with his skin I felt tingles shoot through me like I had been electrocuted. I rubbed the aloe on him as gently as I could, slightly
brushing over his bruises.

"Don't hold back. I can handle it." He scolded. I guess he knew I was being extra careful. Well I guess anyone would with the amount of pressure I applied. I didn't want him in any more pain though, so he can't exactly blame me. He started me down, making sure I obeyed his command. I obviously gave in to his charming gaze. His bright, solid eyes seemed to control me. I felt if he stared me down he could get me to do anything he pleased. I increased the pressure and speed of my rubbing only to hear Zhan hiss in pain.

"Sorry! sorry..... ." I apologized, checking to see if he was okay.

"Don't worry. As I said before, don't hold back." He pressed, so I continued. His skin felt so amazing against my hands. The warmth that radiated from it crawled up my arms and caressed my body, making me shudder. This feeling was so intense yet so relaxing. The heat emitting from him practically melted the gel. It made it that much more pleasing. He was able to eat while I coated his back with the aloe. It was relieving that I was able to help him in some way.