Requital hope

Thirteen

I spent most of the day reading like I usually do. Zhan was out doing whatever I didn't know. I heard the door open, which probably meant he had returned. I was right as he entered the room seconds later.

"Yo Yibo, why don't you spend more time outside?" He inquired, walking up to my bed. I should be spending more time outdoors, it's just I don't know what to do. It's not like I have friends I can hang out with or any outdoor hobby to entertain me.

"I don't know... I guess I just don't have anything to do." I explained. I lifted my head from the book to lay sight on Zhan. As I caught a glance at his face a small smile appeared on my lips.

"Wwwanna hang with me?" He questioned looking back towards the door frame of the room. "I'm going dow-" Before he could finish I cut him off with my reply.

"Sure." I piped, hopping up from my bed. He grinned as he watched me approach his side. I was excited to be spending time with someone. It was great knowing that someone wanted to hang around me, not because they had to but rather because they wanted to.

Zhan and I left the cabin and headed towards the trees that cast shadows over the park during the evening. "Right, as I was saying earlier I plan on heading to the beach, or close to it anyway." He informed me by looking down at me.

"Sorry." I apologize with a cheeky smile, feeling a little bad for interrupting him earlier.

"Nah, it's alright." He assured, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.

"So... how are you feeling?" He asked in a more serious tone. I immediately knew what he was referring to, but it took me a moment to reply.

"I'm, fine..." I respond, looking up at him and wearing a smile.

"That's good." He replied, with a handsome smile creeping on his lips.

We walked a while longer, almost reaching our destination in comfortable silence.

"Thanks again, Zhan." I utter quietly, looking down to my feet. I peeked up a little to catch a smile still on his face.

"Oh we're here." Zhan announced as we arrived at a grass patch near the beach. This area made me realize just how many beautiful locations this park contained.

Zhan sat in the grass and patted the area beside him, meaning for me to sit next to him like he usually does.

"So what are your hobbies besides reading?" He asks as I position myself next to him. "I mean, you've said you don't have much to do outdoors so do you have anything besides reading to occupy
yourself?"

"... Not really. I guess I usually spend my time walking, or reading. Back home I go sightseeing every so often. I'm kinda fascinated with nature, so there's that." I explain, naturally. It was kind of odd
feeling the "old" me resurfacing. Zhan is pulling out whatever is locked away inside of me. I can feel myself opening up to him. It's not even fully intentional.

"I may not strike you as the kind of guy but I enjoy walks as well. Whenever I can get them at least." He sighed in the last part.

"Whenever you can get them?" I question softly, tilting my head to him. I was curious what he meant by that.

"Yeah, my friends or family are usually glued to me, so I don't get much time to myself.' He explained with displeasure clearly present.

"Oh.." Was all I managed to say before getting lost in thought. I would love to have friends and family like that. But instead, everyone sees me as invisible unless they need something from me.

"You never did tell me your full name... I mumbled, realizing that all I knew about him until now was that his name is Zhan, and he is a jock.

"Errr... heh. Well I don't really like my full name, so I avoid giving it to anyone." He responded awkwardly, scratching his ear.