Zhan's mother had a stroke and she was dead.
Zhan was inconsolable.
My heart broke when I saw him like that crying and broken, it was hard to see him like that.
I was there for him of course, I hugged him stayed beside him, and offered my full support, seeing him like that made it hard for me to leave his side.
He was even more depressed and I knew his mental state was getting worse, I was scared that he might become suicidal and that's why I was even more scared to leave his side.
His father started drinking and that was not a good thing, that was not what Zhan needed right now.
Zhan stopped coming to school, so I started to visit his house with homework and study material.
I tried to convince him to come to school but he wanted to drop out, I felt hopeless, I didn't want him to drop out, I at least wanted him to complete his high school, I tried my best to talk to him but I knew I couldn't convince him and just when I was about to give up hope, his father stepped in.
The man finally got his shit together and decided to be there for his son, which was a great thing.
After his dad started to motivate Zhan, he slowly started to get back on his feet, he was studying, he was working hard, and I was happy to see that progress.
Meanwhile, I spent time with Henry at school, whenever Zhan was not there, "How is your Zhan." he asked.
"He is doing okay now," I said as I exhaled a puff, weed was my escape these days and I loved it.
"Well, now that his father is helping him, you don't have to go ther,e right?"
"I have to... I have to help him with the study."
"He can do it on his own."
"No, he can't, he has missed a lot of classes and..."
"Are you his parent or what!" Henry snapped, making me look at him with shock, "Don't you have your own life? Don't you have self-respect? You are becoming desperate, hoping that one day he will love you back and it's pathetic, he will never love you, Yibo, get that straight, stop roaming around him like a puppy."
I was in shock after listening to that outburst, Henry took a deep breath and said, "Look I am sorry, but you are wasting your time on him, you should move on and explore, you don't realize that you are missing on a lot of things, you even missed your dance competition, you deserve better," he came closer and said, "you are an amazing person Yibo... I like you, more than a friend... why don't you try to give me a chance ?"
I just stared at him, he moved closer and closer till his lips were on mine, and he gave me a lingering kiss before he said, "Please think about it, Yibo."
~~
It had been a few days since Henry's confession, and honestly, I had no idea what to do, Henry was handsome and was a good guy and he was into guys, which made things better, but I didn't know how to move on from Zhan.
I still hung out with Henry, smoked weed with him, drank with him, and made out with him, he even gave me a handjob once which was amazing.
I still didn't know what to do, today I was supposed to hang out with him, but here I was with Zhan after I ditched him.
"My father and I are going to a beach after the exams are over," Zhan said, "he has been trying to spend more time with me, and honestly it's great, he seems better after meeting his siblings."
I smile, "I am happy for you Zhan, honestly after all the shit you have been through you deserve it." I was truly happy to hear that, he was finally getting better and normal, and I didn't have to worry about him, he was eating healthy and was also thinking about going to college, and that was just great.
He suddenly looked at me and without any warning, he moved forward and hugged me, taking me off-guard, "You know I never thanked you enough for not giving up on me, for always being there for me, thank you Yibo... thank you very much."
It took me some time to calm my racing heart and digest the butterflies before I hugged him back, "Well that's what friends do." I said.
"I am sorry for being rude to you," he said.
"It's fine, Zhan I know you have had it hard."
He broke the hug and spoke, "You know it's been a while since I met your mother, she was a great help too, I want to meet her and thank her as well."
"Sure she would love to meet you again, how about after exams," I said, but I wasn't really sure if I wanted that.
"Sure."
"At our usual place at the usual time."
"Done."
~~
And just like that the exams were over, and they went well, I mean I was the topper and I always did well, however, I was having doubts this time.
Because everything that was going on in my studies was affected, I don't know if this time I will top or not.
"Are you excited?" I asked Zhan about his beach trip.
"Very much. You know what, let's hang out after I come back from the beach, it's been a while since we have had a heart-to-heart talk and deep conversations."
I smiled, "Sure. I have a lot to say."
"And I promise I will listen, just like olden times."
"Just like old times."
Except Zhan never showed up.