Zhan's pov
The exams started, and I could say that they were going very well, things were getting better.
My father and I grew closer, I spent more time with my uncle and aunt and they were amazing, they were kind and welcoming, I wish I could have met them before.
Things between me and Yibo were going well. It felt nice to have him around. I was a fool to distance myself from him; I was really a fool.
Instead of distancing myself from him, I should have tried harder to be equal to him, instead of getting jealous I should work better.
But I will make it up to him. I will be better. I have also realized that I might have feelings towards Yibo, and they are only growing. I want to be more than just a friend to him, but right now we were not ready.
And I was not worthy of him.
So now I have to be extra hard in order to be worthy of him.
"My father and I are going to a beach after the exams are over," I said, "he has been trying to spend more time with me, and honestly it's great, he seems better after meeting his siblings My uncle has offered to sponsor my college and I am happy."
Yibo smiled, "I am happy for you Zhan, honestly after all the shit you have been through you deserve it."
I turned to look at Yibo and suddenly hugged him, "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."
Yibo hugged me back and he sighed into the hug, "Well that's what friends do."'
"I am sorry for being rude to you," I said.
"It's fine Zhan I know you have had it hard."
I 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."
I noticed his smile dim a little before he said, "Sure she would love to meet you again, how about after exams."
"Sure."
"At our usual place at the usual time."
"Done."
~~~
And just like that the exams were over, I can say that they went well. Not that I would top or anything but I wouldn't fail either.
I was looking forward to going to a beach with my dad, just me and him, it would be nice.
"Are you excited?" Yibo asked.
"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."
Yibo smiled, "sure. I have a lot to say."
"And I promise I will listen, just like olden times."
"Just like old times."
~~
It was the best day of my life. My father and I had a lot of fun, we walked, alongside the ocean, we talked, and he even asked me to build a sandcastle, which I had fun making. But my mother's absence clawed at my heart, her absence left a gaping hole in my heart that will never be filled.
He also told me about his family, today he talked, he talked about himself, he told me everything.
"I am glad to see that you are getting along with your uncle and aunt. Now you have more people to depend on."
"They are good people."
"Indeed they are."
By the time we came back home, it was nighttime, my father was visibly tired and so was I.
I went to my room took a shower and then collapsed on my bed, I closed my eyes and was about to fall asleep, I was looking forward to tomorrow as I could finally hang out with Yibo, however, my eyes flew open when I heard the sound of glass shattering.
I got up from my bed and walked out, "Dad" I called out as I made my way to the kitchen.
"Dad," I called out again but I got no answer, I walked towards my kitchen and what I saw made me nearly collapse.
There was my father lying on the floor.