TAKEN

8

"Hello, how am I help you?" The receptionist asked, smiling at the two businessmen in suits in front of her.

"Hello, my friend is running a high fever. I wanted to check him in.

"Absolutely do you have an appointment?"

"No it was last moment and we didn't have time to make an appointment. I was hoping you would accept walk-ins." The tall man pleaded.

"Umm... Doctor Xiao is seeing a patient at the moment, if you could fill out this paper and have a seat I'll check you gentlemen in." The nurse smiled, giving them a clipboard.

He bowed, taking the clipboard from her and helping his friend walk over the chair.

""Dylan, take a seat while I fill out the paperwork, and then we'll get you checked in. Are you feeling alright?"

Dylan nodded slowly, his eyes betraying a hint of fatigue as he looked at his best friend and ever-reliable secretary, Yunxi. With practiced efficiency, Yunxi swiftly filled out the necessary forms, his pen gliding across the paper, leaving neat lines of information in its wake. He handed the completed papers to the receptionist— and then returned to Dylan's side.

Settling down beside him, Yunxi carefully placed his cool hands on Dylan's forehead, hoping to soothe the distress that hovered around his friend like a cloud. The coolness of Yunxi's touch contrasted with the warmth radiating from Dylan's skin.

Dylan gently closed his eyes, resting his head against the sturdy shoulder of the older man beside him. Yunxi, with a hint of concern etched across his forehead, tilted his head to examine Dylan's features more closely. He raised his hand, tenderly cupping Dylan's cheek, his fingers brushing lightly against the warm skin, contrasting with the sudden chill of his touch.

Yunxi's gaze remained locked on Dylan's face, studying the subtle play of emotions that flickered across it as he traced the outline of his jaw. Dylan found comfort in the delicate caress, surrendering to the sensation. Yet, just as yunxi began to lose himself in this shared silence, the call of his friend pulled him abruptly from his reverie

The wait only lasted half an hour which he was thankful for. He couldn't see his best friend in such conditions

It hurt him...

"Dylan let's go." He slipped a hand around the taller man's waist helping him stand up as he followed the nurse to the doctor's room.

...
"Doctor your next patient is ready."

"Send them in"

The two men stepped into the softly-lit room, the faint scent of antiseptic hanging in the air. The moment Dylan's eyes met the familiar face of the doctor, his demeanor shifted. He straightened his posture, instantly shedding the fatigue that had cloaked him, and a tentative smile broke across his lips, revealing a hint of warmth beneath the surface.

"Hello, amore, my favorite doctor," Dylan said with a playful grin, the corners of his eyes crinkling with genuine affection. Yunxi, ever attentive, reached out to gently assist him in easing down into the chair before settling into the seat beside him.

Zhan's head snapped up, his smile instantly fading into a tense, uneasy stillness as his jaw tightened in a subtle tic. There stood the man he had both anticipated and dreaded, tall and imposing, casting a long shadow that seemed to engulf the room. Zhan studied him for a brief moment, taking in the sharp lines of his jaw and the piercing intensity in his eyes, before gathering his composure. He straightened his posture, attempting to mask the whirlwind of emotions brewing beneath his calm facade.

"What brings you in today?"

Yunxi took a deep breath before responding, his voice tinged with concern. "He's been running a persistent fever and feeling nauseous for the past four days. Just earlier, I found him in his office, barely conscious, slumped over his desk. He hasn't shown any signs of improvement" he spoke for his friend.