Beneath the surface

Chapter 5 : (XION ZHAN'S POV)

The room was quiet now, except for the soft beep of the monitor and the steady sound of Wang Yibo’s breathing. His friend had just left, leaving the two of us alone.

I turned back to him, finding him watching me with an unreadable expression. His sharp features, the slight crease in his brow, the way his dark eyes seemed to study me—it was distracting.

I cleared my throat and walked closer. “I need to check your wound.”

He didn’t say anything, just leaned back against the pillows, shifting slightly. The hospital gown slipped lower as he moved, revealing more of his toned abdomen. Even injured, his body was impressive—lean, strong, and defined in a way that only came from years of training. His muscles were taut beneath smooth, warm skin, the deep lines of his abs leading down past the edge of the gown.

I forced my eyes to stay focused on his wound. You’re a doctor, Xiao Zhan. Act like one.

Carefully, I began unwrapping the bandages around his stomach. My fingers brushed against his skin, and I swore I felt his muscles tense slightly under my touch. The warmth of his body, the firmness of his frame—it was hard to ignore.

His voice was low when he spoke. “You’re staring, doctor.”

I froze for half a second before shooting him a sharp look. “I’m making sure your wound isn’t infected.”

He hummed, clearly amused, but didn’t push further.

The wound was healing, but the skin was still red and slightly swollen. He’d need at least a few more weeks of rest before he could even think about moving properly.

“You should be careful when moving,” I muttered, focusing on my work. “One wrong move and you’ll tear your stitches.”

“I’ve had worse,” he said casually, watching me as if he was enjoying this conversation.

I pressed the gauze a little harder than necessary. “That’s not the point.”

A small smirk played at his lips. “So serious, Dr. Xiao.”

I rolled my eyes and finished dressing his wound. When I reached for the gown to cover him again, my fingers accidentally brushed against his lower stomach. His skin was hot under my touch, the firm muscle beneath smooth yet solid. My throat went dry for a second, but I quickly pulled my hand back.

I took a step away, clearing my throat. “You should rest.”

“That’s the fourth time you’ve said that,” he pointed out.

“And I’ll keep saying it until you actually listen,” I shot back.

He let out a quiet chuckle, but for some reason, I could still feel his gaze on me, even as I turned.

Exhaling softly as I headed for the door. The air in the room suddenly felt heavier, warmer—maybe because I had been standing too close to him for too long.

Just as my hand touched the door handle, his voice stopped me.

“You really don’t remember me?”

His tone was unreadable, but there was something in it—something that made my breath catch for a second.

I slowly turned back to him, frowning slightly. “What?”

Wang Yibo was watching me, his dark eyes steady, unwavering. The teasing smirk from earlier was gone, replaced by something else. Something… expectant.

I searched his face, trying to place where I might have seen him before. But nothing came to mind.

“I don’t…” I started, hesitating. “Have we met before?”

A beat of silence stretched between us before he looked away, his jaw tightening slightly.

“Never mind,” he muttered, shifting back against the pillows. “Forget I said anything.”

I opened my mouth to press further, but something in his expression told me I wouldn’t get an answer—not now, at least.

The sudden weight in the room made my chest feel tight. I didn’t like leaving things unresolved, but for some reason, I didn't find the right words to ask him any further.

So, after a brief pause, I nodded. “Get some rest, Wang Yibo.”

And with that, I stepped out of the room, closing the door behind me—

But even as I walked down the hallway, his words lingered in my mind.

You really don’t remember me?

Did we met eachother before and if we did why don't I remember anything and what is this feeling I'm having in my heart...

To Be Continue....

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