Chapter 12: Elevator

Landon was on a mission to ensure Yohan's safety before he left. He drove him to the hotel and turned off the engine, stepping out of the car alongside him. However, Landon didn't let Yohan enter the building just yet; instead, he pulled him aside and spoke in a serious tone.

"Yohan," Landon began with determination in his voice as he took hold of his friend's shoulders. "I'm going to take care of you."

Before Yohan could say anything in response, Landon continued. "Let me handle your ID card for you and find an apartment for you to stay in - next door to mine." There was no room for negotiation or argument.

"And as for the fees," Landon continued, "let me cover everything this year. You can pay me back whenever it suits you. My boyfriend and I will take good care of you."

Landon then held both of Yohan's hands in his own and gave them a reassuring squeeze. The sincerity in his voice and the warmth of his touch made Yohan feel like he had finally found someone who cared about him.

Though initially taken aback by Landon's generosity, Yohan soon realized that this was probably the best solution for him if he wanted to live safely in this life and away from his uncle's clutches. He squeezed Landon's hand tightly, grateful for the offer.

"Thank you so much, Landon," he said sincerely. "But about the rent... I might have some things that can replace the money."

Yohan couldn't help but grin mischievously as he thought of the jewelry and jade he had stolen from his uncle's house. It would be a form of revenge against them to use their own possessions to live comfortably in this new life.

Landon gave a nod of understanding and bid farewell to Yohan before heading back to his apartment. However, before leaving, they made plans for the next day: they would go together to see the new apartment and purchase necessary items. So two days from now, Yohan could officially move in.

The thought of having a place of his own along with an ID card filled Yohan with excitement as he entered the hotel building. He waited for an elevator that would take him up to his floor while lost in contemplation about what the future held once he had settled down.

Suddenly, someone tapped on his shoulder, jolting him out of his thoughts. "Excuse me," said a polite voice behind him. "Would you like to get on?"

Yohan looked up and realized that the elevator doors were already open and he was blocking the way for others. Embarrassed by his absent-mindedness, Yohan quickly stepped inside while apologizing profusely for not noticing sooner. However, as luck would have it, a tour group also boarded at that moment which made things quite crowded inside.

With no room left to move, Yohan had to walk backwards towards one corner of the elevator. His back pressed against the body of a tall man standing there, making him feel uncomfortable and trapped.

Trying his best to avoid physical contact with the stranger behind him, Yohan inadvertently bumped into the person in front of him who then backed up even closer than before. It was a claustrophobic nightmare that seemed never-ending.

Just as Yohan attempted to move away from the invading bodies around him, suddenly the big man in front of him backed up again and almost crashed into his face. Yohan flinched and closed his eyes tightly, bracing himself for impact, when all of a sudden, he felt a pair of strong arms wrap around his waist and pull him back just in time.

Yohan fell into the embrace of the man behind him who had saved him from harm. The stranger's arms held onto him firmly but gently as Yohan took a moment to catch his breath.

"Ah... T-Thank you..." Yohan muttered under his breath as he tried to pull away.

However, when he turned to look at the person who was hugging him so intimately from behind, he recognized that cold and unapproachable face, it was him again!