Chapter 8

They sat close to each other and Shide held Shuyi's face in his hands.

Now tell me everything.

Shuyi took a deep breath..His name is Akira. He was my boyfriend during high school and he cheated on me not once, but for a long time before I found out. Out of anger, I slapped and insulted him in front of many people. I thought I'd never see his face again, but yesterday, I saw him in the college cafeteria. I left after seeing him as fast as I could because his face reminds me of how toxic and miserable our relationship was and how hard it was for me to forget him after he broke my heart. I thought a lot about it last night that maybe, it was just a coincidence seeing each other in the same place and maybe we could walk our separate ways like adults but this morning, I saw the poster. You must have seen it too, right?

Shide nodded.

See, everyone saw it because of that bastard. People think I'm some cheap hooker. And I thought this was a new beginning for me.

Shide gently touched his face and wiped his tears with his fingers.

I'm sorry. This must be hard for you, but trust me, things will get better with time. Soon people will forget about you and find something else to talk about. And about that fucker, I will take care of him.

No, you can't hit him. That will get you in trouble with the college authorities. Also, he has other compromising photographs of me as well, I can't imagine what will happen if he spreads them.

Shide's expressions tensed. He didn't know how he should help Shuyi out of this situation. He kept holding his hands grazing his thumb back and forth gently.

Even if things get worse, you'll always have me.

Shuyi felt his heartbeat get louder. He couldn't understand why he felt so safe and comfortable around Shide so quickly. It was like Shide was his missing piece of puzzle.

Next morning

Shide drove Shuyi to the university since he was worried to leave him alone. They were talking about Akira when he actually showed up in front of them.

Well well, after all the posters ended up helping you Shuyi. Someone saw you hugging him in the washroom yesterday, and now you're getting out of his car. Did you spend the night together?

Akira deliberately spoke loudly so that people around them could listen to what he was saying. The wicked smirk of his face made Shide furious. But Shuyi held Shide's hand, and shook his head. Akira's phone started to ring.

Oh it's my boyfriend. Unlike some people, I don't change partners every night. Hi baby.....

He went away leaving lots of judgemental eyes on Shuyi and Shide. They walked together to Shuyi's class.

You sure you'll be okay?

Yes, don't worry. You should go too.

Alright. Call me if you need me okay.

Shuyi nodded and went inside. Shide then went to see Zack who was parking his car nearby.

Hey, Shide right?

Yes.

How is he now?

Trying to act fine. Listen, be right by his side okay. Don't leave him alone like you did yesterday. He needs you right now.

I know I know, I'm sorry about yesterday. Actually I went to see my mother. Do you have some time, I need to tell you something.

Uhmm..what is it about?

It's about Shuyi. I felt so bad for him when he cried because of those posters. I might not know him too well but I know he didn't make those, so I told my mom to check the university cameras to find who started all this.

Shuyi says he's sure it's Akira.

But we still need proof if we want to hold him accountable and prove Shuyi's innocence.

Right, so did she check the cameras.

She is the vice chancellor but she still needs to have a valid reason for checking the footage and since Shuyi doesn't want this matter to go to the authorities, my mom said she'll talk to her inner circle and privately get it done but it might take some time.

Hmm, till Shuyi is proven innocent, we'll have to protect him from getting bullied or insulted.

Agreed. I'll go to the class now.

Hold on. Give me your phone....this is my number. Call me if anything happens to him okay.

Zack nodded and went to the class.

Both of them kept Shuyi company all the time for the next few days. They stopped people from approaching or commenting Shuyi regarding the posters without Shuyi even realising it.

Shide was always sitting nearby Shuyi in the cafeteria to keep a watch on him. He even followed him to the class every morning.

Zack was always waiting for Shuyi in the class, and dropped him to Shide's car at the day end.

Akira was getting impatient, he wanted Shuyi to be too embarrassed to even show his face in the university, he was just looking for an opportunity to find Shuyi alone.

Shuyi's class had just ended. He stretched his arms and looked at Zack.

Do you wanna get something to eat?

Ahh you read my mind, I'm so hungry.

I'm craving spicy shrimp soup and stir fried pumpkin since morning.

Just as they were exiting the class, Zack's phone started ringing.

Oh, that's my girlfriend. Just hold on....hello? you're here? Alright, wait for me in the parking, I'll be right there....Shuyi, just stay here for a minute okay, I'll bring her and we can go to the cafeteria together.

Alright, I'd love to meet her too.

Akira and Yuuki were standing in a corner keeping eyes on Shuyi.

As soon as Zack left, they found their chance. Akira grabbed Shuyi's arm and dragged him to a deserted corner of the university. During the break, mostly everyone was in the cafeteria so there was nobody around to help him.

What the hell you asshole? Get off me....let me go. I swear I'd kill you.

Shhhh! I just want to talk.

Akira took Shuyi while Yuuki kept a watch on the surroundings to avoid getting caught.

What do you want now?

What I want is simple. Accept it in front of everyone that you made those posters. You have this week to do it.

Why would I say that when you're the one who did it? Haven't you had enough fun watching me suffer already?

I told you, it's just the beginning. If you don't do it within this week.....

Akira took out his phone and showed a naked bedroom picture of Shuyi to him.

I will do more than just leaking a shirtless picture of you.

You're a psychopath...

Shuyi's eyes started becoming teary when he realised he might have to do what he says.

Meanwhile, Zack brought Yuxin to where he left Shuyi but couldn't find him. He called him continuously but no one answered. He knew something was wrong so he didn't waste time in calling Shide.

Yes Zack?

Shide, I'm unable to find Shuyi.

Shide's heart dropped. He ran as fast as he could to Shuyi's classroom.

Where did you leave him?

I left him right here for barely a minute and now I can't find him anywhere. I went to the cafeteria and the classroom, he isn't there.

Why isn't he picking the phone?

Shide couldn't reach Shuyi on the phone and suspected Akira behind his disappearance.

Akira would probably take him to a quiet corner so that nobody sees them. I think I know the place. Some of my friends go there to smoke on the campus since there are no security guards in that area.

Shide ran to the place and started looking around. He saw Yuuki holding Shuyi's bag and phone. He forcefully pushed Yuuki's shoulder making him fall on the ground.

Where is he? Tell me quickly you jackass or I'll beat the shit out of you.

Yuuki saw Shide's face trying to recall where he's seen him before. Shide heard Shuyi shouting so he grabbed his bag and phone and ran in the direction of the noise. He saw Akira pinning Shuyi in a corner. He grabbed Akira's shoulder to turn him around and punched him hardly on the face causing his lip to bleed.

You again? What the fuck do you want?

Shide didn't reply him and touched Shuyi's face.

Are you alright? Did he hurt you?

Shuyi grabbed Shide's arm stopping him from beating Akira.

Let's just go, it's not worth it.

Shide looked angrily at Akira trying to control his rage.

Don't let me see you again or else I won't let you walk out on your own legs.

Why are you protecting him? You're just fucking buddies so just keep out of my business.

Why wouldn't I protect him? he's my boyfriend.

Shuyi looked at him with shocked eyes. He didn't understand why Shide would say this. Akira too had a hard time believing it. He wiped blood off his lip and got up.

Boyfriend? I know him too well  to believe this. Anyway, Shuyi you know you have a week. Time's ticking....

Before Akira could finish the sentence, Yuuki grabbed his arm.

Akira, let's go.

I'm not finished.

Trust me, let's just go.

Yuuki held his hand and took him away. Shide looked at Shuyi and gently touched his cheek.

Are you sure you're okay?

Yes but why did you say that?

It just came out in the spur of the moment. We'll talk about this later, let's just go home first.