Chapter 16:The Path Forward

Yu and Zian walked quietly through the darkening forest. Yu's usual confidence had faded, replaced by an uneasy expression. After a long silence, he finally spoke, his voice softer than usual.

"Zian, I'm really sorry. It's because of me that we're stuck here."

Zian stopped and placed a comforting hand on Yu's shoulder. "It's not your fault, Yu. Don't blame yourself. We'll figure this out together."

Yu looked at him, surprised by the reassurance. For a moment, his heart raced, unfamiliar emotions stirring within him. He nodded, managing a small smile. "Alright. Let's keep going."

The two resumed walking, but Yu couldn't help feeling nervous. The thought of holding Zian's hand crossed his mind, but he quickly shook it off. *No, that wouldn't be right.*

Before Yu could say anything, Zian broke the silence, his voice hesitant. "Yu… can I hold your hand? I… I think I'll feel safer that way."

Yu blinked, caught off guard. But without hesitation, he replied, "Of course."

Zian reached out, and their hands clasped together. Yu's heart skipped a beat, but he said nothing, letting the gesture of comfort speak for itself.

---

Meanwhile, Yu's father finished his meeting and stepped outside into the cool night air. The sky was dark, and his brow furrowed in concern. "It's gotten late. They must be home by now." But doubt gnawed at him. *Yu can be careless sometimes. What if something happened?* He shook his head, trying to stay calm as he headed home.

---

In the forest, Yu's foot caught on a hidden root, and he stumbled to the ground with a muffled cry.

"Yu!" Zian knelt beside him, worry etched on his face. "Are you okay?"

Yu winced, clutching his leg. "I think I hurt my leg."

Zian inspected the injury and frowned. "You're bleeding. Can you stand?"

Yu tried to get up but immediately fell back, gritting his teeth in pain.

"Don't force it," Zian said firmly. "If you can't walk, we'll wait here for your father. He'll find us."

"No," Yu replied, shaking his head. "It's my fault we're lost. I don't want to trouble you any more than I already have."

Zian looked at him, his gaze steady. "You're not troubling me. And if it helps, I can carry you on my back."

Yu's eyes widened. "No way. I've already caused enough problems. I can't let you go through more trouble for me."

Zian placed a hand on Yu's arm, his voice calm and reassuring. "Yu, stop blaming yourself. This isn't just your responsibility. We're in this together. And trust me, your father will come looking for you. He cares about you more than you realize."

Yu hesitated, bitterness flickering in his eyes. "You don't know him like I do. He doesn't care about me the way you think he does."

"That's not true," Zian said firmly. "I've seen the way he looks at you. He'll come for you. I'm sure of it."

Yu's defenses wavered at Zian's unwavering conviction. After a moment, he nodded, though uncertainty lingered in his eyes. "Alright. But we can't just sit here. We'll find a way out ourselves."

Zian helped Yu up, wrapping an arm around his shoulder to support him. The two continued their journey, their steps slow but steady.