He answered !

Part of him just wanted to cry again, after such positive news. Maybe he would have a starting point indeed, information on possible path to chose. It warmed his heart to read this message, again and again as to make sure he wasn't hallucinating. This day wasn't so bad it would seem.

So Yi accepted to see him, give some insight. Time to realize he was about to meet him again after so many years. Things could change during this time, curious about what Yi did these days. So he's working. Question, what was his job ? For later to ask, anyway.

In haste, Yasuo quickly typed a happy reply.

[Damn thank you.]

[dw, i won't bother you much]

[errr i think train arrives in 20 min, something like that]

[so i'll wait at the train station, for when u can]

[again, sry, today's a mess]

Maybe he would recommend some place to stay, etc. Because really Yasuo had no idea where he was going, never stayed more than an afternoon in that city. Completely unknown territory. And he chose to flee there, well done. No time for regrets, it would send him in another wave of sadness and emotion difficult to hide. Bad idea to break down in the middle of the train.

For now it got better, thoughts focused on optimistic things. Yi. Still glad to be able to meet him again, one of his few dear friends.

Within the minute another text arrived, making him pay attention like never.

[Very well. I'll meet you here as soon as I can. As I said, probably around 6:30 PM. Now I'm sorry but I won't be able to reply till then.]

[okay, see ya]

It's fine. Really, it came back quick to remind him of Yi's kindness. Well concealed by politeness but deeply he cared for anyone. Today was another proof. Thinking of, Yasuo was happy to have him as friend, he knew he could count on him. No idea how Yi could tolerate him in return but still appreciated for what it was worth.

Trying hard to avoid thoughts about his family, too sensitive, he wondered a little. What could he do now ? Finding a job wouldn't be the hardest part. No doubt he could do some delivery, find this kind of shit job paid low but easy to find. Innerly groaning for having to but it was a question of survival. Till he could find something more stable.

Most important thing, where to sleep ? Because this was the first thing to think about when travelling. Where to goddamn sleep. Yasuo sure was good at finding a way out but it also meant being good at stucking himself in ridiculous situations. Like running away from home in the afternoon with no actual plan to survive later.

No doubt he would find a way, somewhere to sleep but it wasn't relaxing till he found it. Hotel and else were out from the start, too expensive. And he wouldn't be able to stay there long anyway. About renting a place, a room, he had to search. Oh, so difficult. He genuinely hoped Yi had so ideas, secret plans.

At least for him to have his break down in a certain privacy, thank you.

Oh no. Again, sadness and horrible feeling like cold water. It would never leave him at peace, especially not so soon. Terrible thoughts, imagining the pain given this evening when they would come back to find no one. Such a paradox, to be convinced of being useless, unloved while too aware this was going to hurt them. Despite everything, they still cared about him and he felt guitly to bring such curse.

Don't think about this. Negativity, always. It hit each time he was alone, be it truly or in thoughts. When messaging Yi, it was fairly diminished since he didn't feel so lonely.

So focus on something else. Yi, as example. Good news for the day. Hope. Everything wasn't so dark, he could make things better. Leaving was probably the hardest decision to take and now it would be easier to bear. Harsh but still better than this pure wrench. Hold on for now.

Life wasn't over, it barely began. His turn to make the right decision, make life more quiet for his family.

Little by little as he fought back his sadness, his destination got closer. Till he arrived, almost oblivious to the passage of time when under such terrible train of thoughts. A real swing but maybe he could hope to hold on.

Looking at the time, he didn't know what to do exactly. 4:17. So at least two hours to wait. His habit and curiosity would push him to go outside and explore a little but he also knew himself, able to find troubles so fast. Okay, just thirty minutes. Then he would return and stay there quietly.

The city was no different from his home town. Not the same size of course but still he was used to this sort of urban life. Looking around the station for any interesting thing. Small shops, nothing particular. Still, it was always fun to discover a new place.

Very tempted to go further and walk around but he kept himself from doing so. No idea where he could end up and honestly he didn't want any troubles yet. Like getting lost in this city, completely ignorant of how to situate himself once Yi was around.

As responsible as he could, he returned to the station and found somewhere to sit, bonus if he could find to charge up his laptop. Then he could lose his time. Half bored, half anxious about his situation. Really, it could be crap to be alone without a place to sleep.

And to remember at some point his mother would try to call, text, anything to know what he was doing. He wasn't ready for this conversation neither. Always, his only good news was to wait for Yi and possible suggestions for the night.

Also spent some time searching on the internet, when wifi accepted to cooperate. Which wasn't so often, to his annoyance. Well, he couldn't hope much from a public service.

Glancing at the clock from time to time, till he couldn't focus anymore. Soon. Strange day indeed, to bring him right there, sitting as he waited a long lost friend. Not sure if he would even recognize Yi. At least he hoped so, this would be tragic for his memory.

Slowly he got anxious again but for other reasons. A bit disrespectful to bother a friend like this, especially after so long. Indeed he needed help but it didn't make this more valid to ask. Yi had a life too, reasons to be glad for the day to be over and he just asked him to stay out longer.

6:20. Sort of anticipation. Yasuo kept looking around sometimes, even though he knew the latter said he wouldn't be there before half. To stay busy, he put his laptop back in his bag, ready to move as soon. Why feel so impacted ? It would be fine, nothing to fear. Maybe a bit of judgement but Yi wasn't this type. He would help.

Fumbling with his stuff, he didn't register another person stepping close, standing right in front of him. Just his gaze fell on a pair of docs, right before he was called.

« Yasuo ? »

Funny how he could lose any coherent thinking when pushed by fear, anxiety and many repressed emotions. He looked up fast, on reflex and once more this day his voice left, the second he laid a gaze on the man before him.

Whaaaaaaat ? Yi ?