The air outside the bookstore was cool and heavy with the scent of late-night rain. The pavement glistened under the dim streetlights, and Meilin stepped out, her coat wrapped loosely around her shoulders. She had spent the last hour inside with Zhao—laughing, sipping warm cocoa, pretending to be soft and curious while gently digging into his memories.
Zhao was easy to read. Gentle, shy, and already showing signs of interest. Exactly what she needed.
Her heels clicked lightly as she walked down the alley behind the store, heading toward the café where she'd left something behind earlier. Just as she turned the corner toward the main road—
"So this is your type now?"
The voice came sharp and deep from the shadows.
Meilin froze.
Ryu Xian stepped out from where he'd been leaning against the wall, arms crossed, the collar of his coat turned up. His eyes weren't teasing this time.
They burned.
She gave a casual smile. "Didn't know you were keeping tabs on me."
"I wasn't," he said smoothly. "I was passing by. But then I saw you… all smiles with the bookstore boy."
Meilin tilted her head. "Jealous?"
His jaw clenched. "Suspicious."
"You don't own me, Ryu."
"Didn't say I did." He stepped closer. "But I don't trust him."
"Zhao?" she asked innocently. "He's harmless."
"No one is harmless," Ryu muttered, his voice low. "Especially not around you."
Meilin arched a brow, stepping forward so they were just inches apart. "You're acting like I broke your heart."
He didn't answer.
Instead, he studied her face. Her steady gaze. Her calm.
Then—
"Why are you really doing this?" he asked, voice quieter. "What's your endgame, Meilin? Or should I still call you Xueyin?"
She stilled.
Just for a second.
But that second was all he needed.
"You know," she said softly.
"I do," he nodded. "Jin told me."
Her eyes narrowed. "He shouldn't have."
"I'm not the enemy," Ryu said. "But if you keep dragging me through lies, Meilin, I might have to become one."
She let out a breath—tired, cold, and angry.
"I never asked for your loyalty."
"No," Ryu said, "but you got it anyway."
Silence settled between them like a heavy cloud.
Then, without another word, Meilin turned on her heel and walked away, her heels echoing sharply in the empty street.
Ryu watched her leave.
Not as a lover.
Not even as a friend.
But as someone teetering between obsession… and something far more dangerous.