FORBIDDEN

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 9

The rain had finally tapered off by the time Yibo and Zhan pushed open the door of the small café. Outside, the street was slick with fresh rain, the pavement glistening like a mirror under the warm glow of the streetlamps. The cool night air was crisp, scented faintly with damp leaves and the earthy aroma of wet soil. It was the kind of quiet that felt like the world was holding its breath.

Yibo pulled his jacket tighter, the fabric slightly damp where the drizzle had caught him. "We should really check the weather before we plan anything next time," he muttered, brushing a stray wet strand of hair from his face.

Zhan grinned, the sparkle in his dark eyes mischievous. "Where's the fun in that? A little unpredictability spices things up."

Yibo gave him a sideways glance. "You say that now, but I'm going to hold you personally responsible if I wake up with a fever."

Zhan's smile softened, and he offered an arm. "Then I'll make sure to nurse you back to health."

Yibo rolled his eyes but linked his arm through Zhan's anyway. The warmth radiating from Zhan was comforting against the chill, a quiet reassurance that made his heart skip in a way he was only starting to understand.

They set off down the narrow streets, the world around them washed clean and fresh. The steady rhythm of their footsteps mingled with the occasional drip of water falling from trees and rooftops. Neither spoke for a few minutes — the silence was easy, wrapped around them like a soft blanket. The usual tension of recent days, with its secretive conversations and wary glances, seemed to dissolve under the peaceful night sky.

Zhan glanced sideways at Yibo, breaking the silence. "Tell me something—what's the strangest thing you've ever eaten?"

Yibo blinked, caught off guard by the sudden question. "Strangest?"

"Yeah. Like, something you wouldn't expect to eat, but did anyway."

Yibo smiled at the memory. "Once, while hiking in the mountains, a hunter, a simple human I met offered me roasted crickets."

Zhan's eyes widened. "Crickets?"

Yibo nodded, amused by Zhan's reaction. "He swore they were a delicacy. I tried one. It tasted... like crunchy disappointment."

Zhan chuckled, running a hand through his damp hair. "I think I top that. I once ate fermented tofu. It smelled like feet, and the taste... well, I'm not sure I can describe it without grossing you out."

Yibo laughed, the sound warm and genuine. "You're lucky I didn't shove you into the nearest river right then."

Zhan nudged him playfully. "Hey, I'm full of surprises."

They walked on, the streetlights casting soft pools of golden light on the wet cobblestones. The city around them was quiet now, the usual hum of traffic and chatter replaced by the gentle night sounds: the rustle of leaves, the distant hoot of an owl, the occasional drip from gutter pipes.

Suddenly, Zhan stopped, looking down at his shivering hands. "It's colder than I thought."

Yibo smiled, reaching out to slip his hand inside Zhan's. "Here. You can borrow my warmth."

Zhan's lips curved into a grateful smile as he squeezed Yibo's hand gently. They walked on like that, fingers entwined, the simple touch grounding them amidst all the uncertainty.

They passed a small park bathed in the soft glow of lanterns hung from ancient trees. Zhan's eyes sparkled with a sudden idea. "Race you to that bench!"

Yibo raised an eyebrow, a playful challenge lighting up his face. "You're on."

They took off in a light jog, feet splashing through shallow puddles, hearts pounding with childish excitement. At the last second, Zhan darted ahead, deftly brushing past Yibo and collapsing dramatically onto the bench with a triumphant grin.

"Cheater," Yibo accused, catching his breath as he sat beside him.

"All's fair in love and war," Zhan teased, flicking raindrops from his hair.

They both laughed, the sound carrying softly in the cool night air. Around them, the world felt peaceful, small and intimate. Yibo rested his head on Zhan's shoulder, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath his cheek.

After a long moment, Yibo looked up at the sky, where stars were beginning to peek through the parting clouds. "You ever think about how tiny we are? How huge the universe is?"

Zhan's gaze followed his upward glance, thoughtful. "All the time. It's humbling. Makes all the noise in our heads seem less important."

Yibo nodded, his breath fogging the cool air. "It's comforting, in a way. To know there's so much more out there."

Zhan turned to face him, brushing a wet strand of hair behind Yibo's ear with a gentle hand. "And yet here we are. Together."

Yibo's heart fluttered. "I want to remember this — the quiet moments, when everything feels simple and right."

Zhan smiled softly. "You will. Because I'll remind you."

They resumed walking, slower now, their steps falling into a quiet rhythm.

At the corner, a stray cat darted from the shadows, weaving between their legs like a streak of midnight.

Yibo jumped back, startled. "What the—?"

Zhan burst out laughing. "Looks like you've got a fan."

Yibo scowled playfully. "More like a trip hazard."

Zhan smirked. "Maybe it senses your secret soft side."

Yibo shook his head, smiling despite himself. "Keep dreaming."

When they finally reached their apartment building, the familiar façade stood quiet under the night sky. They both sighed in relief — tired but content.

Zhan shrugged off his jacket and tossed it over a chair. "I swear, I never want to carry a wet coat again."

Yibo kicked off his shoes, enjoying the softness of the rug beneath his feet. The apartment smelled like home — warm wood, clean linen, and a faint trace of sandalwood incense.

Zhan moved to the window and pulled back the curtain. Outside, the city sparkled quietly, a tapestry of distant lights against the dark.

"Not bad for a night walk, huh?"

Yibo leaned against the wall, watching the stars reflected in Zhan's eyes. "Yeah. I really needed this."

Zhan looked back at him, warmth and something deeper in his gaze. "Me too."

They settled into the living room, sinking into the couch cushions with a comfortable silence between them. Zhan leaned his head on Yibo's shoulder, fingers curling around his arm.

For a while, there was no need for words — just two souls finding a moment of peace amid everything.

The night stretched quietly ahead, endless and calm.

And for now, that was more than enough.

END OF CHAPTER 9