Swamp Murder

Swamp Murder. 27

Zhan's pov.

I didn't know where to go. The cold bit at my skin, seeping through my clothes, but I barely felt it. I had forgotten my gloves, so I shoved my hands deep into my pockets, my breath coming out in visible puffs as I walked.

I had no destination in mind. I just walked.

Forty-five minutes later, I found myself knocking on Dre's door.

The door swung open, and his ex-boyfriend—now boyfriend—stood there, his eyes widening in shock.

"My god, you're freezing," he said, stepping aside quickly. "Get in here."

I stepped inside, and warmth wrapped around me instantly. The heater was on full blast, the room cozy and inviting, but my chest still felt unbearably cold.

"Zhan, are you okay?" Dre asked as soon as he saw me. His brows knitted in concern as he took in my appearance.

I sank onto the couch, rubbing my hands together, trying to shake off the numbness in my fingers. "I'm fine," I muttered. Then, looking up at him, I added, "I need a drink."

Dre hesitated for a second before nodding. "Alright," he said, moving toward the kitchen. "Let's get you one."

Dre poured me and himself a drink, taking a slow sip as he studied me. "So, tell me everything," he said. "Start from the beginning."

I sighed, leaning back on the couch. "It started fine. I was at Wang's place, cooking dinner. I had no idea his parents were coming until they walked in."

Dre's eyebrows shot up. "Wait—they didn't even tell him?"

I shook my head. "No. Wang didn't know. So they just showed up, with his fiancée."

Dre whistled low. "That's messed up."

I clenched my jaw, feeling that frustration rise again. "His dad was okay, at least. But his mom... the moment she realized I wasn't just a random friend, she wasn't happy."

Dre leaned forward. "What did she say?"

I laughed bitterly. "She didn't say anything at first. But when Wang wanted to introduce me, I panicked and told them I was the chef."

Dre almost choked on his drink. "Chef? Zhan, are you serious?"

"What was I supposed to do?" I snapped. "Tell them I'm their son's real lover?"

Dre groaned. "Damn, man."

I rubbed my face, feeling exhausted just thinking about it. "And then his fiancée, she suggested I cook a local Korean dish for everyone."

Dre raised an eyebrow. "Wait... she did that on purpose, didn't she?"

"Of course, she did." I exhaled sharply. "And Wang's mom agreed. So I had to stand there, pretending like I wanted to cook for them."

Dre shook his head. "That's cold."

I swallowed, staring at the whiskey in my hands. "The worst part wasn't even the dinner. It was before."

Dre watched me carefully. "What happened?"

I hesitated, but the words spilled out anyway. "His mom told Wang—right in front of me—that whatever is between us better be a fling and nothing more. That when he leaves Jeju, he needs to leave me behind."

Dre's jaw tightened. "And Wang? What did he do?"

I let out a humorless laugh. "He looked shocked. Hurt, even. But he didn't argue with her. He didn't say anything."