FORBIDDEN

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 16 

The apartment wasn't just crowded — it was invaded. What was once a quiet sanctuary for two now pulsed with the wrong energy. Every laugh from Ren echoed like a challenge. Every silence felt like a dare.

Zhan stood in the kitchen, watching the kettle boil. The hissing reminded him of how off-balance he felt since Ren arrived.

Every time Ren laughed too loudly or made Zhan smile — even just a little — Yibo's scrolling got faster, thumb flicking like it wanted to snap bone.

Ren, on the other hand, seemed completely at home. Legs crossed, tea in hand, chatting like he'd been there all week.

"Dude, you still keep your sugar in a spice jar?" Ren chuckled, holding up the tiny labeled glass container. "Classic Zhan."

"I like it that way," Zhan muttered, not looking back. "It keeps ants out."

"Or Yibo," Ren teased, glancing at the younger man, "keeps him from stealing all your sweetness."

Yibo gave a smile so stiff it looked painful. "I use honey now."

Zhan exhaled. It was like watching two predators circle each other — except one of them knew too much, and the other cared too hard. And somehow, Zhan was caught in the middle of both.

He hadn't expected to feel this... irritated. Ren had been a constant in his life back in dark pack — the jokester, the big brother, the guy who protected him from mean upperclassmen and bought him dumplings when he was too shy to ask.

But right now? Zhan felt on edge.

Maybe it was because Ren didn't knock before opening the fridge. Maybe it was how he stretched out his arms and took over Yibo's side of the couch like he owned the place. Maybe it was how Yibo hadn't smiled genuinely since Ren arrived.

And maybe — just maybe — Zhan hated how much he was noticing these things.

He poured the hot water into three mugs. His hand trembled slightly.

"Careful," Yibo said, appearing behind him too suddenly. "You'll burn yourself."

Zhan blinked. "I'm fine."

Their eyes met. Yibo's were shadowed — not angry, but alert. Possessive.

Zhan handed him a mug without a word.

Back in the living room, Ren was staring at the two of them like he was watching a soap opera.

"You two are weirdly quiet tonight," he said, accepting his tea. "Like, should I be worried? Or are you always this domestic?"

Yibo sat beside Zhan, unnecessarily close, like trying to create a physical barrier. "We're fine. Just not used to guests dropping in and staying indefinitely."

Zhan's eyes widened. That was a dig.

Ren, to his credit, just laughed. "I'll take that as a warm welcome. Besides, I'm not here for long."

Yibo looked unconvinced. "Right."

He stretched lazily, feet propped up like he owned the apartment. "You know, this place has a cozy vibe. Almost... domestic." He smirked at Yibo. "Cute."

Ren took a long sip of his tea. "Actually, Zhan, can we talk later? Alone?"

Zhan stiffened. "About what?"

Yibo's jaw clenched.

Ren waved a hand lazily. "Just old stuff. Memories. Don't worry Yibo, I won't steal your boyfriend."