Ren kept his eyes down as he hurried into the classroom, praying that the whispers trailing behind him would fade. His ears still burned from Li Wei's taunt—"Did you miss me, beloved?"
He dropped into his seat, exhaling shakily. Just ignore him. Pretend nothing happened. If I act normal, maybe—
"Good morning, Ren!"
Ren startled at Hana's cheerful voice as she slid into the seat beside him. She leaned close, smiling as she handed him a neatly wrapped rice ball. "You looked pale earlier. Did you eat breakfast? I made extra."
Ren blinked, warmth tugging at his chest despite the turmoil. "Ah—thanks, Hana. That's… kind of you." He reached out to take it, relieved for even a shred of normalcy.
But before his fingers brushed the package, another hand swept in, snatching it away.
Ren froze.
Li Wei stood beside Hana's desk, towering and unreadable, the rice ball in his grasp. His golden eyes glinted, sharp and unyielding as they flicked between Hana and Ren.
"This isn't necessary," Li Wei said smoothly, his tone carrying an edge that made Hana flinch. "I'll take care of him."
"E-excuse me?" Hana stammered, confusion etched on her face. "I was just—"
"You were too close." Li Wei's voice dropped, dangerously soft. "Do not touch what isn't yours."
The classroom went silent. Students turned in their seats, sensing tension.
Ren shot up, grabbing Li Wei's arm, panic surging. "Li Wei, stop! You're making a scene!"
Li Wei's gaze snapped to him, molten with something rawer than anger. Possessiveness. His jaw tightened, but he released Hana's rice ball onto Ren's desk with deliberate care.
"Eat it if you wish," he murmured, eyes never leaving Ren's. "But remember—everything that sustains you, everything you are… belongs to me."
Ren's throat constricted, his classmates' whispers ringing in his ears. He wanted to scream, to push Li Wei away—but his hand was still clutching Li Wei's sleeve, and the serpent's warmth was seeping into his skin.
Hana looked between them, her smile faltering. "Ren… is he… your boyfriend?"
The word hit like lightning. Ren's eyes widened, his face burning as half the class leaned in.
Before he could deny it, Li Wei's lips curved into a slow, dangerous smirk.
"Yes."
The single word hung in the air, bold and unshakable, as Ren's heart slammed against his ribs.