The flower shop felt impossibly quiet, though the soft fragrance of lotuses and roses filled the air.
Lian Hua stood behind the counter, holding a small vase of crimson petals, her mind racing.
Chen Kai's easy smile still lingered in her thoughts.
Zhen Wei's dark, intense gaze pinned her in place.
She took a deep breath.
"Coffee…" she said slowly, "I think…"
Before she could finish, Zhen Wei stepped closer, the calm in his voice hiding something sharper beneath.
"You don't need to answer him," he said softly, but there was no mistaking the possessiveness in his tone.
Lian Hua's fingers tightened around the vase.
"I—It's just coffee," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.
Zhen Wei's dark eyes studied her closely.
"Coffee with him," he repeated quietly, "wouldn't be just coffee."
She blinked.
"I didn't mean it that way!" she said quickly.
Chen Kai, sensing the tension, raised his hands slightly.
"Hey, I'm not trying to start a fight," he said with a laugh. "I just thought…"
Zhen Wei's gaze didn't leave Lian Hua.
"I will walk you home tonight," he said quietly, but firmly.
The meaning was clear: he wasn't letting anyone else come close.
Chen Kai's grin faltered slightly, and he nodded.
"Alright… maybe another time then," he said, slipping the bouquet back into his bag.
The bell chimed as he left.
Lian Hua exhaled, feeling the sudden weight of the moment.
She turned to Zhen Wei, who was now standing very close.
"You didn't have to—" she began.
"I did," he interrupted softly.
His hand brushed against hers as he picked up the crimson lotus from the counter.
"Some things… I won't allow anyone to take from you," he said.
Her heart skipped.
"Zhen Wei…" she whispered.
He leaned just slightly closer, the city lights outside casting long shadows across his face.
"You matter to me, Lian Hua," he said.
The words were quiet, but they carried a weight she had never felt before.
And at that moment, she realized something very clearly:
Zhen Wei wasn't just obsessed—he was completely captivated by her.
And for the first time, she wondered if she might be feeling the same way.