Later that night, Vixen prepared a warm meal for Shen and brought it to him, placing the plate gently on the table. Shen barely looked up before grabbing the food and finishing it in mere seconds.
Vixen paused.
He stared at Shen, stunned.
That wasn't just fast—it was unnatural.
Kin watched in silence, his mind spinning with confusion.
Then he frowned. Something didn't sit right.
Shen never ate hot food. Not since they were kids. Even lukewarm meals made him queasy. And yet… tonight?
Tonight he ate it like he'd been starving for days.
Kin glanced at Vixen and gave a subtle signal, silently mouthing, "Come with me. I need to talk."
Vixen nodded and followed Kin into the bedroom. As soon as the door closed, Kin turned around, anxiety evident in his voice.
"Vixen… doesn't Shen seem… strange to you tonight?"
Vixen folded his arms, listening quietly.
"I mean—Shen's never been able to eat hot food. Not ever. And today, he ate that steaming plate like it was nothing. I don't know what's going on, but I've got this bad feeling."
Vixen moved closer and gently wrapped his arms around Kin.
"Don't worry," he whispered, brushing Kin's hair back. "I noticed it too. Leave it to me—I'll handle it."
Kin nodded slowly, a flicker of concern still lingering in his eyes.
When they stepped back into the living room, Shen was lounging on the couch, casually scrolling through his phone. His expression was perfectly neutral.
Too perfect.
Kin decided to test the waters. "Hey, Shen. Feeling full now?"
Shen looked up and smiled. "Yeah. Your man's cooking is divine. You're lucky to have someone like Vixen."
Kin gave a small smile in return and glanced at Vixen.
A moment passed.
Then Shen stretched and said, "You guys chat for a bit. I'm gonna lie down—feeling kind of tired."
Kin's worry spiked again. "Want me to come with you? In case you need medicine or anything?"
But Shen waved him off with a quick laugh. "Nah, I'm fine. Just need rest. You two continue your husband-wife romance. I'll go crash for a while."
As Shen disappeared into his room, closing the door behind him, Kin and Vixen stood in the silence that followed.
Something about the way Shen moved… the way he smiled…
It wasn't right.
And deep inside, they both knew…
This wasn't over.
Continue....