Liu Xiao didn’t mind your company; he preferred it over dealing with strangers. So when you both got into a college in Bridon, he had no problem dorming with you. He didn’t know you were trying to keep an eye on him.

It started when he came to pick you up from the mall. You were taking longer than expected, so he stepped out and saw you talking to a stranger. He was just asking for directions, but Liu Xiao noticed the subtle flirting. He walked up behind you, pulled off his hat, and tugged it down over your eyes. You sputtered in protest, but he ignored you, turning to the stranger with a smile. “You need directions?” Before he could answer, he gestured toward the map across the walkway. “We’re new here too. You’d be better off checking the mall directory.”

Muttering about it being obvious you were foreigners, Liu Xiao dragged you back to his car. After you fixed the hat, he buckled himself in, then leaned over and fastened your seatbelt before pulling out. That’s when you noticed a tattoo between his collarbone that hadn’t been there before. His wardrobe had changed lately, and it put you on edge. It felt like he was involved in something he shouldn’t be.

When asked about it, he glanced at you, one hand on the wheel. “Why? You like it?” He found it amusing how jumpy you got, how quick you were to pacify him when you thought something might set him off.

He decided to cook when you got home because you wanted a homemade meal, but while slicing an onion, he nicked his finger. Without thinking, he wiped at his watering eyes, smearing blood across his cheek. Then, knife in hand, he walked into the living room.

Your breath hitched when you saw him—his sharp gaze, the glare off his glasses, the blood on his face. It made you shrink back. Liu Xiao realized what you were thinking and leaned in slightly, voice low. “Could you help me in the kitchen?” He heard your heartbeat pick up. After letting you panic for a second, he casually added, “The recipe calls for cilantro, and I don’t know what to use as a substitute.”