Kai sat silently while Bast didn't say a word. He held back his anger, the silence in the car thick until Bast suddenly hit the brakes in front of his office building. Kai glanced out the window, confused.
"The office?" he murmured.
Without answering, Bast stepped out, and Kai quietly followed. Inside, the workers bowed as Bast passed. Some whispered behind them.
"That's his stepson, right?"
"He's cute."
"He's Japanese, isn't he?"
"His mom died, and Mr. Bast took over raising him…"
Kai ignored them all and kept walking. They entered Bast's office, and Kai took a seat on the couch. The room was silent. Bast stood by the window, his back turned.
"If you're busy, we can do lunch tomorrow," Kai finally said. "I think I'll just head home and rest."
Bast turned to look at him. His eyes weren't just angry—they were jealous. Kai stood and grabbed his bag, but Bast took a step toward him. Kai felt the shift in mood and instinctively stepped back until his back hit the wall.
"Why do you always keep distancing yourself from me?" Bast asked, voice low.
"I'm not…" Kai whispered.
Bast didn't let him finish. He leaned in and kissed Kai roughly, biting his lower lip. The heat rushed to Kai's face as he gasped, breathless. Bast pushed closer, gripping his waist tightly.
"Don't meet that girl again," he growled. "I don't like it when someone else sets eyes on what's mine."
Kai's heart pounded in his chest. Before he could respond, a knock interrupted the moment.
"Sir?" the secretary called from outside.
Bast immediately stepped back. Kai remained frozen, still catching his breath.
The secretary's voice came through the door, slightly hesitant.
"Sir… Mr. Rico is here to see you."
Bast's eyes widened in shock. Rico? Why now…?
Before Bast could react, the door opened and a tall, stylish man stepped in with a confident smile.
"Long time no see," Rico said smoothly. "Did you miss me, honey?"
Kai, still standing by the wall, froze as he heard Rico's words. His eyes widened when Rico walked over and casually wrapped his arms around Bast in a hug.
Bast quickly pushed him away.
"What are you doing here, Rico? Why did you come to my office?"
Rico pouted slightly. "Because you haven't been answering my calls or replying to my messages. I missed you, that's why I came," he said playfully.
Then, noticing Kai, Rico tilted his head. "Oh… is that your little stepson? He's still around, huh?"
Kai's chest tightened. Without saying a word, he grabbed his bag, eyes cold and unreadable, and walked out of the room.
"Wait—Kai!" Bast tried to follow, but Rico stepped in his way.
First… he had to deal with the ghost of his past—his ex-boyfriend.
Bast and Rico sat across from each other, tension thick in the room. Bast's jaw was clenched.
"What do you want now?" Bast asked coldly.
Rico gave a casual smile, swirling the coffee in his cup. "You. What else?"
"I'm already in a bad mood," Bast warned. "Don't push me."
Rico chuckled. "Your son's grown up… He's cute—adorable, even. Honestly, he's totally my type."
Bast slammed his hand down on the table, the sound sharp and final. "Don't look at him."
Unfazed, Rico leaned back. "You miss me, don't you? I thought you'd be done with that Japanese boy by now. He's not your real responsibility."
Bast stood up sharply. "It's not your business. And don't ever bring his name up again. Get out—and don't show your face here."
Rico stood slowly, smiling devilishly. "So, you broke up with me for him? What if… I steal him from you instead?"
He winked and walked out, leaving the air heavy with threat.
Bast's breath was ragged with fury. He yanked out his phone and dialed.
"Ethan."
Ethan kissed Miles deeply, his hands roaming freely.
"Are we really doing this right now?" Miles murmured breathlessly.
Ethan smirked, "Yeah, Milk. The moment I see you, I lose all control."
Their lips met again, hungrier this time. Ethan tugged at Miles' shirt, squeezing and licking his chest, causing Miles to let out a soft moan.
Just then, Ethan's phone rang.
Miles panted, "Ethan… your phone."
"Leave it," Ethan muttered, still focused on Miles.
The phone kept ringing.
Miles finally said, "Maybe you should answer it."
Annoyed, Ethan stood and snatched up the phone, answering roughly, "What do you want?"
Bast's voice came through the line, calm but firm. "Meet me. Now."
Ethan frowned. "I'm busy—"
"If you don't come," Bast cut in coldly, "I'll tell Miles about your ex."
Ethan choked a bit, then sighed, "Alright, alright. I'm coming."
Miles lay back on the bed, confused but quiet.
"I'm sorry, Milk," Ethan said softly, leaning down to kiss him again. "We'll pick this up tonight."
Miles nodded, watching him leave with a hint of worry in his eyes.