The kiss between Kai and Bast lingered with warmth, a quiet promise between their lips. As they pulled apart, breathless but connected, Kai softly asked, "You wanted to tell me something?"
Instead of answering, Bast bent down and effortlessly scooped Kai into his arms. "I'll tell you inside," he said with a smile, carrying him toward the resort villa by the shore.
Kai blinked in surprise. "What are you doing?"
"Don't worry," Bast replied, pushing the door open. "There's no one here but us. I booked the entire resort for the night."
Inside, the room was filled with the soft fragrance of fresh flowers. Warm candlelight flickered along the walls, casting golden glows on the curtains that fluttered in the night breeze. The space radiated romance—intimate, quiet, and made just for them.
Bast gently laid Kai down on the bed as if placing something precious. "So… what now?" Kai whispered, his heart pounding in his chest.
Bast leaned closer, brushing his fingers down Kai's cheek. "What do you think?"
Kai's lips curled into a soft smile. "I think… I want to kiss you again."
"Then do it," Bast murmured—and their lips met once more, this time deeper, hungrier.
Kai pulled back just enough to speak. "Just so you know, I'm not drunk tonight."
Bast raised a brow. "Would you like to be?"
Kai pushed him back slightly with a grin, tugging on Bast's collar. "No. I want to remember every second of tonight."
Bast chuckled and pulled off his shirt. The dim lighting danced across his chest and toned abs, drawing Kai's eyes in awe. He reached out and ran his fingers gently across Bast's chest, his touch tender and curious.
"You look like a bottle of wine," Bast whispered, "and I want to be drunk on you."
Kai leaned in, lips brushing against Bast's skin. "Then drink me," he said, his voice low and inviting.
Bast leaned down, trailing kisses down Kai's chest, his lips pausing to tease and taste. His tongue flicked against Kai's sensitive skin, drawing out a soft, breathy moan.
Bast looked up, his voice husky with desire. "You don't know what you do to me when you sound like that… it drives me insane."
With slow hands, he undid the last of Kai's clothes, leaving nothing between them. Kai trembled—not from fear, but from the intensity of the moment. His thoughts tangled with the rhythm of his heartbeat.
I used to want to run away from him… he thought, but now, all I want is to be closer. Closer than ever.
Their lips met again—deeper, more desperate this time. Every movement, every breath, spoke of how far they'd come. From strangers with boundaries to something unspoken but undeniable.
Soft sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, casting a golden hue across the room. The scent of flowers still lingered in the air, blending with the warmth of the morning. Kai and Bast lay peacefully tangled in each other's arms, the night's intimacy leaving a quiet afterglow.
Suddenly, Bast's phone buzzed on the nightstand. He stirred, groaning softly as he reached for it. With a sleepy voice, he answered, "What's wrong, Ethan? You're calling me this early?"
Ethan's voice came through with mock annoyance. "You always ruin my nights, Bast. Now I'm returning the favor by ruining your morning."
Bast chuckled, glancing at Kai who still slept soundly beside him. He gently patted Kai's head and smiled.
Ethan continued, "We've got a board meeting today. Also, I need to talk to you about Rico. Come to the office."
"I will," Bast said, rubbing his eyes. "But first, I'll drop Kai at college."
Ethan teased, "And I'm very curious about last night… What did you two do?"
Bast smirked, "I'm hanging up now."
He ended the call and leaned in, brushing a soft kiss on Kai's temple. Kai slowly opened his eyes, blinking up at Bast.
"Good morning, baby," Bast whispered.
Kai yawned, "Morning to you too. When did you wake up?"
"A while ago," Bast replied, brushing hair from Kai's forehead.
Kai sat up, stretching. Bast leaned closer. "Give me—"
"Give you what?" Kai asked, still half-asleep.
"A morning kiss."
Kai blushed. "You already stole one while I was sleeping."
"That doesn't count," Bast grinned. "I want one now."
Kai looked away shyly, but leaned in and gave Bast a soft kiss. Bast smiled like he had just won the world.
"Let's freshen up," he said. "After breakfast, I'll drop you at college."
Kai nodded, hiding his smile as he slipped out of bed.
Bast's car rolled to a smooth stop in front of the college gates. Kai opened the door and stepped out. Before he could walk away, Bast reached over and gently patted his head, a quiet gesture full of care.
"See you later," Bast said with a warm smile.
Kai gave a small nod and turned to head inside as Bast drove off.
From a distance, Elina stood watching. Her eyes lingered on the scene, unreadable. As Kai walked further into the campus, he looked around for Miles but didn't see him anywhere. He pulled out his phone and dialed.
Miles answered, his voice groggy. "Hey… I'm at the café. Needed caffeine—I'm half-asleep."
Kai chuckled softly, "Alright, I'm coming."
He ended the call, but before he could take a step, Elina approached.
"Hey, Kai," she said gently. "How are you? We haven't really talked since… that day."
Kai hesitated, "I'm okay. What about you?"
"I've been good," she said with a practiced smile, then hesitated. "Actually… tomorrow's my birthday. I'm throwing a party at a nightclub. Would you come? It would mean a lot to me."
Kai blinked, uncertain. "I don't think I—"
Before he could finish, Elina grabbed his hand gently. "Please? Can we at least be friends like before? I miss that. Please come, Kai."
There was a pause, then Kai sighed softly and said, "Okay… I'll come."
Her eyes lit up. "Really? That's a promise then! Don't forget!"
"I won't," Kai nodded.
"I'll send you the location tonight," she added with a bright smile before turning and walking away.
Kai stood there for a moment, feeling a mix of emotions stir inside him.