Bast arrived at the office, adjusting his tie as he walked in. The moment he entered the room, he spotted Ethan already lounging on the couch. Bast raised a brow and said, "It's a miracle—you got to the office before me."
Ethan smirked and casually sipped his drink. "Milk had an early presentation at college, so I dropped him off first."
Bast sank into his chair, loosening his collar a bit. "Alright, then. What's the news about Rico?"
Ethan poured himself a drink and swirled it thoughtfully. He stared into the glass before answering, "Rico returned from Australia last week.He was having an affair with that supermodel—Alex. They broke up recently, and now Rico's back in the States."
Bast's gaze sharpened.
Ethan continued, "He's already reestablished himself as a shareholder in GK Holdings. So far, his activity seems normal, nothing suspicious. But don't worry—I've already told my guys to keep a close eye on him."
Miles mumbled under his breath, rubbing his eyes. "He said he wouldn't overdo it last night… but my bottom seriously hurts. And I'm still so damn sleepy." He looked up at the long coffee queue and sighed. "And this line is never-ending. I don't think I can even stand properly."
Just then, someone stepped ahead of him and handed over a coffee cup. Startled but instantly relieved, Miles lit up and, without even looking, blurted, "Kai! You're the best. I love you."
He took the cup eagerly—until he looked up and froze.
It wasn't Kai.
A tall, handsome boy with soft brown eyes and an easy smile stood in front of him. "Oh—I'm so sorry!" Miles said, cheeks coloring. "I thought you were my friend… I didn't mean to grab your coffee."
The boy chuckled. "It's okay. I'm Eden. Transfer student. Nice to meet you."
Miles blinked. "Oh—um… Eden. Right. Sorry again. I thought—"
"I saw you struggling," Eden cut in with a warm smile. "You looked exhausted, so I grabbed a cup for you."
Miles hesitated, holding the cup awkwardly. "That's… really sweet of you. Thank you."
Eden gave a small nod and walked away just as Kai appeared.
"Ohhh," Kai grinned. "Was that a new student? And why was he with you?"
Miles rolled his eyes. "I have no idea. He just handed me coffee."
Kai laughed. "Wow. Is he flirting with you already?"
Miles groaned, "Just shut up. I'm already frustrated enough."
Kai leaned against the wall, swirling his drink. "Elina's having a birthday party tomorrow… she invited me."
Miles raised an eyebrow. "And? You thinking of going?"
Kai shrugged. "I don't know. I was wondering if you'd come with me."
Miles hesitated, then smiled sheepishly. "Actually… I have a date tomorrow. With Ethan. We planned to spend the whole day together."
Kai narrowed his eyes. "So you're ditching your best friend for your boyfriend?"
Miles grinned. "Yup. Without a second thought."
Kai dramatically clutched his chest. "How did I ever become friends with you? I regret all my life choices now."
Miles laughed, nudging him playfully. "Oh please, you love me."
____AFTER COLLEGE ____
Bast and Ethan stood casually outside the college gate, waiting for Miles and Kai. The sun had started to set, painting the sky with soft golden hues.
Ethan glanced at Bast and asked, "Did you ever talk to Kai about your relationship with his mom… and everything else?"
Bast shook his head with a thoughtful sigh. "Not yet. I'm just not sure how he'll take it."
Just then, Miles and Kai walked out of the campus. Miles waved. "Hey, Bast."
Bast nodded with a polite smile. "Hello, Miles." But his eyes immediately shifted to Kai. "How was your day, baby?"
Kai's cheeks flushed pink. "B-Baby?" he mumbled under his breath.
Miles froze. "Wait. Baby?" he repeated in disbelief.
Before anyone could say more, Bast leaned in and kissed Kai right in front of them. Miles' jaw dropped. "WHAT—?!"
Ethan quickly grabbed Miles by the arm. "I'll explain everything in the car. Let's go."
As Ethan practically dragged him away, Miles shouted, "Kai! You kept this from me?! I'm your best friend!"
Kai gave Bast a wide-eyed look. "Why did you do that?"
Bast smirked and whispered in his ear, "Because one day, the whole world will know you're mine, baby."
Kai rolled his eyes and hurried into the car, doing his best to ignore the smug grin on Bast's face.
Bast and Kai sat across from each other at the dining table. The soft glow of the chandelier made the moment feel cozy, almost too perfect.
Kai gently placed his fork down and said, "I have plans tomorrow."
Bast glanced up. "What kind of plans?"
"It's Elina's birthday. She invited me to her party," Kai replied casually.
Bast's expression shifted. He stopped eating. "Why are you going? I don't like the idea."
Kai sighed. "She's my friend. And I made a promise to her—we're just friends."
Bast leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "You're being stubborn."
Kai raised a brow. "If you let me go, I'll do anything you say."
Bast's lips curled into a sly smile. "Anything, huh?"
Kai immediately rolled his eyes. "Don't get any dirty ideas."
Bast chuckled. "Too late. Just looking at you gives me dirty thoughts."
Kai tried to hide the blush rising to his cheeks. "Ugh, why did I even ask for your permission?"
"Because you're mine," Bast said smoothly. "And you're my baby."
Kai muttered under his breath and turned back to his food, trying to ignore the smirk that lingered on Bast's face.
Rico sat on the velvet couch, swirling the wine in his glass as he stared at the dimly lit room. A young man entered quietly, bowing slightly before speaking.
"What did you find?" Rico asked, not bothering to look at him.
The boy spoke clearly. "Kai usually stays close to his best friend, Miles. He doesn't have many other close relationships. He often visits the Golden Nights Club, and it's always his stepfather, Bast, who drops him off and picks him up from college."
Rico's lips curled into a sharp, knowing smile. "How carefully you guard him, Bast."
The boy continued, "Tomorrow, Kai is attending a party—it's his friend Elina's birthday. She used to be Kai's crush, but after she rejected him, he backed off. Now she wants him back, but Kai isn't interested."
Rico leaned forward, placing the glass on the table with a soft clink. "Good. Send me the location of the party."
The boy gave a short nod and left silently.
Rico picked up his glass again, taking a slow sip. "Let's meet face to face… Japanese kid."