Bast stood silently at the window, the city lights flickering in his reflection. Behind him, his secretary hesitated before speaking.
"Sir, your dinner with Mr. Rico is scheduled for 9 p.m."
Bast didn't turn around. "Any updates on him?"
"Yes, sir. Last night, Rico had a business meeting at the same restaurant where you dined."
Bast's expression darkened. So I was right… Rico met Kai. His jaw clenched as he dismissed the secretary with a nod.
Alone, Bast grabbed his phone and dialed Kai's number.
At the restaurant, Kai's phone lit up on the table. He looked at the screen, startled, but before he could answer, Rico reached over, picked it up, and powered it off.
Kai frowned. "What the hell are you doing?"
Rico calmly set the phone down. "You should thank me properly. From now on, all your time and attention belongs to me."
Back at his office, Bast tried calling again, only to hear the dead tone. His fury burned hotter by the second—until a message arrived.
It was from Rico.
"Don't disturb us."
Attached was a picture of two hands clasped together, with a caption: Lunch with my love.
Bast's hand trembled. In one violent motion, he threw his phone across the room, the screen shattering as it hit the floor.
On the street, Kai and Rico walked side by side. Rico smiled gently. "Let me give you a ride."
Kai shook his head. "No. I can get home by myself. I did what you asked—now stay out of my life."
Rico's smile faded. "I thought we could at least be friends… but you're shutting me out like this?"
Kai gave him a cold look. "I don't think so."
He turned and walked away.
"See you next time," Rico called out with a half-hearted wave.
Kai didn't respond.
When Kai arrived home, he stepped into a heavy silence. Bast sat slouched on the couch, his eyes bloodshot, an empty wine bottle on the table. His face was a mask of anger and pain.
Kai's breath caught. "Bast?"
Bast slowly stood and walked over. "How was your lunch?" he asked, voice low and sharp.
Kai avoided his eyes. "It was fine. Why are you so drunk? Give me that glass—you've had enough."
As he reached out, Bast suddenly hurled the glass to the floor, the shattering sound cutting through the room. Kai flinched, his hands trembling.
"B-Bast… what are you doing?"
Bast stepped closer, his eyes locked onto Kai. He leaned in and whispered, "Why did you meet him?"
Before Kai could respond, Bast leaned down and pressed his nose to Kai's neck, inhaling, then unexpectedly licked his skin. Kai froze in shock.
"You smell like him," Bast muttered. "Did he touch you?"
Kai tried to step back, his voice trembling. "Bast, listen to me. It's not what you think—"
But Bast wasn't hearing him. His eyes were clouded with anger, jealousy, and wine. He crashed his lips onto Kai's, kissing him with force, possessive and desperate.
"You're mine," Bast growled between kisses. "Don't ever forget that."
Kai pushed against his chest, his voice rising. "I'm not a thing, Bast! I'm human—I have feelings, I have a heart. You can't treat me like a doll you own!"
But Bast, drowning in his emotions, ignored his words. He grabbed Kai's wrist, pulling him forcefully toward the bedroom.
Kai resisted. "Bast, stop! You're drunk!"
"I'm not," Bast said hoarsely, tightening his grip. "And I won't let you leave me."
He pressed Kai against the doorframe, kissing him again—rough, desperate, hungry. His arms wrapped around him in a suffocating embrace, like he feared Kai might vanish if he let go.
"I'll never let you go… anywhere," Bast whispered, his voice low and trembling.
Kai stood frozen in his arms, overwhelmed by the weight of Bast's emotions—and his own confusion.
Kai pushed him away gently, eyes filled with frustration and confusion. But before he could say anything more, Bast scooped him into his arms and carried him to the bed.
"Bast, stop—" Kai tried to sit up, but Bast softly eased him back down, lying beside him instead. His fingers slowly traced Kai's arm, then rested lightly on his chest, his touch more calming than before.
"Why do you keep secrets from me?" Bast asked quietly, his voice softer now, hurt more than angry.
Kai sighed. "That night… he helped me. Elina had me cornered, and Rico got me out. I was only trying to thank him—there's nothing more."
Bast stared at the ceiling, his jaw tight, but then he leaned in, pressing a slow, warm kiss to Kai's neck. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I hate feeling like I'm losing you."
Kai didn't push him away this time. "You never had to fear that."
Bast rested his head against Kai's chest. His hand found Kai's again and gently squeezed it. "Let's stay like this," he said. "Just for a while."
Kai nodded, his fingers brushing through Bast's hair. "Only cuddles," he murmured, a slight blush rising on his cheeks.
"Only cuddles," Bast agreed, closing his eyes, pulling Kai a little closer.
And for the first time that night, they lay quietly—wrapped in each other's warmth, the storm between them slowly settling into peace.
Bast slowly opened his eyes, his gaze softening as he looked at Kai lying beside him. "I'm sorry for my behavior," he whispered.
Kai reached out and brushed Bast's messy hair with his fingers. "I should be the one to apologize. Next time, I'll tell you everything. No more secrets."
Bast smiled, leaning in to kiss him—slowly, passionately. Kai kissed him back for a moment, then pulled away with a playful sigh. "Alright, let's get up and wash up. You still smell like alcohol."
Bast pouted. "Then let's take a shower together."
"Nope," Kai replied quickly, rolling his eyes.
Bast wrapped his arms around him and gave him the most dramatic puppy eyes, blinking exaggeratedly. "Please? Shower with me…"
Kai chuckled, his cheeks warming. "You look cute when you're drunk."
"Then let's go," Bast grinned, tugging him gently toward the bathroom.
Kai gave in and helped him to the tub. For the first time, he saw this softer, almost childlike side of Bast—the side that craved affection more than anything. With careful hands, Kai undressed him and helped him sit in the warm bath.
Bast reached out, grabbing Kai by the waist and pulling him closer. "Rub my whole body," he said with a dramatic groan, "I'm sore."
Kai's face flushed a deep red. "You—"
Before he could finish, Bast kissed him again. This time, Kai wrapped his arms around Bast's neck and melted into the kiss, the warmth of the water matching the heat blooming in his chest.
After their bath, Bast and Kai sat together at the breakfast table. The morning light filtered in through the windows, casting a soft glow over the room.
Kai took a sip of juice and said, "I need to go to college. Miles is probably mad at me—we still have to finish the project."
Bast reached out and gently patted Kai's head. "I'll drop you off."
Kai stood up. "Alright, I'll go get ready."
Bast watched him walk away, a fond smile playing on his lips. Then he muttered under his breath, "Time to take out the trash again." He picked up his phone and called his secretary, voice low and sharp.
A little while later, Bast dropped Kai off at the college gates. He leaned closer, patting Kai's head once more. "All the best for your project."
Kai gave him a polite smile. "Thanks." Then he turned and walked toward the building, unaware of the storm Bast was planning behind that calm goodbye.