The kitchen was quiet again—only the clink of forks and plates as they ate the breakfast Yuuto made.
Aiden barely said a word. He didn't need to.
His eyes did all the talking.
Yuuto felt it every time he looked up.
That gaze—cool, unreadable, but watching him like he was something new.
Something Aiden didn't understand.
After the meal, Aiden pushed back his chair. "Follow me."
Yuuto blinked. "Where?"
"Your medical checkup."
"What? Why?"
"You came from hell. I need to make sure you're not broken."
Yuuto frowned. "I'm not your pet, CEO."
Aiden turned, walking ahead. "No, you're something more troublesome."
Yuuto followed him into a private room where a quiet doctor was already waiting. The checkup was surprisingly gentle, and once it ended, the doctor handed Aiden a report and left.
Aiden glanced at it, then nodded. "You're fine. Healthy."
Yuuto crossed his arms. "Told you."
But the second the door closed, the silence between them stretched again.
"I want to do something," Yuuto said softly. "To repay you."
"You already did. You made me breakfast."
"I mean something more. I don't want to just sit around waiting for you to throw me food like a stray cat."
Aiden chuckled—an actual laugh, low and rich. "You're a bold one."
Yuuto stepped closer. "I'm serious."
And then—like something possessed him—Yuuto tripped on the rug and stumbled forward.
Right into Aiden.
Hands on his chest. His body firm. His scent clean and warm.
Yuuto's breath caught. He looked up.
Aiden didn't move.
Didn't step away.
One of his hands reached out slowly—fingers brushing Yuuto's chin, lifting it just slightly.
Their eyes locked.
Something shifted.
The air burned between them.
Aiden's thumb traced Yuuto's lower lip, almost like a question.
And Yuuto?
He didn't pull back.
He didn't want to.
Then—
Aiden let go. Stepped away.
"I told myself I wouldn't touch you."
Yuuto blinked, dazed. "Why?"
Aiden turned his back. His voice low, unreadable.
"Because I only have ten years left. And you feel dangerous."