The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. Bast sat beside the bed, watching Kai sleep peacefully. A small smile tugged at his lips as he traced his fingers gently along Kai's chest. The faint scars on Kai's chest and neck shimmered under the sunlight, glowing red like faded memories.
Kai's eyes fluttered open, still dazed from sleep.
"Good morning, my baby," Bast whispered.
Kai blinked and replied in a low voice, "Morning..."
His thoughts lingered for a moment. Once again, I woke up in my stepdad's room... but this time, I did it by choice.
Before he could pull himself away from that realization, Bast leaned in and kissed him. Kai's eyes widened in surprise.
"I'm already late for class," Kai said, suddenly flustered. "Today's the last day to submit our assignments—I really need to go."
Bast stood up, calm and unfazed. "Then let's get you ready. I'll drop you off and pick you up at lunch. We'll eat together."
"That's not necessary," Kai mumbled, already reaching for his clothes.
But Bast didn't wait for a reply—he was already walking into the bathroom.
Bast's car pulled up outside the college gates. Kai stepped out, adjusting his bag as Bast moved to his side. Miles was already waiting near the entrance, and his eyes widened in surprise the moment he saw them together.
"Kai?" Miles blinked. "I thought you stayed over at Elina's... but you came with Bast?"
Before Kai could say anything, Bast stepped in, his tone calm but firm.
"He's not allowed to stay at a stranger's place."
Miles raised an eyebrow and gave a teasing smile. "Oohhh... Hello, Bast."
Bast gave him a curt nod. "I'll pick you up at lunchtime," he said to Kai, then turned and walked away.
Kai stood there, his face unreadable, while Miles watched him with growing curiosity.
As they walked through the college gates, Miles glanced sideways at Kai with a smirk.
"So... why didn't you stay at Elina's place? I remember you used to dream about that. You even said you wanted to sleep with her one day."
Kai shot him a sharp look. "Shut up," he muttered. "I'm not anyone's second option. She only picked me because her boyfriend cheated on her. That's not love."
Miles blinked, surprised by the edge in Kai's voice, then fell silent, sensing there was more to the story than Kai was saying.
Bast's secretary stepped into his office.
"Sir, you have a meeting scheduled before lunchtime today."
Bast nodded. "Has Mr. Ethan arrived in the meeting room yet?"
"Not yet, sir. But he said he's on the way."
"Alright."
Inside the meeting room, Ethan noticed Bast looked unusually cheerful. He raised an eyebrow but said nothing until the meeting ended. Once the room was quiet, Ethan leaned back in his chair and smirked.
"Whoa. Did I miss something? You're actually smiling today. Don't tell me... you slept with him last night?"
Bast chuckled and didn't deny it. "I think you might be right."
Ethan's eyes widened in shock. "Wait, are you serious? Damn... Did you finally talk to him about his mother?"
Bast's smile faded slightly. "No. Maybe he's not ready yet."
Ethan frowned. "Bast, you should talk to him before things get messy. Delaying it might only make it worse."
Bast sipped his coffee, his gaze drifting out the window.
"I know," he murmured. "I just... need to find the right way to talk to him."
"Kaiii!" Elina called out as she ran up to him. "Are you feeling better? You were totally drunk last night. Was your dad pissed? He looked super angry."
Kai nodded casually. "Yeah… I'm okay."
Elina smiled and said, "How about lunch together today?"
Miles, noticing the tension, coughed and chimed in, "Actually, I think my friend needs some coffee. We should get going."
He turned to Elina with a small nod. "See you later."
But before Kai could follow Miles, Elina grabbed his hand. "Kai, I'm serious about us. Why are you ignoring me? You don't reply to my calls or messages. We need to talk."
She didn't wait for his answer and tugged him toward the rooftop.
Kai glanced at Miles. "You go ahead. I'll come in a bit."
Miles gave him a look but nodded and left.
On the rooftop, Elina turned to face him. "Kai, what's going on with you? You used to tell me you loved me. I know I messed up, but… I want to try again."
Kai looked at her, calm but distant. "I'm not interested in you anymore."
Elina's voice trembled. "Is it your father? Is he threatening you?"
Kai frowned. "He's not my father."
"Then what is he to you?" she asked, stepping closer.
Kai stayed silent.
Without warning, Elina wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly. "Please, Kai… don't do this."
Kai tried to gently pull away, but Elina started crying, her grip tightening. Just then—
Bast arrived at the college, his expression unreadable.
"Where's Kai?" he asked.
Miles looked unsure. "He's… on the rooftop with Elina."
Bast said nothing and walked off immediately.
Back on the roof, Elina was leaning in, about to kiss Kai when Bast stormed in. He shoved Elina back, eyes burning with fury.
"Kai," he growled, "I think you've forgotten who you belong to."
Kai's expression turned tense and frustrated.
Without waiting for a response, Bast grabbed his wrist and pulled him toward the stairs.
Miles watched the scene from below, confused and speechless.
Elina stood alone on the rooftop, wiping her tears. Her voice was barely a whisper.
"You're mine, Kai… You'll see."