Sleeping With My Step Daddy-Chapter 60: "After Two Years"

Two Years Later...

The boardroom was silent as the final slide of the presentation faded from the screen. Bast stood up without a word, adjusting the cuffs of his crisp black suit. His expression was as cold and unreadable as ever.

Ethan watched him from across the room, worry flickering in his eyes. Rico exchanged a glance with him before both men rose from their seats.

Ethan (hesitantly): "Bast..."

Bast paused by the door, his hand resting on the handle. He didn’t turn around.

Ethan (gently): "Can we have dinner tonight?"

Bast (flatly): "I’m busy."

With that, he walked out.

Rico let out a quiet sigh, watching the door slowly close behind him.

Rico: "He’s losing it... working day and night like a machine."

Ethan: "Ever since Kai’s kidnapping, Bast hasn’t been the same. It’s like something inside him broke. I haven’t seen him smile once in two years..."

Rico looked down, his voice low.

Rico: "I did everything I could. I searched everywhere. But there was no trace. No clue who took him... or why. Nothing."

Ethan (softly): "Today’s his birthday."

Rico gave a slow nod, his heart heavy.

Rico: "Yeah. But we don’t even know if he’s alive."

---

Bast sat quietly in the back seat of his car, staring blankly out the window as the city lights flickered past. The driver glanced at him through the mirror.

Driver: "Sir, where would you like to go?"

Bast (quietly): "Just go straight home."

The driver gave a silent nod.

Bast’s phone rang. It was Ethan.

He let it ring... then turned it off.

---

The car pulled up to the mansion. Everything looked the same—flawlessly maintained, perfectly silent.

Bast stepped inside. The quiet echoed through the halls.

No voice.

No laughter.

No Kai.

He slipped off his coat and stood in the hallway, his eyes drifting to the corner where Kai used to sit and talk to him about his day. His gaze fell on the couch where they had watched movies. The kitchen, where Kai would steal bites of dessert before dinner.

Gone.

All of it.

His throat tightened, and his heart twisted painfully in his chest. He dropped to the floor, unable to hold himself up.

Bast (whispers): "Where are you, Kai...? Why did you disappear like that... from my life..."

Tears slipped silently down his cheeks as he sat there, alone in the silence of a home that no longer felt like home.

He missed him.

More than words could ever say.

The soft glow of candlelight flickered across the room.

Bast sat alone in the dimly lit bedroom—the same room where he and Kai once fell asleep in each other’s arms, whispering dreams into the quiet of the night. Now, the silence felt heavier than ever. The bed was perfectly made, untouched. Cold.

A small cake sat on the bedside table.

Bast lit the candles slowly, his fingers trembling. He stared at the flames, eyes red from crying.

Then, softly, he blew out the candles.

Bast (voice shaking): "Happy birthday, Kai... You’re twenty-one today."

His voice cracked as the words left his lips. The weight of years without him pressed hard against his chest.

Bast (whispers): "You’re a big boy now. But to me... you’ll always be a kid. My baby."

He lay down on the bed, turning toward the empty side where Kai used to sleep. His eyes stared at the ceiling, unmoving. Waiting.

Just waiting.

---

Meanwhile, in Tokyo...

The grand hall sparkled with chandeliers and luxury. It was a lavish celebration—an elite event filled with laughter, music, and the clinking of champagne glasses.

Kai stood at the center of it all, dressed in a tailored suit that made him look like royalty. Every guest’s eyes were on him. His dark hair framed his delicate face, and the sharp suit hugged his figure like it was made for him.

Reiji stood beside him, hand resting lightly at his back.

Guests whispered as they passed.

Guest 1 (murmuring): "That’s him... Mr. Takeshi’s son. The one who likes boys."

Guest 2 (with a smirk): "That’s why he’s engaged to his cousin. Mr. Takeshi’s brother’s son... Reiji."

Despite the joy on the surface, Kai’s eyes were distant. The laughter around him couldn’t touch the ache in his chest.

Kai (thinking): It’s been two years... I haven’t seen Bast. I haven’t even heard his voice. I want to talk to him. Hug him. Hold him. Kiss him...

I miss him.

Is he okay? Has he moved on?

Does he... still miss me?

Reiji (gently): "Honey?"

Kai snapped out of his thoughts, flinching at the word.

Kai (firmly): "I told you. Don’t call me that. Just use my name."

Reiji smiled, unfazed. "Okay, Kai. I know you love it when I say your name."

Kai exhaled slowly, brushing past him.

Reiji (curious): "Where are you going?"

Kai (quietly): "I need some fresh air."

He walked toward the balcony, the night breeze calling to him. Reiji quickly followed, his steps light and eager behind him.

Kai stood on the balcony, the cold night breeze brushing against his skin. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, finally allowing himself a moment to breathe—away from the noise, the guests, and the weight of the perfect prince image he had to wear.

The city lights sparkled below, but his heart felt heavy.

Suddenly, an arm wrapped tightly around his waist.

Kai’s body tensed. He turned quickly to find Reiji standing close behind him, far too close.

Kai (sharply): "What are you doing?"

He pushed Reiji away, taking a step back.

Reiji (calmly): "Kai... It’s been two years since we got engaged. And now we’re getting married soon, but... we’ve never even kissed once."

He stepped forward again, closing the distance.

Reiji: "Can we kiss—just once?"

Kai’s eyes narrowed in disgust.

Kai: "What the hell are you saying? Stay away from me."

Reiji didn’t move. His voice softened, almost desperate.

Reiji: "Kai, it’s true... In the beginning, I only agreed to the engagement for the money. But slowly, I started falling for you. I love you."

Kai’s expression turned cold.

Kai: "Reiji, you know damn well I’m not into you."

Reiji reached out and grabbed Kai’s hand, gripping it tightly.

Reiji (insistently): "But we’re fiancés, Kai. You’re mine."

Kai (frustrated): "Reiji, what are you doing?"

But Reiji didn’t back away. Instead, he wrapped his arms tightly around Kai’s waist, his grip possessive.

Reiji (low voice): "Why do you keep refusing me like you’re in love with someone else?"

He grabbed Kai’s hand, raising it between them.

Reiji: "Look—we’re both wearing these rings. But we don’t act like a real couple. Kai, I’m serious... I love you."

He leaned in, eyes fixed on Kai’s lips.

But before he could get any closer, Kai shoved him back—hard—and bolted from the balcony.

He ran through the hallway, heart pounding, trying to catch his breath.

Aiko, standing nearby, spotted him.

Aiko (smiling): "Kai, you look so handsome today! But... why are you breathing so fast? Are you okay?"

She stepped closer with concern, reaching out and gently placing a hand on his forehead.

Kai (pulling away): "I’m fine—"

Aiko: "Wait, let me check if you have a fever—"

But before she could touch him again, Reiji appeared behind her, eyes blazing. He yanked her arm and shoved her aside.

Reiji (angrily): "Aiko, how many times do I have to tell you not to touch my fiancé?"

Aiko stumbled back, glaring.

Aiko: "I was just worried! He looked unwell—I only wanted to check his fever!"

Reiji (coldly): "You don’t need to. I’m here."

The celebration finally came to an end. The guests had left, the music had quieted, and the golden glow of the chandeliers dimmed to a soft warmth.

Takeshi approached his son with a small, mysterious smile.

Takeshi: "Kai, I have another surprise for you."

Kai (tired but curious): "What is it, Dad?"

Takeshi (chuckling): "It’s a secret. You’ll find out tomorrow."

Kai (smiling lightly): "Alright... I’ll wait patiently for it."

Takeshi patted Kai’s back gently, pride softening his usually stern face.

Takeshi: "You must be tired today. Go get some rest."

Kai nodded and walked toward his room, his steps heavy from exhaustion.

The moment the door shut behind him, he let out a long sigh. He slipped off his formal coat, unfastened the top buttons of his shirt, and finally reached for the ring on his finger. He slid it off slowly, staring at it for a brief moment before placing it on the nightstand.

Then, he collapsed onto the bed, the silk sheets cool against his skin. His mind felt hazy from everything—the crowd, the pressure, the fake smiles.

All he wanted... was peace.

Just as Kai was about to close his eyes, a knock echoed from the door.

He groaned softly, sitting up. "Who is it?"

He opened the door—and there stood Reiji, still dressed from the party but with a sly smile on his face.

Kai (frowning): "Aren’t you tired?"

Reiji stepped into the room without waiting for an invitation.

Reiji: "Nope. Not at all. And for you? I could stay up all night."

Kai sighed and rubbed his temple. "But I’m tired. So let’s talk tomorrow, okay? I really need some sleep."

But Reiji didn’t seem to hear him—or didn’t want to. He casually slipped off his coat and began unbuttoning his shirt.

Kai’s eyes narrowed as Reiji let the fabric slide off his shoulders, exposing his well-toned chest. There was a hunger in Reiji’s gaze that made Kai instantly uneasy.

Kai (coldly): "What are you doing?"

Reiji (smirking): "I’ve prepared a special gift for you tonight... it’s time to give it to you."