Jeff wandered around the store, staring at the display shelves, deep in thought.
"What should I buy for him?" he murmured. "I don't even know what Rico likes…"
He shook his head and sighed. "Why should I care? I'm not his real friend. I'm Jeff, not Jun."
Still, after a long pause, he picked out a sleek, elegant watch and quietly said,
"This will do."
---
Meanwhile, Kai dropped Miles off at his house.
As they entered, they found Ethan already home, sitting on the couch.
"I thought you were coming home late again," Miles said, surprised.
"I finished my work early," Ethan replied, getting up and walking over. "I came straight home—for you."
Kai looked between them, his lips pressing together. He wanted to talk to Ethan—so badly—but he'd made a promise to Miles not to say anything.
He swallowed his words and managed a polite smile. "Okay then… I'll head out now."
"Have a safe ride," Ethan said warmly.
Kai nodded and left, closing the door softly behind him.
Ethan stepped closer to Miles, gently wrapping his arms around his waist.
"I've missed you," he whispered. "Lately, I've been so caught up with work… but I promise, I'll never let it get in the way again."
"It's okay," Miles said with a soft smile. "I understand."
Ethan traced his fingers lightly under Miles' eyes. "Why are your eyes red and a little swollen?"
"It's nothing," Miles replied quickly, lowering his gaze.
Ethan didn't press him. Instead, he pulled Miles closer, holding him like he never wanted to let go.
He kissed him tenderly, then with more passion. Miles slowly rested his hands on Ethan's shoulders.
Without breaking the moment, Ethan scooped Miles into his arms and carried him toward the bedroom.
Ethan laid Miles gently onto the bed, his eyes locked onto the man he loved more than anything. His fingers brushed Miles's cheek, then trailed down to his collarbone, tracing it slowly.
"I missed you so much," Ethan whispered, his voice husky and full of emotion. "I don't want a single night without you anymore."
Miles's eyes shimmered in the dim light. "Then don't leave me again," he said quietly. "Hold me like you mean it."
Ethan leaned in and kissed him tenderly, pouring every bit of longing into the touch. Miles's arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer as the world outside faded away.
Shirts slid off, one after another, tossed aside without care. Their skin met with warm friction, electric and soft. Ethan's lips explored Miles's neck, his chest, leaving trails of kisses like promises. Miles gasped, his hands running through Ethan's hair, holding onto him like he was afraid it might all vanish.
"I want you forever," Ethan murmured against his skin.
Miles whispered back, "Then make me yours, completely."
Ethan lifted his head, looking into Miles's eyes. "Let's get married," he said again,more certain than ever. "I want to wake up next to you for the rest of my life."
Miles's lips trembled. "Yes. A thousand times yes."
The moonlight poured into the room, silver against their skin as they moved together, slow and full of love. Every kiss was deep, every touch honest. And as they held each other close, completely lost in each other's warmth—
Fade to black.
Kai arrived at the house, taking off his shoes quietly. In the dim light of the living room, Bast sat on the couch, a glass of wine in hand, staring at his phone. When he noticed Kai, his eyes softened, but his expression remained distant.
"How was your day?" Bast asked, his voice low.
Kai studied his face, sensing something was off. "Why do you look so moody?"
Bast stood up, swirling the wine in his glass. "Because you ignored me all day… Like I don't matter."
Kai stepped closer. "I didn't ignore you, Bast."
Bast poured himself another glass, not meeting his eyes. "It's fine. I can't force you to love me."
Without thinking, Kai walked up and wrapped his arms around Bast from behind. Bast froze for a second, then allowed a small smile to tug at his lips—but he quickly hid it.
"You didn't answer my calls either," Bast murmured.
Kai leaned in, resting his chin on Bast's shoulder. "Because Miles needed me today…"
He paused.
Bast turned slightly. "What?"
"Nothing," Kai said quickly. "He just wanted to hang out."
Bast looked at him for a long moment, then nodded. "Alright. I've got some work to do anyway."
He reached for his laptop, but Kai caught his hand and gently pulled him closer, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. Bast didn't hesitate this time—he held Kai tightly, like he didn't want to let go.
A slow, warm smile spread across his face. "Let's go to bed.
Kai hesitated. "But… you said you had work."
Bast smirked and, without warning, scooped Kai up into his arms. "First, I need to finish something else," he said, his voice low and playful.
Kai blushed instantly, his arms wrapping around Bast's neck as he was carried through the hallway.
Bast pushed open the bedroom door with his shoulder and stepped inside.
Back in the living room, Kai's phone buzzed on the table. The screen lit up with a name—Rico.
But neither Kai nor Bast noticed.
They were already behind the closed door, lost in their moment.
Rico sat alone in the club, a half-empty wine glass in front of him. He had already drunk too much. His fingers trembled as he dialed Kai's number again and again, but there was no answer.
Frustrated, he growled and threw his phone onto the floor. The music thumped around him, but he felt nothing but silence inside.
A waiter approached, picked up the fallen phone, and handed it back to him. Just then, the screen lit up — Jeff was calling.
Rico's face was flushed from the alcohol as he slowly picked up the call. "Hello…?"
Jeff's voice came through, calm and a bit concerned. "Mr. Rico, you didn't tell me where your birthday party is."
Rico leaned back, sighing. "Where are you now, Jun?"
"I'm at my coffee shop," Jeff replied.
"Come to my home," Rico said, his voice low and bitter. "I didn't arrange a party… because I have no one who cares about me."
Jeff paused. "Are you drinking, Mr. Rico?"
"Nope... Jun," Rico mumbled.
Jeff could hear the lie. He softened his voice. "I'm coming to pick you up. Just tell me where you are."
Rico closed his eyes. "I'm at the club… the one where we met for the first time."
Jeff hung up the call without another word and quickly grabbed his jacket, heading out into the night.
Jeff arrived at the club, scanning the dimly lit room until his eyes landed on Rico. He was slouched in the corner, a half-empty bottle beside him, clearly drunk.
Jeff walked over quickly. "Mr. Rico, that's enough. You've had way too much to drink."
Rico looked up at him, his eyes hazy but a playful smirk forming. "Jun Woo… you dressed up for my birthday? You look hot."
Jeff rolled his eyes, trying to help him up, but Rico suddenly pulled him down, and Jeff stumbled, landing softly against him.
For a second, their eyes met.
Rico's drunken gaze softened. "You're really cute, you know that?"
Jeff stood up quickly, his ears turning red. He grabbed Rico's hand. "Let's go."
Rico tilted his head. "Wait… are we celebrating my birthday?"
"Yes, we are," Jeff said gently.
Rico smiled brightly, like a kid promised cake. Without resisting, he let Jeff help him up, and together, they left the club, disappearing into the quiet of the night.
Jeff and Rico arrived at the house. Jeff gently grabbed Rico's hand as they stepped into the hallway. Rico leaned on him, his steps slightly unsteady from all the drinking. Jeff helped him onto the couch.
"You're too kind, Jun…" Rico murmured, looking up at him with glazed eyes.
Jeff took off his jacket and replied, "You need some hangover medicine. I'll get it for you."
But before he could move, Rico reached out and grabbed his hand, pulling him back. "I don't need anything… Just sit with me. It's my birthday and I didn't even cut a cake…"
His voice cracked, eyes beginning to fill with tears. Jeff paused, then gave him a soft smile.
"Wait for me," he said and walked out to his car.
Rico sat silently, staring at the door. "Are you leaving me alone… like everyone else?" he whispered.
A few minutes later, Jeff returned. "Nope," he said simply.
In his hands was a cake box. He opened it on the table and pulled out a small candle, lighting it carefully. Rico watched him quietly, almost in disbelief.
Jeff smiled. "Let's blow the candle."
Rico leaned forward, but Jeff stopped him gently. "Wait. First, make a wish."
Rico closed his eyes for a moment, then made a wish and blew the candle out.
Jeff clapped softly and said, "Happy birthday to you, Mr. Rico."
Then he handed over a small gift box. Rico opened it, and the moment he saw what was inside, his eyes welled up again.
"Thank you… for comforting me, for the gift… I love it," he said, his voice trembling.
Jeff shrugged lightly. "It's nothing. Anyway, what did you wish for, Mr. Rico?"
Rico looked at him for a long moment, then leaned in and kissed him softly.
Jeff froze, wide-eyed.
Rico pulled back and whispered with a teasing smile, "I wished… to sleep with a handsome guy tonight."