Kai and Miles sat quietly in the cozy corner of the restaurant, the clinking of plates and soft chatter around them fading into the background.
Kai leaned forward, concern in his eyes.
"Now tell me, what's going on? You've looked so sad these days. I've noticed—don't hide it from me anymore."
Miles hesitated. His fingers gripped the edge of the table, trembling slightly.
"Kai… please promise me something first."
"What is it?" Kai asked softly.
"Promise me you'll be my friend forever," Miles said, his voice barely above a whisper. "That you won't break our friendship no matter what I tell you."
Kai gave a small laugh.
"Are you crazy? Of course I promise. Just tell me what happened."
Miles swallowed hard, eyes filling with tears.
"I… I slept with Mr. Victor."
Kai's eyes widened.
"What?" he asked in disbelief.
Miles broke down. His voice trembled as he spoke.
"One night… he came into my room while I was sleeping. He—he forced himself on me, Kai. I tried to stop him, but… I couldn't do anything. He said if I told anyone, he'd destroy my mom's life and her reputation."
Tears rolled down Miles's cheeks. Kai quickly got up and hugged him tightly.
"Don't worry," Kai whispered, holding him protectively. "I'm with you. No one's going to hurt you again."
Miles gripped Kai's shirt, desperate for the comfort he had missed for so long.
"Mr. Victor never accepted my relationship with Ethan. He always tried to keep us apart. If Ethan finds out what happened… he'll leave me. What should I do, Kai?"
Kai gently wiped the tears from Miles's face.
"You don't need to be afraid anymore. And Ethan deserves to know the truth."
---
Meanwhile, at the newly opened café, Jeff stood behind the counter, staring blankly at the espresso machine.
"I've murdered this whole vibe," he muttered to himself. "I don't even know how to make a proper cup of coffee… and now I'm the owner of a coffee shop?"
He took a deep breath, trying to calm down.
"Relax, Jeff. You just need to cover up your real identity. No need to panic—just act normal."
The bell above the door jingled. Jeff looked up—and froze. Rico walked in, confident and smiling like he owned the place.
Jeff quickly turned his face away.
"What the hell is he doing here?"
Rico approached with a casual air.
"Hello, Jun."
Jeff slowly turned to face him.
"Hello, Mr. Rico."
Rico leaned in with a smirk.
"I think you missed me. Thank you again for your warm hands… the way you wiped my burning body last night—it was unforgettable."
Jeff shifted uncomfortably.
"It was nothing. I think I should get back to work."
"Work?" Rico echoed, amused. "How rude. We're friends, right? Yet you never contact me."
"Friends?" Jeff mumbled under his breath. "When did we become friends?"
Rico chuckled, ignoring his discomfort. He took out his phone and dialed a number—Jeff's phone started ringing. Jeff stared at it, confused.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"Now we have each other's contact. That way, we can stay in touch," Rico said with a wink.
Jeff sighed and snatched his phone, walking back behind the counter. Rico followed him inside the café.
"What are you doing now?" Jeff asked sharply.
"As your friend," Rico said, grinning, "and since you've opened a cute little coffee shop, I'd like you to make me a coffee. Come on, Mr. Jun."
Jeff exhaled in frustration.
"It's not open yet. The staff isn't here either."
"That's okay," Rico said, settling into a chair. "You can make it yourself—just for me."
Jeff groaned internally but said nothing. He stepped behind the counter, trying to hide the way his hands trembled slightly.
Bast and Ethan sat side by side in a long string of meetings. As the final one wrapped up, Bast leaned back in his chair and turned to Ethan.
"Ethan… can I ask you something?"
Ethan loosened his tie and took a sip of water.
"Yeah? What's on your mind?"
"You and Miles… what's the situation? Do you really think Mr. Victor will ever accept it?"
Ethan let out a long breath and looked away for a moment.
"I love Miles," he said firmly. "I'm not breaking up with him. No matter what my father says."
Bast gave him a knowing look.
"Mr. Victor keeps setting up blind dates for you—he's determined to marry you off to some model or actress." He laughed dryly.
Ethan frowned.
"I've already told him I'm in love with Miles. That I want to spend my life with him. But he doesn't listen." His voice dropped. "I'm stressed, Bast. If he finds out we're already engaged… I don't know what he'll do."
Bast reached out and patted his shoulder.
"Don't worry. I'll try to talk to Mr. Victor. Maybe I can convince him to back off—at least give you two a chance."
Ethan nodded, grateful.
"Thanks. I just want to live my life… with Miles."
Jeff stood behind the counter, staring at the coffee machine like it was a spaceship. He awkwardly fumbled with the buttons, unsure of where to begin.
Rico watched him with amusement from his seat. After a few moments, he stood up and walked over.
Without saying a word, he gently reached for Jeff's hands and pressed the power button.
"First, you need to turn it on, Mr. Jun," Rico said with a teasing smile.
Jeff hesitated, cheeks burning. He quickly pulled his hands back.
"I-I know that," he muttered, flustered.
Rico chuckled.
"You don't even know how to make coffee, and yet you opened a coffee shop. That's bold confidence, chocolate boy."
Jeff's face turned a deeper shade of red.
"I just… really like coffee, okay?" he mumbled.
Rico raised an eyebrow, then casually grabbed two cups and began preparing coffee himself. He slipped off his coat and rolled up his sleeves with practiced ease.
Jeff couldn't help but stare. There was something effortlessly attractive about the way Rico moved—his strong hands, his focused expression, the quiet charm he carried without even trying.
"Damn it," Jeff muttered under his breath, turning away before Rico could catch him blushing.
Jeff and Rico sat together at a small table. Jeff stared at the cup of coffee in front of him, hesitant.
"Mr. Jun, please try it," Rico said with a soft smile. "I hope you like it."
Jeff took a sip, and his expression immediately softened.
"Wow..." he murmured without thinking, his eyes lighting up at the rich flavor. Realizing he showed too much, he quickly cleared his throat and tried to hide his reaction.
"Yeah... it's good."
Rico chuckled.
"I'm happy you like it."
There was a brief pause, then Rico leaned in slightly, his tone more playful.
"Mr. Jun, what about tonight? Are you free?"
Jeff nearly choked.
"W-What?"
Rico smirked.
"Today's my birthday. And I really want you to come celebrate with me."
Jeff looked unsure.
"I don't think—"
Rico gently grabbed his hands across the table.
"Please come... just for a little while."
Jeff glanced at their joined hands, then up at Rico's hopeful face.
"...Okay. I'll come."
Rico's face lit up with pure joy.
"Really? I'm so happy."
Jeff looked away, hiding a small smile of his own.
Bast stood beside the large window in his office, staring out in silence. His expression was distant, eyes clouded with thoughts—something was clearly weighing on him.
Suddenly, his phone rang, snapping him out of his trance. He answered.
"Hello, Mr. Bast," Jeff's voice came through the line. "I have an update for you."
"Go ahead," Bast replied calmly.
"Today is Rico's birthday," Jeff said.
"I know," Bast responded shortly.
Jeff hesitated, then continued.
"He showed up at my coffee shop out of nowhere... and invited me to his house for a birthday party."
Bast's brows furrowed.
"That means he's already digging into you. He's suspicious."
There was a short pause.
"Be careful, Jeff."
Jeff nodded on the other end.
"I understand."
"Go to the party," Bast instructed.
"Stay close, observe him, and keep me updated on everything."
"Understood," Jeff said firmly.
Bast ended the call and turned back to the window, his face now more serious than ever.