Sleeping With My Step Daddy
Chapter 74: "Special Place"

Chapter 74: "Special Place"

Takeshi looked at Bast.

Kai stood up.

The whole family stared in shock—confused why, at the place meant for Kai’s boyfriend, Sebastian Vaughn had appeared.

Yuri smiled awkwardly, trying to break the tension.

Yuri: "Mr. Vaughn is Kai’s stepdad... so he must have come to meet Kai’s boyfriend too."

Yuna let out a breath.

Yuna: "Ohh... I see..."

But then—

Kai walked toward Bast, stood beside him, and held his hand firmly.

Kai: "Dad... he’s my boyfriend."

Yuri’s smile faded instantly.

Yuri (softly): "What?"

Yuna’s breath hitched.

Takeshi still stared at Bast, frozen. His thoughts spiraled:

So, my suspicions were right... The same rings...

At the table, Reiji and Eden sat calmly—they already knew. This wasn’t news to them.

Aiko cleared her throat and spoke, wide-eyed.

Aiko: "Wait—Mom? Isn’t he... Kai’s stepdad?!"

The tension cracked.

Takeshi suddenly stood up, his eyes never leaving Bast.

Takeshi: "Let’s talk. In private."

He looked at Kai.

Takeshi (firmly): "Son, you should go to your room."

Kai: "But Dad—"

Takeshi (sharper): "Kai... go."

Kai froze.

Bast remained calm, collected. His voice was respectful but steady.

Bast: "Sure, Mr. Takeshi. We should talk."

He glanced at Kai, and in that brief moment, his eyes silently told him—Stay calm. I’ve got this.

Takeshi turned, and Bast followed him.

The two men left the dining room together, leaving behind a silence heavy with shock, tension, and unspoken questions.

Kai quickly obeyed his father and went to his room without another word.

Eden leaned closer to Reiji and whispered,

Eden: "We should go to Kai... he must be stressed and scared."

Reiji nodded silently.

They both stood up from the table and quietly walked out, heading toward Kai’s room.

The dinner—which never really began—was now officially over.

The rest of the family remained seated, frozen in a stunned silence.

Riko finally spoke, trying to process it all.

Riko: "How the bastard... I mean, Sebastian Vaughn... how could he be in a relationship with Kai?"

Yuna: "Sebastian Vaughn and Kai... I’m still dizzy from the shock..."

Aiko tossed her hair dramatically, her voice dreamy.

Aiko: "He’s so handsome... Sebastian Vaughn is just—so strong, bold, and that body, ohhh—"

Yuna glared at her in disbelief.

Yuna: "Shut up, Aiko. You’re always hungry for men."

Aiko pouted like a scolded child, then stood up with a sigh.

Aiko: "Hmph. I’m going to my room."

She walked off, leaving behind a tense silence—and a room full of questions no one was ready to answer.

Meanwhile, in the private room, Takeshi and Bast sat facing each other, the silence thick with tension.

Takeshi spoke first, his voice calm but firm.

Takeshi: "Sebastian Vaughn, I know you’ve done a lot for Kai and his mother. You helped her when she needed it most... and you gave Kai a good life. I’m truly thankful to you for that. That’s why I allowed Kai to meet you, to spend time with you. I always believed you loved Kai like your own son and raised him as such."

He paused, the weight of disappointment heavy in his tone.

Takeshi: "But now I realize... you never even thought of him as a son."

Bast remained calm, his gaze steady as he answered.

Bast: "Mr. Takeshi, I understand you’re shocked... but it’s true."

He took a breath and continued,

Bast: "And you already know—I was never Jennifer’s real husband. Our marriage was a fake one."

Takeshi suddenly stood up, his voice rising in anger.

Takeshi (shouting): "Sebastian Vaughn, I don’t care about your fake marriage—but you can’t take advantage of my kid!"

Bast remained seated, his expression calm and collected.

Bast: "Mr. Takeshi, I didn’t take advantage of him. He’s not just some boy to me—he’s my love. I truly love Kai."

Takeshi scoffed, disbelief flashing in his eyes.

Takeshi: "Love? Really?"

At that, Bast stood up, his presence confident and composed.

Bast: "Mr. Takeshi, please calm down and think about it. I’m not here to argue. I don’t care whether you agree or not—Kai is mine. I only came to speak with you out of respect, because Kai doesn’t want to lose you again."

He walked to the door, opened it, then turned back with a steady look.

Bast: "I hope you’ll understand... eventually."

He left the room without another word.

Takeshi’s face turned cold with fury. His clenched fists trembled as he murmured under his breath:

Takeshi: "Sebastian Vaughn... now you’ll see my real face. Be ready."

Bast entered Kai’s room.

Inside, Reiji and Eden were already seated beside Kai, who looked visibly anxious. His fingers nervously twisted together, eyes filled with unspoken fear.

As soon as Kai saw Bast, he stood up, the shimmer of tears visible in his eyes.

Kai (hurriedly): "Bast... what did Dad say?"

Bast walked toward him, gently taking Kai’s hands in his.

Bast (softly): "Don’t worry, baby. He’s just in shock right now. But once he’s calmed down, he’ll understand. I believe that."

Reiji stood and glanced at Eden.

Reiji: "We should give them some space."

Eden nodded in agreement, and the two quietly walked out, closing the door behind them.

As the door clicked shut, Bast pulled Kai into a tight embrace. Kai didn’t hold back anymore—his tears spilled freely down his cheeks as he clung to Bast.

Kai (voice trembling): "Bast... I don’t want to lose you again."

Bast: "You won’t. I promise, baby—I’m always with you."

He gently cupped Kai’s face, wiping away his tears with his thumbs. Then, leaning in, he kissed him softly and whispered against his lips,

Bast: "Don’t cry."

The warmth of that kiss, and the strength in Bast’s arms, wrapped Kai in the safety he needed—if only for this moment.

Morning sunlight gently poured into the house, casting a soft glow on the dining room.

Like usual, Kai got ready and came downstairs for breakfast.

The entire family was already seated—but unlike most mornings, the atmosphere was heavy with silence. The shock of last night’s revelation still lingered in the air.

Takeshi sat at the head of the table, calm and unreadable. No one dared to bring up the previous night.

Kai entered the room slowly, his heart pounding. He was scared, unsure of what to expect.

He hesitated, then said quietly,

Kai: "Good morning, Dad."

Takeshi looked up at him and replied evenly,

Takeshi: "Morning, son. Sit down."

Kai sat at the table, glancing around nervously.

Takeshi watched him for a moment and then said in a neutral tone,

Takeshi: "Kai, why aren’t you eating?"

Kai quickly nodded, trying to calm his nerves. He picked up his utensils and began to eat in silence.

As they ate, Takeshi spoke again,

Takeshi: "Kai, after university today... I’ll pick you up. We’ll go together to a special place."

Kai looked up, surprised.

A special place?

He didn’t dare to ask, just gave a small nod.

The rest of the breakfast passed in silence.

Kai’s mind was racing—Why wasn’t Dad angry? Why didn’t he mention Bast? Was this calmness real... or just the calm before a storm?

Still lost in those thoughts, Kai quietly finished his meal, then left for university as usual.

Kai sat quietly in his university classroom, tapping his fingers against the desk, lost in his own thoughts.

Just a few seats away, Eden and Reiji sat at another table, holding hands and completely absorbed in each other like a pair of lovebirds.

Eden leaned closer, gently patting Reiji’s head.

Eden: "You look more cute today."

Reiji didn’t reply, but a soft smile curved on his lips. The quiet exchange between them was enough to make their affection clear.

Around them, the whispers had already begun.

The whole university, once convinced that Kai and Reiji were engaged, was now in shock. Everyone was talking—Reiji and Eden were not just dating... they were getting married soon.

Still, Kai didn’t seem to pay attention to the gossip. He sat focused on his phone, texting Bast.

Kai (text): "Dad said after university he’ll pick me up and take me to a special place."

A few seconds later, Bast replied:

Bast (text): "Okay then. After your trip, I’ll pick you up for dinner. It’s been days since we ate together."

Kai (text): "Okay. Love you "

Bast (text): "Love you too "

A soft smile played on Kai’s lips as he stared at the screen, feeling a little comfort in Bast’s warmth—even through the phone.

But somewhere in his chest, that little unease still lingered.

What was the "special place" Dad was talking about?

After university, Takeshi’s black luxury car was already waiting by the gate, flanked by two of the family’s guards. The tall men stood still, expressionless, as students passed by throwing curious glances.

Kai spotted the car and quickened his pace. One of the guards stepped forward and opened the door for him.

Kai slipped into the back seat and greeted softly,

Kai: "Hello, Dad."

Takeshi glanced at him with a smile.

Takeshi: "How was your day, son?"

Kai replied, trying to sound casual.

Kai: "Good."

The car smoothly pulled away from the curb, gliding into traffic. Kai sat straight, hands on his lap, forcing a polite smile—but inside, his thoughts raced. He couldn’t stop wondering.

Why had his father suddenly decided to take him to a ’special place’? And what kind of place was it?

His heart beat a little faster with each passing street, nerves slowly tightening.