Sleeping With My Step Daddy
Chapter 82: "Kai is Busy"

Chapter 82: "Kai is Busy"

Bast and Kai kissed each other passionately, completely lost in the moment—until a sudden knock on the door startled them.

Kai quickly pulled back, flustered, just as a servant’s voice came through the door.

Servant: "Master Kai, the whole family is waiting for you and Sir Vaughn for dinner."

Kai (clearing his throat): "Yeah, we’re coming."

Bast still had his arms wrapped around Kai’s waist, holding him close with a mischievous smile.

Bast (teasingly): "Should we... do it later then?"

Kai rolled his eyes and gently pushed him away, fixing his shirt and smoothing his hair in front of the mirror.

Kai (half-laughing): "Let’s go. Dad’s waiting."

Bast (grinning): "Okay, okay... but I’m holding you to that ’later.’"

Kai shot him a look, but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at his lips as they walked out of the room together, hand in hand.

The morning sunlight streamed gently through the windows, and a cool, fresh breeze filled the air around the breakfast table. Eden sat there nervously, barely touching his food. His eyes kept darting back to the phone screen in his hand, over and over again.

Kai, seated across the table, glanced at him and immediately noticed his anxious behavior. Just then, Takeshi leaned toward Bast and said calmly:

Takeshi: "Bast, I want to talk to you."

Bast: "Of course, sir."

After breakfast, the two of them walked into a private room. Kai’s eyes followed them, curiosity flashing across his face.

Kai (thinking): What are Dad and Bast always talking about in secret? Why do I never know?

He was still deep in thought when his gaze shifted toward Reiji, who sat slouched on the couch nearby, visibly nervous.

Kai stood and walked over, sitting beside him.

Kai (softly): "Hey, Reiji. What’s going on?"

Reiji looked up, his face pale.

Reiji: "I’m just... nervous. I have lunch with Eden’s mom today."

Kai: "I know. But why do you look like you’re about to faint?"

Reiji: "Because I keep thinking... what if she doesn’t like me? What if I say something wrong?"

Kai gently patted his back.

Kai: "Relax. It’s just a lunch, not an interview. And I’m sure she’ll like you. You’re charming in your own way."

Reiji (grumbling): "You’re just trying to comfort me. You know I’m not good at talking—or greetings, or manners..."

Kai: "Reiji, calm down. You don’t need to act traditional or stiff. Eden’s mom is American. They don’t usually mind that kind of stuff."

Reiji: "Is that real?"

Kai (nodding): "Yeah. They’re more relaxed. Like Bast."

Reiji (sighing): "Cool like Bast? If she’s anything like Bast, I should cancel the lunch."

Kai (smiling awkwardly): "Okay, I know. Bast’s just... a little hot-tempered. And I’m sorry about that time he threatened you."

Reiji (raising an eyebrow): "’A little’? He’s completely dangerous!"

Kai: "Alright, alright! Just breathe, okay?"

Suddenly, Reiji’s phone buzzed. He glanced down and saw a message from Eden:

"Hello honey, I missed you so much. I’ll pick you up at 11:40."

Reiji stared at the message, frozen. Kai smiled.

Kai: "See? You should relax. He’s clearly excited for you to meet her mom. Don’t worry—she’ll be happy to see you."

Kai gave his friend a reassuring pat on the back, then stood up and walked away, leaving Reiji sitting there, a little calmer than before, wrapped in warm thoughts and mild panic.

Kai arrived at his office, his steps slower than usual. Yuki, standing near the door, greeted him with a warm, professional tone.

Yuki: "Good morning, Mr. Kai."

Kai (tiredly): "Morning."

Yuki studied Kai’s face for a moment, noting the paleness under his eyes and the fatigue in his posture.

Yuki (concerned): "Sir, you look tired. Is everything alright?"

Kai sank into his chair with a soft sigh.

Kai: "It’s nothing, Yuki. Just a little tired."

Yuki: "You should rest. Should I bring you a strong coffee?"

Kai: "Yeah... that sounds good."

Yuki nodded respectfully and stepped out of the office.

Kai leaned back in his chair, his eyes landing on the stack of files in front of him. But no matter how long he stared, his mind refused to focus.

Kai (murmuring to himself): "What are they keeping from me...? Bast and Dad... always talking in secret lately."

He rubbed his temple, frustration tightening in his chest.

Ten minutes later, Yuki returned, knocking lightly before entering with a cup of hot, strong coffee. He walked over and placed it gently in front of Kai.

Yuki: "Your coffee, sir."

Kai took a sip and exhaled with relief.

Kai: "Thanks, Yuki. I really needed that."

Yuki (smiling): "It’s my pleasure, sir."

Kai: "Alright. Tell me about today’s schedule."

Yuki tapped open his tablet and began reading off the list with his usual calm tone.

Yuki: "You have a meeting with the interior designers scheduled during lunch, sir. I’ve arranged everything."

Kai: "Good."

Yuki: "And after that, you’re scheduled to go with Mr. Vaughn to the boutique for your engagement suit fitting."

Kai blinked and looked up sharply.

Kai: "Who decided that?"

Yuki smiled awkwardly.

Yuki: "Sir... Mr. Takeshi asked me to add it to your schedule."

Kai leaned back and let out a long sigh.

Kai: "Ahh... Dad. Always doing things on his own."

Kai (resigned): "Alright. Let’s just get started with work. Tell Miss Miko to bring me all the reports from our previous projects—I want to review them again."

Yuki (nodding): "Understood."

Yuki turned to leave, but Kai added one more instruction:

Kai: "Oh, and Yuki... if my father calls, tell him I’m busy with work. No need to transfer it."

Yuki: "Yes, sir."

As the door closed behind Yuki, Kai leaned back again and let out another sigh, his fingers rubbing his forehead.

Kai (quietly): "Why do I feel like something’s going on... and no one’s telling me anything?"

Bast and Takeshi sat across from each other in the quiet room. After a short pause, Bast stood up and straightened his blazer.

Bast: "Okay then, Mr. Takeshi. I have to head out now."

Takeshi looked up with a calm smile.

Takeshi: "Seems like you have a lot on your plate today."

Bast (nodding): "Yes, I’ve got several online meetings to attend."

Takeshi leaned back in his seat and said with understanding:

Takeshi: "I can imagine. It must be difficult managing work from another country."

Bast: "It is, but I’ll handle it."

Takeshi smiled lightly.

Takeshi: "Alright then. I’ll see you at dinner. And don’t forget—you’re going with Kai to the designer boutique today to choose your engagement suits. I’ve already booked the appointment for both of you."

Bast (smiling): "How could I forget that?"

With that, Bast left the room. As he walked through the hallway, he glanced toward Kai’s room, hoping to catch him before leaving. But the room was empty. A little confused, Bast approached one of the servants.

Bast: "Have you seen Master Kai?"

Servant: "Yes, sir. Master Kai left earlier this morning for work."

Bast’s brows furrowed in concern. Why did he leave so early without saying a word?

He quickly pulled out his phone and called Kai. The line was busy.

He waited a moment and tried again. Still busy.

Bast (muttering): "What’s going on...? Why is he ignoring my calls?"

He sent a few messages, asking if Kai was alright—but received no response. Unease started creeping in. Bast called Kai’s secretary.

Bast: "Hello, this is Sebastian Vaughn. Can I speak with Mr. Kai?"

Secretary: "I’m sorry, sir. Mr. Kai asked not to be disturbed. He’s busy with work and in back-to-back meetings today."

Bast (quietly): "I see. Thank you."

He ended the call and stared at the phone in his hand, a strange heaviness pressing in his chest.

Bast (to himself): "Why are you shutting me out, Kai...?"

Inside the office meeting room, tension filled the air.

Kai sat at the head of the table, his mood colder than usual. His sharp voice cut through the room as he demanded previous project reports, catching the staff off guard. Everyone exchanged nervous glances, unsure what had triggered his sudden shift in mood. Whispers passed between them, and no one dared to breathe too loud in fear of being scolded next.

Downstairs, the front doors opened.

Bast entered the building with quiet confidence. The guards immediately bowed, and the receptionist, caught off guard by his striking appearance, stared in awe.

Receptionist (whispering to herself): "How is he so handsome..."

Bast: "I’m Sebastian Vaughn. Where’s Kai?"

The receptionist fumbled slightly, adjusting her glasses and quickly stood.

Receptionist (nervously): "H-Hello, sir. Mr. Kai is still in the meeting room... on the second floor."

Bast didn’t say another word. His expression turned cold as he made his way toward the elevator, ignoring the receptionist’s lingering gaze.

Once on the second floor, he marched straight to the meeting room and pushed the door open without knocking.

The entire staff turned, startled. A tall, strikingly handsome man stood at the entrance like a scene from a movie. All eyes were on him.

Kai, confused, turned around. His eyes widened.

Kai: "Bast?! What are you doing here? I’m in the middle of a meeting—"

Before he could finish, Bast strode forward, grabbed Kai’s hand, and pulled him to stand. He wrapped an arm around Kai’s waist and turned to face the stunned employees.

Bast (firmly): "I’m Sebastian Vaughn—Kai Haruto’s fiancé and boyfriend. If you all could kindly give us a moment alone, I’d really appreciate it."

The staff, frozen in shock, stood up in unison and bowed respectfully before hurrying out, whispering among themselves in disbelief.

Once the room was empty, the door clicked shut.

Kai (tense): "What are you doing? I’m busy with work."

Bast (calmly, pulling him close): "I just came to see my baby."

Kai tried to push him away, but Bast didn’t let go.

Kai (softly): "Bast, seriously... not here."