Sleeping With My Step Daddy Chapter 25: "The Past"

At College

Miles and Kai chatted together outside the classroom when Eden walked in, looking healthier than the day before.

"Hey, Eden! Are you feeling better now?" Miles asked brightly.

Eden gave a warm smile. "Yeah, thanks to your porridge."

Kai blinked. "Porridge?"

Miles grinned. "Oh yeah, yesterday when you ditched , I went to visit Eden. He had a really high fever."

Eden nodded. "Miles made porridge for and brought so dicine. I’m feeling much better now—thanks, Miles."

Kai’s eyes narrowed slightly as he murmured under his breath, "Why does Eden look so happy..."

Eden sat down, cheerful as ever. "Let’s finish the project, then lunch is on !"

"Woo! Eden, you’ve got so much energy today," Miles laughed.

"Because of your porridge," Eden replied, smiling at him.

"I told you," Miles bead, "my mom’s recipe is amazing."

Kai glanced at both of them, his face filled with confusion, a strange feeling rising in his chest.

---

In the Office

anwhile, Rico stepped into Bast’s office, flashing his usual smirk. Bast sat behind his desk, focused on so files, but his eyes lifted coldly the mont Rico spoke.

"Hello, honey. We were supposed to have dinner yesterday. Since you didn’t show up, I thought—why not bring the eting to your office instead?" Rico chuckled as he casually took a seat.

Bast’s gaze darkened. "What do you want?"

Rico leaned back in the chair, playful. "Relax. It’s not my birthday or anything. But since you brought it up—why don’t you give the Japanese kid? I promise I’ll take good care of him. You know —I always go after what I want."

In a flash, Bast stood up and grabbed Rico by the collar. His voice was low, furious. "Don’t say his na. Not from your filthy mouth."

Rico pulled Bast’s hand off calmly and looked him dead in the eyes. "You think I’m joking? You know better than anyone—I always get what I want."

Bast clenched his jaw, rage boiling beneath his skin. "If you’re looking to regret sothing for the rest of your life, keep pushing."

Rico stood, adjusted his coat, and picked up a handkerchief from the desk. "Please give this to Kai. He left it yesterday." With a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, he walked out.

Bast stood still for a mont, fists trembling at his sides, struggling to control the fury threatening to explode.

Rico sat in his car, resting his head back against the seat as mories started to flood in.

He smiled faintly. "The first ti we t..." he murmured.

It was a small, cozy café.

Bast had rushed in, clearly in a hurry, holding a cup of hot Aricano. Rico had just turned from the counter when they collided. The coffee spilled all over Rico’s shirt.

Bast’s eyes widened, panic flashing across his usually composed face.

"I-I’m so sorry," he stamred, reaching for napkins, "I didn’t see you—are you okay? I didn’t an to—"

Rico rembered how flustered he looked, repeating apologies again and again.

He hadn’t changed then. Just a man trying to hold everything together.

Rico closed his eyes, a touch of bitterness in his voice. "I miss that Bast..."

The one who used to be warm. The one who wasn’t burning with possessiveness or anger.

---

7 Years Ago

The night was cold, the wind whispering through the quiet streets. Rico shivered slightly, holding the edge of his coffee-stained shirt as he stepped out of the café. Just then, Bast approached him, concern evident in his eyes.

Without hesitation, Bast shrugged off his jacket and placed it over Rico’s shoulders.

"I’m really sorry," he said softly, walking beside him. "It’s all my fault. I ruined your shirt."

Rico glanced at him and smiled gently. "It’s fine. No need to feel guilty. It was just an accident."

"I’m Sebastian Vaughn," Bast introduced, his voice calm.

"Rico," ca the simple reply.

As they reached the street corner, Bast hesitated for a mont before speaking again.

"If you don’t mind... I’d like to give you a ride."

Rico shook his head. "No, it’s okay. I can go on my own."

But Bast insisted, opening the car door with a warm smile. "Please. Let do at least this much."

Rico gave in and got into the car. That ride ho sparked sothing between them. It started with casual talks, quick texts, and unexpected etings. Slowly but surely, they grew closer.

And one day, under a soft evening sky, Bast held Rico’s hands and said the words that changed everything.

"Rico, will you be mine?"

Their friendship blood into love—and they beca a couple.

Bast sighed heavily, rubbing his forehead in frustration.

"How could I ever love soone like that?" he muttered to himself. "Forget it, Bast. That was the past."

Just then, a knock echoed through the room.

"Co in," Bast called out.

His secretary, Jeff, stepped inside.

"You called for , sir?"

"Yes," Bast replied firmly, standing tall. "From now on, I want you to keep an eye on Rico. I need a report of everything he does—day and night. Who he ets, where he goes. I want it all."

Jeff blinked, slightly surprised, but nodded. "Understood, sir."

"And not in that suit," Bast added sharply. "You’ll need to blend in. Go buy so casual clothes. Change your look. Do it today."

"Yes, sir." Jeff turned and left without another word.

Bast picked up his phone and dialed a number. After a few rings, a voice answered.

"Bast?" Ethan’s tone was casual. "What’s up? I’m in the middle of sothing."

"Are you my friend or not?" Bast’s voice was low and tense.

"Why do you sound so furious?"

"et at our regular place," Bast said with finality. "I need to talk. It’s important."

Without waiting for a reply, he ended the call, his jaw clenched as he stared out the window.

At college, Eden walked through the hallway with a noticeable bounce in his step. His friend Henny noticed right away.

"Woo, you look really happy today," Henny said with a teasing smile.

Eden’s face lit up as he nodded. "He visited yesterday. Took care of the whole ti."

Henny blinked in surprise. "Wait—he? You an... Miles?"

Eden smiled softly, his cheeks flushing just a little. "Yeah. He made porridge for , brought dicine... stayed by my side the whole ti."

Henny’s jaw dropped. "Seriously? That’s... wow."

Eden’s eyes sparkled as he looked toward the window. "I’m waiting for him. I believe one day he’ll break up with his boyfriend... and co to . Forever."

Henny stared at him for a mont, unsure what to say, then sighed with a smile. "I’m not sure how this will go... but hey, I’m happy if you’re happy."

Eden nodded, still smiling. "Thanks, Henny."