Sleeping With My Step Daddy-Chapter 37: "Morning With You"

Jeff rode the bike fast, and Rico held him tightly from behind. The wind brushed against them, the city lights blurring into streaks of color.

"Are you afraid of falling?" Jeff called over his shoulder.

Rico’s voice was quiet, slightly flustered. "I’m not... It’s just... my first time on a bike."

Jeff smirked. "Then feel it. The air—it’s fresh, right?"

Rico lifted his head slightly, glancing around. The city sparkled beneath them, alive with lights. He’d never seen it this way before. It was beautiful. It felt... free.

Jeff slowed down and stopped at a street food stall. Rico blinked. "What are you doing?"

Jeff pulled off Rico’s helmet, setting it down. "Come on," he said, grabbing his hand.

They sat at a plastic table under warm yellow lights. Rico looked skeptical. "Why are we here?"

"I’m hungry," Jeff said simply.

Rico crossed his arms. "And I’m tired. Drop me home and go do whatever you want."

Jeff ignored him and ordered food. "Stay with me tonight," he said casually.

"Nope," Rico said firmly, his cheeks turning red.

Jeff reached over, brushing his fingers through Rico’s hair. "Don’t worry. I promise—if you stay with me, you’ll never feel lonely again."

Those words hit something deep inside Rico. His heart stirred. He looked away. "Who says I’m lonely?"

Jeff just smiled. "The food’s here. Let’s eat."

Rico frowned at the tray. "This stuff? I can’t eat like that. It’s unhealthy."

Jeff took a bite and leaned in, holding it out to Rico. "Just try."

"No... No way."

But after a few more playful attempts, Jeff finally got him to take a bite.

"...It’s not bad," Rico admitted reluctantly.

Jeff grinned. "Told you. It’s delicious."

Rico didn’t reply, but he kept eating. After the meal, they rode quietly to Jeff’s apartment. It was a modest place, tucked in a quiet part of the city.

"You live here?" Rico asked, surprised.

Jeff nodded. "Yeah."

Rico tilted his head. Why is he being like this? Before, he ran from me... now he wants me to stay.

They parked the bike, and Jeff led him upstairs. "It’s a bit of a mess. Don’t judge."

Rico walked in, looked around, and said bluntly, "It’s not a bit of a mess."

He picked up a pair of underwear from the bed, flicked it to the floor, and sighed.

Jeff scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "Okay... maybe it’s a little dirty."

Rico sat on the bed and looked around again. The place was small, worn... but oddly cozy.

He didn’t say it out loud, but something about this little space made him feel safe.

Peaceful.

Rico lay on the bed, eyes slowly drifting shut. For the first time in a while, he felt... comfort. Warmth. He wasn’t alone tonight. Just as sleep began to take him, he felt Jeff’s weight beside him, a gentle kiss pressed to his forehead.

Rico opened his eyes, locking stares with Jeff.

"You want to do a one-night stand again?" Rico asked softly, his voice low but edged.

Jeff paused, then stood up and handed him a towel. "Go take a shower. You’ll feel better after."

Rico took the towel, a small, amused smile tugging at his lips. He walked to the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

Jeff sighed and rummaged through his closet, trying to find something in Rico’s size. By the time he had a set ready, Rico stepped out of the bathroom, steam following him. A towel clung loosely around his waist, water dripping down his chest and collarbones, strands of damp hair falling over his eyes.

Jeff froze, eyes trailing instinctively across Rico’s figure. Quickly, he looked away and shoved the clothes toward him. "Hurry up and get dressed. I need to shower."

Rico chuckled softly. "Are you sure you really don’t want to do it?"

Jeff glanced at him—and regretted it. The way the water clung to his skin, the soft curve of his smile, the calm seduction in his eyes. Jeff blinked and tore his gaze away.

"Just get dressed," he muttered and escaped into the bathroom.

Under the hot spray, Jeff pressed his hands to the tiled wall. His mind wouldn’t quiet. Images of Rico’s body, his voice, that teasing smile—they clung to him like the steam. He glanced down and groaned.

"Damn it... Why now?" he whispered.

Trying to calm himself, Jeff gently touched himself, hoping to ease the ache. When he was finally under control, he finished his shower and stepped out, towel around his waist.

In the bedroom, Rico had already curled up and fallen asleep, his face relaxed and peaceful under the dim light.

Jeff paused.

He smiled.

Quietly, he lay beside him, watching for a while. He pulled his phone out and snapped a quick picture of Rico sleeping, whispering, "You really look like a baby when you sleep..."

He reached out and gently patted his head, brushing a few stray strands from his forehead.

"Why am I so drawn to you?" Jeff murmured, barely audible.

"It’s weird. I’ve never felt this before. But when I’m with you... my whole body feels alive."

Morning Light

Soft golden rays peeked through the blinds. Jeff stirred, eyes fluttering open to greet the morning warmth. His hand reached out instinctively—only to find the other side of the bed empty.

He sat up quickly, eyes scanning the room. "Rico?"

No response.

Then his gaze landed on a small note resting on the nightstand.

Jeff reached for it and unfolded the paper. The familiar handwriting made his chest tighten.

> "Last night was a very peaceful night for me.

Thanks for everything."

A bittersweet smile spread across Jeff’s lips.

"I slept too long... I wish I’d woken up early, just to watch him sleep," he murmured, brushing a hand through his hair. "I wonder how he looks in the morning light."

---

Meanwhile

On the other side of town, Kai lay cradled in Bast’s arms, their bare bodies wrapped in the aftermath of the night they shared. Faint marks from passion painted their skin, like memories etched in warmth.

Bast ran his fingers gently through Kai’s hair, his hand caressing the back of his neck.

Kai’s eyes opened slowly, catching the soft expression on Bast’s face.

"Did I wake you?" Bast asked, his voice a whisper.

Kai smiled sleepily. "No... I just wanted to see your face first."

Bast traced his fingers down Kai’s collarbone, leaning down to press a kiss to it. "Today... I feel truly happy." ƒreewebɳovel.com

Kai tilted his head, teasing softly, "It’s not like it’s our first time."

Bast shook his head. "No, it’s different. Today, I’m with you fully. No lies. No hidden regrets. There’s nothing left between us but truth."

Kai’s smile faltered. His eyes lowered, lips pressing into a thin line. "Then... why did Rico do that to us?"

The mood shifted.

Bast’s expression darkened slightly as he pulled Kai closer, arms tightening.

"Because when I was with Rico... I hurt him," Bast said quietly. "And now, he keeps trying to hurt me back."

Kai looked up, confusion flickering in his eyes. "But why? How did you hurt him?"

Bast exhaled, eyes clouded with guilt. "I chose someone else over him."

Kai blinked, taken aback. "Someone else...?"

Bast looked down into Kai’s eyes, his thumb brushing against his cheek.

"I chose a cute little kid over him," Bast said with a faint, emotional smile.

Kai’s lips parted slightly. "Me...?"

Bast nodded. "Yes... you."

Silence hung in the air between them, heavy with both sweetness and sorrow.

Bast hugged Kai tightly, his voice low and warm against Kai’s ear.

"I’m really happy to be with you... And maybe, it’s good that Rico and I drifted apart. We were never the perfect match."

Kai looked up, blinking, taking in Bast’s words. There was no hesitation in Bast’s gaze—only clarity and affection.

Bast grinned. "Now... let’s take a shower together."

Kai’s eyes widened. "Nope."

"Why not?" Bast teased, leaning in.

"I just said no," Kai pouted, pushing him lightly.

But Bast, being Bast, simply stood up, scooped Kai into his arms like a prince carrying his beloved, and started walking toward the bathroom.

"Bast! Put me down!" Kai protested, trying not to laugh, cheeks pink.

"Nope," Bast smirked. "You’re already mine—don’t act shy now."

---

Meanwhile — At the Office

Rico sat at his sleek office desk, a steaming cup of coffee beside his untouched breakfast. But surprisingly, today—he was eating. And smiling.

The usually stern and sharp-eyed CEO was in a mood so rare, it sent ripples through the workplace. Whispers floated like feathers among the staff.

"Did he just smile?"

"Is he... humming?"

His secretary peeked in with a puzzled look. "Mr. Rico, you have a lunch meeting with Vaughn Corporation today."

Rico nodded casually, setting down his coffee. "Okay. You can go now."

As soon as the door closed, Rico unlocked his phone. The screen lit up—

Photos of Jeff, asleep in bed, face half buried in the pillow, messy hair tousled like a bear cub’s.

Rico smiled fondly, heart fluttering.

"He sleeps like a big bear..." he whispered. Then chuckled softly to himself.

"So cute... my little chocolate boy."

He leaned back in his chair, cheeks a bit flushed, unaware of how much his heart had started to shift.