SFS Chapter 28:
Chapter 28:
Chapter 28: "The Comfort"Morning Light
Rico’s eyes slowly fluttered open, his head pounding with a dull ache. He groaned softly, murmuring, "What did I do last night...?" As his gaze adjusted, he noticed the cold patch still resting on his forehead, a small bottle of medicine nearby, and a neatly folded note. Curiously, he picked it up and read:
> "After breakfast, take the medicine. And don’t drink too much if you can’t handle it."
Rico blinked as the memories from the previous night came rushing back—Jeff gently wiping his fevered body with cold water, laying him in bed, and caring for him so tenderly. He touched the spot where the cold patch lay and chuckled quietly. "That chocolate boy... he’s so kind," he whispered with a small smile. "I want to see him again."
---
Bast’s Morning
Bast woke up in his room, momentarily disoriented. He looked around and quickly noticed that Kai wasn’t there. Panicking slightly, he got up and
Kai didn’t respond and tried to look away.
Rico’s tone turned teasing. "Ignoring me now? Why won’t you answer my calls?"
Kai’s voice was cold. "Why would I?"
Rico glanced at Miles, who was still waiting at the counter. "Is that your best friend?"
Kai stepped back. "It’s none of your business. Stay away from me and Bast."
Rico chuckled mockingly. "Such an angry little boy. I just wanted to say hello—why so worked up?"
Kai turned and began walking away, but Rico grabbed his wrist, lowering his voice. "Next time... answer my calls. Reply to my messages. Or I’ll come to your college. Or even your home. We’ll have a nice meeting there."
Kai yanked his arm free and stormed off without a word.
Rico watched him go, a dangerous smile curving on his lips.
Moments later, Miles returned, holding two tickets. "Whoa, that was such a long line! But I got them. Let’s grab some popcorn and drinks!"
Kai nodded quietly, forcing a smile.
But deep down, his mood was already ruined—thanks to Rico.
Miles and Kai sat quietly in the darkened theater, the movie playing in the background, but Kai’s thoughts drifted elsewhere.
He leaned closer to Miles and whispered, "What’s wrong with Ethan lately? He’s been so busy with work."
Miles’ smile faltered. He stared at the screen blankly. "It’s because... Mr. Victor is coming next week."
"Victor? Ethan’s father?" Kai asked softly.
Miles gave a slight nod, but his expression turned pale. Kai noticed immediately.
He shifted closer. "Miles... is something bothering you?" His voice was gentle now. "If there’s something on your mind, you can talk to me. I’m always here for you."
Miles’s eyes glistened with tears. He blinked rapidly but couldn’t stop them from falling.
"I never wanted to lose Ethan," he whispered, his voice cracking.
Kai didn’t wait. He stood up and gently took Miles’s hand. "Come on. Let’s get out of here. We’ll go for lunch. You can tell me everything."
Miles didn’t say a word, but he followed Kai out of the theater, step by step, clinging silently to the comfort of his friend’s presence.
Rico sat alone in his office, the dim light from the window casting a soft shadow across his face. He dialed a number and waited.
"Have you found the boy named Jun?" he asked calmly.
"Yes, sir," the voice on the other end replied. "He recently moved into the Happy Life Building. Room number 306. He also opened a small café nearby. As for his past... we couldn’t find much. This is all we’ve gathered so far."
Rico leaned back in his chair, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Alright. Keep digging."
He ended the call and sat in silence for a moment. His eyes softened, lost in a distant memory.
"The comfort I felt in your arms..." he murmured to himself. "I’ve never experienced anything like that before, Jun."
A faint smile remained on his lips as he stared out the window, lost in thought.