The call Thaddeus received that evening had nothing to do with a woman or a secret relationship. It was about Kayden's birthday.
Ryland had been planning something behind the scenes and now wanted Thaddeus involved. The event planner was already on standby, and they had scheduled a video call to go over details.
Thaddeus sat down with the planner in a quiet space while Ryland joined the meeting through the screen. His voice came in clearly.
"I want the celebration to feel special. It's his twentieth birthday. Not loud or over the top. Just something classy and meaningful."
The planner smiled. "We were thinking of a rooftop setup. Soft lights, live music, good food. Something that feels intimate and elegant. Maybe in gold and white colors?"
Ryland looked at Thaddeus through the screen. "You know him more than I do. What do you think?"
Thaddeus leaned back slightly. "I don't want you to overdo it. As long as he feels seen and celebrated, that's enough."
They continued talking for a while. They discussed decorations, food, and even the guest list, which Ryland kept short on purpose. Only a few close friends and family. Something quiet and personal.
When the meeting ended, Thaddeus stepped outside, walking slowly toward his car. The night air was quiet and still, but his mind was restless, tangled with thoughts he couldn't shake.
He had agreed to help plan the birthday, but now his mind was stuck on something else.
What gift should he give Kayden?
At first, he thought about getting a luxury watch. Something sleek and expensive. Then he considered high-end cologne, maybe shoes, or designer clothes. All the things a wealthy man could easily buy.
But none of it felt right.
Kayden wasn't like most boys. He had money already. He grew up around luxury. A flashy gift might impress others, but not Kayden.
Thaddeus leaned his head back against the seat.
The truth was, he had no idea what would make Kayden smile.
And that bothered him more than he wanted to admit.
He wanted the gift to matter. To show Kayden how deeply he cared. Not just because of the upcoming birthday, but because Kayden had started to mean something more to him than he was ready to say out loud.
Driving home that night, Thaddeus didn't feel calm or proud.
He felt nervous.
Not about the party.
But about what Kayden's reaction would be. And whether a gift could ever measure up to what was growing quietly between them.
When Thaddeus got home, it was already late. He drank a glass of water in the kitchen, then made his way quietly to Kayden's room.
The lights were dim, and Kayden was already asleep, his breathing soft and even.
Thaddeus stood at the door for a moment, just watching him. His gaze lingered on the peaceful curve of Kayden's face, the way his body curled slightly under the blanket.
After a while, he turned and walked back to his room.
Once inside, Thaddeus let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head at himself. The idea that someone like Kayden could trouble his thoughts this much seemed almost absurd. But then again, it wasn't just Kayden. It was Ryland's son. Ryland, his closest friend for years. The one who trusted him blindly.
What would happen if Ryland ever found out?
Thaddeus sat at the edge of his bed, elbows resting on his knees. He couldn't just leave Kayden alone, not after what had already happened between them. He had crossed a line, and he knew it. If he truly wanted it to stop, he should have pulled away the very first time. But he hadn't. And now, after it happened again, he couldn't deny it any longer.
Kayden wasn't the kind of person he could walk away from and pretend like nothing ever happened.
Still, he thought to himself, being with Kayden wasn't the real fear. It was what might come next. What if Kayden lost interest? What if this didn't last?
Thaddeus leaned back, eyes staring up at the ceiling.
He couldn't go through that pain again.
His last relationship had left a wound so deep, it had taken years to fully heal. And just now, just recently, he had started to feel whole again.
He didn't want to be broken all over. Not again.
Morning light poured gently through the windows.
Kayden stood in front of Thaddeus's door, dressed neatly. The fever had passed, but a quiet heaviness still clung to him, one he couldn't explain.
He knocked once.
Thaddeus opened the door, halfway through styling his hair. Their eyes met.
Good morning, I just wanted to say… thank you, Kayden said softly, his fingers tightening around the strap of his backpack. "For taking care of me."
Thaddeus gave a small nod, his eyes lingering on Kayden a little longer than necessary.
"You're welcome," he said simply.
Kayden hesitated for a moment, then turned to leave.
"Wait," Thaddeus said.
Kayden paused, glancing over his shoulder.
"I'll ride with you."
Kayden blinked. "I thought you were going to work?"
Thaddeus smoothed the cuff of his shirt. I have a meeting. Same direction.
Kayden didn't question it. He simply nodded, lips curving into a faint smile.
They walked out together. The driver was already waiting outside, the car polished and quiet. Thaddeus didn't say a word, he just moved toward the car, and Kayden naturally followed.
He knew exactly what Thaddeus was doing.
If Thaddeus had told the driver to take only him, he would've insisted on going alone. But by getting in the car first, he left no space for that argument.
And now, without making a fuss, Kayden slid into the seat beside him.
As the car pulled off, Thaddeus glanced at him.
"Did you speak with your parents?"
Kayden nodded. "Yeah."
Thaddeus was quiet for a beat. Then, Tomorrow's your birthday. I assume you already made plans with friends?
Kayden smiled faintly but didn't look at him. "Something like that."
The truth was, he hadn't made any plans. He didn't care for parties. What he wanted was simple to spend the day with Thaddeus. Even if they weren't officially anything, even if the space between them still felt uncertain, he wanted that time.
When the car finally pulled up in front of the school, Thaddeus spoke again.
"Behave. I'll see you later."
Kayden nodded and stepped out. As the door closed and Kayden disappeared into the school building, Thaddeus leaned back in his seat and exhaled.
"Let's go," he told the driver.
And just like that, the car turned and headed back into the city.
The sun was out fully by the time Kayden walked into class. Though he was still recovering, something about the morning had left a soft smile clinging to his face, one he didn't even realize he was wearing.
Darren spotted him from the far corner and raised an eyebrow as Kayden took his seat.
You look suspiciously good today, Darren said, leaning closer. Recovered from the plague already, or did something magical happen overnight?
Darren squinted at him, Okay, spill it. Why are you smiling like that? I haven't seen you this chill before.
Kayden hesitated, then said casually, "Tomorrow's my birthday."
Darren blinked. Oh… that explains the mood. Big plans?
Kayden shook his head. "Not really."
But you look like someone just promised you a private island. What's going on?
Kayden turned to face him and smiled a little more. "You wouldn't get it."
"Try me," Darren pushed, grinning.
Kayden sighed. I'm just happy, that's all. I'm turning twenty. I'm growing.
Darren made a face. Yeah, and then what? You're gonna wish for twenty-five? Thirty?
"Exactly," Kayden answered in a soft tone.
Darren laughed. That's the weirdest birthday wish I've ever heard. You want to age faster?
Kayden smiled again, quieter this time. It's not the age. It's what it means to me.
Darren looked at him, still not fully understanding. But he let it go.
Thaddeus kept his head down at work, eyes fixed on his tablet as he reviewed schedules and answered emails. But even in the middle of meetings and project updates, a part of his mind drifted.
When he glanced at the time and realized Kayden's classes would be ending soon, he picked up his phone and typed a quick message.
Be a good adult and follow the driver back home. I'll be back earlier today.
He didn't overthink it, just hit send and went back to work.
Kayden was already walking toward the campus gate, his bag slung over one shoulder, phone in hand. The message notification buzzed, and when he read Thaddeus's text, his eyes lit up.
Adult.
That one word made his chest flutter. He laughed out loud and threw his head back, practically skipping a step.
"I'm an adult," he blurted, unable to hold it in.
Darren, walking beside him, stopped in his tracks. What the… Kayden, what the hell is wrong with you today?
Kayden didn't answer right away, just grinned like he'd won the lottery.
People walking by glanced over, some amused, others confused. Darren gave Kayden a look like he'd completely lost it.
"You're acting like someone just proposed to you."
Kayden laughed, still staring at the message. It's nothing. Just a good day.
Darren shook his head. Whatever you're feeling, it's either love or you've completely lost it. And knowing you, it's probably a little of both.
Kayden just smiled, clutching his phone a little tighter as they walked toward the gate.