This time, Thaddeus wasn't tipsy. He was fully aware of what was happening between him and Kayden.
Kayden's fingers moved with quiet intent, gently unbuttoning Thaddeus's shirt as their mouths stayed locked in a kiss filled with tension. No matter how much Thaddeus wanted to resist, something inside him kept pulling him in. He couldn't explain it, but he couldn't stop either.
Once they were both undressed, Thaddeus sat on the chair, pulling Kayden into his lap. Their lips never parted. His hands moved carefully, preparing Kayden with a mix of restraint and need. The air between them was thick and burning.
Minutes later, Kayden straddled him, easing down slowly until Thaddeus was fully inside him. Kayden gasped, a soft groan escaping his lips. Thaddeus, startled, tried to pull back, but Kayden stopped him.
"I'm fine," Kayden whispered breathlessly. "Don't stop."
They moved together, no longer holding back. The thrusts were deep, rough, and unrelenting. Thaddeus held him tightly with one hand, the other wrapped around Kayden's length, stroking him to the same rhythm. Kayden cried out as he came, and soon after, Thaddeus followed with a groan into Kayden's shoulder.
When it was over, Kayden's tears started to fall.
Thaddeus froze, guilt creeping over him. "Are you in pain?" he asked softly.
Still sitting on him, Kayden shook his head and wrapped his arms tightly around Thaddeus.
"No... I just... I love everything about you," he said through quiet sobs. "I know I'm younger than you, but I'll grow up soon. My twentieth birthday is just a few days away. I'll be more than twenty soon... I'll grow beyond that too."
Thaddeus looked into his eyes and saw nothing but sincerity, but he couldn't ignore the heavy knot tightening in his chest.
"It's not just about age," he said. What about your father? What if he finds out?
He reached up and brushed away Kayden's tears with his thumb. You're still young, Kayden. You've got so much ahead of you. One day, you'll realize I'm too old for you.
Kayden's brows furrowed, his eyes shimmering with hurt. More tears slipped down his cheeks.
Thaddeus reached for a tissue and gently wiped his face. I'm your father's best friend. What just happened between us is forbidden. Have you thought about what people would say?
Kayden slowly stood and walked toward the bathroom. Just before stepping in, he paused at the doorway and looked back.
"You care about what people would say," he said quietly, "but what about my feelings?"
The words struck Thaddeus deeper than he expected.
"You're still young," he replied. "Those feelings won't last. One day, you'll understand."
Kayden said nothing more and stepped into the shower. The sound of water soon filled the silence between them.
Thaddeus sat there for a long moment before quietly dressing and returning to his room. He stepped into his own warm shower, hoping to wash away the guilt clinging to him like a second skin.
Later, he sat on the edge of his bed with a towel draped around his neck, lost in thought. Kayden's words echoed in his mind.
"I know I'm younger, but I'll grow up soon."
It was the first time someone had confessed something so deeply personal to him, not out of gain or for wealth. Kayden didn't need anything from him. His father was just as wealthy. Maybe there was desire, but what Thaddeus saw in Kayden's eyes went beyond that. It was something deeper, something desire alone couldn't explain.
Thaddeus exhaled slowly and raked his hand through his damp hair.
If it's not love, then what is it?
Why am I thinking about it so much?
Kayden was still young. The more he grew, the older he would get. That was the truth. Sooner or later, Kayden would realize Thaddeus belonged in a different chapter of life. One filled with responsibility and quiet nights, not reckless love or obsession.
"He'll outgrow this," Thaddeus whispered. "This won't last."
He lay down and pulled the covers over himself. But sleep didn't come easily. His heart wouldn't rest.
Across the house, Kayden wasn't sleeping either.
He sat with his phone in hand, typing quietly in the dark.
"How to act mature around someone 19 years older than you."
He scrolled through blogs, videos, and articles, reading everything carefully. He didn't want to lose Thaddeus. Not because of age or doubt. He wanted to show that his feelings were real.
This wasn't just a crush.
It was love.
And it wasn't going to fade.
He grabbed his notebook and scribbled down thoughts and plans.
He would change. He'd dress with more confidence. Try a new hairstyle. Wake up early, take responsibility, never wait for Thaddeus to wake him. He would go to lectures without being told. No more childish rebellion or staying out late. He would respect him not out of fear.
Looking at his notes, Kayden suddenly burst into tears.
"I'm obsessed with him," he whispered. "I can't let go. I know what I feel. I'll prove it to you, I promise."
He pulled the blanket over himself, heart aching but full of resolve.
And finally, he drifted into sleep.
The next morning, Thaddeus woke up to the sharp buzz of his phone. Blinking away the last traces of sleep, he reached for it, answering without checking the screen.
"Hello?"
"Thad, good morning." Ryland's cheerful voice filled the line.
Thaddeus sat up straighter. "Ryland?"
"Yes. I didn't wake you, did I?"
"No, no, I'm up," he lied, rubbing his eyes. "Is everything okay?"
Ryland chuckled. More than okay. I was calling to let you know we're coming to the city in a few days for Kayden's birthday. His mother and I want to surprise him.
Thaddeus's brows lifted. That sounds great.
We want to plan something simple but meaningful. We'll need your help though. I'm counting on you to bring Kayden to the location on the day. Can you do that?
Thaddeus hesitated for a moment, then said, "Of course. Just let me know the time and place."
"Perfect. I knew I could count on you." Ryland's voice softened. He listens to you more than anyone. I'm glad he has you around.
Thaddeus forced a small smile. Yeah. I'll handle it.
After the call ended, he stared at his phone for a moment, deep in thought. A surprise party from his parents… Kayden would love that. But there was still a weight in his chest he couldn't shake.
Before he could dwell on it, there was a light knock on the door.
"Come in," he called.
Kayden stepped into the room, already dressed and looking fresher than usual. "Good morning. I just wanted to let you know I'm going out to the salon."
Thaddeus looked up, surprised. Salon? You're not going to class today?
"No classes today," Kayden replied simply. I just want to clean up a bit.
Thaddeus nodded. Alright. Ask the driver to take you.
But Kayden shook his head. I'll drive myself.
That made Thaddeus pause. You? Driving?He raised a brow. Didn't you just say the other day you were too lazy for that?
Kayden offered a faint smile. "Things change."
Thaddeus looked at him for a beat longer, noting the quiet determination in his tone. There was something different about him this morning. A subtle shift.
As Kayden turned to leave, Thaddeus spoke again. You might not meet me back at home.
Kayden glanced over his shoulder. "Work?"
No, not today. I'm meeting someone to handle a few things. he said, keeping it casual but avoiding details.
Kayden nodded. "Alright. See you later."
And with that, he walked out, leaving Thaddeus standing there watching the closed door, feeling the weight of change settling into his chest.
Kayden stepped out of the salon with a fresh cut that framed his face perfectly. His new hairstyle gave him a sharper, more mature look, and he admired it in every passing reflection. Confidence lifted his posture as he made his way into one of the high-end clothing stores nestled along the avenue.
He wasn't planning on shopping. Not really. But the moment he saw the soft tailored shirts and sleek trousers displayed in the window, something in him stirred.
Maybe it was the way he looked now. Maybe it was the quiet voice inside him whispering, Look like someone he'd want to take seriously.
He strolled through the racks, picking pieces one after the other. A deep green button-down that hugged the waist, a set of silver rings that glinted under the lights, and a black sweater with a neckline that flirted with the collarbone. One by one, they landed in his arms until he stood at the register, ready to pay.
Then he paused.
He stared at the total on the screen and tilted his head, a mischievous smirk tugging at his lips. Instead of reaching for his wallet, he pulled out his phone and opened his chat with Thaddeus.
His fingers danced across the screen.
> Sugar daddy, he typed with a mischievous grin. I just walked into this store and everything's calling my name, but my wallet is ignoring me. Wanna drop me a light $5,000 for therapy in the form of fabric?
He hit send, chuckling to himself as he turned his phone face-down. He wasn't really expecting anything. It was just a tease. Just another way to get under Thaddeus's skin the way he loved to.
But not two minutes later, his phone buzzed.
Transfer received: $5,000.00.
Kayden blinked, heart skipping. He opened the message. The full amount was there. No questions. No delay. Just a clean, quiet transfer like it was nothing.
He stared at it for a second longer, then bit his lower lip, cheeks warming in the center of the store.
He wasn't sure what to call this thing between them.
But whatever it was… it made his chest feel warm.