Kia was already seated at the dining table, scrolling through his phone but not really reading anything. His mind kept drifting to Ryan… and that annoying Liam who somehow managed to attach himself to Ryan like a second skin.
Ryan hummed softly as he arranged plates. Kia watched him from the corner of his eye, quietly irritated that Ryan didn't seem to notice Liam's obvious flirting.
Before Kia could say anything, the front door swung open.
"Daddy!!"
Two small figures burst into the house like excited puppies.
Ryan's face lit up instantly — brighter than Kia had ever seen. "My babies!" He bent to hug them tightly.
But instead of running to him, the children sprinted straight to—
"Uncle Liam!"
Both kids practically climbed him like a tree. Liam laughed, spinning the little girl around before settling the boy on his hip.
Kia's jaw clenched.
Ryan quickly cleared his throat. "Guys— wash your hands first before touching anything!"
"Awwwww, Daddy…" they groaned but obeyed, jumping off Liam and rushing to the sink.
Max finally entered, carrying a small travel bag.
"Good morning, boss," Max said to Ryan before greeting the others. "Morning, Liam. Morning, Kia."
He paused.
His eyes narrowed a little.
Ryan… was acting different.
His usual cold, distant mood was gone — replaced with something softer. Warmer. Almost gentle.
What happened overnight? Max thought.
He greeted Kia again, noticing that Kia wasn't scowling for once. Then Max and Liam began talking about Liam's recent trip — some business visit abroad.
But while they talked, Max kept stealing glances at Ryan.
This man is acting like he didn't almost kill us yesterday…
How is life this unfair?
I'm still nursing my bruises but look at him. Acting cute and caring.
"Food is ready," Ryan finally announced.
The kids ran back in, and Ryan served them first. He placed tiny portions of vegetables and cut the meat into small pieces for them. Kia found himself watching… almost smiling.
He quickly wiped that smile off.
They all settled. Kia reached out with his fork to pick a big piece of beef.
Before he could touch it—
Ryan's hand slapped his firmly away.
"Don't eat that."
Kia blinked at him. "Why?"
Ryan looked genuinely annoyed. "Because you're allergic to beef. Why would you try to eat it? Do you want to end up in the hospital on an empty stomach?"
The table went silent.
Max froze.
Liam froze.
Even the kids looked at their daddy in shock.
Ryan huffed, pulled the beef plate away, and replaced it with another dish. "Here. I made chicken for you. I marinated it myself because the normal one they cook outside never sits well with you."
Kia stared at him… confused.
He hadn't expected that.
He hadn't expected Ryan to remember something so small— something from years ago.
Max's jaw dropped.
Who is this person? This is not my boss.
Did someone replace him overnight?
Maybe he is feeling guilty for beating us yesterday… but why is he soft only to Kia?? What about me?? I was beaten too! Why is life punishing me like this?
Across the table, Liam's smile disappeared.
He stabbed his fork into his food a little too hard.
Because Ryan didn't make him special food.
Ryan didn't slap his hand away.
Ryan didn't talk to him like that.
Liam shot Kia a cold side-eye.
Kia pretended not to notice… but inside, he smirked.
Ryan served Kia personally again, almost fussing over him.
The others exchanged glances.
Something between Ryan and Kia… was changing.
And only Kia looked satisfied with it.
Author pov: Mr Ryan, I thought you heart was stone 😂
Kia: let me answer on my beloved behalf, I am like a chemical that resolves stone 🌚