[BL] Obsessed with My Father's Best Friend

The car pulled into the driveway, and Kayden stepped out, practically glowing. Even the driver had noticed how unusually cheerful he'd been throughout the ride. Not his usual calm or quiet mood today, Kayden radiated something different.

As he entered the house, the maids paused what they were doing. They didn't say anything, but their curious eyes followed him. His steps were lighter. His smile? Unmistakable. Kayden didn't notice or maybe he just didn't care.

Upstairs, Thaddeus had just returned from work. He took a quick shower, changed into something comfortable, and was checking his phone when a message popped up.

It was from Kayden's parents.

>We've arrived at the hotel. We figured staying at your house might spoil the surprise. We'll wait for your signal tomorrow.

Thaddeus typed a quick reply and put his phone down, running a hand through his hair as he stepped out of his room and headed down the hallway.

He knocked once on Kayden's door.

The door swung open almost immediately, like Kayden had been standing right behind it, waiting. His face lit up the moment he saw Thaddeus.

"You're back," he said, barely able to keep the excitement out of his voice.

"I said I'd be," Thaddeus replied with a soft smile, stepping inside. "How was school?"

Kayden sat on the edge of the bed, legs bouncing slightly. "It was good. Darren was annoying as usual, but it was fine."

Thaddeus stood with his hands in his pockets, watching him with quiet amusement. "Tomorrow, I'll come back early from work. Make sure you're ready."

Kayden blinked. "Ready for what?"

"I'm taking you out," Thaddeus said simply. "So dress well."

Kayden jumped to his feet, all but bouncing on his toes. "Seriously?"

Thaddeus nodded. "Seriously."

Without warning, Kayden threw his arms around him in a tight hug, holding on for just a second longer than necessary.

"Thank you," he whispered.

Thaddeus gently patted his back and pulled away. "Go to sleep early. Big day tomorrow."

Kayden nodded, still smiling as he watched Thaddeus leave the room.

He fell back on the bed, rolling from side to side, grinning into his pillow. The excitement bubbled in his chest, and he wanted to scream, but he knew he couldn't.

So he just whispered to himself, This is going to be the best birthday ever.

The next day, Kayden returned early from school, more excited than he let on. As soon as he entered the house, he found Thaddeus already dressed. His charcoal suit fit him perfectly, and his silver watch gleamed under the hallway lights. Kayden went to change too, choosing something simple but elegant a soft beige shirt tucked into tailored pants.

He assumed they were going to a quiet restaurant, something private between just the two of them.

But as they drove through the city, the streets became unfamiliar. Kayden glanced out the window, then turned to Thaddeus.

"You're not taking me to some wine bar, are you?" he asked, trying to mask the nervous energy in his voice.

Thaddeus only gave a small smile. "You'll see."

When they finally arrived, Kayden stepped out of the car slowly. The place was beautifully lit, surrounded by parked vehicles and decorated banners that gave it away before anything else could. Thaddeus led him up the steps.

The moment they reached the entrance, the room erupted.

"Surprise."

A loud cheer burst from inside. Confetti rained from the ceiling as music started playing, and colorful balloons floated above a massive birthday cake table. Family friends, familiar faces, and his parents all smiled brightly, celebrating.

Kayden froze.

For a fleeting second, his eyes lit up. But the smile didn't last, it faded just as quickly as it appeared.

"Mom. Dad." He stepped forward, hugging them tightly, putting on a polite smile.

But Thaddeus saw it, the shift in Kayden's expression. The disappointment. This wasn't what he had hoped for. The noise, the people, the spectacle, this wasn't the private moment he had imagined. It wasn't just for him and Thaddeus.

Still, Kayden didn't complain.

Instead, he pulled out his phone and typed a quick message to Darren and a few of their close friends.

>It's my birthday party. Come if you're free. Here's the location.

Then, he tucked the phone away and turned back to his mother, holding her tighter. "I missed you," he whispered.

His mother cupped his cheek with a loving smile. "You've grown so much and I'm so proud of you.

Soon, his friends arrived, filling the room with youthful laughter. Kayden introduced each one to his parents effortlessly, joking and smiling as though everything was perfect.

He played the role well. The perfect son.

No one noticed the tightness in his smile except Thaddeus.

Across the room, Thaddeus stood by the drink table with Ryland, casually sipping wine. They laughed over old stories until Ryland leaned in with a knowing grin.

"I hope Kayden hasn't been too much trouble under your roof."

Thaddeus glanced at Kayden before replying. "Not at all. He's… good company."

Meanwhile, Kayden sat in a corner with Darren and others. They were laughing, talking about school but Darren had noticed something. Kayden's gaze kept drifting.

He kept scanning the room, his eyes constantly returning to Thaddeus. Just for a few seconds. Just long enough to mean something.

Darren leaned closer. "You've been watching him all night."

Kayden blinked. "What?"

Him, Darren clarified. You keep staring at him.

Kayden scoffed, shaking his head. No, I haven't.

"You have," Darren replied with a grin. "Don't lie to me."

Kayden didn't answer. He just sipped his drink and looked away.

The music dimmed. A microphone was passed around. It was time for gifts.

Kayden's mother went first. She handed him a beautifully wrapped box and read aloud a heartfelt letter, her voice full of emotion as she spoke of watching him grow into a man.

Then came his father, offering a leather-bound journal. His speech was short, but full of pride about legacy, strength, and carrying the family name.

One by one, friends stepped forward, presenting thoughtful gifts. Wrapped boxes. Handwritten notes. Sentimental tokens.

Darren was last. He handed over a box with a teasing smile, pulling Kayden into a quick, brotherly hug.

"Happy birthday, dude. You're annoying most days… but you've grown on me."

Kayden laughed, rolling his eyes. "Thanks," he said softly, the warmth in his smile betraying the flicker of gratitude he tried to hide.

Then silence fell.

Thaddeus stepped forward.

His hands were empty.

Kayden's smile faltered. He tried to mask it, but the air shifted. He was waiting for. A letter, a box, or omething.

But there was nothing.

Thaddeus said quietly. Watching you grow into the best version of yourself has been a privilege. I'm truly proud of you. "Happy birthday, Kayden."

It was warm, sincere, and honest.

But not enough.

Kayden lowered his gaze. His chest tensed. He gave a small nod and stepped back, sitting down quietly. The disappointment was impossible to hide.

He had expected more from Thaddeus. A private gift. A small gesture. Anything to show this day meant something to him, too.

Someone clapped suddenly. Time to cut the cake.

Kayden stood. He approached the table, blew out the candles, and made a silent wish one he already knew wouldn't come true.

Afterward, he slipped away from the crowd and sat by the drinks table, a half-full glass in hand. He sipped quietly.

Darren joined him. "Take it easy."

Kayden didn't respond.

Darren tilted his head. You like him, don't you?

Kayden turned, startled. "What?"

Your uncle. Thaddeus. You've been looking at him like he hung the moon.

Kayden chuckled, brushing it off. He's my uncle. And my dad's best friend. What are you talking about?

Darren didn't smile. "You know I'm your friend. You don't have to lie."

Kayden met his eyes, then looked away. It's not what you think.

He's been there for me since I was a kid, Kayden said softly, then paused before adding, I guess... I just admire him. Like anyone would.

Darren was quiet for a moment. Then he asked, So why did it hurt when he didn't get you a gift?

Kayden exhaled slowly. It didn't hurt. I just didn't expect nothing.

Darren let it go. "Okay."

The music grew louder again. The party returned to full swing. Drinks flowed. Laughter echoed.

But Kayden?

He was drunk now.

He stood abruptly, wobbling slightly, and disappeared into the hallway.

Inside the restroom, he gripped the sink, cheeks flushed and heart racing. The alcohol buzzed through him, but something else burned deeper, raw, and unspoken.

He pulled out his phone. His thumb hovered over one name.

Then he typed:

>Come to the restroom.

He hit send.

To Thaddeus.