The sound of clinking cutlery filled the spacious dining room as morning light spilled through the tall windows. Yuuto sat across from Aiden, his breakfast barely touched. Aiden, dressed in a black robe with his hair still damp from a shower, sipped his coffee while reading the morning paper on his tablet.
Yuuto hesitated before finally putting his fork down. "Aiden… I want to find a job."
Aiden's eyes flicked up from his screen. "Why?"
Yuuto met his gaze, voice firm but soft. "I can't just stay in this house doing nothing. You saved me, gave me everything, and I'm grateful. But I want to work. I want to feel like I'm building something. Even if it's small."
Aiden frowned slightly. "You don't have to do anything to repay me."
"This isn't about repayment. I want to earn my own place in the world… not just be someone you rescued."
The CEO leaned back in his chair, studying Yuuto. "You're not a burden, Yuuto. You never were."
"I know. But I want to stand next to you… not behind you."
Aiden remained quiet for a moment before setting his cup down. "I understand."
A small smile formed on Yuuto's lips.
"That said," Aiden added, "you'll work somewhere safe. Somewhere I can trust."
---
That evening, Aiden stood by the large windows in his study, phone pressed to his ear. His tone was steady but carried a rare hint of vulnerability.
"Julien," he said, addressing the man on the other end, "I'm sending someone to you. He's important. Treat him well."
Julien chuckled. "You're never this serious. Who is he?"
"His name is Yuuto. And… he's under my care now."
A pause. Then a sly voice replied, "You just sent me the most intriguing gift of the year, didn't you?"
Aiden's jaw tightened. "He's not a gift. He's off-limits."
Julien laughed again, smooth and knowing. "No promises, darling."