"Claimed and Challenged"

Kai sat silently while Bast didn't say a word. He held back his anger, the silence in the car thick until Bast suddenly hit the brakes in front of his office building. Kai glanced out the window, confused.

"The office?" he murmured.

Without answering, Bast stepped out, and Kai quietly followed. Inside, the workers bowed as Bast passed. Some whispered behind them.

"That's his stepson, right?"

"He's cute."

"He's Japanese, isn't he?"

"His mom died, and Mr. Bast took over raising him…"

Kai ignored them all and kept walking. They entered Bast's office, and Kai took a seat on the couch. The room was silent. Bast stood by the window, his back turned.

"If you're busy, we can do lunch tomorrow," Kai finally said. "I think I'll just head home and rest."