“The Proposals"

Rico stared at the phone screen, a deep frown creasing his brow. He had just tried calling Kai—but the line didn't even ring.

Blocked.

He exhaled heavily, tossing the phone onto the desk. His fingers clenched into a fist, guilt gnawing at him.

"I did something really wrong… to that kid," he murmured to himself, haunted by yesterday's confrontation.

---

Flashback – Yesterday, Rico's Apartment

Rico sat alone on the couch, dabbing his busted lip with a cotton pad soaked in antiseptic. The sting barely registered—his thoughts were louder than the pain.

Ding-dong.

He groaned. "Who the hell now?" He stood up, annoyed, and swung the door open.

His eyes widened in surprise.

"Bast?"

Standing in the doorway, Bast didn't say a word. His eyes scanned Rico's face, settling on the bruised cheek and split lip.

Rico clicked his tongue. "Why are you here?"