Broke Up... Now I Am His Stepfather

The night was loud with laughter, the bass of the background music blending. Lit by warm amber lights that gave Solex Bar its usual Friday night glow.

Caleb leaned back in his seat, his fingers loosely wrapped around a half-full glass of wine, phone resting idle in his palm. His friends, Jaden, Derek, and Will, were clustered around him in their usual booth, the air thick with jokes.

Caleb held his phone lazily in his palm, pointing it toward Jaden with a teasing grin. "You must be joking."

They all burst out laughing.

"I still can't believe Will's getting married," Jaden said, lifting his glass in mock salute. "Guess that makes me a godfather soon."

"You're crazy," Caleb chuckled, shaking his head.

Derek leaned forward, elbows on the table. "So which hotel are we staying at tomorrow?"

"Calm down, man," Caleb said, flashing a knowing smile.

"I am calm."

Jaden let out a dreamy sigh. "And Mia's so beautiful."

"For that," Caleb said, nodding slowly, "I give Will his flowers. She's stunning."

The table went quiet for a second, all eyes on Caleb.

"What?" he asked, brows raised.

Derek smirked. "Coming from a queer?"

Caleb rolled his eyes and took another sip of his wine.

Will just smiled, watching them all with quiet amusement.

"This bachelor's night is going to be lit," Jaden declared, exhaling like he was preparing for a wild ride.

Derek turned toward Will. "Still wondering why you haven't told us who the best man is yet."

Caleb scoffed. "Who else would it be if not a hot, handsome guy like me?"

"Shut your trap and get yourself a man," Jaden cut in, laughing.

"You know the list's long, I select them," Caleb said, brushing imaginary dust off his shirt.

Derek teased, "The ones who break your heart?"

Caleb's smile faded just a bit. "Forget about Smith. That guy's a cheater. Don't even get me started on the others, you know I hate cheaters."

Derek raised a brow. "Nah, you don't look at the heart. Just the looks, and the bank account."

"I see where you're going," Caleb chuckled. They all laughed again.

Will leaned closer. "They don't deserve you," he said sincerely.

Just then, Caleb's eyes wandered past the crowd. A young man sat alone at the bar, head bowed, nursing a drink. His shirt, Gucci, unmistakably, contrasted the slouched shoulders and heavy mood.

Will followed Caleb's gaze. "You're handsome, Caleb. And kind."

"He's not even listening, bro," Jaden cut in, scoffing.

"Caleb?" Derek prompted.

Caleb blinked, dragging his attention back. "Sorry."

"Who are you looking at?" Jaden asked.

"I think the one sitting alone in the Gucci shirt," Derek guessed.

"Mmm," Jaden said, "he is cute."

"Not even that," Caleb murmured. "Can't you see? He looks... sad."

Jaden shifted in his seat, fingers drumming lightly against the rim of his glass. He leaned toward Caleb, his voice a low murmur just beneath the hum of the bar.

"Be right back," he said, a faint edge