Aether, of course, ignored his bashful stepson... who seemed to be acting like a weird girl in love, fidgeting with his fingers and stealing glances at him as if seeing someone entirely new.
"Ahem—Are you alright?" Aether coughed, deliberately breaking the awkward silence as he snapped Kaelen out of his mesmerised daze.
Kaelen jerked slightly, blinking rapidly as if waking from a vivid daydream, and said hurriedly, "P-Please forgive me, Father... It's just—You look really different. You're the most handsome man I've ever seen in my entire life."
Aether chuckled warmly, a low rumble from his chest, as he stepped forward and placed a firm, comforting hand on Kaelen's shoulder. "Looks like someone's learned how to sweet talk now~" he teased, playfully giving Kaelen's shoulder a soft punch that carried more affection than force.
Kaelen looked down and smiled shyly, his cheeks glowing faintly.
