The bedroom remained wrapped in drowsy tranquillity, the blackout curtains holding the midday sun at bay, leaving the room in a muted half-light. The air was perfectly balanced, neither too warm nor too cool, maintained by the discreet climate control system. The time seemed to slow down, inviting a lingering, unhurried peace that belonged to moments caught between waking and dreaming.

Sean stirred slowly, instinctively reaching across the bed, only to find the space beside him empty. His brow furrowed slightly as his hand kept searching, not meeting the edge as it usually did. It took a moment for the fog of sleep to lift enough for him to register that he had moved in with Jay yesterday.

The decision should have been the easiest he had ever made, but instead, it had given him countless sleepless nights. His principles clashed with the future he wanted with Jay, and choosing one over the other felt wrong. Still, he decided to follow his heart. Sean had no regrets about it, but lingering discomfort remained. Especially when he realised that what he perceived as a chasm between them was a mere glimpse of it.

But all of that had become inconsequential the moment he stepped into the penthouse, and overbearing emptiness hit him like a wave, reminding him that life wasn't black and white. He remembered when he once asked Jay if living in dorms wasn't lonely, and only now Sean realised he should have paid more attention to his answer. It might have helped him see sooner that long hours at work, further studies and a caseload heavier than one person could carry – all of it served a single purpose. So how could he stand by and watch the person he loved drown in endless loneliness for the sake of his own principles?

Sean had always stood against the wealthy who abused their position, exploiting those with nothing. But there was another side to it – where wealth came with isolation, crushing expectations that felt more like a cold and unyielding cage. Being with Jay wasn't about compromising his values. It was about choosing to stand by him, to support him in the ways he needed, because that's what loving someone truly meant. For that, Sean didn't need a matching payslip.

His thoughts lingered for a moment longer before Sean let out a soft sigh, his gaze drifting to the empty space beside him. The stillness of the room suddenly felt too quiet, nudging him out of his reflection. Sean ran his hand through his hair and sat on the edge of the bed, wondering if there was even the slightest chance of getting a coffee.

He poked his head into Jay's office, but to his surprise, it was empty. The same went for the living room and kitchen.

Finally, Sean paused at the entrance to the gym and leaned against the doorframe. Jay was midway along the climbing wall, moving with fluid grace as he traversed the ceiling. He wore nothing but loose joggers slung low on his hips, his lean, well-defined torso on full display.

Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, catching the fine sheen of sweat on his skin, making it shimmer. Each shift of muscle under his skin was hypnotic – the sharp lines of his shoulders, the taut curve of his back, and the effortless strength in his arms. Jay was a work of art in motion.

"God, how can anyone look this good just... existing?" Sean chuckled lightly, unable to look away from him.

As if sensing his presence, Jay glanced toward Sean before dropping from the wall and landing lightly on his feet. In a few quick steps, he was standing in front of Sean, looking at him with concern. "You look like you could use a few more hours of sleep."

Sean kissed him and shook his head. "Coffee will do."

"Yeah... about that..."

He rolled his eyes with amusement. "You don't have a coffee machine and would rather die than have one."

Jay's eyebrow quirked slightly. "Didn't you plan to make it feel more us? So I guess as long as it's not an eyesore in my kitchen, we can get one."

"Does the coffee machine you wouldn't consider an eyesore even exist?"

"No, but I can compromise," Jay shrugged, then simply walked towards the bathroom, leaving speechless Sean behind.

Before Sean could fully savour the idea of finally having a coffee first thing in the morning, a sudden realisation hit him, and he quickly caught up with Jay. "Wait a second... how come the kitchen is only yours?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Jay shrugged with a playful smile. "You come with a 'keep away from fire' label."

"I forgot how petty you can be."

"Me?" Jay asked, pointing at himself with an incredulous look. "I have never heard more baseless accusation."

Sean looked aggrieved on the surface, but deep down, he couldn't be happier. The emptiness that had clung to Jay yesterday seemed to withdraw a bit. He appeared more carefree and present, and Sean very much liked the thought that he could be the reason for it.

The sun hung high, casting a soft warmth over the street and marble-topped tables outside the small restaurant, surrounded by lavender and wildflowers for privacy. The scent of crisping batter mingled with the faint tang of vinegar carried on a light breeze. It was a busy yet unhurried scene, the kind of day where even the bustle felt like part of the charm.

When Sean said he could have something quintessentially British for lunch, he did not expect Jay to take him to such a quaint, little place. It felt like the countryside in the middle of London.

"If I didn't know you better, I would definitely wonder how many times you were here on a date," Sean teased, glancing up from the Ales & Beers section of the menu. "Seems like the perfect spot."

"Once... just now," Jay responded, setting the menu on the table. "So? Do you want a beer or rather feeling IPA?"

Sean couldn't help but smile at Jay's casual affirmation and seamless topic shift. "Which one is your favourite?"

"I usually go for something fruity or dessert-style from Northern Monk or Vocation Brewery, but I think you would prefer their ales with bitter notes, like this one," Jay said, lightly tapping a spot on the menu.

"Why am I not surprised that even beer you like has a dessert vibe?"

Jay shrugged slightly, feigning ignorance, but his gaze softened as it drifted to Sean's fingers brushing against his on the menu. It was an almost unnoticeable gesture, but the warmth was impossible to ignore. Moments like this always disarmed him in ways he would never admit, reminding him how much he had grown to depend on Sean's presence.

It didn't take long for the waiter to bring their food. A rustic wooden board held a metal basket lined with paper imitating newspaper with chunky chips piled beneath a generous fillet of beer-battered fish in a perfectly crispy crust. The aroma of freshly fried fish, earthy curry spices, and tangy tartare mingled with the faint sweetness of mushy peas, served in copper pots placed neatly on the board. It was a classic dish, but as pleasing to the eye as it was to the palate.

"Do you want to visit Scotland for a few days after sorting out everything here?"

Sean dipped a chip into a curry sauce and nodded. They had a long list of logistical and administrative tasks related to his move, but after everything was done? He would love to go.

"Does it involve a personal tour guide?"

Jay leaned on the table, resting his chin on the palm of his hand. "Possibly."

"Only possibly?" Sean teased, reaching for his free hand and interlacing their fingers. "What if I say it would mean the world to me?"

"Then it's yours," Jay responded without hesitation.

Sean blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Jay didn't often say things like that, so it would always leave him stunned. His thumb brushed over Jay's knuckles, and he kissed him lightly. "You really don't play fair, do you?"

Jay gave a faint, knowing smile. "Never claimed I did."

After lunch, they stopped at Coutts to set up an individual account for Sean and a joint account for their shared expenses. From the moment they entered the private banking office, the experience left Sean astonished. The service was seamless, the staff professional and respectful, treating him as though he were just as valued as a client as Jay. It felt surreal, especially when he learned his cards would be ready by the next day.

Their next stop was Harrods, on a mission to find a coffee machine that wouldn't be an eyesore.

Sean couldn't shake the unease that crept over him as they stepped inside. It wasn't just the sheer grandeur of the place – the glittering chandeliers, polished marble floors, and displays that seemed more like art galleries than retail sections – it was the fact that price tags seemed non-existent, as though discussing money was beneath anyone who shopped here.

He couldn't escape an overbearing feeling of not belonging, not even when Jay gently intertwined their fingers together in silent support. Sean tried to focus on their task, glancing around at displays of outrageously expensive items, but his mind wandered.

That was when a burst of colour snapped him out of his daze – or, more accurately, smacked him in the face. A brightly coloured cushion, so extravagantly patterned it was almost offensive, crashed into him.

"If you don't decide in the next thirty seconds which mug you want, I will force-feed you cake," Jay said with mock annoyance.

Sean blinked, disoriented, before grabbing the nearest cushion – a pale blue one – and throwing it back at Jay with an indignant glare. "I would rather die."

Another cushion smashed into his face, light purple with intricate embroidery.

"Time's up," Jay chuckled, lightly tossing the third pillow in his hand. "We are going to get cake instead of the ugly coffee machine."

His eyebrow cocked slightly as he hurled the cushion back at Jay. "Sure, let's get a cake so I can watch you choke on it."

Suddenly, Jay closed the distance between them, his lips brushing past Sean's ear. "Don't threaten me with a good time."

The alluring notes in Jay's low voice sent an unexpected shiver down Sean's spine. There was something in the way he said it... like it wasn't just a teasing comeback but something else entirely. Sean couldn't fully place it, but this little ambiguity made him forget his earlier discomfort.

"Excuse me, gentlemen, may I kindly ask you to refrain from throwing items?" the employee approached them with a professional smile, breaking the spell.

Jay slowly looked away from him, his expression unphased as his gaze shifted to the sales assistant. "Of course, our apologies," he said smoothly, then gestured at scattered mismatched cushions. "Allow us to compensate for the disturbance by purchasing them. Could you pack them for us, please?"

The employee hesitated momentarily but then nodded and gathered the items. "Certainly, sir. I'll take care of that for you."

Sean watched the employee walking towards the tills with an armful of cushions and looked questioningly at Jay. "What are you going to do with them?"

Jay shrugged. "Dunno, but this is the first time today you relaxed a bit, so we can keep them as mementoes. And you wanted to add a splash of colour to our place, so here is your chance."

"You are impossible," Sean chuckled, then gave him a quick kiss.

The rest of their visit was unexpectedly fun, but somewhere along the way, Sean realised Jay didn't actually like shopping. Yet, he masked it well, putting in the effort to keep things light and make the experience enjoyable for him.

By the time they left, they had even managed to agree on a coffee machine that didn't offend Jay as much as one would expect – sleek, functional, and entirely non-eyesore.

The unassuming exterior blended seamlessly with the surrounding buildings, offering no hint of the world within. A Victorian-era charm that felt like stepping back in time. Dim lighting cast warm shadows over antique bookcases, weathered maps, and portraits of historic explorers. Eclectic artefacts and vintage furnishings added a touch of whimsy to the space, creating a distinct and inviting atmosphere.

It took only a few days since Sean moved in with him for Vivian and Tina to gather everyone for a welcome party at their favourite cocktail bar. As soon as they arrived, Vivian and Tina eagerly pulled Sean into a large, rounded booth, thrilled to officially welcome him into their group.

"I can't believe we finally have a guy who's actually fun to hang out with," Tina said in a playfully dramatic tone.

Victor paused mid-pour, a bottle of whisky hovering above his glass. "What's wrong with us?"

Vivian rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Workaholic," she said, pointing at Jay. Her finger shifted to Jonathan. "Clueless." Then she turned to Victor with a smirk. "And you... annoying at best."

"Touche."

Jay glanced at Jonathan with amused sympathy. "It's not too late to make a run for it."

"I think that train left when we were five," he chuckled, unfazed by Vivi's threatening gaze. "Besides, who else would be able to handle this ferocious little thing?"

Vivian shook her head with resignation and turned to Sean. "You will come to our engagement party as well, right?"

"Sure," Sean responded, slightly surprised by her sudden invitation. "When is it?"

"Our families are still working out details, but I would love to have a winter-themed party," Vivian chirped, clasping her hands. "Jonathan doesn't have preferences so my vision it is."

For a while, their conversation revolved around their engagement and arranged marriage, including Vivi and Jonathan's childhood stories. Meanwhile, Jay was sipping his whisky, his gaze resting on Sean, talking with everyone as if he was always part of the group.

Ever since Sean had moved in, there was a trace of unease in his eyes. It wasn't something obvious, but it was there – in the way Sean carried himself when he thought no one was watching, the way he seemed to hold himself slightly apart at times.

But now, as he watched Sean laughing with their friends, Jay smiled faintly. This was progress and proof that he could always count on these few people to help him create a space where Sean could feel more relaxed without worrying about his surroundings.

Suddenly, Tina's teasing voice pulled him out of his thoughts. It seems like the girls have shifted into their interrogation mode, and he felt somewhat sorry for Sean.

"We know he didn't date anyone because it's bothersome and a waste of working time," Tina said, gesturing at him. "But what about you? How many boyfriends did you have?"

Sean wasn't sure how they would react, given how often he was scrutinised for it, but also he didn't have a reason to hide it. "Just a few girlfriends, but nothing serious."

Vivien's smile widened. "It does take meeting the right person to make it serious. Even if it's our insomniac workaholic..."

His phone chimed with an email notification, and naturally, his attention drifted away from their conversation. At least until a small hand snatched his phone, and a heavy cushion landed on his shoulder.

"What in the world are you doing?!" Vivian questioned, repetitively hitting him with a pillow. "You are insufferable!"

"Vivi... he probably suffers withdrawal after taking time off. Just let him have one harmless email," Victor said, habitually trying to defend him, but then another cushion landed square on his face.

"You are just as bad!"

"What did I do?" Victor asked innocently.

Tina glared at him. "As if you don't know! Always shamelessly escaping consequences by covering up for each other. You two are incorrigible."

Jonathan decided to stay out of it and raised his beer in a toast to Sean. "This is the best moment to make yourself scarce and let girls have a go at them," he whispered in a conspirational tone, moving to the edge of the booth.

"Not that clueless, huh?"

"You got me," Jonathan chuckled with a slight shrug. "Besides, Jay couldn't care less, and Vic finds their scoldings amusing, so why would I jump in and willingly suffer?"

Sean took a sip of whisky and laughed. "You guys have a really entertaining dynamic to watch."

"Do we?" Jonathan joked, glancing at the rest of the group. Tina was, as usual, bickering with Victor while Vivi animatedly lectured Jay about the concept of 'time off.' "We have known each other for so long we don't even notice half of it anymore. It's nice to have a fresh set of eyes to enjoy the show with."

"My pleasure," Sean responded, tilting his glass towards him slightly. "Are they always like this?"

Jonathan nodded, an amused smile tugging at his lips. "Let me break it down for you so you can enjoy the show more. These two," he said, subtly gesturing towards Jay and Victor, "are inseparable. One always has the other's back. No questions asked. You could say they are the foundation of our group. Then, in year six, Vivi and I joined in. We were paired for a science project, and after that, we just stuck together. Tina came along later... in year eleven. And that's actually a funny story."

"Now I'm curious."

"Jay and Tina met at one of our dorm parties. You know, the kind where everyone's drunk out of their minds. Honestly, I don't remember half of them," he shrugged, drinking his beer. "Anyway, at some point, they ended up in someone's bed, but details on how are too hazy. Things were getting heated when, out of nowhere, Jay pulled back and said: 'Don't take it personally, but I just realised I'm 100% gay.'"

Sean burst out laughing. "No way!"

"Swear on it. That was their explanation when we found them the next morning sitting on the staircase and talking as if nothing happened. Tina was even wearing his t-shirt because they were laughing too much about the whole thing and couldn't find hers."

"Hey, he still owes me a bra from that night," Tina chimed in with a pitiful expression. "I will never recover from that loss."

Jay shook his head with resignation. "It's not my fault you were drunk and lost it."

Vivian smiled sweetly, pressing her fingers together. "Well, it was partially your fault... so you could join us shopping tomorrow and finally put an end to this decade-long feud."

"I would rather die."

"Oh, come on... it'll be fun," she insisted, batting her lashes innocently. "Right, Sean?"

Sean glanced at Jay with a teasing smile. "I mean, watching him suffer all day does sound fun... but I'm not sure I would survive the consequences, so that's a hard pass."

Victor burst out laughing. "And that's what one hundred per cent resistance to your charm looks like."

By the end of the night, Sean was completely at ease, just like he used to be in Bangkok. Seeing that put Jay's mind at ease, but only a little. He knew how much Sean had given up for him and the constant conflict that kept him awake at night. Most of all, Jay didn't want Sean to regret this decision later, but he also understood how hard it was to settle into a life that went against everything he believed. So, he would do whatever it took to help Sean feel comfortable... to make him happy.