A/N: An extra update as a thank you to @julsAvani, @AfrinKhatun and @Hidelias for giving me the motivation to keep going. Thank you, your support means the world to me!

The room seemed to hold its breath, caught in the charged silence between them as Jay leaned in, inches from Sean's face. His grip remained firm as he stared into his intense, dark eyes with a glare that mirrored the hostility his twin might have harboured. It wasn't hard to figure out that this person must have been Sean. Someone who seemed to be at odds with Tay. 'Shame' flashed in his mind while his brown eyes briefly tinged with regret. Jay was more aware that he had to stay in his brother's persona, but Sean's spicy scent with fresh notes made it incredibly difficult.

"Touch me again, and a messed-up job will be the least of your worries," Jay warned him, his voice a low, threatening hiss.

"You've got nerve, Tay," Sean retorted with disdain, pushing him away. "You disappear who knows where, and then you come back like nothing happened, thinking you can boss us around?"

Jay folded his arms across his chest, his eyebrow cocked in a blend of curiosity and mockery. "Oh? And who's going to take charge, then? You? Don't make me laugh!"

"Literally anyone would be better than you, you fucking asshole!"

Jay decided to use their argument to his advantage and shift the leadership to someone who knew what they were doing. And this was a perfect chance. "Fine. If you're so much better, go ahead. Show us how it's supposed to be done."

Sean's eyes bore into Jay's, a mix of rage and amusement dancing in their depths. He seemed to thrive on the opportunity to challenge him, even relish it.

"Oh, I'd love to show you how it's done," he shot back, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "At least I won't run away like a scared little bitch when things get tough."

"What did you say?!" Jay hissed, seeing it as a perfect opportunity to learn what happened at their last job.

"Oh, did I hurt your fragile ego?" Sean taunted, taking the challenge head-on with a sharp, venomous edge. "First, you drag me into an obvious trap, all to prove some pathetic point of what an asshole you are. Then, like a fucking magician, you disappeared first. Did I miss anything, or did your vanishing act just get in the way of your grand exit?"

Despite the limited details, Jay calmly reconstructed the factory scenario. It seemed like Tay had a fair share of the blame in the mess. Apparently, the duo walked into an ambush and barely made out alive, separating in the process. Jay had the impression neither of them would risk himself to help the other. This raised questions about how Tay and Sean managed to collaborate in the first place, given their apparent inclination to clash rather than cooperate.

"If I didn't know you better, I would think you are jealous. Do you need me to teach you how to exit the scene without attracting all the attention?"

"Oh, for fuck's sake," Sean groaned with annoyance.

"Is this an invitation?" he replied with a nonchalant smirk.

Sean looked at him with pure anger and disgust. "I would rather fucking die," he hissed, further showing his displeasure.

"Well, I can definitely arrange that."

The tension between them seemed to escalate to the point that even Win and Izzy, who had seen their fair share of disputes, were taken aback. Win sat on the sofa, jaw hanging open in disbelief, while Izzy promptly stepped between the two quarrelling men, his expression firm and no-nonsense.

"Quit it, both of you," Izzy admonished them, forcefully pushing them apart. "Do I really need to remind you how dangerous today's job is? You either pull your shit together, or no one is leaving this place tonight. I won't risk anyone's life because you two forgot why we're doing this."

"Stay out of it, Izzy," Sean hissed with annoyance.

Izzy's patience had worn thin. He stepped back from the two feuding men, his expression a mixture of frustration and disappointment. His voice, when he spoke, carried the weight of his exasperation.

"Fine!" Izzy's voice raised, his tone laced with annoyance. "You two want to kill each other, be my guest. But if you can't act like adults and put your differences aside for the sake of the group, then you're both out. We don't need immature children jeopardising the mission for everyone else."

His words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the severe consequences their bickering could have. The room fell into a tense silence as the weight of his ultimatum settled upon everyone present.

Jay wasn't sure what his twin would do in this situation, but this group seemed important to him. He stepped back, showing his willingness to cooperate, but not without a snide remark at Sean. "If it proves how much he sucks," he starts, nodding towards Sean. "I can take a back seat."

"Like I would ever believe you would listen," Sean huffed in disbelief that Tay actually backed off from a fight.

"Hey guys... just let go already," Win chipped in, giving Jay a pleading look. "Izzy is right. What we are about to do is bigger than you. Besides, we should get ready. Fort will be here soon."

Without waiting for their response, Win dragged Jay into the back room. It was small and simple, with several lockers and two shower cabins. Win headed towards one of the lockers and pulled out a change of clothes. Meanwhile, Jay stood behind him, wondering which one could belong to his twin or how he could figure it out without sounding suspicious.

Suddenly, Win turned around, breaking the silence. "Can I have your spare mask? Thanks," he said, opening another locker and taking out a black neck tube mask.

Jay stared at him, speechless, wondering if Win had some kind of sixth sense. It was truly astonishing how unknowingly he kept saving him throughout the day. Jay smiled slightly. He may just survive this whole thing, thanks to him.

The motorbikes sliced through the night, their engines a low growl in the darkness. Jay rode with Win, the wind tousling their hair as they followed Sean along a hidden path into the dense forest at the foot of a hill near Bangkok. Their dark clothes blended seamlessly with the surroundings, while neck tube masks concealed their faces.

Finally, they reached a spot where they deemed it safe to hide their bikes. With the dense forest looming over them, they dismounted and strapped the heavy petrol canisters on their backs. After another quick review of their plan, they began the climb. This side of the hill was steeper, with several challenging spots, but offered the best safety from prying eyes.

Jay moved with a grace that came from years of scaling rock faces and icy slopes of Ben Nevis. The weight of the petrol canister on his back was a mere inconvenience. The familiar strain in his muscles was nothing compared to the thrill he experienced while conquering the rugged Scottish peaks. To him, this climb was a mere child's play.

However, the rest of the group faced a more gruelling ascent than expected. Every step was a battle, and their breaths came in ragged gasps. Despite their careful weight distribution, it bore heavily on their shoulders.

Sean pushed his limits, striving to maintain Jay's pace, but he couldn't hide the struggle. Beads of sweat formed on his brow, and his laboured breaths punctuated the silence of the forest. Fort trailed slightly behind, his usually calm demeanour hinting at the tension he sensed between the two. He worried that any spark could ignite another heated confrontation.

At the back of the group, Win had reached his limit. He crawled up the hill, his breath coming in desperate gasps. "I'm going to fucking die before we get to the top," he moaned, his voice laced with exhaustion.

Jay didn't even hear him as he remained lost in his thoughts. He understood the group's motivations all too well. Their goal was to make a resounding statement, a form of vigilante justice against the wealthy businessman who had illegally seized the land that had belonged to the temple for generations. The destruction of a vital community landmark was an unforgivable offence to them.

However, Jay's perspective was different. As a future prosecutor, he couldn't condone their methods, especially not arson. He would have preferred to stay out of it, but this was something his brother had built here: his life and reputation. Jay couldn't simply walk away and risk damaging it. But he couldn't stay on this path either, not without risking his own principles.

As they climbed, he tried to find a way out that wouldn't arouse suspicion. Maybe he could use the tension between his twin and Sean? Another fight would be in his brother's style, possibly keeping him on the sidelines. Jay pulled himself over the last ledge and glanced over his shoulder. His companions were beyond exhausted.

Seizing the opportunity to provoke Sean, Jay leaned over and extended his hand, a nonchalant smile playing on his lips. Unlike his companions, he appeared remarkably fresh, a sight that alone seemed to irk Sean.

"Need help, princess?" Jay quipped, his tone laced with mockery, his words deliberately provoking.

Sean's eyes flared with a potent mix of anger and resentment. He couldn't stand his nemesis, and this taunt was the final straw. With a snarl, he swatted Jay's hand away and hissed, "Who the hell would want help from you, asshole?"

Jay, still with that infuriating amusement dancing in his eyes, leaned in closer, ensuring his words would cut deep. "You know, Sean, maybe you should admit that you need it for once. You might find it... refreshing."

Again, this intoxicating combination of cedarwood and cypress and before Sean realised it, his brain drifted in a rather unwanted direction. 'Fuck... did he always smell so good?'

"Both of you may find it refreshing to let go of these petty scabbles for one night," Fort commented, passing by them.

"He started it," Sean grumbled, trying to rein in his thoughts.

"Me?" Jay pointed at himself with a cheeky smile. "I just offered help, and you made such a big deal out of it. It hurts my feelings."

"Do I look like I care?" he hissed, growing more annoyed with his brazen nonchalance. Almost as if every fibre in his being was designed to piss him off. "Besides, it wouldn't hurt you to shut up for once and do as you are told."

His eyebrow cocked teasingly. "Are you sure you have enough breath to order me around?"

"Shut the fuck up, Tay!" Sean finally snapped.

"For fuck's sake!" Fort whisper-yelled, stomping back towards them. "We have two guards in the courtyard, so unless you want them on us, both of you shut up!"

Win finally joined them, gasping for breath and holding the tree for support. "What are they doing here? I thought they stayed at the foot of the hill."

"Routine patrol, most likely," Jay replied, peaking over the walled fence. "They seem pretty relaxed and unarmed. I doubt they know about us, but we can't get in unnoticed."

"What's now?" Win asked, looking over their masked yet visibly frustrated faces.

"Someone needs to lure them out," Sean proposed, not seeing any other option.

Fort nodded in agreement. "I suggest one of you. It will be safer for everyone if you aren't in the same room..."

"I will do it," Jay volunteered, seeing it as a perfect opportunity to avoid participation in arson. Besides looking at how exhausted everyone was, he was the best choice anyway.

"Fine, just make sure you won't vanish on us again."

Jay looked at Sean and rolled his eyes but didn't argue with him. His goal was to get out of it, and there was no reason to antagonise him anymore. "I will lure them to the opposite side of the hill as far as possible. You deal with the mansion in the meantime. Don't mess it up."

"We know what we are doing," Sean sighed, annoyed.

"Oh, do you, now?"

Win stepped between them, afraid another fight would escalate, and guards would notice them. "Don't get caught, mate."

With this, the group separated, ready to carry on their mission.

Jay swiftly pulled himself over the walled fence, his agile form making it seem almost effortless. As he landed on the other side, his sudden appearance instantly attracted the guards' attention. He acted as though he was surprised by their presence, and without hesitation, he bolted towards the gate, slipping through just in the nick of time. The guards, taken aback for a moment, quickly gave chase.

He sprinted down the steep hill. Years of climbing had honed his reflexes and balance, allowing him to move nimbly between the trees. Jay maintained a calculated distance, staying just ahead of the guards. He knew he needed to keep their interest piqued without allowing them to get too close. The tension in the air was palpable, every second counting as they weaved through the forest, moving away from the mansion.

Meanwhile, the rest of the group had made their way into the mansion, their faces concealed by masks. After a cautious check to ensure the building was empty, they set to work. The residence was a lavish display of wealth and opulence, and it left them disgusted that something like this had replaced the cultural landmark that once stood there.

Unbeknownst to them, a cleaning lady had noticed their entry. Terrified by the sight of three masked men and under the assumption they had come to rob the mansion, she hid in a closet in the guest bedroom, desperately hoping to remain hidden and unharmed.

Their determination was evident as they split up to cover the various rooms, swiftly moving through the extravagant surroundings. The acrid smell of petrol filled the air as they poured it over the furniture and precious belongings, each splash of the liquid an act of defiance. They moved with purpose and a shared understanding of the statement they aimed to make. This was their way of telling individuals like Somsak Thanarak that the people of Bangkok were no longer willing to remain silent as their heritage was destroyed.

After successfully luring the guards away and knocking them unconscious to ensure they wouldn't pose any further trouble, Jay returned to the mansion. The group had just emerged outside, ready to set the fire.

"Did you make sure the house was empty?" Jay asked, approaching them.

"We checked every room," Sean tossed over his shoulder. "Guards?"

"Unconscious near their post," he replied, scanning windows of massive and, in his opinion, ugly manor. "Are you absolutely sure?"

"Yes, let's get on with it," Sean responded impatiently, wishing to disappear before someone caught them.

Jay frowned but decided to let go, trusting his brother's group knew what they were doing. Yet, he couldn't help but wonder what had happened between Tay and Sean, that now their every interaction was strained. Why did they hate each other so much?

Taking his silence as an end of the discussion, Win and Fort tossed a couple of Molotov cocktails, and the flames burst to life. It was both an enchanting and scary image.

As they were about to leave, Fort caught sight of a woman struggling desperately to open a window on the second floor. His heart stopped as an immediate sense of dread took hold of him. "Guys! We missed someone!" he shouted desperately after his companions.

Sean looked in the direction he pointed at and paled. "Fuck, we can't leave her there! Tay, with me! We need to get her out. You two secure the exit. Do everything you can to keep those flames away from the staircase," he ordered, his voice teetering between panic and resolute determination.

Then, without hesitation, he rushed back inside, Jay following him. The flames roared around them, and the acrid stench of smoke filled their masks, making every breath a painful struggle. The thick, choking haze obscured their vision, making every step fraught with peril.

The flames licked hungrily at the opulent furnishings, transforming the mansion into a blazing inferno. Coughs and strained breaths echoed through their masks as they ran through hallways, their hands trembling from the intense heat.

It was a race against time, with danger lurking at every turn. Finally, they made their way to the guest bedroom. They found her huddled with wet towels in the ensuite shower. She looked at them horrified and instantly backed away.

"Come with us," Sean said firmly yet reassuringly.

She shook her head, panic written all over her face. "I-I saw you... you are here to silence me. I know it," she uttered, on the verge of tears.

Jay placed a hand on his shoulder, signalling Sean to let him deal with it. He nodded subtly and slowly stepped behind his companion. Jay crouched in front of her, trying to look friendly despite the mask covering most of his face.

"I understand you're scared, but you can't stay here. It's too dangerous," Jay began gently, extending a hand in a comforting gesture. "No one will harm you. Our only concern is your safety. Can you trust me to help you?"

Sean looked at him, speechless. The reassuring and calm tone sounded nothing like a person he knew and, in many ways, hated. Unfortunately, he didn't have time to ponder his discovery as Tay managed to coax the woman out of the shower and wrapped her in soaked towels for protection.

They dashed into the hallway, keeping the woman between them and ensuring her safety as much as possible.

Suddenly, roaring flames burst from one of the rooms. With a terrified scream, the woman fell to her knees, covering her head, mumbling something Jay wasn't able to understand. He pulled her up and gently pushed her to run. Meanwhile, Sean froze with an unreadable expression, his body refusing to move.

"Sean! We need to go, NOW!"

There was something in his eyes Jay couldn't name nor had time to consider. He gripped Sean's wrist and yanked him forward.

The following minutes were a blur of dashing between crumbling furniture and roaring flames as they rushed outside. Somehow, they managed to get out mostly unscathed. As soon as they breathed in the fresh air, the woman hid behind Jay, clearly not trusting the rest of the group. Sean signalled Win and Fort to stay back, convinced Tay could handle her.

"Can you make your way to the guards' station? We called emergency services. They should be there soon," Jay explained, keeping the same calm and reassuring voice.

She looked unsure at his companions, but seeing that they kept their distance, she nodded and rushed outside the gate as if afraid they would change their minds and chase her.

"Fucking hell, we almost killed someone," Jay sighed heavily, his English accent blending with roaring flames as he momentarily forgot about his cover. "A bloody manslaughter."

His eyebrows furrowed in confusion as a quiet voice that sounded nothing like his best friend reached his ears. Win stopped half-step behind him, utterly bewildered and unsure if he had simply misheard him. After all, this whole mission suddenly turned into a massive shitstorm. The truth was that Tay seemed a bit off today. Maybe the mess at the factory really got to him? Did he blame himself for it? Unfortunately, his further thoughts were cut off by sirens and Sean's orders to withdraw.

The descent down the hill was shrouded in silence, each step heavy with the weight of their recent actions. The mood within the group was solemn, burdened by the realisation that their thoughtless actions had brought them perilously close to taking an innocent life. When they finally reached the hidden bikes, Sean looked at Jay as if he wanted to say something. However, the latter ignored him and asked Win to take him back to the city. He was exhausted and questioned every single decision that led him to this point. Part of him wished to jump on the next plane to London and leave his twin's mess behind... yet the other part pleaded with him to reconsider.