The bed was covered with documents and notes, with a laptop at the centre of the mess. Jay leaned back on the wall, perusing through case files. His earbuds cancelled outside noise and occasional loud arguments from nearby flats, allowing him to focus on the work. Yet, his thoughts kept escaping in a different direction. Why was he still here? Why was he sleeping only a few hours a day to prevent a stranger from being expelled from the university? No matter how he looked at it, Tay was nothing more than a stranger to him.

Jay let out a heavy sigh, his fatigue evident in the way his hand instinctively reached up to pinch the bridge of his nose. His fingertips pressed into the crease between his brows, gently kneading the tension that had settled there.

The last week had him bouncing between contrasts - the luxurious hotel in an affluent district and Tay's place in a deprived area. It didn't take long for him to realise that Bangkok's divisions weren't just lines. They were like unpenetrable walls.

But it was the Eastern side that fascinated him. Its lively markets, vibrant with colours and community... there was something about these parts of the city, an authenticity that drew him in. Not surprisingly, Jay often ditched the hotel for this small, cramped flat.

And then there was Sean.

Jay leaned back, closing his laptop as his thoughts circled back to Sean, a subject that seemed to defy his usual detached nature. Relationships, emotional entanglements, or investing interest in people - none of that ever held his attention. People were mere passing figures, inconsequential and easily forgotten. Yet, Sean lingered in his mind, a puzzle piece that didn't fit this rather apathetic picture of his life.

It was disconcerting. Jay didn't do emotions or let anyone get close enough to matter. But there was something about Sean that sparked an unfamiliar curiosity and an urge to understand him better. Jay sighed, bewildered by this sudden interest towards someone who defied all his carefully constructed principles.

His thoughts wandered back to the conversation with Tina. Her probing question lingered in his mind like an unwelcome guest, echoing amidst his thoughts. "When did you become so numb?"

He brushed off Tina's words back then, but now, as he sat in the dimly lit room, contemplating the inexplicable tug towards Sean, her question clawed its way back. Was this why she had asked? Was he simply allowing life to pass him by, as she had suggested?

It wasn't just about Sean; it was about breaking his own rules, veering off the path he had meticulously laid out. Jay shook his head, dismissing the conflicting emotions. His self-preservation instincts nudged him to keep Sean at arm's length. To ignore this inexplicable pull and stay as he was.

As if someone had a sixth sense, his phone lit up with an upcoming message.

Christina Charlotte Emilia

You alive?

Me

I missed you too.

Christina Charlotte Emilia

Who said I miss your annoying ass, huh?!

Me

Just a hunch.

No one else will keep up with you or pay for your drinks.

And I saw the news.

Bold move.

Christina Charlotte Emilia

Yeah, the board is not thrilled.

You should have seen them huffing and puffing that we should not change what works.

I was sure half would kick the bucket 😂

Me

Sounds like you had the time of your life.

But AI, huh?

I didn't see it coming.

Christina Charlotte Emilia

I know, right?

Totally worth it.

How's on your side? Did you hook up with someone interesting?

Me

I'm busy.

Christina Charlotte Emilia

Busy with what?!

Oh, for fuck's sake!

You are working again, aren't you?

Me

Sightseeing 🙄

For some reason, his thoughts darted to Sean again. The best looking thing he saw in Bangkok. Jay sighed with annoyance as his mind wrestled with the contradiction of his burgeoning fascination with Sean against his typical disinterest in people. It was unpleasantly distracting.

Christina Charlotte Emilia

Bottle of rum that your work laptop is in front of you.

Second, if you have more than five legal documents around it.

Third, if you were working when I texted you.

Me

I owe you two and fuck you.

Christina Charlotte Emilia

Sorry to burst your bubble, but not interested in fucking part 😏

Me

Remind me why I'm even friends with you 😑

Christina Charlote Emilia

Wait, you said two...

Oooh, did something or someone distract you from work?

Me

I'm going to sleep.

Christina Charlote Emilia

You are insomniac...

Me

And?

Christina Charlote Emilia

It's barely midnight there.

There is no way an insomniac workaholic like you would go to sleep.

So? Who picked your interest?

Me

Me? Interested in someone?

Good joke 😂

In his eyes, there was no need to mention his unusual interest in Sean, especially since it would likely pass as fast as it started. Maybe he should simply book the ticket and spend a couple of weeks in Peru to clear his mind. But... this persistent 'but'... stopped him.

Nestled at the edge of the university campus, the car park for motorbikes exuded a laid-back charm with its uneven gravel surface and a splash of shade from the surrounding palm trees. Students' laughter and chatter filled the air, mingling with the distant hum of engines and a faint scent of petrol lingering under the tropical warmth.

Sean strode into the area, his eyes immediately catching sight of a tall figure casually leaning against Win's motorbike, engrossed in his phone. Instead of the usual surge of annoyance, he was taken aback as his gaze lingered on Tay's profile - sharp features defining his remarkably handsome face. 'What the fuck?!' Sean thought, irritated with himself. He could not understand what was happening to him recently. Where did this sudden interest in a person he supposedly hated come from?

He wished he could punch something, preferably this smug face and forget he owed him for help with the essay. But he couldn't do it... it would be a waste of a handsome face. Sean sighed. Maybe if Tay pissed him off as always, things would be back to normal.

"Where is your beloved bike?" he asked casually, wondering when he had seen Tay on his motorbike the last time. The bastard loved it more than anything, yet he was piggy riding with Win for days.

Jay glanced up, a hint of surprise flickering across his features as he swiftly pocketed his phone. "It has issues," he began, only to falter abruptly as his mind went blank. He could not remember the excuse Win gave him for these situations while still learning to drive. Discussing legal matters in Thai was relatively easy, but delving into mechanics? Impossible. "And... well, it's out of commission."

"Why not bring it to Izzy? He would have it running up in no time."

"I'm strapped for cash," Jay shrugged, trying to brush off the topic. "How's your essay?"

"Finished right before the deadline. I owe you for it," Sean admitted begrudgingly.

Jay tilted his head playfully and grinned. "Yep, you do. The question is, how are you going to repay me."

Sean's initial annoyance at Tay's nonchalant tone softened into perplexed amusement. A hint of confusion flickered in his eyes as he tried to grasp why he wasn't irked as usual. "I could fix your bike."

"Nah, I'm not letting you lay hands on her," he replied, remembering what Win said about Tay's relationship with his motorbike.

"Right, the love of your life. You wouldn't want me to defile her," Sean chuckled.

It took Jay exactly a split second to realise that he was in trouble as his mind decided he absolutely wouldn't mind if Sean was to defile him. "Riiight...," he replied, pushing aside mental images suggesting how Sean looked without clothes.

"So, what do you want?"

Jay shrugged. When he decided to help him, Jay didn't expect anything in return. Even now. Plus, he had to keep in mind what his twin would do. From what he heard, Tay would probably gloat over Sean forever. Not to mention that he wouldn't help him in the first place. But here he was... already too late to back out and not feeling the gloating part. It was too childish.

The way Win described Sean and Tay's relationship reminded him of two kids bickering on the playground over a toy, turning into archenemies for the day. It's just in their case, the day never ended. Personally, he had no reason to antagonise Sean if the latter approached him with peaceful intentions. But still, it would be good to know what happened between those two.

"What's actually your problem with me?" Jay asked, genuinely curious why Sean hated his brother so much.

Sean blinked in surprise, unsure how to answer. They just didn't get along for no particular reason. This is how things were between them, and he never stopped to consider why. "Probably the same as yours with me," he replied finally.

"Huh?"

"I don't know," Sean huffed, leaning on the bike beside him. Their shoulders brushed accidentally, sending a shiver down his spine, but he pushed it aside, pretending it wasn't there. "It was like every atom in your being was custom-designed to piss me off," Sean admitted with a hint of exasperated amusement to mask his evident frustration.

"Was?"

Sean gave him a side-eyed glare, then shook his head laughing. "I stand corrected. You still piss the hell out of me."

Sean expected another argument, but instead, there was a subtle shift in Tay's expression. He smiled. This smile, though one-sided, held a magnetic charm that Sean couldn't help but notice, stirring a slight curiosity within him. His gaze stayed fixed a moment longer than he intended, captivated by a mischievous glint in Tay's eyes and his laid-back attitude. But what truly caught Sean's attention was the tiny, irresistible dimple forming on Tay's right cheek. It was a charming contrast to his casual demeanour, an unexpected allure that drew his gaze even more before he swiftly averted his eyes.

"Always a pleasure," Jay quipped, his voice full of teasing notes.

He rolled his eyes in mock exaggeration, a playful facade of annoyance masking the unexpected realisation. Win was right. If only they weren't so busy fighting each other every time they crossed paths, they would get along without issues. It was both ironic and mildly amusing to discover that he had spent years harbouring animosity towards someone who, upon closer inspection, wasn't as objectionable as he had once thought.

"Wow, colour me surprised," Win called behind them, looking utterly shocked. "You two having a civil conversation? It must be the end of the world... we all are going to die... I'm going to die!" he exclaimed in panic.

"We can arrange that, right?" Sean retorted, glancing at his companion.

Jay grinned at him. "Definitely."

"OH MY GOD, I created a monster," Win muttered in disbelief, profoundly regretting that he had encouraged Sean to stop fighting with Jay. These two together seemed like a dangerous combination... dangerous to his wellbeing. But then it would be much easier for Jay to keep his cover if he had a fresh start with Sean. Lesser risk of doing something Tay would never do... even though this whole thing was exactly what his best friend wouldn't do. At least now, he only had to worry about Fort and Izzy. 'You got this, Win,' he encouraged himself but then suddenly smirked. 'They look good together, don't they?'

After confirming plans for an evening meeting to discuss Fort's problem, they parted with Sean and headed to a secluded location outside the city. A rugged dirt road meandered through the tranquil expanse of a lush forest, the earthy scent of foliage mingling with the fresh air. Tall trees stood sentinel, casting dappled shadows upon the ground, while the absence of any onlookers ensured complete privacy for their driving lessons.

Years of climbing and mountain cycling gave him a decent headstart in terms of balance and control, but catching up to someone who spent years on motorbikes would take much more than a few lessons. For now their goal was enough to not look suspicious. Easier said than done.

"It's definitely progress," Win said, sinking into the soft grass underneath the pleasant shade with a bottle of water. "I guess you would be fine commuting to uni like this."

"Are you trying to kill me?" Jay laughed, leaning on a nearby tree. "The traffic in Bangkok is bat-shit crazy."

"Is it? Feels normal to me."

Jay looked at him as if Win grew a second head and shook his head in disbelief. "Normal? You call this chaos normal?" he chuckled. "You know, London's traffic is like a choreographed dance, a bit congested, sure, but everyone knows their moves. Here? It's like a circus - no rules, no rhythm. Motorbikes weaving between cars, tuk-tuks darting in every direction, horns blaring all the time. It's a whole different breed of madness, mate."

Win burst out laughing. "I guess it may look like this for someone from outside."

"I'm pretty sure I will need at least a few more weeks."

"Sounds fair," Win agreed, sipping his water.

Enjoying the break, his mind drifted towards the evening meeting. Could they do something for Fort's sister, or will they create another mess, just like with Tay and the factory? Suddenly, his recent conversation with Sean popped into his mind, pulling his attention towards things he planned to discuss with Jay.

"I was talking with Sean recently about the factory, and it got me thinking. They were clearly ambushed. These bastards knew they were coming, which means someone sold them out. I can't help but think that this Art guy has something to do with it."

Jay nodded pensively, his mind racing with many puzzle pieces that needed fitting. "It aligns with what I gathered from my conversation with him," he began, glancing briefly around the secluded area before focusing on Win. "Several red flags point towards his involvement or at least his knowledge."

Win looked up, nodding for Jay to continue.

"The timing of Art's call to our law firm in tandem with Tay's hospitalisation is unnerving," Jay stated, his voice edged with a hint of concern. "It's as if he had a front-row seat to the incident, almost too conveniently aware of the situation," he paused, his gaze shifting to the distant horizon. "Think about it. Tracking down someone after such a prolonged period is practically impossible within such a short time frame, especially with my lack of association with Tay. I get finding our mother. She's a pretty public person, but me? Impossible. I don't even have social media, and only a few people know my full name."

"What do you mean by your full name?" Win asked, confused.

"Jay is a shortened version, but don't mind it," he replied dismissively. "Anyway, finding someone with so little information is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Which leads me to believe that Art knew where I was before the assault. All of this feels too premeditated."

"Seems like he wanted you involved from the beginning," Win remarked. "But why? Does bringing you here give them an advantage?"

"I think so. And would match his shaky story," Jay elaborated, his brow furrowing in contemplation. "He dances around crucial details, avoids police involvement like the plague, and squirms uncomfortably at any questions about Tay's life. Honestly, I learned more about Tay from his flat than from him. Which leads me to think they aren't as close as Art would like me to believe. He tried too hard to convince me he was the only person I could trust. Like come to me as soon as you learn something about them."

"He wanted you to spy on us?" Win asked, shocked. "Like what he thought was going to happen? You will instantly learn everything and just pass info to him? Is he an idiot?"

"Ugh, this feels like some lame cliché film," Jay groaned. "I should've ignored his call and gone to Peru."

"I feel you," he said with an understanding smile. "After almost two decades, someone drags you here, hell-bent on you impersonating your estranged twin to dive into a situation you know nothing about. It reeks of desperation and the ability to plan something long-term." Win frowned. "Seems like Art's got more strings to pull than we thought."

"Or he's just another puppet."

"If only we could find out if he works for Thanarak or Chaiyawat, it would make things so much clearer," Win suggested wistfully. "I would rather know what we dragged you in before it's too late."

"Actually, we might have an option," Jay responded, retrieving his phone and swiftly composing a text. "The security firm guarding Tay's room. Their expertise extends far beyond bodyguarding. From what I've heard, they possess unparalleled skill; they could probably tell us what Art had for dinner last year."

"Wouldn't it be cheaper to hire PI here?"

Jay shook his head. "I already tried it. Unfortunately, it proved futile. It appears either Art is an unwitting accomplice or someone is shielding him."

"Everyone can be bought here," Win muttered, a tinge of cynicism in his words. "Are you confident the security company won't also go for it? These two bastards can pay their weight in gold to keep things their way."

"Absolutely certain," Jay affirmed with an air of assurance, his fingers swiftly dancing across the screen as he exchanged messages with Tina. "The security detail provided to my friend's family is beyond reproach, safeguarded by the most reputable in the industry. Trusting them isn't a concern."

"What is it then?"

"How fast she can send the more specialised division here. The sooner we know where we stand, the better for us. What did you guys do to attract their attention?"

"We found and leaked some incriminating information to media and police, but besides a few mentions, nothing happened. No consequences," Win sighed, unable to hide his disappointment. "I guess it only disturbed their less legal operations and maybe caused some financial losses, but police didn't even try to investigate them. They own half of the city. No one can touch them."

"If you make enough noise, even paid-off officials can't ignore the issue," Jay stated, wondering how much he was willing to get involved in a situation that may ruin the whole future he worked so hard for. It probably would be safer to leave now, but part of him knew it was too late for that. "If they were to choose between their careers and public enemy number one, neither would hesitate to throw Thanarak and Chaiyawat under the bus."

"Oh, that makes sense."

"Mhm," Jay hummed, opening his water. "You just need to find something that will catch public attention and push from multiple directions."

"We need to discuss this at the meeting today, and no, you can't weasel your way out with work," he added, seeing Jay's expression. "There is more to life than a job, you know?"

Jay sighed, promising himself to keep Win and Tina as far from one another as possible; otherwise, the nagging would never end. These two together would be too dangerous to his comfort.