As the sun dipped towards the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the island of Koh Phangan, a quaint bungalow stood nestled amidst the lush tropical foliage. Its whitewash walls blended seamlessly with the serene surroundings. The gentle breeze carried the sweet but refreshing scent of exotic flowers.

The soft murmur of the nearby ocean drifted through the open windows, mingling with the gentle rustle of palm trees. The interior was simple yet tasteful, creating a sense of tranquillity and comfort. The kitchen and living area seamlessly merged into one, creating a spacious and airy space. In the bedroom, a king-sized bed looked incredibly inviting, with light and crisp bedding. A canopy of sheer white curtains danced lazily in the breeze, casting playful shadows across the polished wooden floor.

"Decent is a massive understatement," Jay commented, tossing his bag on the floor by the foot of the bed. "It's great."

Sean was slightly surprised by the sincerity in his voice as he imagined that Jay was accustomed to much higher standards when travelling. But on second thought, it wasn't surprising at all. They spent hours talking on the train and ferry... moments he truly realised there was so much more to Jay than this nonchalant and indifferent façade.

"Thanks, Sari's auntie puts a lot of effort into it," he explained, taking it as a good start. "Unfortunately, it has only one bed."

"I'm fine with sharing unless you prefer to sleep alone."

"Okay, we are sharing then," Sean replied, relieved it didn't become an issue. "If you don't mind, I prefer the right side," he added, pointing at their right-hand side of the bed.

"Left side," Jay replied instantly.

They looked at each other in disbelief, as if neither expected things to go this smoothly. As they stood there, a comfortable silence lingered between them, filled with a subtle tension neither could quite put their finger on. It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing a newfound awareness of each other's presence.

But as quickly as it came, the moment passed, and they both withdrew slightly, stepping back into the safety of their respective spaces. It was a subtle dance of closeness and distance, an unspoken agreement to maintain the boundaries they had set for themselves... boundaries that started showing faint cracks.

After a journey spanning over fourteen hours, they were both tired and agreed to take things easy for the remainder of the afternoon. Their plan was straightforward: first, a much-needed refreshing shower, followed by a leisurely exploration of the surrounding area and a casual dinner.

Sean was sprawled on the sofa in the living room, flipping through channels to distract himself from images of Jay's toned physique under the shower. Unfortunately, the sounds of cascading water coming from the ensuite bathroom weren't helping. Sean let out a frustrated sigh, torn between the desire to act on his impulses and the fear of crossing a line that could never be uncrossed. As the minutes ticked by, he resigned himself to the fact that this weekend might just push him to the brink of insanity - or perhaps, into the arms of temptation itself.

After less than fifteen minutes or a whole eternity - depending on the perspective, Jay left the bedroom in a relaxed, breezy-fit tank top and classic dark chino shorts.

Sean's gaze was immediately drawn to him, especially his left shoulder. He was captivated by the beautiful artwork adorning his skin, previously covered by the sleeve. The greyscale tattoo of a mountain with intricate trees at its base, captured in bold black ink. The scene was mirrored flawlessly in the tranquil surface of a lake, each detail crafted with masterful skill and artistry.

"You got a new tattoo," he blurted without realising he was staring.

"Yeah... one long session when I was back in London."

"I assume it has something to do with climbing, but...," he trailed off as his eyes drifted to Chinese calligraphy hidden underneath a white fabric. "There is more to it than this, isn't it?"

Jay hesitated for a moment. "Yes... it is."

"Do you mind me asking what it means?"

It served as a reminder of his resilience and inner strength. The ability to withstand so much and still be here... even if he felt as if he was drowning under his calm façade. Just like climbing a mountain, he could overcome his personal struggles. The reflection in the lake symbolised introspection and the journey inward to understand oneself better, as well as the need to stop now and then and ask himself questions he was avoiding.

But there was another layer to its meaning. The mountain was a synonym for stability and a metaphor for his guarded persona. The black trees at its foot signified the darkness lurking within him... this endless void that always threatened to swallow him whole. The reflection in the lake stood for the fluidity of emotions and the unpredictable nature of his desires. But mainly, it represented his inner conflicts mirrored back at him, forcing him to confront the dichotomy between his subconscious longing for something more and his deep-seated fears of abandonment and rejection.

"Sorry, it's... personal...," he trailed off, torn between the need to keep his distance and faint willingness to let Sean in. "But maybe one day I will tell you."

Sean's eyes widened slightly in surprise. He had anticipated Jay deflecting the conversation or shutting him out altogether. Instead, there was a slight shift that caught Sean off guard. It was as if a door had cracked open, a subtle indication that perhaps, one day, they could grow closer.

"Anyway, the shower is yours."

"Oh, right," Sean responded absentmindedly, rising from the sofa and heading towards the bedroom. Suddenly, he paused in the doorway and looked back at Jay. "It suits you."

As the sun dipped towards the horizon, casting a warm golden hue over the sandy expanse of Haad Rin Beach, Sean was perched on a weather-worn rock formation, gazing out at the tranquil waters stretching out before him. The rhythmic lapping of the waves against the shore provided a soothing backdrop to the scene, punctuated by the occasional cry of a seagull soaring overhead.

In a short distance, Jay paced back and forth along the shoreline, engrossed in a phone call that seemed to tether him to the outside world. Sean couldn't help but admire the effortless grace with which Jay moved, his silhouette outlined against the fading light of the day.

Despite the beauty of their surroundings, Sean's attention remained firmly fixed on Jay, his gaze drawn irresistibly to the way the evening light played across his features, casting subtle shadows that accentuated his chiselled jawline and tousled hair. There was an air of quiet intensity about Jay as he spoke, a focused determination that only heightened Sean's fascination with him.

His mind drifted back to the last few hours they had spent together wandering around, to the animated conversations seamlessly flowing from one topic to the next as they shared laughter and stories over dinner. It was as if Jay was within his reach, just at the tip of his fingers, and for a fleeting moment, it seemed as though anything was possible.

"Sorry about this," Jay said, settling beside him with a satisfied smirk. "We are basically at the pre-trial hearing, and the other side now wants to negotiate a settlement."

Jay leaned back slightly, his hands resting comfortably behind him. His smirk widened into a grin tinged with amusement.

Sean looked at him, his eyebrow quirked questioningly. "Why do I have the impression you told them to go fuck themselves?"

"I just very politely informed them that after the hearing, we are going to sue them for defamation," he replied, his voice both playful and cold. "So yes, I guess you could say that."

At first glance, Jay appeared charming and playful, with occasional moments of detached aloofness. However, that night, Sean realised that beneath this exterior lay a steely resolve and ruthless determination. He found Jay's ability to balance seemingly contradictory traits irresistible, compelling him to learn even more about him.

"So mean," Sean laughed.

"Me? Impossible!" he responded with the same cheeky smile. "I'm the nicest person you will ever meet."

Sean entirely lost it, laughing hard. "You do remember I met you in the early morning, so early it felt like yesterday, right?"

"Don't recall a thing."

"How convenient," he replied, rolling his eyes in mock exasperation. "So, what made you choose a career in law?"

"Centuries-long family tradition," Jay replied, his voice tinged with a sense of inevitability as he twisted open the bottle of whisky they had bought on the way to the beach. "Sure, I had the freedom to choose, but in reality, it's more like an unspoken expectation that you are encouraged to embrace," Jay paused.

He was somewhat surprised at how natural it felt to talk to Sean about this. Was it because, in little over a month, they would never see each other again? No, it wasn't just that. Jay had met countless people in passing and had countless insignificant encounters. Yet, he never felt the urge to talk to them. This was different and a little unsettling.

"But don't get me wrong, I love what I do. It's just... never mind."

It reminded him of what Jay had said about his mother and career choice a while back. And just like now, he withdrew, yet Sean was determined not to let him slip away this time. Perhaps it was becoming greedy, but he wanted to know him better. "You want to do this on your own terms?"

Jay took a sip of whisky, then looked at him with unreadable expression. "For as long as I can... because in the end, we all want to believe we can choose what we want."

His initial instinct was to say they were always free to do whatever they wanted, but Jay's phrasing made him pause momentarily. Look at the bigger picture. What about all these other factors? Obligations, expectations, pressures from family and society, even from themselves. 'A centuries long tradition...' Sean repeated in his mind, realising he couldn't even comprehend the amount of pressure Jay must have faced every day.

"I don't know you very well... yet," he added, his gaze fixed on Jay's brown eyes. "But I don't think anyone could force you into doing something you don't want."

As Sean's gaze locked with his own, Jay suddenly became aware of all the little details that seemed to captivate him, drawing him in like a magnet. His intoxicating spicy and smoky scent with sweet undertones... His features illuminated by the fading sunlight... At this moment, Sean appeared enchanting and hypnotic... irresistible... and for the first time in his life, Jay truly wanted someone... not just another distraction, but Sean... It utterly terrified him, but it was too late to escape as Jay made his choice. With a swift and decisive movement, his hand slid into Sean's soft hair, pulling him closer. And then he leaned in, his lips meeting Sean's in a tender yet passionate kiss.

Sean's initial reaction was one of surprise, his eyes widening momentarily in astonishment. Yet, as their lips met and the electricity sparked between them, any uncertainty melted away. It felt so right, so natural as if it was meant to happen at that exact moment. Jay's fingers weaving through his hair sent shivers of excitement coursing through his body, heightening the intensity of the kiss. Their lips moved together effortlessly, a dance of desire and anticipation as they surrendered to the moment.

It was just a kiss, but it spoke volumes, conveying an undeniable attraction that neither could ignore.

"I'm sorry... I shouldn't have done this," Jay uttered, coming back to his senses and moving away from him slightly. It was so unlike him to lose control like this... this should never have happened, no matter how much he wanted it.

Sean instinctively reached out and gently gripped his wrist to stop him, but also giving him a chance to withdraw. "If I didn't want it, do you really think I would let you do it?"

"No, but... I'm more of a have fun and disappear kind of guy," he explained without removing his hand from Sean's grip. "It was unfair of me to cross the line."

He appreciated Jay's honesty, but it didn't change anything. Sean was on the stage of figuring himself out, trying to find out what he was really into. Not to mention, he never had time for a relationship, hence his deal with Cherry. Fun and stress relief.

"I'm not very big on commitment either... or labels. And I definitely don't mind having fun."

Jay looked at him, surprised. "You sure about this?"

With one swift movement, Sean straddled him and, without hesitation, grabbed Jay's face and leaned in, capturing his lips in a kiss fueled by curiosity and thrill. He instantly felt Jay's hand firmly pressed against his back, pulling him closer.

Their mouths clashed in an uninhibited frenzy, a collision of impulses that needed no explanation. Pure instinct, unrestrained and driven by a shared urge. The taste of whisky and desire, the sharpness of alcohol intertwined with the raw, untamed energy that pulsed between them, created an unforgettable moment.

Under the moonlit sky, Haad Rin Beach pulsed with untamed energy as crowds flocked to the Full Moon Party. Neon lights painted the sandy shore in vivid hues, illuminating a sea of revellers lost in the moment. The air vibrated with the thumping bass of the music, seamlessly blending with the rhythm of the crashing waves.

Party-goers adorned in fluorescent body paint moved with wild abandon, their movements fluid and synchronised to the pulsing beat. Fire dancers added to the spectacle, twirling flaming batons in hypnotic displays that painted fiery patterns against the dark canvas of the night sky.

The freely flowing alcohol seemed to fuel the spirit of liberation as inhibitions melted away like ice in the tropical heat. Strangers became instant friends or lovers on the dance floor, moving in joyful abandon beneath the enchanting glow of the moon.

It was a celebration of freedom where the only rules were to embrace the moment and let loose. Laughter mingled with the music, and carefree spirits soared high, intoxicated not just by the drinks but by the sheer exhilaration of being alive.

They found themselves caught up in the infectious energy around them. Both were slightly drunk, blending the swirling crowd, moving to the rhythm of the music as they lost themselves in the pulsating beat. Their movements were fluid and carefree but often teasing with lingering touches, reflecting the shift in their dynamics.

With each sip of their drinks, they shared playful glances and exchanged teasing banter, their laughter mingling with the sounds of the party. They were like two kids let loose in a candy store, exploring every corner of the beach and immersing themselves in a moment of pure, unadulterated fun - a chance to let go of the worries of the world and simply enjoy each other's company.

At the crack of dawn, they stumbled back to the bungalow. Their steps were unsteady, their laughter infectious as they leaned on each other for support. They were touchy and playful, their carefree spirits buoyed by the intoxicating energy of the Full Moon Party.

But as soon as the door closed behind them with a soft click, everything changed.

Their kisses became more fervent, fueled by weeks of pent-up desire and the intoxicating effects of alcohol. With each touch, they shed the constraints of inhibition, their hands roaming freely as they explored each other with a newfound hunger.

As they made their way towards the bedroom, their laughter dissolved into quiet gasps of pleasure. Their t-shirts were discarded along the way, forgotten in the rush of desire that consumed them.

They collapsed onto the bed in a tangle of limbs. Jay hovered over Sean as he straddled him, tracing well-defined lines of his chest. It was mesmerising. Then, Jay leaned in, leaving a trail of open-mouthed kisses along Sean's jawline to the base of his neck.

Being with Jay was like nothing he experienced before. Sure, he had fun with Cherry and other girlfriends in the past, but nothing could compare to this. Jay seemed to possess an innate understanding of his desires, each touch and kiss perfectly calibrated to send him spiralling into blissful ecstasy. But it wasn't just this. It was the way Jay's fingers tangled in his hair, tugging gently at the roots... the way he looked at him with such intensity that it left him breathless, wanting more.

His lips traced a fiery path down towards Sean's abdomen, pausing just above his low-waist trousers. Jay glanced up at him and asked, "Are you sure?"

With a mix of desire and anticipation, Sean nodded eagerly, his breath coming in shallow gasps. In response, Jay swiftly unbuttoned his trousers and sharply pulled them down, revealing the tantalising sight beneath.

As Jay's lips enveloped him, Sean felt a surge of sensation that swept through his entire being. The world around them faded into oblivion, leaving only the exquisite pleasure of Jay's mouth on him. Each touch, each movement, sent sparks of pleasure dancing along his skin, driving him to the edge of ecstasy and beyond.

Sean buried his fingers into the dark brown hair, trying to rein it in, but it was impossible... all he could do was simply give in.

A/N: I apologise for the delay, but for some reason, I hit the absolute block with this one. Thanks for giving me ideas, Tina ❤❣❤