The early morning sunlight struggled to penetrate the heavy fabric of the blackout curtains, casting the bedroom into a serene darkness. The air was still, with only the faint hum of the air conditioner breaking the silence. But amidst the darkness and quietude, a subtle shift had occurred. The outline underneath the light duvet suggested two figures so closely intertwined they almost created one seamless shape.

The dark eyes lazily blinked awake, gradually adjusting to the pitch-black surroundings. It had become a familiar routine over the past few days – waking up with his bare chest pressed gently against the soft skin of Jay's back, his arm naturally finding its place around him, holding him close. It made him wish every morning would start like this, but for now, this was enough. Having Jay this close was all he needed.

"I know you hate it, but the exam starts at seven," Sean said, pressing a kiss to Jay's shoulder.

"I don't care..."

Sean chuckled softly, drawing him closer. "I'm aware, but I don't understand why you agreed to help Win with this."

"I needed a reasonable excuse to stay...," Jay mumbled, half asleep.

He froze momentarily, wondering what Jay meant by it. If helping Win was just an excuse, why did he stay here? Surely, it would be better for his career to be back in London... Sean didn't even dare to think he could be the reason because that would be impossible, right? Jay was too careful in following their casual agreement. But then... all these little things, this new routine they naturally fell into after his hangover. It all made him feel like they were so much more than casual sex... Ironically, they would even sleep together without sex now.

Sean sighed with resignation, accepting that he would never learn the answer. Asking Jay about it would undo any progress he had made in recent days. Jay's boundaries would snap back into place, more rigid than ever, and Sean couldn't risk that. Not when things were finally moving in the right direction, even if it was at a snail's pace.

"You will be late."

Jay pulled the duvet over his head, muttering something that sounded a lot like 'I don't fucking care,' but Sean wasn't sure. It could also mean, 'I will fucking kill you if you don't stop pestering me.' Given how late Jay went to sleep, it was a natural response. Sean couldn't help but notice that as the end of the month approached, Jay became progressively busier with work, and his case log increased. It was amazing that amidst all of this, he still found time to make their usual dinner or help Sean with his studies – although Sean felt a bit guilty for using it as an excuse to spend more time together.

He tried not to think about what will happen to them once Jay was back in London, but he was also aware of how little time they had left. Yet, Sean smiled. He would cross that bridge when it came to it. Now, his main task was to get Jay out of bed and not get killed in the process.

Sean gently lifted the duvet, his lips brushed over Jay's ear as he whispered, "I will let you fuck me in the shower if you get up now."

"You would let me do it anyway," Jay responded, slowly turning around to face him.

"Fair point."

Sean's hand moved instinctively, and with a gentle touch, he ran his fingers through dark brown hair. As he drew him into a languid kiss, Jay hesitated briefly, a subtle resistance usually followed by another excuse and a new wall between them. But then, with a sigh, Jay leaned into Sean's touch in a way that surprised them both. It was a slight, almost imperceptible shift from his usual withdrawn demeanour, but it spoke volumes to Sean. It made him realise that these unguarded moments were like precious little glimpses of the person he grew to love so much.

But soon, the kiss deepened, ignited by a spark of desire that flickered between them. Their breath mingled in the small space between them, a rhythmic exchange that mirrored the growing intensity of their kiss. With each passing moment, Sean felt himself being drawn deeper into the embrace, losing himself in the sensation of Jay's lips moving against his own. Their tongues danced in a slow, sensuous rhythm, exploring every contour and crevice with a hunger that bordered on desperation.

He could feel the heat building between them, a simmering passion threatening to consume them both. Their bodies pressed together, seeking out every point of contact in a silent plea for more. Soon, the tension between them became too much to bear, and with a silent agreement, they broke apart and made their way to the shower. What followed was a blur of steam and sensation, an intimate dance of passion that left them both breathless and sated.

The warm glow of the sunrise illuminated the space, casting a golden hue over the pristine countertops and polished marble floors, creating contrast with darkness dominating Jay's bedroom. Their footsteps were drowned away by their light conversation about today's exam as they wondered how Win was planning to pull it off. Jay still couldn't read the script and barely knew what the test was supposed to be about.

"Whoa, what's with all the post-its?" Sean asked as soon as they entered the kitchen.

"Oh, those? I use them to highlight relevant details in the initial files."

Sean flipped through bounded pages full of annotations and colourful post-its. None of this was there when he fell asleep. "But there are so many of them. Wouldn't it be easier to just focus on the key points?"

"Details matter, Sean. Even the tiniest one, because assumption can ruin someone's life," he explained, making their tea.

Drinking green tea in the morning wasn't Sean's choice, but there was no chance of having coffee at Jay's place. Apparently, he couldn't stand it. Sean smiled faintly. He very much enjoyed learning all these things about him.

"But isn't the whole process assumption that someone is guilty or innocent?" Sean asked, shifting his attention back to their conversation.

Jay shook his head. "Case litigation is about finding and analysing evidence, testimonies and reports, then making an informed decision. It's something you will learn later on once you have more practical experience."

"Thanks, I will remember it," he replied, picking up a plain toast.

"Since you don't like strawberry jam, what about this?" Jay asked, placing a dark chocolate spread in front of him.

Sean eyed the jar sceptically but decided to try it. To his surprise, the taste wasn't sugary sweet as he had expected; instead, it was a decadent blend of rich chocolate with a nuanced bitterness that oddly appealed to him. It was just perfect. Could it be that Jay got it specifically for him? It seemed likely, considering Jay's aversion to bitter flavours. Sean hid his smile behind the toast, but it was obvious that this simple thing made him probably more happy than it should have.

As the sweltering heat of the afternoon pressed down on the city, a sudden shift in the atmosphere signalled the impending change. Once a gentle whisper, the wind grew into a forceful gust, swirling dust and debris through the air. Overhead, the azure sky transformed into a blanket of ominous grey, swallowing the sun.

Then, without warning, the heavens unleashed their fury. Fat and heavy raindrops plummeted from above, cascading down in torrents that drenched the streets in moments. The downpour was relentless, drumming a rhythmic melody on rooftops and windowsills, transforming the bustling urban landscape into a watery maze.

By the time they arrived at the garage, both of them were thoroughly soaked. Sean couldn't help but notice how Jay's wet shirt clung to his skin, accentuating his well-defined physique, which was a massive turn-on. Judging by the look in Jay's eyes, the feeling seemed mutual. Sean smiled mischievously and pulled him towards the loft. They had at least half an hour before Win and Fort would arrive. Izzy just glanced at them from the engine he worked on and smiled. Sean seemed to look much better recently and happier.

In no time, they found themselves half-naked on the bed, caught up in a passionate make-out session. Jay was straddling Sean, his lips leaving a trail of sensual kisses down his neck, igniting a tingling sensation that sent shivers down Sean's spine. Just as the intensity between them peaked, Jay's phone lit up, and a smooth jazz ringtone filled the room.

Jay's gaze flicked to the screen, initially with the intention of ignoring it. However, as soon as he noticed the caller's name, his eyebrows furrowed slightly. He swiftly reached for the phone and answered the call, inadvertently leaving Sean hanging and disrupting the moment.

"Is your offer still on the table?" Victor's voice came from the other side, sounding somewhat desperate.

"Always," Jay replied without hesitation. "What happened?"

"I don't even know where to start... I was back home to sit through another lecture about my poor life choices when I found out that this fucking bastard hid Alex's acceptance letter from Juilliard. Alex almost missed the deadline to respond and nearly lost his spot."

"Why would he do it?"

"Apparently, a backup plan in case I failed him. Bastard wanted to force Alex to med school."

Jay sighed, unwittingly sinking onto Sean's hips. "Jesus Fucking Christ... he really doesn't know when to stop, does he?"

"You know him," Victor said with resignation. "As usual, he reminded us how much of disappointments we are and, of course, that we are nothing without him. But I somehow managed to convince him to let go. And just in time, because he put so much pressure on Alex, poor kid nearly caved in."

"Why do I have the impression this was the easiest part?"

Victor chuckled awkwardly. "Well... then my so-called fiancée came to complain, and shit hit the fan."

"Fuck... what's her problem this time?"

"Apparently, the bastard gave her keys to my apartment since he owns it, with me included," Victor scoffed, rolling his eyes. "So... she may have walked on me and my newest date... fucking on the kitchen island," he replied, laughing with a mixture of relief and desperation.

Jay burst out laughing. "Well, that was one way to prove to her you are gay."

"Yeah, but now I'm going burn in hell."

"No worries, I will be there to keep you company," Jay said, his voice shifting back to a more serious tone. "I assume your bastard of a father didn't take it well."

"I'm currently crashing at a friend's place."

"He kicked you out?!"

"Yes, I'm a stain on family honour and basically disowned at this point," Victor replied with a heavy sigh. "I'm actually relieved, you know? I don't need to put up with his shit anymore... God, I didn't actually believe this day would ever come... that Alex and I would be free. I have no idea what to do now, but I'm free, Jay," he added, his voice breaking a bit.

"I will catch the next flight and be there tomorrow."

Sean caught snippets of the conversation – enough to piece together that it was serious but not enough to grasp the full context. A flicker of concern crossed his features as he processed Jay's words. The possibility of him leaving sooner than expected unsettled Sean. Still, he was also aware there was nothing he could do to stop him.

"Actually, Tina mentioned she is coming to Bangkok next week to celebrate her birthday early. She wants to get the whole gang together."

"Let me guess, you are all planning to crash at my place?"

"Of course," Victor said shamelessly. "Besides, you owe me a bottle of Macallan, or do you need me to bring one too?"

Jay looked at Sean and smiled faintly. "I'm fine."

He was perfectly aware that everything Victor told him was just the tip of the iceberg, hence the usual whisky – a simple message they couldn't cope with something. A little thing that stuck with them over the years, just like reassurance that they would always have each other's back. After a few more casual exchanges, they finished the call. Jay sighed heavily, shifting to the edge of the bed with his feet now resting on the concrete floor. His shoulders sagged slightly as he ran a hand through his hair.

"Sorry about this," he apologised.

His first instinct was to pull Jay closer, back into their shared space, but just like that morning at Tay's flat, Sean found himself unable to do so. It hurt when each time Jay was struggling with something, his first reaction was to put distance between them. It made Sean feel like he would never truly be a part of Jay's life beyond their casual agreement. Maybe it would be better to walk away? Yet, the possibility of losing him was paralysing.

Suddenly, Jay lightly fell backwards, his movements fluid as he rested his head on Sean's stomach. It was as if Jay was seeking comfort in his presence. Sean's hand instinctively moved to gently pet dark brown hair, feeling the soft strands beneath his fingertips. What surprised him the most was Jay's lack of withdrawal; instead, he remained nestled against him, his relaxed posture saying more than words possibly could.

When they finally resurfaced from the loft, the rain had subsided, leaving behind a refreshed atmosphere in the garage. The air felt pleasantly cool and crisp, a welcome change from the earlier humidity and sweltering heat. To their surprise, the garage was still empty. Even Izzy was gone, but judging from tools scattered near the car on the lift, he must have stepped out only for a moment.

"I just realised we skipped lunch because of exams," Sean said, heading to the back room. "I can make us something simple if you want."

Jay paled slightly. "What if I make us something simple, and you stay away at a safe distance?"

"Even I can make a cup noodles, you know?" he deadpanned, playfully rolling his eyes. "Although it's a shame Izzy removed the induction stove, you could make something nice. Now there is only a microwave and kettle."

"Why would he do it?"

Sean shrugged. "Something about fire hazard and threat to his livelihood, but I have no idea why?"

"Seriously?" Izzy asked, walking across the garage. "You set the poor induction on fire."

Jay looked at him in disbelief. "I had no idea it was possible."

"Me neither... but do yourself a favour and never let him near the cooking process whatsoever."

"I know exactly what you mean," Jay agreed with Izzy. "He is a menace in the kitchen."

"I know, right?!" Izzy exclaimed with excitement that could only stem from an unstoppable urge to tease his little brother. "He has an incredible talent to brew a poison from perfectly edible ingredients."

"Once he made me a congee... I'm pretty sure my taste buds will never fully recover."

Izzy patted Jay's shoulder with sympathy. "I can imagine it was a traumatising experience."

"Hey! I'm right here!" Sean complained, disliking the idea of them ganging up on him. After all, it wasn't his fault they didn't appreciate his efforts.

"Yeah, we know," Izzy laughed. "What's surprising is that we are still here after being subjected to your cooking."

Before Sean could utter a word, the door slid open, revealing an utterly exhausted Win. He stumbled in and collapsed lifelessly onto the sofa, not bothering to dry himself off despite his clothes clinging damply to his skin. Fort shrugged at their questioning looks as he breezed past them, heading straight for the locker room to get his spare clothes.

Izzy leaned on the backrest of the sofa and pocked Win's shoulder. "You okay?"

Win shook his head. "I never expected it to be this hard... There is just not enough time to write double assignments and then stress during exams to avoid getting caught."

"I hate to say it to you, Win," Sean started, taking his usual place on a smaller sofa. "But it's a rather predictable outcome. Exams were always hell to handle."

"I can't just quit now."

"Are there any improvements in Tay's condition?" Izzy asked, looking at Jay.

"His brain activity increased, which is promising, but the doctor couldn't say when he may wake up."

Win suddenly perked up and sat straight, feeling an extra wave of energy. "That's great news, right?"

"What great news?" Fort asked, walking back in and tossing a towel at him.

Win caught the towel mid-air and began drying his hair. "The doctors switched from 'if' to 'when' Tay wakes up."

"Really?"

Jay nodded solemnly. "Yes, they called me recently to discuss potential post-coma care," he explained. "Given the severity of his injuries, Tay will likely need extensive physiotherapy to regain mobility and strength. In addition to that, he may also need occupational therapy and ongoing medical monitoring to manage any residual health issues. But the doctor couldn't say for certain until he is awake, and they can run all the tests."

"Makes sense," Fort commented with a slight sigh.

They were all focused on wistful thinking that one day Tay would wake up and be back with them as if nothing happened, but this reminded them that reality was much harsher. There was no telling how many complications he may face.

"Hey, as long as he is awake, the rest will sort itself out," Win chirped, trying to lighten the mood. "He will be back at his plans in no time."

"Talking about plans," Sean started, looking knowingly at Win and Fort. "Exams are over soon, and we have been laying low for quite some time now."

"Are you worried that someone will connect things back to Aya despite everything?" Fort asked, feeling sudden dread.

"Partially, but RSAT will only handle part of the issue, and we need to find a way to address the rest."

"I'm in," Win said resolutely. "We can't just leave it... not after what they did to Tay."

Fort nodded. "Count me in as well."

Izzy, as always, would support them from the sidelines, offering the voice of reason they often needed. However, with his family's wellbeing on the line, he found himself unable to do much more, nor did anyone expect him to.

No one questioned Jay's lack of involvement. This was never his fight, to begin with, and he had already done enough to help them. Moreover, they were all aware that in little over a week, Jay would be back in London, away from the mess they had unwittingly dragged him into.

It was a sad realisation to know that his path with the first person he fell in love with was bound to diverge.