In the late afternoon sun, the penthouse glowed with a luminous warmth, its floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic views of the city skyline. The open-concept layout seamlessly blended the living room, dining area, and kitchen, creating a quintessence of luxury. Yet, despite its sleek design and upscale amenities, the space lacked the lived-in feel, making Sean feel out of place as if he wandered into a showroom.

Sean had always been aware of Jay's affluent background. Still, the sheer scale of it now felt daunting. It was a reminder that their paths would never have crossed under normal circumstances - they lived in different worlds, ones not meant to intertwine. But somehow, it happened. They acted on the impulse one night and now seemed to be stuck in this silly game of hide and seek. There were days when Sean wondered if it was a mistake, days when he struggled to keep his feelings in check, and days when being around Jay hurt more than he was willing to admit. Yet, he couldn't bring himself to end this because not seeing him was even worse.

His eyes swept over the expansive living room, and it suddenly hit him. It wasn't just a lack of lived-in feeling. It was a profound emptiness permeating everything around them, like a void that could never be filled. But it wasn't just this that startled him... it was the way it seemed to absorb Jay. It almost felt as if he would vanish if Sean dared to blink. The contrast between Jay, with whom he spent so much time, and this moment was surreal. It also made him realise that the wall between them wasn't related to how different their backgrounds were or the limited time Jay had here. It was something else entirely, something Sean couldn't quite grasp.

"Shower, dinner, sex?" Jay asked, loosening his tie with one hand.

Sean snapped out of his thoughts and slipped into his usual laidback attitude. "Do you really think I can wait till after dinner when you look like this?"

As his fingers grazed Jay's tie, he gently tugged him closer, their bodies inching together with an undeniable magnetic pull. Jay smiled playfully, anticipation crackling between them as Sean's lips hovered tantalisingly close to his. With a soft, barely audible sigh, their mouths met in a searing kiss, a collision of desire and longing that seemed more honest than they could ever be.

As Jay's lips parted from his, Sean's fingers traced the contours of his tie, slowly undoing it with a deliberate tug. Their eyes locked in silent agreement, a shared understanding of what was to come. Jay's hand slid down Sean's arm, fingers intertwining with his as he led him towards the bathroom, their strides quickened by a shared urgency, only disturbed by impromptu make-out sessions with one of them pinned against the wall. In the dim light of the bathroom, they moved in a graceful frenzy, shedding clothing with a feverish haste that spoke volumes of their need for each other. Soon, the rush of water cascaded around them, its rhythmic patter echoing their muffled moans as they surrendered to the intoxicating passion that seemed to consume them both.

The atmosphere eased, becoming almost languid as the tension between them dissipated. In moments like this, Sean craved intimacy, a closeness he knew was unattainable. Jay really stuck to his boundaries and kept his distance, careful not to do anything misleading.

It was a bittersweet realisation for Sean, a poignant reminder of the stark contrast between his own desires and the limitations of their arrangement. Despite the undeniable connection between them, Jay's unwavering adherence to their agreement served as a constant reminder of the impossibility of their relationship evolving into something more. And so, Sean found himself caught in a paradoxical dance of longing and restraint, yearning for closeness while resigned to the inevitability of maintaining their carefully delineated boundaries.

"Here," Jay said, tossing him a pair of joggers and a t-shirt. "My jeans may be tight for you, but this should work."

The black joggers caught Sean's eye, their sleek design interrupted by an unusual check flannel panel at pocket level. The fabric was surprisingly soft beneath his fingertips. A slight smile tugged at his lips as he glanced at the label, recognising it from Jay's other clothes. It seemed to be his favourite one, with its understated elegance suggesting quality without the need for flashy logos. Sean couldn't even imagine the price tag attached to such refined simplicity, but he was sure he could survive on it for months.

"Thanks."

It felt both odd and comforting to wear Jay's clothes. It was one of those little rituals that couples often shared, a subtle blending of lives and wardrobes. Yet, it was less about intimacy and more a necessity for them as they carelessly abandoned their clothes on the wet bathroom floor. In a way, it felt like a game of hide and seek, where they danced around the edges of something more meaningful, yet always careful not to cross the invisible lines they had drawn between them.

"Any wishes?" Jay asked as they entered the kitchen.

"Can you make something from Sichuan cuisine?"

Jay opened the fridge and scanned its contents. "I could pull off Ma Po Tofu. If you want anything else, we would have to go shopping."

Sean smiled faintly, wondering how many 'no strings attached' deals included dinner. Probably none because moments like this felt a lot like dates.

"Ma Po Tofu sounds great."

Moments later, Sean watched him slice the tofu into perfect cubes while occasionally stirring ground pork in the sizzling pan. The savoury aroma of garlic and ginger filled the air, mingling with the earthy scent of spicy bean paste. It reminded him of the first time Jay made Tom Kha Gai for him.

"Is there anything I can help you with?" Sean asked, resting his chin on Jay's shoulder.

Just like back then, Jay turned his head to look at him, but instead of awkwardly jumping away, Sean leaned closer, closing the distance between them with a gentle kiss. In that fleeting moment, he could feel him smile against his lips, a rare instance where Jay let his guard down just a bit.

"No, you can't sabotage our dinner," he replied with a cheeky smirk.

Sean rolled his eyes. "Last time was an accident, I swear!"

"Who adds ten extra bird's eye chillies to curry by accident?"

Sean grinned shamelessly. "Clearly, me."

Jay shook his head, amused. "Just to be safe, stand over there and don't touch anything."

His smile widened, and his voice took more teasing tones as his hands slid inside Jay's jeans. "I would rather keep my hands here. See? Absolutely harmless to our dinner."

Jay leaned against his sturdy chest and took a deep breath. "This is very detrimental to our dinner... unless you would rather have me fuck you on the kitchen island."

"Tempting, but I'm also starving... Can I have both?"

"No, you can't... one requires my undivided attention," Jay responded, turning around and looking straight at him.

Then his slender fingers slipped into black hair, tugging at the roots with a hint of possessiveness, erasing the distance between them in an instant. It was a short but incredibly intense kiss with a subtle dominance that left Sean breathless and craving more.

"Now, behave, or I will let you starve," he added playfully, turning back to the hob and ignoring Sean's needy expression.

In moments like these, Sean found himself caught in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The domestic bliss with cooking together and playful banter - they all offered a glimpse into a life that felt achingly perfect. Yet, intertwined with this hope was the painful awareness that it was a fantasy, a mirage shimmering on the horizon of his desires. Despite the comfort they found in each other's presence, Sean couldn't shake the nagging doubt that Jay didn't see like this. It was a constant battle, trying to suppress growing feelings that threatened to spill over, knowing deep down that they would never be more than what they were - fleeting moments of passion and companionship in an otherwise empty landscape. And yet, he couldn't help but cling to these moments, each one a bittersweet reminder of what could have been if only Jay felt the same way.

"Why you don't do relationships? Don't tell me you have an arranged marriage or something like that."

"I would rather fucking die than ever get married," Jay replied, unfazed by his sudden question. "I'm just not a long-term boyfriend material."

"Why not?" Sean asked, casually leaning on the worktop beside him.

To him, Jay seemed like perfect boyfriend material. Despite the nature of their relationship, he was incredibly considerate. His cooking was to die for, and combined with mind-blowing sex, it really hit all the marks for him. Then there was the aspect Sean couldn't care less about: Jay's financial situation.

"For starters, I work fourteen to sixteen hours a day," Jay replied, pouring a mixture of soy sauce, fermented bean paste, and fiery chilli oil into the pan. "And I don't need extra distractions or someone constantly complaining that I don't have time for them. Then, I value my independence and don't want to compromise it by being in a committed relationship. I guess it's simply not for me."

Sean nodded with understanding, but then, as if compelled by invisible force, he asked, "What if you meet someone on the same wavelength?"

Jay froze briefly. A flicker of various emotions passed through his otherwise composed expression before his gaze turned distant and unreadable. "I would feel sorry for the poor soul... imagine putting up with me for the rest of their life."

He really wanted to admit that he wouldn't mind. In fact, Sean would gladly do it without hesitation or second thoughts. However, the harsh reality remained: if he did, he would probably never see Jay again.

"What about you?" Jay asked, as usual, shifting the conversation away from himself. "You are not big on commitment either."

Sean regretted saying it back then, but there was nothing he could do about it now. "Pretty much the same," he said without thinking. "Although, I'm probably still two steps away from an insomniac workaholic."

There was a moment of tense silence as they both realised they were on the same wavelength, creating a rather perfect combination. However, it was a realisation that threatened to destroy the fragile balance between tonight and ruin the rare moment when Jay's guard was slightly lower than usual.

"God... this smells amazing," Sean said, leaning closer to the pan and acting as if nothing happened.

The plumes of fragrant steam danced before his eyes like wisps of tantalising temptation. The rich, reddish-brown sauce glistened, each bubbling pocket releasing a burst of spicy aroma that mingled with the air, teasing his taste buds.

"I'm not sure what you are better at, sex or cooking."

"I didn't know there was a competition," Jay chuckled, his tone light and playful.

Sean felt relief wash over him as Jay didn't withdraw and acted the same. It wasn't easy to maintain the balance between them, constantly trying to get closer to someone who adamantly refused to let him in. Sometimes, it left him exhausted... lost amidst conflicting emotions, wondering if it wouldn't be easier to pick up the pieces and move on before he became too invested... before there will be nothing left to pick up. But as many times before, he couldn't let go. So, he stayed, trying to navigate Jay's boundaries and ignoring ever growing ache.

The air was thick with the scent of grease and motor oil, warmed further by the relentless sun outside. Despite the lack of air conditioning, the worn-out sofas in the corner provided a comfortable retreat courtesy of a standing fan and cold beer Izzy kept in the fridge.

Jay sat cross-legged on his customary cushion, the glow of his laptop screen casting a soft halo around him as he immersed himself in work. Across the table, Sean was buried in his textbooks, but his attention kept drifting towards Jay and the way his hair moved every time the fan rotated towards him. It was kind of cute.

Suddenly, Win sautered inside and, with a heavy sigh, landed face down on the larger sofa. Sean and Jay looked at him questioningly, but he only sighed dramatically and slowly turned around, sprawling himself across the whole couch. He was looking more dead than alive.

"I have enough," he grumbled. "Who the fuck thought it was a great idea to cram all exams in such a short amount of time? We don't even hang out anymore! You two are always busy, and Fort only cares about his research project. I will die of boredom!" Win exclaimed with dramatic flare.

"You can't be serious," Sean said, rolling his eyes.

Win gave him an indignant look. "I'm absolutely serious. I get Fort, but the last time I saw either of you outside the uni was a week ago before the meeting with RSAT. What the hell are the two of you so busy with?"

"Exams."

"Work."

Win squinted his eyes. Their simultaneous response was suspicious. Did they practice it? Despite the exhaustion, his brain shifted into an overdrive. It was frustrating to not see any progress between them despite all his efforts. He was slowly running out of excuses to ensure they had the opportunity to hang out together. 'They must be blind to not see how perfect they are for each other.'

"You should get a life."

"Nah, I'm good," Sean replied, while Jay couldn't even bother to look away from the screen.

Before Win could add anything else, the door slid open, and Fort entered, followed by a petite woman in a light summer dress. Her long hair was braided, giving her a youthful appearance. She looked towards the sofas and smiled broadly.

As soon as Sean noticed her, he leapt to his feet and swiftly closed the distance, enveloping her in a warm embrace. "How are you doing?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

"Much better now," she responded, squeezing him back. "I just wanted to pop in for a moment to thank you all in person."

Sean pulled her towards the back of the room. Fort followed them, looking much more relaxed than last week despite the busy exam period. Seeing Araya back to her usual cheerful self was all he could ask for.

"Aya!" Win suddenly came to life, jumping towards her and instantly taking over the Tupperware with homemade biscuits she held. "My favourite! Thank you!" he called out, hugging the container.

"I'm happy to see you too, Win," she laughed. "Remember to share."

Win held the box tighter. "They are all traitors and don't deserve your biscuits."

"Aww," she cooed, patting his head. "Are they being mean to you again?"

"Yes, Sean and Jay are hiding something from me, pretending to be busy."

Sean rolled his eyes again. "We are actually busy."

While Sean and Win were busy bickering, Araya turned towards the last person in the room. "You must be Jay," she said with a genuine smile, extending her hand. "Thank you so much for helping me. I'm sure without you, Fort would do something foolish."

"Don't mind," he replied, his Thai carrying a distinctive British accent. "It was Sean who did all the work and handled the meeting."

Aya smiled at Sean, but then her grateful gaze turned more mischievous. "But I need to say, guys... your perception must be embarrassing at best. He looks nothing like Tay."

"In our defence, he was dressing like Tay before," Fort protested.

She rolled her eyes, laughing lightly. "Really, guys? Really? Details matter. At first glance, his hair and skin are well looked after, indicating an expensive product line. Athletic posture and innate elegance, while Tay is more grit and brawl. And most importantly, their eyes have completely different expressions. One looks pissed all the time, the other as if he couldn't care less in a polite way. Very British, indeed."

Sean looked at her, speechless. "You got all that just from a minute around him?"

"Of course," she replied with a smug smile. "I've seen Tay plenty of times to tell the difference."

"This is so embarrassing," Win mumbled, sinking into the sofa. "Oh wait, I did much better than the rest of you. HA!"

"It still took you long enough," Fort quipped at him. "One would expect you to tell the difference instantly. Weren't you joined with Tay by the hip?"

"Where is Tay?" Araya asked, looking around. "I thought he would be here as well."

The garage fell dead silent as the three group members exchanged awkward looks while Jay decided to stay out of it and returned to his work.

"Um... you see... uh...," Win stammered, uncertain whether they should tell her the truth. He didn't want to add to her worries or drag her into the problems they had caused.

Her eyebrows furrowed in worry. "This doesn't look like he is off with another girlfriend. Did something happen?"

"No, no," Fort protested, also unsure what to do. "You know him... uh..."

Sean took a step back, hiding behind his animosity with Tay, knowing he would be the last person Araya would turn to for answers. Yet, she looked straight at him.

"Sean?"

"What would I know?" he shrugged.

"Guys, you are scaring me now..."

Jay stopped typing the document he was working on and sighed. "Tay and I don't exactly get along, so he avoids this place when I'm here."

"Oh, I see..." Araya nodded with understanding. "Well, I need to go. Please tell him I said hi. And really, thanks, guys."

"We will!" Win chirped, switching to his cheerful mode. "And thanks for biscuits! I will make sure to eat them all."

As soon as she left, the trio sank into their respective spots with a relieved sigh. They didn't want her to know how dangerous things had become for them. She would be deeply worried about Fort, and Aya already had a lot on her plate. Plus, the fewer people who knew about it, the better for everyone. After all, they were in this mess because the wrong person learned about their plans and couldn't keep their mouth shut. Yes, neither of them felt sympathetic towards Art's problems, who seemed to disappear shortly after he visited Tay's place. But they were sure it wasn't the last they had heard of him. Besides, they had other things they needed to focus on.

The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows over a street. Sean parked his motorbike beside the weathered buildings with a heavy, resigned sigh. The bar appeared unassuming, its narrow wooden exterior blending into the dusk until the LED lights flickered on. It wouldn't open for hours, but Sean walked in without hesitation.

"Damn, kid, you look like someone in desperate need of a drink."