The late afternoon sun filtered through the wide-open curtains, casting long, golden beams across the dark, muted tones of the bedroom. The space, with its understated elegance and sophisticated decor, seemed to hold its breath, absorbing the intensity of the moment. The gentle hum of the air conditioning provided a delicate counterpoint to the silence that had fallen between them.

The simplicity of Sean's suggestion resonated with him, offering a sense of belonging he never truly had. Even though there was nothing simple about it. Jay was still unsure what Sean expected from him, as if part of him was waiting for conditions to follow. Attention was rarely free. There was always something to give in return, be it perfect grades or sex. As a result, in his eyes, life was one endless transaction. Yet, Sean didn't ask for anything. It was baffling and unsettling, but deep underneath, there was a strong undercurrent of relief telling him that Sean was different, just like those few people in his life who never left.

"You know there is a slight difference when you space out due to lack of sleep and when you are lost in thoughts? Right here," Sean said lightly, gently pressing his finger against almost an unnoticeable crease between Jay's eyebrows.

"Is there?" Jay asked, slipping back into his more laid-back and nonchalant demeanour.

Sean nodded. "Just like you always switch to this expression when you want to dodge the conversation."

Jay smiled faintly. The way Sean started to understand him felt different from anyone else. It was like comfort and a safety net, allowing him to withdraw but at the same time pulling him in.

"I'm not going to force you into anything you don't want, but I'm also past the point where I could just let you go without a fight," Sean explained, gazing at their intertwined fingers. "Before you, everything seemed easy but also fake. It all just happened in passing without leaving any lingering impression. But you make everything different. It's surreal, and yet I can't look away. It's not easy, but it's worth every bit of effort... because you deserve so much more, Jay."

Deep inside, he knew this wasn't true – that someone like him didn't deserve Sean or his unconditional affection. But the recent weeks had worn him down, leaving him tired and unable to put up the fight with himself anymore. As if on instinct, he leaned forward, burying his face in the crook of Sean's neck. It was a rather startling realisation that, after years of relying on various coping mechanisms, this had become his source of comfort. The warmth of Sean's skin and his spicy, smoky scent with refreshing notes were like a comforting blanket Jay didn't even know he needed. The way Sean's free arm wrapped around him, followed by a lingering kiss on the top of his head, was soothing and relaxing, like coming home after a long, weary journey. It made him believe that maybe, just maybe, he could have something like this.

Sean smiled softly as Jay sunk deeper into his arms. Then, mindful of Victor's advice, he added, "You don't need to answer now. Take all the time you need. I'll wait for you."

"Did anyone ever tell you that you have the patience of a saint?"

"It's actually the opposite," he chuckled lightly, caressing Jay's bare back. "You're the only person I have patience for."

Jay sighed, his breath sending a shiver down Sean's spine. "You should have run in the opposite direction to preserve your sanity."

"It's a bit too late for that now," he said, gently lifting Jay's chin and looking into his turbulent brown eyes. "Because this one week without seeing you already drove me insane."

"You are impossible, you know that?"

"You mean irresistible?" Sean countered playfully, leaning in closer.

Jay's gaze shifted to his lips, just a breath away. "Mhm, irresistible and impossible to say no to," he replied, closing the distance between them.

It started softly at first, a tentative exploration that quickly grew more insistent. Sean's lips were warm and inviting, moving with a perfect rhythm. Each brush of Sean's tongue against his own was a delicate, teasing dance, sending shivers down Jay's spine. Then, the kiss grew deeper and more urgent, expressing their need for each other.

Sean shifted his weight without breaking the kiss, straddling Jay and pressing their bodies together. The softness of Sean's t-shirt against his bare skin heightened the intensity of the moment. His hand slid up Sean's back, feeling the firmness beneath the fabric, while the other tugged at the hem of his t-shirt. Then, in one swift motion, Jay pulled it over Sean's head, exposing the well-defined muscles of his chest and shoulders. As they continued kissing – much more fervently now – his fingers traced the contours of Sean's torso, making him realise how well he knew every dip and curve. Every single detail was etched deep into his memory.

Sean broke the kiss, only to leave a trail of intense kisses down the column of his neck. Each touch of his lips sent a jolt of pleasure, making him arch into the sensation. Sean's mouth moved lower, tracing a fiery path down his chest, his breath hot and tantalising against his skin. When Sean reached the band of his pyjama trousers, he paused, looking up to meet Jay's gaze. The unspoken understanding between them was clear as their inhibitions vanished. His breath hitched as Sean's fingers hooked into the waistband and pulled the trousers off.

What followed was a build-up to pure ecstasy. The sensation of Sean's mouth wrapped around him, his tongue swirling and teasing, sent waves of overwhelming pleasure coursing through him. It felt familiar, yet different – more intimate. Each touch, each caress, felt incredibly right.

His fingers threaded through Sean's hair, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. The world narrowed to the exquisite sensations Sean was creating. It was a perfect fusion of physical sensation and emotional connection. Jay was willing to admit now, fully aware that Sean was never a distraction but always at the core of his attention. Then his mind went blank, overtaken by a pure rapture of the release.

"Fuck... you got really good at this," he said, trying to catch his breath.

Sean looked up with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I had a great teacher," he replied playfully before crashing their lips together in an all-consuming kiss.

"So...," Jay started, brushing his fingers by the edge of Sean's low-waist jeans. "Since I'm all yours now, what will you do with me?"

Sean's eyes darkened with desire, his pupils dilating with unmistakable hunger as he absorbed Jay's words. This honest and straightforward admission sent him over the edge – words he never expected to hear. His fingers tightened almost imperceptibly on Jay's waist while his breath ghosted over the most sensitive part of his neck.

"I swear," Sean murmured huskily, his voice barely above a whisper, "you will be the death of me one day."

With a surge of urgency, Sean brought his lips to Jay's skin, sucking at the sensitive spot just below his ear. Jay moaned, tilting his head to give better access while his fingers deftly unbuttoned Sean's jeans. The denim slid down with ease, freeing Sean from its confines. The sensation of hot breath and the urgent rhythm of lips on his neck melded with the feeling of their bodies pressing closer together, creating delicious friction.

"Sean... please," Jay breathed out.

Those two words conveyed everything – how much Jay needed and wanted him. Sean paused, looking at him with a gentle smile.

"Please what?"

"Stay with me? Fuck me... I don't know what I wanted," Jay chuckled, trying to deflect the question.

Sean's smile softened as he leaned in, placing a lingering kiss on his lips. "I will... but what about making love to you instead?"

His eyes widened slightly at the tenderness in Sean's voice... a tenderness that made him feel something he thought impossible – loved, wanted, and cared for. It was scary, but he was done running away from it. Then Sean's lips met his again, this time with a slow, deliberate intensity that made his heart race. The kiss deepened, their mouths moving in perfect harmony, communicating what words couldn't.

Sean's hands moved gently, exploring his body with a reverence that felt new and exhilarating. He took his time, tracing every line and curve, eliciting soft moans from him. The atmosphere was charged with an intimacy that surpassed any of their moments together.

As Sean positioned himself above Jay, he maintained eye contact, looking at him with so much love it felt unreal. The initial touch was subtle, bordering on worship, and then Sean began to move with a rhythm that was both delicate and insistent. Each thrust was accompanied by lingering kisses, muffling their moans.

Jay's fingers dug into Sean's back, pulling him closer, needing to feel every inch of him. The slow, sensual movements built a symphony of pleasure, each stroke sending shivers down their spines. The world outside ceased to exist; there were only the two of them, lost in each other.

Sean's lips never strayed far from his, alternating between deep kisses and murmured reassurances. His touch was a blend of softness and strength, leading them both towards an ecstasy. When it came, the climax was a shared experience of pure bliss, solidifying the bond that had always been there, waiting to be acknowledged.

The air in the bathroom was thick with steam from their shared shower. The mirror was fogged, reflecting a hazy outline of their intertwined figures. It felt surreal yet incredibly right – the kind of domesticity he once thought he could never have. But now it felt natural, like the most ordinary and extraordinary thing in the world. It was as if everything had shifted upside down, and things once out of reach were now at his fingertips. It was a bit unsettling, but he liked it this way. Even if it wouldn't last forever and might bring heartache later, moments like this were worth it.

Even such mundane gestures as Sean picking up a hairdryer and offering to dry his hair. Small things Jay realised people do for the ones they care about.

Sean ran his hand through Jay's dark brown hair, pausing momentarily to let the strands on the top slip through his fingers. "Wow, your hair feels so much longer now," he said with a hint of surprise. "Do you want me to tie it into a mini ponytail?"

Jay nodded slightly. "I was planning to cut it once I'm back in London, but since that's no longer the case... we need to find a way to contain it."

His heart skipped a beat, processing what just happened. First, Jay incredibly effortlessly dropped information that he was planning to stay longer. Second, the way he casually said 'we' instead of 'I' made it feel like Jay acknowledged they were together. Sean smiled, then leaned over Jay's shoulder and kissed him.

"What was that for?"

"No reason," Sean grinned, returning to drying Jay's hair. "What about your job?"

"I can manage like this for a few more months. Most cases I'm working on won't go to trial until autumn. Besides, my mother has been nagging me to take a break, so she can't complain now," he added with a slight shrug.

"Does it mean you could take a few weeks off in summer?"

Jay tilted his head back to look at him. "Easily, why?"

Sean hesitated for a moment, wondering if the idea would appeal to Jay. It was the peak of the rainy season, and on a tight budget, but it was something he had planned for years. A time away during his last summer at university. It would be great if they could do it together.

"I'm going on a backpacking trip through the Chiang Mai and Pai regions in the North at the end of July," he started, setting a hairdryer on the marble countertop by the sink. "Mostly hiking while staying at random places on the way. It may rain a lot, but at least it will be cooler than here. Do you want to come with me?"

"Sure," Jay replied without hesitation. "This will be great compensation for my missed backpacking trip to Peru."

Sean smiled at him. "Perfect, there are also plenty of great spots for climbing. You are going to love it."

As Jay listened to Sean talk about the best places to visit during their trip, part of him wondered what he was supposed to do with this... this sudden shift between them. It felt like standing on the edge of the unknown after being impossibly alone in a place where hope born out of desperation had led to failure, resulting in a deep-seated conviction that it was safer to let go and not feel anything.

But now, the old rules no longer apply. Sean's affection seemed endless, making him feel all sorts of things. It was so seamless and natural, even though it didn't benefit Sean in any tangible way. This made him realise that Sean's affection came with no strings attached. It was as startling as the realisation that, apparently, he was in a relationship now... whatever that entailed.

"Where are you?"

"Hm?" Jay hummed as Sean's sudden question pulled him out of his thoughts. "Oh, right, what did you want for dinner?"

Sean sighed, realising that getting Jay was not the hard part, getting him to drop his walls would be. But he had time now, so there was no need to rush anything. "Can you make Sichuan hot pot?"

"I'm not sure. Let me check the recipe," he replied, walking to the bedroom to find his phone. "You really like Sichuan cuisine, don't you?"

"Yeah, my parents were from Sichuan province, so I grew up eating it a lot," Sean said with a nostalgic smile. "It's not easy to find something authentic, but when you make it, it tastes incredible."

Jay gave him an amused side glance. "Flattery won't get you dinner... we need to go shopping first."

"Do we?" he asked, hugging Jay from behind and looking over his shoulder at the recipe. It looked way too complicated for him. "Wow, I had no idea it takes so much effort. Maybe we can have something simpler?"

"It's not that hard." Jay laughed lightly. "It will be ready before you notice."

True to Jay's words, it didn't take long at all. After a quick trip to the nearby store, the kitchen filled with the enticing scents of Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, and ginger. Sean set up a portable induction stove on the table – the only preparations he was allowed to do – and placed a pot filled with rich, spicy red broth on it.

The table was a feast for the senses: thinly sliced beef and lamb, fresh seafood, vibrant green Napa cabbage, delicate enoki mushrooms, and plump shrimp balls were seamlessly arranged around the pot. As the broth simmered, the aroma intensified, a heady mix of spicy, savoury, and tangy notes. Each bite was an explosion of taste – the numbing heat of the Sichuan peppercorns balanced perfectly with the robust broth and the freshness of the ingredients.

"I could die perfectly happy right now," Sean sighed, looking utterly content.

Suddenly, Victor's amused voice rang through the apartment. "I hope you two are dressed. I wouldn't want Tina to suffer a nosebleed."

There was a loud smack followed by an annoyed huff. "I swear...," Tina grumbled, trailing off as she sniffed the air. "This smells amazing!"

"Oh, we finally agree on something," Victor quipped, following her into the kitchen. He held up a bag with several bottles, grinning. "We come bearing gifts."

Jay's eyebrow arched questioningly. "Weren't you nursing a hangover with street food?"

"Yeah, but then Tina discovered Phraya Rum, and we decided to switch things up," Victor explained, settling at the table with a pair of chopsticks.

Tina nodded with a satisfied smile. "It's the best rum I ever had... totally worth another hangover."

Jay shook his head with amusement or resignation – it was impossible to tell. "Where are Vivi and Jonathan?"

"Still enjoying couple time," Tina replied, popping a tofu cube soaked in broth into her mouth. "They should be back later, though. Hopefully, much later, so we don't need to share."

"Yeah, because certain bloody bastard never cooks for us," Victor added, clearly sulking. "So this is an incredibly rare treat."

Tina squinted at Sean's surprised expression. "Don't tell me you get to eat like this every day."

"Pretty much, yes," he admitted.

"Now we all know who his favourite is," Tina pouted, playfully rolling her eyes. "So unfair..."

It quickly became clear that both Victor and Tina liked Sean. Soon, their laughter and easy conversation created a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere over the hot pot. By the end of the dinner, he was fitting right in with their close-knit group.

Later on, they settled in the living room with rum and snacks. Sean and Victor got lost in a passionate discussion about Doctor Who, while Jay was occupied responding to a few work related emails. Meanwhile, Tina watched him intently, partially listening to the other two.

"I assume you are not going back with us?" she asked in a hushed voice, joining him on the sofa.

Jay looked at Sean from his laptop, a small smile playing on his lips. "No, I will stay here a bit longer."

Tina glanced at him sideways. His expression was a bit softer and less lonely, his eyes occasionally drifting to Sean with a warmth she hadn't seen before. There was a subtle shift in his demeanour – a lightness to his usually guarded posture.

She couldn't help but notice the small but significant changes: the way his fingers moved more leisurely over the keyboard, the occasional chuckle he couldn't suppress when he caught snippets of Sean and Victor's conversation, and the almost imperceptible ease in his shoulders. Jay seemed more present, more engaged with the moment rather than retreating into his work as a shield.

"It's good to see you like this," Tina said softly, her eyes reflecting relief and affection. "Less like a ghost, more like... you."

"A ghost?"

She lightly smacked his shoulder. "You know what I mean."

"Fine, fine," Jay responded, leaning back on the sofa. "Sorry for snapping at you yesterday. It's not an excuse, but I have been pretty high strung recently."

Tina shook her head. "I shouldn't have pushed you like this. It doesn't matter if you have feelings for him, but you look happier with him around."

"Yeah, he is great."

Her eyebrow quirked teasingly and she lowered her voice even further. "I assume he doesn't know you don't like cooking for other people, hm?"

"I like doing it for him," Jay replied without hesitation. "Besides I have to, otherwise he would eat cup noodles every day."

"Wow, you really care about him," Tina uttered, unable to hide her surprise. "So, how did you end up with whatever you guys are in?"

His gaze shifted to Sean, and he shrugged. "I don't know, it just happened..."

Listening to him talk about Sean felt reassuring as if Jay had finally started living for himself and finding a way to balance things that held him back with things he wanted.

They had initially gone to the kitchen for a late-night snack, but now Jay was perched on the kitchen island, with Sean standing intimately between his legs. The idea of a snack was long forgotten as they were wholly absorbed in a passionate kiss. Suddenly half asleep, Vivian passed by them without even looking, heading straight for the fridge.

"Sorry, Vic... I'll be out of your way in a second," she mumbled, opening the door and reaching for a bottle of water. Then, struck by a sudden realisation, Vivian paused and slowly turned to look at them. "Oh, it's you, Jay... but um... you have a half-naked guy in your kitchen... you know that... right?"

"Yes, I'm aware," Jay chuckled, his tone light and casual. "Vivi, meet Sean. Sean, this cute little thing is Vivian."

Sean gave her a little wave. "Pleased to meet you."

Even in the dimly lit kitchen, her bright red cheeks were visible. "I'm so sorry about my manners. It's just... wow... sorry... I've never met anyone Jay was... dating," she stammered, still clearly in shock. "You must be amazing... but, um, yeah, I'll leave you to it," she added, clutching her water and heading out of the kitchen. Then she suddenly spun around. "I look forward to meeting you properly once I'm more awake and less embarrassed."

"Your friends are very amusing."

Jay nodded, relieved in many ways that Sean fit in with them so seamlessly. After all, this small group of not entirely sane people was an integral part of his life, a place where he belonged. But as Sean's arms wrapped around him, pulling him back into a slow kiss, Jay realised that perhaps, for the first time in a long while, he was exactly where he was meant to be.