The cab ride is anything but peaceful. Kevin, still drunk out of his mind, clings to Alex like a lifeline, his arms wrapped around him in a vice grip. Alex sits rigid, his jaw tightening as Kevin mutters incoherent words against his shoulder.

"Seriously, Kevin? Get off me, you donkey!" Alex mutters under his breath, shifting uncomfortably in his seat as he tries to peel Kevin's arms away.

Across from them, Wiyan bursts out laughing, unable to contain himself. The sound is rich and full, his laughter rolling through the small cab like a warm wave.

Alex's eyes dart to Wiyan, his cheeks turning an unmistakable shade of red. "What's so funny?" he snaps, though his tone lacks real anger.

"You," Wiyan says between chuckles, his grin wide and disarming. "You're like a grumpy babysitter right now."

Alex huffs, crossing his arms as best he can with Kevin hanging off him. "Yeah, well, babysitting wasn't part of the plan tonight."

Wiyan's laughter softens into a smile, his eyes lingering on Alex for a moment longer than necessary. "He's cute when he's annoyed," Wiyan thinks, a flutter of warmth spreading in his chest.

The cab finally pulls up outside Alex's place, and the three of them shuffle out. Alex's home is neat and orderly, the porch light casting a soft glow over the manicured garden. Inside, the house is even more impressive spotless and perfectly arranged, with a minimalist charm that speaks to Alex's disciplined personality.

Wiyan can't help but take it in, his admiration for Alex growing. "Of course his place is perfect," he thinks, a small smile tugging at his lips. "He probably plans everything down to the minute."

Together, they manage to drag Kevin inside and get him settled in Alex's guest room. Kevin mumbles something incoherent as they lower him onto the bed, his arm flopping dramatically across his face.

Alex sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. "What a mess," he mutters. "Thanks for helping, Wiyan. I owe you."

"Don't mention it," Wiyan replies, his voice soft. "I'm glad to help." "Anything to spend a little more time with you," he adds silently, feeling a pang of longing he can't quite shake.

Alex disappears into the kitchen and returns with a glass of water, handing it to Wiyan. "Here. You good? If you're too tired to head back, you're welcome to crash here."

Wiyan blinks, startled by the offer. "Stay here? I wouldn't want to impose."

"You wouldn't be," Alex says simply, his tone as straightforward as ever. "The couch is comfortable, or you can take the other room if you need it."

Wiyan smiles, touched by Alex's consideration. "Thanks, Alex," he says, taking a sip of the water. "Actually... there's something I wanted to ask you."

Alex raises an eyebrow, leaning against the counter. "What's up?"

"Well," Wiyan begins, hesitating. "I've been really curious about trading. Could you teach me? I mean, if you have the time."

Alex's expression softens, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You want me to teach you trading? Sure, I can do that."

He gestures for Wiyan to follow him into his office. The setup is sleek and efficient, with multiple monitors glowing softly in the dim room. Alex pulls up a chair, motioning for Wiyan to sit beside him.

As Alex starts explaining the basics, his passion for the subject shines through. His voice is steady and confident, his gestures animated as he breaks down complex concepts with ease. Wiyan watches him, captivated not just by the lesson but by Alex himself.

"The way he talks about this... It's incredible," Wiyan thinks, his heart pounding as he leans in slightly to hear better. Alex's focus is absolute, his gaze fixed on the screen, and Wiyan takes the opportunity to study him—his sharp jawline, the way his hair falls just slightly out of place, the subtle scent of his cologne that lingers in the air.

Their knees brush together under the desk, and Wiyan's breath catches. The touch is fleeting but electric, sending a jolt through him that he struggles to ignore. "Get it together," he tells himself, forcing his attention back to the screen.

"You following so far?" Alex asks, glancing at him.

"Yeah," Wiyan says quickly, though his voice comes out a little higher than he intended. He clears his throat, trying to compose himself. "You're a great teacher."

Alex chuckles, the sound low and warm. "Thanks. It's not as hard as it looks once you get the hang of it."

As Alex leans closer to point out something on the screen, the gap between them narrows. Wiyan can feel the heat radiating from Alex, their shoulders almost touching. His heart races, and he has to grip the edge of the desk to keep himself grounded. "Why does being near him feel so... intense?" he wonders, struggling to keep his emotions in check.

Alex turns to him, their faces just inches apart. "Got it?" he asks, his voice soft.

Wiyan swallows hard, nodding. "Yeah," he says, though he's not sure he actually heard the last part of the explanation.

For a moment, their eyes meet, and the world seems to still. Wiyan's pulse thrums in his ears, and he wonders if Alex can hear it too. He wants to say something—anything—but the words catch in his throat.

Alex is the first to look away, clearing his throat. "Well, that's enough for tonight," he says, leaning back in his chair. "You've got the basics down."

"Thanks," Wiyan says, his voice quieter than before.

As they leave the office, the air between them feels heavier, charged with something unspoken. Wiyan steals a glance at Alex, his heart still racing. "This is dangerous," he thinks. "But I can't help it. Being around him feels... right."

Alex, meanwhile, feels a strange warmth settle over him as they part ways for the night. "Wiyan's different," he thinks, the realization sinking in slowly. "And I don't mind it."