Chapter XI - Veiled Realities

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A/N: Hi everyone! I updated the dossier file for characters with all SWIFT members, including Tina's, if you want to check them out. Thank you for your support.


The memory of the impromptu meeting with Tay lingered in Sean's mind, a puzzle piece that didn't quite fit the image of his supposed nemesis. As he strolled across the campus the next day, the humidity of early March still clinging to the air, Sean couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. But it was soon buried under the remnants of the previous day's stress. After all, a solid plan didn't mean a finished essay, and the deadline was tomorrow.

Sean settled into a quiet corner of the library, fingers poised over the keyboard, ready to finally finish his assignment. Yet, as he stared at the screen, the words seemed to blur, replaced by that disarming one-sided smile. Sean shook his head in disbelief, trying to banish the distracting image. "What the fuck is wrong with me?" he muttered under his breath.

He glanced around as if expecting someone to jump out and confirm the absurdity of his inner turmoil. It made no sense. Tay was supposed to be the thorn in his side, not a lingering presence in his thoughts. The abrupt shift in his behaviour, from insolent to oddly helpful, had left Sean bewildered. 'It's just one moment,' he reasoned with himself, fingers tapping absentmindedly on the keyboard. 'One moment of him not being a complete arse. Doesn't change anything. I still hate him, don't I?'

Yet, as he tried to refocus on the essay, he couldn't escape the nagging question: why did Tay's sudden change bother him so much? It was almost as if he got an unexpected glimpse behind the arrogant mask, and what he found there was entirely different than he could possibly expect.

"He's just playing games," Sean mumbled in a half-hearted attempt to reassure himself. "Urgh, I don't have time for this shit."

With a frustrated sigh, Sean forced his attention back to the essay. The library's silent ambience became the backdrop to his determined focus. His fingers glided over the keyboard, words flowing steadily as he shaped his ideas into a coherent argument. The alluring smile faded into the recesses of his mind as the satisfying click of the final keystroke marked the completion of his assignment.

"Oh! There you are!"

The librarian instantly glared at them. Win smiled sheepishly in apology, but she only shook her head with annoyance. He had been on thin ice with her since the first year, and it didn't seem things would change any time soon.

"You really do have only one over-the-top mode, don't you?" Sean chuckled.

"Hey! I'm plenty mature and quiet," he argued, but another glare seemed to only confirm his companion's words.

"Yeah, right," Sean teased, wondering if Win knew anything about Tay's unusual behaviour. "Where is your annoying other half?"

"Busy with work," he replied, glad Sean brought Jay up, giving him an opportunity to check if he was suspicious of him after yesterday. "Why? Do you miss him?"

"The hell would sooner freeze over, but I do owe him for a few tips with my assignment, and unlike that asshole, I know to repay my debts."

Win made the most shocked face he could muster. "Wait, wait, wait! Your sworn enemy helped you? Impossible!"

"He offered it out of nowhere, and honestly? I need to give him that: Tay knew what he was talking about," Sean huffed, showing how hard it was for him to admit it. "Don't you think he acts a bit odd recently? Like not himself?"

"Tay? Nope, still the same grumpy ass," Win laughed. "Maybe slightly toned down after everything that happened recently. I guess it got him thinking, reconsider some things and ensure we don't risk innocent lives. That woman nearly died because of his idea, Sean. I know you see him as an annoying asshole, but he does care, and things like this get to him."

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