Beyond The Fine Line

Chapter XII - Distractions

The bed was covered with documents and notes, with a laptop at the centre of the mess. Jay leaned back on the wall, perusing through case files. His earbuds cancelled outside noise and occasional loud arguments from nearby flats, allowing him to focus on the work. Yet, his thoughts kept escaping in a different direction. Why was he still here? Why was he sleeping only a few hours a day to prevent a stranger from being expelled from the university? No matter how he looked at it, Tay was nothing more than a stranger to him.

Jay let out a heavy sigh, his fatigue evident in the way his hand instinctively reached up to pinch the bridge of his nose. His fingertips pressed into the crease between his brows, gently kneading the tension that had settled there.

The last week had him bouncing between contrasts - the luxurious hotel in an affluent district and Tay's place in a deprived area. It didn't take long for him to realise that Bangkok's divisions weren't just lines. They were like unpenetrable walls.

But it was the Eastern side that fascinated him. Its lively markets, vibrant with colours and community... there was something about these parts of the city, an authenticity that drew him in. Not surprisingly, Jay often ditched the hotel for this small, cramped flat.

And then there was Sean.

Jay leaned back, closing his laptop as his thoughts circled back to Sean, a subject that seemed to defy his usual detached nature. Relationships, emotional entanglements, or investing interest in people - none of that ever held his attention. People were mere passing figures, inconsequential and easily forgotten. Yet, Sean lingered in his mind, a puzzle piece that didn't fit this rather apathetic picture of his life.

It was disconcerting. Jay didn't do emotions or let anyone get close enough to matter. But there was something about Sean that sparked an unfamiliar curiosity and an urge to understand him better. Jay sighed, bewildered by this sudden interest towards someone who defied all his carefully constructed principles.

His thoughts wandered back to the conversation with Tina. Her probing question lingered in his mind like an unwelcome guest, echoing amidst his thoughts. "When did you become so numb?"

He brushed off Tina's words back then, but now, as he sat in the dimly lit room, contemplating the inexplicable tug towards Sean, her question clawed its way back. Was this why she had asked? Was he simply allowing life to pass him by, as she had suggested?

It wasn't just about Sean; it was about breaking his own rules, veering off the path he had meticulously laid out. Jay shook his head, dismissing the conflicting emotions. His self-preservation instincts nudged him to keep Sean at arm's length. To ignore this inexplicable pull and stay as he was.

As if someone had a sixth sense, his phone lit up with an upcoming message.

Christina Charlotte Emilia

You alive?

Me

I missed you too.

Christina Charlotte Emilia

Who said I miss your annoying ass, huh?!

Me

Just a hunch.

No one else will keep up with you or pay for your drinks.

And I saw the news.

Bold move.

Christina Charlotte Emilia