Beyond The Fine Line

Chapter XV - Different Directions

The night enveloped the city in a tapestry of neon lights, casting a vibrant glow upon the bustling streets. Win navigated his motorbike through the labyrinth of traffic, weaving skillfully between cars and tuk-tuks. Jay, seated behind him, held onto the bike's handle with a steady grip, the cool breeze tousling his hair.

Despite the lively cityscape, Win remained oddly silent. The engine's hum was accompanied by the distant sounds of street vendors and the occasional honking of horns. The meeting lingered on his mind, his silence reflecting the weight of his feelings. He tried not to think about it for the last couple of weeks, but he did effectively lie to his friends... to people who would go through hell for him. Now, when the truth was out in the open, he felt both relieved and like utter shit. A heavy sigh escaped his lips as the bike came to a stop not far from the hotel.

"You do know none of them is holding it against you, right?" Jay asked, jumping off the bike. "You shouldn't feel guilty when it was my choice to keep it secret from them. There was nothing you could do to change it, Win. And you are definitely not responsible for my decisions."

His eyes widened slightly as he looked at Jay in shock. "Technically, I know it, but... I didn't stop to consider that Fort would want to know what happened to Tay. He had the right to know."

"There was nothing you could do. I wouldn't stay here if you insisted on telling the truth. Too much risk."

His eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "What changed?"

Jay shrugged noncommittally, despite images of Sean in that 'cursed' overalls popping into his mind. "I got to know them better, and they seemed trustworthy enough to keep it secret."

Win decided it was safer to not mention that Sean was the only person Jay willingly spent time with. Although it wasn't nearly as interesting as Sean's interest in Jay. Even busy with the game, Win could tell that Sean's eyes never left Jay, as if he was the only person in the room. This required further investigation.

"I won't ask why you suddenly switched from mopping face to full-on plotting, but have some faith in your friends," he added, then waved him goodbye and walked towards the hotel entrance.

Jay passed the concierge with a simple nod, ignoring his disdain for Tay's clothes. It was both amusing and disappointing how the concierge's look changed depending on his appearance. It started to annoy him. Last push, he needed to carve some time in the day to find an apartment for his stay here. Maybe something with a nice view over the river?

The rows of modest yet tidy houses lined the streets, their facades illuminated by the soft glow of street lamps. The atmosphere was serene, with the occasional rustle of leaves in the gentle night breeze. The air was filled with the distant sounds of the city, a subtle reminder of the bustling life beyond these quiet streets.

As Fort quietly entered his home, the familiar creak of the door barely disturbed the silence. He tiptoed through the hallway, instinctively avoiding the creaky floorboards that could betray his presence. The soft hush of the night wrapped around him, broken only by the muted sounds of his footsteps.

Intent to reach his room without disturbing anyone, Fort paused when he heard a faint, muffled sound. At first, he dismissed it as the rustling of the wind against the window panes. But then, as Fort drew closer to his sister's old bedroom, his steps faltered, and he paused, straining to listen. There it was again, a soft, trembling sob emanating from behind the closed door.

Without thinking, Fort spun around and backtracked downstairs to the kitchen. In the soft glow of the freezer light, he reached for Aya's favourite ice cream, scooping generous portions into a bowl. He topped it with whipped cream, caramel sauce, crumbled cookies, and her favourite sweets, creating a messy but comforting treat. Just like Araya would do for Mimi when she had nightmares... or nights, she cried in pain. Fort knew it wouldn't solve anything, but for now, there was nothing else he could do.