Beyond The Fine Line

Chapter XVI - One Step Closer

As Sean stepped into Tay's flat for the first time, he was struck by its simplicity and order. The single room held a double bed with neatly arranged sheets, a modest wardrobe, a compact kitchenette, and a desk piled with textbooks and notes. Despite its size, the apartment exuded a sense of calm and functionality, with everything in its place and a distinct lack of clutter. Somehow, it didn't feel like Tay, from whom Sean would expect more live-in chaos. Something more akin to the victim of a tornado.

"I guess you have been staying here a lot," Sean commented, looking around.

"How did you know?"

"Dunno," he shrugged, plopping on the bed. "It's too neat."

Jay raised his eyebrow questioningly, encouraging him to elaborate. He managed a faint smile, though his mind was preoccupied with thoughts he dared not voice aloud. As Sean made himself comfortable on the bed, Jay couldn't help but notice how the loose, wide-cut t-shirt draped effortlessly over Sean's frame, accentuating his collarbone and physique in an undeniably distracting way. Not to mention the contrast between the white fabric and his tanned skin. Jay swallowed hard and tore his gaze away from Sean in a feeble attempt to keep himself occupied with groceries.

Inviting Sean here had been a spur-of-the-moment decision, one he now questioned. Why was he interested in someone who would disappear from his life in a couple of months? There was no denying that Sean was his type, and there was something irresistible about him. Despite his conflicting feelings, being around Sean made him feel at ease. Almost as if he could forget about all the pressure he put on himself and have fun. Still... he shouldn't even be here, so why bother? 'Why not?'

"I don't know," Sean continued with a slight shrug. "You appear so composed, borderline nonchalant, while Tay seems angry all the time. I would expect his place to reflect it."

"Does he?"

"Yeah...." Sean agreed as he watched him unpacking groceries. "Anyway, are you sure I won't die of food poisoning?"

"If you are so afraid, why not go ahead and swap places?" Jay offered teasingly, holding out a carton of chicken broth towards him.

Sean paled slightly and vehemently shook his head. "No, no. I'm good over here."

"Oh?"

"You are not going to turn this on me," he said with a light chuckle. "Unless you can't actually cook."

Jay rolled his eyes. "Have some faith, will you?"

"You are asking for a lot," Sean replied playfully, resting a hand behind him and slipping into a more relaxed position. "I barely know you. You could be a serial killer in disguise."

"Shouldn't you worry about it before you came here?"

"I guess the option of free dinner was too tempting to consider potential risks. Besides, I still don't believe you can do it," Sean insisted, hoping he was wrong. It was a long time since he had something nice, as he didn't want to impose on Sari and Izzy. It was also a perfect opportunity to get to know someone who wouldn't leave his mind recently. "So, what are we eating?"

"Tom Kha Gai. It's rather hard to make anything more challenging with this setup."

Sean nodded in approval. "Why do you stay here then?"

"I like this part of the city much more," Jay responded, swiftly slicing chillies. "Feels more genuine and alive, not to mention street food."

"I didn't expect someone like you to enjoy it here," he muttered, looking at Jay speechless.

Jay frowned slightly. "Someone like me?"

"Rich, belonging on the other side?" Sean explained, cringing. Each word felt like an insult to Jay, and as soon as they left his lips, he regretted every single one.