Beyond The Fine Line

Chapter XXXV - Deep Dive

The night air was thick and heavy, the kind that clung to your skin, promising rain yet withholding its relief. The neon sign outside Wong's Place flickered tirelessly, casting its familiar glow onto the narrow street. Its small, rustic façade adorned with lanterns and posters was like an unassuming invitation to the bustling nightlife.

Despite its tucked-away location, the bar drew a steady stream of locals and tourists, especially backpackers seeking a haven from the oppressive humidity. The promise of cold drinks and lively company lured them in, offering a brief escape from the stifling heat that hung over the city like a damp blanket.

Dark eyes settled on the gathering clouds just as the first drops began to fall, marking the end of his break. Yet, he was reluctant to return inside. Summers at Wong's had always been his favourite, full of new people and energy. Now, he wished to be on the other side of the river, to have more time with the person who mattered most to him. Not just fleeting moments, trying to fight off weeks of accumulated fatigue, but real time to understand him better and figure out why there was always another wall.

Sean sighed, watching the occasional wet spots appear on the still hot asphalt. Just several more nights until they would have the whole weekend to themselves, including a proper date. And he would be damned if he didn't manage to get Jay to talk - not about superficial things like work or group plans, but about them and what they both wanted from their relationship.

After a month filled with unspoken words, Sean couldn't shake the sinking feeling that Jay didn't want or need anything more from him - that they were merely passing through each other's lives without meaning. Yet, deep down, he knew this couldn't be true... because the way Jay looked at him when he thought Sean wasn't watching told an entirely different story.

As the rain began to fall in earnest, Sean took a deep breath and pushed himself off the wall, shifting his focus back on the task. Inside, the scene was unchanged for weeks, a vibrant contrast to the quiet street, yet painfully monotonous. The eclectic decorations on the walls blurred into a backdrop he barely noticed anymore. The air was thick with the usual laughter, clinking glasses, and animated conversations in multiple languages, blending into an energy that had lost its charm.

Sean moved through the crowded bar with the mechanical efficiency of routine, scanning it for anything unusual. Suddenly, he caught sight of a young man - no older than twenty - In the corner near the back exit. Sean recognised him as a frequent visitor and possibly one of Chaiyawat's runners. Unfortunately, he never did anything obvious to confirm his suspicions. However, now, he talked with someone who didn't quite fit the usual crowd. As they exchanged a quick handshake, Sean noticed the small package the runner passed to his companion. The movement was so fast that he almost missed it.

"Oi, kid! Can you take over the bar?" Wong called out over the crowd, pulling his attention away from the pair.

"Sure!"

As he continued serving drinks, Sean tried to keep an eye on them, but the young man disappeared soon after. Somewhere between the customers, he managed to snap a photo of the other guy as he mingled with others, mostly chatting with tourists. Unfortunately, the bar was too busy and packed to catch him on anything specific, but he seemed awfully busy. This could be a potential break they were looking for. Still, he couldn't act rashly.

Sean spent the remaining part of the week on the lookout for the runner and his companion to gather more information. Each night, he spotted the young man again, always meeting with a different person. The pattern was clear: a quick exchange, a few hushed words, and then the runner would vanish into the crowd. Sean noticed that each new person seemed to follow the same routine, mingling with tourists and locals, blending seamlessly into the bustling atmosphere.