Beyond The Fine Line

Chapter L - Relationships 101

The evening light clung weakly to the edges of the sky, fading like a final breath over the empty streets. The garage stood in silence, its muted glow barely stretching beyond the cracked concrete beneath. A faint breeze stirred the heavy air, warm and sluggish, carrying the distant hum of a city winding down. Everything felt suspended, holding on to a moment that was already slipping away.

Sean looked up at the place he had called home for nearly six years. The weathered façade and familiar shape felt unchanged, yet something about it seemed distant now, as though it no longer recognised him. A strange unease settled in as he walked into his loft. The books were still scattered across the room, occupying most of the space. His uniform shirts hung neatly on the wall, just as he had left them. Nothing had changed. Yet everything felt wrong.

He sat on the edge of the bed, then dropped back on the mattress with a heavy sigh. The space was his, filled with his things, but it no longer felt like home... because it has been a long time since Sean realised that home is not where but who. And his home was far away now.

It had only been several hours since he dropped Jay off at the airport, but the distance already felt unbearable. It was unsettling how quickly the space between them seemed to stretch, as though time itself had slowed to emphasise the absence of the person who made everything feel right. Yet, Sean smiled faintly. He never believed much in commitment and relationships, too busy with his studies and their group. But now... in little over half a year, Jay has become his everything.

"I guess it does take meeting the right person," he muttered, taking out his phone from his pocket.

Me

Miss you already.

Jay

Me too

I will try to visit soon, so just hang in there.

Me

Easier said than done 😅

Jay

I know

The same goes for you staying out of trouble, I presume?

Sean

I will do my best?

Jay

This doesn't sound very convincing...

Sean

I swear, the next thing I'm planning is strictly legal.

I will tell you once it kicks off.

At least, I hope it will.

Jay

I'm sure you can make it happen.

It's you, after all.

Sean

Thanks 😘

I love you

Sean watched for a while the three dots on the screen indicating Jay was typing something, but then they disappeared, and nothing came through. He smiled, realising how comfortable even Jay's silence felt. It was quiet reassurance coming from immense trust in the person he loved so much and was willing to wait for. Their last weekend together left him hopeful that Jay would one day lower his walls and let him in. It may not be any time soon, but it will happen.