Beyond The Fine Line

Chapter LVI - Closure

The late afternoon sun brushed against the office windows, its light dimmed by the heavy clouds hinting at rain. Soft voices wove through the room, a rhythm that felt natural but carried an edge of finality. The vibrant posters lining the walls, bold declarations of resilience, seemed to fade into the gentle shadows, their presence quieter now, as if in step with the mood of departure.

Sean's gaze rested on the empty desk as if unable to believe it was his last day. Months at RSAT had reshaped his understanding of many things. He had learned to see progress in small victories – the drafting of petitions, the steady push for marriage equality, and the growing support for LGBTQ rights in a country where change was slow but undeniable. The faces and stories he had encountered and those who fought for recognition and dignity would stay with him for a long time.

It was difficult to say goodbye, and he would miss it a lot, but not nearly as much as he missed him.

The tension between his principles and choice lingered, but he learned to balance those conflicting feelings better. Sean wasn't sure when exactly he would come to terms with it, but for now, he had found a compromise that didn't feel like a betrayal. Besides, the weeks he spent anxiously waiting for that conditional acceptance letter from the University of Law had only reinforced one thing: nothing about this choice would be easy. But maybe that was what made it worth it.

"I'm going to miss you," Praew whined, jumping on him from behind.

Sean staggered but quickly regained his balance, twisting slightly to look at the trans woman who had been his supervisor throughout his internship. "Me or the person who helps you dodge paperwork?"

"I would never!" she gasped, clutching her chest dramatically.

Krit looked up from his laptop and laughed. "No worries, we will find you a new prey."

Praew shot him a glare. "You make me sound like the worst boss," she hissed before turning back to Sean with an expectant look. "Tell him I'm amazing."

"It's your last day, Sean. There is no need to sugarcoat it."

Sean rolled his eyes at his several years older colleague. "P'Krit, I may still need references in the future."

"I'm too old to deal with the two of you," she complained, then leaned on the desk with a wide smile. "But moving across the world for love... I had no idea you were such a romantic, Sean. Your boyfriend is a one lucky guy."

"Do you still have any lingering reservations about moving to London with financial backing from Anderson, Chambers and Partners?" Kirt asked with concern, remembering Sean's hesitation when he first came to ask for their advice. "Or have you finally accepted that you are more than qualified to get an offer like this?"

"I'm getting there."

Praew sighed and patted his shoulder. "Stubborn as ever," she teased. "Think about it. How many job offers have you gotten already? Plenty, right? And you didn't question any of them because you knew you earned them. This one's no different, just bigger. Miss Anderson may have noticed you through Jay, but her offer is based entirely on your qualifications. And as your boss, I'm officially forbidding you from doubting it."

Sean glanced at her with appreciation. Praew was fifteen years his senior – cheerful, playful, and with incredible experience. She was someone who lived what she preached, never hesitating to stand up for what was right. Working with her had been a privilege, and Sean respected her opinion more than he cared to admit.

"You know it's not that simple."

"I know," Praew said softly. "But finding someone who truly gets you, who's willing to stand by you no matter what? That's rare, Sean. Don't let something as fleeting as money or status keep you from being happy. Those things come and go, but love like that? It's worth everything."