Beyond The Fine Line

Chapter LVIII - Welcome Party

The bedroom remained wrapped in drowsy tranquillity, the blackout curtains holding the midday sun at bay, leaving the room in a muted half-light. The air was perfectly balanced, neither too warm nor too cool, maintained by the discreet climate control system. The time seemed to slow down, inviting a lingering, unhurried peace that belonged to moments caught between waking and dreaming.

Sean stirred slowly, instinctively reaching across the bed, only to find the space beside him empty. His brow furrowed slightly as his hand kept searching, not meeting the edge as it usually did. It took a moment for the fog of sleep to lift enough for him to register that he had moved in with Jay yesterday.

The decision should have been the easiest he had ever made, but instead, it had given him countless sleepless nights. His principles clashed with the future he wanted with Jay, and choosing one over the other felt wrong. Still, he decided to follow his heart. Sean had no regrets about it, but lingering discomfort remained. Especially when he realised that what he perceived as a chasm between them was a mere glimpse of it.

But all of that had become inconsequential the moment he stepped into the penthouse, and overbearing emptiness hit him like a wave, reminding him that life wasn't black and white. He remembered when he once asked Jay if living in dorms wasn't lonely, and only now Sean realised he should have paid more attention to his answer. It might have helped him see sooner that long hours at work, further studies and a caseload heavier than one person could carry – all of it served a single purpose. So how could he stand by and watch the person he loved drown in endless loneliness for the sake of his own principles?

Sean had always stood against the wealthy who abused their position, exploiting those with nothing. But there was another side to it – where wealth came with isolation, crushing expectations that felt more like a cold and unyielding cage. Being with Jay wasn't about compromising his values. It was about choosing to stand by him, to support him in the ways he needed, because that's what loving someone truly meant. For that, Sean didn't need a matching payslip.

His thoughts lingered for a moment longer before Sean let out a soft sigh, his gaze drifting to the empty space beside him. The stillness of the room suddenly felt too quiet, nudging him out of his reflection. Sean ran his hand through his hair and sat on the edge of the bed, wondering if there was even the slightest chance of getting a coffee.

He poked his head into Jay's office, but to his surprise, it was empty. The same went for the living room and kitchen.

Finally, Sean paused at the entrance to the gym and leaned against the doorframe. Jay was midway along the climbing wall, moving with fluid grace as he traversed the ceiling. He wore nothing but loose joggers slung low on his hips, his lean, well-defined torso on full display.

Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, catching the fine sheen of sweat on his skin, making it shimmer. Each shift of muscle under his skin was hypnotic – the sharp lines of his shoulders, the taut curve of his back, and the effortless strength in his arms. Jay was a work of art in motion.

"God, how can anyone look this good just... existing?" Sean chuckled lightly, unable to look away from him.

As if sensing his presence, Jay glanced toward Sean before dropping from the wall and landing lightly on his feet. In a few quick steps, he was standing in front of Sean, looking at him with concern. "You look like you could use a few more hours of sleep."

Sean kissed him and shook his head. "Coffee will do."

"Yeah... about that..."

He rolled his eyes with amusement. "You don't have a coffee machine and would rather die than have one."