ด้วยรักตลอดไป (With Love, Forever)

Jackson

The wine burned pleasantly down my throat, rich and smoky, but it did little to untangle the knot in my chest. I swirled the glass idly, watching the deep red catch the dim light of the living room. Across from me, Jeff sat sideways on the couch, one leg folded beneath him, holding his own drink but barely sipping it.

"You know," he mused, tapping his glass with a finger, "for a man who's got everything under control, you sure look like someone who's considering moving to the mountains and becoming a hermit."

I scoffed. "Tempting. But Xinxin wouldn't last a day without her favorite snacks, and I'd lose my mind without proper coffee."

Jeff gasped dramatically. "A man with priorities. I knew there was hope for you."

I rolled my eyes, but the corners of my mouth twitched.

We settled into a lull, the kind of comfortable quiet I hadn't realized I needed. The exhaustion was still there, but it felt... lighter. Like Jeff had shouldered some of it just by being here.

He watched me for a moment, then leaned in slightly. "So, what's actually running through that overworked brain of yours?"

I sighed, setting my glass down. "Just thinking about today. How I never thought I'd have to explain something like this to Xinxin. And now I have, and she made her choice so quickly, and I—" I exhaled. "I don't know if I should be relieved or worried."

Jeff hummed, swirling his drink. "Maybe both."

I raised an eyebrow. "That's not helpful."

"It's honest," he countered, shifting so he was facing me more directly. "Look, she trusts you. That's why she didn't hesitate. And honestly, Jackson? That's not something to feel bad about."

I let that sit for a moment. He had a point.

Then, in typical Jeff fashion, he ruined the sincerity with a smirk. "Besides, if you go full existential crisis on me, I might have to start charging you therapist fees."

I snorted. "Right. And what's your rate?"

"Depends," he said, stretching lazily. "You cook? Because I accept payment in home-cooked meals."

I shook my head. "Bribery won't work on me."

"Oh, it's not bribery." He grinned. "It's blackmail. I now have extensive knowledge of your emotional vulnerabilities, and I demand compensation."

I chuckled despite myself, shaking my head. "Unbelievable."

Then something shifted. It wasn't obvious—just a slight change in the air between us. Jeff's teasing smile softened, his gaze lingering on me a little longer than usual. It wasn't like the playful banter from before. It was quieter. More certain.

I wasn't sure if it was the wine or just the weight of the night, but suddenly, the space between us felt... different.

"You don't always have to do it alone, you know," Jeff said, voice lower now. "You've got people, Jackson. And whether you like it or not, I'm one of them."

Something in my chest tightened, but it wasn't unpleasant. I held his gaze for a moment, searching for something—what, exactly, I wasn't sure. But whatever it was, Jeff was offering it freely.

I exhaled. "Yeah," I murmured. "I know."

Jeff gave me a small smile, not pushing, not expecting anything more than my acknowledgment. And maybe that was why I didn't move away when he reached forward, plucking my glass from my hand, setting it aside like it was the easiest thing in the world.