The city's annual book fair this year was held at the central plaza, where streams of people had been pouring in since early morning. Kumaumi's booth sat right in the middle—bathed in soft sunlight trickling through the trees, casting a warm glow over the neatly arranged book displays. Sea had arrived early with Jimmy and June—their communications lead—to help with setup.

He worked alongside Jimmy, arranging the featured titles in tidy rows based on their bestseller rankings. Then, he moved over to assist June with a new idea he'd come up with: a whiteboard where readers could write their thoughts on sticky notes about the books they'd read and stick them up as a visual mosaic of reader impressions. June lit up at the concept—once again wondering aloud why Sea hadn't just transferred to her department.

"I'm serious," June said, glancing over at him with a playful grin. "You've really got an eye for visual marketing. You sure you don't want to ditch your editor boss and come work with my team instead?"

Sea laughed, shaking his head, cheeks a little pink.

Meanwhile, Jimmy stood by the front of their promo display board, quietly double-checking that everything was just right. The whole booth buzzed with a sense of energy—not rushed, but lively, like a soft summer morning full of new beginnings and quiet excitement.

Then a voice cut through the hum behind Jimmy.

"Long time no see, Jimmy."

Sea's head snapped up, eyes landing on a tall woman with long brown hair pulled into a neat bun. Her makeup was subtle but polished, her gaze sharp, posture confident. She wore a simple silk blouse tucked into a beige skirt—exuding that effortless elegance of someone who's seen the world and come out on top.

Jimmy turned around, and his face lit up.

"P'Ying?"

The woman smiled and nodded. They shook hands before falling into a conversation that carried the ease of people who hadn't seen each other in years, but hadn't missed a beat. Sea blinked. He'd never seen Jimmy like this before—so at ease, so soft around the edges. Gone was the focused, furrow-browed editor-in-chief from the office. This version of Jimmy... felt lighter. More relaxed. And surprisingly warm.

Sea was still puzzling over who she was when June's voice came from behind him, making him jump.

"Sea, were you even listening to me?"

He spun around, wide-eyed like a kid caught sneaking a snack.

"Uh—what? I—sorry, I was just... a little distracted."

June raised an eyebrow, then followed the direction he'd been staring in. When her gaze landed on Jimmy and Ying, she let out a knowing laugh.

"Possessive much?"

Sea's face instantly turned crimson as he waved his hands in frantic denial.

"What? No! It's not like that with me and Hia—I mean, P'Jimmy! I swear!"

June chuckled. His flustered reaction was so cute, she couldn't help but tease him a little more.

"I didn't even say it was P'Jimmy."

Sea froze. He'd walked straight into that one trap. He scratched at his ear, mumbling in defeat.

June decided she'd had her fun. She smiled, more gently this time.

"Alright, alright. But seriously, don't stress yourself over it. That's P'Ying—she's the one who recommended your P'Jimmy to join Kumaumi back when he was freelancing." She made sure to emphasize your P'Jimmy just enough to make Sea's ears go red again.

Sea blinked, then glanced back at the two still chatting like old friends. He remembered Jimmy once mentioning a freelance job and someone convincing him to join Kumaumi's Japan branch...

So it was her.

Funny enough... Sea had never heard her name before.

"They're... just regular friends." Sea told himself that, like he was trying to smooth out the strange twinge of emotion that had stirred inside him only moments ago.

Ying left not long after, as if she'd only dropped by to exchange a few words with Jimmy. Sea walked up to him, but before he could say anything, Jimmy turned and asked gently:

"You saw her, didn't you?"

Sea nodded. "Yeah."

Jimmy continued, his tone calm and open:

"That's P'Ying. She's the one who first introduced me to Kumaumi, back when I was still freelancing and picking up odd jobs."

Sea looked at him and gave a small nod. "P'June told me already. You don't have to explain anything."

Jimmy watched him for a long moment, like he was trying to read what was going on beneath that calm face. But in the end, he simply reached out and gently patted Sea's head.

Sea smiled, even though part of him was still clinging to the image of Jimmy and Ying laughing together just minutes ago. Still, that little gesture—the way Jimmy didn't hide anything from him—made Sea feel a little more at ease.

At the very least... it meant Jimmy wasn't keeping secrets. And for now, that was enough.

In the afternoon, the crowd pouring into the book fair grew thicker with each passing minute. The harsh midday sun had softened, replaced by a gentle, golden light—like melted vanilla—casting long shadows across the neatly stacked book covers on display.

Sea stood alone amid the cheerful buzz, his eyes drifting to the booth next door where a group of young readers had lined up to buy books from a trending author. His mind wandered—unintentionally—to Fire.

For some reason, he had a feeling the guy might show up today. Then again, maybe not. Fire never said he would attend the fair. But... wasn't unpredictability kind of his whole brand?

Right on cue, like the universe had read his thoughts, a tall figure cloaked in a light black jacket emerged from the crowd. No rush in his steps, hands tucked casually in his pockets. Fire had a mask on, a black cap pulled low—but neither could hide that effortlessly smug aura. Sea would bet anything that underneath the mask was that trademark half-smirk that always bordered on arrogance.

Sea raised a brow. "What wind blew Khun Fire in today? I thought crowds like these would be too much of a hassle for someone like you."

"Too much of a hassle? Definitely," Fire replied with a shrug. "But I heard this booth was personally arranged by my pint-sized editor, so I figured I'd come see if it's... up to standard."

Sea frowned. "I'm not pint-sized."

"Fine. Fun-sized," Fire said, leaning against the table like he owned the place.

Sea let out a quiet sigh but didn't argue. He'd learned something after spending time around Fire—sometimes it was better not to engage. Just treat him like a mischievous kid and move on. His eyes darted around the booth, subtly scanning for anyone who might recognize Fire. The guy might not have released any physical copies of his novels yet, but his face had once revealed and got trended on Twitter. His followers were no joke.

After all, what teenage girl wouldn't hit "follow" on a handsome guy who writes heartbreakingly romantic stories and looks like he walked out of one himself?

After confirming no one had recognized Fire, Sea turned back to him. "You came to do book signings or something?"

"Nope. Just wanted to see if you'd freak out handling an event," Fire replied coolly. "Also... who knows. Maybe I'll blow up today and sign so much that my hand cramps."

Sea nearly laughed out loud.

Fire fell quiet for a moment, then said in a softer voice, "Also... I came to give you the first draft of my new novel's opening chapter."

Sea's eyes widened. "Wait, seriously? I thought we were focusing on First Love first? You do remember there's a deadline, right?"

Fire shrugged. "Those five bonus chapters? Easy. And isn't there someone else helping you with First Love? I'd rather hear your thoughts on the new book."

He pulled a small USB stick from his pocket.

"Hand."

Sea instinctively held out his palm. Fire placed the USB in it with a weight that made it feel like something important. "Open it tonight. Read it. But when you do—you have to tell me what you think. Bit by bit."

Before Sea could say anything, a loud voice burst in behind them, followed by a dramatic pat on the back.

"Sea! SEA! Look!" — It was Tek.

Sea nearly dropped the USB out of sheer surprise. He turned just in time to see Tek bouncing over, eyes sparkling like he'd just uncovered major drama.

"Our boss is standing there with his girlfriend! That gorgeous lady? I saw her once when I was still an intern—she came to visit him! OMG, look at them standing together—they're like... ridiculously perfect!"

Sea blinked. He hadn't even responded yet, but his eyes instinctively flicked over to where Jimmy and Ying were still chatting just a short distance away. The two of them were leaning in slightly toward one another—and laughing. It was an easy, natural kind of laugh, like they were completely at ease.

"You don't see it? That vibe—they're like straight out of a movie," Tek gushed, still running at full enthusiasm. "I bet, they must've dated! And honestly? If they got back together now? Total power couple. She's so elegant, but soft at the same time..."

Right about then, Tek's ramble finally slowed down. His eyes drifted sideways—

—and landed squarely on Fire, still standing next to Sea, hands in pockets, face unreadable.

For a split second, the air between the three of them went icy.

"Uh... hi there, K'Fire..." Tek stammered, taking a small step back out of reflex, awkwardness written all over his face. "Didn't... didn't know you were here..."

Fire didn't answer. He simply gave Tek the briefest glance—half-lidded, indifferent, like Tek hadn't even registered on his radar. Then he turned back to Sea and said, short and cool:

"Let me know when you've read the draft."

Sea gave a tiny nod, careful not to let any reaction show. Beside him, Tek was frozen in place like a deer in headlights.

Fire said nothing else. He turned and walked away—each step sharp, decisive, and distant, without a single look back. But Sea knew. Even if Fire didn't say anything... he'd heard every word Tek said.

And Sea had a feeling...

Fire wasn't happy.

After Fire disappeared into the crowd, Tek finally mumbled, "Crap... I talked too much, didn't I?"

Sea looked at him and let out a quiet breath. He slipped the USB into his pocket and shook his head, voice barely louder than the wind:

"It's okay, P'Tek. I mean... it's something anyone could've noticed."

But his chest ached—just a little.

Sea had promised himself he understood. Jimmy had explained everything about P'Ying—their friendship, the years when she supported him during his freelance days, how they were close like siblings. Jimmy never hid anything from him. And when Jimmy looked at him... Sea never once had reason to doubt.

Still... the words Tek had blurted out echoed inside him like a wrong note in a melody.

He wasn't mad. Or sad. But there was a strange little sting in his chest, like a paper-thin scratch—one that didn't bleed, but wouldn't stop burning either.

Sea wasn't the jealous type. He trusted Jimmy—trusted the gentle way he took care of him every single day, trusted those brief but genuine promises. But Sea also noticed things. And the way Jimmy had stood next to P'Ying... that laugh he shared with her—it was so warm, so natural, that anyone watching could've misunderstood.

Jimmy's tall frame and calm confidence. Her quiet grace and composed elegance. They looked good together. Harmonious, even.

But still—something inside Sea twisted a little at hearing someone say they looked like a perfect match. Especially when that someone wasn't him.

Maybe... that's what it meant to really love someone?

Even when your mind knows better, even when your trust is whole, just a passing comment can send your heart spiraling?

Sea smiled to himself—soft and a little self-deprecating. Then he slowly lifted his head, eyes drifting back to Jimmy, who was chatting with visitors at the bookstall.

He was still the same Jimmy—his Hia Jim. The one who made Sea feel safe. Loved.

Sea just hoped—quietly, silently—that in this sea of people, Jimmy would always see one person most clearly:

The small, quiet Sea... who was standing there, watching him.

Only him.

When the book fair wrapped up, the city sky was already soaked in the warm glow of sunset, streaks of orange spilling across the rooftops of booths being packed away. Sea was tidying up the leftover catalogs when Jimmy's gentle voice spoke softly beside his ear:

"Sea, I'll take you home today. But tonight... I can't have dinner with you. P'Ying asked to meet—she wants to discuss a few business things."

Sea froze for just a second, his fingers pausing mid-fold over a sheet of paper.

Just a second.

Then he looked up with a smile, as if nothing at all had snagged his heart:

"That's totally fine. You should go. I can get home on my own. I was actually planning to stop by the supermarket anyway."

Jimmy furrowed his brows, his expression tinged with hesitation. "You sure? Aren't you tired? Today was really crowded."

Sea shook his head, eyes crinkling with warmth:

"I'm really okay. Don't worry about me. I don't want you running all over the place—dropping me off and then rushing to the restaurant to meet P'Ying. That'd be exhausting."

Finally, Jimmy sighed and gave a quiet nod.

"Alright. I'll call you tonight, then. Don't forget to charge your phone beforehand."

Sea chuckled and nodded.

"Okay. I'll be waiting."

"Then let me at least walk you to the BTS station. Just leave the rest of the stuff here—the logistics team will send it back to the office."

Sea opened his mouth to politely refuse, but Jimmy cut in before he could.

"No more turning me down. This is the least I can do."

Later that night, just as Sea was curling up under a light blanket, his phone buzzed with a familiar video call icon — it was Jimmy.

He picked up right away.

The screen lit up with Jimmy's face, a little tired from the long day, but the soft glow of his desk lamp behind him made his features look even warmer. He was sitting at his desk, top two buttons of his shirt undone, chin resting on his hand, eyes tenderly fixed on Sea through the camera.

"Hia, you're home already?" Sea asked softly.

"Just got back now."

There was a brief silence between them.

Then Sea bit his lip, eyes sparkling at the screen.
"I don't know why, but even though we spent the whole day together... just seeing you through my phone now, I still miss you."

Jimmy's lips twitched, like he wanted to smile but didn't. He didn't reply right away. He just looked at Sea for a long, long moment.

"Sea," he said finally, "How are you feeling today?"

Sea perked up instantly, his whole expression lighting up like a kid being asked about their favourite thing.

"Honestly? Super happy! It's my first time being part of organizing something as big as a book fair like this! It was exhausting but I felt so excited the whole time. I helped arrange the books, set up the display boards, even helped June run a few reader activities — they were small things but so much fun!"

Jimmy just gave a soft hum in response. Sea talked animatedly, not pausing once — yet he never once mentioned Jimmy's dinner with P'Ying. Not a word about what he saw with Fire and Tek either.

When Sea finally stopped, Jimmy tilted his head slightly, his eyes never leaving the screen.

"Don't you have anything you want to ask me?"

Sea paused, his lashes fluttering. He blinked a few times, then mumbled:

"Well... was your dinner tonight good?"

Jimmy didn't answer.

Instead, he spoke — his voice a little colder than usual, almost distant.

"I met Fire tonight."

Sea froze. Before he could respond, Jimmy added, his tone steady but full of undertones:

"He seems very... interested in you."

Each word landed like cold droplets on Sea's skin. He opened his mouth to say something — to explain, to deny — but before a sound could escape, the video call cut off.

The screen turned to a flat, gray emptiness.

Sea stared at his phone in confusion, tapping to call back a few times — no answer.

About five minutes later, Jimmy's name popped up again — another video call, though the camera didn't show anything. Sea could tell Jimmy had disabled it on his end. He picked up immediately, voice rushing:

"Hia...?"

Jimmy's voice came through, clear but... a little farther away.

"Sorry. My mom called out of nowhere. I didn't realise I hung up on you."

Sea pressed his lips together, trying to keep his tone even.

"It's okay. Really."

They continued talking — Jimmy asked a few casual questions, Sea rambled about some things he planned to order online. But through it all... Jimmy never turned his camera back on.

At first, Sea assumed maybe he was still doing something. But eventually, he couldn't hold back anymore. He sat up straight on the bed, clutching a pillow to his chest, and asked quietly:

"Are you... mad at me or something? Why aren't you turning your camera back on?"

A long silence stretched between them.

Then, Jimmy finally spoke — slow, quiet, but clear:

"You think... I'm mad at you?"

Sea held his breath.

That question, so soft, floated like a breeze — but hit his heart like a crashing wave.