Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter 1: The Proposal That Wasn’t Hers

Sea never thought he’d end up here.

The heavy doors of the hotel conference room shut behind him with a dull thud, trapping him between the pressure of two powerful families… and a man he had never met in person.

Jimmy Jitaraphol sat casually at the far end of the table. He wore a flawless black suit, his gold watch glinting under the crystal chandelier. He looked nothing like the “old and boring heir” Acare had described. In fact, he was far too handsome for his own good.

Too late to back out now.

Sea cleared his throat and gave a slight bow.
—“I’m Sea Tawinan. Acare’s older brother. She asked me to come in her place.”

Jimmy didn’t move. Leaning back in his chair with crossed arms, he scanned Sea from head to toe. A flicker of surprise passed through his eyes… then something else. Was that interest?

—“She sent you to cancel?” Jimmy asked, his voice calm and confident.

—“Yes,” Sea replied firmly. “She doesn’t want this marriage. She thinks it’s outdated and—”

—“—and I’m probably too old or unattractive for her,” Jimmy cut in with a sideways smile.

Sea blinked.
—“I didn’t say that.”

—“You didn’t have to.”

A pause stretched between them. Sea suddenly felt very aware of how fitted his shirt was, how extravagant the room looked… and how intense Jimmy’s stare felt.

Then Jimmy stood.

He walked over slowly, hands in his pockets, and stopped right in front of Sea.

—“How old are you?” he asked.

—“Twenty-six,” Sea answered, unsure.

—“Perfect,” Jimmy said, holding out his hand.

Sea stared at it, confused.
—“Perfect for what?”

—“For marrying me instead.”

—“What?”

Jimmy’s grin widened.
—“Your sister doesn’t want to do it. But someone has to. Our families want this union—they want signatures, photos, headlines. Does it really matter who wears the suit and who wears the dress?”

Sea took a step back.
—“I came here to stop this, not to—”

—“Then walk away,” Jimmy interrupted with a shrug. “But you know what happens next. Your parents will be disappointed. Mine will think I’ve been humiliated. And Acare… well, she gets what she wants. But what about you?”

Sea pressed his lips together. He hated being manipulated, and Jimmy’s confidence was infuriating. But… he wasn’t wrong. The Tawinan family had spent months arranging this union. Breaking it off now would be more than a scandal.

—“I’m not her,” Sea said, softer now. “I’m not delicate or easy to deal with.”

—“I’m not looking for delicate,” Jimmy replied, eyes fixed on him. “I want someone who won’t faint at a boardroom table. And you look like you can hold your ground.”

Silence.

Sea looked again at Jimmy’s outstretched hand. He didn’t know this man. And yet… there was something about him. Something daring, provocative… intriguing.

Without thinking too much, Sea took his hand.

---

Thirty minutes later, they walked out of the room: legally married.

Sea could barely process what he’d just done. His phone wouldn’t stop buzzing in his pocket. Acare. Most likely furious.

He didn’t dare pick up.

—“Welcome to married life, husband,” Jimmy murmured with a teasing smile as they walked toward the elevator.

Sea rolled his eyes.
—“Don’t talk to me.”

Jimmy chuckled.

And for the first time in a long time, Sea felt like something dangerous had just begun.

Chapter Text

The ride to Jimmy’s penthouse was painfully silent.

Sea sat in the back seat with his arms crossed, staring out at the blur of Bangkok’s night lights through the window. He couldn’t stop thinking about the ring on his finger. About how utterly absurd everything that had just happened was.

He was married.

Married to a stranger.

And that stranger was right beside him, perfectly relaxed, as if they'd just closed a business deal and not a marriage contract. Jimmy was scrolling through his phone, one leg crossed over the other, completely unbothered. As if this was just another part of his daily routine.

Sea couldn’t take it anymore.

—“Is this even legal?” he blurted, turning toward him.

Jimmy looked up, one eyebrow raised.
—“Completely. You signed. I signed. Our families' lawyers took care of the rest. So... congratulations, husband.”

Sea shot him a glare.
—“You’re insane.”

—“Maybe,” Jimmy replied with a smirk. “But I wasn’t the one who agreed to marry a stranger.”

—“You manipulated me,” Sea snapped.

—“And you let me,” Jimmy countered coolly. “Must’ve been curious.”

Sea looked away, pressing his lips together. He wasn’t going to admit that, yes, he had felt something when he first saw Jimmy. A spark, a pull... something unexplainable.

And now it was too late to back out.

---

The elevator chimed softly as it reached the top floor. When the doors slid open, Sea stepped into another world.

Jimmy’s penthouse wasn’t just big—it was elegant. White marble walls, minimalist furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a stunning view of the city. A single abstract painting hung on one wall, and the place smelled like expensive wood, coffee, and something unmistakably masculine.

Sea blinked in disbelief.

—“You live here alone?”

—“Yes. But I guess it’ll be two of us now,” Jimmy replied, tossing his keys onto a glass table.

Sea left his backpack near the entrance, feeling completely out of place.

—“This is temporary, right? Just until our families believe we’re playing along with the marriage.”

Jimmy turned to face him.
—“Playing along? I’m taking this seriously.”

—“We don’t even know each other!” Sea said, almost yelling.

—“So what? Plenty of arranged marriages start that way. Ours is even more modern. At least I liked you from the start.”

Sea flushed slightly.
—“Don’t start.”

—“Relax,” Jimmy chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. “You’ll sleep in the guest room. Nothing weird. We’re adults.”

Sea nodded, though he still felt Jimmy’s eyes on him.

Jimmy walked toward the kitchen.
—“Want some coffee?”

—“At this hour?” Sea looked at him like he was insane.

—“Sure. Or tea, if you prefer.” Jimmy opened a cabinet and pulled out two cups.

Sea sighed and sat down at the marble counter.
—“Tea, please.”

Jimmy began preparing everything with surprising ease. He didn’t look like someone who did things like boiling water himself, and yet here he was, calmly choosing a tea bag like it was an important decision.

—“You don’t seem like someone who lives alone,” Sea muttered.

Jimmy glanced at him.
—“Why’s that?”

—“I don’t know. This place is too… perfect. There’s no sign of life. Not even a coffee mug out of place.”

—“I don’t like mess,” Jimmy replied, pouring the hot water. “And I don’t usually have guests.”

He handed Sea the cup, their fingers brushing for just a second.

Sea cleared his throat.
—“Thanks.”

They drank in silence for a while. The air between them began to feel a little less tense. More… domestic. Which was strange. They had known each other for less than five hours.

—“I’ve got meetings early tomorrow,” Jimmy said, breaking the quiet. “You can use the apartment however you like. There’s food in the fridge, and a card in the drawer if you need anything.”

Sea looked at him, a bit surprised.
—“You’re just going to leave me here?”

—“What if you rob me?” Jimmy teased.

Sea shrugged.
—“Wouldn’t be the first time someone thought that.”

Jimmy laughed softly.
—“I like you already, Sea Tawinan.”

Sea looked away, cheeks warming again.
—“Don’t try to charm me. This isn’t a honeymoon.”

—“Are you sure? You’re in my house. Drinking tea. We just got married…”

—“Shut up.”

Jimmy grinned, satisfied.

—“Well,” he said finally, stretching, “time to sleep. Your room’s at the end of the hall on the right. Private bathroom. Fresh towels in the closet.”

Sea nodded.
—“Thanks.”

—“Good night, husband.”

—“Don’t call me that.”

Jimmy walked away laughing.

---

That night, Sea couldn’t sleep.

He lay on a bed that wasn’t his, in a home that wasn’t his, married to a man he didn’t understand. Everything had happened so fast, it still felt unreal.

He stared at the ceiling.

What would Acare do when she found out?

And more importantly... why did he feel like his life had just changed forever?

Chapter Text

Sea woke up before the sun.

The dim light of dawn filtered through the curtains of the guest room. He felt disoriented, like everything that had happened the day before had been a strange dream. But when he turned and saw his half-unpacked bag and the white bathrobe hanging on the bathroom door, it all came rushing back.

He was still married.

To Jimmy Jitaraphol.

With a resigned sigh, he got up and walked barefoot to the kitchen. He thought he’d be alone, but as he stepped into the room, he froze.

Jimmy was asleep at the dining table, head resting on a pile of open folders and papers.

Sea blinked.

Even asleep, Jimmy frowned slightly, as if he were still negotiating something in his dreams. He wore a rolled-up black shirt, and his reading glasses had slid down his nose. A half-full cup of coffee sat cold beside him.

Sea walked closer slowly. After a moment of hesitation, he grabbed a blanket folded over the back of the sofa and gently draped it over Jimmy’s shoulders.

—“Idiot,” he muttered quietly.

Then he went to the kitchen and made fresh coffee—this time for both of them. He didn’t know why. Maybe out of courtesy. Maybe habit. Or maybe, just maybe, because in that moment, Jimmy didn’t look like the arrogant businessman who’d dragged him into a fake marriage. He looked... human.

When he returned with the cups, Jimmy was already awake, blinking groggily.

—“What time is it…?” he murmured.

—“Six. You fell asleep out here.”

Jimmy sat up, stretching his neck.
—“Damn meeting… Did you put this blanket on me?”

Sea handed him a cup without making eye contact.
—“I didn’t do it for you. I just don’t want you getting sick and dragging me into more chaos.”

Jimmy chuckled, still half-asleep.
—“So thoughtful, husband.”

—“Don’t start.”

—“Thanks for the coffee.”

They sipped in silence. The tension began to fade a little. It almost felt… domestic. Which was weird, considering they barely knew each other.

—“You make good coffee,” Jimmy said. “Are you sure you’re not secretly a barista?”

—“No. But I used to live with my sister, and she couldn’t boil water without burning it.”

—“So you did the cooking?”

Sea nodded, a little surprised by Jimmy’s interest.
—“Sometimes. Though we don’t live together anymore.”

—“What do you do now?”

Sea hesitated for a second.
—“I read tarot. I have a small shop.”

Jimmy raised an eyebrow.
—“Really?”

—“Yeah. Problem?”

—“No. Just didn’t expect it. But it suits you. You’ve got that mysterious vibe. Like you’re always hiding something.”

Sea blinked. That was… oddly nice.

—“I don’t use it to predict the future,” he added. “It’s more about helping people see what they already know but don’t want to face.”

Jimmy nodded.
—“Interesting.”

For the first time, Sea felt like they were talking like normal people—not strangers forced to share a roof and a last name.

—“And you?” Sea asked. “Are you always this busy?”

—“More than I’d like. My family’s companies take up most of my time. And now, with this whole… marriage, it’s going to get worse.”

—“Do you hate it?”

Jimmy looked at him.
—“Being married to you?”

Sea tensed slightly.

—“No,” Jimmy said, more softly. “What I hate is being used as a chess piece. But with you... I don’t know. You’re not as terrible as I expected.”

—“Such a sweet compliment,” Sea said dryly.

Jimmy grinned.

Sea stood and walked to the sink.
—“I’m going to the shop today. I can’t keep it closed too long.”

—“Want me to drive you?”

—“I’ll take the train.”

—“I can send my driver—”

—“I don’t want people thinking I suddenly got rich overnight.”

Jimmy shrugged.
—“Suit yourself. But let me know if anything happens. I guess I’m supposed to worry about you now.”

Sea turned back, confused.
—“Why?”

—“Because you’re my husband. If something happens to you, it becomes a family scandal.”

Sea rolled his eyes.
—“Of course. It’s always about appearances.”

But as he walked back to his room, he couldn’t help but smile.

Maybe Jimmy wasn’t that bad after all.

Chapter Text

The silence in the penthouse was soft, almost comforting. Since Sea had moved in after the unexpected marriage, the days passed with furtive glances, forced routines, and small gestures that—though neither admitted it—were building something between them.

That morning, Jimmy left a post-it on the fridge: “Don’t forget to eat. And no, coffee doesn’t count as breakfast.”
Sea rolled his eyes when he read it, but he couldn’t help smiling as he prepared something simple. He left a cup of coffee ready for Jimmy almost every day, even if he never asked for it. And Jimmy, without saying it, had started to expect it.

“How’s your shop?” Jimmy asked that afternoon, sitting on the living room couch while looking over some documents.

From the kitchen, Sea was surprised by the interest.

“Quiet,” he answered, not raising his voice much. “Today I read for a girl who said her ex put a spell on her. But she just had anxiety.”

Jimmy let out a small laugh.
“Maybe they’re not so different.”

Sea peeked his head around the corner and looked at him, amused. For a second, he didn’t feel trapped. Jimmy seemed… human. Approachable. Less like an arrogant heir and more like someone who knew how to listen.

The night arrived with a warm breeze. Jimmy was working in his study. Sea had already gone to his bedroom, tired but restless. The lights were off, the house quiet… and yet, he couldn’t sleep.

He closed his eyes, but images pulled him in. Voices.

His mother telling him he had to obey. His father signing papers. His sister crying. Himself, dressed in white, bound, forced.

Cold sweat.

His bare feet ran through a hallway with no end. An invisible cage, no doors. He wanted to scream, but he had no voice.

And then, a real scream.

Jimmy dropped his pen. The cry had come from Sea’s room.

He stood up immediately, crossed the hallway, and opened the door without knocking. He found Sea sitting up in bed, chest heaving, sheets drenched in sweat.

“Sea,” he called softly. “It’s me. Are you okay?”

Sea looked up, still disoriented. His eyes were glassy, face pale.

Jimmy approached without thinking, sat at the edge of the bed, and touched his shoulder gently.

“It was a nightmare,” Sea said, almost ashamed.

“I know. But it’s over now.”

There was a moment of silence. Jimmy didn’t move. He didn’t pressure him. He just watched, waiting for his breathing to settle.

“I don’t usually dream like that,” Sea murmured, his voice trembling.

“Sometimes, what we don’t say finds its way into dreams,” Jimmy said.

Sea looked at him, surprised by the phrase. Jimmy lowered his gaze, uncomfortable, as if he’d said too much.

“Do you want me to stay?” he asked.

Sea hesitated, then gave a barely noticeable nod.

“Come to my room,” Jimmy said. “Just for tonight. I won’t do anything. But… you don’t have to sleep alone if you don’t want to.”

Sea looked down. No one had ever offered him that. Not like this.

He got up without a word and followed him.

Jimmy’s room was wide, clean. Gray carpet, books stacked in the corner, an enormous bed with pristine sheets.

They both got under the covers, each on their own side. Jimmy shirtless, Sea in a tee. They didn’t touch. Didn’t even look at each other. But the air between them had changed. Warm.

“Does it happen often?” Jimmy asked in the dark.

“Not before. Lately… yes. I guess it’s the pressure.”

“It happens to me too,” Jimmy confessed after a pause. “Nightmares about the company, my father, the press. But I never admit it. Makes me look weak.”

Sea turned slightly toward him.
“You’re not weak for being afraid,” he whispered.

Jimmy looked at him over his shoulder.

“And you? What did you see tonight?”

Sea swallowed hard.
“A wedding. Forced. A family not listening. Me without a voice.”

Jimmy didn’t respond. He just nodded quietly.

“Thanks for coming,” Sea said after a while. “For waking me up.”

“I wasn’t going to let a bad dream swallow you.”

They both chuckled softly. A small, intimate moment. Honest.

“Do you think this… could work?” Sea asked.

Jimmy didn’t hesitate.
“I don’t know. But I’m trying. And I want to try with you.”

Sea closed his eyes.

For the first time since all of this began, he felt safe. At peace.

Minutes later, his breathing slowed. He was asleep.

Jimmy stayed awake a little longer, watching him with a tenderness he didn’t know he had. Then, he turned off the bedside lamp.

“I’ll stay with you…” he whispered, though Sea was already asleep.

And that night, they both slept.

For real.

Chapter Text

The morning light filtered gently through the thick curtains of the room. Silence wrapped around the space, only broken by the soft sound of two steady breaths.

Jimmy slowly opened his eyes. For a moment, he wasn’t sure where he was—until he turned his head and saw him.

Sea.

Fast asleep, his face calm, his breathing steady… and his arm draped across Jimmy’s waist.

Jimmy’s heart skipped an unexpected beat. It was a sight straight out of a dream. Part of him wanted to move, to pull away out of habit, that automatic need to not seem vulnerable. But another part—stronger and more honest—made him stay still.

Sea murmured something in his sleep and snuggled even closer, his cheek resting against Jimmy’s chest. His dark, soft hair brushed against Jimmy’s bare shoulder.

Jimmy lifted a hand, almost afraid to break the magic of the moment, and gently ran his fingers through Sea’s hair. Each strand felt delicate between his fingers. He never imagined someone could affect him like this.

“You had a nightmare last night, didn’t you?” he whispered softly, knowing Sea couldn’t hear. “I hope today you dream better things.”

He stayed like that for a while, gently stroking his hair, feeling his warmth. Then he closed his eyes again, letting the moment etch itself into memory—something he didn’t want to forget.

---

When Sea woke up, Jimmy was no longer in bed.

For a moment, he thought he’d dreamed everything. But the faint scent of Jimmy’s cologne on the pillow said otherwise. He sat up, still a little dazed, and noticed a hot cup of tea on his nightstand. With a note:

"You slept peacefully. Thank you for trusting me." —J.

Sea’s chest tightened. Since when had someone been this thoughtful with him? Since when had Jimmy—the man who was supposed to be just a contract husband—started becoming something… more?

---

Later that morning, Jimmy put on his best suit and headed to his family’s headquarters. His father, a stern man with a sharp gaze, waited in the meeting room alongside his mother, who was holding a teacup without sipping from it.

“Came alone?” his father asked, raising an eyebrow.

Jimmy nodded.
“Sea doesn’t know I’m here. I wanted to speak to you directly.”

Jimmy’s mother watched silently as he sat down across from them.

“I know this marriage wasn’t what you expected,” he began calmly. “But it’s official. I want to know if you’ll support it—if you’ll support us.”

His father let out a dry, humorless laugh.
“Support you? Jimmy, this marriage is a business blessing. The Tawinan family has ties with Japanese investors, and your public image as a couple is already paying off. We don’t care if it’s Acare or the brother—as long as you don’t ruin the deal, sleep with whoever you want.”

Jimmy clenched his fists, but stayed silent for a moment. Then his mother gently added:

“Does he know? That there’s no real love in this?”

Jimmy looked directly at her.
“There’s no love... yet,” he said. “But I won’t pretend I’m not starting to feel something.”

Both parents stared at him, surprised. His father finally stood up.

“Do what you want. Just don’t mix feelings with business. You can play husband all you want.”

Jimmy left the building feeling oddly empty. Was that a victory or a loss? At least, no one would interfere—for now.

---

That afternoon, Sea was watering the plants on the balcony when Jimmy returned. He heard the front door open, shoes coming off, and footsteps approaching.

“Where were you?” Sea asked, still focused on the leaves.

Jimmy leaned against the railing beside him.

“With my parents. Told them the marriage stays.”

Sea glanced at him.
“And?”

Jimmy shrugged.
“They said as long as we keep up appearances, they don’t care who I’m with.”

A tense silence fell between them. Sea set the watering can down and dried his hands with a towel.

“And what do you want?” he asked quietly.

Jimmy looked at him directly.

“I want to continue this. Not for them. For you. Because I care if you sleep well. Because I like it when you smile in the kitchen. Because this house doesn’t feel empty with you in it.”

Sea looked back at him, startled by his honesty.

“I don’t know what to say,” he murmured.

“You don’t have to say anything right now,” Jimmy said. “Just… stay.”

They stood in silence, watching the sky shift into orange hues.

---

That evening, they had to attend a gala hosted by one of the business groups supporting both families. The red carpet outside the hotel was lined with flashing cameras, and reporters were already shouting questions.

Jimmy offered his arm to Sea as they stepped out of the car. Sea hesitated, then took it. Jimmy leaned in just a little, whispering:

“Just look at me and smile. I’ll get you through it.”

Sea nodded.

Flashes went off.
“Mr. Jitaraphol! Is it true your marriage was unplanned?”
“Sea! How do you feel about the wedding surprise?”

They both smiled, pretending to enjoy the attention. When Sea stumbled slightly on the steps, Jimmy was quick to catch him, steadying him with a hand on the small of his back. Sea gave a small, grateful smile—and it looked perfect for the cameras.

Once inside, Jimmy leaned down again.
“You okay?”

Sea nodded.
“Thanks. You’re good at this.”

“You’ll get used to it,” Jimmy replied. “But I’ll be here each time.”

---

Later, when Jimmy was in his study, Sea brought in two cups of tea.

“Thought you could use something warm,” he said, setting them down.

Jimmy smiled.
“Thanks.”

Sea stood there a moment.

“Can I ask something?”

“Of course.”

“Why did you agree to marry me that day… so suddenly? You didn’t even know me.”

Jimmy closed his notebook and looked at him.

“Because I saw something in your eyes. I can’t explain it. You looked lost—but also strong. And I thought, if I had to fake love with someone… why not with someone who made me feel something real from the first moment?”

Sea lowered his gaze, heart thudding.

“Thanks for staying last night,” he finally said. “And for today too.”

Jimmy reached out and gently touched his wrist.

“I’ll stay with you for as long as you need.”

Chapter Text

The night was quiet, but Sea’s mind was a storm.

He had tried to sleep for hours, but every time he closed his eyes, blurred images and senseless fragments startled him. He couldn’t remember the nightmare clearly, but the feeling it left behind was real: fear, abandonment… loneliness.

Finally, without thinking much, he got out of bed. He walked down the dark hallway, his bare feet barely making a sound on the floor. When he reached Jimmy’s door, he hesitated. The doorknob felt cold in his hand.

He pushed the door open gently. The room was bathed in a soft bluish light from the street. Jimmy was sleeping on his side, covered up to his waist, his face relaxed but with a slight frown.

Sea stood there for a moment, unsure. He didn’t want to bother him, but the need to feel someone close outweighed any shame.

He stepped forward quietly and slipped into the bed carefully, settling as far away as possible, his back to Jimmy.

What Sea didn’t know was that Jimmy had been awake the moment the door opened. He had felt the mattress dip, the slight tremble of the body that lay beside him. He didn’t say anything. He pretended to sleep, waiting.

A few minutes later, Sea sighed. Jimmy felt the sigh tremble. Then, slowly, he turned and, without a word, wrapped an arm around Sea’s waist and pulled him gently closer.

Sea tensed, surprised.

“Are you awake…?” he whispered, not moving.

“I’ve been awake since you came in,” Jimmy replied, his voice low and warm.

Sea looked down, embarrassed.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t want to bother you.”

“You’re not bothering me,” Jimmy whispered, still holding him. “Was it a nightmare?”

Sea nodded, still facing away.

“Yeah. I don’t remember it well. I just… felt like I was alone. Like I was calling your name, but no one answered.”

Jimmy was silent for a moment. Then he rested his chin on Sea’s shoulder.

“You won’t be alone. Not while I’m here.”

There was a long pause, full of shared breathing and warmth. Jimmy leaned closer, pressing his forehead to Sea’s.

“Sea…”

The other man finally looked at him, his eyes glimmering even in the dim light.

Jimmy didn’t think too much. He just leaned in a little more. Their lips brushed gently, like a question.

Sea didn’t pull away.

The first kiss was slow, hesitant, with the clumsiness of those who didn’t expect it so soon, but with the intensity of someone who had unknowingly wanted it.

When they pulled away, Jimmy stroked Sea’s cheek with the back of his hand.

“You don’t have to say anything,” he whispered. “Just sleep peacefully this time.”

Sea closed his eyes. For the first time in a long time, sleep took him without fear.

---

The next morning, they woke with the sun peeking through the window.

Sea was still asleep, holding Jimmy as if afraid he’d vanish at any moment. Jimmy watched him in silence, gently brushing his hair. He smiled.

“I don’t know if we’re still pretending… or if this is more real than I imagined.”

---

Later that day, after breakfast, reality came crashing back. They had to attend a charity event hosted by one of the families, and the press would be everywhere.

“We have to look happy,” Sea said while fixing his shirt in front of the mirror.

Jimmy, sitting on the couch with a half-buttoned shirt, smiled.

“That won’t be hard if you’re by my side.”

Sea rolled his eyes, but couldn’t help smiling.

---

The event took place in a hall full of lights, cameras, and journalists eager for romantic moments. From the moment they stepped out of the car, the flashes never stopped.

Jimmy offered his hand. This time, Sea took it firmly.

“Ready to act?” he joked.

Jimmy looked at him, with a smile hiding something deeper.

“I’m not acting.”

Throughout the afternoon, they stayed close. Jimmy guided Sea through the crowd, helped him smile for the cameras, whispered things in his ear to make him laugh. At one point, a group of reporters asked them to pose while hugging. Jimmy wrapped an arm around Sea’s waist, and Sea rested his head on Jimmy’s shoulder without being asked.

When they left the event, Jimmy opened the car door and offered his hand to help Sea in.

“Thank you,” Sea said softly.

Jimmy looked at him before closing the door.

“There’s no need to thank me. I like taking care of you.”

---

That night, back at home, Sea stood by his window for a long time, fingers lightly touching his lips.

He remembered the kiss. The warmth. The safety.

For the first time, he was afraid… but not of being alone.

He was afraid of wanting to stay.

Chapter Text

The dining room in the Jitaraphol mansion was lit with an almost artificial warmth. The dark wooden walls and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling contrasted with the tension that filled the air.

Sea sat beside Jimmy, their hands intertwined under the table. It was the first formal dinner they shared with both families since their "marriage" became official. Across from them, their parents chatted animatedly about business, exchanging silent agreements over raised wine glasses.

And at the far end of the table, sitting with perfect posture and a carefully measured smile, was Acare.

She wore a tight red dress, flawless makeup, and a gaze that never strayed from Jimmy. No one, except Sea, seemed to notice how she watched him with growing interest.

During dinner, Jimmy leaned toward Sea and whispered playfully:

—Are you okay?

Sea nodded with a small smile, though his stomach was in knots. He couldn’t tell if it was nerves… or the way Acare was looking at his “husband.”

---

Earlier that day, while they were getting ready, Sea had noticed Jimmy seemed more thoughtful than usual. He found him in the dressing room adjusting his cufflinks, a slight frown on his face.

—Everything okay? —Sea asked.

Jimmy turned and gave him a soft smile.

—I spoke to my parents today. Told them I’m willing to continue this marriage, that there’s no need to break the agreement.

Sea looked at him, surprised.

—And what did they say?

—They accepted it without hesitation. I guess they still think this is just a game… a contract without feelings.

Sea lowered his gaze. Jimmy stepped closer and gently fixed his shirt collar.

—But for me… it’s not just a game anymore.

Sea looked up. Their eyes met.

Jimmy lingered for a second longer than necessary, as if he had more to say, but then they were called from the hallway, and the moment slipped away.

---

Back at dinner, dessert arrived amid forced laughter and toasts to the “happy union.”

Acare raised her glass with elegance and said, her voice clear:

—I really didn’t expect my dear brother to adapt so well to married life. I thought his thing was being alone, writing horoscopes.

Sea clenched his jaw.

Jimmy, however, chuckled lightly and took Sea’s hand on the table, intertwining their fingers.

—Turns out your brother has more surprises than we imagined.

—Clearly —Acare replied, smiling with her lips but not her eyes.

---

That same night, when everyone had retired to their rooms, Acare showed up at Sea’s door. She wore a silk robe and a not-so-innocent expression.

Sea frowned.

—What are you doing here? It’s late.

—I wanted to talk. Alone.

—Can’t it wait until morning?

—No.

She entered without an invitation and shut the door behind her.

—I saw the photos from the charity event —she said, pulling her phone from her pocket. —You and Jimmy… looked real.

Sea said nothing. Acare walked over and stood in front of him.

—When they told me I was being arranged to marry some Jimmy Jitaraphol, I imagined some old man who smelled like cigars. But turns out he’s young, handsome… and charming.

—And? —Sea snapped, arms crossed.

—I want what’s mine —Acare said with a poisonous smile—. This marriage was a mistake. You only signed because I didn’t show up, right? Technically… nothing binds you two except a piece of paper.

Sea stayed silent. Her words stung deeper than she knew.

—There’s no love. You know that —Acare insisted—. So why not let me take my place? It would be better for everyone. For Dad, Mom… and me.

Sea looked at her, sadness and resolve mixing in his eyes.

—Maybe it started as a mistake, Acare. But it’s not that simple anymore.

—Are you falling for him? —she scoffed—. Please, Sea. This is a grown-up game. Don’t fool yourself with a man like him. He won’t choose you.

Sea didn’t answer. He walked to the door and opened it.

—Goodnight, Acare.

She looked at him haughtily but left without another word. Just before exiting, she threw one last dagger:

—Don’t come crying when your heart gets broken.

---

Later that night, Sea lay in bed, replaying everything. Jimmy’s words from that morning, the tenderness of their first kiss, the way they held hands in public… and Acare’s veiled threat.

Jimmy entered the room not long after, his face tired.

—Everything okay? —he asked, seeing Sea’s tense expression.

—Acare came to see me —Sea said flatly—. She asked me to leave you.

Jimmy froze.

—What?

—She said now she wants to marry you. That the original agreement was with her. That this was all a mistake.

Jimmy closed his eyes for a moment and sat on the edge of the bed.

—And what did you tell her?

Sea met his gaze.

—That it’s not that simple. Because it’s not.

Jimmy took his hand.

—I don’t want this to end, Sea.

—Neither do I.

There was a short silence, heavy and sweet all at once.

Jimmy leaned in and kissed Sea’s forehead.

—Then let’s not let anyone ruin it.

Sea nodded, resting his head on Jimmy’s shoulder.

And for the first time, he felt ready to fight for something he never thought he’d have: a true love, even if it started as a mistake.

Chapter Text

Dinner was over, but the tension still lingered in the air like an invisible veil. Jimmy hadn’t stopped watching Sea throughout the entire evening. Even though Sea smiled and answered politely, Jimmy could sense the pressure on his shoulders, the glimmer in his eyes every time Acare spoke too closely.

In the car, silence reigned. Sea stared out the window, his fingers laced in his lap. Jimmy glanced at him sideways, noticing how his eyelids were slowly falling, struggling to stay awake.

“You can sleep if you want,” Jimmy murmured with a gentle smile.

Sea gave a faint nod, and minutes later, he was asleep, his body finally relaxed.

When they arrived, Jimmy parked carefully. He didn’t want to wake him. Instead, he stepped out, opened the passenger door, and stood there for a moment. Sea’s sleeping face held a softness that completely disarmed him.

Gently, he lifted him into his arms.

“As light as a promise,” he whispered, carrying him into the house.

He brought him to his room, carefully laid him on the bed, and tucked a blanket over him. Before leaving, he left a note on the nightstand:

"I have work outside today. I won’t be back until tonight. Take care. – J."

---

Sea woke up hours later, his heart pounding, and a confused image in his mind: his sister, laughing cruelly, pointing at him while Jimmy walked away without looking back. It was a nightmare, he knew, but the trembling in his chest was real.

He touched Jimmy’s note. His absence suddenly felt heavier than ever.

He didn’t want to think. He didn’t want to remember the dinner, or Acare’s words, or how their parents pretended everything was perfect. He wanted to forget.

He went to the kitchen, opened a bottle of wine. Then another. Then a third.

He no longer knew what time it was when he passed out on the floor, surrounded by empty bottles, his cheeks damp from crying. He dreamed Jimmy left him. That everyone left.

---

Jimmy came home later than expected. Exhausted, he dropped his briefcase in the hallway, took off his jacket, and headed for the living room. But what he found stopped him cold.

“Sea?”

Sea’s body lay on the floor, his lips slightly parted, his face flushed. The scent of alcohol was strong, but more than that, there was a sadness in his posture that tore Jimmy apart.

He rushed to him and touched his forehead.

“You have a fever…” he whispered.

Sea stirred, mumbling something incoherent. Suddenly, he wrapped his arms around Jimmy, eyes wet and unfocused.

“Don’t… don’t leave me… please…”

“Shh, I’m not leaving. I’m here.”

Jimmy carried him again, this time with a knot in his chest. He took him to his room and sat him on the bed.

“We need to change your clothes,” he murmured.

Sea barely cooperated. Jimmy gently unbuttoned his shirt, trying not to look too much, though every brush of his skin sent chills through him.

He helped him into clean pajamas and covered him. But when he tried to step away, Sea grabbed his arm tightly.

“Don’t go… please…”

Sea’s eyes were glassy, red, vulnerable. And without warning, he kissed him.

It was a desperate kiss. Jimmy thought about pulling back… but he didn’t. He held him. Embraced him. Kissed him back, slow at first, then deeper.

“Sea…”

“I don’t want you to go. Not now.”

“I won’t.”

Sea kissed him again, and this time Jimmy let go. No more doubts.

Their touches grew slower, more careful, as if trying to erase the pain with every caress. Sea clung to him, trembling, moaning under his breath.

Shirts fell to the floor. Whispers filled the room. Jimmy gently laid him down on the bed, sliding in beside him.

“Are you sure…?” he whispered, searching his eyes.

Sea nodded, pulling him closer by the collar.

“Only with you… only you…”

Heat built between them. Sea’s body arched under every kiss, every touch Jimmy laid across his skin from his neck to his chest. His soft moans were like a broken melody. Fingernails scratched along Jimmy’s back, bedsheets clenched tightly.

Jimmy paused, brushing his cheek with his thumb.

“You’re beautiful, you know that?”

Sea gave a faint smile between gasps.

“Only because you’re looking at me like that…”

The rest of the night was a wave of emotion. Moans, whispers, soft kisses that turned needier. Their bodies searched for each other like they’d waited years for this.

In the middle of it, Sea began to cry again—this time silently.

“I’m sorry… I don’t know why I’m crying…”

Jimmy hugged him, holding him close.

“Cry all you need. I’m here. I won’t leave.”

Their movements slowed, desire giving way to comfort. Jimmy touched him with tenderness, murmuring sweet words as Sea clung to him like his life depended on it.

---

Hours later, in the early morning, Sea slept deeply on Jimmy’s chest, his fingers still curled in his shirt. Jimmy ran his hand through his hair, watching his breathing steady.

He kissed his forehead.

“I don’t know what we are yet… but I don’t want to stop feeling this.”

And for the first time, he wasn’t afraid to admit it.

Chapter Text

Jimmy opened his eyes slowly, bathed in the soft morning light filtering through the window. For a moment, he remained motionless, trying to recall the events of the night before. Then he felt it—Sea's arm wrapped around his waist, his breath soft against Jimmy's back. The younger man was still asleep, clinging to him as if seeking comfort even in dreams.

A warm smile spread across Jimmy's face. He gently turned to look at Sea, his expression calm, almost childlike in his sleep. Without thinking too much, Jimmy raised a hand and brushed a few strands of hair away from Sea's forehead, whispering, "You had a nightmare last night, didn't you?"

Sea stirred slightly but didn’t wake. Jimmy continued caressing his hair gently until he finally got up, careful not to wake him. As he dressed, he glanced back once more before heading to a meeting with his parents.

The mansion of the Jitaraphol family was imposing, but that morning, Jimmy wasn’t intimidated. His parents welcomed him with neutral expressions. They had always been business-first people.

"We saw the news," said his father. "You and Sea looked... convincing."

Jimmy raised an eyebrow. "You approve?"

His mother nodded. "We never expected love, just stability. The marriage is beneficial."

Jimmy hesitated. For a moment, he thought about telling them the truth—that his feelings were growing. But he stayed silent. Maybe it was better if no one knew just yet.

Later that day, Jimmy and Sea had to attend a public charity event together. The press was everywhere, and the flashes of cameras didn’t stop. Jimmy reached out to hold Sea’s hand as they stepped out of the car. Sea looked at him, surprised.

"We have to look like a real couple," Jimmy said with a smirk. Sea rolled his eyes but didn’t let go.

During the event, Jimmy noticed that Sea was nervous. He subtly placed a hand on the small of his back, helping him maintain posture and smile through the crowd. Sea, grateful, whispered a quick thank you, his cheeks slightly pink.

After the speeches and photos, the two walked back to the car. Reporters crowded around, and Jimmy instinctively shielded Sea, helping him into the vehicle before getting in himself.

Inside the car, Sea sighed. "You’re good at pretending."

Jimmy turned to him. "Who says I’m pretending?"

The silence between them grew thick. Sea lowered his gaze. "Don’t say things you don’t mean."

Jimmy watched him for a second longer but decided not to push it. Instead, he started the car.

That evening, back at home, Jimmy found Sea in the kitchen preparing tea. He looked calmer now, and the atmosphere felt different—less forced, more familiar.

"Did you sleep well after your nightmare?" Jimmy asked.

Sea looked at him, surprised. "You noticed?"

"You crawled into my bed. Hard not to."

Sea blushed. "I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have..."

Jimmy approached slowly. "You can come to me whenever you want, Sea. You don’t have to be afraid."

For a second, Sea seemed to consider his words. Then he nodded. "Thanks. I’ll remember that."

They ended the night watching a movie together on the couch, not too close, but not too far either. Jimmy didn’t force anything. He simply let things flow. And Sea, little by little, stopped pulling away.

Chapter Text

The calm in Jimmy and Sea’s life was beginning to take shape. Living together, public events, the little routines at home... everything seemed to flow almost naturally. The rumors about their fake marriage were fading away in front of the images of tenderness and complicity the media captured: shared glances, genuine smiles, subtle touches.

One afternoon, Sea came home with a small box wrapped with a blue ribbon. Jimmy looked at him curiously from the sofa, where he was reading some documents.

—What do you have there? —he asked, setting the papers aside.

Sea smiled with a special sparkle in his eyes.

—A surprise.

When he opened the box, a small white puppy with floppy ears and big dark eyes peeked out and let out a little bark. Jimmy was left speechless.

—Is this… for me?

—For both of us —corrected Sea, placing the puppy between them—. His name is Ziewor. I thought… maybe we could have something together. Something more than papers or appearances.

Jimmy looked at the puppy, then at Sea, and felt an inexplicable warmth in his chest. He cradled the animal in his hands and, without thinking, leaned in to gently kiss Sea’s cheek.

—Thank you. It’s… the best gift I’ve received in years.

Ziewor soon became an essential part of their routine. He slept between them, ran around the house, barked when the doorbell rang, and demanded constant cuddles. He was the purest bond between them, a silent proof that they were building something beyond the initial agreement.

But that peace was not going to last forever.

A week later, during a quiet afternoon, Jimmy was checking his mail when he noticed a special invitation: a private cocktail party hosted by one of the most powerful families in the country. It wasn’t unusual for them to be summoned, but when he read the guest list, one name made him frown.

Acare Tawinan.

Jimmy said nothing to Sea. He thought maybe she wouldn’t attend. But he was wrong.

The night of the event, Sea and Jimmy arrived together, impeccably dressed, as usual. Cameras caught their smiles, and both posed naturally. When they entered, the atmosphere was sophisticated, dim lights and instrumental music filled the room. Everything seemed under control until he saw her.

Acare appeared among the guests, dressed in an elegant red dress that accentuated her figure. Her gaze met Jimmy’s, and she smiled confidently. She advanced through the crowd as if she were the hostess.

—Jimmy —she greeted with a seductive voice—, it’s been a while since we talked.

Sea, standing beside him, frowned.

—Acare…

—Sea, little brother —she said, kissing his cheek as if nothing had happened—. I didn’t know you’d be here too. Although, of course, now you’re the wife.

The tension became obvious. Jimmy remained firm, although uncomfortable.

—It’s a pleasure to see you again —he said diplomatically.

Acare didn’t take long to start her game. During the event, she looked for excuses to get close to Jimmy, whisper in his ear, brush his arm with not-so-subtle intentions. Sea watched from a distance, unsure whether to intervene or trust Jimmy.

Hours later, back at home, Sea walked silently down the hallway. Jimmy noticed he was tense.

—Are you upset? —he asked.

Sea shrugged.

—It’s nothing… it was just weird seeing her again.

—I’m sorry —said Jimmy—. I should have imagined she’d come. But you’re with me, Sea. That won’t change.

Ziewor barked as if supporting Jimmy’s words. Sea laughed, though with a hint of sadness.

—Thanks for saying that.

That night, Sea didn’t go straight to his room. He stayed on the sofa with Ziewor, gently petting him. Jimmy appeared minutes later with two cups of hot chocolate.

—Can I sit?

Sea nodded. They drank in silence for a moment until Sea spoke:

—When I was little, Acare used to defend me from everything. But now… she seems like a different person. I don’t understand why she’s doing this.

Jimmy sighed.

—Sometimes power changes people. Or maybe we never really knew them at all.

Sea lowered his gaze.

—And you? Do you think you’ll change now that this is becoming more real?

Jimmy looked at him, surprised by the question.

—I don’t know, Sea. But I do know one thing… I don’t want to lose this. What we’re building. Even with everything that started as a lie.

Sea looked into his eyes. And for the first time, without words, nodded, as if he understood the weight of those words.

Ziewor yawned and settled between them. Jimmy and Sea looked at each other and laughed softly. Outside, the city continued on. Inside, something new was forming, step by step, bark by bark, look by look.

And not even Acare was going to stop it.

Chapter Text

After the event where Acare had reappeared, the house Jimmy and Sea shared returned, at least on the surface, to its usual routine. Mornings were quiet, with Ziewor running through the kitchen while Sea made coffee and Jimmy read the news on his tablet. Everything seemed back on track. But both knew something had subtly cracked.

Sea didn’t mention his sister, but Jimmy noticed he was quieter. He stared out the window longer than usual, got distracted mid-conversation, and had trouble falling asleep at night. Jimmy tried not to pressure him, but his concern grew.

One afternoon, Jimmy decided to surprise Sea with a short outing. He took him to a scenic overlook by the lake, a peaceful place free of cameras and press. Ziewor ran happily among the trees while the two of them sat on a blanket with a makeshift picnic basket.

“It’s been a while since we went out like this,” Jimmy said, watching Sea gently.

“Yeah… thank you for this,” Sea replied, stroking Ziewor when the pup curled up beside his legs.

“Do you want to talk about Acare?” Jimmy asked, direct but soft-spoken.

Sea lowered his gaze.

“She was always so sure of herself. When we were kids, she seemed invincible. But ever since she got involved in all this… I don’t know. It’s like I don’t know her anymore.”

“Sometimes family lets us down,” Jimmy said, with a melancholy that caught Sea off guard.

“Did yours let you down?”

Jimmy stayed silent for a few seconds.

“They accepted our marriage thinking it was just a deal. They see it as a strategic alliance. Nothing more. But every time I see you with Ziewor, when you fall asleep on the couch or leave me coffee at my desk… I feel like this isn’t just an alliance anymore.”

Sea looked up, surprised by Jimmy’s honesty.

“You really feel that way?”

“Yes. And even though it all started as a plan, I don’t want to pretend with you. Not now, not ever.”

The silence that followed was comfortable. Ziewor barked at a nearby squirrel, and they both laughed. For a moment, the outside world ceased to exist.

That night, Sea was showering when Jimmy received an unexpected message. It was from Acare:

“Can we meet alone? Just you and me. I promise I won’t cause trouble.”

Jimmy frowned but didn’t reply. However, the situation became more complicated the next day.

There was a business meeting Jimmy had to attend alone. Sea, having the day off, decided to visit a store to buy a new toy for Ziewor. On the way, he saw something that stopped him cold.

In a nearby café, behind the window, Jimmy sat across from Acare. She was laughing, leaning in toward him with a too-familiar smile. Jimmy looked serious, but he wasn’t pulling away.

Sea felt a sharp pain in his chest. He didn’t want to watch any longer. He turned around and walked home, heart heavy.

Hours later, Jimmy came back. He looked tense, as if something was bothering him. When he came in and didn’t see Sea in the living room, he searched for him in his bedroom. Sea was lying down with Ziewor beside him, pretending to sleep.

“Sea… can we talk?”

Sea didn’t answer. Jimmy sat on the edge of the bed.

“I met with her to understand what she’s trying to do. She asked me to drop everything, to break the agreement. She said you were just playing around…”

Sea’s eyes shot open.

“And what did you tell her?”

“That she was wrong. That this isn’t a game to me. That you matter.”

Sea sat up, biting his lip.

“I saw her, Jimmy. I saw how she looked at you. And for a moment I doubted. I felt… replaceable.”

Jimmy cupped his face in his hands.

“You’re not. Not now, not ever. She can try, but she doesn’t have my attention. You do. All of it.”

The silence filled with quickened breathing. Jimmy leaned in and kissed him slowly, surely, like a silent promise. Sea returned the kiss, gripping his shirt as if afraid he might disappear.

After that moment, Jimmy stayed with him all night. They watched movies on the couch with Ziewor between them, shared ice cream, and laughed until late.

A few days later, Sea showed up with something in his hands.

“It’s for you,” he said, handing him a small paw-shaped pendant.

“For Ziewor?”

“Yes… and for you. It’s a symbol. That… you matter to me. More than I wanted to admit.”

Jimmy hugged him tightly, feeling that at last, little by little, Sea was letting down his walls.

And even though they knew Acare wouldn’t give up easily, at least they had something stronger than any obstacle: a bond forming slowly, with honest acts, knowing glances, and silent promises.

And a little puppy who barked every time one of them strayed too far from the other.

“We’re in this together, Sea,” Jimmy whispered one night.

“Yes… and I don’t want it to end.”

Maybe love, Sea thought as he snuggled against him, wasn’t as complicated as it seemed. It just needed time, honesty… and a reason to stay. Jimmy had already become his.

Chapter Text

The peace in the house didn’t last long. After the conversation with Jimmy and the gift of the pendant, Sea had started to feel more comfortable expressing his feelings. His days were lighter, filled with shared smiles and walks with Ziewor through the garden. He had even taken to preparing dinner more than once, surprising Jimmy with simple dishes made with care.

But calm is fragile—like the surface of water that breaks into ripples with the slightest breeze.

One afternoon, Jimmy came home earlier than usual with a box wrapped in golden paper. Inside was a small white leather leash with gold details. A gift for Ziewor.

“I thought something elegant would suit him,” Jimmy said, smiling as Sea examined the gift.

“It’s beautiful. Ziewor will love it,” Sea replied, gently running his fingers over the leather.

As they were putting the leash on the puppy, the doorbell rang. They looked at each other, confused. They weren’t expecting visitors.

When Jimmy opened the door, his expression immediately changed. Sea peeked in from the living room and felt his stomach clench.

Acare.

She wore a tight, elegant dress and smiled as if she hadn’t stirred up trouble before.

“Aren’t you going to invite me in?” she asked with fake sweetness.

Jimmy frowned.

“What are you doing here, Acare?”

“I just wanted to visit my brother. Is that so strange?” she replied, gently pushing the door to step inside.

Sea pressed his lips together, unsure whether to confront her or just walk away. Ziewor barked, as if he too sensed the tension in the air.

“Aren’t you going to say hi, little brother?” Acare said to Sea, approaching him with a smile as cold as it was false.

“What do you want, Acare?” Sea asked, his voice firm.

“I just… wanted to talk. Have a little family moment. And I also wanted to see Jimmy,” she added, glancing at him.

Jimmy stepped forward, standing protectively beside Sea.

“I don’t think Sea wants to talk to you right now—and neither do I.”

“Well, well… how things change. Wasn’t this a loveless arrangement? Or is dear Jimmy confusing feelings with domestic routine?” she asked with a venomous smile.

Sea felt heat rise in his chest. Jimmy clenched his jaw.

“Sea is my partner. And if your goal is to drive us apart, it won’t work.”

Acare shrugged.

“Well, I just came to drop off a little gift,” she said, pulling a small box from her purse and placing it on the table. “In case you ever remember that this isn’t real. That all of this was just a show for the media.”

Without another word, she turned and walked out, leaving the door open behind her.

Ziewor barked again, as if to make sure she wouldn’t come back.

Sea picked up the box warily. Inside was a ring—one very similar to the one Jimmy had given him at the start of the marriage.

“Does she think this will change anything?” Sea murmured.

Jimmy came up behind him and hugged him around the waist.

“She’s just trying to plant doubt. Don’t give her that power.”

Sea rested his head on Jimmy’s shoulder.

“I don’t want this to fall apart because of her.”

“It won’t,” Jimmy assured him, holding him close to his chest. “Because you and I aren’t pretending anymore.”

That night, to clear their minds, they decided to go for a walk in the nearby park. The air was cool, and Ziewor enjoyed darting among the fallen leaves.

Jimmy noticed how Sea stayed closer than usual, as if needing physical contact to confirm that everything was still okay.

“Sea, listen to me,” he said, stopping under a tree. “I’m with you because I want to be with you. Not because I was forced to. Not because of some corporate act. But because you—with all your quirks, your shy smile, and the way you care for others… you made me fall in love.”

Sea looked at him, eyes shining, and gave a faint smile.

“Thank you for not letting me go.”

Jimmy leaned in and kissed him sweetly, while Ziewor barked happily, circling around them.

“We’re going to be okay,” Sea said, taking his hand.

“Yes. As long as we have each other, everything will be okay.”

And even though they knew Acare hadn’t said her final word, for now, only the sincere love they had built had the power to protect them.

And also Ziewor, who slept that night between them, like a white guardian of their fragile but growing happiness.

Chapter Text

The days had returned to being peaceful in the house that Jimmy and Sea shared. Ziewor, the white puppy, had become an essential part of their routine, filling the silences with his soft barks and endless energy. Jimmy had grown used to waking up with Sea in his arms, and each day it became harder to hide the love he thought he could control.

But the calm wouldn’t last long.

One Friday afternoon, while Jimmy reviewed some contracts in his office and Sea played with Ziewor in the garden, the butler announced the arrival of an envelope with no return address. It was sealed with black wax and had no name. Jimmy opened it cautiously, finding a photograph inside: Acare, his sister-in-law, leaving an elegant restaurant with a tall man, cold-eyed and impeccably dressed. On the back of the photo, only one word: "Careful."

Jimmy frowned. He knew Acare well, and although their relationship had always been tense, he had never felt she posed a real threat. But this photograph... it was something else.

That night in bed, Sea noticed the tension in Jimmy’s body.

"Jimmy, are you okay?" he asked, intertwining his fingers with his.

Jimmy hesitated but decided to show him the photograph.

Sea paled upon seeing his sister.

"That man... I've seen him before. I think his name is Thanin. He runs an investment company that’s tried to buy shares of ours several times. Dad never agreed."

"And now it seems he’s found another way."

"Do you think Acare is allied with him? She’s my sister, Jimmy!"

"We can’t take anything for granted, but we have to stay alert. This is no coincidence."

Over the following days, Jimmy quietly investigated. Thanin turned out to be much more dangerous than he thought. He had a record of corruption, bribery of officials, and rumors of illegal activity. The pieces were starting to fall into place. Since Acare appeared with him, strange movements had started to be noticed in the market.

Sea, for his part, tried to stick to his routine, but Acare's presence in the media didn’t help. A photo of her and Thanin at a business gala appeared on the cover of a financial magazine. They both smiled conspiratorially, as if they knew something the world hadn’t figured out yet.

Ziewor seemed to be the only one unaware of the tension. One morning, while Sea was putting on his new white leather harness, Jimmy approached with two cups of coffee.

"We have to go to that event tonight. One of the company's partners is hosting an investment dinner."

"Do you think Thanin will be there?"

"I'm almost sure. And Acare too."

Sea nodded silently.

That night, they both arrived at the dinner looking impeccable. Jimmy wore a classic black suit, and Sea wore a dark blue one that made his eyes shine even more. The cameras didn’t stop capturing them from the moment they arrived, which only increased the pressure. Jimmy kept a hand on Sea’s waist at all times, not just for protocol, but for protection.

In the hall, at the back, Acare and Thanin chatted with a group of businessmen. When Acare saw Jimmy and Sea, her smile tensed for a second before returning to her mask of courtesy.

She didn’t take long to approach.

"Well, well... what a surprise to see you here," Acare said, holding a glass of champagne.

"We're in the same circle, it’s inevitable," Jimmy replied, cold but polite.

"Sea, you look adorable. That suit fits you so well!" Acare said, feigning affection.

Sea just nodded. Thanin then stepped forward, shaking Jimmy’s hand with a measured smile.

"Mr. Jitaraphol. I've heard a lot about you."

"Unfortunately, I can't say the same. But I suppose that will change soon."

The tension was palpable.

When the guests dispersed to dine, Jimmy and Sea slipped away to the garden. The fresh air eased some of the pressure.

"I don’t like how he looks at you," Jimmy said.

"I don’t like how he talks to Acare. He has that tone... like he controls her."

"We have to be ready, Sea. I feel something is coming."

That night, returning home, they found the gate slightly ajar. Jimmy ordered the guards to perform a full inspection. Nothing seemed stolen, but in the mailbox, they found a handwritten note:

"Sometimes, what you love most is the first thing taken from you."

Sea read it three times, feeling a chill down his spine. Jimmy hugged him tightly, his heart racing.

"I won’t let anything happen to you, Sea. I swear."

And for the first time in a long while, sleep didn’t come easily to the Jitaraphol household.

Chapter Text

The morning at the Jitaraphol residence dawned unusually quiet. The sun filtered gently through the curtains of the bedroom that Jimmy and Sea shared, brushing across Sea’s bare skin as he slept soundly. Jimmy, already dressed in a light gray suit, left a soft kiss on his forehead before leaving without making a sound.

On the nightstand, he left a peach-colored post-it:

"I left food for Ziewor in his bowl but didn’t see him when I left. I also made your breakfast. I love you. - J"

Sea opened his eyes a few minutes later, feeling slightly disoriented. He reached for the empty side of the bed and found only warm sheets. Seeing the note, he smiled. His heart filled with that comforting warmth Jimmy’s little gestures always stirred.

He sat up, stretching slowly, still groggy. He picked up the note, read it again, and headed to the bathroom. After washing his face and brushing his teeth, he went down to the kitchen. Breakfast was prepared just as Jimmy had promised: toast, scrambled eggs, and warm coffee in a mug that read “Good Morning, Love.”

But something felt off.

"Ziewor?" Sea called out playfully. "Where are you, boy?"

Silence.

He set the coffee on the counter and called again, louder. Nothing. A chill ran down his spine. Normally, Ziewor would run up wagging his tail or bark excitedly as if recounting his adventures. But now... nothing.

Worried, Sea stepped into the backyard. The grass was still wet with morning dew. He walked around the pool, then toward the trees at the back. "Ziewor! Come on, little one!" he called. As he bent to look behind some bushes, he sensed something behind him.

Before he could react, a sharp pressure in his neck threw him off balance. The last thing he saw was Ziewor lying next to a flowerbed, motionless but breathing. Sea's eyes widened in horror before shutting abruptly.

---

Three hours later, at Jimmy’s office.

The sound of his phone vibrating against the desk interrupted his concentration. It was the housekeeper, her voice trembling.

—Sir... we can’t find young Sea anywhere. Ziewor’s disoriented. Something’s not right.

Jimmy dropped his pen. His heart skipped a beat. Without replying, he stood and rushed out of the meeting room. In less than twenty minutes, he was home.

The front door showed no signs of forced entry. Everything inside seemed untouched. Jimmy sprinted upstairs to the bedroom. Breakfast was still there. The coffee—cold. The note—exactly where he’d left it.

His gaze sharpened. He quickly went to the surveillance room and began reviewing the security footage.

In the backyard footage, the image of Sea collapsing after a quick injection made him explode in rage.

“Goddamn it!” he shouted, slamming his fist onto the desk.

He fast-forwarded. He saw a group of men, dressed in black with covered faces, carrying Sea’s unconscious body to a van. One of them stroked Ziewor’s head before leaving him lying in the sun. The vehicle had no license plates.

Jimmy gritted his teeth, his expression shifting from concern to fury.

“Put all teams on alert!” he ordered over the intercom. “Sea has been kidnapped. Check license plates, traffic cams, phone signals. We don’t rest until we find him!”

He dialed the company’s security number, then his head of personal protection.

“I want everyone in position. Activate full emergency protocol. Block country exits. Any lead, no matter how small, I want it on my desk in an hour.”

The security staff had never seen their CEO with such a dark look. This was Jimmy Jitaraphol at his most intense: determined, calculated... and ruthless when someone touched what he loved.

---

Sea woke up with a ringing in his ears. The light was dim, artificial. He was tied by his hands and feet to a chair, in what looked like an abandoned warehouse. The air was damp, smelling of gasoline and rust.

“Welcome back, little brother,” said a voice he knew all too well.

Acare emerged from the shadows, dressed in a red coat and dark sunglasses. At her side, Thanin wore a smile that chilled Sea to the bone.

“Why?” Sea whispered, throat dry.

“Because all of this was a lie,” Acare replied. “Because you took what was supposed to be mine. Jimmy was meant for me. But don’t worry... you won’t be a problem much longer.”

“You’re sick...” Sea growled, struggling against the restraints.

Thanin leaned in close.

“We don’t want to kill you, Sea. We just want Jimmy to understand that he’s already lost.”

“He’ll come for me...”

“Oh, he will,” Acare smiled. “And when he does, we’ll destroy him.”

---

That afternoon, Jimmy received a new envelope. This time, at the main entrance of his company. He opened it with trembling hands.

A single photograph: Sea, tied up, with a superficial cut on his lip.

And a message:

“Don’t play hero. Every attempt will cost you blood.”

Jimmy clenched his jaw, rage and determination burning in his eyes.

“Blood?” he muttered, with terrifying calm. “You’ll need more than threats to take him from me.”

And that was the moment Jimmy Jitaraphol stopped being a businessman.

And became a man who would risk everything—for love.

Chapter Text

Night fell like a silent curtain, but inside the Jitaraphol mansion, the tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. Jimmy stood firm in front of the main monitor, watching the footage recovered by his security team.

"We’ve got it, sir," one of the agents reported. "The signal from the car that transported Sea was traced to an old warehouse in the industrial zone."

"Prepare everything. We’re going tonight," Jimmy ordered, his gaze dark and determined.

"You’re coming, sir?"

"Do you think I’d sit still while he’s in danger?" Jimmy replied, tightening his bulletproof vest.

---

In the abandoned warehouse, Sea wavered between fear and anguish. His hands were tied to a metal chair, his body sore from the forced position. A pair of flickering spotlights offered the only illumination.

Thanin argued with Acare.

"They’re going to find us! That idiot won’t stop until he gets him back!"

"Shut up, Thanin. This is your fault too," Acare snapped coldly. "All I want is what belongs to me: power, respect… and Jimmy."

Sea looked up, defiant despite his exhaustion.

"He’ll never be yours. Not anymore."

Just then, a crash echoed through the warehouse. The back door was kicked open and a smoke grenade flew in. Chaos erupted.

"SEA!" Jimmy shouted, entering with his team.

Thanin fired blindly. Jimmy dodged the bullet, but another one hit him in the side. He dropped to one knee but didn’t stop. Crawling, he reached Sea while his men subdued the captors.

"Jimmy!" Sea cried out, seeing blood stain his white shirt.

"I’m fine... just a scratch," Jimmy lied with a pale smile, freeing him from the ropes.

Sea held him in his arms, eyes brimming with tears.

"Don’t ever do this again! Not for me!"

"Always for you..." Jimmy whispered before losing consciousness.

---

Days later, at the Jitaraphol mansion, sunlight streamed through the windows. Jimmy woke with bandages around his torso, a faint burning sensation in his side. Sea slept beside him, his head resting on Jimmy’s arm. Ziewor curled up at the foot of the bed.

Sea stirred at the movement.

"Jimmy!" he whispered, voice trembling. "Thank God, you’re awake..."

Jimmy smiled weakly and caressed his face.

"Are you okay...? That’s all that matters."

"You got hurt because of me. I won’t leave you alone again. Ever."

"Then stay tonight… and every night," Jimmy murmured.

---

That night, Jimmy planned something special. With the help of the staff, he laid a trail of rose petals from the mansion’s entrance to the backyard pool. Floating candles and flowers drifted across the water’s surface. The air was perfumed with jasmine and lavender.

Still wearing a bandage on his arm, Sea followed the path of petals with a shy smile. At the end of the trail, Jimmy awaited with a glass of wine.

"Will you spend this night with me?" he asked softly, his eyes intense.

Sea nodded. Both slowly undressed, leaving only swimwear. They slipped into the warm water, holding each other beneath the starry sky.

"I’ve never felt this safe," Sea whispered, playing with Jimmy’s fingers in the water.

"I’ve never felt this complete," Jimmy replied, leaning in to kiss him.

The kiss was slow, deep, filled with everything words couldn’t express. Jimmy’s hands caressed Sea’s back, memorizing every inch of his skin. Sea clung to his neck, kissing him with need, letting their bodies speak their own language.

Touches grew bolder, breaths more ragged. Though the act was not explicit, the tension and desire were undeniable. Jimmy gently laid Sea against the pool’s edge, caressing his cheeks, his lips, his neck.

"You’re everything I ever wanted…" Jimmy murmured against his skin. "Stay with me… always."

"Always, Jimmy."

The night became theirs. Beneath the moonlight, amidst water and kisses, they sealed something far stronger than a promise: the certainty of a love that had survived danger, pain… and now, surrendered completely.