When the light fades

m., and Kai st

wrapped in the quiet embrace of the night, the cool breeze brushing against her skin. She took a slow

ed? What was wrong? Why had her husband become so distant? Lately, he stayed out late

ed calls. She swallowed, her throat tightening as she stared at the number. It wasn't just about him being late-it was the si

ressing the phone to her ear. The line rang once... twic

et the loneliness consume her. But no matter how hard she tried, the ache in her chest remained. She wanted to be there for him, to help hi

he was lo

––––––––––––––––

ng casting warm shadows across the room. The atmosph

letely in his element. His voice filled the room, his body moving ef

plush sofa, swirling the liquid in his glass as he observed Ray's every move. Something w

what he

h he craved it, no matter how desperately he wanted to reach out and claim it, something always held him back. What if? The t

ced at the screen and immediately re

mile

it ring until it inevitably went to voicemail

urmoil, suddenly reached for his ha

tested, his voice half amused, half reluctant.

singing as he dragged Kai t

ly. "You know I hate

ust kept moving, swaying to the music, dancing

ont of him, completely lost in the moment. After a few beats, he took a step back, r

muttered, shaking his h

fting him off the ground. Ray let out a startled laugh as Kai

till holding onto him. "Yo

nto Kai's shoulder. "Fine, fine. But admi

ng, his fingers still loos

ight, the storm in his mind q

r, his body warm and relaxed against him. The hum of the city outsid

rning slightly to look up

all smirk playing on his lips

almost instantly, his eyes

repeated. "Ray, today's already Thur

asped his hands together like a child begging for candy, his expre

y eyes on me," Kai muttered, shaking his

d, pumping his fist in

s mind. He leaned back slightly, his fingers idly tapping against his thigh. "But what a

you care about her that much?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of something Kai couldn't quite place-jealousy, ma

ed to calm down, Ray. She's sti

tood up, brushing invisible dust o

before rising to his feet as

his head. "Nah, I jus

t his cheekbones. His voice softened. "I'm really sorry, okay?" His gaze searched Ray's, tr

s lips twitched into a small smirk. "Yes

t the nickname. "Wha

itius. I want the whole seaside experienc

is lips lifting slightly. "

lked out of the office. The night air was crisp when they stepped outs

driver's side as Ray opened the door. "Drive

re starting the engine. He turned to Kai with a kn

, running a hand through his

mirked. "See

off, leaving Kai standing there, watchin

y, ran a hand over his face, and

a lot to t

more to f