A few days later, on a scorching afternoon, Sea hurried down to the ground floor of the publishing house. The morning meeting had dragged on way longer than expected, and now he was running late for his very first author meeting — with none other than Fire, a breakout star all over the web novel forums.

The only hint he had? A text that said the author would be wearing black.
No photo. No extra description. Nothing.

Stepping out of the elevator, Sea's eyes quickly scanned the lobby area.

Right in front of him were two people — both dressed in black — sitting side by side.

Sea studied them carefully.
Both looked young.
The one on the right wore a black blazer over a white T-shirt, tall and composed, with this super chill vibe as he casually looked around the lobby, like he was waiting for someone.

Sea hesitated for a moment.
Maybe it was him? That calm, steady aura totally matched someone who could write stories that made thousands of girls sob their hearts out.

Taking a deep breath, Sea walked over, giving a polite nod and starting carefully:

"Hi, K'Fire, I'm Sea, from the Teen Novel Division—"

The second his greeting left his mouth, a lazy, sarcastic voice called out behind him:

"Hey, you sure you actually work here? You're already late, and now you can't even recognize your own author?"

Sea froze mid-sentence. Slowly, he turned around.

Leaning back in a chair with his head propped against one arm, legs casually crossed, was a guy who could only be described as... trouble.
He wore an oversized black t-shirt, loose faded jeans, and a white beanie pulled low. A pair of dark sunglasses perched on his nose. His whole vibe screamed effortless cool — like some fashion influencer straight off Instagram.

Even the way he sat radiated this energy like:
"You're lucky I even bothered showing up here."

Sea just stood there, dumbstruck for a moment.
This... was Fire?

Fire nonchalantly pulled off his sunglasses.

Under the lobby lights, his pale skin almost glowed. His face was so soft and pretty he could've been mistaken for a K-pop idol — if it weren't for the sharp glint hiding under those long lashes.

He was slim, almost delicate-looking — like one of those dreamy male leads from a shoujo manga Sea used to read back in college.
Honestly, the whole baby-faced thing clashed hilariously hard with his "too cool to care" streetwear look.

Sea could only mentally kick himself.
Who would've guessed the guy writing those tearjerking love stories was this trendy little punk?

The atmosphere instantly turned super awkward.

Sea quickly stuck out his hand, forcing himself to stay professional:

"I was stuck in a meeting and got delayed by about ten minutes, and I didn't have time to text you — that's totally on me. Sorry for keeping you waiting. I was only told you'd be wearing black, and... well, I didn't exactly expect the top young adult web novelist to be so..."
Sea paused, scanning Fire from head to toe, searching desperately for a safe word,
"...so unique."

"As for whether I'm legit or not," Sea added, pointing to the ID badge hanging around his neck — the one Hia Jim had just handed him that morning,
"Here's my official employee badge."

Fire didn't even bother to shake his hand.
He gave the badge a half-second glance, let out a soft yawn, and said flatly:

"Hmph. Skip the handshakes and whatever. You've already wasted fifteen minutes of my life. I'm not losing more to small talk."

With that, Fire stood up, shoved his hands into his pockets, and sauntered off toward the coffee shop in the lobby.

Leaving Sea standing there awkwardly, hand still hanging mid-air like an idiot, looking like he just got hit by a gust of wind.

Watching Fire's retreating back, Sea sighed under his breath, almost like trying to comfort himself:

"...Haiz, looks like this one's gonna be a handful."

Sea had intended to invite Fire up to the meeting room on the eighth floor to discuss things more properly. But seeing the other man stride straight into the café without hesitation, he knew he wouldn't get the chance to follow his plan today.

Sea sighed and followed behind.

At the counter, just as Sea was about to politely ask what Fire wanted to drink, the other had already ordered:

"Two iced caramel macchiatos. Having here please."

Sea glanced at Fire in surprise.

Caramel macchiato... it was his favorite drink — had been since his university days. But how could Fire have known that?

He quickly told himself it was just a coincidence. Fire must have simply ordered something he was familiar with, without thinking too much.

Fire picked a seat in the far corner, next to the window. Soft sunlight filtered through the glass, lighting up the dark strands of hair peeking out from under his beanie.

Sea sat down across from him and pulled out his iPad to prepare for the discussion.

No greetings were exchanged. Fire leaned back lazily in his chair, resting his chin on his hand, his eyes half-lidded but sharp as they studied Sea.

Sea decided to begin:

"First off, I hope we'll have a pleasant collaboration. This is the first time K'Fire—"

"Just Fire is fine. We're the same age. No need to be so formal," Fire cut him off.

"Ah... okay. This is your first official physical copies release. The editorial team has done extensive research and put together a few suggestions."

Fire raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

Sea pulled up the file on his iPad and slid it toward Fire.

"To attract new readers and express gratitude to your loyal fans, the editorial team proposes publishing 'First Love' — your bestselling novel for two years straight — in hardcover, with five new side story chapters. We have a few ideas regarding the content for the new chapters, but of course, your input is the most important."

Fire kept his chin propped on his hand, tapping a finger rhythmically on the table. Then he let out a soft scoff:

"Five side stories? That's simply the same old story. 'First Love' ended exactly the way I wanted it to."

Their drinks arrived, the caramel macchiatos set down in front of them. Fire idly stirred his before tossing out a biting remark:

"Not that you'd understand. You're just a rookie at editing anyway."

Beneath the table, Sea clenched his hand into a fist. Outwardly, he maintained a polite smile.

"This isn't just my personal suggestion. You should also consider the loyal readers who've longed to own a hardcover edition of 'First Love.' Sure, they can reread the online version as much as they want, but holding a hardcover in their hands — it means something different."

Fire leaned back, his expression unbothered, as if Sea's words drifted right past him.

"I think you're the one who doesn't understand readers," Fire said coolly. "You think slapping on five extra chapters turns it into a whole new book? Isn't that just deceiving them? If you really cared about the readers, you'd stop thinking like a PR person, always chasing numbers without caring about the soul of the story. Honestly, you shouldn't be an editor at all. You should just go back to your communications major."

Sea pressed his lips together. Heat rushed up his neck. This guy... he was clearly picking a fight with him, refusing to acknowledge him as a proper editor.

Fire caught the shift in Sea's expression. The corners of his mouth quirked up, a mischievous glint flashing in his eyes.

Sea took a deep breath, unclenching his hands from his knees. When he spoke again, his voice was steady:

"I agree that the soul of the story is the most important thing. But many of your loyal readers were genuinely heartbroken by the original ending of 'First Love' where the two main characters didn't end up together. Some have been longing for a different ending. Why not create an alternate version for them? It's still another side of your story. Think of it as a way to comfort the people who've supported you."

He paused briefly, then continued, his tone firmer:

"And another thing — I am the primary editor responsible for your work now. The teen novel division entrusted me with this role. I hope you can respect that. If you have any objections about me after we started working, you're welcome to discuss it directly with the chief editor."

Fire's brow twitched ever so slightly.

This answer... wasn't what he'd expected.

"The little bunny can bite back now..." Fire thought to himself with a smirk.

Sea went on, this time his voice clear and unwavering:

"If Fire truly doesn't want to add extra chapters, we're open to hearing alternative suggestions from you, and we can discuss them at the next division meeting."

Fire fell silent, tapping his finger lightly on the table, deep in thought. After a moment, he said:

"Alright. I'll think carefully about both options and get back to you next week. That's enough for today. I have other things to do. Same time next week, but meeting at the publishing house feels too stuffy. I'll send you the location on LINE later. Bye."

And once again, without waiting for a response, Fire got up and made his way out.

Stepping outside, Fire glanced back at the café. Through the glass, he could see Sea quietly packing up his things, getting ready to return to the office.

"Interesting. Khun Tawinan... After all these years, I thought you were still that soft little puffball, easy to push around. Turns out you've got another side to you.

Now, what am I going to do with you?"

That night, Sea and Jimmy had just returned from a hearty dinner at their favorite spot near Sea's home.
Sea, rubbing his full stomach, suggested:

"Hia Jim, you can just drop me off here. I ate too much earlier. I want to walk a little or else I won't be able to sleep tonight."

With that, he stepped out of the car. He didn't expect Jimmy to get out with him too.

"Come on. I'll walk you all the way to your door."

Saying so, Jimmy gently pinched Sea's nose and took his hand, strolling slowly down the old brick road.

Sea's neighborhood at night was peaceful, like a little pocket tucked away from the noisy city.
The scent of damp grass and faint blossoms floated on the breeze.
Warm yellow streetlights cast a dreamy glow over the brick path, and every now and then, a bicycle would glide past, its bell chiming softly into the night along with the late summer cicadas.

With every slow step, the two walked side by side.
Moments like this washed away the heaviness left by his conversation with Fire earlier that day.

After a while, Jimmy finally spoke:

"You are quiet tonight, Nong. How did the meeting with the new author go?"

Hearing him ask, Sea lowered his head slightly, his fingers unconsciously tightening around Jimmy's hand, as if searching for a little more strength.

Sea let out a soft sigh, his voice tinged with hesitation:

"Actually... when I met Fire today, I really tried to do what you told me. From the very start, I kept reminding myself to be confident, to be professional."

Sea tilted his head and glanced at Jimmy, his dark eyes shimmering with a hint of regret:

"But... Fire was nothing like I imagined."

Jimmy kept listening patiently, never interrupting.

Sea took a breath:

"How do I put it... Fire's a bit arrogant, and he's kinda hot-tempered too..."

Sea began recounting everything that had happened that morning with Fire. The more he spoke, the deeper Jimmy's frown became.

"He just does whatever he wants, without listening to anyone else's opinion."

"And even though we've never worked together before, he already criticized me, saying I didn't know anything about editing teen novels."

At that, Jimmy's frown deepened seriously.

"So, can you still work with him?" he asked.

Sea nodded firmly, his voice steady:

"I think I can. Every author needs time to build a working relationship. I can't just run away because someone's difficult at first."

Sea lowered his head and kicked a small stone on the path:

"Besides... everyone in our department is so busy right now. You already asked P'Tek to help me too..."

He hesitated, unable to say the deeper part out loud.

Because for Sea, this opportunity wasn't just about his first editing project.
It was his chance to prove to the world — and to himself — that he had what it took.

Not because Jimmy helped him.

Not because someone shielded him.

But because Sea himself had walked this road, had endured it himself, had tried with everything he had.

Sea squeezed Jimmy's hand a little tighter, silently telling himself:

"If I keep relying on you, if I let people think I have no real ability... then I'll never be able to hold my head high."

And more than that, Jimmy — the man Sea loved, respected, admired — deserved a partner who was strong and mature, not someone who would forever hide behind him.

So, no matter how difficult Fire was, no matter how disappointing that first meeting had been, Sea was determined.
He had to do this.
He had to do it well.
He had to make Fire acknowledge him on his own merit.

Jimmy's hand gently tightened around Sea's, as if he could feel all of that without needing words.

"Alright," he said softly, "but if anyone bullies you, or makes you unhappy... you better know to run back crying to Papa, got it?" His teasing voice lightened the heavy atmosphere that had started to settle between them.

Sea flushed immediately. "This person... getting more and more shameless."

Jimmy just laughed, unable to hide the satisfaction in his tone as he added:

"Don't worry. When the time comes to review the manuscript, Papa will help you go over it again. After all, you're my protégé."

Hearing that, Sea's eyes lit up:

"Really, Hia Jim?"

But Jimmy didn't let him bask in joy for long. He put on a mischievous face:

"But... tuition fee still needs to be paid properly."

Sea blinked, confused:

"Tuition? Well, that's easy... I'll cover your breakfast and dinner!"

Jimmy burst out laughing, pinching Sea's cheek lightly:

"Papa's not that strapped for cash, you know. Better save it up to buy more banana milk so you can grow taller."

Sea pouted in protest, realizing he was just being teased.

He looked at Jimmy, both amused and flustered, unsure how to respond to this sudden childish side of him.

Jimmy nudged Sea with his elbow, tilted his head, and pointed at his cheek, winking:

"Hey, where's my tuition, little one?"

Sea flushed all the way to his ears.

Now he understood what kind of "tuition" Jimmy was talking about.

On tiptoes, Sea gently placed a kiss on the tip of Jimmy's nose — reddened from the chilly night breeze and the sudden closeness.

Then he tilted his head and kissed Jimmy's left cheek, leaving behind a soft, warm imprint like a whispered thank you, like a wordless plea for affection.

Jimmy closed his eyes, his breath trembling faintly.

Sea was just about to move to the other cheek—

But before he could reach, Jimmy suddenly turned, one hand cupping the back of Sea's neck, firm but gentle.

Sea gasped, eyes widening in surprise, barely able to react before he was pulled into a deep kiss. His hands, which had been holding Jimmy's face, fell away helplessly at the sudden intensity.

Unlike Sea's shy, featherlight touches just now,
Jimmy kissed him with all the pent-up adoration he had been holding back. His lips brushed then claimed Sea's, mixing gentleness with a dominance he usually kept carefully hidden.

Sea whimpered softly into the kiss, feeling Jimmy's strong arms wrap around him, as if he wanted to tuck him completely into his chest.

All Sea could do was cling to him, fingers unconsciously clutching at the hem of Jimmy's jacket, letting himself be swept away by the heat of Jimmy's every breath.

It wasn't until Sea felt a light-headed dizziness from lack of air that Jimmy finally pulled back.

He leaned his forehead against Sea's, chuckling under his breath, still slightly panting:

"That was just... the first down payment, Nong," he whispered in a husky voice. "The real tuition... we'll settle that later. Not here. Somewhere with more private."

Jimmy licked his lips, mischief glinting in his eyes as he practically set Sea on fire from the inside out.

Sea turned beet red, his body turning to jelly. He could only cover his forehead with one hand, twisting away from Jimmy to hide his uncontrollable shyness.

Somewhere...private... if he demanded "tuition" there, it would definitely be more intense than this...
What now...
Sea's mind conjured up all kinds of less-than-innocent images of what could happen between them.

Jimmy chuckled lowly, reaching out to hug Sea from behind when—

Suddenly, a clear female voice rang out from ahead:

"Sea! What are you doing? It's late, come inside!"

Both of them jolted in surprise.
Sea turned around in a panic, while Jimmy merely raised an eyebrow coolly, his hand still very naturally resting on Sea's waist.