Balancing Trust and Insecurity

As Nib, Win, Jian, and Nine stepped outside, Jian couldn't hold back his frustration any longer and turned to Win."Are you content now, Win? Just because of you, Mew has to endure all of this," Jian sighed heavily. "Mark my words, like me, you won't be able to be with your love forever. You guys will have to part ways someday."Nib, ever the peacemaker, interjected once more, attempting to diffuse the tension.Nib stepped forward, his voice gentle but firm as he addressed Jian, "You can't keep blaming Win every time, Jian. He's not at fault here; he did what he thought was right at the time. Instead of dwelling on the past, we should focus on the future."Pit chimed in, lending his support, "Jian, Nib's right. That was a dark night, and whatever happened was a mistake, not a crime."Jian nodded, his demeanor shifting from anger to introspection. "You're all right," he admitted, "it's me who's in the wrong."Without waiting for further discussion, Jian turned and walked away. Pit and Nine followed him, leaving Nib and Win standing beside the car.Nib smiled mischievously as he opened the car door for Win, prompting Win to chuckle. With a playful tone, Nib asked, "Are you grinning at me?"Win shook his head, still smiling, "No, but you look even cuter when you open the car door for me. Although, I think you shouldn't have..."Nib, taking his place in the car, responded with a wink, "Anything for you, my Majesty."They both fastened their seatbelts, and Win appeared lost in thought. It was clear he had something on his mind, something he needed to share with Nib. Nib sensed Win's hesitation and inquired, "Is there something you want to ask me?"Win stammered for a moment before speaking, "Um, well... I've been wondering how you always seem to know what's on my mind."Nib replied with a soft smile, "It's just a knack I have. I can practically count your heartbeats without even listening."Win, his smile growing, admitted, "I know, but Nib, there's something I've been thinking about. I want to be completely honest about our relationship. If I don't address this now, it will become a burden in my heart."Nib's expression grew serious as he encouraged Win to continue.Win sighed, "When I talked to Kimsy, you were upset, and you didn't let me know. When we arrived at the scene, you didn't open the door for me. And even when I was about to sit next to Inspector Thai, you didn't react. Have I done something wrong, Nib?"Nib maintained his gentle smile, replying, "Win, I never intended to hurt you, but..."Win pressed him, "But what?"Nib confessed, "I don't want to be immature anymore. I want to trust you completely. I can't keep doubting you all the time, Win. You have your life, and you have every right to meet new people and explore new environments. My insecurities shouldn't hold you back."Win reached out, holding Nib's chin between his hands, "Nib, it's unfounded. In a relationship where there's love, a little jealousy and doubt are natural. I'm not asking you to constantly doubt me to prove your love. I just want you to be true to our relationship. And..."Nib pressed, "And what?"Win grinned playfully, "And... if I were to say that I love your jealousy..."Without warning, Nib leaned in, capturing Win's lips in a passionate kiss. Their lips remained locked in an embrace, the longest and most passionate kiss they'd shared in their entire month-and-a-half-long relationship. Soft moans and sighs escaped their entwined forms within the car. Their stolen moment of intimacy was abruptly interrupted by a constable who had approached their vehicle.With flushed cheeks and swollen lips, the constable reprimanded them, "What are you both doing? This is a public place!"Nib and Win quickly snapped back to reality. The constable scolded them, "Hey, young men, how could you be so careless? Look what you've done to your boyfriend's lips. Now, go away from here, or I'll have to call our superior."Nib hastily responded, "No, no, we're leaving."He started the car, and as they pulled away, Nib couldn't resist teasing Win, "So, how did you like the jealousy?"Win, still catching his breath, retorted, "There's nothing to like about it."Nib grinned mischievously, "Oh, let me show you again then."Win chuckled and protested, "No, my lips are already swollen."They both shared a smile, their affection palpable.Meanwhile, in his office, Inspector Thai couldn't shake the image of Win from his mind. He questioned himself, "Why? Why is this happening to me? Why do I feel this vulnerability whenever Win is around? He belongs to someone else. I must control my feelings toward him."In the hospital, an ominous presence entered Shine's room. He lay unconscious, blissfully unaware that death had come searching for him even within the hospital's walls.As Win and Nib continued their drive, Win turned to Nib and asked, "But Nib, are you sure you've seen that comb before? Do you trust your memory?"Nib replied, slightly irritated, "Do you doubt me, Win?"Win reassured him, "No, I trust you. I'm just trying to understand. If you've seen that comb, try to remember. It might help us get closer to finding the real culprit."Confused and frustrated, Nib muttered, "Culprit? What are you talking about?"Win clarified, "I mean the person responsible for all this."Nib continued to struggle with his memory, "I'm trying, but I can't recall."Win, with a hint of frustration, asked, "How many girls have you met recently?"Nib replied firmly, "Not a single one."Win pressed further, "Then where did you see that comb? Was it in a dream?"Nib, growing more irritated, snapped, "That's what I'm trying to remember!"Win sighed and let it go, "Okay, fine."Changing the topic, Win pointed out, "Nib, I think you missed the way. Your penthouse is in the other direction, but you're driving toward Bangkok Hospital."Nib replied confidently, "I know where I'm going, Win."Win was surprised, "So, we're going to see Shine?"Nib confirmed, "Yes, and we're also going to inquire about the woman who collected Joy's boyfriend's body."Win raised an eyebrow, "Are you serious?"Nib nodded firmly, "Absolutely. I don't know why, Win, but my gut feeling tells me that there's an undeniable connection between all these events."As they arrived at the hospital, they were unaware of the challenges and mysteries awaiting them.