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From the start of their acting workshops, Sea had already fallen head over heels for Jimmy even before they were partnered.
But before Sea, Jimmy’s acting career had been defined by his popular pairing with Drake. Their chemistry was legendary and popularly known. Although that pairing had ended years ago, and Jimmy's partnership dynamics with Sea was more deep and genuine, Sea couldn't shake the crippling fear that he was merely the replacement.
Sure he was, but Sea knows no one can love his Hia Jim more than him. And he will make that sure.
Jimmy often mentioned his pairing with Drake casually—a shared funny memory from a past photoshoot, a quick reference to an old habit. These mentions were harmless to Jimmy's point of view. Innocent, and entirely irrelevant to his affection for his Nong Sea.
Sea, at first, tried to be understanding. It was a history, and an inevitable part of Jimmy's career run. You couldn't just erase years, and what seems very important years for Jimmy. And the fan chatter made it even worse, further fueling the fire.
Any new post with Sea was instantly met with comments like, "It's nice, but I miss the OG," or "Sea is great, but Jim's chemistry with Drake was on another level."
And Sea is very irritated. Both with the fans and Jimmy.
Can everybody just shut up?
He knows he had to do something. Something that will regain his confidence with his place in Jimmy's life. He knows how to perfectly push Jimmy's buttons and he will use that to his advantage.
Sea knows he couldn't erase the past, but he also know he could weaponize Jimmy's present.
Sea perfectly crafted his plan. He then called Book, the perfect accomplice for this play.
"Phi, I need your help." Sea muttered under his breath, his voice cannot hide the mischievous glint. Book, confused on why the hell Sea had called him at 12 AM in the morning despite being busy.
"Nong, you do realize it's 12 AM in the morning? Is there something wrong? What do you need my help for?" Book asked continuously.
"Go with me to a restaurant tomorrow. I will bring Hia, you will bring P'Force. I'll text you the details. Thanks! Goodnight and sleep well, Phi!" Sea answered then hung up.
Book processed everything. It's not a strange thing that Sea invites them to hangout. But he knows there's more to this little hangout that Sea planned.
Early morning, Sea texted Jimmy saying he will go first. Muttering excuses that he needs to order from the chef privately and arrange everything.
Sea arrived at the discreet, upscale restaurant forty minutes before the reservation. He didn't actually need to order from the chef privately; his actual goal was just to position himself perfectly. He selected a prime booth: visible, yet somewhat private, ensuring their interactions would be noticed by anyone walking past.
When Book and Force arrived, Sea was already holding a glass of sparkling water, his phone face-down, a picture of pre-meditated calm.
"Nong Sea, you're early," Force commented, sliding into the booth next to Book.
"Needed to secure the best spot," Sea replied, his eyes sharp. He leaned forward and lowered his voice slightly. "Okay, Phi Book, listen carefully. This is important."
Book, intrigued and wary, leaned in too. Sea quickly outlined the first part of his plan, his gaze flickering nervously toward the entrance, as if expecting Jimmy at any second.
"So, when Hia Jim arrives, I need you two to be… engrossed. Very engrossed," Sea instructed, emphasizing the words. "And not with each other. Phi Book, you'll be my primary distraction. I need the full attention you usually reserve for P'Force when he's being annoyingly handsome. I need it pointed at me."
Book blinked. "You want me to flirt with you in front of Jimmy?"
"No, Phi! Not totally flirt," Sea hissed, "but close enough. I just need you to talk about my outfit, tell me how much I’ve improved in dancing or anything that praises me. Compliment me relentlessly, make me feel like the absolute center of your universe for the next fifteen minutes. P'Force, you just play the slightly annoyed, but tolerant, third wheel who has to wait for Book to finish doting on me."
Force gave a low whistle, immediately grasping the full, mischievous pettiness of the plan. "You're trying to make Phi Jimmy jealous. Bold, Sea. Very bold."
"I just need to remind someone that while he's busy reminiscing the past, the present might just become a part of that past he loves to reminisce." Sea muttered, the playful glint in his eye hardening into something fiercely competitive.
Call him petty and bratty, but what Sea wants, Sea always gets.
Just as the three began to laugh over an exaggerated fabricated story Sea was telling Book, the restaurant door opened. Jimmy walked in, scanning the room. When his eyes landed on their booth, his smile was genuine, but it faltered slightly as he took in the scene.
Book, following Sea's instructions, had already leaned in close to Sea, his hand resting casually on the back of Sea's seat, his eyes wide with mock adoration.
"No, no, Nong, you have to be kidding me! That monologue you did? The one where you had to cry on command? You didn't just 'do well,' you were absolutely captivating! I told Force right away, 'That kid is a star.' Honestly, Hia Jim is lucky to have someone like you to act with," Book declared loudly enough to carry, punctuated by an over-enthusiastic pat on Sea's shoulder.
Sea played his part flawlessly. He giggled, a bright, slightly too-loud sound, and batted his eyes at Book. "Aww, Phi, stop! You're going to make me blush." He didn't even glance toward the door. But he could feel daggers behind his back. The intensity of Jimmy's stare boring hole into Book's rested hand near his waist.
Oh he sure knows what gets Jimmy riled up.
Jimmy approached the table, his usual easy stride a little stiffer. He wasn't angry, but the warmth had drained from his expression.
"Sorry I'm late," Jimmy said, his voice polite, perhaps too polite. He stopped by the edge of the table, his eyes still fixed on Book's hand that is resting on Sea's chair. He didn't sit down.
Sea finally looked up, his smile bright, but lacking the usual exclusive focus he gave Jimmy. "Hia! You're finally here! We were just talking about how much Phi Book loves my new haircut." He gave Book a dazzling grin, the kind of easy, intimate smile he usually reserved for his partner.
Jimmy’s jaw tightened almost instantly. He looked at Book, who was still slightly leaning in, then at Sea, who was radiant and completely absorbed in the attention he was getting from someone else.
"Right," Jimmy said, his voice clipped. His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked directly at Book. "Mind moving your hand Book?"
Book, silently enjoying this, immediately straightened, his expression a perfect blend of innocent apology and amused submission. "Oh, sorry, Phi Jimmy! Didn't realize I was hogging the star of the show," he quipped, subtly emphasizing the ownership implied by Jimmy's demand.
As Book retracted his hand, Jimmy finally slid into the booth beside Sea. Instead of just sitting normally, he shifted immediately, pressing his side flush against Sea's, a territorial move that boxed Sea in securely. He then casually draped his arm across the back of the booth, his hand resting possessively on Sea's shoulder, a clear boundary marker against any further friendly invasions.
Sea felt the strong, familiar weight of Jimmy's arm and a spike of triumph shot through him. He leaned into the touch, but kept his outward attention firmly on Book and Force.
"Phi Book was just telling me about this amazing role he thinks I’d be perfect for," Sea continued, turning his body slightly into Jimmy’s space but directing his words across the table. He was enjoying watching the subtle shift in Jimmy's demeanor—the easy confidence replaced by a focused, slightly strained vigilance.
"Oh really?" Jimmy interjected, his voice cutting smoothly across Sea’s sentence. He squeezed Sea’s shoulder lightly, a brief, firm reminder of their connection. "You know, Sea's schedule is completely packed for the next year. He's not looking at any outside projects right now." It wasn't a question; it was a statement. He wasn't telling, he wants to finish the topic.
Force, who had been silently observing the petty play, smirked and raised an eyebrow at Book.
Book, never missing a beat, sighed dramatically. "Aww, Hia Jim is being the big bad manager again! Fine, fine. But I'll send the script to Sea directly, just in case he finds a few free hours."
"That won't be necessary," Jimmy stated, his voice calm but firm, a clear warning. He finally took the menu, but his attention was still 90% fixed on the conversation. He then casually slipped his free hand down to find Sea's thigh under the table, gripping slightly enough to claim. A raw, possessive claim that was utterly inappropriate for a public dinner.
And Sea knows he's winning. Victory sure tastes sweet. But he's not yet done.
Sea and Book continued talking animately over stupid things in Book's phone, with Force casually throwing comments here and there.
Jimmy watched this exchange—the genuine laughter, the shared focus on Book's phone, the complete disregard for the possessive hand he was placing under that table. This wasn't about Drake and their past anymore; this was about the current threat of Sea's wandering attention.
"Sea," Jimmy said, his voice dropping, carrying a low, husky warning that only Sea could hear. He still didn't move his hand. Instead, his fingertips began to trace a slow, deliberate line along the milky skin of Sea's thighs, a place only he could touch and own. And he knows damn well what he will do to prove that to Sea later when they're alone.
Sea ignored the silent warning and smiled widely at the phone screen, but his insides are shaking with excitement and perhaps nervousness. "Oh, Hia, isn't that amazing? You know, Phi Book said that color really brings out the warmth in my eyes—"
"I know what brings out the warmth in your eyes, Sea," Jimmy cut in, his words smooth and spoken just loudly enough for the other two to notice the shift in atmosphere. He wasn't looking at Book's phone, or the menu, or anyone else. His entire focus was on Sea. He lifted his hand from Sea's trembling thighs and let his thumb briefly brush against the sensitive skin right under Sea's ear, a gesture far too intimate for public. "I see it every morning."
The rest of the dinner was slow and full of tension. And Force and Book just wants to leave right then and there. Wanting to give the two the privacy they are clearly in need of.
As soon as they said their goodbyes, they were back inside the elevator of Jimmy's condo building. Jimmy’s calm exterior finally crumbling. He didn't speak; he simply turned, pinning Sea against the cool metal wall with his body.
"What was that, Sea?" Jimmy asked, his voice low, lacking any trace of teasing. His eyes were serious, searching Sea's face.
Sea wrapped his arms loosely around Jimmy's waist, looking up with a perfectly innocent expression. "What was what, Hia? We were just having fun with Phi Book. He’s always so complimentary."
"Don't play dumb," Jimmy murmured, leaning closer until their foreheads almost touched. "You knew what you were doing."
"What was I doing, Hia?" Sea still plays dumb, wanting to see Jimmy crumble completely.
Jimmy didn't take the bait. Instead, he dropped the pretense of anger, letting his voice turn low and intensely vulnerable.
"You were trying to make me jealous," Jimmy stated simply. "And you succeeded." He leaned back slightly, pressing his hands against the wall on either side of Sea's head, boxing him in. "Tell me. Before I make you."
The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open, announcing their arrival at Jimmy's floor. The sudden burst of light and the interruption broke the tension. Sea took the opportunity to slip out from under Jimmy's hold and walk into the quiet hallway.
"I need you to tell me, Sea," Jimmy persisted, closing the door softly behind them as they entered the condo. He walked straight up behind Sea, pulling him back into a loose embrace. "Why did you feel the need to make me jealous?"
Sea huffed. His composure slowly loosening. He turned to look at Jimmy.
"You do realize you can't just frequently mention your ex-partner in front of me casually like I won't get hurt from that right?" Sea finally admitted. "I hate how everyone just seems to compare. I hate that I feel like I don't deserve to stand next to you, like I was a replacement, like I wasn't meant to be here." Sea was sniffling now, his tears glistening under the lights of the unit's chandelier.
And Jimmy just breaks. His heart hurts to see his Sea like this. He knows how emotional and sensitive Sea can get. Which is why he wasn't entirely angry from tonight's chaos.
"Oh baby, come here." He pulls him to his embrace. Wanting nothing but to console Sea in all aspects. Sea is fully crying now, his heart aching to be assured and comforted.
"I understand what you're feeling, love. But I also need you to understand that none of that is true and those nonsense from others does not matter at all." He ran a gentle hand through Sea's hair. He guided them both towards their sofa, tucking Sea closer to him.
"Look at me, love." Jimmy instructed gently, turning Sea's face toward the soft chandelier light. "First, I am so sorry. I didn't realize my casual talk was hurting you. It was careless of me, and I will stop." Jimmy caressed his face, wiping the tears and planting a gentle kiss to the tear-stained cheeks.
"I want you to know that what Drake and me had was merely a contract. It was a stepping stone for both of our careers."
"You are never a replacement. Remember that, baby. Hmm?" Sea hiccupped and nodded against Jimmy's chest. Jimmy softly chuckled, adoring Sea.
"You are the first person I want to see every morning, the only one who can never annoy me, the only one who knows how to take care of me, the doctor's faen." Sea laughed, playfully pushing him away. Jimmy grabbed his hand and planted a soft kiss to his knuckles.
"No one comes close to you, Sea. Do you believe Hia, love?" Sea nodded. But Jimmy is not convinced. "I need words, love."
"I believe you, Hia. I'm sorry for tonight." Sea whispered softly, feeling the fear and insecurities leaving his chest.
"No need to apologize. But I want you to tell me that you won't make me jealous using my own friends again," Jimmy teased.
"How about with others?" Sea teased back, his playful nature shining through again. Jimmy narrowed his eyes. Sea laughed loudly.
"Kidding, Hia. Let's rest please? I'm tired." Jimmy smirked.
"You sure are tired from your bratty antics. Sure, let's get to bed." Jimmy promises, but he has something else planned for that bed. And tonight he will make sure Sea knows where he belongs and tame his earlier antics.
He adores Sea's bratness, but he sure loves taming him more.
In more ways than one.
Now, whose table really turned?