Chapter 9: Part 2

Start from the beginning
                                        

I was wondering why everything always happened to go bad in my life. When I didn't date the right girl, when I didn't get the best grades, when I always did the wrong thing, there was always a huge consequence. And that consequence happened to be brought on by no other than my own parents and my brother. I know deep in my heart that Can won't admit everything that my mother told him so I might never know. But I do know that he was hurting and my attitude brought about his own pain and my parents and Tul, they all hurt him too. So now I know what I am. I'm Tin - a problematic, hopeless, useless, worthless person... if I could even be called a person... that loves one person named Can.

'I see. We'll discuss Tul more later. And Tin, I'm not a heartless monster like you think I am, so I'll give you a week. No one will follow you, go spend your days with him. When it is time, they will come for you.' 

With that, I stood up and left, slamming the door hard in my wake.

A few hours later I was freshly shaved and bathed. I had brushed my teeth thrice to rid my mouth of the smell of alcohol. If Can knew I had been drinking, even as a nobody to him, he wouldn't even talk to me. I pulled out my phone and checked the usual media sites. Right now he was at practice. 

I stared at his picture. Thump thump. I still had strong feelings for him that I doubt would ever go away. He wasn't the most good-looking person but to me he was extremely handsome and his rude way of talking was endearing. I knew I couldn't live without him but you never fully know until it happens. 

I slid into the seat of my car and headed out towards the direction of him.

I parked my car when I got there and that's when I saw him. He was running around kicking the ball with his teammates. As if on perfect timing, I saw them all break for water and rest. My hand shook while I opened the door to get out of my car. My nerves became wracked when I crossed the field. The more I inched toward Can the more they became frayed.

His back was to me while he dug in a bag, probably for food. A small smile crept on my face. No one had noticed me yet and I for once was feeling a bit intimidated. I reached out my hand and touched his arm. He stiffened a little in shock but then turned his head. Whatever he had fell to the ground.

'T-Tin.' 

'Can.'

Before I realized the next move, all of his friends had pushed him behind them and were standing as if guarding him from me. I knew most of them but a couple I didn't know their names. Ae was the first to speak out.

'What the hell rich boy, what are you doing here?' He pushed me back a little bit.

'I'm here to speak to Can. I want to apologize and clear the air. If he'll let me.' My eyes connected with his and he looked away.

'Denied. Now go home. We all know what you and your family put him through. I won't let it happen again. He's our friend and we protect him.'

'Thank you.' I'm glad someone was since I didn't. Ae looked at me oddly since I was being nice to him. 'But I can't leave without talking to Can.' I looked to Can again. 'Please talk to me. It's urgent.'

'Now isn't the time.' It was Type who spoke. 'We just got Can back so we aren't going to let you destroy him again. Because of you he wouldn't even eat and many nights we had to carry him home drunk. He got super thin.' My heart pained at that. It must have been why there were no pictures of him in the beginning. When I tried to call he had blocked me and I couldn't contact him.

'Keep your distance from here on out. This time I don't have to play nice.' Ae pushed me again.

'Then again you are thinner too.' Type stated nearly at the same time that I almost didn't catch it.

'Can.' I said again but in a pleading tone. He looked up at me with watery eyes and walked away. Sigh. I'll try again tomorrow.
__________________________________

I slept in my car a few houses down from Can's home. About one in the morning I woke to a ruckus from outside. Two men were bringing Can home. I recognized one of them from his team but the other was new. Can was crying loudly and hanging on who I believe was Techno. I squinted in the dark and noticed his sister standing with her arms crossed.

'Can, not this again.' She shook her head. 'I thought he was getting better.' 

'He saw his ex today on the field. After that we all went out and he wouldn't stop drinking.' Techno slurred and almost tripped while holding Can. I see Can wasn't the only one.

The other handed him over to his sister. Suddenly Can hugged her tightly crying on her shoulder. His sobs were stab wounds to my body. If I could go back in time I would have protected him better and loved him harder. I had so much regret.

'Come on Techno. We have to go. Kengkla is waiting. Ah why did you drink so much too? Bye Ley.' The person waved and re-entered the car with his charge in tow leaving her juggling the added weight alone.

'Can...Can stand up.' After no success, she snapped, 'Cantaloupe!!! Stand now.' 

That seemed to rouse him a bit. 'Don't say my full name. You know I hate it Leeemonn.' He whined loudly. Cantaloupe and Lemon? Interesting. Before I could contemplate on it more they both fell in the dirt. 

Before I thought about it I rushed out of the car and to them both. I picked Can up in my arms and walked towards the house. I heard a click of a camera with a simultaneous flash of light but ignored it as I tried to hold him and open the door. After success I turned an inquired where his room was. A minute later he was safely deposited on his bed. I heard a giggle behind me and I turned in his sister's direction. 

'I'll leave you two alone.' She whispered and shut the door.

A/N: The better stuff comes now.

[Tin x Can] If Only I Could TrustWhere stories live. Discover now