Chapter Text
Once when he was younger, Can had fallen down the stairs and had broken two of his ribs. He never thought he’d ever feel pain like that again. He had been dead wrong.
“What’s the update on P’Pete and P’Tin?”
Can winced at the sound of that name but he didn’t answer his sister. He had been avoiding Tin ever since he had told him he wasn’t sure about his feelings. Tin had been doing the same going so far as to ignore him completely whenever the two of them happened to cross paths.
“P’Can, why won’t you answer me?” Lemon asked shaking her brother’s shoulder rather harshly, “If you don’t keep me informed my hand might slip and-“
Can wrenched his shoulder free, “Do whatever you want. I’m not going to eat whatever you cook anymore,” He stood up and made his way towards the stairs, “Stop threatening me.”
“You’ll want to eat sooner or later and you can’t always ask your P’s to feed you. They’ll only put up with you for so long you bottomless pit,” Lemon pointed out.
Can turned to shoot a tearful glare at his sister, “Leave me alone,” he sobbed out before racing up the stairs and slamming his door shut. He quickly locked it and fell onto his bed, his pillow soon becoming soaked with tears.
“Damn it Tin!” He screamed into the soft fabric, “I can’t take this!” After his last confrontation with the other boy, Can had lost his appetite and will to do anything. He barely made his through his classes and soccer no longer held the fun it once did. He was basically on autopilot during practice. He knew his P’s noticed but he ignored them.
The tears continued for several moments before he heard a faint knock on his door, “P’Can, are you okay?”
Can cleared his throat, “Go away,” He shouted not bothering to hold back the sobs in is voice.
“P’Can, please I’m sorry. I won’t bother you I just wanted to remind you it’s your turn to walk Gucci today,” Lemon said.
Can sat up and wiped his tears from his eyes. He felt a small wave of guilt wash over him. Just because he was feeling miserable didn’t mean his dog had to as well. Gucci had actually become more obedient, almost as if he could tell his owner was upset, “I’ll do it in a little bit. Now please leave me alone,” He waited a moment listening for his sister’s retreating footsteps before pulling his phone out and texting Pete. Once a week he sent a text to Pete asking him to send a message to Tin for him. Can had tried to text him himself but was always ignored so he had given up sending direct messages.
If you happen to see Tin, please tell him I hope he’s doing okay.
He was surprised when he received an answer back rather promptly.
Okay, but wouldn’t it better to tell him yourself?
Can held back a dry chuckle.
He hates me now you know that. But even so I do hope he’s doing okay.
He didn’t wait for a response before he pocketed his phone, setting it on vibrate t in doing so. He grabbed his hoodie and portable charger, then headed down the stairs looking for Gucci.
LBC LBC LBC LBC LBC LBC
Ae emerged from his boyfriend’s kitchen with a glass of orange juice in his hand, “You seem distracted. Are you okay?” He took a sip of the juice before setting it down on the coffee table, being sure to use a coaster. Pete’s apartment was always nice and tidy and Ae did his best to help him keep it that way. It was the exact opposite of the dorm especially Pond’s side.
Pete turned to tell his boyfriend he was fine but stopped at the last second. Over the months they had been dating, Pete found he could be honest with Ae, and the other boy wouldn’t even attempt to find a reason to judge him, “I’m worried about Can and Tin,” he said softly.
Ae’s hands tightened into fists, “I thought I told you to not-”
“But Ae, I’ve seen Can around the campus and he’s refused free meals. He never does that,” Pete pointed out, “And Tin, well, I know you don’t like him but he is my friend and he has helped me in the past.”
“That may be true but still,” Ae crossed his arms in front of his chest, “Those two need to sort out their own problems. If you try to meddle your way in you’ll be worse than Pond, and that’s saying something.”
“I don’t plan to do anything, like I said, I’m worried,” Pete answered pulling his phone out of his pocket and showing the short conversation between himself and Can, “I’ve texted Tin as well and he’s pretty much the same. It’s like they’ve gone back to how they were, only worse,”
Ae picked up Pete’s phone scrolling through the last conversation between him and Tin. It was strictly all business. He let out a sigh, “If it will put your mind at ease we can go and talk to Can and Tin and see if there’s any way we can help them,”
Pete’s face lit up and he leaned in pressing his lips to Ae’s softly. He normally wasn’t the one to initiate any of their kisses. He only did so whenever he felt brave or grateful and of course this was one of those times.
Aei returned the kiss holding himself back from deepening it but only just, “Keep that up Ai’Koon Chai, and I’ll be distracting you.”
Pete’s face went from glowing to blushing, “Ae!”
Ae smiled, “I love seeing you blush,” He teased before pressing a kiss to his boyfriend’s cheek, “Come on, let’s find Can first.”
“Okay, I’ll text Can to see if he’ll join us for lunch,” Pete said taking his phone back and sending a quick message.
Are you busy? If not would you like to join Ae and I, for lunch?
When Pete got a response it was definitely not what he was expecting.
I’m walking my dog, so yes I’m busy. I’ll meet you guys though since I’m sure you want to talk. But I’m not hungry so I won’t bother you for food.
Pete turned his phone to Ae, “This is what I’m talking about.
Ae read the message and pulled out his own phone.
Can, when was the last time you ate?
Ae isn’t sure he’s going to get an answer but when he does he’s not happy with it.
I don’t remember. But it’s not important. Just tell me where to meet you guys.
Ae’s grip on his phone is so tight Pete could almost hear it groaning under the pressure, “Damn it,” He cursed before looking at his boyfriend, “It’s worse than we thought,” He stood up, “Come on let’s go. We need to find him.”
We’ll be at the small diner a few blocks off campus, will you meet us there?
Pete’s phone buzzed seconds later.
I’m about 10 minutes away from there. See you soon.
“At least he’s willing to meet us. That’s better than nothing,” Pete said softly as he led Ae towards his car. They had both been hanging out at Pete’s apartment enjoying each other’s company.
“I suppose. But I know Can. Maybe not as well as others but well enough,” Ae responded climbing into the passenger seat and sighing, “If he has no appetite then something is seriously wrong.”
Pete said nothing as he started up the engine and headed towards their destination. When they got there, Pete parked the car and they headed towards the diner, “I’ll let Can know we’re here,” He pulled out his phone and began to type on the screen. He was halfway though the message when Ae placed a hand on his wrist, “Ae?”
Ae used his other hand to point a block away, “I see him he’s-“ His eyes widened when he saw Can’s dog break free from his leash and dash into traffic. Can had immediately chased after the dog right into the path of an incoming car.
“Can, look out!” Pete cried out, but it was too late. Can’s body was hit and he rolled hard and fast along the road before coming to a stop a few feet away from the now stopped vehicle.
Ae ran towards his friend in a flash instructing Pete to call for an ambulance, “Can!”
Pete forced himself out of his shock and did as instructed giving as much detail as he could to the dispatch before he ran towards his now injured possibly dying friend. When he reached Ae and the unconscious and bloody figure known as Can, he quickly dialed Tin’s number. He was surprised but grateful when the other guy answered.
“Pete, this isn’t a good time and I don’t want to talk about-“
“Tin, shut up for a minute, please! Can’s in trouble he-“
“That’s his problem now.”
Pete winced at that, “But Tin it’s serious. Can was just hit by a car.”
“He what?!”