TinCan [ SHORT STORY ]

"So this is it then?" Tin Medthanan asked, his eyes sore from excessive crying.

He looked intently at Can Kirakorn, whose head is bowed down while his shoulders quiver from deep silent sobs.

Can's heart is breaking into million pieces, and he could only express it through silence and tears.

The words from their manager kept repeating on his head like a faint echo on loop saying "Your relationship should stop now. BREAK UP OR I WILL BREAK THE WHOLE GROUP APART."

They sat beside each other, no space in between, but they have never felt more distant and far away.

Tin let out a huge deep sigh and stood up.

Trying to make light of the situation, he blurted out, "Well, it's not like we won't see each other anymore, right?"

He fakes smiled, but his eyes just couldn't hide it. "Come on, we can still annoy the shit out of each other every day..."

Can looked at Tin with his bloodshot eyes, as if they are pleading, not wanting to let go.

"Baby..." Tin uttered. "Say something..." His voice started to break once again.

Can held Tin's hands and as if it's automatic, their fingers interlocked, and they squeezed each other's hands ever so gently.

Can pulled Tin closer and hugged him tightly, the latter reciprocated.

In silence and tears, they embraced each other, no one seems to want to let go.

Can stood up to meet Tin's face and gaze. Both closed their eyes and Can leaned in to kiss his lips---a long soft gentle kiss.

"Why does it have to be this hard?" Can asked, tears running down his swollen red cheeks.

Then Tin rested his head on Can's shoulder. "Breaking up... but not letting go..." He whispered. "I will always love you, Can."

Can quietly removed their couple ring from his finger and secretly slid it inside Tin's back pocket.

He closed his eyes and tightened his embrace. "Breaking up but not letting go... I love you."

BEFORE ENDING THIS NIGHT I WANT TO GIVE YA GUYS SOME SHORT TRIBUTE