It had been a week. A week since he'd seen Fang. He'd gone the next morning when Fang's shop opened only to find the "Closed" sign still facing outward with a small handwritten note crookedly taped up beneath it. "Vacation - back in a week." Tan had felt like he'd received a kick to the ribs upon seeing the note. He knew he'd fucked up badly. Had always known he had to tread lightly with Fang. Had always known Fang was more fragile than anyone he'd ever known.
He'd sat down on the bench outside Fang's store, immediately calling him, texting him. But no response had come that day. Or the next. Or the next. On the fourth day, he'd received his first text.
**
- hey
- Fang! I'm so sorry for what I said. I was drunk. I didn't mean anything by it.
- I know
- are you okay?
- I am
- where are you? can I come see you?
- I'm out of town and no
- please? or can you come back so we can talk?
- I'm not ready to come back
- can I call you then? I really want to talk about this not over text. I really want to apologize in person or at least over the phone. please?
After several minutes of no response, he tried again.
- teerak? you still there?
- I'm here
- can I call?
- I don't really want to talk
- are you somewhere safe? are you eating enough? drinking? sleeping?
- I'm fine but I've been thinking
- thinking? about?
- oh what do u mean?
- I just think maybe I need a break
- a break? what do you mean?
- I'm just not sure I can handle all of this
- all of what? you mean my friends? we can totally take a break from seeing them. I'm sorry I pushed you too hard
- no I mean from us not them
- please no. I'm so sorry. I'm really really sorry. I know I messed up but please come back and we can talk about it
- I really just need some time to think. I feel like I can't breathe. please, I just need some space
- so just some space? not breaking up? please tell me you aren't breaking up with me
- I'm not. at least not yet
- not yet? please please please. I'll do anything. I love you so much
- I know you do. I love you too
- promise?
- promise
- so, space? If I give you some space we can talk when you're ready?
- yes
- promise?
- yes I promise
- okay then I'll give you space. do you promise to let me know when you're back?
YOU ARE READING
Drawn to You
FanfictionWithout looking up, he could sense the owner had slipped from the back and was now standing behind the counter. Tan flipped the pages of his sketchbook backwards until he reached a recent, unfinished drawing. Tracing his fingers along the pencil lin...
