Scene: University Campus – Evening
The sun is starting to set, casting a warm golden hue across the campus, but Tan feels numb to the beauty of the moment. The events of the day, especially his argument with Fang and the confrontation with his friends, swirl in his mind, each one heavier than the last. His classes are over for the day, but his thoughts refuse to quiet.
He walks aimlessly, his steps slow and deliberate, as if the weight of everything that's happened is physically pulling him down. When he passes by a bench near the campus gates, he decides to sit, hoping to catch his breath, to collect his thoughts. But no matter how many deep breaths he takes, nothing seems to settle. The bitterness of what happened earlier lingers in the air around him, thick and suffocating.
Tan leans forward, elbows on his knees, and stares at the ground, his hands clenched into fists. He tries to think about something else, anything else, but the words from Fang, Phum’s punch, Peem and Q’s disappointment—all of it plays over and over in his mind, relentless and unforgiving.
Tan (whispering to himself): "I just wanted them to understand... I just wanted to be there for Fang. I thought... maybe, maybe it would make things better... but I ruined everything."
His chest feels tight, the weight of regret and confusion heavy in his heart. He runs his hand through his hair, still unable to shake the anger, the pain, the frustration. Fang’s words echo in his head: “You should’ve called for help... You could’ve stopped me.” But what if Fang was right? What if Tan had done something wrong? What if he had taken advantage of the situation?
As the evening deepens and the campus grows quieter, Tan remains on the bench, lost in his thoughts. His mind is a whirlwind of doubt, guilt, and longing. He wishes he could go back, rewind everything, make it right but he knows it’s too late for that. The damage has already been done, and no amount of wishing will change that.
The breeze rustles the leaves of the nearby trees, and Tan shivers, though the air is still warm. He’s not sure how long he’s been sitting there, but it feels like an eternity. He wonders if anyone even notices that he’s gone. Does anyone care?
His phone buzzes in his pocket, pulling him out of his thoughts. It’s a message from Peem, asking if Tan is okay. The simple question stings more than he expects, reminding him of everything he’s been hiding. He doesn't know how to answer. He doesn't know if he even has an answer anymore.
With a heavy sigh, Tan looks up at the darkening sky. Maybe tomorrow will be different. Maybe things will get better. But for now, all he can do is sit here, lost in his thoughts, and try to make sense of the mess he’s created.
And as he stands up to leave, he wonders if he’ll ever find his way back to his friends. Or if, maybe, he’s already lost them forever.
The rain starts to fall in heavy sheets, the sound of it drumming against the pavement is like a constant reminder of the turmoil in Tan's mind. He doesn’t care that he’s getting soaked, doesn’t care about the cold, the wet clothes clinging to his skin. It’s all nothing compared to the heaviness he feels in his chest, the weight of his guilt and confusion, pressing down on him with every step.
The campus fades behind him as he walks through the streets, the rain blurring the world around him. He barely notices the people hurrying for cover, the cars rushing past in the wet streets. All he can focus on is the pounding in his head, the thoughts that swirl and crash like the storm above him.
By the time he reaches his apartment building, his clothes are drenched, his hair plastered to his forehead. The chill of the rain finally seems to seep into his bones, but even that feels distant, like everything is happening to someone else. He’s numb. A part of him wonders if the rain is washing away the pain, but another part knows it’s just adding to it. The storm outside mirrors the storm inside his heart.
