Catch Me When I Fall [BxB]

Just Kiss Already

"I get that. I totally understand. But think of it this way, Tyrone. If life has dealt you all these problems, difficulties and uncertainties, why do you trust it to take control?" I ask.

Tyrone shrugs.

"I mean, I don't. Not really."

"But you still trust it more than yourself?"

"Honestly... yeah, I do sometimes."

I just nod, somewhat unsure of what to say to help him.

"You know, every time I try to take control of something in my life, it just ends up backfiring on me. So I've resolved to sit back and not interfere with shit." Tyrone pauses. "It's like choosing between bad and worse. So forgive me for choosing bad. It just gets exhausting after a while. You lose your hope."

"I get it. I totally understand. And I'm proud of you for even opening up to Khai. Even me for that matter, that's a big step for you. Especially if you're the kind of person that distances themself to prevent getting hurt. I've lived alone for over a decade, almost completely isolated, so trust me when I say connections are important. If you find your people, you become unshakeable. So at least acknowledge how well you've done."

Tyrone smiles at me.

"It's weird. Khai's such a silly little guy but he's taught me so much already."

"Yeah, he's special. But still, don't deflect that from yourself. You still took the steps and faith to trust him."

Tyrone nods.

"He's like... exactly what I needed. And I know I've still got quite a ways to go but I least I have a little hope again."

"That's good."

"Yeah. It goes a long way."

"It does." I say. "Look, it's okay to be cautious. Just don't sabotage yourself, either."

Before Tyrone can say anything, the door opens again and Khai skips outside, a happy smile on his face.

"Are you guys ready to go?" He asks when he turns to us.

"Yeah, sure. Just lemme bring my bag inside real quick." Tyrone says getting to his feet.

Khai hands the keys to me before saying,

"Mom asked if you want to drive."

"Sure." I reply, taking the keys from him before getting up to start Hazel's car.

🌒🌓🌔🌕🌖🌗🌘

***Khai's POV***

"I love thrifting." I tell Tyrone as we browse through some of the gently used clothes. "But sometimes it can get very overwhelming, especially with all the hangers squeaking on the metal bars. But I don't know, I'm just sensitive to certain sounds."

"Yeah, I get like that too, sometimes. It depends on my mood, though."

I nod.

"Thrift stores are like the only clothing places I've ever shopped at." Tyrone adds. "I feel like a lot of people may think that sucks and that thrift stores only sell crappy second-hand stuff, but they're wrong. There's a lot of good finds. And it's all super cheap, how great is that?"

"Right? If you can't find something anywhere, there's a high chance you'll find it at a thrift store."

"Exactly." Tyrone pauses, then smiles. "My mom would always take me before the start of school. Now that I think back to it, she was probably stressing about not having enough money or that I'd get bullied for my clothes, but I was always happy then. Well, as happy as I could be. Besides, I got to spend time with her and that's all that really mattered to me."