My Love, My Stepbrother.

New Neighbors

Can was at home and he couldn't sleep.
He checked the time and it's almost midnight.
He can hear his stomach churning.

It's weird but he feels hungry.
He stood up then checked the kitchen's cupboard.
"No luck."
Can said then went to the refrigerator.
"I'm wasting electricity for water and milk."

He sighed, took his wallet and then grabbed his unit's keys.

"This is one of those times where I miss Tin.."
He said slightly chuckling as he remembers waking Tin in the middle of the night just to cook food for him.

And Sandy was right..
He became a glutton when Tin was with him.
That's  the main reason why he gained weight.

Now...
He couldn't even fill his own refrigerator for food.
His cereals is also out.
Milk is already soiled.

"If Tin will just see me right now.."
"He'll be really mad!"
Can said choking with his own words..
"Maybe I should learn how to cook.."
"FoodTube is a great way to do that.."

He took out his phone..

There was a notification on the bell icon on his social media account so he opened it.

Tin posted a photo just a minute ago.

It was clearly in front of the beach.

It was dark and the moon is risen.

The dark water was glistening on the photo.

He just put a caption.
"Empty."

Can snickered.
"Yeah.. that's me Tin.."
"Just empty.. as you left me.."
"But I know as hell you're not empty!"
"I know you're with Sam and her gang because someone posted a photo in the UJ."

"Well, At least, you're making friends Tin.."
"And.. you're happy.. even without me.."
Can said sadly.

He hovered at his friend's list..
He only has his Mom, Sandy, Clay, Tin and other relatives as friends..

"I'll just delete you then..."
Can said talking to himself as he accessed the settings tab then deleted his profile.

He went inside the elevator then pressed the ground floor.

The elevator opened at the tenth floor.

There was a person who went inside..
He was really tall but had a hoodie on.

Can looked down then pretended to do something on his phone.

He is really not that friendly and he doesn't know much of the people living in their condominium tower.

He is also not the type to look at strangers.

"Yeah.. This place is quiet and quite far from school."
"I like it and.."
"It's nice that I have a place of my own now.."
The tall man was talking to someone while wearing a wireless earphone.

He laughed..
"I know Mom. I'm really hungry.."
"I can do the grocery and cleaning myself."
"You don't need to send one from the main house.."

Can raised his brow after his unwanted eavesdropping.
"Another rich kid.."
He taught to himself upon hearing the word maid and main house.

The elevator door opened but the tall man was unmoving so Can walked passed him.

The guard at the lobby greeted him..

Can greeted back.

He went outside..

The convenience store is just a few steps away.

"Welcome.."
The cashier greeted who looked really sleepy.

"How I wish, I'm sleepy as you.."
"So I won't have to feel the agony of looking for something to eat.."
Can whispered smiling.

He roamed around the store but couldn't find anything he would like to munch on, until he looked up.

"Why is that on the top shelf?"
Can said suddenly salivating as he just saw a flat dried ready to eat spicy octopus..

He tiptoed to reach it..

"Why am I so short?!"
He said frustrated as he can only touch the pack's tip but couldn't pinch it with his fingers to pull it down.

He looked around to get help but no soul is there except the cashier.

And he is embarrassed to ask her for help as he is a little taller than her.

And remembered that he was the guy.

"Wish I was a ballerina"
Can said so he could have maximized the tip of his toes to stand.. but he couldn't, so he tried to tiptoe again to get it partnered with a gentle jump but failed.

When he was about to give up and get noodles..

Out of  nowhere a hand extended at Can's back.
And reached out for the dried seafood..
then placed it in front of Can.

Can grabbed the pack.
He then turned around to say his thanks.

Jacques smiled at him.

Jacques didn't noticed Can when he went inside the elevator earlier as he was looking down on his phone.

But when he was inside.

He can clearly see the reflection of the person behind him.

He was wearing a white shirt with striped jammies.

He was on the phone with his mom so he did not have the chance to talk to tiny waist.

And Can did not recognize him as he was wearing a hoodie.

He then let Can walked ahead of him so he will know where he was headed.

"Small world."
Jacques smiled faintly.
"He really likes this neighborhood.."
He said to himself.

Can went inside the convenience store and was getting something he couldn't reach.

So he immediately went behind him then fetched the packet for him.

Can eyes widened..
"It's you?!"
He said in shock..

Jacques smiled..
"I was also the one with you in the elevator."

"Are you following me?"
Can said in an outburst.

Jacques laughed.
"Yes I am..."
"It's my first time to see you last Weds.."
"Then I stalked you.."
"Immediately bought a unit on the same tower where you lived the next day.."
"Then moved in today"
"Then I waited for you at the elevator and now,"
"I'm here."
He chuckled while speaking non stop.

Can's face flushed.
Jacques was exaggerating then teasing him at the same time.

"I'm beginning to think you're not that appreciative.."
Jacques gave out a grin.

Can grabbed a hold of himself.
"I was just surprised that's  all."

Can cleared his throat..
"Errrmmmm.. Thank you...."

Can gave a genuine smile while meeting his eyes.
Jacques smiled back..