Chapter 11

(Chan POV)

The Next Day

Chan got up from his bed slowly and in pain. It had been a long time since the last time he had had to compress his thighs and calves with ice like this, and it truly makes Chan feel his age, all 36 of it. But BSFC's victory over Bangkok United in yesterday's match was really sweet and Chan wouldn't have it any other way. Moreover, not many professional athletes in his age could continue to compete at the top level like this, most of them had to give up their careers because their skills have drastically decreased, or some even had to retire early due to injuries. Chan realized he was one of the luckiest, and for that he was very grateful. So, no complaint whatsoever from him.

Chan was just about to consume a huge portion of vegetables-fruits-protein powder smoothie that had just been blended, when his cell phone rang. It was Don.

"Coach?"

"How are your thigh and calf muscles? I hope you've iced them."

"Already did, Coach," answered Chan while shaking his head in wonder. "I guess, nothing escaped your scrutiny."

"Chan, I've been training you for almost 14 years, of course I'm aware of your condition. Just like I'm aware that you drained all your energy to guard that United midfielder, " stated Don. "If it weren't for the fact that I knew yesterday's derby meant a lot to you, I would have stopped you."

"Thank you, Coach."

"Overstraining your leg muscles at your age is not a wise choice, especially when you intend to play in all the games this season."

"Understood, Sir."

"It's a good thing that next weekend there will be no match because of International Friendly, so you can rest more."

"Yes, Coach," responded Chan. "What can I do for you, Sir?"

"Ah yes. Saturday morning, people from management came to the training ground to give you a notice, but you weren't there yet, so they gave it to me. Since that day we were all so focused on the derby match, I forgot to pass on their message to you."

"Oh, what message?"

"The National Football Federation has decided to give you a special award to honor your outstanding professional football career."

Chan was stunned for a moment, he knew he had a good career as a footballer, but never expected the National Federation would want to award him with such a high honor. He felt very flattered and grateful at the same time.

"Chan? Are you there?"

"I'm here, Coach. It's just that… I don't really know what to say…"

"You deserved it. When I told you, you're my pride and glory, it wasn't lip service, you know that, right?" Again, Chan was stunned. Don is more than just a coach for him, he's like a father figure, a mentor.

"Coach, I…"

"I'm sure Mr. Krisda already told you about the BSFC offer."

"Coach…"

"Wait, I'm not done talking... I'm also aware that you want a long break from football. The point is, once you're ready, BSFC is also ready to accept you as part of my coaching team. I'm waiting."

"Hn," responded Chan curtly because he knew if he spoke any more than this his voice would crack. Even now, he was having a hard time holding back his emotions.

"Okay, I better leave you and your super healthy smoothie."

Chan chuckled.

"Coach, if I didn't know better, I'd think you had planted a secret camera here to spy on me."

"What makes you sure I don't plant one? Good day, Chan!"

"Have a good Sunday, Coach."

Chan was still filled with disbelief as he finished the smoothie. Usually after breakfast, he would do light exercise and cardio, but he decided to skip it today. He will allow his muscles to rest for the next 24 hours. As he was contemplating what he was going to do to spend his Sunday, the notification on his cellphone rang again. It was a message from the architect firm, asking his permission to call him. Chan decided to just give them a call right away.

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(Tankhun POV)

Three Days Later

New Message from Caramello

Tankhun's eyebrows rose in response to seeing a new message notification from Chan, the first in eighteen days, but who's counting, right? Tankhun ignored the voice in his heart that suspiciously laughed at him just now and immediately opened the message from the footballer.

Caramello

Ready for ur second task?

Tankhun let out a grunt although inside he was very curious. Before he could reply though, a new message from Chan appeared again.

Caramello

Still giving me the silent treatment?

Tankhun T

Please ... you're not that important for me to give you the silent treatment. I'm just busy.

Caramello

Ouch!

Tankhun smiled.

Caramello

I'll pick you up Saturday at 7.50 AM. Be ready!

7.50 AM!? Is he mad?

Tankhun T

Not so fast, mister. You'd better have a good reason for ruining my weekend, and you should tell me clearly what task I have to do. Do you even know my home address?

Caramello

I'm Chan "Daddy" Knight, the Captain of BSFC. I have my own way. ?ￂﾠ

Did he seriously just throw my own words at me? Damn this man!

Again, before Chan could type a reply, a new message from that... that old man appeared.

Caramello

There will be many activities that require physical exertion. So, I recommend wearing something that is comfortable and not designer clothes.

Tankhun gasped.

How dare he? Why, you…

Tankhun never typed as fast as he did at that moment.

Tankhun T

One, I never let anyone tell me how to dress myself. Two, I let you know that I can do anything in my designer clothes!

Caramello

If you're not afraid they'll tear or dirty, be my guest, Pumpkin. Don't tell me I didn't warn you.

Tankhun T

It's Doctor! And what's that supposed to mean!?

No reply.

Tankhun T

CHAN! ANSWER ME!

Still no reply.

Tankhun T

I hate you!

Caramello

See U Saturday~ ?ￂﾠ

UGH!

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(Tankhun POV)

Next Saturday 07:30 AM

As soon as Tankhun saw Kinn and Porsche having breakfast with Pa in the dining room, he's 100% sure that his suspicions last Wednesday – regarding who had informed Chan their home address, confirmed.

Nosy bastards.

"Good morning… looks like someone still hasn't given up on meddling in my business," jibed Tankhun, face full of accusation.

"Good morning, son."

"Good morning, Tankhun."

"What do you mean, P'? We missed you, Pa, and Kim, so we decided to have breakfast here today," Porsche replied, his face guilt-free, his lips curled into a wide beaming smile, his eyes as mischievous as an imp.

Ugh, this 'lil shit.

"Tankhun, come, Kinn and Porsche bring your favorite fried dough stick to eat with the porridge," requested Pa, as he patted the seat on his right side. "Let's eat while it's still hot."

"Yes, Pa," answered Tankhun, obeying his Pa's request. "Where's Kim?"

"Still sleeping, I guess, but I'm about to wake him up now," said Kinn. "We haven't had breakfast together like this for a while."

Kinn left the dining table to go upstairs to wake their youngest brother.

The mischievous look in Porsche's eyes grew even more intense, and suddenly Tankhun realized the real reason for his brother and brother-in-law's visit to the house early in the morning. Tankhun couldn't help himself not to feel amusement, his pouting had turned into a smile, while continuing to enjoy his favorite fried dough sticks.

"It's going to be spectacular, P'," promised Porsche. "You look great, by the way. Special occasion?"

"Shut up," replied Tankhun, chuckling at the thought of what would happen soon. His brothers were his weakness, he could never be angry with them for long.

"It's the weekend, and I don't have practice today, why do I have to eat breakfast so early?" Kim grumbled as he entered the dining room and took a seat next to Tankhun. His fairly long hair was tangled, and Tankhun reflexively straightened and combed it with his fingers.

"You haven't washed your face, have you?" asked Tankhun.

"This is your punishment for waking me up so early, please enjoy my face that is still full of drool," replied Kim, still feeling annoyed. "Good morning, Pa."

"Morning, Kim."

Kinn had just returned to his seat next to Porsche when the doorbell rang.

"Ah, right on time," said Porsche, looking meaningfully at Tankhun.

"Kim, would you please be a sweetheart and open the door?" asked Tankhun sweetly.

"But whyyyy~ I haven't even had a drop of water," wailed the youngest Theerapanyakun boys.

"Pretty please?" pleaded Tankhun again, puppy eyes in full force.

"Sometimes I really hate being the youngest, you all take advantage of me," Kim protested as he got up from his seat and walked towards the door.

Tankhun, Kinn, and Porsche were following Kim slowly, trying hard to keep him from noticing that they were trailing behind him.

"Good morning, is this the Theerapanyakun residence?"

"Holy Shit!" Kim shouted as he slammed the door loudly.

"Umm, Kim… you do realize you just slammed the door in your favorite captain's face, right?" asked Porsche, desperately holding back his laughter seeing Kim's shocked face.

"HOLY SHIT!"

TBC