*Extremely Trigger Warning*

"Miron and I; our story story started about a year and half ago. He was a new recruit and I was already a professional player by then.
As you're aware, there are so many clubs associated with the national team.

"During one such practice session; Miron's club was invited to play with ours. Not being from here, he and few of his mates were not aware of our protocol. On arrival they were arrogant and had no respect for seniors or juniors. They just wanted to play rough and tough.

"I get it. They wanted to make name for themselves as quickly as possible; but not going against ethics and culture. We started on wrong foot. I hated Miron's guts and he hated mine. We had a play-off and he was unable to score even a single goal against me. Back then I brushed off his attitude with just one thought that we might not cross paths that often. But I was wrong. So wrong.

"Coach Chen kept insisting we play against these clubs and often; that had Miron and me play against eachother. What was once strong rivalry gradually started to change into a mentor - mentee relationship. Often we stayed back after-hours and I used to coach him personally. Back then there wasn't any romantic feelings or such but a comfort zone was created."

Taking a deep breath Xian gave Jun a small smile; "It's boring isn't it?"

"Not at all."

"Why don't you find this boring? Isn't it such a cliche way to meet someone?"

Jun took his own time to give an answer and when he did, it wasn't what Xian expected.

"Nothing about you will ever be boring."

'Wow' Xian thought to himself. 'Smooth as fuck!'

Clearing his throat Xian continued, "More time we spent with eachother, the closer we became. It wasn't long after Miron confessed his feelings for me and to be honest I was surprised. I always assumed I would never be in a relationship."

"Why not?"

"Because who would want a person like me when their own parents didn't want them?" There; Xian had finally revealed his darkest thoughts to someone whom he just met few days ago.

"Xian-"

"I know it's not healthy... But, in the end I was right in a way. I was discarded like garbage and he showed me the mirror, a person who isn't wanted by his own parents, will probably never be wanted by someone else."

Jun was quick to hold Xian's hand in his and turned to face him. "Never think of yourself that way. He was a bast*rd. You have many people to love you Xian. Many."

Gazing at their joined hands, Xian slowly retracted it from Azure's and tucked it over his own chest. He didn't want to feel warm. Not now.

"Every second with Miron was beautiful." He continued as if Azure's words didn't have any affect on him. "He was caring, attentive and very warm. I was surprised to find myself wanting to be with him even more. He made me realise I wanted to love and call them my own. I wanted a family.

"From being a passionate lover to a junior who was becoming an amazing team player, Miron was whom I wanted to spend the rest of my life with; or that was what I thought until he scarred me forever. JC never liked him and Kiara was weary of him. They thought something didn't sit well with Miron's eyes; but I like a love sick fool chose not to heed their words.

"I still want to believe that initially he did love me or atleast have genuine feelings for me. The way he looked at me was not of contempt. Atleast this is what I want to believe.

"Presuming where the bad blood started was when three months ago we were yet again asked to play against eachother and Miron became aggressive with our captain Jin. I intervened and what could have been sorted amicably, had me push him away so to not let a physical fight break out.

"It hurt him. I could see that. He didn't talk to me for few days. It hurt me too because he was shutting me out. But, after a week he came by to where we were practicing, gave me a  kiss and we sorted out our differences. I definitely could feel the change in his behaviour. Subtle, but they were there. His eyes were always swaying in other direction and never met mine for more than a minute. He always had friends coming over to all our dates. Miron started to change but I didn't see the red flags."

Taking a sip of the now warm coffee, Xian was bracing himself for the worst part and Jun could sense his troubles. Never before Jun had felt such rage towards another vile human being. If ever he met that Moron, he would... Universe knows what he would do?

"Two months ago we had decided to spend our evening at a night club. It had been two weeks since we had been together. I was away in Japan for a match. Miron was really excited and his excitement got hold of me. As the night progressed; we kept dancing when out of the blue a random pair of hands encircled my waist and shocked out of my wits; I turned back to wade him off and that man leaned down and kissed me.
That should have been my first red flag for the evening.

"When Miron gave him a broad smile and clung onto another guest for the evening, I should have listened to my intuition and got the fuck out from there immediately. But I didn't. Their names were Edik and Edmon."

Rubbing his palms against his knee, Xian started to shiver. He knew what was coming and there was no stopping it.

"They kept pouring some weird concoctions and made me drink them. Many would say I could have refused, but seeing Miron happy, I didn't have the heart. I know what a fool I have been. When things started to get hazy I should have called JC; but I didn't. When Edik felt my hips for the second time, I should have known that was my second red flag. Yet, I kept spending time with them."

Xian took pause when he felt a heavy jacket drape over him. It was Azure's. Pouring in another cup of hot coffee from the flask, Azure gave the cup to Xian and he couldn't have been more thankful.

"I don't remember much on how we got to that seedy lodge but-" shuddering at the memory Xian could not stop crying, "I still can feel the pain. Their laughter, their touches, their jeers; everything. At one point I lost all consciousness and it was only next morning I found what had happened.

"There were many Condon wrappers, but I knew they continued their assault even after they had none because of the evidence seeping out of my body. There was also a bloody hockey stick and-" clutching his hair Xian whispered, "a note that said 'Thanks for the unforgettable night fu*kboy!' "

Jun felt chillness in his soul. How could people be this cruel?

"Does anyone know about your turmoil?"

Jun saw Xian shake his head. "No one."

"JC?"

Turning to face Jun, Xian's eyes were wide with fear. "No! He must never know. If he does, it will eat him up from inside."

"Why?"

"Because that night I had asked JC to join us knowing Miron would have invited his own friends. JC was feeling sleepy and chose to sleep over than join us at the nightclub. If he gets to know, he will never be able to let go and forever it will eat him up from inside... I cannot let that happen. Not now, especially when he is going to become a father."

"Then you were all alone?" Jun was flabbergasted when the younger man nodded solemnly.

"Yes. Do you know what was the most painful part of this entire ordeal?" Not waiting for the answer Xian continued, "Walking into the clinic, explaining to the Doctor and his eyes filling with sympathy.

"When the reports confirmed our suspicion and all I could do was clutch them and cry out. I could neither yell nor get angry. My heart could not believe what the reports had confirmed. I still kept waiting to wake up from the nightmare."

"Did... you report them to the cops?"

Xian laughed sadly at that question and asked, "Report whom? Those guys? Where I don't even remember who all fucked the fuc*boy?"

"Xian..."

"The cops would have made fun of me. The news would have been leaked out for the media to judge and make the situation worse. I cannot make any complaints because Azure, in the end I have no one to rely on. My career is the only thing I can depend on. If this news gets out; it is always the victims who will be shamed. Not the accused."

"I can help you-"

"No!" Shaking his head Xian gave Jun a small smile. "I didn't reveal my story to you for sympathy. I just needed someone to understand my reason to quit. Atleast one person must know. In few days I'll announce my retirement."

Jun observed the resoluteness of Xian and knew this is not the moment to reason out with him.

"Alright." Jun agreed. "I understand; but before you announce your retirement, I have a proposition for you."

Attacking Zone:

Zone where opponent's goal is located.