MileApo : Catching Feelings

nine

Mile's reassurances to Apo did not disappoint. After a long time of stagnancy, the series was being addressed again and matters were being dealt with. Mile and Apo were soon back into their tight schedule as almost a year ago, busy with the workshops, workout sessions, and filming. Mile left all the businesses in his family's care once again and focused on the production of the series.

"I think... I think... I'm going to pass out," Mile managed between pants, as he struggled to get oxygen inside him.

"Nah.. you're just old."

Here we go again.

Although Apo's remark was dismissive, his eyes told a different story. He handed Mile a towel and waited with a bottle, passing it between his hands. The workout for that day had been intense and almost everyone was worn out. Build had even passed out from the exertion... Apo had grounds to be worried. Even if Mile was a strong guy...

...Apo had grounds to worry.

Mile did not have the energy to respond but he did manage to give him a look that Mile thought might be scary, but only succeeded in drawing out a laugh from Apo.

They ordered dinner and everyone ate together at the company, there was a scene to be shot later on in the night, so some of them were staying over. Mile and Apo had the next day to themselves because they did not have any scenes for the following day. They hadn't expected it but they were granted a free day considering how busy they'd both been over the past few weeks.

"Don't forget the interview on the 30th. Preaw will come pick you two up at 10 am, okay?" Pond reminded them as they were leaving. Both of them were the forgetful kind, so Pond knew to remind them of things now and again.

"Yes, Boss!" Apo stood up straight and saluted Pond, before steering Mile by his shoulders towards the car.

"Tomorrow's the 29th huh?" Apo wasn't sure if Mile was just talking to himself or asking a question.

He decided to answer it anyways.

"Yep. Time's been flying since the shoot started."

"Hmm." Mile merely hummed, he seemed preoccupied. The whole ride home, Mile seemed unusually quiet. He answered Apo with subtle nods, a hum here and there, with odd brevity. It didn't take Apo long to notice and he figured Mile was tired. They had been continuously filming, practicing, working out... everything changed from calm to chaotic real fast in their life. Apo was drained by the end of most days as well.

"I'll see you tomorrow," Apo said as he got out of the car. He'd intentionally said that. They had made no plans of meeting up the next day, he wanted to see if Mile would notice. But Mile was only half here, he was lost someplace inside his head.

Mile smiled slightly and nodded his head before driving off. He had a habit of waiting for Apo to reach his door on the second floor until Apo waved him off. Some things were forgotten that day.

Some other things were remembered.

Mile switched on the light in the bar, not bothering with any other bulbs. He fished out a bottle of dry gin, added some ice to a glass, and poured in a shot. It was a day for neat drinking. Alcohol, for Mile, was one of the many joys of life, one to be appreciated and savoured. But sometimes, alcohol can be the anesthetic to troubles.

After sipping through about three or four shots of neat gin, Mile finally moved from that bar stool. He was drunk, not too much to forget his problems, but enough to acknowledge them. He walked through the dimly lit room, towards the music room, where he kept most of the instruments he'd accumulated over the years. He opened the door and leaned against the door frame, staring into the dark for a moment before turning on the lights. After standing there for about God knows how long, he finally pulled back the door and decided to acknowledge the problem. The guitar case he'd very cleverly hidden behind the door... Every time he'd enter the room, the door would be open and he wouldn't have to see the guitar case. Hiding it meant he didn't have to throw it out as well.