Bubble

10. Baby Steps

Bonita sat on the edge of her bed with a balled-up tissue in her hand, her eyes blankly staring at the white speckled wall before her. Even though she and Minho had been friends for roughly a year and a half, that had been their first real fight. Sure, they had fights in the past, but it was more playful bickering. They had both seemed to realize without saying anything that their pasts made them vulnerable when they first became friends, so they just focused on trying to be a solid anchor for each other. This was the first time that Bonita felt like that anchor slipped away.

"Maybe I am an idiot though..." she murmured, the tears frozen on her cheeks as she looked down at the tissue. "What other person would believe the main character from their favorite television show could magically just appear out of thin air?"

A knock at her bedroom door caused her to look up and see Minho sheepishly standing there. From his shins down was a fine layer of dirt as if he had decided to wear it as part of his wardrobe. He could obviously see that she had been crying, clearing his throat as if that would clear the awkwardness in the room as he asked, "May I come in for a second to talk to you?"

Bonita nodded in response as Minho walked into the bedroom, gently taking a seat beside her on the bed. He looked away from her and down at his feet for a moment, letting the tension between them simmer but in a way that felt like it was fizzling out.

"I'm sorry for what I said earlier..."

"No, don't be. You're right," said Bonita. "I'm an idiot. I'm stupid..."

Minho immediately shook his head, lifting it to see that a fresh tear was rolling down Bonita's cheek.

"I was wrong to say those things to you. You're far from that, Bonita. I just...I got fired up. I'd blame it on the freaking fire noodles, but that was all my dumb fault too. If anyone is the stupid idiot here, it was me for calling you that."

Minho reached out a hand to wipe the tear from her cheek, causing her to finally turn her head to look at him. Their eyes locked as Minho slowly withdrew his hand.

"I was just worried about you around Bang Chan and my concern came out wrong. Please don't take those words I said seriously, Bonita. It couldn't be further from the truth. I'm sorry."

She gave a weak smile, causing him to do the same as she nodded her head.

"It's fine...I appreciate the apology. I forgive you."

Letting out a sigh he didn't realize he was holding, Minho's smile widened a bit more.

"Good...I'm glad."

He reached out an arm to shoulder hug Bonita, causing her to lean in and rest the side of her head against his shoulder.

"I know you mean well, Minho. I appreciate that you are always watching out for me."

"Of course. You're like family to me," he said.

"I do have a question for you though."

"Hmm?"

"Did I hear you say you were worried about Bang Chan around me? Like in the past tense?"

"Yes...I mean, I still don't completely trust his whole 'popping out of a television show' bit, but...I suppose he's okay. I'll give him some more time and see."

"Maybe you two will end up being friends," said Bonita as she kept her head on Minho's shoulder as he chuckled.

Bang Chan meanwhile was seated on the couch in the living room. Even though he wasn't standing near the bedroom doorway, he could hear every word of their conversation due to the open bedroom door. The words he was hearing had an odd effect on him as he slid a hand up along his chest, resting it over where his heart was and clenching the fabric a bit.

- - -

"While I'm at work today, can you promise me you won't kill him?" asked Bonita the next morning as she sat at the kitchen table, looking across from her at Bang Chan and Minho who sat side-by-side.

Bang Chan sat across from her wearing one of Minho's black sweatshirts and gray sweatpants. Minho meanwhile was sporting a maroon sweatshirt and gray sweatpants. They both looked like they were about to be on a workout team together, but the 'team' part was still causing Bonita to be a little wary. They seemed to be fine for now, but she was worried that might change during the course of the day.

Minho moved to hold one hand up while putting the other one over his heart.

"I solemnly swear that I will not kill the man," said Minho as Bonita chuckled, rolling her eyes.

Bang Chan felt the same dull ache in his chest that he had felt last night when Bonita chuckled but pushed it aside as he turned to watch Minho get up from his seat.

"Come on. I have some errands to run before going to work today," said Minho as Bang Chan nodded, standing up from the table.

After Bang Chan put the hat and mask back on, the two of them both said goodbye to Bonita before walking out the door and down the stairs. They both did so in silence, remaining in this silent state for a block or two before Minho decided to break it.

"Did you get a good night's sleep on the couch last night?"

"Are you asking because you didn't on the floor?" asked Bang Chan.

Even though Minho had been adamant prior to the fiery Ramen noodle challenge, he had relented to it all after he had apologized to Bonita. Bang Chan wondered if it was really the first step towards him and Minho becoming friends.

Minho snorted at Bang Chan's comment, coming to a stop at a crosswalk. Turning to look at him, he said, "I slept fine on the floor. I was like a human burrito."

Looking down at his feet, Minho quickly added, "Thank you for last night by the way. Even though you kicked my butt at the rock kicking, I appreciate you for forcing me to talk it out with Bonita instead of letting it fester."

"You're welcome," said Bang Chan, "but I also meant what else I said too."

"About the friend thing?" asked Minho as he looked back up, Bang Chan nodding.

"I'll consider it," Minho said. "Just no more going through my things."

Bang Chan cracked a small smile, nodding once more as the crosswalk light finally changed. The two of them crossed, walking towards the downtown area that was normally populated with foot traffic. However, today it seemed as if all the foot traffic was pooled about the base of one building as they walked by. Minho and Bang Chan slowed down, craning their heads to look up towards the top of the building like everyone else was doing. At the top of the tall building was a speck of a man, teetering back and forth like he was on a seesaw.

"He's going to fall," commented one onlooker.

"Do you think he's doing it on purpose?" asked another in shock.

Minho and Bang Chan stopped completely then as they stared at the spectacle in shock. It was hard to tell who the person was since they were so high up, but that was a horrible way for anyone to go. Feeling so depressed that you thought all hope was lost was not a place one ever wanted to be.

"Is anyone going to do anything?" asked Bang Chan as Minho turned to look at him.

"I mean, we could call the police or something..."

"It might be too late then," said Bang Chan, running towards the building before Minho could respond again.

'What does he think? He's everyone's personal superhero?' thought Minho as he moved to run after him, trying to shout at him to wait up even though he was already several feet ahead of him.