Mending the Mechanic's Heart

Unsettling Encounters

The morning had started like any other, but the urgent call that pulled Sailub away left Pon feeling a little more vulnerable than usual. Normally, Sailub would be the one driving them to the garage, his presence a constant source of security. But today, Pon was on his own.

As Pon buckled Aon into his car seat, he felt a wave of anxiety wash over him. It wasn't just the drive that made him uneasy—something about the day felt off, though he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He took a deep breath, forcing a smile for Aon's sake, and began the drive to the garage.

Aon, usually cheerful and chatty during car rides, seemed to pick up on Pon's tension. He started fussing in his seat, his small whimpers gradually growing into cries. Pon's hands tightened on the steering wheel as he tried to soothe his son.

"It's okay, Aon. We're almost there," Pon murmured, though his own voice was shaky. The crying didn't stop, and Pon felt his nerves fraying with every passing second.

He knew he should pull over and calm Aon down, but the thought of stopping made him even more anxious. He just wanted to get to the garage, to the safety of familiar faces, as quickly as possible. His heart pounded as he drove, Aon's cries echoing in the small space of the car, making it hard to think.

Finally, in an attempt to distract himself and Aon, Pon decided to make a quick stop at the local café. Maybe a little break would calm Aon down, and he could pick up drinks for the team. He pulled into the parking lot, his hands trembling slightly as he parked the car and unbuckled Aon.

"Shh, it's okay, baby," Pon whispered as he lifted Aon from the car seat, holding him close. Aon's cries quieted a little, but the toddler was still unsettled, his tiny fists clutching at Pon's shirt.

Inside the café, Pon ordered drinks for the team, trying to ignore the stares from other patrons as Aon continued to whimper. He felt exposed, vulnerable, like everyone could see right through him.

As Pon balanced the tray of drinks and Aon in his arms, a familiar voice froze him in place.

"Well, well, if it isn't Thanapon Aiemkumchai."

Pon's blood ran cold as he turned to see Bank standing just a few feet away, his expression unreadable. Pon's grip tightened on Aon, who sensed his papa's distress and began to cry again, louder this time.

"Bank," Pon greeted, his voice barely above a whisper. He felt trapped, caught between his past and the present, with no way to escape.

Bank's eyes flicked to Aon, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Didn't know you had a kid. Surprises never cease."

Pon's heart pounded in his chest, his mind racing. He wanted to get out of there, to run as far as he could, but Bank was blocking his way. "What do you want, Bank?"

Bank took a step closer, his eyes narrowing. "Just a friendly chat. It's been a while, hasn't it? You've been busy, I see."

Aon's cries grew louder, his tiny hands clutching at Pon, sensing his papa's fear. Pon tried to calm him, but his own fear was overwhelming, making it hard to think.

"I have to go," Pon said, his voice trembling. "Please, let us go."

Bank didn't move, his smirk widening. "What's the rush? We could catch up—maybe even set up a time to meet properly. Just you and me."

Pon recoiled, his protective instincts flaring up as he held Aon closer. "I'm not interested. Please, Bank, leave us alone."

Bank's smirk faded, his expression darkening. "You've changed, Pon. But don't think for a second that you can ignore me. We have unfinished business."