Mending the Mechanic's Heart

Unveiling the Shadows

Sailub had always respected the boundaries of others, never one to pry into someone's personal life unless necessary. But when he saw the message on Pon's phone, something inside him snapped.

It had been a long day at the garage, with the team working hard to prepare for an upcoming race. Pon, as usual, was dedicated and focused, though Sailub couldn't help but notice how tired he seemed lately. Despite his worries, Sailub didn't press Pon for answers. He knew that Pon would open up when he was ready.

As the day wound down, Sailub found himself in the small break room, where Pon's phone was charging on the table. He was just about to leave when he noticed the screen light up with a new message. It wasn't something he usually paid attention to, but the name on the screen caught his eye.

Bank: You can't keep this from me forever, Pon. I know the truth about Aon.

Sailub's heart skipped a beat. His breath caught in his throat as he stared at the message, the words sinking in slowly but heavily. The truth about Aon? What could Bank possibly know about Pon's son?

He knew he shouldn't read further, but his hand reached for the phone almost on instinct. He needed to understand what was going on, needed to know why this message felt like a threat.

With a shaky hand, Sailub unlocked the phone and opened the message thread. What he read next made his blood run cold.

Bank: I know Aon is mine, Pon. You've kept him from me for too long. We need to talk, and you know it. You can't hide my son from me forever.

Sailub's mind raced. Aon was Bank's child? The thought of this man—this stranger to him but a shadow in Pon's past—being Aon's father sent a wave of protectiveness surging through Sailub. He felt a rush of emotions: anger, confusion, and a deep, unsettling worry for Pon and his son.

Why hadn't Pon said anything? Why was he carrying this burden alone?

Sailub didn't know how to approach Pon about this. He was hurt that Pon hadn't trusted him with such a crucial part of his life, but more than anything, he was furious at Bank for the pressure he was putting on Pon. Sailub couldn't stand the idea of anyone, especially someone like Bank, causing Pon and Aon pain.

He couldn't confront Pon directly—not yet. It would only add to the stress that Pon was already under. But Sailub needed answers, and there was one person he could turn to who might help him piece this puzzle together without alarming Pon.

Later that evening, after the team had left the garage, Sailub asked Pooh to join him for a drink. They sat in Sailub's office, the atmosphere tense, the weight of Sailub's discovery hanging between them.

"Pooh," Sailub began cautiously, "I need to ask you something important. It's about Pon and Aon."

Pooh's expression immediately became serious. "What's going on? Did something happen?"

Sailub hesitated, unsure of how to phrase what he had seen. "I saw a message on Pon's phone today. It was from someone named Bank. He... he's claiming that Aon is his son."

Pooh's eyes widened, his face draining of color. He didn't say anything for a moment, processing what Sailub had just revealed. Finally, he let out a deep breath, his voice tight with a mix of anger and concern. "I didn't think he'd ever find out. Pon... he's been trying to protect Aon from him."

Sailub's grip tightened around his glass. "So it's true? Bank is Aon's father?"

Pooh nodded, his expression pained. "Yes. Pon and Bank were involved a few years ago. Pon didn't want anything to do with him after he found out what kind of person Bank really was. But then Pon found out he was pregnant. He decided to raise Aon on his own, without letting Bank know. He wanted to keep Aon safe from Bank's influence."