RUNAWAY

CHAPTER 14

"Aim, tell me what really is happening here?"

Aim looked at the man in front of him hesitantly. He doesn't know whether he should be telling everything to the man in front of him.

"Aim, I didn't find you to give me the silent treatment. I want you to tell me everything. I'm his brother, Aim. He is the only one in this world who I love more than myself."

Aim looked at the taller man in front of him. He could see the helplessness and pain in those eyes.

"P'Noel, you...you are overreacting. There is nothing wrong." Aim said, trying his best to seem convincing.

Noel sighs as he sips his coffee. He and Aim were sitting in a scheduled area of a coffee shop.

Just a day before Noel contacted Aim telling he wanted to meet him. At first, Aim didn't understand who was calling him but when he came to know it was Noel, Kongpob's elder brother, his mind was full in mess. He didn't know how Noel came to know about him being in Thailand. Aim just agreed meeting with him as he heard the hardness in his voice.

And now he is here, sitting in front of his best friend's brother, trying his best to hide everything.

"Aim, don't fool me! Did you think I didn't notice you at the mall? Even though I have only interacted with you a few times I know about everyone who is related to Kongpob. The moment I saw you inside that hoodie with that lady, I knew it was you and you were trying to hide from us. Why Aim?" Noel spoke emotionally.

Aim looked at Noel and sighed. He thought he could escape from him through lies, but he couldn't.

"No, P'Noel. I didn't try to hide from you. You are just overthinking." Aim tried to convince Noel but it was not working on the older man.

"Aim, please. I want to know the truth. And I want to know whether that lady with you that day was Kongpob?"

Aim's eyes popped out of its socket as he heard the question. His voice cracked

"W...Wh...What are you talking P? Kongpob? With me? I...I have not seen him for years." Aim said with an awkward laugh.

Noel glared at Aim, he saw clearly how Aim was trying to lie to him.

"You are not a good liar, Aim. Mae might have not recognised her own son since she has never cared for him truly, but I can identify my brother in any corner of this world, Aim. Please, don't do this to me."

Noel's pleasing voice made Aim uncomfortable in his seat. His palms started to sweat. He was glad at least he didn't tell Kongpob about this so that he won't be overemotional over it.

He knew at this time after Arthit came visiting him, Kongpob needs time. A lot of time to think.

"Why are you showing interest now to find Kongpob, P? You had these many years! You didn't care whether he was alive or dead!" Aim shorted back. He knew that he had slipped some information about Kongpob through this statement of his and because of it he could see a small smile on the elder's lips.

"The only reason why I didn't search for Kongpob was that he asked me not to. Kongpob had never asked anything from me, not even a little candy. And when he told he would better die than me helping him, I gave up to him. I even dropped my carrier as a band member for my little brother. Please Aim, I want to know the truth. At least since you and Kongpob are here now." Noel exclaimed.

"Why did Kong dress up like a woman, Aim? Was he trying to hide from us? But why? I tried asking him this question before he left this country but he didn't answer. He just told me if one day he gets to meet me again he would explain and now it is the time, Aim." Noel's words were sharp. His voice filled with determination.