I'm In Trouble

Clip 8

"I don't want to. I want to be with you. I will do anything for you," Minhyun burst out honestly and Baekho stiffened in shock. "I like you. I like you...."

Baekho shook his head. "How can you like me when you don't even know me? My life is in tatters. I don't even have a proper home. I might lose my job. I'm pathetic."

"That's why I like you."

"What?"

"I like that you're broken... I like that you're not perfect. I like that you're still clinging onto life like its so damn important even though it can all just be blown away. I like that you're earnest and work so hard."

Baekho was stunned. What a joke. He breathed in sharply and curled his fingers in. "Don't screw with me. You like me because I'm broken?"

"Baekho... I like you because you're the total opposite of me."

"Eh?"

"I never really felt fulfilled being at the top. I feel empty and numb. I cling to the top so hard in hopes I might feel something again but you.... Even if you're rock bottom, you cling to life so hard and live everyday fulfilling yourself. You're not like me. You're nothing like me. I'm the one who is pathetic. I'm the one people should scorn at. I... Just want to be held like I mean something. That's why I'm so clingy."

Baekho folded his arms and gazed downwards. Minhyun's words struck a core in his heart. He knew the other was tired of life but to bring himself down as well. Baekho didn't realise how it was like for the other, not that he would know. He knew he hasn't given Minhyun a chance to know him or given himself a chance to know Minhyun too but that was because he truly believed that Minhyun would just leave someday like his other one night stands despite his confession. He shut his eyes and breathed out. He felt like he was losing his mind having this conversation. "I've heard enough. You should leave."

"Baekho... If that's what you want, I'll go but please tell me one last thing."

"What?"

"Did your parents die in an accident?"

Baekho twitched and he turned his head away. "Doesn't matter to you. Just go. The deal is off."

"I understand... I'm sorry." Minhyun grabbed his things and left without another word, leaving Baekho trembling in his shoes. He was relieved that the pop star didn't try to force himself onto him again but how did Minhyun find out about that? He had already tried to avoid mentioning it or did he really approach Jonghyun for him? Baekho couldn't fathom what was going through the pop star's mind and it made him scared when the other had said he would do anything for him. The more he thought about it, the more he knew he never wanted to put Minhyun into danger's path and helping him find out more information would only do that so this was for the better.

###

The shutters were rolled down his shop and he flipped the keys in his hand before spinning around and flinching.

"Oh god. You scared the hell out of me," the man gasped while placing a hand on his chest.

"I need to talk to you, Aron," Jonghyun said while adjusting his guitar strap.

"Just text me first or something next time. Could have given me a heart attack there," Aron replied while stuffing his keys into the pocket. It was early in morning and the tattoo shop owned by the male was only opened from the evening onwards so he always had the day free for himself, not ever expecting visitors which was why Jonghyun's presence gave him such a shock. "Have you had breakfast? I'm about to go get a bagel or two for myself."

"I haven't."

"Cool, let's go then."

Jonghyun nodded and the two headed towards Aron's choice together.

"So what do you want?" Aron asked after procuring a bag of freshly baked bagels and a nice cup of coffee to start his day.

"You didn't tell anyone about it, right?" Jonghyun cut to the chase as they took a window seat.

"About what?"

"The accident."

Aron froze and shook his head. "Why would I? That's nuts to even think about." His grip tightened around his cup slightly but not enough to crush it.

"Cause someone just asked me about you and also about the Choi corporate."

"Who?" Aron was genuinely surprised and raised his brows. "There's no way anyone would know except two people and you."

"I don't know but you should tread even more carefully. Someone is trying to find out the truth, I believe. You promised this won't get me into trouble too."

"I know. And I intended to keep it that way. Do you know who it is that came to you?"

"I do but I feel like his main motive wasn't to ask me those questions. It was something else that I can't quite put a finger around."

Aron nodded and took a sip of his coffee, trying to keep his hands still.

"Promise me you'll take care of yourself, Aron."

"I'm trying my best, Jonghyun."

Jonghyun nodded and gave him a pat on the back before hurriedly taking his exit before anyone caught sight of them together. Aron sighed and buried his head between his arms.

"Good morning."

He sat up in a jolt, not expecting that velvety voice to speak up beside him. "M-Minki? What are you doing here?"

"I saw you closing shop and followed you and that guy here. You know him?"

"He's a friend of mine."

"I see. So you still refusing to be my friend?" Minki leaned his body against the table and smiled.

"I can't be your friend, Minki. I don't even know what it is you want from me."

"I told you. I want the truth. And only the truth."

Aron bit his lip and sighed. "I can't tell you the truth."

"Why?" Minki pulled the cup of coffee way from Aron who was about to take another sip to calm down but was denied it. "What did my parents ask you to do? That's all I want to know and for what reason?"

"Why don't you ask them instead?" Aron said. "I'm tired of being a pawn. I just want to run my shop and not think about anything else."

"Your shop... They didn't happen to threaten you, did they?"

"I don't know what you're talking about but you don't want to go there. Have a good day, Minki."

Aron snatched his cup back and left the cafe.