I'm In Trouble

Clip 16

Aron bit his nail nervously. He shut his eyes, willing the voices in his head and the sounds away. It had been already 2 months since then but the screeching of the tires and the loud noises that followed still haunted him. He jolted and flinched, realising that he was sweating even though his ac was at full blast and there was nothing he had to worry about in his little underground shop. He panted and wiped his sweat away, telling himself that he was just imagining things. He stood up and went to the front of his ac, feeling the cold air blast against his heated skin. He hated this feeling. The first bell rang and he turned around, walking back to his desk and clicking on his surveillance camera to find a regular customer walking in. The second bell rang and he was back to all smiles, greeting and welcoming the person.

He wiped down his hands and washed them after he was done with the ink job, thanking the customer as always and hoping to see them again. The usual greetings. Aron was about to shut the door when another set of footsteps echoed in the hall. He opened the door and peered out, standing outside was Minki with a smile and a little wave. Aron sighed. He had no idea how to get rid of the man who kept bothering him now.

"What do you want, Minki?" Aron sighed, too tired to chase him out or away.

"Came to have a chat, that's all."

"Don't you have friends to hang out with?"

"As a matter of fact, I don't!" Minki said almost proudly. Aron sighed and still poured a cup of tea for his visitor. Minki took it thankfully and eyed the piece on the table. "What are you drawing here?"

"Just something to take my mind off things. Nothing in particular," Aron replied whilst the other touched it.

"A mermaid?"

"I don't know yet," was the answer Aron gave despite whatever he was drawing resembling that of a mermaid. A human torso and a lower fish half but there was no head. Minki hummed and admired it silently until Aron became too uncomfortable with the silence settling in. "Seriously... Why do you keep coming back here? I told you that I'm not going to tell you anything or help you."

"Yeah, about that. It's fine if you don't."

"Huh?"

"Actually, I came today to invite you out for dinner. That's if you haven't had it yet," Minki replied with a small smile. Aron was confused and rubbed his neck.

"I don't usually eat out when my shop is open..."

"I see. What about when you're free? Just contact me anytime. You have my name card. Number is written there," Minki said.

"I'll... I'll see about that."

"I'm really not trying to do anything bad to you. I just want to know what my parents did but I also kind of like just hanging around you. You don't seem like the type to lie straight to my face," Minki said and sighed softly. His expression was that of a sad little puppy. Aron was silent as he sat down on a stool. He didn't know what to say because he wasn't allowed to tell anyone the truth of what happened that night or morning. He honestly couldn't bring himself to hate Minki even though he knew his identity too. The other seemed genuine and Aron felt bad for constantly pushing him away now.

"You know what? I'm just going to close shop now," Aron said and put on a smile as Minki turned to look at him with a surprised expression. "There's probably no more customers for the night so I'm not losing anything. We can go wherever you want."

"Really? Thank you."

Aron sighed and grabbed his wallet along with keys. He stuffed them into their respective pockets before leading Minki out from the shop, locking up.

"I'll drive," Minki said and Aron motioned him to lead the way.

"How old are you even? You look really young," Aron said and Minki chuckled.

"You look plenty young for someone a year older than me too," Minki said and Aron raised his brows. They entered the car and Minki drove them towards a bar since he wasn't sure where else would be open at this hour.

"You know how old I am?"

"You're not exactly as hidden as you believe yourself to be. Remember the interview you made for both the accident and also for your shop? They're pretty easy to find and there are pictures of you too."

"Ah crap. I forgot... That must be how he found me."

"Who?"

"Just some dude who..." Aron's voice trailed off as his eyes caught sight of the giant flashing screen. "Holy shit."

"What's the matter?"

"Do you know who that is?" Aron asked while pointing towards the screen showing a lipstick commercial.

"Oh, yeah. That's the uprising star, Hwang Minhyun. Why? Handsome, isn't he?" Minki chuckled and Aron shook his head unintentionally.

"That's the guy..."

"Hmm?"

"It's... Nothing. Just ignore me."

"You okay? You seem pale."

"I just had a shock of my life. That's all."

"Because of Minhyun?"

"Y-yes." Aron couldn't fathom what a pop star would even want from him now. How was he even related to the accident? Or rather why did he even want to know about it? He glided down the seat and sighed, feeling worn out. Minki sensed his exhaustion and tapped the steering wheel.

"Want to come over to my place instead?"

"Huh?"

"I can cook up a mean ramen. You really don't look like you want to be anywhere now."

"I don't... I'll take you up on the offer. Thank you."

Minki grinned and nodded, turning the car towards the direction of his home instead. Aron's eyes cluttered close as he fell asleep. He hadn't been able to sleep a proper wink, always constantly being jolted up by nightmares but maybe it was because there was someone else there for a change or the gentle swaying of the car, his nap was more peaceful than most of his sleep that night.