Into the Hornet's Nest

2

          After raiding the attic and getting out of the house, Minho is bored in his truck. His mind wanders to the convenience store, desperately in need of water and a snack. He had mowed the lawn, spending an hour and a half to tame the overgrowth and pull as many weeds as his knees would let him. Now, he wants nothing more than a shower and some sort of iced tea. So, he is off again in search of a cure for his dry throat and burning skin.
          He parks in the same place as he had before, sighing at having to leave his cool car to be swallowed by the heat again. He moves into the air conditioned store as quickly as his sluggish limbs will let him, the humid day seeming to bog him down with every step. The bell on the door chimes as he enters, a familiar face perking up to see who had come in. Minho is greeted with a smile and a small wave while the boy continues ringing out an order, Minho nodding a hello and making his way to the coolers. After picking out a large drink and a few small bags of snacks to keep in the truck, he makes his way to the front. He stands in line, eyes on his phone as he looks up any places where he could get dinner tonight.
          "Hello again," the boy says, reaching his hands out to help Minho with his items that are loosely resting on his arm. "Are you new around here?" He asks, quiet beeping as he scans the items filling the small space.
           "I'm fixing up an old house," Minho says while putting his phone away as not to seem rude. "I need to find a place to stay now that there are wasps everywhere." He frowns, shuddering at the memory of the attic. The boy gives him a sympathetic smile, telling him his total. While Minho fishes for his wallet, Han writes on a spare bit of receipt paper. They switch items, Minho taking the paper as he hands over his card. On the paper are the names of what he assumes are restaurants and hotels, as well as a phone number on the bottom. Minho smiles genuinely at the kindness, taking his card back as it is handed over. "Is this your number?" He asks, tucking his wallet away. The boy nods with a smile.
           "I've lived here all my life, I know my way around if you need help." He smiles, taking the paper for a moment before returning it with 'Han Jisung' written below the phone number. Minho collects his bag, watching as Han unties his apron and rounds the counter to be beside him. "I'm getting off of work right now if you need anything." Han offers, Minho taking a moment to consider it.
           "I can message you later, closer to dinner time. I have some more work I need to do at the house." Minho says casually, opening the door for Han and following behind him as they both exit. The bell chimes at them again, Han and Minho falling in line beside each other as they sulk at the heat. Minho and Han walk in the same direction, Minho to his truck and Han to the bike hidden on the side of the building. Minho frowns, knowing that even just walking is taking the wind out of him.

          "Do you live near here?" He asks, gesturing to the bike. "About a mile and a half." Han says, brushing it off as if he weren't loathing the thought of riding home. Minho looks at him for a while, then to the bike; he lifts it easily and passes a wide eyed Han while he puts it in the bed of his truck as carefully as possible. "Are you offering me a ride?" Han asks, half teasing and half baffled at the gesture. Minho just hums in response, rounding his way to the driver side door and hopping in. "If you aren't getting in, I'm taking your bike." Minho calls, starting the engine. Han just shakes his head and smiles, climbing into the slowly cooling passenger seat. Minho gives him a smug look, everything able to be read through only his eyes. Han pretends not to notice.