Rubber Duckies

"Okay, Okay Jaewon calm down please...calm down, what's wrong?"

Jaewon phoned me very late at night. He was crying uncontrollably I could barely make out anything that came out of his mouth. I heard him take deep breaths from the other end, letting out a small okay okay before speaking again.

"Kangta...I-I'm scared..." He whimpered into the phone.

I quickly got off my couch as I heard a loud thud coming from Jaewon's end.

"Of what? Is someone hurting you? Should I call the cops?!"

I took my keys from the kitchen counter, rushing to the entrance of my apartment.

"No! No! ...I-I'm fine, no one's hurting me..."

I paused, slightly relieved. I wouldn't know what to do if Jaewon got hurt. Still, it was worrying the way he sound...

"It's just...there's a thunderstorm...I'm scared kangta I don't like how it sounds," He continued to weep.

Of course... a thunderstorm. How could I forget that little wonnie gets scared easily of thunder?

"Wonnie listen to me...it's gonna be fine, okay? I'll be over in a bit. Could you handle on your own for a couple more minutes??"

I took my jacket off the rack, quickly putting my shoes on as I made sure I had my wallet on me.

"I'll go buy ourselves some snacks... so we could watch a movie if you'd like."

"Oh y-yes I'd like that... can you bring some...cake?" he sniffled.

I chuckled, "Of course, I'll bring you anything you'd like."

I reassured Jaewon to not worry of the thunder, that I'd be with him soon. That I will protect him from any threat... We said our goodbyes over the phone as I hopped into my car. I turned on the ignition and headed to the closest convenience store.

I got Jaewon his favorite cake, red velvet cake. Bought a couple of chocolates, and some of Jaewon's other favorite sweets. I went to pay at the register, where  a small basket laid on the side, filled with rubber duckies.  Many duckies of different colors, some even with clothes. I smiled as I saw a little yellow duckie with a orange scarf around it. It reminded me so much of Jaewon. Even his little mouth, pouty and fluffy just like wonnies...

It was raining heavily. I could hardly see the road with all the raindrops crowding the windshield. The wiper was no help at all, as it only smudged the water all over, making it harder to see. Damn I really need to change the wiper blades. Thankfully, I made it to Jaewon's apartment safely.

I completely forgot to grab an umbrella on my way out as I was in such a rush to get to Jaewon. I decided to gather all the snacks in a reusable bag I kept under my seat and used the other to cover my head as I hurriedly made my way into Jaewon's building. I could see why wonnie was in such stress, the sounds of the cracking thunder were very frightening.

I checked my phone as I entered the elevator.