'The silence is suffocating', is what both are thinking about. Aera didn't take his eyes off the black screen, while Han Beom kept fiddling with his fingers none of them was willing to start.
Aera pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed giving up on this cold war, "Han baby I wanna talk to you about something VERY important, parts of it might be uncomfortable for you and I probably don't have the right to mention them but please understand I'm asking because I'm worried about you, ok?"
Han stared at him contemplating whether to let this talk start or not. It's not that he doesn't want to hear what Aera has in mind, or he doesn't want his help in many things, it's just early to call each other 'close' friends to discuss any private matters.
"It's nice you're worried about me but with all due respect hyung, it's none of your business since we're still strangers" He gave him a stern look. Aera was shocked at first but his face drooped, it's true it's none of his business but he's really worried! Seeing Han Beom that day in the park brought back sad memories and he didn't want the little boy to suffer like he did. But it's also true, it's none of his business since Han himself didn't ask for help.
"Can I at least ask you two questions?" He mumbled, his eyes still not looking at Han's. Han Beom scratched his neck thinking, "Go ahead" he answered, still worried what the questions will be about.
"Are you bullied?" Wide open eyes faced him with a shivering body, "knew it" he mumbled his eyes fighting his tears, "I'm willing to help you so why didn't you tell me? Is it because of one of the things you don't want me to know?"
Silence filled the room again, Aera still looking at Han while Han's eyes staring down at his shivering hands "sigh... Never mind... You don't have to answer. I should've asked the other question since it would've put a smile on your face" Han looked up at him and saw the seriousness in Aera's pose, he knotted his brows with anger starting to bubble inside him. He planned to shut Aera before he crossed the line but what Aera said made his tears flow down.
"I found you a job. I promised I'll get you one before the end of the week and I guess I- Oh my heavens why are you crying?!?!"
"Fo- For real? Y- You found o- o- one?" he said between his sobbing. Aera had totally forgot Han Beom is still a little boy compared to him. Unable to handle this mess anymore, he held the young boy and hugged him tightly "yes dear, I found one. It's in a café, it's not that much just a cleaning here and there but they pay well"
"I- I'm gon- gonna work? Fo- for real? I c- can finally he- lp the- them. Thank God, thank God... Thank you Aera hyung, thank you so so much..." Aera listened to him in shock, what have he gone through to be this happy for a job? He was planning to ask more questions but he decided to leave them behind until Han's comfortable enough with him and answer the first question he asked.
The sound of sobbing started getting lower until it was gone, Aera sighed and laid flat on his bed after he put Han Beom on bed in the guest room.
He still remembers the broken thank yous he kept hearing from Han until he fell asleep. If there's something he wants now, it'll be Han Beom's safety and good life, even if that means using violence. He fought for his current life and he's willing to do the same for a stranger, because the pain, struggle and tragic moments in his life made him who he is now.
Han Beom is still young to go through all that and more, so for him he's top priority, "Same broken eyes that think about the forbidden" he mumbled recalling the first time he saw the young boy and the ghastly look on his face...
That night, both of them slept with many thoughts in their minds but still managed to sleep comfortably knowing tomorrow's a new day and they'll be there for each other.
Light entered through the white curtains disturbing his sleep. Han Beom turned to the other side, but he heard shuffles somewhere close. Slowly, he opened his eyes and he was faced by Aera's bright smile.
"Ack!"
thud
"Oh dear~ did my beauty blind you~?" Han raised his aching body and gave Aera the 'you know and still dare to act innocent?' look, Aera giggled before standing from his place and walk to the door "hurry up~ breakfast is almost ready!"
Han Beom stared at the door before he stood from the floor and walked to the bathroom, though this is the first time for him in Aera's house but it felt familiar. After he washed his face he stared at his reflection. His white skin and black hair mixed well together giving him a pretty look but when he stares at his own eyes he sees fire mixed with anguish giving out the impression of a coming danger.
That's probably why most students avoid him. Though what happened to his parents is a reason but he won't be surprised if any of them told him his stares made them uncomfortable, because he himself keeps shivering in fear whenever he looks at those icy blue eyes filled with hatred.
Once he dried his face he walked to the kitchen. Looking at Aera's back frame has reminded him of what happened last night and how tiny he seemed in front of him. He was surprised Aera asked that question, he just didn't know how to answer, he was afraid he will pity him and give him the same look every person heard his story gave him. He doesn't want Aera to look at him like others do because Aera is the light at the end of his tunnel, he just knows it and he isn't willing to let go of him, not now, not later.
This stranger won't stay a stranger for too long...