It is so scary for Donghae. To see Hyukjae like this.

Leeteuk said Hyukjae came home frightened. Confused. Crying.

Hyukjae hasn't told them... what happened.

He can't.

Because he says he didn't know. He doesn't know how he wasn't in bed. How he was outside. How he was walking barefoot in his sleep clothes.

Hyukjae ran to Donghae when he saw him. Hugged him so tightly. He was so cold.

Donghae cried with him. He was relieved but very worried. Very afraid for him.

He has Hyukjae wrapped in blankets now. The cuts on his feet have been cleaned. Covered. Donghae put socks on him.

"I don't want more..." Hyukjae whispers.

Donghae takes the mug from him. It's half-full. Mrs. Park made him tea. Because Hyukjae kept shivering.

"Thanks," Donghae tells Mrs. Park. Hands her the mug back.

She smiles. Worry's on her face too. Donghae wipes his own eyes again.

"Hyukjae," Mrs. Park says. 

Hyukjae's eyes are wide. They flicker nervously.

"Teukkie and I will come see you tomorrow, okay?" Mrs. Park says. "I can bring Mama Saeron to see you too. If you want."

Hyukjae gives a nod. Tries to smile. But his lips quiver.

"Do you need anything?" Leeteuk asks. 

"No, Teukkie," Donghae says. "Thank you so much."

Leeteuk smiles. Looks at Hyukjae. "What about you, Hyukjae? Is there anything I can do for you?"

Hyukjae's startled. He shakes his head.

"N-No. Thanks."

Leeteuk nods. "Feel better soon. Both of you."

"Please don't hesitate to call, okay?" Mrs. Park says.

Donghae thanks them again. He can't let Hyukjae go. So they see themselves out. They close the door behind themselves.

Hyukjae breathes. Sniffles.

"My baby," Donghae says. Turns his face to him. Caresses his cheeks. He's still cold. Pale. "Hyukjae. What is it?"

Hyukjae's tears fall. "I don't know," he whimpers.

Donghae kisses him. "It's okay, sweetheart. It's okay. You don't have to know now. You're safe. That's what's important. You're home. You're with me." He holds his gaze. Wipes his tears. "And I love you, Hyukjae. Okay?"

"Okay..." Hyukjae says. "M-Me too."

Donghae places his lips over his. Kisses him softly.

"Do you want to go back to bed, love? It's morning, but we can sleep and rest. Okay?"

"Okay."

Donghae moves him gently. Walks with him step by step. Holds some of his weight. He lets Hyukjae slip into bed. Puts his blankets over him again. Slides in beside him. 

He hugs Hyukjae to his chest. Tightly. Securely. He takes a long breath. Tries to calm himself.

"I love you, Hyukjae..." Donghae says. "I love you."

He almost begs him. To not do what happened again. But he can't. Hyukjae didn't do it intentionally. So Donghae prays it doesn't happen. Prays he'll be alerted to his movements... if Hyukjae tries leaving again...

-----

Donghae wakes to his phone alarm. It's only a few hours later. He quickly silences it.

Hyukjae's still in bed. Still in his arms. Donghae sighs. Quietly. Then he watches Hyukjae.

He's breathing...

Suddenly, Donghae feels anxious. He gently Hyukjae's cheek.

Hyukjae's eyelids open.

Donghae smiles. In relief.

"Sorry, sweetheart," he murmurs. "Sleep."

He needed to make sure. That he isn't in a state like yesterday again. Hyukjae blinks. His eyelids seem heavy. Tired.

"Morning?"

"Yes, it is," Donghae says. "But you can sleep all you want."

Hyukjae keeps blinking. His lips look adorable.

"What if I'm hungry?" Hyukjae mumbles.

Donghae laughs. His heart's so full for him.

"We can have breakfast. Do you want to?"

"Yeah. Please."

Donghae sits up. Pecks his cheek. "Then let's eat."

-----

Donghae is dying to know. To ask Hyukjae more. He needs Hyukjae to tell him.

But he is ter