"Can I ask you something?" Hyukjae said as they sat down with their food.

"Of course."

"What made you come to Korea? I mean, your life was already so stable there."

Donghae looked at the piece of meat in his chopstick pensively for a few seconds before putting it on his mouth and chewed for a while.

Hyukjae was about to retract his question, worried that he asked something inappropriate, but Donghae swallowed and started talking.

"I was three when my mother and I left Korea, so my memories here were very few. I've lived my entire life in another country, worked hard in life, and took a course that's practical rather than what I'm passionate about. Now that I'm financially stable and don't have to worry even if I quit working, I decided it was time to pursue the things I truly want to do." He looked at Hyukjae with a smile and raised two fingers. "Two things - to work in the music industry and to go back home."

He's so pure and cute and child-like at times, and yet so capable and talented and brave.

"What a brave decision. Some people recently told me to go and do what makes me happy, and it's amazing how I see it being done so impactful like this."

"Well, they're right. Not everyone has the opportunity to follow their heart. I didn't have that too for a long time."

Hyukjae remembers Donghae talking about a lot of different working experiences.

"Did you…have a hard time there? Did you have to do a lot of part-time jobs?"

"I technically didn't have to. My mom's work there is to take care of my uncle-in-law’s small beach resort, and we lived there too. Food was also provided for us, and she was paid enough. But because I grew up there in the province on the seaside, I learned the value of money at a young age, so I tried to earn what I can. And then when the time for college came, I got a scholarship for a university in the capital city. My mom sends me money every month enough for food and rent, but I work part-time jobs for my other expenses and save up what I can."

God, please save my heart. He's so amazing and admirable.

"You are so amazing Donghae," Hyukjae said with a sigh, realizing a little late that his remark may have sounded too expressive.

Donghae smiled. "You are too, Hyukjae. You've started training from such a young age and worked very very hard for your family. And look at you now, you've bought them another house outside the city."

Hyukjae's heart filled with more fondness. "It feels great being able to provide for your family, right? I'm sure you feel that too."

"Yes, I do love spoiling my mom. But I'm sure you feel much much more accomplished than me. You've really experienced poverty and had a hard life before."

"Oh, you know about that too?"

"Of course. But I only know the things you've let the public know."

Hyukjae took that as a cue to share his life stories as well. He really isn't an open person, but he wants Donghae to know him more as well. It's flattering that either he is famous enough for Donghae to know things about him, or that Donghae likes him enough to watch or read things about him. But Donghae is special and it feels unfair if he only knows what others know too, so Hyukjae wants to open up himself some more.

They spent the entire dinner talking about their childhood and their struggles in life. With each story Donghae tells him, he finds himself admiring the younger man even more. Apart from being hardworking and talented and competent, he also has a pure heart. But the more amazing thing is that Donghae seems equally engrossed with his stories, listening with rapt attention, eyes shining with unshed tears on sad and touching tales, and laughing heartily on funny and stupid events.

Hours went by, some guests already started leaving, and some were still drinking and talking loudly. Leeteuk approached them and asked if they're still going to stay.

"I think I should make sure Heechul hyung gets back home safely," Donghae said, looking at a drunk Heechul ranting loudly about something.

"Don't worry, I got him." Leeteuk smiled. "You can go ahead if you want. You, Hyukjae, you're visiting your family early in the morning, right?"

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