“So, why have you never left the dorm? For someone who’s an introvert and as organized as you, I’d have thought you will leave as soon as you can. And you surely can afford it,” Donghae asked Hyukjae as they were washing the dishes after eating at the dorm.

“Living alone is lonely. And living with Kyu isn't bothersome at all. How about you? How come you're living with a roommate when you could definitely afford to live alone?”

“Well, Ryeowook is struggling financially right now after some bad investments. I have a spare room anyway and it’s not far from his workplace either.”

Hyukjae nodded, unsurprised by Donghae’s kindness. “Do you also live alone in the Philippines? Or do you live with your mom?”

“I live alone in a condo in Manila because that’s where I worked. My mother still lives in my uncle-in-law’s resort in the province.”

“Is she still working there?”

“More like overseeing everything now. The resort has expanded and has now included water activities. And she lives in a separate villa now, unlike before when we were just living in one of the rooms of the resort.”

“Let me guess. You were the one who invested in that expansion?”

Donghae chuckled and nodded.

“So do you enjoy living alone?” Hyukjae continued asking as they finished drying the dishes. 

“Sometimes I do. But I’m seldom at home anyway, and I think that’s because I’m craving for company.”

“You should just live in a dorm like me,” Hyukjae .

“I used to live in a dorm when I was in college. It’s actually more like a house with many rooms and each room has about four students in it. Rent there was cheap and it was really fun because I became good friends with other people and even the owner.”

Hyukjae chuckled. “You’ve stayed friends with them?”

Donghae nodded enthusiastically. 

“Even the owner?”

“Well, actually…” Donghae stalled as he tucked his hair in his ear.

“What?”

“I’m now the owner of the place.”

Hyukjae’s eyes bugged out. “What?? You loved the place too much and bought it when you became rich?”

“No!” Donghae protested. “The owner’s only daughter lived abroad and decided to take him there. He was about to sell the house, and instead of letting other people buy it and make it a modernized condo or dorm, I bought it instead because I want to keep the homey vibe of the place. It’s that dorm’s charm and I had so many good memories there with my friends. And besides, there are many students who can’t afford pricey dorms anyway. Keeping the place as it is would be a great help for them.”

Hyukjae was speechless while he looked at Donghae.

How much more endearing can you be? So precious and sweet and kind and sentimental. 

“What~? Don’t judge me,” Donghae whined.

Hyukjae walked closer to Donghae and brushed the hair out of his face.“On the contrary, I think that’s very nice of you.”

Donghae looked at him happily. “You think so? Other people kept saying it was a wrong decision because I could have torn down the place and built something else that would bring in a lot of profit.”

“But that’s not like you at all, is it? Your restaurant business even started because of your desire to be connected to Korean culture. I wonder how your coffee shop came to be?”

“It’s the cafe I used to work part time at. I bought the place when it was on the verge of bankruptcy and remodeled it to appeal to more customers. I couldn’t keep it as it was if I wanted to save it. Eventually it worked well and I was able to open up two more branches. But the previous owner who was my boss before, he’s still the one managing the places and has a good share of the business.”

Once again, Hyukjae felt himself falling even more. 

“Have I told you before that you’re amazing?” Hyukjae asked.

Donghae looked down with a shy smile. “Yes, you did.”

Hyukjae held Donghae’s chin and titled it so the latter was looking at him. “Then you should hear it again. You’re amazing, Donghae.” 

“Hyukkie~~ You’re making me shy,” Donghae said so cutely and Hyukjae can’t help but to hug him.

Ugh he’s so cute! I want to keep him i