“Please be careful, Donghae,” Sungmin’s voice reached the interested man through the cellphone he was holding next to his ear. “I didn’t tell him that you were in France but I’m seriously worried for you.”

Donghae stood still, his face seemingly emotionless as he stared out at the window – Paris was truly beautiful, he absentmindedly noted as he admired the sophisticated structures of the street below. Such a shame I won’t enjoy it, he inwardly snorted as he dangerously narrowed his eyes. Painfully gritting his teeth together, his grip around his phone strongly tightened. Abruptly, his free hand clenched into a fist and violently punched the nearby wall.

How dare he? A snarl threatened to escape his lips as his gaze turned into a deathly glare. How dare this little piece of lash out at my own family?! His whole body was shaking with fury, his eyes burning with the need to go and strangle this disgusting cockroach with his bare hands. Hurting him was one thing, but menacing the last persons he truly cared about, even verbally, was completely another one. He could have endured with getting punched and tortured but imagining Yoona getting hurt in any kind of ways made him want to throw up in worry and anger. He wouldn’t forgive himself if his precious little sister ever got hurt because of him – because of his mistakes.

As Sungmin softly called his name, Donghae remembered with a pang of hurt and disgust toward himself the first time he had introduced his sister to him. Like the naïve man that he was, he had believed that everything would be fine, that they would become a happy and loving family. What a mistake, he snorted. What a ing stupid mistake.

Now, everything was ruined. Even Sungmin’s warm, cozy flat was devastated, reduced into broken pieces of furniture by his minions. And he was definitely going to pay for it. If hesitation had persisted in a part of his mind before, now all that matter was to protect his family.

“Don’t worry about me, Sungmin,” He finally said, his voice hoarse with palpable anger. “I’ll be fine.”

“Still, be careful,” His friend replied. “And tell your friend – Hyukjae, is that it? – to watch his back as well. I swear he’s became dangerous.”

“I know. I’ll take care of him.”

After mumbling a quick goodbye, Donghae finally hung up. Slowly lowering his hand until it was hanging by his sides, he glanced at the bathroom closed door, where Hyukjae was currently showering ; he could hear the faint sound of water running and the quiet, relaxed humming of the other. A long shiver ran along his back as unwanted memories of their first intense kiss flashed in front of his eyes ; it suddenly made him wonder how y Hyukjae would look, and wet under shower head. How easy it would be to go in, strip out of his own clothes and him hard against the tiled wall. Our moans would resonate through the whole floor, a sinful voice whispered in his head, cruelly taunting him as his wild imagination made a rush of lust course through his body. It would feel so good…

Difficultly exhaling, Donghae crossed his arms on his chest as he tried to chase away those lewd thoughts. It had been too long since he had the chance to feel physical pleasure with someone and the way Hyukjae had kissed and touched him made him wanting more and more.

You’re going insane, Donghae, he scolded himself as he stubbornly turned his back to the door. He hadn’t come all this way to Paris only to satisfy his primal needs ; those could wait, but not the resort. With a renewed determination, Donghae walked off to a wooden desk fitted in a corner of the wide suite Hyukjae and he were now sharing. It was spacious and luxurious, divided into a sort of living-room joined with a small kitchen and a big bedroom ; if he didn’t know better, he would have saw it as a small and comfortable flat where he could have brought Sungmin and Yoona. However, the attention for details was obvious for those who had sharp eyes ; everything seemed to cost a pretty good fortune, from the bed to the sofa. A few paintings were hanging on the walls while expensive-looking vases had been put on tables. It looked authentic enough for foreigners to immerse themselves into French luxury, surrounded by the most sophisticated pieces of furniture which were accurately evidence of the country’s fascinating history, but sufficiently modern to feel comfortable.

After Donghae grabbed a bundle of papers, he went to sit down on the sofa while curiously looking around him. As he carefully put the folders on the coffee table, randomly opening the first one he saw, a small frown creased his forehead. Beautiful city and room or not, he couldn’t forget the first reason why he was here with Hyukjae. Nibbling on his lower lip, Donghae tried to gather all his knowledge as he read the first paragraph of the folder ; it was the introduction of the Deed of Superficies which was supposed to be also sold to the buyer. The barman scrunched his nose up at all the complicated terms of the contract, glaring at the countless pages of it.

“What are you doing?” A familiar voice then reached his ears.

Surprised, he turned around on his seat and almost bumped his forehead against Hyukjae’s. The latter was standing behind the sofa, leaning on it with his two hands as he curiously peeked over Donghae’s shoulders. The latter couldn’t help but to notice how nice the other smelled – a delicious mixture of wood and shampoo – while his black hair was still wet and falling over his single-lidded eyes, handsomely encircling his face. Still not replying to his question, his eyes slowly travelled downward, noticing with a gulp that he hadn’t close his long-sleeved shirt therefore revealing his milky white chest. Donghae felt himself lose the notion of reality as he intensely gazed at Hyukjae’s defined muscles, a cute line of hair disappearing under the waistband of his jeans. It would be so easy, he noted, to reach and open his trousers. So easy…

“Donghae?”

Donghae blinked as his head snapped up. “Sorry, what?”

Hyukjae gave him a funny look as he chuckled at him. “I asked you what you were doing.”

“Oh,” He mumbled intelligently. “Well I was… Looking through the papers you brought. See if I could be of any help.”

Hyukjae thoughtfully nodded as he walked around the sofa and sat just next to him, close enough for him to drown himself into his delicious scent. You’re turning into a -deprived ert, Donghae.

“Thank you,” Hyukjae smiled. “Actually I think I will need it. I’ll tell you when the time comes.”

“Ok,” He sighed. “No problem.”

The other wordlessly hummed and gave him another genuine smile. Donghae only nodded in return before he closed his eyes and rested his head on the back of the couch, releasing a tired sigh. Next to him, Hyukjae silently gazed at him, his eyes trailing from his closed eyelids to his thin lips as he thoughtfully wondered why the man was doing so much for him. Pursuing his lips into a curious pout, he ran a hand through his wet hair while his mind looked for a logical explanation ; after all, the two of them knew each other for only a couple of days at the most, but still Donghae had been willing to side with him and go to France to help him with the Resort and the issue he had with Siwon. Looking at him, Hyukjae couldn’t believe that this man had spent seven years of his life in jail for murdering someone. It seemed awfully absurd. Furrowing his eyebrows into a frown, he nibbled on his lower lip as hundreds of questions popped in his head. A part of him was still aware of the danger he was exposing himself to when hanging around Donghae, knowing that he didn’t know him enough to understand truly what he was capable of. Yet, Hyukjae couldn’t help but to think that he was missing something important about Donghae and his past. It seemed like the latter was hiding something from him, something that was hurting him continuously. Hyukjae’s frown deepened as he brought his legs on the couch, hugging them against his chest while still glancing at the other. As many questions he may have, he also knew that Donghae wouldn’t answer them. At least not yet, he thought with a discreet sigh.

Deciding to focus to the help Donghae was currently giving him, the young heir pushed away his intrigued thoughts and straightened up on the couch. The other slowly opened his eyes into a half-lidded gaze when sensing Hyukjae move next to him, mutely looking at him. Taken aback the other flushed slightly as he met Donghae’s intense brown orbs staring at him before spluttering when the other smirked softly.

“What are you looking at?” Donghae chuckled as he stretched his arms behind his head, softly groaning as he eased the tension of his muscles.

“Not you,” Hyukjae retorted with a grumbled as he stood up.

“Right,” The other snickered softly with a sarcastic roll of eyes.

Donghae released a small yawn before he heavily got up from the couch, heading toward the kitchen corner of the suite. Hyukjae followed him with his gaze, curiously tilting his head to the side as the other opened the mini-fridge.

“What are you doing?” Hyukjae asked. “Cooking?”

Donghae hummed in response as he closed the fridge and turned around. “But there’s nothing in there. Just drinks.” He absentmindedly ran a hand through his hair, seemingly in thoughts. “Are you hungry? I can always go to the nearest convenience store and cook something quickly?”

“Would you do that?” The other sounded surprised. “I mean, we could always go down to the restaurant but I’m curious about your cooking.”

“Don’t get your hopes up,” Donghae warned as he leaned against the wall, his gaze fixed on him. “I only know simple recipes. I had to learn since I lived alone with Yoona. Do you prefer if you go to the restaurant after all? I just thought it’d be quicker and cheaper.”

“Nope,” Hyukjae chuckled as grabbed his wallet which he stuffed into his back pocket then grabbed Donghae’s sleeve. He gave him a mischievous grin, hooking their arms together as if it was perfectly normal. “Show me what you got, Lee Donghae.”

The latter rolled his eyes with a snort as he shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans, Hyukjae’s arm still wrapped around his own. They continued to bicker good-naturedly as if they were long-time friends and went out of their suite with their shoulders brushing together. Shortly after, the two of them reached the lobby where Hyukjae quickly left the keys to the receptionist standing behind the large counter. Almost as if he had forgotten about it, the young heir didn’t leave Donghae’s sides even once until they were out of the resort. The latter could feel Hyukjae’s warmth pressed against his right side, his general scent invading his personal space. However, not even once did he think about pushing the other away. Instead, he let himself feel comforted by such a relaxing presence next to him.

They quickly left the main street where the hotel was before moving into narrower and less chic streets. It was a bright and sunny day which had incited people to go out and take a stroll. Some of them were enjoying an ice-cream while happily taking a walk or simply having a drink at the terrace of some café. Hyukjae was cheerfully showing to the man the places he liked and remembered, dragging him by his sleeve to look for a convenience store. Silently complying, Donghae didn’t utter a word as he looked around him with curious eyes ; he had the odd feeling of being immersed in an entirely different world. The mood of Paris seemed to be cozier than in most streets of Seoul where everything was constantly moving and changing, as if the capital of Korea was never asleep. Here, lost somewhere in a little street of the old town, he almost felt in peace.

The architecture was simply fascinating ; a part of the city was a wide labyrinth of narrow streets and half-timber houses until one would step onto the larger avenues lined with stone buildings, which had been built under Napoleon III, from what Donghae could remember. The mood of the streets the two of them strolled through simply breathed authenticity and sometime bourgeoisie when Hyukjae decided to lead him to richer districts. Although they were only looking for a simple convenience store, it seemed as if they were visiting Paris as a whole. Donghae curiously admired everything his eyes could catch ; from the refined railing in front of each wide windows of the high buildings to the pretty streetlights hanging on their frontage.

After a few minutes wandering around the neighborhood, the two men finally found a supermarket. Donghae led the way inside, letting out a relieved exhale as the air conditioner of the shop enveloped him. He grabbed a basket and went in, looking for interesting ingredients to cook. Next to him, Hyukjae curiously peeked over his shoulder every time he would hesitate in front of foreign products. Everything was written in French which took him more time to read the names of each goods.

“So what are you cooking for me today?” Hyukjae asked.

Donghae glanced at him before he put small bottles of salt and pepper into the basket. “That’s going to be a surprise,” He replied with a nonchalant shrug. “Didn’t you say you wanted me to surprise you?”

“I never said that,” Hyukjae huffed.

“Not in those exact words but I’m pretty sure you want me to.” Donghae smirked as he started walking again.

“You’re annoying,” The other stated as he crossed his arms on his chest. “Did I already tell you this?”

“Not in those exact same words,” He repeated with a laugh.

Hyukjae rolled his eyes good-naturedly before he slowly followed him. Absentmindedly looking around him, he quickly lost sight of Donghae who had walked off to look around the vegetables and therefore decided to wander around the supermarket by himself. It was true that he was curious about Donghae’s cooking – it was quite surprising from his perspective, after all – but he decided that he didn’t really need to follow him like a little puppy all day long either. Humming by himself, he lazily strolled around the shop with wondering eyes, sometime stopping in front of a few shelves that held his interest. After picking two bags of colorful candies and a strawberry-flavored chocolate bar, he suddenly caught a glimpse of Donghae’s back when the latter walked past him at the yoghurt shelf. Tilting his head to the side, Hyukjae nibbled on his lower lip as the other disappeared once again, apparently not noticing him. A small frown was now furrowing his eyebrows as he turned around and decided to head toward the beauty products. It was almost as if small butterflies were shyly fluttering in the pit of his stomach since his eyes had landed on Donghae’s charismatic figure ; there was something about this man that pulled Hyukjae more and more with each second they shared together, as if every time he learned something new about him his heart would find another good reason to find him attractive. Despite whatever Hyukjae tried to believe, he really liked Donghae. He still didn’t know if it only was friendship or something bigger but it seemed like the fact that they still barely knew each other wasn’t an obstacle for him anymore.

It’s really not a good idea, Hyukjae sighed. Falling for someone like Donghae was both exciting and terrifying at the same time ; he looked caring and nice but there was still something he couldn’t understand about him. Did he really kill someone? One shouldn’t feel so comfortable like I do around a murderer… The mere thought of Donghae harming someone made him feel uncomfortable as if the only idea of it was absurd.

Releasing another sigh, Hyukjae huffed and focused his attention back on where he was. Blinking incredulously, he found himself standing in front of a shelf filled with little boxes of condoms. Feeling a blush crept on his face, he lowered his head down and looked around him to be sure than nobody had seen him. He was about to turn around and flee off to find Donghae when an idea struck him. His stare fixed on a blue box of large condoms, he glanced from left to right before nibbling on his lower lip once again, sign that he was deeply thinking. It wasn’t the first time Hyukjae thought about having with Donghae. After all the man was handsome and caring enough not to take advanted of him when he was completely drunk out of his mind. Then, as a sudden memory of Donghae’s warm and smooth lips sensually moving against his appeared in his mind, Hyukjae quickly grabbed the taunting blue box and stomped toward the cashier.

Donghae joined him at the exit of the supermarket with two bags full of vegetables, meat and seasonings. After Hyukjae made sure that the blue box was securely hidden at the bottom of his plastic bag and unnoticeable for Donghae’s eyes, he helped the latter by taking one of the two bags.

“You still won’t tell me what we’re eating?” Hyukjae asked. “It’d better be incredible because I’m starving. And delicious of course. I didn’t make all this way to a convenience store to eat something plain. Oh and did you buy drinks? I want wine for lunch, too.”

“I don’t know if someone ever told you that, but one could call you demanding,” Donghae raised an amused eyebrow at him. “Just be quiet and wait until I actually start cooking, ok? And for the wine, I’ll ask the receptionist of their greatest bottle. Deal?”

“Fine,” Hyukjae grumbled. “I’ll take your word for this.”

As soon as they were back in their suite, Hyukjae rushed to the bedroom while Donghae put the grocery bags on the table. With a quick, nervous glance, the former hurriedly took the blue box out of the plastic bag and shoved it at the bottom of his piece of luggage, cursing himself for being so indiscreet. Hoping with all his heart that he hadn’t make the bad decision, he hesitantly went back to the main room of the suite. Donghae was already busying himself with the food stuffs, his shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He was absentmindedly humming with himself while taking a pan he found in a closet above the sink ; it seemed like he hadn’t noticed Hyukjae’s weird behavior. With a relieved breath, the latter plopped down on the couch and fell into a daze. Gazing at the other man, he let out a small sigh as he admired the way the muscles of his arms flexed with each of his movements. His tanned skin was almost glowing under the sun rays, looking smooth and so delicious Hyukjae was tempted to get up and it. Propping his elbow on the armrest of the couch, he unconsciously pursued his lips into a small pout, his curious eyes slowly trailing from Donghae’s somehow y back to his well-defined . Oh God, what an , Hyukjae inwardly moaned as he stared at the juicy piece of flesh cladded by the tight denim of his jeans. Biting on his lower lip, the young heir’s gaze slowly moved downward and took in with a sigh the sensual view of Donghae’s perfect thighs. Suddenly wondering where all this ual frustration came from, Hyukjae couldn’t help but wonder how it would feel to have his body pressed against his, bare skin against skin while their mouth would slowly move altogether. Just like the first time, a small voice whispered into his head and a memory of himself twining his pink, sweet muscle with the other man popped up into his mind.

Having with Donghae was most probably pure pleasure and ism, Hyukjae concluded. Even merely kissing him was somehow passionate and sensual, as if he was pouring all his need and desire into a sole kiss.

As Hyukjae’s mind happily wandered in his own world, Donghae threw him a questioning glance which went unnoticed. Shrugging, the man took two onions in hand and started to slice them with a grimace as small tears appeared at the corners of his eyes. Then he took the fresh beans and grounded meat he had bought at the convenience store before washing the vegetables and blending the meat with soy sauce, salt and pepper. After making sure that the mixture was good enough, he turned the stove on and poured a little of cooking oil on the frying pan. While waiting for it to be very hot, he turned the rice-cooker on and quickly washed the utensils he had just used then first put the meat in and quickly stirred it before he added the vegetables. When Donghae was sure that the meat was cooked, he started to season the dish with salt, pepper and a bit more of soy sauce and sugar until a nice smell was floating around. Satisfied, he turned the stove off and put the dish onto a plate. He was about to check on the rice when Hyukjae appeared from behind and rested his chin on his shoulder. Donghae froze on the spot, surprised, until the other’s warm touch relaxed him.

“You done?” Hyukjae asked excitedly. “It smells good.”

“Did you even call for the wine yet?” Donghae replicated as he took two clean plates from the closet and handed them to the other man.

“Yep,” He replied, happily popping the ‘p’. “Someone’s supposed to bring it soon. What are we eating? Can’t you just tell me?”

“No,” The other retorted as he set the table, ignoring Hyukjae’s whining. “Go fetch two glasses, would you? And forks and knives.”

Hyukjae threw him a glare, stomping back to the kitchen corner. “I hate you,” He grumbled. “And I’m hungry.”

After the room-service brought them the bottle of wine Hyukjae had ordered, the two men settled down at the table. They quickly began their lunch, Donghae courteously serving the other first before digging into his own plate.

“Wow, it’s good!” Hyukjae exclaimed as he took a first mouthful of green beans. “I didn’t know you were so good at cooking.”

The other shrugged as he swallowed. “Mom used to do this when she was still alive.” He slightly frowned, munching on a mouthful of rice before he continued. “I usually do this for Yoona when I’m too lazy to do anything else.”

Hyukjae hummed in response and immediately attacked his plate with enthusiasm. Donghae thoughtfully looked at the other stuffing mouthful of rice and meat into his mouth before he opened the wine bottle and poured a little of the burgundy liquid into their respective glass. Hyukjae thanked him with a nod as he served himself beans again.

“Is it really that good?” Donghae asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Hmm yes,” Hyukjae replied happily as he took a small sip of wine. “It’s been a long time since I’ve ate homemade food. Mother always wants us to eat at a restaurant.”

The other nodded thoughtfully as he ate some more of his plate.

“I find people able to cook really charming,” Hyukjae absentmindedly added afterward. “I really like this.”

Donghae raised an eyebrow in disbelief then chuckled with amusement. He drank a little of his own glass of wine before he set a teasing gaze on the other. Hyukjae frowned before a faint shade of pink tainted his cheeks as he realized what he had just said. Waving his hands in the air while trying to deny, he spluttered “Wait, that’s not what I’m trying to say. You’re not charming at all.”

“Are you contradicting yourself now?” Donghae snickered. “Because I clearly heard the words leave your pretty lips, dude.”

“Oh shut up,” Hyukjae rolled his eyes. “That was an observation but you’re the exception to the rule. And not a word about my lips, thank you.”

Laughing, Donghae leaned into his chair and folded his hands behind his head as he continued to teasingly stare at the other. Hyukjae grumbled under his breath and avoided his gaze, preferring to enjoy his lunch instead.

“Fine, no words about your lips,” Donghae commented light-heartedly. “Except one thing ; they are pretty. And quite delicious, if you ask me.”

Oh my God, Hyukjae inwardly moaned as he spluttered. Donghae good-naturedly barked out a mocking laugh as the other hissed at him and threw his napkin at his face. He’s so doing this on purpose.

Donghae chuckled to himself as he turned the sink tap on and started to clean the dirty dishes. The two men had finished lunch a few minutes ago and the man had proposed to clean the dishes by himself so Hyukjae could settle himself to work. Indeed, the latter was seated on the couch behind Donghae, numerous folders sprawled on the coffee table while a deep frown furrowed his eyebrows. The barman glanced back at Hyukjae, taking in the way he was unconsciously nipping on his lower lip out of habit once again, before he turned around and laughed some more. Rubbing the dirt off the plates with a foaming sponge, Donghae let a small amused grin tug at his lips as he thought back of what had happened during their lunch together. After his cocky confession, Hyukjae hadn’t dared to meet his eyes even once, staring at his plate instead and mumbling a quiet thanks when they were done.

He’s kinda cute, Donghae idly thought as he washed the soap off the dishes. After thoroughly drying the plates off, he released a satisfied sigh and turned around, leaning against the edge of the sink as he gazed at Hyukjae. He tilted his head to the side, quietly sweeping his eyes over the numerous opened folders. Folding his arms on his chest, he looked at the other working silently, noting the way he would mumbled incoherently under his breath whenever something wouldn’t make sense to him. Hyukjae sometime rubbed his temples, narrowing his single-lidded eyes with frustration from time to time while he impatiently tapped the pen he had in hands against the wooden surface of the coffee table. Pushing himself away from the sink, he quietly made his way toward the couch until he was standing behind Hyukjae.

The latter’s attention was completely focused on his notes, having blocked all distractions from his surroundings to concentrate better. It wasn’t until he felt two warm hands softly touch his shoulders that his head perked up. Surprised, he tilted his head around and blinked when Donghae gave him a small smile. Slowly, the barman rubbed with precision his tensed muscles. His thumbs soothed the tight knots of his neck with gentle but firm circles. Hyukjae fluttered his eyes close as he felt the tension leave his body. Sighing with contentment, he dropped his head forward with a quiet moan of pleasure as Donghae never stopped doing wonders with his skillful fingers. His hair falling over his closed eyes, Hyukjae was almost purring as he leaned back into the couch. The other only chuckled, thoroughly massaging him until he was sure that he was entirely relaxed.

“Feels good?” He asked.

“Too good,” Hyukjae groaned. “Your fingers are pure paradise.”

Donghae hummed thoughtfully, brushing his digits over his soft, milky-white skin. “You should work, though,” He stated.

“That’s your fault if I stopped anyway.”

“True,” Donghae granted. “How are things going for you?”

The young heir grimaced, tipping his head back on the back of the couch and looking up at the other man. Donghae raised an eyebrow, still rubbing soothing circles on his neck. “Bad,” he finally replied. “The price of this resort is enormous. I don’t know how I’m supposed to find enough funds for this.”

“Can’t you… I don’t know, buy some shares at the stock exchange or something?”

“And pray for a jackpot?” Hyukjae snorted. “It doesn’t work like this.” He straightened up, shivering as Donghae’s fingers left his skin. “The company needs a trustful business plan if we want it to do something about the resort. And if Siwon is at the other end, it needs to be completely unerring.”

Donghae nodded, bypassing the couch and sitting down next to him. He glanced at the bundle of papers, patting Hyukjae’s back. The latter weakly glared at him before folding his arms on his chest, releasing a heavy sigh.

“Let’s get to work, then.”

The both of them worked throughout the whole afternoon until dinner time, barely sharing a word. Hyukjae was entirely focused on his task while the other was doing his best to help him as much as he could. Time had went by so fast without any of them noticing it, and Hyukjae couldn’t help but to feel more and more frustrated as no solutions appeared to him, his eyes endlessly sweeping over the countless papers. A nasty headache was aching in his temples, increasing his irritation to an ever higher pitch. A frown even deeper than before was creasing his forehead as he ran a hand through his already messy hair. Donghae knew that his nerves were put to severe tasting, probably at the edge of giving everything up. He heard Hyukjae release an angry grunt from the back of his throat, his jaw clench with frustration. Sighing helplessly, the barman stood up and grabbed a light jacket without a word.

“I’m going out a bit, is that ok?” He asked.

Hyukjae frowned, looking up from his work. “What?”

“I’m going out,” Donghae repeated.

“Oh, yeah, whatever,” The other carelessly flicked a hand at him. “See you later.”

Donghae sighed once again before he walked out of the suite, taking the elevators then going through the wide lobby. As he stepped out of the resort, a pleasant breeze enveloped him. Stretching his arms above his head, he looked from left to right before walking off to the smaller streets. It still wasn’t dark enough so the streetlights would be but the sun was setting, hidden behind the tall buildings. Putting his hands in the pockets of his jacket, Donghae lazily strolled through the district, enjoying this small break of calm. Although Hyukjae had been the only one truly working on the matter since he didn’t know much on the topic, he still could feel the tension and nervousness of the other lingering on him. Taking a small walk helped him to relax and gather his thoughts better, in the hope of helping him better. It saddened him to know that Hyukjae was struggling by himself while he was of no use. Donghae was mentally too tired to deeply think about the problematic flutter of his heart he felt when he envisaged going back to the hotel and comfort the other with a warm hug and possibly a light kiss on the lips, and decided to head to a cute coffee shop at the end of the street while inwardly repeating over and over that he only was there because of Siwon.

The coffee shop was small but cozy, decorated with bright and cheerful colors. As Donghae went in, the little bell above the door made a clear tingle, signaling his presence. The shop was almost empty at the exception of a group of teenager chatting and giggling at a small table in a corner of the room. The main counter showed delicious-looking pastries and cakes with fancy names. Donghae walked forward, curiously looking at the sweets until a rather short male appeared from what he guessed was the backroom, framing incredibly chubby cheeks and shaggy hair. He sent him a bright smile, smoothing out his crumpled white shirt with a hand.

“Bonsoir,” He greeted Donghae. “How can I help you, Sir?”

“I’ll take a chocolate cupcake, please.”

The owner of the shop then tilted his head to the side, curiously gazing at Donghae. “If you don’t mind me asking, where do you come from, Sir?”

“I’m from Korea, why?”

“Oh really?” He exclaimed excitedly before speaking up in Korean. “I actually can talk in Korean! My name’s Henry.”

“I’m Donghae,” The other replied with a chuckle. “From Seoul. I guess from your accent that you’re not really French, are you? Neither Korean.”

“Nope,” Henry replied as he put on a glove and picked Donghae’s chocolate cupcake. “I actually grew up in Canada but my parents are Asian ; Dad is from Hong Kong and Mom is Taiwanese. Do you want this to eat here or take away?”

“Take away, please. Oh, and could you give me a strawberry milkshake and cupcake, too?”

Henry nodded, putting the pastry in a small paper bag and handing it over to Donghae. The Canadian went back to the backroom to fetch some strawberries, inviting him to sit down while waiting for his orders. He complied, settling down at a nearby table as he spot a TV hanging on the wall. He silently listened to the news, understanding only half of what was said since the announcers were talking too quickly. As an interview featured a CEO of a big American company, Henry came back with his orders.

“Here,” He said as Donghae took his eyes off the TV. “Do you even understand what is said?”

“Only half of it,” The other replied. “They’re talking too quickly for me.”

“Oh,” Henry laughed. “Well if you were wondering, it’s the CSAP company’s CEO. He’s talking about some technologic patent he needs for a new product he wants to set off.” He tilted his head to the side, listening for a bit before continuing. “But apparently the patent’s owner company still refuses to sell it.”

“That’s kinda sad for him, then,” Donghae commented as he stood up.

“Yeah, well it’s business. It was nice talking with you, Sir! I hope you come back.”

“I will,” He promised with a grin. “If your cupcakes are as good as they look, be sure that I’ll come back soon.”

Donghae walked out of the coffee shop with a last wave to the Canadian boy, before heading back to the resort, a frown plastered on his face.

CSAP company… Where did I already hear that?

Hyukjae was allowing himself a small break, drinking a cool glass of water, when the door of the suite burst open. Startled, he gasped and almost let his glass fall down on the floor. Spinning around with shocked eyes, he let out a small squeak when Donghae stomped toward him and grabbed his shoulders. His eyes were shining with determination and excitation, sweat drenching his forehead.

“I have the solution,” He exclaimed.

“Wha – What?” Hyukjae mumbled.

“The solution!” The other impatiently repeated. “For the resort. I have it!”

The young heir frowned. “What do you mean you have it?”

“It’s all thanks to Henry, really. This kid is… He’s our savior. So I was at his coffee shop earlier and he makes wonderful-looking cupcakes, I tell you. I brought you one by the way and –”

“Wait!” Hyukjae cut him off. “You’re talking too fast! Who the hell is Henry? And what cupcakes? Calm down, I don’t understand anything!”

Donghae seemed frustrated as he sent him an annoyed look. He took a deep breath before dragging Hyukjae to the couch, inquiring him to sit down.

“CSAP company. It’s the whole thing. Henry said it’s an American company which has just started to set off. It mostly interact with Asian companies if I understood well. I don’t really know what is their specific field except it’s something in industry.”

“Yes, and…?”

“And, Mister Lee Hyukjae, the last product they want to put on the market needs an important patent, which is essential. And this is yours!”

“What do you mean it’s –”

“The patent! A buddy at jail named Jiseok – he’s a nice old man, I’ll have to send him two or three books because he also has one of hell of a big role in this – told me two years ago that Leesan Corporation invented some crazy things and put a patent on it, right?”

“Well, yes, it’s the –”

“We don’t care about that,” Donghae cut him off with an impatient flick of the hand, ignoring Hyukjae’s glare. “What is important, though, is that your company didn’t want to sell it, right? They wanted to keep the monopoly of this technology?” Excited, Donghae widely smiled when Hyukjae nodded. “Well, my idea would be to actually sell it. The company would earn millions!”

“It’s – I don’t know, Donghae,” Hyukjae mumbled on his lower lip. “The company was firm as to say that they didn’t want to sell the patent. It’s probably nearly impossible to do this.” However, deep within his heart, an ounce of hope perked up as he thought over and over again of Donghae’s plan. Adrenaline coursed through his body as he cursed himself for not having thought of it earlier.

“You’re the company’s heir. What can’t you do, really?”

“I have to think about it,” Hyukjae concluded, deciding not to get his hopes up although his excitation was as much palpable as Donghae’s. “Create a business plan, estimate the price of the patent, the – the potential buyers. There’s so much to do!”

“You can call Kyuhyun, can’t you?” Donghae said. “Ask him to come in France. Or help you from Korea, send you the necessary documents, everything. I can help, too. I’m sure it can work, Hyukjae.”

Hyukjae nodded, his head spinning from all the emotions suddenly hitting him. He let out a shaky breath before he finally gave in to his excited feelings. There, just in front of his eyes and thanks to Donghae, he could see a way to save his father’s resort. Releasing a happy chuckle, he burst out laughing with pure happiness. His face breaking into a wide and gummy smile, he gazed at Donghae with glittering eyes. Then, he threw himself at him, hugging him with all his strength as strawberry sweets laid forgotten on the coffee table.

OMFG I'm glad I finally updated  \o/ I know there's not much action in this chapter but it mainly focuses on Donghae and Hyukjae's relationship. Plus, there's going to be a great great surprise in the next chapter 8D

I hope you all liked it!

Thank you for reading, comments, upvotes and subscribers are very much appreciated <3