“What do you mean you said yes?”

Donghae had his hands on his hips as he narrowed his eyes at Ryeowook. Ryeowook nervously bit his lips. He knew Donghae wouldn’t like this but he didn’t know that it would affect the bad-boy that much. In fact, Ryeowook was kind of curious, wanting to find out how Donghae was going to react. They had been going on short dates almost every day now ever since they met and Ryeowook wondered what kind of relationship were they kind of in right now. Were they still trying to get to know each other? Had Donghae considered him a boyfriend? He doubted so but still… It kind of confused him.

“I couldn’t say no.” Ryeowook reasoned out. “Not after everything he told me.”

Donghae sighed, visibly looking tired. It was getting pretty late. They decided to go out for a midnight stroll and had found a bench in the middle of the quiet park. Ryeowook had been telling Donghae about his day when he remembered that Kyuhyun had asked him out and that he said yes out of pity. He explained the reason for Kyuhyun standing him up on his date to Donghae and Donghae listened attentively, a hint of concern etched over his face.

“So… When’s the date?” Donghae moodily asked.

Ryeowook chewed on his bottom lip nervously. “Tomorrow.”

Donghae shifted uncomfortably in his seat and then rubbed the back of his neck. “That’s too bad.”

“What’s too bad?”

“I thought we could go on a date tomorrow.” Donghae only said. “I already bought the admission tickets.”

Ryeowook blinked, confused. “Admission tickets? For what?”

“The Zoo.” Donghae simply shrugged his shoulders. “I thought you would like to go there someday since I’ve seen the amount of giraffes toys you have in your house.”

Ryeowook’s mouth formed into an O shape, too surprised to say anything. So Donghae had noticed that he liked giraffes and he had actually thought of him to plan a date at the zoo. Donghae nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders coolly like it was not a big deal but Ryeowook could tell that Donghae had that smug glint in his eyes. Donghae knew what he was doing, he knew that Ryeowook couldn’t give up a date at the zoo.

“You’re a meanie!” Ryeowook accused, pouting.

Donghae laughed heartily, lips kissing Ryeowook’s cheeks. “Why don’t you go on a date with me tomorrow instead, babes?”

***

The next day, Ryeowook went to the zoo.

With Donghae of course. Ryeowook called Kyuhyun and lied to him, telling him that he wasn’t feeling well and then postponed the date. Kyuhyun had no problem with it and even offered to drop by Ryeowook’s apartment to visit him. But Ryeowook told him that it was alright and then he would just see him on Monday at work.

Ryeowook felt bad lying but at the same time, he couldn’t say no to Donghae. The bad-boy was too charming with his damn crooked smile and the mischievous glint he always had in his eyes. Donghae and Ryeowook strolled through the zoo holding hands, stopping at each animal enclosure for a short period of time, taking silly pictures, watching the animals together and then making lame jokes. When they were finally at the giraffes’ exhibition, Ryeowook released Donghae’s hands and then rushed to the railing, leaning over as he scanned at the tall animals. He watched them, transfixed as he admired each and every one of them before he heard a soft chuckle next to him.

“You’re such a kid.” Donghae commented, smirking.

Ryeowook rolled his eyes, “Says the one who sulked when his ice cream started to melt.”

Donghae playfully narrowed his eyes at Ryeowook and then tickled Ryeowook. Ryeowook laughed and squirmed against Donghae and Donghae finally stopped, his hands however never left Ryeowook. They stayed on Ryeowook’s waist as he back hugged him. Donghae nuzzled his face into the crook of Ryeowook’s neck and breathe in Ryeowook’s lavender scent.

“I wish this day will never end.” Donghae muttered, chin resting on Ryeowook’s shoulders.

Ryeowook turned his face, glancing at Donghae. “Why?”

“Because I don’t remember ever having as much fun as I had today,” Donghae answered and then leaned in to peck Ryeowook’s lips before he backed away to look at Ryeowook teasingly, “And because once this day ends, you’re going to go on a date with that and I don’t like it.”

Ryeowook laughed, turning around. Somehow, he couldn’t pay attention to the giraffes. How could he when Donghae was right behind him, hugging him tight, holding him close and making his heart flutter like crazy? Ryeowook wrapped his arms around Donghae’s neck, staring up at those mesmerizing eyes.

Ryeowook then told Donghae, “I won’t go if you don’t want me to.”

Donghae’s eyes searched Ryeowook’s before he released a genuine smile, “You should go.”

Ryeowook’s raised his eyebrows, “You want me to go?”

“Yes, but I don’t like it.”

Ryeowook waited for Donghae to explain what he meant. He wanted him to go on the date but at the same time, did not liked the idea of it?

“Why?” Ryeowook asked when he realized that Donghae was oblivious to his confused state. But that was Donghae for you. Ryeowook had learnt that yes, the bad-boy was handsome, funny, kind, charming and y but he was always oblivious to the most obvious things.

“Because… He might be a better person for you than me.” Donghae quietly answered and then shrugged nonchalantly, “Who knows.”

Ryeowook blinked. Donghae had always subtly dropped these kinds of messages to Ryeowook and it always scared him. Why was Donghae always saying that he wasn’t good enough for Ryeowook? Ryeowook had more than once wondered about this, about what Donghae was trying to say but he could never figure it out. So at last, Ryeowook decided to just ask Donghae up front about it.

“Why do you keep saying that?” Ryeoqook asked, unable to hide the hurt in his voice.

Donghae brought his hands up from Ryeowook’s waist to cup his face, thumbs Ryeowook’s soft cheeks. “Because I care for you…. And… I’m kind of falling for you.”

Ryeowook tilted his head, his heart skipping a beat. “You are?”

“Hell yeah,” Donghae chuckled softly, “But I’m too afraid.”

“Of what?”

“Of… Hurting you.” Donghae whisper