Backpack full of entertainment supplies, Hyukjae wanders down the hospital hallway in search of his wayward boyfriend. He checks his phone and confirms Donghae’s in level 4, then tries to orient himself. He ends up walking in a circle before finding 4 West. Sighing with relief, he approaches the desk and hovers awkwardly as busy nurses and doctors remain focused on the computers or engrossed in serious-looking conversations.

After a minute, someone takes pity on him. “Can I help you?” The lady asks, giving him a friendly smile.

“Hi,” he says, resisting the urge to fidget uncomfortably. “I’m looking for Donghae Lee? He’s in bed 20, I think.”

“Give me a moment,” she says, turning her attention to the computer. Her eyebrows slowly furrow, and her eyes flit over the screen several times. “I don’t see him here. What’s the full address you’ve been given?”

“Um,” Hyukjae stalls and unlocks his phone. “Level 4, bed 20.”

“What building?” she asks, the patience in her voice making Hyukjae suspect she’s asked this question many times before.

“Eastern?” Hyukjae frowns, wondering where he went wrong.

“You’re in the Sooman building, sweetie,” she says easily. Hyukjae groans. Why did Donghae have to pick the hospital with multiple buildings? “Just take the lifts to the ground floor and go right. Follow the signs and you’ll end up at another set of big lifts. Ignore the carpark lifts though, those are different.”

“Thanks, I’ll try again,” Hyukjae bows slightly and leaves, cursing the map layout.

It takes another five minutes and Hyukjae almost takes the carpark lifts, but he finally makes his way to Donghae’s floor. He does another circle and finds the West wing, then heads to reception again.

It’s the right area this time, and Hyukjae hastily heads down a corridor, counting the beds as he goes. He hears Donghae’s voice before he reaches the room, and he freezes in his tracks at what he’s saying. “You’re very pretty,” Donghae says seriously.

Hyukjae’s hand clenches on the backpack strap. Is Donghae bored of me alrea