warning: arrow in this chapter goes the hospital - but he'll be okay ^^

As he closed the restaurant early that night, Hyukjae could tell he was completely anxious.

After all, it was his first date with Donghae in years.

He didn't even know how long, but a lot of feelings appeared and all he wanted was to just hug Donghae and feel that everything was very real. And Hyukjae wanted things to work out so badly that he made dinner himself. He chose the tablecloth and also positioned the candles so that the table looked ready for the romantic dinner.

Donghae then arrived and knocked on the glass to get Hyukjae's attention. And when the chef saw the brown-haired man there, he opened the door and so the two smiled at each other. Shyly they kissed and almost giggled when they looked at each other. It was nice to have a relationship like that.

- I wanted to go pick you up, but what was your excuse?

- I'm at the movies right now. Arrow was a little upset because he wanted to go with me. And what was your excuse?

- I said that today I needed to do some math because I want to do another renovation. Heechul said I'm throwing money away, but...

- He can't even know what you really planned.

- No. – and so he smiled – I hope you're hungry.

- What did you make?

- Our favorite food when we were studying in France: beef bourguignon. That's the main dish. The entree is puff pastry with ricotta and spinach filling. And dessert is chocolate cake because that's the only thing I know how to make.

Donghae smiled.

- I like all of that. I would have brought dessert if you had asked.

- Maybe you'll organize everything at our next date. – Hyukjae winked and the brown-haired man chuckled – But for now… – and pulled out his chair – Would you like some wine?

- I would love.

- Then I'll be right back and I'll bring the first course.

Donghae nodded and couldn't stop smiling. He even tried, but being with Hyukjae made him happy in a way he couldn't explain. And Donghae was excited about the possibility of an upcoming date because he had an idea in mind. Unfortunately, the two needed to be careful not to be discovered, but it was nice to be able to have one more date on the schedule.

- And here's the wine. – Hyukjae said when he came back from the kitchen – And I'll get the puff pastry dish. I will be back in a moment. – and indeed he returned quickly. Donghae was already pouring the wine and smiled as soon as he saw the food – Do you remember that we ate this about six years ago?

- Yes. Your mother did, didn't she?

- Yes, but I never wanted to make a recipe like this in the restaurant. I think I'll pass the list on to Leeteuk and he'll serve as an entree in Aurora.

- And how has the planning been?

- Until then it has been very quiet. I'm going to hire the same crew that does Scarecrow's renovation and wait for my fancy-food restaurant to be ready.

- I'm glad you got it. I remember the time you told me you wanted to have another restaurant a few years ago.

- And I'm glad I got it all now. I think it's good when things happen slowly and naturally. – they smiled at each other – But how was your day after we left Arrow in kindergarten?

- It was very good. Wook and I placed a cake order and I think making cake is so much fun. This is a new thing in the pastry shop and everyone was really excited. In fact, Jihoon invited us to his party.

- I know. He called me earlier and asked if I could make some snacks for the party.

- So we both have work to do... We could do it together. Wook obviously needs to be with us, but I want to enjoy every second I have to be by his side.

Hyukjae laughed and put his hands on his face, making Donghae cackle as he joked:

- That way you make me blush.

- Silly.

- I like it when you call me silly. The tone you use is not one of mockery.

- I couldn't mock you. – and so they intertwined their fingers – This snack you made is delicious and I like staying here being able to enjoy this night with you.

Hyukjae smiled and kissed Donghae's hand like he was used to. And when he got to his feet, he the stereo and put on the playlist that made the brown-haired man blush slightly and smile as Close to You started to play. Donghae missed Hyukjae so much that he ended up hugging him when they started dancing.

It was their moment and theirs alone. Nothing would ruin what they had.

- Donghae... – they looked at each other while dancing – Can I kiss you? Just to make sure this isn't just a dream. I need to know that you are here so close to me that I can smell you.

Donghae couldn't say no at that moment and he didn't want to either. As soon as their lips touched, they closed their eyes and enjoyed every second of that soft kiss that had so much meaning. But when he touched Donghae's cheek and felt that it was wet, Hyukjae pulled away and wiped the brown-haired man's face.

- What's it?

- No... Please, don't leave me anymore. – Donghae hugged Hyukjae, hiding his face in his neck and crying – Please. If we have a problem, let's solve it as adults and together. I don't want to live without you in my life anymore. It hurt for so long not having you with me.

Hyukjae hugged Donghae, kissed the top of his head and whispered:

- We're together forever. I won't leave you for the world and I promise that we will solve the problem together and as adults.

And making that promise really paid off.

- Do you remember when we went to that restaurant in France? It was the first time.

Donghae smiled and continued to hug Hyukjae as he said:

- Yes. You wanted to impress me and you asked for escargot. We didn't even know how to eat it.

- And honestly I didn't even want to. – they laughed – After that we ordered beef bourguignon.

- Yeah... It was like a comfortable dinner by the fireplace. – Donghae looked at Hyukjae – We needed the fireplace in that apartment we lived in.

- That's true, but we had a blanket and a plush rug that kept us warm when I made the dish in our apartment.

- I think we should do it again.

They kissed and Hyukjae said:

- Yes, we must. – and so they walked away – I'm going to check the food. You stay here?

Donghae nodded and smiled at Hyukjae as he smiled too and went back to the kitchen. The brown-haired man ate more of the spinach and ricotta snack and took a sip of wine. And after Hyukjae came back with the main course, Donghae took the almost empty snack tray from there so they could eat the main course.

- It smells really good. – Donghae said – And it looks a lot like what you did the first time.

- It's a gift I have. – they laughed – But I hope you like it.

- By the smell I know I'm going to love it.

Hyukjae smiled and sat down so they could start eating. The conversation flowed smoothly and they talked about a lot. Donghae asked how Hyukjae's day was and so he learned that he worked all day and that he had a little accident in the kitchen, but everything went well and so he just went home to get ready for the date.

And after they finished eating the main course, Hyukjae went to the kitchen to get the chocolate cake. Donghae was so excited that he tried the ganache that Hyukjae made and said:

- You can now work as a pastry chef. This chocolate cake was perfect.

- You didn't even eat the cake dough.

- I don’t need. The dough was fluffy just the way it needs to be.

Hyukj