Donghae works on the coffee table. He's going through his emails. His chapters.

He manages to get a lot done.

It's good that he can stay busy. Because he keeps wanting to check Hyukjae. But that might wake the other.

---

Hyukjae shuffles out at noon. He's confused. Sleepy.

Donghae's heart swells with love. He holds out his hand. Hyukjae smiles. Hurries to him. Sits beside him on the floor. Hugs his waist. Donghae pecks his head.

"How's my baby feeling now? Did you sleep well?"

Hyukjae glances up. Smiles. Shyly.

"Your baby?"

"Aren't you my baby? Don't tell me you forgot you're my baby?"

"Nooo," Hyukjae says. Giggles. "I didn't. Your baby is okay. How's my baby?"

Donghae gives him a soft kiss.

"Your baby's great. But sweetheart, are you really feeling better?" He brushes his hair down. "You're not sick, are you? How come you were so sleepy?"

"I don't know," Hyukjae says. Pouts. "Maybe because I woke up early?"

Donghae remembers: he was sitting on the bed then.

"Hyukkie... what were you saying before? That you can't remember something? In your mind?"

Hyukjae nods. "I still feel like that..."

Donghae hums. "What if you just had a dream?"

Hyukjae shakes his head. "I d-don't dream about... about that day again... with Papa Sangchul..."

"I'm glad. But those were nightmares, right? They were bad dreams that made it scary for you to sleep. You can have good dreams too. Sometimes we remember them and sometimes we don't. Sometimes it's annoying because it makes us feel strange, like we saw something or forgot something that happened, but it's just a dream."

Hyukjae's listening. His eyes are wide.

"Oh... do you have dreams, Hae? Good ones?"

"Yes."

"Do you remember them?"

"Some, yes."

"Like what?" Hyukjae says. Seems very interested.

What pops in Donghae's head though... are the dreams he used to have. Before.

Of Hyukjae sprawled on the bed. Or half on his lap. Or he's got his pretty head between his thighs--

Donghae shakes his head.

"Hae?"

"Um. I had this one dream... where uh, I was a soccer player. I was really good."

"Oh... Hae, are you okay?" Hyukjae says. Touches his face. "Your neck got red. And your ears. Are -- are you sick, Hae?"

That's embarrassing. Donghae takes his hand. Kisses it.

"No, I'm okay, baby."

"Do you have to go to the bathroom?"

"Oh, uh, n-no -- Hyukkie, you missed breakfast! Aren't you hungry?"

"I am..."

Donghae laughs. "Okay, let's go have lunch."

-----

Hyukjae helps him. That's usual now. He obediently waits for instructions. Does things exactly like Donghae tells him.

"Hae, is this... avocado?"

"Oh! Yes, but it goes on mine. You don't have to put it on yours."

Hyukjae's displeased frown clears. He nods happily.

"It does taste good though," Donghae mutters. He's always disappointed. How can Hyukjae dislike some of his favourite food?

"You think coffee tastes good too..." Hyukjae responds.

Donghae pauses. Turns to him. Hyukjae's slicing avocado carefully.

"Um, okay... and?" Donghae says.

"Nothing..." Hyukjae says. But his nose is scrunched.

"If you weren't so cute, I'd be hurt, Hyukkie..."

Hyukjae laughs. He throws his head back. His eye corners crinkle. Donghae ends up laughing too. Then steps close. To plant a big smooch on Hyukjae's cheek.

-------

Donghae speaks to his editor on the phone after lunch. He stays in the kitchen. Because Hyukjae gets so quiet when Donghae's doing work.

He leans back on the counter. Listens to his editor. Watches Hyukjae munching adorably on the sofa. It's a bag of some chewy candy. The volume of the movie is low. 

Donghae smiles at that. Hyukjae keeps getting more and more thoughtful. What a sweet man.

"Alright, yeah," Donghae says. To his editor. "I'll get started soon. Thanks!"

He hangs up. Walks to the living room. Looks around