Donghae asks Leeteuk about Hyukjae. Or the mannequin. Not in a way that gives anything away.

The mannequin's from Leeteuk's grandmother's house. She moved into his family's home. So the old house was sold.

"Oh, where'd she get it?"

"I don't know. She is not quite right anymore, Donghae, but I can ask. You really like it, huh?"

"Y-Yes! It's a beautiful thing. I would really love to know who made it and designed it. Must've been an incredible artist."

---

Donghae really does like it. Too much. He's becoming more aware. Of changes.

Like... how the mannequin makes him feel. How the mannequin responds to him. Its eyes shine. He has huge smiles. Donghae wants to pull him close. Wrap his arms around him. Feel his warmth when its alive.

What the hell? He thinks to himself. Are you... getting feelings for a thing that's... not a nonliving thing for a couple hours a day? A creature that doesn't know who or what or where he probably is?

It was all cute at first. Warm. It felt like... a child or pet that you care for. Give love to.

He gulps. You did like kissing him, he tells himself.

Yes. But it just felt nice. Innocent.

Not... like how his feelings are transforming now...

Donghae's just... kind of... gettig... attracted to him. He thinks there are two possible reasons why.

First reason's that...

Well. It must have started when... Donghae began asking the mannequin. To hold his face a certain way. Sit or stand a certain way. When it's alive. Just for a few seconds. For Donghae to get a quick reference. He's been using him when he's a mannequin too. It's so much easier than pictures. He's got a beautiful creature standing in his living room. He can take a glance at it. To check lighting or angles.

But... he's been getting to the more adult scenes. In his work. So. When he glances up... he has different images in mind. And... they really... do things to Donghae. Whether the mannequin's a mannequin. Or alive.

The other reason is that.

Hyukjae's... not kissing him anymore.

Donghae won't say it to him. Of course. But it's more and more... upsetting.

It's thebway the mannequin beams. His eyes roam Donghae's face. Fall on his lips. Then he blinks away. It's how his hands clasp each other. Or his shirt. Like he wants to jump at Donghae. Hug him tightly. Give him that soft kiss he used to. But he's holding back.

Well. Donghae doesn't know. If that's really what the mannequin's thinking. But Donghae wishes it is.

He's mad at that page of the book Hyukjae came across.

If Hyukjae's kissing him with no memories. No understanding. It's fine. Right? Donghae is okay with it. Because the kisses helped the mannequin. Hyukjae thinks it's his form of love.

But Donghae himself can't do it! Or ask him to! That's... just not right.

And... it's not right. That Donghae misses... the soft feel of his beautiful lips... so so much. It's caused his gaze towards him to change. He watches the mannequin... and it stirs feelings up inside him.

He looks at the way his clothes fit on Hyukjae. The way its dark hair falls over those eyes. His ears. His neck looks slender. Smooth. His skin's gorgeous and... soft. Donghae loves how Hyukjae moves. How he has that look of wonderment on his face. That small pout. Those adorable eyes. Donghae loves the way he delicately picks up his food. With his pretty hands and fingers. Even though he eats messily at times. It's when he's surprised at the taste. He hurries to consume it. Fill his cheeks.

When Donghae becomes aware of himself... like how he's watching the mannequin his own lips... the tips of his fingers... that's when Donghae knows it's gone too far.

He needs to go find someone. To .

---

It takes some planning. He's gotten used to waking later. Working. Staying up for Hyukjae.

But now he has to get his work done earlier... meet up with friends... hope to get lucky and find someone... then come back for Hyukjae... before he changes to human?

It's difficult. He gets bored several times. He bids friends good night. Hurries home past midnight. He doesn't like the thought of Hyukjae being alone. He keeps thinking, oh, poor mannequin. Hyukjae could be wondering. Where Donghae is. He won't have his person to eat food with. Get love.

It hurts Donghae a bit. That Hyukjae could feel sad. By himself.

The fourth time though... Donghae finds a cute guy checking him out. He's leaning. At the bar. Sipping his drink. He winks at Donghae.

They haven't done more than make out against his car. Then Donghae wonders... if Hyukjae will check the fridge. If he'll see that sl