Donghae goes straight to the downtown store.

Hyukjae's not there. He has an evening shift. He came by to inform Leeteuk. Because Leeteuk won't be there in the evening. Then went to Haru and One Day.

Donghae groans. But as Leeteuk's there now. He asks.

"Did he say why? Did something happen? Did he get another job?"

Leeteuk raises an eyebrow.

"I j-just want to make sure it's n-not us or the store or... you know..."

"It's not," Leeteuk says. "From what I know."

"Can I see his letter?"

Leeteuk gives him another look. But opens a drawer. Hands him a sheet of paper.

Donghae skims it quickly. It's polite. Respectful. Thanking them for the experience and opportunity. That's it.

"B-But it's so strange, Teukkie," Donghae says. Drops into chair. "The way he seemed. And now he wants to quit? What happened?"

Was it Donghae trapping him in the cubicle? He must think he's a creep. Hiding from his boyfriend in a tiny space like that. Locked with another man.

"Teukkie," he speaks. Leeteuk's simply continued working. "Did he say anything yesterday? When you took him home?"

"Nope."

Donghae groans again. Head in his hands. But he seemed anxious. Pale. Why?

He stands. He won't let him quit. He can't. The only reason he can... is if he found a better job. Better pay. But Donghae just knows that's not the case. 

"I'm gonna see him at Haru."

"Wait," Leeteuk says. "Since you're already here... I need you to go over these and sign them."

He's handed a folder. Donghae curses. Sits back down.

---

Hyukjae's wiping glasses. Thinking. Nervous. He's decided to quit. But he hasn't given Donghwa notice. He arrives at ten today. So Hyukjae's got to wait.

He keeps checking the time. As he works. He knows it's still long till he comes. Hyukjae keeps jumping a little. Every time someone comes into Haru.

At nine-thirty, his body jerks again. He's annoyed at himself by this point. Why can't he just relax a bit? Sure, he'll be ed over with no job. But he's not doing anything wrong to Donghwa. By leaving this job.

He takes a breath. Places the blender jug back after wiping it. Turns to the new customer.

His body fills with dread.

Jaeho stares at him. Eyes wide. Then his anger and hatred take over his features.

"What the are you doing here?"

Hyukjae recoils. From his venemous tone. Furious glare. He glances around at the few people seated at tables. They look over too. Hyukjae breathes in.

"W-What can I get you today?"

His voice comes out whispery. His fingers tremble. He wants to disappear completely. But all he can do is take another breath. Brace himself for Jaeho's words.

"You disgusting filth, what the are you up to now? Can't you ing leave us alone? Haven't we been kind enough to you--"

"Please stop," Hyukjae says. He hates that his eyes have filled up. "I'm just working. I'm not doing anything."

"Like you're not doing anything! Of all the places to work, you end up here? You're a ing snake!"

Hyukjae has moved back from the counter. Jaeho's knuckles are white. Hyukjae wants to tell him he's quitting. He's leaving. He wouldn't have worked here knowing he was Donghae's boyfriend. But he can't.

"I'll... I'll get someone else to take your order--"

He turns. Bumps into Donghwa.

. No. Could it not get worse?

"What's going on here?" Donghwa says. Frowns. "Jaeho? What's up?"

"Nothing! Glad you came!" Jaeho says. "You should fire this ing thief!"

---

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