# 35
My Hot Babe
"I'm going to miss them..." Hyukjae says. Walking slightly ahead of him.
"I am too," Donghae says. Even though they're brats. But the stories Hyukjae shares... are cute.
"Hana's dad sent me a note," Hyukjae says. He stops to grab some butter. "With chocolate. It was super sweet."
"Hana's dad?" Donghae says. Steps up. Takes Hyukjae's arm. "What was sweet? The note or the chocolate?"
Hyukjae's laughter is quiet. He points at some eggs. "Grab those, Hae."
Donghae picks up a dozen. Puts them in the basket.
"I think we need two," Hyukjae says. "Oh, and Hae, your hood's falling off."
Donghae grabs another dozen. Fixes his mask. His sweatshirt's hood.
"What did the note say?"
"Oh, just... thanks for taking care of my daughter."
"For fixing her hair?"
Hyukjae moves along. Chuckles. "Probably."
"Hm."
It's nice. That Hyukjae's students' parents appreciate him. They should. He's wonderful. Right now... he's shopping for ingredients. To bake the brats cupcakes. Donghae's looking forward to it.
"MR. LEE?"
Donghae jumps. Hyukjae does too. Releases his arm. Steps away. They both look around.
But the shout isn't for Donghae.
"Ohff!"
A little girl has flung herself at Hyukjae. Hugging him tight. Hyukjae's holding his basket up. Surprised. Donghae takes it from him.
"Hana?"
The girl pulls her face back. Smiles. "Mr. Lee! I knew it was you!"
Oh. So this is the face of one brat.
Hyukjae laughs. Slightly uncomfortable. He pats her head. That has no pigtails.
"H-Hello, Hana... what are you doing here?"
"I'm shopping with my mom!"
"Oh, you're with your mom this week?"
"Yeah! My dad and mom are separated so my dad and mom don't live together!"
Kids, Donghae thinks.
"Yes, I know that, Hana," Hyukjae says. Voice soft.
"Mr. Lee! I'm going to be staying with my mom in the summer too!"
"That's great," Hyukjae says. Pats her head again. The girl steps back now. Looks at Donghae. Her eyes go round.
"Mr. Lee, is this your friend?"
"No," Donghae answers. Hyukjae looks at him. Warning. "I'm not his friend... uh, Hana, I've heard a lot about you. It's nice to meet you."
Hana nods. Timid. Moves closer to Hyukjae. Sharp eyes on Donghae.
"Mr. Lee..." she whispers. Loudly. To Hyukjae. "Is your wife here? Can I see her?"
Donghae says, "Hyukjae doesn't have a wife."
The little girl gasps.
"H-Hana," Hyukjae says. Takes her arm. Turns her around. "You should go back to your mom--"
"You don't have a wife, Mr. Lee?" Hana says. Stepping around again. Donghae shakes his head at her. Stops himself from speaking this time.
Hyukjae sighs. "No... I don't have a wife, Hana..."
Hana looks a
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