Hyukjae arrives quite soon. Donghae hasn't even started cooking. Just managed to order ingredients.

"Donghae..." Hyukjae says. Breathless. Hurrying in. "I'm here. What's wrong?"

"Honeybun," Donghae says. Quickly smiles. Holds out his arms. Hyukjae's face remains confused. But he steps into his embrace.

"Is everything okay?" Hyukjae mumbles.

Donghae pecks his cheek. His neck. Hugging his waist. "For me? It will be. How about you, love?"

"What?"

Donghae pulls back. Moves Hyukjae to the couch. Gathers him up in his arms again. Gazes at his bewildered face.

"How do you feel, honeybun?"

"How I -- fine? I'm obviously... okay? Hae, what's happening?"

Donghae kisses him softly. His heart continues to fill up. With love. Desire to take away his worries. Pain.

"I'm so sorry, Hyukjae..." he says. "You losing your job was... just a huge shock. It seriously hurts more than anything we've encountered in our marriage--"

"I know, Hae, I'm sorry, please don't--"

Donghae stops him with a peck. "But... it happened to you and if it hurts me that much, then it's because I know it hurts you even more. I'm really sorry, love."

"No," Hyukjae says. Cups his face. "I'm not -- it's fine, I can just wait and... and um, look for another job where I'm not working with kids. It's okay..."

"It's really not okay, baby..." Donghae says. "You shouldn't have to lose your job..."

Hyukjae bites his lip. His eyes form some tears. He shakes his head. "W-Well... yeah, I guess. But it happened and... just... I want you to be okay too. I want us to be okay."

"I'm okay," Donghae reassures. His chest squeezes. At his sad blinks. "I w-wish you didn't have to lose something you enjoyed doing so much. Those brats at school... they're going to miss you, and the new students won't have a cute Mr. Lee teaching them and taking care of them..."

Hyukjae smiles a bit. His tears roll down his cheek. "It's okay... they'll get another teacher... they're already hiring..."

"Someone who's not my adorable honeybun? That's a huge loss. Who's going to coach the soccer team?"

"Is it even going to continue if I'm not there?" Hyukjae asks. Eyes large.

"Oh god," Donghae says. He kisses Hyukjae's mouth. "Those kids better ask for it. Your work can't go to waste."

"I know!" Hyukjae says. "We trained so hard!"

"Got all muddy and bruised and sulky," Donghae says. "Ran and walked and cried in the rain."

"I didn't cry in the rain!" Hyukjae says. "I didn't cry anywhere!"

Donghae captures his lips. Kisses him till his frown disappears.

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