"Donghae..." Yesung says. Pinches the bridge of his nose. "We've talked about your plans before..."

"Exactly! So I don't get--"

"Because it's just... this all can be said a little more nicely? Sungmin would tell you the same and to be honest... the company will make you delete it. We know you're angry and it's been very hard for you two. You should be angry, we get that. We're angry for you both, too. But... we don't want the fans getting their way just because of this..."

Donghae thins his lips. Hyukjae's heart hurts. He's ended up sitting beside him. He takes his hand.

"Hae?"

Donghae's eyes tear up.

"We can change it, Hae," Hyukjae says. his back soothingly. "It's okay. It's the same. It'll be the same in the end."

"No, it won't be," Donghae says. Hoarse.

"Donghae..." Ryeowook says. "Do you really not want to continue with us?"

"It's not like that..." Donghae says. His voice wavers. Hyukjae's heart thuds.

"Hae--"

He doesn't get to say anything. Because Donghae gets up. Walks away to their room. Hyukjae stares after him. Hurt.

He quickly looks at the others. Who appear just as troubled.

"He does," Hyukjae tells Ryeowook. Tries to smile at Yesung and Kyuhyun. "He does want to be with you all. He's just... mad. I'm sorry." He inhales. "I... I guess I also kind of encouraged him for this because... Donghae's never had the chance to be angry... to say that he doesn't like how the fans have been behaving. He's not the kind of person..."

"Who keeps quiet when he feels wronged," Kyuhyun mutters.

"Yeah," Hyukjae says. "He's been doing this for me because I didn't want any attention. I didn't want anyone to hurt Donghae... or you guys. Now... with everyone knowing... the reporters and... me losing my job... it really upset Donghae. I know he's been hurting all these years but he's kept quiet. So... I just can't... ask him to shut up and continue taking..." Hyukjae pauses. Gulps. "Fans... everyone's abuse any longer. If he wants to tell them... that they've been horrible... let him. If it makes him feel better. He'll be stating the truth. A-And neither of us want anything to happen to your group... Donghae will feel even worse. I'm sure whatever he'll want to say then will be much harsher. So... Donghae said he'll just leave the group, and at least that way, fans will think they've punished him and they'll just... continue supporting you guys. Why should you lose fans because of us?"

They seem perturbed.

"I-I know the post will need to be deleted," Hyukjae says. "Sungmin won't like it and neither will the company. B-But even if it's up for an hour, it'll be seen and the message will get out there. Spread. They'll keep the screenshots anyway... if they're so mad..."

Yesung leans back. Curses quietly. Looks at the others.

"I'm sorry..." Hyukjae mumbles. "I understand y-your feelings too. I'm... I'm really grateful Donghae has you, and that you feel this way.. I want him to be with you too... but... I don't know... he'll just feel hurt and forced..."

Hyukjae lowers his eyes. Finally silent. He doesn't know what else to say. Feels he's blabbered too much.

Suddenly, a door is heard again. Hyukjae turns instantly. Gasps. Has to stand up. Donghae's come back. His eyes are bloodshot. Mouth tight.

"Okay," Donghae says. Crosses his arms. "I'll change it. W-What do want me to say instead?"

Hyukjae steps beside him. Wraps an arm around his middle. Lays his head on his shoulder. He hates seeing him give in.

Yesung groans. Gets up.

"No. Don't change anything. Post what you want." He holds up a finger. "But! One condition. You're staying with us."

Hyukjae and Donghae exchange startled looks.