This is not what he'd expected. Donghae's surprised. He can't answer. So he glares at the idiot. Jaymin appears to squirm. Internally.

"I-I won't if... it bothers you..."

Donghae lets out a breath. Turns on his heel. "My answer is no. But this isn't something you ask me. Ask Hyukjae."

He hears Jaymin gasp. Start jogging after him.

"Not now and not today," Donghae says.

He's done for today. The conversation is over. Donghae had listened. Asked questions politely. He hadn't made rude comments. Hadn't interrupted him. He'd just refused a picture. Before being asked. He'd thought: Jaymin was taking his phone out for that. Jaymin had said, "No." Then, "I-I mean, okay, but... I want to show you something else."

Donghae heads to the snacks aisle. Jaymin's still behind him. Soon, he spots the cute outfit. Blond head.

Hyukjae's holding the girl's hand. She's munching on a chocolate bar. Hyukjae's speaking to her. Donghae's heart leaps a little. Aches a little. He hurries.

Hyukjae notices him. His expression brightens. Just for a second. Because Donghae must still seem pissed. Hyukjae reaches for his arm. Pulls him closer. Peers into his eyes. Donghae doesn't let him ask.

"Okay, we're done, let's go home now."

Hyukjae glances over at Jaymin. The boy's frowning at Hana. The chocolate on her cheek. Hyukjae gently lets go of the girl.

"Jaymin, Hana has the receipt for that, in case they ask."

Hana immediately whips it out. From her pocket. Jaymin takes her hand.

"Thank you, sir," Jaymin mumbles. Bows his head at Hyukjae. Looks at Donghae. Swallows. Mutters, "A-And thank you. So much."

Donghae can't say: you're welcome. He's not. Hyukjae squeezes his arm. So Donghae gives a nod.

Jaymin's about to turn. He halts. Looks at them both. Bows more. "I'm sorry."

Hana bows too.

Donghae thins his lips. He just can't help it right now. This annoyance. Hyukjae responds though.

"That's okay, Jaymin. Thank you. It really was nice seeing you both -- don't forget what your dad sent you for, Hana. Tell him I said hello, okay?"

Hana nods happily. "Yeah! Have a nice day Mr. Lee! I miss you so much! Mr. Donghae, bye!"

Hyukjae laughs. Waves at them. His hand's tightened around Donghae's arm. He turns with him. Observes him. Donghae avoids his eyes.

"Hae, baby, where are the eggs? And the milk?"

Donghae halts. Oh.

"Hyuk, where's the cart?"

Hyukjae's mouth forms an oh, too. He points at him.

"No, honeybun, I left it for you, remember?"

---

Thankfully, they find their cart. Near the coolers. Hyukjae's ramen is still in there. It makes him smile gummily.

They replace the frozen fruit. Then go around the grocery store. Pick up what they need.

Donghae still evades it: the subject of Jaymin. Hyukjae doesn't prod him for it.

Finally, they're in the car. Hyukjae turns on the engine. Donghae looks out the window.

"Hey," Hyukjae says. Pokes him now. Gently tugs his mask. "You can take it off, babe."

"No."

"Why?"

"I don't wanna."

"Alright, baby."

---

Hyukjae's starting to regret it. He shouldn't have pushed Donghae. To talk to Jaymin. He just didn't get a bad feeling. Sure, it was a bit uncomfortable. At first. In class. Then Hyukjae could shrug off his stares. Jaymin never said anything, anyway. Or couldn't. Because turns out: he's embarrasing.

But today he really felt... harmless. To Hyukjae.

Could Jaymin have said something inappropriate? To Donghae? Was it something to do with... the hardcore shipping? 

. Maybe it is. Hyukjae should've considered that.

Hyukjae quietly wa