“I told you everything will be fine, Donghae,” Siwon says. “I’ll make sure of it.” 

Donghae sighs, leaning into Siwon’s touch and letting the man lead them down the hall. The other man is warm against him, doing wonders to calm his anxiety.

“Siwon!” a voice from behind them shouts and Donghae jumps. Siwon rubs his arm up and down Donghae’s arm in a soothing gesture as he turns around to face the source of the voice.

Donghae recognizes the boy: Lee Hyukjae, their other group member. It’s hard not to know who Hyukjae is, even for a recluse like Donghae. He’s their third-year representative and very easy to recognize with his royal blue hair and colourful fashion.

“Hyukjae!” Siwon responds, waving at the approaching boy. Donghae is unsurprised that Siwon and Hyukjae know each other, given that Siwon is the student president. He’s even more well known than Lee Hyukjae. Everyone knows Siwon. 

“Did you see, we’re in the same group,” Hyukjae says.

“I did,” Siwon says. “It’s going to be fun. And this is Donghae, our other group member.”

Hyukjae waves at him before sticking out his hand.

“Hyukjae, nice to meet you,” he says. Donghae nods in acknowledgement before he looks down at the band and accepts it, letting Hyukjae shake it and dictate when to let go. Before Hyukjae can begin to question his lack of a verbal response, Donghae pulls out his phone, quickly opening his notes app and typing a quick message.

It’s nice to meet you. I’m Donghae. I don’t talk, so you’ll have to excuse me.

He hands the phone over to Hyukjae, who scans the words before he looks up at Donghae again, smiling softly. 

Donghae searches Hyukjae for any sign of annoyance or disbelief that often comes with the revelation that he is mute. He relaxes when he finds none. He returns Hyukjae's smile with a tentative smile of his own.