Donghae hasn't touched it. Tapped into it. He hasn't felt the need to.

Hyukjae went to school. It was after three days of absence. He also asked the store owner. To switch shifts. Because Hyukjae had much to catch up on.

Donghae kept an eye on him. Watched his health too. It was good to see... he was getting better.

Which also meant more perceptive.

But for a week... the boy had lots to do. With him recovering... he was tired faster. Asleep sooner.

---

The next few days... slowly... Donghae notices. It's on the boy's face. Then... Donghae can almost... sense it...

Hyukjae is... scared. Of something.

---

Donghae's on top of an old building. It's a few minutes from the school. Hyukjae's stayed to get help. For a class. It's him and some classmates. So Donghae's using this time... to speak to the demons.

"I have to do too, Donghae!"

"Take a seat."

Kyuhyun sits. On a wooden crate. He sniffs in annoyance.

The audacity, Donghae thinks.

"Aberrants. Fill me in."

"Same old."

"Ryeowook's been studying them. Did he find anything new?"

"They just come towards the territory, they act confused, they turn back or they enter. When they enter, they come to the castle, and we deal with them."

"So they don't wander around within the territory?"

"No... but they don't head straight to the castle either... they're a bit slow and sometimes they turn back."

Donghae nods. He has a theory. He doesn't like the theory.

"Outside the territory," Donghae says. "Have you learned where they go?"

"Probably any hole and doorway to get out of the realm."

"Yes, I know, I told Yesung to tell you to find out for sure. They like to come here."

"Yeah, see, I'd be doing that now if you'd let me do that in peace!" Kyuhyun throws his hands up. "And what's the big deal anyway? It's just some strays! There's always someone around to manage them! They're not ours and that's all that matters!"

Donghae silently glares at him. It makes Kyuhyun squirm.

"Okay, I'll check where else they go," Kyuhyun grumbles. "But Yesung's already taking care of it here..."

"How?"

"He's got a group reporting to him at Mouse Rabbit!"

Donghae blinks. "What?"

"He's got a group reporting to him at Mouse Rabbit!"

Donghae kicks his crate. "I heard you. I need an explanation. Mouse Rabbit? That old cafe?"

"Near the tunnels by that portal, yeah. A few went through there, so Yesung's been stationed at Mouse Rabbit to stop them."

Donghae curses. Turns away. Paces.

"You bastards... he's been showing up with a coffee every time I called him and he never once thought to mention that he's here in the human realm?" Donghae spins around. "What the 's wrong with you assoles?"

Kyuhyun leans back. His eyes are wide. Hands raised. "D-Donghae... calm down..."

Donghae pulls away. Breathes. Turns again.

"Honestly..." Kyuhyun mutters. "What kind of commands do you get from this human to make you like this?"

Donghae faces him. Slowly. Clenches his jaw. Kyuhyun appears serious. There's even a hint of concern.

"I mean... it's because of him... isn't it? Maybe it's subconscious but you're obviousl