Hyukjae gets updates about Heechul. From his cousin's friends. Heechul hasn't contacted him. So Hyukjae continues being too nervous. Worried. He has little appetite. Little sleep.

Despite that... he goes to school. 

Donghae would prefer it... if he didn't.

Hyukjae just doesn't look well. If his teachers were concerned before... about his new clothes and phone... then won't they pull him aside now? Inquire about this too? 

They might reach out to Donghae. Yes, he can come up with something. But what if Hyukjae inadvertently tells them? About his cousin being unwell? Hyukjae like this... is inattentive. Absorbed. He mumbles to himself. Answers without realizing. 

Hyukjae's told him: Heechul will need to move. He'll be even farther from Hyukjae.

Apparently, there's something Hyukjae needs to do. Once he's eighteen. It involves Heechul. There's still time left for that. So he hopes Heechul will be better by then. To leave his hiding place. 

Donghae looks over at Hyukjae.

He's sitting on the floor. His books and notes are in his lap. His phone's beside him. But his eyes stare at the TV. It's off.

Donghae places a bowl of grapes. In front of him. The boy blinks. Sees him. 

"You alright?" Donghae asks. 

"Oh. Yeah."

"Hyukjae... I could contact the school, if you want?"

"For what?"

"That you're not feeling well, and if teachers could give you extensions?"

Hyukjae frowns. Shakes his head. "I'm fine."

Donghae sighs. Sits in front of him too. Folds his legs. "Anything... new?"

Hyukjae blinks down. At his book.

"Shin said he's asked about me. H-He wanted to call but they told him I'm well and that they're keeping in touch with me. But I think if he's asking about me... then he'll call sometime soon." Hyukjae hopefully reaches for his phone. Raises the volume.

"So he's getting better slowly," Donghae says. "That's good."

Hyukjae's eyes get watery. He places his phone down. "Yeah. Heechul's tough." He gulps. "M-Mom was too. B-But... they're stronger."

Donghae's silent. The establishment of that connection... allows a bit more scope. Some orders don't hold as much power. Like ones given quite a while ago. It's also because... Donghae can sense some of Hyukjae's needs. Feelings. So orders that go against those... can be defied. Somewhat.

Donghae carefully tries. Asks, "Who?"

Hyukjae glances up. Donghae holds his breath. A wry smile grows on Hyukjae's face. 

"The ones who want to kill us all off eventually." 

"Who's... us?" Donghae says. Hurriedly adds, "Who's killing who off?"

"I thought you weren't allowed to ask things about me?"

Hyukjae gets to his feet.

"I'm not really asking about you or your family!" Donghae grabs his hand. "Am I? That was your command."

"Well!" Hyukjae says. "No asking about me or my family or what or who is trying to hurt us!" 

"But why--" Donghae can't complete his question. He clenches his jaw. Feels a fire in him. It's so frustrating. "I think... I deserve to know. If you want me to protect you and keep you safe and alive, you need to tell me what it is I'm supposed to protect you from--"

"I never said that! I never told you to do that because I don't have to!" Hyukjae pulls his hand away. "You're bound to me and keeping me alive is your duty until you can find a way to kill me--"

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