Donghae's trumped.

Sungmin allows Hyukjae a kettle. There's a nice box of teas, too. Two sets of mugs. But that's not all.

A couple days later... Hyukjae's presented with a steaming bowl of noodles. At dinner. He's sitting at the long table with Siwon. On the opposite end. The King's food is different.

Hyukjae's eyes widen in delight. He looks up. Around. To find Sungmin. He only spots Donghae.

Hyukjae grins happily.

A few minutes in... Siwon glances up from his steak. Hyukjae's bent over his bowl. He's slurping contently. Filling his mouth. He catches Siwon looking at him. His ears get red. He almost chokes.

---

"But you know, Donghae, I have to be very honest..."

He's walking in the hall. Headed back to his rooms.

"The ramen you got me?" Hyukjae says. "It tasted so much better. It was incomparable. To anything."

"That's because it was your first time having it again since you stepped foot into the castle."

"Yeah, maybe, but still. It was the most delicious thing I've ever had. Oh, have you seen Sungmin? Is he hiding? I need to thank him -- that was so kind of him, wasn't it?"

Donghae smiles. "It was. Your highness, are you going to read in the lounge again?"

"Oh, no," Hyukjae says. "I've done enough of that..."

---

Hyukjae's been weird. About the reading. He yawns exaggeratedly. Flips through pages boredly. Makes it seem like... he's being forced to read.

It's puzzling.

He's the one who wanted that book.

---

Hyukjae doesn't see Kim Soonok. He supposedly doesn't need to. It could be for the photoshoot. Donghae is glad. He's sure Hyukjae's glad. 

But there's a lingering uneasiness.

---

The practice photoshoot takes place early morning. It is long. With just Eunji and Hyukjae. The King doesn't attend. Unsurprisingly.

Hyukjae's quieter. With less smiles. It could be because Eunji is sleepy, too. She was woken before her usual time. She is unenergetic.

There are awkward silences in the room. The photography team must feel it, too. They all seem hesitant. Unsure. In requesting. Directing.

But once they start... Eunji fusses. Whines. It gets noisy.

She hates the dress. The new people she has to see. The lights are too bright.

Hyukjae has to bring his energy up. To calm her. Distract her. Entertain her. Soon... everyone is trying. Yoona is shaking toys. Sungmin is calling her. Ryeowook is playing music. Yesung is just snapping pictures on his phone.

The photography team tries their best. Through the havoc. They show Hyukjae each picture. Sungmin makes notes. They rearrange the seating. Change the lighting. Take more pictures. Eunji is allowed to take off her dress. Well, no one has a say by then. Eunji had fisted her skirt. Her pout was lethal. Her eyes, red. Swollen.

Snot's falling off her little nose.

"You are doing so well, Eunji! I'm sorry, it'll be over soon." Hyukjae cleans her pink face. Kisses her. "Do you want a snack, princess? Do you wanna eat something yummy?"

Finally, they decide on the positions. Angles. They prepare the room. The lighting. Leave it ready for tomorrow.

Hyukjae thanks everyone. Apologizes for the trouble. Everyone seems relieved by the end. Satisfied. The members of the photography team thank Hyukjae.

----

"I'll come see you soon, okay?" Hyukjae tells Eunji. "You did great! You're so amazing, baby. We're going to play loads when this is over, okay? It's just one more day--"

"Wawa?" Eunji says. Tears are still in her eyes. But her voice is bright. Hopeful.

"Aw, baby, not now, I can't, I'm so sorry." Hyukjae pecks her head. Wipes her chubby cheeks. Kisses them. Whispers, "You have to go to Yoona now, okay? I'll see you before bedtime, I promise--"

Eunji doesn't want to let go. She cries. Fists Hyukjae's shirt. Wails.

Yoona manages to take her. Carries her away.

Hyukjae looks upset again.

"Come on, Donghae."

He walks speedily. Through the castle. Back to his room. He grabs his laptop. Puts it on the bed.

"Okay, I have to put on my show so I can watch it before Sungmin comes! Donghae, you can go for your break! Go have lunch!"

Yet Hyukjae passes him. Gives him a stare. Goes into the hallway. Into the closet.

"I will in five minutes, sir."

The man doesn't say anything. Doesn't do anything. Hyukjae's waiting for his signal. Donghae moves to the windows. Parts the curtains slightly. Looks outside.

He gives a loud hum.

"Okay," Hyukjae says. Softly. "Donghae, I need to see Kyuhyun before the photoshoot. Is there a way for you to find out where he is?"

He's not supposed to see him. For another three days. The photoshoot is tomorrow.

"I need to return that book," Hyukjae goes on. Donghae can hear him getting dressed now. "And I need to -- I need to be seen returning it."

Donghae's eyes scan the room. The red book is on the night stand. Hyukjae's been sitting in open areas. With that book. Donghae saw Hyukjae reading last night, too. In that... tired manner. Unabsorbed. Unimpressed.

He lowers his head. Turns to the window again. "He frequents the library before dinner, I believe."

"Before dinner? I have to get ready for that... Sungmin wouldn't like it if I ended up being late..."

That is true.

"Would there be a way for you to get him to come see me somewhere?"

It's tricky. Kyuhyun isn't even allowed in this section. Donghae gives a contemplative hum.

"Because I know he needs that book back, and I don't want him to get desperate and attempt to get past security to ask for it here -- that might make them suspicious. If he could be somewhere that I'm also going to pass through, or be at, that would be best, with guards and everyone else present? What about before or after lunch? I'm not seeing the king -- just Sungmin..."

Donghae's puzzled now. He keeps his head bowed. "May I ask why, your highness?"

"About the book, you mean? I'm sorry, I don't know if I can tell you now. But I can try at a later time."

"Mm."

"Could you let me know, then? Just so I can have the book and have some excuse of wanting to read -- I can't have anyone else touching it or opening it."

"Mhm."

Donghae faces forward. Hears Hyukjae move in that