"Well, Kyuhyun is right. And besides, it's still too early to tell, don't you think? I mean, you're already thinking way ahead of so many things," Leeteuk said after Hyukjae told them the gist of his dilemma.

They are in the private lounge rented for Leeteuk and Heechul's joint birthday celebration tonight. His hyungs agreed to be there earlier so he can talk to them privately.

"Yeah, and what others think. You're already established enough to worry so much like a newbie," Heechul said, once again showing his headstrong personality.

"Hyung, you know the idol profession is much more sensitive…"

"Whatever. Just go and do what would make you happy. You deserve that, Hyukjae."

Leeteuk nodded at Heechul's statement. "And don't worry too much. I know you're scared but don't let your fears prevent you from living your life. I mean, you're just being friends with this guy. Don't think too much about it."

"Yeah, don't make it a big deal. What will happen will happen. Just cross the bridge when you get there."

Hyukjae nodded, comforted with the fact that the choice he wanted to take is backed by three people now. Though Kyuhyun didn't really know his problem, he still wants to count what Kyuhyun said as fitting advice. He's still worried, but hearing encouraging words from his hyungs, and getting validation that he's just over thinking and reacting, makes him more confident that he could proceed and be friends with Donghae.

What will happen will happen. Right.

"Who is this guy by the way? Getting you so worked up like this." Heechul asked.

"Actually I was wondering about that too. You don't go out at all, how did you meet a new friend?" Leeteuk turned to him as well with raised eyebrows.

Now this is another dilemma. Should he tell them who Donghae is? They're all under the same agency, LSJ, and even if Donghae is part of the A&R team and should be just working with idols and singers, knowing how extroverted he is, Hyukjae won't be surprised if he has mutual friends with Heechul and Leeteuk.

He trusts his hyungs with his life. But Leeteuk is sometimes dense and may do something obvious, and Heechul would tease the hell out of him.

"Well…. I met him in the company," Hyukjae said sheepishly.

"Oh my god! Who??" Leeteuk exclaimed, and Heechul was already looking at him with an expression like that of a hyena, ready to pounce and tease.

Thinking of how he can escape their questions, Hyukjae stalls for time. "Uhm, actually…"

Suddenly, the door opened and Heechul squealed and jumped to greet the newcomer.

Saved by the bell! Thank you, whoever you are!

Hyukjae sighed in relief. His back was to the door, and he was about to turn around to look at his savior when he heard Leeteuk greet the newcomer. "Hi, Donghae. How are you?"

His eyes widened and faced the door to see Heechul hugging Donghae who's smiling widely.

"I'm fine Hyung. I'm adjusting well to Seoul, thanks to Heechul hyung."

"Oh please, you know I'd do anything for you," Heechul said as he fondly ruffled Donghae's hair.

Well .

And then the pieces suddenly fit. Leeteuk said Heechul's favorite dongsaeng has come to Korea since early this year, and Donghae started working in their agency at the start of the year. Donghae said he was born here but grew up in a different country, just like Heechul's story about his dongsaeng. He also remembers Heechul telling them over the years that his dongsaeng is a good composer, really handsome, adorable beyond measure, with puppy eyes and a pout he can never resist. Exactly like Donghae.

How did I not realize that?

And now more things made sense. Like Donghae wearing branded clothes, his car, and living in their area in that fancy building. He knows Heechul's dongsaeng is an owner of several businesses in the Philippines.

His musings got interrupted when Donghae greeted him.

"Hi Hyuk!" Donghae said cheerfully.

He's not surprised to see me??

“Oh, so you’ve met each other already?” Leeteuk asked.

“Yes, I’m working with SKYE for their new album,” Donghae answered with that charming smile.

"H-Hi Donghae. I didn't expect to see you here," Hyukjae said, still shocked and processing all the new information.

Heechul piped in. “Right, I need to introduce you two properly. Hyukjae, you already met him at LSJ, but this is my favorite dongsaeng, Aiden.”

Donghae nudged Heechul, interrupting him. “Hyung, I told you I go by Donghae here.”

Aiden. Yes.

How much stupider can I get?

Now he remembers that the few times Heechul mentioned this guy’s name, he referred to him as Aiden. And Donghae’s username in Twitter and Instagram