After the emotional rollercoaster during their brunch, Shindong left, then they dropped off Ryeowook who still had work to do, and the remaining three drove to the agency. Donghae was back to being his cheerful self, Kyuhyun was in a good mood, and Hyukjae tried his best to act normally despite struggling with his thoughts. Practice was great, unexpectedly so. Donghae really works well with Hyukjae both in dancing and teaching; and Kyuhyun has always been diligent in learning their choreographies despite not being the best dancer. When night fell, the three of them were exhausted but accomplished. They grabbed dinner in a restaurant near the agency, and then Donghae dropped Kyuhyun and Hyukjae at their dorm.

As soon as Donghae drove away, Kyuhyun looked at Hyukjae. “Don’t think I’ve forgiven you two for springing Ryeowook on me.”

Hyukjae snorted. “Come on, Kyu. Don’t pretend to be mad about it. You’re obviously happy you got to know him even if you’re kinda shy at first. Which was weird to be honest,” Hyukjae teased as they walked to the elevators. 

“I have a crush on him, of course I was shy at first. But he’s so fun, I like him. I mean, in general, he’s a nice friend to have. His loud laugh is so cute. And it’s so funny when he attacked Donghae like that earlier. He’s as evil as me,” Kyuhyun said with a wide grin.

“Donghae was upset though.”

“I know. That’s the only reason why I didn’t bring it up or tease you guys, nor enacted my revenge on the two of you.”

“Thank you?” Hyukjae said sarcastically.

“Teasing aside though, it was the first time I saw you that gentle.”

Hyukjae looked at Kyuhyun with a frown as they entered their dorm.

“Earlier at the kitchen, the three of us were still there when you were talking.”

“Oh. I–” Hyukjae didn't know what to say.

“I mean, you were always kind and never forceful. But with Donghae earlier, you were so gentle and soft, it’s like you were handling something so…delicate and precious.”

“Because he is precious. He truly is,” Hyukjae said, finally shedding off the emotional armor he was wearing throughout the day. “Kyu~” he whined.

Kyuhyun smirked. “I know. You’re happy? I can see that.”

“I am happy. But my mind is a mess.”

“Why? Because you confirmed that you have a chance with Donghae?”

“Him liking men does not mean he’ll like me. But why don’t you seem surprised by this?”

“I already told you before, that maybe he doesn’t like girls.”

“I thought you were just teasing me then?”

“I was teasing you. But it’s true that I kind of felt it. He seemed so uninterested with women.”

“Well, regardless, we can still never be.”

“Don’t sell yourself short, Hyuk. I know Donghae looks like a prince, but you have your charms too.”

“Excuse me, I don’t just have charms. People go crazy over me!”

Kyuhyun laughed but nodded seriously. “Exactly.”

“It’s not that. I don’t have that type of complex anymore.”

“Then what? Why do you seem so pessimistic about this even from the start?”

Hyukjae became silent. Looking back, there were so many reasons from the very start why he was so hesitant. Some are moot now, but there still remain the two greatest dilemmas. The first one, “You know I’ve never been with any man before because I knew from the very start I’d have to end up with a woman. For my career and m