The following Thursday, Hyukjae was in the hair shop getting styled for his show. Kyuhyun was beside him preparing for a different program, sulking because they’d be leaving tomorrow for five days in Taiwan for their two-day concert, a guesting, and an endorsement deal. He was feeling a bit down too of course, knowing he wouldn’t see Donghae for five days, but he’s kind of excited as well.

This is because when he was in Thailand, he wasn’t able to chat or talk to Donghae the entire day of the concert due to the busy schedule. Even right after the concert they had to fly back immediately to Korea, but still needed to shoot some behind the scenes up until the airport. So he was only able to check his phone when they finally landed back in Korea. Of course he immediately checked on Donghae, and found that the object of his affection posted so many IG stories, detailing how his Sunday went about. He even had lunch with some friends but all his stories felt kind of lonely and even had sad background songs. Hyukjae knows he’s being delusional but it felt like Donghae missed him. Or at the very least, sad that he wasn’t able to hear anything from Hyukjae.

Or maybe I’m just thinking that because I missed him so much?

So this time, he wanted to test this theory. He decided he won’t post anything on social media nor talk to Donghae for the next few days. He really was going to be busy anyway because apart from their packed schedule, he’s still organizing their trip to Japan. Thankfully, Kyuhyun agreed last week to let him be in charge of their itinerary and everything, so at least he has a free hand on that matter. 

That night, Donghae was clingier than usual. He fetched Hyukjae from his schedule and they went to the younger’s apartment for dinner and then set up comforters and pillows to make a fort on his living room floor to be cozy during their movie marathon. Donghae would usually tell him to rest early if he had a morning schedule the next day, but even if he had to go to the airport in the morning, Donghae wouldn’t let him go that night. Even when Ryeowook arrived past midnight (he was spending time with Kyuhyun at the dorm), Donghae insisted on another movie, and then another.

At around 3am, Donghae fell asleep and Hyukjae didn’t have the heart to wake him up and leave. And to be honest, he also wanted to spend extra time with Donghae knowing he wouldn’t be able to see him for five days straight, which was like forever compared to how much and how often they spend time together. So despite it being unwise knowing he has a concert in less than 48 hours, Hyukjae slept on the couch. He tried to make it as comfortable as possible, and faced Donghae who was sleeping on their fort on the floor. Seeing Donghae sleeping soundly did things to Hyukjae’s heart and he slept peacefully with a smile. 

When he woke up in the morning, it was to the smell of ham and eggs. He looked at the kitchen and saw Kyuhyun there, backhugging Ryeowook who was cooking. He glanced at Donghae on the floor who was still asleep, facing him. He spent a few more minutes just watching Donghae, his heart fluttering at the thought that it was the first time he woke up to see Donghae technically next to him. He thought of how nice it would be if he woke up with Donghae in his arms, snuggling to his chest. Shaking himself from that fantasy, he rose and walked to the kitchen. 

“Oh Hyuk, you’re awake now. Shindong hyung said he’ll just pick us up from here,” Kyuhyun said as he looked up from preparing the table. 

“What about our luggages?”

“He’ll take care of it. I already left it by the door.”

“Ah, but I haven’t taken a bath yet.”

“I brought your clothes. Ryeowook told me he woke up seeing you and Donghae sleeping in the living room,” Kyuhyun said with a teasing smile.

Hyukjae blushed. “Oh we fell asleep while watching a movie.”

Ryeowook chuckled. “The TV was already turned off and the mess was properly taken care of when I woke up so I’m pretty sure at least one of you knowingly slept there.”

“Uhm….”

Kyuhyun laughed. “I knew it. It’s you.”

“Aish, shut up,” Hyukjae said, embarrassed about this conversation. He never talked about this with Ryeowook before. He doesn’t even know if Kyuhyun told Ryeowook of his feelings for Donghae. “I’ll take a bath now,” he said to escape.

He took a quick shower and when he got out of the bathroom, Donghae was already awake and waiting for him to have breakfast together. Donghae was quiet, and it was a quick breakfast before Shindong picked them up. Kyuhyun and Ryeowook sweetly kissed goodbye and it made Hyukjae feel awkward on how to say goodby