Donghae jumped on the bed as soon as he entered his own bedroom where Hyukjae was leisurely scrolling on his phone on the bed. Hyukjae’s phone fell from his hands because of the impact and his eyes grew wide in surprise, then heartily chuckled as Donghae snuggled on his neck like a big puppy. Hyukjae noticed that Donghae has been in a stellar mood ever since he returned to Korea a week ago. He does find it a bit odd, but nevertheless he’s not complaining because seeing Donghae as bright as this fills his heart with so much joy. He asked Donghae about it, and Donghae said that it’s because he’s very happy that he’s back and that they can spend all their days and nights together. 

This past week, Hyukjae’s schedule wasn’t that hectic but Donghae has been busy going around the city after work hours, and he said it was for work. But the other day, they were able to drive to Hyukjae’s family’s house and had dinner together. As expected, his mother and sister fell for Donghae’s charms immediately. Dinner was great and his mother even insisted on showing his childhood photos even if it was already a bit late. His sister thankfully held off on recounting embarrassing stories about him but promised she will tell them next time so that Donghae would have a motivation to come back soon. Hyukjae took a moment to watch his mother, sister, and boyfriend, all laughing together. He felt so happy at that moment, especially knowing he doesn’t have to worry about his relationship with Donghae anymore.

I honestly couldn’t ask for anything more.

Right now, with his arms full of an adorable Donghae, he sent another grateful prayer for letting him have all of this. 

Tomorrow, he and Donghae will spend the weekend at that beach house that they were supposed to go to last year. He hopes to find the perfect timing to tell Donghae about his plans. His agency already sent a draft of his new contract for next year, following the terms of their agreement. But before he agrees to it and signs it, he of course wants Donghae to know first so that he’s sure Donghae is okay with everything that’s written in there. He feels both nervous and excited about telling Donghae that they can now be together with no worries about being separated in the future. 

“Hyuk?” Donghae said, pulling Hyukjae away from his reverie.

“Yes, baby?”

“Tomorrow before we go to the beach house, can we stop by somewhere first?”

“Sure, Hae. Where is it?”

“Just near Seongsu Station.”

“Alright, what’s there?”

“I just have a short appointment at 8am.”

“Would it take a while? If yes, we could adjust our schedule too.”

“No, I think half an hour there would be fine. We’d still be at the beach house before lunch.”

“Okay,” Hyukjae nodded, adjusting the alarm on his phone so that they could leave on time for Donghae’s appointment.

“Hyuk?” Donghae said again.

Hyukjae grinned, and repeated his earlier response, wondering what it is this time. “Yes, baby?”

“I love you.”

Hyukjae’s grin transformed into a soft smile. “I love you too.”

Donghae was looking at him as if he wanted to say something, so Hyukjae asked. “What is it? Is there something wrong?”

“No, nothing’s wrong. Everything’s perfect.” Then Donghae proceeded to shower Hyukjae with kisses. Hyukjae put his phone on the bedside table and let Donghae press him on the bed.

***

The next morning, Donghae drove the two of them, the backseat populated by their weekender bags and Donghae’s guitar. 

Hyukjae was on the phone for a briefer about an endorsement deal for a lip balm brand when they slowed down in front of a building with commercial spaces below - a dental clinic, a pharmacy, and a convenience store. Donghae pointed at the clinic and mouthed, “That’s where we’re going,” and Hyukjae just nodded, realizing Donghae’s appointment is with the dentist. It makes sense as Donghae really takes care of his teeth, a bit obsessed with brushing them if Hyukjae is being honest. 

Donghae went around the building and parked at the basement just as Hyukjae finished his call. 

“Let’s go?”

Hyukjae was surprised. “I’m coming with you to the dentist?” 

It’s actually fine with him to accompany Donghae there as a good boyfriend, but the point stands that it would make them look like boyfriends in a clinic probably filled with patients and staff. Unless he gets his teeth checked as well. Hyukjae distantly wonders if his dentist would be offended, but it’s still as good an excuse as any.

Donghae chuckles. “No, don’t worry. There’s no one there.” 

“Huh?”

“Later with the questions. Let’s go, it’s already 8am.”

Hyukjae glanced at his phone for the time and nodded. He trusts Donghae so if Donghae says there’s no need to worry, then he wouldn’t. He still donned his bucket hat and mask though as they exited the car and rode the elevator. 

It turns out that the clinic has a side entrance just across the elevator. Donghae shook the hand of a man at the door who gave him a key and then promptly left. Hyukjae shoots up his eyebrows at that but before he could ask, Donghae pulls him inside. 

“What do you think?” Donghae asked a bewildered Hyukjae.

“About what? About us entering a..,” Hyukjae looked around and saw that the clinic was actually empty except for a couch and a reception counter, “an empty clinic with a key?”

Donghae grinned happily, and Hyukjae caught a flash of smugness and a little mischievousness. 

“It’s a great place. Just near a subway station, in a commercial area. There are restaurants, drinking places and even some karaoke rooms around, as well as corporate offices. Perfect for a coffee shop, right?” Donghae asked as he sat down on the couch and patted the space beside him for Hyukjae to sit on. 

“I’m….not following?” Hyukjae replied, uncomprehending, taking off his hat and mask as he sat down and looked at Donghae with furrowed eyebrows.

“If you’re okay with this, I’m going to sign a long term lease contract for this place. I’ve checked many other places but this is the best one for me. I’m planning to open a Tempus Coffee branch here.”

Hyukjae paused. He was really confused. Why would Donghae plan to open a cafe here? Tempus Coffee is Donghae’s baby, so he never opened it for franchise in the Philippines, and only lets his former boss manage the three branches there. That’s why he doesn’t want to open more branches too, despite having the capability and opportunities for it. So why is Donghae opening a Tempus Coffee here in Korea when he won’t be here much next year to manage it? Then again, Hyukjae doesn’t want to pretend he understands Donghae’s business decisions. So maybe Donghae thinks this is a good venture? To expand in Korea? But he still can’t comprehend it. His family once opened a bakeshop and he knows how big a capital a business would need, and how hard it would be to handle. Does Donghae think he can make it a stable and profitable business in just the one year he has left here? Does Donghae’s business mind think it’s worth the risk?

“Hyukjae, I can hear you thinking,” Donghae said with a laugh.

“I… well, I don’t know Donghae, you’re the one who’s good with this business stuff. But I don’t know why you’re suddenly planning to start a business here?”

Donghae smiles and looks at him intently. Drawing a deep breath, he held both of Hyukjae’s hands. “Hyukjae, we both know we’re ridiculously in love with each other. You get panic attacks and I get irrationally depressed when we’re not together. Being in different countries four hours apart and with even just a one-hour time difference woul