It was a little tricky.

Most of Donghae's work is at home. For anything else... he takes Hyukjae with him. They go out together. Shop together.  Visit the Parks together.

If Hyukjae's not with Donghae... then he's with the Parks. Donghae works. Goes to meet his editor. Goes to the gym. With Teukkie. 

That is on the calendar. Hyukjae sees Leeteuk's grandmother at those times. He doesn't want to change it.

So they're not left with many options.

Donghae had to voice his concerns to Leeteuk. Because he couldn't tell Hyukjae. The other would change his mind. He wouldn't want to trouble Donghae. Force him out of home. Just to get time alone.

"So... what if I just do the groceries by myself? He loves coming along though, and it would barely take me twenty minutes if I do it alone, so it doesn't even give him that much time? What do I do? Just come up with random excuses, leave for a couple hours, and he can be alone? Or do I find a place to work outside of home? He wouldn't like that either and he got mad I'd even think of it--"

"Well, you could go see some friends, but okay, what if he comes to my place?" Leeteuk had suggested. "Whenever I'm out?"

"Y-You'd be okay with that?"

Hyukjae wasn't. He'd called Leeteuk. Talked in a hushed voice with him. In the bedroom. But then he'd agreed. 

So now their calender says "Practice at Teukkie's!" It's two or three hours long. Twice a week. Leeteuk moved some of his work around.

He books his meetings at those times now.

Donghae gets Koongie...

The dog's fine with him, actually. Donghae makes sure to have some food for her. She wanders around the place. Growls, at times. It's mostly at Hyukjae's shoes. The closet. Some sketches Donghae has of Hyukjae. But then she naps. Sits on his lap.

It's quite nice. Donghae's getting used to it.

Since he has handed some "fun times!!" over to the Parks... Donghae has more free time, too. He felt that bit of loneliness hit him. Donghae's been doing everything with Hyukjae. So it will take time. He's prepared meals twice now. By himself. It... wasn't fun. Cooking with Hyukjae is much more enjoyable.

But by Thursday... Donghae's too worried. To feel left out. Hyukjae's supposed to get two shots today. It's obviously during the "fun times with Parks!!"

For Hyukjae to be surprised. 

Donghae thinks, Mrs. Park will take care of Hyukjae. He'll be okay. But he keeps his phone on his desk. Chews his lip too much. 

It's almost an hour after the appointment time. That's when he gets a call.

It's from Hyukjae.

"Hyukkie? Baby, hi!"

"Hello... Hae..."

"Sweetheart, how are you? Did you get your shots? How was it?"

"Um... I'm just getting better and pro-er... I didn't even cry... I got fries and a milkshake."

"You're amazing, Hyukkie..."

"Um... Mama Park said to ask you if she can bring me home after we finish our fries..."

"Oh," Donghae says. He gets concerned. "Does she have to be somewhere? I'm sorry, I wouldn't have troubled her--"

"Oh, um, no... oh, do you want to talk to Hae?"

"Who--?"

Mrs. Park is then on the phone.

"Hi, Donghae, dear..." Her voice is quiet. "If you're busy, I can take him home with me. He'll be okay, I'm sure, but I think he's going to feel a bit tired soon...."

"Oh! No, then please bring him here--I can come get him!"

---

Mrs. Park brings Hyukjae back. Donghae notices what she meant.

Hyukjae seems a bit unenergetic. He tries to smile widely. But he doesn't hug Donghae.

"His arms hurt," Mrs. Park explains.

"No, they don't..." Hyukjae mumbles. Donghae pulls him into a one-armed hug.

"Baby, you feel warm..."

"I think he might be getting a fever," Mrs. Park says.

Hyukjae pouts. "No, I feel okay."

"I'm glad, dear, but rest if you need to, okay?"

"Mama Park, I didn't cry, right? Tell Donghae I didn't cry."

"O-Oh, yes, he -- he did really well! I'm very proud of you, Hyukkie."

---

Hyukjae's kind of... disgruntled. He refuses to be fussed over. Claims he's fine. Reminds Donghae: it is his working hours!

So Donghae has to leave him. He's sitting at his desk now. But keeps glancing up. Looking around. To check on Hyukjae.

The other comes back from the bedroom. He's wearing a sweater. Hyukjae sits on the floor. In front of the couch. Places his box of letters on it. His phone. He spreads out his papers. Scowls as he starts to write.

Donghae returns to his own work.

Hyukjae's begun practicing his writing. Because he feels he's not good enough. Yet. Donghae's done his best to encourage him. Leeteuk showed him how to search up things the other day. On his phone. That had cheered Hyukjae up a little. He found similar writing to his own: pretty and legible.

Donghae hears a short puff. He has to look back. Speak this time.

"Babe... take it easy. You don't have to do everything every day..."

Hyukjae's paper's wrinkled from the aggressive erasing. He blinks at Donghae for a moment. Poutily. Then his lips press. His eyes tear up slightly.

He drops his arms. Sits back against the couch.

"I'm sorry I lied, Hae... m-my arms sort of... hurt."

Donghae immediately gets up.

"Don't come here!" Hyukjae says. "Y-You have work!"

Donghae sits beside him anyway. Gently tugs him closer. Pecks his cheek.

"I know your arms hurt, baby. Are you feeling tired, too? You're warm... you must be feeling cold, right?"

"Y-You know I lied?"

"Well, it's a little obvious, sweetheart."

Hyukjae's form slumps. He leans against him. Donghae hugs him closer. Smiles.

"I don't wanna be sick, Hae..." Hyukjae mumbles. "I wanted to see Mama Saeron and we have to go on our trip after tomorrow... what if I'm still sick?"

This is one downside. To these appointments being secret. Hyukjae can't plan for them. Or for after them.

"You'll feel better soon, Hyukkie," Donghae reassures. "You can see Mama Saeron when we come back, okay?"

"So you'll... take me with you?"

"Well, I promised, didn't I? Don't you want to go?"

"I do!"

"Then don't worry. You won't feel like this for long