"Hae, I have your sketchbooks in my backpack! And your pencils and water and snacks everything! Do you have your camera?"

"Yeah, I got it."

Donghae texts his reply. To Leeteuk. Quickly pockets his phone. Slips his camera over his head. He steps away from the car. Extends his hand to Hyukjae. The other shuts the door. Runs around to his side. Clasps his hand.

"Hae, what about your sweater?" Hyukjae says. His own sweater's on. A jacket is tied around his hips. A bag's on his back.

"It's beautiful out, isn't it?" Donghae says. A soft breeze blows past. It's feels nice in the sun. "I don't think I need it..."

"But what if it gets cold?" Hyukjae says. "My phone said it might get windy later!"

Donghae raises their hands. Pecks his. "It won't be that bad, Hyukkie. Don't worry. We're walking quite a bit, and I don't want to carry too much around or I'll forget things everywhere."

Hyukjae's lips protrude. He's thoughtful for a moment.

"Because you'll take off your sweater and get too focused on working and leave it behind?"

"Yeah, maybe."

"Okay, I understand, Hae. I'll keep an eye on everything for you! I'll give you my jacket if it gets cold!"

"Thank you, love. Tell me whenever you get tired, okay?"

Hyukjae nods. Smiles. Donghae gives him a kiss.

---

"Is Hyukjae alright?"

That was what Leeteuk sent. Privately. Donghae asked, "Why?"

He thinks about the picture he'd shared. In the Park House chat. Hyukjae's eyes didn't show. So what's Leeteuk asking about?

Donghae hasn't felt his phone vibrate. With an answer. He continues along. On the paved pathway. Checks for Hyukjae behind him often.

This national park has major scenes. In the novel Donghae's drawing for. He has reread the sections. To confirm. Passed the book to Hyukjae. So he's now taking pictures.

He'd worried about it all. Before. He'd thought about relying on online images. Videos. Because he felt anxious. He didn't want to leave Hyukjae. For too long.

But now... he's glad. That he accepted. Took up this offer. Changed his mind. Brought Hyukjae with him. Yes, Donghae can't take him everywhere. To all work related travel. But this was a good idea. He should consider more places.

In this moment... Donghae forgets last night. Hopes Hyukjae does too. It's just like at home. Hyukjae's giving him space. Allowing him to focus. He doesn't need to. Not this much. But it helps.

The other has let go of his hand. He stays a few steps behind him. But he is completely immersed. He glances around. Sometimes pauses. To read informational signs. Or stares. At sculptures. Scenery. The nature. Twice, he crouched. To examine rocks. Flowers.

Donghae waits for him. Each time. He doesn't show it. That he's waiting. Hyukjae always gasps. Hurries to catch up. Donghae pretends he didn't notice. But he makes a note. To stop on their way back. He'd like to know: what Hyukjae likes. Thinks.

He hears Hyukjae's quick feet again. They stop behind him. Donghae turns his camera. Snaps a few pictures of him. Then chuckles in satisfaction.

Hyukjae's face is puzzled. His head's tilted. He's holding the shoulder straps. To his backpack. He looks adorable.

"Hae, do you need your book?" Hyukjae says.

"Huh?" Donghae lowers the camera. "No, I remember what I'm looking for, but thank you."

"Do you? Because I don't think I'm in there..."

Donghae's taken aback. He laughs. "Hyukjae!"

The other grins a little. Donghae steps towards him. Pecks his cheek. His skin is cool. So Donghae pulls up his hood. Moves his bangs slightly.

"Are you tired at all, baby?"

"Oh, no!" Hyukjae shakes his head. "No, I feel great! I love this! I was thinking about--" He stops. Blinks. Shakes his head. "Oh, no, sorry. I'll tell you later. You have to work now."

Donghae laughs again. Takes his hand. "It's okay. I'm taking a break. You can tell me."

"How long is your break?"

"Um, five minutes?"

Hyukjae's gums appear. He giggles. "Okay." He glances around again. Sighs. Meets his eyes. Speaks in a quieter voice. "I was thinking how Mama Saeron would love this place. When we go for walks by the river, she always seems... at peace. It feels like she's truly happy... and..."

Donghae smiles gently. his hand. Hyukjae doesn't say more. He stretches his lips. Into a thin smile. Donghae leans in. Kisses his cheek once more.

"Maybe we can bring her next time."

Hyukjae's eyes light up. "Really?!"

"Sure."

"W-What about Mama and Papa Park and Teukkie and Koongie?"

"A whole family trip? Why not?"

Hyukjae bounces on his feet. Throws his arms around him. Hugs Donghae. It makes Donghae's heart soar.

"That would be so fun!" Hyukjae pulls back. Kisses him. Smiles genuinely now. Then turns Donghae around. "Okay, Hae! I think your break is over!"

Donghae takes his arm. Laughs. "Okay, but baby, we're going to pass through wooded areas, so I just want you to stay close, alright?"

"Hae! Don't worry about me! I took a picture of the map!"

Hyukjae whips out his phone. Shows Donghae. It's a picture of the display board. From the entrance. 

"Oh," Donghae says. "Perfect. But still, try to stay close?"

Hyukjae nods. "You want me to keep holding your hand, Hae? Would that make you feel better?"

"That would be great, yes."

"I'll let go when you need to use it! I'll hold your shirt!"

"Thank you, baby."

Hyukjae quickly kisses him again. Grips his hand more tightly.

They resume walking. Donghae has taken a lot of pictures. So far. Now, he wants to etch his surroundings. Into his mind. He has to experience the present moment, too. The warmth of Hyukjae's hand. Donghae can feel his wonder. His joy. It makes him smile.

"Hae... will you draw too?" Hyukjae says.

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