# 18
Magician
The heavy rain continues.
Hyukjae is sitting by the window. He's still dabbing paper towels. All over Donghae's work. His tools. Hyukjae carefully sets each aside. On the table. Even though... Donghae's already checked everything. Dried it all.
He'd done it in the car. They'd waited for a few minutes there. To see if the rain would stop. Donghae wanted to go back. Wanted to spend more time with Hyukjae. Witness his experience. His wonder. Be present with him in the moment. All Donghae had managed was work.
Donghae stands in the kitchen now. He's looking at his phone. Because Leeteuk's replied.
"I don't know... I just have this nagging feeling..."
The other is still typing. It stops. Continues. Stops again. A message finally arrives.
"Never mind though, if he's okay. I'll ask him when he's back. Hope the weather's not as bad as it is here! Share more pictures when you can. Grandma loves it."
Donghae tells him they're indoors. Then he places his phone aside. On the kitchen counter. He ponders for a moment. Looks over at Hyukjae.
The initial plan for the day had been: breakfast. Visit the park. Grab lunch. Shop. Get groceries. Make dinner at the apartment.
Unfortunately, they're already here now. It's only afternoon.
Donghae's going to make ramen. They'd brought a few packs with them. Some snacks. It was meant for late nights. If they were still hungry. So this just wouldn't have been enough. That's why Donghae made a quick stop earlier. At a convenience store. He'd run in to grab more food. Snacks. Asked a disappointed Hyukjae to wait. In the car.
He's told Hyukjae to wait again. To go busy himself with something. That's why... he's there. By the window. Sitting on the couch. His back's to Donghae. Because he was ordered to.
The meal's meant to be a surprise.
Donghae keeps watching him. Hyukjae's gotten to his sketchbook. He's bent over it.
"Baby..." Donghae calls. "I've gone through each page. It's all fine."
"Oh, yeah, I know," Hyukjae answers. "I wanted to see... just if I can make copies for you. There are drops in the corners of some pages... not on the drawing, though..." He shifts. But stops. "Wait, can I turn around, Hae?"
"No," Donghae says. Smiles.
Hyukjae faces forward again. Slouches. "Why can't I see you?"
"Later, sweetheart. You can still talk to me like this. What is it?"
"Do you... do you want copies of anything? I can make them..."
"No, thank you, love. I have to redraw these anyways."
"Okay..." Hyukjae sighs. Then raises the sketchbook over his head. "Look Hae, you were supposed to be working! But you've got me drawn here!"
Donghae recognizes the half-completed sketch. He laughs sheepishly. Turns. Puts some snacks in the fridge.
"But I'd finished work at that time..."
He closes the fridge. Hears Hyukjae sigh again.
The other's lowered the sketchbook. Placed it against the armrest. But he's silent. Donghae can't tell: Is he staring at the sketch? Or out the window?
"What are you thinking about, baby?" Donghae says.
"Nothing..." Hyukjae mumbles.
Donghae finds a small pot. Fills it halfway with water. Maybe Hyukjae's thinking about his magic. Donghae told him he was amazing. With the rain. But Hyukjae's smiles were shy. A bit doubtful. Or maybe it's... to do with last night. Or he's tired. Or is this about... whatever's got Leeteuk worried?
Donghae doesn't like seeing him... like this.
"Sweetheart..." Donghae calls again. "Why don't you go read something? You've brought your books, haven't you?"
He wants Hyukjae to gasp. Suddenly dash. Into the bedroom. Pull out his comic books. But Hyukjae stays sitting.
"Or you could take a nap, Hyukkie..." Donghae glances over again.
Hyukjae's head is straighter: he is gazing out the window this time. He does so... for long moments. Only the pitter-patter of the rain is heard.
Donghae's heart dips. Hyukjae's... too still.
He quietly moves. Out of the small kitchen. Towards Hyukjae. He needs to look at his face. Needs to touch him. Feel his warmth.
"Hyukkie?" Donghae says. Gently. Takes his hand -- it's soft.
Hyukjae blinks in surprise. "Hae?" He turns to look behind himself. "Are you done? Is the surprise ready?"
"Oh... no, sorry..."
Donghae lets out a breath. Pecks Hyukjae's head. Puts the sketchbook aside. He sits beside Hyukjae. Tugs his hand. To make him face Donghae.
"Babe, are you alright?" he asks.
"Yeah?" Hyukjae says. Blinks confusedly. "Are you okay? What's wrong?"
Donghae smiles. Pulls him closer. He needs to embrace him.
"I'm okay..." Donghae wraps his arms around Hyukjae. Holds him gently. "I feel a little disappointed though."
"Why--?"
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