As they drove farther and farther out of the city, Eunhyuk could feel his heart lightening. He glanced over at Donghae who was focused on the changing scenery out of his window. He reached over and took his hand that was sitting in lap.

 

Donghae looked over at him expectantly and when he saw his gummy smile, he returned it, shyly.

 

“Don’t you already feel better? We’re barely out of Seoul and I suddenly feel like things are back to normal,” he said kissing Donghae’s hand.

 

Donghae nodded as Eunhyuk focused back on the road, smile still plastered on his face.

 

When they finally arrived, Eunhyuk went to speak to the owners as Donghae stood in the front, looking around.

 

They were here in the off season, so it wasn’t very crowded at all. All around him we’re mountains and tall trees. Complete isolation. What should have been comforting to him suddenly felt confining.

 

“Hae,” said Eunhyuk, making Donghae jump. “Sorry baby. But it’s ready, you can come with me now.”

 

Donghae grabbed his bag and followed Eunhyuk with the ahjusshi towards where they would be staying.

 

As they walked along, Donghae’s eyes grew.  None of the members had had much experience staying in pensions, himself included, due to their schedules, so he hadn’t really known what to expect.

 

Because it was very late, the small road to their rooms was lit with small lights nestled in the pebbles.

 

Donghae stared in wonder as he followed  the sound of Eunhyuk and the ahjussi’s voices while he tried to take in what he could see around him.

 

“Alright, here we are. Please enjoy your stay gentlemen,” he said with a quick nod and then he left them at the front door.

 

“Well, here we go Hae,” said Eunhyuk unlocking the front door.

 

When they stepped inside, Eunhyuk let out a laugh.

 

He had expected the pension to look slightly cheesy from what his parents and sister had warned him about, and they hadn’t skimped on the details. The décor was a little unflattering and minimal, but it didn’t really matter, Eunhyuk decided, at least not in regards to what they were there for.

 

As he finished a complete 360 degree turn, he realized Donghae had vanished.

 

“Hae?!” he called out, slightly panicked.

 

“I’m in here Hyukkie,” he said softly.

 

Eunhyuk followed his voice to the bedroom.

 

“Why are you standing in the dark?” asked Eunhyuk flipping on the lights.

 

“Don’t!” yelled Donghae, more harshly than he intended.

 

“Sorry,” said Eunhyuk softly as he turned them off again.

 

“I didn’t mean to yell. I was just looking at the moon and the mountains,” explained Donghae. “It’s clearer with the lights off.”

 

“Wow, I see why you were so quiet. It’s really beautiful, right?” asked Eunhyuk wrapping his arms around Donghae’s waist and nestling his face close to his neck.

 

Donghae fidgeted slightly in Eunhyuk’s arms.

 

“Yeah, these windows are kind of terrifying though,” said Donghae breaking free to step forward and stretch his arms out wide, showing how they didn’t reach either side of the floor to ceiling windows.

 

“I thought you’d like it. You love natural light, so I figured it’d give the perfect view of a morning sunrise for you.”

 

“Oh…thanks,” said Donghae walking over to now turn on the lights.

 

Eunhyuk looked down, “so it’s pretty late. Do you want to just get some sleep and start new in the morning?”

 

“Yeah,” said Donghae as he watched Eunhyuk pull back the sheets.

 

He grabbed a pillow and clutched it to his chest as he walked towards the door.

 

“Where are you going?” asked Eunhyuk, with a puzzled expression.

 

“I’m just going to sleep in the other room for tonight,” he said softly as he played with the ends of the pillow.

 

“Hae…I thought we were okay?”

 

“Just one night Hyukkie, please. I just need time,” mumbled Donghae, still not making eye contact with him.

 

“It’s fine Hae…I’m just glad you're here,” said Eunhyuk sitting on the edge of the bed and staring at his feet.
 

Donghae bit his bottom lip as he nodded. After a few awkward moments of silence, he left Eunhyuk to go sleep in the living room alone.

 

The next morning, Eunhyuk blinked open his eyes as the sunlight poured into the room. He sighed as he looked at the empty space beside him and then back at the clear morning sky.

 

Rubbing his eyes and then stretching, he pulled himself out of bed so that he could go and check on Donghae.

 

He walked from the master room down the hall straight towards the living room. He saw Donghae sleeping peacefully on the couch. He was clutching the pillow tightly, much in the way that he would wrap himself around Eunhyuk at night, and he couldn’t help but to smile sadly at him.

 

Crouching down beside Donghae’s sleeping form, he gently ran his fingers through his soft brown locks. Instinctually, Donghae nestled into his hand, a small smile spreading on his lips.

 

“Good morning Hae,” he gently cooed.

 

Donghae gently stirred.

 

“We missed the sun rise,” said Eunhyuk just as softly as he looked over his shoulder at the giant windows.

 

Donghae slowly opened his eyes, glancing around until his eyes landed on Eunhyuk.

 

When he didn’t return Eunhyuk’s morning smile, Eunhyuk swallowed hard.

 

“Hae, I know you just woke up, but we need to talk,” he said with a serious tone.

 

“Hyukkie, does it have to be now?” whined Donghae.

 

‘Yes Hae, we can’t keep operating like this. Why did you come here with me?”
 

“Because you asked me to,” said Donghae slowly, confused to whether or not there was any other answer.

 

“Only because I wanted you to or did you actually want to come?”

 

“I told you that I didn’t think we should come but you begged me, so I agreed.”

 

Eunhyuk sighed as he stood up.

 

“Hae, I thought you had forgiven me, why are you still acting so cold?” asked Eunhyuk sadly.

 

“I never said I forgave you,” said Donghae shaking his head.

 

Eunhyuk’s eyes grew, “What was that monologue about then?! You told me how much you loved me and how you couldn’t live without me!”

 

Donghae nodded, “Where in that did you hear an apology Hyuk?”

 

Eunhyuk’s body tensed.

 

“What do I have to do to make you forgive me Hae? Just say so I can get it over with and get my old Hae back!”

 

“Hyuk, it doesn’t work like that. Yes, I love you, that’s not something that’s going to stop easily. But I’m still angry.”

 

“How?! What did I do wrong?!” asked Eunhyuk exasperated.

 

“Hyukkie I made it very clear how I felt about her the last time this happened.”

 

“Yes, I know.”

 

“But things barely changed. I know she still texts you—

 

“Hae it’s about work or just to ask about my family. She always asks me for my advice on material she’s working on and she’s close with my mom and Sora.”

 

“I still don’t like it. She has sunbaes in her company. She can ask them. She has your mother and Sora’s numbers, she can talk to them directly. She doesn’t need to text you, she wants to,” said Donghae crossing his arms.

 

“So what do you want me to do about it?” asked Eunhyuk. “Stop talking to her? Will that fix everything?”

 

Donghae was quiet as Eunhyuk stood there looking at him.

 

When he didn’t speak, Eunhyuk walked back down the hall into the bedroom and grabbed his phone. When he walked back into the living room, he stood in front of Donghae.

 

“Does this make you feel better?” he asked earnestly as he brought up IU’s contact information and proceeded to delete it.

 

Donghae sighed as he looked at Eunhyuk’s phone and then up at Eunhyuk.

 

“What? Now what is it?” asked Eunhyuk.

 

“Hyukkie, the reason rumors like this start is mostly because people don’t know about our relationship,” said Donghae softly.

 

“Hae, you know I can’t do much about that. Lee Soo Man and Prince Manager are probably already thinking of thirty different ways to maim me for what’s already happened.”

 

“I’m not asking to go public. I know what will happen. But that’s the problem. People will always think that you’re single, so of course they’ll attach you to any girl they see you with.”

 

“So, what does that mean? We’ll never be normal again because one incident suddenly awakened you to the reality of our situation?”

 

Donghae shrugged.

 

Eunhyuk exhaled deeply as he ran his hands through his hair.

 

“Do you have any idea why I brought you here Hae?”

 

“I thought you just wanted to take a break from Seoul,” said Donghae softly.

 

Eunhyuk nodded, “Yes, that’s part of it. Get dressed.”

 

“What?”
 

“Get some clothes on, I have to show you why we’re really here,” said Eunhyuk and he walked back towards the bedroom to get dressed himself.

 

When he walked back into the living room Donghae was sitting on the couch dressed.

 

“Good, you're ready. Come on,” said Eunhyuk walking towards the door.

 

Donghae slowly followed after him.

 

“Hyukkie, where are we going?” asked Donghae following behind Eunhyuk as they began walking along a trail towards the woods.

 

They walked only maybe for ten minutes when Eunhyuk stopped and turned to face Donghae.

 

There were standing in an opening in the path that gave the perfect view of the mountain landscape they could see from a distance in their room.

 

Donghae breathed deep as he looked at the peaceful sight. It had been so long since he had been standing in a place so quiet, so he wanted to enjoy it as long as possible. But he knew that’s not why Eunhyuk had brought him here.

 

“Hyukkie, why are we here?” asked Donghae when he realized Eunhyuk had been watching him the entire time.

 

“I planned this trip because I wanted to do something really special for you Hae,” he said taking Donghae’s hands.

 

“What?” asked Donghae shaking his head.

 

“I’ve known for awhile now how much it bothers you that we can’t be like most couples and show our love for one another. Not only because of our job, but also because we’re two men.”

 

Donghae blushed. “Yes Hyukkie, it makes me sad, but it’s just something I know I have to live with.”

 

“You shouldn’t have to though Hae. I want you to have what everyone else in your position has,” said Eunhyuk kneeling down.

 

Donghae gasped. “What are you doing?!”

 

“Lee Donghae, I love you. I know that sometimes it rolls off my tongue so easily, that you might think the meaning gets lost. But I promise you, that I understand the weight of those words, and I mean them, every time. And I want you to know, you're not the only one that’s scared. These last few hours especially, I’ve been sick thinking that you’d finally had enough and that you’d walk out of my life. I don’t think I have to tell you why that wouldn’t work for me. I care so deeply about your happiness Hae. It hurts me so much to see you cry. That’s not what I want for you. I want to be the one making you smile and bringing lightness to your heart. I know I might slip up every now and then, but I need you to just have faith in me Hae. Just trust that I’ll always try my hardest to make it up to you, and that I’ll never abandon you, okay?”

 

Donghae stood frozen as he watched Eunhyuk reach into his pocket.

 

“Hyukkie!” he gasped when he saw him pull out a small black box.

 

He opened the box and Donghae’s hands immediately flew up to his mouth.

 

Inside were two identical silver rings.

 

“Can you possibly forgive me Hae, for being careless with your feelings, for the last time?”

 

Donghae watched him with a soft smile as Eunhyuk removed one of the rings and put it on left index finger.

 

He cocked his head to the side when he saw this.

 

“We still have to try and hide it as much as possible,” said Eunhyuk with a small chuckle. “Is that okay?”

 

“Of course,” said Donghae and he took out the mate and placed it on Eunhyuk’s left index finger.

 

Eunhyuk stood up so he could look into Donghae’s eyes.

 

“So does this mean that you’ve forgiven me?” he asked with hope in his eyes.

 

Donghae looked at the ring and then sighed.

 

“Hae,” said Eunhyuk closing his eyes. “I don’t know what else to do. What is it that you want from me?”

 

“Hyukkie, I appreciate the consideration that you’ve put into this…really I do. But it’s not enough. There is no quick fix solution to this. You can’t just buy my love—

 

“That’s not what this is about,” sighed Eunhyuk walking a few steps away. “I had all of this planned before any of this mess started. I thought it’s what you wanted.”

 

“It was. It is. But things have changed now.  I’m still hurt Hyuk, it’s only been hours...hours, since I heard this. And in this small bit of time I’ve had to deal with a lot of feelings. I mean I still love you, that hasn’t changed. And I know you’ve explained everything, but I’m still working through trust issues from the first time. It’s gonna take a while for me to feel 100% comfortable with this. I’m just really confused and I’m tired of crying and I just want all of it to stop. So can we please just take a break…just pause for a minute, and can you hold me? Please?” he said tearing up again.

 

Eunhyuk sighed  and opened his arms.

 

Donghae rushed forward and hugged him, burying his face in Eunhyuk’s shoulder.

 

“I understand Hae. I don’t care how long it takes, just as long as we’re on the path towards being good again. Just promise me you’ll meet me halfway, okay? I’m gonna try hard to everyday to make it up to you, but you have to open your heart again or it’s never going to work. Can you at least promise that?” he whispered in his ear.

 

He felt Donghae nod as his grip grew tighter.

 

When Donghae had calmed down, they made their way back to towards the pension, hand in hand.

 

Once inside, Donghae immediately went and crawled into the big bed, snuggling deep within the cool white sheets and pillows.

 

Eunhyuk lay beside him and pulled him close, which Donghae allowed.

 

Hours went by with both of them drifting in and out of sleep. Each watching the other one’s chests rise or lips curve into a faint smile as they softly snored.

 

As it was Eunhyuk’s turn to watch Donghae rest, he felt his phone vibrating in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw Prince Manager’s number across the screen. Easing his way out of the bed in an effort to not wake Donghae, he walked down the hall towards the living room.

 

“Hello Hyung?”

 

“What the Hyukjae?!”

 

“Wh-what?”
 

“You better have something better than what to say to me! I can’t believe you! I have to hear about this scandal involving you and Ji Eun once again, and then no one can get a hold of you because you decided to leave the ing city?! Are you insane? Why on earth would that even seem like an option to you?!”

 

“Hyung, look, I’m sorry, I know I screwed up. But come on, do you really think the rumors are true? Do you honestly believe I would do something like this?”

 

“Whether or not it’s true is irrelevant Hyuk. You need to give a statement about this. Lee Soo Man has been chewing out my ear all evening about how someone needs to make a decision about this and now!”

 

“Well, what do you think hyung?”

 

Prince Manager sighed as he pinched the space between his eyes.

 

“I don’t know. You’ve made a lot of people upset with this one Hyuk. Speaking of, how’s Donghae?”

 

Eunhyuk looked over his shoulder and back down the hall.

 

“He’s still dealing with it, but he’s better now,” he mumbled.  “But I’m still in the doghouse and will be for a while.”

 

“Good, he needs to give you hell for this one.”

 

“Hyung! It wasn’t my fault this time. You of all people have to take my side on this one.”

 

“Says who?” chuckled Prince. “Look, my job is to make sure that you don’t cost both of us our jobs. Managing relationship troubles is not in the job description. I’ll help keep the IU fans from mutilating you, it’s your job to keep the ELFish from doing the same.”

 

“Thanks hyung,” Eunhyuk mumbled as he rubbed his face.

 

“So what do you want me to tell Soo Man-ssi?”

 

“Nothing.”

 

“What?”

 

“There’s no proof with these allegations hyung. It’s just word of mouth. I’m sure Ji Eun’s company has probably already handled it on her end. I just want to ignore it. The more we try to spin it, the deeper the hole will be. Hopefully the fans will just stand with me through this and we can move past it.”

 

“Okay, I understand. I’ll call him and let him know. But you and Donghae need to come back tomorrow, arasso? You know he’s going to want to check up on his favorite adeul.”

 

Eunhyuk smiled, “I got it Hyung, don’t worry.”

 

“With you, that’s not an option.”

 

“I’ll work on that for you.”

 

“You’d better. Call me when you’re back in the city tomorrow and we’ll set up a meeting.”

 

“Okay, see you tomorrow Hyung.”

 

The next day, after they both woke up, Eunhyuk explained to Donghae why they had to leave early.

 

As they were checking out, Donghae glanced around the lobby of the main building. More people were walking around now that it was morning time.

 

His eyes landed on a teenage girl that he realized had been watching him and Eunhyuk.

 

Overhearing the conversation that her parents were having he realized that she was Chinese.

 

Just as he raised his hand to give a small wave, Eunhyuk placed his hand on Donghae’s shoulder, letting him know they could leave.

 

The Chinese girl’s eyes grew as she looked at their hands.

 

“Tongyi huan!” she exclaimed giddily.

 

Same ring.

 

 

One week later…

 

Donghae and Eunhyuk were walking into their hotel in Busan with the rest of the members to check in.

 

As they walked past the crowd a group of girls started singing “Marry U” with grins on their faces and EunHae signs shaking in their hands.

 

“I can’t believe so many fans showed up already, the event hasn’t even started yet,” laughed Eunhyuk looking over his shoulder.

 

Donghae nodded with a smile as he gazed back at the hoards of screaming girls trying to break past security.

 

As Eunhyuk pulled him along into the safety of the building, Donghae’s phone starting ringing.

 

“Hold on a second Hyuk,” he said pulling away to reach into his pocket.

 

“Who is it?” asked Eunhyuk as Donghae’s eyebrows raised.

 

“Henry, I told him that we’d be back in a few days, I wonder what the problem is. Hello, Henry?”

 

“Hyung! Did you hear?!” Henry practically shouted into the receiver.

 

“Hear what Henry?” Donghae winced, pulling the phone slightly away.

 

“Zhoumi just called me! It’s all over Chinese news!”

 

“What Henry, what?!”

 

“That you and Hyuk are getting married! It can’t be true can it?! Some Chinese fan girl claims she saw you two wearing matching rings or something—

 

“Henry I’ll call you back!” said Donghae quickly hanging up.

 

“Hae, what’s wrong?” asked Eunhyuk taking his free hand.

 

Donghae looked down at his hand, causing Eunhyuk to follow his action.

 

“When we were at the pension, a Chinese girl saw us together,” he breathed out.

 

“Okay…not that big of a problem Hae. Everyone knows we’re close. That wouldn’t exactly tip them off.”

 

“No, but these would,” said Donghae holding up their ringed fingers.

 

Eunhyuk closed his eyes. “Damn it. That explains the song then,” he muttered.

 

“Do you think anyone with us knows?” asked Donghae looking over at the other members and their managers.

 

“No I don’t think so—

 

“Lee Hyukjae!” yelled Prince Manager crumpling a tabloid that a now terrified cordi noona had just handed him.

 

Eunhyuk quickly moved behind Donghae as Prince Manager stormed over to them.

 

“Explain!” he said shoving the tabloid in their faces.

 

“Hyung—started Donghae.

 

“Not you Hae. This one. Explain!” he said glaring at Eunhyuk. “I know you’re behind this. It has Lee Hyukjae written all over it!”

 

“It’s not true, hyung, I swear,” mumbled Eunhyuk pulling Donghae closer to him.

 

“Then what the hell are those?” he asked pointing at their fingers.

 

Eunhyuk moved to hide their hands, but Donghae pulled them away.

 

“Hyung, it’s just a couples ring, not an engagement ring,” said Donghae softly with a pout.

 

Prince Manager sighed.

 

“You know you can’t wear those. All it takes is for one wrong person to see them and then we have this. I swear Hyuk, the minute I think I’m out of the woods with you, here you are neck deep in another scandal!”

 

“But Hyung, isn’t this one a little bit better than the last?” said Eunhyuk raising his eyebrows.

 

Prince looked between the two of them, noticing how close they were.

 

“Fine, as long as the two of you have reached some sort of agreement, I guess I can live with it. We’ll just play it off as a joke okay. If anyone asks, you know what to say, right?”

 

They both nodded.

 

“But in the mean time, take them off,” he hissed before walking away.

 

Eunhyuk slowly let go of Donghae and looked down at the rings.

 

“Sorry Hae. I didn’t think we’d have to stop this quickly. I at least thought having them on our index finger would throw everyone off for a bit,” he said as they pulled them off.

 

“It’s okay Hyukkie, I don’t need it to wear it everyday to remember the promise we made to each other,” he said the ring before slipping it into his pocket. “We’ll just have to wear them when we’re alone.”

 

“Like maybe tonight?” whispered Eunhyuk, with a spark in his eye.

 

“In Kangin’s bed or Wook’s?” asked Donghae with a cocked eyebrow.

 

“What?” asked Eunhyuk with a panicked look.

 

“That’s right myeolchi, you’re rooming with me,” said Kangin walking over and putting his arm around Eunhyuk’s shoulder firmly. “And don’t get any funny ideas about sneaking off in the middle of the night. I’m gonna be watching you like a hawk,” he whispered the last part in Eunhyuk’s ear with a dark voice.

 

“Hae!” cried out Eunhyuk as Ryeowook walked over and linked arms with him.

 

“Sorry Hyukkie. Have fun!” he said with a shrug and a smile as he and Ryeowook walked off towards their room.