Donghae found himself staring outside the window being taken along to the vacation house, face slump to the glass window. He really wanted to go back to his room and lock himself inside and not see anything outside. He was sitting at the back seat of the van and beside him was Kyu and at the other end was Hyuk, right up front was Siwon and his mom. “So what do you guys want to do once we get there?” she asked the bunch

“Swim!” the three answered in a chord, she giggled at them “By the way, how’re you Kyu? How’s your relationship with Donghae?” Hae’s eyes widen at the question while the two chuckled loudly, “Me and Hae… were going along fine but, I still haven’t had a date with him… he’s playing such a hard to get but I don’t blame him” he seriously said while she continued to be fond of it

“Really now” she implied, “Well to be frank, I found this as a great opportunity… it’ll be our practice for our honeymoon” Hae immediately turned red and took the towel Hyuk had from on his neck and hid himself from humiliation. “I so wanna die right now” Kyu smirked and looked at him, though he was covered by the towel, he could image him out of it

They finally got there and all of them pitched in on getting their stuff inside the vacation house, Hyuk marveled on how big the house was and the view it had since the sea as just adjacent to it, “Wow, nice place you got here… and the what a view” Hae could also say the same about it, he loved how it looked and how the sight of the waves rolled on the shoreline

It was more than what he had expected it to be, “It’s beautiful huh?” he heard Kyu’s voice from behind, incoherently he answered back “Yeah, it’s quite something” he smiled

“Told you it was better to go along with the outing” he chuckled and went on bringing the thing inside

“Yeah, maybe your right” he whispered to himself

They got inside and arranged everything before Hyuk rushed down the stairway only wearing a towel over his neck and his swimming trunks, “Last one there is a rotten egg” he rushed out and they all laughed at his childish action

The rest seemed to have followed when they got ready, nearly all of them wore swimming trunks but Kyu preferred to have a tank top along with his. They settled near a small dock and swam around, “Aren’t you plunging in Kyu?” Hyuk asked and waved at the latter, Kyu shook his head “Maybe later” he smiled back

He watched them all swim and splash water at each other, it was fun to watch. After a minute he couldn’t suppress a tremendous laugh as he watched both Donghae and Siwon tugging him form both ends as they held his limbs and carrying him to the end of the dock, he was treated as a dead body that they were about to throw at the ocean. To boot his laughter he could hear Hyuk pleading that he doesn’t want to be thrown at the deeper part, though he was a good swimmer

Kyu could hardly breathe at the sight, rolling around the sand with his eyes shut. It was rich. “What are you laughing at?” he heard Siwon’s voice, and he paused for a while but still a few more laughs could be heard, “What… what do you mean?” he only answered back, he couldn’t protest to both Siwon and Donghae’s strong grip on him

He was being treated the same as what they did to Hyuk, knowing his own fate he could only plead as well. “Now it’s your turn!” Hyuk yelled out and laughed the same way as he did earlier

“Any last words Kyu?” Hae asked with a bright smile, “Love you” he grinned, making Siwon chuckle. “Let’s dump this ” he answered coldly and they then swung him before sending him flying to the waters

Both of them laughed but with Siwon letting his guard down, he didn’t notice Hae going behind his back and pushing him and knocking him down as well. Laughing triumphantly at the guys who were brought down to the waters Hae noticed Hyuk wasn’t at sight. “Who’s laughing now?” a sinister voice whispered behind his ear, even before Hae could defend himself he too was thrown down of balance with a strong push

They all had a merry afternoon with just simultaneously going in and out of the sea, it was more than Donghae had ever imagined. He was busy walking around the shoreline not really sure where his feat would take him, he picked up a stick and drew a line while he was walking around. He then paused and stumbled upon a black thorny looking creature, innocent on what it maybe he knelt down and took a look

He surveyed it carefully, curious he wanted to know how it was moving and was about to touch one of its spine, “Don’t touch it” he was startled with what he had heard from out of nowhere, he turned to look behind him “Don’t scare me like that!” he retorted

“That’s a sea urchin, if you touch one of its spine you’ll be poisoned and the only cure would be a person’s urine” he seriously said earning a disgust look, “Ew…” he took a look at the creature again, Kyu also knelt down and took a closer look

“How does it move?” he curiously said as he watched it squirm its way back to the waters, “It uses its smaller tube like feet to crawl, it also has one eye on the very top and can move the needles to serve as defense from other types of animals that would prey on it” he looked at Kyu’s undoubting face “You know what could eat them?” Hae took a minute to think

He shook his head on having no thoughts on the probability “I don’t know… if you have that kind of poison and so many needles to pierce them, what could possibly eat them up?” Kyu chuckled before answering “Starfish, is one of the good examples” Hae couldn’t seem to comprehend his answer

“How does starfishes eat them, I don’t think they have mouths” he chuckled, “Actually Hae, they really don’t but they have a tube like mouth to drill down the hard shell of it, onto its nutrients like a spider does and about the needles, their hard skin are used to snap them down and the fact that they have plenty of sensory glands that can make up for its sight and thanks to the light, it creates pigments to picture out the sight it’ll need”

Hae nodded on what he was telling, “You know, sea urchins are quite delicious” Hae nearly popped out his eyes “You just said that there’s poison on the needles what more if we eat the insides of it?” he felt a bit on uncertainty with his suggestion

“On the contrary, they are considered one of the delicacies in Japan, most say they taste like fine grade egg yolk. I for one agree” Hae marveled “You ate some?” Kyu nodded, “I ate some when I was younger, we took a vacation in Japan for 2 weeks and it became one of my favorites within my stay” Hae took a look on the urchin once more

“So this guy can take down a person?” he pocked it with a stick “You know, you’re like it” he whispered

“What does that supposed to mean?” he sternly said, “Because, I’m like a starfish…” still puzzled with what he’s trying to point out “No matter how you poke me with your poisonous needle, I can still bend it and get close to you without the harm… I’m the only person that could, draw that close to you” he saw his eyes glisten on what he said, “I know I’m the only one that can get inside that stubborn heart of yours”

For a moment Hae felt his heartbeat pulse through his entire body, as if a surge of thrill and excitement filled him up. It was strange but in its own way, it felt wonderful. Their eyes stayed linked as for a good 2 minutes until “Hey guys it’s getting late. Let’s head inside the house!” Siwon called onto them

Hae broke away from the hypnotizing gaze, Kyu blinked as he tore away and stood up “Yeah, we’ll catch up” he waved and both Siwon and Hyuk made their way first. “Come on Hae… let’s go” he invited, “Yeah” he reacted but still preventing their eyes to meet again

He stood up and walked without waiting for him, for about half way he stopped making Kyu wonder. He turned around “Hurry up you slowpoke” Kyu could only smile at him and there he began to make his way towards the man

They had a wonderful dinner thanks to Siwon’s mom; she loved cooking and especially when it meant cooking for them. After the fine dinner they had, all of them gathered to the living room with the lights off and all eyes focused at the large LCD TV to watch a movie with one another. It wasn’t a horror movie since they all know about Hae’s little fright fest when it comes to those type of stuff

In a L shaped couch, Siwon sat comfortably while Hyuk was lying down on his side and his feet on Siwon’s thigh wholly occupying the other side while Donghae and Kyuhyun had the same position like they did in his place, none of them minded knowing that they always do that. The movie was fine, they seem to indulge into it but after the middle part of it, it got a little boring, making the other’s feel rather drowsy

Hae who happened to be taken away by the movie didn’t noticed Kyu; softly he gave out a breath sending shivers to the man that didn’t pay any attention. “You seem taken into the feeling” his gently whispered, he turned right away with what he said and froze to see Kyuhyun’s face about an inch away from his. Stunned with how close he was, he realized at that moment as well how captivating the younger’s eyes were, how his skin looked so fine and well taken care off

He didn’t know when Kyu’s complexion became so radiant and so light; it was fascinating to see something like that right up front. He didn’t know what was going on, he looked so attractive in his eyes that~, No! He shook his head at the thoughts that were rising “What’s wrong?” Kyu whispered once more

“Could you please… give me some space?” he shyly said, thought from the shine of the screen was enough to illuminate the reddish glow on Hae’s cheek

“Don’t worry, they're asleep… you don’t have to be shy” he saw Hae stiffen at what he had said, “You still look so gorgeous even in the dark” he gave an attractive smile that he knows that it’s not supposed to be like that. He shouldn’t be… attractive

Hae gulped and looked away from him, he stood up and Kyu could only take a look. “I’m getting sleepy, you can stay if you still want to watch” and like earlier he did his best to prevent himself from having an eye contact with him. He looked at the other side of the couch and it was empty, it was sure that the two had already gotten to their room

Deep inside his mind as he lay down on the bed, he wanted to do his best to brush off the damn feeling. The feeling of being captivated by the younger’s face, eyes and as much as he wanted to deny, his lips that looked to sweet and~. He closed his eyes shut thinking the thoughts would be swept away. “I shouldn’t… I shouldn’t be thinking about that, he’s Kyuhyun… he’s nothing more than a close friend that’s been pestering me about his stupid love … he’s just a friend…” he willed himself to that thought; it wouldn’t exceed any further, it wouldn’t go beyond boundaries, and it would never be more than what they have

He sighed feeling so pathetic on even thinking about that kind of stuff, it wasn’t like him. He groaned when he felt an arm wrapped around him. Without a doubt it was Kyuhyun, he didn’t heard the door open and only felt the bed shifting to the weight a couple of seconds before the felt the arms that enveloped him. “Could you please let go of me Kyu” he calmly said

“Why would I?” he dared to ask, “I’m tired just give me some rest for the day” he demanded but the younger didn’t seem to obey. “So Hae… can I ask you something?” he knows Kyu won’t stop until he answers them

“If I’d answer it would you let go of me?” he felt a breath being blown behind him, “Sure”

“First question, have you ever had you first kiss?” Hae gulped at the question, “What the… Why are you asking me~” he felt the grip around him tighten

“Just answer… it’s just a simple question” he simply said, “Aish…” he willed himself to calm down, “Fine… No” he barely let it out of his mouth but it seemed that the younger had heard him

“Really…? I thought a guy like you would quickly get his first kiss. You always have girls running around you and to be honest… that was the reason, that I… got pissed with you” it shocked Hae with what he said but he tried not to show it “W-What do you mean?” he managed to ask

“I really liked you but I was uncertain on how to approach you so I could hang out with you…” he nodded, “At first I aimed to be friends with you but instead we became enemies… remember?” he lightly chuckled, “Yeah… how could I forget” he couldn’t suppress his own chuckle

“But… what I really didn’t figure was that, you came to my aid…” it made Hae’s eyes soften as he recalled “You helped me when those thugs had me cornered, even if I was the most irritating person you encountered before… you still neglected that just to help me, I… I was stunned with it”

“I… how could I leave someone like you to fight alone with those thugs? It was 6 against 1 and more likely you’ll lose” he stated the situation, “But still we managed to get them” they both smiled

After a few seconds, “Second question, have you ever had your first date before?” it made Hae’s eyes soften once again, “No” he answered firmly, “I knew it” Kyu gave a affirm

“What’s with the sudden interview?” he wondered out of the strange things that ran into the younger’s mind, “It’s because, I wanted to know if you ever laid those lips on someone. If you’ve already gone out to have an intimate evening with anyone before I came to know you and now, now that I’ve known these things. I can now tell myself that, I’ll be your first” Hae felt his muscles toughen at the statement

“I’ll be your first kiss… first date… first boyfriend” he assured, “I’ll be the first person to make that heart of yours flutter, I’ll make you realize how much… you love me” he concluded with a rather solemnly said

Donghae couldn’t bring himself to answer to what he said, being so close and hearing such a strong statement. It was all too overwhelming, his heart raced while his pulse rises. “What should I do…” he panicked as he knew having Kyuhyun this close would mean that he would also feel the tremendous beat of his pulse

“Goodnight…” Kyu whispered once again and slowly Hae felt the tightness of the embrace lighten, he could feel Kyu shifting his weight to the other side of the bed. At that Hae felt everything calm down, all sensations subsided. Everything went to a complete stop. “Goodnight” he said in a rather faint voice but within his heart, he had wanted Kyuhyun to miraculously hear him at that moment

He didn’t notice the time when he fell into a complete sleep, all he remembers was being overly affected by what Kyuhyun had told him and the fact that became the reason of Kyu’s affection towards him. It was a big revelation to him, he never would have thought that Kyu would be so open to him in that talk, nor would he imagine how passionate the younger was. The was completely thrown at the thought

“Rise and shine!” Hae heard and felt a furious nudge on his side; he forced his eyes to pop open and took at the person who was acting so childish. “What the hell is wrong with you hyung?” he eyed Hyuk with a bring grin

“It’s 9 in the morning get up!” he made another nudge, “Enough, I’m getting nauseous with what you’re doing” he ranted

“Grumpy much, get up were leaving!” Hae made a puzzled look, “What do you mean?”

“I have to ask…” he began to regret it as Siwon and the others were already packed for some hiking at the nearby forest going up the hill, though he has nothing against it. He didn’t have the mood to walk up a slope that’s for sure. “So hyung what do we do once were at the top?” Hyuk questioned

“I was told that there’s a hidden spring at the top of this hill, the water there is fine and very relaxing. I haven’t really gotten there but my dad and his friends went there before and they said it was awesome” he swayed a couple of branches

“Aish… we could’ve just took a plunge on the shoreline rather than walk to a hill just to see a hidden spring” Hyuk complained

“Actually hyung, it’s far better to bathe on a natural spring. It cleanses your body plus it helps your skin absorb natural nutrients” Kyu implied, Hyuk could only nod

“He’s right, besides hiking is a sport so it’ll help your body” he added, “Well I don’t find it much of a compliment though with mine” Hae replied

“Don’t be a sour puss Hae, just enjoy the whole trek” Hae rolled his eyes

Their current positions are

Choi Siwon – at front

Lee HyukJae – at the middle and behind him was Lee Donghae

Cho Kyuhyun – at the back and more likely keeping an eye out for Donghae since he knows that the older doesn’t enjoy this type of sport

For about half an hour, Hae felt a bit tired and paused to catch a breather. The two elder paused to check on him but he told them to go ahead but as expected Kyu remained to look after him, “You know… you could’ve gone ahead” he looked at the latter

“And leave you here? It’s dangerous, I won’t allow that” he firmly said “Kyu I’m not a kid and I’m older than you, so I can handle myself… by the way, ever since I met you, you haven’t called me hyung… is it really hard for you to respect me as someone older than you? You call Hyuk and Siwon hyung but you never did that to me, is there anything wrong if you could say that to me?” the younger didn’t answer and just looked at him

Hae sighed with the lack of response and shrugged the urges to even wait for one, he was about to take a step but it seemed that the leaves was rather slippery and he trip backwards. Bracing himself for the hard fall; he couldn’t feel the hard impact of the ground on his back. He slowly opened his eyes and saw Kyu’s face. Once again he saw the wonderful features of the younger

For a good minute their eyes stayed entwined within each other’s gaze, “Y-You should be careful Hae” he broke the silence. Hae snapped out of the trance and pulled himself up, he still looked stunned because of what happened or more likely on what he felt on the cryptic gaze. “T-Thanks… I’ll be careful now” he made certain steps as he continued his walk and still Kyu’s eyes kept close call towards him, hoping at one end that everything would turn out fine

For a good 15 minutes of walking up, they manage to catch up with the two that had already settled down on the very top. “Yah, what took you guys so long? Had a smooching session before you got here?” Hyuk teased and he could practically hear Hae’s cursing

Siwon on the other side laughed at the thought, “The forest is a good place for some loving, hahaha” he added up to the joke

They got there and Hae glared both of the elders with a rather vicious look, “You know the forest is also great for hiding dead bodies, want to be a sample of it? I don’t mind digging a 20 foot ditch here before sunset” he coldly said

“Don’t worry Hae, I’ll help you dig up another one so it won’t take that long” the both of them held a sinister grin which made the two tremble at the cold aura they’re giving

“Ahahaha…” he hollowly laughed, “Let’s get going then… the spring should be right below us” Siwon averted the conversation “Yeah… let’s hurry up” Hyuk agreed

It made the two chuckled inside but still urged them to resist showing it to them. With another 10 minutes, the 4 of them got to the spring; there was a small fall where the waters are coming from. It was spectacular. The water was crystal clear and there were such colorful flowers surrounding the place which brought out the wondrous image of the hidden spring. It was nothing Donghae had ever imagined to be

“Wow…” he turned to have a full view of the place, “It’s really worth hiking” he no longer regrets the long walk. “Yeah, it really is” though he agreed he wasn’t actually looking at the surroundings

“Aigoo, enough with the mushy stuff I want to try it out!” Hyuk placed his bag down and stripped down to his swimming trunks once again and same goes with Siwon, there were both ready to dip in while the two still took a look around and still astound on how it was kept in preserve within the forest’s keep. The beauty of the blooming flowers and the butterflies that would roam around the whole place was already a sign that it was a great spot to relax

“I guess you can add this one up to your dream list huh?” Kyu spoke out of the blue but Hae didn’t seemed to mind

“Yeah… who could have thought we were going to this kind of place, I’m not regretting to come along here” he took a scent on an orchid that bloomed nearby “Thanks” Kyu wondered at the appreciation

“What do you mean?” he watched as Hae stood up and faced him, with a lovingly bright smile “For forcing me to come along, if you hadn’t… then I wouldn’t have experienced anything like this, so, thank you so much” it made Kyu’s heart run wild while bliss filled his insides, he was full of joy to be genuinely be thanked like that by him

After a few seconds of being struck with what he had witnessed, he composed himself “I should be the one thanking you, I should thank you because… even though you didn’t like me plastering myself to you, you ended up giving into it and just enjoying this. It really meant a lot to me since you’re here, so… thank you so much” Hae could swear that his face was turning to the shades of red

But as much as he wanted to hide away from the damn expression, his ankles were rooted into place and his heartbeat pulsed all throughout his body, it felt like his limbs were all heavy and his body heated. There was no escape. He was once again indulging on those eyes that he never thought would cause something so unusual
 

Kyu took a step closer to the elder, his height causing the other to make him tilt his head upwards. With each step made Hae’s heart tremble in certain anticipation, it was a sensation he couldn’t overcome but damn it felt so wonderful to drown on such a feeling

With one more step their faces were an inch apart, with Hae’s eyes breaking away from the gaze it darted towards the lightly glossy lips. It glistened by the ray of light that had hit it and the excitement of what was about to come was inevitable, his brain was in a buzz and his thoughts doesn’t seem to function well anymore but the fact remained that a portion of him, wanted this to continue

Slowly their faces drew closer but, a splash of water hit the both of them ruining the scene. Kyu twitched his eye on what had happened, and like earlier Hae felt the spell had broken and he was set free. Panicking on how close the younger was he turned his face away “I-I think I should change~” he didn’t even continued as he left Kyu standing there drenched on the splash that had hit them. Alright, Kyuhyun was in full rage, gritting teeth and eyes burning in anger. He turned to the man who was laughing at the spring

“LEE HYUKJAE! YOU ARE DEFINITELY DEAD!” he stripped himself off from his clothing and bag and lunged himself to the waters chasing the said man. Hyuk was still laughing as he out swam Kyu at the fine spring, “Get back here you worthless piece of crap!” Siwon and Donghae could only enjoy the wonderful chase

“What can’t catch me Kyuhyun-ah? I thought you guys needed something to refresh your mood hahahah” he laughed and dived away from him, though Kyuhyun was pissed with what Hyuk had just done. He was happy, deep inside he was truly happy. Happy to see himself inside those perfect orbs and feeling the strong polarity of the elder’s presence, he couldn’t ask for anything else… well maybe the kiss that was supposed to take place but, aside from it there’s nothing in the world could offer for him to feel any better, everything his heart’s content was now laid in front of him. All he needs to do is just let everything take place