After a soothing dip in the spring, they made a bonfire and skewered some mallows. They laughed, talking about how Kyu nearly downed Hyuk after he had caught him. He was pleading for his life when the latter mercilessly locked him down to the water, it wasn’t until Siwon got in between them that Hyuk was able to live for another day. “So do you plan on doing the same thing again?” Siwon mockingly asked

“Yah… I was only caught off guard, he couldn’t catch me even if his life depends on it” he retorted to the elder, making them laugh at his statement

“I can catch you like a rat on a dead end… more likely like a monkey on a dead end” he giggled and the older only narrowed his eyes looking at him with a sharp glare “Like you’ll ever be able to catch up with me!” he raised the tone of his voice, acting all vicious for the latter. “Don’t push your luck Hyuk, you don’t stand a chance once he has you” Siwon tried to make him render to the facts

“Pft… whatever” he then focused back on the roast mallow, “By the way hyung, aren’t we going home yet? It’s nearly sunset so… I think it’s better off making our way down” Hae suggested as the sight of the sky dimming down

“Didn’t Hyuk tell you?” Siwon gave a puzzled look, Hae shook his head in answer “I told to you to inform him that we’ll be camping out here” he smacked on Hyuk’s shoulder “Aish… what’s the point, like he’s going to leave now that were already settled here. Besides we already made the tents, he should’ve known it by now” he was still rubbing the spot where Siwon had hit him

“What…? We’re staying here for the night?” he frightfully said, Siwon nodded gently still reading the way Hae reacted “Is there something wrong?” he didn’t really know what’s going on with Hae though

“If you must know hyung, Donghae doesn’t like the dark… especially when it’s somewhere like this” Kyu pointed out earning a reaction from Hyuk “Yeah, that reminds me… me and Hae used to be scouting members when we were in grade school. After the first night of our camp out, Donghae asked to be drove back to their place… it wasn’t really a good sight for any of us if I must add” looking concerned with the younger

“So… what now?” Siwon couldn’t make a decision on his own, he knows everyone should have a say to it, he looked at the others “If he doesn’t… it’s better we start packing” Hyuk first suggested, “As much as I’d like to persist, you know that I only want what’s best for Hae” Kyu added up and they all seemed to turn their gaze to the said man

In his face was uncertainty, they could see him shiver lightly at the decision he’s mentally facing. “You don’t have to force out an answer Hae… we understand~” he paused as he saw his head snap back with an answer, “I’m fine… we’ll stay for the rest of the night here” he firmly said, earning a shocked reaction from them, they sought to take in the words he had said

“Hae… you might be just taking things out of hand, it’s alright if~” he shook his head, “I’m fine hyung, you don’t need to worry” he kindly said, he knows how Hyuk is concerned about him right after what happened on that night

“You shouldn’t just conclude to~” Kyu stopped him from further discouraging him, he looked at the elder, straight in the eyes “If you continue to tolerate his fear, wouldn’t it be like letting him live by it?” Hyuk took it in; he knows it’s better to let Hae fend off the dread he had before

“F-Fine… but the moment things gets to turn out funny, I’m taking him down the hill” he looked away and sandwiched the roast mallow, it made Kyu smile. “Don’t worry hyung, I’ll take good care of him” he whispered in a way Hyuk could only hear

“Thanks” he softly answered back, “So, since everything’s settled right now, let’s eat up and enjoy the nice day we had” Siwon ended the issue’s discussion. They all ate their S’mores and having their dinner around 7 in the evening, after that they talked a bit under the stars, nothing but high school stuff, nothing but their childish antics, nothing but their current lives at the very moment.

It was rather late and they seem to only have 2 tents to use, obviously Hyuk and Siwon shared the same since they know to the matter of fact that Kyu wouldn’t agree if he wouldn’t sleep beside Hae. Instead of making more complication with their sleeping arrangements, they settled with what the youngest would shut up about. This wasn’t really much of an option for Hae; he knows better things would end up like that

They were all nestled inside their tents; all tucked in inside their comforters. There was a thick layer of silence between Kyuhyun and Donghae’s tent, aside from the crickets making some noises. Donghae felt a bit of fear inside of him; he never really liked the wilderness, he never like the fact that there could be other types of animals lurking at each corners of their tent. It never erased the fact that he really is afraid after all

He felt a warm pair of warm warp around him, feeling rather stiff at the moment; he slowly eased up his teased body. “Take your mind away from the surroundings, if you don’t you’ll just be more scared than you already are” he felt the warm breath of the younger’s encouragement “You can surpass this fear… because I know you more than anyone else does, I know you can” he felt the younger’s nose nuzzle down on his shoulder. He felt a wonderful bliss with those empowering words

Deep inside he felt trusted that he’s capable of beating the damn fear he had, “I’m with you, don’t ever forget that” he heard him loud and clear, his voice ringing inside his head like it was the only thing that he was able to receive in his ear. It sent him shivers and he knows Kyu felt it, the embrace tightened and he felt the warmth radiating from the younger’s body “Nothing will happen as long as I’m here with you”

He hated it. He hated the fact that Kyuhyun knows so much about him; practically he knows more than he does before. Being with him for nearly a year now made the latter notice a lot of things about him that only few would and to be honest with himself, Kyuhyun knows him better than anyone else could do “I know” he whispered, “And I really hate you for that” he added

Hearing a soft chuckle on the person behind him, “You hate me for knowing so much about you or you hate be because of my love that I was able to know this kind of stuff” he didn’t really gave an option “Both” he answered back making Kyu giggle “I can never assume you’ll admit to your feeling for me Hae… but what we’re acting right now, it’s quite clear for me to point out” Hae froze at what he’s saying “You never push me so far that I would leave you… you only push me enough to come crawling back like a lost puppy, finding his way back to his beloved master…” Hae’s eyes soften

“You never really intended to hurt me, and I’m thankful with that, being able to at least be with you even though you hate my perseverance on what I’m doing. I don’t blame you, but, I also know how much you understand me when I come back to your side…” Hae gave out a gentle sigh “You always cared for me, behind those harsh words and rejections, you care so much for me more than anyone I could think of…” he trailed off a moment and lifted himself up

Like within another trance Hae turned to look, their eyes laced once again underneath the darkness, he could see the orbs glisten at the dim light the moon was giving “That’s why I always keep on falling dead hard for you” and slowly he leaned down, kissing Donghae on the temple. Stunned with the words and actions, plus the attraction he felt at that very moment, Kyu was able to land his lips firmly onto the soft skin. For a good 5 seconds he pulled away and gave a warm smile to him although it was hard to see, his teeth was enough to be a sign that he was smiling

“Goodnight” he nestled back down to the sheets and still, his arms were wrapped around the elder’s body. Caging him up and keeping him safe and warm under his care. Hae was speechless and at the same time, wondering. What was the surge of emotions that had filled him up to be so caught off with the scene, he knows in himself that he could’ve stopped him, he could’ve shoved him off or he could’ve moved away, but he didn’t do anything nor protested at the slightest moment. He was still denying the strange feeling

“Goodnight” he managed to say although he did it unconsciously, he turned his face back to the other side of the tent. He could swear his face was all red, the heat of his cheeks were more than enough indication to that. “Why…? I don’t know how he could express himself like that to me” it continued to ran inside his mind, maybe he wasn’t truly aware of what’s going on, maybe his thoughts never crossed to the point where in he might inevitably render down to him, maybe there is a chance that he’d~ No!, it’s a big NO! “I can’t subdue to that… that’ll… never happen” he felt his heart being pierced by an arrow

Sunshine brought light inside their tent, it made him wake up as it radiated through the plastic cover. He yawned and felt the need with the call of nature, he was about to stand up with his elbow but a strong pair of arms continued to restrain him. “Let go” he was still groggy from his wake, “You know my answer to that” he heard a reply from the younger, “You know where this’ll end up with” he threatened “Like I ever cared” he heard a giggle “You asked for it”

Both Siwon and Hyuk’s eyes snapped open and they could still hear the birds flocking away, they got up and opened up the tent and tried to see what was the loud wail was about. They saw Donghae making his way towards the trees while they happened to see Kyuhyun curved into a ball, pain still visible from his face “I think I have an idea on what happened” Hyuk stated, nodding in compliance Siwon agreed

For about an hour they managed to get something inside their stomach before they’d ended up packing and making their way back down to the rest house. They made caution knowing that the trail was rather slippery, Kyuhyun on the other hand never faltered to get his eyes locked onto Hae’s steps. For a quick 50 minute trek they made their way back to the concrete road, walking back to the house they saw Siwon’s mom waving at them

“So how was your trip up there?” she asked as the 4 of them sat at the dining table all tired and sweaty, “I think there should be an escalator there, it was one hell of the walk” Hyuk gave out his opinion, making them laugh at his suggestion “It’s supposed to be like that, what’s the sense in calling it a hike if your just riding an escalator?” Siwon retorted and Hyuk simply nodded “You know you got a point” it made them laugh once again

“Well, at least you were able to see the hidden spring there huh?” she placed a pitcher of orange juice for them, each of them took a glass and had a drink even before answering “Yeah, it was wonderful… actually I never thought something like it still existed, maybe it was better off that people don’t meddle with some parts of nature” Siwon stated

“I agree, man that was one heck of a spring… it was refreshing and the water tasted so good” he added, earning a giggle on both Donghae and Siwon “What… did I say something funny?” he wondered

“Not really, it’s just that… maybe you were able to relish the taste of the water because of Kyu’s help” Hae reminded him, making Hyuk frown at the memory “Don’t remind me” he bluntly said, when he took a look on the younger’s face a smirk was plastered in his face

It was a wonderful time for the 4 of them, they were happy and they enjoyed every bit of their time. They figured to have one more day to enjoy their vacation in this rest house so they made the most out of it; after they had lunch they ran straight to the shoreline to have a dip in the waters. Like the first day, both Siwon and Hae picked on Hyuk as they took him and threw him again at the open water, laughing like there was no tomorrow Kyuhyun pushed the two down the dock making a loud splash at the two people who dropped

Just for the fun Kyu dunked in with a cannon ball splashing small tides on the three who were already swimming, it was such a memorable outing. It was like they were really destined to meet each other and have such a remarkable companionship, they’re smiles never faded all throughout the day. None of them really expected that they were going to be this close of a pact

It was nearly sunset and both Hyuk and Siwon had decided to head on inside the house, Donghae wasn’t sure how but at a certain way Kyuhyun was able to persuade him to sit along with the younger at the edge of the dock and waiting for the sun to go down. He wasn’t aware of what’s going on with him; he doesn’t know how the hell Kyu was able to make him stay there beside him a foot apart. He wasn’t sure why, Kyu’s words were suddenly taking effect towards him

Both their feet were splashing some water all around, he wasn’t aware about the time, he wasn’t thinking that it was making him smile; he wasn’t wondering why he feels that certain bliss at that moment. For about a minute, he noticed Kyu’s feet getting close, instead of pushing him away, he played along with him. He splashed back some on Kyu and the younger would fight back, they played and their chuckles was the only thing that they could hear, their happy and careless voices sounding out was all that’s there is. No need for words, topics, concerns or thoughts. It was all pure fun

They messed around like that for a good 10 minutes or so, they didn’t care. Hae was just stunned to feel Kyuhyun beside him, arms around his shoulder, both their skins rested together and their eyes darting to the falling sun. There wasn’t any protest, no fuss between them and absolutely no complaints from the elder. It was more than what Kyuhyun had ever dreamt of; having Donghae there at his side, enjoying the sight with him. It was perfect

“It’s beautiful huh?” Kyu asked as they continued to look at the fading light, “Yeah… it’s magnificent” he replied, “But you know what?” wondering what the younger wanted to point out “What?” but they didn’t bother to avert their gazes. “The most beautiful thing right now for me is… being able to see this splendid view with you… it’s more than what I could ever imagine” Kyu turned to finally face him

Feeling the warmth of the latter’s gaze, he took a look at him. He was there, back into the hypnotizing pair of eyes, he was thrown once again to the depths of those orbs. He was sure inside himself that he could see that younger’s desires, passions and more on the real him. “Having you here alone… means everything to me right now and just like I said before and until now…” he trailed off as he placed a hand on the elder’s cheek; using his thumb to feel the soft and smooth texture, Hae on the other hand felt a burning trail within those gentle touch

Kyu’s eyes were solely looking onto him and so was he. “That I… will never… cease to love you, again and again” slowly their faces felt the polarity they seemed to have had for each other. Drawing closer and closer together, Hae’s eyes closed as his senses were a total dud. The sunlight reflecting its orange glow until it was almost completely dark, at the end. It finally happened, Kyu managed to press his lips, he was able to finally say that Hae’s nearly cracked. Though the kiss only landed on Hae’s other cheek, but, aside from that kind of fact it was more than simple. It felt magical to feel the soft skin he’s been dying to kiss

He never thought that a simple kiss on the cheek would bring him such fulfillment, Hae’s eyes slowly opened. Seeing everything being all dark while the younger’s face was just a centimeter apart at that time. He was confused, he wasn’t mad, wasn’t angry, wasn’t turned off, wasn’t afraid, and wasn’t pushing him away, no nothing. It was odd, too odd that he’s not getting so worked up with the damp of kiss on his cheek. He watched the younger’s face pull away, his eyes glistened at the now lighted moon above them. It shined like a jewel

Kyu reached out to have a hold over Hae’s hand, holding it gently and caressing it. “I wish this moment would last” he warm heartedly smiled, “How I’d wished… we wouldn’t return to the same old thing” he giggled, “Please… just enjoy my company alright?” it made Hae froze but deep inside his head, maybe, just maybe “How about a real kiss?” Kyu suggested

Siwon opened the door and let the two come inside, “What happened to your face?” he pointed out the bright red glow of his cheek, “Oh this… Hae saw a huge mosquito that landed so he took the liberty of killing it for me” Siwon was doing his best to refrain himself from laughing aloud “Did…tch… did he kill it” he wasn’t really able to suppress it that much “Nope… so everything’s fine, I think it’s better that he didn’t kill it” alright Siwon couldn’t hold it any longer

Hearing a loud and hysterical laugh, Hyuk made his way towards the source. He watched Siwon on the floor hands in his stomach, practically crying as he seemed to have problems with his breathing. “What’s going on with you?” he raised a brow on the elder, “If… ha… you’d only seen…” he managed to mumble out

Still confused Hyuk just shrugged the thought away. Meanwhile at their room, Kyuhyun kept a little space between him and Donghae. He didn’t seem to mind his presence nor did he even evade, it was a quiet atmosphere between them. “Kyu…” Hae suddenly said, “You know how much I really like you right?” Kyu gulped at what he said, it was the first time he heard Hae say something like that

“But if you don’t, I want to let you know… I really, really… really like you” he felt a small amount of dismay on the last part but he didn’t care, Hae was at the verge of opening up to him. It didn’t matter. He turned to him with a kind and caring look in his eyes “I like you so much that I’m damn confused with this feeling… I know my priorities, my preferences… my uality… you’re an important friend of mine…” it shot an arrow through Kyu’s heart “But… know that I’ll never… condemn you, I’ll never shot you out because you mean so much to me”

Struck on what he said, he was taken by the recoil Hae stated. As he was drawn into the scene, he didn’t notice Donghae’s sudden embrace. He only felt the embrace of the elder; his mind couldn’t comprehend what was happening “You really do… I don’t want to break what we have… I don’t want to lose you!” Kyu felt the tremble of in his words, the pain that was crippling Hae’s words

For a minute or two, Kyu composed himself. “Hae… you’ll never lose me… I will never leave you; it will never cross my mind” it hurt him for hearing Hae’s true definition of value but, this was truly a breakthrough. It was a sign that, if he would play his cards well Donghae would evidently fall in love for him. He mustn’t be shaken by a mere friend zone; he has to push through this, it’s the only way

After eating dinner they quickly let the food pass down their stomachs then went to bed, to Kyu’s surprise Hae was the one who was clinging onto him, he was the one who was embracing him tightly in his arms. He was shocked with the sudden leaf, but more likely happy. “I love you… I will never cease to do so” he whispered to him

Maybe hearing Donghae’s heart out wasn’t all that bad, maybe getting to know the real perspective the older has for him was the best thing that had happened and maybe then Donghae’s frigid heart would melt little by little now. It was a love in progress, a realization that’s taking place and an acceptance that’s still debating. He’s willing to wait, no matter what he’s going to wait

Right after the vacation everything went the same, thought one thing changed between them. They became closer to each other, being a lot more open, more understanding and a lot more interested on just being with each other. It was a whole new development within their circle of relationship, it changed for the better. It was the last day of summer break; both of them were at the mall playing at the arcade, Donghae hated it A LOT! Kyu didn’t let him win nor would he ever try to make it a fair fight

After a good few hours with the games at the arcade, they made their way towards the theater. Call it a date or not Hae really opened up to him, he gave him a shot and he went along with it. He wanted Kyu to be happy, because for him, his own happiness was always the younger’s concern. As a way to show his gratitude, he finally in a way, accepted it was kind of a date or so. He didn’t know, he still kept on denying it was a date, but more on he would always tell Kyu that it’s a friend date, well what more could Kyu think if the person he loves accept his offer, but for the sake of both of them and the sake of being hit or slapped. He just accepted on how Hae was looking at their status

Maybe it was right that he had did that; making the elder come along with the outing, showing him that his joy was the source of his struggles on making him realize the love he has for him. Maybe one day, Donghae would change the word like to love, there’s a possibility… there’s a way but he’s there, he’ll always will be there, to wait and trust his beloved Donghae

It was late when Kyuhyun drove him home; it was nearly 9 in the evening. They had a blast and by the looks on their faces, their smiles don’t seem to fade. It was more than Kyuhyun would’ve expect ever since he tried asking him out, he knew that they’ll have fun because he knows on how to bring out the fun from Hae’s heart. He knows what makes him tick and smile, it was his greatest arsenal in his advocacy to make the elder render to his own feelings

Kyu felt the day was spoiled by one thing, being in front of Hae’s porch and letting him get inside to signal that it’s the end of their first ever date. Though Hae would still strongly disagree to it “I guess… this is where the date ends” he manage to say, Hae only rolled his eyes “For the 100^th time it is not a date… date… it’s a friendly date” Kyu sighed at his answer “Whatever, well… I guess I’ll be seeing you tomorrow then~” he froze as Hae suddenly kissed his cheek, feeling the warm pair of lips latch themselves on to his now burning red cheek. He thought that his heart would be put to a stop. “Thanks… for today and also… that’s for the kiss I awe you from the other time, I really had a good time… bye”

Kyu felt his whole body was about to melt after hearing those words, feeling that kiss and seeing that utterly loving smile. He only came back down to reality when Hae closed the door and hearing the footsteps fade as it went further inside. “I am so… going to die right now” he finally said, he then got into his car and he was having second thoughts of leaving or not. He wasn’t sure; he might crash into a tree or a fence or what along the way, since his mind was no longer functioning well. It was like it went to a complete shut down and it’s still rebooting from the whole scenario

It took him 15 minutes before he was at least able to make up his mind but before he could start the engine, he heard the door open and Hae came out with a questioning look. Feeling that the elder was going to say something, he got off the car and went to confront Hae who was still standing and waiting patiently hands crossed on his torso “You should’ve left a while ago when I got inside, is there anything wrong?” still feeling a bit shocked with what happened earlier, “Uh… yeah, I think…” he stuttered miserably in front of Hae

“Get inside and get some sleep… we have school tomorrow” he ordered, “W-What?” he couldn’t process his command, “I said get your inside and get some sleep, we have to go to school tomorrow” he repeated “B-But… I don’t have… an extra pair of clothes right now and~” Hae pulled him inside, he held a firm grip on the younger’s wrist

Kyu couldn’t take in the whole thing; he was being dragged to the bedroom and being pushed to the bed. “You can always use mine; you know that some of my clothes fit you. Now get some sleep!” he ordered once more, his heart raced like it was about to explode. He felt Hae’s weight draping down on the other side of the bed; he was turned against him but he didn’t mind. Slowly his head had seemed to recover and damn it took him quite a while, he turned to where Hae was facing and landed his arm around him

Knowing that Kyuhyun was going to do so, Hae held his arm along with Kyu’s and it was holdingonto those caring arms. It was strange and more than peculiar has Hae completely opened up to him like that, but to be clingy as well? Another barrage of thoughts got the best of him, he didn’t know what exactly was going on but it was all in his favor. “Maybe a date yeah… I had a few thoughts about it and… it really is a date, it was my first date. I guess it’s another check in my dream list” he giggled right after

Kyu swore he was the one who was fluttering more, “I liked it… it was quite memorable and… the picture we had on the photo booth was a fragment of the memory that we shared. I wasn’t sure that I’ll admit it earlier because I didn’t want you to be full of yourself, I don’t want you think that now that I went out with you… it would mean that I’ve completely acknowledge the relationship that you’ve been trying to mature, I just don’t want things to get complicated as it is”

And it was fine with Kyuhyun, sure it would take a while before everything would fall into place, he’s not rushing him in any way. He wanted Donghae to fully comprehend what was he really going through, it didn’t meant he was blocked by the chance anymore, it meant so much to him because this is exactly what he was hoping for, to mend that stubborn heart of his and let it engulf on the love he was offering

“I surely understand you… there’s no need to rush on to things, I’m already glad were developing. I won’t change right after this, because if what I am right now, and for as of me… seeing that his made you happy. I’ll be more than delighted to continue this until you would seek more” he felt Hae’s grip tighten “You know how much I love you right? So there’s not a single thing to worry about, I’ll always respect your decision” he concluded

“So… now that I’m your first date, how about fulfilling that first kiss of yours?” he gave a light giggle, Hae turned around and saw a spark on Hae’s eyes. He was slowly drawing near, “If you want it, close your eyes” he requested. Being excited on the gift, he obediently closed his eyes and braced himself for what was about to come. He then felt Hae’s hand close his lips shut tight with his grip which also made his eyes pop open, “Fresh!” he hissed and a rather not so hard nor light punch bore his side and stomach, making him groan and practically screaming at the first but with the way Hae clogged his mouth everything was well muffled to a low volume

After that Hae let him go and turned around again, “Goodnight” he said in a kind voice, Kyu felt a tear fall down from his cheek with the pain though. “G-Goodnight” he manage to sputter out but deep inside, “Never piss him off in such a tight space” he mentally noted, “I should’ve learned that from quite a while”