because of you
Chapter 9
Sleeping on the couch is so not comfortable. Donghae wakes up with a body pain. He groans and slowly sits up. “Now why did i tell him to sleep on my bed? Haish.” His morning complains cut off when he heard series of laughter coming from the kitchen.
Slowly he walks to the source of the voice and found hyukjae is happily chatting with Siwon. He hides himself behind the wall. Not that they are talking about something romantic or anything. But seeing there is other person who is able to make hyukjae laugh like that other than him….. Donghae sigh. He walks weakly to his room and buried himself under the blanket.
Some foreign smell lingers in there. He rub his nose a couple of time. He prefers Hyukjae’s strawberry smell. He palms his face and groan frustratedly. “What’s wrong with me?”
Donghae has weird feeling toward hyukjae for a long time. Probably after the incident on the beach. He find himself always willing to do anything for the boy. He battles with his iner self several times a day. He is indeed recognize the feeling. Very well he must say. He is just afraid to admit it.
He talks about it with Kyuhyun. Well of course denying the story is about him. He is a foolish fish since Kyuhyun already knows it was him from the start.
Call him selfish or anything. He, himself is confused. When he is with Yoona, nothing happen. It feels so different. Yes, he is comfortable with her. That’s it. Nothing more. He finds her attractive at first but as the time goes by, nothing. Jerk. He calls himself.
Most of the time, when he told Hyuk he is meeting with Yoona, it was a lie. He told him that merely to see what Hyukjae’s reaction will be. He always goes to the beach alone. Clearing his thoughts. Thinking deeply what exactly he feels inside. Always come home late so he only meets the sleeping boy. When he can kiss him without being anxious. Kiss him when he’s not meeting doe eyes that he find so adorable.
He only meets with Yoona a couple of times a month. Only when she keeps whining on his phone. Whining people is annoying. To avoid that, he will always say yes. When he doesn’t want to meet her, he gives her lame excuses. What else can he say except for works? She believes it, miraculously.
He feels bad. He feels like he’s using her. But something in him tells him he is not. They aren’t official couple. Meeting few times doesn’t make a man and a woman a couple. He groans again.
He always pull prank on Hyukjae because he loves his reactions. His expression is priceless. His pouts, his frown, his blush cheeks, and he love it especially when Hyukjae scrunch his nose. But then again, he shoved the feeling away. Afraid that people misunderstand him for taking an advantage of an innocent boy.
By Hyukjae’s past, other misunderstand can come up. Beside he is a cop. Hyukjae is one of his cases. The age difference. It was so complicated. He get out of bed and do some push ups. Then he walks to the washroom.
He takes a shower and freshens up. When he is ready he walks out of the room. He can see that the two boys already in their uniform eating breakfast. That makes him agitated more. Hyukjae never eats breakfast without waiting for him.
“Donghae-shi…”
Donghae gives his weak smile to Hyukjae and get his food. His foods taste bitter. Breakfast suddenly turns silent. Donghae finish his food quickly and waits for the boys in the living room. He has an afternoon shift. He is the one who will drops Hyukjae to school today.
Siwon and Hyukjae look at each other. They too hurriedly finish their meal. They wash the dishes together. Siwon look back to make sure Donghae is not near them. He then turns Hyukjae’s body facing him. “Hyuk, if Donghae ask about me…hmm.. How can i say this… if he somehow ask about me having a relationship or something..Can you say I’m single???”
“But why??? If Heechul knows she will be mad.”
“She won’t if she doesn’t know.”
“But lying is wrong..”
“No.. Not if we want to do something good. It’s okay to lie if it is necessary.”
Hyukjae is still don’t really get what Siwon mean but nod his head anyway. “Okay. You promise me, okay.” Siwon said, ruffling Hyukjae’s hair.
That scene was seen by Donghae. He can’t hear what they are talking about, but he clearly sees the happy expression on Hyukjae’s face.
“Are you guys ready? If we’re not going now, you both are going to be late.”
The trip to the school is also quiet. Hyukjae wants to talk with Donghae like always. But Donghae’s aura just makes him zip his mouth shut. After bidding goodbye, Donghae, drive away. Hyukjae stay at his spot until Donghae’s car disappears from his eyes.
“He always like that??” Siwon ask him. “No, he always mess up my hair before I get out. But he didn’t today. I think he is in a very bad mood. Probably he had a fight with Yoona-shi.” Hyukjae said, disappointedly. Siwon notice his tone and encircle his hand on Hyukjae’s shoulder.
“Or… Probably it was about work…” Siwon tell him. “Come, the gate is closing.” Hyukjae had his school with his mind thinking about Donghae.
As for Donghae, after dropping off Siwon and Hyukjae, he drives to the beach like he always do if his mind is in a mess. He stay for a while listening to the ocean. Lying on the sand. After a while, he drives to Sungmin and Kyuhyun’s house.
He stomps his way inside the house as soon as Kyuhyun open the door. Kyuhyun eyed him. “What is it?” He asks as soon as the settle on the couch. “Nothing.” Donghae answer him.
“You tell me nothing is wrong with you when you rang on my door and stomps your feet into my house? Let me ask you again. What’s wrong??” Kyuhyun ask again.
Donghae sigh and buried his face on a cushion. “I don’t know.”
“Is it about Yoona??”
“Why her all of a sudden??”
“So it’s hyuk then..” another sigh from Donghae.
Kyuhyun can tell Donghae is not going to talk about it right now. “Did he tell you that he will stay with us for the weekend??” Donghae looks up at Kyuhyun and shakes his head. “What??You guys aren’t talking anymore??”
“It’s not like that. But why isn’t he telling me anything about that?” Donghae ask.
“Probably because he is too exited having Siwon with him. I mean he never brings anybody home. And his friend is staying with him.” Sungmin answer him out of nowhere.
“What are you guys planning to do??”
“Its holidays. They’re going to graduate so I guess a little celebration is needed. Apart from that, Hyuk improve so much after what happen to him. A little acknowledgment for his effort and willing to move on is necessary.” Kyuhyun explain.
“How can you do that without me?” Donghae whine. Kyuhyun smirk at him. “Don’t blame us. You’re the one who is having a date with that Yoona girl. Are you guys dating or something??”
“NOO.. it’s not like that. We are just… hanging out.” Donghae said.
“Did she know you guys are just hanging out???” Donghae understand what Kyuhyun try to imply there. He has no good answer for that. “ I don’t know…” he said frustratedly.
“Don’t you think she deserve the truth??”Kyuhyun ask him again.
“What truth?” Sungmin ask. He is so lost in the conversation.
“I have this idea that Hae here is falling in love with our innocent monkey.” Kyuhyun said.
“Who’s monkey??” sungmin ask, confused.
“It’s hyuk, Minnie.”
“How can you call him monkey. He is so going to be upset if he knows about that.” Sungmin smack Kyuhyun’s shoulder. Kyuhyun just laugh.
“I’m right, right???” Kyuhyun and Sungmin are both waiting for Donghae’s answer.
“I don’t know. He’s a kid and I don’t wanna be a pedho.. If you know what I mean…”
“Where the hell is that come from….” Kyuhyun laugh.
“That is the fact. He’s just…. So innocent and pure. And I’m a grown up man.”
“Judging by your mental state I think you’re both are in the same level. I mean sometimes I don’t know who is the grown up between you two.” Sungmin try to crack a joke which is only replied by a dissatisfaction groan.
“Come on. He is going to graduate. He’s going to be an adult too, eventually. When the time come, I mean in a couple of years…right?? Besides, there are a lot of people married with their girlfriend or boyfriend who is 10 to 12 years their senior or junior.”
Donghae let out a sigh again. “Sighing is not going to help you. You have to do something. Both to Hyuk and Yoona.”
“Are you guys really okay with this?? I mean…You do know me right??”
“If you love him then what is the problem? As long as you’re not going to hurt him. Beside i see how you care for him and how he is when he’s with you…” Sungmin is eyeing Donghae from his sit. Clearly Donghae is missing the hint Sungmin just gave him.
Kyuhyun suddenly have this bright mentol appearing on his head. “You better act fast before he falls for that Siwon. I mean he is nice to him and everything. Hyuk knows nothing about this kind of stuff so I think Siwon will manage to make hyuk fall for him easily.”
“i think he already fall for him. Did you see how he treats him?” Donghae ask back, slightly annoying with the mention of Siwon’s name.
Sungmin look at Kyuhyun. “But Siwon told me he already mmmpphhhh….” Before Sungmin finish his sentence, Kyuhyun put his palm on Sungmin’s mouth. “What??” Donghae ask so curiously.
“Nothing. Siwon told Sungmin, he is planning on courting hyuk.”
“He did? That is so not nothing..” Kyuhyun eagerly nod.
“But the timing… I mean… we have this big project coming..” Donghae sigh again for hundreds of times already. “I just tell him after we’re succeed in our project.”
“When is it start?” Sungmin ask totally forgot about Kyuhyun lies because he knows how dangerous the project that they are talking about and he started to be worried.
“It’s already started. We’re still observing them closely just to make sure the plan work and there are no mistakes.” Kyuhyun kiss Sungmin on his forehead to make his wife relax.
“The real one will be on the next week. This is a big one. And the suspects are all legend that they were called. But we confident everything is going to go as planned.” Donghae said.
“Just make sure you will come back for dinner.”
Both Kyuhyun and Donghae assure Sungmin that. Somehow that fact was hidden from Hyukjae. They are afraid that the boy can’t handle it properly. Since he’s in his final year in school, let just have him enjoy himself first. They will tell him after it is done.
Kyuhyun and Donghae’s department is in charge of shutting down a big drug operation in their area. They have the information by the secret cop who working as their inside informant. They have the information of how they’re operating, where and when. They practice millions of times. Gone through meeting almost every day. Basically they are ready to take them down. It just that they need a pure luck so nobody will get hurt and the boss will be in custody.
In Donghae’s house
It was Friday evening and Sungmin told Hyuk to pack his belonging for the weekend. Hyukjae excitedly pack his belonging in his bag. Siwon too. They can’t wait for the weekend to start. Hyukjae already imagine what kind of weekend it will be like. He can’t even stop talking about it.
As for Donghae, he stays in the living room. He set a new rule in the house. Hyuk is not allowed to lock or even close the door if he and siwon inside his room. As always,, Hyuk agree without any complain. When they are ready, they join Donghae in the living room.
“Donghae-shi, you really don’t wanna come with us??” Siwon ask. “it’s okay. I have a promise to fulfill.” Donghae look at Hyukjae. “Don’t you ever ignore my call, Hyukkie. Take care of yourself.” It’s only for the weekend but why did Donghae feels like they are going to be separate for a long time. Donghae tap a space next to him and Hyukjae sit there.
“It’s going to be quiet. Haish..Dont play game only and make sure to sleep early.”
“I should tell you that donghae-shi. Because you’re going to stay alone. Unless if you invite Yoona here…” the last sentence comes out as a mumbles but Donghae can hear every single of the words.
“No body is coming over.” Donghae said, looking away.
“really?? You’re not going to invite her here?/” Hyukjae ask. Donghae chuckles. “Not if i’m alone.” But his answer makes Hyukjae’s face fall again. “Just have fun, okay…” Donghae said messing with Hyukjae’s hair.
Hyukjae receive a message that Sungmin is already there to pick him up.
“It’s Sungmin hyung. He’s waiting.”
“Then you better go. Don’t make him wait. Take a lot of pictures and show to me later,okay?” Donghae say patting his head. Hyukjae smile widely and wave goodbye. Donghae is worried. Especially Kyuhyun said that Siwon is currently courting Hyukjae. but he convince himself with Kyuhyun and Sungmin with them, Siwom plan may not be successful.
He spend his time lazily in the house. just eating, watching tv, and playing games in Hyukjae’s room. Sometimes he messing with Hyukjae’s computer, his closet, under the bed and that night he find sleep in Hyukjae’s room.
The next morning, Donghae wake up early. His eyes wonder around and he smile to himself when he remember he fall asleep in Hyukjae’s room. “God, i am a weirdo.” He let out a low laugh. he search for his cellphone but he cant find it near him. then he walks to the living room and saw his phone on the table.
On the screen, he saw a few missed calls and a message. All from Hyukjae. he press the green button and wait for Hyukjae to answer.
“hello….”
“Good morning..” Donghae smile hearing Hyukjae’s voice. He just wake up.
“You’re not sleeping in, aren’t you?”
“Hmmm…”
“Wake up. It’s already morning.” Donghae said.
“emm… Donghae-shi???”
“yeah. It’s me. wake up already…What are you going to do today?”
Before he can hear Hyukjae’s answer, he heard someone is talking at the back. It’s not Kyuhyun and sungmin’s voice.
“Are you sharing your room with Siwon?”
“Eh???” Hyukjae haven’t awake fully. He is still half a sleep.
Click. The call ended. Donghae takes a shower and have a simple breakfast. His mind is just too cloudy right now. he turn on the television and watch the morning news to distract himself. Then his phone rang again. it’s Yoona.
He waits for a while before answering the call. Clearing his throat.
“Donghae…you remember about today, right?????” Yoona chipped happily.
“Yeah. So, where do you wanna go?”
“I always want to go amusement park. There will be a lot of people. Haven’t been in crowded places for a while now. can we please go to the amusement park?”
“Okay." "
Will you come and pick me up???”
“I will. Don’t worry about it, okay.”
He end the phone call. Just then, he receive another phone call from Kyuhyun. Asking him what did he do to Hyukjae since the boy’s mood is totally off after he talk about Donghae’s phone call that morning. Donghae try to cover up for himself only to find himself sound so stupid. Kyuhyun ask about his plan for the day. He willingly told him that he’s going to the amusement park. What he didn’t know Kyuhyun and the others are heading to the same place.
To lit up Hyukjae’s mood, Kyuhyun gives him permission to play his new gadget. Smile finally back to the boy’s face. Sungmin packed some snacks tha they might needed. He packs a lot of strawberry milks just for Hyukjae and for him of course.
Hyukjae is so excited as soon as they arrives at the amusement park. He drag everyone else to wherever spot he thinks he want to go. Forcing them to play everything that had caught his eyes. Kyuhyun and Sungmin wonder if Hyukjae really going to graduate soon since he is currently act like a two years old. Siwon on the other hand has some explanation to do with his girlfriend since his girlfriend is not invited. After several sweet talk, Heechul finally stops sulking only when Siwon told her they wil go alone next time and after Siwon promise her presents and surprises.
Siwon actually kinda disappointed that Donghae is not there with them. He actually had planned something but the plan had to be postponed. There’e always another time. He said. They are all tired except for Hyukjae. all four of them resting on a bench just to take their time before heading for another round in the amusement park.
Hyukjae was enjoying his strawberry milk when somebody caught his eyes. two people holding hands and walking around. He do his normal nose wrinkle before turning his head the other way round. The sudden movement make caught Siwon’s eyes. Hyukjae keep on sipping the air of his strawberry milk and rubbing his nose cutely.
Siwon knows that gesture very well. it means something had make Hyukjae uncomfortable, or uneasily or restless. “What’s wrong?” Siwon ask.
“Nothing.” Again Hyukjae do his nose wrinkle.
“Something is bothering you. now speak up.” Siwon grab his strawberry milk away forcefully since the noise of it is so annoying. Hyukjae keep on sipping eventhough it had finished.
“I saw Donghae-shi.” He said pouting and looking around other than Siwon’s eyes. Siwon’s hope is up again. he look around to find Donghae but since there is so many people it is hard to do so. Then he heard Kyuhyun is on the phone with someone. From the sound of it, he can guess he was in a phonecall with Donghae.
“We’re in the amusement park. Where are you?”
“…..”
“we’re resting right opposite of this merry go round thing.”
“….”
“Oh, you’re here too?? We should meet and hang out together since this is all about hyuk…”
“….”
“Okay we will wait right here.”
Siwon smile his mischivious smile. He try to do everything to cheer Hyukjae’s up. Is is important for Donghae Hyukjae is having fun. he crack his funny jokes and finally Hyukjae is back to his bubbly states. Hyukjae was laughing his heart out when he heard Kyuhyun and Sungmin greet someone and that person is Donghae. Just next to him is Yoona. Yoona politely bow to Sungmin and Kyuhyun. She waves cheerfully at Hyukjae which the boy reply by a bow. He nose wrinkles is back now. Siwon pat his back.
“Hyukkie…Are you having fun??? we were just arrive.. have you play with all of the games??”
“Actually almost all of it.” Hyukjae answer unwillingly.
“Good. We will join you guys then. The more the marrier.” She said giggling. Kyuhyun and Sungmin look at each other when they heard Yoona call Hyukjae by his nickname that Donghae use. They never call him like that. Only Donghae call him by that name.
“Okay, let’s continue. Since somebody wants to go all the way..” Sungmin said to Hyukjae. Hyuk smile at him and happily jumps on his feet. Before he can make a step, Donghae hold out his hand and smile warmly at Hyukjae. It is what Donghae always do evrytime they in the crowded places. Hyukjae look confusedly at Donghae’s hand. Then he look at Yoona and back at Donghae’s hand. he keep doing that until there is another hand come in view. It was Siwon’s. Kyuhyun and Sungmin just look at the scene curiously, wonder what will Hyukjae choice would be.
To their surprise, Hyukjae take Siwon’s hand and walk away, leaving the dumbfounded Donghae on his tracks. They are both giggling at Donghae’s reaction and walk away following Hyukjae and Siwon close from behind. Donghae finally back to reality when Yoona tug his hand.
“Donghae, they’re leaving us. Come on.” With his heavy foot, Donghae just follow Yoona. Hyukaje is obviously ignoring Donghae all day they are together. But his eyes always look at him and look away when Donghae look back at him. Donghae too, knows that Hyukjae is sulking. Probably because he suddenly end his phone call that morning.
At lunch, Donghae wants to sit next to Hyukjae but Siwon beat him. that boy is fast. Donghae end up sitting next to siwon. They look at the menu thinking what will be delicious for lunch.
“Strawberry milk. No more strawberry milk.” Sungmin cries. He keep looking in his beg but there is no strawberry milk. “We can buy it later.” Kyuhyun said hugging him by the waist.
“Siwon-shi, why don’t you buy some. We will order for you.” Donghae said while..smirking.
“It’s okay. We can buy after lunch.” Sungmin said. Giving Sungmin a glare, Donghae added. “But what if there’re no more stoke later. Beside, hyukkie really love to have strawberry milk while walking around. Right, Hyukkie?”
Hyukjae is really sad when Sungmin said they have no more strawberry milk in his beg. He feel guilty too because he drink almost all of it. “I go with Siwon.” He said.
“No, let just Siwon go by himself. Beside, you’re tired. Siwon is a big boy. He will be fine. You can wait for him here.” Donghae said looking intensely at Siwon. “But…” Hyukjae try to protest.
“It’s okay. I go buy some for you and Sungmin hyung. I be right back.” Siwon said and stand up. But before he walk away, he land a kiss on Hyukjae’s crown. Yoona is holding Donghae’s hand at that time. Unconsciously, Donghae hold on her hand become tighter and he hurt the woman.
“Donghae, let go… You’re hurting me.” Yoona whine. Realizing what he had done, he let go and apolagise. Kyuhyun and Sungmin both looking away and try their best not to laugh right there.
“Sorry, are you okay?” Donghae ask her. She nod her head and excuse herself to the washroom. Donghae apolagise again.
“So, how was your date?” Kyuhyun ask on purpose.
“It’s not a date. I told you.” Donghae groan.
“Yeah, hang out… ”
Donghae change his sit to next to Hyukjae. “Hyukkie, you having fun?” Hyukjae nod at him. he knows Hyukjae is giving him silent treatment. “Hey, sorry because i hang up this morning. My battery died.” He said.
“you can call back but you didn’t.” Hyukjae said pouting. Donghae smile and pinch his nose lightly. “Sorry. forgive me??” Donghae gives him his puppy eyes which make Hyukjae giggles. “but you have to buy me a new game.” he said stick his tongue out. Donghae ruffles his hair before agreeing.
Yoona whos just come back from the bathroom frown at the scene is front of her. He cover her expression by replacing it with her sweet smile.
“You switch place? Isn’t that Hyukkie’s friend sit?” She ask sweetly. Donghae just smile at her. When she notice DOnghae still in his position, she too take Donghae’s chair. Their order arrives and they wait for Siwon to come. While waiting, just like what Donghae did before, Donghae help Hyukjae with his meal. They have the same food. Kyuhyun and Sungmin keep their eyes on Donghae and Hyukjae. somehow that entertain them. Once in a while Sungmin look at Yoona,too. She has unreaderble expression on his face. He try to shoves it away since, Yoona is a sweet girl.
Knowing the weird atmosphere hanging around Yoona, Siwon try to make a conversation with her. Well at least to make her feel better. He get the idea the game is kinda complicated now. But he had determine to help his bestfriend. He’s going to worry about Yoona later.
After lunch, Hyukjae stay by Donghae’s side not knowing the silent disapproval by Yoona. They both keep talking with each other. Donghae keep pulling pranks on Hyukjae that make the boy cover in dark red and pouts. Last thing they do before heading home is they give Hyukjae a surprise party. With gifts and his favourite foods.
Hyukjae squeel happily by the sight in front of him. “Surprise, Hyuk.” Sungmin said to him and hug him tightly. So did Kyuhyun. “Is it for me, hyung? Really?? But what is it for??”
“in a month you’re going to graduate. and you’re school year has ended. So let’s celebrate. You, too Siwon. And I want to thank you for taking care of our Hyuk.” Sungmin said hugging Siwon.
“Siwon, this party is for us.” Hyukjae said happily. “Thank you, hyung.” Both Hyukjae and Siwon said in unison. Donghae congratulate Siwon first not so sincerely but when he talks with Hyukjae, his tone is totally different. He hugs the boy longer than Kyuhyun and Sungmin did. Hyukjae return the hug as tight as Donghae did. He feels safe everytime Donghae hugs him.
While hugging the boy, Donghae smirk toward Siwon as if he is telling him Hyukjae only will be by his side. Knowing the intense challenging gaze Donghae is giving Siwon, Kyuhyun laugh silently. “You stupid fish. Can you be more obvious?” He said in his head.
Siwon ignore what what he sees in Donghae. Sooner or later, that man is going to spill his sheart content. He is just helping. No heart feeling. They enjoy their night. Until it was almost late, they decided to go home. They go separate ways of course since Hyukjae and Siwon is staying over Sungmin’s house. Donghae almost forgot about Yoona.he sends her home first.
When they arrive at Yoona’s place, they stay in the car for a moment. It was silent at first until Yoona decides to break it.
“Today was ok…” She said. Donghae knows Yoona is upset. He feel sorry for her. “Sorry.” he said.
“Can i ask you something?” Donghae look at her and signal her to proceed.
“What am I to you? What are we?” Yoona ask. Donghae was taken aback at first. but when he regain his thoughts, he decided tonight is the time to tell her the truth.
“Yoona, i don’t know how to explain.” Donghae lowered his head. “I…..”
“You like Hyukkie better than me, right? So we’re just friend?” Yoona ask him.
“I’m…” Donghae sigh. Okay. It’s now or never.
“Yoona, i always think of you…. as my… friend.. i mean…You’re a nice girl…”
“but i just wasn’t your love, right?” Yoona ask him weakly with a faint smile. Donghae turn his head away. he dont like himself right now. he is the one who make this relationship so complicated.
“it’s okay, Donghae. You don’t have to feel bad. It’s obvious actually…everybody else can tell..” Yoona said. “i kinda can guest this is coming. i can see the way you’re treating him his different from me. i can tell i’m not blind.” Yoona added.
“I’m sorry…” Donghae apolagise again. “Thank you for today. But can we remain as a friend. It will be hard for me to forget you but i still want to be you’re friend or even better, a close friend.” Yoona said.
Donghae is confused. From all the experience he had, woman usually will call him jerk right now and cry in front of him. But Yoona..She is too calm.
“I have my pride. I don’t usually cry because of this matter.” Yoona said. Donghae’s mouth form an ‘O’. “I hope we still can hang out.” Yoona said and Donghae nod. “i’m sorry.” Donghae said again before Yoona get out of the car.
Donghae stay like that for a while still processing what just happen. “That was easy.” He said to himself. He text Hyukjae a good night message before he drive to his apartment.
TBC
tell me tell me..
tell tell tell tell me...
*bow* ^_^