Never letting you go - Epilogue
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">It was Hyukjae’s first trip abroad ever, so he was beyond excited once they boarded the plane, sitting and jumping in his seat nearly the whole trip, and that had added to the reason for his total exhaustion once they arrived at their hotel, and not even bother to admire the fancy building.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Immediately had he crashed on the bed, face buried in the pillow which smelled like lavender, and whining because he couldn’t sleep just yet. It was only noon, hours away from sleeping-time. Donghae chuckled at the sight of Hyukjae rolling around on the bed and started unpack the suitcases and organize their clothes in the drawers provided in the room.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I told you that you should’ve slept on the plane.” He said knowingly, still very amused by the other’s whining.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“But then I would have missed seeing all the view!” came a mumbled voice from the bed. Hyukjae turned his head so he faced Donghae’s way, looking at the man with a small smile on his lips.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You okay?” Donghae asked once he caught Hyukjae staring at him without saying anything. The boy nodded and smiled tiredly before his eyelids slowly rolled down over his eyes as it became harder to fight off the sleep. After a minute he woke up from his light sleep and felt the bed dipped with foreign warmth suddenly embracing him, and nothing prevented him from snuggling closer to it.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Let’s just rest until dinner,” Donghae said quietly, planting a kiss on top of Hyukjae’s head before letting the boy rest his head against his chest and both fell asleep.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">--
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The sound of water rushing was what made Hyukjae wake up from his sleep and found that he was lying on the bed alone tucked under a duvet cover. Tiredly he stretched his body, eyes still not able to open just yet because of his sleepiness and he rolled around a few times before sitting up on the bed.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Did you sleep well?” He heard the very familiar voice speak from the other side of the room and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes so he could see the other as well.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Donghae smiled widely and stalked towards the bed and stole a quick kiss because of the younger’s cutely pouting lips was too irresistible whenever he just had woken up. Hyukjae nodded a ‘yes’ before he stretched out his arms up towards Donghae, just like a child does whenever it wants a hug or to be carried. With a held back laughter, Donghae accepted the younger’s open arms and hugged the boy at the same time as he pulled him to his feet on the floor and had to hold close so he wouldn’t fall down asleep again.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What time is it?” Mumbling, Hyukjae leaned his head against Donghae’s chest and looked as he was sleeping in a standing position.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Half past five. I’ve reserved a table for us in the restaurant at seven so we should get prepared now.” Donghae stroke Hyukjae’s hair and finally held the boy’s waist while walking. “Come on, I’ve prepared a bath.”
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">At last had Hyukjae managed to open his eyes properly and he was awed as he looked around the fancy bathroom they entered. Just as Donghae had said the large bathtub was filled up with water, as well as lightly pink-ish colored bubbles floating around. A smile pulled up Hyukjae’s lips at the sight because it looked really refreshing, but he froze a bit when he saw Donghae pull off his shirt over by the washing bowl. He still felt flustered when he saw the elder’s upper body, and he immediately looked away, blood starting to rush towards his cheeks.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You maybe only want to take a shower?” The elder asked after a moment when Hyukjae had been standing in the middle of the bathroom not doing anything. He glanced at Donghae by the washing bowl, who had small stripes of white shaving gel across his face and shook his head. His blush seemed to calm down as he found the other looking quite amusing with the white gel smeared in his face.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“J-just… don’t look.” Hyukjae mumbled quietly while tugging at his shirt, but Donghae seemed not to hear him anyways as he was busy with shaving. A soft sigh escaped his lips once he was in the hot water and he started giggling as he played with the bubbles which smelled of strawberry.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Then the sound of rippling water sounded and the water level rose had Hyukjae’s cheeks become red and hot as he realized Donghae just had got into the tub behind him.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Is the water too hot Hyuk?” Donghae asked and a hand came from behind to caress his cheek. “Your face is slightly red.”
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No… it’s fine.”
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Good.” Two hands then carefully pulled him backwards until his back rested against something soft and Donghae’s arms were wrapped around his waist. His heart began to race inside his chest at the close contact. Only Donghae had that effect on him.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Is it okay for me to do this?” the elder asked gently and rested his chin on Hyukjae’s shoulder. The latter nodded and soon enough, he was able to relax in the other’s arms and let his nervousness float away. The feeling of Donghae’s calm breaths against his back and the arms wrapped around his body made the feeling of safety grow more.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Donghae,” Hyukjae spoke as his hands were playing with the reducing bubbles in the tub and even trying to blow away some of it. The elder hummed in response, letting Hyukjae’s head fall back onto his shoulder so that they could face each other a little more. But instead of any words, Donghae received a peck by a pair of soft lips and then the brightest smile he’d ever seen. And that’s when he realized words weren’t always needed.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Happy chattering and laughter filled up the bathroom as the minutes passed by and they both were enjoying each other’s company. Hyukjae was nearly falling asleep again when the elder was massaging his scalp with shampoo. He returned the favor and shampooed Donghae’s hair messily, laughing to himself all along.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You know, we should get up now Hyukjae,” Donghae stressed a little as he noticed the clock was nearing seven and they had to get their reserved table before anyone else took it instead. He got out and wore a bathrobe before holding up one in front of him for Hyukjae, who still sat in the tub, ready to slip it on. And just like treating a kid, Donghae stood behind and knotted the robe before lifting Hyukjae out of the water.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You don’t have to baby me like that Donghae.” Hyukjae pouted when the former put him down at the bed’s soft mattress and went to fetch their clothes.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“But I know you like to be babied.” Donghae smiled and gave Hyukjae’s cheek a kiss before handing him some clothes to wear. “Though I won’t help you dress.”
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Seeing the fancy clothes in his hands weren’t any of the ones he had owned before, he started wondering if the elder had spent even more money on clothes for him. Donghae seemed to understand his thoughts as their eyes met, and he smiled.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Heechul hyung went to buy those for you. I hope you don’t mind he used some of your pay.”
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">For a moment he didn’t say anything because he couldn’t clearly understand which pay Donghae was talking about.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You know, Jongwoon wouldn’t let you work for free, so of course you’d get some payment.” The brunette chuckled as he saw Hyukjae’s shocked expression while picking up his own clothing. “Now hurry up and change, or else we’ll be late.” With a last peck on the boy’s cheek, he then left Hyukjae to change.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">When looking at himself over in the full-length mirror he couldn’t really remember when the last time he had been dressed up like that was. The neatly ironed grey shirt fitted him perfectly, as well as the white jeans he wore. Somehow he got amazed by how good they actually looked on him. He chuckled a little to himself while buttoning the last buttons on his dress shirt except for the one at the top. Just to be able to see the heart-shaped necklace.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">As he looked at the necklace’s reflection, everything started coming back to him in small pictures, flying past his eyes in seconds, yet he could see each of them very clearly.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">A strange man stalking him for three days, ending up with taking him home and give him clothes and food. Kind and meaningful words. Flashes of thunder and camera. Warm arms embracing his body to give protection. Cold wind from the top of a mountain and the stars falling like rain on the black sky. Warm lips meeting for a first time. All of it was the beginning to his happiness. All of it created together with one man.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">With a last check in the mirror, he combed his hair with his fingers neatly and smiled at the reflection. The feeling of being able to smile and feel happy without any particular reason felt close to amazing.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He opened the bedroom door and slowly walked out to see Donghae by the door and checking himself in a small mirror, then turning his way as he noticed the presence of the younger. A charming smile lit up his face as he spoke Hyukjae’s name gently, eyes sparkling as he proudly looked at the boy. Standing in front of him was the perfect man Hyukjae never thought he would have created this kind of life with.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Donghae’s hand reached out in the air for Hyukjae to grab. It took a few moments before the latter reacted as he only could do was to stare at the sight of the familiar silver bracelet hugging Donghae’s wrist. He bit his lip as a broad smile stretched on his face before taking that hand he knew he’d always be able to seek protection within.
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">That very hand he knew would never ever let him go.
EN-US">The End
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EN-US">A/N: mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Short epilogue, I know, but I don’t know how to make a good ending. Felt the best to make it short and I was even fangirling over my own writing when they were bathing together! But admit it, THE LAST LINE IS GOOD RITE <3 At least I like it. It makes my heart flutter >w<
"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Now, let me just say THANK YOU to everybody who’s been sticking here from the prologue to the ones who recently started reading as well, given me encouraging comments for each chapter. It’s given me lots of writing-power lots of times, so I’m very grateful to you guys! ^^ Thaaaaank youuuuu~ /throws kisses and teddies at you/
mso-ansi-language:EN-US">For you I have a small sequel on way called Invisible Scars. It contains both happy and angsty moments, so if you don’t want any more angst for poor Hyukkie, don’t read it ;p BUT THEN YOU WILL MISS OUT THE FAIL SMUT!!! I know you are all pervs who wants that~
And then I apologize for not always answering everybody’s comments T_T But you should know that I’ve been so happy to receive every single one of them! I’m very thankful! ^^
Well, this was all for this story /cries/
Thank you bbies<3