[DC22] Mere Child's Play
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: EunHae
Genre: AU!Romance, Drama
Theme: Yogurt, Phrase to include: "in the end"
Summary: He needed to do more than act on the promises he agreed to, much to his friend's dismay.
-
As a child, Donghae practically avoided the sandbox, something about the sand being near his skin made him cringe. And so he only stood by, watching others play on. But this was far from peaceful.
He was abruptly hit by a taller kid who nearly spat at him.
"Trash like you should return home." He insulted. Donghae stepped back, allowing the bully to go on his way, but the kid had other intentions than letting him go in peace.
Donghae's collar was grabbed as he was thrown across the pavement. He did nothing to insult the boy, but it held no merit.
"Let me go." He pleaded, but the boy would hear none of it.
"Don't ever come back."
Donghae scurried away from the spot, running as the heckles and laughs continued behind him.
He intended to avoid the park, but his parents were too busy, making him go as they focused on the restaurant in its busy hours. Donghae pursed his lips, unsure of whether to tell his parents of the kid there. But decided not to worry them, silently walking out of the place, shoulders tensed as he approached the park.
He stepped inside, eyes scanning about when he recognized the familiar bully. Yet once their eyes locked, the bully ran away. Donghae blinked, furrowing his eyebrows when he quietly made his way through the park.
The other kids stepped aside, parting for them as he reached for the swing. The only one who didn't avoid him was the one kid dressed in dark clothing, sitting on the edge of the sandbox, older than he was.
"Excuse me." He said politely, the older kid raised his eyes and met his. Donghae's hands fidgeted. "Did something happen?"
The kid shook his head. Donghae seemed unsure when the kid reached for his arm, the long sleeve lowered to reveal the unhealed scratches.
"Are you alright?"
Donghae nodded feebly, the taller boy helped him up and took him away from the playground. Donghae was able to piece it together by the way the others stepped back in fear by the boy's presence.
He knew he didn't have to do that.
"Thank you." Donghae murmured.
The boy said nothing and Donghae wasn't sure if he had heard him.
He waited outside the convenience store until the boy stepped out, handing him a bottle of yogurt.
"Thank you," Donghae said again, realizing the boy didn't get anything for himself, he shyly added as he lifted up his drink. "Share?"
The taller boy blinked, peering down at his earnest expression when to Donghae's surprise, the boy abruptly leaned in and kissed him.
Even now, he wondered whether to consider that a real kiss, or just child's play.
-
"Are you alright?" Eunhyuk asked, age twelve. Donghae nodded as he stood outside his family's ransacked restaurant.
"My parents might not be able to pay for it." Donghae said quietly. "I told them I should work but they won't let me. They said no one would hire me."
Eunhyuk continued to eye the destroyed property when Donghae reached out and grabbed his wrists, eyes lowered. Eunhyuk tore his eyes away from the scene, briefly glancing at the younger's grip before looking up at his uneasy expression.
"What do I do?" Donghae asked worriedly.
Eunhyuk pulled him into a hug. "Everything will be fine." He assured convincingly. "I promise."
"You don't have to promise, you've done enough." Donghae murmured quietly, closing his eyes as he allowed himself to be comforted by his good friend. The other's presence alone made him feel relaxed, lifting the burden even if by only a little.
Eunhyuk's knuckles whitened as he gripped his shirt, staring at the scene.
No, he said quietly. He hadn't done enough.
-
"Where is he?" Donghae's mother asked. Donghae for once, couldn't answer the question. He was losing track of where Eunhyuk was, a strange habit for the friend who was usually by his side.
He waited on the steps outside until the familiar figure came across his vision. He grinned and aimed to wave his hand, but held back when he recognized the crowd he was with.
He decided that maybe he shouldn't his friend, ignoring the pang in his chest as he returned inside the restaurant.
"Did you see Eunhyuk?" His mother had asked.
Donghae forced a smile. "Not yet."
On his bedside, he stared at the ceiling when he heard a knock on his window. He opened it and smiled as Eunhyuk reached a hand through the bars that covered his window.
"I thought..." Donghae started, at Eunhyuk's muted question, the younger shook his head.
He had his friend by his side, that was enough.
-
Eunhyuk narrowed his eyes.
"I don't need to be protected by you." Donghae uttered, now fifteen. Eunhyuk stood behind him, wearing dark clothing and a scowl that traced his stolid expression.
Despite the tough act that Eunhyuk help up, that scared most of the student body and made strangers presume the worst about him. The older still showed care for Donghae, to the point that it exhausted him, almost suffocating.
"I told you before, he's never done anything to hurt me." Donghae assured. "Those rumors are just rumors."
"You don't know how he is when you're not around." Eunhyuk countered.
"Then that's my business." Donghae countered. "Why must you care so much?" He asked tiredly, arms crossed loosely over his uniform. Eunhyuk shifted his weight to the other side.
A significant pause after, Eunhyuk looked up. "You know how I feel about you." Eunhyuk explained.
Donghae thinned his lips, exasperated. "That doesn't change anything. And that doesn't give you the excuse to bud in my relationships. Trying to fix what isn't broken, or maybe that was your intent."
Eunhyuk visibly swallowed as Donghae turned away. "I'm already with someone, just leave us be."
And for the most part, Eunhyuk did, but every time he caught Eunhyuk staring at him and his boyfriend, he could see that glimmer of pain pass through his eyes.
He wanted to remain friends, but Eunhyuk's actions were making it difficult. In the end, Donghae realized they couldn't go back as they were, they may never be able to.
-
He came home, dropping his bag by his bed. He saw his curtains blow slightly and furrowed his eyebrows.
He reached out and grabbed the note that was tucked in the bars. A 'Happy Birthday' card with no words inside.
Within the darkness of the room, the young man smiled. Because in that entire day not a single person had wished him so. The empty card was enough.
He laid on the bed, looking out the window in hopes he'd see that familiar person waiting outside. But to no luck, he didn't come that night. No matter how long he waited.
-
Donghae stopped wiping down the tables as he stood outside the restaurant, speaking to his neighbors. The city's reputation seemed to relax over the years, and it had been a long while since they've been hassled for money. He still remained on-guard though.
"You don't have to worry, you'll be fine."
"How so?" Donghae asked.
Hankyung sighed in envy. "We're not the ones being protected by a gangster."
Donghae parted his lips to correct them, but it'd be fruitless to try to correct his friend's presumption. Then again, he hadn't seen Eunhyuk in so long, that he doubted his own rehearsed reply when others had asked him about Eunhyuk.
The thought caused a pang in his chest, recalling the few times Eunhyuk had come by the restaurant, at times when Donghae was never around. Helping and giving his parents money when needed. He only wished he could see him face to face, to at least say an earnest "thank you."
He tugged the bags of groceries in his hands when he glanced at some questionable men in the opposite corner. He turned to avoid them when one separated from the pack. He quickened his pace when a figure stepped in front of him. He dared to glance up and his fear halted.
"You've really..." Donghae realized as he glanced at the backs of the men who left Eunhyuk's side. With a simple nod, they disappeared into the shadows as Eunhyuk remained there.
"Your business is doing well." Eunhyuk commented, reaching to help him lift the bags, Donghae pulled back.
"What have you been doing?" He asked, visibly upset.
"They're nothing to worry about." Eunhyuk replied calmly.
"They're plenty to worry about." Donghae claimed, looking back where the figures once stood. Eunhyuk didn't look away, his stare remaining on the younger.
"Why do you care?"
Donghae stood his ground, notably offended by his off-handed comment. "You're my friend, obviously."
Eunhyuk thinned his lips, tensed from that reply. "Are we that good of friends for you to decide what I can and can't do?"
"I'd like to think we are, but it seems we barely know each other anymore." Donghae said. "But even then, you shouldn't..." He cleared his throat. "Don't hang around with them."
Eunhyuk remained silent, avoiding an answer. Donghae shuffled the bags carefully into one hand, and reached out to Eunhyuk's wrist with his empty one. Even if their relationship was on a delicate strand since early on, Donghae still cared for Eunhyuk. There was never a question about that.
"Please," He pleaded. "I don't want to see you hurt."
Eunhyuk lowered his head, lifting his hand and briefly holding it snugly in his own. The seconds, the moment lengthened before Eunhyuk pulled out of his grip.
"You never have to worry about me." Eunhyuk said quietly. Donghae clutched the bags tightly, shaking his head.
"You're making that impossible to do right now." He said under his breath. Without saying good-bye, he stepped aside and walked past the man.
He didn't like it, the thought of his childhood friend running with those type of people. And that nagging worry increased in his thoughts.
But Eunhyuk didn't have to listen to him, he couldn't tell him what to do. He could only wish that nothing would happen, and hope the other would take his advice.
-
At twenty-two, Donghae suffered the hangovers he thought he would avoid, but fell into peer pressure. He groggily sat up, eyes slowly focusing as the scene formed before him.
"You're finally awake." His friend noted, feeling the awful effects as Leeteuk laid sprawled on the floor beside the bed.
"What are you doing here?"
"...That friend of yours ordered me to stay here to make sure you're alright." Leeteuk said, eyes closed as he resumed sleep.
Donghae blinked. "Eunhyuk?"
"Yeah... that guy." He drawled. "He said if he stayed instead, it'll make you awkward." He then turned his head. "I don't see why either, I thought you guys were once good friends... Or at least I thought so... I can't remember."
Donghae ignored him as he fell back against the bed. He tried to remember the events of the night before, but the alcohol made it impossible. When he asked his friend, through his narration did he remember slowly what had happened.
Someone almost took advantage of him that night, and the last he could truly remember was a figure pulling the stranger back away from him, and striking the lecher's jaw with his fist. The murderous glare unrelenting.
"I thought he was going to kill him to be honest."
Donghae lowered his eyes, fingers clutching the sheets as he vaguely recalled a brief memory that barely held on.
He remembered being held up, embraced carefully as he was lifted off the bed. That same gentle care he had long thought disappeared.
-
"Isn't this a child's drink?" Leeteuk had asked, handing him the bottle he pulled from the small convenience store bag. "I don't get why you always insist on getting it."
Donghae sat on the sidewalk's edge, with a nostalgic smile, he took off the cap of the familiar yogurt drink. "Just a good memory."
Leeteuk arched an eyebrow and shook his head, drinking his own soda when he held the drink to his lips. Looking above Donghae's head, a look he understood too well.
Donghae stood up and said, "I'll be right back."
He steadily walked forward towards the man who kept to himself, greeting him but met with the familiar stern expression. He hesitantly looked up, but found himself looking back down at the dirtied pavement. "What did you do to him?" He then asked.
"I held back from cutting his throat, if that's what you mean." Eunhyuk uttered, his tone threatening.
"Thank you." Donghae said honestly.
He had missed the surprised expression towards him, but heard the distant call from the group of men Eunhyuk, to his disappointment, still associated with.
"You're still with them." Donghae realized under his breath.
"Not for long." At Donghae's disbelief, he then exclaimed. "I'll clean up... at some point."
Donghae watched as Eunhyuk lifted himself off the barred fence but held his elbow back briefly. "I wanted you can come by, whenever you want to. You should know you're always welcomed at my place."
Eunhyuk remained stoic as Donghae further explained. "I'm glad you still speak with my parents, but I would like to see you... Even if its only every once in a while." He added feebly.
To be honest, he never cared about the benefits of being a gangster's affiliate, of having such a connection. What he wanted was for Eunhyuk to be there, close by like before.
He wondered if he voiced out that sentiment, what Eunhyuk would think.
Eunhyuk heard his name called out once more, and finally tore his gaze away when he said. "I'll come by tomorrow then."
"Do you promise?" Donghae called out after him.
To his surprise, the corners of Eunhyuk's lips shifted upwards. "I do."
He struggled to form his own smile, hoping with every fiber in his being that it was true. He held a seed of doubt in case Eunhyuk simply couldn't make it, making nothing of the promise.
Yet to his relief, Eunhyuk kept to it that night. Every night he asked, every morning he pleaded.
Soon enough, he didn't have to voice it as Eunhyuk constantly appeared before him. Donghae's smiles eased when around him, a fact that didn't go by unnoticed.
-
One afternoon in the lunch hours of the briefly closed and empty restaurant, Donghae abruptly leaned against Eunhyuk's shoulder.
"Finally." Donghae murmured. Eunhyuk held a subtle question.
Before Eunhyuk was too far, Donghae had selfishly distanced himself too. But now...
His eyes lit in delight. "You're finally within reach."
Eunhyuk could only stay silent as Donghae pulled away after, reaching for the yogurt bottle. He fought back a smile as he pulled at the container's cap, intending to remain as indifferent as he could. But around his good friend, that proved to be impossible.
-
Donghae stood on the wooden edges of the sandbox, holding up a few grains in his hands as they escape between his fingers. He felt eyes on him and turned around, able to recognize the outline within the darkness and beneath the dim lights.
Eunhyuk stepped out from the shadows, he remained expressionless as Donghae sped towards him, intertwining his arm in his own.
Both three years older than since that night, but by the adolescent display one would think otherwise, but Eunhyuk didn't mind.
It was more than child's play as Donghae stepped forward and kissed him on the lips, that much he realized.
"If you don't change, you won't get any more than that." Donghae said quietly, he then pursed his lips as an occurring thought resurfaced. "Do you even feel the same for me at all?"
"To be honest... I do." Eunhyuk replied right after without taking a second to think it over.
"With that tone, it's hard to believe you." Donghae said, unsure. Eunhyuk then glanced up the clock that stood by the park, displaying the late hours.
"Let's go, it's too dark for you to be outside."
Donghae arched an eyebrow. "I'm hardly a child... and I thought you would protect me if anything happens."
"I did, and I will. That's something that won't change." Eunhyuk stated. Donghae parted his lips to counter against his statement, but decided to let it be.
The gesture didn't repulse Eunhyuk, but the moment they reached the sidewalk's crossing, Donghae's hands reaching around his back with his hands laid on his chest. He could feel the pounding beneath his touch, and once he reached up and kissed him on the neck, he felt the heart increase.
Eunhyuk grabbed his wrist, holding it firmly in his grip as the walked ahead through the street with Donghae in tow. The younger man pulled out of his grip, adjusting his hand to intertwine with the other.
He had been wrong all along, they could really just be friends. But Donghae disagreed, giving a gentle squeeze to assure the other his answer.
And once he felt one back, the smile he long fought to hide, revealed itself in proud display.
- ❄ Challenge 21 ❄ | ❄ Challenge 23 ❄ -
A/N: I always pictured the Toni Brand strawberry yogurt when writing this, my favorite drink/snack to get at the town's stores. Miss it...
Pairing: EunHae
Genre: AU!Romance, Drama
Theme: Yogurt, Phrase to include: "in the end"
Summary: He needed to do more than act on the promises he agreed to, much to his friend's dismay.
-
As a child, Donghae practically avoided the sandbox, something about the sand being near his skin made him cringe. And so he only stood by, watching others play on. But this was far from peaceful.
He was abruptly hit by a taller kid who nearly spat at him.
"Trash like you should return home." He insulted. Donghae stepped back, allowing the bully to go on his way, but the kid had other intentions than letting him go in peace.
Donghae's collar was grabbed as he was thrown across the pavement. He did nothing to insult the boy, but it held no merit.
"Let me go." He pleaded, but the boy would hear none of it.
"Don't ever come back."
Donghae scurried away from the spot, running as the heckles and laughs continued behind him.
He intended to avoid the park, but his parents were too busy, making him go as they focused on the restaurant in its busy hours. Donghae pursed his lips, unsure of whether to tell his parents of the kid there. But decided not to worry them, silently walking out of the place, shoulders tensed as he approached the park.
He stepped inside, eyes scanning about when he recognized the familiar bully. Yet once their eyes locked, the bully ran away. Donghae blinked, furrowing his eyebrows when he quietly made his way through the park.
The other kids stepped aside, parting for them as he reached for the swing. The only one who didn't avoid him was the one kid dressed in dark clothing, sitting on the edge of the sandbox, older than he was.
"Excuse me." He said politely, the older kid raised his eyes and met his. Donghae's hands fidgeted. "Did something happen?"
The kid shook his head. Donghae seemed unsure when the kid reached for his arm, the long sleeve lowered to reveal the unhealed scratches.
"Are you alright?"
Donghae nodded feebly, the taller boy helped him up and took him away from the playground. Donghae was able to piece it together by the way the others stepped back in fear by the boy's presence.
He knew he didn't have to do that.
"Thank you." Donghae murmured.
The boy said nothing and Donghae wasn't sure if he had heard him.
He waited outside the convenience store until the boy stepped out, handing him a bottle of yogurt.
"Thank you," Donghae said again, realizing the boy didn't get anything for himself, he shyly added as he lifted up his drink. "Share?"
The taller boy blinked, peering down at his earnest expression when to Donghae's surprise, the boy abruptly leaned in and kissed him.
Even now, he wondered whether to consider that a real kiss, or just child's play.
-
"Are you alright?" Eunhyuk asked, age twelve. Donghae nodded as he stood outside his family's ransacked restaurant.
"My parents might not be able to pay for it." Donghae said quietly. "I told them I should work but they won't let me. They said no one would hire me."
Eunhyuk continued to eye the destroyed property when Donghae reached out and grabbed his wrists, eyes lowered. Eunhyuk tore his eyes away from the scene, briefly glancing at the younger's grip before looking up at his uneasy expression.
"What do I do?" Donghae asked worriedly.
Eunhyuk pulled him into a hug. "Everything will be fine." He assured convincingly. "I promise."
"You don't have to promise, you've done enough." Donghae murmured quietly, closing his eyes as he allowed himself to be comforted by his good friend. The other's presence alone made him feel relaxed, lifting the burden even if by only a little.
Eunhyuk's knuckles whitened as he gripped his shirt, staring at the scene.
No, he said quietly. He hadn't done enough.
-
"Where is he?" Donghae's mother asked. Donghae for once, couldn't answer the question. He was losing track of where Eunhyuk was, a strange habit for the friend who was usually by his side.
He waited on the steps outside until the familiar figure came across his vision. He grinned and aimed to wave his hand, but held back when he recognized the crowd he was with.
He decided that maybe he shouldn't his friend, ignoring the pang in his chest as he returned inside the restaurant.
"Did you see Eunhyuk?" His mother had asked.
Donghae forced a smile. "Not yet."
On his bedside, he stared at the ceiling when he heard a knock on his window. He opened it and smiled as Eunhyuk reached a hand through the bars that covered his window.
"I thought..." Donghae started, at Eunhyuk's muted question, the younger shook his head.
He had his friend by his side, that was enough.
-
Eunhyuk narrowed his eyes.
"I don't need to be protected by you." Donghae uttered, now fifteen. Eunhyuk stood behind him, wearing dark clothing and a scowl that traced his stolid expression.
Despite the tough act that Eunhyuk help up, that scared most of the student body and made strangers presume the worst about him. The older still showed care for Donghae, to the point that it exhausted him, almost suffocating.
"I told you before, he's never done anything to hurt me." Donghae assured. "Those rumors are just rumors."
"You don't know how he is when you're not around." Eunhyuk countered.
"Then that's my business." Donghae countered. "Why must you care so much?" He asked tiredly, arms crossed loosely over his uniform. Eunhyuk shifted his weight to the other side.
A significant pause after, Eunhyuk looked up. "You know how I feel about you." Eunhyuk explained.
Donghae thinned his lips, exasperated. "That doesn't change anything. And that doesn't give you the excuse to bud in my relationships. Trying to fix what isn't broken, or maybe that was your intent."
Eunhyuk visibly swallowed as Donghae turned away. "I'm already with someone, just leave us be."
And for the most part, Eunhyuk did, but every time he caught Eunhyuk staring at him and his boyfriend, he could see that glimmer of pain pass through his eyes.
He wanted to remain friends, but Eunhyuk's actions were making it difficult. In the end, Donghae realized they couldn't go back as they were, they may never be able to.
-
He came home, dropping his bag by his bed. He saw his curtains blow slightly and furrowed his eyebrows.
He reached out and grabbed the note that was tucked in the bars. A 'Happy Birthday' card with no words inside.
Within the darkness of the room, the young man smiled. Because in that entire day not a single person had wished him so. The empty card was enough.
He laid on the bed, looking out the window in hopes he'd see that familiar person waiting outside. But to no luck, he didn't come that night. No matter how long he waited.
-
Donghae stopped wiping down the tables as he stood outside the restaurant, speaking to his neighbors. The city's reputation seemed to relax over the years, and it had been a long while since they've been hassled for money. He still remained on-guard though.
"You don't have to worry, you'll be fine."
"How so?" Donghae asked.
Hankyung sighed in envy. "We're not the ones being protected by a gangster."
Donghae parted his lips to correct them, but it'd be fruitless to try to correct his friend's presumption. Then again, he hadn't seen Eunhyuk in so long, that he doubted his own rehearsed reply when others had asked him about Eunhyuk.
The thought caused a pang in his chest, recalling the few times Eunhyuk had come by the restaurant, at times when Donghae was never around. Helping and giving his parents money when needed. He only wished he could see him face to face, to at least say an earnest "thank you."
He tugged the bags of groceries in his hands when he glanced at some questionable men in the opposite corner. He turned to avoid them when one separated from the pack. He quickened his pace when a figure stepped in front of him. He dared to glance up and his fear halted.
"You've really..." Donghae realized as he glanced at the backs of the men who left Eunhyuk's side. With a simple nod, they disappeared into the shadows as Eunhyuk remained there.
"Your business is doing well." Eunhyuk commented, reaching to help him lift the bags, Donghae pulled back.
"What have you been doing?" He asked, visibly upset.
"They're nothing to worry about." Eunhyuk replied calmly.
"They're plenty to worry about." Donghae claimed, looking back where the figures once stood. Eunhyuk didn't look away, his stare remaining on the younger.
"Why do you care?"
Donghae stood his ground, notably offended by his off-handed comment. "You're my friend, obviously."
Eunhyuk thinned his lips, tensed from that reply. "Are we that good of friends for you to decide what I can and can't do?"
"I'd like to think we are, but it seems we barely know each other anymore." Donghae said. "But even then, you shouldn't..." He cleared his throat. "Don't hang around with them."
Eunhyuk remained silent, avoiding an answer. Donghae shuffled the bags carefully into one hand, and reached out to Eunhyuk's wrist with his empty one. Even if their relationship was on a delicate strand since early on, Donghae still cared for Eunhyuk. There was never a question about that.
"Please," He pleaded. "I don't want to see you hurt."
Eunhyuk lowered his head, lifting his hand and briefly holding it snugly in his own. The seconds, the moment lengthened before Eunhyuk pulled out of his grip.
"You never have to worry about me." Eunhyuk said quietly. Donghae clutched the bags tightly, shaking his head.
"You're making that impossible to do right now." He said under his breath. Without saying good-bye, he stepped aside and walked past the man.
He didn't like it, the thought of his childhood friend running with those type of people. And that nagging worry increased in his thoughts.
But Eunhyuk didn't have to listen to him, he couldn't tell him what to do. He could only wish that nothing would happen, and hope the other would take his advice.
-
At twenty-two, Donghae suffered the hangovers he thought he would avoid, but fell into peer pressure. He groggily sat up, eyes slowly focusing as the scene formed before him.
"You're finally awake." His friend noted, feeling the awful effects as Leeteuk laid sprawled on the floor beside the bed.
"What are you doing here?"
"...That friend of yours ordered me to stay here to make sure you're alright." Leeteuk said, eyes closed as he resumed sleep.
Donghae blinked. "Eunhyuk?"
"Yeah... that guy." He drawled. "He said if he stayed instead, it'll make you awkward." He then turned his head. "I don't see why either, I thought you guys were once good friends... Or at least I thought so... I can't remember."
Donghae ignored him as he fell back against the bed. He tried to remember the events of the night before, but the alcohol made it impossible. When he asked his friend, through his narration did he remember slowly what had happened.
Someone almost took advantage of him that night, and the last he could truly remember was a figure pulling the stranger back away from him, and striking the lecher's jaw with his fist. The murderous glare unrelenting.
"I thought he was going to kill him to be honest."
Donghae lowered his eyes, fingers clutching the sheets as he vaguely recalled a brief memory that barely held on.
He remembered being held up, embraced carefully as he was lifted off the bed. That same gentle care he had long thought disappeared.
-
"Isn't this a child's drink?" Leeteuk had asked, handing him the bottle he pulled from the small convenience store bag. "I don't get why you always insist on getting it."
Donghae sat on the sidewalk's edge, with a nostalgic smile, he took off the cap of the familiar yogurt drink. "Just a good memory."
Leeteuk arched an eyebrow and shook his head, drinking his own soda when he held the drink to his lips. Looking above Donghae's head, a look he understood too well.
Donghae stood up and said, "I'll be right back."
He steadily walked forward towards the man who kept to himself, greeting him but met with the familiar stern expression. He hesitantly looked up, but found himself looking back down at the dirtied pavement. "What did you do to him?" He then asked.
"I held back from cutting his throat, if that's what you mean." Eunhyuk uttered, his tone threatening.
"Thank you." Donghae said honestly.
He had missed the surprised expression towards him, but heard the distant call from the group of men Eunhyuk, to his disappointment, still associated with.
"You're still with them." Donghae realized under his breath.
"Not for long." At Donghae's disbelief, he then exclaimed. "I'll clean up... at some point."
Donghae watched as Eunhyuk lifted himself off the barred fence but held his elbow back briefly. "I wanted you can come by, whenever you want to. You should know you're always welcomed at my place."
Eunhyuk remained stoic as Donghae further explained. "I'm glad you still speak with my parents, but I would like to see you... Even if its only every once in a while." He added feebly.
To be honest, he never cared about the benefits of being a gangster's affiliate, of having such a connection. What he wanted was for Eunhyuk to be there, close by like before.
He wondered if he voiced out that sentiment, what Eunhyuk would think.
Eunhyuk heard his name called out once more, and finally tore his gaze away when he said. "I'll come by tomorrow then."
"Do you promise?" Donghae called out after him.
To his surprise, the corners of Eunhyuk's lips shifted upwards. "I do."
He struggled to form his own smile, hoping with every fiber in his being that it was true. He held a seed of doubt in case Eunhyuk simply couldn't make it, making nothing of the promise.
Yet to his relief, Eunhyuk kept to it that night. Every night he asked, every morning he pleaded.
Soon enough, he didn't have to voice it as Eunhyuk constantly appeared before him. Donghae's smiles eased when around him, a fact that didn't go by unnoticed.
-
One afternoon in the lunch hours of the briefly closed and empty restaurant, Donghae abruptly leaned against Eunhyuk's shoulder.
"Finally." Donghae murmured. Eunhyuk held a subtle question.
Before Eunhyuk was too far, Donghae had selfishly distanced himself too. But now...
His eyes lit in delight. "You're finally within reach."
Eunhyuk could only stay silent as Donghae pulled away after, reaching for the yogurt bottle. He fought back a smile as he pulled at the container's cap, intending to remain as indifferent as he could. But around his good friend, that proved to be impossible.
-
Donghae stood on the wooden edges of the sandbox, holding up a few grains in his hands as they escape between his fingers. He felt eyes on him and turned around, able to recognize the outline within the darkness and beneath the dim lights.
Eunhyuk stepped out from the shadows, he remained expressionless as Donghae sped towards him, intertwining his arm in his own.
Both three years older than since that night, but by the adolescent display one would think otherwise, but Eunhyuk didn't mind.
It was more than child's play as Donghae stepped forward and kissed him on the lips, that much he realized.
"If you don't change, you won't get any more than that." Donghae said quietly, he then pursed his lips as an occurring thought resurfaced. "Do you even feel the same for me at all?"
"To be honest... I do." Eunhyuk replied right after without taking a second to think it over.
"With that tone, it's hard to believe you." Donghae said, unsure. Eunhyuk then glanced up the clock that stood by the park, displaying the late hours.
"Let's go, it's too dark for you to be outside."
Donghae arched an eyebrow. "I'm hardly a child... and I thought you would protect me if anything happens."
"I did, and I will. That's something that won't change." Eunhyuk stated. Donghae parted his lips to counter against his statement, but decided to let it be.
The gesture didn't repulse Eunhyuk, but the moment they reached the sidewalk's crossing, Donghae's hands reaching around his back with his hands laid on his chest. He could feel the pounding beneath his touch, and once he reached up and kissed him on the neck, he felt the heart increase.
Eunhyuk grabbed his wrist, holding it firmly in his grip as the walked ahead through the street with Donghae in tow. The younger man pulled out of his grip, adjusting his hand to intertwine with the other.
He had been wrong all along, they could really just be friends. But Donghae disagreed, giving a gentle squeeze to assure the other his answer.
And once he felt one back, the smile he long fought to hide, revealed itself in proud display.
- ❄ Challenge 21 ❄ | ❄ Challenge 23 ❄ -
A/N: I always pictured the Toni Brand strawberry yogurt when writing this, my favorite drink/snack to get at the town's stores. Miss it...