<^>

Donghyuck comes out of the Resort changing rooms fixing his surgeon cuffs (those buttons on a blazer sleeve). He pulls the sleeve farther down his arm, only a bit of his button-up shirt cuff showing past it. He sighs and grabs his backpack and gym bag, looking out to where he could see his teammates practicing. He had to leave early because exams were starting and as much as the school said they wanted him to have practice time, he wouldn't be able to head back to the resort during school hours because he has a time limit for the exams.

"Damn." Donghyuck frowns and yawns, already tired from his hour of practice. He checks his phone, eyes widening at a text from Jaemin.

Coward:
LEE DONGHYUCK I HAVE A MISSION FOR YOU

Not_a_coward:

Coward:
Hhhhh
Hayoon has insisted to go back to school and she's forcing me to call a babysitter to take care of Duho today since we have exams this week

Not_a_coward:
Wait i thought like...the first few months were important for maternal and son-ternal(??) growth in a relationship...or something

Coward:

Not_a_coward:
*sigh*
Aight ill watch out for her

Coward:
Thank youuuuuuu ( / ^ 3 ^ ) / ~ ♡

Not_a_coward:
Mhm welcome

Donghyuck locks his phone and shakes his head in disbelief. "She should know better than to strain her body like this, and right as exams are starting as that." He begins to walk towards the exit. "She really is related to Jaemin."

"Oh Donghyuck?" Mark tilts his head when he sees the boy. It was his first time seeing Donghyuck in his school uniform. Dark green blazer with the school symbol patched onto the pocket above his heart. Black slacks and dress shoes; not something that seemed very Donghyuck but it did flatter him. "You're still here?"

"Yeah. I was just leaving though." He walks past Mark and gives him a small wave and smile. "Later hyung."

"Yeah...bye." Mark holds his hand up in a semi-wave, only letting it slowly fall back down beside his hips. He watches in silence as Donghyuck exits the resort, the morning sun making him glow and the buttons on his blazer shine.

Huh. That's new...I don't think he's called me hyung before. Maybe once...

Mark shakes his head and heads back towards the hill once he hears Ten shrieking in the distance. "Either he's gonna kill someone or someone's gonna kill him." He groans as he jogs out the doors. "Seems to be the former."

Ten was currently being held down by Jungwoo –the last person Mark would ever expect to be violent– who was holding onto his jacket collar.

"Wh-what?"

Yukhei, who was standing next to him, turns and shrugs. "We don't know what happened...but boy is it interesting."

<^>

Donghyuck runs up to his friends once his exam monitor dismisses the class.

"Hayoon! What were you thinking coming to school?" He stops in front of her with a stern look on his face. "You know better than to push yourself right now." He looks at Jaemin and Jeno who both just shrug and shake their heads.

Hayoon pouts and fiddles with the hem of her uniform skirt. "I know that I should be home right now, but I can't just miss exams."

"Hayoon you have a 7 week old baby who needs care!" He tries to keep his voice down as the 4 friends walk down the hall and towards the school exit.

"Donghyuck, I can take care of myself." Hayoon tries to give him a glare but ultimately fails because she knows he's right.

"I know you can. It's Duho that you need to take care of. And leaving him with a stranger this early on in his life isn't good." He sighs and motions for  Jaemin to follow Jeno in getting the boy's car. "Hayoon seriously, you can take the exams remotely. The school will understand. In fact," He opens the car door once Jeno pulls up. "Get in." Hayoon clambers into the back seat and Donghyuck follows. "As I was saying, I'm surprised the school even let you come in today."

Jaemin looks at them through the review mirror with a small frown. "Yoonie, we aren't mad; we just want what's best for both you and Duho. And that requires staying home with him for a good while. I'll get auntie to talk to the school about you learning from home, okay?"

Hayoon sighs and nods her head. "Kay...."

"He's gonna grow up fast Yoon, you need to be there every step of the way." Donghyuck's voice was flat, no emotion showing. Jaemin turns himself and gives his friend a worried look, already knowing what he was thinking. Donghyuck just shakes his head, indicating talking right now wouldn't be the best time.

"Hayoon, I'm dropping you and Nana off at your apartment. Me and Donghyuck live close to each other so don't worry about that." Jeno says, breaking the silence. The young mother just nods and looks out the window, rubbing her thumb over her knuckles.

"Trust me on this Hayoon."

"I do."

<^>

"Hello~ earth to Mark~" Yuta waves his hand in front of the boy's face, scoffing with a smile when Mark finally notices him.

"Oh, hyung. Sorry."

"You've been spacing out all day, is something on your mind?"

Mark thinks for a moment, before nodding. "You could...say that." a faint blush dusting over his cheeks.

"Ooo what is it~? Or should I say who is it?" Yuta laughs and nudges his friend in the side.

"That's private hyung."

Yuta groans. "You're so cold~~ C'mon Markie tell me~" he follows the teen around the apartment, but all he received was the cold shoulder. He pouts. "You're no fun Markie~"

Mark just nods. "Cool."

Yuta, with a final 'bleh!' and sticking his tongue out, leaves the apartment building. Mark sighs and sits at his desk, that same thought he's been having all day running through his mind.

Donghyuck in a school uniform. Donghyuck in a school uniform. Donghyuck in a school uniform. Donghyuck in a school uniform. Donghyuck in a school uniform. Donghyuck in a school uniform.

<^>

<school uniforms are so cool 😩I miss them highkey fieoifhid>