(8) Dolphins, Sharks, and Catfish

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"Jay doesn't believe in google maps."

"I took one extra turn okay?"

"We got 30 minutes off course because of that turn."

Jay and Jungwon had arrived at the aquarium not too long ago, and were walking in with Sunghoon and Sunoo.

"This place is stunning! I wonder if I can buy a fish.", Jungwon said out loud.

"I'll buy it for you, cutie.", Jay responded.

"Sunoo let's leave these two alone and go see more animals.", Sunghoon blurted out.

Jay and Jungwon laughed to themselves at Sunghoon's slightly annoyed face as he took Sunoo's hand, dragging him off.

"Oh look Sunghoon! That fish looks like Nemo!", Sunoo said.

A large tank against the far wall held an assortment of clownfish ranging in size. Sunoo walked up to it, putting his hands on the glass and staring fascinated at the little fish.

Sunghoon walked up next to him, admiring Sunoo's cute expression.

"If this is what my uncle felt when looking at yours..."

Sunoo turned to him.

"...then I understand how much they loved each other."

The two boys stared at each other. Sunoo moved a bit closer, taking his hands off of the tank.

Sunghoon shyly broke the eye contact, looking around.

His eyes landed on the doors of an open gift shop. He felt as if something wanted him to go in there.

"Let's go see what the gift shop has, Sunoo."

"Are you wanting to go in there because you got shy?"

"No...not at all...I want to get gifts. Yeah."

Sunghoon briskly walked off towards the gift shop.

Sunoo followed, looking at more fish as he did.

When both boys entered the gift shop, a wave of nostalgia hit them.

There were shelves and shelves full of merchandise and snacks. Sunghoon opted for looking at the t-shirts.

Sunoo however, found his way to the stuffed animals.

One in particular caught his attention.

It was a small dolphin with little black eyes and a smile, a blue bow tied around its fin.

He picked it up, staring at its face.

For some reason, he felt the feeling of sadness.

As he clutched the small dolphin toy, he felt a tear slide down his cheek. He quickly wiped it, going to find Sunghoon.

The taller boy was investigating some starfish embroidered cargo shorts when he saw a sad looking Sunoo.

"What's wrong? Why do you look so upset?"

"This thing..."

Sunoo handed him the dolphin.

To his shock however, Sunghoon said something he didn't expect.

"I bought this for you before. Don't you still have it?"

"What?"

Sunghoon blinked his eyes a few times.

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