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Kim Dokja paused in his steps, raising a brow at the figure who was squatted in the bush in front of him. It was cold and raining heavily. No one in their right mind would be digging in the mud, getting their uniform dirty.
Kim Dokja approached the other student, finally noticing the familiar mop of dark wavy hair. He immediately frowned as Yoo Joonghyuk turned to him, a scowl plastered on his face, matching Kim Dokja’s own. Yoo Joonghyuk’s gaze immediately snapped back to the bush,
Ah. Suddenly, it made a lot more sense. If anyone were to be doing… Whatever this was — it’d be this weirdo .
The both of them never got along, group projects assigned by teachers in hopes to get them to work together always ending in petty arguments and fights.
Kim Dokja was annoying, he knew this, he took pride in it . Yoo Joonghyuk, however, was completely oblivious of how infuriating he was. Tall and handsome paired with wavy hair and thick eyebrows always furrowed into a look of annoyance— he was absolutely horrible . His personality was of course even worse than his looks, acting as if he was above the rest of their peers, refusing to cooperate with anyone besides a select few. Kim Dokja swears he’ll go insane if he has to hear one more snarky remark from the other.
He suddenly felt like rubbing the other boy’s face in the mud further, just to be petty. Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t do anything to him, no, he never had. There was just something about him that pissed Kim Dokja off so bad he felt the need to pester him everytime Yoo Joonghyuk even did so much as breathe .
Han Sooyoung constantly teased Kim Dokja about wanting the other boy’s attention— which was wrong, obviously. Why would he ever want that brat’s attention? He already dreaded interacting with him.
Kim Dokja was about to walk right past the other boy, trying his best not to give into his desires and kick the puddles surrounding him in Yoo Joonghyuk’s direction until— that’s when he heard it. Quiet yet incessant whines came from the bush Yoo Joonghyuk was crouched in front of, causing him to go still.
He squinted, finally catching a glimpse of the small, white puppy hiding underneath the bushes. Kim Dokja frowned, looking down at his uniform, then to the bush he was now standing in front of, contemplating his choices.
He could help the other boy, possibly earning himself a few words of gratitude begrudgingly muttered from Yoo Joonghyuk’s mouth. Or he could resist all temptations of shoving the other boy’s stupidly handsome face into the mud and just walk away .
Kim Dokja bit his bottom lip, standing still for a few moments. Yoo Joonghyuk had seemed to be struggling, unable to reach the small dog. The other boy bit his bottom lip, deep in focus. Yoo Joonghyuk struggled to grab the puppy, clearly not knowing what he was doing. Kim Dokja sighed, rolling up the sleeves of his white button up. Shit. Kyrgios was gonna kill him after this.
He closed his umbrella, placing it down onto the wet pavement of the sidewalk nearby along with his bag. Kim Dokja knelt down beside Yoo Joonghyuk, cringing at the feeling of the mud now seeping into the fabric of his slacks.
He scoffed, motioning for Yoo Joonghyuk to move. Thankfully, the other boy wordlessly complied, making room for Kim Dokja on the grass beside him. Kim Dokja leaned forward, offering his hand to the small puppy, keeping as still as possible.
Eventually, it had trusted Kim Dokja enough to inch closer towards him. Kim Dokja picked it up, its shivering body close to his own, trying to warm the small dog up as much as possible.
Yoo Joonghyuk looked at him as if he had worked a miracle, a dumb expression on his face as he looked down at Kim Dokja. “How’d you—” Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t continue, his lips pursed into a thin line.
Kim Dokja smirked inwardly, taking pride in how he had just bested the other. It was childish, sure, but he didn’t really care. “...Yoosung— Ah, my um neighbor … She likes bringing animals home.” Kim Dokja looked down at the puppy, carefully inspecting it, turning it— her over.
Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t speak for a moment, blinking down at Kim Dokja stupidly. His voice was hushed as he spoke, as if he was afraid of startling the puppy further. “I spent 20 minutes trying to get it out.” He scowled as he spoke, his pride clearly damaged.
Kim Dokja barely held back a laugh, letting out a light huff of amusement. “Maybe it was that ugly frown on your face that was scaring her.”
A beat of silence. Then two.
“I’m not ugly.”
“I didn’t say you were.” Kim Dokja rolled his eyes, petting the dog’s white fur. Thankfully enough, she wasn’t as soaked as the two boys, having been shielded by the bush she was hiding in. Yoo Joonghyuk was about to retort, so Kim Dokja spoke up once again, nodding his head towards the umbrella. “I’ll carry her to your house.”
Yoo Joonghyuk was surprisingly obedient, so different from usual self. It was strange. The other boy wordlessly picked up the umbrella, unfurling it. He held it over their heads, not speaking a word before beginning to walk.
Kim Dokja hurriedly trailed after Yoo Joonghyuk, taking note of the small, trembling dog in his arms once in a while. It was awkward, to say the least. They rarely interacted at school willingly, only ever exchanging childish insults.
The umbrella seemed small with the two of them under it, as it was only made for one. As they walked, their shoulders would occasionally brush. Kim Dokja tried his best not to grimace everytime they did.
See? He was at least trying to be civil.
He glanced over at the other boy for a moment, finally noticing the red tips of his ears. How lame, he was probably cold.
The walk to Yoo Joonghyuk’s house was fairly short. Yoo Joonghyuk led Kim Dokja to the doorstep of a “less than modest” two-story home. The other boy practically shoved him inside, cringing as they both got mud all over the floor.
Yoo Joonghyuk looked at Kim Dokja, then down at the dog, eyebrows furrowed. “Wait here.” He gritted out, toeing off his shoes and hurriedly walking up the stairs.
As he waited, he looked around the entryway, gently stroking the head of the small dog in his arms. Kim Dokja suddenly felt out of place as he stood there, the house eerily silent. It was unlikely that Yoo Joonghyuk lived alone, framed pictures of a small girl almost identical to Yoo Joonghyuk scattered all over. However, the shoe rack only held sneakers to be in Yoo Joonghyuk’s size and shoes that belonged to a little girl. He didn’t plan on asking.
Kim Dokja heard rumors of the boy being rich but he didn’t think he’d be this rich. The house was nice, to say the least. Spotless too— well , aside from the puddle now forming underneath him.
Yoo Joonghyuk soon returned, wearing a new change of clothes as well as his hair toweled off. He carried a stack of white towels, placing them on the entryway bench nearby before picking one up. He walked towards Kim Dokja taking the puppy into his arms with the towel, wrapping her up as he cradled her.
Kim Dokja almost had to bite back a smile at the sight.
It was the first time he’d ever seen Yoo Joonghyuk look so unkempt. Usually, the boy’s hair would be styled, his wavy hair meticulously combed into place. Kim Dokja stared at Yoo Joonghyuk’s disheveled hair, unable to look away.
He shifted his weight on one foot to the other, fidgeting with the soaked hem of his shirt. Kim Dokja cleared his throat, finally averting his gaze. “I should go. If you have any questions, just search it up.” Kim Dokja laughed dryly, “Try not to get rabies, yeah?—”
A warm hand grabbed onto his wrist as he turned to leave, turning to Yoo Joonghyuk, who was looking away.
Yoo Joonghyuk bit his bottom lip, looking hesitant to speak. “I don’t know what I’m doing.” His ears were once again tinted with red.
If Kim Dokja weren’t so surprised by the sudden contact, he would have laughed. Yoo Joonghyuk never admitted when he didn’t have any prior experience or knowledge. After a short pause, Kim Dokja raised a brow, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. “Are you asking me for help?”
The embarrassed, reluctant expression morphed into a scowl. Yoo Joonghyuk released Kim Dokja’s hand, his eyebrows furrowed as he tried to come up with an excuse. “It’s raining. I’m only inviting you over because it’s the respectable thing to do.”
“You’re inviting me over, now?” Kim Dokja’s mouth quirked up, clearly amused, relishing in the way Yoo Joonghyuk’s scowl deepened.
Yoo Joonghyuk turned away. “Nevermind, get out. Catch pneumonia in the rain for all I care.”
Kim Dokja laughed, not bothering to stifle it. “Really? Because it seems that you care plenty .” Kim Dokja leaned in, looking down at the small dog, who was looking up at them with curious eyes. She seemed content with being buried in Yoo Joonghyuk’s arms. “See, even the puppy agrees.”
Grimacing, Yoo Joonghyuk stepped away, avoiding looking at Kim Dokja directly. “Just go change. I left clothes for you in the bathroom.” He shoved a towel into Kim Dokja’s hands, letting out a huff of irritation as he pointed Kim Dokja towards the correct direction.
Kim Dokja took long strides towards the bathroom, careful not to smear mud all over the porcelain floor. The moment he closed the bathroom door, he quickly began to change out of his soaked uniform, relieved to finally be able to wear dry clothes. He cringed as he peeled off his shirt and awkwardly pulled his pants down, the wet fabric uncomfortably sticking to his skin.
Kim Dokja shivered, towelling himself off before changing into the set of clothing Yoo Joonghyuk had lended to him, turning to leave. As he did, he caught a glimpse of himself and froze. He stared at his reflection, taking in the way Yoo Joonghyuk’s clothes fit on his frame. The shirt loosely fit on him, making Kim Dokja scowl. He didn’t need another reminder of how Yoo Joonghyuk was taller, how the other’s shoulders were broader than his own. Kim Dokja truly hated him.
Although he was mildly upset by the sight, Kim Dokja raised a tentative hand towards the shirt’s collar, slowly bringing it up to his face. The second Kim Dokja had realized just exactly what he was doing, he quickly stopped himself, staring at his own astonished reflection in the mirror. Kim Dokja mentally scolded himself, what the hell was he about to do?
He walked out of the washroom, face flushed, thinking of ways to justify his own actions. He was only checking if the bastard had given him an already worn shirt to wear, that was all.
A soft, deep murmur could be heard from the living room, accompanied by the high-pitched barks of the once timid puppy from before.
Upon peeking over the wall separating the wall and kitchen, Kim Dokja saw Yoo Joonghyuk, sitting on the floor with a small smile. His lips quirked up as he watched the small dog excitedly explore the large living room. It was the first time Kim Dokja had seen him with an expression that was neither indifference or annoyance well— ever, really.
Kim Dokja ignored how his expression mimicked Yoo Joonghyuk’s own.
As Kim Dokja neared closer, Yoo Joonghyuk finally noticed him. He seemed startled for a moment, taking in the image of Kim Dokja in his shirt, but quickly schooled his expression into one of nonchalance. He stared for a moment before quickly turning away with a frown, redirecting his attention to the floor.
Kim Dokja internally rolled his eyes, feeling another wave of annoyance. He knew the other had loathed him— but not enough to be unable to even look at him. Kim Dokja wouldn't have minded running home if the other hated him to such an extent.
He plopped himself down beside Yoo Joonghyuk, uncomfortably conscious of how close they sat beside each other. He raised a slight brow as the puppy confidently roamed around, putting Yoo Joonghyuk’s very white and seemingly very expensive furniture at risk. “Aren’t you worried about her making a mess?”
“I’ll just clean it up.” Yoo Joonghyuk shrugged, “It wouldn’t be too hard to get it replaced, either.”
Kim Dokja sat there with an exasperated expression, his knees hugged to his chest, cursing out the universe for giving someone this much privilege. It wouldn’t be too hard to get it replaced, either. There were some things in life that were truly unfair.
Kim Dokja was about to scold the other before being interrupted by a small bark, looking down to the puppy pawing at his legs. Kim Dokja smiled, picking her up, smiling. “Hi, puppy.”
She tilted her head, snout pointed towards him to inspect Kim Dokja carefully.
Yoo Joonghyuk quietly observed as Kim Dokja placed her down, gently stroking the top of her head. He remained silent for a while before actually speaking up, startling the other. “...She doesn’t have a name.” His brows were furrowed, as always, but it was almost as if he was asking for something.
Kim Dokja had a slight look of confusion on his face, unsure of what Yoo Joonghyuk had wanted from him. They sat in awkward silence for an extended period of time, staring at each other, before Kim Dokja understood. Yoo Joonghyuk had wanted him to name her.
He somewhat panicked, blurting out the first thing that came to mind.
“Biyoo.”
…Which was regrettably a direct reference to the novel he had been fixated on since the 8th grade.
Yoo Joonghyuk narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Kim Dokja, repeating the name slowly. “...Biyoo.” He frowned, most likely questioning the rather… Unusual name given.
Biyoo barked, a small, high-pitched noise. She stared at the two curiously, tilting her small head before wriggling herself out of Kim Dokja’s grasp, excitedly running off.
Kim Dokja laughed softly, stifling it with his hand. He glanced to the side for a moment, finding Yoo Joonghyuk still looking at him. His soft smile morphed into a teasing one, grinning as he cocked his head to the side. “I thought you would’ve thanked me by now.”
“Don’t be an idiot.” Yoo Joonghyuk scoffed, turning his attention towards Biyoo. “You’re the one leeching off me right now.”
“You invited me inside.” Kim Dokja corrected, nudging the other boy in the abdomen lightly, now frowning.
Yoo Joonghyuk was silent for a moment, looking off to the side so that Kim Dokja was unable to see the small smile he wore. “I don’t remember doing that.”
Kim Dokja let out an offended squawk at the obvious lie, moving to nudge Yoo Joonghyuk harder, missing.
He clicked his tongue, beckoning Biyoo over. “Biyoo, your ugly dad’s being mean .” She only glanced at him for a second before turning back to whatever she was doing. Kim Dokja felt a sharp stab of annoyance, his frown deepening.
Ignoring the slight jab to his appearance, Yoo Joonghyuk raised a questioning brow. “ Dad?”
Kim Dokja choked, finally registering his words, but he didn’t take them back. He cleared his throat, puffing out his chest in an exaggerated manner. “Well, considering I rescued her—”
“We.” Yoo Joonghyuk corrected.
“As I was saying, since we rescued her,” Kim Dokja continued, grinning, spewing whatever annoying bullshit that’d for sure piss the other off. “that’d make her our daughter.”
The taller boy scowled, most likely peeved by the suggestion. “Don’t drag me into your idiocy. Besides,” Yoo Joonghyuk scoffed. “Wouldn’t that imply marriage?”
Suddenly regretting his words, Kim Dokja immediately backtracked. “That is not what I meant.” He sputtered, trying to find some semblance of an excuse. “Why would I ever marry you? ”
Yoo Joonghyuk was silent for a moment, the harsh tone of his voice dropping to a softer one, as if he were genuinely offended. “...Don’t flatter yourself.”
Kim Dokja scoffed before changing the subject, watching Biyoo as she aimlessly wandered around. “Are you planning on keeping her? I know a few shelters that’d be happy to take her in, if not.”
Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t respond, deep in thought. His brows were furrowed, as they always were. Kim Dokja ignored the sudden desire of wanting to smooth the crease with his thumb. Soon enough, Yoo Joonghyuk spoke up. “Okay. Yeah. Yeah, I do.”
Kim Dokja gave Yoo Joonghyuk a questioning look, crossing his arms. “Do you even know what you’re doing?”
“No. So help me.”
He was stunned by the almost instant reply, even more so as Yoo Joonghyuk asked for his help. Kim Dokja cleared his throat, reciting a mental list in his mind.
“Well first, she’d need proper grooming supplies.”
Yoo Joonghyuk nodded, listening intently.
“As well as food and bowls, obviously.”
“Obviously.”
Kim Dokja hummed, thinking of the basic necessities before anything else. “A collar. And a leash.”
Yoo Joonghyuk hummed in agreement.
“You need to get yourself a new personality, while you’re at it.”
“Okay.” Yoo Joonghyuk, who seemed to be agreeing with whatever Kim Dokja said, blinked. He processed the words for a moment before scowling.
Kim Dokja bit back a laugh, but couldn’t help but smile at the other’s change of demeanor. “I’m joking ,” Kim Dokja said, even if he did mean it partially. "Why don’t I just go with you after school tomorrow?”
The other seemed hesitant to speak. Yoo Joonghyuk looked at Kim Dokja, tilting his head. “A date, then?”
Kim Dokja spoke before he processed the words, nodding. “Yeah, a da— Huh?”
He cursed himself, then Yoo Joonghyuk. His cheeks flushed for a moment, taking a moment to think about what the other just asked of him. There was no way Yoo Joonghyuk wasn’t joking. Though, once he glanced up at the other’s stupidly handsome face, it was clear he wasn’t. He hated Yoo Joonghyuk. He wasn’t supposed to be feeling whatever this was at the prospect of a date with him.
Kim Dokja looked up at Yoo Joonghyuk silently for a moment, then two. The other’s head was tilted in a confused manner, dark eyes looking at him expectantly. He forced himself to avert his eyes before breathing deeply. Kim Dokja put his pride aside for once, speaking with more certainty. “Yeah. Sure. A date.”
For the first time in three years they had known each other, Yoo Joonghyuk smiled directly at Kim Dokja. His heart felt like it was about to burst , taking notice of the two idents in Yoo Joonghyuk’s cheeks as he was able to take a closer look. Of course he had to have dimples .
Yoo Joonghyuk took Kim Dokja’s hand in his own, looking stupidly content. “Okay.”