Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

In the teacher’s office, the sound of pen scratching paper could be heard. Occasionally, the sound of paper flipping could be heard too. On one of the desks, there was a pile of paper. A teacher sat at that desk, working diligently.

The office was quiet, suitable for concentrating on work, but Kim Shinrok couldn’t completely focus. There was a problem. A dragon was staring at him.

Although Kim Shinrok didn't look at him, he could feel that that dragon was grinning.

He put forth all his might to ignore him and focus on his work.

It was a little strange that the dragon wasn't talking, but Kim Shinrok didn't put much thought into it, as he thought it was better if that dragon wasn't running his mouth.

In the silence, Yong Jegeon looked as if an idea popped into his head.

“I have a fun idea…”

Kim Shinrok sure didn't want to hear it. What that dragon finds fun, he usually finds annoying. He resolved to ignore him and continue working.

“Shinrok-ah.”

He didn't answer him.

Yong Jegeon wasn't offended and sort of found this situation amusing.

"Hellooo?"

He continued to annoy the one that was working, shaking Kim Shinrok's concentration until it finally crumbled. He groaned internally and reluctantly decided to hear his "idea."

"What? Please make it quick."

Kim Shinrok looked at Yong Jegeon with annoyance.

Finally getting his attention, the dragon smiled with satisfaction.

Kim Shinrok felt a weird premonition from Yong Jegeon's smile. He started to munch on dried persimmons in hopes of calming his nerves.

Yong Jegeon watched this scene with delight. Kim Shinrok was about to get annoyed, but thought he saw a look of hesitation briefly cross Yong Jegeon's face. He quickly concluded that he was probably seeing things. 

Kim Shinrok looked at Yong Jegeon suspiciously while continuing to eat dried persimmons.

Yong Jegeon looked like he was contemplating something, but soon smiled at the anticipation of seeing his reaction.

“Let's get married?”

*cough cough*

Kim Shinrok choked on his food. He did not expect something like that to come out of that dragon's mouth! It felt like a bomb was dropped on him.

‘Get married? To that dragon?’

He composed himself from his disarray of emotions and thoughts.

“…Is this a prank?”

Kim Shinrok was skeptical at first, but a part of him was telling him that Yong Jegeon wouldn't joke about marriage.

As if seeing through his thoughts, Yong Jegeon smiled ecstatically, although it was a little different from his usual ecstatic smile.

“Nope, I'm being serious.”

Kim Shinrok stared at him. That dragon didn't seem to be lying.

If Yong Jegeon was being serious about them getting married, Kim Shinrok thought he should answer honestly.

But what are his honest feelings?

A part of him wanted to say yes, but another part was worried about something.

He didn't exactly know what he was worried about, but wait… did a part of him want to say yes?

Kim Shinrok belatedly realized an unfamiliar emotion in him. No, maybe he felt this emotion before but shoved it to an unlit corner of his heart.

Did he like that dragon? That bad, mischievous, annoying, playful dragon?

He thought hard about it.

The more he thought, the more that unfamiliar emotion wriggled itself back into the light. The air felt a little hotter and he unknowingly changed back to his original appearance.

Yong Jegeon deployed a space when Kim Shinrok suddenly emitted energy waves.

He then watched him turn red with pleasure and assurance before getting on one knee and holding out a ring.

“Will you marry me?”

His face was devoid of his mischievousness and instead had a smile Kim Shinrok had never seen before.

He shifted his gaze to the ring. At first glance, it looked humble and simple, but on closer inspection it had an intricate design and was made from exquisite materials.

That dragon was really proposing to him. In the teacher’s office no less. It’s a strange place to propose, but perhaps that dragon decided on a whim.

‘There isn’t anyone else in the office as it's a bit late, but what if someone walks in?!’

He’s having distracting thoughts. He should focus on replying. But for some reason, it was really hard to form words. Perhaps he was flustered.

“Well I uh… um…”

He was stumbling over his words.

Yong Jegeon silently waited for him to form an answer. His gaze rested on his conflicted face. There was no sense of urgency in his gaze, just patience.

Kim Shinrok’s mind was in turmoil. He wanted to say yes but a part of him was afraid to do so.

‘But if I say no, won’t our relationship get awkward? Or maybe that dragon would just pretend none of this happened and keep annoying me like usual...’

Kim Shinrok decided to stop thinking and blurt out an answer.

“Y-yes…”

He replied in a muffled voice. He didn’t expect his voice to come out like that.

“Hmm? What did you say? I couldn’t quite hear you.”

Yong Jegeon commented in a teasing tone.

That dragon definitely heard what he said and it filled him with frustration.

“I said yes! I accept. your. proposal!”

Kim Shinrok was riled and huffed out of annoyance.

Yong Jegeon grinned, liking that he got Kim Shinrok to answer with a little more conviction.

Before Kim Shinrok could take back his answer out of dismay, Yong Jegeon placed Kim Shinrok's hand on his palm, and gently slid the ring onto his finger.

Kim Shinrok felt the coolness of the ring against Yong Jegeon's warm hands. He looked at the slender fingers sliding the ring onto his own finger and stared at it in a daze.

“Do you like it?”

Kim Shinrok nodded.

“...That's good.”

He briefly saw a warm smile on Yong Jegeon's face but it quickly changed to his mischievous one.

“So who shall we invite to our wedding?”

“Huh? A wedding?”

“Well, we're getting married right?”

“Ah, yes that's true…”

Kim Shinrok didn't feel that this was really happening yet.

“Wait, can it please be a quiet wedding?”

Yong Jegeon smiled as if he expected that question.

“So like a micro wedding?”

“I guess so?”

Yong Jegeon chuckled.

“I’ll take your suggestion. I plan on inviting some people from the Dragon Clan that you're familiar with, like Cheongryong. Ah, and Junyeol-ie too.”

“I'm fine with that.”

Kim Shinrok suddenly wondered if Yong Jegeon pondered this in secret for a while.

“Good to know. You can choose the rest of the invitees.”

“A-Alright.”

The conversation was going a little too fast for Kim Shinrok's brain to process.

“Hmm… now where should the venue be?”

*Ding!*

A notification arrived on Yong Jegeon's device. He opened it and checked his messages.

“Junyeol-ie is done with his Student Council work, I got to go. We can continue discussing later.”

Kim Shinrok was glad they could continue the conversation later. He had been conversing in a daze, and if the conversation continued right now, he didn't know what he would end up saying.

Yong Jegeon walked towards him and stopped right in front of him. Their shoes were almost touching. Kim Shinrok had to look up at Yong Jegeon as the former was sitting and the latter was standing.

‘What is he trying to do?... Shouldn't he pick up student Yeom Junyeol?’

Yong Jegeon gazed at him, and Kim Shinrok felt nervous. He wondered if that dragon was going to do something.

"Ah, never mind."

Yong Jegeon smiled regretfully. He turned away and headed towards the window.

Was that dragon just playing with him? Kim Shinrok didn't know, but he didn't dwell on it. Too much happened at once and he didn't feel like overwhelming his nerves.

“Wait, you're not planning to exit through the window are you?!”

“Yes I am. See you later Jeho!”

Yong Jegeon waved at him before jumping out the window.

‘Jeho? Is that dragon so happy he said my real name?’

Kim Shinrok was stunned for a bit before running to the window. He saw Yong Jegeon flying in the distance, his long cyan hair fluttering against the wind. He looked like a dragon weaving through the sunset.

A gentle breeze rustled Kim Shinrok's hair. It brought along refreshing air and blew away the tension in his mind. His gaze shifted to the sunset in the distance when he could no longer see Yong Jegeon’s figure. He quietly watched it, slowly digesting what happened today.

Chapter Text

When Kim Shinrok came back to his senses, the sun had almost completely sunk below the horizon.

He turned back to look at his work. He didn’t manage to finish as much as he wanted, but decided to call it a day. It was practically impossible for him to continue working with the thought of marriage on his mind.

Kim Shinrok closed the window and tidied the things on his desk. He resumed eating the dried persimmon too.

Swallowing the last piece of persimmon in his mouth, he walked towards the door. When he was about to leave, he suddenly realized that he was in his real appearance.

He quickly changed his appearance to the one of “Kim Shinrok” and left the office. There was no one in the halls, giving off a slightly eerie atmosphere. He unconsciously quickened his pace. When he got to the exit, he saw someone waiting outside. It was Jeokho.

Kim Shinrok was surprised to see him there. When Jeokho saw his son come out of the building, he called out to him.

“Son-ah, it’s a bit late, so I came to pick you up.”

“Thank you.”

Jeokho was filled with joy from his son’s kind words.

“Let’s head back.”

The father-son duo hopped onto a Hwangmyeong Foundation limousine.

As they were riding the limousine, Jeokho looked at his son. He seemed a bit absentminded. He remembered he saw his son’s friend jump out the window, and wondered if that had anything to do with this.

“Son-ah, is there something on your mind?”

Jeokho’s voice brought back Kim Shinrok’s mind from wandering.

“Oh, um, it’s nothing much.”

‘Nothing much? Why did I say that? Marriage is definitely not something small!’

Kim Shinrok ridiculed himself for not thinking before he spoke.

He should tell Jeokho about the marriage, but for some reason he was hesitating.

What if he doesn’t approve of it? What would the other people from the Tiger Clan think? Would they criticize him or that dragon? Actually, that dragon wouldn't care. Many doubts and worries like that filled his mind.

Jeokho saw that his son felt conflicted about something and tried to soothe him.

“You know I’m all ears. You are my son, and it’s okay to tell me things, I am here for you. I won’t judge or oppose you. If it’s too difficult to say, that’s okay too, I won’t force you to say anything.”

Jeokho said in a gentle voice, hoping his son would get the resolve to make up his mind.

Seeing his efforts and caring expression, Kim Shinrok got the courage to say at least the bare minimum.

He took a deep breath.

“I am getting married.”

Jeokho’s eyes opened wide, he was very surprised. He definitely wasn't expecting marriage to be the thing troubling his son, and even suspected if Yong Jegeon played some kind of prank on him. He was also a bit puzzled as to why his son was hesitant to tell him that.

“That’s wonderful!”

Jeokho congratulated his son. Kim Shinrok’s cheeks turned pink, but he soon fell into thought again.

“If I may ask, why were you reluctant to-”

Before Jeokho finished his question, a potential reason crossed his mind. Perhaps his son was worried he wouldn't accept the one he wanted to marry.

“Are you worried I won't accept your lover?”

That was indeed a reason that formed in Kim Shinrok's mind, but it wasn't a major one. If this was the past, Jeokho would definitely not accept Yong Jegeon, but ever since his opinion on him changed, the chances of Jeokho accepting that dragon as his son-in-law increased significantly.

“As long as your lover would never harm you, I would be fine with them.”

Yong Jegeon would indeed never harm him. Even though that dragon loves playing pranks on him and pushing his buttons, he's never played a harmful prank against him.

What Kim Shinrok seems to be more worried about is if Jeokho's opinion of him would change after learning that he likes a guy.

Seeing that his son wasn't replying, Jeokho reasoned that that wasn't what he was worried about, as he believes his son would never love someone that may harm him.

Jeokho just got more confused. If his son wasn't worried about him not accepting his lover, what could it be?

The scenery outside the car zipped by as the father-son duo sat in silence, both lost in their thoughts. One was hesitating to say something, while the other was trying to guess why the former was hesitating.

After a long silence, Kim Shinrok suddenly asked a question.

“Are you homophobic?”

Jeokho was caught off guard from that question, but quickly composed himself and answered sincerely. 

“No, I am not homophobic.”

Kim Shinrok felt relieved at that answer. It felt like the air got lighter, and he gained more confidence in telling Jeokho more about the marriage.

As he was about to tell him more, the limousine arrived at the Hwangmyeong Mansion.

Kim Shinrok suddenly got nervous. Jeokho patted him on the shoulder as if telling him it’s going to be fine.

When they entered the main house, they saw Eunho’s descendants feeding an unknown substance to the Mountain Spirit.

Sanryeong tried to escape, but Baekho prevented them from doing so. They ended up unwillingly eating the descendants’ cooking.

“How does it taste?”

The three siblings asked with anticipation.

Sanryeong was about to say “terrible,” but felt Baekho’s piercing gaze on their back and quickly changed their words.

“G-Good?”

It took a great amount of effort for Sanryeong to squeeze out those words. 

Eunho's descendants looked delighted. They wanted to feed them more of their cooking, and Sanryeong screamed internally. 

Looking at a familiar sight, Kim Shinrok relaxed, but it didn’t last long.

“I have an announcement to make!”

Jeokho guessed that his son’s lover was probably not a woman from his question, but he believed that no one in this house was homophobic.

“My son is getting married!”

“Father!”

Kim Shinrok blurted out of fluster. His eyes went wide and his face turned red. He didn't expect him to announce that to everyone.

When Jeokho heard his son call him “father,” he was overwhelmed with joy. He looked at his son as if he was about to cry.

Kim Shinrok realized too late that he blurted out “father” instead of “Jeokho-nim” and turned his face away.

The others stopped what they were doing and looked at them with surprise, either from the announcement of marriage or Kim Shinrok finally calling Jeokho “father” without cutting himself off midway.

“Oh? Well that’s a pleasant surprise. Jeokho, congrats on your son finally calling you ‘father,’ hahahah.”

Hwangho, who was silent until now, spoke.

“But what’s this marriage about?”

He was a bit curious if Kim Shinrok was actually getting married or if Jeokho said that out of context.

“Yeah! Are you really getting married?”

“Who are you getting married to?”

“Can we come to your wedding? Can I take pictures?”

The three younger descendants stopped feeding Sanryeong and bombarded the older descendant with questions.

While they were asking, Sanryeong tried slipping away, but was prevented from doing so by Baekho again.

The bombardment of questions from Eunho’s descendants made Kim Shinrok feel dizzy.

‘I need to say it. They have the right to know.’

He tried to steel himself and say what he didn’t manage to say to Jeokho in the car.

“I am getting married to-”

“Wait!”

As Kim Shinrok was about to speak with the scattered pieces of courage within himself, Hwangho stopped him from speaking further.

“Let this one guess who you’re getting married to.”

“O-Okay.”

Kim Shinrok nodded. He thought it might be easier if Hwangho said it than him.

Jeokho was also curious who his son wanted to marry. All he knew was that there was a high possibility that they weren’t a woman. Perhaps a man. As his thoughts went in this direction, he became curious if his son's friend knew about the marriage.

‘Wait a minute…’

As an answer dawned on Jeokho, Hwangho said his guess.

“Is it Yong Jegeon?”

Chapter Text

At the time when Kim Shinrok was still looking out the window, Yong Jegeon flew down to the place where Yeom Junyeol was waiting for him.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“No worries, I didn't wait long.”

Yeom Junyeol watched Yong Jegeon land gleefully. He had a hunch that something happened, but put it aside for the time being.

“Are you ready to go back?”

“Yes I am.”

The two dragons chatted as they rode a vehicle back to the Dragon Clan’s territory.

While they were chatting, Yeom Junyeol could tell that Yong Jegeon was in an exceptionally good mood.

“Did something good happen today Jegeon hyung?”

He decided to address his hunch.

“Yes, very!”

Yong Jegeon replied with such ecstasy in his voice that if someone else heard it, they would flee to the other side of the world.

Yeom Junyeol was rendered speechless for a bit. He was used to witnessing his ecstasy, but this was the first time he saw it to this degree.

“May I ask what made you so happy?”

Yeom Junyeol asked cautiously.

He was a bit concerned if Yong Jegeon played a huge prank somewhere. But after a little thinking, he concluded that wasn’t the case.

If Yong Jegeon did play a huge prank, it would be strange if no one noticed.

“I’ll tell you when we meet up with Cheongryeong.”

He did not expect that response.

“Is there a reason why?”

What made Yong Jegeon so happy started to pique his curiosity.

“Hmm, I just think it would be more efficient. There would probably be other dragons around him too.”

What could possibly be more efficient? And why did he say that second part?

Yeom Junyeol was confused.

Yong Jegeon didn't say anything else and smiled to himself, watching the scenery pass by. He looked like he was in his own world and Yeom Junyeol couldn’t bring himself to disturb him.

He judged that Yong Jegeon didn’t do anything worth worrying about and tried deciphering his words on his own.

He didn't get anywhere and soon gave up. They were going to arrive at their territory soon and he believed he'll know the answer before long.

When they entered the Dragon Clan’s territory, they went straight to where Cheongryong was. Like Yong Jegeon predicted, there were a few other dragons with him.

“Ah, our Junyeol has been working hard! Are you tired or hungry? I will whip up anything you need!”

Cheongryeong, who saw Yeom Junyeol entering, acted like usual, an uncle trying to pamper his nephew.

“There's no need, uncle Cheongryong. Thank you for offering.”

Yeom Junyeol politely declined him, and Cheongryong looked a little dejected. He soon fixed his expression and greeted the other who entered.

“Welcome back Jegeon. You seem to be in a very good mood.”

Cheongryong sensed that Yong Jegeon's abnormally good mood wasn't caused by the usual, which were pranking or teasing people, and he was right.

“That's because I'm getting married!”

Unlike Kim Shinrok, Yong Jegeon had no trouble informing his family.

Everyone whipped their heads in his direction.

Yeom Junyeol’s mouth unconsciously opened. He didn't expect that that was what made Yong Jegeon so happy. In fact, it never even crossed his mind.

He thought back to Yong Jegeon’s behavior in the car and guessed that he proposed today and was accepted.

Cheongryong looked at Yong Jegeon, not with a lot of surprise, but with a look as if Yong Jegeon finally did something he was hesitating with.

“Is this a prank?”

Some of the dragons in the room were dubious of what Yong Jegeon just said.

Yong Jegeon laughed, remembering that was also the first thing that came out of Kim Shinrok’s mouth.

“Not this time.”

Silence filled the room, each dragon having their own thoughts. The first to break the silence was Yeom Junyeol.

“Congratulations, Jegeon hyung!”

“Heheh, thank you.”

Brought back to their senses by their descendant, the other dragons started to congratulate Yong Jegeon too. Never in their long lives did they expect a day like this to happen.

“You actually decided to propose huh? And they accepted.”

“Did you know about it, uncle Cheongryeong?”

Yeom Junyeol noticed that he wasn't as surprised as everyone else.

“I was aware that Jegeon ordered an engagement ring some time ago.”

“So you noticed?”

Yong Jegeon asked, but there wasn’t a trace of surprise or embarrassment on his face.

“Of course I did. You weren’t exactly trying to be sneaky about it.”

Yong Jegeon just smiled.

Seeing him smile, the other dragons in the room were about to run away, but stopped out of curiosity from the following conversation.

“May I ask a question, Jegeon hyung?”

“Sure.”

Yeom Junyeol paused, wondering if his question was rude, but figured Yong Jegeon may have already guessed it, so it should be okay.

“Who are you marrying?”

Yong Jegeon grinned, and the other dragons wanted to run away again, but endured.

“Guess.”

He looked at Yeom Junyeol with excitement.

‘He wants me to guess?’

Yeom Junyeol felt a little pressured from Yong Jegeon's excitement, but composed himself.

‘If he wants me to guess, then that should mean they are someone I am able to guess.’

He started to think.

It was unlikely Yong Jegeon had a secret lover no one knew of, so that meant they were someone they knew or met.

Yeom Junyeol believed that Yong Jegeon is the type of person who needs time to fall in love with someone after meeting them.

There weren't many people who Yong Jegeon personally knew for a long time. Many of them had a familial relationship with him, like Hwangryong.

Eliminating those people, a candidate that popped into Yeom Junyeol’s mind was a teacher at Eungwang High, who is a fellow descendant, and knew Yong Jegeon for a long time.

Yeom Junyeol recalled the time he ate dinner with Jo Euishin, Yong Jegeon, and that teacher, who was Yong Jegeon's friend.

“You seem to know who it is, Cheongryong.”

He remembered thinking that Yong Jegeon and his friend were really close after witnessing a few interactions between them.

“If it isn't them, I would be extremely shocked. They are practically the only one I could think of.”

Hearing Cheongryong’s reply to Yong Jegeon, Yeom Junyeol was curious if they were thinking of the same person.

“Looks like our Junyeol has an answer in mind.”

Yeom Junyeol nodded. He was about to say his guess but suddenly worried if his thought process was wrong. 

“Don't worry if you get it wrong, this is just a fun little game.”

Yong Jegeon saw through his thoughts and reassured him.

Hearing his words, Yeom Junyeol’s confidence made its way back.

“Is it Professor Kim Shinrok?”

Yong Jegeon grinned.

“Bingo!”

“As expected of our Junyeol.”

Cheongryong praised Yeom Junyeol, and the other dragons joined in. They all seemed to have thought it was Kim Shinrok too.

“Looks like you two are finally moving on from the friend stage after 5000 years.”

“Better late than never, hahaha!”

Some of the dragons joked around, but Yong Jegeon was suddenly reminded of his replay.

If the events in Replay played out, none of this would be happening. He would never have had the chance to propose. He wouldn't even have had the chance to say goodbye.

The fact that none of this became a reality made him more glad and relieved. A cold but refreshing chill spread through his body.

‘Yes… better late than never.’

No one noticed Yong Jegeon's slight shift in mood, as he made sure his expression never changed.

“When is your wedding happening?”

“Are we invited?”

Some of the other dragons asked, and Yong Jegeon answered with a calm smile.

“We're still planning it, and don't worry, everyone in this room is invited.”

All the dragons in the room started to look forward to the wedding.

----------

“Is it Yong Jegeon?”

Hwangho looked quite certain with his answer. 

Eunho's descendants looked at Kim Shinrok with interest after hearing the name of someone they met before.

Jeokho looked contemplative, like he was still processing the information.

Baekho's expression didn't change much and Sanryeong just sat there, not knowing who Yong Jegeon was. 

Kim Shinrok had a feeling Hwangho would guess correctly.

He nodded to affirm, but nervousness started to take over his body and he unknowingly began staring at the floor.

“I see.”

Hwangho nodded in understanding.

“Were you concerned we wouldn't accept this?”

Kim Shinrok didn't respond, but Hwangho already guessed what the answer was from his behavior. 

“Don’t worry, as the head of the Tiger Clan, you have my approval.”

Hwangho declared and reassured him in a tone worthy of a clan head and an uncle at the same time.

“Although that dragon can be annoying, I suppose he's not as bad as that annoying rat…”

But he started muttering at the end like a child complaining about something. His friends almost laughed, but managed to hold back.

‘Hwangho-nim doesn't seem to mind…”

Kim Shinrok felt lighter and gained some courage to look at the reaction of the other tigers. To his relief, none of them seemed to have any negative reactions.

Then, everyone started to congratulate him, starting with his father again.

“Congratulations son!”

“Congratulations.”

“Congrats.”

“Congratulations, Shinrok hyung!”

“Congratulations, Shinrok oppa!”

“Um, congratulations?”

Hearing all the congratulations, Kim Shinrok felt warm inside. His skin started to tingle and he smiled warmly. He thought himself fortunate that everyone was supportive of him.

“Thank you everyone…”

He said in a voice like he was holding back tears.

Witnessing this, his father got flustered and said something in a panic.

“Son, we will always be supportive of you. We are all family, you don't need to hesitate.”

Everyone agreed with Jeokho’s statement.

“Yeah, we're family!”

The three siblings spoke in union.

Kim Shinrok smiled shyly and the other tigers looked content. 

“Wait, does this mean we're getting a new family member?”

Eun Iho wondered out loud.

“I think so!”

Her older brother responded enthusiastically. 

“That means our family is growing!”

The youngest added last and the three siblings jumped around in excitement.

“On the topic of, uh, your fiancé, are you two having a wedding?”

Hwangho looked at Kim Shinrok after the air calmed down a bit.

“Mhm.”

“How far have you two planned?”

Kim Shinrok almost choked at that question.

“Barely anything…”

He looked down from embarrassment.

“He only told me that he planned to invite student Yeom Junyeol and some dragons that I'm familiar with. Besides them, he left the selection of the remaining invitees to me.”

Hwangho nodded thoughtfully. He then suggested something Kim Shinrok didn't expect.

“How about having the venue at this mansion?”

There was a look of surprise on Kim Shinrok's face.

“Is that okay?”

“Yep. You can leave everything to us. Food, decorations, you name it. Just tell us the date so we can prepare properly.”

Kim Shinrok felt grateful for his generosity. He worried if he would be burdening them.

“I think I need to ask if he's fine with the venue being here first.”

“Oh yeah, this one forgot about that.”

Hwangho had an expression that read “whoopsies” on his face.

Kim Shinrok texted Yong Jegeon asking if he was fine with the venue being at the Hwangmyeong Mansion, and he gave a positive reply.

“He said he doesn't mind.”

“Great.”

Hwangho clasped his hands together.

“Have you figured out who you want to invite?”

“Besides everyone here, I haven't.”

Kim Shinrok looked ashamed.

“May this one suggest some people?”

“Okay.”

Kim Shinrok nodded and Hwangho smiled.

“How about An Dain and your other students who know your identity?”

“Ummm…”

Kim Shinrok looked like he was weighing two things in his mind.

“I guess she would be fine, but I don't want to take time out of student Seong Gukeon’s and student Jeon Muyeong’s busy schedule…”

Hwangho looked as if he expected that reply.

“Don't worry, this one is sure they can make time in their schedule. Afterall, their respected teacher is getting married, there's no way they would miss it.”

Hwangho’s words made sense, but Kim Shinrok still felt guilty for taking away their precious time.

“How about this? This one will send them a message. If they come after receiving it, they come, if they don't come, they don't.”

Kim Shinrok didn't really want to refuse Hwangho's words so he just nodded.

“This one also wants to invite the class kids…”

“Are you talking about the kids in class 2-0?”

“Yes. Is that fine?”

Kim Shinrok thought those kids might want to attend their vice-homeroom teacher's wedding, so he agreed.

“Also, don't worry if they figure out your identity. This one will make sure they won't spread it around.”

Kim Shinrok did not think about that, but was glad Hwangho had this covered.

Chapter Text

In Class 2-0’s classroom, everyone was either studying, chatting, or doing their own thing.

Hwang Jiho looked at the amiable atmosphere. Well, that's soon going to change.

“Do any of you want to attend a wedding?”

He asked out of the blue, and everyone looked at him with different expressions.

Some of them had an expression that read, “what is this lunatic on about?”

Some looked at him with interest, while some others didn’t pay attention.

“Why are you suddenly asking that?”

Dokgo Miro looked at him with suspicion.

“This one thought his classmates may be interested.”

Some of them wondered why he thought that. No one has ever said they liked attending weddings, and it's weird he asked unrelated people. Unless…

“Do we know the bride or groom?”

Everyone nodded at Mok Wooram’s question.

“Yes, in fact, everyone in this room does.”

Some initially thought it was the wedding of someone from the Hwangmyeong Group, but his reply quickly washed out those thoughts.

That got everybody curious as to who it was.

Jo Euishin did not remember something like this happening in PMH, but many things changed, so a wedding happening is not unusual. He started to think.

‘Who’s someone everyone in this room knows?...’

The first person that came to mind was their homeroom teacher, Ham Geunhyung, but Jo Euishin doesn’t remember him having a lover in PMH.

‘It is possible our homeroom teacher got a partner, but I feel like that isn’t right…’

The second candidate he thought of was their vice-homeroom teacher, Yong Jegeon. He also did not have a lover in PMH, but for some reason, he seemed more likely.

“Who is it?”

Sawol Seeum asked Hwang Jiho.

Hwang Jiho looked at Jo Euishin. Everyone started to look at Jo Euishin. With everyone's gazes on him, Jo Euishin involuntary tensed up.

‘Why is everyone looking at me? Do they think I’m the one getting married? No, that’s impossible.’

He quickly dismissed that ridiculous thought.

“The suspicious VP probably knows right?”

Everyone agreed with that comment. Jo Euishin did not know why his classmates thought that, but he didn’t want to let them down, as they’re all nice children… except for that old man.

He was still debating whether it was Ham Geunhyung or Yong Jegeon, but he was leaning more towards the latter, mainly due to Hwang Jiho knowing about it.

It would be strange if Hwang Jiho knew about Ham Geunhyung’s personal life. Even though it would be easy for him to dig some information on it, there was no reason to, maybe unless he was feeling a bit snoopy.

Compared to him, it is not as strange for Hwang Jiho to know some things about Yong Jegeon’s personal life. One of the Tiger Clan’s descendants is friends with Yong Jegeon, and Hwang Jiho may have heard some things from him.

It didn’t matter to Jo Euishin who was getting married, as both were his playable characters, and he’d be happy either way.

While he concluded who it was, Hwang Jiho was looking at him with sparkling eyes.

“It’s our vice-homeroom teacher, right?”

“I knew you would be able to guess it!”

That surprised a lot of them. None of them could imagine any of their teachers getting married, especially their vice-homeroom teacher. It was akin to trying to imagine Maeng Hyodon suddenly becoming best buddies with math. 

But if they had to pick who was more likely, they would choose the former. Mainly because Ham Geunhyung is not fickle like Yong Jegeon and would make a better partner, even with his scary face, in their opinion.

“Who in their right mind wanted to marry our vice-homeroom teach-”

*smack*

“Ow-”

Min Geurin whacked Song Daeseok on the head. It came a bit late, maybe because the fact he was about to diss their vice-homeroom teacher didn't register until he almost finished his sentence.

“I thought you learned! You were doing really well not talking bad about others!”

She looked sad and ashamed of him.

Well, Song Daeseok did have a point. It got the class wondering who would marry him. They were curious what kind of person they were.

“Wait, did the suspicious VP not know about the wedding?”

Maeng Hyodon belatedly realized after hearing the class vice-president’s and the class lunatic’s exchange.

“...Why did you think I would know?”

“Because you're suspicious.”

‘What kind of reason is that?’

Maeng Hyodon had a serious and sincere look on his face and Hwang Jiho bursted out laughing. Jo Euishin did not know what exactly that old man was laughing about. Nothing about him being suspicious made sense, so he tossed that comment aside.

“Are any of you interested in coming now?”

Hwang Jiho asked again after he finished laughing.

The first to express their intent to come were Sawol Seeum and Jo Euishin. The former was one of the students who were closer to Yong Jegeon. As for the latter, well, he couldn't miss his playable character’s wedding right?

Almost everyone started to express their intent to attend. The ones who didn't weren't sure if they would have time.

“I want to paint their wedding! Would that be okay?”

“This one can't decide that, but can ask them. Though this one is sure they'll welcome it.”

Min Geurin started feeling excited from Hwang Jiho's response.

“There should be food right?…”

Maeng Hyodon low-key only wanted to come for the food, but he thought he'll congratulate his vice-homeroom teacher too.

“This great druidess shall grace their wedding with her presence!”

Goo Seulbi announced with poise, and Ong Gildong said something about his thief philosophy that went in one ear and out the other.

The two attention seekers happened to attend class today, taking a short break from trying to get the truants to come to school.

“When and where is this glamorous wedding taking place?”

Ong Gildong looked at Hwang Jiho with anticipation.

Everyone could guess that the attention seeker duo wanted to do something at the wedding. 

“It's taking place at this one's mansion.”

“Huh?”

Almost everyone looked at him with bewilderment and he started laughing like a lunatic again. 

“The one the vice-homeroom teacher is marrying is a relative of yours truly."

“Is that the reason why only you knew about the wedding?” Han Yi questioned him, munching on some sugar-free cookies.

“Hahahah!”

Hwang Jiho didn't give her a proper answer.

“I originally thought Professor Yong only told Jiho, but I guess that wasn't the case.”

Sawol Seeum murmured to himself.

Kwon Lena happened to hear his murmuring and a thought crossed her mind.

“Doesn't that mean he didn't tell any of us? What if he doesn't want us to come?”

She asked in a worried tone.

“I don't think that's it.”

Jo Euishin tried reassuring his classmates, but some of them still weren't completely convinced.

“You do know you could just ask him right?”

Song Daeseok didn't know why they were worried about that when such an obvious solution existed.

“Oh yeah, he's right.”

The class started to discuss who would ask him.

“I could do it! I'm part of the small group he's the advisor of.”

Ong Gildong declared in a boisterous tone.

“May I come with you?”

“Of course!”

Ong Gildong welcomed Sawol Seeum with a confident smile and the latter smiled awkwardly in return.

“So it's decided those two are going to ask him right?”

Kim Yuri looked around the class for any objections. After finishing, she confirmed there were none.

“It's decided then. Are you two going to tell us tomorrow or in the group chat?”

“We can tell you in the group chat.”

“Alright then.”

As they were about to wrap up the topic, a question struck Mok Wooram.

“Ah, I just realized! Jiho, how are we supposed to get to your mansion?”

That question never crossed their minds. Some of the students felt embarrassed for forgetting such an important thing. Good thing that craftsman remembered!

“We can meet at the main gates and a vehicle can take us there. This one will tell you the date when it's finalized.”

Everyone nodded.

----------

During after-school activities, in the Student Council Hall, An Dain was walking with a very bright smile.

This was because she was invited to her homeroom teacher’s wedding, not as his student, but as a family member!

Kim Yuri noticed her friend’s bright mood, and thought if Joo Soohyuk saw An Dain’s smile, he would trip and fall disgracefully. 

“What’s got you in such a great mood, Dain-ah?”

“Someone I respect invited me to an important day of theirs!”

An Dain replied with such an infectious smile that Kim Yuri couldn't help but smile too.

“What? Were you invited to a wedding?”

Kim Yuri joked in passing, but didn't expect to get a positive answer. 

“Was it that obvious?”

An Dain looked at her with surprise. 

“Oh, it's just that recently, my classmates were talking about a wedding, so I suppose that was the first thing that came to mind.”

Kim Yuri looked a little embarrassed.

“Were they? Did Jiho say something?”

An Dain joked back, but internally thought that must have been the case. A wedding is a strange topic to talk about randomly unless somebody initiated it.

Kim Yuri also looked at her with surprise.

“He actually did! He asked us if we wanted to come to a wedding.”

An Dain suspected the wedding Hwang Jiho spoke of was Kim Shinrok's.

She recalled when Kim Shinrok invited her. It seemed like it took a lot of courage to invite her personally, as she could tell he was nervous, even though he hid it well.

He never mentioned who he was marrying, so she didn't ask out of consideration, but she did have a guess as to who it was. Her friend’s response solidified her speculation. 

“Was it Professor Yong’s?”

“Yes! Could it be that the wedding you were invited to is the same one Jiho mentioned?”

Kim Yuri thought it was too much of a coincidence.

An Dain is family to Hwang Jiho so there was a good chance he knew about the wedding she was invited to, and it was very likely he was also invited.

An Dain mentioned that someone she respects invited her, and who else could it be besides her homeroom teacher?

Hwang Jiho also said Yong Jegeon was marrying a relative of his, and Kim Shinrok fits the bill.

“I think so.”

An Dain replied after arriving at the same conclusion as her.

Knowing her friend was on the same page as her, Kim Yuri finally let loose what was building up in the back of her mind.

“Oh my gosh, waaait~”

She blushed just thinking of the two in a relationship.

“Does that mean we get to see them kiss? Eeek!”

Kim Yuri squealed at the thought. Her mind started wandering to god knows where.

“What are you thinking about?”

An Dain chuckled at her friend's behavior. 

“Ahem!”

Realizing they were still in a public space, Kim Yuri composed herself.

“Let's get back to work, shall we?”

An Dain gave a positive response and the two friends started tackling their Student Council work.

----------

“Professor!” Ong Gildong shouted quite loudly.

“Yes?”

“Is it true you're getting married?”

He made sure to lower his voice when he asked that part.

Yong Jegeon, who already figured out how that information made its way to them, laughed.

“Well, am I?”

“...Is that a yes or a no?” Sawol Seeum asked a bit nervously.

Yong Jegeon contemplated whether he wanted to tease them, but in the end, decided to answer honestly.

“Yes, I am getting married.”

Yong Jegeon looked at them with his eyes opened.

“If you came here wondering why I didn't invite you, let's just say I had a feeling it would make its way to you.”

That was not the full reason. It was mainly due to him being unsure whether Kim Shinrok would be fine with them being there or not. But he did not say that.

Luckily for them, Kim Shinrok didn't mind.

“So it's not because you didn't want us to come?”

“Nope.”

Sawol Seeum was relieved to hear that.

“That's all we wanted to know, thank you.”

“Are you leaving now, why not join for a bit?”

Yong Jegeon suggested, before Sawol Seeum had the chance to leave.

“That's a great idea! I can impart to you some thief knowledge not taught elsewhere!”

Ong Gildong chirped in beamingly.

Wasn't this a chess small group? What does thief knowledge have to do with chess?

“Oh, s-sure?”

Sawol Seeum was a bit flustered from Ong Gildong’s radiating energy.

“Wait. Shouldn't we text our classmates? We might forget later.”

“I was just about to do that!”

Ong Gildong opened up the class's group chat.

[Ong Gildong] We have asked, and your worries have not come to fruition!

[Kwon Lena] That's good to know! Thank you for asking :D

[Ong Gildong] It's a thief’s duty to help out their friends!

[Song Daeseok] What did I tell you?

[Min Geurin] Daeseok…

“Done texting?”

Yong Jegeon asked after seeing Ong Gildong close the group chat.

“Yup!”

Ong Gildong turned to look at Sawol Seeum.

“We can officially start your lesson now!”

Sawol Seeum ended up staying with Stalemate until extra-curricular activities were over. He barely noticed the time flying by as he was quite invested.

“Looks like club activities are over.”

Yong Jegeon announced.

“Ah, what a shame!”

Ong Gildong held out his hand and Sawol Seeum shook it.

“Thanks for having me, it was fun!”

He thanked him before bidding farewell. 

“No problem! You can come again next time!”

Ong Gildong waved him goodbye before disappearing like a thief right after. 

Yong Jegeon watched them go and made sure everyone left before leaving.

Kim Shinrok should still be within school grounds and Yong Jegeon went looking for him. 

Time to bother him!