Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The teacher went on about the Korean history as Kim Dokja drowned in the new 300 chapters webnovel he had just started. The amount of times he had gotten himself a detention for this is many, but the amount of times he kept doing this anyway is also countless. By now, the teachers became used to it, so they don't pay attention to him anymore. Whenever some new teacher comes to their class or even some student calls him out for his ‘readings’, he just stares weirdly at them and thinks to himself, because he doesn't have the guts to say it out loud to everyone, Stupid people. How are the witless ones ever going to understand the importance of a book?, even though he himself would be reading a fantasy novel that has no relation to reality whatsoever.

With this personality, he had somehow managed to make friends. That also four. Plus one junior, who he doesn't really count because she annoys him. The novel was just getting to the climax when he heard the teacher call, “Kim Dokja! Please stand up.” I thought they already got used to it? He stared at the woman at front like a loser, as if he doesn't know what he has done, as if he had not been simping over the protagonist of the novel moments ago when he should've been learning about the great men who fought for his country. The teacher's expression could only be described as disappointed. 

While both Dokja and the teacher was very aware that he would not be able to answer any question asked to him, she still went on to make the effort considering her profession as a teacher, “Tell me something about the Goryeo Dynasty.”

“Goryeo Dynasty? Well, I have read about it in a webnovel—” He was blabbering on like a fool when the teacher questioned back, cutting him off, “Why would you go and read about your own country's history in a webnovel when you have this–”, she holds up the book she was teaching from, “an entire book dedicated to it?”. At first the other students used to laugh at him, now even they just facepalm. Knowing she wouldn't get any useful answer from him, she turned towards the board and began scribbling something down with the chalk. Then he heard her say, “Sit. I better not see the phone in your hands before the class ends.”

Like a grumpy cat, he sat and put his phone aside. The class would end after ten minutes or so, and it would be the break then. His hands itched to touch the phone, and with great difficulty, he kept them to himself and survived till the class’s end. During the break, his friends came over. 

“Hey loser. I know I shouldn't be asking you of all people about this but–”

“Then don't ask.” Dokja looked at Sooyoung who looked like she had been just slapped across the face. Serves her just about right. 

“You fucker!” Sooyoung was about to land a deadly blow on him when Sang-ah came in to hold her back. Now both of them were struggling. “Don't mind Sooyoung, hehe. You know how she gets at times.” Sang-ah says with a struggle-induced smile. Rather than viewing Sooyoung as a short-tempered person, they all see her as a somewhat mentally deranged person. So, nothing about whatever was happening was new. Sang-ah is the only normal one in the group. 

Heewon, seeing there was no hope for them, stepped forward and began speaking, admist Sooyoung’s never-ending waterfall of outrageous curses, of course.

“Well, she wanted to ask what your plans for summer holidays are. They're just 5 days away. And for god's sake, don't say you're going to finish another novel.”

The sarcasm master has spoken, now Kim Dokja will have to answer. For some reason, the group, and sometimes even people outside the group, feared Heewon. Maybe it's because she's the one keeping them from committing treason or some other atrocities. Well, now it's a problem because Dokja originally would have said what Heewon warned him not to. Is there even any other activity more appealing than reading? He found himself wondering after some minutes of thinking. Just then, his eyes came across the man sitting across him. 

Thick, sharp eyebrows, as if they were drawn by just one single brushstroke of ink. Eyes as black as obsidian, lips as though they were painted by the ripe cherries. A beautiful dazzling face that made even the shining sun outside feel shame. Yoo Joonghyuk. He and Dokja lived in the same neighborhood, even their houses are facing each other. They go to the same class, are of the same age, have houses so close that they see each other's faces when they open the window. But are they close? Close? We haven't had a single exchange of words ever since he moved here. Dokja sometimes greets him on their way to school, and gets a nod from him in return, and that's as far as their interaction goes.

Joonghyuk lives alone, just like Dokja. But the reason is quite different for either of them. After Dokja's parents got divorced when he was in elementary, his mother got the custody. Back then, it was hard to make a living for them, even though he doesn't remember much of his mother's struggles. But one year later, his mother got a job. Things started to change. While he wouldn't say they're rich, because his mother's work doesn't pay a shit ton of money–it should have, because he sees how hard his mother works–but since it's just the two of them, he could at least say that they're a well-to-do family. Her job requires her to stay out of station most of the time, but she tries to come back as much as possible, to attend every important occasion in her and Dokja's life, and calls at least once everyday.

On the other hand, Joonghyuk’s parents were quite rich from the beginning. But that guy chased freedom. So he insisted that they let him live alone as soon as he was in highschool. He's not completely alone here, though. His little sister, Yoo Mia, lives with him, and goes to visit their parents' on her holidays. But mostly, she stays with Joonghyuk. I can't believe someone like him is raising a sister on his own. Dokja would have had no way of attaining this information if his mother didn't tell him. 

“Maybe we can read along with Dokja this time?” Hyeonseong, the embodiment of big heart and big body, suggested with enthusiasm. While his huge figure is enough to intimidate anybody, he's more like the baby, a rather big baby, for them. Everyone, including Sooyoung, sort of babysits him. 

“Hyeonseong I told you we're not nerds like him!” Han Sooyoung snapped.

“I don't think it's a good idea either.” Even Sang-ah expressed disagreement.

“Like hell we are. C'mon Dokja, say something.” Heewon says.

This time the protests did not affect him. I have an idea. He smirked to himself. “What is that loser thinking of?” He heard Sooyoung whisper. Then he motions for all of them to bring their heads closer so that he doesn't have to shout. Afterwards, he speaks, with the confidence of a king before his nation, “We're going to Joonghyuk's house.”

He doesn't remember how long they all stayed in that position. But when they straightened up, they just stared at Dokja. First they had the look that made Dokja feel like the prisoner that chose the bread over the key after the prison guard gave up on his life to give him that opportunity. Then they had the look that said, “What did we even expect from him to begin with?”

They were just about to leave when Dokja realized things were going out of his hands, and shouted, “Guys! I'm not kidding! For real! At least listen to me.” 

Heewon looks at him with disbelief and says, “We know you're a delusional bitch but that was too much.”

Sooyoung joins, “Even big baby's suggestion was better than this shit.”

“Trust me. I can prove it to you. I promise we'll all go to his place 5 days later.” Dokja himself didn't know where he got this ridiculous idea from. But for once, he just wanted to appear cool among the group. 

“You're alone on this one, Dokja.” Sang-ah expressed her disapproval once again. She and Hyeonseong are the only ones who support him in this group. He had no hopes for Heewon and Sooyoung, but now if even Hyeonseong withdraws his supp—

“Let us at least ask Dokja what his plan is.” Thank god Hyeonseong was still human.

“Then tell us. How can we trust you?” Heewon asked.

He had read so many spy novels where the spy is encountered with the same situation and has always prepared himself in case he were to become a spy in the future. But now that he actually is in such a situation, nothing came to mind. Not even a ridiculous excuse. “Well—” He stammered. 

“I told you this loser is good for nothing, let's go.” Sooyoung says and begins dragging the others along with her towards the exit. That is when Dokja came up with something. Something ridiculous, something oddly reasonable, nevertheless the most shameless lie to be ever spoken by one's mouth.

“Well that's because I am dating him!” He shouts with his eyes squeezed. The class was too busy to pay attention, but he immediately looked back to see if Joonghyuk heard that. Thankfully he wasn't present.

“You're what?”

“Are you okay? No, am I okay? What did I hear?”

“Dokja you're kidding, right?”

“I don't know what to believe.”

“No. I'm not kidding and I'm completely okay. And I'm dating Yoo Joonghyuk, believe it or not.” Dokja didn't know if it was possible but he was internally sweating. He had gotten himself into this huge conspiracy and there's no way out. Well, he can deny everything he just said and say that he was joking, but that would result in a lifetime of insults. If it was someone else he said he was dating, maybe it would've been more convincing, but now even he isn't convinced by what he just said. Fuck fuck fuck I'm so fucked. That was all he could think of while appearing perfectly fine on the outside.

Heewon says after a while, “Be honest, how much are you paying him?”

<>

On his way back home, he somehow managed to send the group before him, although they were very suspicious because they all usually leave the school together. At a hidden corner, he was standing. Waiting, to be precise. For none other than ‘The Yoo Joonghyuk’, who Dokja deemed to be the root of all his problems even though they've never interacted. Few minutes later, he saw Joonghyuk walking by him with earphones tucked in his ears. He immediately called, “Joonghyuk!” There was no reply. The man kept walking. He again called, this time, a little louder, resulting in Joonghyuk stopping in his tracks. This jerk. Then he took out one earpiece and looked back to see Dokja standing at a corner and motioning him to go there.

His face didn't show any surprise, or any reaction, to be frank. He looked as stoic as ever. Once he was close to Dokja, he took out the other earpiece and did what seemed to be paying attention. Dokja didn't how to word what he wanted to say. He really didn't. He's too embarrassed to disclose all these to a man who isn't even aware of what is happening behind his back. Well, that's not because he's too innocent, but just because he's a jerk who doesn't care about shit. But if Dokja doesn't tell him this now, the embarrassment he would later feel in front of his friends would be ten times more terrifying.

What if he doesn't agree to this? While it was true that Joonghyuk doesn't have any reason to agree to this, Dokja isn't one to back off. He'd return home only after convincing him.

“First of all I'm sorry. Don't ask me why. Just listen. So, I might've told my friends that we're close.” Dokja exhaled after letting this much out.

“It doesn't matter.” Joonghyuk, taking this as the end of Dokja's part, says.

“That's not all. Didn't I tell you to listen first. I also told them you're going to let them come to your place during our summer holidays to play.” Only then did there was a slight change in his reaction. He asked, “Why?” Silence. “Why did you say that?”

“Well even I don't know, because the reason’s ridiculous and if I told you, you'd walk away sooner than you would when I tell you the last part.” Joonghyuk's eyes appeared quite curious for the first time.

He continued after praying to every god out there, “I…also told them that we're dating.”, and then immediately looked down because he didn't want to see what face the other would make after hearing this horrible piece of made up information about himself. It wasn't long before he got the reply. It was Joonghyuk walking away. For fuck's sake give me a break already! Yes yes I admit it was my fault. I shouldn't have said sait. Ugh. He thinks while running to catch up with Joonghyuk. He walked so fast that even the running Dokja had trouble catching up. They were outside the school premises when the loser Dokja caught up.

“Listen, please.” He was panting as he spoke.

“No. I've listened enough.”

“Please. Help me out just this once.” He pleaded. “I'll do anything you say for one day if you help me out.”

“No thanks.”

“Why are you so stubborn? It's just a matter of 5 or 6 days.”

The ‘5 or 6 days’ part seemed to have brought about a change. Because he slowed down his pace and didn't immediately say ‘no’. Dokja became hopeful. After walking a long way, Joonghyuk finally seemed to have made a decision.

“What do I have to do?”

Yes. I have become successful. 

“Simple. Just pretend to be my boyfriend for 6 days. We don't have to do it when we're alone, excluding practice time, just in front of our friends. It doesn't matter if it's in school or somewhere else, you spot them, you switch to boyfriend mode. Sounds complicated, but I'll tell you what to do when needed. After 6 days, we go back to being how we once were, no talk, no contact, nothing. Can you do that for me, please?”

“...No.”

“You fuck— c'mon Joonghyuk, I know you've already agreed.”

“Stay away. I haven't made a decision yet.”

But Dokja knew better. His look alone says that he has already agreed to do this. Suddenly he heard Heewon’s voice at a distance. Those guys didn't leave? He immediately understood that they were either here to spy on Dokja to see what he left the school so late for or they were just here to tease him saying, “You're alone. Why isn't your boyfriend here?”. Too bad, because my boyfriend is here. He instantly cringed. He remembered all the protagonists he simped over, Joonghyuk was nothing compared to them. He didn't even have the basic qualities of a human, let alone a boyfriend. It's just a 6 days deal Dokja made with him to save his ass.

As they got closer to the spot his friends were at, he gently held Joonghyuk's hand. The other flinched and glared at him. Dokja whispered, “Remember the deal. Can't you see them? They'll be suspicious if we, as a couple, don't hold hands on our way back home. And stop glaring at me, god they're gonna think you want to murder me.” Joonghyuk's stiff hand became normal. His hand felt warm, soft and large in Dokja's, who wondered what his own felt like in the other's hand. Dokja pretended he didn't see the group at all as he passed by holding Joonghyuk's hand. But he could already imagine their jaws dropped and bamboozled faces. 

Take that, you bitches. 

Han Sooyoung is probably wondering if the earth actually is flat. Jung Heewon is definitely rubbing her eyes. Hyeonseong and Sang-ah are blushing and confused. While passing, he also seemed to have gotten a glimpse of who seemed like their annoying junior Lee Jihye. The others all adored her but Dokja found her very annoying for some reason. He gave her the name the-annoying-junior-who-glazes-the-tsundere-senior aka Yoo Joonghyuk. She claims that Joonghyuk plays games with her online and that he's really cool while playing. And blah blah blah.

They reach the neighborhood, still holding hands. Dokja realized and quickly withdrew his own, looking away. Joonghyuk too, looked very awkward. Not having much to say, Dokja bows slightly and prepares to leave. 

He turns back again to say, “Thanks for today.” He gets no reply but he didn't expect one in the first place. 

<>

It was a very tiring day. It's the first time Dokja ever did something other than reading. He can't believe he made a boyfriend of the man he would not have looked at even if they were the last two remaining people in this earth. That also, a fake boyfriend. A real one would have made more sense and at least would have been considerable. But the loser Kim Dokja went ahead, bragged about him and Joonghyuk's non-existent camaraderie, and turned that same camaraderie into a romantic relationship as soon as his friends didn't believe this shit. Can life be any worse? I feel like I'm in a badly written fake-dating fanfiction. 

He didn't have the energy to cook dinner, so he just made some instant noodles and ate it. After he had taken a shower, he found his phone ringing. It was his mother. 

“Hello.” Dokja says as he dried his hair.

“How was your day? Have you eaten?” His mom asked.

“I have. And today was the worst day. Anyways, what about you, mom?”

“I just came back. Will have dinner now.”

“When will you be able to come back?”

“Things are good here. So I'll make sure to visit before your summer holidays end.”

They talked for sometime before his mom hung up saying she had another call to make. Dokja was scrolling mindlessly on his phone before he thought of something. He searched up a name on his social media account. Of course it was Yoo Joonghyuk. Found it. He couldn't believe that this jerk kept even his username as his real name. No underscores, no caps, nothing. Just a plain name, no bio, and a profile picture that has his younger sister. Classic Joonghyuk. While he didn't want to, he knows the group would be checking his following list this very day to see if he was following Joonghyuk. It'll help that jerk get used to this. He sent a follow request.

He originally expected Joonghyuk not accepting the request for an hour. That is a given and exactly what happened. But he refreshed the page at least 25 times to check if he had been accepted. The request was not accepted. So for the next half an hour he followed and unfollowed. I can't believe I'm doing this. But he's got on my nerves. I'll not give up without making him accept the request. He repeated this a few more time before a message came in,

[Stop doing that.]

Hah. Got you. 

He went to their new chat, now that his request has been accepted. He replied,

[Stop what]

No reply.

[Okay I get it]

[My friends would be suspicious if we don't follow each other]

[Seriously why are you so dumb]

[YOO JOONGHYUK]

[REPLY]

Minutes later came the reply.

[Stop spamming.]

[So you do reply]

[I thought your keyboard was allergic to me or smth]

[It is.]

[Wow. Ouch]

[I think we should at least pretend to talk since yk boyfriends and allat]

[Should I send you a good morning message tomorrow]

[Don't. I'll block you.]

Dokja laughs to himself. He was enjoying this. This bastard is so fun to irritate. He was about to type in something stupid again when a message came in.

[Since you're serious about this then we need some rules.]

[Let's talk tomorrow. Don't be late.]

Dokja froze. Joonghyuk has taken the initiative.

That also about this fake-ass relationship?!

Chapter Text

Dokja wakes up earlier than usual. Because well, someone said, “Don't be late.”. He brushed his teeth and glanced at the clock. He has two hours before school. Perfect. They can't talk about such rules in school or on their way to school. That's too risky with Dokja's so-called friends who are keeping watch on them like hawks. So, they decided to meet up at their neighborhood library. No one really goes there at this time, so they can talk privately. Dokja put on a hoodie and he was still in his pyjama pants. Huh. No one cares. The loser Kim Dokja says, looking in the mirror. He grabbed a notebook and a pen, for their discussions. After lazing around a bit more thinking he got up too early and that he'd have to wait for Joonghyuk if he went now, he lastly walked out of his apartment.

Still very confident that Joonghyuk hadn't arrived, he took his sweet time going to the library. He froze as soon as he found Joonghyuk sitting inside the library on one of the chairs. Dokja recovered by thinking, I guess the perception of being early and being late is a bit different for those who always wake up early and who always wake up late. He scanned Joonghyuk's face not so obviously as he took his seat. He was amused by the fact that this man before him looked so neat and tidy this early in the morning. Black t-shirt and black sweatpants. Black hair combed. Black eyes steady on the book he's reading.

I think black suits him a little bit.

“You're early.” Dokja says, putting his notebook on the table. 

“You're late.” He says, still reading the book.

“Okay. Good morning. Put the book aside. Listen to me. You called me here, remember?”

He finally closed the book. “What's that?” He points at the notebook Dokja brought.

“Nothing. But it will be something once we write down the rules. We're going to treat this notebook as a piece of evidence. Very confidential. We're going to sign here.” Dokja has always liked exaggerating. He reads novels, so he thinks what happens there is very common in everyday life. Joonghyuk's expression suggested that he was moments away from walking out of this place. Dokja weirdly smiles. Then they both don't speak. Why is this so awkward? Dokja already memorized the rules he wanted to make, but right now he can't seem to list any of them. He thought of five rules, but if Joonghyuk wants to add any, there's space for that too. Awkwardly, clearing his throat, he opens his notebook and begins,

“Okay so rule number one. Hold hands and act lovey-dovey when friends are watching.”

Joonghyuk looked at him with his eyebrows drawn, as if he had just heard a literal trash bin speak. Don't give me that look. There's more. Dokja wrote down the first rule in his notebook. He was about to state the second rule when Joonghyuk started, not quite looking at Dokja or his notebook,

“...Two. Don't make things complicated with extra lies that you'll have trouble covering up later.”

“So you do remember that you have a say in this? Quite surprising, I'd rather say.” Dokja cockily asks.

“Shut up. What's the next rule?”

Dokja added the now third rule, as he spoke,

“Three. No kissing—”

Joonghyuk scoffs, then glares at Kim Dokja. “As if I'd been dying to.” Dokja was very shocked by this remark. He felt his cheeks heat up and struggled to speak further. This fucker thinks he's funny. Embarrassed, he tries to continue, “Let me finish. I said no kissing, unless unavoidable.” Almost immediately, Joonghyuk replies, “As long as you don't pull one of your ridiculous tricks, it is unavoidable in any situation.” 

“You don't know how my friends are.”

“I don't care. You're the one who told them about this.”

“I didn't ask for this.”

“Next rule.”

I'm going to kill him one day for sure. He aggressively scribbled down the third rule. He was still bitter about Joonghyuk's replies, and his hand itched to land at least one slap on that beautiful mug of his. At some point he actually contemplated just throwing his notebook at his face. He thought of some other ways to perform violence on Yoo Joonghyuk but in the end he judged that all of them were too violent and ended up doing none. He hated how Joonghyuk looked at the moment. Unaware that the man in front of him is plotting his murder. Convinced that Joonghyuk won't say anything before he does, he starts,

“Four—”

“Four. Don't gossip about me behind my back.”

Bastard.

“Why, you think I do that?”

“We wouldn't have ended up in this situation if you didn't.” Joonghyuk shrugs.

“I don't have the time to gossip about the likes of you!” He was already angering Dokja so much on their first meeting that the latter was worried about how he was going to endure him for the next five days. Minutes later, Dokja worded out the next rule, “Five. In case the act is slipping, instead of denying anything, act madly in love.” Joonghyuk made the same face as he did when Dokja said the first rule. Maybe Dokja would have liked him better if he just said what he was thinking instead of shooting these looks that somehow convey more emotion than his words.

“Six. Important. Practice time.”

“What practice?” Joonghyuk glares.

“You and I both know that your attitude clearly needs some fix. How you behave with me is not even friendly, and on that note, we have to make it boyfriend-ly. One hour everyday sounds fine, starting from today.”

“Whatever.”

“Now last but not least, seven. The most important. Mr. Yoo Joonghyuk will have to co-operate with Mr. Kim Dokja's demands as long as they're reasonable.” Dokja finishes with a satisfied smile. 

“Nothing you demand is ever reasonable.”

“It's. Just. Six. Days. And I won't demand anything out of this, so,”

“You're basically going to tell me what to do for six days.”

“Yes. Now sign here.” Dokja pushes the notebook towards Joonghyuk. Who stares at it like it is some foreign object that is utterly disgusting to him. Nevertheless, he signs. And Dokja follows. “Six days. Seven rules.”

<>

He felt like a celebrity in front of his friends once he and Joonghyuk reached school, holding hands again. Joonghyuk looked the same as he was sitting in his assigned seat. Stoic and unapproachable. But Dokja definitely appeared cooler. In front of his friends at least. Sang-ah, like a normal person, congratulated him. Hyeonseong, pretty normal too, congratulated and asked Dokja why he didn't tell them earlier. If everyone among his friends were normal, his life would've been so much easier. Heewon became an interviewer. She has asked at least 50 questions until now, and she seems to have more. Han Sooyoung, well, she became a flat earther just like Dokja expected. While she's not asking questions, she's making fun of everything he answers to Heewon's questions.

“Has he ever gifted you anything?” Heewon asked. Ah yes. Insults and death glares. 

“Of course. Is that even a question? Haha.” 

“Stupid Dokja probably asked him to recharge his phone as a gift so that he could read more webnovels.” Han Sooyoung blurts out and laughs by herself. This is what happens when a mentally deranged person becomes a flat earther. Dokja rolled his eyes. Hyeonseong and Sang-ah has been trying to drag Sooyoung away ever since Dokja arrived. He had had enough of her and replied, “Guys I think it's about time we call the asylum. She has been out for long enough.” Even the serious Heewon laughs at that. After that remark, Sooyoung was successfully dragged away. Heewon leaned closer and spoke,

“Be honest. Why didn't you tell us earlier about your relation?”

Dokja hastily answered, “That's because he wanted to keep it private. Look at him, even now he's very shy to express his affection.” Shy my ass. 

“That explains a lot. By the way, have you two–you know, done the, like, couple stuff?”

Dokja could tell that Heewon asked all the questions before it only as a foreplay to ask this one. This is so Heewon of her. 

“Haha what do you—”

The classes started. For the first time in his life, he was glad that it did. 

<>

(gng listen to the song walk’em like a dog pls)

The rest of the day pretty much went by like this:

“They aren't holding hands. Have you seen it?”

“Joonghyuk.” Holds out hand.

Joonghyuk grabs his hand. Grabs it, not hold it.

“They aren't sharing food.”

“Joonghyuk.” 

Joonghyuk gives him the only packet of croissant he brought from the canteen and walks away. 

“Haha he's very shy.”

“They aren't walking side by side.”

“Joonghyuk.”

Joonghyuk then walks like his ankles were shackled to fifteen kilograms of iron balls each.

After all that has happened throughout the day, Dokja still had the energy to smile at his friends and say, “Bye, you bitches. Never see you again.”, before heading towards home with Joonghyuk at his side. For a good amount of time, they didn't say anything. Dokja would have, but he kind of felt bad. It was all because of him that Joonghyuk had to go through today. But still, I didn't know my enemies-disguised-as-friends would go to this extent to test us. But the other didn't look angry either. There wasn't an ounce of frustration in his face, unlike Kim Dokja. Dokja couldn't tell whether he was content or plotting his murder, among which the latter sounded more convincing. He finally broke the silence.

“Today was rough, wasn't it?”

“Mm.”

Is he a cow? Can't he just speak?

“Why are you so quiet?” Dokja knew Joonghyuk was never not-quiet to begin with, but he asked this anyway. Partly because he couldn't understand what was going on in his mind. Joonghyuk, as usual, didn't answer. Today, they weren't holding hands, because there were no friends to spy on them. They walked like this for a long time. Dokja, always on his way home, takes the bus because it takes about ten minutes less than it does when he walks home. And Joonghyuk, too, always takes the bus. Not to mention, they didn't talk even though they always traveled home by the same bus. His friends, well, their houses were closer to the school than Dokja's, so they all walked back together. What seemed unbelievable to Dokja is that Joonghyuk didn't take the bus to walk back home with Dokja to keep up their fake couple act.

Maybe he isn't fully a jerk.

Dokja says, “We have practice today. You can either come to my place or I can come to yours. Whichever works for you.”

“I'm not going anywhere.”

It's about time I take back my words. Jerk.

“Alright. I'll come to your house at 7. That okay?” Kim Dokja asks, swallowing his pride.

“Mm.”

They departed like usual. Dokja, on reaching home, took a shower and watched the TV for sometime. There wasn't anything interesting playing, so he called his mother and talked for a while. He also informed her that he was going to one of his ‘friend's’ house, to which she excitedly replied by asking, “Is it Yoo Sang-ah?”. He thought, Well mom, you got the Yoo part right. He told her that it was a guy. Dokja couldn't tell if she was disappointed after hearing that. There was one and a half hours left before it was 7. He used that time to do homework, where he did one question and finished one chapter from his webnovel. A pretty good strategy, he thought. Then he suddenly realized that he hasn't decided what they're going to practice.

After several minutes of pacing around his room, he decided that they're going to practice hand holding, smiling at each other and compliments. He already knows how bad Joonghyuk is at each one of them. Honestly, it might take more than just an hour to get him in place. Later, he presses the doorbell on reaching Joonghyuk's place. The door was opened, but by a little girl. The eyes are same, so she must be his sister. 

“Hello. I'm here to meet your brother.” Dokja smiles.

Without any response, she disappears inside the house. Then runs back to the door, where Dokja was still standing. This time, she was followed by Joonghyuk, in clothes that keep him ready for a funeral, of course. 

“Come inside.” Joonghyuk says to Dokja who complies. Then he turns to his sister, “I told you not to open the door without telling me first.” Wow. I guess I was being considered a potential threat to his sister until now. 

“Brother, who is he?”

Joonghyuk glanced at Dokja before replying, “A friend.”

Then he walks upstairs without further invitation towards Dokja. Defeatedly, Dokja follows, while scanning his house that was cleaner than his entire existence. There wasn't even a single speck of dust anywhere. Joonghyuk's room, just like he assumed, was very clean. He felt relieved that Joonghyuk didn't go to his place. There was his famous game console. Dokja didn't know how to start. He awkwardly begins,

“So, shall we start?” 

Joonghyuk nods. They were both standing. The atmosphere was even more tense because Joonghyuk was actually paying attention to Dokja.

“You need practice in hand holding.” Dokja blurts out.

He was surprised the latter didn't punch him in the guts yet. Instead, he heard Joonghyuk say, “I…did it today.”

Dokja deadpanned. “Doesn't mean you're good at it. I'm surprised my friends didn't accuse you of assault.”

Joonghyuk seems to have accepted defeat. So, Dokja goes close to him and begins speaking, “It's easy. Why are you thinking that boyfriends hold hands in a completely different way? Just be normal about this, alright?”

Normal became Joonghyuk. His grip was as strong as the cop’s on the criminal. The thing is that he doesn't understand ‘holding’. He's treating it as ‘grabbing’. What was he raised by? Wild boars? Sighing, Dokja takes his hands in his.

“You're very normal about this.” 

“Shut the fuck up.”

“No, seriously, what is wrong with you?” Dokja then gets an idea. He's not sure it will work, but it has got the chances.

“Alright, think of me as your little sister—”

“You're not her.”

Motherfucker.

“I said think. Assume, you know. How do you hold her hand when you take her somewhere?”

As a reply, Joonghyuk grabs his wrist. Dokja was on the verge of losing hope. He wondered how Joonghyuk was treated by his parents. But he doesn't look like someone who had trauma from their parents. Dokja got used to the fact that the word ‘affection’ is a myth to Joonghyuk. Still, he went on with the practice. He exhaled from exhaustion as he intertwined his fingers with Joonghyuk's, who looked very curious. What Dokja was doing was quite foreign to him, but he complies nonetheless. He says, confidently, “That's how you do it.”

Joonghyuk murmured, “Bullshit.”, and kept holding hands anyway.

“Remember how to do this. I'm rating your hand holding skill two out of ten, it definitely needs improvement.” Dokja says and withdraws his hand from the other's hold.

“Stop rating me.”

“Yeah sure. Whatever.”

<> 

It has been definitely more than an hour but the progress was that of five minutes. Dokja throws himself on the couch. It's terrible. I thought I was the only loser. The ‘smiling at each other’ practice was horrendous. Dokja got goosebumps everytime Joonghyuk tried his literal killer smile at him. Either Joonghyuk has never smiled before or he has, but never at people. Because even the toddler that doesn't have much experience of living, let alone meeting people, smiles better at literal strangers than Yoo Joonghyuk. And yes, the legendary compliment practice, was exactly what Dokja expected it to be after all these consecutive fails. The compliments strictly being, “Your hair…is black.” Like, Yes Joonghyuk, thanks for the gentle reminder.

“Compliments are natural, they should be. Just because I said 'state what you see', I didn't mean what you apparently see. It's not about the description, but the emphasis on the description, you gotta adjectivize it.” Dokja sighs for the umpteenth time. “For example, ‘your hair is black’ could be, ‘your black hair is gorgeous.’. A rather poor example, but still better than yours.”

Joonghyuk sits on the bed, facing him. His face had no signs of embarrassment or frustration. He's like a child willing to learn despite his poor qualities. Then he speaks, “Your black hair is gorgeous.”, in the most adamant tone ever.

“Stop copying me!” Seeing no hope, he adds, “Let's call it off for tonight. I'll see you tomorrow.”

Joonghyuk showed no expression but there was a hint of disappointment that Dokja couldn't quite understand. He grabbed the doorknob, turning around, and as he was about to leave, he heard Joonghyuk's voice, sharp but gentle,

“Your hands…are soft.”

Dokja was mentally and physically not trying to combust. What was that? He couldn't even finish processing things when Joonghyuk asks,

“Was that good just now?”

Dokja couldn't let the other see his face like this, so he mumbles, “Yeah. Better.” , before hastily moving out of his room, not turning back once. Was that real or a part of practice?!

Chapter Text

Their fifth and final day of practice. And Dokja's sixth beer can. It has been only five days Dokja has been coming to Joonghyuk's house and he's already treating it like his own. Joonghyuk's hand must be itching to land a deadly blow on him because of how much he was dirtying his spotless house. Even now, he didn't ask before he got a dozen beer cans from Joonghyuk's fridge. Mia, by now, has gotten pretty used to this weird guy coming to their house daily evening, spending definitely more than two hours in her brother's room and going back looking very exhausted. That sounds very wrong for some reason. Dokja is splayed across the couch and Joonghyuk, with a frown, is sitting on the chair he sits on while playing.

Not to mention, Joonghyuk has improved more than Dokja ever expected. While he's not good at initiating things on his own, he at least became good at performing Dokja's teachings. And Dokja was very proud of that. Today, they had nothing new to practice, they will be just doing what they did over the past four days. And Dokja claimed that they need a break now. He said ‘they’ even though it was Joonghyuk who was doing all the work from the past hour and he was drinking like a middle-aged man who drinks to swallow down his worries. Dokja was mumbling inaudible things, which meant that the alcohol was getting to him. But he was not actually a lightweight, he could use six more such cans and his condition would still be pretty much the same.

A few minutes later, he comes up with another scenario which has zero probability, that is, a literal impossible event, and decides that Joonghyuk will practice it.

“Joonghyuk. Get up, get up. I thought of something.” 

Joonghyuk sighs. He was definitely disappointed, but at this point, definitely not surprised. “What is it now?”

Dokja sits up. “So, let's say I saw you after many days. And now I'm running to you with my arms out like an angel. I know there will not be such a scenario for us, but my motive is to teach you the way a person hugs when someone they haven't seen for very long comes running to them with their arms open. That type of hug is very special and intimate.” Dokja takes a sharp breath before continuing, “The way you hug now makes it seem like you're one movement away from suffocating me to death. Other than this, you've become pretty good at the other stuff.” Dokja was about to grab another can when Joonghyuk snatched it away.

“Hey, what are yo–”

“I'll kill you if you drink one more can.”

Dokja whines for a while before finally standing up and commanding,

“Alright, then. Joonghyuk Yoo, get to act!” As a response, Joonghyuk stands up from his chair too. Dokja continues, “You stand where you are. I'll come running to you from where I am. Got it?”

“Mm.”

Cow bastard.

The half tipsy half loser Kim Dokja makes a run for Joonghyuk with his arms open. He almost made it there when the great tragedy happened. He tripped on one of the cans he had himself thrown all over the floor. He accepted his fate as he cursed,

“Goddamn it Joonghyu—”

Wait, I didn't fall. That's because in an instant, Joonghyuk's hand wrapped itself around his waist and prevented him from falling. But, unlike what Dokja expected, he was not let go of immediately. They were still in the same position with Dokja being held by Joonghyuk and their bodies very close to each other. Very close? Our bodies are in contact! Dokja was panicking and couldn't move either. He felt quite nervous too under Joonghyuk's gaze. That man was not holding eye contact, he was staring at Dokja's eyes. The more they looked at one another, the more this weird feeling in Dokja's stomach intensified. I think I drank too much. He was just thinking of standing up, when another tragedy befell them.

The door opened. Mia was standing there. Her eyes seemed wider than usual. Joonghyuk immediately withdrew his hand from where it was at the sight of her. Thump. Dokja landed square on his ass. “Ouch. What was that?!” But Joonghyuk was nowhere to be found. Dokja turned to see him in front of his sister, crouched down to her level and saying something. With the prominent pain in his ass, he tried to eavesdrop on their conversation.

“It was nothing.” Joonghyuk flatly says.

“But–but it looked like something!” Mia claims.

“I'm telling you it was just an accident. Now go back.”

“I'm going to tell mo—”

Dokja saw that Joonghyuk had no experience in handling such situations. So, he exclaimed, “We were practicing for a play! We have a function at our school. C'mon Joonghyuk, am I wrong?” He was hoping Joonghyuk would at least try to get the hint of what Dokja was trying to do here. You fucking dipshit, get it already! Dokja was trying to save Joonghyuk's ass despite the pain in his own ass. Is there a more heart touching portrayal of camaraderie than this right here? Mia didn't look convinced at all, neither was Joonghyuk saying a word. Dokja was quite surprised that kids these days are so clever. But other than that, if Joonghyuk didn't speak up now, Dokja would personally kick him out of his room and leave him to deal with his sister. 

Thankfully he spoke. “...Yes, he's right. You should leave.”

After sending his sister out, he closes the door, locking it this time. If it weren't for Dokja, Joonghyuk would have ended up in great trouble. He saved him even after his great fall. It's about time he pays for it. He had already plotted something when a reluctant hand was held out to him. He grabbed it, but instead of standing back up, he pulled Joonghyuk down to the floor, who landed on top of him. However, Dokja forgot to calculate the consequences of his action, because when Joonghyuk fell on top of him from that height, he felt his life escaping from his body. Fortunately, Joonghyuk immediately rolled over and was lying on his back beside Dokja.

Now, they were both staring at the ceiling. Dokja starts,

“You did good. Except for the part when you dropped me.”

“You're unbelievable.”

Dokja laughs. “I know, right?”

<>

Today is the day Dokja's friends come over to Joonghyuk's house. They had been practicing and all that just for this day. Dokja already reached Joonghyuk's place before his friends. Not because their houses are close. Dokja just went there earlier than the scheduled time. He claims that it would seem more natural that way. Joonghyuk also just returned from dropping Mia at their parents' place. Her holidays also began today, and Joonghyuk said that his parents were insisting that she goes back and spends her holidays with them. It was good, though. She is a threat to this whole act of Dokja and Joonghyuk. As Joonghyuk had busied himself with his games now, Dokja was lying flat on the bed and humming songs.

But he felt very bored. Joonghyuk was definitely not a good company for any person in their right minds, they would die of anxiety. But Dokja, well, he thinks he's different. Because he likes annoying Joonghyuk. And now that he's not able to do that, he's feeling bored. Dokja thinks of ways to annoy the other, but at the same time, he values his life, even if only a little. Plus, if Joonghyuk hits him, what will his friends think when they come over? They will obviously believe that Dokja is in an abusive relationship and either he has no other option or he has Stockholm syndrome. Still, he was bored to death. Even his dearer-than-life webnovels cannot quite keep him company. So, he politely calls, trying his best not to anger the man playing games,

“Hey, Joonghyuk.”

“What?” His voice surprisingly didn't sound irritated. 

Now Dokja has nothing to say because he didn't really expect Joonghyuk to answer. He awkwardly asks,

“Oh. I mean—when will you be done playing?”

“Why?”

“I'm bored.” Dokja straightforwardly says, bracing himself for the insult coming his way.

“What should I do?” He puts the controller down.

“Maybe entertain me by dancing?”

“Kim Dokja I'll throw you out of this fucking window!”

Ah. It sure is fun getting on his nerves. At this point, it became Dokja's full time job to annoy the hell out of Joonghyuk. Dokja then successfully got Joonghyuk off his game and they bantered along with each other until the track of time was lost and they heard the doorbell ringing. Dokja immediately straightened up, and nodded at Joonghyuk who went to get the door. At some point, in between their banter, Dokja got a certain idea to enhance the truthfulness of their act. Which he did by wearing one of Joonghyuk's abnormally large black t-shirts, that almost reached up to his knees, making it look like he didn't wear pants. So, for that reason, he practices pulling the t-shirt up every minute to prove that he was indeed wearing pants. Borrowing pants from Joonghyuk is obviously out of the question, considering how the t-shirt fits Dokja. 

Joonghyuk, expectedly, wasn't very enthusiastic about the idea but let Dokja have it his way anyway. Seriously, he doesn't even go to the gym, why's he so big? 

Minutes after Joonghyuk went to get the door, he already heard noises downstairs, meaning it was really the group. Dokja prays to the gods to help him get through the night because he had a very bad feeling that his friends would ask to sleep over. One after one, the disasters entered Joonghyuk's room, finding Dokja on Joonghyuk's ‘gaming’ chair, not gaming, but looking at his guests. His smugness left as soon as he saw the person he didn't expect to see. What is Lee Jihye doing here? 

He didn't even hide his disappointment. “What is Jihye doing here?”

“That's rude, Dokja.” Sang-ah says with an angry look.

“Huh. What are you doing here? I'm sure Joonghyuk sunbae didn't invite you.”

Dokja smirks and lets it be the answer. He assumes the others didn't tell her about him and Joonghyuk ‘dating’. So, instead of saying anything related to that, he says,

“I'm the reason y'all are here.”

“Anyways anyways. Stop arguing. The host isn't gonna say anything, so I'll take the job.” Heewon begins. “Everyone, please have a seat.”

It was already dark outside when they arrived. Heewon and Sooyoung didn't miss a single chance on teasing Dokja, especially about his t-shirt. But Dokja was still glad that it worked. Hyeonseong and Sang-ah were trying to strike up a conversation with Joonghyuk, who, for the first time, was not outright rude, and while not very social, was at least normal with his replies. The annoying Lee Jihye was living her best life playing on Joonghyuk's PC. She seems like that abnormal child in a function that asks you, “Brother, do you have games on your phone?”. Things were going pretty well until now. I think my bad feeling was for nothing. Dokja had only just thought about it when Sooyoung stands up.

Her standing up already means a disaster. She speaks, as if announcing, “Guys. What's the fun in doing your own thing? Did we not come here to have fun together?”

Heewon seemed to have understood something the others didn't and followed Sooyoung's steps, “Let's play a game.”

“Stacking jenga blocks?” Hyeonseong excitedly asks.

“No big baby. That's boring as fuck for us adult people.”

No one protested because even though their activities are very childish, they were still eighteen years old, except Jihye. So they were all legally adults.

“Yes. The game is, the infamous, Truth or Dare!” Heewon declared.

More than half alf of the room deadpanned, and the rest, Sooyoung, Heewon and Jihye clapped. Ah there it is. The great doom of tonight. Dokja again internally prayed to the gods to save him. The game began. There were no spinning bottles. Because apparently, ‘to ensure that everyone gets a fair chance’, the game would go on by asking the person at your right, until it comes back to the person who started, as they would all sit in a circle. Sooyoung began, and her right was Dokja. Can there be anything worse than this? 

She asks, “Truth or Dare?”

Dokja was definitely not choosing dare. “Truth.” He said.

“Alright. If an apocalypse started tomorrow and you had to sacrifice one of us, who would it be?”

The question is very normal and unlike Sooyoung for some reason.

“Miss Han Sooyoung. Who else? Plus, if I don't, you'd probably kill us all anyway.” Dokja shrugs. He gets hit in the head in return by Sooyoung. At Dokja's right was none other than Joonghyuk. After that, it was pure chaos. Joonghyuk had no questions other than “What is your name?” and no dares other than “Die”. Everyone was hell bent on giving Dokja the hardest time. Han Sooyoung didn't miss a single chance to embarrass herself, including the moment where she texted her teacher some unprofessional messages due to Heewon's dare. Yoo Sang-ah got normal questions and the best dares. She had walked like a runway model while balancing a book on top of her head, leaving everyone awestruck. And they had all, at some point, tried their best to make Joonghyuk and Dokja kiss.

Lee Jihye was very much ignored by the senior she glazes and got the worst of dares after Dokja. She had to do aegyo in front of Joonghyuk. Lee Hyeonseong, at the same spot, proved himself to be the coolest man and the man of cowardice. Cool because he did fifty push-ups without breaking a sweat within the limited time. After which Dokja tried to mess with Joonghyuk by asking if he could do that. And a coward because he somehow revealed his crush on Heewon without saying anything and becoming a blushing mess when asked about her. Heewon proved herself to be the coolest once again among the group. They were all exhausted by now. Packets of chips lying all around, crumbs that were poking Joonghyuk's eyes like spines, and of course, beer cans.

Han Sooyoung clapped her hands as she spoke, “Y'all are so weak. The real challenge is yet to begin.”

They all audibly and visibly expressed their exhaustion at that. Han Sooyoung continued nonetheless,

“You've heard about 7 minutes in heaven, right?”

The exhausted group suddenly had their ears perked up at the mention of this particular challenge. To some, it was a nightmare, and to some, it was a challenge. Dokja, Joonghyuk and Hyeonseong wanted to bury themselves right then and there. Heewon smirked, Sooyoung had a cocky look on her face, Jihye was more than glad to follow her seniors’ path, Sang-ah, while she didn't appear as cocky as Heewon and Sooyoung, looked quite excited. 

“Whoever gets paired with Hyeonseong sunbae is gonna go through some real shit.” Jihye laughs.

Hyeonseong shyly looks down.

“Rules are simple. We'll spin a bottle and see who it is directed towards from both directions. Then those people are a pair.” Heewon explains. “Shall we start, then?” 

The bottle was spun. The moment was of anticipation and thrill. The bottle directed towards Sang-ah and Sooyoung. Everyone looked like they were struck by thunder. Sooyoung, ignorant as ever, just waves her hands. Sang-ah just awkwardly smiled. Then they headed towards the closet at the corner of Joonghyuk's room. It was big but definitely not big enough to fit two people. But then again, that was the point of the game, was it not? And Sooyoung won't take much space. Sang-ah entered first, then was followed by Sooyoung. Everyone applauded for them, although still surprised after seeing the two people they never saw anything between get paired up in 7 minutes in heaven.

Heewon starts the stopwatch on her phone as soon as the closet was closed. 

“Honestly, I kinda see it.” Heewon says.

Dokja, after a long time of being silent, says, 

“Right. There is this undeniable tension between these two.”

“What are you talking about?” Jihye asks.

“It's better if you don't know.” Dokja replies.

Joonghyuk has been silent too. But that was normal for him. When has he ever spoken without being forced to? As long as he isn't angry. Still, being the reason behind Joonghyuk's invasion of privacy, he thinks himself to have the responsibility to ask how he's feeling. When Heewon went to eavesdrop and the other two weren't paying much attention, Dokja quietly asks,

“Are you feeling well? I mean, are you okay with whatever's happening?”

Joonghyuk turns to him and then turns away again.

“Not very much.” He answers. “Why, you can do something about that?”

He asked a question? “If you want, I can chase them out right now.”

Joonghyuk's response was just a hint of smile. Dokja couldn't even catch that properly. He couldn't tell if it was out of disbelief or just genuine. Either way, it felt like an accomplishment to Kim Dokja. All these days of being so close, and Dokja finally succeeded in bringing this much emotion out of him. Seven minutes were over, the first pair came out. Something has to have happened. Look at the smirk gone from Sooyoung's face. Sang-ah looked normal as she came out, the real deal was with Sooyoung who appeared very embarrassed for some reason. Even her cheeks, and well, lips too, were quite red. Through Heewon's teasing, the bottle was spun again. This time, the worst happened.

Dokja and Joonghyuk were the pair.

All my prayers to the god went in vain. What should I do now?! 

Everyone in the room blushed a little when this happened, except Heewon and Sooyoung, of course, who seemed to be having the time of their lives. "7 minutes in heaven" is a very sensitive and awkward game in itself, no matter who the pair is. But when a ‘couple’ gets paired up, it's more than just awkward. People's imaginations run wild because they think just because the pair is a couple, anything can happen. That was the reason behind their blushing. Joonghyuk got up with no words, and as if that was not already shocking, he also pulled Dokja up by his arm, with no words. As they were headed to their inevitable destiny, Heewon says,

“Oh, someone seems very eager.”

“Have a good time!” Sang-ah cheers.

Chapter Text

Dokja facepalmed. He didn't think he'd be so down on his luck today of all days.

“We definitely won't be eavesdropping.” Sooyoung laughs.

Ignoring them, they finally found themselves inside the closet. Joonghyuk took up most of the space even while trying his best to make some space for Dokja, who, if wasn't quite tall, would have somehow made it work. Now, Dokja has nowhere to put his legs except on Joonghyuk's legs. He was struggling very much, and also trying his best on his end to not give Joonghyuk a hard time. Dokja grunted. It was pitch black inside. He couldn't see Joonghyuk's expression but he heard a whisper from him. It said,

“Come here.”

Dokja was confused. Where does he want me to go in this cramped place? I can't even move. He whispers back, “I'm sorry—”. He couldn't finish his sentence when his hands were grabbed by Joonghyuk. He couldn't process anything as he was slowly and gently guided to move forward by those hands until his body lost it's balance and fell on top of what seemed like Joonghyuk's body. He thought it was an accident and quickly moved to get back up, but the firm grip on his hands by those hands pulled him down and forced him to stay where he was. Dokja didn't want to admit it but he felt quite comfortable. Or at least better than before. The side of his face was resting on what was definitely Joonghyuk’s chest, considering the loud and fast beating. His upper body was laid on Joonghyuk's own and his lower body between Joonghyuk's legs.

Now that their legs were resting in the same direction, it was easier. However, neither Dokja's mind nor his heart was at ease. He's never been this close to anyone before, let alone Joonghyuk. He could feel his own heart beating fast. And on top of that, he couldn't believe Joonghyuk would ever agree to be in such a compromising position with Dokja without even being asked. What is he being so nice for? To put a cut on the tense atmosphere, Dokja asks, mindful of the eavesdroppers,

“Why were you in such a rush earlier?”

To answer his question, Joonghyuk seemed to have moved his face closer to Dokja's, who could feel the other's breath on his cheek as he spoke,

“I wanted to get away from them.” Right after, he realized that that may have sounded wrong, so he follows it up with, “It wasn't bad, I'm just not used to having this many people in my house.”

Dokja understood him. Joonghyuk was feeling bad about not being a good company to them, even though it was his house. While he didn't himself stand at the same spot as Joonghyuk, there was this certain understanding between them. And at this discomfortingly comfortable moment, that seemed to have bloomed. Dokja got Joonghyuk's point but still asked, “Really? Have I been unbearable to you these six days then?” Dokja chuckled by himself. “I should've realized earlier. Poor you.”

Joonghyuk knew that Dokja was messing with him, so he replies, “You should have.” At that moment, Dokja felt like Joonghyuk smiled, just like he did. I wish it wasn't so dark here. What Dokja dreaded so much became something he didn't want to end. So, of course, the group had to yell,

“Time over, guys! Come out.”

Frustratedly, Dokja sighed. He was helped by Joonghyuk in straightening up, and then they both saw the light after a long time after coming out. Soon started Sooyoung's complaints and the others' teasings. 

“These guys are so sneaky I couldn't hear a thing.” Sooyoung rolls her eyes.

“Dokja looks like he's glowing.” Even Hyeonseong took his chance.

“Bet they had a good time in there.” And so on. Dokja sat down with his friends again, but Joonghyuk didn't. He simply said,

“I'll go cook.”, and left. 

Dokja might be physically present among his friends but his mind was still in the closet. His mind kept replaying the moments inside even though it was nothing much. He was absentmindedly rocking back and forth while the others began to play again. He didn't know for how long he kept doing that until Heewon hits him lightly on the arm.

“Hey what are you thinking? Everything good?” She asks.

Dokja hurriedly answers, “Yes, yes, everything is fine. I was just wondering about stuff.”

That caught everyone's attention. Dokja was certain that it is because they all somehow thought that Dokja is being like this because of Joonghyuk. They all automatically assumed that something happened between them inside the closet, and now, whether it was good or bad, Dokja needs to see Joonghyuk. While it actually was about Joonghyuk, the group was totally off with their assumptions about what happened. There is never a day of peace with them. But he was also glad that he had such friends who took the smallest of things seriously when it came to each other. They might always be at one another’s throats but they wouldn't allow someone from the outside to have the same privilege. And that someone from outside is Joonghyuk.

They've never talked to him. They hate his temper, although not him. And now they accepted him because he is apparently Dokja's boyfriend. So, if Dokja looks sad while being in a relationship with Joonghyuk, to the group, it's none but Joonghyuk's fault. And if the issue persists, they won't keep being nice to him. Dokja knew his friends very well, so to protect Joonghyuk's ass once again, he tries his best to genuinely smile at this moment.

Sooyoung suddenly says, “Then go and help him in the kitchen.” 

Dokja was about to say, “Excuse me?”, when Heewon begins,

“Yeah. What type of boyfriend are you if you won't help him cook? He's probably dying of loneliness while you sit with us here.”

Even Jihye says, “He's being like this because he misses Joonghyuk sunbae.” Judging by this, Jihye has been probably told that Dokja and Joonghyuk were in a relationship. But what's more concerning now is that Dokja seemed to have misjudged his friends. Are they blaming me? But as sighed and stood up, he realized that it was probably because they assumed that he was feeling lonely without Joonghyuk, which is why they are shooing him away to the kitchen. Entering the kitchen, the first thing Kim Dokja was greeted by was this broad back. The second thing is the smell of some delicacy even the gods would descend to have a taste of. He, almost as if swayed by the smell, walks to Joonghyuk. For a good while, he just took in the smell to fill the hunger forming in his stomach.

Next thing he noticed was that Joonghyuk in an apron seems very domestic and very contrasting to his actual persona. And how Joonghyuk handled utensils and especially the pan he was frying what seemed like pork in, put Dokja to great shame. Joonghyuk, while having noticed Dokja's presence, didn't say anything. So, Dokja asks,

“Can I help?”

“You don't need to. Just go back and play.” He responds, still focused on the meat.

“They sent me here. Let me do something, please?” He requests, knowing very well that if Joonghyuk took his help, this kitchen might as well blow up. 

Joonghyuk glanced at him and put the pan down, as he grabbed the chopping board, a knife and three unchopped onions, and gave them to Dokja who happily accepted. Joonghyuk went back to what he was doing, and Dokja was about to start his newly assigned work at the counter. Suddenly, Joonghyuk takes what he once gave him away and places them at the dining table. Then he looks at Dokja and says,

“Go sit. You don't need to keep standing.”

Dokja, perplexedly does what is asked of him, and asks as he grabbed the knife,

“Seriously, why are you being so nice?”

“Shut up. Let me focus.”

So begins Dokja's adventures with the knife. He doesn't recall his eyes burning up this much. He also doesn't recall ever crying this much. He quietly cries in agony and pain as Joonghyuk busies himself with his dishes, never once turning back to see what has become of Dokja. He cut one onion through this struggle, and was cutting the next, still glad that he didn't manage to chop off his finger because he couldn't see clearly. Joonghyuk was still very unaware of the miserable Dokja right behind his back. Dokja, however, didn't want to give up this easily. I came to be a help, not a nuisance. After he had cut the second onion, and couldn't take it anymore, he sniffed loudly. Only then did Joonghyuk look back. Although Dokja didn't mean it for the other to look back, he was just feeling this urge.

“What are you— Why are you crying?” Joonghyuk asks, both dumbfounded and worried.

“Well my boyfriend broke up with me.” Dokja attempts at sarcasm even through all this. “You dumb-ass, can you not see that it's all the onions’ doing?” He wipes his eyes with the back of his hands.

“I told you to go back. Such a nuisance.” Even while saying this, Joonghyuk took the chopping board away from Dokja and took him to the sink.

“Wash your eyes.” He says and turns on the tap. 

Dokja complies, and once he feels better, he mutters, “Thank you.”

“You don't need to do anything. Just sit.” Dokja looks at his face to find any traces of mockery but there was none. Is this bastard actually being nice? Having told him that, Joonghyuk goes back to cooking. Now, even though Dokja has no intention of annoying Joonghyuk even more, sitting still was too modest for him. He walks around the kitchen, scanning this and that. Joonghyuk didn't seem to mind so he began checking the ingredients of different things. But in the end, he can't live without getting on Joonghyuk's nerves. He feels empty without doing that. Still, following his oath of being modest, he goes near Joonghyuk, and keeps peeking at what was being cooked. It seemed like stew. The aroma got him hungry again.

Does he not feel hungry? If it was me cooking this, I'd have finished the pot before serving it. And that is why his cooking would never be as good as Joonghyuk’s. His hunger doubled when he saw the other taste-testing with a spoon. He was staring with his mouth hung open. Joonghyuk looks at him with disgust. Dokja gulped and asked, “Can I…?” 

Joonghyuk shook his head. 

Dokja looked like he was about to cry. “Please?”

Joonghyuk rolled his eyes. “Fine.” He held the spoon to Dokja's lips, who through his hunger, still wondered about the fact that Joonghyuk was feeding him. He slurped in the contents from the spoon and almost teared up because as delicious as it was, it also burned his tongue. “Ah!” He cries. Joonghyuk immediately held the glass of water that he was using to cook to Dokja's mouth. After drinking the water, Dokja decided to stop messing around for the time being. Wait, did he just feed me with the same spoon he tasted with?!

“You're quite immersed in this act of a boyfriend.” Dokja snarkily remarks.

“You burned your tongue. Now either you stop running your mouth or I pour this pot over you.” He threatens.

“Wow. Scary.” Dokja chuckled. 

Dokja read the recipe book for a good while before he came across this absolutely appetizing, splendid pastry in the dessert section. He immediately called Joonghyuk.

“Are we making this?” He excitedly looks at the other.

“No.” Was the answer.

“Why? It looks tasty.”

“It's gonna take too much time.” Joonghyuk takes a second look at the pastry. Dokja understood why Joonghyuk didn't want to make it. He's been cooking all alone all this time with no one's help. He must be tired. And well, he usually does cook alone, but tonight, there is a lot of food that needs to be made. Dokja couldn't even help him with anything except for increasing trouble and work. Even though Dokja really wanted that dessert, he kept it to himself. He's disturbed Joonghyuk's peace enough already in these six days. He nods and Joonghyuk goes back to the stove, wielding the spatula like it was a sword. Dokja went back to reading again when he heard the other speak.

“I'll make it some other day…for you.” 

Wow. Am I hearing things? Joonghyuk being nice was a side of him that Dokja will never really get used to. The thought that they won't be like this anymore after today, saddened Dokja very much. He wondered when the other day would arrive. Then, all of a sudden, he had the urge to make a dessert by himself. He stood up, then energetically questioned,

“Hey! Can I try making something simple?”

Joonghyuk, at that point, gave up refusing. He says, “Do whatever you want. You know where things are.”

He wanted to make cookies and gathered all ingredients accordingly. He then did what could be done of them but felt something amiss. Ah! Flour! I forgot flour. Joonghyuk was not paying attention, so he was free to use things as he wished. He then went to search for the forgotten ingredient. After searching every possible place, he was about to give up and ask Joonghyuk when his eyes fell on a white bag kept at a corner. That was the flour he'd been searching for. He'd tried opening it normally, but it wouldn't budge. The packaging was very stubborn and couldn't be torn at all. Having lost his patience, Dokja exerted his full force on the bag. That apparently led to another tragedy.

Why don't I just dig a hole and bury myself alive at this point? 

He coughed, blowing about a mouthful of flour. Not to mention that his entire body was covered by it. His vision was so blurred that he couldn't see Joonghyuk coming towards him with the wrath of a hundred men. He felt Joonghyuk's hand hooking around his waist and hoisting him above his shoulder.

“Put me down—” Dokja yelled. 

No one listened to him. He was then sat at the countertop by the other, who spoke with a menacing voice,

“I'll beat you to death if you move an inch from here.”

“But the cookies…” Dokja sadly looks down, though he couldn't see anything.

“Look at yourself.”

At that moment, Dokja truly felt like crying. Why can't I do anything right? Why do I always have to ruin things. I just wanted to help. His eyes prickled because of the flour and the tears forming. He didn't dare look at Joonghyuk. Right then, his face was gently held, and made to look up at the other. Joonghyuk grabbed a napkin and dabbed at Dokja's eyes, trying to get the flour off. The flour was already blinding enough, but now Joonghyuk's broad shoulders blocked Dokja's entire field of sight. I might as well turn blind. Attempting at lame sarcasm through sadness was something only Dokja could do. Once he could see clearly, he saw that Joonghyuk was also pretty much covered in flour from Dokja, his black t-shirt making it more evident.

I have a very bad feeling about this as well.

After all the havoc Dokja wreaked in the kitchen, they were finally done cooking. And yes, baking too. Which Joonghyuk did. They carried the dishes to the room their friends were in and placed them at the table one by one. They didn't clean off the flour, so for a good while, they avoided looking at the group's faces. Dokja and Joonghyuk joined them after setting things right, still avoiding their hawk-like eyes. Dokja smiles,

“Let's dig in—”

“You've got some answering to do before that.” Heewon mischievously smiles. Hyeonseong and Sang-ah looked stunned. Sooyoung, as always, is cocky. And Jihye is here for the drama.

I saw it coming.

“What answering?” Joonghyuk asks.

“Why are you both covered in flour?” Sooyoung interrogated.

“There was an accident.” Dokja says.

“Right. You expect me to believe that shit.” Sooyoung says.

“Believe it or not.” Joonghyuk glanced at Dokja.

“So, we have no idea what you two did in there and now you're shooting weird glances at each other? Totally unsuspicious.” Sang-ah questions.

“Me and Hyeonseong sunbae actually saw them doing something very questionable.”

“You were spying on a couple? Very unquestionable of you.” Dokja retorts.

“Dokja was sitting at the countertop, both of them covered in flour,” Jihye begins.

“Don't.” Dokja warns.

“Joonghyuk blocked our view but I'm sure he was cupping Dokja's face,” Hyeonseong continues.

“And was leaning very close to it.” The junior finishes.

Then began Heewon and Sooyoung.

“So you're into ‘flour-play’, huh?”

“Kinky.”

They somehow got through dinner. But there was no end to it. Another tragedy already befell Dokja. He was forced to sleep with Joonghyuk in his room. Along with the group, he entered Mia’s room too, as that was where they were told to sleep by Joonghyuk. For some reason, her room was very spacious for an elementary schooler. It could easily fit five people on the floor, the bed won't even need to be used. Dokja was thin, so he could have had space for himself too, in that room. Or so he thought. Those five didn't only manage to somehow take up the sleeping area, but all the space available in that room. So, when Dokja entered, they all acted like they didn't know how this all happened and how Dokja not having any place there was not a part of their goddamn plan. 

Joonghyuk is currently showering. Dokja already did, as he was asked. He claimed his spot on the couch. He also thought that him sleeping in the couch was just as awkward as sleeping in the bed with Joonghyuk. Because, why was he making a big deal out of this? They are all but fake dating, so there shouldn't be any worries of something happening between them. They are just two stupid dudes. And dudes sleep together in a sleepover, right? But he also thought that Joonghyuk might have problems sharing his bed with someone, which would be better, because then these awkward situations wouldn't arise and Dokja can stay on the couch.

Joonghyuk came out looking and smelling fresh. His hair damp, which he was towel-drying. He wore a black t-shirt and black shorts, the same thing he gave Dokja to wear after his shower. As he sits on the bed, he looks at Dokja with confusion.

“Why are you there?” He asks.

Goddamn it, Yoo Joonghyuk!

“Oh- I think I'll just use the couch.”

“Why?”

“What do you mean ‘why’? I thought you don't like sharing your bed?”

“Yes. But in these six days, you've been on my bed more than me.” Joonghyuk arranges the blanket as he speaks.

“Valid. But honestly, are you actually fine or just asking out of duty? I'm actually fine on the couch.”

“I won't say anything more. Come if you want.” With that, he lays down and covers himself with the blanket. Dokja defeatedly goes over to the bed and lays beside Joonghyuk, careful not to make any sort of contact. Joonghyuk's eyes were closed, but Dokja's were not, even though none of them were sleeping. Dokja stared at the same ceiling that has become so familiar to him. It comforts him, somehow. He shivered from the cold. But without making much of it, he pulled some of the blanket off Joonghyuk and put it over him. That's when he heard the group right outside their door. The fuck are they doing here?! 

“I don't hear anything!” Sooyoung whisper-yells. Joonghyuk is rich but forgot to get soundproof walls.

“Are you sure they're not kissing? I mean, you haven't seen the way they were hitting it in the kitchen.” Jihye says. There has been a huge misunderstanding of what happened in the kitchen.

“Are they even dating? I've been suspicious from the very beginning. We literally had them sleep together to hear some sounds.” Heewon asks. Perverted bitches. 

He turns to Joonghyuk, whose eyes were now open, meaning they both heard the conversation outside.

“Look, I'm sorry. I didn't know they'd go this—” He was sharply cut off by Joonghyuk's delicate lips on his. Dokja's breath was caught in his throat. Just when he thought that this was over, Joonghyuk moved and shifted his body a little to place his upper half above Dokja. What is happening? At first, the kiss seemed normal, and Dokja would have gotten used to it if it was for a slight moment. Because he'd have understood that Joonghyuk was doing this for their friends. Now, the kiss had deepened, Dokja, although quite unwillingly, began to move his lips along with Joonghyuk's. The other's hands cupped his cheeks, as his tongue entered Dokja's mouth. Kim Dokja's eyes widened. He hated to admit but their kiss did make this distinct sound and it's been a while their friends stopped talking. 

Dokja was very inexperienced. He just went with the flow Joonghyuk created. He had only slightly recovered from the shock and closed his wide eyes, when with one last smooch, Joonghyuk let go of him and went back to his place. Dokja couldn't form words with his lips for a long while. The warm and wet feeling of the latter’s lips on his didn't let him. Just moments ago, the drowsiness that influenced him, has left in an instant. And his precious sleep for the night was gone. It was only after about ten minutes that he managed to speak.

“...You didn't have to. I could have thought of some other way to convince them.”

“It's okay. I'm sorry, too…I shouldn't have went off like that without any warning.” Before turning off the lamp, he adds, 

“It…sounded more natural to them, probably. Plus, our act had to be carried out perfectly, right?”

Chapter Text

It has finally ended. Joonghyuk thinks as he cleaned his room of the mess Dokja and his friends made. He didn't think that Dokja would wake up so early in the morning that he won't get to see his stupid face after he wakes up. His friends were still asleep, though, and he didn't know when they'd wake up. Mia wasn't here, so he didn't have the worry of sending her school. His hands moved slower than usual, he didn't feel like working. But why? He stared at common objects for longer than necessary. He went on with the cleaning but could barely get anything done. He had always lived his life like this; alone. He never cared for anyone's presence. But now, he feels like something is missing. And he is not at all happy with this feeling.

Absentmindedly, he glanced at his room once more before walking towards the kitchen. His room was not fully cleaned, he left his cleaning duties for later, which he usually never does. Surprisingly, here in the kitchen too, Yoo Joonghyuk couldn't bring the spirit of cooking in himself as he does everyday. The more he thought about it, the more strange he found it. Mia going to their parents' place is very normal. And the people sleeping in his sister's room were not his friends, they were Dokja's. In fact, even Dokja had already left, and his friends would, too, after they get up. From today onwards, Joonghyuk would no longer be acquainted in any sort of relationship with Dokja or his friends. So why can he not shake this strange feeling off his heart? He feels like it's gnawing at him.

He couldn't make anything for breakfast. He left breads and a bottle of jelly on the table along with a note in case they leave without having breakfast. Although he doesn't care about whether they have it or not. He ate one bread himself and looked around the kitchen for a while. There was a lot to clean. Then there was also flour all around the floor which brought back memories of last night. Joonghyuk found himself smiling. What am I smiling for? He's an idiot. Nevertheless, he put on his earphones and goes out, ignoring his duties once again. He was out for a run. Exercise always proved itself to be useful to him in these situations. As he picks up his pace, he could feel the heat rising up through his body and his heartbeat getting faster.

For a solid thirty minutes, he ran. He even went to the nearby park where he found many other people out for an exercise. The morning breeze was fresh and cool. It cooled him down at an instant when he took a break from running. At some point, he closed his eyes to soak in the moment. The city was so silent and serene, that he couldn't believe it was the same city that is so full of unnecessary noise. He goes over and sits on one of the benches inside the park. There were a few children too, among whom was a little girl that reminded him of Mia. He diverts his eyes away from her and looks up at the sky. The song playing in his ears was his favourite, so for a good amount of time, he focused on only that. He felt something lightly tap at his hands.

It was the same girl that reminded him of Mia. 

“Oppa, oppa, are you sad?” She asks, her innocent eyes gleaming.

If it wasn't a child, Joonghyuk wouldn't have bothered giving a proper reply. For some reason, he can't ignore children.

“No…Why do you think so?” He watches her struggle to climb up on the bench and decides to help her up and sit. 

“Your face looks very…uh what do they call it? Uh…” She thinks for a while before continuing, “I forgot, hehe. But you look sad.”

“Well, I'm not sad. Thanks for asking. Where are your parents?” Joonghyuk asks with concern. But he couldn't help but wonder if sadness was actually that evident in his face. Because he always looks somewhat gloomy.

“Momma went to get medicine. Here, a flower,” She hands him a wildflower that she probably picked up from the ground. “It'll make your sadness go away.”

He smiled at her. He wondered how his smile came out now. Would she be scared? Dokja told him that his smile was terrific. But she didn't look scared. Maybe he helped me get better at it. Just then, a woman came running to them,

“Nami! What are you doing here? I was scared!” The woman must be her mother.

“I gave oppa a flower.” Nami says.

The woman awkwardly smiles and bows, “I'm sorry if she caused you any trouble. Let's go, Nami.” She then walked away with her child. Joonghyuk, too, felt like going back now. On his way back, he walked. The run did clear his mind off of things, well, at least until his gaze landed on Dokja's house. Unwelcomed thoughts poured into his mind once again. He felt a hot sensation in his lips. Did I really kiss him last night? Now that he thinks about what he did, he can't help but feel bad. He might've apologized, but that doesn't erase the fact that he still acted without the other's consent. He was both guilty and embarrassed. His embarrassment was only because he himself went on to kiss Dokja after claiming with confidence that it'd be avoidable in any situation. But his guilt ran far than that. Dokja must have been shocked, he thought.

He wanted to slap himself for doing what he did.

But then again, at that moment, he was not in his right mind. The kiss was avoidable in every situation. However, for Joonghyuk, in that moment, something so avoidable felt inevitable. And he doesn't know why. And as guilty and embarrassed he is to admit this, but he can't seem to forget how Dokja tasted. Soft and sweet. He felt his ears and the back of his neck heat up. Fortunately, he caught the glance of Dokja's friends at a distance, which distracted him from his thoughts. They seemed to have woken up. Some of them were waving at Joonghyuk from the other side of the street.

“Good morning Joonghyuk!” Hyeonseong shouted.

“Mornin' Joonghyuk sunbae!” Jihye, too, shouted. 

He couldn't understand why they were shouting when Joonghyuk was moving towards them anyway. Towards his house, to be precise, they were just in front of it. 

“You're actually a pretty sweet guy. Thanks for the breakfast.” Heewon smiled. 

“It's nothing.” Joonghyuk replies.

“By the way, where is Dokja? Haven't seen him in your room.” Sang-ah interrogated.

“He—” Joonghyuk was interrupted by Sooyoung's bitter voice.

“It's good that we didn't have to see his stupid face. And you. Keep your boyfriend…happy, or whatever.” She mumbled the last part, but everyone heard her anyway. 

“He left early.” With that, Joonghyuk goes inside his house, making no further interaction with them. Han Sooyoung's words stuck with him for whatever reason. She seemed to know something, even though Joonghyuk is sure she doesn't. She warned him, that's what it felt like. But Joonghyuk was never in a place to keep Dokja happy. Neither then, nor now. It was all an act. An act. He repeated these words in his mind over and over again, consciously or unconsciously, so much that at some point, they lost meaning. He has returned to his original life. Six days are over. Mia is gone, and she will come back. But Dokja and his friends won't. And they were never here to begin with. So, why does he feel like something is missing? And it's even stranger that he feels like it's a presence that he's missing.

<>

Few days passed by. Yoo Joonghyuk felt like he was rotting away. I think I should go see a doctor. It's not like he is sick, it's just that he doesn't feel like doing anything. His mind is always flooded with unnecessary thoughts. His spotless and dustless house was in it's worst state. And so was the owner. A man who had always been alone is feeling lonely. Is there anything worse than this? In his mind, he curses Kim Dokja at times, because if it weren't for him and his ridiculous idea, Joonghyuk wouldn't have been so messed up right now. But then he also wonders if it really is Kim Dokja's fault. Why would an act mess him up? Is it because he had never had friends before and suddenly he was surrounded by people who acted like his friends for six days and left just as suddenly? He doesn't know. 

He finds traces of Kim Dokja in things and places he wasn't even associated with.

Mia calls him a lot. Sometimes he picks up, sometimes he doesn't. In the times that he does pick up, all he can hear is her nagging at him. She could tell from just his voice that he was in a bad condition, because Joonghyuk is always vague with his replies. She said that she was coming home today. A part of him is grateful, but another is afraid. His sister would see the brother who was always so disciplined and composed like this. Rotting in bed. I should get up before I actually get sick. With great difficulty, he tidied up his room. He sniffed. His room stank. Joonghyuk went over to open the window. He's been avoiding opening this window because it's directly facing Dokja's window. But now he had to do it for the sake of hygiene. Sighing, he pushes it open.

He was expecting something, but it wasn't Dokja's curtains being drawn. However, since the curtains acted as a barrier, he kept looking for longer than he intended to. A sudden gust of wind blew and caught Joonghyuk off guard. In that brief moment, Dokja's curtains parted. There he is. Kim Dokja's soft black hair fluttered in the wind. His eyes were concentrated on something. The sunlight painted a side of his face golden. Beauti– Joonghyuk slammed the window close. His heart was picking up a pace. Joonghyuk breathed heavily as he stood with his hand on his heart and back against the wall. What the hell is happening to me? It's the first time he is feeling like this. Wait, no. It was not his first time, but Kim Dokja is the first person to repeatedly make him feel like this.

The time when they first held hands. The time when Dokja was caught by Joonghyuk while falling, he couldn't even look away then. The time he cleaned Dokja's flour covered face. The time inside the closet. And the time when they kissed. These are all the times Joonghyuk had an abnormal heartbeat rate, and all because of Dokja. He, after recovering, sprays some room freshner in the room, since opening the window wasn't an option. He makes pasta for himself, and also for his sister who would be here any minute now. Joonghyuk scrunched his nose up when he got a sniff of his own body. I stink like hell. On finishing his meal, he runs to the bathroom. If Mia was here, he'd never hear the end of it. 

The water felt unpleasant on his body. Still, he did some scrubbing and then finally came out of the bathroom. He suddenly gets reminded of the fact that Dokja never returned the t-shirt he wore when he slept with Joonghyuk. Even though almost all of his clothes are black, he can still tell them apart, which is why he got reminded of that tee while dressing up. Despite the unpleasant feeling, he felt quite fresh. The doorbell rang. 

Of course it was Mia.

She gives him a tight hug as soon as she came in. She was unusually affectionate. Guess she was really worried about me. His mom dropped her here on her way to work. She didn't speak much, and ate the pasta when Joonghyuk asked if she wants to. Her behaviour stunned Joonghyuk. What is she up to? She washes the dishes herself despite Joonghyuk's refusal. Mia then grabs her elder brother's hand and sits him on the couch, taking a seat herself while facing him.

“What is wrong with you?” Joonghyuk questions.

“No. What is wrong with you? You look like a sick old man, who's also very sad. I could hear it through your voice when I called.” She says with a concerned expression.

Ah. Here she goes again. “I'm neither sick nor sad. Stop nagging now.”

“Go look at a mirror.” She side-eyed him.

He couldn't figure out how everyone claimed that he is sad while he himself can't figure out what actually he is feeling. “Enough with that. Why did you come back so early?”

“I was worried about you! My brothers dyin’!” She fake-cries.

“Shut up, brat.”

“Since you won't tell me anything, I will have to ask for professional help. You left me with no choice.” She takes out her phone and walks away from Joonghyuk, leaving him very confused and dumbfounded.

“Hello…Yes! It's Mia!...” She started speaking on the phone. 

“Hey, what are you—” She glared at Joonghyuk. I seriously don't understand what's going on in her mind sometimes. He defeatedly waits for her to end the call. Joonghyuk was also very curious about who she called.

Mia continued, “He is in a worse state than you can imagine but he keeps denying…Love-related affair?...Hmm…I've never seen him talk to any girl, though…Yeah, it's best if you come see him…yep! Love you, Bye!”

“Who did you call?” He asks as soon as she ended the call.

“You'll see in a week.”

<>

Joonghyuk thought he would finally get better in a week's time. He was, once again, proven very wrong. Not only did he not get better, he became worse. Joonghyuk had never been this desperate before. There are only a few days before their school re-opens, and he thought he would become totally fine and normal by then. But he wasn't even close to that. He barely does anything right. His usual five-star meals turn out too salty or spicy. His room is surviving with the help of air freshener. Mia tries to talk him out of it but it seems like his mind his elsewhere. Joonghyuk just wanted someone to tell him what actually was wrong with him. He still had his holiday homework to do, but at this rate, he can't even get up to get the notebook from his table. And only these two questions circle around his mind all the time.

What the fuck is wrong with me? Why do I keep wanting to see that idiot's face?

And another incident that recently happened is eating at his mind constantly. He saw Dokja welcoming someone inside his house. Joonghyuk knew that guy from school, and to be honest, everyone knew, judging by the fact that he goes around telling everyone that he likes Dokja. Jang Hayoung was his name, he was a junior. So, welcoming Jang Hayoung alone inside his house after sharing a very intimate hug initiated by Hayoung in the streets, messed Joonghyuk up in the head more than he already was. He felt anger, no, not quite. Jealousy would be the right word. He was jealous watching that scene unfold before his own eyes. And then he was angry. Not at Dokja but himself. Firstly, all they did was hug. Secondly, what right does Joonghyuk have to feel jealous over it? He punched his wall again and again to feel better. 

Joonghyuk couldn't believe that this is what has become of him. 

He recalls his and Dokja's past moments in his mind, in case it soothed him. But it only fueled his jealousy. What Dokja and Joonghyuk had didn't make him any special. If Jang Hayoung and Kim Dokja were something, they'd have way more special moments, and more than anything, those would be real. Unlike mine with him. An act. He is aching for company but is rejecting any hand–although only his sister's–that reaches out. Because there is only one hand he is waiting for, Kim Dokja's. And he knows very well that this isn't possible. He is doing what he has to. As an elder brother, he's making sure Mia no longer worries about him. He has a feeling that she'd understand if he told her, despite her age. But he doesn't want to burden her with these things that her brother should be better at handling than her.

And the only duties he isn't completing are the ones that concern his well-being. Sometime later, Mia barged inside his room, looking restless but also excited.

“Brother! Get up, get up! She's here!”

He sits up on the bed, looking quite disturbed and confused.

“Come down. You'll see.” With that, she disappears. Joonghyuk had no choice but to follow her downstairs. When he goes there, he sees the face he hadn't seen in at least a decade. Lee Seolhwa. She was smiling at him. Beautiful and kind-looking as ever. They were bestfriends in their childhood, except that Joonghyuk used to have a little crush on her. Due to her father's job, they had to go to the states when she was eight. Why did she come here, though? Then it hit him suddenly. Mia said the person who she called would be here in a week. And it's been a week. So, it was Seolhwa she called. I can't believe my sister told her of all people about my condition. He felt embarrassed as he sat beside her. For a while, he couldn't find the right words to say. But that wasn't a problem because Seolhwa began speaking.

“Whoa it doesn't look like we're of the same age anymore…what did you eat, huh?” She teases.

“Cut it. Why are you here?” He turns to her.

“Why am I here? Well, my friend here is dying from the love disease and his lovely little sister called me for help, so, how can I not?” 

“You're mistaken. Mia was speaking nonsense.”

“Nope. Even I can see it clearly on your face that you're suffering. Now, start speaking already. It'll only get harder if you keep whatever's bothering you to yourself.”

She was right. It was hard dealing with all of these by himself. But would she understand? Because even he doesn't understand his own problems. 

“How are you so sure that you can help?” He asks.

“I'm a love expert. But even if it's not related to love, I can be of great help. Though I'm sure it's love, right?”

Joonghyuk didn't know whether to call it love. He checked and saw that Mia wasn't here anymore, and said,

“I don't know if it's love.”

“What are you feeling?”

He thinks. “At first I wasn't sure but now, I know at least this much that I miss that person terribly.”

Her eyes softened. “Alright. You will answer the questions I ask next with absolute honesty. Take time but he honest.”

Joonghyuk nods.

“Can you stand the thought of them with someone else?”

He remembered what he felt when he saw Dokja with Hayoung. “No. I can't stand it.”

“Good. Now, has that person been on your mind all these days? No, more precisely, are they the reason you're being like this?”

Joonghyuk didn't have to think. “Yes. They're the reason. I just can't get them out of my head.”

“What would be your answer if they confessed their love to you?” 

My answer? But he'd never even do that. When he stopped thinking about the possibilities and really thought about the scenario, he felt something warm in his chest. For a moment, all the gloominess surrounding him were casted away. He could see clearly and feel honestly. The answer is so clear. He thinks as Dokja grabs his hand. His hands are so soft. He suddenly felt like there was nothing to think about the question. Joonghyuk answers, more to himself than Seolhwa, “...Yes. I'd say yes.”

Seolhwa grinned. “There. You have your answer.”

Right. The answer had been been here all along, he just needed to ask the right questions. I…love him, that stupid Kim Dokja. And I need him. Just then, another thought rose up to his mind. It brought all the clouds of gloom back around him. But, does he feel the same?

Chapter Text

I can't believe I fell for that bastard with Moebius syndrome or whatever. Kim Dokja had been repeatedly having this exact thought for the past two weeks. Because he really can't believe that he fell in love with Yoo Joonghyuk. Now he's grumping day and night, and cursing Joonghyuk at every breath because apparently that man made him catch feelings and now is not showing up to take responsibility. Well, Dokja isn't a coward, of course. Jang Hayoung suggested they kidnap Yoo Joonghyuk and threaten him until he agrees to take responsibility for his actions. It, for some reason, sounds like he got me pregnant and dumped me. It was the most normal way Dokja thought of addressing his feelings by. He read a lot of novels where the main lead does that. 

Not that he's a fan of it or something, but all the other rational and mature ways were not just as appealing considering the state of his mind at this moment.

He's also having some crazy mood swings. One moment he thinks he should try to move on as there is no guarantee Joonghyuk would reciprocate his feelings because he's not bound to do so in any situation. And another moment he wants to strangle Joonghyuk to death while asking him why he kissed him that night. That kiss, unlike what Dokja admits and like what he knows, was nothing but a trigger for all of the emotions he's been ignoring yet harbouring inside of him about Joonghyuk to flow out. He doesn't admit it because it makes it look like he's the one at fault for being so pathetic that he fell in love with someone from a single kiss which didn't even mean anything for the other person. 

When it was nothing but a way to keep up the act. 

He can't even imagine that it meant something more to Joonghyuk. It's been so many days. If he really had something for Dokja, he'd have bothered to at least send a single text. Maybe even his rude remarks or his death threats, anything would have done. That could have convinced Dokja that he at least thought about him. Joonghyuk doesn't even open the window facing Dokja's house, so he really had nothing to hope for. Yet he still laughs it off, even with himself. But he knows very well that chances can't be created if there are none in the first place. If he really ponders about all the other worries and thoughts clogging his mind every moment, he can't even manage to go out of his room. So, for the sake of appearing normal and fine in front of the mirror and the people, he'd even abandon his true thoughts.

He can't afford to let the depression get to him, he's been holding out against it for all these days, so he can go a few more. Just until I get over it. But he himself didn't know when exactly he'd get over it, because it was nowhere in sight. He didn't even know whether he'd be able to. But just because he can't hope for Joonghyuk feeling the same, doesn't mean he can't stop himself from feeling anything at all. I know I can do it. He says that yet hasn't left his house to meet his friends in weeks. The groupchat is constantly flooding with messages of what happened to the loser Kim Dokja. He doesn't even let them in when they come to see him. In normal circumstances, he'd obviously have told them everything. But after fooling them for six days, he just doesn't feel like telling them more about Joonghyuk and himself.

His mother also came back for a few days. Of course, she is also very worried about her son so she keeps checking on him every minute. Even though neither Dokja, nor his mother had told each other anything, Dokja knows that she definitely assumed that her son is going through a break-up. Not to mention she keeps trying to get Dokja to be with Sang-ah, for which Dokja can't even come out to her. Well, she is not homophobic, so Dokja is not worried about that. It's just about how she'd react after hearing that not only her son is gay, he fake-dated the neighborhood guy he always said he hated and also fell in love with him. It sure would be a lot to digest for her. In these weeks, Jang Hayoung had been his only company. 

And of course, his webnovels.

Right when he was about get dressed after coming back from the shower, his eyes fell on Joonghyuk's t-shirt that he intentionally didn't return. There was nothing behind it, he just wanted Joonghyuk to think about his missing t-shirt and remember Kim Dokja who never gave him a day of peace, even after he left. But that's only what he hoped. Not thinking much, he puts on that t-shirt. After a while he heard his mother's voice.

“Dokja! Are you done showering? Your friend has come to meet you.”

It's probably Jang Hayoung. Only he had been coming these days. With feigned nonchalance, he goes out. At first, he closed his eyes and reopened them in case he was hallucinating. Then he sees the same obsidian eyes staring at his, and suddenly there was no doubt on who this person was. Yoo Joonghyuk. Standing like a statue for a while, he lets himself get overwhelmed by his emotions that are surfacing so much that it's drowning him. He didn't know why Joonghyuk was here. He didn't know what to say or do. He was torn between two emotions. Anger and love. He was happy, he felt a certain relief on seeing that face. His heart was pounding and in this moment, he wanted to do nothing but embrace Joonghyuk. All these were his love and admiration for the man who conversed with his mother and didn't react even on noticing Dokja.

But at the same time, he wanted to run straight to Joonghyuk, land a hard punch on his dense head, and ask him where he was all these days. And why he didn't show up earlier when Dokja needed him the most. At last, he decided to mask his love by expressing his anger. He made a run for it from where he was, and when Joonghyuk was just turning towards him hearing footsteps approaching, he landed the punch on his head. 

“...”

“...”

I think I didn't land it hard enough. There was no reaction from Joonghyuk who only stared at him with “what the fuck are you doing” eyes. He was too busy studying Joonghyuk's expression that he totally forgot about the other presence in the room. Dokja was just about to punch him once more to make it count, when his wrist was caught by a large hand. Well, I have two hands for a reason. He raised his other hand, but unfortunately that got caught by Joonghyuk, too. That got on Dokja's nerves. He began struggling to free himself from the tight grip, already losing his balance. He was still not falling only because Joonghyuk was holding him. But the stupid Kim Dokja decided to kick Joonghyuk, if not punch. Just as he lifted his leg, he lost all his balance. And this time, too, he didn't fall.

He landed on Joonghyuk's lap. Well, he didn't do it. Joonghyuk couldn't think of any other ways to prevent him from falling, so, at an instant, he pulled Dokja to his lap. It was only when Dokja's mother cleared her throat that both of them realized the position they were in.

“I…didn't know you two got along so well.” Her stern gaze was directed at Dokja, as if asking for an explanation behind this. He quickly got down from his lap and sat on a chair.

“Ah–well…” Dokja stammered as his mind went blank.

“We were assigned a project as a team for our holiday assignment.” Joonghyuk answers. Dokja really couldn't believe his ears. Joonghyuk coming up with excuses to save me? I think he'd rather eat dirt. But what he heard was the truth.

“I see. Ah. I almost forgot to ask. What would you two like to eat? I'm free right now, so you can ask anything.” His mother stands up and says while heading towards the kitchen.

It was a rare sight for his mother to agree to make anything. Dokja felt jealous of Joonghyuk who was probably the reason behind his mother being so nice. If Dokja was alone, she'd probably be like, “Either you eat whatever I cooked or you starve for five days.”. So, obviously Kim Dokja jumped at the opportunity.

“Oh I'd like—”

“Ms. Lee. I actually brought this pastry.” He places a small bag on the table, and glances at Dokja. “Dokja would like it more if you serve this instead.” 

This bastard. He's always ruining good stuff. It's not everyday that I get this opportunity. Dokja was scowling at Joonghyuk from his side. He wondered what is it that he saw in this man that he decided to love him. Plus, there was no way Dokja would like this pastry more than his mother's god-tier cooking. But when his mother spoke, all chances were immediately eliminated. 

“That's great! Then I'll add two cups of hot chocolate with this pastry. Sounds good?” She smiled. 

“Sounds great.” Joonghyuk returned her smile. 

What actually is happening?! Joonghyuk was smiling, he was acting gently, his mother likes Joonghyuk more than him now. Dokja felt like he was living in a different world whatsoever. He couldn't help but think that Joonghyuk had come to take revenge for the 6 days of hell he made him go through. Nevertheless, he had no option but to take Joonghyuk to his room. He was so glad that his mother threatened him, or else, he'd never have cleaned his room, and Joonghyuk would have found himself in a pile of clothes, stinky socks hanging here and there, food crumbs on the bed, and wrappers all over the floor. Now they were both sitting on the edge of the bed, looking ahead at the wall. None of them knew what to say but we're trying their best to start a conversation. Didn't we banter the entire day before? What happened now?

Dokja opened his mouth to ask the most basic question. “Why are yo—”

“I love you Kim Dokja!” Joonghyuk shouted.

***

“I'll fucking kick you out of your own house if you don't go and knock at his door right now.” Lee Seolhwa yelled at Joonghyuk after knowing everything about what happened between him and Dokja. She was shocked, yes, but she really couldn't believe that Joonghyuk would be this cowardly. For a boy who lives right next to him, he's acting like they're not fated to be together, or some bullshit.

“You don't have to sail across seven seas and thirteen rivers to get a glimpse of the man you love. So, stop being a wimpy little little kid, go out, and knock at the door of the house you see before you. And then declare your love.” She was dragging him out as she was saying this. 

“Quick. Don't just stand here. Go!” 

“I–” Joonghyuk wanted to say something. What if he doesn't feel the same? 

“I'm a hundred percent sure that he's waiting for you.” Lee Seolhwa answers, as if she read his mind. “And even if he says no, if you don't give up, he'll surely see your love one day. Now, go, go.” With that, she closes the door on his face 

***

They turned to each other for a moment and then looked away. Yep, I definitely heard it wrong. There was no way Joonghyuk had said something like this. Plus, Joonghyuk didn't appear as someone who'd shout out something this embarrassing. But when Dokja saw the other's red tip of ear, he wanted to make sure he heard right. 

“Can you say what you just said again?” 

Joonghyuk looked at him with disbelief. He was really embarrassed and barely managed to say it the first time. But what could he do in the face of love? This time, he lowered his voice, and tried to appear calm even though he could hear his deafening heartbeat in his ears. However, surprisingly, this time he didn't know how to say it. The first time was because he only wanted to get this off his chest. But the second time when Dokja asked him to say it, he wanted to carefully convey his feelings to him. But he had no idea about how to do that. He swallowed. Dokja was patiently looking at him. He took a breath, but it didn't help him focus. In the end, he decided to say it the only way he could. He says in a gentle voice,

“I said I love you, you fool.”

Dokja heard it loud and clear. Joonghyuk confessed his love for me. That meant, all these days, just like Dokja, he had also been thinking about him. Had lost his night’s sleep because of him. Had wondered what to do with his feelings. But unlike Dokja, had been brave enough to let the person he loved know of them. What he himself felt was no mystery to Dokja at this point. Do I really need to say it? He felt quite confident for some reason. He was insecure all this time, but now that he knows Joonghyuk feels the same, he would go back to being his usual smug self that loves to annoy the hell out of Joonghyuk. He already thought of what he'd do. He smirked and turned to Joonghyuk and said,

“Come here.” Joonghyuk got up and stood before Dokja.

“Kneel.” To think that he actually complied and kneeled before Dokja. Damn, he might eat dirt if I order him now. Then Dokja leaned lower, and closer to Joonghyuk's face and muttered, “Good.”, before closing the gap between their lips. It was his turn to initiate the kiss. But it didn't mean Joonghyuk was falling behind. He grabbed Dokja's face with his large hands and deepened the kiss. There was certainty and harmony in the movements of their tongues, unlike last time, where Dokja could barely process anything. Dokja grabbed the other's collars and pulled him even closer that their teeth clashed. But they didn't care. Well, only until they heard the loud banging at the door, and somehow managed distance themselves by pushing one another. Joonghyuk somehow managed to open the door, revealing Dokja's mother with a tray in her hands.

She placed it on the table, and before leaving the room, said, “Joonghyuk, I'd like it if you stay for dinner.” Joonghyuk obviously nodded.

Both of them let out a heavy sigh and after closing the door back, Joonghyuk accompanied Dokja in the bed. Dokja gives him his plate of pastry and glass of hot chocolate. Dokja looks at Joonghyuk eating and thinks, Man, I really love this guy too much. After staring for a bit, he asked,

“I can't believe you shouted that you love me. Who told you to do that?” 

Joonghyuk appeared a little embarrassed, so didn't look at Dokja while answering, “No one did.” He takes another spoonful of the pastry. “I just…wanted you to hear me clearly.” 

Dokja still owed him something. But he doubted Joonghyuk still hasn't gotten any idea of his feelings from whatever just happened. But what if he actually has no idea and still is wondering if I'd reject him? While it may sound unbelievable, it was very much possible with Yoo Joonghyuk. Even though they've technically only known each other for six days, Dokja can pretty much manage to figure out what goes on in that stupid head of his. Dokja took a sip of his hot chocolate and thought of what to say. To be frank, he had a lot, really a lot, that he wanted to say. He never thinks before he speaks, and usually says whatever comes to mind. But this time, he was in front of the boy he loved. He didn't want to be thought of as weird, because he was sure that if he spoke his thoughts out, Joonghyuk would probably think he is mentally ill for being so obsessed with him. He takes a deep breath, turns to Joonghyuk and smiles.

Chapter Text

He didn't even try, but looking at the person before him, his smile got wider. He said, “You didn't need to. I'd have heard you even if you mumbled it to yourself. Afterall…I love you too…” Truth was, he did hear Joonghyuk clearly the first time he said that he loved him. But he was so anxious and insecure that he couldn't believe Joonghyuk would ever love him. From the time they got close, he had always paid attention to Joonghyuk's words, as they were words coming from a person who had trouble expressing himself. And he is at a position where he can hear Joonghyuk even without him saying anything. As long as you open your heart, you don't need years to understand each other. And they both, although unaware, opened up their hearts to one another. 

Joonghyuk's breath stilled and his movements paused. But when Dokja placed his hand over his, he felt like he could breathe again, could move again. Almost as if Kim Dokja gives life to him. For a while they sat in silence, as Dokja reached for his plate that he hadn't yet touched. He didn't pay it much mind before, but the pastry appeared very familiar to him for some reason. I remember seeing it somewhere. That's when it finally clicked in his head that it was the same pastry he saw on the recipe book that Joonghyuk said he'd make for him someday. How did I ever mistake this guy for someone cold-hearted? The ‘someday’ Dokja never thought would exist has arrived, and that also, in the best way possible. He really couldn't ask for more. He wanted to kiss Joonghyuk, but considering the disaster that was about to happen earlier, he went over and hugged him. 

Nuzzling his face in Joonghyuk's neck, he muttered,

“Thank you so much.” 

Eventually, Joonghyuk returned his hug. 

Kim Dokja, at some point, forgot about the dessert he coveted so much and began bickering with Joonghyuk about all that has happened, after only taking two bites. Suddenly, he remembered something suspicious.

“Hey. Now that I think about it, I didn't lock the door back then.” He suspiciously eyes Joonghyuk, who looked a little nervous. “Did you do it?”

“...No.” 

“You know you're bad at lying, right?”

Joonghyuk sighed and gave up. He also looked quite embarrassed. The reason behind his embarrassment finally got to Dokja, who dramatically put a hand over his open mouth. That made Joonghyuk even more embarrassed. Dokja slapped his arm lightly as he put away his hand and began laughing. 

“You-you’re a…” He just couldn't stop laughing. “You're a pervert, hahaha.” 

“Shut up.” Joonghyuk glared at him.

“Why would I? You predicted that we were going to do something even before you confessed and got accepted. And so, you locked the door in case my mom walks in on us doing ‘something’.” Dokja somehow controlled his laughter. “Really, Joonghyuk, you're unbelievable. By the way. So, you were going to kiss me even if I didn't?”

After what felt like eternity, Joonghyuk finally nodded. 

“I did you a favour by doing it for you, then. I'll make sure not to do that next time. You still owe me that kiss.” Dokja winked. Yoo Joonghyuk, the man you'd least expect to get this reaction from, blushed. Dokja was about to say something about it when they heard a call.

“Boys, dinner is ready!” 

On hearing it, Dokja downed his hot chocolate that wasn't even warm anymore, and left his pastry half-eaten as he ran out with Joonghyuk. He knew better than to be late when he hears his mom's call. The dinning table was decorated with dishes that he doesn't remember his mother cooking for him. Joonghyuk was really lucky that he got to eat his mother's cooking. All the dishes she made were new. If Dokja ever complained about eating the same food for days, she'd say, “I dare you to cook something yourself and stay healthy after eating it.” Dokja scowled at Joonghyuk. She joined them on the table and served the food. Both Dokja's mother and Joonghyuk were excellent cooks. He wondered who was better. He'd say it's his mom, but he remembered the taste of Joonghyuk's cooking that was like heaven. He thinks for sometime before beginning to eat. 

What would I do knowing who's better? I'm loved by two people who have top-notch cooking skills, the best I can do is eat everything. 

“Joonghyuk. Did you make the pastry you brought yourself?” His mother asked him. 

“Ah. Yes. Dokja asked me to make it for him.” He answers, earning Dokja's glares.

“Wow. That was really good. Make it for me someday as well.” She laughed.

Dokja angrily chews before he said, “Mom you never say that when I bake.”

She calmly asks, “When was the last time you baked? You were in middle school. I remember it very clearly that you were throwing up after eating whatever you made. On that note, I ate all of it and kept telling you it was good and you could do better. Such an ungrateful child.” 

Why did she have to reveal that in front of Joonghyuk? He saw Joonghyuk smiling while looking down. Dokja kicked his leg.

“Don't laugh.” 

That stopped Joonghyuk. 

Later, when they were done eating, Joonghyuk reluctantly kept looking Dokja's way. As if there was something he wanted to say but couldn't. Dokja was helping his mother wash the dishes, and Joonghyuk paced around the room. He was waiting for Dokja to be done with his chores, so that he could tell him whatever was worrying him. But after washing the dishes, Dokja began cleaning the table. There was one thing about watching Kim Dokja doing household chores, it's that you can never imagine that he's the type of person to do it. And to be honest, he doesn't, Joonghyuk knew that much after the time they spent together. And he was probably doing all this because his mother was back home. After cleaning the table, Dokja went over to the refrigerator, to check if all the left overs were put inside.

Once he was done, he ran to Joonghyuk with a smile. Finally. Fidgeting with his fingers, Joonghyuk asks,

“Can I stay over?”

Dokja was obviously overjoyed and wouldn't have wasted a second on answering ‘yes’. But there was one thing he needed to be sure about.

“What about your sister? Isn't she going to be alone?” He knew this because he recently saw her coming back here. No, I'm not a stalker. 

“Seolhwa is with her–” He couldn't even explain anything, when Dokja became all serious and asked,

“Who's Seolhwa?”

“...My childhood friend. She came to Seoul a few days ago.” 

Dokja's eyes narrowed. Joonghyuk swallowed.

“So, you're letting a girl you call ‘friend’ live in your place when you have a boyfriend?” Dokja inquired.

Joonghyuk gave his hand a squeeze after checking whether Dokja's mother was anywhere near. “She knows that I'd come to your place, which is why she asked to stay and look after Mia.” Then he, looking quite shy–yes, quite an unusual expression on Joonghyuk's face–says, “And, does it really matter who's living in my house when I'll be staying with only you tonight?” 

Dokja's breath hitched. His cheeks flushed. He quickly tries to laugh it off, and hurriedly says, “Alright, alright, you better introduce me to her next time.”, before turning around to walk away. Joonghyuk grabbed his wrist and pulled him back, making Dokja's back hit his chest. Soon, Dokja felt Joonghyuk's arms wrapping around him, and his chin resting on his shoulder. Was he always this romantic or did he take lessons? And why is it working on me?! He yells at Joonghyuk, but not too loudly.

“What do you think you're doing? My mom is also in this house. Be mindful of that.”

“You didn't answer me. Will you let me stay with you or not?” Joonghyuk quietly says.

“Hmph. Do whatever you want. I'm going.” With that, he somehow frees himself, runs to his room and closes the door. The pace his heart was going at, was definitely not normal. Until now, he thought only he could pull something like this on Joonghyuk. He never expected the latter to do that. He calmed himself and went out. Joonghyuk was now sitting on the couch. Dokja might want Joonghyuk to stay over, but if his mother denies, he won't be able to. And he was going to convince her now. When he opened the door to her room, she was putting on her night cream. Dokja always stole it from her. She glanced at him and says,

“Oh, Dokja. Did Joonghyuk leave already?” 

He gulped. For some reason, his throat felt dry. Damn, it's not like she knows about our relationship. What am I even worried about? “Umm...actually, I wanted to ask if he could…sleep here.”

She looks at him with her eyebrows furrowed. “Fine. But one thing. Do you no longer talk to your other friends? They don't come as often as they used to and you're hanging more with Joonghyuk.”

Well, she was right, technically. Dokja isn't keeping in touch with the group as much as he used to. But it doesn't mean he forgot about them or hates them. He had his reasons and he knows they will understand. And he was also going to text in the group chat tonight, since he finally feels like talking. But he can't really explain all that to his mother, because it would eventually lead to him telling her about his relationship with Joonghyuk and why exactly he is hanging more with him. He says,

“No, it's not like that. We hung out a lot when the holidays started. But doing that, they all forgot to do the assignments when school starts just the day after tomorrow. That's why they don't come as much.” While what he said was not the actual truth, it was, nevertheless, a truth. He knew the group too well. But if anyone could prove him wrong, it'd be Yoo Sang-ah. She finishes her homework the earliest. Having taken his mother's permission, he goes out to find Joonghyuk still patiently sitting on the couch. His expression appeared puzzled. Dokja wondered what he was thinking of with that face. One thing he is having trouble believing is that not only are they boyfriends now, they are also going to sleep together. Unlike that time, when they were just two stupid dudes. 

“Hey.” Dokja calls. “You can come in. What are you sitting there for?”

Joonghyuk's face was lit up in a second. He quickly got up and followed Dokja to his room. As Dokja let him use the bathroom first, he had nothing to do but open their group chat that he didn't look at for a long time. He scrolled through the unread messages after reading a few of them. Somehow, a lot of them were about Dokja. They were probably wondering if I died. The last messages were left by Han Sooyoung.

_kneelbeforethequeen_

[did taht loser really doe]

[*die]

[we'll just have to break into his house]

Dokja smiled.

handsome_squid51

[so you're worried about me]

Seconds later came the reply.

_kneelbeforethequeen_

[nah we were gonna break into your house to kill you in case didn't already die]

Sangahhh♡

[omg dokja you're back!]

[what happened to you?]

THE_HEEWONJUNG

[i bet he argued with his boyfriend and locked himself up in his room out of sorrow and guilt]

[anyways dokja explain]

handsome_squid51

[well you can say that we had a little dispute]

[but joonghyuk realized he can't live without me so he came begging right at my door lol]

handsome_squid51

[I am Joonghyuk. Dokja is speaking nonsense so I'm confiscating his phone.]

Kim Dokja stared up at the man–no, the greek god disguised as a man–before his eyes. Joonghyuk came out of the shower, wearing nothing but a towel around his waist as water droplets rolled down one by one from his body. It was quite an erotic sight, if you ask Kim Dokja, so much that he didn't even fight back for the phone Joonghyuk snatched away from him. I just don't get why he's so built up when I never see him workout. He asks questions to distract himself from the view. It was to no avail. He swallowed hard. Shaking his head, he pushed Joonghyuk away from his sight. I can't embarrass myself more than I already have. 

“Where are your clothes? And give me back my phone.” Dokja fakes a cold tone.

“Yours don't fit me. And no, I will not give you back your phone for the night.” Joonghyuk answers.

Dokja sighs. “Ugh. Whatever.” He looks at the other person and frowns. “What are you giving me that look for, huh? As if you had any clothes in your place that fit me perfectly instead of making me look like a five year old in a fifty year old’s tshirt!” Joonghyuk opened his mouth to say something but Dokja suddenly yelled, “Sleep naked, you bastard!”

Then they both realized what Dokja said and their eyes widened. Damn. I'm always down on my luck when I'm with this guy. I can't believe I said that. It would have been fine if Dokja had said something like this in the early days. But now it just didn't sound the same as it would have back then. At the end, Joonghyuk wore his own pants that he was previously wearing and well, to Dokja's both delight and dread, he wore nothing on the top. Dokja's t-shirts didn't fit, and his own had become sweaty. And this time, they had no excuses to sleep separately. Neither did they want to. 

<>

Kim Dokja walked out of his house to find Joonghyuk waiting outside just like he'd expected. They were going to going to go to school after a almost a month. This was the most memorable summer break they've ever had for obvious reasons. Dokja's mother left yesterday. He saw that Joonghyuk was not listening to songs like he usually does while walking to school. I guess my voice is sweeter than the songs now. He cringed almost immediately after thinking that. Then he remembered about the migraine he got from Han Sooyoung chewing his head last night by asking about the homework and stuff. He just doesn't understand how she does it one day before the due date. I mean, I also do the same, but this time I didn't, so I think I get to say this. Pushing his thoughts aside, he smiled and went near Joonghyuk.

“Mornin'.” He heard Joonghyuk say.

Dokja slyly grinned. “Hey, Hey. What's with that grumpy look?” They began to walk. “Shouldn't you try to smile more when you're with me?” 

Joonghyuk momentarily glanced at him before focusing back on the road ahead. “You already get enough of my smiles. Now, do you want the others to get it as well?”

I never thought I'd hear Yoo Joonghyuk say this. But then again, I never thought I'd date him either. “No. You're right. Keep them only for me.”

Just at the corner, there was a bakery. The warm scent coming from there filled the air. But when Dokja's eyes fell on one of the pastries put out for selling, he couldn't help but remember what happened the night Joonghyuk stayed over. Heat crept up his neck and he quickly shook his head to get rid of those thoughts. Joonghyuk didn't say anything but he did look like he smirked a little after looking at Dokja. They reached school after some more walking and chatting. The group was already there when they entered the class. Heewon had dark under-eyes and looked like she was minutes away from collapsing. Hyeonseong was trying to cheer her up, while looking no better. Sooyoung totally went mad was muttering things to herself. Sang-ah, was talking to some other girl because her friends were currently at their lowest.

Joonghyuk took his seat, and Dokja took his own, close to his friends. 

“What's with them?” He asked Sang-ah once she was done talking with the other girl. 

“The after effects of doing the assignments one day before the due date.” She shrugged. This time, Heewon and Hyeonseong did it like Sooyoung and ended up like this.

“Are they gonna keep being like this?”

“Not really. Just wait for the classes to be over and see how they regain their energy.”

<>

Joonghyuk texted Dokja halfway through class to meet him at the old library during the break. So, once the soul-crushing classes were over, he secretly, without catching the group's attention, made his way to the library. Joonghyuk went before him because he didn't have to tell anyone where he was going. The old library was a separate building, a bit far from the school. As Dokja stood in front of it, he saw that the ‘old library’ wasn't just old in name but also in appearance. The exterior surface of the building was very damaged and green patches were everywhere. More than half of it was covered with vines. In all these years of being in this school, he's never been here. The reason is very obvious. He's scared. Plus, there had always been rumours that there are ancient evil spirits trapped inside this building. 

Is Joonghyuk really here? Should I go in? Am I really doing this? 

He doesn't have the guts. However, he will go in. As much as he hated being the character that dies before everyone in a horror movie for having no survival instincts, he can't go back after coming this far. And ghosts don't even exist. With shaky steps, he goes inside. The darkness, the spiderwebs, the smell of rotten plants and insects already made him wonder why the entry to this building wasn't restricted yet. Dokja really began to get scared. He started to doubt whether Joonghyuk was here or it was just a trap and he was about to get kidnapped. The fact that he read scenes exactly like this in novels where the main character gets kidnapped or killed wasn't helping. Joonghyuk was nowhere in sight, and Dokja's heart was hammering in his chest. I think I'll really die today. Couldn't even say goodbye to those little shits.

“...Joong…hyuk…?” He somehow lets out this much from his mouth.

Just then, he felt two hands wrap around his waist, and a hot breath in the crook of his neck. He flinched. But as time passed by in that position, he calmed down. He didn't need to look back to know who it was anymore. A while later, Joonghyuk finally let go of Dokja and they stood facing each other. Although it was quite dark, there were small holes in the walls that let light come inside. One of those ray of lights fell on Joonghyuk's face, and Dokja could see him clearly. Kim Dokja finally asked,

“Why here of all places?”

“I can't have you this close in those places.” Joonghyuk answered, staring at Dokja's eyes.

This guy…

“I was really scared coming here, you know?”

“You were?” With that, he leaned close to Dokja's face, his eyes fixated on the other's lips.

“Well, fuck the spirits! I'm telling you there's nothing in this building!” Han Sooyoung's voice could be heard not so far away. Dokja couldn't even afford to be surprised or shocked. Not a day of peace with these assholes. He and Joonghyuk quickly separated and pretended to be searching for books. Well, there were some racks which had a few books, but they were all useless. If they were useful, they won't be in this library but the new one inside their school. But nevertheless, they had to pretend. Seconds later, the whole group came into view. When they spotted each other, everything became silent. Sang-ah cleared her throat, followed Heewon and Jihye, who for some reason, was also with them. Hyeonseong spoke first,

“Ah. Dokja, what are you doing here?”

“Stop asking the wrong questions. Ask him when he came here.” Heewon says.

“Let's leave. We shouldn't interrupt a couple like this.” Sang-ah tries to make them leave but of course, no one listened. Dokja and Joonghyuk only stood like statues as they all made their comments. 

“Couple, my ass. In the broad daylight, they run away from the class to come to this creepy ass building to do who knows what.” Han Sooyoung blabbered on.

“It's not what you think.” Dokja tries to make a point but fails miserably.

“Yeah yeah whatever. You guys were putting on a show for the spirits, right?” Heewon says and Sooyoung laughed. They sent Jihye out at some point for the sake of decency.

“I called Dokja here.” Suddenly, Joonghyuk says.

“For what?” Sooyoung asks.

“He's my boyfriend. I can call him for whatever.” 

Then Dokja doesn't remember when the argument escalated so much that the group began (fake) crying and Joonghyuk hiding Dokja behind his back and arguing with them. The group was claiming that this evil guy, AKA Yoo Joonghyuk, had taken their dear friend from them and is not giving him back and Joonghyuk, although very clueless about their tactics, was claiming that as his boyfriend, he had the right to take Dokja away from them. In the middle of this, Kim Dokja thought, my life is never going to be boring with these people.

End

Chapter Text

The group would be graduating from high school very soon. Their exams were over, no more assignments and projects, and above all, they won't have to wake up early for school. At least for the time being, that is. Well, that's what they thought until they got a message from school just a few days ago and now everyone is going crazy. The Annual School Festive. The thing they almost forgot about despite it being the most anticipated day among every student. As graduates, that festival is their day. Although they are the actual performers for that day, other students would participate as well. However, their performance would be considered a farewell for the graduates. Everyone in Dokja's class was already preparing, making teams and deciding what they'd perform. Even the juniors were in an uproar every moment as they rehearsed their songs and choreographies. Everyone was active, that is, with the sole exception of Kim Dokja and his equally loser friends.

The festive was in just four days and they got the message five days ago. This time was enough for everyone to be already done with everything. But here they are, high on caffeine and running on the lowest of energy, sitting on the floor in a circle. Apparently, they had been trying to come up with something, but a variety of opinions led to disputes and at the end they end up with nothing. They are currently at Sooyoung's place, as she asked them all to come over. 

“Man, I'm really out of ideas. I give up. Fuck you, morons.” Sooyoung sighs. In these days, she had come up with numerous ideas for their play—which they decided on doing after an argument that lasted five hours at the very least—but no idea satisfied each one of them at once.

“I'm resigning. All these sleepless nights for exams, I thought I'd finally get some rest, but no! We're back to square one again!” Heewon yelled at the skies above.

Dokja and Joonghyuk were visibly distressed. Kim Dokja couldn't really understand how they were boyfriends with such contrasting perspectives on every matter. Neither Dokja nor Joonghyuk approved a single idea the other agreed on. 

“I can't understand why we are so against each other.” Sang-ah says. Everyone nodded in unison. 

“Old folks, I have a very glamorous idea.” Suddenly, Jihye spoke up in an overly enthusiastic tone. For some reason, she and Kim Namwoon were with them. Juniors performing with the graduates at the festival was really unheard of. But these guys were hell-bent on joining them. Kim Namwoon was from Jihye’s class, who she forced to join them. Dokja knew Namwoon, and well, who didn't? The infamous bully of the entire school. However, at the moment, he looks moments away from shitting himself just looking at Joonghyuk. Joonghyuk has insane potential as a bully, good thing he doesn't put it to use. Because if he did, Kim Dokja would have been digging a hole for himself the day he asked Joonghyuk to be his fake-boyfriend. Dokja whispered to Joonghyuk,

“Stop looking at him like that. You're scaring him.” 

“Do I look like a monster?” Joonghyuk whispered back.

“No less than on–” Dokja immediately shut up after Joonghyuk pinched his hand that he was just holding lovingly.

“Excuse me, lovebirds. Ahem.” Jihye sheepishly grinned at them. Embarrassed, they put their hands away from each other's.

“What idea did you say you had?” Hyeonseong reminded her of the actual matter. Because they were this close to making fun of Joonghyuk and Dokja again. 

“Oh. Yes. Let me tell you. It's a historical play. I've just decided it's name, it's called, ‘The Last song of the Moon.’. Sounds poetic, I know. The play–”

“Since it's your idea, you're also writing the script, right? I'm not gonna do shit for these dipshits.” Sooyoung hastily spoke.

“Actually, no. I'm just gonna give the idea. You're gonna do everything other than that. Includes casting.” Jihye says.

“The name alone makes me approve.” Heewon raises her hand.

“Same.” Sang-ah raises her hand next.

“I approve as well.” Hyeonseong was next.

Dokja raised his hand as well, because it was true, the name did sound good. Nothing like Sooyoung's “SSSSS-grade regressor”. And they were very much judging the book by it's cover, and could end up disappointed. But at this moment, there was no other way. It's either this or nothing. Just as he was about to express his approval, he heard Joonghyuk.

“Approved.” 

Even he's agreeing to this?! The bar is dangerously low.

“Look at these motherfuckers all surrendering before just one poetic-ass title. But when I presented my masterpieces with pinpoint precision, they all acted like they had sticks up their asses.” Sooyoung looks at them in disbelief. “Even this loser and his man are agreeing. Seriously.”

“Sooyoung, don't be jealous. Her title clearly is better than yours and you know that too.” Heewon states.

“Let's hear Jihye out, first.” Sang-ah tried to control the next wave of argument coming towards them. 

Jihye then began explaining her idea, leaving everyone awestruck. Because no one expected that from her. The story she came up with was really beautiful, also quite tragic, and very rare to be played on school occasions. It was school-friendly, yes, but anyone with eyes can see the obvious romantic undertones. Which is actually the least of their worries, firstly because the romance is quite subtle, even though apparent, and secondly because they were leaving the school anyway. It was the juniors who'd have to worry about stuff like that. To describe the story in simple words, Dokja would say it's a tragic love story between the cursed prince of a perished kingdom and the Oracle, who is fragment of the universe itself in a human body, he fell in love with. And the tragedy was he is not supposed to have that Oracle.

But if he had to describe it in more words, the story revolves around the Moon prince of the moon Kingdom in another world, who initially was from Earth but the curse banished him and forced him out of his world, while he had to watch his whole kingdom perish. And now the curse not only prevents him from going back to Earth, but also prohibits any life from being born in the Moon Kingdom. However, after centuries of living there, the prince had made some allies. Some rather loyal allies who would fight everything for him. For sometime, he was delighted that he found people, but soon the loneliness began to claw it's way up to his heart again. That is when he caught a glimpse of the Oracle on Earth and fell in love at first sight. For months he watched and admired discreetly. Until one day, the Seer, a mysterious prophet, who was one of the prince's allies, disclosed a prophecy.

The prince was asked to bring the Oracle to him through his knights, as he himself could not go to Earth. The Oracle would be the one to lift the prince's curse when on a special night, they would accompany the prince in his song. The prince was known for his singing, even the heavens admired his voice. But it has been centuries since he had sung. The prince would sing and so would the Oracle, and they'd do so for each other. But the Oracle was never meant to be someone's, they carried the universe itself in their body, with a history older than every life that they forgot. So, when the prince claims the Oracle, he already knew the consequences as the prophecy had stated. A rift would emerge to devour the skies, along with the Oracle, taking them back to the universe. The prince's secret plan was to fight the Rift with his knight, the Sun Warrior and the Star guardian, and keep the Oracle. But unfortunately he couldn't, as the Oracle sacrifices themselves willingly.

Everyone gave a standing ovation for Jihye. Dokja, who actively does nothing in life except for reading stories, stood up and applauded. That plot was genius. But there was one problem. Such a story, to be played in all it's glory, would require a huge budget. Everyone seemed to have the same question. Namwoon overcame his fear just to make a comment.

“She's been planning this for days. But I don't think we have enough cash to play this out.”

“He’s right. Don't get me wrong, your idea is really good. But we don't have the money.” Dokja said. He would have never complimented Jihye, but well, she proved herself worthy with that storyline. When he said that, he saw that Joonghyuk stole a glance from him.

“Now you realise why I didn't come up with ideas like that. It wasn't my lack of capability—” Han Sooyoung began, shrugging her shoulders.

“Blah blah blah. If we're acting, it has to be this play. I don't care.” Heewon says. 

“If we join our savings, well, it's not gonna be enough but might go close.” Sang-ah suggests.

“I have saved quite a bit, I'll give it all if needed.” Hyeonseong smiles.

“I'll handle the cost. Start working on it.” Joonghyuk, as the saviour he was, finally spoke. Perks of having a mad-rich friend. But Dokja was very astonished because Joonghyuk was not only interested in acting in this play, but liked it so much that he was ready to pay for everything by himself. Dokja never thought Joonghyuk would be that type of person. Everyone was just as awestruck as Kim Dokja, their mouths agape. Joonghyuk really was the last person they thought would be willing to do this. Jihye's face, which appeared disappointed just a few moments ago hearing that they don't have enough money, lit up brightly as the annoying sun when you're trying to have a good sleep. After a while of being mute, everyone seemed to have recovered. Han Sooyoung was the first one to break the silence.

“Damn, we really misjudged our ma– sorry, my bad, I meant to say we really misjudged Dokja's man. Are you sure, Gordon Ramsay’s nephew?” 

What the fuck is with that nickname.

But the nickname was the least of their worries, as they collectively began to glaze their Messiah. 

“I knew sunbae would have our backs!”

“Sorry, man. You're better than that loser who shut up as soon as he heard we need money.” Heewon pats Joonghyuk's back.

“Excuse me, that's because I am equally as broke as you guys.” Dokja tried to say, but no one really paid attention.

“Thank you, Joonghyuk.”

“I'm gonna treat you after the festival, for damn sure.”

“Sunbae isn't that scary, I guess.”

How the man they hated only a few days ago became someone this loved is something Dokja will never understand. 

“I'll get on with writing the script, then. Then you guys will audition for the roles you want. And I'll burn the script if everyone wants to be the main character.” With that, Sooyoung locked herself up in her room.

On their way back, everyone went their different ways, so there was only Joonghyuk and Dokja left. They didn't talk, more like Dokja didn't. Yes, that is indeed immature of him but he can't lie that he's not jealous. First of all, he never thought Joonghyuk would be into these types of plays. And then, since he said he'd pay, he's suddenly everyone's favourite. It's not like Dokja is upset with Joonghyuk, or it's not that he's upset at all. He just didn't like being ignored back there. Now, they're walking side by side, Joonghyuk is holding Dokja's hand, and Dokja is trying to kick every pebble he finds on his way. Anything to avoid talking. Joonghyuk did try to make a conversation before, but he's not good at it either. And judging by his tense expression, he probably is trying to come up with something to say.

“Are you upset?” That's what Joonghyuk ended up saying.

“No.” Dokja kicks another pebble. For some reason, they were walking so slow that they were still on the street leading to Sooyoung's place.

“Did I do something?” Joonghyuk asked again.

Dokja knew that if he didn't explain things, Joonghyuk would keep stressing himself out trying to figure things out. So he says,

“It's nothing, really. I…didn't know you would be into plays. That's all.” That was not the whole explanation of what he was feeling, but he was certain Joonghyuk would get it.

After a while, Dokja heard the other speak. “You said that you liked her idea. So, I said that I'd pay for it. I don't earn, of course, but I don't spend much of what my parents send me every month either.”

What? He said he'd pay because I liked it? For a good amount of time, Dokja dwelled in his confusion. But it was more like he was confusing himself on purpose just to misunderstand the meaning behind Joonghyuk's words. He was quite flustered as at the end he had to accept what he heard. Now, he forgot why he was even feeling down in the first place. Dokja never thought that someone like Joonghyuk would be so good at lifting people's mood. Though honestly, he thinks it's just him Joonghyuk shows all these exceptions to. Not that I'm complaining. Dokja took his hand from Joonghyuk's and began walking with his back towards the road and his face towards Joonghyuk. He grins as he says,

“Really? I didn't know you were like that. But you yourself approved of the play, how can I believe that you did it for me?”

Joonghyuk tries to suppress his smile. “That's because you approved of it. If you don't believe me, then I can go and take back my offer right now, it wouldn't bother me at all.”

“Then I guess I'll just have to believe you. Anyways, which role do you wanna play? Now don't say that you don't want to play at all.” 

“Depends. What do you want to play?” Joonghyuk asks.

“Ugh. Why does your every decision have to be connected with mine? You wanna play the role I want?” Dokja keeps walking backwards, not caring whether a car comes and hits him right now.

“No, I want to play the character that ends up with you.”

Dokja blushed. “Th-that…” He also tripped. And would have fallen too, if his boyfriend in a shining armour didn't hold him by the waist. Now Joonghyuk, while he might not look like it, has the least of decency between them. So, if Dokja doesn't come back to his senses and straighten up, Joonghyuk might as well snatch a kiss from him. Well, that would have been possible if Dokja came to his senses. Joonghyuk didn't make any move, either, but his eyes were on Dokja's lips. Any passerby would wonder why two guys are standing this close to each other and one of them is holding the other's waist in the middle of the road. So, Dokja quickly checked if there were any around them. Then he cupped Joonghyuk's cheeks and pecked his lips just as quickly and freed himself from the other's hold. I guess I can't tease him anymore about lacking decency. But it's not his fault if Joonghyuk looked like he was asking for it.

“That's all?” Joonghyuk asked, still in a daze.

“That's more than what you deserve. I'm going.” Dokja begins walking, correctly this time.

“Hey, we're going the same way!”  

<>

“Now that everyone got their characters, state the name of the characters along with their personalities so that I can see whether you got it or not.” Han Sooyoung says, pointing the script at all of them standing opposite to them. Sooyoung began writing the script yesterday and finished the night. She usually takes more time, but including today, they barely had four days left. So, they had to audition, get their own characters, and begin rehearsing all by today if they wanted to give a splendid performance. They began auditioning very early in the morning at Sooyoung's place. Dokja had barely managed to drag himself out of his bed, but fortunately Joonghyuk knew he wouldn't be able to make it. Which is why, Joonghyuk previously asked for Dokja's spare key, so that he could come and wake him up when needed. 

Now, Dokja really didn't expect that he'd get this role. He auditioned for the Star guardian but they decided he wasn't good at it. So, now he ends up with the role of the main character. “The Moon prince. He's gentle, melancholic, kind and poetic by nature.” He says. 

“The Star guardian. He's stoic, regal and graceful.” Unfortunately, Joonghyuk didn't get the character that ends up with Dokja. He's the Star guardian now. Dokja could tell he was very disappointed.

“The Oracle, Arin. She's soft-spoken, serene and radiant.” The character that ends up with Dokja, however, was the Oracle, and that was Sang-ah.

“The Sun Warrior, Sora. She's fierce, righteous and loyal.” Heewon got the role she had wanted from the beginning.

“The prince's Knight, Ren. He's calm, grounded and earnest.” Even if Hyeonseong was shy, everyone agreed that no one else would be more perfect for this role than him.

“The Alchemist. She's, well, chaotic and unreliable.” Jihye initially wanted to be the narrator, but Sooyoung still gave her the role of the Alchemist who doesn't do much before the final battle, except for reading from a huge scroll as a way of narrating.

“The Rift. And what personality do you want me to say? You guys are presenting me as a literal disaster! It won't even speak!” Namwoon shouts. It wasn't their fault that he got this role. Out of every character he auditioned for, the Rift was the only thing he excelled at. So, everyone naturally ignored him.

“I'm the Celestial Seer. She's petty, sharp-tongued and loyal to the prince in her own way. Damnit! Why the fuck did I end up with such a character?!” Han Sooyoung, apparently, was the only one other than Namwoon who was visibly stressed out with her character. Then she continued, “We don't have much time, and for such a play, rehearsing is not the only thing we have left to do. Let me distribute your tasks very unfairly. Sang-ah and Heewon will handle the matter with costumes. Dokja and Hyeonseong will sort out whatever appliances and accessories we need and ask the school authorities to provide us with those. And we all know that the school won't be able to provide half of them, so the stuff we didn't get will be brought by Joonghyuk. Namwoon will assist Joonghyuk. Jihye and I will prepare her long-ass narrating scroll. We have to start rehearsing by the night, so try to get most of the tasks done by the day.”

Sooyoung and Joonghyuk glanced at each other.

Chapter Text

Dokja was very anxious. Today was the festive, the day they'd act on their play. Everyone was backstage at the moment, revising their lines. The teachers, although didn't have much of the supplies needed as they had previously expected, were very enthusiastic and ready to help with other things. According to them, no one before them had ever done something like this. How would they? This thing cost us lot. Joonghyuk did agree to pay for everything and he didn't refuse, but the whole budget was so much that everyone contributed some of their savings even without being asked. Even so, they were all very grateful to Joonghyuk who payed a lot more than the others. Right now, the juniors were performing. There was time before their turn, because the teachers said they want to show the best at the end.

After Joonghyuk, Sang-ah and Heewon were the ones who did the most. They bought the costumes fitting to their budget, and then customised those by themselves to match the theme. That was really impressive considering how well the dresses turned out. Dokja liked the prince's attire very much. The outer robe was lavender-coloured, and the inner ones white, and of course with embroideries. Sang-ah’s was very simple compared to the others' lavish robes, an orange and white frock. Joonghyuk’s dress’s colour-combo was pastel blue and white, and Dokja avoided looking at him at all because he can't take his eyes away if he does. He would've looked better as the prince. Jihye's attire was deep blue and white. Namwoon was just black robes with some scary makeup that won't even be visible because he's going to be covered from head to toe. Hyeonseong's fake Lamellar armor cost the most.

Heewon had fiery designs on white robes. Han Sooyoung wore purple and black robes and appeared more villainous than Namwoon. 

“If any of you motherfuckers mess up your lines after we spent a fortune on this, I'm going to make sure none of you find peace for the next five years.” Sooyoung smiled at them.

Why is she always threatening us? 

“Worry about yourself.” Heewon says.

“And your highness,” Sooyoung turns to Dokja, “I know you're a loser, but here, you are the main character. So, I hope you can have at least five girls simping over you by the end of this play.”

“That's a given. I'll also have one guy simping over me by the end.” Dokja momentarily glanced the surprised Joonghyuk who also turned to him.

“Ugh. I'm sick of you two.” Jihye walks in with her scroll. Good for her, she's the only one who'd get to see the lines while speaking them as the narrator. Actually, the scroll wasn't that necessary if she was just a narrator, but since she's an Alchemist, she needs a scroll to give off that vibe. 

“Alright, I think I'm done revising. The more I look at the lines, the more I seem to get them messed up in my head. Let's do our best, Dokja.” Sang-ah closed the diary in her hand and kept it aside.

“About that, well, if any of you forget your lines just remember the plot and say something fitting. And if any of you forget the plot or feel like you're forgetting it, well, just go along. The others will have your back.” Sooyoung spoke up again.

“Actually, that sounded very suspicious for some reason.” Hyeonseong says.

Dokja follows up with, “You're right. Why would any of us even forget the plot unless it is changed?”

“No shit, Sherlock. Anyways, good luck all of you. Focus on your script like Joonghyuk, guys.”

Han Sooyoung was mentioning Joonghyuk a lot these days. Is there something going on? 

<>

“We will crush it, guys!” Jihye whispers. They were finally on the stage. The curtains were still drawn, and would be lifted only after Jihye says the opening line. Dokja was lying on his throne. Well, as an honoured prince, he should be sitting on it. But Dokja's character was somewhat a hopeless romantic when the story begins, as he observed the Oracle on Earth everyday and stayed smitten in her love. He wrote poetries everyday about her and barely payed attention to his princely duties and spent his time lying inside his bed chambers and the throne itself. Han Sooyoung was not at the stage yet, few of the characters were not here either. Hyeonseong stood at Dokja's left, Heewon at a distance, and Joonghyuk on Dokja's right. Everyone had professional expressions, so Dokja focused on his own as well.

The lights dimmed, the graphics that the school provided themselves were set. There was a small Earth on the table beside Dokja, through which, apparently, he observed Sang-ah. They put a lot of work into choosing the background. Even the stage decorations, the path leading to Dokja was lined with silver, frosted plants. And the other areas had silvery vines stars hanging. Jihye opened her scroll and began speaking with a dramatic voice.

“In the age before memory, when the sky held breath and the stars held court, there rose a kingdom upon the moon, a realm once shimmering with life, now fallen into silence. When calamity struck and the Moon Kingdom perished, its prince, last heir and last breath was bound by a terrible curse. Cast from the mortal realm, exiled to a barren sphere of cold stone and hanging stars, he was forbidden to set foot upon the Earth until the heavens themselves were moved by song.”

She took a break from speaking and seemed to have taken a breath before continuing.

“But fate is never merciful. For the only soul who could undo this curse walked the Earth as a mortal, unaware of her celestial birth, the Oracle of Eternal Dawn.”

She steps aside from the spotlight and returns to the backstage. The curtains finally parted. Dokja inhaled. He moved his gaze to the small Earth and gazed at it with a melancholic face. No matter how unaffected he tried to appear, he could hear his own loud heartbeat in his ears. I wonder if Joonghyuk is nervous, too. It's time for him to speak his first lines. I just hope my voice doesn't come out cracked. 

“Night after night, I watch her radiance. A mortal girl, yet her spirit echoes beyond mortal bounds. Though barred from her world, my heart has wandered there endlessly.” Now that he had said the first lines as the prince, the confidence began coming back to him. He found something really funny. If this play was real, and there actually was such a prince who did nothing except yearning for someone who doesn't know about his existence, Dokja, as one of the court members would've preferred slapping some sense into him. This is his palace, his court, and everyone swore their loyalty to him. But at the cost of what? They were stuck with babysitting that prince for the rest of their lives. Joonghyuk as an actual star guardian would've insulted the prince so much that he'd never think of being lazy again. Unfortunately, Joonghyuk would not be himself.

It was time for Sooyoung to make her entrance. As expected, she walked in carrying elegance as her purple and black robes swayed behind her. The wind effect was specially created for Sooyoung's dramatic character by huge ass fans. And what's more was that she was absolutely perfect as the Seer. Seeing her, Dokja finally sat up straight. According to the play, the arrival of the Seer always means some bad news. But this time, it was going to be good as the Moon prince would finally be given the chance to claim the person he loves and admires from afar. She carried a scroll with her as well, but she didn't even look at it as she began speaking. She definitely forgot and is trying to make it seem like her character is too overpowered to have to speak while looking at scrolls. 

“My prince, the heavens tremble. A prophecy long sealed awakens.” She says. Dokja never thought there would be a day where Sooyoung calls him ‘my prince’.

“My kingdom has waited centuries. Speak what the stars dare whisper.” Dokja says, his expression turning serious.

Sooyoung starts saying the prophecy. “The curse that binds you to this pale exile shall break only when your voice joins the Oracle’s, the human you have been sleeplessly longing from the past months, in the Song of Returning.” Her voice dropped a little when she added, “But the universe demands balance. When the curse is undone, the Rift shall awaken, a tear in the firmament, a devourer of sky. It will hunger for all creation, only to return the Oracle to it's rightful place.”

That was the prophecy and it's consequence. But the prince doesn't care about the consequences as long as he has his love with him. So, he asks, “...And the Oracle?”

“She lives upon the Earth. Though she knows not her celestial heritage, visions of you haunt her dreams. Allow us to bring her to the moon. Let destiny guide us in the right path.” Han Sooyoung replied.

“My prince, forgive my intrusion, but to bind your fate to a fragment of the universe, which will only lead us all to the path of doom…I cannot support such a precarious plan.” Joonghyuk finally speaks his lines as the Star guardian. His role was being the prince's advisor, pretty and arrogant. And the Prince had always listened to him, but this time, the Prince would choose his love over everything, even though he knew the Seer's true intentions. Before Dokja's reply, there was one line from Sooyoung.

“Oh, wonderful! The Guardian now knows more about prophecies than the Prophet herself! Have you any idea how our Prince had suffered against fate?”

“Guardian… your counsel?” Dokja asks.

“Our curse is heavy, yes. But the Rift’s awakening is heavier still. If breaking our chains means rousing that monstrosity, I beg you reconsider.” Joonghyuk is supposed to be against this decision, but since he serves the Prince, he had to accept his demands as well later in the story. Dokja was actually enjoying this play. They had finally become accustomed to the stage.

“If the heavens grant a path leading me to my destiny, I must walk it, whatever the cost. The Oracle shall be brought to the moon.” Dokja says.

“As you wish, your highness.” Sooyoung says and the curtains drop. Dokja finally let out a deep breath once the spotlights were turned off. Act I was played without any mistakes. In Act II, Sang-ah would finally make her appearance. Suddenly, Dokja saw a water bottle held before his face. It was Joonghyuk.

“Drink it.”

“Thanks. Did you drink water as well?” Dokja asks.

“I did.” He seemed hesitant before adding, “You did good, by the way.”

Dokja was about to reply when they heard it was time to get into their respective positions for the next act. This time, the throne was taken away, the background was changed to a mythical garden and the plants were rearranged. Dokja was standing with Heewon who just gave him a thumbs up. Hyeonseong would enter with Sang-ah. Later, Sooyoung would also appear just to say one line. This would be the first face-to-face meeting between the Prince and the Oracle he loves so much. And the Oracle also falls for the prince's beauty at the first sight, and when she lastly learns of his sorrow, she becomes even more eager to help him. Though, her falling in love with the prince is something that would not be explicitly acted out. The audience is supposed to figure that out from the glances exchanged. Alright, I'm ready.

The curtains parted. Hyeonseong slowly entered, gently guiding Sang-ah to him. Sang-ah speaks her first lines. 

“This path… I have walked it in sleep. Yet I never believed dreams could touch the waking world.”

The knight, Hyeonseong replies, “Fear not. The prince has awaited you longer than the moon has known silence.”

Once she was close to Dokja, Hyeonseong stepped aside and stood with Heewon. Dokja had to look at her like he was awestruck by her beauty. And he was doing his best. Sang-ah was conveying her feelings through her looks so well that Dokja was worried whether he could catch up to her. He says,

“So the visions spoke truth. You have come, my Arin.”

Sang-ah fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve. “My prince, I know not why the moon called me, but if my voice may ease your sorrow, I will lend it willingly.”

Heewon steps forward and bends a knee. Hyeonseong follows her. She says, “The Oracle shall be guarded with my life. Anyone who threatens her shall meet the wrath of the sun.”

Dokja was done with his lines for this Act, so the only thing he has to do now is look like he's madly in love with the Oracle. Sooyoung then entered the stage,

“Tonight, the Song of Returning shall echo for the first time in centuries.” 

The spotlights on every one of them were turned off and only one remained where Lee Jihye came and stood with her scroll. She held the scroll open and glanced at it before starting to speak. She'd roll the scroll back halfway through her narration. 

“Yet unbeknownst to all but the heavens, the Seer held a darker truth. Once the curse was lifted, the Rift would awaken and only the Oracle’s sacrifice could lull the devourer back into slumber. However she said nothing. For she trusted the Oracle’s heart to choose love over life.”

Act II came to an end with that. Their acts were pretty short but they had to fit everything inside the fifteen minutes time limit. Jihye excitedly ran to them once the curtains dropped.

“I'm doing good, right?” She asks, breathing heavily.

“Yep, very good.” Sang-ah grinned at her.

“Right. You're doing very well.” Heewon says.

“Guys, I think the next act is starting. Let's get to the positions.” Hyeonseong comes to them with Joonghyuk who'd be present in Act III. Dokja muttered a quick, “All the best, guys.” and began to look around to see if the required objects were brought here. This scene would be in the prince's bed chambers, with the Guardian, Knight and Sun Warrior. They would be discussing a plan. A royal bed was brought to the stage, which was prepared by the School as well. The plants were quickly removed and the background was changed to a candlelit interior. Actual candles were also brought for realistic effects. They might be always badmouthing their school, but this time they really helped a lot. On the other hand, Dokja felt envious of the others as they all got to go backstage, but he couldn't as he was the main character. Dokja sat on the bed, and the other three people all stood surrounding him.

The curtains were separated.

“My prince, if the Seer’s prophecy heralds destruction, must we proceed?” Hyeonseong spoke his first lines.

There was another annoying thing about the Moon prince. Dokja really felt bad for the other people who'd have to agree to such a childish plan just because the Moon prince is lovesick and stubborn.

“If I do nothing, the curse will consume what remains of the moon. If I succeed, the Rift will consume the Oracle. And we will stop both from happening.” Dokja replied.

Everyone stayed silent for a while before Heewon spoke. “Then we break the heavens themselves before we allow such a fate.”

“This ceremony should not proceed. The curse is not worth the death of a single innocent. Another way must exist.” Joonghyuk stepped forward and knelt before Dokja. His eyes trembled as he gazed up at the prince. As Dokja, the sight before him was rather…interesting. But as the prince, he must stay unaffected. He says,

“There is not. Even if the curse breaks, I will not surrender her to death. The four of us shall stand against the Rift and carve a path through fate.” Dokja returns the Guardian's gaze.

“Then, my prince, I have no choice but to stand with you, even if the heavens brand me traitor.” Joonghyuk says his final line before lights were turned off and Jihye entered the stage with her own spotlight.

“What the prince did not know…was that the Seer had already foreseen his rebellion. And she chose not to stop him.” The slight pause in her speech was because she was confused. And it was not just her, everyone was confused. This was not in the script. Just like the Seer had ulterior motives of having the Oracle sacrifice herself willingly, the prince, although unaware of the fact that the Rift would stop if she was sacrificed, had made a plan with the others to prevent it. So, it didn't make much of a difference anyway, except that if he had known that she'd give herself willingly, he might've tried to stop her from doing that. That was the only fault in his perfectly carried out plan of fighting the Rift to save her. Which is why, the story ends in tragedy as the Seer's plan succeeds even though she didn't know about the Prince's secret rebellion, making the point that fate can't be fought.

But her narration stated that the Seer knew of this rebellion. This would make no sense unless the later parts of the story were also changed. Jihye came running to them once the act was over.

“You heard that, didn't you?! What the hell is happening? Who changed the script last minute?” She frantically threw questions after questions.

“Did you not revise the script before you came here?” Dokja asked. 

“No…I mean, I had things pretty much memorized."

“Who last held your script?” Heewon asked. 

“Umm…I think…it was Sooyoung unnie, I guess.” 

“I'm going backsta–” Hyeonseong just began when Sang-ah entered.

“What are you people still doing here? The play’s starting!” 

What the fuck? Now even the play is starting before time?

Joonghyuk was quiet. He didn't say a word when they talked about the script. Sooyoung came in as well.

“The script–” Dokja was cut-off mid-sentence.

“Now's not the time. Just play along, we're outta time. Remember what I told you.” Sooyoung says. This is too much to be just a coincidence. Dokja hated to admit, but Sooyoung and Joonghyuk were the ones he was suspecting the most. But for now, the only option they had was to go along. The landscape behind them was changed back to the previous garden and other things were arranged. Soft, melancholic music began to play. Everyone stood surrounding the prince and the Oracle. They will sing the Song of Returning, which Dokja almost died practicing. He was not a singer, but it was just one verse that their school's music teacher helped him master. Unlike him, Sang-ah got it in her first try. The spotlights were on Dokja and Sang-ah who stood facing each other. The next act began. Taking a deep breath, Dokja began singing his verse. Yes, I'm doing quite well if my voice is not cracking. 

He finished singing and just as Sang-ah lifted her chin to look at him and continue her verse, someone came forward. The spotlight fell on that person, and it was none other than the Star guardian, Yoo Joonghyuk. Sang-ah and Dokja's eyes widened in horror and confusion as Joonghyuk began to sing.

“If heaven swore to bar our hands,

I’d tear the law of ancient lands.

For what are stars to hearts that bleed?

What worth is fate to love’s own creed?

So let the winds of judgment roar,

I choose the prince, forevermore.”

Those were not the same as Sang-ah’s lines. But she was supposed to sing, not Joonghyuk!

Sang-ah's look said, “What the hell is happening?”

Both of them were equally unaware of what was going on, as it seemed. So, Dokja's suspicion about the play being changed was right from the beginning. Whoever changed the script without telling them, was a genius. Because Sang-ah's and Dokja's bewildered expressions can be taken for the Oracle's and the Prince's actual expressions as well judging by how things were going. Dokja had to say something. After coming this far, they can't ruin the play. The fucker who did this will suffer, but not now. He, as the main character, had to pull the play back to its place.

“Guardian… these words were never yours.” Dokja says, looking dazed.

“Then let the heavens rend themselves to silence me. For my heart has long sung for you alone.” Joonghyuk answers. 

A loud gasp emerged from the audience. What the fuck is happening?! How is Joonghyuk the love-interest now? Dokja was too shocked to be able to say anything. At that moment, Sooyoung stepped forward, the spotlight soon following her.

“Behold! The stars have altered the tapestry of fate! The Oracle’s blessing has shifted, guided by the unseen devotion of the Star Guardian!” She declared.

What now? But Dokja knew he had to speak. The main suspect behind this was Sooyoung, and if she is saying things like this, the play was going in a direction that was simply not the one everyone knew of.

“…Shifted blessings?” He asks.

“Yes. A soul whose yearning burns brighter than prophecy has been chosen to stand in her place.” She responds.

Apparently, Joonghyuk had become the substitute Oracle. And that meant if Dokja unites with him, the curse would be lifted and the Rift wouldn't awaken either, as he didn't carry a part of the universe in him and wouldn't disrupt any balance. But that would mean Namwoon has no role in this play whatsoever. Sooyoung wouldn't do something like that. Dokja barely had time to think before Joonghyuk grabbed his hand and brought him forward, standing very intimately close for a school play. He holds out his hand before Dokja, who was hardly processing things. To portray that the curse had broken at last because of their union, the frosty landscape changed to a greener one and silvery vines and plants turned green by who knows what technology they used.

“My prince…run away with me. Let the stars judge us as they will.” Joonghyuk says. For some reason, that short-circuited Dokja's brain even more as his cheeks burned. I think the sudden improvising of the play was not so bad afterall. 

As he placed his hand on Joonghyuk's, the latter held it tight and ran away from the stage. Everyone tried their best to look like everything was a part of their script as if they weren't equally as shocked as the audience and teachers who helped them with this play. Suddenly, Sooyoung came forward. She took slow steps towards Sang-ah. When their eyes met, Sooyoung gave a rather creepy smile and began to speak. 

“Arin, in every vision I sought your ruin. Yet in every vision you shone. The moon was not the only one who watched you.”

Sang-ah and Arin, both just as taken aback, says,

“But I'm afraid—”

Sooyoung doesn't let her finish. “Had the fates denied me your light, Arin, I would have surrendered you to the heavens without hesitation, for if my hands were forbidden from holding you, then no soul beneath sky or star deserved that grace. But now… the threads turn anew.” She takes Sang-ah's hand in hers. “Now the Rift that the Prince would have lulled out of slumber by claiming you, stirs awake because of me, as I, the Seer, the Prophet, have claimed you. And the path you walk leads back to my waiting hand. So hear me clearly; I would embrace ruin itself before I release you again. Elope with me, to a far-wandering star where even the gods avert their gaze. There, beyond the prophecy's shadow, you shall live, and I with you.”

Sang-ah was just as flabbergasted as everyone on the stage. She was flustered and also screaming in her mind, Who the fuck planned this?! Soon, Sooyoung, just like Joonghyuk did, runs away from the stage with Sang-ah. Everyone remaining at the stage knew how much chaos the backstage room would be in. By then, it became pretty clear what the intention of the improvised script was. The actual reason behind the Seer knowing about the prince's rebellion and still not doing anything to stop him was because she knew it'd be beneficial in the end. Because the Rift might not have awakened because of the Moon prince, but it did because of the Seer. So, the people who promised they'd fight the Rift would be left with the option of fighting it anyway, because the culprit had escaped with the Oracle and the Prince himself with his guardian.

Jihye steps out of the darkness with her scroll, about to read lines that were not what she rehearsed for all these days. “And thus, the heavens bent once more. For love, even jealous, secret love, carries power enough to reshape destiny.”

As she stepped aside, the scenario changed and everything became dark. Dramatic effects were shown in the background as the Rift finally approached like a large, looming shadow. Namwoon definitely used a voice changing mic because everyone knew his voice couldn't be that monstrously deep. He says, 

“I rise…drawn by celestial transgressions.”

That's when Heewon and Hyeonseong finally got their spotlights. Since everyone had escaped, they'd be the one ending the play. Heewon made up her own line as she stepped forward with her blade ready to strike Namwoon down.

“Great. I needed something to strike.”

“With me, Sora.” Hyeonseong approached her from behind and stood at her side. He had a tough expression but everyone could tell just how loud his heart was beating. 

“Let us destroy the doom itself, Ren.” Heewon says as they both ran towards Namwoon, or the Rift at once. Since everyone was already doing whatever they wanted, Jihye didn't see any fault in joining them either. She quickly approached Heewon and Hyeonseong fighting the Rift, and tossed the vials at Namwoon that had a different purpose in the original script. She couldn't let them go to waste, afterall. She yelled,

“Behold my elixir of radiant annihilation!”

The lights were then turned off. They laughed as they walked to the backstage room together. Namwoon was shouting on his way,

“Why must I always be the one to suffer indignities, you bastards! I was much more powerful in the original script!”

Jihye still had to deliver the ending narration, so she didn't join them backstage for much longer. She was supposed to be angry because they changed the story she came up with, but surprisingly, she was very happy. This way, everyone got to enjoy the play in their own way, and nothing ended in tragedy. Although it did end in scandals. She smiles at the audience. They looked really entertained.

“And so concludes this tale of shifting stars, where prophecy bent beneath jealous hearts, where duty failed but devotion triumphed, and where the Moon Prince found freedom in the arms of one who sang for him even when the script forbade it.” She bows. She didn't care what she was saying and just read the script. The curtains fell as a loud round of applause sounded out.

In the backstage, however, Joonghyuk and Sooyoung were going through hell.

“Joonghyuk I can't believe you joined hands with her!” Dokja says in disbelief. He still couldn't come to terms with the fact that everything that happened was Joonghyuk and Sooyoung's plan. Apparently, Joonghyuk said he wanted the guardian to end up with Dokja, and Sooyoung didn't want Sang-ah to end up with Dokja. And thus they did something this outrageous. I can't believe they're this petty. But a part of Dokja was impressed to see that Joonghyuk went to these lengths to be the love interest of the Prince. He was even kneeling before Dokja in front of their friends now.

“I'm sorry. She made me do it.” He says, as if innocent.

“You motherfu–” Sooyoung glared at him from where she was kneeling before Sang-ah. 

“Shut up, Sooyoung. You're not any better.” Sang-ah says.

Looking at these four, Hyeonseong and Heewon looked at each other and smiled.

“They're so in love.”