Chapter Text
THUD.
Kim Dokja winced when his back hit the wall, spikes of pain shot up to his spine as he crossed his arms to protect his face. “Hah. You’re so pathetic, Kim Dokja.” Loud guffaws rained down to his ears as he remained silent, trembling pathetically.
“Hey. Are you deaf, murderer?” Kim Dokja flinched, teeth clenched tight, eyes closed in fear as a hand grasped his collar roughly. “Look up, you little shit!” A whimper slipped out from his mouth as he tumbled to the floor when a fist smacked to his cheek.
Kim Dokja gasped out painfully, kneeling on the floor as he held his stomach when it was followed by a swift kick. “My gosh. Look at him cowering like a fucking dog.” The boy before him sneered as giggles from amused girls accompanied his leering.
“Minwoo-ya, you’re so mean!” A girl thumped the boy’s arm playfully, laughing coquettishly behind her hand. Kim Dokja bit his lower lip, tears threatened to slip from his eyes. “Stand up, murderer.” Song Minwoo shoved Kim Dokja’s shoulder with his foot, a big frame looming above him.
How can he even stand up? It’s like all of his strength went out as he scrambled to escape only to be pinned down by Song Minwoo’s goons. Song Minwoo glared down at him as Kim Dokja avoided his gaze, long black bangs covering his eyes as he resolutely stared off the rooftop, longing to escape from this hell.
“You fucker. How dare you don’t look at me when I’m talk—“ “So noisy.”
A bored, deep voice rang out and they instantaneously looked up, noticing a boy sitting cross-legged atop of the container, headphone dangling from his nape and gaming console on one of his hands.
“Who the fuck—“ “Shut up.” The boy cut in coldly, hopping off the container smoothly despite the distance, landing on his feet without any articles of his clothes being dirtied. The newly arrived boy is handsome with black eyes like an abyss, angular nose and somewhat sharp features if he grows up since it was still covered with unshed baby fats.
Yet, one couldn’t deny that he is indeed good-looking with a muscled yet lean body. The boy tipped his head to the side, sharp ridges of his jawline jutting out threateningly as he gazed soullessly to the group of boys and girls.
“Do this somewhere else if you want to be so loud. You’re interrupting my rest.” The boy uttered in annoyance. The name scrawled on his uniform carried deep weight within the group. “It’s Yoo Joonghyuk.” One of them whispered and Song Minwoo stiffened once he noticed the famous gamer after looking at him closely.
Yoo Joonghyuk is a weird person. He likes gaming and sits in the corner with his headphones on so everyone thought he is an easy prey despite his good looks that gathered girls to flock around him although he didn’t pay any heed to them. But an incident shook the entire school when a group of 10 boys went to pick on him only to be sent to the hospital by Yoo Joonghyuk’s ruthless fists.
Since then, no one approached him and it suited Yoo Joonghyuk just fine except that his fanclubs grew immensely after the incident.
“Scram.” A merciless voice echoed out and the group immediately turned their tails, leaving Kim Dokja on the floor who laid on his back, body sore and bruises scattering along his face. “Tsk.” Yoo Joonghyuk clicked his tongue, cold black eyes staring down to Kim Dokja’s purplish cheek.
“Get up.” Kim Dokja jolted, fear crept in his being as he slowly got up, whimpering softly. Yoo Joonghyuk stilled momentarily and something unreadable flashed on his face when Kim Dokja’s teary brown eyes met his black orbs.
“T—thank you.” Kim Dokja mumbled, averting his gaze when he felt Yoo Joonghyuk’s stare grew more intense. He tried to stand up but his knees gave out before he could straighten his legs. Soft yelps escaped from his mouth as he braced himself for the impending impact of faceplanting to the floor.
Kim Dokja didn’t feel any pain when strong arms caught his swaying figure. A frown formed on Yoo Joonghyuk’s brows as Kim Dokja steadied himself by placing his small hands on Yoo Joonghyuk’s wide chest.
“I—I’m so sorry. M—m—my legs…” Kim Dokja stammered, scared for repercussions of not only bothering the gamer boy but also touching him. Yoo Joonghyuk tsked again yet he didn’t retract his arms away, supporting Kim Dokja who flushed in embarrassment when he felt searing touches on his slim waist in spite of the thin barriers of their uniform.
“How long are you going to cling to me?” Yoo Joonghyuk snapped, startling Kim Dokja to his rational mind. He tried to exert strength to his legs only for the nerves of his right ankle to flare agonizingly “I don’t think I can walk… my ankle hurts…” Kim Dokja mumbled, tips of his ears reddened in shame as he pursed his busted lips together. Yoo Joonghyuk sighed, a brief and soft sound that could pass as mere breath but it still echoed to Kim Dokja’s ear since they were standing quite close.
“How bothersome.” Yoo Joonghyuk muttered, causing Kim Dokja to feel slightly hurt. He didn’t have to say it directly to his face, couldn’t he? “I’m sorry for bothering you. I will be taking my leave…” Kim Dokja mumbled, hesitant hands slowly took off from the firm and wide chest of the handsome gamer.
What Kim Dokja didn’t expect was to be swept off his feet. Literally.
Kim Dokja shrieked as his nose bumped against the protruding collarbone, hands seamlessly grasping the broad shoulders as leverage when a pair of muscled arms hooked underneath his knees, hauling him up effortlessly like he weighs nothing. “W—w—what are you doing?” Kim Dokja flailed, face pinked with mortification as the gamer walked nonchalantly, heading up to the container where he appeared just now.
“Stay still unless you want to fall.” Yoo Joonghyuk warned and Kim Dokja immediately ceased his movements altogether as the other boy climbed up the stairs. Much to Kim Dokja’s surprise, there was an old and ratty long couch on top of the container. Chips and sodas strewn on the floor, gaming consoles laid atop of the couch and a bag slung over an oval wooden table haphazardly.
Yoo Joonghyuk dumped the injured boy on the couch carelessly yet gentle enough not to jostle his aching body. “Stay.” Yoo Joonghyuk ordered like Kim Dokja is a dog, sitting beside him as he rummaged through his bag, pulling out a first aid kit. Sensing Kim Dokja’s questioning stare, he lifted his eyebrow pointedly.
“What? Never seen an aid kit?” Yoo Joonghyuk asked sarcastically, swift hands that handle gaming consoles expertly taking out several band aids and antiseptic. Kim Dokja fidgeted and shook his head hesitantly. “Just… wondering why you have one in the first place.” He said quietly, thin fingers twisting together.
Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t say anything for a while as he handed the antiseptic to Kim Dokja who took it gratefully, able to apply the medicine on his face by himself. “People irks me sometimes so I beat the fuck out of them. The kit is for me when I go too far.” Yoo Joonghyuk answered casually, noting Kim Dokja’s sudden faltering motion.
Kim Dokja shifted uncomfortably, shakily pasting a band aid at the slowly purpling bruise on his cheek. His thoughts were running amok in his mind. The way Yoo Joonghyuk said about him going too far was like he did it easily. And regularly too.
It scared Kim Dokja since his life always revolved around ‘going too far’ .
“Hm.” Kim Dokja jolted when long, deft fingers caught his chin, tilting his head carefully. “You miss here.” A calloused thumb traced his torn lip, making Kim Dokja winced when Yoo Joonghyuk accidentally pressed it too hard.
“Up.” Yoo Joonghyuk took an antiseptic, cleaning the small but agonizing wound with focused eyes. Kim Dokja’s wavering brown eyes couldn’t help but look at the other boy’s attractive features, thick lashes, angular nose when suddenly void-like eyes caught him in the act. Flustered, Kim Dokja tried to turn his head away, disturbing Yoo Joonghyuk’s treatment.
“Hey.” Yoo Joonghyuk scowled, tightening his hold on Kim Dokja’s chin slightly. “Ouch!” Kim Dokja’s hands shot up, clutching Yoo Joonghyuk’s wrists so that he could pull them away. “It hurts.” A low whine slipped past his mouth when Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t relent his grip. Kim Dokja gazed at Yoo Joonghyuk tearfully while the other’s stare was forlorn and indecipherable.
“Let go please.” Kim Dokja struggled, twisting and squirming for those firm hands to let go of him. “Tsk.” Yoo Joonghyuk’s irritation was apparent on his face that Kim Dokja froze up instantly, closing his eyes in expectation of slaps or punches assaulting his already injured body.
A hand suddenly reached out to his corner lip and something was placed there.
“The hell are you looking terrified for?” Kim Dokja received a judgmental look from Yoo Joonghyuk who gathered all the medicine and band aids into the kit, throwing it into his bag before putting on the headphone that was dangling on his nape when he opened his eyes. A hand retrieved a stray gaming console as he leant his back on the old couch.
Kim Dokja brushed his finger on the band aid in mild confusion.
“Name.” Yoo Joonghyuk said, switching on the gaming console with the ease of a gamer. “…… Kim Dokja.” The timid boy mumbled, head lowered with brown eyes latching on his lap. “A Reader, huh?” Yoo Joonghyuk hummed thoughtfully, crossing his legs as the sounds of the game started on his headphones.
“Yoo Joonghyuk.” The boy offered nothing but his name and his attention was on the gaming console once again. Not knowing what to do when silence grew between the two, Kim Dokja took out his phone, curling at the corner of the couch since he couldn’t really walk down the stairs with his sprained ankle and Yoo Joonghyuk seemed like he didn’t mind having a company as he skimmed through a web novel he recently took a liking to.
Ah, the protagonist’s name is Yoo Joonghyuk too.
Since then, the two of them hangout with each other. Both of them created a weird pair. A timid reader and cool gamer. Oftentimes Kim Dokja shied away from Yoo Joonghyuk since he deemed the attention was too much for him but Yoo Joonghyuk merely stared at him with his trademark soulless gaze that made Kim Dokja yield to the younger boy’s silent demands.
“You suck at this.” Kim Dokja frowned silently as he awkwardly played with the gaming console Yoo Joonghyuk let him borrow. The other boy had his usual headphone dangling on his nape like always, peering above Kim Dokja’s narrow shoulder to witness the absolute disaster he encountered when he tried gaming.
“I am not good with games, Joonghyuk-ah.” Kim Dokja sighed as he watched the avatar he chose died once again with bright, bold GAME OVER flashing on the screen. Yoo Joonghyuk snorted before a pair of muscled arms slid out, caging his slim waist while taking a hold of the console. Kim Dokja stiffened when Yoo Joonghyuk’s wide chest engulfed his small back.
No one knows this except Kim Dokja but Yoo Joonghyuk is a very touchy person. No matter where they are, there will be always lingering touches, fingers brushing and hair ruffling. There was one time when Kim Dokja woke up after an accidental nap, sunset dimming the light in Yoo Joonghyuk’s bedroom and he found himself shivering when cold fingers traced his nape absentmindedly.
Kim Dokja remembered calling out to Yoo Joonghyuk in confusion who was standing at the edge of the bed, fingers leaving scorching trails with unreadable black eyes. Kim Dokja’s flesh was covered with goosebumps at the boy’s darkened gaze and he quickly got up, adjusting his collar with an awkward chuckle. Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t say anything and acting like an aloof protagonist he is, walked Kim Dokja home as always.
“Hey, focus.” Yoo Joonghyuk berated and Kim Dokja blinked when the latter tapped his nose impatiently. Yoo Joonghyuk rested his chin on Kim Dokja’s shoulder, deft fingers expertly controlling the game. It never fails to amaze Kim Dokja how good Yoo Joonghyuk is in gaming. Although his grades could be better if he didn’t laze around and gaming all the time.
The round ended with a flawless victory for Yoo Joonghyuk and Kim Dokja congratulating the smug boy. “So, where’s my reward?” Yoo Joonghyuk tipped his head to the side, lips tugging into a smirk as Kim Dokja rolled his eyes. He should have known that Yoo Joonghyuk never did something if he didn’t get a reward out of it.
“What do you want? I don’t have any money right now so anything but that.” Kim Dokja indulged the boy whose face slackened to nothing. “...... anything?” Yoo Joonghyuk echoed out as Kim Dokja nodded, not knowing that he just dug his own grave.
Yoo Joonghyuk grew quiet as Kim Dokja placed the console on the oval wooden table, taking out his phone from his bag as well, not deterred by Yoo Joonghyuk’s grasp on his waist. “Hey, are you done think—“ CLACK.
Kim Dokja’s phone clattered to the floor as a pair of bow-shaped lips pressed to his soft ones. Kim Dokja’s mind automatically shut down that when he felt teeth biting lightly on his lower lip, he unknowingly gasped, granting Yoo Joonghyuk an access to his mouth.
Yoo Joonghyuk moved his mouth languidly, taking his sweet time to explore Kim Dokja’s mouth, not rushing at all. He easily maneuvered Kim Dokja to his lap, black eyes drinking the sight of a flustered Kim Dokja as he tugged on his nape, clashing their lips again.
By the end of it, Kim Dokja was a panting mess, summer vest discarded, only leaving him with a white buttoned up shirt and pants, body flinching at every touch that was left by Yoo Joonghyuk. Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t remove his mouth from Kim Dokja’s neck, lapping and laving the flesh like he was worshipping every inch of Kim Dokja’s skin.
Kim Dokja buried his face to Yoo Joonghyuk’s broad shoulder, too embarrassed to face him especially with all the sounds he released throughout the time. “What? Feeling shy now?” Yoo Joonghyuk bit Kim Dokja’s pretty collarbone and Kim Dokja could feel a smirk forming on Yoo Joonghyuk’s lips. A soft whimper fell out from his mouth when Yoo Joonghyuk tugged on the shell of his ear with his canine tooth, causing delicious friction that made Kim Dokja’s pants tighten.
Kim Dokja never knew that his ears are that sensitive.
“S—st—stop, Yoo Joonghyuk.” Kim Dokja who finally regained some of his sanity, slapped his hand onto Yoo Joonghyuk’s wandering lips, sensitive nerves still overwhelmed his virgin body because of the foreign sensation.
Yoo Joonghyuk glanced at him, black eyes that seemed to be impossible to grow darker, darkened, casting hungry and predatory glints to him. Kim Dokja flushed when he felt Yoo Joonghyuk nibbling on his fingers, a hand wrapped around his fragile wrist and teeth dug on the underside of his palm suggestively.
Kim Dokja’s hand instinctively curled, trying to escape from the weird feeling. Yoo Joonghyuk chuckled when Kim Dokja turned his head away, having an odd instinct of being bullied by the gamer. The reader’s flustered expression didn’t escape from Yoo Joonghyuk’s keen sight and finally had a fill of his entertainment, the gamer let go of him.
Kim Dokja scrambled to stand, uniform askew as he quickly wore his summer vest to cover the tent forming in his pants. He refused to look at Yoo Joonghyuk as he gathered his stuff and promptly bolted from their hangout spot. Yoo Joonghyuk merely watched the boy running away, dropping his head to the back of the couch as he spread his arms, gazing at the blue sky. An amused smirk curled on his slightly swollen lips.
“Heh. So cute.”
It became an occurrence. A peck here and there. Intimate touches. Blemish and bites. Kim Dokja’s body was littered with bruises every time he took off his shirt. Except this time, it was made by a loving mouth instead of the hurting punches and painful kicks.
“Not today.” Kim Dokja glowered at the gamer who frowned, mouth being stopped by Kim Dokja’s hands. “Why not?” His protest was muffled as Kim Dokja threw off the arms wrapping around his waist, pulling out a set of homework that should be done. “My classmates are asking about the marks.” Kim Dokja uttered, rubbing the fading marks with a blush.
Silence.
“You talked to your classmates?” Perhaps his years of dealing with unease seemed to prick his alarm because Kim Dokja avoided Yoo Joonghyuk’s indecipherable stare by instinct. “Yeah, ever since the bullying stops because of you, a few of them approach for a little chat sometimes.” Kim Dokja answered casually yet he didn’t meet Yoo Joonghyuk’s eyes.
As much as he likes looking at Yoo Joonghyuk, sometimes he doesn't dare to look at those black eyes for far too long. They unsettled him.
“I see…”
Kim Dokja shifted his brown eyes to Yoo Joonghyuk who had an impassive face before taking out his homework as well. The atmosphere turned odd and it stifled Kim Dokja to the core the entire day even if Yoo Joonghyuk was the same as he was.
The next day had taken a weird turn. “Hey, here—“ The boy before him flinched, mumbling quick but unintelligible words before scurrying off. “What…?” Kim Dokja blinked in mild puzzlement, an eraser laid awkwardly on his palm. It’s not just once. Every time he tried to talk to his classmates, all of them turned away. But this time not because of disgust or even contempt.
The pure unadulterated fear in their eyes was clear. And Kim Dokja didn’t understand. There were even pitying looks mixed into one and he tried to approach them only for them to shake their heads from afar, telling him to stay away. One boy was an exception for this. His brown eyes were flamed with disapproval and he kept on glancing at Kim Dokja.
It’s Han Yoojin. One of the boys who always engaged in a conversation with him even when the bullying was on-going. Sometimes he chased off the bullies too. He kept on trying to approach Kim Dokja only to be held back every time by his younger brother - Han Yoohyun.
“You seem to be distracted.” A pair of lips planted on his nape as hands roamed on his chest. “Not really…” Kim Dokja mumbled, letting the gamer slip his hand underneath his shirt. “You know you can tell me anything.” Yoo Joonghyuk leant back, elbow propped up as he rested his cheek on his palm, staring down at Kim Dokja who twisted on his lap, facing the taller boy.
“Well…” Kim Dokja nibbled on his lower lip, distracting Yoo Joonghyuk for a moment. “Don’t do that. You will hurt yourself.” Yoo Joonghyuk thumbed on his lower lip, parting it slowly with a sensual and hooded stare as he slid his thumb inside of Kim Dokja’s mouth, stroking the tongue leisurely.
Kim Dokja whimpered when another finger joined in, playing with his tongue until they were drenched by his saliva. He gasped, coughing heavily as Yoo Joonghyuk pulled out his fingers, stroking his cheek with his glistening hand. Kim Dokja scrunched his nose in distaste at the boy’s antics. Yoo Joonghyuk snickered, handing a tissue to the older boy who rubbed his cheek to wipe off the dripping saliva before cleaning his hand.
“Stop distracting me like that, Yoo Joonghyuk.” Kim Dokja frowned as he bunched up the tissue and took out a hand sanitizer in the aid kit, squeezing out the content to his hands and sanitizing his hands thoroughly. He poured some for Yoo Joonghyuk too who obediently sanitized his hands as well.
“So, what is bothering you?” Yoo Joonghyuk leant back, tilting his head questioningly as he stared at Kim Dokja who fidgeted his hands. “Well, you see…” Kim Dokja breezed through about what happened quickly as Yoo Joonghyuk lent him his ears.
“Quite mean of them to isolate you like that.” A frown formed on Yoo Joonghyuk’s thick brows as Kim Dokja deflated, hands clasped together as he lowered his head. “I just don’t know. My relationship with my classmates have been getting better after the bullying ended but now…” A grimace painted on his face.
Silence lingered between them before it was broken by Yoo Joonghyuk who sighed softly. “You still have me, don’t you? I won’t leave you like them.” His attractive face was serious and stern that made Kim Dokja feel like his burden had alleviated from his chest.
“I know. And I am grateful for that.” Kim Dokja wrapped his thin arms around Yoo Joonghyuk’s nape, pulling the taller boy into a hug, nose buried to the crook of Yoo Joonghyuk’s neck with a fond smile on his lips. “Good.” Yoo Joonghyuk said affirmatively, arms held out to properly embrace the smaller boy.
If only Kim Dokja leaned back a little, maybe he could see the satisfied and cunning smile that is engraved on Yoo Joonghyuk’s lips right now.
“What?” Kim Dokja held the straps of his bag, anxious brown eyes facing his uncle and aunt who looked at him with pitiful eyes. “Dokja-ya, it’s not that we are throwing you out. It’s for a while, we promise! It’s just… we want to celebrate our daughter’s birthday and we don’t want to…” His aunt’s voice trailed off as she rubbed her arms, refusing to look at him.
To have an outsider in our home . Kim Dokja dully finished his aunt’s sentence. “I-it’s fine!” Kim Dokja curved a wobbly smile, fingers once again fiddling with each other. “S—so for how long do you need? I—I can stay out for a while.” The two adults winced.
“It’s for 3 days.” His uncle said gruffly. Kim Dokja’s smile stiffened. “Can you stay at your friend’s house? Or someone? You must have a friend, right, Dokja-ya?” His aunt asked desperately. “I… I do have one.” Kim Dokja muttered, feet shifting uneasily.
Kim Dokja pursed his lips before flashing a small smile to his relatives. “I will pack up some clothes first. Please let me come in.” Their relief faces greeted him and they allowed him to enter immediately. Kim Dokja silently picked essential stuff and escaped from the house with a bunch of measly money he had.
Night dawned quickly and he was a shivering mess for wearing a thin shirt despite it being long-sleeved. He didn’t know where to go so he just wandered off and walked to a park where he sat on a bench, drawing his knees close to his chest, trembling pitifully.
Kim Dokja lied to his aunt. He didn’t have any friends to crash their house with. Sure, there is Yoo Joonghyuk but he didn’t want to burden the younger boy any further. It’s bad enough that he befriended, had intimate relationships, and taking advantage of the boy’s richness sometimes, he didn’t want to come off as a parasite by latching to the other boy.
“Kim Dokja?” A familiar husky voice echoed out in the silent park. Confusion was clear in the voice. Kim Dokja snapped his head up, eyes widening at the sight of Yoo Joonghyuk who was wearing a black jacket, jogger shorts, black leggings and running shoes. Earphones lodged in his ears that he took off immediately as he came closer to Kim Dokja.
“What are you doing here?” Kim Dokja blurted out unconsciously. Yoo Joonghyuk quirked his brows, dumbfounded by the sudden question. “I should be the one asking you that. I was out for a run. What are you doing here?” Now that they were close, Kim Dokja noticed the sweats dotting Yoo Joonghyuk’s forehead, trailing down to his jaw before dropping to the ground as he breathed erratically.
“O—oh..” Kim Dokja made a space for Yoo Joonghyuk to sit as he perched his chin atop of his folded knees. They let silence grew between them. “I got kicked out for 3 days.” Kim Dokja said flatly although a tinge of despair leaked in his voice.
“…… what?” Was Yoo Joonghyuk’s brilliant response.
Yoo Joonghyuk listened to Kim Dokja’s quiet explanation attentively, brows furrowed together in irritation. “So, you’re homeless now?” Yoo Joonghyuk raised one of his eyebrows as Kim Dokja nodded, reddening in embarrassment.
Sigh. “You fool.” Yoo Joonghyuk stripped off his black jacket, slung it over Kim Dokja’s head, covering the former’s vision who yelped at his sudden move. “You can just come to my place. My place is your home too.” Kim Dokja stopped his movements instantly, grateful that Yoo Joonghyuk’s jacket covered his face right now because he felt like bursting with emotions right now.
“Okay…” If Yoo Joonghyuk heard the soft sniffles, he ignored them as he got up, taking Kim Dokja’s freezing hand into his grasp, pulling him up easily. “Let’s go.” Yoo Joonghyuk said softly as Kim Dokja sniffed, bobbing his head up and down as he wore the large jacket properly, relishing on the residual warmth that was left.
“It stinks.” Kim Dokja muttered after slipping his hands through the sleeves and zipped it, nose buried to the collar, earning a flick on his nose by Yoo Joonghyuk who glared at him. “Just shut up, will you?” Yoo Joonghyuk grumbled which caused Kim Dokja to chuckle slightly. “Wait. My bag.” Kim Dokja turned around, picking up his bag.
DING.
Yoo Joonghyuk coolly took his phone, black eyes scanning the content before returning it to his pocket after finished reading the text and typing in the answer. “Done?” Kim Dokja nodded adorably, drowning in Yoo Joonghyuk’s jacket. “Did you get a message before?” Kim Dokja inquired curiously but didn’t pry when Yoo Joonghyuk only shrugged. “Spam.” Kim Dokja hummed, satisfied by the curt answer.
Another buzz resounded but Yoo Joonghyuk ignored it. The screen flashed in his pocket, displaying another text.
To : Yoo Joonghyuk
From : Kim Dokja’s Relatives
We did as you said. Please don’t forget about the money and… please take care of Dokja-ya.
Oh, Yoo Joonghyuk will take care of Kim Dokja, alright. So good that he won’t leave his side.
“Dokja. Can I talk to you?”
Kim Dokja lifted his head, surprise coloured his face when he saw Han Yoojin standing before him. It had been 2 months since his classmates started to avoid him once again with only the exception of Han Yoojin who kept on trying to talk to him only to fail ultimately for being held back by his younger brother.
“Oh, Yoojin. What is it? We should hurry. The graduation’s about to start.” Despite having his feelings hurt because of the sudden avoidance, Kim Dokja still had an amicable smile on his face. Han Yoojin cautiously looked around him.
“Follow me, please.” Even though he was confused, he still followed after the lithe boy. “Where are we going, Yoojin?” Kim Dokja questioned when they walked to an empty hallway. Han Yoojin bit his lower lips, fists clenched tight on his sides.
“First thing first.” Han Yoojin breathed out shallowly, bending his body forward, bowing to Kim Dokja deeply, shocking the thin boy. “Yoojin, what are you doing? Get up, please.” Kim Dokja panicked, trying to get the boy to stand properly.
“I am so sorry for avoiding you before, Dokja. All of us are.” Han Yoojin started as perplexity painted on Kim Dokja’s face. “What are you talking about…?” Han Yoojin gazed at him with eyes the same shade as his, brown orbs narrowed thoughtfully.
“So, you didn’t know. As I expected.” Han Yoojin ruffled his hair in frustration, muttering, “Damn it, Han Yoohyun!” “This is why we should tell him earlier!” “Not waiting around until freaking graduation!” and so on under his breath.
“Yoojin?” Kim Dokja called out the other boy hesitantly. Han Yoojin bit his lower lip, brown eyes darting quickly as he leant closer to Kim Dokja. “Listen carefully. I will only say it once, okay?” Kim Dokja nodded mutely, curiosity peaked.
“Yoo Joonghyuk is dangerous.”
“What’s with the long face, hm?” Kim Dokja jolted when a pair of strong arms circled around his slim waist, chin perching on his narrow shoulder with lips skimming across the length of his neck. “Nothing.” Kim Dokja flashed a small smile to the taller boy who nipped on the tuft of his hair, twining their fingers intimately.
They were in Yoo Joonghyuk’s house after the graduation, having a celebration for achieving freedom from being a student.
“I thought you will be happier leaving school. Guess there is something that makes you like school after all.” Yoo Joonghyuk teased as Kim Dokja rolled his eyes playfully. “Oh, shut up.” He elbowed Yoo Joonghyuk’s guts that riddled with abs, hurting him in return. “I’m hungry.” Kim Dokja tipped his head to the side, lower lip protruded into a pout as Yoo Joonghyuk sighed fondly.
“Fine. Let me prepare something.” Pecking Kim Dokja’s nose, he released the other boy and walked out of the bedroom. Kim Dokja flopped to Yoo Joonghyuk’s bed, shutting his eyes. As soon as the door closed, Kim Dokja shot up from the bed, brown orbs peeking to the door once a while as he took Yoo Joonghyuk’s phone from the study desk.
Switching on the phone, he swiped the screen only to see the password facing him. “Of course.” Kim Dokja mumbled, biting his thumb, frantic thoughts running through his head. He tried Yoo Joonghyuk’s birthday but it wasn’t opened. He randomly typed important dates that Yoo Joonghyuk shared to him on rare occasions. Yet, it still wasn’t opened. Kim Dokja groaned audibly with only one chance remaining to access Yoo Joonghyuk’s phone. He fiddled with his fingers when his mind was hit by an inspiration. He was hesitant to type in the numbers but did it anyway.
A picture of Kim Dokja stared back at him. “Oh, God. It’s the right password after all?” Kim Dokja shakily breathed. The password is 1502 – Kim Dokja’s birthday. What unnerved him was the wallpaper. It’s the picture of Kim Dokja dozing on Yoo Joonghyuk’s bed, sunset highlighting his peaceful features and blanket hanging off his lower body, face hidden by the fluffy pillow and he was only wearing Yoo Joonghyuk’s black shirt at that time because Kim Dokja noticed his naked leg that slipped off from the blanket.
“Did—did he secretly take this?” Quivering fingers tapped on the screen, heading to the gallery. A muffled gasp slipped past his lips once he noticed all of the pictures in there are all him. “This can’t be…” Kim Dokja gnawed on his lower lip anxiously. Some of them were too private with Kim Dokja changing his clothes, sleeping and more.
“Messages. Messages. Messages.” Kim Dokja muttered, quickly switching to another app. His fingers almost loosened his grasp when a familiar number tauntingly scrawled across the screen. “Aunt's number…?” Although he could feel that he would end up hating what he read, Kim Dokja still read it anyway. After all, he is a reader.
“Hah… hah… hah…” Kim Dokja gulped down erratic breaths, cold sweats pooled between his brows as his nerveless fingers glided across the screen, reading all the exchange with trembling pupils.
God… all of what Han Yoojin told him was the truth. Yoo Joonghyuk is a dangerous person.
“Kim Dokja?” Yoo Joonghyuk’s voice rang out in the bedroom, stiff yet unreadable like always. “Yah, Yoo Joonghyuk…” Kim Dokja started, a wobbly smile curved on his lips painfully. “What’s… the meaning of all of these?” Yoo Joonghyuk stalked him, nonchalant black eyes glancing at his phone that displayed the messages between him and Kim Dokja’s relatives.
“Snooping around, aren’t you?” Yoo Joonghyuk clicked his tongue, plucking the phone from Kim Dokja’s lax grip. Kim Dokja inhaled, lungs rattling with effort as he curled his hands into trembling fists. Yoo Joonghyuk sat beside him, looking far too relaxed like he wasn’t responsible for all those days Kim Dokja’s relatives kicked him out of the house when he was spending his days and nights with the said culprit.
“H—hey.” Kim Dokja’s hand hooked at the edge of Yoo Joonghyuk’s sleeve, teary brown eyes and quivering lips seeking either for denial or assurance met Yoo Joonghyuk’s void black eyes. “T—tell me. It’s not true, right? You—you doing all of these? And—and—and—“ Kim Dokja’s breath hitched when Yoo Joonghyuk leant close to him, curls tickling his pale cheeks as their noses bumped against each other.
“And what, Kim Dokja?” Yoo Joonghyuk murmured softly.
“That I threatened your classmates so that they won’t talk to you? Is that it?” Kim Dokja froze as Yoo Joonghyuk curved his long fingers under Kim Dokja’s chin, stroking his cheekbone with his thumb. “If it is true, what do you want to do?” Was the calm answer Kim Dokja received.
“Why?” It’s all that he could say. What he felt right now was beyond betrayal. His voice cracked and shook because of the overwhelming pain he felt. His heart broke. No, it just shattered. Tears finally trickled down from his eyes as he stared at the person whom he called the protagonist of his life for saving him.
Who would’ve thought that Yoo Joonghyuk is the antagonist all along?
“That is quite an obvious question, isn’t?” Yoo Joonghyuk’s lips tugged into a smile. A smile which Kim Dokja wasn’t familiar with. So soft yet it felt so wrong. “It’s because I love you, Kim Dokja.” Yoo Joonghyuk said sincerely, hand tenderly cupping Kim Dokja’s cheek.
Love? What love is this? It’s suffocating, oppressive and Kim Dokja is drowning within it.
“This is not love.” Kim Dokja swatted Yoo Joonghyuk’s hand, glaring through his wet lashes. “It’s only obsession.” He spat as he got up to leave. Kim Dokja thought he knew Yoo Joonghyuk but maybe he’s the one deluding himself. He only knew a fraction of who Yoo Joonghyuk is.
Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t say anything, watching Kim Dokja leaving with apathetic eyes. Kim Dokja sniffed, rubbing his red nose with his sleeve as he retrieved his stuff. “Where are you going?” Yoo Joonghyuk asked, tilting his head curiously. “Home.” Kim Dokja answered tersely. “And where is it?” Yoo Joonghyuk inquired, chin resting on his palm as he sat cross-legged.
Kim Dokja whirled around, bloodshot brown eyes throwing a sharp glare to the handsome boy who looked at him monotonously. “Where I live obviously!” He retorted, annoyance rolling off him like waves as he twisted the knob, ignoring the bumbling gamer.
“A home that threw you out so easily for a chump of money?”
Kim Dokja stilled, hand settling on the knob as his ears rang with static. His trembling hands were doused with a chilly sensation. A home that threw you out so easily for a chump of money . A home that threw you out so easily for a chump of money . A home that threw you out so easily for a chump of money—
TAP.
“Are you going back there again?” Yoo Joonghyuk held Kim Dokja’s shoulder gently, mouthing his ear with his lips as a pair of muscled arms slid around his slim waist, swaying their bodies along to an unsung melody. Kim Dokja’s wide eyes stared off, gaze dropping to the floor. “Hm, Kim Dokja?” Yoo Joonghyuk called out his name sweetly.
Kim Dokja exhaled shakily, hands tightened into fists as he steadied the erratic beats of his heart. “Anywhere is better than here. Than being with you.” Kim Dokja uttered coldly and Yoo Joonghyuk’s body tensed immediately. Kim Dokja’s hands tried to unclasp Yoo Joonghyuk’s grip on him only for it to be tightened even more.
“Let go!” Kim Dokja yelled, blunt nails scratching the strong arms but instead of the grip loosening, Kim Dokja was at risk of being snapped into two. “Hah…” Yoo Joonghyuk sighed out slowly, chin resting on the crown of Kim Dokja’s head as the smaller boy thrashed around.
“I’ve been too lenient on you, haven't I?”
Kim Dokja’s body began to tremble when Yoo Joonghyuk’s icy voice pierced through his ears. Before he could say anything, Yoo Joonghyuk picked him up swiftly, walking to his bed and dumping Kim Dokja on the bed harshly.
Kim Dokja scrambled backwards to the headboard only to be dragged underneath Yoo Joonghyuk’s massive body who pulled him back by his ankle. “No, no, no, no, no, no!” Kim Dokja cried out as Yoo Joonghyuk pinned his hands down using only a hand as the other one clasped around his neck, lightly pressing his throat with experimentally squeeze.
Kim Dokja squirmed and twisted his body, futilely trying to escape from Yoo Joonghyuk’s wandering hands and cruel yet playful gaze. “Is it so wrong of me to do that all of those?” Yoo Joonghyuk whispered as he caressed Kim Dokja’s throat with his thumb, taking off his hand that was pinning Kim Dokja’s hands away.
Kim Dokja’s hands hastily wrapped around the hand that was on his neck, clawing and raking his nails so that the gamer could release his neck. “Tell me, Kim Dokja. Am I the wrong one here?” Yoo Joonghyuk demanded, black eyes narrowed dangerously.
Kim Dokja gritted his teeth and he was pretty grateful that Yoo Joonghyuk still held him loosely because he won’t be able to reply if the latter choked him for real. “Of course it’s wrong! You have no right to threaten my classmates! Neither did you have the rights to have my relatives kicked me out! So, yes! YOU’RE THE WRONG ONE!” Kim Dokja panted as he finished his rant, body shaking because of adrenaline rushing through his veins.
“I did that for you.” Yoo Joonghyuk said stoically. Kim Dokja laughed in disbelief. The audacity of Yoo Joonghyuk to say that. “You bastard—!“ “Your classmates only talked to you when I ended the bullying. If it’s not for that, you will remain as an outcast in your own class.” The gamer cut in mercilessly. “As for your relatives? They’re the ones who gladly sold out their own nephew in the first place.” Yoo Joonghyuk uttered coldly.
Kim Dokja’s brown eyes quaked greatly. He hates to admit it but Yoo Joonghyuk is right. Goddamit, he’s fucking right.
“So, tell me again, Kim Dokja. Am I the wrong one here?” Yoo Joonghyuk murmured, long fingers wiping away the tears that trailed down from Kim Dokja’s cheeks. Kim Dokja’s breath hitched as he tried to curl himself in, hands clasping around his ears as he began to sob, torn between screaming out his aggravation to his beloved protagonist or crying out his anguish to his hated antagonist.
What a vain life he lives in. His protagonist and antagonist are the same person. The one who brings him his joy is also the one who causes him his despair.
“Whatever you think, Kim Dokja. You know I am the right one. Even if you try to run away, I will chase after you. So, give in and stay with me.” Yoo Joonghyuk released his neck, cradling his nape and leaned in to kiss him gently. What seems like a loving gesture feels like a mockery to Kim Dokja.
Yoo Joonghyuk’s hands are like chains that weighed him down. And there is no key for it.
“You are home quite early, Dokja-ya.” His aunt said in surprise, wiping her hands using the kitchenette towel. His uncle popped up beside her, looking startled as well. “I need money.” Kim Dokja said blankly. Backpack and duffel bags piled up beside him.
“What?” His relatives were taken aback. This is the first time Kim Dokja asked for money from them. Usually he just accepted what was given to him obediently. “Enough money for me to move away from here.” Kim Dokja added icily. His uncle stomped to him, anger flashed in his face as he clutched Kim Dokja’s collar.
“What nonsense—“ “I know Yoo Joonghyuk gave you money.” Kim Dokja interrupted sharply. His relatives inhaled reflexively as Kim Dokja laughed bitterly. “If there is an ounce of kindness inside of you for your own nephew, you will give me the money, right? Along with my mother’s royalties.” Kim Dokja listed, hands that were always jittery, were calmly pushing his uncle away.
“I will leave. I won’t contact you anymore. Nor will I impose you any further. Just… give me the money.” Kim Dokja closed his eyes, shoulders slouched as if the burden of the world weighed him down.
Silence.
“Okay.” His aunt breathed in, walking upstairs and handed him a bank book as her hard eyes looked at him. Her hard eyes reminded Kim Dokja of his mother when she confessed her crimes. Kim Dokja inclined his head before bending down to gather his bags.
“Thank you for everything.”
And he left.
PRANGG.
Yoo Joonghyuk panted heavily, blood smeared across his knuckles as he fisted his hand, veins throbbing and jutting out on his temple ominously as he seethed, red clouding his vision. Raging black eyes furiously stared back at his broken reflection.
Kim Dokja is gone. He is not here. He is not with Yoo Joonghyuk. Kim Dokja had left him. Left Yoo Joonghyuk. He. Fucking. Left. Yoo. Joonghyuk.
“I told you to not let him go.” His reflection whispered, laughing haughtily. “He will hate me even more.” Yoo Joonghyuk whispered back, ignoring the dripping sinful rubies. “But he will be by our side. You know Kim Dokja will forgive us.” The reflection tutted, wagging its finger arrogantly.
“I don’t want to make him hate me.” Yoo Joonghyuk closed his eyes. “That’s why I let him go today…” He clenched his teeth, frustration bubbling up inside him. “Hah… this is why you’re so useless. Your lack of conviction—“ “SHUT UP!” Yoo Joonghyuk roared, smashing his fist on the broken mirror once again, cracking it further.
His reflection smiled tauntingly . “What are you gonna do now? Kim Dokja is gone. Poor, pitiful Joonghyukkie~” A small giggle rang out. “Shut up, shut up, shut up! You’re just in my head!” Yoo Joonghyuk shouted as he backed away, feet stepping on the broken glasses, embedding them deeply into his skin as he covered his ears in denial.
“I am the manifestation of your darkest desire, Yoo Joonghyuk . I am you. ” The voice crooned.
Yoo Joonghyuk’s eyes widened as his hands dropped lifelessly beside him. The reflection smirked to him, beckoning him to come closer. Yoo Joonghyuk walked to the shattered mirror like he was in trance, ignoring his bleeding feet. “You already know what you want. Don't hesitate.” Like the whisper of a devil, the voice bewitched Yoo Joonghyuk.
“You know what to do next, right?” The reflection smiled, tilting its head to the side. Yoo Joonghyuk clutched the sides of the sink, eyebrows furrowed deeply as he watched droplets of blood flowing into the sink coming from his hands. He lifted his head, murmuring a soft “Yes.” as he watched his own reflection mirrored with his.
The same smirk tugged on his lips. A psychotic, predatory glint glistened in his black eyes.
“Chain him.” Their voices chorused into one.