Archive of Our Own

“How about…we start living in one house again?” spoke Han Sooyoung absent-mindedly. Everyone in the car perked their heads up towards her suggestion, faces dazed as if they had forgotten something important. The gears in Han Sooyoung’s head began to sputter into life and turn. She had come to a realization: this was the ending Kim Dokja had given to them. She looked down at the dried tear droplets at her feet silently contemplating.

              She glanced out of the window at Seoul’s distant city lights. After the power of the Star Stream had faded significantly, all the devices that used magical energy fell into disarray. After the dawn of the Apocalypse at least 20 years ago, it wasn’t such an easy job to power the electric grid. Stability was the least of their problems and after the Apocalypse died down along with the stars of the night sky, modern-day Earth’s unique and bright city life vanished with it. Magic was there to supplement the loss and had done so faithfully until this very day. No lights are illuminating the highway to Seoul and a faint red hue was emanating from the Industrial Complex. A few buildings that have been rebuilt had their lights on, but with the growing power crisis, it was only a matter of time before society collapsed. Well, that didn’t matter right now. Right now…they didn’t know what they needed to do. Living in one house? It might do actually.

              Han Sooyoung turned to face Yoo Jonghyuk. “Okay, so, did you find out what your ■■ was?”

              Yoo Jonghyuk glanced back at her with his dark eyes, eyes that reflected the weight of a thousand lifetimes glistening and groaning. Signs of fatigue had appeared on his face, but for some reason, his age had not caught up to him. Well, save for the very disheveled hair and dirty clothes. Although he did not smell, he looked like a beggar that stormed hurricanes and used a blow drier to clean himself. Despite that, he was still hot as fuck dammit, why was the world so unfair? “Not yet,” he began, “However, at this point, I don’t think it no longer matters whether or not I…” his voice trailed off as he perked his head upwards. His gaze lying outside of the window. It was a strange sensation he hadn’t felt in a very long time.

              Han Sooyoung followed his gaze and when the others heard that conversation die down, they began to train their eyes past the darkness outside the window. The radio playing music began to sputter wildly and the air began to fill with buzzing noises similar to the static of an old radio. They all remained silent, focusing on the noises permeating the air. Soon enough, the static turned to hushed whispers, which morphed into mumbling voices.

              Whoosh

              Everyone turned to the front seat of the car. Biyoo, who once sat like a human, was now a floating furball hovering a few inches above her seat. 「Bah-aht..?」

              No, this wasn’t possible. She was supposed to lose her form to shapeshift and yet here she is? “Uh, what’s happening?” asked Lee Gilyoung while staring eye-wide at the now furball transformed Biyoo.

              “What’s going on? The system should still be broken, no?” piped Shin Yoosung. She began to look around frantically for any danger that might charge at them at any moment. She began to look in front of her as if searching for a familiar “Scenario” notification yet none came.

              Han Sooyoung stared at Yoo Jonghyuk’s eyes but he was just as confused and look back at her. Then suddenly, from the air in front of the car window with the view to Seoul, something began to come into view with bold white letters. It was indistinguishable at best, but right at that moment, everyone’s jaw dropped before the letters even began to spell out properly. If anyone knew that arrangement of letters, it would be them.

[Fable, ‘King of a Kingless World,’ has begun its storytelling once more.]

              As the text materialized and finally rearranged itself, a bright light flooded the car. The highway lights started turning on simultaneously. One by one, each block of Seoul began to light up quickly as the words began to soar towards it. Blink, blink, blink. All around them, the sound of fuses being turned began filling the air, but that was the least of their worries. The murmuring in the air began to take the form of excitement. As if they have been waiting.

              “Yoo Sangah!” Yoo Sangah stomped on the accelerator in response quickening her pace towards Seoul. Anticipation flooded the car as Han Sooyoung’s phone began to ring loudly, cutting through the countless mutterings of the fables. She answered it quickly and put it on speaker. It was from Aileen.

              “Sooyoung-ssi, right now it’s!!!” but her voice was cut short with static on her end as the mumblings began to swell into a crescendo. The lights began to illuminate the entire landscape of Seoul. It wasn’t just Korea. Lee Hyunsung began to get messages from America saying things about how the electricity started running and how the voices can be heard in the air. A bright light suddenly caught everyone’s attention; however, the system’s message was what solidified everyone’s suspicions.

[A■co■stellat■■n ha■ a■■eared ab■■■ th■ s■ies Seo■l!]

              A blinding light filled the night sky and with it came a very familiar voice.

              “Ah, can you do that?”

              It was a very familiar voice. It reeked of a squidy arrogance. You can practically feel his attitude. It was calm and composed, nonchalant as he continued speaking.

              “Then go ahead.”

              Everyone looked at each other in astonishment. Then Lee Gilyoung began to speak as his words overlapped with the speaker.

              “I will never sit on this Absolute Throne.”

              A terrible silence had swept over the group approaching Gwanghwamun. Emotions began to bellow upwards but were seemingly muted by the pin needle drop silence. Confusion, anger, relief, longing, jubilee, frustration, joy, bafflement. All those emotions began to come together and eventually poured out in a form of tears.

              “H-Hyung…” Tears flowed out of his eyes as his mouth was agape. He looked at Shin Yoosung who also reciprocated his feelings. She began to hold back her tears as she opened her mouth but no voice came out. Letters began floating up at the sky above Seoul and Yoo Sangah began to desperately drive as quickly as possible towards the Industrial Complex, probably breaking multiple laws along the way.

              “The Throne, I won’t accept it.”

              “I won’t let anyone else sit on the Absolute Throne.”

“I’ll call a constellation.”

              “I want to cut off the signs of the constellations. Lend me your sword.”

              “It is something I have decided. I will start now.”

              「Is this the story you wished to create?」

              「We will watch you, King of a Kingless World.」

              The words were all too familiar, this story all too intimate. They were all running towards it, the one who created the stories. They were entering the outskirts of Seoul when another familiar fable began to tell its story.

[Great Fable, ‘Demon World’s Spring,’ has begun its storytelling once more.]

              “I’ll probably get it, and you also…”

              「I will watch your story. 」it was Surya who said this.

              [You have become the master of the 73^rd Demon Realm!]

              “…It’s over.” Jang Hayoung’s voice echoed in the night sky.

              [A large number of constellations remember the Nebula ‘Kim Dokja’s Company’ (Temporary)]

              “…The name needs to be changed.” This time, it was Yoo Jonghyuk whose muttering voice was filled with discontent. This prompted quiet laughter from Han Sooyoung. “Shut up,” the current Yoo Jonghyuk muttered gently.

              Yoo Sangah was driving through downtown Seoul at illegal speeds while ignoring the confused pedestrians. They made a turn on the main street and were greeted with countless bright billboards with error signs flashing across them.

[Great Fable, ‘Torch that Swallowed the Myth,’ began its storytelling once more.]

              The screeches of a subway train began to fill the air as all the billboards on the street began to display what seems to look like an Olympic Torch. The speakers began to sound the waves of the sea. Words began to show up on the screens overlapping the Olympic Torch.

              [The woman who dreams of another apocalypse is sharing her story!] The roar of a dragon shook the air.

              [The wounded swordsman raised her sword to protect her relationships.] Mirages of ships on waves began to float in the air.

              [The steel giant, who returned from hell, swung his sword.] Clangs of metal on metal filled the air.

              [The flames of hell began to burn the steel.] The sounds of the ocean were overpowered by roaring flames.

              [The Fable, ‘Hellscape of Eternity,’ has begun its storytelling.] The sounds of pages opening began to fill the air.

              Lightning flashed across the sky as countless festive messages began to appear in front of them. Yoo Sangah stomped on the brakes abruptly and jumped out of the car followed by the others in the car.

[Great Fable, ‘Season of Light and Darkness,’ began its storytelling once more.]

              The companions ignored the continuous messages as they began to rush towards the hospital. Lee Jihye appeared and ran into the hospital first slamming the door of the entrance open. The sky began to turn into a lighter hue as the few signs of morning began to wash over the streets of Seoul.

              They enter the hospital and begin to run for the stairs ignoring the protests of the nurses to tell them to stop. They climb up the stairs at a hurried pace and burst out the door on the floor Kim Dokja’s room is on. Jung Heewon was at the end of the hallway right outside the door with Lee Jihye waiting for the rest of the group. They met eyes and began to wave, signaling the room. “Over here!” Jung Heewon shouted.

              Han Sooyoung reached the door first out of the group followed by Yoo Jonghyuk. Lee Gilyoung tripped over his own feet and fell, but refusing to be left, he forcefully slid himself across the floor running into Lee Hyunsung which caused him to yelp and fall on the floor. Yoo Sangah quickly helped him up, while dragging him at first, and Shin Yoosung ignored the fallen Lee Hyunsung and grabbed onto Yoo Jonghyuk’s clothing to aid her stop. They were all out of breath, panting outside of Kim Dokja’s door. The company, reunited, looked at each other’s eyes. Han Sooyoung looked at Yoo Jonghyuk and he looked back at her and nodded with approval. She began to grin like an idiot and silently opened the door.

              The open window began to blast a cool wind on their face as the rising sun can be seen behind the waving curtains. Manuscripts from the final chapters began dancing in the air and a certain phrase caught Han Sooyoung’s attention.

              [There are three ways to survive a ruined world. I’ve forgotten a few by now. However, one thing’s for certain. The fact that you who are reading this will survive.]

              The paper fluttered to the ground and revealed a now adult-like Kim Dokja. His complexion was pale, but his body no longer resembled the fragile child they brought back from the subway. His silky black hair fluttered in the wind as the beeping from the machines indicated that his heart was stable. Everyone filed into the room and looked down at him. They looked at the hand that reached out to them. They looked at the mouth that gave them words of reassurance. They looked at his body that shielded them from the cruel realities of the scenarios. They looked at his face that always smiled at him. They just simply observed him.

              Then the silence was broken at the sudden cries of Lee Gilyoung and Shin Yoosung as they pounced onto Kim Dokja’s limp body. They grabbed his arms and legs and began pulling them back and forth, trying to wake him. Tears began to flow out of Yoo Sangah and Jung Heewon’s eyes as the latter bit her lip and turned to face the ground. Lee Jihye slowly walked over towards the bed and knelt while sobbing. Lee Hyunsung tried, well he did try that’s the important part, to hold his tears but he began to break down and howl like a monster you would find in the depths of the Demon World. Han Sooyoung’s smile cracked and began to falter as tears began to stream out slowly. She began to curse and direct her anger at Kim Dokja, calling him an idiot, fool, and bastard while saying that everyone missed him. Yoo Jonghyuk watched the sobbing mess that had just formed on the floor and stood and waited for Kim Dokja to open his eyes so he can pounce on the damn fool for punching his head at the 0^th regression. So, he stood there and waited. And waited. And waited some more. The sun rose higher in the sky and the tears that flowed began to slow, but Kim Dokja still hasn’t woken up. He waited yet again. And again. Finally, the tears have dried and a horrible suspicion began to creep inside their minds. Was he ever going to wake up?

              “He’s going to wake up, right?” asked Shin Yoosung, finally breaking the silence. However, her question had fallen on the ground. The silence was the only answer she received.

              “Hey, Hyung’s going to wake up, right? I mean he’s like this already! We also saw all those stories as well. He’s fine! Right?” Lee Gilyoung looked at Yoo Jonghyuk with pleading eyes. When he found out that it didn’t work, he looked at the others.

              “Ahjussi…he will be fine.” Lee Jihye answered the duo’s questions; however, confidence didn’t flow with those words.

              “Oh.” Lee Gilyoung looked at Lee Jihye and then back to Kim Dokja. Everyone stood in the room, gaze unwavering on the man they had so wished to speak to. The sun slowly crept up the horizon as its warmth began to blanket the room, yet the body that had carried the universe exuded no such warmth. They decided it was time to leave. They slowly left the room and Yoo Jonghyuk took one final glance at Kim Dokja. He breathed a sigh of relief and then turned his heel to follow the others.

              “What time does your school start, Gilyoung? Yoosung?” asked Yoo Sangah after exiting the hospital building. “I can drive you there.”

              “Thank you, Unnie. We might be a little late, but-” Shin Yoosung abruptly stopped her words and snapped her head towards the hospital building, specifically, where Kim Dokja’s room is. She looked at it for a moment, eyes wide and her mouth agape. Her pupil began to shake as she suddenly looked slightly to the right. Her eyes moved back and forth slowly and then stopped. Her breath was still.

              “Yoosung-ah?” Yoo Sangah looked worried and started to walk towards her. “Are you okay?”

              Yoo Jonghyuk had just exited the hospital building just in time to witness the sudden change in Shin Yoosung’s mood. He raised his eyebrow in confusion and walked towards her. Those eyes held a strange emotion. Anger? No, tears were gathering around its edges. Sadness? No, there was no grief on her face. What was it? What was within the depth of those pupils that reflected the morning sun? He followed her line of sight until he abruptly stopped in his tracks, eyes wide open. Slowly he turned his head towards her and was met with her trembling gaze, mouth quivering and hot tears cascading down her cheeks. She opened her mouth slowly as her sharp breaths began to slowly seethe out through gritted teeth.

              “A…” she began. “Ah…” And then the dam burst and her voice and tears could not be held back any longer. “Ahjussi!” She screamed at the top of her lungs and fell to the ground. She began to sob hard and her body began to twitch violently unable to catch her breath. Yoo Jonghyuk squatted down to reach her height. He slowly reached out his hand to assure her, but she instead rammed her face squarely on his side and continued sobbing. “Ahjussi, hic, Ahjussi he’s, hic.” She began to chant slowly and painfully. Behind her, everyone looked down at the ground with sorrow. Lee Gilyoung was holding back a sob painfully as Lee Hyunsung began to clench his fists tightly.

              However, contrary to what they think, Shin Yoosung was not crying out of sadness. Yoo Jonghyuk knew this for a fact and a small smile began to tug at his lips. A long journey of waiting has begun.

              On the day the world regained the powers of the Star Stream, the internet was abuzz with random theories and worry. News anchors reported live on any new advancements relating to the incident and netizens began to do their investigation, well if you can call it that, to look for the cause of such a sudden change. Curiosity began to spread around the world, however, most of the world’s scrutinizing eyes fell on the city of Seoul. The world all received the message that a constellation had appeared in the skies of Seoul, but what was interesting about it was the lack of the phrase “new.” That meant that this wasn’t a new constellation, rather an old one at best. At first, the eyes fell on Yoo Jonghyuk who had arrived in Korea hours before the incident, however, no one can neither confirm nor deny that he was the new constellation because anytime journalists got near him, he left their sight. They still feared his “terrorist” name 2 years prior, but that didn’t stop them from peeping at his personal affairs. They noticed that he went to a certain hospital in the Industrial Complex and, naturally, all the attention fell onto the shoulders of the hospital. Lee Seolhwa maintained a strong line against these reporters barring them from entry to the hospital. Some snuck in, but eventually were found out by Yoo Jonghyuk and promptly kicked out.

              Yoo Jonghyuk sighed and sat himself down on a chair next to Kim Dokja’s bed. He brought apples with him in case the kids, well not so many kids but teens, came over. He gently sliced the apples into equal slices and set them down on a plate. After setting down the plate, he took popped it into his mouth and began to slowly chew. He silently studied Kim Dokja’s features. The way his hair gently lay on his face, the way his jaw and cheekbones stood out weakly against his sinking flesh. The way his long eyelashes curved and how his chest moved up and down slowly. He reached out towards his hair, slowly entangling it in his fingers. He felt its softness and began to stroke his head. It was soft, and if he was awake right now, he would’ve been met with an ugly scowl. The admiration of his hair slowly turned into head patting. After a while, he stopped his hand on his head and heaved a heavy sight. “You fool, when will you wake up?”

              And so was the routine of Yoo Jonghyuk every single passing day. He would arrive in Kim Dokja's hospital room first and slowly study his features before he pulls out a book or his computer to either pass the time or do some work. He decided that he might go to pro gaming after he few years to wait out the transition of society, but for now, he must do whatever the hell Han Sooyoung orders him to do. It’s not like he has a choice. The storage room of the Star Stream was destroyed in their last battle so coins would be useless at this point. He needed to go back into working for cold hard cash, so he had to suck it up and comply.

              The others would sometimes arrive to spend time with Kim Dokja, however, most of the time their faces were adorned with a heavier tone. The only exception to that rule was Shin Yoosung who always entered the room with a smile on her face. The others would always wonder why she was putting up such a front but ultimately found that stomping on a child’s dream wasn’t worth it. However, with the days passing and Kim Dokja showing no signs of waking, Lee Gilyoung decided that enough is enough.

              So, one day while the whole company was gathered in Kim Dokja’s hospital room a month after the incident, Lee Gilyoung asked, “Hey, Yoosung.”

              “Mhmm?” replied Shin Yoosung with a bright smile on her face. She was giggling while holding on to Kim Dokja’s arm.

              “How are you so happy every time you come here?”

              “How are you not happy?” replied Shin Yoosung curtly quickly causing the Lee Gilyoung to startle.

              “Wh- that’s not what I meant!”

              “Then what is it? Spit it out faster you bug.”

              Lee Gilyoung pouted at the remark. Okay, maybe he was being a bit ambiguous but “bug” was too much. “I mean, just look at him! We don’t know when Hyung is ever going to wake up, but here you are happily mumbling and yapping like a sheep on the farm!”

              “Lee Gilyoung.” Yoo Sangah looked straight at the back of his head and he could feel as if he was growing bald under such a heated gaze.

              “Why is that Yoosung-ah? I was wondering that too.” Lee Hyunsung seemed lost as he looked at Shin Yoosung.

              “Are you talking to Ahjussi or something?” snorted Lee Jihye. “After all, you’re his incarnation.”

              Shin Yoosung looked at Yoo Jonghyuk. He looked back at her then shifted his gaze on the group before looking squarely back at her. Then he shook his head gently. Shin Yoosung then nodded happily and smiled back at Lee Jihye. She then turned her gaze towards Kim Dokja and let out a gasp so faint that you would need to be paying extra attention to spot it. She then gave a short giggle. “I’m just happy Ahjussi is finally back!” She stood up from her spot and quickly left the room saying something about needing the restroom.

              From that short exchange, all eyes fell on Yoo Jonghyuk who chewed innocently at the apple slices he had cut. “You.” Lee Gilyoung began.

              “You’re imagining things,” immediately cut Yoo Jonghyuk as he brought the plate over to Lee Gilyoung and gestured he take one to which the boy declined.

              “You sooty bastard, I wasn’t even done talking!” Lee Gilyoung put his hands in the air and pointed his finger right at Yoo Jonghyuk’s expressionless, chewing face. “You’re scheming!”

              “You’re being delusional.”

              “Jonghyuk-ssi, I do find your behavior kind of strange recently.” Lee Hyunsung’s eyes darted between Kim Dokja on the bed and Yoo Jonghyuk, chin resting on his right hand as he sat on a chair next to Jung Heewon.

              “The bastard is always strange, no doubt about that. But I do agree, Mr. Protagonist here is acting even more strange.” Han Sooyoung began an evil smirk slowly blossoming on her face. Her arms were folded across her chest and her legs were crossed. She spoke to him with one eye open. “You have been faithfully going to the hospital every single day for a month now 6 p.m. sharp. What are you now? Have you turned into a dog after traveling the multiple world lines? Should I call you Hachiko?”

              “Wait, he was? Master, is this true?!” shouted Lee Jihye in excitement, she faced her body towards Yoo Jonghyuk and leaned in, her eyes boring deep into the pit of Yoo Jonghyuk’s soul as if she was trying to pry a certain set of words out of him.

              “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Yoo Jonghyuk shook his head waved his hand in the air, dismissing their gazes, and reached for another apple slice.

              “Yeah, no, I’m not buying it. Wait right here, I’m calling Uriel.” Jung Heewon pulled out her phone from her pocket and punched someone’s number onto it and left the room. Lee Hyunsung stood up and looked at the door and back at Kim Dokja. His hands balled into a fist as he looked down at the ground, eyebrows furrowed. Han Sooyoung then gave him a thumbs up from where she was standing and when Lee Hyunsung saw the gesture, he looked up. He was met with the kind gaze of Yoo Sangah and an assuring smile from Lee Jihye. He closed his eyes and sucked in a deep breath, and let it out. He brought his hands to massage the space between his brows. He opened his eyes with renewed vigor and nodded to himself before leaving the room.

              Yoo Jonghyuk reached out to the plate to get another slice of apples, but frowned and grunted when he realized that the plate was empty. Seeing as this was the cue, Yoo Sangah spoke up. “I’ll get some more from the convenience store, Jonghyuk-ssi.”

              “I’ll come with you; I want to get some drinks.” Han Sooyoung reached into her bag and pulled out a wallet.

              “Can you buy me some chips?” requested Lee Gilyoung.

              “Do it yourself, brat,” was the reply of Han Sooyoung.

              Lee Gilyoung clicked his tongue and sent her a sharp glare to which she responded with a pitiful look. “Aight, I’ll get you something, come on. My treat.” Lee Jihye said as she took out her wallet and gestured towards Lee Gilyoung to follow her as she left.

              “Wow, really? Thanks!” shouted Lee Gilyoung happily.

              “Seriously, I’m going to go bankrupt because of you two.”

              “I love you too, unnie.”

              “Shut up, brat.”

“Not you too!”

              Their cheerful chatter began to quiet down as they slowly walked down the hallway. Yoo Jonghyuk stood to wash his hands. He was about to leave the door before he heard something at the back of the room. He turned his head slowly and looked at the room. It was clean and empty save for the medical equipment used to keep Kim Dokja alive. The heart monitor continued beeping but was faster than usual. Yoo Jonghyuk slowly made his way towards Kim Dokja and looked straight down at the man lying down on the bed. His heartbeat began to mimic that of the monitors as his breath began to hitch, but he composed himself before he let his mind completely derail. He studied the features of Kimi Dokja’s face. The man’s features were getting better. His cheeks began to regain their life as his skin did not sink as much as before. He peered quietly at his forehead and saw a drop of sweat trickling slowly down. The heart monitor began to quicken its pace which alerted Yoo Jonghyuk, but he kept his steady gaze.

              “Stop pretending, Kim Dokja.”

              Silence. The heart monitor began to beep faster now. Even more silence. Yoo Jonghyuk reached his hand out towards Kim Dokja’s head, but before his skin made contact, he heard the click of a tongue.

              “Tch.” Kim Dokja’s eyes fluttered open.

              “You ruined the surprise, you bastard.” Kim Dokja clicked his tongue once again. There’s just no escaping from the protagonist isn’t there? He let out another sigh again, straightening his back until it lay comfortably against the wall. “So, when did you notice?”

              His voice trailed off at the end as he looked at the bastard. Hello? Who is this guy? Since when did he learn to look at him like this? “Um, earth to Yoo Jonghyuk, hello?”

              Yoo Jonghyuk was looking at Kim Dokja as if he’s seen a ghost. His eyes wide open as his mouth agape with surprise. His eyebrows are furrowed as he looks at the other man in silence. His face was in the shadow, yet one can still feel the pure shock radiating from his body. That’s when Kim Dokja noticed his hand that was above his head a few moments ago shaking quietly.

              “…rd” muttered Yoo Jonghyuk.

              “What?”

              “…ard.”

              “Korean. You speak it? Growing senile already?”

              Yoo Jonghyuk closed his eyes and clenched his fists. He’s trying to cool himself down and all efforts seem to be successful, so he looks up to meet Kim Dokja’s gaze and all his self-control has been washed down the drain at the sight of Kim Dokja’s shit-eating grin.

              “YOU BASTARD!!!”

              “WHAT THE FUCK?!”

              Yoo Jonghyuk’s arms lunged straight at him and got Kim Dokja in a choke hold as he pushes his free fist on the top of Kim Dokja’s head ruffling his hair wildly. Kim Dokja on the other hand, literally, began to kick and squirm at the assaulting Yoo Jonghyuk. He pushed Yoo Jonghyuk’s chin upwards while he pulled his hair downwards.

              “You absolute fool! Do you not know how long everyone was waiting here while you giggle yourself to sleep like a fucking school girl?”

              “I was exhausted! I didn’t have the energy! What do you expect me to do? 360 flip off this damn hospital bed while doing a tap dance to show you guys how alive I am?”

              “You rat. You fool. You bastard. Do you not understand how worried I was?”

              “Your vocabulary is shrinking, I knew it! You’re growing senile and you will definitely sprout a few grays in- aCK IM SORRY LET GO!” The smirk growing on Kim Dokja’s face suddenly contorted into one of pain.

              At Kim Dokja’s comment, Yoo Jonghyuk tightened his hold on the squirming squid bastard, his eyes narrowing in fury. “I’ll fucking kill you,” he uttered in a deep, menacing voice.

              “Let go!”

              “Apologize.”

              “I’m sor- ack. I’m-ack. HOW THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO APOLOGIZE IF YOU DON’T GIVE ME AIR TO BREATHE YOU FUCKING SUNFISH!!!”

              At the commotion Jung Heewon and Lee Hyunsung barged into the room. Jung Heewon unsheathed her sword and Lee Hyunsung pulled out a firearm and ran over until they saw what actually happened. Jung Heewon’s sword clattered onto the ground as Lee Hyunsung slowly lowered his pistol. They take in this extraordinary sight. A man who was in a coma for one whole month is suddenly awake and full of energy and the person who visited him consistently is now attempting to murder him.

              “Wha- Jonghyuk-ssi, what are you doing!” exclaimed Lee Hyunsung. “He’s a patient!”

              “Explain everything right now.” Jung Heewon picked up the sword on the floor and pointed it straight at Yoo Jonghyuk who looked at her with a disappointed glare.

              “This fool has been awake ever since he arrived, I am just making up missed time.” Yoo Jonghyuk spoke in a flat voice.

              Silence has fallen once again. Jung Heewon and Lee Hyunsung looked at Yoo Jonghyuk who was casually strangling a squirming Kim Dokja. Jung Heewon grits her teeth in anger. “Dokja-ssi-”

              She was cut off. This time, the source of the voice came from an unexpected direction and took an unexpected turn.

              “DOKJA-SSI!!!” shouted Lee Hyunsung as he lunged like a missile, almost literally, at Kim Dokja. Kim Dokja thought he had gained an ally to aid him in his defense against the bastard sunfish, but just as Kim Dokja was about to speak, the eyes that greeted him showed a deep fury. “Was that true? Why are you avoiding us, Dokja-ssi? Even up to now! Dokja-ssi, I was so worried…” Lee Hyunsung’s voice began to trail off, but with each emphasized word, he banged his fist on Kim Dokja’s legs mercilessly.

              “I’m sorry!” shouted Kim Dokja who winced in pain with each strike.

              “Huh.” Yoo Jonghyuk and Jung Heewon stared in awe at the sight. Seeing Lee Hyunsung this angry was rarer than finding a star in the night sky.

              “You! You…” Lee Hyunsung’s anger slowly faded into sobs. “I missed you so much, Dokja-ssi!” He wailed and hugged Kim Dokja so tight he thought his ribs would explode. Yoo Jonghyuk let go just in time to dodge the cannonball and took a step back. Kim Dokja turned to Jung Heewon, eyes pleading for help but she simply shook her head. He then took a gamble and looked Yoo Jonghyuk in the eye. Yoo Jonghyuk looked back solemnly and simply smiled.

              “Fu…cking…..trai…tor!” wheezed Kim Dokja, angry rather than surprised at the faint trace of Yoo Jonghyuk’s shit-eating grin.

              “Hey, have you guys seen Jung Heewon and Lee Hyunsung?” A voice came in from the hallway. “Did they leave already or are they trying to bring over Uriel?” Lee Jihye peeked her head in from the hallway followed by a Lee Gilyoung who has his hands smeared in cheese dust and is currently chewing on a Star Stream version of Doritos which were both squares, but circles.

              “What are you doing there?” asked Lee Gilyoung, voice muffled by the sound of chips. “Is Hyunsung Hyung crying about a lost grenade pin and cartridge again?” He looked over at where Yoo Jonghyuk and Jung Heewon were standing as they turned their heads to face him. “What are you doing? We can hear your howling from the hallway you know.”

              “Wait, isn’t that?” Lee Jihye stopped where she was standing and began to look closer, eyebrows furrowed. Her jaw then dropped open and let out a gasp. “Ahjussi? You’re awake?”

              “Yes…” Kim Dokja’s voice came out as thin as air his lungs squeezed out by Lee Hyunsung’s arms.

              “Hyung!” Lee Gilyoung clenched his hand at the mouth of the bag of chips and ran as fast as he could to Kim Dokja’s side. He dropped and wrapped his arms around his waist and squeezed hard, refusing to let go as if Kim Dokja will fly away if he ever decides to let go.

              Kim Dokja lets out a weak yelp before looking back down at the crowd that formed before him. Lee Hyunsung at his left sobbing loudly against his shoulder and his arms wrapped around his chest. Lee Hyunsung’s features are more defined and a few wrinkles began to make their way on his head. His hair was still short, but a small stubble can be seen growing on his chin.

              What surprised him most was Lee Hyunsung. The little boy who once clung on the hem of his shirt was now almost the same height as him. His shoulders were wide and he had a cap on backwards, his brown hair peeking out from the hole and fell down on his face. His voice now lower than it was before and his arms were no longer skinny and flimsy but firm. His face, while although they kept his softness, was now sharper at the jaw as tears began to trail along them. It was a shock indeed. Just how much time has passed? Kim Dokja reached out to pat Lee Gilyoung’s head to which the boy flinched but continued his tight hugging. What was this? The hand that could once wrap around the top of the young boy’s head could now barely reach both ears. He let out a smile. So this is what it feels like to be home, huh.

              “I can smell the tears in the air, why are you all sobbing? Did someone shove raw onions on your faces?” Han Sooyoung walked in stride and entered the room with candy in her mouth. Her eyes wandered on Lee Gilyoung and Lee Hyunsung before they fell on Kim Dokja’s smiling face. She froze for a moment, and then let out a grin. “Looks like the rat decided to open his eyes.”

              “Dokja-ssi?” Yoo Sangah brought her hands to cover her mouth and quickly walked over. Her eyes glazed over in tears, but she held them in and let out a graceful smile. “Welcome back.”

              “Thank you, Sangah-ssi. You’re the most reasonable one here.” Kim Dokja lets out a tired smile.

              At that cue, Shin Yoosung walked in the room all giddy and happy and walked over to the foot of Kim Dokja’s bed. She giggled and looked at Kim Dokja with the brightest smile. “Surprise!”

              Kim Dokja was taken aback. First it was Lee Gilyoung, and now Shin Yoosung? The little girl who was crying over her dog and had short hair.  The little girl who cried every time she reached out to him. The little girl who was short a petite. Just where was that little girl?! She was tall, taller than he imagined. He expected her to be at least a shoulder height, but she blew past that and was nearly the same height as Lee Gilyoung, but still shorter by a few centimeters. Her short hair now ran long and fell gracefully on her shoulders. Her face now a tad bit longer and plump and her eyes were brighter than he has ever seen. She was wearing a dark blue sweater with white stripes. She was wearing jeans underneath and had a sling bag slung across her shoulder. She was leaning forward and had her arms behind her back. Who the hell is this?

              “You. Who are you?” Kim Dokja’s face morphed into shock.

              “You’re so mean, Ahjussi. I even kept my mouth shut for a month and that’s the first thing you say to me?” Shin Yoosung’s smile slowly changed into a teasing frown.

              “No, that’s not what I meant! You said surprise, right? Well, that worked.”

              “It’s been a long time Ahjussi.”

              “Yeah, it’s been a long time.”

              “Okay hold up.” Lee Jihye had wiped her eyes dry and looked at Kim Dokja. “Kept her mouth shut for a month? What does that mean?”

              “Oh, uh, that. Well, it just so happened th-”

              “The fool spoke to Shin Yoosung first after we left the hospital a month ago and asked her to keep quiet so that he can surprise everyone.” Yoo Jonghyuk crossed his arms while he calmly spoke. He never broke his eye contact with Kim Dokja whose prideful façade cracked.

              “He didn’t really speak to me at that time, but I just felt his gaze. How do you know that much?” Shin Yoosung tilted her head to the side and looked at Yoo Jonghyuk inquisitively.

              “He’s my sponsor too; I know how his perverted gaze feels like.”

              “What?!” was the chorus that rang around the room. Everyone snapped their eyes towards Yoo Jonghyuk who just sighed and closed his eyes.

              “Why didn’t you speak to us for a month, Kim Dokja? Hmm?” Yoo Sangah. Oh, the angelic Yoo Sangah who always upheld grace and gentleness was now exuding an ominous aura as her lips were tight in a smile and her eyes closed, but he knew her ferocious gaze was directed at him. Sweat began to pour out of his pores as he began to scramble for answers. He can see Lee Jihye picking up the scabbard of Jung Heewon’s sword and Han Sooyoung ready to smack his face across with a bunch of documents.

              He let out a sigh. “I’m sorry. I should’ve told you earlier, but I didn’t know how to face you all.” Kim Dokja paused for a moment waiting for anyone to say anything but he was met with a dead silence. Lee Hyunsung and Lee Gilyoung looked up from were their spots and gazed at Kim Dokja. “I know,” he continued, “That you all have done so much to bring me back. Especially you, Yoo Jonghyuk. I know that I promised to do so much with you all, and I am so sorry for breaking that promise. I’m sorry for breaking my promises. I’m sorry for leaving you all alone. I’m sorry for forcing you all to go through hell once again.” He paused once more looking at his companions’ faces. Their faces were cold and stoic. “I have so much to apologize for. I know that. But above all, I would just like to say,” Kim Dokja sucked in a heavy breath, “Thank you. Thank you for bringing me back.” Kim Dokja let out a strained smile. He wasn’t used to giving such a heartfelt speech. He also feared their reactions. What happens if they didn’t accept it? Beep. Beep. Beep. The heart monitor continued its monotonous chirping.

              “You fool.” Yoo Jonghyuk let out a sigh. He closed his eyes as a small smile began tugging on his lips. “Welcome back.”

              “Yeah, I’m back.” Kim Dokja let out a chuckle.

              “H-hyung…”

              “Ahjussi…”

              “Dokja-ssi…”

              “Squid bastard.”

              “Hey.”

              “I thought we were saying your name?”

              “That’s not my name you witch.”

              “Witch is too much, but wow. For a change, you have not called me a plagiarist.”

              “Thank you,” Kim Dokja said after a pause.

              “For?”

              “Thank you for writing those novels.”

              “Which one? SSSSS-Grade Infinite Regressor? Ways of Survival? Or those novels about your story?”

              “What?”

              “What?”

              Kim Dokja looked at Han Sooyoung with a puzzling gaze. Yoo Jonghyuk’s head also snapped in her direction at the bombshell that was casually dropped. “You…Ways of Survival? What?”

              “Ah.” Han Sooyoung’s jaw fell and color slowly drained from her face. “It’s a really long story.”

              She looked pained to say those words and Kim Dokja took note of her expression. Swallowing the bursting curiosity, he let out a soft chuckle. “Tell me about it next time, okay?”

              Han Sooyoung didn’t miss a beat and regained her proud posture. “Of course! I was totally going to do that! You didn’t even have to tell me because I, your most favorite author, will tell you everything down to the very detail just the way you like it!” A grin was plastered across her face. “Also, don’t ever call me a plagiarist ever again. Don’t want to hurt your precious ‘author-nim’ now do we?” She added.

              Kim Dokja let out a snicker and Yoo Jonghyuk sighed once more. “Thank you for that, Miss Black Flame Empress.”

              Han Sooyoung waited for a moment, gathering her thoughts before she spoke. “So, how was it?”

              “Ways of Survival? It was per-”

              “Not that one you idiot! The one about you! Your story!”

              At this comment the companions turned to Kim Dokja. He grinned. “Well, congratulations author-nim, it was a success.”

              “Really?” Her eyes brimmed with excitement.

              “Yes. I mean, millions, if not, billions of people read it across all the multiple world lines. Some of your transcripts turned into live action movies and plays, while others turned into anime or webtoons.”

              “Hmph! Of course! I am a great writer, only I get to bathe in the fame of writing a hit across multiple world lines!” Han Sooyoung crossed her arms, nose pointing in the air.

              “Well, you wouldn’t have done it without the help of Master, Sooyoung-ssi.” Lee Jihye smirked while patting Yoo Jonghyuk’s shoulder.

              “Yeah, and us! We helped you write that book! If anything, we deserve the credit more than you do!” Lee Gilyoung added.

              “What do you me-”

              “Ahjussi, what did you think about your story?” Shin Yoosung

              Kim Dokja paused to think about the amount of times he read the novel. The details began rushing in, clear as day. “Well, it was very praised among the people who read it. You’re all lucky though. Even if I was the main character, most of the people in the community called me a lying bastard and a rat.”

              “It’s ‘cause you are.” Jung Heewon let out a snicker while Yoo Sangah’s shoulders shook from her silent laughter.

              “It’s literally unfair! I did all the stuff and they knew why I did it! Yet they still berate me for being selfish. What’s worse, it seems that people love Yoo Jonghyuk more than I am! I’m the protagonist there!”

              “Dokja-ssi, I won’t ever call you a lying rat.”

              “Yeah! Hyung is NOT a rat! He’s a Demon King!”

              “Of Salvation!” Shin Yoosung added with extra emphasis.

              “I don’t feel comforted at all.” Kim Dokja sulked.

              “I think that those that read your story just love you too much, Dokja-ssi.” Yoo Sangah spoke after breaking free from her giggles. “Maybe they were just as angry as we were when they saw how you would throw yourself into the embrace of death every chance you get.”

              “Well, that is true. Even after everything Ahjussi has done, I still can’t bring myself to hate him.” Lee Jihye gave out a sad sigh while massaging her temples with one hand.

              “If you can’t, I’ll do it for you. This bastard needs to know that dying is not a hobby.” Jung Heewon cracked her knuckles together threateningly.

              Laughter rippled across the room. It was the first time in too many years that they had spoken so freely. The wounds in the company began to scab over as they smiled, cried, shouted, and joked. He’s home. Kim Dokja is home.

              The company left the hospital room and said their goodbyes, but Yoo Jonghyuk decided to stay behind. The moon started rising as the darkness of night swept across the room. Kim Dokja stared outside the window taking in the view of his new home. Buildings stood against the darkness mostly ruined and abandoned. The moonlight cast its silver gaze across the tattered landscape as the artificial neon lights humanity used to pride themselves in are nowhere to be seen. Yet, despite the erasure of humanity’s fingerprints, the architecture stood firm and tall as if to rebel against the natural darkness; stood dark and stoic as if to rebel against the bright light of the fading stars.

              “Why did you do it?” Yoo Jonghyuk broke the silence with a hushed voice.

              “Do what?” Kim Dokja hummed in a reply.

              “The 0^th regression turn.”

              Kim Dokja opened his mouth and then quickly shut it to prevent any unplanned words from escaping. He turned his head to look at Yoo Jonghyuk. The man was looking at the bright moon, yet the ethereal glow was not reflected in his eyes. The shadows cast across his face made him seem vastly old and indescribably tired. The way his hair shields his forehead and eyebrows against the soft glow of the moon, the way that his body is melting in with the darkness, the way that he is deathly still; Kim Dokja takes it all in. This is the man he watched over for millenia on end. It was the man Kim Dokja wanted to meet for who knows how long. It was the man he wanted to protect against the cunning evils of the galaxy.

              Finally finding his words, he opened his mouth slowly and his voice came out in a soft manner, too loud to be a whisper. “I didn’t want you to die.”

              “You didn’t have to.”

              “I wanted you to survive. Not just you, but with your companions.” His voice was oddly firm despite his frail body. It resonated in the small room and held a baritone that was full.

              Yoo Jonghyuk moved his gaze from the moon and locked onto Kim Dokja’s. His bangs finally gave way and the moonlight shone against his forehead revealing the gentler features of his face. His eyebrows are relaxed, but his eyes were bright while reflecting the moon. There was a longing that had stamped its way on Yoo Jonghyuk’s face and Kim Dokja has become intimately familiar with it.

              What Yoo Jonghyuk saw, on the other hand, was his sponsor. A man who did everything he can to protect him and a man who anguished over the promise he has made. A man who took him from the jaws of death and placed him there instead. A man who never left his side. A man who never forgot about him. He was ancient, firm, and unmoving as if he was a lone star twinkling above in the night sky, yet, from that distant starlight he could feel a warmth so unimaginable, a sadness that cuts too deep, and a longing that is shared between them both. That was his sponsor. That was Kim Dokja.

              “For how long?” Yoo Jonghyuk asked, changing the topic.

              “Too long to count.” Let out a slightly amused chuckle.

              Comfortable silence drifted into the room once more. The two of them looked at each other earnestly. They looked at each other as companions in life and death; they looked at each other like sponsor and incarnation; they looked at each other and felt a strong bond that had strengthened with time. Finally, Yoo Jonghyuk raised his hand and, after a short and dramatic pause, brought it down against the back of Kim Dokja’s head.

              “What was that for?” Kim Dokja hissed through gritted teeth reeling from the burning pain of being slapped at the back of the head.

              Yoo Jonghyuk crossed his arms and stared at Kim Dokja with his brows furrowed in satisfaction. “Payback for the 0^th regression, you rat.”

              “Tsk, I’ll let it pass today, bastard.”

              Then quietly, under his breath, Yoo Jonghyuk spoke. “…Thank you…”

              “What?”

              “Thank you for looking after me all this time.” A little bit louder this time.

              Kim Dokja was surprised yet again. This man, the one and only Yoo Jonghyuk, the Supreme and Conquering King was saying thank you? The world might as well blow up tomorrow. Kim Dokja opened his mouth yet no joke was unable to flow out. “Thank you, too. For never giving up.”

              Kim Dokja let out a genuine smile towards Yoo Jonghyuk and the other man gave him one in return. After this short exchange, Jonghyuk finally stood up to leave, cleaning his mess and helped Kim Dokja lie down again. He turned around before leaving the door and gazed at Kim Dokja’s figure.

              “He’s really here,” he muttered to himself quietly and slid the door shut.

Kim Dokja was finally left alone. His mind began to turn and wander. Negativity sought to taint his mind as guilt began to gnaw ferociously on his conscience. He thought and debated for a moment, until all of that was washed away when the image of Yoo Jonghyuk’s smiling face resurfaced itself as a fresh memory followed by the bright expressions of the company. Then finally, Kim Dokja realized that it’s enough. He decided that he will shove those thoughts to tomorrow and talk to them about it, but tonight is just not that night. Because for now, all of their happy faces, especially Yoo Jongyuk’s, were enough.

              After some rehab and time spent in the hospital, mostly spent in Yoo Jonghyuk’s company, Kim Dokja was finally able to leave the hospital. He wore a white jacket which was unzipped to show the casual black shirt on the inside. Black jeans clung on his legs and he wore rubber shoes. It was very identical to his signature outfit in the Apocalypse seemingly 20 years ago, but that had to be cleaned. He wore a face mask to ease everyone’s worries. It was cold this time of year, they wouldn’t want their favorite squid to roll over and die catching some bug. The duo left the hospital in a relaxed manner. Luckily, the reporters who usually flocked to the hospital to pry out any string of information have not gathered at the entrance today. A few journalists were left, but they were eyeing a certain person with golden locks who stood outside the doors. She looked western and stood out like a sore thumb against the Korean population. Her fell neatly behind her back and her golden eyes looked expectantly at the hospital doors. When their eyes met, however, the look of anticipation morphed into relief as she let out a light chuckle. She straightened herself and plastered a gentle smile on her face and walked forward.

              “Kim Dokja, it’s been a while.” she said in greeting.

              Kim Dokja looked alarmed and slowed his pace so he could hide behind Yoo Jonghyuk’s back. Noticing the sudden shift in mood, she waved her hands harmlessly. “No, I won’t do anything this time.”

              Kim Dokja’s eyes wandered cautiously on her figure, and after finding out that she’s unarmed, slowly stepped out from behind Yoo Jonghyuk and extended a greeting. “Anna Croft, it’s been a while since we last met.”

              “Yes, it has. Although, a ‘while’ may be an understatement.” She let out a soft chuckle. “So, how have you been? Last time I saw you, you were smaller than you are currently.”

              “I’ve been doing great thank you. This guy here has visited me every day to make sure that I eat properly.” Kim Dokja pointed his thumb at Yoo Jonghyuk to which he silently nodded.

              “I see. It’s fortunate you have such a great caretaker.” She smiled at Yoo Jonghyuk and a certain memory flashed across her eyes. “If I remember, 2 years ago he was so desperate to see you again he broke in an off-limits section in a museum to steal the ark. He was labeled a terrorist,” she said in an amused tone.

              Yoo Jonghyuk shot Anna Croft a nasty glare and the air grew colder. Anna Croft shivered, but she remained firm. Kim Dokja on the other hand…well…

              “Pfft.” He could not hold his laughter well. “This bastard? A terrorist?” He put his hand on Yoo Jonghyuk’s shoulder and looked at his face. “He certainly looks the part.” He could not help himself from teasing the man under his scrutiny. “What next, did he threaten regular civilians with murder when they stepped on his shoes?”

              Yoo Jonghyuk’s glare grew even more sinister as the focus shifted from Anna Croft to the laughing man right next to him. Of course, Kim Dokja didn’t care. “Kim Dokja,” he said in a threatening tone.

              Completely dismissing the imminent threat, Kim Dokja stifled his laughter. “What, it’s funny.”

              “I’ll kill you.”

              “Don’t go killing your sponsor, okay?”

              Yoo Jonghyuk glare turned icy as the air around him froze, figuratively. In the end, he heaved a longsuffering sigh and looked at the ground while clenching his temples. Anna Croft who was watching the duo quietly finally spoke up. “I see you two have gotten closer together?”

              “No,” was Yoo Jonghyuk’s immediate reply.

              “You can call it that,” was Kim Dokja’s reply, cutting off Yoo Jonghyuk’s in a tone that said that he didn’t care.

              Anna Croft let out a breath of air. “As amusing as ever, I see. Well, I’m glad that you are finally healthy, Dokja-ssi. I hope you will enjoy Seoul! I made sure to keep it on the map for the last 20 years.” She smiled at the duo. “Oh, and before I forget, make sure you come to Gwanghwamun later!” she suggested.

              “What’s in Gwanghwamun?” Kim Dokja asked.

              “See for yourself,” was Yoo Jonghyuk’s answer.

Anna Croft let out a soft giggle as she turned on her heel and waved the bickering duo goodbye. The journalists on standby seemed confused at first, however, one specific journalist stood out from the crowd. His skin had scars here and there and he seemed much older than the rest. It looks like he saw first hand how the Apocalypse looked like. He took a step back in astonishment, looked at Anna Croft and back to Kim Dokja. He wrote something down furiously on his notepad and looked like he was about to approach the duo when Yoo Jonghyuk’s warning glare froze his two feet on the ground. He yelped and strung his mouth shut. He quickly stuffed the notepad in his sling bag and bowed deeply towards Kim Dokja. He did this about three times and quickly left, bringing up his phone and dialing his agency.

              “What was that about?” Kim Dokja surveyed the now confused journalists who witnessed the scene.

              “He probably knows who you are.”

              “Well, that sounds bothersome.”

              The duo started walking down the sidewalk absentmindedly in silence. After a short while, Kim Dokja broke the ice.

              “You want to eat lunch? You can show me around to. I’m not too familiar with these parts.”

              “You lived in Seoul.”

              “That was nearly 25 years ago! I don’t know how Seoul is now!”

              “How bothersome.”

              Yes, this was the true Yoo Jonghyuk. Hot and dashing as hell, enough to make even diamond blush in embarrassment, and an annoying motherfucker who had his introverted walls set up so high that he could even make a hikikomori cry in shame. Kim Dokja, after meeting him for the first-time years ago, decided that it was his duty to tear those annoying walls down. Hm? He’s not doing it out of goodwill, what are you thinking? No, only the devil himself would smile in enjoyment at the suffering of an introvert being put out of their comfort zone, and Kim Dokja himself was a Demon King, son of Hades himself. He strove to tear down those walls because he thought Yoo Jonghyuk can enjoy some more fresh air(annoyance) to enrich his life.

              “Tch, you’re still the same annoying bastard all those years ago.”

              “I’ll kill you.”

              “Do it when I’ve grown old. For now, I want to know what has happened while I’m gone. This is my, well, our Industrial Complex and I feel a bit sad that I left it all to you guys. The least you can do is bring me back in the loop over some savory food.”

              “Suit yourself.”

              Yoo Jonghyuk didn’t say anything else and continued walking down the street, but Kim Dokja followed him knowing full well that it was his complete victory. Eventually, the two of them reached downtown in silence while Kim Dokja gawked at the changed scenery like a country bumpkin’s first time at the city. They settled down in a Murim style restaurant and ordered the usual Chicken Broth with Murim Dumplings. Unfortunately for Yoo Jonghyuk, well fortunately for Kim Dokja, he didn’t like eating the things others have made. He picked on his food for a while and after deciding that he couldn’t take it anymore, gave the rest to Kim Dokja. They spent quite a long time in there. Discussing things such as new policies, the new government, the new world, what the latest new trends are, what kind of technology has developed, what the new generation is like, and how the company was doing all these years of Kim Dokja’s absence. It was a surreal experience. This place was definitely Seoul and the Industrial Complex he knew dearly. Although much time has passed, it still felt as if time had stood still. He hasn’t been there for god knows how many centuries, but when he came back only 20 years have passed? He thought he would be treated as a fossil in amber, yet apparently that was only in his mind. It felt good to come back.

              They stood up to leave and Yoo Jonghyuk went to pay the bill much to Kim Dokja’s protests. “You’ve no money, stop whining,” was the response he received. Well, he wasn’t wrong. He turned to leave the restaurant but a crowd has formed he stood just in front of the glass door just looking at who created such a commotion. He saw a familiar golden-brown hair on a head that stood above the rest. The hair was untamed, and pulled into a very long ponytail at the back. The person looked disinterested in the crowd and began to pluck on his ear with his pinky. After being stopped for a 5^th time he sighed and turned to the person bugging him. A person whose height seemed to only go up to his waist. A person who was coincidentally standing in front of the glass door. The man looked at the person with a slightly annoyed face and looked up behind the small figure. Their eyes met in that moment. Pristine black eyes met the piercing golden ones. The man froze for a moment, eyes widening in shock. The shock morphed into a look of relief as his features began to smoothen. He straightened his back, height now taller than Kim Dokja, and spoke in a loud voice. “It’s been a while, Maknae-ya.”

              Surprised and pleased by the sudden encounter, Kim Dokja lightly nudged the door open. The person in front of it gasped in surprised, but then quickly shuffled to the right to get out of the way.

              “How have you been, Great Sage?”

              “That voice!” This time a woman in luscious golden locks and a black dress turned glanced around quickly at her surroundings. Her eyes landed on Kim Dokja, widening. “Holy shit?” Tears began to sting her eyes and the hands that covered her mouth were now reaching out. “My precious, Kim Dokja!” She jumped at him and pulled Kim Dokja into a warm hug. The Great Sage was standing by his side grinning widely while ruffling his hair.

              “You..!” This time, a person with 3 piercings on his right ear, wearing a black hoodie, and had his arms wrapped in bandages pointed at him in shock. He looked not even a second over 15. His eyes were wide and his red pupils shaking. He suddenly gasped and recomposed himself. He let out a quiet “hmpf!,” crossed his arms, and turned his face to the side.

              “Eyy, don’t be like that! Greet my Maknae-ya properly!”

              “Tch, you better rejoice to be in one’s most gracious presence!”

              “Kim Dokja! Kim Dokja! Just how have you been? Why are you around these parts? I thought you were in the hospital!”

              Kim Dokja just didn’t know what to say. He is very happy that the trio is alive and well. He couldn’t contain his happiness and began to grin like an idiot. Then right on cue, as if he were waiting for the right moment, Yoo Jonghyuk walked out of the restaurant door and bumped into the back of Kim Dokja. Uriel looked back and forth at the two with a blush creeping up her cheeks. She jumped backwards and let out a squeal of joy. She quickly took out her phone and snapped pictures of the incident and wrapped her arm around Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’s shoulders and shook him wildly to which the 15-year-old figure protested; breath labored at the sudden squeezing.

              “Ah! I won’t disturb you two!” She let out a very happy giggle. “I’ll see you around!”

              The Great Sage patted Kim Dokja’s shoulder and looked at him approvingly. He then gave Kim Dokja and Yoo Jonghyuk a thumbs up before leaving to unite with his two other band members, a knowing smile on his face.

              “What was that all about?” Kim Dokja’s eyebrows were raised as he said that the second time today. He turned to look at Yoo Jonghyuk who had his signature scowl on.

              “Don’t mind them.”

              “Where are we off to next?”

              Yoo Jonghyuk eyes were deep in thought. Suddenly, as if the sound of a lightbulb switching on, he turned his gaze towards Kim Dokja, a smug smirk on his lips. “I have an idea.” He pulled out his phone typed something on it.

              “Mhmm, and I don’t like it already.”

              “Didn’t you tell me to bring you around Seoul?”

              “You look like you’re going to throw me into the Han River after attaching me to concrete.”

              “Stop saying such vile things. Let’s go.”

              “Wow, that’s the first time you spoke in more than one sentence. Congratulations! Shall I buy you a lollipop to celebrate?”

              “Shut up.” Yoo Jonghyuk reached out and pushed Kim Dokja’s shoulder in a playful manner before turning to walk down the street. Kim Dokja braced himself to be pummeled to the core of earth, yet that so called ‘shove’ was surprisingly gentle. He stood there holding the spot where Yoo Jonghyuk’s hand used to be and his face looked stupidly confused. Yoo Jonghyuk who was slowly walking ahead of him turned to his right, but froze when he realized Kim Dokja wasn’t there. He looked left and right around the crowd until he spotted his target standing in the same spot behind him.

              “You coming or what?”

              A smile began to tug on Kim Dokja’s lips. He let go of his own shoulder and his legs moved on their own. “Coming.”

              After walking a few blocks, they arrive in a very familiar spot in Gwanghwamun. Kim Dokja froze in horror as mocking laughter can be heard from Yoo Jonghyuk’s direction. The bastard, he wasn’t even trying to hide it, huh? Did he find that funny? This was the least funny thing in his life. It didn’t even tickle his funny bone. No, it was fucking embarrassing.

              Instead of the King Sejong statue that used to stand in the middle of the plaza, a new statue was erected in its place. A square base stood in the middle of the square, the concrete looked considerably old and grey. On top of the base lay a very familiar broken throne laced in gold. The two pieces were separated by a statue of a man wearing a buttoned-up shirt and a tie with a vest over it. His pants seemed to have the texture of normal fabric and he seemed to be working work shoes. However, above all else, what was most familiar was a nostalgic coat that waved in the nonexistent wind with his legs standing firmly on the ground. His right hand rested on the hilt of an old sword that had countless constellations ingrained on it, and sitting beside it was a slimmer sword, humbler in design but had a cold blue taint to it. In his left hand was clutched a smartphone with gibberish text scribed on its surface. There were a pair wings sprouting from his back and two tall horns grew from the top of his head, yet there was a halo hovering right above his head in sacrilegious fashion that would make the Pope faint. His hair ran down messily and rested against his forehead and his eyes surveyed the entire plaza with gentleness. A gentleness that was greatly overshadowed by a shit-eating grin. That wasn’t the most bizarre thing, though. Behind the already detailed statue was a huge squid, twice the height of the man standing on the pedestal of a broken throne. On the base were multiple plates. The biggest one read: [The 73^rd Demon King of Salvation, Son of Hades and Persephone, Watcher of Light and Darkness, and the King of a Kingless World]. Below that huge plate which was embroidered in gold and glistening in the sunlight was a smaller plate, a simpler one. [For Kim Dokja’s Return]. A date was written on the bottom of that smaller plate and lo and behold, as if the god of coincident themselves have descended on this world, the date that the statue was made was today. Today, there was a crowd around the statue and flowers were placed around the base. Most of the people held their gaze towards the statue in reverence. Not all of them were Korean, however. People from various different nations have come here to pay respects as if this were scared ground. This was all the more embarrassing.

              “Hyung! Over here!” Kim Dokja didn’t even turn to face the voice, eyes still plastered on the sight before him.

              “Do you like it, Ahjussi?”

              “He’s infatuated with it.”

              “No, I’m not!” Snapping out of his confusion he turned to Yoo Jonghyuk whose chin was upward but his face was twitching in his best attempt to hold laughter as a sardonic smirk was on his face. Kim Dokja sighed. He turned to face the two people who called out to him. Lee Gilyoung was in his school uniform and had his shirt unbuttoned and untucked to reveal the red shirt underneath. Shin Yoosung, on the other hand, kept clothes neat and clean. Only then did Kim Dokja fully realize how the both of them had grown. Shin Yoosung was certainly curvy and she stood back straight and tall. Her hair flowed gracefully down to her shoulders. She exuded the air of an ordinary high school girl who was meek and kind. She had a few bracelets on her wrists and held her bag with two hands in front of her. Lee Gilyoung was an absolutely different being. Do you remember that small, thin kid that grabbed on the hem of Kim Dokja’s shirt in the first scenario? He’s gone, reduced to atoms. The boy in his place had zero similarity to the past. His shoulders were broad and you can see his firm biceps peeking out from his shirt. His chest was chiseled and Kim Dokja knew for a fact that the abs veiled behind the red shirt could crush an anvil. His hair was messy and his eyes were taught, but they had the certain gentleness of a warrior. There were scars riddling his arms and hands that showed the years he spent battling. Who is this kid? Now he knows why the resemblance is uncanny. It’s as if you’re looking at a man with a similar build with Lee Hyunsung, that had the scars of Yoo Jonghyuk, spoke with the venom of Lee Gilyoung, but had eyes of familiar kindness like Jung Heewon. It was uncanny. His was the epitome of “muscle-head,” both in looks and in personality.

              “You want to get closer?” Shin Yoosung took her phone out. “I can take a picture of you there.”

              “Do you have it?” Yoo Jonghyuk looked at the two children solemnly and spoke with a deep, stoic voice. They returned the gesture.

              “Yes, we have.” They bowed down in reverence.

              “Good.” Yoo Jonghyuk grabbed Kim Dokja’s hand and dragged him straight towards the base of the statue. He waded through the sea of people who seemed to melt away at his inhuman strength. The two children followed behind.

              “What are you doing?”

              “Use your brain.”

              “But why? There are people here doing important things! We can’t just waltz up front and shove everyone aside.” Eyes have now begun to fall on the four of them. Some looked at them with annoyance while others stared skeptically before turning to face the statue once more.

              “It’s okay, if anyone has any issues then they would have to speak up,” said Shin Yoosung with a cheerful face, but her voice came out as a threat.

              “That’s why we need to hurry!” Lee Gilyoung’s voice rang out cheerfully.

              They reached the base of the statue and Yoo Jonghyuk angled him to match the pose of the statue.

              Realization dawned in Kim Dokja as horror was etched on his face. “You can’t be serious.”

              “I am always serious,” said Yoo Jonghyuk in a cool tone.

              “Here’s the sword.” Lee Gilyoung gave Yoo Jonghyuk two familiar scabbards and he placed it around Kim Dokja’s waist, both on the left and right.

              “This wouldn’t do.” Yoo Jonghyuk unsheathed the Four Yin Demonic Beheading Sword and let Kim Dokja’s right hand rest on it. “Tell your Unbreakable Faith to glow.”

              “What are we doing,” whined Kim Dokja.

              “Cosplaying,” Yoo Jonghyuk responding.

              “What did I even do to you guys?”

              “Ask yourself that.”

              Kim Dokja’s mouth was sewn shut. “Fuck you guys.”

              “Make the sword glow, now.”

              “Ahjussi, hold your phone with your left.”

              “Who’s gonna hold this?” Lee Gilyoung took out a big squid plushy from his bag which had an uncanny resemblance to a certain squid in memory. Wordlessly, Yoo Jonghyuk took it and stood behind Kim Dokja, holding the squid plushie above his head. By now, people have seemed to take notice and the buzz of chatter began to ring in the air.

              “Why are we doing this now?” Kim Dokja complained.

              “We want your picture,” replied Shin Yoosung innocently.

              “No, I mean why when everyone is literally paying respects to the statue?”

              “To you?” asked Shin Yoosung innocently.

              “Answer the question.”

              “It’s called punishment, you fool.” Yoo Jonghyuk lightly punched the top of Kim Dokja’s head. “Hurry up with the photo.”

              “I would, but something is missing.”

              “Which is?” Kim Dokja asked desperately. He could no longer ignore the piercing stares and wanted to flee the situation immediately. A beat of silence and the trio stared at him. Seeing that the trio didn’t want to answer, he turned to the statue and observed. What can be missing? He had the sword, he had the phone, hell, he was the man himself! So what more could they want? He looked closer. He looked exactly the same so he didn’t know what was missing until-

Ah. “No. Absolutely not,” Kim Dokja said firmly trying to force down his rising panic.

              “Kim Dokja.”

              “No.”

              “Hyung.”

              “No.”

              “Ahjussi.”

              “No!”

              The glares grew stronger.

              “There are people here! They can die!”

              “So, the people are the problem?”

              “That’s not my point!”

              “It’s okay, Hyung, The Great Sage’s been parading around all of Seoul for years and no one has died from his presence. Some fainted, but it wasn’t because he was a Myth Grade.”

              “Still, no! This is just too embarrassing! It’s not fair that you guys drag me out of my will here to embarrass me in front of all of Seoul? Is it in your plan to ostracize me from society?” Kim Dokja’s tone had been harsher than he had intended.

              The light in Shin Yoosung’s eyes faded away and her face contorted into a frown. She looked down sadly and her voice sounded as if she was about to burst out in tears. “Sorry, I…” her breath hitched, “I just wanted to have a picture to commemorate you, Ahjussi. It’s just because you were gone for so long…” Shin Yoosung rubbed her eyes. “After all, we have never even taken a proper photo of you…”

              Lee Gilyoung looked troubled and, although Kim Dokja couldn’t see it, he can feel the intense gaze burning down his head.

              “Okay, fine.” Kim Dokja lost as guilt assaulted his heart.

              Shin Yoosung brightened up immediately. “Oh, really? Thank you so much, Ahjussi! You are the best!” Shin Yoosung won.

              “You… you tricked me…” This time it was Kim Dokja who felt like crying. “You’re my incarnation…”

              “Well, now you know how it feels, Hyung.” Lee Gilyoung let out a disappointed sigh.

              “You cry when I trick you, but when your other incarnation hits you, you smile and laugh. Ahjussi, I think you’re showing your masochistic tendencies,” Shin Yoosung quipped.

              Yoo Jonghyuk’s wilting glare shifted from Kim Dokja’s hair to Shin Yoosung’s entire being. She would’ve faded into dust if it weren’t for her special card ‘I don’t give a shit.’ Kim Dokja swore to beat Han Sooyoung into oblivion for corrupting such a pure soul while a blush crept up his cheeks.

              “The faster you do it, Hyung, the faster we leave. We can wait. We’ve done so for a long time.” Lee Gilyoung’s eyes turned mischievous as a smirk was aimed at his direction.

              “Hurry up, you fool.” Great, now both his incarnations and the Insect King were against him.

              “Dammit all.” Kim Dokja bit his tongue.

[Demon King Transformation has begun!]

              “There we go! See, it wasn’t so bad,” Shin Yoosung cheered. Yoo Jonghyuk took a step back and began to sneeze after taking the full force of the feathers to his face.

[The Constellation, ‘Demon King of Salvation,’ has unleashed a portion of his status!]

              The Four Yin Demonic Beheading Sword’s constellations began to glow brightly and Unbreakable Faith began to release a cold, blue aura. Surprisingly, though, the weight of his status has lightened exceptionally. It was due to the Star Stream’s barely alive state that no one has died. Well, Kim Dokja wished they all dropped dead as he can see countless phone cameras pointing his direction. “Hurry up and take the damn picture.”

              “Patience is a virtue you taught us, Ahjussi.”

              “Hey, what is that sooty bastard doing?”

              “Can it, bug.”

              “What did I do this time?!”

              “Ahjussi, at least smile.”

              “I am.”

              “You look constipated,” sneered Yoo Jonghyuk.

              “I can’t help it,” replied Kim Dokja, voice through gritted teeth seeping with frustration.

              “Do you want to know who the Punisher is?” Shin Yoosung suddenly asked, eyes gleaming with an ancient evil.

              “The what now?”

              “The Punisher.” At this, he can hear the breathing of Yoo Jonghyuk freezing.

              “Yoosung, don’t you dare.” The rage was palpable and Lee Gilyoung was howling with laughter.

              “Smile for the camera!”

              From the response of Yoo Jonghyuk and Shin Yoosung’s statement, it all clicked into place. The pure absurdity of Yoo Jonghyuk walking around in a woman’s dress and the fact that Kim Dokja personally saw him run away caused Kim Dokja’s laughter to bubble up. His face rested into a position that everyone in Korea was familiar with.

              “Perfect!”

              “Hyung, do the angel one too!”

[Archangel Transformation has begun!]

              Kim Dokja didn’t need to be told twice. He subconsciously followed all the while his mind was focused on the new tea that Shin Yoosung poured in his cup. That was a great sight indeed. Tear jerking, even.

              “And, we are done here!” Shin Yoosung said with a lively voice.

              “Congrats, Hyung! I’m now allowed to stick close to you!” On cue, Lee Gilyoung beelined straight for Kim Dokja’s side.

              “What happened?” Kim Dokja asked, keeping that stupid grin on his face.

              “They said I can’t spend time with you for punishment! The petty old woman!” Lee Gilyoung’s face contorted into a silent fury at the memory while he emphasized “old.”

              “Jung Heewon, just now…” Yoo Jonghyuk put the phone close to his ear.

              “STOP IT, NO, I TAKE IT BACK!!! I WANT TO LIVE!” Lee Gilyoung looked like an animal in the grips of death and pounced on Yoo Jonghyuk.

              “Ahjussi, do you want to see?” Shin Yoosung walked towards her sponsor, showing him the contents of the impromptu photo shoot. “I got it mid-transformation, so you look identical to the statue.”

              Kim Dokja looked at the photo and paused for a moment, staring at the person who stood behind him. A smile broke out of his lips. “Can you send these to me?”

              “Of course, but there’s going to be a fee…”

[Constellation, ‘Demon King of Salvation,’ has sponsored his incarnation 10,000 coins!]

              “Ten thousand is too stingy and coins are useless in this world.”

              “Where did you learn to speak like that? I promise you that you won’t have to see that wicked witch ever again.”

              Shin Yoosung looked like she was about to throw up at the mere suggestion. “Do you seriously think that I would choose to voluntarily learn something under someone like Sooyoung-unnie? I have standards.”

              “What do you want.”

              “Why do you want the photo? I thought you would beg me to delete after all that complaining.”

              When did she grow to be so perceptive? Kim Dokja looked at Lee Gilyoung throwing his hands at Yoo Jonghyuk’s shoulder in sheer desperation while the latter began to look back at the former with a blank expression but the enjoyment in his eyes was visible.

              He looked back at Shin Yoosung who was smiling at him with a peculiar look in her face. This was the second time today. “Okay, I understand, Ahjussi.” She giggled and sent the photos to him.

              Anna Croft arrived shortly after and Kim Dokja apologized profusely for causing a scene. She just smiled and waved it off saying that it was no big deal. The kids bugged them to eat chicken at the Han River to which Kim Dokja happily obliged. No, let me rephrase that. The kids took the swords on his waist and pointed it at him, ‘kindly’ suggesting that he follow and do what they say lest he loses his legs. They sat in the restaurant next to the river and began eating. They attempted to order beer but were stopped by the threatening gazes of the only adults there. The company of 4 grew into 5 when Lee Jihye saw them while passing by. It turned to 6 when Jung Heewon ‘coincidentally’ saw Lee Gilyoung. It turned to 8 when Lee Hyunsung arrived with Han Sooyoung in his hand and the latter scowling at him while looking dazed as if she had just woken up. It finally turned to 9 when a major political figure walked into the restaurant gracefully and when asked why she was here she simply responded, “They’re competent enough to handle my disappearance.”

              They laughed and joked around, throwing empty death threats with nearly convincing faces, and spoke about the apocalypse and their adventures years ago. The no alcohol rule was broken, and soon, the smell of drunk happiness permeated the atmosphere. Lee Jihye was now looking smugly at the two who had cider while looking nearly out of it herself. Regardless, the banter never stopped. The laughter never stopped resounding. The happiness never stopped showing. Their stories never stopped their storytelling.

              They finally went back home, their home, wasted and tired, clamoring to their respective rooms. This left Kim Dokja with Yoo Jonghyuk. “I have a room, right?” was the question of the smaller man, but was quickly shot down by the other’s “Not anymore.” Yoo Jonghyuk threw Kim Dokja on the bed while he passed out on the floor.

The morning light peeked out through the windows and Kim Dokja was greeted with a disgustingly painful hangover that pounded with his heartbeat. He looked over and nearly fell off the bed when he saw the exposed Yoo Jonghyuk lying down on the floor. He felt a pang of guilt at his chest when he realized that he let the owner of the room sleep on the cold hard floor. While in his thoughts, Yoo Jonghyuk opened his eyes lazily and met Kim Dokja’s.

              “Morning, mola mola,” Kim Dokja greeted him with a smile.

              Yoo Jonghyuk looked confused, shocked, and started at the same time which undoubtedly suited him better than his scowl. That’s what Kim Dokja thought while letting out a small chuckle.

              Eyes looking away he sat up quickly and the pain rushed in him at once, assaulting his brain. Kim Dokja rubbed his back gently. “Morning,” growled Yoo Jonghyuk as he grabbed his temples.

              Kim Dokja didn’t say anything, but that smile of his meant that he was slandering him in his head, the bastard. ‘The floor wasn’t as cold as I thought.’ Yoo Jonghyuk let out a soft sigh. Kim Dokja ruffled his hair.

              And so, the days of the company passed by like that. They all lived in one big house in the outskirts of Seoul. They got their jobs, they lived their lives, and the moved on. It wasn’t easy to heal the wounds of an Apocalypse, but ugly scabbing and scarring was one of the stages of healing. Weeks turned into months which turned into years. Birthdays were celebrated, holidays were spent together, jobs were given and lost, yet they still stayed together, with Kim Dokja finally by their side. Slowly, they live the lives they should have lived and normalcy returned to their abnormal circumstances. One year turned into two years. The morning was crisp and the sky cloudy from the rains the night before.

              Kim Dokja stirs from his sleep and groggily opens his eyes. He’s alone on the bed and sits up to be greeted with light pouring into the room. His hair is a disheveled mess and he wore a grey a shirt that was way too big for him. He rubbed his eyes, swung his feet off the bed, and stood up. He walked towards the toilet to wash his face, rinsing away the sleepiness that plagued him. He stretched out a yawn and left their room.

              While walking down the stairs he sees Lee Jihye, Lee Gilyoung, and Shin Yoosung sitting on the table finishing up on their breakfast. Shin Yoosung and Lee Gilyoung stood up and walked to the kitchen to wash their dishes. Lee Jihye noticed him and turned to face him. She opened her mouth to speak but then shut it immediately and her eyes furrowed, staring at his figure.

              “Great night, huh.” Lee Jihye eyed him, mostly his shirt, and picked up her toast.

              “Of course.” Kim Dokja let out a weak grin and Lee Jihye let out a sad sigh.

              “I know I wanted this, but I feel bad for Master.”

              “Not quite how you envisioned it now, did you?”

              “At least I get free pictures.”

              “…I’ll let that one slide because it’s the morning. Don’t go selling those and have some decency.”

              “Relax, the only people seeing these beautiful pictures are Jung Heewon, Uriel, and the Great Sage himself!”

              “As long as you’re happy.” Kim Dokja was about to walk past her to kitchen but stopped for a moment and looked at her in the eye again. “There isn’t anything indecent, right?”

              “Trust me, I won’t do it ever again after I got scolded by Heewon-unnie.” She placed a hand over her heart as if to pledge. “I just wanted a reaction from Master, but he looked perfectly fine. Someone else, on the other hand…” She looked at Kim Dokja.

              Kim Dokja suddenly felt embarrassed at the sudden scrutiny and a red heat slowly creeped to his ears. “Just don’t do that again. I knew you were planning on selling those to Uriel.”

              “How?!”

              “The walls hear everything,” Kim Dokja said solemnly.

              “But they can’t block the sound you guys make, apparently,” Lee Jihye said in an indifferent tone.

              The flush that was once receding now bursted full-boom on his face.

              “Just, send me those photos.”

              “You’re not going to delete them, are you?”

              “Only if they’re good.” He smiled gently and ruffled Lee Jihye’s hair. She fist-pumped the air in victory and began to scroll through her gallery. He slowly made his way towards the kitchen and found a morning Yoo Jonghyuk standing in front of the stove frying eggs.

              “Morning, Joonghyuk-ah.”

              “Dokja, morning.” Kim Dokja slid his arms around Yoo Jonghyuk’s waist and he leaned against his back, snuggling his face into the place between Yoo Jonghyuk’s shoulder blades to take in the warmth and movement of the man manning the stove. Yoo Jonghyuk hummed a short tune.

              “I love you,” Kim Dokja said from where his face was plastered onto Yoo Jonghyuk’s back.

              “I love you, too.” Yoo Jonghyuk stopped his humming for a moment to reply to his companion.

Kim Dokja turned his face to look at the kids who were currently recreating the Disaster of Floods in the sink. “Good morning, Gilyoung-ah, Yoosung-ah.”

              “Good morning, Ahjussi!”

              “Morning, Hyung!”

              “How are you both feeling? Excited?”

              “Of course!” Lee Gilyoung crossed his arms and let out a smug smirk.

              “Wash the dishes properly you damn centipede!”

              “I wash my dishes. Even a monkey knows what self-responsibility means.”

              “You dirtied my cleaned dishes! Suck up your words and take responsibility, you monkey!” Shin Yoosung let out a tired sigh. “And hurry up while you’re at it, we’re going to be late!”

              “Tch, I know, I know! You’re so naggy in the morning you might as well become a nanny. Why can’t you just relax like Hyung?” Lee Gilyoung tilts his head towards the snuggly duo near the stove.

              “Do you want me to cling onto your back and whisper sweet nothings into your ear?” Shin Yoosung reaches towards Lee Gilyoung while puckering her lips and making kiss noises.

              Lee Gilyoung visibly wilted at the sight. “Never mind…”

              “Exactly, now stop being stupid and hurry up.”

              Kim Dokja chuckled while watching the both of them. “You both have a lot of energy.”

              “Too much,” Yoo Jonghyuk added with a hoarse, deep voice.

              “Jonghyuk-oppa, is your throat okay? Do I need to get you medicine?” Shin Yoosung suddenly looked worried and walked towards the drawers that housed the medicine.

              “No, I’m fine,” Yoo Jonghyuk assured.

              “Oh, okay. Bring some with you just in case.”

              “Yeah, I will,” Yoo Jonghyuk’s voice rumbled.

              “Aight, I’m done!” Lee Gilyoung raised stretched his arms and began to flick his hands at Shin Yoosung’s direction.

              “Gah! Stop it!”

              “What did you say? Can’t hear you over your wrinkles, grandma.”

              “That’s it,” Shin Yoosung rolled up her sleeves. Kim Dokja watched silently while the inside of his head mimicked an announcer in a wrestling match. “Wanna go, little boy? I’ll drop ya to the ground so hard you won’t walk for a week.” Even her voice and speech patterns have changed. Kim Dokja wondered if anyone else apart from the company has ever seen Shin Yoosung in this state and lived to tell the tale. No wait, who taught her that???

              “You’re on.” Lee Gilyoung began to stretch his arms and Shin Yoosung cracked her knuckles.

              “Do that later. You two have to get ready first.” Kim Dokja stopped them before any more dishes had to be broken.

              The both of them looked at Kim Dokja with innocent, precious smiles that radiated the warmth of the sun, and turned to face each other with glares of fury that’s reminiscent of the lands of the Antarctic. One can hear the rustling of insect wings and the roars of beasts as the two gazes struck each other like lightning. Slowly, the both of them raised their right arms, and just when Kim Dokja thought they’re going to slug each other to next week, their hands met and shook. Their hands seemed to have veins pop out of them.

              “For Hyung.”

              “For Ahjussi.”

              From the firm handshake they slammed their fists onto their heart with a loud thump. The scene looked like two warriors making pledges to their masters before they died in the battlefield. Basically, it was overly dramatic. They walked out of the kitchen to their rooms to ready their things before they leave.

              Kim Dokja finally unplastered himself from Yoo Jonghyuk’s back and stood by his side watching as he skillfully cooked the egg. He saw his firm hands lightly grasping the handle of the pan and moved his eyes upwards towards the firm arms whose muscles bulged with every movement of his wrist. Kim Dokja reached out and placed his hand on his biceps, squeezing lightly. He felt the firmness of the muscle and its squirming under the warm skin. He reached out his second hand to squeeze the other side of his arm and now Kim Dokja was moving his hands up and down the length of Yoo Jonghyuk’s arm.

              “Didn’t have enough?” Yoo Jonghyuk broke the silence and glanced at Kim Dokja.

              “I’ll never have enough of this beautiful package. Never lose it, okay?” Kim Dokja gestured to the entirety of Yoo Jonghyuk and his groping hands left Yoo Jonghyuk’s arms and went to his shoulder where it occasionally went down to his chest, but was blocked by Yoo Jonghyuk’s angry grunts.

              “I’m cooking.” Yoo Jonghyuk tried to raise his voice, but it cracked and he began to cough a bit. Kim Dokja began to pat his back. After Yoo Jonghyuk’s breathing returned to normal, Kim Dokja began to rub circles on his back.

              “Seriously, are you okay?” Yoo Jonghyuk nodded. Kim Dokja looked unconvinced and slid his hand that was on the top of Yoo Jonghyuk’s back all the way to the bottom where his waist is. “How about down here?”

              Yoo Jonghyuk stiffened for a moment and he faced Kim Dokja with a noticeable red tint on his cheeks that weren’t there a second earlier. Instead of breaking down into a tsundere mess, he leans forward, mouth barely inches away from Kim Dokja’s ear. His was voice airy, louder than a whisper, but quiet enough to be only heard between the two.

              “Of course I’m not okay there, you messed me up pretty badly last night.”

              Kim Dokja turned fiery red. So very red that one might mistake him to have a fever. Yoo Jonghyuk straightened his back and looked at Kim Dokja, eyes glowing with satisfaction with a smirk plastered across his mug, then turned back to take care of the sizzling food.

              “Well, that’s good to know!” Kim Dokja lightly slapped Yoo Jonghyuk’s back and covered his face with his other hand, attempting to calm himself down. He breathed out a shuddered breath and turned to face Yoo Jonghyuk who still held that smug grin while eyeing Kim Dokja from time to time. “You need any help?”

              “You can set the table for the others.”

              “I’ll do that.”

              “Don’t forget to give the kids their food. Since I’m not driving them there today, I might forget to give it to them myself.”

              “Don’t worry, don’t worry. I’ll do it.” Kim Dokja lightly tapped Yoo Jonghyuk on his cheek and went to pick up some plates and utensils from the cupboards and drawers. He walked out of the kitchen and saw Jung Heewon looking exhausted like death and Lee Hyunsung who still wore his uniform on the table. “Good morning, Heewon-ssi, Hyunsung-ssi.”

              “Good morning, Dokja-ssi!”

              “Morning…”

              “How was your shift?” Kim Dokja asked Jung Heewon while placing the things on the table.

              “As you can see,” she lifted her arms and brought it down to refer to her weak body, “exhausting.”

              “Do you want to eat?”

              “Maybe some toast is okay.”

              “I’ll ask the chef.”

              “You mean your boyfriend?”

              “They’re the same thing.”

              Jung Heewon let out a soft chuckle. “You’re right about that.”

              “Dokja-ssi, is there anything I can do to help?” Lee Hyunsung looked at him with eyes that mimicked a golden retriever. Although his constitution showed no sign of fatigue, his eyes were tired beyond all comparison.

              “Ah, it’s okay Hyunsung-ssi. You just got here from deployment, right? Just rest.”

              “If you say so.” Lee Hyunsung looked back at Jung Heewon with fond eyes. He loved how the light from the morning sun fell on her face. He loved how her hair was flowing messily behind her and how her bangs covered parts of her forehead. He loved the sound of her breathing as it set him at ease. He loved how her skin glowed in the sunlight. How her eyelashes are thin, how her face petite, how her features sharp, how her scars contrast her body. Jung Heewon seemed to notice that she was being stared at, but she paid no heed. With that, Lee Hyunsung sat there, simply admiring the features of Jung Heewon’s face like a puppy at his owner.

              ‘Please get together again, I don’t want to feel guilty for breaking you guys apart.’ Kim Dokja began to pray in his mind. He recited his usual mantra every time he saw Lee Hyunsung turn into a dog and sat down patiently to look at Jung Heewon with his tail wagging happily behind him. ‘Please get together, please get together, please get together, please get together, please get together.’ He repeated the phrase continuously while slowly setting the table. ‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m-’

              He felt a hand on the side of his head pulling him gently towards a certain direction and stop. On the other side of his head, he felt something soft and warm make contact with his left cheek. Oh, it’s Yoo Jonghyuk. Yoo Jonghyuk reached out to the dazed Kim Dokja who was in the middle of reciting his mantra. He kissed the man on his cheek tenderly which seemed to bring him back to his senses.

              “What are you thinking about?” Kim Dokja looked at Yoo Jonghyuk for a second, the man’s eyes are sharp but gentle.

              “About Heewon-ssi and Hyunsung-ssi.”

              “Those two? I think they’re going along well.”

              “You think so?” Kim Dokja’s eyes once again flooded with guilt. In response to that, Yoo Jonghyuk began to caress the side of Kim Dokja’s face assuringly. He used his other hand to hold Kim Dokja’s cheek and gently turned Kim Dokja’s face to face his. He looked into his eyes, distracted yet thinking. Just how did he fall in love with those eyes that always looked so far away? Yoo Jonghyuk leaned forward until his forehead was against Kim Dokja’s. He felt his warmth slowly seeping in. He once again peered into the black abyss of Kim Dokja’s eyes. The clouds of distraction cleared away and his eyes now sparkled like stars in the sky before the apocalypses. Now those are the eyes he fell in love with. The eyes that had looked over him for countless years, never turning away to face someone else.

              “It’s going to be alright.” Kim Dokja’s expression softened at the deep voice and let out a chuckle. He was leaning in, lips about to brush when a sudden noise shattered the mood.

              “Lively as always, the bastards.” Han Sooyoung stood in the doorway, holding a huge yawn. She reached her hands into her shirt which exposed her stomach and scratched herself. Her hair was akin to a birds’ nest and she was in her pajamas. “You two lovebirds put Romeo and Juliet to shame.”

              “Don’t show us such a disturbing sight.” Yoo Jonghyuk scowled at her, eyes looking visibly annoyed as his eyebrows furrowed.

              “If you’re saying my stomach is more horrifying than the things you’ve seen, then you’ve got something coming your way lover boy.” Han Sooyoung smirked and pointed his way in a “I choose you” pokemon pose. She walked towards the food on the counter and picked up a few dishes to bring to the table.

              Yoo Jonghyuk let out a grunt of dissatisfaction and pulled his face away from Kim Dokja. Seeing this to be the perfect moment to be dramatic, Kim Dokja placed his palm on the back of Yoo Jonghyuk’s neck and pulled him downwards to meet his lips. The action surprised Yoo Jonghyuk, but he let out noise of contentment.

              “Really? Right in front of my salad?” She looked at the duo with disgust so palpable it made the so-called salad’s leaves rot. She gripped harder on the plates with a scowl, shaking her head.

              The two separated when Han Sooyoung left the kitchen is annoyance. They parted with a light chuckle and picked up the rest of the food and brought it to the table. Jung Heewon had stirred awake and began to eat the toast that Yoo Jonghyuk brought. Lee Hyunsung was staring at the food on the table but his mind was currently switched off and was nudged awake by Jung Heewon. The four of them settled down on the table and began to partake in lazy morning banter.

              “By the way, where did Jihye go?” asked Kim Dokja stuffing his face full with toast.

              “She said she’s going to take a shower.” Jung Heewon stretched out her arms and let out a yawn.

              “You should take a rest today, Heewon-ssi.” Lee Hyunsung’s face was painted in visible worry.

              “Relax, I’m not that frail. Well, not compared to that shut-in.” She jerked her thumb towards Han Sooyoung.

              “Hey! I’m an author! I don’t have to leave the house!” she complained while pointing her sliced carrots threateningly at Jung Heewon.

              “And you have to be so noisy, damn.” Jung Heewon covered her ears.

              “Well, it’s not as if the work’s been going smoothly.” Han Sooyoung leaned back on her chair.

              “That’s why you need to go out. Mold will grow on your eyes if you stay in that room for too long,” Kim Dokja sneered.

              “You’re one to talk,” she retorted.

              “Then accept my wisdom and do as I say.”

              “I’d rather curl up and die in a hole.”

              “Then die.”

              “Is this how you treat your precious author-nim? One more slip up and I’ll tell everyone on how you obsessed over the details of Yoo Jonghyuk’s abs when you were still 16.” Han Sooyoung smiled threateningly as she munched on her greens.

              “Go ahead, I have the real one right here, anyways.” Kim Dokja nonchalantly reached to the said man’s torso and stuck his hand under his shirt to feel the firm grooves of his muscles as if it was the obvious thing to do. This earned him a thunk on the head with a mug of coffee. The room grew ever so slightly livelier at the sight as chuckles washed over the table.

              “Speaking of work, Hyunsung-ssi, how’s life over at deployment?” Kim Dokja spoke after he finally freed his hands from Yoo Jonghyuk’s abs.

              “Hmm? Oh, It’s nothing special. I don’t have issues myself personally when dealing with the leftover monsters, but it seems that the newer generations have a harder time.”

              “Now that reminds me, I’ve heard that some of the monsters began to incorporate themselves into the ecosystem, right?” Han Sooyoung looked at Lee Hyunsung with a fork in her mouth.

              “That’s true, which makes it even more troublesome.” He let out a tired sigh.

              “Why don’t we get the Number 1 Transient to help you out, then?” Kim Dokja patted Yoo Jonghyuk gently on the back.

              “Oh, no, no, no! There’s no need! Jonghyuk-ssi must be very busy! I also don’t want to intrude on you both.” Lee Hyunsung raises his hands and smiles assuringly.

              Jung Heewon snickers. “Oh, you don’t have to worry about separating them. They have enough time plastered together as is.” She smiles with a hint of annoyance and looks reassuringly at Lee Hyunsung.

              “You got that right. If you’re lucky, you might find a wild Kim Dokja raving in the frontlines to get his wife back home.” Han Sooyoung joined the teasing party.

              Lee Hyunsung let out a chuckle. “It’s not that big of a deal! I can wait for a few months!” Kim Dokja protested.

              “Really?” Yoo Jonghyuk stopped his eating and glanced at Kim Dokja, his eyebrows raised.

              “Of course!” Kim Dokja huffed out an exasperated sigh. He raised his chin and puffed out his chest as he proudly said, “He can go out there for even a year, I’ll be here waiting for him.” Yoo Jonghyuk’s eyes widened in amusement. He then turned to his food.

              “I’ll think about it,” he muttered. Kim Dokja’s confidence fades away, but he tries his best to keep up a front. However, he is unable to keep his eyes from looking sullen.

              “Thank you, Jonghyuk-ssi.” Lee Hyunsung smiled at Kim Dokja and Yoo Jonghyuk.

              “Aww, look at the pupper. Barking that he can send his wife away, but when the wife considers it, he looks abandoned.” Han Sooyoung teased and pinched Kim Dokja’s arm with a shit-eating grin. Jung Heewon muffles a laugh.

              “It rarely takes half a year! A year is way too much!” Lee Hyunsung tries to assure Kim Dokja.

              “It’s okay, he won’t die out there.” Han Sooyoung nudges Kim Dokja’s arm in a tease.

              “If he does, we will kill him for you, no big deal,” Jung Heewon says while crossing her arms and leaning back on her chair.

              “I’m not sad! I’m perfectly fine!” This response brings even more snickers around the table as that topic died down. Sensing the awkwardness, Kim Dokja shakes his brain for anything to break the ice. He found something.

              “Jonghyuk-ah, your cooking is just the best in the morning, damn it. Please marry me so I can have this for the rest of my days.” Kim Dokja tried his best to be dramatic. Yoo Jonghyuk pushed him on his shoulder and he let out a laugh while he can hear Han Sooyoung sneering at the sight of a coy Yoo Jonghyuk. Or that’s what he expected. All he got was silence.

              “Oh, would you look at that, you broke him.” Han Sooyoung lets out a smirk, but there’s something deeper behind her eyes that he can’t place.

              “That reminds me, Jonghyuk-ssi, in the coming months we are focusing more on rebuilding. You don’t have to think about going on the front. I’ll ask you again once our schedule updates.”

              The man in question was silently eating his greens like a horse grazing in the field. What’s up with this mood? He looks up at Lee Hyunsung and nods while the other man looks a slightly flustered. Jung Heewon stifles another laugh while patting Lee Hyunsung in the back.

              Kim Dokja wants to press for more, but ultimately decides against it. “So, they’re graduating today, huh.” Kim Dokja looks at his food with reminiscence in his eyes as he lets out a sigh.

              “It’s kind of funny how they’re graduating after participating in two apocalypses.” Jung Heewon looks at Kim Dokja with knowing eyes.

              “Well, they aren’t like other children,” Han Sooyoung adds to the discussion.

              “Hey, that reminds me,” begun Lee Hyunsung, “That’s the same school Jihye went to, right? She was kind of sad that Dokja-ssi wasn’t there, but I heard that she’s planning to bring her graduation toga so that she can have a picture with you.”

              “Come on, we don’t have to do it there.”

              “Let the girl do what she wants,” retorted Jung Heewon.

              “You made a promise.” Yoo Jonghyuk has finally finished grazing on his greens and looked at Kim Dokja silently.

              He closed his mouth and thought it over for a moment. Sure, it was something strange to do, but when have they ever been normal? “I guess it’s not that bad.”

              “That’s the spirit.” Han Sooyoung pats his back. “Anyways, I can hear the kids coming down. Do they have their food?”

              Right as if they were waiting, two teenagers leapt down the stairs and Kim Dokja went to pick up their food. Right before they got out of his sight, though, it seems as if everyone had their eyes trained on Yoo Jonghyuk. They seemed to be talking about an exciting topic as the chattering swelled louder, but still remained quiet enough to keep Kim Dokja out of earshot.

              Kim Dokja gives the two children their food and pats their head as they leave the house. The others, apart from Yoo Jonghyuk, said their goodbyes at the table. Meanwhile, Yoo Jonghyuk followed the kids and Kim Dokja to the door. Before leaving, however, Lee Gilyoung gave Kim Dokja a hug and a grin before leaving towards Yoo Sangah’s car. Shin Yoosung smiled at Kim Dokja and turned to face Yoo Jonghyuk. She gave him a bright thumbs up and turned to leave. Kim Dokja waved goodbye to the kids until the car rounded the corner and was out of sight.

              Before he was able to enter, however, Yoo Jonghyuk grabbed his shoulder. He stopped and turned to face Yoo Jonghyuk whose face looked stoic and still but whose eyes are churning with inner conflict. His left eyebrow twitched. “Kim Dokja,” he began in a low and husky voice, “get a shower and change. You’re coming with me.”

              “What?” Kim Dokja was surprised that Yoo Jonghyuk had called him by his full name. He began to wrack his head for any transgression he has done against this man. Well, anything that was more annoying than usual.

              “You’ll see.” Then it clicked. That tone, that expression, that conflict, those exact same words.

              “Oh,” he mused in his head. “It seems that I lost.” He followed Yoo Jonghyuk back into the house nervously.

              The two of them bring the dishes to the kitchen and start cleaning up in a slightly awkward silence. Kim Dokja would sometimes catch a glimpse of the man looking at him, but every time their eyes meet, he brings his gaze away. They both wash up, at different intervals mind you, and the both of them were ready to leave until Kim Dokja suddenly remembers something.

              “Wait, let me get something!”

              “You don’t need your phone.”

              “I promise, it’s more important than that!” He leaps up the stairs and comes back a few minutes later in a small mess.

              “What were you looking for?” Yoo Jonghyuk asks as he cleans up his companion’s clothes.

              “Ah, it’s something important to me.” Seeing as he won’t elaborate any further, Yoo Jonghyuk drops the topic and brings them to his car.

              The scenery passes uneventfully. As the car continues forward, the architecture grows old and ruined, signaling that they are leaving the human settlement in Seoul. Buildings gave way as grass grew out of the cracks in the road. The ground was uneven and jagged, but smooth enough to let the car pass. They were currently heading towards the Han River and crossed one of the bridges that were rebuilt. The waters below were tranquil without a hint of a huge sea serpent. After crossing the bridge and making a left turn, the car climbs the road to another bridge. This time, the bridge was broken at the end and several sections had already disappeared into the depths below.

Yoo Jonghyuk stopped the car and exited. He went to Kim Dokja’s door and brought the other man out. Slowly, without letting go of his hand, he brought him to the train tracks at the center of the bridge and stopped in front of an old train that had rust all over. The middle section of the said train has been blown out as marks of a fire had been left behind. They walked past that and saw a section of the train where a door has been forcefully opened. Kim Dokja peered inside and was hit with a wave of nostalgia. Before he can drown in his thoughts, Yoo Jonghyuk pulled him forward with a squeeze of his hand and they both continued walking. They stopped where the bridge gave way and the waters of the Han River stilled below.

The both of them were silent. Kim Dokja turned to look around. The bridge groaned in the light breeze and the landscape was desolate with the signs of humanity slowly being consumed by nature. The sounds of the water below tickling his ears as the morning sun shone gently on the two of them. The both of them looking at the sights of a destroyed Seoul ahead of them. Yoo Jonghyuk squeezed Kim Dokja’s hand and the other squeezed back in reply.

              “What you said this morning,” Yoo Jonghyuk started, “Do you mean it?”

              “Which one?” Kim Dokja asked with a gentle voice, not taking his eyes off the landscape. “If you’re talking about the frontlines, then yes, I am completely fine about that. You didn’t have to bring me all the way out here to-”

              “No,” Yoo Jonghyuk grunted, “No, not that.”

              Kim Dokja looked at Yoo Jonghyuk with puzzled eyes. Yoo Jonghyuk looked troubled that his companion did not remember and squeezed his hand once more. He breathed and kept his grip tight. “Kim Dokja,” he started. “This is where we first met when it all began.”

He grasped Kim Dokja’s hand in his other and was now soon cradling it in both of his hands. “Where you looked at me with defiance and proudly declared that you are a prophet.”

He ran his thumbs tenderly across the back of Kim Dokja’s hand as his eyes were trained on its every feature. “At the end of this bridge is where we became companions.”

He gently brought his hand upwards and kissed the back of it. He massaged the place where his lips touched and finally looked up to meet Kim Dokja’s gaze. “Kim Dokja.”

Yoo Jonghyuk let go of Kim Dokja’s hand slowly and reached into a pocket in his jacket. He pulled out a small black box and went down on one knee. He broke eye contact and looked at Kim Dokja’s hands. “Will you marry me?”

He brought his eyes up with expectation to look at Kim Dokja. He opened the black box and revealed a small, silver ring. He looked into his companion’s eyes with seriousness draped in his aura and all he found was…an unknown gaze.

Kim Dokja was looking at him with an unknown expression, his eyes quickly glanced everywhere except Yoo Jonghyuk. Yoo Jonghyuk peered deeper and finally deciphered what that emotion was. ‘Ah.’ Yoo Jonghyuk said in his mind. What he expected from Kim Dokja was embarrassment. What he got was disappointment.

“Yoo Jonghyuk…sorry I…” Kim Dokja broke the eye contact and turned away. Yoo Jonghyuk tried to not panic visibly and attempted to keep a calm façade.

“You don’t have to give me an answer now,” Yoo Jonghyuk began. He slowly stood up from his kneeling position and felt saddened by the unexpected development.

“No, no, it’s not about that. It’s about me,” Kim Dokja stammered.

Yoo Jonghyuk’s heart sank. “What do you mean?”

Kim Dokja paused while still not keeping eye contact. He crossed his arms into his coat and looked up into the sky. He opened his mouth, and a quiet voice came out. “It’s just a shame.”

Yoo Jonghyuk didn’t know that his heart could sink further than this, but look where we are now. He hid his surprise and disappointment and pushed on, mustering up everything he can just to keep himself standing. “What is?” he asked, his voice being slightly shaky like leaves in the wind.

“It’s just a shame that…” Kim Dokja turned to look at him with sadness. He pulled his arm out of his coat and in his hand sat another small, black box. “That I wanted to propose first.”

The bastard. The look of sadness was quickly replaced with his signature shit-eating grin. Yoo Jonghyuk was now attempting to bottle up his rising fury, however, apart from that, relief crashed over him and his knees nearly gave way. “Just…no…Tell me…” He was in a complete loss of words.

“I’m sorry! I just couldn’t help it!” Kim Dokja’s smug grin turned slightly worried and amused. Yoo Jonghyuk covered his eyes with his free hand and Kim Dokja’s laughter can be heard ringing in his ears.

“Tell me why I fell in love with a bastard like you.” Yoo Jonghyuk was annoyed, but he could not hide the smile of relief on his face.

“I don’t know about that,” Kim Dokja began, “But I do know why I fell in love with you.” Kim Dokja reached out and grabbed the hand that covered Yoo Jonghyuk’s face.

“You’re stupid and annoying, but you’re really warm and gentle.” He brushed the hand aside and placed Yoo Jonghyuk’s cheek in his palm. “You’re an annoying bastard, but you are always my bastard first.”

He took a step back and knelt on the ground with one knee propping his arm up. He held up the opened box which showed a silver ring. “So Yoo Jonghyuk, will you marry me?”

A red flush creeped up his cheeks and grew all the way to his ears. He tried his best to keep eye contact but was eventually unable to do so. Yoo Jonghyuk looked at him and gave out a sigh. “So you do feel shame.”

“Answer the question,” Kim Dokja quickly mumbled, clearly too embarrassed to have a proper conversation.

“Yes.”

Kim Dokja snapped his head up to look at him with surprise filling his eyes. His mouth slid open in shock.

“Yes, I will marry you, you rat.” He grabbed Kim Dokja’s hand and helped him stand on his too feet. He took the ring from the box and slipped it into his own ring finger. It slots perfectly in place. He uses that hand to gently caress Kim Dokja’s face and pulled out his own ring box with the other hand. Without breaking the intense eye contact, Yoo Jonghyuk spoke. “Now answer me.”

Despite the red coloring his face, it seems that, no matter the season, shit will always flow from Kim Dokja’s mouth. “I told you already, I’m okay if you go-”

“Answer the fucking question or I will throw you off.”

“Of course I will, you bastard.” With that Yoo Jonghyuk crashed his face forward, lips meeting with Kim Dokja’s as he pulls them both into a deep kiss. The hand on his face never let go as Kim Dokja held onto the collar of Yoo Jonghyuk’s coat. After a while of intimacy, they both broke apart and stared into each other’s eyes. They break out laughing. In the midst of laughter, Yoo Jonghyuk grabs Kim Dokja’s hand and slides the ring on it.

“You know,” Kim Dokja began after a short bout of laughter. “I’m really not okay with it.”

“The marriage?” Yoo Jonghyuk asked Kim Dokja while holding onto the ring on his hand, looking as if he was ready to chuck it into the sea.

“Not that, you idiot! What I meant was that I’m not okay with you going to the frontlines!”

“I know.” Yoo Jonghyuk let out a smirk.

“So you were teasing me.”

“I learned a thing or two.”

Kim Dokja let out a short chuckle and leaned against Yoo Jonghyuk’s chest.

“Let me go with you, at least.”

“Don’t you have work?”

“Jonghyuk-ah, we literally own the city. It’s even written on the gates.”

“Just visit me from time to time.” Yoo Jonghyuk pressed a kiss on Kim Dokja’s forehead. “I’ll be waiting.”

“Okay.” They both stood there for a few moments, enjoying the soft breeze and the sound of their breathing. They finally decided that it was time to get ready for the other big event of the day.

The sun shines down on the school grounds brightly, all clouds gone from the sight of the bright blue sky. The wind gently blows a breeze, rustling the trees as the leaves dance in the wind. Cherry blossoms in full bloom slowly let go of their petals as they rain down in pink raindrops. The school is abuzz with activity as the formal graduation ceremony is finally over. Outside the gymnasium where it was held, families crowd around with their children who happily display their high school diploma as if it were a medal won in war. There were families big and small, but none as eccentric as Kim Dokja’s Company.

“Hyung!” Lee Gilyoung ran towards Kim Dokja. He was donned in a graduation toga. The robe was a dark, black color and the hood was alternating between red and blue stripes. The cap was black too, however, the tassel was white. Lee Gilyoung unzipped the top of his gown and showed the white school uniform underneath. He spread out his arms, diploma on his right hand, as if he were showing Kim Dokja something. “Hyung, I look like the Korean flag!”

“You mean the Taegeuki?” Shin Yoosung commented.

“Yeah, that! Same hat!”

“How did you even graduate…” Shin Yoosung pinched the bridge of her nose. She turned to face her sponsor and let out a bright smile. “Ahjussi, how do I look?”

Kim Dokja still hadn’t dried his eyes. “You both…so perfect…commere…” he managed to get out between breathes. Shin Yoosung and Lee Gilyoung ran forward into the wide arms of Kim Dokja, nearly crashing him into the ground if it weren’t for Yoo Jonghyuk’s strong grip on his waist.

“Seriously, Oppa, I sometimes think you’ve decided married a grandpa,” Yoo Mia noted. Although her statement sounds like one of disappointment, her soft smile betrayed her intentions.

“He technically is an old man, but I love him nevertheless.” Yoo Jonghyuk smiled happily at the sobbing trio threatening to merge into one before he looked at Yoo Mia, eyebrows furrowed. “How did you know we were engaged?” He didn’t remember telling anyone about it yet.

Yoo Mia pointed at the ring on his finger and said nothing more. Listening to their conversation, Lee Gilyoung and Shin Yoosung perked their heads up like dogs hearing their owner’s call. Immediately, they both scrambled to grab Kim Dokja’s right arm. Shin Yoosung found it first and placed it in front for everyone to see. On the ring finger is a petite silver ring with a bright sheen to it. Their jaws fell and their eyes open wide. Lee Gilyoung reached for Yoo Jonghyuk’s hand on Kim Dokja’s waist and found the similar, albeit, slightly different ring hugging his ring finger. Yoo Jonghyuk looked at the two of them and smiled smugly while Kim Dokja smiled at the two sheepishly, a slight flush creeping up his neck.

“You’re engaged?!” they both shouted in an excited manner. This brought the eyes of everyone towards the newly engaged couple. However, those expressions could not even compare to the expressions shown by Kim Dokja’s company.

“Keep it down!” Kim Dokja quickly said to hide his embarrassment.

“No!” Lee Gilyoung said.

“I can’t believe it’s already happening,” Shin Yoosung said while holding back tears of joy.

“Who proposed first?” Lee Gilyoung asked the question everyone had.

“I did,” Yoo Jonghyuk said proudly with a glow on his face.

“Dammit!” Lee Gilyoung said as he managed to fish out his wallet from within his toga and gave Shin Yoosung a stack of cash. Behind them, Han Yoosung cursed inwardly as Jung Heewon and Yoo Sangah gave each other a high-five. Gong Pildu stared at the gamblers as he rolled his eyes. Jang Hayoong giggled at the sight while standing next to Gong Pildu. Lee Hyunsung looked horribly sad and betrayed while he was handing Jung Heewon what seemed to be a portion of his salary. Lee Jihye, who just came back after changing into her toga, brought out her phone and took pictures in speeds that rival video cameras.

“You two…” Kim Dokja began, his eyes wide with horror, “Who taught you two how to gamble?”

“It’s human nature, Hyung,” Lee Gilyoung said bitterly while putting his wallet back in his pocket.

“He who does not work, neither shall he eat,” Shin Yoosung quoted solemnly like a Chinese philosopher under the cold torrents of a waterfall.

As the two children let go of him to bicker bitterly, Kim Dokja looked at Han Sooyoung with an evil expression while horns slowly sprouted from his head. “Her head is mine,” Kim Dokja spoke in a grave voice as if giving out divine punishment. He held onto hilt of Unbreakable Faith on his waist (He always brought it with him wherever he went. It’s similar to a charm to him.) and as pulled it out almost threateningly.

“Hey, wait! It’s not me! This bitch-” she turned to point at Jung Heewon, but she was long gone at her side. Han Sooyoung looked around and saw the culprit acting dramatically in front of Lee Hyunsung. She hugged him tight and rocked him back and forth and cried out in what sounded like fake wailing. Lee Hyunsung who was shocked didn’t have any reaction save for the beetroot flush on his face and his awkward patting of Jung Heewon’s back. “Come back here, you poser!” she shouted at Jung Heewon who pretended not to hear. All the while, Yoo Sangah looked at the nearest cherry blossom tree while whistling the theme song of Your Neighbor Totoro.

“It’s your fault for not raising them properly.” Yoo Jonghyuk looked at Kim Dokja with an amused expression. He turned to face Yoo Mia and was about to praise her great behavior until he saw her pull out her own purse from her toga and bitterly give Shin Yoosung her pocket money.

This time, the Protagonist joined his husband and shot Han Sooyoung a nasty glare as he cracked his face. “Square up, witch.” The duo walked towards their target slowly like predators encircling their cornered prey.

“I’m innocent! Listen to me!” Usually, the witch herself would bare her fangs against the squid or the sunfish, but that’s only when it’s one on one.  Facing the god of this universe and his precious incarnation is something only insane people dare dream to do. Han Sooyoung decided that she is not insane enough to even dream. She looked at Yoo Sangah, a last-ditch effort for help. Her pleas for help fell on deaf ears though, because the moment she glanced at her direction she was met with Yoo Sangah, Lee Hyunsung, and Jung Heewon posing for a selfie while Lee Jihye was pointing at Han Sooyoung, laughing her head off. “You schemers!”

“Now while I do not condone the absolute destruction of everyone’s favorite witch,” Shin Yoosung began, “I’d rather not have blood on my graduation day.” She shot Han Sooyoung a mocking glare and the woman in question felt that her pride was being shattered.

“We’ll beat her up later, Hyung, let’s take some photos first!”

The infinite dark fury that had manifested on the school yard had immediately disappeared as the deep scowl on Yoo Jonghyuk’s face was replaced by that of a neutral expression. Kim Dokja smiled once again and beckoned the kids towards him.

“I don’t know if I should be happy that I’m going to die later or…” Han Sooyoung muttered, always impressed on how the kids have so much influence over the duo.

“Enjoy your final hours, heathen,” Lee Jihye said as she bowed her head. “May the Demon King of Salvation’s parents guide you into your next life.” Lee Jihye looked up and placed her hand on her shoulder. She looked at Han Sooyoung with pity etched into her figure. When she let go of her shoulder, however, all that solemness disappeared as she happily walked over towards the duo.

Everyone followed along and soon the photo was taken. “How do I look?” Shin Yoosung asked.

“Can you send that to me?” Jung Heewon asked.

“Waahhhh, my kids are all grown up…” Kim Dokja sobbed again.

“Pull yourself together before you die of dehydration,” Yoo Jonghyuk said to the man stubbornly clinging to his chest, yet he made no motions to push him away.

“Joonghyuk-ssi can really make faces like this when he’s happy,” Lee Hyunsung commented.

“The background really is pretty,” Yoo Sangah said while smiling.

“Sooyoung-unnie really needs to get on with the height game.” Lee Gilyoung sighed.

“And some brat with a bird nest on his head needs to learn some manners!” Han Sooyoung angrily retorted.

The pictures were being sent to everyone in the company. In it laid a beautiful picture of a big family. Shin Yoosung and Lee Gilyoung were in the center and had taken off their graduation caps. They were bending down under the weight of Kim Dokja whose face was red and in between hysterical sobbing and a smiling brightly. The two children beneath him were laughing. Yoo Mia stood next to Shin Yoosung on the right of Kim Dokja and looked mildly uncomfortable, but still her smile shone brighter. Kim Dokja’s arms were wrapped around the three of them tightly as they all were mushed into one. Yoo Jonghyuk rested his right hand on top of Kim Dokja’s. Both of their silver rings in view. He rested his other hand on Kim Dokja’s left shoulder and bent down to place his head on top of Kim Dokja’s, smiling brilliantly. Similar to the smile he gave to Kim Dokja at the start of the Apocalypse, only this time there was an intense light behind his eyes. Biyoo floated above them and made and smiled happily. She sat above Yoo Jonghyuk’s head and had successfully made a snowman of Dokja-Jonghyuk-Biyoo.

Han Sooyoung was on Kim Dokja’s left side, pulling up a peace sign as she pointed at Kim Dokja with her other hand, clearly laughing at the sobbing squid. Tears can be seen brimming in her eyes. Yoo Sangah smiled gracefully with her hands in front of her like a maiden. Jang Hayoong stood in front of the two of them as she smiled. She, or he whichever you’d prefer, had her hands in front of her pulling off a double peace sign.

To the immediate right of Lee Gilyoung was Gong Pildu, smiling gently while having his arms crossed. Behind him was Lee Hyunsung who looked like he was 5 seconds away from sobbing, but at the same time 5 seconds away from combusting into a flustered mess. The source of this fluster was a Jung Heewon who had her left arm around his neck and pulled their heads together closely. She had her right arm on her waist. The both of them were smiling fondly and it was a miracle that Lee Hyunsung did not look constipated. Lee Jihye was to the right and behind of Yoo Jonghyuk. She was in her toga and had her arms around Lee Hyunsung and her Master’s shoulders. She smiled with her mouth open and her eyes were drawn into lines.

Surrounding the company was a chorus of pink flower petals falling from the trees behind them. The wind shook their clothing and hair gently as some petals got stuck in their hair. Backdropped behind them was a violent blue sky and a cloudless day. The sun radiated their warmth from overhead.

Later, after the company celebrated their kids’ graduation and their idiots’ engagement, the party had died down and they all went to their respective rooms. Kim Dokja washed his face in the bathroom and he brushed his teeth. He yawned towards no one in particular. Before he left the room, he took one look in the mirror. This is the same Kim Dokja. The same man that lived on webtoons and expired convenience store food. This was the same Kim Dokja that threw himself off the window of his old school. The same old Underground Killer’s son. He’s the same Kim Dokja.

Yet, this man that is looking back at him seemed brighter and happier than he could’ve ever imagined. Sure, he still regrets traumatizing his companions by his abrupt leave. Sure, he still has nightmares over what he saw during that train ride of hell. Sure, he still shivers at the countless gazes everyone gives him when he walks around. Sure, he still has his deep lows plagued with an immense sorrow. Sure, he still has recollections of the day he plunged that knife deep into the body of a man who called himself his father. However, there was only one difference. He didn’t have to go through it alone anymore.

He had his companions with him. He had his children that would look at him happily and love to spend time with him. He had Heewon and Hyunsung as they would look out for him; making sure that he stays safe and well fed. He had Sangah who would always make sure that he does the right thing. He had Sooyoung who would bicker with him and put up against his annoyance in return for hers, but she would never leave him behind. He had Jihye who would always make sure that his relationship with his fiancée stay alive and well. Finally, he had Joonghyuk, the man he is madly in love with. A man who would destroy the stars for him. A man who would deal with his constant pestering and still say “I love you” when he wakes up or goes to sleep. A man who looks at him as if he was the only thing that mattered in this world.

Dokja doesn’t know whether or not the life he had lived so far had been enough. Had he done enough? Was he enough? He doesn’t know. He probably will never know. However, he knows one thing. He knows that, for now, this is enough. He knows that this is enough, which is why he decides to keep on moving to tomorrow. He knows that, deep down inside, he wants to move tomorrow to the sight of Joonghyuk’s sleeping face. So that’s why he continues living. Not just for the sake of everyone’s happiness, but his own happiness as well. He wants to live. He wants to be happy.

He exits the bathroom and walks over to the bed that has a sleepy Joonghyuk on it. Dokja pulls out the covers and slips into the warmth of Jonghyuk that was preserved on the inside. He places his head on his pillow and looks into his eyes; those eyes that shine brilliantly from the darkness. He opens his mouth to say something, but is cut by a notification on his phone. His screen brightens and the duo are blinded by the fact that Dokja’s phone had decided to use Solar Beam on both their eyes in a dark room. Grunting, Jonghyuk reaches out to the phone. He was about to turn it off until he sees the screensaver. From the light of his phone, Dokja sees a small smile creep on his lips.

“You still use this photo?” Jonghyuk asks while his eyes glance to Dokja.

“It’s our first photo together, of course I would.”

The photo in question was the one taken years ago after Dokja was just discharged. In it was the huge Kim Dokja statue in the center of Gwanghwamun Plaza and standing in front of it was the Demon King of Salvation himself. He had his horns out and his halo glowed brightly above it. His wings were black, but the edges had white feathers. Yoosung timed the shot perfectly for this moment. However, apart from the identical cosplay Dokja made with the statue, there was one special thing about this photo. It was that Dokja was smiling brilliantly from ear to ear. What was special about this photo was that behind him, was a Joonghyuk holding a squid plushie above his head. What’s special about that was the similarly brilliant smile plastered on Joonghyuk’s face. The both of them were smiling so fondly that one would’ve thought that they were already married.

“What a coincidence, I also have the same photo,” Joonghyuk said calmly as sleepiness began to overcome him once again. He reached out behind Dokja to plug his phone in and then used the positioning of his arms to place his hands behind Dokja. The smaller man leaned in towards the warmth of Jonghyuk’s chest as Dokja placed his arms around Joonghyuk’s torso to pull him closer. Joonghyuk rested his hand on the nape of Dokja’s neck and relished in the sound of his soft breathing. He was about to fade into slape before he snapped into a barely awake state. “Dokja,” he groggily said with a deep voice.

“Joonghyuk-ah?” came Dokja’s reply as sleepy as he was.

Joonghyuk leaned towards Dokja’s ear and spoke softly. “Goodnight.” He moved to kiss Dokja’s forehead. “I love you.”

Dokja looked at him sleepily, but Joonghyuk could tell that the man was smiling at him. Dokja raised his hand to cup Joonghyuk’s cheek and leaned in to give him a peck on the lips. “Goodnight, Joonghyuk-ah. I love you, too.”

And with that, the both of them fell into a deep slumber within each other’s arms.