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“It’s a simple in and out plan. Just go to the gathering, mingle with the crown prince, seclude him and-” The duke made an action of slicing his throat off with his thumb, before smiling devilishly at Yoo Joonghyuk.
Yoo Joonghyuk nodded, flipping through the pages of his target’s files, analysing his interests and personality traits. The crown prince, the firstborn of Hades, the king of the underworld. It should be easy. Word had it that the prince was a kind person, who rarely did any harm. Getting close would be no problem.
It was worth it, if it meant that the duke, whom he was forever loyal to, would gain an upper hand in the upcoming assasination he was planning.
“I knew I could trust you with this.” The duke laughed, patting Yoo Joonghyuk on the shoulder. Yoo Joonghyuk stilled, before nodding once again, and taking his leave, the crown prince’s documents in his hand.
Kim Dokja. That was his name. It was an odd name, in Yoo Joonghyuk’s opinion. A weird name for a weird person. To have so much power, yet choose to be so lenient and generous, it made no sense to Yoo Joonghyuk. Kim Dokja ought to utilise his upper hand, to force civilians to bow down to him. That was what Yoo Joonghyuk would’ve done.
The plan for the crown prince’s death would commence in two days time, during the celebration hosted by a high powered aristocrat, the location ever so kindly provided by the king. Word had it that this aristocrat was closely knit with Kim Dokja, so it would only be expected that he would attend.
Yoo Joonghyuk would be attending as the duke’s plus one, thus not having to undergo any verification nor suspicion while entering the location. Like aforementioned, it would be a basic procedure, almost boring.
So there would be no hitches that day, right?
——
Yoo Joonghyuk stared at Kim Dokja from across the ball room. He was mid-conversation with the hostess of the event, an owner of a flourishing business which catered to the royal family.
Kim Dokja was beautiful to say the least. Pale skin and a thin waist. Long bangs which he brushed out of his eyes ever so often, hazel eyes which seemed to depict a magnificent night sky, and a bright smile which rarely seemed to leave his oh so perfect face.
Yoo Joonghyuk took a last sip of the red liquid which was in his glass, before placing it on a nearby table. He adjusted his suit, walking towards where Kim Dokja was standing. The lady had ended the conversation with the firstborn as well, and they were bidding farewells, before the woman moved away.
“Somebody as gorgeous as you has no right to be standing alone here.” Yoo Joonghyuk said, as he reached Kim Dokja’s side.
Kim Dokja raised an eyebrow, although ended up laughing at the cruel attempt of a flirt. “And what about you? Such a tall handsome man.” Yoo Joonghyuk felt Kim Dokja’s eyes trail His body, from his feet to his torso to his hair.
“Well, I’m talking to you now, aren’t I?”
“Hm. I suppose you are.”
Yoo Joonghyuk could tell from the way Kim Dokja’s eyes shone that he was intrigued. Good.
“I don’t think I’ve introduced myself. I’m Kim Dokja.” Kim Dokja held out his hand in a friendly handshake, and Yoo Joonghyuk took it.
“Yoo Joonghyuk.” Yoo Joonghyuk brought the white-gloved hand to his lips, brushing his lips against the prince’s knuckles, before releasing the hand. Kim Dokja seemed almost flustered for a second, before his face returned to that usual indiscernible poker face which consisted of a small smile and eyes which hid his thoughts.
“So, Kim Dokja. Are you enjoying everything?” Yoo Joonghyuk questioned, gesturing to the area around them. There were esteemed men and women, all dressed in formal attire of the highest quality. All were in deep conversation, entranced in their own tiny bubbles, very much like Kim Dokja and Yoo Joonghyuk. Their voices were nothing but white noise, easily blocked out by the two men, who were focused on absolutely nothing but each other.
“I’m not going to lie. It was all utterly drab until you came along. Nobody who has greeted me has truly cared about whether my father is well, how I am doing, you know, all that nonsense they ask me about. All are power hungry. Hell, the servants are more genuine than them! At least they’re blatant about working here simply for the cash.” He tsked, observing the noblemen and women around them.
“How do you know I am any different?” Yoo Joonghyuk asked genuinely, as he gazed into Kim Dokja’s eyes, his own reflection greeting him.
“I don’t. And that’s the fun of it. I have absolutely no idea of who you are.” Kim Dokja broadened his smile gleefully, much to Yoo Joonghyuk’s confusion. This man found it joyous that he was revealing his thoughts about others to a complete stranger? He really was an odd one.
“You really…” Yoo Joonghyuk sighed, shaking his head. His lips, which used to be in a flat line, soon twitched up, forming something which resembled a smile.
“So, Yoo Joonghyuk. Let me know you. Let me find out whether you’re exactly the same as those bastard nobles.”
“I’d like to know more about you as well. How about this. Let’s exchange questions, you ask, I’ll answer, and vice versa.”
Kim Dokja nodded, mulling over what his first question would be.
“Favourite colour?” It was a simple question. So simple it actually made Yoo Joonghyuk think. He had never taken a second to consider what his favourite colour would be, believe it or not. It had never been necessary. Sure, he had a signature colour, but he didn’t really take a preference for anything.
“I suppose.. it would be black.” Yoo Joonghyuk muttered, although he did not 100% agree with his answer.
“That was expected. You practically give off a dark aura! That wasn’t criticism, by the way. Anyways, now you ask me a question.”
“Would you consider yourself more of a hero or villain?”
“You’re very philosophical, huh?”
Yoo Joonghyuk shrugged. After reading about Kim Dokja’s tendency to be helpful to the less fortunate in his files, he had wondered. Was it simply hypocrisy that he did it? Did he want to feel like someone superior? Like a protagonist who was kind hearted? Yoo Joonghyuk wanted to know more.
“Hm. Probably a villain.” Kim Dokja said, which took Yoo Joonghyuk by surprise. Was that so? Nothing about Kim Dokja screamed ‘evil’. It was more.. pure. The plain white suit, matching white gloves and a pleasant voice. How could someone so extraordinary be a villain?
“Oh really? And why is that so?”
“Well, first of all, if I was a hero, I would get all the girls, wouldn’t I? Look at me. 27 and still single. Secondly, heroes have to be nice , have pleasant thoughts. God knows I’m the opposite. Lastly, a villain is always ugly, isn’t that right?”
He gestured to himself, as if he was the most unattractive person to ever exist. Yoo Joonghyuk wanted to laugh. The man had really prepared a complete set of slides on why he would never be a protagonist.
“You seem to think very lowly of yourself.”
“Did I not state the truth?”
‘No you did not.’ Yoo Joonghyuk thought to himself, shaking his head, as he let out an amused laugh. It was rather stunning how the man degraded himself, viewing himself as the opposite of how Yoo Joonghyuk saw him. It seemed the things he read in his files were simply the tip of the iceberg named Kim Dokja.
“You really are an interesting person, Kim Dokja.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment, Yoo Joonghyuk.”
Kim Dokja opened his mouth to speak again, as something brushed into him. A purplish-red liquid spilled onto his shoulder, staining his white colourless suit.
Glass shattered onto the floor beside him, breaking into a million little shards. A few milliseconds after, a tray clattered beside it, as a man- a waiter- dropped to the ground, muttering endless apologies as he helplessly tried to pick up the pieces of glass, causing his hand to bleed in the process.
Kim Dokja stared in shock for a good few seconds, before urging for the waiter to stand up, scrambling to pull a silky white handkerchief with gold ends to the waiter for his hands.
“This’ll be our little secret, ’kay? Go to the medical room to ask Seolhwa-ssi to bandage that as well.” Kim Dokja said, as he whipped his head to confirm that the occurrence had not attracted much attention. Thankfully enough, everyone seemed to continue talking, as if the crown prince had not just been knocked into by a lowly servant.
“What about your suit?”
“It’s fine. I’ll go get another one.”
Yoo Joonghyuk paused, contemplating whether Kim Dokja had meant for him to follow the man, but started trailing over him when Kim Dokja turned his head and gestured for the knight to come.
——
“So, Kim Dokja, why did you help that guy?” Yoo Joonghyuk asked, as he leaned on the wall outside of the prince’s bathroom, inside his bedroom, as Kim Dokja changed into a clean set of clothes.
“Do you know how much those people out there serving drinks get paid? Most definitely less than a percent of your monthly wage. And on top of that, they’re using it to support their whole bloodline- those who are still alive, of course.”
“If someone were to report them to the king, they would lose their job at the castle and perhaps even more. I don’t know if you know this, but word spreads fast in this kingdom. All it takes is one tea party, and every noble will know about this servant who is incapable of doing his job, when in reality he simply made a mistake. It makes him human, not an error, as opposed to what the majority of people are convinced.”
“And that’s it. He’ll go through hell trying to find something else to keep his family stable, all because of one stain. So I don’t think I need to explain why exactly I helped somebody anymore, Yoo Joonghyuk.”
Kim Dokja adjusted his tie as he stepped out of the bathroom, now wearing a dark blue suit, with a black dress shirt underneath, colours the opposite of the white suit he had stained previously.
He looked.. nice, in Yoo Joonghyuk’s opinion.
“I thought you saw yourself as a villain? What you did was rather uncharacteristic of a bad guy.”
“One good deed doesn’t make up for countless wrongdoings.” Kim Dokja sighed, as he walked past Yoo Joonghyuk, heading for the door.
“Then perhaps you’re in your redemption arc.”
Kim Dokja raised an eyebrow at the statement, scoffing. Yoo Joonghyuk could see it through his eyes that an idea like that was idiotic. He shook his head, holding the door open for Yoo Joonghyuk, gesturing for him to leave.
“You really say intriguing things, Yoo Joonghyuk. And I don’t think I hate it.”
Kim Dokja flashed him another grin, a genuine one this time, and Yoo Joonghyuk thought to himself, he liked this smile better. Yoo Joonghyuk liked the stretch of his lips, the crescent-shaped eyes, and especially the rosy tint on Kim Dokja’s cheeks when he wore this smile.
“No, I really do mean it. I don’t think I’ve ever talked to someone who’s kept me engrossed in a conversation for so long.”
Kim Dokja kept walking through the hallway, Yoo Joonghyuk following suit. He soon realised that they were starting to stray away from the path to the ballroom, and although Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t question it, he stared at Kim Dokja’s back in curiosity.
Kim Dokja turned around and smiled at him excitedly, as they reached a door. He pushed it open, revealing a starlit sky, twinkling constellations scattered everywhere. Yoo Joonghyuk stared at them in awe. Sure he saw them when he had arrived at the castle, but from here… they had a completely different vibe, as if they were more beautiful in a way.
“This is my most favourite part of the castle.” Kim Dokja said, as he stepped out onto the balcony the door led to, looking up at the sky.
Yoo Joonghyuk took a breath of the fresh air, exhaling as he gazed at Kim Dokja, who had rested his chin in his palm, elbow on the railing of the balcony. There was something so peaceful about where they were, which made Yoo Joonghyuk forget about everything for a split second.
He moved to Kim Dokja’s side, leaning against the railings. He looked to his side, where Kim Dokja had closed his eyes, a small smile resting on his face.
“Kim Dokja…”
“Shut up. Just enjoy the scenery and wind.” Kim Dokja replied, opening his eyes as he smirked at Yoo Joonghyuk.
Yoo Joonghyuk let out a small laugh, as his eyes moved to the crescent moon in the sky. He traced the shape with his finger, before letting his hand drop to his side.
His life had always been so hectic, training in the knights' grounds or carrying out orders from the duke. It had been a while since he had taken the opportunity to simply gaze at the sky like this.
After a moment or two of silence, a droplet of water landed on Yoo Joonghyuk’s shoulder. He muttered a curse, as another one dropped onto his hair.
Kim Dokja sighed, tugging on Yoo Joonghyuk’s arm as he directed him off the balcony and back into the hallway. The peace was short-lived, as they continued their trek back to the ballroom.
It was a shame, really. Kim Dokja had seemed so… majestic with the wind in his hair, the strands dancing as they were blown by the current.
Yoo Joonghyuk felt his waist, hand coming in contact with a knife, the one he was supposed to use that night.
Ah. That was right. He had to assassinate the prince, didn’t he? He really didn’t want to at that moment. He pulled it out, slowing down his pace, as he pulled it out of its casing. It was small, its blade the size of his hand. Its handle was charcoal coloured, a gold pattern which arched out in all directions engraved on it.
He turned the knife in his hand, coming face to face with his reflection. He stared at himself, taking a deep breath before slotting the knife into his pocket, not bothering to return it to its case.
The case matched the knife’s handle, his initials written in gold ink on it. He recalled how the duke had given it to him upon allowing him to join his knights, and how Yoo Joonghyuk had felt pleased with himself, for the first time in forever.
The duke had done so much for him, which was why Yoo Joonghyuk had to do this, even if he didn’t want to.
He picked up his pace, minimising the distance between them, until they were shoulder to shoulder.
“Kim Dokja.” Yoo Joonghyuk murmured, gripping Kim Dokja’s arm, his grip firm and tight.
“Yeah, what’s up?”
Kim Dokja was still smiling that same damn smile from previously, except its enthusiasm had died down by about 20%.
Yoo Joonghyuk looked into Kim Dokja’s eyes, those eyes which were so trusting, which were so joyful and pure. Those eyelashes connected to his eyes which had countless strands, which Yoo Joonghyuk wanted to kiss, until he had memorised the feeling of the lashes on his lips.
Why did such a precious person have to suffer just because of petty rivalry between older adults? If only Kim Dokja had been like the others, uncaring and haughty. Then it would have been so, so much easier.
Yoo Joonghyuk kept his grip on Kim Dokja’s arm, as he pulled out the knife.
“I’m sorry.” He whispered, as he watched a flicker of surprise pass through Kim Dokja’s eyes, followed by realisation and then disappointment, as his line of sight changed from the knife to Yoo Joonghyuk and back to the blade again.
“Well, I guess that’s one more thing to add to my list of reasons to be a villain, hm? The villain never survives nor finds people who care about them.”
“I’m sorry.” Yoo Joonghyuk repeated, his voice hoarser this time. He tightened his grip around the knife, bringing it to Kim Dokja’s torso. ‘I do care about you.’ Was what he wanted to say. ‘I think I might even like you.’ He wanted to continue. But he said none of that. He kept his mouth sealed, as he inched the knife closer to Kim Dokja’s skin.
“I don’t think I’ve asked who you work for yet, Yoo Joonghyuk.”
“I’m… I’m a knight for the duke.”
Yoo Joonghyuk saw no reason to hide nor lie. Yoo Joonghyuk regretted everything. Yoo Joonghyuk regretted accepting the mission, regretted joining the knights, regretted stabbing Kim Dokja in the area below his chest, and pulling out the knife swiftly. He regretted laying his eyes on the wound as Kim Dokja bled, regretted letting Kim Dokja sink to the ground in his arms.
Kim Dokja helplessly breathed shakily, eyes never leaving Yoo Joonghyuk’s face as his suit was stained for the second time that day, this time a crimson shade of red, seeping through the material.
Yoo Joonghyuk watched as Kim Dokja opened his mouth to speak, but hesitated and closed it, as the weight on his eyelids finally won.
Yoo Joonghyuk closed his eyes as well, leaning down to hover his lips over Kim Dokja’s forehead, before biting his lips hard till it bled, raising his body to take in a deep breath, standing up to leave.
It was over.
——
“I did it. The crown prince is dead.”
Yoo Joonghyuk said, as he entered the duke’s office. The duke beamed, as he patted Yoo Joonghyuk on the shoulder.
“That’s wonderful. Everything will set into place soon. When I become king, I’ll give you your own sector of knights, how’s that sound?”
The duke laughed, not noticing the way Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t seem all too pleased, how his fists were balled up and his eyes were narrowed.
“I’ll take my leave then, since the news has been delivered.” Yoo Joonghyuk muttered, saluting the duke as he turned on his heel, opening the door and firmly shutting it behind him.
He was furious at himself. He should be happy. A sector of knights was everything he had been aiming for since he was a teenager. He used to daydream about it, for god’s sake. So why was it that he had this gut-wrenching feeling in his chest, which hadn’t left since that night?
He wanted to turn back time, relive that moment of bliss, where he got to spend time with Kim Dokja, just the two of them, talking about anything. Everything. Exchange more questions. Learn more about him .
He walked out of the duke’s castle, feeling the wind hit his skin almost immediately. He imagined Kim Dokja beside him, enjoying the weather with him. He was probably going insane. He had only known the man for one night. So why? Why was the man having such an impact on him?
Was this what people meant? When they said you had finally met someone you loved? Yoo Joonghyuk had never believed in soulmates, but instead, he had always hoped he could meet someone whom he could connect with, someone who could lighten his mood, make his day with just one smile.
Perhaps if he had known Kim Dokja longer, he would have known whether or not Kim Dokja was that person. And even if he was, he might have murdered that person in cold blood.
It wasn’t right. Nothing was right. He wanted a second chance.
But this wasn’t a novel. This was reality. And so the weight of what he did sinked on him. It rested on Yoo Joonghyuk’s shoulders as he boarded the carriage back to the village. It weighed on his mind as he walked through the bustling streets of the city. It occupied a portion of his mind as he bought groceries.
And it never left.
——
When the duke passed, the role was passed to Yoo Joonghyuk, the commander of the knights. The duke had never had any children, and thus the next suitable candidate was none other than the commander.
The previous duke had never been able to slaughter the king, despite killing the crown prince. The king’s troops were simply too powerful.
As the duke aged, he remained as a bachelor. Many bachelorettes were invited to the castle to be viewed as the duke’s wife, but all were rejected. Despite each lady’s perfection, it was unknown to the public why the duke never chose any of them. Perhaps there was somebody else he was waiting for.
He lived as a sad and cruel man, murdering anybody who got in his way without a second thought nor a sliver of emotion. He was feared throughout the country, so much until even the king dared not to approach him during banquets.
Yoo Joonghyuk always had a faraway look in his eyes during the banquets and celebrations he was invited to in the king’s castle, as if he was reminiscing about something in the past which the castle had reminded him of.
It stayed this way, until the very end, when the duke passed. Nobody felt sad for the heartless man, yet there was this feeling of pity in their hearts, as they watched the knights carry the duke’s coffin through the village, towards the graveyard.
Bonus scene: ( author: i wanted to add this to the ending but it didn’t make the cut lol)
Yoo Joonghyuk stepped up to a shop selling newspapers. It had been three months since the incident. He still felt like shit.
He glanced at the headlines as he paid for the newspaper.
‘ Royal doctor discovers new medicine which can supposedly bring a person back to life!’
“What do you think about that nonsense, hmm?” The man running the shop asked, as he peered at Yoo Joonghyuk. Yoo Joonghyuk shrugged, as he mindlessly flipped through the pages.
“I think it’s real.” Someone chimed in, as they picked a copy of the very same paper, handing some coins to the shop owner as payment.
Yoo Joonghyuk glanced at the person, before having to do a double take, widening his eyes.
“Ah, it’s you!” The person said, locking eyes with Yoo Joonghyuk, who was still in awe.
“Guess maybe some villains do survive, huh?”