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📑📑📑
Yoo Joonghyuk was not a reader.
He's a pro gamer; a very famous one.
He played games as a job, got money from always winning and entertaining his fans - him being good looking was also a reason why he managed to gain so many followers and support.
On one oh-so-nice weekend, as he was streaming - even though he just streamed yesterday - Yoo Mia suddenly approached him and deadpanned,
"Oppa. Are you a robot?"
Joonghyuk paused his game and turned off his mic.
"Why would you say that?"
"The only thing you ever do is play video games. Don't you have another hobby?"
"... I cook-"
"You cook for us to eat. Not as a hobby."
…
Joonghyuk pursed his lips.
…
"... I read… sometimes…"
Yoo Mia raised an eyebrow.
It wasn't technically a lie; he did read whenever there's a new update about his video games or when he wanted to study and make a new recipe-
"What do you read?" Yoo Mia seemed to look like her interest was piqued after realizing that her brother actually looked serious and was not lying.
Uhh…
There's no way Joonghyuk could say he read updates on his video games and recipes.
Thus, he resorted to drastic measures.
"One of Han Sooyoung's books."
Mia's eyes gleamed in interest at the mention of Joonghyuk's friend.
"Sooyoung-unnie?? The author who wrote a whole new fairytale just for me for my birthday?!" Mia asked eagerly, looking elated.
…
Damn.
Maybe Joonghyuk shouldn't have picked Han Sooyoung.
He could've just made stuff up.
That witch would probably laughed to her heart's content when Joonghyuk asked to read one of her books-
" Starting from tomorrow, how about we have bedtime stories about this book you read?!"
…
Wait no this couldn't be-
Externally, Joonghyuk probably looked like he was calmly thinking and considering the idea.
Internally?
How the fuck was he gonna finished a book by Han Sooyoung in one night?
When he actually managed to come up with a decent reason to not do the storytelling - said reason being 'it's too violent' - he couldn't even get to propose said reason because Mia was already deciding for the two of them that they will do the session.
And Mia's words are final.
Staring albeit a little dumbly at his wall, Joonghyuk manifested internally for Sooyoung to not be a bitch when he asked for her book later.
📑📑📑
Unfortunately, once a bitch, is always a bitch.
It took all of Joonghyuk's willpower to not shove the lollipop Han Sooyoung was already having down her throat just to shut up the woman who was laughing hysterically.
Was Joonghyuk asking to read one of Sooyoung's books so hilarious and outrageous??
Patiently, with a glare that could kill, Joonghyuk waited for his so-called friend to calm down, hoping she would actually help once she calmed down.
Fortunately, she did help. A little.
"I'll share one of my ongoing stories with you. They aren't that long. If you dedicate the whole day to reading, surely you'll finish reading up till the latest arc in no time." Sooyoung grinned, looking smug.
Since the woman had solved one of his worries, Joonghyuk let that slide.
They were chatting about Mia some more when Sooyoung suddenly got a call, abruptly leaving after taking said call.
"Have fun getting early access to one of my books!"
Then she left.
Joonghyuk let out a long sigh after that, running his hand through his hair in an attempt to push away his long bangs - he ought to cut them one day.
Taking his glasses and putting them on, Joonghyuk made himself comfortable on a couch and turned on his phone.
Despite being friends with the author for what felt like forever, this was the very first time he tried reading what she actually writes about.
With new determination, Joonghyuk started reading the work his friend has started doing.
Imagine Mia's surprise when she went to her brother's room only to find him reading and not streaming.
In the end, the two of them didn't get to do their storytelling session that night; Mia decided to leave the room to let her brother read.
It was near 3 in the morning when Joonghyuk somehow managed to finish the book, reaching for his phone and instantly dialing someone's number.
It took two seconds before the person from the other line picked up the call.
"Yoo Joonghyuk it's 3 in the goddamn morning-"
"What does Kim Dokja look like?"
…
Han Sooyoung snorted.
"You called me in this god forsaken hour to ask that?"
Perhaps it was because the author was sleep deprived, but she didn't immediately tease him for being interested in the main character of the story instantly.
Good for Joonghyuk.
"Surely you have illustrations of him, right? There's already around 150 chapters of this book after all." Yoo Joonghyuk replied instead, feeling impatient.
There's a surprised gasp from the other line before there's clicking of a keyboard and mouse.
…
He could just imagined the smug look on her face-
"You actually finished the whole 150- wow the dedication. All this for Mia? Best Brother Award for real." she cackled, finding this somehow entertaining?
(Heartwarming is more correct to be precise. But Joonghyuk wouldn't believe Sooyoung was capable of feeling such an emotion.)
"You haven't answered my questions." Joonghyuk said, ignoring Sooyoung's tease.
Sooyoung eventually gave up on trying to get a reaction from Joonghyuk, the sound of papers flipping and keyboards clicking filled the male's ears.
…
"... Huh. Even if I do have it, what would you wanna do with it?" Sooyoung asked, still flipping through papers judging by the sound of papers.
Joonghyuk scowled a little.
"Obviously I want to describe his appearance to Mia."
There was a beat from the other line before the sound of stifled laughter could be heard.
"Not because you wondered why someone so plain became the main character?" Sooyoung asked.
Joonghyuk merely grumbled.
Okay… maybe there was some truth in Sooyoung's words.
While Joonghyuk was reading through the novel, the main character kept on being described as 'plain', 'average' and 'typical'.
Though this didn't make the main character the lesser.
Joonghyuk approved of Kim Dokja's character.
"Was his characteristic to your liking? Someone that has abundance of knowledge, cunning, good at strategies, selfless, and a bit of a… bastard. Heh. Perhaps you guys should meet one day. Kim Dokja would probably tease the hell out of you. Saying you're more of a protagonist than he is." Sooyoung kept talking, words going in and out of Joonghyuk's ears.
"I had enough of simply dealing with you. Though Kim Dokja is worse, I think." Yoo Joonghyuk shared his opinion, standing up and deciding it's a good time to make some food.
Yeah. 3:30 in the morning is surely a great time to make yourself some scrumptious food.
Han Sooyoung seemed intrigued by Joonghyuk's opinion, enough to not tease the male and actually converse like a normal human being.
"Why would he be worse than me? Care to elaborate?" Sooyoung prompted.
As Joonghyuk took out a cutting board, a knife and fruits, he took a while to think of an answer before he finally said,
"He made it seem like he's a team leader. But he merely used the people around him for his own goals. He made plans without consulting with his groupmates simply because it's convenient for him. He kept on leaving his teammates hanging because he was oh-so selfless; sacrificing himself time and time again and not oblivious to the trauma his actions inflict on his teammates. He…
He's selfish in that aspect."
Sooyoung, once again, went silent.
The sound of fruits being cut filled the silence, Joonghyuk recalling the plot of the novel in case Sooyoung wanted more enlightenment.
The only reason Joonghyuk was trying so hard to answer the author's questions was it would help him in telling the story to his sister since he'll have a better understanding of the book-
"Didn't that sound familiar to you?"
"What's so familiar about that squid?" Joonghyuk fired back, finishing up in cutting the fruits.
There was a hum from the other line, thinking before Sooyoung state,
"Those descriptions. Don't they all kinda describe you?"
A pause.
"Are you asking for a fight, Han Sooyoung-?"
"No, but like, no offense but you also came to me simply because you wanted a book. You used my name just to make sure Mia thinks you have another past time beside gaming. And remember that time when you joined an online video game competition and didn't even join in when they were discussing strategies? Though everything's different when it comes to Mia; you'll do whatever it takes to make sure she's happy.
Maybe Kim Dokja has someone like that too?"
"Like who? His mother died after killing his father. He's an only child. His relatives are all avoiding him and acting like he doesn't exist." Joonghyuk countered, annoyed as to being compared by the main character that's… plain…
Han Sooyoung made an impressed sound at that.
"Wow. Look at this guy go. As if he's not similar to this main character…" Sooyoung laughed, though murmuring along the line 'did I low-key used this emo bastard as a guideline in making this squid…?'
Eventually, Han Sooyoung ended the call, saying she got a new inspiration.
Joonghyuk groaned when he realized he didn't get to find out if Sooyoung did have a picture of Dokja or not.
📑📑📑
"Dokja-ahjussi is kinda like you, oppa. Do you think Soyoung-unnie based him on you?"
"I hope not." Joonghyuk deadpanned, ignoring how Mia laughed, finding it amusing.
He is not like Kim Dokja.
Absolutely not.
It's not like Joonghyuk found it oddly heartwarming how someone could be so selfless; selfless enough to somehow never dream of his own happiness and prioritizing others' happiness over his.
The novel in the making has already reached around 300 chapters, thus giving more characters depth.
Mainly Kim Dokja.
Yoo Joonghyuk still disliked the guy for being so scheming and cunning.
Though he came to sympathize with Kim Dokja when the plain guy kept on throwing away what he has for the sake of others' happiness.
It… irked him.
Sure, Joonghyuk would do anything to make Mia happy. But Mia only.
Dokja?
At a certain point, Joonghyuk wondered if this main character thought he's a God.
"Oppa! The book started off in the supermarket, right? We're in the supermarket right now! Maybe we'll bump into Dokja ahjussi or something." Mia joked, giggling before she ended up bumping into someone.
Joonghyuk lightly scolded Mia for not paying attention to what's in front of her, turning his attention to…
… to the plain guy Mia bumped into.
For some reason, this guy that looked around his age was wearing a white coat in this small supermarket.
Like a main character.
Weird.
The plain guy seemed rigid for a second before an awkward grin was on his lips, unnecessarily bowing a little and saying a small 'sorry' before leaving in a hurry.
Why are the tips of his ears red though??
"He looks like he's in a rush." Mia quipped, pulling Joonghyuk out of his thoughts.
Joonghyuk was about to yet again scold Mia when there's a huge explosion coming from the exit, debris flying everywhere as he went to shield his sister.
???
Wha-
Everything happened so fast; screams could be heard from around them, racks and groceries falling down, unfamiliar footsteps and an unknown language being communicated.
It happened all at once.
Before he knew it, he couldn't find Mia; the two of them got separated when the chaos was at its peak.
With a knife he conveniently had - he was buying knives prior - he went and inflicted wounds on those who he deemed dangerous, eyes frantically moving around in search of his younger sister.
Joonghyuk was at his limit when there's suddenly a tug on the back of his coat, the worried brother out of reflex turning around and pointing his knife at the stranger's neck.
He couldn't even get to utter a word when the stranger he supposedly pinned against the wall managed to knee him in the stomach, making him stagger.
Again, Joonghyuk didn't even get to do anything when he was suddenly on the floor, straddled by the stranger-
-the stranger from before??
There was a knife on his neck a few seconds later and a face that's as close as a breath away from his face; dark calculating eyes meeting his confused ones.
"Who are you?" the stranger asked, yet receiving no answer.
It… can't be…
There's… no way…?
What the hell did Han Sooyoung do-?
"Speak." the male on top of him ordered, pressing the knife onto the confused gamer's neck.
That didn't seem to do the trick, as the gamer still looked unresponsive.
Eventually, the stranger probably got tired of waiting - or maybe the stranger realized how the supermarket had gone silent, signs of life decreasing - so he went and did something weird.
He pecked Joonghyuk's lips.
That seemed to do the trick.
Joonghyuk didn't even get to get back at the stranger; said stranger was already on his feet and signaling Joonghyuk to follow him.
"Your sister is safe with my team. Though we have to move if we want to live through another day.
You have a lot of explaining to do on how you and your sister know my name."
📑📑📑
Damn it.
What else was this guy expecting?
"I'm sure there's a lot of things you could learn from reading books. Though you can't possibly see the future from just reading a book, can you?" Kim Dokja, Yoo Joonghyuk has now officially confirmed, asked the nth time, walking in circles around Joonghyuk who was tied to a chair.
Where's Mia, you ask?
Well, she's safe and sound in the hands of Yoo Sangah, a close friend of Kim Dokja.
At least Dokja has the decency to not tie his sister up.
Joonghyuk huffed, discreetly trying to untie the rope binding his hands.
"I said what I said. The author of the book is my… friend. In fact, I have the softcopy of the book."
Dokja perked up at that, lips turning upwards a little and eyes crinkling softly as he looked expectant.
(Joonghyuk would never admit how the protagonist actually looked pretty like that; happy.
He also would never admit how his mind kept on reminding him how soft the protagonist's lips were.)
Unfortunately, Joonghyuk had to ruin the fun.
"But I dropped my phone in the supermarket."
As expected, Dokja immediately lost all light in his eyes.
A few minutes after that was spent with Dokja sitting on a chair opposite Joonghyuk, thinking hard about something.
Joonghyuk took his time to look at Kim Dokja.
He indeed… was plain…
Though Joonghyuk seemed to see everything through a filter.
A filter belonged to readers like him.
Perhaps it was because he had read through Dokja's journey and thoughts, but he couldn't shake the word 'pretty' out of his head.
Kim Dokja's eyes were pretty in the way that they seemed to hold a galaxy in them; mirroring how he's the happiness of his teammates.
Although, this main character stupidly belittles his value all the time, thinking his teammates deserved better.
Kim Dokja's skin was nothing to write home about, but seeing small barely visible scars littered on it made Joonghyuk's heart clenched.
When he knew where each of the scars the protagonist had came from, he decided to stop thinking about it.
Too many sacrifices.
Too selfless.
He should take care of himself more.
And in those few minutes, staring Joonghyuk did.
The more he stared, the more pissed he was at the protagonist.
How could this guy be so ignorant to others' feelings??
How could this guy be so inconsiderate yet considerate at the same time?
How come-
Before he knew it, Joonghyuk was already out of his binds, making his way to Dokja and caging the startled male on the chair he was already sitting on.
After that, everything happened without second thoughts.
"Make a deal with me, Kim Dokja.
I know the future you don't. In exchange for the information I have, never hide a secret from me." Joonghyuk proposed, eyes set on Dokja.
(Perhaps he was also entranced by how the protagonist looked prettier with red cheeks. Like always, that thought remained in his head, left to be unsaid.)
Perhaps it was because of the close proximity, but Dokja seemed too overwhelmed to answer.
Their 'conversation' was cut short when someone suddenly barged in, a teen with black ponytail swishing her sword around in delight before she stopped moving all at once at the sight before her.
…
"What the fuck are you doing to ahjussi-?!"
Fortunately, before the now murderous teen could lunge at Joonghyuk, his saviour popped up in the form of Yoo Mia, the girl's eyes sparkling as she grinned,
"Oppa definitely likes Dokja ahjussi!"
…
Uh…
"Who are- You know Dokja ahjussi?" the teen turned to the girl beside her, looking surprised for a few seconds before she started bragging how Dokja is her teacher.
"Although he's not such a good teacher, he's still a captain I wouldn't trade for."
"Watch your words, Lee Jihye. I'm a great teacher, thank you very much." Dokja interrupted, crossing his arms and not even trying to escape Joonghyuk.
Ah, right. They're still in this compromising situation-
"A great teacher would know how to teach a newcomer the ways around here." Jihye fired back, raising an eyebrow at her captain while looking unimpressed.
That seemed to remind Dokja of their position.
Dokja tilted his head in confusion before he turned his attention back to Joonghyuk, cheeks turning red yet again as he cleared his throat, placing his hands on Joonghyuk's chest and gently pushing the guy away.
"Well- I was just interrogating him about… things. I was thinking Sangah should give them a brief tour around and an explanation- well they wouldn't need an explanation if both of them have already read the book…"
And like that, Dokja exited the room while mumbling to himself, leaving three people in the quiet room.
…
"Uh… not sure what the captain was going on about you guys reading a book or whatever, but I could give you guys a tour?" Jihye spoke, grinning from ear to ear in hopes that the two newcomers felt welcome.
The Yoo's agree to that idea.
After walking around the decent base, Joonghyuk told Mia to go to sleep first, wanting to speak to Jihye.
"What do you wanna talk about?" Jihye asked as soon as Joonghyuk approached her, the two of them standing not so far away from the room Mia was resting in.
"You never told me where Kim Dokja sleeps." Joonghyuk stated matter of factly.
Jihye blinked a few times before she bursted into laughter, trying - and failing - to stifle her laughter.
???
According to what he had read, Kim Dokja was never resting nor asleep. He was always planning and thinking.
Could what Joonghyuk fears be true…?
"Dokja doesn't have his own room?" Joonghyuk concluded himself when he noticed Jihye would probably keep on laughing if he didn't intervene.
Jihye seemed to get the message, nodding and giggling. Although the amused grin on her lips turned into an endeared one as she said,
"That ahjussi… he always goes to the children's room if he wants to sleep. Gilyoung and Yoosung insist on Dokja sleeping in their room since they admired that ahjussi so much."
There's a hint of somber as the next words left her lips,
"Couldn't blame them… who knows when we'll ever get to see Dokja ahjussi rest so well…"
…
"Where is he right now."
Jihye blinked.
"What?"
"Kim Dokja. Where is he. I have an unfinished deal with him." Joonghyuk elaborates, glancing at Jihye's sword's sheath.
Jihye hummed thoughtfully before she crossed her arms.
"How can I be sure you won't try to assault him again?"
…
Seriously?
"You tell me his location, in exchange I'll teach you something useful." Joonghyuk negotiates before wordlessly asking for the sword in Jihye's possession.
With slight hesitation, Jihye handed the sword to Joonghyuk.
Perhaps it was because he has been playing games too much lately - or perhaps it was a skill he received after this… 'apocalypse' started. It was a thing in Sooyoung's book - but he somehow managed to swiftly handle the weapon.
All he had to do was hold the sword and swing it a few times before Jihye deemed him as a master in the art of swords and told him Dokja's location.
Not like Joonghyuk's complaining.
As Jihye told him, Kim Dokja was at the top of the building.
The book mentioned that the main character loved serene and quiet places; Joonghyuk should've guessed it would be at the rooftop.
Joonghyuk had only taken a step into the rooftop when a dagger was sent flying his way, the gamer - ex-gamer(?) - barely managing to dodge it in time.
When he did manage to get ahold of himself, he gave an unimpressed look at Dokja who looked surprised.
"Sorry."
"You don't sound sorry."
"Someone's a snitch."
"I promised her I'll teach her how to use the sword. A pretty good bargain if you ask me." Joonghyuk shrugged, standing beside Dokja who was leaning against the railing, eyes staring at the stars littering in the sky.
Joonghyuk decided to simply appreciate the reflection of stars in Dokja's eyes.
They stood there in silence for a few moments before Dokja turned to Joonghyuk, eyes unreadable as he spoke,
"It seemed to me that you're skilled with the sword. You also seemed quite adapt in this… environment. Although I am pretty sure all you did was read the book…
Since you read the book, you probably know a few things like how people will get skills and will have to survive by themselves and all that… you also seemed to be good at handling knives judging by how you were at the supermarket… "
Dokja could ramble all he wanted, really.
Joonghyuk didn't really pay attention to his words, though.
Too enchanted by those damn lips-
Joonghyuk was caught off guard when Dokja suddenly stepped closer, their faces close as the male cladded in white coat peered from under his bangs to meet Joonghyuk's eyes,
"...which leads me to the conclusion that you're a gamer, right?"
…
…
…
Help Joonghyuk's too taken aback he's malfunctioning-
Fortunately, Dokja was the first to back down, clearing his throat and covering the lower part of his face and narrowing his eyes at the taller male.
"You kept on staring at my face… Do you have something against it?? I know it's nothing compared to your face but please don't judge me so openly-"
Again, Dokja went off to yet again another ramble.
As expected of Kim Dokja, immediately figuring out he's a gamer.
Oh. Right. He still had to answer the squid's question.
"Yeah. I used to be a gamer." Joonghyuk answered, sounding uninterested.
Obviously because he's more interested in the way Dokja pursed his lips in thought.
Again, silence descended onto them.
But not for long.
Because suddenly Joonghyuk instinctively reached out and took Dokja's hand in his, catching both of them off guard before Joonghyuk asked,
"Have you considered my deal?"
Internally, Joonghyuk thanked the gods for giving him an unreadable face.
Dokja, on the other hand, was at the other end of the stick.
He's so flustered even his neck took the color red.
… what if…?
Joonghyuk carefully placed a soft kiss on Dokja's knuckles, heart thumping at how flustered and embarrassed the supposed 'plain' character had become.
Abruptly, Dokja pulled his hand away, clearing his throat and looking at everywhere but the man in front of him as he sputtered,
"I- well- I appreciate the offer but I think I'm fine by my own-"
"You're not."
…
"I'm not… fine on my own??"
Joonghyuk stared at the disbelief and unimpressed look on Dokja's face.
How Joonghyuk wished he could laugh it off.
"I rather you share the burden with someone. With me, who has read through your journey."
< So you should stop taking it too hard on yourself and putting others before you. >
…
A breeze passed by at that moment, yet the two kept eye contact for that moment, never breaking it.
…
"...okay. Though under one condition."
Joonghyuk felt shivers down his spine when he saw the glint in Dokja's eyes as he continued,
"If you mess up even once, I'd rather you stayed behind."
And like that, Joonghyuk was left behind.
Anyone else would've felt anxious by the words uttered by the male who just left.
Joonghyuk though?
He couldn't wait to prove the protagonist wrong.
📑📑📑
Barely 15 minutes in, and they were already caught.
The creatures that infiltrated the supermarket ended up dominating the whole area; similar or entirely different creatures have already started expanding their influence to other areas.
'Expanding influence' meaning practically attacking anyone who got in their way.
Anyways, back to the topic at hand.
Yoo Joonghyuk had already read up on what happened; Kim Dokja, Lee Jihye and Kim Namwoon were supposed to be infiltrating the supermarket to get supplies, but got caught in the way.
Although Joonghyuk insisted that they will get caught, Dokja insisted on using the same route.
At first, the reason they got caught was supposed to be because the creatures overheard the youngest duo bickering.
Kim Dokja seemed to have deduced that was the reason too; warning the teens to keep quiet before they entered the supermarket.
Though it seemed the plot had forced them to be captured by the creatures.
Conveniently, Joonghyuk saw how a stick literally materialized on the floor for Kim Namwoon to step on, the sound alerting the creatures.
Which was how the four of them ended up kneeling; Namwoon and Jihye behind while Dokja and Joonghyuk at the front.
"Told you it wouldn't work." Yoo Joonghyuk whispered, feeling smug at the defeated look on Dokja's face. 'We should've at least tried a different route, seeing that even though you deduced the cause of failure and took a step to prevent it, we still ended up here.' were the words Joonghyuk didn't say aloud.
Their hands were tied to their backs, thus limiting their movements.
Although they could've just ran by standing up and sprinting away, they couldn't because the creatures were keeping a close eye on them.
Joonghyuk raised an eyebrow when Dokja suddenly smiled in triumph, grinning before he suddenly said something in a foreign language.
Luckily, Joonghyuk had the ability that made things convenient for him.
Like interpreting foreign languages in the book.
"Excuse me, hey buddy, can I explain my situation to one of you? Who's in charge?" Kim Dokja spoke, smiling in that business style of his. (More like ‘that scammer smile of his’, in Joonghyuk’s opinion)
The creatures all looked taken aback at the sudden usage of their language by a mere human, exchanging looks and discussing.
Eventually, came the creature in charge, approaching Dokja cautiously.
"What do you have to say about trespassing into our territory?" The creature boldly asked, as if they didn't just infiltrate and create havoc in the supermarket yesterday.
Dokja grinned, looking as cunning as always and successfully irking the creatures around them.
"What do you have to say about tying up those you deemed 'trespassers' without asking their purpose of visit?" Dokja fired back, eyes glancing to Joonghyuk's side as if to see if the taller male would be impressed.
Said male was not impressed.
He already knew what Dokja would do.
"All of you literally sneaked in-"
"We entered through the main doors, buddy. And because a party member of ours stepped on a… stick that appeared out of nowhere, we are suddenly tied up. We are just here to strike a deal but, apparently, you guys are just… not so cooperative.
Imagine if the other newcomers and new rulers heard of this… you guys will probably be attacked since the new rulers would team up to drag you guys down so they could get all these supplies for themselves. "Dokja cut the other off with a speculation of his own, effectively making the creatures distracted.
Extravagantly came their saviors right at the moment; came in the form of a grenade stopping right in between Dokja and the creature.
The next few moments passed by in a blur: Dokja somehow managing to untie the ropes around him with his wings simultaneously forming on his back as he shielded Joonghyuk and the other two teens who didn't spare a glance at Dokja's wings.
Joonghyuk did though.
He stared.
"You might wanna cover your ears." Dokja grinned cheekily at an awed Joonghyuk.
Followed right after those cheeky words were a huge explosion.
Everything else after that seemed to be a blur to Joonghyuk, with the exception of his protagonist.
Joonghyuk was lucky the creatures weren't competent enough, allowing him to wordlessly and skillfully injure and kill some with ease all while getting to enjoy the sight in front of him.
The sight of Dokja single-handedly wiping out half of the creatures with his skill and giving orders to their party members, making their attacks organized and strategic.
Though Joonghyuk ought to not get distracted this time around.
As expected, the creatures' ruler showed themself, materializing behind Dokja and landing a critical hit on the unexpecting male's wings.
Well, that's how it should've happened in the book anyway.
Joonghyuk took a bow and an arrow out of his inventory in that split second, aiming and managed to shoot right at the creatures' head.
As easy as that, the creatures' ruler was down, followed by their momentum before the survivors started scurrying away for their lives.
Before Joonghyuk knew it, all that's left were their party members and the corpses of the fallen creatures.
…
"MASTER WHAT WAS THAT SKILL??? IS IT A GAMER RELATED SKILL?? YOU HAVE AN INVISIBLE INVENTORY?!?!" Lee Jihye broke the silence with her excited questions, eyes sparkling as she looked up at an awkward Joonghyuk in awe.
Her questions were followed by others' questions and praises, some over exaggerated assumptions and compliments were also voiced out here and there.
Joonghyuk was only one man; obviously he wouldn't be able to answer everyone's questions.
The excited crowd quickly toned down their astonishment when their leader approached, said leader staring at Joonghyuk with a calculating expression as he approached the taller.
When they were finally face to face with each other, everyone except Kim Dokja seemed to be holding their breath.
It was until a moment later when a grateful smile graced Dokja's lips did everyone exhale, Joonghyuk feeling proud of himself for making his protagonist smile when the leader said,
"Thank you, Joonghyuk-ah."
It didn't stop there though.
Everyone seemed to get the message when Dokja suddenly reached up to pat Joonghyuk's head, the crowd dispersing and leaving the two together by themselves.
"So you do know the future." Dokja murmured once he was sure no one's eavesdropping, moving his hands to Joonghyuk's shoulders and dusting non-existing dust on said shoulders.
The close proximity did not help Joonghyuk - physically nor emotionally.
"I'm not a liar, Kim Dokja." Joonghyuk replied, before adding, "I read through your journey. I would know."
There's a glint in Dokja's eyes that Joonghyuk couldn't read; it frustrated him to the core.
He should know everything about Kim Dokja.
He had to.
He wouldn't want the protagonist to suffer because he thought everyone's happiness is a priority and his is not.
Joonghyuk has to understand Kim Dokja.
"I know." Dokja half-heartedly said, looking up at Joonghyuk and patting the slightly younger-by-a-few-months male's chest.
Joonghyuk was somehow not fond of the look on Dokja's face.
Joonghyuk knew Dokja always faked his ways through things; like the smile he plastered on his face currently, for example.
Fuck this squid.
"Say something that you mean only." Joonghyuk grumbled, making Dokja tilted his head a little, smile turning wider and more sincere.
"Oh? So you do know me… reading is… a wonderful thing to do." Kim Dokja said, finally taking a step back.
"Don't miss me too much. Watch my back for me,"
A pause.
Joonghyuk hated how his heart did a flip when Dokja turned a little to smile at him as he said,
"... dear reader."
Then he walked away towards Yoo Sangah, aiding the woman in distributing the supplies among their party members.
…
A reader…
Someone clearing their throat pulled Joonghyuk out of his reverie, turning his head to the side to see Lee Jihye avoiding eye contact before clearing her throat again.
"So… you two… I support…"
???
Joonghyuk merely dismissed the sudden words of his disciple before walking away, signaling Jihye to follow him.
Casting one last glance at the selfless Dokja - who hasn't even drank any water after the long fight and insisted on distributing the food first, Yoo Joonghyuk silently promised himself,
His protagonist deserved to be happy.
And he'll be by his side,
As a companion.
…
A life and death, companion.
📑📑📑
“Where is that squid?” asked an irritated Joonghyuk as soon as he was out of his room, fuming when he realized his protagonist was not on his usual sofa in the living room.
Han Sooyoung, who had just joined the team a month ago, sighed in exasperation, shaking her head from side to side in disappointment.
“He said to leave everything to you since you… know a lot of things. I wanted to stop him but he used his damn wings to literally blow me away before flying away.” Sooyoung grumbled, tapping on the table in front of her albeit a little aggressively.
Joonghyuk would've pulled on the guy’s wings if he were in Sooyoung’s place.
He’s better by my side rather than being out there doing his schemes and potentially risking his life.
“It’s okay, Master! With the many times you managed to pull us out of unexpected situations, everyone agreed with ahjussi’s decision!” Jihye said, as if to cheer Joonghyuk up as he looked like he might kill someone if Dokja is not by his side right at this second.
Joonghyuk wanted to retaliate, but deemed it unnecessary.
Instead, he glanced at the others who were all waiting for his reply.
…
“... Han Sooyoung also knows - perhaps - too many things. She’ll lead you all. I’ll be looking for your irresponsible captain.” came Joonghyuk’s reply before leaving the base in a rush, ignoring Lee Gilyoung’s ‘hyung is not irresponsible, emo-bastard!’ and Shin Yoosung’s deadly glare.
Joonghyuk opted to ignore them all at the moment.
This moment was crucial after all.
It would be the first of Kim Dokja’s many deaths.
Supposedly, Dokja died during the scenario, having to make a deal with a higher being at the cost of his life. At that time, the protagonist was lucky enough to have already made a deal with another higher being prior. Thanks to that, he managed to be resurrected.
Not that fortunate though; a few years later, the same higher being that saved Dokja betrayed the protagonist.
Which was why Joonghyuk tried his best to delay the meeting between the traitor and Dokja.
Speaking of the agreement… Joonghyuk has always wondered how they sealed the deal anyway.
Joonghyuk would instantly kill the guy if he laid a finger on his protagonist.
Fun fact: maybe it was because Joonghyuk was a reader, but if he thinks hard enough, he could get an inkling on where his protagonist was - he may even get to locate the exact location-
Huh.
It seemed like Joonhyuk’s mind cleared a little too easily.
As if someone wanted him to be quick.
Instinctively, he navigated through the city only to end up in front of an abandoned warehouse.
As soon as he entered, he found his blood boiling, actions quick and agile as he threw a dart towards the stranger who had his arm around his unconscious protagonist, seeming to have faint a few seconds before Joonghyuk had entered.
The dart was quick, although it was only able to graze the stranger’s cheek.
Said stranger graciously carried Dokja in his arms, their hood covering half of his face - yet the deathly glare that was thrown towards Joonghyuk’s way was felt all the same.
“Why are you interrupting us?” The stranger questioned, annoyance lacing his voice.
Joonghyuk rolled his eyes and scoffed as a response before he threw more darts towards the guy, making sure none would land on Dokja.
Unconscious Dokja.
Idiot Dokja.
“Not one to talk? You are an annoying one.” The stranger muttered, effortlessly dodging the darts.
The two went on and on like that for a few minutes, Joonghyuk frustrated as he was unable to read the stranger’s pattern whereas said stranger seemed to be able to read his attack patterns easily.
Eventually, Dokja stirred awake.
Joonghyuk was planning to snatch Dokja when the stranger was not paying attention to him when said stranger did something absurd.
Barely awake, Dokja didn’t even get to gain awareness when the stranger suddenly kissed him.
Scratch that- they were literally making out right in front of him.
Having enough of this, Joonghyuk went and literally snatched Dokja away; carrying the puzzled and flustered protagonist on his shoulder before landing a punch on the stranger’s cheek.
“Don’t fucking touch him.”
‘He’s mine’ was left unsaid.
The stranger, despite having a blooming bruise on his cheek, seemed unbothered, bowing slightly before making eye contact with Joonghyuk out of spite,
“The deal is sealed, dearest.”
WIth that, he vanished, not leaving a trace.
…
Oh. Right.
He did leave traces of his lips on Dokja-
“Could you put me down now?”
The embarrassed voice pulled Joonghyuk out of his murderous thoughts towards the stranger that had run away, a frown on his lips as he placed Dokja on the floor, who stumbled a little before regaining his balance.
Dokja was about to say something when Joonghyuk suddenly wrapped an arm around Dokja’s waist, pulling the other closer and keeping his murderous glare on the still-flushed-and-increasingly-confused protagonist,
“He’ll betray you in the future. We have to unseal the deal.” Joonghyuk had deadpanned.
Dokja looked at him like he grew another head.
“Wha- That’s not how deals work! You can’t just unseal a deal-”
“You can. Only with the deal you had just made.” was Joonghyuk’s words before he closed the distance between their lips and kissed the man in front of him, feeling a little bit smug when Dokja tried to escape only to fail.
Never underestimate a gamer grinding for their games.
Which was basically what Joonghyuk had been doing the past few months; grinding his stats to ensure he could protect his protagonist.
Once Joonghyuk backed away and left a small space between the two of them, Dokja sputtered and blushed, embarrassed as he tried to leave.
Though, as Joonghyuk expected, the protagonist collapsed and ended up leaning against Joonghyuk instead, falling unconscious.
A notification popped up, signifying the deal was broken.
Of course, Joonghyuk would know how to unseal the deal.
He had done his research, after all. To protect Dokja.
Ignoring the satisfaction he felt in his chest at the fact that traces of the stranger’s lips on Dokja’s were gone, he left the warehouse and made his way towards their hideout, wanting to let Dokja sleep peacefully.
Upon arriving back at their place, everyone present immediately approached Joonghyuk, worriedly looking over Dokja who was unconscious in Joonghyuk’s arms.
“Why is ahjussi unconscious??” Yoosung asked, panicked before she suddenly glared at Joonghyuk, as if blaming him.
Luckily, before anyone could start throwing accusations at Joonghyuk, Mia came and tugged on Joonghyuk’s coat, urging him to enter a room nearby to let Dokja rest.
As everyone wanted Dokja to rest, they left Dokja to the Yoo’s.
While Joonghyuk and Mia looked after Dokja, Jung Heewon started an urgent meeting to try and piece together how Dokja ended up like that.
Once they arrived in the nearest room, Joonghyuk took off the white coat Dokja was wearing and laid the guy down on the bed, carefully as he had yet to inspect if Dokja had other injuries on his body.
Before he could even start his check up on Dokja, someone knocked on the door, an ‘excuse me’ was heard before a lady with white long hair entered the room, concern written on her face as she approached the two men.
“How is Dokja-ssi?” Lee Seolhwa asked, standing beside Joonghyuk as she tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear to see Dokja better.
Lee Seolhwa…
In the novel, she was the healer, healing the members whenever they were injured.
Joonghyuk… has mixed feelings for this character.
Indeed, just as Dokja had described time and time again in the novel, Seolhwa was a beauty through and through.
The protagonist kept on complimenting Seolhwa whenever she appeared in the novel.
It was… as if Seolhwa would be the heroine of the story.
Oddly enough, perhaps it was because Kim Dokja has always looked down on himself, he had never imagined himself to be ‘worthy’ of Lee Seolhwa and has never tried to make a move on the lady.
…although, at some point, that was to be expected of Kim Dokja, who can’t even envision his own happiness.
“Are you going to do some check ups on him?” Seolhwa asked another question when Joonghyuk had only stared at her in silence for a few seconds, hoping this time around she would get a comprehensible answer.
Eventually, Joonghyuk nodded, making some space for the doctor to do her job.
The doctor stayed silent the whole time she was checking up on Dokja, sometimes humming in thought and jotting down on a notepad Joonghyuk had belatedly realized she had brought with her.
A few minutes passed by before she finally looked away from Dokja and turned to Joonghyuk, a reassuring smile on her lips as she reassured,
“He’s fine. Not physically injured, at least. Perhaps just due to exhaustion.”
With how the deal was forcefully broken, of course Dokja had to face some consequences…
Joonghyuk nodded and turned back to Dokja, silence once again filling the room.
…
“Joonghyuk-ssi sure does care about Dokja-ssi.” Seolhwa suddenly said, making Joonghyuj turned to her and stared for a few seconds before he stated,
“You care about him too.”
Seolhwa only offered an amicable smile, yet Joonghyuk somehow felt like she knew something that he didn’t.
Before Joonghyuk could add anything else to the conversation, someone barged into the room and immediately made eye contact with Joonghyuk, eyes filled with mischief as she grinned in amusement.
“Ho? Hmm… I see… Right in front of Kim Dokja too… How rude of you, Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi.” Sooyoung said teasingly out of nowhere, wiggling her eyebrows and looking back and forth between an angered Joonghyuk and a confused Seolhwa.
Seolhwa and Joonghyuk didn’t even get to say anything as Sooyoung had already walk between the two of them and straight to Dokja, eyes going over the person on the bed before he turned to Joonghyuk, surprise written all over her face.
“So you DID break the deal!” she exclaimed, somehow accusingly pointing a finger at Joonghyuk as if the man had committed a crime.
Well…
“I wouldn’t want him to be betrayed.” was Joonghyuk’s way of providing an explanation, pointedly ignoring the curious stare Seolhwa was giving him.
Sooyoung rolled her eyes before smiling smugly and muttering under her breath so only Joonghyuk heard her,
“You just wanted to erase traces of anyone on your beloved protagonist.”
…
She’s not wrong-
Joonghyuk decided that instead of admitting to that and boosting Sooyoung’s ego for getting an assumption right, he opted to grab Sooyoung’s collar instead and bring their faces closer just so he could literally hissed,
“You have the nerve to make ‘kissing’ as a way to seal a deal.”
Sooyoung, of course, didn't look one bit threatened by the almost-murderous glare thrown her way. In fact, she had only looked amused.
“Why? Jealous?” Sooyoung countered, only further fueling Joonghyuk on.
Luckily, before a full-fledged fight could happen, a cough from behind them caught both of their attention.
They turned around only to see a teasing grin on Dokja’s lips; said man had already sat properly as he looked at them in amusement,
“Sure, just go and flirt in front of me. I definitely like being reminded of how single I am.” Dokja joked, chuckling a little at the end of his sentence.
As expected, Joonghyuk immediately let go of Sooyoung’s collar and dropped the woman like a rag, turning to Dokja as he let out a ‘never would I ever flirt with that witch’, a frown settled on his lips.
To that, Dokja once again laughed, this time the sound made more of an impact on Joonghyuk’s heart.
Joonghyuk snapped back into reality once he realized Dokja had stood up from the bed, stretching his limbs as he talked to Seolhwa for a few moments before turning to Joonghyuk, lips moving as he voiced out something.
Joonghyuk, though, was only able to stare the whole time Dokja was talking. It was only until Dokja’s lips stopped moving that he realized he was staring and had not heard a single word that came out of the protagonist’s lips.
When the silence was too long, Dokja rolled his eyes in amusement before suddenly closing the distance between himself and Joonghyuk, wordlessly almost hugging the reader only for said reader to realize that Dokja was reaching for his white coat that was placed behind Joonghyuk.
Embarrassed, Joonghyuk made sure to keep a deadpan face as Dokja retreated, the shorter of the two smiling in amusement - a part of Joonghyuk thought it almost looked endeared - before he teased,
“Joonghyuk-ah, my eyes are up here, ya’ know? Pretty sure you don’t need to stare at my lips that intensely.”
Dokja was putting on his coat while Joonghyuk murmured ‘I didn’t do that’, reluctant into admitting the truth.
Besides, that would be a bruise to his ego.
Once Dokja had put on his coat, he quickly started a conversation with Seolhwa, the two of them conversing by themselves about god-knows-what.
Seeing the two of them standing side by side, with matching white coats and being so absorbed in their own world, Joonghyuk found himself feeling slightly… irritated.
Not knowing what to do with this feeling of his, he opted to just walk out of the room, unknowingly had put on his permanent scowl on his lips.
Before he could leave the room though, he found himself being tugged to a stop, a hand on his wrist being the culprit to the stop in his steps.
“I have something to talk about with my dearest reader, so I would like it if Seolhwa-ssi and Han Sooyoung could leave us to talk in private.” Dokja had said, hand still holding Joonghyuk’s wrist.
Seolhwa, of course, nodded and exited the room after giving another ‘amicable’ smile yet again, followed by Sooyoung who bickered with Dokja for a bit before leaving.
Once left by themselves, Dokja let go of Joonghyuk’s wrist and grinned, searching through the pockets on his coat before taking out an item.
…a portable charger?
“Here’s a gift for Joonghyuk-ah! It took a while for me to find one that is of good quality and is still able to be used. Since your phone we found a few months ago in the supermarket was dead, I figured we should try to at least power it up.” Dokja grinned, suddenly closing the distance between him and Joonghyuk and sneakily taking out Joonghyuk’s phone from the reader’s pocket.
Joonghyuk pursed his lips and raised his eyebrow at that.
“Didn’t we try to fix it with one of your brat’s help and he failed?” Joonghyuk deadpanned, narrowing his eyes when Dokja dramatically gasped at the insult.
“That brat’s name is Han Doonghoon, and the only reason he failed was because the phone you used was too outdated for him. Why would you use such an old phone to read a web novel anyway?” Dokja chided, crossing his arms over his chest.
It wasn’t Joonghyuk’s fault that Sooyoung thought it was a good idea to publish a web novel that could be accessed only by old phones.
Joonghyuk, though, kept quiet.
The reader watched as Dokja took out a cable of some sort and attached both ends of the cable to Joonghyuk’s phone and a newer phone, tweaking here and there before he grinned cheekily, turning to Joonghyuk as he proudly announced,
“Lucky for you, Kim Dokja over here also likes to read. And also know a few things about converting files and whatnot.”
With that being said, Dokja handed Joonghyuk the new phone and the portable charger, petting Joonghyuk’s head after that - Joonghyuk mentally notes that Dokja had to tip toe a little to do that - and walked towards the door.
“Unfortunately, it seemed to me that only you could see the content of the novel. So I’ll leave my fate in your hands, Yoo Joonghyuk.” Dokja had said once he was at the door, turning slightly for his eyes to meet Joonghyuk’s.
Joonghyuk had only started to check if the transfer actually worked when Dokja added, bordering into a whisper,
“If you had to choose between me or the others’ fate, never hesitate to choose them.
There was no point of me being here if they weren't.”
Not letting Joonghyuk say another word, the door softly shut.
Leaving Joonghyuk alone.
…
< How was he supposed to choose the others over Dokja when the deal was to ensure Dokja’s happiness? >
Frustrated, Joonghyuk decided to shut down his feelings and focus on the phone on his hand instead, relieved when the novel was uploaded successfully.
Exiting the novel’s app, Joonghyuk noticed another app that has a notification, realizing that it was a messaging app.
Touching on the app, Joonghyuk found himself standing stiffed at the message displayed,
[Your ‘Protagonist’: You didn’t ask for consent, idiot.]
📑 END 📑