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Kim Dokja shows obvious signs that he likes Yoo Joonghyuk. While Yoo Joonghyuk dodges it and goes on with his life. Kim Dokja desperately tries each day, with hopes that maybe that day will be the day but no, It still wasn't the day when Yoo Joonghyuk finally realizes how much Kim Dokja likes him.
Will there even be a day when Joonghyuk will like him back? Or even realize Dokja's feelings towards him? He's starting to get a little hopeless..
Kim Dokja decides to give up 'trying'. Dropping all efforts he made.
"Why don't you just confess, Dokja-ssi?" Jung Heewon asked him, wondering why her friend isn't taking the direct and easy route.
"That's no fun and plus, that doesn't work on him." Kim Dokja replied, he sounded so confident with his answer too.
"How do you know?" Heewon looked at him, curiosity painted her face. How did he know that it won't work on Yoo Joonghyuk? Did he already try it? Or did he base that observation from the many girls that confessed to Yoo Joonghyuk before?
"I just know." He smiled and laid back. What exactly does he know about Joonghyuk? Did he do a background check? That's a bit creepy don't you thi-[Hey, I didn't do that stop making accusations..]
Kim Dokja starts to avoid Joonghyuk like how Joonghyuk avoided his signs. Joonghyuk didn't mind it at first but then he starts to get bothered by it after a few days. Kim Dokja bothered him too much to this extent. He decided to approach the squid, he's been bothering him for a while, so why stop now? Why does he even care if that annoying bastard stopped pestering him? Shouldn't he be happy instead?
[One-]
He suddenly gripped Dokja's arm and dragged him away somewhere, outside their classroom. It isn't the best place considering that there's people at the hallway but it works, at least for him. He couldn't care less anyway if people heard their conversation. He just wanted to know why this squid suddenly stopped annoying him.
"You.. What are you doing?" He asked Kim Dokja, he almost sounded like he was growling at him.
Kim, Dokja scoffed, "what do you mean? I'm just doing the things I normally do. What about you? What are you doing? Why are you suddenly dragging me here?" He questioned back. Answering a question with a question, typical Kim Dokja.
Yoo Joonghyuk kept quiet and loosened his grip around Dokja's arm. He was right, but still- it didn't answer his question at all. But could he do something about it?
Dokja sighed, "If you've got nothing left to say then I'll be going back to my table. Have a good day, Joonghyuk-ah." And there he goes, walking away from his problem as always, leaving the irritated-for-some-reason Joonghyuk alone at the hallway.
[Haah, what a stubborn bastard.] Kim Dokja thought to himself. He was trying out something, a plan perhaps, and I guess it was working because that bastard approached him himself. Kim Dokja smirked, he was always sly like a fox.
He went back to his classroom and sat down, his seatmate looking at him.
"What happened, Dokja-ssi?" Yoo Sangah asked. Why did Yoo Joonghyuk suddenly drag Kim Dokja outside?
"Oh, it's nothing. Anyways have you seen Heewon-ssi?" He said, avoiding the question. Yoo Sangah looked at him, a hint of suspicion on her face as she sighed. He always avoided questions like this.
"I saw her with Hyunsung-ssi at the cafeteria earlier, why?"
"I just need to borrow something from her, maybe later."
-
It was finally lunch time, student's chatters filled the school as everyone caught up with their friends from different classes.
"Hey, I heard we're doing a theatre play this year. The main characters are both boys too, one needs to cross-dress though lol!" A student shared, chuckling at the idea of a man cross-dressing.
"Woah, really? What genre?" His friend asked.
"Romance and drama, that's what the glee club told me." He answered,.
"Damn I hope I won't be the lead role.." His friend said, feeling nervous. The student scoffed.
"Don't worry, you're not talented enough." He chuckled, his friend clutched on his chest dramatically as if he got shot by an arrow at the chest. "Ouch! You speak so painfully.."
"I'm just telling the truth, anyways the auditions will be next week. I'm interested in who'll get the lead roles. I have a bet on the masculine character though." The student told him, a few students came into mind when he thought about the male lead. But this one stood out the most. His friend smirked, "really? I'll give you ₩35,000 if you get it right." He betted, taking out the money from his wallet.
"Deal?"
"Deal."
"Yoo Joonghyuk, from class A."
"Eh? Why do you think so? I don't think he's the type to act" the student said, a bit puzzled by his friend's guess.
"Think about it, he's masculine, manly, cold-ish. He's basically bursting with testosterone and plus- his looks are similar to the character role. I bet he can do acting too, it would be just plain waste of opportunities if the stage director doesn't pick him on the spot."
"How do you even know that?" His friend looked at him.
"I just heard that they're basing the play on a book I've read before. I bet you haven't even heard of it"
"You're such a nerd." He nudged at the student, scoffing.
"Says the one who friended with the said nerd."
"Shut up."
-
"Oi, Dokja." Han Sooyoung called out. Kim Dokja was reading something on his phone as Han Sooyoung approached him.
"What?" He didn't bother looking up to look at his friend and continued reading instead. Han Sooyoung looked down at him.
"I heard that we'll be doing a theatre play this year." She told him, still looking down at her friend who was nodding at her words.
"And?"
"The lead roles are boys."
"Mhm?"
"The other one needs to cross-dress."
"..."
"Hey, listen to me you fucker." She finally snapped, cursing out at him.
"Just wait, I'm almost done reading." Han Sooyoung sighed and snatched the phone away from him, causing Kim Dokja to finally look up at her.
She smacked the back of his head, causing him to carefully rub it to ease the pain.
"What was it?" He asked nicely, cats always resort to violence..
"Theatre play this year, lead roles are boys and the other one has to crossdress." She repeated, her arms crossed as she was still angry at him.
"Isn't that pointless? Can't they just make the other one a girl?" He said, fiddling with his phone. He's right though, they could just use the generic 'boy-girl' relationship. It works every time and people never gets bored about it. It's easier that way too.
"It's boring always having a boy-girl relationship. Anyways you should audition for the feminine role. You already look like the part." She said, smirking.
"Was that a compliment or an insult?"
"You think I'd compliment you?"
"Yeah, no chance. Anyways I'm not au-"
"The director already chose the 1st lead role. Funny enough it's that bastard. You sure you still don't want-" Kim Dokja's ears perked up and instantly looked at her.
"Lend me some of your evening dresses tomorrow." Han Sooyoung's lips spread into a smile and aggresively patted her best friend's back.
"Attaboy."
-
"I'm surprised that there's actually a lot of people who are willing to play this role!" The director was amazed by the number of students who came to audition for the 'female' lead role.
"Anyways, each of you will be auditioning with Joonghyuk-ah. He's very fit for the role, that said, Joonghyuk-ah, come in!"And with that, Yoo Joonghyuk came out from the backstage, wearing a costume.
"Pf-" Kim Dokja tried to hold in his laughter. The costume looked very dramatic, and lively. While the one who was wearing it wasn't. He just hopes it isn't actually the official costume or else he has to hold in his laugh every time he acts with Yoo Joonghyuk, If he gets the role, that is.
"Let's start with you, number 1! Show us what you got!" The director said through the megaphone. Students took their turns, all of them were good at acting but they just didn't have that thing the director was looking for. A spark perhaps? That natural reaction with the male lead, compability! That's what she's looking for.
"Seungho! Are you really leaving me like this?" The actor cried out, fake pain shown on his face.
"Why do you even bother asking, of course I am. You've fooled me.. For years..!" Yoo Joonghyuk acted out, he was surprisingly good at it.
"B-but..What about those 'special' times we had together? Are you just going to th-"
"Cut!! I'm sorry but you two just don't look good together. Next!"
[Ah, finally, it's my turn.]
Dokja walked up to the stage, his evening dress sparkled as the theatre light shone at his direction, he's the center of attention now. He hates to admit it but Han Sooyoung's fashion taste was amazingly good.
"Hey! Are you sure you're a guy?!" A contestant shouted.
"Why? You want to see my thing?" He responded. The contestant instantly shut himself up from embarrassment. Dokja's voice is surely a boy's. He smirked as he walked up at the stage, feeling confident now that he was all dressed up as a woman.
The director looked at him with hope. [Perhaps they will be the ones.. We might need to change Joonghyuk's costume though..] She thought to herself as she observed Kim Dokja, biting on the head of her pen as she noticed that they looked good together. But there was still one thing- did they have that compability that she was looking for?
Yoo Joonghyuk and Kim Dokja went on their places and started to act as soon as the signal came on.
The lights turned on, signaling them.
Dokja's face instantly looked sad, desperate just like how the book described his character. He gripped Joonghyuk's hand tightly refusing to let go despite Joonghyuk trying to get it off.
"S-Seungho! Are you really leaving me like this?" He cried out, he stared at Joonghyuk's eyes desperately. Trying to deny that his 'lover' won't leave him. He held on to him as if he was his last thread of hope.
"Why do you even bother asking, of course I am. You've fooled me.. For years..!" Yoo Joonghyuk furrowed his eyebrows, his expression showing hints of betrayal and sadness, even hesitation.
"But what about the 'special' times we had together?! Are you just going to throw it all away like trash?!" He shouted desperately, his tone sounded pitiful.
"Y-"
Dokja walked closer to him, [this bastard is tall.]
"Have you even thought about me before coming up with this decision?! Have you thought about how I'll feel?! Have you thought about the sacrifices I made just to make our love work?! Was I just in a farce that I need you like a drug?! Was this love just a joke to you?!" He shouted and gripped Joonghyuk's clothes, tears were coming out. Yoo Joonghyuk was speechless, his eyes were wide. This wasn't in the script, was it?
[two- ]
His heart was beating fast as he tried to find the words to say to Kim Dokja. He was caught off guard.
The director was surprised, she never thought a contestant would do this.. It left her in tears.
"Hey Uriel, do you need some tissues?" Her assistant offered.
"Yes please." She grabbed the box of tissues and blew her nose on it.
"I-I" Joonghyuk stuttered, he couldn't think of what to say next. It was just unexpected.. The story isn't exactly the type where you can think up of an adlib easily, it doesn't need an adlib actually, yet, Kim Dokja managed to think of something that fit the story..
"If you think it is then so be it. Let's end this, I'm sorry that I've fooled you. Our love was forbidden and it was the only way to make it work. I hope you'll live a good life, Jeong Seungho." He sadly smiled and ran away, carrying the trail of his evening dress. The light followed him in the darkness.
"... Cut!"
The whole theatre room was silent. It was such a breathtaking performance. Who hid this talented student from big opportunities?
"Your name is Kim Dokja right? You got the part! You'll be excused for 6 months for rehearsals. Please come here again tomorrow since we'll hold a meeting about the schedules. And as for the side characters, we'll pick some from this audition. Thank you for participating everyone and have a great day!" Uriel and the others bowed.
-
Han Sooyoung looked at him, a wide smirk on her face.
"Hey, I heard that you got the role, congrats." She slapped his back, Kim Dokja winced in pain but smiled anyways.
"Thanks, let's go to that samgyeopsal place we visited last month to celebrate." He offered, Han Sooyoung looked at him as if he was an angel that fell from the heavens.
"Your treat?" She asked him, just to make sure.
"Yeah."
"Did I forget how much of a Goddess you are? Such a talented being, you should turn into an actor in the future." She humored him.
"I'll stick to reading, but thanks." He chuckled, Han Sooyoung rolled her eyes and sighed.
"You always decline big opportunities. You're so lame."
"What happened to the 'praising my Goddess' act?"
"Let's just go there quickly, I'm hungry."
The pork fat sizzled as it touched the grill, instantly melting as it continued to cook. Han Sooyoung took a whiff of the aroma and nodded approvingly.
"This place serves the best samgyeopsal!" Han Sooyoung praised while chucking grilled pork belly continuously in her mouth. The whole place smelt of grilled pork belly and soju. Customers chattered loudly too, it's a lively place.
"Slow down, you might die from choking or meat overdose and I don't want to be held responsible for it." He said, trying to slow his friend down from possibly choking herself.
"Hah, you wish." She held up her middle finger and shoved it right in his face while continuing to chuck pieces of grilled meat into her mouth.
"Yeah."
"You really are a bastard."
"Yet, you're friends with me."
"Who said we're friends?" Han Sooyoung asked, putting some of her freshly grilled pork belly on a piece of lettuce.
The lettuce wrap made a satisfying crunching noise as she ate it in one bite.
"Throw up all those pork belly you ate then." Kim Dokja jokingly said, smirking. Han Sooyoung looked at him and smiled mischievously, "hey, you're not actually do-" she inserts a finger in mouth while Dokja tries to stop her from throwing up.
"You're a sick fucker, I was just joking." He looked at her, sighing. She was like a child sometimes..
-
Kim Dokja and Yoo Joonghyuk starts to practice hard along with the rest of the cast. Their school is very well known so it's to be expected that students perform in events flawlessly. The whole theatre that their school is renting out will probably be full too. It made everyone in the cast anxious, pushing them to do better.
"Joonghyuk ah! Can you hold his waist more tighter and please maintain eye contact throughout the dance!" Uriel shouted through her megaphone, her eyebrows furrowing whenever one of them made a mistake.
Joonghyuk followed and held Dokja's waist tighter, a bit too tight.. Dokja taps his shoulder lightly and whispered, "hey, that's too tight. Loosen it up a bit."
"Dokja ya, can you bend a bit more in this part? You look stiff." Uriel told him, she was observing everyone's every move. Making sure that they were doing it properly and flawlessly.
"A-ah, yes I will Uriel nim." Kim Dokja bent a little more, his back was almost arching on Joonghyuk's arm.
"Haah, I'm so sorry if I'm being a bit too demanding. I heard other schools will come to watch and I want to prove to them that this school isn't any lesser than theirs.. I'm an alumni here too so it's a big responsibility to represent this school through this play. If all goes well, students will be introduced to even bigger opportunities." She told them, she was clearly stressed.
"It's okay Uriel-nim, we'll practice hard and perform flawlessly. Let's do our parts properly without stressing too much." Kim Dokja said, trying to reassure their director.
"Thanks Dokja ya.. Everyone! Let's have a water break!"
-
"Hey, do you need me to tape your back? You've been slouching all day.." Han Sooyoung told him as he compared his posture to the shrimp she was eating.
"You have muscle tape?" Kim Dokja asked, he looked surprised. Why did she have muscle tape anyways? She wasn't participating in any sports clubs if he could recall properly.
"Yeah, I thought it looked cool so I bought it." She told him, grabbing the tape from her bag. Kim Dokja sighed.
"Your parents are giving you way too much allowance."
"Shut up, do you want to stay in pain or not?"
"Do you even know how to use it?"
".. Let's ask Hyunsung, I'm sure he's used this before.." Kim Dokja looked at her blankly before they both stood up to go to their reliable friend.
They knocked on the door, waiting for Lee Hyunsung to open it. They both stared at each other in silence until Lee Hyunsung finally opened the door.
"Good afternoon,Hyunsung-ssi." He greeted as he smiled sheepishly.
"Ah, Dokja-ssi. Do you need anything?" Lee Hyunsung looked at the both of them, he didn't expect that they'd approach him today.
"Yeah, do you know how to use muscle tapes? I need it for later.." Kim Dokja shyly asked.
"Practice must be hard, sure I'll do it for you."
"Thanks."
"Anytime Dokja-ssi."
Dokja stretched his back and arms and sighed in relief. "Ah, that feels a lot better. Thanks a lot Hyunsung-ssi" he bowed in gratitude.
"A-ah, no need to bow. It's only a small thing, I can teach you how to do it if you have time." Lee Hyunsung offered.
"Can you teach her?" Kim Dokja asked, pointing at Han Sooyoung who was too occupied with arguing with someone in open forums.
"Han Sooyoung-ssi? Sure."
"Great, we'll see you later. Have a good day!" he waved and went back to the practice room, they were already warming up to start rehearsing again.
"Ah, you're here Dokja-ya. We'll be starting from the top without breaks so we can see what we need to improve." Uriel told him with a smile.
He nodded and went back to his place. Acting is very hard.. He'll probably never do this again in the future.
♫♪
Dokja approached Joonghyuk and bowed, "Good evening, my name's Shin Chun ae. May I get yours?" He flashed a charming smile.
"Jeong Seungho"
"Jeong Seungho nim, would you like to get a drink?"
"I don't mind."
"Great! I'll be right back" Dokja walked out of the spotlight.
" 'Who was that? I've never seen that woman before..' Jeong Seungho thought. The woman's features were light, smooth, gentle, slender. She doesn't look like she's from this area.." The narrator read. Lights quickly turned off, it was time for the next scene.
-
Uriel looked closely, not missing a single move from the actors. She got her notebook ready to list up things that needs improvement like timing, posture, lighting, the background, where the props are placed, where the actors are placed. Everything need to be perfect, it's a live performance, there's no second chances.
"Shin Chun ae, I love you." Jeong Seungho confessed. Maintaining straight eye contact with 'Chun ae'. She was speechless, her eyes widened in surprise but slowly smiled and held Seungho's hands, bringing it close to 'her' face.
"I love you too, Jeong Seungho." She reciprocated as she looked at him, her eyes full of affection.
"And there, they started to live their lives as a happy couple, Jeong Seungho was planning to propose but he learnt the sad truth."
"S-Seungho! Are you really leaving me like this?!" He cried out.
"Why do you even bother asking? You've fooled me for years, of course I am.."
"But what about our love?! Are you going to throw it all away like it's some trash?!"
"Yes! You've fooled me.. I loved you.. How do you expect me to trust you?!"
Dokja's eyes widened, so this bastard can shout too huh.. It hurts when he does. [Haha..]
Tears flowed down his cheeks.
"I love you too, I knew our love was forbidden so I.. I changed my identity.. I've sacrificed my whole self just for our love to work, I may have fooled you but my love for you was true! I never once faked my love. Do you still love me?" He pitifully asked, trying to hold Yoo Joonghyuk's hand but Yoo Joonghyuk avoided his touch.
".. No, you've fooled me.. I'll never forg-"
"I knew it, our love was hopeless after all.. Once you knew who I truly was, you'd leave. I thought you'd still accept me, as my real identity but I was gravely mistaken.. I understand your decision but.."
".."
"Please don't forget how much I love you.. Jeong Seungho, I'll never stop loving you. Even if it disgusts you."
Joonghyuk looked at the floor, clutching his hands.
"I love you , too, I still do. But why would you fool me? You were the person I trusted the most!" He looked at Kim Dokja, his expression full of betrayal and hurt.
"Because I knew that you wouldn't accept me if you knew who I truly was." Kim Dokja replied, his voice soft as he slowly accepted their fate.
"...."
The lights turned off. "Cut!"
Dokja wiped his tears away, "how was it Uriel nim?"
"I think your adlib from the auditions has more emotional impact. I'll need to change a few things from the script a bit but over all, it's a flawless performance. I'll pause rehearsals for a week to let the playwright adjust the script, so rest lots!"
Everyone sighed in relief. They've been practicing non-stop for a whole month straight. This is a well deserved break that they needed.
-
[I'm going to sleep all week and no one can stop me.] Kim Dokja chanted in his mind as he laid down peacefully on his bed.
"Hey, Uriel messaged you that you're trying out your costumes today." Han Sooyoung said. She was using his phone for some reason. He didn't bother to get it off her hands and continued to rest as he put a pillow on his head. It's not like he had things he wants to hide from her, they already have enough dirt on each other.
"Tell her I'll try it out tomorrow.." He groggily said.
"You want me to smack you again?" Han Sooyoung threatened, already holding out her hand.
Dokja instantly stood up , "where?"
"I'll let my chauffeur drive us there, you can sleep in the car."
"You're the best when you're not constantly being mean to me."
Han Sooyoung stared at him. He immediately changed his clothes and ran outside. "This idiot must be so tired but he's still an annoying bastard." She muttered to herself as she sighed.
-
The others were also at the boutique, already wearing their costumes. It looked simple but good, it was probably custom made too since the school gave Uriel a ton of budget.
"Ah! You're here, try this out immediately!" Uriel handed him the costume and dragged him to the dressing room. She got the gown out of the case and hung it on the hanging rack. It was a long, elegant, navy blue silk gown with lacing on the top, torso and sleeves, it looked very gorgeous and fit him perfectly.
"What do you think, Dokja-ya? I had it custom made so it would cover up your arms the way I want it to, I didn't add rhinestones so you wouldn't stand out too much, the dark colour will compliment your pale skin too, do you want to try it on now?" She rambled, excited to see him in the dress.
"Yep, there's more costumes right? Can I try them all out today?"
"Sure thing, some of it are still in process though but it's almost done."
He nodded and started to take off his shirt and pants. Uriel helped him put on the dress since it had a long trail. The fabric felt odd for him, he never wore silk before, men's clothing never really used that type of fabric..
"How is it, Dokja-ya? Are there any places that's too tight or too loose? I can get that adjusted." She asked him, twirling him around.
He looked at the mirror, he really looked like a girl. He just needs a wig and a bit of makeup and he's ready to be the most beautiful woman in the ball.
"You'll be wearing heels too, it won't be too high so you'll have no problems."
"Am I really a boy?" He asked, he himself was surprised by how feminine he looked.
-
Joonghyuk's costume was an all black outfit. Fitting for his personality, it had a fierce, cold aura on it. It screams of 'masculine protagonist'.
"Dokja-ya, I already bought a wig so you might as well try it too. I'll put it on so sit still." Uriel put on the long, dark straight wig on Dokja's head. It's a bit itchy but it looked very real. She also put on light makeup, just to complete the look.
"Omo! You look like a girl!" Uriel exclaimed and looked very glad with the results. She's wished to witness a boy cross-dressing for years now and she's finally able to see it. Proud of her work, Uriel went out of the dressing room and striked a pose.
"Ladies and gentlemen and everyone. I present to you.. Shin Chun ae!"
The curtain opened, revealing a feminine figure wearing a navy blue evening gown. 'She' looked very gorgeous, classy.
"Hahaha, great joke Uriel nim. Now show us where Dokja is." Han Sooyoung said, laughing. She's not gonna lie, she finds the 'girl' beautiful. But Uriel should stop with the jokes and show Kim Dokja, he can't be possibly look this feminine, right?
"What do you mean? This is him." Uriel told her.
"Y-you're not kidding?"
"Why would I?"
[three]
Joonghyuk was in awe, how can a boy be possibly so beautiful? Was Dokja born in the wrong gender?
"Master, are you fine?" Lee Jihye looked at her master, whose mouth was slightly parting upon seeing his co-actor.
"I don't believe you, Uriel-nim." Han Sooyoung said. Sure, she thought Dokja looks feminine but not to this extent..
"You don't believe her Sooyoung? I think you can still reco-"
"What the fuck, they have the same voice?"
"Do I look too different?"
"Is that really you?"
"Yeah, why? Surprised that I look more attr-"
Han Sooyoung's phone made a shuttering noise, she took a picture of Dokja and sent it to someone. Kim Dokja's eyebrows furrowed.
"Hey, who did you send to?" He asked, trying to take a look at her phone.
"Eommoni."
"Delete t-"
=
Sooyoung ah
Sooyoung ah sent a picture
Omo, who's that beautiful lady? :
: It's your dearest son, eommoni. They tried on their costumes for the play.
That's my son? Are you sure Sooyoung ah? Maybe you mistook one of the cast members. :
: I also thought it was someone else too, he'll be wearing more, i'll be sure to send it to you.
I never knew Dokja-ya could look so feminine.. :
And thank you Sooyoung ah, I'll be glad to see more! :
: No problem eommoni, I'll be back with more but for now I'll stop because he's chasing me around :)
Good luck with that, and do you want to come over for dinner? :
: Ah, yes please!
: MOM NO
=
"Dokja-ya, please be gentle with the gown." Uriel scolded him as he chased Han Sooyoung around the boutique.
-
One week had passed, it's time to practice again.. This time, with the costumes. Why do breaks always pass by so fast? It's as if they didn't even have one in the first place..
"I like this." one of the cast members said. She was admiring herself in the mirror, giving herself a twirl to further admire the dress and herself.
All of them had multiple costumes, most were easy to wear so it wouldn't take long to change at the back stage. The designs were beautiful too.
"Is that dress not too tight or too loose?" Uriel asked, a notebook ready on her hands to note down any adjustments that needed to be made.
"It fits fine, Uriel nim."
"I'm glad to hear that. We'll start practicing later so you all can have time settling in with the costumes."
"Mkayy.."
"Okay."
"Ahh, shoulders hurt.."
"Want me to massage it for you, noona?"
"Sure."
Someone knocked on the door, causing everyone to look at it.
"Dokja-ssi, someone's looking for you."
"Ah, ok." Dokja went out of the practice room and was greeted by 2 kids, they stared at him suspiciously.
"Who are you? You're not hyung." A little boy said, eyeing him up and down.
"Yeah! Ahjussi is a boy!" A little girl added.
"Gilyoung-ah, Yoosung-ah. It's me." Kim Dokja sighed. Both of the children were surprised, doubting their eyes. "Really?!" They exclaimed. It's not everyday you get to see your ahjussi/hyung cross dressing..
"Hey unnie, do you know a student named 'Yoo Joonghyuk'?" A girl with a ponytail asked him, ignoring the children. "Oh, he's inside the practice room." he replied. The girl was surprised by Dokja's voice but didn't bother to ask. She's heard enough stuff..
"Hey! Lee Jihye! Don't leave me!" A boy with white hair ran after, what's with the ruckus in the hallway lately? A fight occured near the practice room yesterday too. It's getting a bit too eventful..
"Why are you two here?" Kim Dokja asked as he ruffled their hair.
"Ahjumma requested us to deliver this to you!" They carefully took out a lunch box like it's some kind of fragile treasure. He looked at them and patted their little heads, "Thank you." he smiled gently, they looked at him with sparkling eyes and ran back to their building. He smiled as he watched their figures slowly disappear from the hallway.
"Ahjussi meant that thank you for me!"
"No, it was for me!"
"Stop denying it you bug addict!"
"Shut up you beast addict!"
He looked at them with a sigh and went back to the practice room. Wearing heels is hard, even if it isn't that high. Girls sure have it tough..
He carefully walked, trying not to trip or step on the dress he's currently wearing. It was a loose black dress that reaches the floor. He doesn't want to complain but why are all of the dresses always reaching the floor?
As the clumsy person he is, he stepped on the dress. Thankfully, it didn't rip but he's definitely going to fall down along with the lunch..
"Ah! Dokja y-" Uriel shouted, just before he could hit the ground. Someone caught him. Why did it look like they were doing tango though..?
"Don't focus too much on your surroundings, look at the ground too." Joonghyuk said close to his ear, carefully letting Dokja go and fixing his costume. He also lent the lunch box he caught, his reflexes were crazy, almost like a main character. Maybe he is the main character of this world..
"Master, I didn't know you swing that way" Lee Jihye said, handing him a bottle of water.
"What do you mean Jihye? Wasn't that a girl?" Kim Namwoon questioned, his eyes never proves him wrong.
"That was a boy, dumbass." Lee Jihye told him, his eyes widened and looked at Kim Dokja again. Lee Jihye never lies..
Maybe just this once.. His eyes did prove him wrong.
-
"Shin Chun ae was the woman every men needed. She was gorgeous, graceful, talented, caring, and loving. What else could Jeong Seungho possibly ask for?" The narrator read out.
"Shin Chun ae." He called out.
"What is it, Jeong Seungho-nim?" Chun ae turned to face him, averting all of her attention to him.
"Accompany me to my bedroom later." Seungho said, his voice stern as he looked at Chun ae. Shin Chun ae looked flustered, impure thoughts slowly filled her mind.
"A-ah.. What for Seungho nim?" She stuttered as she tried to shake the thoughts off her mind. She shouldn't be thinking of him like that..
"I'll be going to a meeting later in the evening. I need help with my clothes. Surely, you don't mind that?"
"Ah.. No, of course I don't mind." Chun ae smiled, "I'll be going outside for a bit. Please enjoy your tea." She quickly ran out of the room. Seungho smirked, already knowing what was in her mind.
"Pure on the outside, tainted in the inside." He muttered to himself, amused at the woman.
-
It was time for the ball scene.
"Shin Chun ae, may I have this dance?" Seungho offered his hand, waiting for the other to accept. Shin Chun ae nodded and placed 'her' smooth hand on Seungho's. They started to dance gracefully, everyone was looking at them. It was to be expected, they looked like the perfect pair. They were the stars of the ball.
"It was the night where Jeong Seungho confessed his love for the beautiful lady".
"Shin Chun ae.. Is it true?" Seungho asked her, his hands on his sides were clenched. He didn't want to believe it, he wished for her to prove them wrong.
"Hm? What do you mean, dear?" Chun ae looked at him, clearly confused as to what her lover meant.
"Don't act like a fool, tell me the truth."
"I-I don't know what you m-"
"Are you a man?"
Chun ae's eyes widened and dropped the bowl she was holding.
"H-huh? Of course not! Where have you heard this ridiculous statement, dear?"
"Don't make me look like a fool Chun ae, no.. Who are you?"
She clenched her hands tightly.
"I'm Shin Chun ae! You've already known that for years!"
"No you're not! I know the truth!"
"No you don't!"
"Let's end this."
Chun ae's mouth parted, as if wanting to convince him that it wasn't true.
"S-seungho.. Wait!"
"Then explain it to me.. I can't believe I loved a man.. I trusted you!"
"I'm s-"
"Why did you fool me?!" Seungho shouted. The whole practice room went quiet, Joonghyuk shouts like a predator.. It's a bit frightening..
"I-i di-"
"Stop lying." He ordered her. Chun ae was quiet.
"Chun ae, speak up."
"Do you really want to hear the truth.. Seungho? Or are you just f-"
"Stop making excuses."
Dokja took a deep breath, his hands were shaking.
"Fine.. I'm a man, b-but my love for you was r-"
"You disgust me." Seungho said. The eyes that once looked at Chun ae with affection was now looking at him with disgust.
Dokja's face was surprised.. Rather, his character's face is surprised. Even though he knows the statement was directed to his 'character', it still hurts him a bit. His mouth parted, he had no words to say.
"Leave, I don't want to see you in my life." Seungho turned, his back facing Chun ae.
"S-Seungho-"
"Chun ae.. Or whoever you are.. Just leave."
He clutched his hands tighter, knuckles going white. He slowly walks towards Joonghyuk.
"Hey.." he faintly said.
"Did you even think about my side?"
"Why do I need to t-"
"Did you even think about it? I may have been someone who fooled you but I never once faked my love for you. All of those.. It was real..!"
"I-"
He gripped Joonghyuk's costume, looking up to maintain a strong eye contact. Tears were slowly building up.
"Did you even think why I did that?" He asked him.
"Why would you do it?" Seungho finally asked. Chun ae smiled, it was sad.
"Because I love you, Seungho! I love you.. I- It was the only way to make this love work!" He sobbed.
"I sacrificed my own identity for our love, I had to cut off contacts with my family.. People who supported me, just for this love to work! I knew it was forbidden but I just love you so much.." He broke down, falling into his knees as he continued to grip at Seungho's clothes.
"T-"
"I love you Seungho, I've always did.. Before we even met, I've tried approaching you with my real identity but you just.. Didn't care."
This bastard.. He's adding an adlib again..
"Did you already forget?"
"W-what do you mea-"
"See? I knew you'd forget. I understand your decision.. But please.. Never forget my love for you. Even if it disgusts you, I'll never stop loving you. Jeong Seungho. I don't think there will ever be a time that I'll ever stop loving you."
How does he think up of adlibs like this?
"Dokja ya.."
"Y-yes?"
"That was... Beautiful.. I don't know how you keep thinking up of wonderful adlibs but I'm glad you can."
"Thank you."
"I'll treat everyone today, we don't need to practice that much anymore so you can all go back to your regular class schedules." Uriel announced and everyone suddenly bursted into a roaring noise as they celebrated by shouting or throwing their scripts up.
"Hey, don't celebrate way too early. The official performance isn't there ye-" Kim Dokja tried to remind them.
"Can we take the costumes off now?"
"A-ah, yes you can, anyways as I was saying, let's not celebrate too e-"
"Don't ruin the mood ahjussi! We deserve this treat! You and the other personnel deserve it too!"
"Yeah!"
"Let's eat at that barbeque place later! They serve good quality meat."
"H-hey slow do-"
Everyone ran outside, causing a mess in the hallway. Everyone looked at them.
"What was that?"
"The theatre cast"
"Oh, they must be so tired. I didn't see them that much this week"
"Probably.
-
"So Chun- I mean Dokja-ssi, how did the rehearsals go?" Jung Heewon asked him.
"It went great."
"Really? I can't wait to see the final performance since you've been practicing hard."
"Me too, I heard Dokja-ssi looks very beautiful with the blue dr-" Kim Dokja immediately turned his head.
"Where did you hear that from, Sangah-ssi?" He asked her.
"Han Sooyoung told all of us."
"Where is she?"
"She already went home, she said that she got tired." Lee Hyunsung chimed in.
"Mhmm.. Okay."
-
"Oppa, that unnie you were with during practice is very beautiful! What's her name?" Yoo Mia asked him with sparkling eyes.
"Kim Dokja." He said in a monotone voice.
"Eh? That's a weird name for a beautiful girl." Yoo Mia looked puzzled, her parent's must have terrible naming tast-
"He's a boy."
"Oh."
-
"Agh." Kim Dokja immediately slumped on the couch and closed his eyes. He's very exhausted, he's never been drained like this in his life..
"Welcome back Dokjaya, how was rehearsals?" Lee Sookyung asked him, sitting on the couch with him.
"More draining than usual but it went great.."
"I see.. I'll cook some omurice for dinner so just relax there okay?"
"You're the best."
[Time skip || Theatre play]
Dokja is at the backstage, having his makeup and wig ready by professional artists. He feels very glamorous, is this how professional actors feel?
"You have very good skin." The make up artist complimented as she did finishing touches.
"Thanks."
"Care to share some tips?"
"I don't do much.."
"Haah, genetics..The world can be so unfair.. Anyways you're ready to go." Kim Dokja thanked the staff and stood up, searching for Uriel. He saw Yoo Joonghyuk and decided to ask him instead.
"Hey Joonghyuk, you know where Uriel nim went?" Kim Dokja asked him, tugging on the trail of his dress. He was starting to get annoyed at it.
Joonghyuk looked at him in awe, Dokja's feminine appearance will always amaze him. It might be the only time where he doubts his eyes too.
"..They're at the front row seats." He said, his eyes never leaving Kim Dokja's figure.
"Thanks." Kim Dokja smiled at him before running to the front row.
"Uriel nim, me and the others are ready."
"Yeah it was pretty p- Oh! The others are still arranging the props and background. You guys go rest for a bit, the audience are not yet here so take it easy." She said, giving him a soft smile.
"Okay, thanks Uriel nim." He bowed.
"It's nothing!"
-
"Hey Dokja-ssi, I'd date you if you were a real girl." One of actors said, the others nodded in agreement.
"I wouldn't pick any of you though," he responded, smiling.
"Eh, why?"
"I already have someone I like, they kept avoiding my signs but I still like them." He said, reminiscing the times when his efforts were rejected.
"Who's the lucky girl?" The actor playfully nudged at him/
"I swing the other way."
"Ohh- okay."
"What's with that reaction? Scared that you're the one I like?"
"No no, it's not like that Dokja-ssi. I'm just a bit surprised."
"Hahaha, don't be."
Joonghyuk listens to the conversation without saying anything. ['I already have someone I like.'] He clutches his hand just knowing that Dokja likes someone. Who is it and why does he care?
"Hey guys, everyone is almost here. Get ready", one of the personnel informed them.
"Ahh, it's finally time.. I'm a bit nervous.. This theatre is big.. There's going to be a lot of people watching.." One of actors expressed their anxiety, and the others agreed.
"Me too.."
Uriel smiled at them, "you all can do it, don't get too overwhelmed. You guys didn't practice hard just to get overwhelmed by anxiety did you?"
"No.."
"Then perform at your best, outshine everyone if you can. Anyways, good luck and make this a night for everyone here to remember."
"That was encouraging and discouraging at the same time but thanks."
All of them went to the backstage, waiting for the big red curtain to open. They've been waiting for this night, let's make the best of it!
All of the audience were in awe once Dokja showed up. All of them were praising 'her' gentle and royal features. They watched his every move, from just walking, talking, and even his expressions. Is this how princesses feel when they go to a ball? Always being the center of attention? It's a bit pressuring..
Joonghyuk notices Dokja getting a bit anxious and decided to talk to him backstage. "Don't think about the audience that much, just do what you have to do." he said, chugging down a whole bottle of water.
"Look who's saying." Kim Dokja scoffed as he watched Yoo Joonghyuk chug the bottle of water.
"Guys, act 12 is coming, get ready." The personnel notified them.
Joonghyuk looked at him and looked at the signal.
[one, two three..]
He held Dokja's hand and went out together. It caught Dokja off guard but went along with it.
The scenes played out smoothly and flawlessly. The audience could clearly comprehend the story the actors were trying to show. This performance is a masterpiece. Theatre schools, or even acting agencies will probably start chasing the cast once they graduate.
"Even if it disgusts you, I'll never stop loving you. Jeong Seungho."
The lights were off and the curtain slowly closed, the whole theatre was in silence. As soon as the lights went back, everyone clapped loudly. Their applause filled the whole theatre.
"I hate to admit it, this academy has some top notch students." One of rival school's officals said.
"I agree."
"Hmph, they're so-so."
"I'm going to be honest, Jinwoo-nim, the students here are better than yours."
"Ridiculous."
"We agree with her, Jinwoo-nim."
"..."
Everyone was shocked to find out that the one who played as 'Shin Chun ae' was an actual boy. Kim Dokja quickly went viral for his performance and feminine looks along with Yoo Joonghyuk. They were the talk of Seoul's social media platforms. The whole performance was even featured in the national news. It was a huge success!
"Hey, did you see this edit someone made?" Han Sooyoung asked him.
"No, what's it about?"
"You and Joonghyuk, it gathered up thousands of views. Your character's names are trending too." She said, showing him the edit.
"Cool."
"You don't sound that interested in Joonghyuk anymore."
"Hmm."
"Are you finally giving up on him?"
"Kind of."
"Well that's news." Han Sooyoung scoffed and quietly forwarded all the edits to Lee Sookyung.
-
"Oppa.. What are you doing?" Yoo Mia asked upon seeing her brother staring at the same picture for about an hour. She's getting a bit concerned..
She looked closer, "oh, isn't that unni- I mean ahjussi that you performed with last week?" She asked upon seeing the picture.
"Mia.." He called out, his eyes never leaving the picture.
"Yeah?" She tilted her head to the side, confused.
"Do you think i'm oblivious?"
"W-why are you suddenly asking me that oppa?"
"Answer me"
".. Yes.."
-
"Dokja ya, someone's looking for you at the door." Lee Sookyung told him.
"I'll be there in a bit!" [who's visiting me today?] He thought. Han Sooyoung or the others didn't send him plans for today nor did he set any with someone else. It was just supposed to be a relaxing day for him.
"What is i- Whoah, how did you know where I live?" He looked at Yoo Joonghyuk, who looked like he ran all the way to his house.
"Let's talk." He said, looking at Kim Dokja.
"So what is it that you wanted to talk about? Joonghyuk ah?" Kim Dokja asked, both of them sitting across each other.
".. Do you like me?" Yoo Joonghyuk asked, Kim Dokja's mouth parted but then spread into a smile.
[Ah, he's finally caught up.]
"Yes, but isn't it a bit late to realize that?" He smiled. He's irritated with how slow this sunfish caught up with his signs he showed months ago. He's truly a sunfish, a very slow one.
"..."
Kim Dokja sighed, leaning into his hand as he maintained eye contact with Yoo Joonghyuk.
"You know, you could've just texted me if you only wanted to ask that. You're an idiot."
"I-"
"A fool"
"I-"
"An oblivious fool," Joonghyuk clutched his hands.
"I like you too." Yoo Joonghyuk finally said.
"But even if you're a fool, I still like you." He smiled cheekily.