Chapter Text
くコ:彡
When Kim Dokja died, Yoo Joonghyuk locked himself in his designated room for three days before disappearing on his own. In those three days, he barely did anything.
As much as he loved fussing over his sword when he's not doing anything, he barely looked at it in those three days. It was stowed away, hidden behind the closet, out of his sight. Because looking upon it, he couldn't not remember how it looked in his bloody grip. The way it pierced through the white cloth and eventually through flesh. The way blood dripped from it as the the star in his arms faded into the void. The way it glinted clearly as his ragged reflection looked back at him in horror and despair. He couldn't not remember how his own sword, with his own hand, killed Kim Dokja.
But the regressor forced himself to hold the sword again after deciding to go off on his own. He needed to get a grip. He refused to believe the rat bastard wouldn't come back again. He told himself to wait. To wait and see and that bastard would come back on his own, smiling that infuriating smile at them and immediately telling them what to do for the next scenario.
The relief came crashing down on him the instant he locked eyes with Kim Dokja's wide ones back in the 73rd demon realm. Kim Dokja indeed came back and that was all that mattered to Yoo Joonghyuk.
All the fuss that happened in that realm just ended a few days ago and now they're back in Seoul. It was over and done.
But Yoo Joonghyuk couldn't help but think bitterly how the wound was still fresh for him. It wasn't just the regressor though. Everyone still had that haunted look on their faces every time they spaced out looking at the rat bastard. They grew more cautious, more overprotective and overbearing that they wouldn't let Kim Dokja out of their sight - afraid that he'd somehow disappear like a figment of their imagination. The bastard didn't have a choice in that matter. Yoo Joonghyuk made sure of that. Or else he'd kill the rat himself.
"Yah." Han Sooyoung's irritating voice registered in Yoo Joonghyuk's brain.
The regressor slowly looked up, his gaze piercing through the false prophet, hopefully conveying how he didn't appreciate her rudeness at interrupting his silent brooding in the corner of the living room.
He was peacefully polishing his sword (which was what triggered his line of thinking since earlier) and was getting ready to go out and clear some hidden scenarios. He did not have the energy nor the time to engage useless squabble with this woman.
"You should guard that rat bastard today," Han Sooyoung continued, ignoring the regressor's glare while sucking on a lemon candy.
Yoo Joonghyuk averted his eyes and continued polishing his sword. "I did that yesterday."
Along with putting Kim Dokja in house arrest, they also went as far as to guard him in scheduled rotation. Even though Yoo Joonghyuk had better things to do than to babysit the sly constellation, he obliged with his own schedule thoroughly.
Han Sooyoung huffed and spoke again. "Yeah, but he's transformed right now and you're more than capable than any of us to subdue him in that form if he did anything funny."
The regressor paused in his ministrations. "Why is he transformed?"
Han Sooyoung shrugged and stepped away to sit on a nearby loveseat before replying, "The kids and the others wanted to take a closer look. The rat also said he wanted to get used to his form while training."
That made Yoo Joonghyuk stand up. The false prophet startled as she looked up at him. He glared at her as if it was her fault. "Why is he training when he needed to rest?"
The latter rolled her eyes in exasperation - whether it's because of Kim Dokja's stubbornness or of Yoo Joonghyuk's obvious worry about said bastard, she couldn't decide - and was about to say something. But Yoo Joonghyuk was already on the move, walking past her in a blur. One blink of the false prophet and the protagonist was already gone.
Yoo Joonghyuk sheathed his sword as he walked briskly towards their designated training hall, already thinking of ways to get the reader to transform back and force him to bed where he needs to be. He was nearing the said place when he suddenly met Lee Seolhwa. He froze in his tracks.
"Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi," the healer nodded in greeting.
The regressor just nodded back, the usual lump in his throat whenever he caught sight of his past lover preventing him from saying anything further. The healer already walked passed Yoo Joonghyuk but the man stood still. Even after all this time, the ache is still there. Whether it's because he still loved her or because he regretted forming emotional attachments in this ruined world, he wasn't sure. But it doesn't matter anymore. It's all in the past.
"Joonghyuk-ssi?"
The man turned his head to the healer, a bit surprised.
"Are you looking for Kim Dokja-ssi?" Seolhwa asked, voice as demure as ever.
Yoo Joonghyuk could only grunt in affirmation. The lack of words didn't dissuade the healer. "Go easy on him. He's been coped up in his room for days, he needs fresh air and more exercise."
The reminder of Kim Dokja managed to wake Yoo Joonghyuk up from his melancholy, his previous irritation for the bastard igniting again.
"The rat can get his fresh air on a leash. He has to learn to stay put and not go off dying," Yoo Joonghyuk spat out, not caring if he sounded rude.
This only made Lee Seolhwa laugh. "That's the most words you said to me this week. Kim Dokja does get the most reactions from you, doesn't he?" She asked, mirth dancing in her eyes. Her tone sounded a bit too teasing for Yoo Joonghyuk's liking.
He turned back, not deigning to respond, and continued walking. He pretended not to hear the healer's giggles as he rounded the corner.
くコ:彡
Entering the training hall, Yoo Joonghyuk immediately spotted the rat. He was hard to miss, considering he was, as always, at the center of attention. The kids, including Lee Jihye surrounded him, bickering about something and trying to get the constellation's attentions. Lee Hyunsung was training (doing his usual exercises as a soldier) beside them. Aside from them, the training hall was barren.
Kim Dokja stood at the center, eyes closed with his hands slightly raised at his sides. His sword was nowhere to be found nor his phone (which rarely parted with his hand). His brows were furrowed, seemingly concentrating despite the noise surrounding him.
The regressor stopped his steps. When he entered, he had all the intentions to drag the rat away and scold him while he's at it. But seeing the bastard seriously meditating there, Yoo Joonghyuk was curious. So he quietly slipped in, went to silently lean against a column near the group. They didn't seem to notice him yet. He crossed his arms as he observed Kim Dokja intently.
"I think you should focus on your individual training, everyone," Kim Dokja suddenly spoke, eyes still closed. The children quietened.
"You should just focus on yours ahjussi. I want to see your wings," Lee Jihye argued.
"Maja, hyung. I want see you fly!" Lee Gilyoung eagerly said.
"Carry me, ahjussi, I want to fly as well!" Shin Yoosung added.
The rat sighed. "Well then. But I need you to be quiet so I could concentrate," he admonished but not without the fond tone in his voice.
Yoo Joonghyuk had already seen Kim Dokja's demonic form a handful of times. But it was always in the middle of a scenario. The regressor usually didn't look too closely. It would only remind him of that fateful day. The sound of the jade shattering, the way Kim Dokja rose in the air. Dark majestic wings sprouting from his backs. The way red eyes glinted, horns protruding from his forehead, and dark veins scattered on his skin like a curse. It was the birth of the Demon King of Salvation.
Something in his chest ached. Reminiscent of his encounter with Lee Seolhwa. But this one was different. Yoo Joonghyuk knew the pain this represented. This one reminded him of his failure. And so, he would always unconsciously avert his eyes when Kim Dokja transformed. He didn't want to be reminded that it was he who was supposed to become like that. He didn't want to be reminded that he failed to protect his companion.
That the one that Kim Dokja loves the most killed him with his own hands, a treacherous part of Yoo Joonghyuk's mind said, reminding him of Olympus' prophecy which started the whole thing.
Yoo Joonghyuk glared harshly at no one in particular as he tried to dispel his thoughts. Nonsense.
He was fortunately distracted from his thoughts when he heard the sounds of delight coming from the kids. His eyes refocused on Kim Dokja and was momentarily taken aback to see the demonic form in the flesh abruptly after he was just thinking about it.
The regressor didn't notice he took a step forward.
"Woah, ahjussi. I didn't notice your eyes would turn red before. Do you see everything in red too?" Lee Jihye asked excitedly as she leaned for a closer look.
"Hyung, don't your wings feel cramped in here? They're so huge..." Lee Gilyoung said in awe as he stroked the feathers reverently.
"Ahjussi, do the horns hurt? Are they heavy?" Shin Yoosung asked as she tried to poke them but failed due to her height.
They didn't even give the man a chance to answer. Soon, a barrage of questions filled the otherwise silent training hall, leaving no room for Kim Dokja to actually answer any. Even Lee Hyunsung stopped his training to join the gawking.
Yoo Joonghyuk just silently stared. The ache was still there but it was dampened by his curiosity. The urge to come closer and have a look at the intricate details of Kim Dokja's new form was present and Yoo Joonghyuk didn't know what to make of it.
Kim Dokja was then trying to placate his audience before suddenly taking his two adopted kids (the rat doesn't acknowledge it but the whole lot of them knew this was the case), each in his arms, telling them to hold tight before slowly flapping his wings. The training hall wasn't that large but thankfully it had ample space for the constellation to fly in circles. The childish shrieks of joy echoed around as Kim Dokja flapped about. Lee Hyunsung was even cheering them while Lee Jihye grumbled to herself.
Yoo Joonghyuk, on the other hand, was stunned.
Was it because of the way the light that managed to worm it's way through the cracks of the roof shone on dark feathers? The way the wings even looked more majestic with them? Or was it because of the way some of the feathers fall off on their own, gently swaying against the wind and down? The way one of it brushed against Yoo Joonghyuk's cheek like a gentle caress, landing softly on his shoulder. Or was it the way the horns glinted but rather than menacing, it looked strangely like it belonged there. The way it seemed to make Kim Dokja look even more interesting. Or was it the way the dark veins strangely complimented the reader's complexion? The way it made him looked wickedly cursed and yet somehow strangely enticing?
Or was it the way Kim Dokja looked? The way his rare genuine laughter echoed around, like a melody Yoo Joonghyuk haven't heard from elsewhere. The way wind swept up his hair in a mess, his white coat fluttering around him. The way Kim Dokja's face lighting up in soft joy as he gazed down at his kids, happy to make them happy. The way even his red eyes didn't seem out of place with the love and care shining from it.
The picture of the demon king's resigned expression during that fateful day; the image of the demon king's intimidating aura during their battles; all the times Kim Dokja's demonic form looked dangerous and horrible, making him look like a total stranger to Yoo Joonghyuk's eyes... Suddenly, all of it were fading. Replaced by the one he's seeing right then.
Was it because Kim Dokja looked so beautifully enchanting that Yoo Joonghyuk could feel the ache abating?
Abruptly, Yoo Joonghyuk tensed. Blinking slowly as disbelief flashed through his mind. I... did not just call that rat bastard, beautiful. His face morphed into a scowl.
As if sensing his thoughts, Kim Dokja looked his way, eyes widening in surprise after registering that the regressor was watching him. Yoo Joonghyuk went even more stiff at the sudden attention.
The rat slowed his flight, hovering in front of the regressor as the kids protested about the sudden pause.
"Whachu looking at, sooty bastard?" Lee Gilyoung called out in irritation, knowing he's the reason the joy ride was interrupted.
Yoo Joonghyuk ignored the childish jab, trying not to feel defensive, and crossed his arms more tightly against his chest. He glared at Kim Dokja without saying a word.
Unfazed, the rat bastard only grinned at him before speaking cheekily, "Want me to give you a fly as well, eh, sunfish?"
The glare intensified. It's a wonder why Kim Dokja had not turned into a pile of ashes under Yoo Joonghyuk's harsh gaze.
"Don't speak nonsense, Kim Dokja. Hurry up and finish your training," Yoo Joonghyuk growled although it was half hearted. His earlier intentions of forcing the reader to transform back was forgotten, not having the heart to be the reason of eradicating the carefree look on the bastard's face.
Kim Dokja merely laughed, adjusting his hold on the kids, before saying, "Ah. Is it your turn again to watch me? Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere, Joonghyuk-ah."
The regressor looked away, the nickname that the reader rarely uttered seemed to grate on his nerves. Yoo Joonghyuk didn't reply and just grunted, his last resort when he didn't know what to say. He heard Kim Dokja's laugh again before the reader resumed his flight around the room.
I'm not going anywhere. The words seemed to echo in Yoo Joonghyuk's mind.
You better, fool, the regressor thought as his eyes, as if drawn, followed the constellation.
くコ:彡