Chapter Text
I looked at my bride walking to me in her white gown. It suits her, she was my best friend— Han Sooyoung. She looked back at me smiling. It was not a happy smile— it was a forced, hurt, sad smile. I know exactly why and I felt the same.
13 year ago
“Yoo Joonghyuk, can't you move faster?!” My mother shouted. We were going to church today which is the reason this is my most hated day. I rolled my eyes secretly and put my shoes on faster.
The ride was just half an hour, it was relatively faster than how long the drive is to school, which is one and a half hour.
We walked inside the church, I held Yoo Mia's hand which my parents refused to do saying it's a hassle. Why'd you give birth to her if you'll not even take care of her?
I looked around the church and saw the usual people in their usual places. I spotted Han Sooyoung in the front bickering with her parents, they're always like that. We took the seat right beside them. Our parents conversed and Han Sooyoung looked at me and rolled her eyes. “Another day, another eyesore.” I tsk-ed and sat beside her.
The mass went on as usual. The priest went on and on about how people should obey their parents— Han Sooyoung rolled her eyes on that and how it is that men can only love women and women love men.
I didn't listen to anything the priest blabbered about, it's all nonsense. I looked around then noticed the people sitting across our seats, they were unfamiliar, are they new here?
When the mass ended, my parents walked to the strangers to get them to their side. “Oh? Hello Mr. Mayor.” The woman said to my father. I didn't listen any further. I looked at the boy with them, he looked timid with his book in his hand. He looked at me— what lovely eyes, it was like the whole universe resides inside his eyes. He smiled and I just looked at him, starstrucked.
His eyes wandered everywhere, observing his environment then finally landed in my eyes again. “Hello, what's your name? I'm Kim Dokja.” I didn't process his words for a good 10 seconds. His voice is just majestic. “Oh, Yoo Joonghyuk. My name is Yoo Joonghyuk.” I finally answered, clearing my throat. He smiled at that and said, “What lovely name…” I could feel my cheeks burning up from his statement.
I didn't feel the ride home, I still can't forget the way my heart pumped from our exchange. My sister Yoo Mia asked me what's happening with me but I brushed it off.
Tomorrow is the first day of school, I didn't feel it as I was still thinking of Kin Dokja. Before I knew it, the teacher was already introducing the new student and coincidentally, it's Kim Dokja. Damn.
Kim Dokja sat next to me but we didn't talk, he was too focused in the lessons and I was too focused staring at him. Usually, I focus on the lesson but I feel that his face is more important than it.
Lunch break came before I realized it. “Joonghyuk! Let's eat lunch together.” He smiled at me while I just looked at him surprised. “Sure.” I smiled back at him.
“Can you take me around the school? I wanna know all about it!” He asked me and I nodded.
We walked around the school while I briefly discussed what the buildings and structures are. He listened to me intently, stars shining in his eyes.
We met Han Sooyoung with a girl while walking around. It was Yoo Sangah, my cousin. We're cousins but we're not close since our parents don't like each other. I nodded at her and glared at Han Sooyoung. She's disturbing our dat- tour!
Time passed and Kim Dokja and I grew close. We often meet up beneath the tree near a park. It was our safe zone. We often talked about our days, his books, and chatted about random things there.
“Did you know? You have the same name as my favorite character?” He said. I hmph-ed and pouted, “Who do you like more? Me or him?” Kim Dokja laughed and hugged me. “Of course it's you, Hyukie!” I smiled at that and hugged him tighter, “As you should.” He just laughed at my remark.
Then one day, he didn't go to our usual spot. I thought that maybe he just forgot because he's tired. But a week passed, and he also didn't go to school. I asked our homeroom teacher why and he said that Kim Dokja is sick. I asked his address after knowing that and headed there.
When I arrived, his parents greeted me. “What brings you here, dear?” Persephone said to me. “Kim Dokja. Is he okay?” I asked with my eyebrows furrowed. Persephone smiled at me and said, “He's fine now, thank you for your concern, do you want to see him?” I nodded and she led me to Kim Dokja’s room. It's my first time seeing his room, it smells like him and his books.
His mother left us alone to prepare dinner. Kim Dokja was asleep when I saw him. I caressed his hair and sighed. “I was so worried something happened to you, you know that?” I closed my eyes and rested my head on his hand. “Sorry..” I heard a mutter from Kim Dokja. I quickly lifted my head and hugged him. “You idiot” I buried my head to his neck.
Kim Dokja caressed my back. “I'm okay now.” He then lifted my face only to gasp when he saw my face. It was covered in tears. He sighed and brushed my tears away. I pouted then looked at him which made him laugh. I raised my eyebrow then suddenly kissed him. When I realized what I did, I backed away. “I- sorry... I didn't mean to…” He looked at me, shocked.
I looked at his expression and panic rose. I quickly left, ignoring the calls from his mother, asking me to stay for dinner. I can't believe I kissed him without consent. I'm such an asshole. I don't even know if he likes me too. He must be disgusted at me right now. What to do now? I screwed up.
I looked everywhere for Kim Dokja to apologize but it seems like he's avoiding me. He must be really angry and disgusted. I'm such a disappointment.
When I spotted him going inside the gymnasium, I quickly followed. With apologizing in mind, I grabbed him. He looked surprised. “Kim Dokja, please, let's talk.” His eyes faltered, his ears red. “Wh-why?” He asked.
I grabbed his hand and dragged him to the storage room. “I want to apologize for my actions. I know you didn't feel the same but I still did it anyway. I know it was insensitive of me. I'm sorry. But please, don't avoid me. I will get rid of these feelings, just don't avoid me or worse, hate me. Please, Kim Dokja.” Tears started to fall from my eyes from frustration.
Kim Dokja stared at me then wiped my tears. He held my face and smiled. “It's not that I don't feel the same…I like you too. I was just shocked.” I stared at him, breathing heavily. “Y-you do?” I held his hand on my face. “You really do?” He nodded. I hugged him. His figure seems fit to mine. I could smell his unique smell and feel his soft hair and skin. I cupped his face and asked, “C-can I kiss you?” He nodded and I kissed him. It was gentle, soft, but it also feels like I'm kissing him like there's not tomorrow. Kim Dokja was just the best, my love, my reader.
Our foreheads touched and saliva connected our lips when we were done. I wish I could stay right here forever. With him in my arms with a smile on our lips.
“l love you, Kim Dokja.”
“I love you too, Hyukie.”