Chapter Text
It’s the start of a new high school year. A bright sunny day with good weather. At least, that’s what it felt like to most, except Kim Dokja. He was nervous about going back to school after taking time off. The 16 year old would technically be a sophomore now. He would also be the new student since he moved and transferred schools. Thanks to his older sister, Kim Maehwa’s undying love and support, he got the courage he needed. Albeit, it gave him some courage. “Dokja are you done getting ready?” his sister shouted from downstairs. “I’m almost done, I just need my tie.” Dokja replied, while fumbling to tie it. He ate a pretty good breakfast and got a good night’s sleep. All that’s left is to actually go to school. Dokja finally goes downstairs and his sister stands there, waiting for him. “I’ll come pick you up after school too, okay?” she patted and ruffled his hair. “Okay, thanks noona.” Dokja said as a small smile formed on his face.
The car ride there went smoothly. Dokja looked out to see the scenery. He didn’t get to see it before when they first moved. He noticed some shops and restaurants that’d be nice to go to with friends. He didn’t really have any growing up, except his sister. But maybe this time he could have friends and be a ‘normal teenager’. The car finally came to a stop at Kaizenix High School. There were lots of students bustling outside. “It’s your first day of school so do your best, okay? If something happens, you can always call or text me Dokja. I believe you’ll do amazing today.” Maehwa said as she pulled him in for a hug. Dokja appreciated his older sister so much with how caring and patient she was with him. He tightened his embrace before pulling away. “I’ll see you later Dokja!” she said, as he opened the door. She had a bright and warm smile on her face as she waved goodbye. “Bye noona.” Dokja said quietly, while waving back. It’s now the start of a new school year. While Dokja headed inside to get his schedule, he didn’t notice the stares of lots of students. “Hey Joonghyuk, did you see that car? It looked hella expensive.” a girl said. He didn’t reply back and stared in silence. “Is he a rich new student or something? Or maybe he’s the son of a CEO?” the girl pondered. Then the bell started ringing, signalling for students to head for their homerooms.
As Dokja walked down the hallway to find his homeroom, he couldn’t help but notice the stares of students. It was probably because he was the new kid right? He tried his best to ignore their stares and to focus on finding the right classroom. He finally came to a halt outside room 149. As he stepped inside, some people looked at him then continued talking amongst themselves. He internally took a big sigh of relief while gripping his backpack. He took a seat at a desk on the middle left side of the room. Well at least he can stare out the window like he was some protagonist. Dokja sighed as he sat down. Since class hasn’t fully started yet he can get some reading done. He pulled out his phone to read his favourite webnovel, “Ways of Survival”. He’d been reading it for over a year now and was its only loyal reader. As he pulled up the latest chapter he got a message from the author. “I won’t be able to post new chapters that much since school is starting”, it said. Dokja thought to himself, “tls123 is also in school? They might be around the same age as me. Maybe it’d be nice if I could meet them.” His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of someone sitting down at the desk beside him. Dokja looked up and saw his new desk mate looking right at him. He was startled and then went back to looking at his phone. How could his desk mate have such a handsome face? His hair was parted neatly too. But why was he staring daggers into him too? Dokja went back to reading while also feeling a certain someone’s stares.
After some minutes had passed, the teacher finally came in and started class. “Hello class, I will be your homeroom teacher for this semester! We can start off this year by introducing ourselves as I call out your names for attendance. How about we say what’s our favourite thing to do?”. The teacher went down the list hearing everyone’s interests and hobbies. Dokja listened while waiting for his name to be called out. “Kim Dokja?” the teacher called out. “Present” Dokja replied, while also raising his hand. “Tell us what is tour favourite thing to do.” the teacher beamed. Dokja gulped before saying, “I like to read novels”. “That’s great to hear Dokja!” the teacher said with such enthusiasm. After some more names were called he looked out the window. That was until he heard a name very familiar to him. “Yoo Joonghyuk?” the teacher said aloud. “Here” his desk mate had said. Dokja was internally shocked and was processing this moment. How can the handsome guy sitting beside him have the same name as the protagonist of “Ways of Survival”?! “I like playing video games.” Joonghyuk replied with a stern expression. Dokja was internally screaming, “And he’s a gamer too? What’s next, he has the exact same birthday as him??” Dokja looked at him from the corner of his eye. Joonghyuk had his face planted on his palm while he stared off into space. Dokja moved his hand to cover his mouth, as he stared out the window. He was trying to control his expression and compose himself. The first day of school has become quite the adventure already.
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The bell rings, signalling the end of homeroom class. It was now time for lunch. As Dokja exited out the classroom he could feel a piercing glare on his back. He guessed it was probably from Yoo Joonghyuk. He was still a bit shaken up from that moment. But never mind that now, he’s hungry and needs to find a place to eat. Dokja headed towards the cafeteria but it was all packed and busy. He opted for eating somewhere outside. He walked around the campus until he found a lonely bench under a tree. With nobody around, it was the perfect place to eat. His sister made sure to pack him a delicious lunch. He took out his lunch as his mouth watered by the scent. It was his favourite, omurice. After finishing his meal he couldn’t help but smile. Maehwa always made sure to take such good care of him. She’s been a guardian for him since she was 16. Having sacrificed her teenage years in taking care of him, he wanted to repay her back.
While Dokja was lost in thought, some students were spying on him. They took a peek behind a wall while staring at his figure on the bench. “So this is the guy from this morning you were talking about Sooyoung?” another girl had said. “Yep, that’s the one Heewon. He’s in the same class as Joonghyuk for homeroom. What’d you say his name was again Joonghyuk?” Sooyoung asked. “His name is Kim Dokja.” Joonghyuk replied with the same stern expression. “I’m not sure if we should be doing this you guys.” a boy said nervously. “Oh cmon Hyunsung, it’s not like we’re talking shit about him. We’re just curious about him, that’s all.” Sooyoung said, while giving him a firm pat on the shoulder. “But still…” Hyunsung frowned. “You should comfort your boyfriend Heewon.” another girl chimed in happily. “W-we’re not together yet Sangah!” Heewon said in embarrassment. Sangah chuckled, leaving Hyunsung turning bright red like a tomato. As Sooyoung took a peek again, Dokja was getting up and leaving, phone in hand. “He’s leaving now guys, we should go back too.” Sooyoung alerted. In actuality, Dokja heard the faint chatter of some students. He decided to leave to find somewhere to read. Yoo Joonghyuk looked back as he walked with his friends.
Dokja walked around the campus since he still had some free time left. He wondered if there was a library here. He walked around until he went to the second floor. There were some people hanging around the hallways. He started walking around aimlessly. Eventually, he came to a halt outside the school’s library, room 251. He stepped inside and there were only a few students around. It was fairly quiet, a comfortable silence. Dokja walked around, taking a look at the books adorned on the shelves. Most of them were textbooks or books for English class. There were different assortments of books. Dokja came to a stop after finding a comfy bean bag in a corner. This was the perfect spot to quietly read. A place in which you can get lost in your own little world. He plopped himself down, feeling relaxed. Dokja didn’t get to finish the new chapter of WOS so he’ll finish it now. As Dokja took his phone out, someone was watching him from afar. Joonghyuk hid behind a bookshelf, observing Kim Dokja. He had followed him secretly and ended up in the library. He doesn’t know why he’s so interested in Dokja. But nonetheless, he wants to ease this curiosity within him.
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After some time, the bell rings. It’s time for the last class of the day. Dokja strides over to his class on the third floor. He could again feel everyone’s stares on him. Why does it feel like the staring has increased in numbers and intensity? Dokja tried burying that thought away, he needed to not be late. He finally came to a stop outside his class, heart beating rapidly. Who knew speed walking would be just as tiring. As he stepped inside, the sight he saw surprised him. All the seats were taken, except for one. There was an empty seat right next to Yoo Joonghyuk. He had no choice but to take the seat next to the boy who had the same name as his beloved protagonist. As Dokja took his seat, he tried to avoid any eye contact with Joonghyuk. “Of all things, why does this have to happen to me…” he thought. He tried his best to hide just how nervous he was. As his thoughts wandered, they suddenly got interrupted. There were 3 male students being way too loud. They wrestled around with each other without any spatial awareness. What made things worse was that they were sitting right behind Dokja and Joonghyuk. Dokja tries to ease his nerves by grabbing something from his bag. He unfortunately, got hit in the head instead. One of the 3 boys threw a plastic water bottle at the other. But it only ended up hitting Dokja instead. Suddenly everyone went silent, not knowing what to do. Dokja rubbed the back of his head. “Great, just what I needed…” he thought sarcastically. One of the boys spoke up, “Hey you should apologize to him Minwoo”. The other boy pointed his finger at Song Minwoo, “You’re the one who threw it in the first place.” Song Minwoo glared daggers into Kim Dokja’s back. “Tch fine, sorry I hit your head or whatever. You should’ve moved out of the way anyways.” he said while rolling his eyes. Dokja didn’t really pay any mind to his half-assed apology. Especially with how everyone stopped staring at the scene and just went back to doing their own thing. Dokja was still rubbing the spot where he got hit. “Was the water inside it rock solid or something?” he thought. Then suddenly, a girl in a purple sweater walked up to him. “Use this for your head.” she said and handed him an ice pack. “I’ll be fine, it’s okay.” Dokja replied. “Just use it, you don’t seem fine at all.” she said before walking away to her seat. Dokja reluctantly uses the ice pack. Today couldn’t have been full of surprises.
Joonghyuk looks at Dokja from the corner of his eye. He was going to lend Dokja a hand, but someone already beat him to it. But he also wasn’t sure how to help him either. Although then again, why does he feel the urge to help him? It’s probably because he wants to know more about him, nothing more. Then all of a sudden, his phone buzzes. He looks at his phone to see a text notification from Han Sooyoung. “shouldve been a little bit faster joonghyuk :P” was the message she sent. Joonghyuk silently glared at the message on his screen. He already knows Sooyoung has a smirk plastered on her face. He’ll definitely get his payback on her later. Right now, he needs to think about how he can talk to Dokja. But why does he find it hard to get the courage to confront him? Yoo Joonghyuk was experiencing something unfamiliar.
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The last class goes by and it’s the end of the school day already. When the teacher took attendance, Dokja found out the girl’s name. “So her name is Han Sooyoung huh.” he thought. He wanted to show his gratitude towards her, but she left the classroom already. Maybe he can thank her tomorrow and give the ice pack back. Back to the present, Dokja packs his bag and leaves the room swiftly. He stands outside the school, waiting for his sister to pick him up. A breeze blows by with the chatter of students.
As he checks his phone, Joonghyuk stares at him from a distance. “Maybe I’ll be able to talk to him tomorrow…” Joonghyuk thought. “You keep on staring off into the distance Joonghyuk. Is there something wrong?” Sangah asked. “No, it’s nothing.” he replied curtly. “Well alright then.” she said, still curious. Joonghyuk was chatting outside with his friends Sangah, Sooyoung, Hyunsung and Heewon. “I’m going to pick up my sister. I’ll see you guys tomorrow.” he said. He turned to walk away but then- “Wait Joonghyuk! Don’t you still want to see Dokja?” Sooyoung said quickly, as she grabbed him. Joonghyuk glared back at her and then thought about it. “I’ll stay for a few more minutes.” he replied with an annoyed tone. “Hah, I knew you were still curious.” Sooyoung remarked proudly. This earned her a more angry glare from Joonghyuk.
The so-called fancy car finally pulls into the school’s driveway. Dokja opens the door and slips inside, before closing it. He lets out a sigh he didn’t know he was holding in. “How was your first day today Dokja?” Maehwa asked as she drove off. “It went well, except for a small thing I guess…” he replied. “Was it anything really bad?” his sister asked, concerned. “No it wasn’t that bad. I just… accidentally got hit in the head by a plastic water bottle.” he said quickly. “Is your head feeling okay? Does it hurt at all?” she asked, more concerned. “I’m okay now, don’t worry noona. A girl gave me an ice pack so I was fine.” he said with a reassuring smile. “Oh, well that’s good to hear then.” Maehwa said with a small smile. The first day is finally over and Kim Dokja can now rest in the comfort of his home.
As Maehwa pulls into the driveway, lots of students’ attention is drawn to it. The sounds of whispers and muttering could be heard. Joonghyuk stares at Dokja just as he did in the morning. “Now that I’m seeing it, that is an expensive car Sooyoung.” Heewon said with a surprised expression. “See, I told you so.” Sooyoung smirked proudly. The group watched as Dokja opened the door and slipped inside. “I saw a woman in a suit!” Sangah gasped. She was able to catch a glimpse inside since you couldn’t see through the windows from outside. “Wow, I didn’t think you’d be that curious too Sangah. You have such a keen eye.” Sooyoung teased. Sangah became flustered, “Well you’re curious too!” Heewon chuckled, “You two make quite the pair huh?” Heewon finally got her payback to Sooyoung from earlier. This left both Sooyoung and Sangah feeling embarrassed. Sooyoung crossed her arms and looked the other way. While Sangah turned around to hide her already bright red face. Heewon smirked happily and Hyunsung stared in confusion. The car left just as quickly as it came. Joonghyuk stood there in thought. “I’m taking my leave now.” he said as he waved bye to his friends and walked away. “Oh bye Joonghyuk!” everyone said, except Sooyoung. “Of course he leaves right away, that sunfish bastard.” she muttered under her breath. “Anyways, back to Dokja. Could that woman be his chauffeur?” Heewon said with curiosity. “She could also be a bodyguard.” Hyunsung chimed in. “Oh so you’re finally joining in on this with us Hyunsung?” Heewon crooked her brow at him. “Well you’re all curious about him and I am now so…” he said as he rubbed his neck. Heewon jumped up and wrapped her arm around his neck. “Well you’ll be able to join in on the fun now!”
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Kim Dokja is finally home and currently resting in his room. As he lies down on his stomach, face on his pillow, he scrolls through his phone.
Dokja’s mind wanders back to Yoo Joonghyuk again. “How could he have the same name as him?” he thought. “Did he come to life or something? No that couldn’t be possible, even if I wanted that. Maybe it’s just a coincidence? But he has lots of similarities with him…” his thoughts raced. “Maybe I’ll get to know more if I talk to him. But that might be difficult since…”Dokja thought back to Joonghyuk’s bad case of RBF (Resting Bitch Face). Well in this case, he looked really unapproachable. “I’ll just have to work up the courage to speak to him. Well, if I even can.” he sighed. He plopped his head down on his pillow. This was something very unfamiliar to him. “But since he’s in both my classes and my deskmate, maybe I could try.” Dokja thought. “It would be nice to have a friend.”
Dokja headed downstairs after smelling some food. He had been cooped up in his room after getting home. It was also 5:45pm so he went down to check. Maehwa was in the kitchen preparing dinner. “Oh there you are, Dokja. Want to help me make dinner?” she asked. “Of course noona.” he smiled. She went to pat him on the head. It was a habit of hers that he cherished. The first time she patted his head, she used the excuse of his hair being soft. That was probably over 6 years ago by now. “You can tell me more about your day during dinner.” she said softly. Dokja couldn’t help but smile more.
After they finished cooking, they set their plates down to eat. It’s finally time to enjoy some delicious dinner. “Sooo, tell me about your first day Dokja.” Maehwa says, as her utensils clanked on the plate. “Um, I have a classmate who’s in both my classes. He also sits next to me.” he said. “Ohh~ what’s his name?” she asked. “It’s, Yoo Joonghyuk.” he replied, embarrassed. “He has the same name as the protagonist of the novel that you’re reading, right?!” she gasped. “Yeah I thought so too when I first heard his name.” he poked at his plate. “Well… maybe you could befriend him.” Maehwa says, as she sips her water. Dokja’s fork paused on the plate, he looked like he’d seen a ghost. “W-well don’t pressure yourself too much Dokja! You don’t need to do it right away! Just take your time with making friends!” she spoke frantically. She cleared her throat, “I just want you to be happy, okay?”. “But I also want you to make friends and enjoy your youth. You deserve to experience the joy of being young Dokja.” she stared deep into his soul. Kim Dokja was taken aback a bit by his sister’s words. He then smiled, “Thank you noona, and I’ll try my best.” She could tell his smile was very sincere. It wasn’t like the ones he used to mask his emotions. The rest of the night passes by as they finish supper.
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Maehwa took both of their dishes to the sink. “I’ll wash the dishes, you should get ready for bed Dokja.” Dokja nods his head and goes upstairs. He does his daily night routine of brushing his teeth and washing up. Dokja looks at his reflection in the mirror. He looks different compared to when he was 15. He looked more like a highschool student now. People often mistook him for an elementary student. But despite all that, it’s still him. He has grown and matured since his break. This time, he wants to make his sister proud. She always worried about him so much. Especially after that entire incident. Dokja finishes up in the bathroom and heads back to his room. He plugs his phone in for tomorrow. As he climbs into bed he hears footsteps. “Goodnight Dokja.” Maehwa walked over and hugged him. “Get some rest too, noona.” he tightened his embrace. “Don’t worry, I will. I just have to reply to a couple emails.” she said and let go. Dokja pulled the blankets over and sinked into the mattress. Maehwa ruffled his hair and then walked out to turn off the lights. It was finally time to rest after such a long day. “I wonder what my dreams will be tonight…” Dokja thought. He finally hit the sack after several minutes. Kim Dokja must’ve been really tired. What awaits in store for the second day?