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It was rare for the Secretive Plotter to call for his dependents these days. After reaching his end, the Outer God had mellowed out slightly, leaving the kkomas to do as they liked.
While 999 was grateful for the peace, he couldn't help but be curious as the Plotter summoned him to his study without another word.
The kkoma stood at the door, listening for the sounds of conversation between two familiar voices. One belonged to the Plotter, naturally, and the other—
"Hyung, what do you think of it?"
The Oldest Dream.
"You've been reading too many fairy tales, lately," the Plotter's voice was firm, yet gentle, "It doesn't work that way."
"How can you say so?" the boy replied, sounding wiser than his age, "If we just tried—"
"It would take a great deal of probability."
"You don't think it's worth it?"
"Of course it's worth it," the Outer God answered quickly, and 999 began to realize what they were talking about, "I just don't want you to get your hopes up, Dokja."
"I've come this far because I had my hopes up, Hyung," the boy argued, "Because I knew someone would save me. That you would save me. Why can't it be the same for him?"
When the Oldest Dream was met with silence, 999 finally knocked on the door.
"Come in, 999."
The Oldest Dream waved at him with a polite smile, then returned to scowling at the other party in the room.
"You asked to see me," the kkoma bowed.
"Dokja has something he'd like to say," the Plotter gestured to the boy, ignoring his scathing glare.
"Is something wrong?"
"No, 999-ssi, nothing's wrong," the boy tugged at his sleeves nervously, breathing in and steeling himself as he continued, "I want to save the other me."
So, 999 was right. This was about Kim Dokja of the 1864th turn, the Demon King of Salvation who later became the Oldest Dream.
"Then, what would you like to do?"
999 was a mere manifestation of an old worldline's memories, but if there was anything he could do to help save their sponsor—
"I want to send you back," the boy said, not meeting the kkoma's eye, "Before that Kim Dokja crossed the Wall." Before he ended the Oldest Dream.
999 stared at him for a moment as he processed the other's words. Why?
The Secretive Plotter seemed to have read his mind, "Dokja believes it is possible. While I am more than willing to do it myself—"
"You can't," the Oldest Dream countered, "Even we don't have enough for that."
The Outer God scowled.
"Another worldline?"
"Something like that," the boy answered, looking at him with pleading eyes, "Please consider it."
The kkoma hardly needed to consider it. If the Oldest Dream himself had faith in such a plan, then 999 would willingly carry it out and save Kim Dokja.
He was, after all, still Yoo Joonghyuk. There was no Yoo Joonghyuk that wouldn't give everything for Kim Dokja.
The Oldest Dream bowed to both of them and gracelessly scurried away from the room, as though he'd exhausted all his energy from trying to convince the Outer God of his plan.
The kkoma then turned to the Secretive Plotter himself.
"Plotter."
"You have something to ask, 999?"
"Why—"
"Why is it you?" a flash of resentment crossed the Secretive Plotter's eyes, "It is not for me to decide. The one who can sway Kim Dokja's heart, it isn't that pathetic false third." And it isn't me, either.
"And if I fail?"
"Then perhaps this is simply how Kim Dokja's story ends," the Plotter replied, "But if there is a chance, as the Oldest Dream believes, then—"
"I'll do it."
The Plotter nodded, "Of course you will. Go on, tell Dokja. It's his plan, not mine."
Despite his words, the kkoma saw the ghost of a smile on the Outer God's lips as he left the study.
"999-ssi, is this really okay?"
"I should be asking you that."
Unsurprisingly, he found the boy in the library, a stack of books on the table towering over him.
"It's strange," the Oldest Dream murmured, "That person is me, but I don't know a single thing about him."
Unlike Kim Dokja, the boy seemed to hold no resentment towards his other self, despite all that occured between them. It makes sense, the kkoma thought, they understood each other too much.
"He's a fool."
"You're funny, 999-ssi," he laughed, as if it were a joke, "And you're very kind. Even if I don't know him, I know you, at least. If it's someone like you, I think that person can be saved."
"And what about you?"
In saving Kim Dokja, the Oldest Dream will once again be left behind.
"I'm not that weak," the boy replied, tugging at the bandages on his arms, "I can dream for a little while longer."
As long as Kim Dokja doesn't cross the Wall, the Oldest Dream will continue to dream. That was the boy's plan, and although nearly everyone in the household wished to refute it, they could not stop him any more than Kim Dokja's companions could've stopped him from becoming the Oldest Dream.
"You don't have to."
"I want to," he cut in, "In this story, I'm happy, but the Demon King of Salvation is not."
999 thinks of that Kim Dokja, still dreaming his life away. A lonely existence, just as the Oldest Dream himself once was.
Trapped behind a wall, unknowing of an entire universe that wanted to save him. That was the end that Kim Dokja made for himself.
"So then, shouldn't there be a story where he's happy, even if I'm not?"
The kkoma could not answer. Was there no story where they could both be happy? Was Kim Dokja simply fated to fall, no matter when?
"If I grow up one day, then his happy ending will be mine, too," he concluded, eyes shining, "That's why, I'm counting on you, 999-ssi. If you can make him happy, if you can make him stay, just for a little bit, then it'll be worth it."
When Yoo Joonghyuk of the 999th turn opened his eyes, he felt something shift. It wasn't mere physicality, although the strong, near imposing figure he once had now felt unfamiliar to him. Rather, he felt as though the wire connecting him to the Secretive Plotter had finally snapped.
For the first time in a long, long while, Yoo Joonghyuk felt human.
He reached up to touch his eyepatch, the only reminder of who he was. He wasn't the Yoo Joonghyuk of this turn, or of any other turn.
Would he be enough to save Kim Dokja?
As if the stars heard him, he turned to find his reader standing in the distance, beautiful as the day Yoo Joonghyuk last saw him. Of all the Plotter's dependents, he'd always been both the luckiest and the unluckiest. It was the greatest gift to have known Kim Dokja in ways no one else had, and the worst curse to have let him go.
Now, Kim Dokja was within his arms' reach.
He walked closer, finding the constellation engaged in yet another argument with the regressor of the 1864th turn.
As his steady footsteps grew closer, Kim Dokja finally turned towards him, silver eyes widening at the sight. Next to him, his companion immediately drew his sword, as though he had any chance in a fight against Yoo Joonghyuk of the 999th turn.
Fortunately for him, the protagonist was staring right at Kim Dokja, his eyes never leaving the other's gaze.
"Kim Dokja."
"Yoo Joonghyuk," Kim Dokja breathed out, soft and trusting, just as he remembered.
Beside him, the 1864th turn looked downright murderous.
"You—" Kim Dokja stepped up to him, arms outstretched, "How are you here?"
He could not admit that he came to save the foolish constellation from himself. Kim Dokja would never be swayed by such sentiment. Still, he could not help but reach for the other's hands, warm and real and alive.
"It must've been a scenario. I'm unsure of the details as well."
Kim Dokja's star-filled eyes searched his own.
Tilting his head, he replied, "Try a little harder, Yoo Joonghyuk. What exactly is the Plotter planning this time?"
Yoo Joonghyuk sighed, letting the other go. This version of Kim Dokja still had complicated feelings about the Outer God, although he could hardly blame him. Though he dearly enjoyed the constellation's short presence, he knew the other felt less than enthusiastic to have been kidnapped from his companions.
[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' says he has nothing to do with this scenario.]
Kim Dokja looked up at the sky curiously.
[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' also wonders why the Yoo Joonghyuk of the 999th turn has incarnated into the scenario.]
[2,000 coins have been sponsored.]
Sighing, the reader acquiesced, "I believe you—"
"Kim Dokja," the 1864th turn snarled.
"He's telling the truth," Yoo Joonghyuk said. The Secretive Plotter of this moment had no idea what was beyond the Final Wall, what he'd have to sacrifice to end the Oldest Dream once and for all.
Kim Dokja nodded, "Then, we'll figure out what to do about this."
[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' is curious about this development.]
[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' warns the newcomer not to harm constellation 'Kim Dokja'.]
[3,000 coins have been sponsored.]
Yoo Joonghyuk smiled privately at the modifier. Uriel was a valuable companion in his turn, and he was grateful to know her protection had been extended to Kim Dokja.
"Right now, it's better to return to the Complex and discuss this scenario," the constellation murmured, "It's almost dinnertime, after all."
The 1864th turn scowled at him, walking away without a second thought. Kim Dokja turned to Yoo Joonghyuk, smiling beautifully against the last rays of the setting sun.
"Yoo Joonghyuk," he laughed, "It's good to see you again."
"Ahjussi!"
"Hyung!"
He watched as Kim Dokja received the two children's hugs warmly, patting them on their heads. The little dokkaebi floated around him for a few moments before resting on his shoulder with a nuzzle. Behind them, Lee Jihye rushed to greet her master, her eyes the size of saucers as she took in the sight of the two regressors.
"Master? How—"
"Jihye, go and call the company for dinner, will you? We should explain this situation," Kim Dokja interrupted with a wave of his hand. Despite his aggressive demeanor, the 1864th turn stalked off to the kitchen, presumably to prepare their meal.
Yoo Joonghyuk wondered if he should follow. As though the constellation read his mind, Kim Dokja gently grabbed him by his wrist and shook his head.
"I'm not sure that's a good idea, Joonghyuk-ah."
With nothing else, he followed the reader into the dining room. As Kim Dokja's companions began to file in, Yoo Joonghyuk watched each one greet his reader with varying degrees of affection. The sight was a reminder of what the regressor came to do, and what kind of ending he wanted to see.
Kim Dokja, happily surrounded by the ones he loved so dearly.
Said constellation clapped his hands together, and began to eat, pointedly ignoring the questioning gazes from his companions. It seemed as though they'd been briefed by the young girl when she came to call them, as they followed suit with nothing more than a nod. Yoo Joonghyuk ate his meal quietly, ignoring the other regressor's glare.
Upon finishing his meal, Kim Dokja finally spoke again, pointing to the man beside him with his signature smile, "Everyone, this is Yoo Joonghyuk of the 999th turn. Yoo Joonghyuk, this is everyone."
Their peaceful dinner had suddenly been upended.
"The Outer Gods' turn?"
"What's he doing here?"
"Hyung, stay away from him!"
While the regressor had expected unrest, it seemed the fool hadn't considered such a reaction, quickly raising his hands placatingly between Yoo Joonghyuk and the rest of his aggravated party. In a calm, almost leisurely tone, someone in the crowd had voiced out a question.
"Yoo Joonghyuk, are you okay with this?"
Knowing it wasn't him they were referring to, Yoo Joonghyuk didn't turn to look. From the sound of their voice, he could guess it belonged to Han Sooyoung, a writer Kim Dokja had adopted into his company early on in the scenarios. In the original 1864th turn, she would later on become the writer of the story itself.
Perhaps in this turn, she could write a happier story, Yoo Joonghyuk thought.
The 1864th turn didn't answer, instead staring at his companion, still sitting next to Yoo Joonghyuk. Sighing at the attention, Kim Dokja composed himself.
"Currently, this Yoo Joonghyuk isn't a threat," he explained gently, "However, there must be a reason he came here. So, until we can figure that out, we'll have to keep an eye on him."
His company seemed to accept his answer, still staring at Yoo Joonghyuk with shifty eyes. Whereas the rest of the adults had backed down at their leader's insistence, the children only leaned closer across the table.
"If you hurt Dokja-hyung, you'll regret it!"
Beside the young boy, Shin Yoosung nodded vigorously, attempting to glare at the regressor. Holding her by the shoulder was Lee Jihye, who simply looked at him with barely concealed curiosity. Yoo Joonghyuk couldn't help but echo the sentiment.
While she was nowhere near as strong as the Lee Jihye of his turn, she also seemed somewhat softer. Yoo Joonghyuk wondered if that was simply the effect Kim Dokja had on people.
The constellation continued to assuage his companions, who'd reluctantly retired to their rooms despite their apprehensive stares. Even Jung Heewon, Kim Dokja's sworn sword, left the table with a colorful threat towards Yoo Joonghyuk, leaving only the two regressors and their sponsor.
"Is this really necessary, Joonghyuk-ah?"
Kim Dokja was facing the 1864th turn now, who seemed to be engaging him in a stubborn staring contest. After a few more moments, the reader sighed, standing up and leaving the room with his precious dokkaebi in tow.
The false third turn glared at him as though he'd started the apocalypse himself. Had he been more vindictive, like the Plotter, he would've taunted the other regressor.
Instead, he could only see the man who had failed in the previous worldline.
"You can't save him."
The 1864th turn had heard similar words before, but where the Plotter had spit them out venomously, condescension tainting the words, the 999th turn simply looked at him with pity.
Ignoring those words, he asked, "Why have you come here?"
"Why else?"
"Kim Dokja is a fool," the 1864th turn said, as though he hadn't already known, "He is far too trusting."
Yoo Joonghyuk of the 999th turn sighed.
"You mustn't let him reach the end."
He could see the way the other regressor immediately bristled at his words. Without letting the other interrupt, he continued.
"If Kim Dokja crosses the Final Wall, he will never return," he recounted, "No matter how hard you try."
"Why should I believe you?"
"You don't have to believe me," the 999th turn replied, "You already know it's true. How many times has he left you now? Do you really think he'll accept whatever he finds behind that Wall?"
"I won't let him leave."
"You will," he stated, as if it were a fact, "You always will."
"Is that why you're here?" the other regressor looked at him with familiar resentment, "You think you can stop him?"
"I don't," he admitted, "But someone brought me here because they asked me to try. Tell me, do you plan on stopping anyone who intends to try and save Kim Dokja?"
The 1864th turn ignored his question, "Without Kim Dokja, we won't be able to reach the Conclusion of the scenarios."
"Is the Conclusion so important?"
"It's the reason we regress."
"Is it?" he repeated, "I have seen it, and yet I'm here. I have reached my end, and I have regressed again."
It was the simplest truth. Yoo Joonghyuk of the 999th turn, of any turn, wouldn't have been content, not when their true end had always been that foolish star, far out of their reach.
[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' wishes to speak with incarnation 'Yoo Joonghyuk of the 999th turn'.]
The 1864th turn sighed, and left the room. Yoo Joonghyuk looked at the blue screen, and shook his head.
"There is someone else I should speak to, first."
He found Kim Dokja on the rooftop, his white coat and sword lying next to him as a soft bed for the dokkaebi that seemed to follow him constantly.
As a cold gust of wind passed, Yoo Joonghyuk stepped closer, removing his coat to wrap it around the reader's shoulders. The other man seemed unsurprised, only looking at him with a soft smile as Yoo Joonghyuk came to stand beside him.
"You did this a while back," Kim Dokja chuckled, pulling the coat closer around his shoulders, "Although you were much tinier then."
"Did you wait long?"
"I expected as much from that bastard," Kim Dokja replied, "To be honest, I'm surprised you came out unscathed."
Mesmerising silver met his own.
"Are you finally going to tell me why you came here?"
At his silence, the reader continued.
"It is because of the Secretive Plotter, isn't it?"
"If that's what you think, then why—"
"Why did I trust you? Why did I let you stay?"
"I am not the Yoo Joonghyuk of this turn," he mumbled, defeated.
"No, you're not," Kim Dokja stepped closer, "You're not the Secretive Plotter, either, are you?"
Yoo Joonghyuk shook his head.
"But you remember me. You accompanied me some time ago, isn't that right?"
For Kim Dokja, it was only some time ago. For Yoo Joonghyuk, it had been more than a lifetime ago.
"There was something I wanted to say then, but I couldn't say it," he chuckled nervously, "It didn't seem appropriate to talk like that to a Murim dumpling."
"Fool," he scoffed, "Whether I was myself or a Murim dumpling, I would've heard it regardless."
"Is that right? You should turn into a Murim dumpling right now, then, and I'll tell you."
"Tell me," the protagonist insisted, "I'll listen."
"The 999th turn," the reader began, "You made a deal with an Outer God. You saved everyone but yourself."
"So I did."
"There were lots of turns where you did everything to reach the end, but only in that turn did you succeed."
"I didn't succeed. It was my companions that did."
"So it was," he smiled, "That was the story you wanted to see?"
Yoo Joonghyuk began to realize why it was him. There was no other turn who would understand Kim Dokja, who would look into his eyes and find nothing but a mirror.
Yoo Joonghyuk, who gave everything for his companions.
Kim Dokja, who had done the same. Who had loved him dearly, despite his losses, despite his failures.
What a pair they made, Yoo Joonghyuk thought.
"I've read every single regression over the years, but your story was my favorite for a reason. So, if I can't trust you, who can I trust?"
"I should've expected such foolish reasoning from you."
"But I'm not wrong, am I?" he reached up, gently running his thumb under Yoo Joonghyuk's eye, "You didn't come here to hurt me, Yoo Joonghyuk."
"No," he placed his hand over Kim Dokja's own, "I came here to save you."
Will you let me?
Kim Dokja's eyes twinkled in amusement, as if he'd known all along, "Is that what you want?"
The Yoo Joonghyuk of the 999th turn was a selfless man, a man who gave up everything and lived for the sake of others.
If there was one thing he could want, it would be this.
Kim Dokja, looking at him, brighter than the stars in the night sky and impossibly lovelier.
"Kim Dokja," he whispered, "What will it take for me to save you?"
The constellation hummed, as if in thought.
"Yoo Joonghyuk, what would it have taken for your companions to save you?"
An infuriating presence, his dearest reader was.
What would it have taken to save you?
The answer was simple.
"You."
The star smiled, "Then, that's my answer too."
[The exclusive skill 'Lie Detection Lv. 6' is activated.]
[You have confirmed that the statement is true.]
Kim Dokja laughed, "Do you believe me now, Yoo Joonghyuk?"
"It isn't like you."
"Nor is it like you," he replied, "Perhaps things change."
Was he really capable of changing this story?
As if he'd read his mind, Kim Dokja spoke again, "I want to give you the story you wanted to see."
"Why me?"
"Because you deserve it." Because I love you.
Kim Dokja didn't have to say it. Instead, he gently pulled Yoo Joonghyuk down, pressing a featherlight kiss under his eye.
[Story 'Heart of a Star' has been obtained!]
[Outer World Covenant has been activated.]
It was the outcome Yoo Joonghyuk had been hoping for. Of all the regressions, it was only the 999th turn who made a deal with the Outer God.
The Secretive Plotter.
「 You are not from this worldline. 」
It was a voice Yoo Joonghyuk had heard less than a day ago, and yet it felt like a lifetime had passed since his time as the Plotter's dependent.
"No, I'm not. The worldline I belonged in was one where Kim Dokja was able to end the Oldest Dream."
「 And what of me? 」
"You were content. You reached your end."
「 And now, you have come to prevent me from doing so. Why is that? 」
"It is because of you that I was able to come here."
The Secretive Plotter wouldn't trust Kim Dokja, nor his own dependents. However, if the version of him from that worldline planned such a thing, it was something to be considered.
「 And if I refuse? 」
"The Covenant we made. In exchange for something of mine, you will grant me my request."
「 There is nothing left for you to give me. 」
Although Yoo Joonghyuk was physically unharmed in his current form, the parts of his soul he'd previously sacrificed had already belonged to the Secretive Plotter of the last worldline.
In this turn, there was nothing he could give.
[Story, 'Heart of a Star' has begun its storytelling.]
「 I cannot take this from you. 」
"No, you can't." It was a story that belonged only to the Yoo Joonghyuk of the 999th turn.
"But if you are the Secretive Plotter as I know you, then this story's existence should be enough."
Behind his veil and his schemes, the Secretive Plotter was still Yoo Joonghyuk. There was no Yoo Joonghyuk that wouldn't give everything for Kim Dokja.
A long time passed between them, as the story hummed a soft melody. When the Secretive Plotter spoke again, his voice sounded resolute.
「 So, it's come to this. How long will I have to wait? 」
"For him, you can certainly wait a little longer."
The Secretive Plotter of the last worldline wouldn't have agreed to the Oldest Dream's scheme if not. They would both endure, for Kim Dokja's sake.
「 I suppose so. 」
Then, as if it had heard him, the story engulfed the Outer God in a gentle lull. A small reprieve, perhaps, to remind him of the end he would one day see.
「 That story of yours is more precious than any other across all worldlines. 」
"It exists only in this one."
「 And yet, it belongs to you. 」
There was no resentment in the Outer God's voice, only defeat.
「 If you should fail, then— 」
"Destroy me, as you have before," Yoo Joonghyuk cut in easily, "I accept that fate, if I should ever fail him."
[The Outer God 'Secretive Plotter' has accepted your conditions.]
[You and your nebula are no longer qualified to witness 'The ■■'.]
Kim Dokja stared at the screen. His companions had already discussed with him, each one giving him tight hugs and pitying looks. Part of him had wondered if they might object, after coming this far, when Yoo Sangah had answered for him.
"Even if it's not the ending you wanted to see, it's an ending we're all satisfied with."
He was broken out of his thoughts by the sound of heavy footsteps behind him. Turning towards the regressor of the 999th turn, he let the other envelop him in his arms, hands coming up to cradle his scarred and weathered face.
"Yoo Joonghyuk," he started, eyes still unsure despite everything, "Tell me this was the right choice."
Yoo Joonghyuk didn't know if it was the right choice. By saving Kim Dokja, there were plenty of other people who would have to take the fall in his place. Even the Oldest Dream himself.
But what became of the world where Kim Dokja wasn't saved? They had taken the high road, and yet the story ended in tragedy, anyway.
"Kim Dokja," he kissed the other's palm, "Just this once. Please."
The Kim Dokja and Yoo Joonghyuk of every other worldline could continue to chase each other in an endless dance, trying to save one who could never be saved.
But in this one, just this once, Kim Dokja would choose him. Kim Dokja would stay.
"You're unfair, Yoo Joonghyuk," he smiled softly, tears forming like crystals in his eyes, "Is this really what you want?"
Yoo Joonghyuk could only lean in and kiss him.
When the star melted in his arms with a sigh, he knew he'd succeeded. His beloved sponsor would give Yoo Joonghyuk everything he'd ever want, after all.
And if Yoo Joonghyuk wanted Kim Dokja, the reader had no other choice but to kiss him back, again and again.