Work Text:
If you ask Gotak, he'll tell you he doesn't consider himself short tempered– but a perfectly sane and reasonable man with a keen sense of enthusiastic reaction. A man of passion, not fury. He's not the kind to lose his patience over small things. Although his friends might disagree, labeling him a tickling time bomb with a hair-trigger temper.
But, hey, what do they know?
They weren't there when the barista messed up his order. And instead of exploding, Gotak smiled– smiled!– and graciously accepted the apology like a gentleman. And when it happened again, the exact same drink, mind you– did Gotak scream? No. Did he throw a fit? Also no. He just accidentally dumped the coffee on the floor. Entirely accidental. Slippery fingers. Happens to the best of us.
Or when Gotak was calmly walking away from that one heated game of Mario kart, without throwing any tantrums. He simply stood up, the controller, tragically, somehow slipped from his hands and landed with a satisfying crunch beneath his foot. Pure coincidence. It's not like he had purposely thrown it across the room and stomped on it. Definitely not. Nope.
Then there was that time, Baku wouldn't stop rambling about those no-nonsense facts from that awful book he was reading. Gotak listened. Patiently. For a full twenty minutes, before playfully snatching the book. And if it happened to fly out of the window and take a swim into the pool below? Well... that was a clearly a tragic accident. One hundred percent Baku's fault, really.
Regardless, Gotak is convinced he's got all under his control. No issues whatsoever. Or at least... that's what he keeps telling himself.
~
See, Gotak's day has started with perfect normalcy. He'd woken up before his alarm, done some stealthy leg exercises to prepare for the unlikely lurking troubles (because priorities), and he'd rather be overprepared than under. He'd even helped his mom with breakfast, and thankfully dodged those annoying messages that always seemed to ruin his day.
School was a breeze. No teacher bothered him with any pesky questions– a blessing he wasn't about to complain about (but don't mistake him for a fool, he wasn't... just in a mood for studying). His evening had gone just as well. He, Baku, Sieun and Juntae had played some basketball. Well, mostly him and Juntae, since Sieun got tired and Baku– the self proclaimed basketball deity– was feeling especially 'godly' today, refusing to play properly. That arrogant asshole.
Now, as they walked through the city, the sunset casting a warm glow over everything, Gotak felt at peace. The wind blew gently against his face, and he'd tucked his hands into his hoodies pockets to keep them warm. He walked lazily, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere as his friends chatter about random stuff in the background. Everything felt tender and delicate.
"Seriously, how did he not turn into a zombie after getting bitten? It makes zero sense. And he wasn't even dying– I wanted him to so much. I hate Gwi-nam." Juntae complained, shaking his head. His face twisted in disgust, the same expression he always made when talking about someone he absolutely despised. Gotak has seen that look a plenty of times, especially directed towards..
"Whatever you say, bro, but the fight scenes were legit epic." Baku cut in, throwing an arm around Gotak's shoulder with exaggerated flair. Gotak groaned and considered using a taekwondo move. Just hypothetically. "And Su-hyeok was like a ninja– almost invisible!"
"It's invincible, not invisible, you slow witted asshole," Gotak corrected, and resisted the urge to elbow his best friend in the gut.
Baku gasped, "Hey, that's literally what I said! You just need to clean your ears, you fool." He turned dramatically to Sieun for backup. "Right, Sieun-ah? Tell him! You heard me?"
Sieun merely stared at him in silence.
Juntae chuckled silently, clearly enjoying the exchange. Gotak huffed, "Yeah, whatever."
As they continued their stroll, Baku suddenly turned serious (or at least attempted to). "Boys, listen. Has anyone else noticed Sieun gives off major Nam-ra vibes? Same cold expression. Same stoic demeanor. Oh my god, It's actually creepy how they even share same mannerisms."
Now this was something Gotak couldn't help but agree. When he first saw Nam-ra on screen one lazy Sunday, his first thought had been: oh look, it's Sieun's female version. Both being logical-smart, intimidating, the type to scrutinize the world, and make you think thrice before daring to talk to them. But once they start to care, they were fiercely loyal– protective to a fault. And let's not forget: terrifying when angry.
So yeah, resemblance was uncanny. Right down to the whole athletic, strong type of boyfri– well. Gotak would never admit that last thought aloud. He loved his miserable life a little too much. Thank you.
"It's real life. Zombie do not exist. Your comparison is invalid," Sieun said, without even looking up. Very on-brand of him.
"You're no fun..." Baku began to whine, but their banter was was cut short when they overheard someone mention 'Eunjang' in hushed tone nearby.
Their pace slowed out of pure curiosity. Not because they were nosy little gossip gremlins or anything.
Also, they didn't stop mid-step, okay? So that counts for something, right?
"Yeah, they're definitely the Eunjang boys. I've seen them once or twice at that bowling alley," someone whispered, trying to be discreet– as if the boys couldn't hear him loud and clear. Stupid Union boys. Sorry, ex- Union boys (Union had gone down after that infamous fight). Clearly, they had nothing better to do.
Gotak and his friends exchanged knowing glances.
Then another voice, a bit scruffy, whisper-shouted, "Hey, that one in the blue hoodie– that's Go Hyuntak!"
Now that caught Gotak's interest. He'd love to know why these losers were talking about him.
"Are you sure?" someone else piped up, sounding half shocked, half impressed. "I knew he could fight, but I always thought he was some loser– like the quite mental-case type. Definitely not looking like that. Dude's actually handsome. And he's got a pretty solid build too."
Well, now they had his full attention. He could probably count their breaths if he tried.
Was it his fault? It's not every day that Gotak hears compliments about his looks on some random street of Seoul, especially from the members of their supposed rival group. So, excuse him for being a little too greedy.
"Yah, I'm telling you, it's definitely him. I've seen them a couple of times, last time was when they were walking past that small park near that sketchy looking convenience store. He's definitely handsome. Definitely not mental. I can confirm", the scuffy voiced boy insisted.
The first boy sighed dreamily, "I wish he'd give me a chance. I'd even let him beat the shit out of me".
Beside him, Baku snorted. "This kid is clearly enjoying it. Narcissistic punk. But they're wrong about one thing– they don't know you're mental for sure."
Sieun looked amused. Juntae, on the other hand, looked like he was about to puke.
His friends were clearly jealous. But Gotak was in good mood, so he let it pass.
"Be Careful of what you say", one of the boys suddenly warned, chuckling. "Hope Seongje doesn't hear about this. Or clearly it'll be your last day."
Another scoffed, "Nah, Gotak's definitely mental if he's going out with someone like Seongje. That guy's such a psycho. Like who even likes him?." The boy continued, voice now sharpened, "That mothefucker walks around like he's a mighty figure or something."
"I totally agree. The way he ordered us around like we were dust under his shoes", another added.
"Good thing that we don't cross paths with him anymore. Otherwise, I'd beat that motherfucker into a pulp and show him what real romance looks like!" They burst into laughter.
Gotak moved before anyone even realised he was gone.
With one sharp spin, his foot connected squarely with the nearest guy's chest– sending him flying backwards into a trash can, with a crash loud enough to startle a flock of birds from nearby trees.
The other two boys froze. One opened his mouth to speak, but Gotak had already grabbed him by the collar and yanked him forward.
"What was that about beating who into a pulp?" he asked, his eyes locked onto him as if he could reach his soul and tear it apart.
Dead silence.
As if no one could comprehend what just happened.
Behind him, Baku burst out laughing. "Told you he was mental."
The boys stood frozen, staring in horror like pigeons realising the statue they've been pooping on just moved.
~
Look, Gotak's not short tempered.
Seriously, he's not. He said that before, didn't he? Okay, maybe sometimes he act fast. With his fist. Or feet. But that's only when someone say something really stupid.
Like calling Seongje psycho.
Now don't get him wrong– Seongje is a psycho. But only he gets to call him that, not everyone get that luxury. They haven't earned it. Try dating him for two months and surving. Then maybe they'll talk.
Until then? It's better to shut your mouth.
And yeah, maybe he just roundhouse– kicked a guy into a trash can. But honestly that's restraint. He could've gone for the head.
Gotak let go of the guy with a shove and dusted off his hands. "Idiots."
He turned back towards his group, rolling his shoulders as if he'd just gone for a little jog instead of assaulting someone.
Juntae clapped slowly, totally deadpan. "Bravo. Very peaceful response. Totally not short-tempered at all."
"You've really grown as a person", Sieun added dryly.
"Should I start filming these outburst for your lovely boyfriend. Surely he'll like it," Baku asked, half serious.
Gotak just shrugged.
"I was calm. I didn't break anything this time."
He'd barely taken a few steps when one of the boys spoke again. "Such a lunatic couple. Being with that brat has clearly rubbed off on you. You two totally deserve each other."
Another chimed in, "Seongje isn't even capable of loving. He's a cold-ass criminal. And he's still your boyfriend?"
Gotak didn't move for a moment. He stood perfectly still.
Then he turned back slowly. Like those cheesy action scenes from a badly made low budget movie.
His friends felt it before it happened– the sharp drop in mood. No laughter. "Oh no... no," Baku whispered. "He's lost it. Shit."
Then it happened.
Gotak snapped.
He didn't shout. He didn't warn them. He just moved– pure instinct, full speed.
His heel came down like a hammer into the side of one kid's leg, bone met bone with a crunch that made everyone wince. The boy hit the ground screaming.
Another boy retaliated, landing a solid punch on the side of Gotak's face. Gotak punched back in his gut. The guy hit back. Gotak stumbled, but he quickly regained his footing, and swung back so hard, sending the boy crashing on the ground. His fury didn't subside, and he continued to unleash a flurry fists, elbows, a brutal kick to the ribs that made the boy cry out.
The last one tried to run.
Gotak grabbed the back of his jacket and slammed him into the streetlight hard enough to make it rattle. The kid collapsed, coughing, eyes wide in terror.
"You think I won't beat the shit out of you for running you mouth, huh?" Gotak growled, standing over him. "You think saying his name makes you brave? You don't know anything about him."
He struck again.
And again.
"Gotak, STOP!" Sieun's voice was sharp now. Not teasing. Not amused.
But Gotak didn't stop.
"Shit. He's gone," Baku cursed under his breath. "Juntae, grab him!"
The three of them rushed forward.
Juntae tackled him from behind, locking his arms. Baku grabbed his waist, trying, to pull him away, while Sieun stepped in front of him– hands up like he was talking down a wild animal.
"Gotak, enough! It's over. Don't cross the line."
Gotak fought them– hard. But they still managed to pin him against a wall.
His chest was heaving. His lip spilt. Blood dripped from near his brow. One of his knuckles were already swelling.
Now the haze of fury was clearing up, Gotak felt a little bad.
He only wanted to roughen them a little. As a warning, to teach them to think before running their mouth. But now they looked like they were covered in halloween makeup.
Still he wasn't sorry.
Not to these assholes. They deserved it.
~
Gotak jerked his arm free from Baku and Juntae's grip, dramatically brushing off his hoodies sleeve as if the mere act of being restrained had wrinkled his self respect (it has).
"I'm fine" he declared, voice just slightly too loud to be considered "fine."
"Sure. And I'm the next president of South Korea", Baku muttered, still eyeing the blood on Gotak's eyebrow like it might explode.
"I'm literally not even breathing heavy," Gotak scoffed, despite the fact he was, in fact, breathing very heavy. Like post-marathon heavy. Like 'I just hit three people with the fury of a thousand boyfriends' heavy.
Sieun, still in front of him, didn't move immediately. His eyes lingered on Gotak's bloodied hands. "You know, for someone who says they're not short-tempered, your fists really disagree." Sieun sighed, inspecting Gotak's swelling knuckles.
"It's not that bad," Gotak insisted, finally dropping his gaze to his knuckles. "Okay. Maybe a little bad."
"A little bad?" Baku barked out a laugh. "One of them was begging God for forgiveness in advance."
"Yeah, and that one over there tried to become one with the trash can," Juntae added, nodding at the crumpled kid still half-draped in garbage like he was part of a dystopian art installation.
"Trash recognizes trash," Gotak said with a
shrug, but it lacked the usual cockiness. His adrenaline was dipping, and the reality of 'maybe I overdid it' was kicking in. "You're all dramatic," Gotak continued, wiping a smear of blood from his lip with the back of his hand and immediately smudging it across his cheek like some post-apocalyptic war paint. "They said some dumb shit. I responded. End of story."
A groan came from the pile of boys behind them, followed by a weak "My leg... I think it's... not supposed to bend that way..."
Sieun turned back toward the sounds of cry and sighed. "Well, guess we're staying out of school for another week."
"Two weeks, minimum," Juntae corrected.
"Three if they press charges."
Gotak rolled his eyes. "They won't press charges."
"Why not?" Baku asked, genuinely curious.
"Because then they'd have to admit they were beaten by one guy— and they’re already on Seongje’s bad side, so they wouldn’t want to make it any worse."
"...Fair," Baku conceded.
A weird silence settled. That uncomfortable mix of 'we-should-leave' and 'this-is-technically-a-crime-scene.'
Then Baku muttered, "You're the kind of boyfriend who brings home bruised knuckles instead of flowers."
"He is the flower," Juntae said sarcastically. "A daisy with anger issues."
"I'm more of a cactus," Gotak muttered, kicking at a rock. "Low maintenance. Can survive in extreme conditions. Occasionally stab people."
"Well isn't that Sieun?" Baku said in fake seriousness.
"Hah! Very funny", Sieun muttered dryly, shooting a glare at the sky, as if praying for patience. Or divine intervention. Whichever came first.
The group started walking again, casually pretending they hadn't just caused a public spectacle and possibly two lawsuits. A woman pushing a stroller on the opposite sidewalk turned around and crossed the street.
They didn't blame her.
Baku nudged Gotak in the ribs. "Should we tell Seongje you nearly committed a felony for him or just let him find out himself "
"I'm telling him myself," Gotak said.
Sieun snorted. "So he can kiss your wounds and threaten to finish what you started?"
Gotak actually grinned. A little too fondly. "Exactly."
"Oh my god," Juntae muttered. "You two are going to end up in jail."
"Couples jail," Baku added with a smirk."Bet these kinky people are totally into that."
"Stop," Gotak said, rubbing his temples.
Just then, Gotak's phone buzzed from inside his hoodie pocket– he pulled it out.
[1 new message: Psycho ♡]
Psycho♡ : "Are you bleeding?"
Gotak blinked down at the message.
Baku leaned over to peek. "He knows. How does he always know?"
"He's got sixth sense," Juntae muttered.
Another buzz.
Psycho♡ : "Why are you ignoring me? You didn't break anything important, right?"
Everyone went quiet. Gotak frowned, typing quickly.
Gotak : "Define important."
Psycho♡ : "Just your bones. Or theirs. Not the phone again. I'm not buying another one."
Sieun was watching Gotak like he was observing a science experiment which he sometimes would do for fun. "So,What's the move now?"
Gotak stared at his phone thinking for a moment. Then shrugged.
"I'll just tell him the truth," he finally said.
There was a collective pause.
Then :
"Bold of you," Sieun said.
"Suicidal," Juntae corrected.
"You should probably draft your will first," Baku offered helpfully.
Gotak scoffed, faking nonchalance, "You all give Seongje too much credit. By the time he even opens his mouth, my foot'll be at his throat."
Gotak took a breath and typed.
Gotak : "Some of your ex-dogs were talking shit. I was polite. Mostly."
Three dots appeared immediately.
Then:
Psycho♡ : "How polite? Like bruised ribs or missing teeth?"
Gotak considered.
Gotak : "...lightly rearranged their bones."
The dots came back.
And stayed.
And stayed.
"Why is he not replying?" Gotak asked, panic creeping into his voice.
"Oh, he's either laughing," Sieun said calmly. "or planning your murder".
"Either way," Baku clapped him on the back, "you're screwed. Congrats!"
Suddenly, another message popped up.
Psycho♡ : "Okay."
Just that.
One word.
Gotak blinked. "Wait... that's it? No 'you idiot'? No death threats?"
Then a second message:
Psycho♡ : "I'll deal with them myself next time."
A pause.
Then a third:
Psycho♡ : "Also, I told you not to aim for the ribs. Go for the knees, they whine more."
The boys all slowly turned to Gotak, horror dawning in their eyes.
"Oh my god," Juntae whispered. "You two are the lunatic couple."
Gotak exhaled in relief. "We're good."
"We're good?!" Baku blinked. "Your boyfriend texts like, you could be mid-homicide and he'd just be like 'don't forget your charger'."
Gotak grinned. "He has said that before."
Sieun appeared mildly impressed.
Another message buzzed in.
Psycho♡ : "Also. You better have won."
Gotak smirked. "Now that's romance."
He texted back.
Gotak : "Three-nil. No extra time needed."
Pause.
Psycho♡ : "Knew you'd make me proud. Tonight, come by my apartment– I'd like to personally check those bruises *wink-wink*."
Gotak hissed, "Asshole." Too affectionate to be taken as a curse.
Others gagged audibly beside him.
"Anyway," Gotak said, pocketing his phone, "let's go get coffee."
"You're bleeding from your face."
"I'm thirsty."
"Your knuckle is turning purple."
"Matcha latte."
"You beat up three people and now want a green tea milkshake?," Juntae stared at him.
"What can I say?," Gotak smirked. "Balance."
And with that, he casually turned on his heel and started walking toward the nearest café like he hadn't just left three broken bodies in his wake. His friends resignedly followed their mildly bloodied, extremely pleased, entirely off friend into the sunset.
Behind them, the group of boys were still struggling to drag their feet and their bruised egos down the street.
As they disappeared down the corner, one of them muttered something that sounded suspiciously like, "Still hot though..."
Gotak pretended not to hear it.
But he did.
And okay– maybe he smiled a little.