Chapter Text
Kim Dokja liked the location chosen for the constellation gala.
The castle was mesmerizing, it felt nice to look around and notice the details. Luxury upon luxury. Thick red curtains on the walls, gold details gave everything a royal feeling. Multiple chandeliers spread throughout the rooms. There were solid red carpets laid on the stairs and entrance floor. It was way more luxurious than he imagined it to be while reading TWSA. There were many constellations standing in the entrance foyer.
A handful incarnations were present, but there were no more than three. It was incredibly difficult to get here as an incarnation.
At least, if you are not Yoo Joonghyuk.
That guy was standing to his left, looking around the entrance foyer, with a grim face.
It almost felt as if Kim Dokja got a bodyguard, with Yoo Joonghyuk’s stature and him scanning everything and everyone around them. All that was missing was an earpiece. That kind of work would suit him. Just walking along someone, looking grim and intimidating, and beating people up if the need arises.
Yoo Joonghyuk wore a black suit, which suited him well, and his hair looked even better than usual, somehow.
Kim Dokja still had no idea how Yoo Joonghyuk got here. When he asked Yoo Joonghyuk yesterday, he didn’t say anything besides the fact that the gala was easy to attend. Yeah, right. You'd have to be personally invited by a very high-ranking constellation, and pass multiple other requirements. It's not that the invited incarnations choose to go, it's rather that they are chosen.
But as always Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t share details when he asked. Secretive guy.
They just came inside, most of the constellations were busy conversing. It was a bit unusual. The last time he entered as an incarnation, the constellations immediately started watching him as he came inside. Now, not really.
Was it because he was a constellation now? Then what about the guy next to him?
Suddenly there was a hand at his back, near his waist.
"Is this okay? I don't want to lose you in the crowd."
Yoo Joonghyuk looked at him, head tilted to the side slightly.
[The Fourth Wall has offset some of the shock!]
...He would get plus points if he really were a bodyguard.
There was a small crowd ahead, gathering around the entrance to the next hall.
“Yes, sure."
Kim Dokja tore his eyes away from Yoo Joonghyuk's face and they began walking.
It was just so they didn’t lose each other in the crowd.
… He felt that there were easier ways to stay together though.
But to be honest, Yoo Joonghyuk again reminded him of a bodyguard and it seemed a bodyguard would escort people the same way. Yoo Joonghyuk seemed to really not want them to split up in the crowd, and it is understandable, given all the constellations around.
If Yoo Joonghyuk was a bodyguard, what else should he do? In this second he imagined an idol group being escorted by body guards. Usually they are walking quite fast and the bodyguard is busy keeping the fans aside. Wouldn’t that be a funny job for Yoo Joonghyuk? His grim face shooing reporters away. Just thinking about it had him surpressing a smile.
Nevertheless, Kim Dokja was still trying not to think about the hand at his back at every step they took.
Rationalize it all you want, with Yoo Joonghyuk who was always doing strange things, the gesture fitting the situation, a crowd nearby...
It still felt… oddly intimate to Kim Dokja. To be honest, in his life before, he never really experienced this, a hand on his back, walking somewhere together. So it was natural he didn’t know what to think of it.
It felt as if he were his date, or something like that.
To someone who rarely expressed or received affection, even something that was barely resembling affection seemed very strange and over-the-top. It must be that. Regular people wouldn’t overthink this the way he did.
Left, right, left, right. Why did it feel like he forgot how to walk? Thankfully he managed to keep his composure.
Kim Dokja took a look around and his eyes landed on a couple in front of them walking the exact same way, with a hand on the back.
God, it totally looked like Yoo Joonghyuk was his plus one.
He looked at Yoo Joonghyuk. His eyes were fixed impassively ahead on the door to the hall they were heading to. He doesn’t seem to think anything by it. (Add a walkie talkie and his bodyguard ensemble would be complete.)
Theres no need to get worked up over this.
Let’s focus on the reason he came here: the constellations.
His eyes darted around. The constellations were still not paying them any attention. It felt unusual. But somehow also relaxing. He wouldn't complain. Time to prepare a plan.
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They were standing off to the side waiting, as the crowd slowly went in the hall.
"You look nice today.“
He turned his head to Yoo Joonghyuk. Yoo Joonghyuk’s face looked neutral, not unfriendly. Wasn’t this guy being polite today?
Kim Dokja looked down on his white suit. “What? Oh, yeah, thanks.“ Kim Dokja looked back at Yoo Joonghyuk.
"You look handsome as always. Did some fairies do your hair? You're even not frowning today."
Yoo Joonghyuk looked back to the hall entrance. There were fewer people.
"Let's go."
Yoo Joonghyuk started walking and he was pushed slightly and started walking too.
The hand was at his back, again.
Right.
He really wanted to forget about it. Yoo Joonghyuk was acting as it is not a big deal, and it really is no big deal, so his worries were unnecessary. Just think of him as a bodyguard, doing bodyguard things. Completely normal. Never mind that the action was unusual to Kim Dokja. It was just unusual to him because of the life he lived before, but to regular people it was completely normal. Normal.
They entered the hall through the tall door. It was even more luxurious than the entrance, a wide hall with tall, thin windows on each side. Everything was lighted by countless chandeliers and small lights. Countless constellations were standing around.
To be honest, it felt nice. To not be alone here.
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Once they were inside, Kim Dokja definitely felt some eyes on him. The constellations. Just like last time.
Yoo Joonghyuk stepped aside. "I’ll get drinks."
That may be best. He didn't want Yoo Joonghyuk to feel the pressure of the constellations too much. Maybe he could send him off somewhere later. His presence here was really not needed and he was unsure if the constellation deals would go well if an incarnation would be involved.
“I’ll wait here.“
Yoo Joonghyuk nodded. His hand left his back and Yoo Joonghyuk walked away.
Kim Dokja felt a little bereft.
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The bar only had weird drinks he had never heard of before. It must be because this was an event for constellations.
In the first place, he didn’t know what drinks Kim Dokja liked.
As soon as they had entered with Kim Dokja, they came face-to-face with so many constellations. Yoo Joonghyuk had never seen so many in one place, but Kim Dokja seemed unaffected. Yoo Joonghyuk had really not expected so many constellations to attend, as apparently this was a smaller event, which only select constellations attended.
He had wanted to stay together in the crowd, so he instinctively walked closely with Kim Dokja. It didn't feel unnatural. Kim Dokja didn't seem to even really notice at all.
However, seeing a couple walk the same way as they did, he felt...
It had been natural to walk through the crowd as they have. Yoo Joonghyuk didn't even notice what kind of gesture it might have signaled. He decided to postpone thinking about this.
Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t like being around constellations.
Last time at the gala, Kim Dokja dealt with the constellations all on his own and he seemed fine. But Yoo Joonghyuk still felt uneasy at Kim Dokja going to these constellation scenarios alone. There are constellation events that have gone badly in the past.
In the first place, Kim Dokja is not someone who should go somewhere without backup. His plans involved sacrifice too often.
When Uriel reached out with an invite, he immediately accepted. It’s fortunate that he received the chance to attend. His dislike for constellations doesn't matter, as long as he can keep an eye out for Kim Dokja. The company also seemed glad that there was someone looking after Kim Dokja.
…
In the end, he settled on a recommendation the barkeeper gave, a sweet red drink served in a champagne glass. He took the glasses and turned back.
As his eyes fell on Kim Dokja, his face automatically pulled into a frown.
Kim Dokja was standing next to someone else in a suit, probably a constellation. Kim Dokja was listening and smiling.
Of course Kim Dokja after being let alone for a few minutes, instantly used the opportunity to increase his, already, large network. Kim Dokja always seemed to know everyone.
But it was a good plan. Maybe Yoo Joonghyuk should walk around and come back later? He started to look around.
...
No, that's not it.
Every time Yoo Joonghyuk left Kim Dokja alone for one second...
Yoo Joonghyuk turned back to look at them.
Kim Dokja smiled at the constellation again.
Kim Dokja is very approachable. How often has it happened already? People with useless intentions approaching Kim Dokja.
His companion didn't need any distractions from their goal. It's not that Kim Dokja ever really got distracted. He was always focused on planning and completing the scenarios, maybe even too much, Yoo Joonghyuk thought, when he found him reading on that phone for hours. But those people approaching him were still... unwanted. Useless. They were wasting Kim Dokja's time.
The constellation was acting overly familiar. No, not familiar, even..
The constellation seemed to remove a (definitely fictional) stray hair from Kim Dokja’s suit. Kim Dokja had a surprised look and then laughed.
He felt a knot in his chest.
That’s it.
He walked up to the pair in large strides.
"Kim Dokja."
Kim Dokja looked at him, accepting the champagne glass.
Yoo Joonghyuk moved next to him.
The constellations' face went from surprised to a sneer, glaring at Yoo Joonghyuk. It was nothing new to Yoo Joonghyuk. This is how they always ended up reacting.
A tense silence went on, with Yoo Joonghyuk and the constellation glaring at each other.
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There isn’t even a crowd around anymore, so this is totally unnecessary.
Yoo Joonghyuk came up, handed him the glass and put his hand at his waist. What was up with him today?
Now the hand was not even at his back, his hand was at the right side of the waist. And they were totally close, Kim Dokja was completely pressed into his side. This is different from before, way closer.
Please turn down your bodyguard radar, Joonghyuk-ah.
"You must be Yoo Joonghyuk,“ the constellation spoke.
Kim Dokja looked up at Yoo Joonghyuk, who was mustering the other constellation with his usual frown.
Yoo Joonghyuk was staring with his usual expression, it is just how he always looks. But the constellation must have misinterpreted his expression and turned hostile towards him.
Plus, Yoo Joonghuyk had a general dislike to constellations. Again, why did he choose to attend the gala the first place? Could he maybe tone his dislike down a bit, since Kim Dokja was here to make deals?
Yoo Joonghuyk messaged him on Midday Tryst.
— “Are you finished with the conversation?"
— "He had a skill we might find useful. But I can talk to him again later."
"Constellation of Cold Stars, it was incredibly nice to meet you."
The constellations face re-took a composed, friendly expression as it turned its gaze back to Kim Dokja.
"Likewise," it responded with a nod.
"I have a meeting shortly so I have to leave you. We will talk again later, I hope?"
"Of course. It was nice to meet you, Demon King of Salvation."
Kim Dokja smiled at him as they left. Yoo Joonghyuk visibly relaxed as they walked away.
Aaaand his hand was still on the side of his waist. Still way too close.
Kim Dokja's head was starting to swirl.
[The Fourth Wall is shaking!]
He was grateful for the Fourth Wall just now almost as much as when it made the pain of a life-threatening injury go away. He could think clearly again.
He looked at Yoo Joonghyuk. "Do you need me for something?"
Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t meet his gaze and looked straight ahead. "That constellation looked as if it was... dangerous.“
Dangerous, my ass. Please turn down your radar. No, just recalibrate it completely.
"Dangerous? No, they were very friendly and had a skill useful to us."
Yoo Joonghyuk kept silent.
"You forget, but I am a constellation too. We collected some strong stories, there are very few constellations that could be dangerous to me here. But we are popular, there is no need to worry." Kim Dokja tried to put Yoo Joonghyuk at ease.
Yoo Joonghyuk turned his head and their eyes met. Then turned his head back to looking forward.
Seriously, what was up with him today?
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After that first conversation he had with a constellation, Yoo Joonghyuk seemed insistent to keep walking around with him. Closely. With a hand on his waist. (my god.)
And… it worked out better than he expected?
Yoo Joonghyuk being there with Kim Dokja gave him brownie points with some constellations. He completely forgot, but were some constellations to whom the ability to hold strong relationships held a strong value, especially in business dealings.
He knew this before but dismissed it as irrelevant. He never considered bringing anyone, since Kim Dokja was the last person who could present strong relationships. But now, it seemed he got double the result with Yoo Joonghyuk at his side.
Maybe it was good that Yoo Joonghyuk attended. However, there were also some edge cases.
When they started talking to Uriel, she started crying uncontrollably for some time, ultimately departing with a happy wave, wishing them well.
And Persephone sure seemed to get a laugh out of his fate.
"You two make a good-looking pair. When’s the wedding?" "Persephone... You always joke around like-"
"Thank you." Yoo Joonghyuk said with a slight smile. A smile??
Sometimes Yoo Joonghyuk could be civil like that.
This.. civilness stretched on quite a long time as they greeted all kinds of constellations.
Some of the constellations must have mistaken them as a couple. (Many. All of them?) Kim Dokja wasn’t sure how to feel about that.
He didn’t know why Yoo Joonghyuk decided to go all out on his acting skills and chivalry today, but as long as Yoo Joonghyuk seemed fine with how they were being perceived, Kim Dokja couldn’t complain.
The conversations with constellations were flowing easily, the deals closed swiftly.
He had no idea why Yoo Joonghyuk acted this politely, but he would take this opportunity and run with it.