joonghyuk "listen up fives, a ten is speaking" yoo (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
regression) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
agora2020-01-18 11:19 am
regression) wrote in agora2020-01-18 11:19 am
[ it's now or never. ]
[ Joonghyuk started the scenario waking up in someone's bed, someone's room, and someone's house without his sword. Not only that, his body... Seemed to revert a bit over a decade back despite having all his stats and attributes intact. The strange situation highly upset him, but he was quick to check the scenario screen which fortunately manifested in front of his eyes. It, however, didn't bring any comfort. His eyes narrowed, not at all happy with what he read.
Throughout his last weeks of summer, he used Midday Tryst in hopes for something.
If Joonghyuk seemed panicked, then maybe he is. If he couldn't see the stars in the sky, especially one that seemed to shine the brightest despite its dark shade, then what does that mean? Even when he received no response, he kept sending messages... Almost documenting his small, mundane findings as he settled into normalcy. It was his way of remembering who he is and what this all actually is. But then the illusion of youthful routine all shattered when he recognized someone in his high school. However, the reunion didn't play out like he imagined.
It has been a whole week that Joonghyuk has been watching Dokja live blissfully like a regular student, waiting for him to notice and approach him. Of course, it comes with more messages ignored, adding to Joonghyuk's frustrations. Once he observed enough to deduce the reason why Dokja is keeping his distance, he decides to take initiative and approach him first at the cafeteria with his hands in his pockets. ]
Kim Dokja.
[ I finally found you. Based on his glare, he is very angry despite the relief that washes over him. He does nothing else, says nothing else, after. Instead, he continues to loom and waits for his companion's answer which... Makes a scene. Students were starting to whisper instead of eat, wondering why would the handsome Joonghyuk approach the weird bookworm. It all sounds like buzzing—annoying, but he doesn't care about them.
He cares about the one in front of him. ]
[Sub Scenario – High School Reverie]And so he waited, living a high schooler's life with his name stamped on it. Not that he's attending actual school yet with it being summer... Only some cram courses that he begrudgingly attended because he suffered a penalty when he pushed the limits by telling his "parents" that this is merely a scenario. The only blessing was that he had plenty of time to search for clues, maybe find his allies. All to no avail. Seoul was as he remembered it before the scenarios...
Category: Sub
Difficulty: ???
Clear Conditions: To be added.
Time Limit: None
Compensation: To be added.
Failure: ―
Throughout his last weeks of summer, he used Midday Tryst in hopes for something.
Kim Dokja.
This never happened in the past regression.
It seems similar to that island. These strangers are playing the role of my family.
She isn't my sister.
Have you gone far?
The scenario window still hasn't updated.
The others haven't shown up yet.
If you do anything reckless, I'll kill you.
Kim Dokja, are you asleep?
The stars are harder to see here.
I don't hear the indirect messages anymore.
Where are you?
It has been a whole week that Joonghyuk has been watching Dokja live blissfully like a regular student, waiting for him to notice and approach him. Of course, it comes with more messages ignored, adding to Joonghyuk's frustrations. Once he observed enough to deduce the reason why Dokja is keeping his distance, he decides to take initiative and approach him first at the cafeteria with his hands in his pockets. ]
Kim Dokja.
[ I finally found you. Based on his glare, he is very angry despite the relief that washes over him. He does nothing else, says nothing else, after. Instead, he continues to loom and waits for his companion's answer which... Makes a scene. Students were starting to whisper instead of eat, wondering why would the handsome Joonghyuk approach the weird bookworm. It all sounds like buzzing—annoying, but he doesn't care about them.
He cares about the one in front of him. ]
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Which is to say, he's come to realize that everything has been set back to zero -- or less than zero, in his case. To think that it's a scenario that can even weaken Constellations. He had let out a frustrated sigh when even his status cannot be accessed.
If I could access that much... then everyone else trapped in this scenario would know that I'm here. They could join together and figure out what to do then. Since this was a scenario that he had never encountered before, it actually made him feel a little anxious and uneasy.
Okay, more than a little anxious and uneasy.
But why is everyone so quiet? There hasn't been one indirect message. There hasn't been anything. Could it be that this sort of ending has been achieved? I don't like the sort of endings where it's all been a dream... I want something better for everyone. I want everything they fought for to have results.
This wasn't the ending that he wanted for them.
Yet as he thinks all these things, he finds himself back in the same life he had back in high school. It was thankfully past when he finally had the courage to move out of his aunt and uncle's house. He found a small apartment and was working part-time for a manager that was paying him less than minimum wage. All his money went to his rent and what remained was barely enough to keep himself fed.
Yet bullies still tried to what little money that he had.
To go back to this shitty life...
To say that he was ashamed of how he lived was putting it mildly. That was why when he saw Yoo Joonghyuk at school, he looked away. He didn't know how to approach him. This wasn't like when he "introduced himself" but showing something embarrassing and humiliating -- far more than just saying that he was able to keep living because of Yoo Joonghyuk's story.
Well, that was still pretty fucking humiliating to admit to his face. But this is actually seeing it.
But more than that, he isn't deaf. He hears what the girls and guys say about Joonghyuk. He hears about how everyone admires and is in awe over him. It's been a long time since he's been a teenager... it's been a pretty long time since that sunfish bastard was able to have a normal life and live normally.
He remembers the comment that he wrote. It's the one where he wishes Joonghyuk has one turn where he is happy. Okay, you sunfish bastard. It seems like it'll have to be me that solves this scenario so just live peacefully until I figure it out, okay? That solves the issue of Joonghyuk seeing his pathetic high school life, and lets him indulge in fulfilling a selfish wish of his own -- that he could say to Joonghyuk's face that the reason he was able to live so easily during that scenario was because of him!
And yet!
AND YET!
This bastard.
He lets out a sigh as he hears him call out his name. He doesn't even really look up even though he can feel himself being glared at. What is it? Are you mad that I haven't come up with an answer yet? Well, too bad! I still don't have a good answer so just live in your happy high school life, okay? ]
Oh, um, yes?
[ Somehow, he isn't able to get all those words out and stumbles on what he wants to say. Ugh. ]
What can I do for you?
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Dokja recognizes him. He's purposely avoiding him and that pisses him off.
That isn't the only thing Joonghyuk notices... The other man's smaller form, the shaky tone of his voice, and the somewhat polite speech—is this what Dokja is supposed to be like? His lips once neutral may have quirked into a frown, if only a second, because this is a side he never saw. He doesn't like it—seeing Dokja like this... Timid, small, ostracized by his peers. Alone. Teeth grind behind his finely pressed lips before he answers: ]
I'll be sitting here.
[ Not where Dokja is sitting which is what everyone anticipates. Instead, he sits right beside him and slides his bag onto the table. Everyone watching gasps, then their buzzing only becomes louder. Joonghyuk ignores them and opens his bag to take out his lunch, popping open the lid and blatantly showing off his cooking prowess. This presentation? Astounding.
However, he doesn't dig in yet. There's a second lunchbox and he places it square center in front of Dokja. Whether he had lunch already or he was planning to get the school lunch, Joonghyuk has made that decision for him. Plus, his cooking is safe. ]
These are leftovers.
[ By the way, it looks exactly the same as Joonghyuk's. They are definitely not leftovers. Why would he cook for his fake family, anyway? Despite his dismissive words and attitude, Joonghyuk is trying to communicate with him in the way they both understand.
You don't need to do this alone. It's the message that has been drilled into him by so many, including Dokja himself. ]
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He imagines himself suddenly falling over the table with his face pressed down on the surface. Dokja hates having to admit that Joonghyuk is considered high in the social caste of school. Why did I have to go back to my old caste? He feels a little resentful about it, but he then thinks that the sunfish must have always been popular and well-liked.
Even though he glares at everyone and everything and can be something of a psycho. He breathes out heavy through his nose before he returns to reality. Dokja looks at the food that is set in front of him and salivates. Fuck. The only food that he had is a half-eaten bar.
Who are you fucking kidding? Did you make this for me?! Is this a way of saying that I owe you my life? He has enough sense to start eating, though. If he snubs the food gift, what would happen? Already the buzzing that is going on around him is making him a little anxious. This isn't like when he was the Demon King of Salvation. He's just Kim Dokja. He can't even say --
I can't even say... "I'm Yoo Joonghyuk." So, why can't this bastard let him save him so that he can at least lord that over his head?
Kim Dokja wishes he ate in an angry manner, but he ate quietly, thoughtfully. His shoulders drop a little as he breathes out a sigh of relief. His body is more honest as he feels a sense of relief in knowing that he'll be safe because of the person sitting next to him. So even as his thoughts curse, and curse, Joonghyuk; he seems at peace. ]
Thank you... [ He finally says before adding: ] I don't know the answer, by the way. [ Dokja decides to admit that he doesn't know how to escape from this scenario. Like why hide it at this point? ] But I'll figure it out. [ For you... you fuck.
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And his only caste member is saying nonsense again. Before he moves onto his gimbap, he leers at Dokja for a hot second before he culls it back. Similar to his companion, his shoulders also drop, already expecting that answer. It sounds less frustrating coming from someone else's mouth, at least. ]
Focus on eating first unless you want to stay that size forever.
[ He knows about the lunch bars. If he were in a better mood, maybe he would smirk at the great Demon King of Salvation reduced to a shrimp, but there's mental wear from the past grueling weeks. It might be difficult to tell, but this is the most relaxed he has been since the scenario started. An update notification prompts a short pause in his bites, but nothing more. He even dares to emphasize: ]
We still have time.
[ Scenario has been updated!Extracurriculars and clubs don't begin recruiting till next week. However, prospective clubs can begin the application process as soon as possible, but also can't recruit till next week. Enough time. Don't push yourself, Kim Dokja. ]
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He rubs his face as he wants to tell Joonghyuk that what he's doing is essentially social suicide. Or is it? Dokja doesn't really know, if he's honest. He's always been on the outside and so doesn't quite know if this is a "bad move," but it feels like a bad move.
Would those bullies think of beating Joonghyuk? Not unless they wanted to lose a limb. Even as a teenager, Dokja is fairly certain that the psychopath is still a psychopath. He snorts through his nose as he laughs to himself, because it's the only thing to keep him from falling into hysterics.
Dokja had been beaten so severely by one encounter that he ended up avoiding Joonghyuk simply because he had to stay home and recover. 'Course that took a mental toil all on its own. His shitty little apartment didn't offer any comfort to him as he was nursing his wounds. If I showed myself to him, then, he'd definitely be pissed that I'm slowing him down.
Oh, well. Time slowly recovering gave him time to think. 'Course, I didn't come up with anything worthwhile. I have no idea why a scenario hasn't popped--
It seems if a person bitches enough about a thing, the thing will happen.
His eyes widen at seeing the sub-scenario appear. What the fuck is this shit?! He holds his hands out in the air, fingers spread, as he stares at the box in aggravation. Still, there's no punishment for failure? What's that about? Also, isn't that a lot of coins? It would be enough to help beef up his miserable stats so that he can live a little more comfortably.
Ugh, my health in high school was such garbage.
But Dokja wonders what to do about this sort of goal. Isn't it too easy? It wouldn't be wise to just do something without thinking it through a little more. He begins to eat the food (finally); his eyebrows lift as he feels like he's sparkling at just the taste of it!! Oh, fuck, this is good.
He wants to savor each bite, but he isn't able to do so. Hunger wins over wanting to enjoy what's in front of him. He eats happily and even smiles a little after each bite. But what to do about this. What does it mean to live an honest student life? I can't say I know. Do they mean like in one of those dramas? Homework and the like?
Dokja chews happily but flinches as a shadow passes over his sight. It's an automatic reaction. One that he hadn't had to pick up until recently. But the group recedes upon giving a few glances to Joonghyuk. Jeez, guess even they realize what a lunatic that he is. But really... what to do with this idiot? Doesn't he know how anything works? Should I start on figuring out how to do something about him first?
He finishes his bite and says: ]
You'll probably get invited to a lot of clubs, so I'll have to think of what to do about me. [ It means he has to start hitting the ground running to figure out what club he can join. ]
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The questions keep coming and coming about his origin, his past, yet no memories answer him. He already knows why.
... He can pinpoint that Dokja is considered an "outcast" or a "loner," likewise the "weirdo" that gets bullied. He's eavesdropped enough, but never caught it in the act no matter how fast he arrived at the scene. What a scrawny yet elusive man. The shadows? Not so elusive. He looks over to the direction of the hovering group with a rather menacing glare. If only their disappearance would mean the leer subsides. It does not, at all. ]
Why can't you make one? [ Let him take another bite of his bun. ] I'll join it.
[ He has his reasons—the biggest one is that everyone else is A LOT more annoying than Dokja. ]
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Are you --
[ Dokja closes his mouth as he decides to not ask if the crazy bastard at his side is serious. He takes another bite -- savors the taste of food once more -- and thinks of how to properly tell his companion that is a stupid idea. But then again, I can't imagine who'd let me join a club or be part of one.
This sort of mental trauma and strain -- he really wished he had been given more of a warning. It's fine, though. Another mouthful of Joonghyuk's cooking soothes his nerves some. Why? Because he's eating something only a few people ever partook in all of Ways of Survival. It's something like a clout, but it seems like he only got it because Joonghyuk made too much food. Whatever. Clout's clout.
And he swallows to finally say: ]
All right. Kim Dokja happily welcomes Yoo Joonghyuk back to the Kim Dokja Company.
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While he has grown accustomed to "Kim Dokja Company" as the Nebula he co-created and joined, he can't say he expected it also used for a regular high school club name. He tries his best to imagine fellow peers saying it, but no. Yes? No. It's too out of place. ]
Choose a different name. [ The demand is halfhearted since he does want Dokja to have a place to belong in high school. Maybe the club, even if temporarily, will give that to him while they're away from Ways of Survival. ] What kind of club would the Kim Dokja Company even be?
[ He asks, maybe hoping for some more insight in Dokja's genius, but he knows in his heart what the club is going to be about. They've been comrades for only a few years, but... It feels like forever even if Dokja can't seem to wrap his mind around the fact "these are leftovers" is Joonghyuk's biggest lie.
So he knows that Dokja is going to make him read novels. Still, prove him wrong? Prove to him you're not predictable, Kim Dokja. ]
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[ He nearly sticks his tongue out -- not so much to add to his childish retort, but he just dislikes the sound of his own voice. At the age that he is, the voice he has is softer, weaker than the one speaks with in the time that Joonghyuk knows him. In a lot of ways, he's ashamed of showing "this person" to anyone that knows him as he is "now."
A weak child that couldn't keep living unless he told himself repeatedly that he was "Yoo Joonghyuk." A child that lived off the lives of others in order to survive. On the inside, he feels himself trembling. However, Kim Dokja believes that he would be even more upset if this scenario was kind to him. Because he would feel cheated; he would wonder why he didn't have such a normal, peaceful high school.
But for all his whining, Kim Dokja's life has been considerably easier than the person that sits next to him. Which is why he keeps his complaints light and easy, rather than admit that this is simply how things have always been for him. He thinks that he's being clever and hiding the reality of the situation; he thinks this because acknowledging that it's obvious is ... ]
It'll be one where we read and search out interesting stories. [ He smiles and lowers his voice; he feels a little bit more like "himself" -- the self that he's built up since the scenarios started. ] It'll be a good excuse to wander around getting as much information that we can.
Though, you might end up looking like a weirdo.
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The shift in Dokja's tone goes without comment, too. He may not look it, but he understands what the other man is trying to do. Harmless, though silly. It makes him wonder how he sounds? Unlike Dokja, Joonghyuk finds his own "high school" voice extremely foreign despite being slightly higher than his original voice. In the end, it doesn't matter; he sees himself as himself and Kim Dokja as Kim Dokja. ]
I don't care what they think.
[ At least anyone in this school. He's about to extend an empty hand to demand Dokja's phone so they can exchange contacts, but... Would Dokja have access to a cellphone in his predicament? Would his guardians care to purchase him one?
...
He pulls out his cellphone from his pocket and holds it out to him. ]
Give me your contact information.
[ Midday Tryst is great and all, but what if Joonghyuk wants to contact Dokja in the middle of the night? In a realm where communication services are staple again, they might as well use the resources. Another thought pops up in his head: ]
And your address.
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For you, this is the chance to really enjoy your high school experience. You already are liked by a lot of people. A lot of people are actually wanting to be liked by you. So what the hell, you bastard? Your brain is so addled from scenarios that you can't even enjoy this time for yourself? Idiot.
He curses Joonghyuk a little bit more and the guilt that he feels fades a little. Of course, he reiterates the point to himself that if he had a peaceful high school experience that he would only feel bitter. Because I wouldn't be able to stop myself from thinking ... why I couldn't have had this in my own reality. Dokja would wonder whose fault it was that his childhood was so rotten.
But he knows that it's no one's fault. His story isn't interesting; his story isn't unique. It's just a situation that happens to some people.
Letting out a small sigh, he takes a sip of his soda. He nearly chokes on the small sip, however, when Joonghyuk asks for his contact information! Not just that but his address?! You fuck?! The words came into his head without any meaning. Yet he has a feeling if he doesn't give that information that the bastard might frisk him for it.
This psychopath. ]
Fine, fine. [ Dokja digs around his jacket until he locates his phone. He makes a show of not knowing where it is when the truth is that he could have pulled it out within seconds. ]
Here you go. [ A slight pause follows. ] Hey, you know... this is my club and you've joined it... we're going to be searching around for information, but you also... [ He frowns as he tries to think of how to say what he's saying. ]
You also might be able to get back into the gaming scene here. They might have information that we don't yet know. [ An old comment comes back to him; something that he wrote as he enjoyed reading that one story that saved him. Couldn't one turn... couldn't Joonghyuk be happy? Dokja can't remember what the answer from the author was, but he thinks that a little bit of happiness could come that ungrateful idiot's way in this scenario. ]
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When Dokja does answer, his expression lightens up, satisfied with this outcome. He reaches out and takes his phone with his free hand, then unlocks it to add in his number and have it text his dear companion's address to his own phone. Easy contact exchange. His gaze lifts off the screens when some semblance of a plan is formed. ]
... Fine.
[ He won't fight it since it's a sound idea. It's been a while since he held a mouse in his hand rather than a sword... But he also wonders if he likes gaming anymore. Curiosity shines in his eyes, or maybe he's actually excited? Even he isn't sure. The phone is returned as he starts packing his backpack with his empty Tupperware and also Dokja's. Lunchtime is almost over before they knew it.
Hoisting his bag over one shoulder, he stands up and looks down at him—the movement is picturesque, almost like he stepped out of those dramas. #BadBoy, but he doesn't know that or care. ]
I'll come over after cram school.
[ Not even going to ask if he's busy. ]
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[ Dokja already gives up on arguing with Joonghyuk about coming over to his place. He realizes it's a lost cause and just waves him off. Whatever.
So he says in his head, but hardly means it.
Thankfully, with the other having cram school, it meant that he had some time to make his apartment look a little less like the depressing sight that it usually is.
So, after school, he rushes back to his apartment to do just that! It's a matter of pride at this point. Dokja tells himself that if he doesn't make it look nicer that Joonghyuk will never listen to him properly when they escape this scenario. The man will always think of him as someone who doesn't have his shit together and will stop believing in his words.
And then what would happen to that sunfish bastard?! Does he know how much trouble he puts me through!
Dokja curses him as he cleans his apartment thoroughly. It doesn't look that much better than how it did before, honestly. Still cramped, still too small, still sad to even look at it. Well, the guy probably won't notice something like that anyway. He's got scenarios on the brain.
He consoles himself with this line before he goes to the convenience store to pick up some microwavable food to feed Joonghyuk. The jerk doesn't eat anything that he doesn't make himself, but I'm not going to have him feel like I owe him one for giving me luck. Fuck that shit. These are the justifications that he makes for himself for all his fidgeting and wanting everything to look nice.
If he actually thought of admitting what the real reasons were... he thinks he might die. ]
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Cram school went similarly and before he knows it, it's dark out with only a couple of hours before he should sleep. In an attempt to play the system, he sends a message to his "parents" asking them for "permission" to "study" at a "friend's" place for exams. They give him their approval, then instruct him to bring offerings for his friend's parents. Joonghyuk's face scrunches at the gesture, but settles when he considers his companion's situation. Dokja didn't need pity—it'd be unfair to all he has built for himself.
... But can't that guy be happy?
Quickly, he sends Dokja a notice that he'll be there in half an hour via text. In that small reprieve, Joonghyuk pays the grocery store a visit for some important purchases—lean protein, a bundle of vegetables, some variety of side dishes, anchovies for a broth, dried kelp, and he just has to hope Dokja at least has rice. Then there's fruit—golden Asian pears. It doesn't take him long to haul his loot to Dokja's apartment, knocking on the door once he's right in front of the door.
Let him send a quick message on tryst: "You better open the door." Yes, the way to talk to your important person is through threats. ]
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The tone is dismissive and almost tired, like he didn't spend hours making his home look a little less like the mess that it is. Still, even in this world, in this strange scenario, he's searching for the ending that he wants. For once, you get to live a teenager's life. You get to have that experience. Don't go ignoring it. Even though they're both adults, few people get a chance to live an idealized past.
After everything, can't you let yourself rest?
Dokja lets out a sigh before he opens the door. He pauses as he looks over the bags that Joonghyuk has. ]
Ha? What's all this? [ So he asks as he moves out of the way so that the psychopath can enter. ] Well, I can't say that I have much to offer in terms of snacks, so you were right to get a few things.
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Dinner.
[ And then some. There's no need to explain himself since Dokja already knows how he's like. He won't be eating anything that Dokja makes, so he's the one in charge of cooking for the both of them. Politely, he removes his shoes by the entrance way before trekking further in. The bags are set on countertop as Joonghyuk starts taking produce out, filling Dokja's fridge and cabinets with excess. What he needs stays outside.
Rolling up his sleeves, he assesses the state of this kitchen with a quick scan. It's... Small? Unused? Still in the realm of acceptable which he can say the same for the apartment. It's on the line of surviving—the thought makes him frown. Dokja should be living, shouldn't he? ]
It's difficult to be independent at this age.
[ While Joonghyuk knew about Dokja's hardships when it comes to family, also getting secondhand stories from his mother, he doesn't actually know the circumstances. He only has pieces.
The host shouldn't be standing there and doing nothing, so Joonghyuk gestures with a finger for Dokja to come to the kitchen. You will be helping him. ]
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Awkwardly, he hangs back as he watches all the food be put away. What the fuck? You moving in? Dokja almost laughs at his own joke -- he covers his mouth as he looks away. Honestly, he takes the fact that Joonghyuk is putting all the food away as saying that he plans to visit a lot. Well, that makes sense. We're going to have to strategize, and it'd be a pain to have to keep going grocery shopping. ]
Yeah.
[ Dokja agrees that it's difficult. He leans against the counter as he thinks that Joonghyuk has had to be independent for years. The man had gone through multiple lives, had grown up, and returned to make things better the next turn. In the end, aren't you a hopeful idiot? An optimistic psycho? ]
So, what do you think of the scenario given to us? The idea that we have to live happy lives. [ That might not be quite what it was, but close enough. He thinks of adding something like, "Do you think you can do it?" It is something that he's curious about. It's maybe the end that he wants to see most of all. The person that helped him live ... able to live happily. ]
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When Dokja is close enough to loiter on the counter, he moves the noodles to him—yes, he's making him re-hydrate these without a single word. He should be smart enough to know what Joonghyuk wants. ]
It's vague. [ Basically absurd. Joonghyuk already assumes that it's rooted in their youth since they both share the same vision of a "happy ending" for the future. A peaceful world where the company would own a large home. ] Kim Dokja... What would make you happy here?
[ He asks while prepping the ingredients, finely chopping everything into even pieces. It's something he's noticed earlier, but... Seeing his hands without scars and callouses is so foreign. He doesn't remember the last time they were like this.
It emphasizes that Joonghyuk doesn't know what being happy in this time would be like, but Dokja must. He's lived through this. ]
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But he also agrees that it's vague as to what the conditions mean. How does one have a happy childhood? Can he count them being in their teenage years as childhood? Well, not really. Wrong terminology. What would have made me happy? He decides that he won't say reading a certain novel would give him a great amount of joy.
True as that may be, it's not right to say his happiness would come from Joonghyuk's misery. He frowns a little more as he grows quiet and still. As a fictional character, you've never had a chance like this... I did like the one time you were all able to rest... that you all had a moment to be happy. But that, uh, that was... that's a regression you don't yet know, and you won't know.
It's a strange feeling to know that he has "memories" that Joonghyuk does not have. Before, he never thought of it as such, but he is now seeing that he's stolen some of those happy moments away. So he pauses and thinks: ]
I guess spending time with my family. Going out on some camping trip and eating by the river. Watching the trees bloom. Those sort of things... I think it would make me happy. [ In short, he lists things that Joonghyuk could do. Take a fucking hint, why don't you?
He adds: ] I think it's enjoying the time that you have with people that you care about. We won't get a chance like this, again, right? [ Dokja knows he's presented this question to Joonghyuk more than once.
So... what would make him happiest? Seeing Joonghyuk happy. ]
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When Dokja answers him, he's left dissatisfied with what he hears. While it isn't too quick of an answer, it seems so sure... Listed off like items to pick up from the grocery store. It's one of Dokja's tactics—he may not ever say it, but he does know that Dokja is looking out for him in his own way. Joonghyuk's eyes stay on the diced vegetables, then gathers them into a pot of boiling water. Watch him dump a bunch of other things, too. ]
Let's do that. [ In the end, they perceive happiness similarly. Joonghyuk doesn't quite remember how it felt to do such mundane things, but he does dream of it. ] Picnic by the river on the weekend.
[ Unlike someone, Joonghyuk actually knows how to relax. Maybe showing Dokja how engaged he is in the scenario, even one so trivial, will help his friend somehow. What's more motivating than seeing someone else make the first step? On top of eating his delicious food? ]
I want to barbecue.
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[ He repeats the word back to Joonghyuk. That means you and me? His hand points to the wall as though he's going to bring up the idiot's fake family. Ah, right, it probably feels kind of weird for him to be around those people. Dokja can understand. Even if there is some warmth there, it feels like there isn't a place to belong within that house. ]
You're gonna have to make it. [ He finally says as he puffs out a sigh. Tilting his head back, he looks up at the ceiling of his apartment. It isn't overly dirty or clean; yet it somehow feels suffocating for a second. The reason for that is -- ]
Hey, want to move in here? [ -- Dokja decided to say something risky. ]
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Eyebrows knit together as he goes over logistics again, stirring the pot every now and then. The delicious aroma is starting to fill this little space. ]
I wouldn't be able to help you pay rent and bills.
[ The scenario has damned him into cram school, so getting a part-time would be particularly difficult... The free time spent after studies would be better used for figuring out their situation, anyway. What allowance he has will go to groceries, allowing him to live life as a housewife (outside of school) who dreams of wielding a sword again.
In the end, Dokja should know that his answer doesn't mean "no." For once, he's being outright considerate. ]
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[ His tone remains quite flippant about it. ] I'll expect interest, too, since I'm going to be working my ass off making sure that we can live comfortably here. [ How many times did he think that his life would be better if he were Joonghyuk?
Too many to name. Any time he would feel weak or powerless, he would say his mantra and be able to live. Being back here... it's made me feel a little weak. I can't use the usual sentence. Not with this guy actually being here... so, really, help me out, won't you? ]
Maybe, I'll also ask you to pick up a few treasures for me, too. [ His tone turns cocky as he smiles; he feels a little more at ease. Thank you. No matter what, Joonghyuk is the person that saves him. But he would rather die -- bite through his tongue and DIE -- than admit that to him. ]
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Yet sometimes "home" is annoying. When Dokja starts talking about interest and owing him, Joonghyuk's expression darkens as he grips onto the ladle in his hand. Eyebrow twitching, he bores into the pot, trying to focus on how delicious this will be. Unfortunately, he has one thing on the mind. This cooking tool could be used as a sword, right? ]
I'll find a job.
[ He! Doesn't want to owe Dokja anything! The sly man may be rather small and fragile now, but he knows better than to make unnecessary deals with him. Somehow, someway, Dokja will twist it... To tell him that he owes him on his dying breath and to just let him do this. Joonghyuk bites the inside of his cheek as emotions weigh heavy in his chest. The truth is he owes Dokja so much already. ]
Set up the table.
[ Dinner is ready. ]
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[ Dokja is already waving off the idea that Joonghyuk has to get himself a job. He walks over to the cupboards to start to take out the dishes as soon as he's "instructed" to do so. He uses the word "instructed" since that's better than "being ordered about by a psychopath in his own kitchen." ]
Your body is not the same one as before, you know. You could really end up hurting it if you aren't careful. [ His tone is not quite scolding. He supposes that Joonghyuk wouldn't really know what he is capable of given that he never had a past. Dokja has to pause for a second as he's setting down one of the plates.
His head turns to look towards the protagonist. I wonder how strange this all feels for you. I guess I've been hoping that you could enjoy it, but maybe it actually just feels... wrong. To cover up his staring, he adds: ]
If you end up passing out, I'll add that to your tab of what you owe me.
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Then if you pass out, we would be cornered.
[ It's best if they both work together, which is funny considering humble and violent beginnings. Even if Joonghyuk has the safety net of a fake family, he... Doesn't want to be there. It's suffocating to the point it dulls his mind. It makes him start forgetting who he is. With rice in smaller bowls, then japchae on a share platter, he starts ferrying all the food to the table. If it can fit. He's trying his best? To fit everything on the table, but decides to leave the noodles for them to serve themselves on a nearby counter. This is so sad.
They make do and he takes a seat with eyes on Dokja to digest his new/old appearance appearance again. It's... Still weird to him, but at least Dokja's personality is intact. It comforts him as he leans back into his seat, now gaze downcast. ]
... I'll move in after the camping trip. [ He begins eating, silent for quite some time with his eyes on his bowl of rice. ] Have you gone camping before?
[ What they did in the scenarios doesn't count. They were literally homeless. ]