Joongdok AU where YJH and KDJ ran a lemonade stand as kids. YJH made good lemonade but sucked at selling it, so KDJ was his little salesman.
Now, YJH is a successful CEO and KDJ is the new employee looking for an entry level job, but YJH immediately puts him as sales manager.
Now, YJH is a successful CEO and KDJ is the new employee looking for an entry level job, but YJH immediately puts him as sales manager.
CW: B*llying, Amnesia, Major Character Injury, ANGST, Spoilers (?), KDJ Canon(ish) Backstory, Eventual NSFW 🔞, Dubcon?
For reference, $20 is about ₩24000 and $1 is about ₩1000, give or take. If your currency isn’t $, you can look up your currency’s conversion for reference 😮💨
For reference, $20 is about ₩24000 and $1 is about ₩1000, give or take. If your currency isn’t $, you can look up your currency’s conversion for reference 😮💨
Twitter likes to hide certain tweets in really long threads. It’s always the tweet right after you click Show Replies. If you click the tweet before Show Replies instead of Show Replies, the missing hidden tweet should appear 🥺🙏
Hopefully that makes sense.
Hopefully that makes sense.
Ever since YJH was young, he has hated his parents.
His parents had him for the sole reason that they needed an heir to take over their company N’Gai Industries. They wanted him to follow in their footsteps, but didn’t actually want anything to do with him specifically.
His parents had him for the sole reason that they needed an heir to take over their company N’Gai Industries. They wanted him to follow in their footsteps, but didn’t actually want anything to do with him specifically.
So from an early age, as soon as he could speak and walk, they put him through a strict schedule in order to prepare him for the future they picked for him.
Everyday, he had to take courses with tutors on business management and administration amongst other academics.
Everyday, he had to take courses with tutors on business management and administration amongst other academics.
He wasn’t allowed to pursue his own interests or hobbies. But whenever he acted out against them, they would hold it over his head that he owed them for feeding and housing and raising him.
YJH wanted to argue that they didn’t raise him. He barely even saw his parents after all.
YJH wanted to argue that they didn’t raise him. He barely even saw his parents after all.
They put him through all this schooling, but never did they visit him or give him any signs of affection or attention. It didn’t matter if he accomplished his tasks or not.
You needed a tough skin to be a businessman, supposedly. It was best to begin building character early.
You needed a tough skin to be a businessman, supposedly. It was best to begin building character early.
So he had to follow their orders, cause he owed them for birthing and providing for him. The “least” he could do was listen to them.
They kept a tight control over him while neglecting him simultaneously. YJH wasn’t allowed to be like the other kids, he had a “purpose”.
They kept a tight control over him while neglecting him simultaneously. YJH wasn’t allowed to be like the other kids, he had a “purpose”.
YJH wanted to run away.
But his parents were right, he didn’t have funds of his own he could spend, and he refused to use theirs lest he be in any more debt than he already was to them.
That was why he decided to run a lemonade stand at the age of 12, naming it Pacheonmang.
But his parents were right, he didn’t have funds of his own he could spend, and he refused to use theirs lest he be in any more debt than he already was to them.
That was why he decided to run a lemonade stand at the age of 12, naming it Pacheonmang.
He had to learn to cook for himself since his parents were always absent and he wanted to be more independent. So he was fairly confident in his ability to produce the best lemonade ever. He can even add varieties, have different flavors of lemonade.
He was that good (extra).
He was that good (extra).
So he set up shop in a nearby park outside of his gated community.
He didn’t want his parents finding out he was neglecting his studies to collect secret funds, but it was also because it was more profitable to be in an area with more thirsty people in need of iced drinks.
He didn’t want his parents finding out he was neglecting his studies to collect secret funds, but it was also because it was more profitable to be in an area with more thirsty people in need of iced drinks.
His stand was built by hand and looked immaculately professional. It was nice, simple, minimalistic, yet eye-catching. His variety of drinks were laid out with menus and prices neatly written.
He had a cooler with ice to keep them cool and he even baked cookies. He was ready.
He had a cooler with ice to keep them cool and he even baked cookies. He was ready.
The only problem was that no one was buying from him.
Barely anyone approached his booth and those that did either ran away or refused outright to buy his lemonade, so he had to tell them to scram and stop loitering if they weren’t going to give him their business.
Barely anyone approached his booth and those that did either ran away or refused outright to buy his lemonade, so he had to tell them to scram and stop loitering if they weren’t going to give him their business.
No matter what day he went to the park, no matter what time he was at the park, no matter who was at the park, no one bought from him.
He began to become discouraged. It has been days and he’s made no profits, only losses. He started to doubt himself, maybe his parents were rig—
He began to become discouraged. It has been days and he’s made no profits, only losses. He started to doubt himself, maybe his parents were rig—
“Oh…! This is really good actually!”
YJH had been crouching down to wallow in his shame and self-pity, so he didn’t notice someone was at his stand until he heard the new voice speak.
He immediately bolted up to catch the sight of a scrawny boy drinking a cup without paying!
YJH had been crouching down to wallow in his shame and self-pity, so he didn’t notice someone was at his stand until he heard the new voice speak.
He immediately bolted up to catch the sight of a scrawny boy drinking a cup without paying!
“Hey! You have to pay for that.” YJH growled, causing the boy to jolt so badly he dropped the cup onto the ground, spilling his precious lemonade everywhere.
“AH!” The boy stumbled, falling down too, having not seen or expected YJH to be here. “S-Sorry, I didn’t see you there…”
“AH!” The boy stumbled, falling down too, having not seen or expected YJH to be here. “S-Sorry, I didn’t see you there…”
YJH scowled. So this boy had PLANNED to do this when YJH wasn’t paying attention. “You have to pay up. Now.”
“How much is it?” The boy asked nervously, getting up and dusting his pants.
YJH pointed to his small chalkboard sign. “You took one of the specialty ones. So 24k won.”
“How much is it?” The boy asked nervously, getting up and dusting his pants.
YJH pointed to his small chalkboard sign. “You took one of the specialty ones. So 24k won.”
The boy’s mouth fell open in shock and indignation. “Lemonade doesn’t cost that much!”
“Yes, it does. That’s how much mine is.” YJH retorted.
“You can’t charge that much for lemonade!”
YJH frowned even more. “Yes, I can. It’s my lemonade, I made it, and it’s the best.”
“Yes, it does. That’s how much mine is.” YJH retorted.
“You can’t charge that much for lemonade!”
YJH frowned even more. “Yes, I can. It’s my lemonade, I made it, and it’s the best.”
The boy frowned back, brows furrowing deeply as he looked down. “I…I can’t pay, I don’t have any money.”
YJH gritted his teeth in frustration. Of course the grimy local community park would have little thieves like him. So YJH did the only thing he could do in this situation.
YJH gritted his teeth in frustration. Of course the grimy local community park would have little thieves like him. So YJH did the only thing he could do in this situation.
And that was to force the other into child labor.
“Then you have to work for me now to pay back your debt.” YJH declared, leaving no room for argument.
“Huh, what?”
That was how YJH “hired” his first employee. He was the worst and best employee he ever had frankly.
“Then you have to work for me now to pay back your debt.” YJH declared, leaving no room for argument.
“Huh, what?”
That was how YJH “hired” his first employee. He was the worst and best employee he ever had frankly.
The boy had been hesitant upon hearing that, even as he sat diligently by YJH’s side behind the booth.
“Are you sure about this?” He asked. “I’m Dokja…”
YJH rolled his eyes, the excuses thieves will make to get out of their crimes. “I don’t care if you’re an only child.”
“Are you sure about this?” He asked. “I’m Dokja…”
YJH rolled his eyes, the excuses thieves will make to get out of their crimes. “I don’t care if you’re an only child.”
“No, that’s not it!” He pouted. “That’s my name, Kim Dokja.”
“Having a weird name does not mean you’re above the law.”
“Hey! It’s not that weird! It means Reader.” KDJ puffed out his cheeks. “What’s your name then?”
YJH still thought it was weird. “I’m Yoo Joonghyuk.”
“Having a weird name does not mean you’re above the law.”
“Hey! It’s not that weird! It means Reader.” KDJ puffed out his cheeks. “What’s your name then?”
YJH still thought it was weird. “I’m Yoo Joonghyuk.”
KDJ blinked before turning away with a huff and muttering under his breathe something that sounded like “Not everyone can have a cool protagonist name, hmph.”
YJH paid no mind to the sulking boy as he focused on paying attention to his stand, lest another thief come along again.
YJH paid no mind to the sulking boy as he focused on paying attention to his stand, lest another thief come along again.
He ignored the way KDJ was staring at him with wide curious eyes. “Do you really not know me?”
“Why would I?” YJH glared. KDJ was pretentious.
KDJ’s eyes only widened more, now looking as if they were shining with stars before breaking out into a bright smile. “Ok!” He hummed.
“Why would I?” YJH glared. KDJ was pretentious.
KDJ’s eyes only widened more, now looking as if they were shining with stars before breaking out into a bright smile. “Ok!” He hummed.
They began to wait now. And then wait some more.
And some more…
“I don’t think anyone’s coming.” KDJ pointed out. YJH grit his teeth in irritation.
“They’ll come. We just have to wait.”
“Are you sure?” He asked skeptically.
“You came, didn’t you?” YJH sneered.
And some more…
“I don’t think anyone’s coming.” KDJ pointed out. YJH grit his teeth in irritation.
“They’ll come. We just have to wait.”
“Are you sure?” He asked skeptically.
“You came, didn’t you?” YJH sneered.
“But that’s because I didn’t see you.” KDJ said. “So I thought it was like, free random drinks.”
YJH looked at him weirdly. “You drank it, cause you thought it was free, when you saw it was unattended…”
“…Well, yeah.”
“Do you not have any self-preservation?” YJH grimaced.
YJH looked at him weirdly. “You drank it, cause you thought it was free, when you saw it was unattended…”
“…Well, yeah.”
“Do you not have any self-preservation?” YJH grimaced.
KDJ bristled in indignation. “I was really thirsty! I don’t usually go to this park, I just got lost today and wandered around for a really long time.”
YJH still looked at him judgmentally, folding his arms. “So you chose to drink the first thing you saw out in the open?”
YJH still looked at him judgmentally, folding his arms. “So you chose to drink the first thing you saw out in the open?”
KDJ huffed, eying the blueish pink-purplish liquid he had chosen. “What did I drink anyways? You said it was a specialty?”
He nodded. “It’s lemonade with butterfly pea—”
KDJ choked, doubling over. “You made me drink butterfly pee?! And you’re charging me 24k won for it too?!”
He nodded. “It’s lemonade with butterfly pea—”
KDJ choked, doubling over. “You made me drink butterfly pee?! And you’re charging me 24k won for it too?!”
The audacity this kid had! “I didn’t make you drink anything, you stole it—!”
“How did you even get butterflies to piss this much into a cup?? I didn’t know their pee was blue!” KDJ cut him off again, staring in awe and horror.
YJH froze and looked at KDJ as if he was stupid.
“How did you even get butterflies to piss this much into a cup?? I didn’t know their pee was blue!” KDJ cut him off again, staring in awe and horror.
YJH froze and looked at KDJ as if he was stupid.
“No, you idiot! It’s butterfly pea flower flavored.” YJH said with great restraint.
“It’s a flower formed from their pee?” KDJ’s face scrunched up even more in disgust and confusion.
YJH really wanted to strangle him. “Are you stupid?”
“I just like normal things, that’s all!”
“It’s a flower formed from their pee?” KDJ’s face scrunched up even more in disgust and confusion.
YJH really wanted to strangle him. “Are you stupid?”
“I just like normal things, that’s all!”
KDJ turned his head away petulantly. “Well, even if it was pee, it was really good.” He brought his knees up to his chest to hold them. “I hadn’t had anything sweet in a long time so…” He drifted off, muttering with a pout.
“And look at where that’s gotten you.” YJH deadpanned.
“And look at where that’s gotten you.” YJH deadpanned.
KDJ huffed. “So all I have to do is work for you until I can pay you back, right? How much is my salary then?” He asked.
“300 won an hour.” YJH replied without remorse.
KDJ gawked. “Are you running a business or committing corporate slavery?! You can’t pay me so little!”
“300 won an hour.” YJH replied without remorse.
KDJ gawked. “Are you running a business or committing corporate slavery?! You can’t pay me so little!”
“Thieves can’t talk.”
KDJ pouted heavily. “So what am I supposed to do? Sell drinks? Do I get commission pay? But no one’s even coming.”
“That’s cause you look too sickly.” YJH frowned. KDJ really was too thin and pale. “You’re scaring them all away.”
“Then let me go!”
“No.”
KDJ pouted heavily. “So what am I supposed to do? Sell drinks? Do I get commission pay? But no one’s even coming.”
“That’s cause you look too sickly.” YJH frowned. KDJ really was too thin and pale. “You’re scaring them all away.”
“Then let me go!”
“No.”
KDJ pointed accusatorially. “I bet you’re just overpricing me cause you can’t sell anything!”
YJH glared. “I can.”
“Cannot.”
“Can too.”
“Then how many customers have you had before I came here?”
YJH bristled, vein popping on his forehead. “They just don’t have good taste.”
YJH glared. “I can.”
“Cannot.”
“Can too.”
“Then how many customers have you had before I came here?”
YJH bristled, vein popping on his forehead. “They just don’t have good taste.”
“No, it’s cause you’re actually the one scaring everyone away! You look so mean and grumpy.” KDJ criticized.
YJH glowered, fists clenching.
“Everything is also too expensive.” He continued. “You won’t make any sales this way.”
“How would you know?” YJH challenged haughtily.
YJH glowered, fists clenching.
“Everything is also too expensive.” He continued. “You won’t make any sales this way.”
“How would you know?” YJH challenged haughtily.
“I take business courses so I know what I’m doing.”
“Do you not have common sense?” KDJ rolled his eyes. “I bet I can make a sale before you.”
“You don’t know how to run a business.”
“No I don’t, but I’m really good at reading people though.” KDJ grinned. “Here, just look.”
“Do you not have common sense?” KDJ rolled his eyes. “I bet I can make a sale before you.”
“You don’t know how to run a business.”
“No I don’t, but I’m really good at reading people though.” KDJ grinned. “Here, just look.”
YJH watched as KDJ cheekily hopped from his seat, changed the prices on the chalkboard, before approaching someone in the distance. There was a moment of hesitance as he gathered his courage to tap their shoulder.
“Hello, Noona.” He greeted, putting on an innocent smile.
“Hello, Noona.” He greeted, putting on an innocent smile.
“I was wondering if you would like to buy some lemonade?” He said pleadingly with round eyes, showing off his bandages. “It’s for a really good cause, I’m trying to help my family.”
The middle-aged woman instantly cooed at the act. “Oh, of course, sweetie! You poor thing.”
The middle-aged woman instantly cooed at the act. “Oh, of course, sweetie! You poor thing.”
YJH gaped as KDJ made not one, but two sales. The woman bought two cups of lemonade, one for herself and one for her kid.
“Tada!” KDJ cheered happily, handing over the two bills. “Told ya, now do you believe me?”
YJH was speechless as he took the money. “How did you…”
“Tada!” KDJ cheered happily, handing over the two bills. “Told ya, now do you believe me?”
YJH was speechless as he took the money. “How did you…”
“You look too moody and rich, duh.” KDJ mocked. “I look like a child in need, so I just played up the pity points.”
“Were you lying?” YJH asked in seriousness.
“I was appealing to their sympathy.” KDJ dodged the question.
YJH frowned. “But this is just 2k won. My lemonade i—”
“Were you lying?” YJH asked in seriousness.
“I was appealing to their sympathy.” KDJ dodged the question.
YJH frowned. “But this is just 2k won. My lemonade i—”
“But no one will buy it if it’s too much. This way is slower but it’s more profitable.” KDJ rolled his eyes, putting his hands on his hips. “Don’t worry, I’ll help you sell more since you look too constipated to do it yourself.”
And that was how KDJ became his salesman.
And that was how KDJ became his salesman.
YJH would be the one to make the lemonade and treats, but KDJ would be the one to pull people in, charming them with his pity act.
KDJ purposefully exaggerated the sickly complexion YJH had previously mentioned to lure them in. His mouth always spilling out sly words and smiles.
KDJ purposefully exaggerated the sickly complexion YJH had previously mentioned to lure them in. His mouth always spilling out sly words and smiles.
People would foolishly give in to his pathetic tactics.
“You’re so hardworking. Your family must love you.”
“Thank you, Noona.” KDJ smiled politely.
“What’s your name, sweetie?”
KDJ blinked, faltering a little. He bit his bottom lip before answering. “I’m Yoo Joonghyuk.”
“You’re so hardworking. Your family must love you.”
“Thank you, Noona.” KDJ smiled politely.
“What’s your name, sweetie?”
KDJ blinked, faltering a little. He bit his bottom lip before answering. “I’m Yoo Joonghyuk.”
YJH made a face at the blatant identity theft.
“Why’d you steal my name?” YJH asked afterwards. Thieves must just take everything.
KDJ averted his eyes. “It’s better if no one knew my real name.” He said cryptically. “Or else it’ll affect business and sales. Trust me.”
“Why’d you steal my name?” YJH asked afterwards. Thieves must just take everything.
KDJ averted his eyes. “It’s better if no one knew my real name.” He said cryptically. “Or else it’ll affect business and sales. Trust me.”
YJH did not trust KDJ, but before he could question more, KDJ changed the subject.
“Honestly, if I could use my name, I would’ve. Pacheonmang is too complicated. KDJ Company sounds way better.”
“Are you dumb?” YJH scoffed. “That’s a horrible name for a business.”
“Honestly, if I could use my name, I would’ve. Pacheonmang is too complicated. KDJ Company sounds way better.”
“Are you dumb?” YJH scoffed. “That’s a horrible name for a business.”
“No, it’s not.” KDJ stuck out his tongue. “I would love to have one named that. Who knows, maybe one day!”
YJH was unamused. KDJ was definitely a Dreamer.
But he wondered why exactly KDJ couldn’t use his own name as more days passed by and more cases of identity theft happened.
YJH was unamused. KDJ was definitely a Dreamer.
But he wondered why exactly KDJ couldn’t use his own name as more days passed by and more cases of identity theft happened.
They met everyday at the park after school ended at 2 pm. Then they would stay and sell lemonade to people until the sky was red and orange from the setting sun.
YJH went to a private elementary school while KDJ went to a public one, so their schedules didn’t always align.
YJH went to a private elementary school while KDJ went to a public one, so their schedules didn’t always align.
But they worked around it. If KDJ didn’t come then YJH would manage the stand alone, and if YJH didn’t come then KDJ would just dawdle around until it was time to go back.
Unbeknownst to himself, YJH started to enjoy the other’s presence and disliked when KDJ didn’t show up.
Unbeknownst to himself, YJH started to enjoy the other’s presence and disliked when KDJ didn’t show up.
As the days turned to weeks, they started making a real profit in no time, especially since YJH’s food was really good. There were many returning customers as a result.
They didn’t always sell out at the end of the day though. But whatever leftovers they had were taken by KDJ.
They didn’t always sell out at the end of the day though. But whatever leftovers they had were taken by KDJ.
“I get employee discount and benefits!” He would laugh before grabbing them as they packed up to leave.
YJH doesn’t mention how there were no such free privileges here, nor does he mention how KDJ was technically supposed to still be in debt to him.
So he turned a blind eye.
YJH doesn’t mention how there were no such free privileges here, nor does he mention how KDJ was technically supposed to still be in debt to him.
So he turned a blind eye.
If there was more goods made the next day so that there would be more leftovers for KDJ to take home, then YJH made no mention of that either.
KDJ could use it anyways since he was just skin and bones. He always ate the food like he was starved. YJH frowned at that thought.
KDJ could use it anyways since he was just skin and bones. He always ate the food like he was starved. YJH frowned at that thought.
But cookies and lemonade weren’t a healthy diet, so maybe YJH started packing lunches for the both of them, and maybe he enjoyed KDJ’s bright smile whenever they ate together.
“This is really good! This is the best food I’ve ever had.” KDJ exclaimed, eyes turning into crescents.
“This is really good! This is the best food I’ve ever had.” KDJ exclaimed, eyes turning into crescents.
And maybe he preened at the praise given to him and maybe he liked the sound of KDJ’s soft voice.
“Oh, but I hate tomatoes, so I don’t like that, everything else is good though!” KDJ said a second later, tossing the tomato slices over to YJH disrespectfully.
But only maybe…
“Oh, but I hate tomatoes, so I don’t like that, everything else is good though!” KDJ said a second later, tossing the tomato slices over to YJH disrespectfully.
But only maybe…
“Hey, why does a rich kid like you need to make money?” KDJ asked one day as he snacked on the goods, tsk. “Don’t you have a lot already?”
YJH looked over from counting bills. “My parents suck, so I don’t want to depend on them. They won’t let me do what I want to do anyways.”
YJH looked over from counting bills. “My parents suck, so I don’t want to depend on them. They won’t let me do what I want to do anyways.”
KDJ hummed in understanding. “What is it that you want to do then?”
“They want me to be a CEO.” YJH was silent for a second as if hesitant, brows furrowed in contemplation. “But I just want to play video games…” He finally muttered.
KDJ’s eyes widened. “You like video games?”
“They want me to be a CEO.” YJH was silent for a second as if hesitant, brows furrowed in contemplation. “But I just want to play video games…” He finally muttered.
KDJ’s eyes widened. “You like video games?”
“I think so, I never played any though. They won’t let me.” He grumbled.
YJH wasn’t allowed to play video games because it didn’t suit the image of a successful business owner’s son. It was also a distraction from his studies.
That made him want to play them even more.
YJH wasn’t allowed to play video games because it didn’t suit the image of a successful business owner’s son. It was also a distraction from his studies.
That made him want to play them even more.
KDJ seemed surprised. “Really? You wanna play video games?”
“Yeah, so?” YJH glowered.
“Nothing, I just didn’t expect you to like things like that.” The smaller boy put his hands up placatingly. “You seem more like the type to…uh, slice people up with swords as a hobby?”
“Yeah, so?” YJH glowered.
“Nothing, I just didn’t expect you to like things like that.” The smaller boy put his hands up placatingly. “You seem more like the type to…uh, slice people up with swords as a hobby?”
YJH grimaced deeply. “Do I look like a psychopath to you?”
“Well, not exactly. It’s close to a psychopath though.” KDJ said ambiguously, whistling lowly.
YJH wanted to strangle him, but before he could, KDJ changed the subject. “So that’s why you’re selling lemonade?”
“Well, not exactly. It’s close to a psychopath though.” KDJ said ambiguously, whistling lowly.
YJH wanted to strangle him, but before he could, KDJ changed the subject. “So that’s why you’re selling lemonade?”
“Well, partially. I want to get away from my parents one day too.” YJH replies.
KDJ stared in awe at him. “So this is like, your plot then? Your secret plot. You’re like a Secretive Plotter.”
YJH grimaced heavily. “Don’t call me something so cringy—”
“Do you have enough?”
KDJ stared in awe at him. “So this is like, your plot then? Your secret plot. You’re like a Secretive Plotter.”
YJH grimaced heavily. “Don’t call me something so cringy—”
“Do you have enough?”
“Not yet, I only have enough for a game but I need a console too.” YJH mumbled as he met KDJ’s eyes.
He stared at the other, the question that has been bothering him for a while now finally surfacing. “What about you?”
“Hm? What about me?” KDJ quirked a brow, looking over.
He stared at the other, the question that has been bothering him for a while now finally surfacing. “What about you?”
“Hm? What about me?” KDJ quirked a brow, looking over.
“You always tell people you’re selling lemonade to help your family. Is that true? Do you need money?” YJH wasn’t much of a conversationalist, so he didn’t bother to ask before. But now that they were on this topic…
KDJ stiffened up, before looking away again, as if in shame.
KDJ stiffened up, before looking away again, as if in shame.
“It wasn’t true.” He said quietly. “Cause I don’t have a family.”
YJH stiffened up this time, blinking. “You don’t?”
KDJ twiddled his thumbs awkwardly. “Not anymore.”
YJH waited, not saying anything for a long while. Eventually, KDJ continued to speak, and YJH listened.
YJH stiffened up this time, blinking. “You don’t?”
KDJ twiddled his thumbs awkwardly. “Not anymore.”
YJH waited, not saying anything for a long while. Eventually, KDJ continued to speak, and YJH listened.
Turns out, KDJ didn’t have a very good home life either. But unlike YJH, his parents weren’t around anymore and the relatives he lived with now weren’t any better it seemed.
That explained the pale thinness and bandages. The realization left a bitter taste in YJH’s mouth.
That explained the pale thinness and bandages. The realization left a bitter taste in YJH’s mouth.
KDJ was rather anxious and withdrawn when they first met. But as soon as he found out YJH didn’t know who he was, he had immediately livened up, going so far as even being cheeky and poking fun at him. He was annoying and never shut up.
Now YJH knew why exactly he was like that.
Now YJH knew why exactly he was like that.
KDJ bit his lip and nervously shifted his eyes, squirming a bit in his seat. “I… You’re not scared of me now, are you…? We can still be friends right?”
YJH had never actually considered KDJ as a friend. He doesn’t know what KDJ was to him, but definitely not a friend.
YJH had never actually considered KDJ as a friend. He doesn’t know what KDJ was to him, but definitely not a friend.
But YJH replied earnestly. “You’re not like your mom or dad, the same way I’m not like mine. You’re wholly Kim Dokja.”
KDJ stared at him as if he was his savior, bottom lip quivering.
“Also why would I be scared of someone I can beat up?” YJH quickly added to lighten the mood.
KDJ stared at him as if he was his savior, bottom lip quivering.
“Also why would I be scared of someone I can beat up?” YJH quickly added to lighten the mood.
KDJ instantly bristled in offense, sucking in a shaky breath and blinking rapidly as if to get something out of his eyes. “As if you can beat me up.”
YJH gave an unamused stare at the other. “I can fold you like paper, you’re that small and thin.”
“Cannot!”
“Can too.”
YJH gave an unamused stare at the other. “I can fold you like paper, you’re that small and thin.”
“Cannot!”
“Can too.”
YJH looked at KDJ’s face, it was dusted a slight pink and his eyes looked a bit shiny and wet. He hoped it was only in ire and annoyance, not something else.
“I honestly thought you were an elementary schooler at first.” YJH continued to taunt, watching KDJ’s reaction carefully.
“I honestly thought you were an elementary schooler at first.” YJH continued to taunt, watching KDJ’s reaction carefully.
KDJ stood up, as if he’s had enough of the other’s mockery and was ready to challenge YJH head on, but stopped in surprise when he was handed some bills.
“Huh?” KDJ took the money tentatively. “Why are you giving me this?”
“It’s your pay.”
KDJ still looked at him in confusion.
“Huh?” KDJ took the money tentatively. “Why are you giving me this?”
“It’s your pay.”
KDJ still looked at him in confusion.
YJH leveled him a firm gaze. “KDJ, become my business partner.” He said in all seriousness. “Let’s both make enough money to do what we want to do.”
The other’s eyes widened, lips slightly parted in disbelief. “But… But what about you? You won’t have enough for your game now…”
The other’s eyes widened, lips slightly parted in disbelief. “But… But what about you? You won’t have enough for your game now…”
“We can always make more.” YJH was suddenly in no rush to end this business endeavor.
KDJ swallowed thickly, his fingers crinkling the bills from how tightly he was clutching it. Ah, his throat started to quiver again. “What about my debt? How much do I still owe you?”
KDJ swallowed thickly, his fingers crinkling the bills from how tightly he was clutching it. Ah, his throat started to quiver again. “What about my debt? How much do I still owe you?”
Oh yeah. That.
YJH turned his head away. It had been many months so KDJ had actually made up the 24k won by now, even if his wage was only 300 won an hour.
YJH just didn’t inform the other of it cause he was worried that KDJ would leave then, since he was finally debt free.
YJH turned his head away. It had been many months so KDJ had actually made up the 24k won by now, even if his wage was only 300 won an hour.
YJH just didn’t inform the other of it cause he was worried that KDJ would leave then, since he was finally debt free.
“…You actually paid that off several weeks ago.” He said carefully.
“What.” KDJ gawked. “Wait, then don’t you owe me more than this?!” He blanched, hand reaching out to grab more from the other’s grasp.
“No.” YJH said like the stingy cheapskate he was, holding it out of reach.
“What.” KDJ gawked. “Wait, then don’t you owe me more than this?!” He blanched, hand reaching out to grab more from the other’s grasp.
“No.” YJH said like the stingy cheapskate he was, holding it out of reach.
YJH was taller so all he had to do was hold his arm up. KDJ helplessly jumped while tugging on his sleeve.
“Hey, that’s not fair! How dare you make me do all that free labor!” He was on his tippy toes.
YJH scoffed. “You ate more than enough of the goods to make up for it.”
“Hey, that’s not fair! How dare you make me do all that free labor!” He was on his tippy toes.
YJH scoffed. “You ate more than enough of the goods to make up for it.”
KDJ bristled in indignation at the injustice. “You slave diver!” He accused before tackling the other.
They both tumbled to the grass, YJH’s back hitting it first as KDJ crashed on top of him.
He’s about to berate him when he felt the smaller boy bury his face into his chest.
They both tumbled to the grass, YJH’s back hitting it first as KDJ crashed on top of him.
He’s about to berate him when he felt the smaller boy bury his face into his chest.
Slender fingers gripped the front of YJH’s shirt tightly as his whole body shook like a leaf.
YJH felt a wetness staining his chest and muffled cries of “J-Joonghyuk-ah, Joonghyuk-a-ah…” repeated over and over.
He wrapped his arms around KDJ, soothing his trembling shoulders.
YJH felt a wetness staining his chest and muffled cries of “J-Joonghyuk-ah, Joonghyuk-a-ah…” repeated over and over.
He wrapped his arms around KDJ, soothing his trembling shoulders.
The comforting gesture made KDJ curl in on himself more as he laid on top of YJH. Small hiccups and whimpers slipping through as YJH rubbed his quivering back.
YJH was afraid this would happen. He had tried to distract KDJ cause he didn’t want to see him cry like this.
YJH was afraid this would happen. He had tried to distract KDJ cause he didn’t want to see him cry like this.
They stayed there, holding each other until the sun began to set.
Thankfully, business was slow today.
When they finally pulled apart, KDJ’s eyes were puffy, residual tears rested on his lashes.
YJH thought he looked pretty, but never wanted to see him like that ever again.
Thankfully, business was slow today.
When they finally pulled apart, KDJ’s eyes were puffy, residual tears rested on his lashes.
YJH thought he looked pretty, but never wanted to see him like that ever again.
He handed him another bill, making KDJ giggle and laugh loudly.
“That was cause of something else, y’know? Well, I won’t say no to free money though.”
“I know.” YJH had a feeling this wasn’t about the missed wage payments.
KDJ hugged him again, as if not wanting to separate.
“That was cause of something else, y’know? Well, I won’t say no to free money though.”
“I know.” YJH had a feeling this wasn’t about the missed wage payments.
KDJ hugged him again, as if not wanting to separate.
KDJ started to become more outgoing and lively from then on. And by that, YJH meant annoying.
He was even more talkative now, rambling on about cringy novels he liked to read. He also openly chided YJH more and made fun of him too, making YJH’s blood pressure rise each time.
He was even more talkative now, rambling on about cringy novels he liked to read. He also openly chided YJH more and made fun of him too, making YJH’s blood pressure rise each time.
“Joonghyuk-ah, you should smile more. We would get more customers if you did.”
“It’s such a waste of a face with a personality like yours.”
“You sure you’re not some kind of transcendental being? It’s inconceivable that a normal human would be blessed with such looks.”
“It’s such a waste of a face with a personality like yours.”
“You sure you’re not some kind of transcendental being? It’s inconceivable that a normal human would be blessed with such looks.”
KDJ also constantly demanded YJH give him a raise when he clearly didn’t deserve one.
“Come on, do you know how much of a tyrant you are?” He would laugh and lean his head on YJH’s shoulder. “These are horrible working conditions. You definitely didn’t take an ethics course.”
“Come on, do you know how much of a tyrant you are?” He would laugh and lean his head on YJH’s shoulder. “These are horrible working conditions. You definitely didn’t take an ethics course.”
YJH was sure KDJ was doing this just to be a thorn in his side, enjoying the way YJH would tighten his jaw in irritation at his jokes.
“You’re dispensable.” He would lie. KDJ wasn’t dispensable.
“Boo, meanie.” He would chuckle cause YJH did not shove the smaller boy off of him.
“You’re dispensable.” He would lie. KDJ wasn’t dispensable.
“Boo, meanie.” He would chuckle cause YJH did not shove the smaller boy off of him.
But despite always shooting down the suggestion, YJH actually split the profit 40-60 between himself and KDJ respectively at the end of each day, making sure that the other never found out cause he would definitely not accept it then.
KDJ could use the extra money more than YJH.
KDJ could use the extra money more than YJH.
With this, KDJ could get food in the morning since he couldn’t eat breakfast before. With this, KDJ could also get clothes that weren’t so thin and filled with holes. With this, KDJ could get out of his house faster.
YJH can wait a bit more to buy his game and leave his parents.
YJH can wait a bit more to buy his game and leave his parents.
They spent more time together and made more of an effort to do so too. KDJ would lean into his personal space more and YJH maybe did the same.
Their lemonade stand became even more successful as they started planning out different scenarios and creating different schemes.
Their lemonade stand became even more successful as they started planning out different scenarios and creating different schemes.
KDJ did most of the brainstorming, suggesting YJH change up the specials on a daily basis and having 2 for 1 deals, or switching up the location and having free samples.
He even made a weird market sales analysis that YJH begrudgingly agreed was very well thought out.
He even made a weird market sales analysis that YJH begrudgingly agreed was very well thought out.
When summer came around, they would spend the day together as often as possible. YJH made every effort to dodge his pesky tutors.
They sold fruit bowls and tropical lemonade. They also had popsicles too. Though, they ended up eating most of those. It was hot during the day.
They sold fruit bowls and tropical lemonade. They also had popsicles too. Though, they ended up eating most of those. It was hot during the day.
YJH could only endure these “trying times” because he maybe liked the sound of KDJ’s laugh.
That’s why he hung out with the other, why they talked, why YJH sometimes caught his eyes drifting to the way those pink lips moved. Why he found himself leaning in closer each time.
That’s why he hung out with the other, why they talked, why YJH sometimes caught his eyes drifting to the way those pink lips moved. Why he found himself leaning in closer each time.
Instead of working everyday, YJH found himself taking an off-day, or many off-days, as if he was about to encounter another important hurdle.
He’d take KDJ to different places to see all the attractions he has never seen before and eat all the food he has never had before.
He’d take KDJ to different places to see all the attractions he has never seen before and eat all the food he has never had before.
The money he’s been saving kept getting spent on dumplings he hasn’t figured out the recipe to (yet) and pastries that he doesn’t have the expertise to recreate (yet).
Of course, he had the pretext of finding new business ideas for upcoming “scenarios” to use as a coverup.
Of course, he had the pretext of finding new business ideas for upcoming “scenarios” to use as a coverup.
But in actuality, he did all this cause he wanted to spend time and go to new places with KDJ.
It was rather counterproductive, considering his main goal was still the same. He’s just putting it on hold for now.
It would do KDJ some good, he could use the rest.
It was rather counterproductive, considering his main goal was still the same. He’s just putting it on hold for now.
It would do KDJ some good, he could use the rest.
KDJ was always in a hurry to make more money, as if he was being pursued. YJH had wondered if his home situation got worse. So the split was now 30-70 between them.
But be found out why KDJ was rushing so much at the end of summer break, specifically on YJH’s 13th birthday.
But be found out why KDJ was rushing so much at the end of summer break, specifically on YJH’s 13th birthday.
They had agreed to meet up and spend the day together. YJH was already there waiting when he saw KDJ running towards him, breathless.
He stopped in front of the other, panting heavily, hiding something behind his back. “Joonghyuk-ah! Happy birthday!” He cheered, smiling widely.
He stopped in front of the other, panting heavily, hiding something behind his back. “Joonghyuk-ah! Happy birthday!” He cheered, smiling widely.
YJH cleared his throat to hide his embarrassment. His ears felt a little warm. “Thanks.” He tried to remain stoic as he quirked a brow at KDJ’s shifty behavior.
He was grinning widely but there was a mischievous lilt to it, his eyes shining like crescents in excitement.
He was grinning widely but there was a mischievous lilt to it, his eyes shining like crescents in excitement.
“KDJ?” He prompted.
The smaller boy dramatically revealed what he was hiding behind his back finally. A very poorly wrapped gift.
“I got you a gift, I hope you like it.” He said shyly.
YJH blinked with wide eyes as he carefully took the box. He gingerly began unwrapping it.
The smaller boy dramatically revealed what he was hiding behind his back finally. A very poorly wrapped gift.
“I got you a gift, I hope you like it.” He said shyly.
YJH blinked with wide eyes as he carefully took the box. He gingerly began unwrapping it.
He peeled back the coarse wrapping paper and opened it to reveal…
YJH’s breath stilled and heart lodged itself into his throat. His chest felt tight and his stomach was in knots.
KDJ got him a Nintendo 3DS, styled black. He would know, he had been planning to get it himself.
YJH’s breath stilled and heart lodged itself into his throat. His chest felt tight and his stomach was in knots.
KDJ got him a Nintendo 3DS, styled black. He would know, he had been planning to get it himself.
Meaning he knew exactly how much it costed. “I can’t accept this.”
“No, I got it for you! It’s your present.” KDJ pouted and rolled his eyes as if he expected this. “I don’t even like video games.”
“Then return it.” YJH swallowed thickly. “KDJ, this must’ve costed a—”
“No, I got it for you! It’s your present.” KDJ pouted and rolled his eyes as if he expected this. “I don’t even like video games.”
“Then return it.” YJH swallowed thickly. “KDJ, this must’ve costed a—”
“But now you can finally play video games!” KDJ cut him off. “Oh, I didn’t buy you a game though, I didn’t know which one you’ll like so you’ll have to buy that yourself.”
YJH was speechless. KDJ just grinned cheekily, no doubt enjoying the never before seen stunned expression.
YJH was speechless. KDJ just grinned cheekily, no doubt enjoying the never before seen stunned expression.
YJH can feel his heart thumping inside him. This was bought with the money KDJ was supposed to spend on himself, to save so that he could get away one day.
He had spent it on YJH. Since YJH was the one who paid him, he realized KDJ must’ve not spent any of it on himself.
He had spent it on YJH. Since YJH was the one who paid him, he realized KDJ must’ve not spent any of it on himself.
That would be the only way he could’ve afforded this. A brand new one, not even used.
He was struggling not to smile, but everything felt so warm on his face, in his chest, in his heart.
“So I’m guessing you like it?” KDJ snickered cheekily. Liked it would be an understatement.
He was struggling not to smile, but everything felt so warm on his face, in his chest, in his heart.
“So I’m guessing you like it?” KDJ snickered cheekily. Liked it would be an understatement.
His laugh was cut off as YJH suddenly wrapped his arms around him, burying his face into his neck. “Thank you.” He whispered, lips ghosting along his pulse.
KDJ patted his back shyly. “You’re welcome. I’m glad you like it.”
No, what he truly liked was KDJ. Ah, he was in love.
KDJ patted his back shyly. “You’re welcome. I’m glad you like it.”
No, what he truly liked was KDJ. Ah, he was in love.
He was in love, he was in love, he was in love. He loved him. He loved KDJ. He was in love with KDJ.
The explained everything, from the beating of his heart to the longing to be close, to sharing touches with the other.
He was a fool. No wonder he never considered KDJ a friend.
The explained everything, from the beating of his heart to the longing to be close, to sharing touches with the other.
He was a fool. No wonder he never considered KDJ a friend.
But there was no way he could tell him that.
If he confessed, there was no going back in time to make better choices with the information he had of the future.
If he confessed, their current relationship, everything he had with KDJ, would be at risk, could be lost forever.
If he confessed, there was no going back in time to make better choices with the information he had of the future.
If he confessed, their current relationship, everything he had with KDJ, would be at risk, could be lost forever.
What if KDJ didn't share his feelings? What if he felt too awkward to stay and abandoned him?
If he was rejected, he would lose KDJ as a significant other, as a friend, as a business partner. He would lose KDJ forever.
He's not sure what would become of him if that happened.
If he was rejected, he would lose KDJ as a significant other, as a friend, as a business partner. He would lose KDJ forever.
He's not sure what would become of him if that happened.
YJH was afraid of something for the first time.
He didn't want to be alone again. The KDJ of this life might only appear in this life if they remained as "friends".
He didn't have the courage to put everything on the line. There was only one chance after all.
An eternal once.
He didn't want to be alone again. The KDJ of this life might only appear in this life if they remained as "friends".
He didn't have the courage to put everything on the line. There was only one chance after all.
An eternal once.
So he kept his feelings to himself and continued spending the days the same way they always have.
What they had now wasn't bad. KDJ naturally invaded his personal space, which YJH welcomed with open arms.
They were already close to each other, just shy of actually kissing.
What they had now wasn't bad. KDJ naturally invaded his personal space, which YJH welcomed with open arms.
They were already close to each other, just shy of actually kissing.
But YJH was greedy. Even though he already had so much, he still wanted more.
He found himself holding the other tighter around his waist, nuzzling his neck, almost biting it if he didn't have better control.
KDJ seemed none the wiser as he continued laughing and cooing.
He found himself holding the other tighter around his waist, nuzzling his neck, almost biting it if he didn't have better control.
KDJ seemed none the wiser as he continued laughing and cooing.
The year went by, summer turned to fall and then winter.
Their lemonade stand featured more seasonal specialties and they made more customers.
KDJ has really grown into this cunning little salesman persona, while YJH has remained the same stoic antisocial boss.
Their lemonade stand featured more seasonal specialties and they made more customers.
KDJ has really grown into this cunning little salesman persona, while YJH has remained the same stoic antisocial boss.
He was just unwilling to interact with other people, having little to no interest or tolerance to do so.
KDJ, despite being withdrawn, filled in for him quite well, too well. YJH has gotten a little possessive and jealous with how chummy and comfortable KDJ was with strangers.
KDJ, despite being withdrawn, filled in for him quite well, too well. YJH has gotten a little possessive and jealous with how chummy and comfortable KDJ was with strangers.
But at the end of the day, KDJ would always drift back to him, saying he deserved commission pay because YJH had been scaring away more customers than usual and he had to really pick up the slack.
YJH may have glared more at people when they got too close to KDJ for his liking…
YJH may have glared more at people when they got too close to KDJ for his liking…
However, all good things come to an end eventually. That includes the fleeting moments of their childhood.
The school year was coming to a close and they were going to graduate soon from elementary school.
That meant they were both going to go to middle school soon.
The school year was coming to a close and they were going to graduate soon from elementary school.
That meant they were both going to go to middle school soon.
But the private one YJH was going to attend and the public one KDJ was going to attend were an even farther distance away from each other than their respective elementary schools.
They could no longer meet up afterwards at the end of each day since they’ll have no time.
They could no longer meet up afterwards at the end of each day since they’ll have no time.
The distance was too great. So close yet so far. They both realized this with a growing apprehension.
February was the last month they would be able to meet each other like this.
So when Valentine’s Day rolled around, YJH had been so tempted to give in and confess to the other.
February was the last month they would be able to meet each other like this.
So when Valentine’s Day rolled around, YJH had been so tempted to give in and confess to the other.
He almost did when KDJ suggested they spend the day together so that he could eat all the chocolates YJH was sure to get.
He had found it extremely cute how KDJ would pout and question if YJH accepted any of the numerous confessions.
Of course he didn’t. He only loved KDJ.
He had found it extremely cute how KDJ would pout and question if YJH accepted any of the numerous confessions.
Of course he didn’t. He only loved KDJ.
When the 15th came, YJH had gone all out for KDJ’s birthday. He baked a cake and had spent hours in a bookstore contemplating what to get the other.
He ended up getting the entire book set of [Journey to the West]. It was a classic that KDJ had talked about wanting to read.
He ended up getting the entire book set of [Journey to the West]. It was a classic that KDJ had talked about wanting to read.
“You got me the whole set?!” KDJ gasped as he took the numerous volumes into his arms.
“They sold out on [Olympus].” YJH grumbled, enjoying KDJ’s bright smile.
“Who cares! [Olympus] is overrated anyways.” He laughed, hugging the books close. “Thank you, Joonghyuk-ah!”
“They sold out on [Olympus].” YJH grumbled, enjoying KDJ’s bright smile.
“Who cares! [Olympus] is overrated anyways.” He laughed, hugging the books close. “Thank you, Joonghyuk-ah!”
“I haven’t gotten a birthday gift in so long.” KDJ sighed happily, but that made YJH frown. Technically KDJ still spent more on his birthday present than vice versa.
“Let’s get more.”
KDJ blinked. “Huh? No, no! This is fine. Have pity on me, I still have to lug this home.”
“Let’s get more.”
KDJ blinked. “Huh? No, no! This is fine. Have pity on me, I still have to lug this home.”
YJH was about to suggest he accompany him, but KDJ changed the topic before he could.
“Also, you should save your money… Since we can’t meet up everyday anymore.” He whispered quietly.
Ah, that’s right.
What did this mean for their lemonade stand? What did this mean for them?
“Also, you should save your money… Since we can’t meet up everyday anymore.” He whispered quietly.
Ah, that’s right.
What did this mean for their lemonade stand? What did this mean for them?
“We can still meet up on the weekends.” YJH said.
KDJ hummed, smiling wistfully. “That’s true, but I’ll miss not seeing you everyday.”
YJH would miss it too, he would miss it so much. Which is he why wanted to make the most of today, before the new school year started.
KDJ hummed, smiling wistfully. “That’s true, but I’ll miss not seeing you everyday.”
YJH would miss it too, he would miss it so much. Which is he why wanted to make the most of today, before the new school year started.
So against KDJ’s bickering protest, YJH took him back to the fancy shopping plaza with the explicit intent to buy him more gifts.
He wanted today to be special, really special.
He walked ahead and KDJ lagged behind him to the point YJH had to hold his hand for him to keep up.
He wanted today to be special, really special.
He walked ahead and KDJ lagged behind him to the point YJH had to hold his hand for him to keep up.
“Ah, wait. Hold on, I think I forgot something!” KDJ said as he slipped away. He watched the other stumble towards a bench they had just passed, staring at it as if in some sort of dazed reverie.
He continued to stand there with his back turned to YJH, doing absolutely nothing.
He continued to stand there with his back turned to YJH, doing absolutely nothing.
Was this his newest stalling method to prevent YJH from buying him another gift?? Did he take YJH to be a fool?
“Dokja-yah!” He shouted in annoyance, stomping over and grabbing his hand to interlock their fingers tightly.
Now KDJ can’t pull away this time, sneaky bastard.
“Dokja-yah!” He shouted in annoyance, stomping over and grabbing his hand to interlock their fingers tightly.
Now KDJ can’t pull away this time, sneaky bastard.
“Come on, stop loitering around, we have to go.” He grumbled, pulling the other away as KDJ trotted along, snickering at him.
He glanced at the empty bench. Although it was for the briefest of brief moments, he felt that there was someone standing before him.
Who…?
He glanced at the empty bench. Although it was for the briefest of brief moments, he felt that there was someone standing before him.
Who…?
“What were you even doing?” He asked as KDJ laughed at his frazzled behavior.
“Hm? Oh, uh…” KDJ scrunched up his face. “Huh, I don’t know. My memory is kinda fuzzy. I guess I forgot.”
YJH sighed heavily in exasperation. So it was just him stalling. “You’re an idiot.”
“Hm? Oh, uh…” KDJ scrunched up his face. “Huh, I don’t know. My memory is kinda fuzzy. I guess I forgot.”
YJH sighed heavily in exasperation. So it was just him stalling. “You’re an idiot.”
“Hey! That was uncalled for!” KDJ pouted, but he continued to walk by his side.
When they finally got to the bookstore, they browsed the many aisles. But much to his frustration, KDJ refused any more gifts, stating his noodle arms as the reason.
“There’s nothing good anyways.”
When they finally got to the bookstore, they browsed the many aisles. But much to his frustration, KDJ refused any more gifts, stating his noodle arms as the reason.
“There’s nothing good anyways.”
So they left and KDJ had to comfort him.
“Stop sulking, didn’t I say to save your money? Come on, let’s find somewhere to sit. I wanna read the books you’ve already gotten me. I’ll even read them to you.”
YJH was not entirely against that idea, loving the sound of his voice.
“Stop sulking, didn’t I say to save your money? Come on, let’s find somewhere to sit. I wanna read the books you’ve already gotten me. I’ll even read them to you.”
YJH was not entirely against that idea, loving the sound of his voice.
They went back to that bench they saw earlier and sat there, cuddling as KDJ excitedly read out loud one of the most boring ass books YJH has ever had the displeasure to hear. SWK sounded annoying af.
But it was worth it if it made KDJ happy to be reading it together with him.
But it was worth it if it made KDJ happy to be reading it together with him.
Sadly, middle school was much worse than they had anticipated.
YJH hated his classmates. They were all annoying, vying for his attention, pestering him, bothering him, trying to use him to get close to his parents.
Especially this one snarky girl. He hated her the most.
YJH hated his classmates. They were all annoying, vying for his attention, pestering him, bothering him, trying to use him to get close to his parents.
Especially this one snarky girl. He hated her the most.
The weekdays were like hell. They seemed to last an eternity and he was miserable the entire time batting everyone away.
He never knew how short his temper would become when he couldn’t see KDJ everyday. He felt like a ticking time bomb with a quickly dwindling fuse.
He never knew how short his temper would become when he couldn’t see KDJ everyday. He felt like a ticking time bomb with a quickly dwindling fuse.
The weekends felt like salvation when he could finally see KDJ again and feel the warmth of his soft skin.
He treated that time like a reprieve. As long as KDJ was with him, he didn’t mind lemonade sales certainly going down by a bit.
He just wanted this small happiness.
He treated that time like a reprieve. As long as KDJ was with him, he didn’t mind lemonade sales certainly going down by a bit.
He just wanted this small happiness.
But of course, his parents wouldn’t let him have even this. His parents have recently caught on that YJH was skipping his tutoring sessions and as a result, signed him up for weekend academy courses.
This means now that even his weekends are busy and he CAN’T SEE KDJ.
This means now that even his weekends are busy and he CAN’T SEE KDJ.
He protested immediately cause he was already getting good grades, there was no point to add more work. His parents wouldn’t listen to reason though.
“It’s time to get serious. You’re not a little kid anymore, you can’t be wasting time like this. You should understand.”
“It’s time to get serious. You’re not a little kid anymore, you can’t be wasting time like this. You should understand.”
But YJH was only 13. He didn’t understand.
If he objected any more, his parents threatened to send him to boarding school in Jeju for misbehavior.
Then he really wouldn’t be able to see KDJ anymore, so he swallowed all his anger and pride like bile in his throat and relented.
If he objected any more, his parents threatened to send him to boarding school in Jeju for misbehavior.
Then he really wouldn’t be able to see KDJ anymore, so he swallowed all his anger and pride like bile in his throat and relented.
“Run away with me.” He said the next time they met up.
KDJ gaped. “YJH, are you crazy?”
But YJH was dead serious. The look on his face was grim and sullen, filled with frustration and fury.
KDJ sighed fondly, sadly. “You know we can’t run away.” He whispered, tone melancholic.
KDJ gaped. “YJH, are you crazy?”
But YJH was dead serious. The look on his face was grim and sullen, filled with frustration and fury.
KDJ sighed fondly, sadly. “You know we can’t run away.” He whispered, tone melancholic.
“We can, we have enough money now and we can sell lemonade as we go to make more—”
“I don’t know about my aunt and uncle, but I’m sure your parents will call the police to search for you.” His voice was quiet but YJH heard it loud and clear.
It was the harsh cold truth.
“I don’t know about my aunt and uncle, but I’m sure your parents will call the police to search for you.” His voice was quiet but YJH heard it loud and clear.
It was the harsh cold truth.
They would have to disband their lemonade stand now, since it was uncertain how often they could even meet up.
YJH’s mouth tasted bitter. That stand was how he met KDJ, was what he and KDJ worked so hard on.
It was what kept them together and now it was going to end.
YJH’s mouth tasted bitter. That stand was how he met KDJ, was what he and KDJ worked so hard on.
It was what kept them together and now it was going to end.
KDJ must’ve realized the same thing cause his eyes looked wet and shiny.
YJH swallowed thickly. “I… I’m sorry.”
“Why are you sorry? It’s not your fault.” KDJ smiled softly, putting on a brave face and trying to lighten up the mood. “Hey, we at least still have holidays!”
YJH swallowed thickly. “I… I’m sorry.”
“Why are you sorry? It’s not your fault.” KDJ smiled softly, putting on a brave face and trying to lighten up the mood. “Hey, we at least still have holidays!”
Holidays were so wide apart, but it was better than nothing.
“Unless you don’t wanna see me anymore since I’m no longer your little salesman that you can abuse.” KDJ jokingly pouted.
“I don’t abuse you.” YJH scoffed. He doesn’t deny the part about KDJ being HIS salesman.
“Unless you don’t wanna see me anymore since I’m no longer your little salesman that you can abuse.” KDJ jokingly pouted.
“I don’t abuse you.” YJH scoffed. He doesn’t deny the part about KDJ being HIS salesman.
“As if! Do you know what you put me through—” He yelped as YJH cut him off by hugging him tightly, relishing the way KDJ fit perfectly in his arms.
“When we’re older, I’ll hire you again.” YJH whispered.
KDJ laughed. “Why would I want to work for a slave driver like you again?”
“When we’re older, I’ll hire you again.” YJH whispered.
KDJ laughed. “Why would I want to work for a slave driver like you again?”
But KDJ rubbed his back fondly, nuzzling into his neck while YJH buried his nose into his silky hair.
They held each for as long as possible, YJH unwilling to let go for even a second as he tried to memorize every detail of KDJ’s entire being.
He smelled like lemons.
They held each for as long as possible, YJH unwilling to let go for even a second as he tried to memorize every detail of KDJ’s entire being.
He smelled like lemons.
YJH spent his following school days as if they were the apocalypse and he its lone pilgrim traversing it, just trying to fucking survive through it.
The coursework was enormous and the teachers unforgiving. YJH barely had any free time even on holidays, but he didn’t CARE.
The coursework was enormous and the teachers unforgiving. YJH barely had any free time even on holidays, but he didn’t CARE.
Every break and holiday that year was spent to its limits with KDJ. From sunrise to sunset.
They both wanted to see each other that much, even without the lemonade stand.
Unfortunately that didn’t include either of their birthdays, YJH’s 14th one and KDJ’s 15th one.
They both wanted to see each other that much, even without the lemonade stand.
Unfortunately that didn’t include either of their birthdays, YJH’s 14th one and KDJ’s 15th one.
Just the thought of it has YJH’s blood boiling. It was like his life was being ruined by his parents.
YJH felt hopelessness, overwhelming discontent, and a bone-deep exhaustion engulf him after just the first year.
He wondered how KDJ was faring. He hoped it was better.
YJH felt hopelessness, overwhelming discontent, and a bone-deep exhaustion engulf him after just the first year.
He wondered how KDJ was faring. He hoped it was better.
He was sure KDJ must be going through his own hardships too.
He looked thinner and paler, with dark circles under his eyes. Just as exhausted as YJH was.
YJH would sometimes see bandages on him too. But KDJ always assured him that he was just clumsy during gym.
He looked thinner and paler, with dark circles under his eyes. Just as exhausted as YJH was.
YJH would sometimes see bandages on him too. But KDJ always assured him that he was just clumsy during gym.
Whenever he tried to ask, KDJ would change the subject. He always prioritized YJH’s wellbeing first, no doubt sensing his growing depression, even though he looked just as tired.
“Happy memories! Happy memories!” He cooed. “Imagine happy memories, think happy thoughts!”
“Happy memories! Happy memories!” He cooed. “Imagine happy memories, think happy thoughts!”
YJH truly did not deserve KDJ. If only his own mental fortitude wasn’t so weak, then KDJ wouldn’t need to coddle him so much.
“Aren’t you happy to see me?” KDJ teased with a wide smile and crescent eyes.
YJH was happy to see KDJ. He was his only happiness at this point.
“Aren’t you happy to see me?” KDJ teased with a wide smile and crescent eyes.
YJH was happy to see KDJ. He was his only happiness at this point.
“You should relax and rest, it’s already summer vacation for you! What are you thinking about so hard? ”
That’s true. YJH’s school let out a week earlier than KDJ’s. They’ll be able to spend the short summer together soon.
“Mm.” He hummed tiredly. “Just how much I love you…”
That’s true. YJH’s school let out a week earlier than KDJ’s. They’ll be able to spend the short summer together soon.
“Mm.” He hummed tiredly. “Just how much I love you…”
KDJ froze in his arms and YJH immediately stiffened up too. He had said that unconsciously, still too mentally worn down to properly filter himself.
The tense silence made his anxiety shoot up. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that. Just ignore it.” He took it back quickly.
The tense silence made his anxiety shoot up. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that. Just ignore it.” He took it back quickly.
He lets go of the other, ready to walk away, the awkwardness and self-loathing already kicking in. But a tight grasp on his sleeve halted him.
“W-Wait…!” KDJ stuttered with wide eyes. “Wait, was what you said true though?”
“I didn’t mean to say it out loud.” He said instead.
“W-Wait…!” KDJ stuttered with wide eyes. “Wait, was what you said true though?”
“I didn’t mean to say it out loud.” He said instead.
“But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t true.” KDJ countered his avoidant answer with a desperate tone. He should just lie, but for some reason the smaller boy had an almost hopeful look in his eyes that had YJH faltering.
He swallowed thickly, but replied honestly. “I do.”
He swallowed thickly, but replied honestly. “I do.”
“But you’re not obligated to return them.” YJH added right after. He doesn’t want to pressure KDJ.
KDJ bit his bottom lip as if thinking very deeply. YJH traced every action with his eyes.
“L-Like do you mean platonically? As friends?” KDJ asked, unsure. “Or like romantically?”
KDJ bit his bottom lip as if thinking very deeply. YJH traced every action with his eyes.
“L-Like do you mean platonically? As friends?” KDJ asked, unsure. “Or like romantically?”
YJH took a deep inhale, he might as well confess now. “Romantically. KDJ, I’m in love with you.”
KDJ’s breath hitched and YJH felt his own falter in his lungs as another tense silence came over them.
KDJ didn’t say anything for a long time and YJH was sure he was going to reje—
KDJ’s breath hitched and YJH felt his own falter in his lungs as another tense silence came over them.
KDJ didn’t say anything for a long time and YJH was sure he was going to reje—
“Prove it to me…” He said finally, voice barely above a whisper.
YJH blinked. “How.”
He wasn’t very good with words, but he would try if KDJ wanted a speech.
“Any…Anyway you want.” KDJ rocked the soles of his feet back and forth, as if trying to get on his tiptoes.
YJH blinked. “How.”
He wasn’t very good with words, but he would try if KDJ wanted a speech.
“Any…Anyway you want.” KDJ rocked the soles of his feet back and forth, as if trying to get on his tiptoes.
YJH’s eyes darkened. “KDJ, are you sure?” He wondered if he was reading him wrong. “Anyway I want?”
KDJ gulped, as if not trusting his own voice, but nodded, licking his lips. YJH tracked that movement as he took a deep shuddering inhale.
YJH started to lean in.
KDJ gulped, as if not trusting his own voice, but nodded, licking his lips. YJH tracked that movement as he took a deep shuddering inhale.
YJH started to lean in.
It was slow enough that KDJ could move away if he wanted to, but the smaller teen squeezed his eyes shut instead, staying still.
Even when YJH touched his forehead against KDJ’s, the other didn’t move.
YJH closed the distance to give a chaste kiss upon those soft lips.
Even when YJH touched his forehead against KDJ’s, the other didn’t move.
YJH closed the distance to give a chaste kiss upon those soft lips.
It lasted only for a couple of seconds before YJH was pulling back, but close enough that KDJ could still feel his hot breathe against his face.
“Was that enough proof?” YJH exhaled.
KDJ’s eyes fluttered open, flushing pink to his ears. “No… Y-You should give me more…”
“Was that enough proof?” YJH exhaled.
KDJ’s eyes fluttered open, flushing pink to his ears. “No… Y-You should give me more…”
So YJH leaned in again. How could he say no to the request?
“More…”
And again.
“M-More…”
And again, until the light kisses evolved completely into something more desperate, full of yearning and want, as he tried to convey to KDJ just how much he truly loved him.
“More…”
And again.
“M-More…”
And again, until the light kisses evolved completely into something more desperate, full of yearning and want, as he tried to convey to KDJ just how much he truly loved him.
It was clumsy and messy since it was their first time kissing, but neither seemed to mind as their teeth clinked together and their tongues wrapped around one another’s.
YJH’s hand has moved to cup KDJ’s nape to pull him closer as KDJ wrapped his arms around YJH’s neck.
YJH’s hand has moved to cup KDJ’s nape to pull him closer as KDJ wrapped his arms around YJH’s neck.
He’s not sure how long they spent making out like that, but by the time they stopped, the sun was already beginning to set.
They were both panting heavily, red-faced, as a string of saliva connected their wet lips.
“Was that enough?” YJH asked between breathes.
They were both panting heavily, red-faced, as a string of saliva connected their wet lips.
“Was that enough?” YJH asked between breathes.
KDJ was gulping in air, eyes dazed with tears wetting the corners. “You could…at least buy m-me dinner first…”
Apparently YJH didn’t kiss him hard enough if he had the gall to still make quips.
“Fine.” He stressed harshly. “Tomorrow. After school. I’ll take you out.”
Apparently YJH didn’t kiss him hard enough if he had the gall to still make quips.
“Fine.” He stressed harshly. “Tomorrow. After school. I’ll take you out.”
KDJ laughed softly, smiling coyly. “I’ll give you my answer then, I promise.”
YJH grunted as he let KDJ wiggle out of his arms. For some reason, a sense of foreboding made him almost not let go.
“I’ll pick you up at the station. So you don’t have to walk all the way over here.”
YJH grunted as he let KDJ wiggle out of his arms. For some reason, a sense of foreboding made him almost not let go.
“I’ll pick you up at the station. So you don’t have to walk all the way over here.”
“It’s a date then!” KDJ cheered sweetly, face dusted pink with embarrassment and joy.
YJH watched with a full heart as KDJ ran off into the sunset, waving back at him with excitment for tomorrow.
He watched until he could no longer see the other’s small figure anymore.
YJH watched with a full heart as KDJ ran off into the sunset, waving back at him with excitment for tomorrow.
He watched until he could no longer see the other’s small figure anymore.
That night, YJH could barely sleep. His heart was beating too hard in his chest.
He can’t believe KDJ liked him back even. KDJ who was like the whole universe to him actually liked him back.
He couldn’t wait to see KDJ again, to finally be able to kiss him, hug him, date him.
He can’t believe KDJ liked him back even. KDJ who was like the whole universe to him actually liked him back.
He couldn’t wait to see KDJ again, to finally be able to kiss him, hug him, date him.
It was cloudy the next day but there was a warm gentle breeze that could be felt. It looked like it was going to rain soon. But hopefully that didn’t effect their date too much.
He got to the train terminal early, eyes scanning the crowds for that familiar face amongst them.
He got to the train terminal early, eyes scanning the crowds for that familiar face amongst them.
KDJ’s middle school was a train ride away from KDJ’s house. The park where they usually met was then a very long walk from said house.
To save time, YJH would just meet him at the station and from there they could go to wherever and do whatever the other wanted to do.
To save time, YJH would just meet him at the station and from there they could go to wherever and do whatever the other wanted to do.
So YJH patiently waited.
And waited.
And waited…
Even when it started to rain.
He waited aND WAITED AND WAITED ANDWAITEDANDW—
He waited there all day until the sun set and the stars were out in the night sky.
But KDJ never got off the train.
YJH never saw KDJ ever again.
And waited.
And waited…
Even when it started to rain.
He waited aND WAITED AND WAITED ANDWAITEDANDW—
He waited there all day until the sun set and the stars were out in the night sky.
But KDJ never got off the train.
YJH never saw KDJ ever again.
YJH wouldn’t see KDJ again until 13 years later when he’s the CEO of N’Gai Industries.
The pale-skinned and starry-eyed teen he once knew so long ago was now a pale-skinned and starry-eyed adult here for a job interview.
YJH felt as if time had both stopped and resumed for him.
The pale-skinned and starry-eyed teen he once knew so long ago was now a pale-skinned and starry-eyed adult here for a job interview.
YJH felt as if time had both stopped and resumed for him.
POV SWITCH: KDJ
KDJ was in desperate need of a new job. He had recently been fired by Minosoft due to too many mishaps and mistakes on his end.
Missed reports, missed meetings, missed assignments, missed updates.
KDJ was not surprised when his evaluation was overall bad.
KDJ was in desperate need of a new job. He had recently been fired by Minosoft due to too many mishaps and mistakes on his end.
Missed reports, missed meetings, missed assignments, missed updates.
KDJ was not surprised when his evaluation was overall bad.
Poor performance of duties and poor intellectual performance have been an continuous bane to his existence ever since the incident.
He’s struggled to adapt and cope with his spotty and shoddy memory. He can’t count the number of jobs he’s gone through over the years by now.
He’s struggled to adapt and cope with his spotty and shoddy memory. He can’t count the number of jobs he’s gone through over the years by now.
But bills don’t pay themselves, so he’s dragging himself out of bed to get ready for the day.
He somehow managed to get an interview with N’Gai Industries. After the entire business went through a rebranding, they were one of the newest top video game development companies.
He somehow managed to get an interview with N’Gai Industries. After the entire business went through a rebranding, they were one of the newest top video game development companies.
They have most recently risen to new levels of popularity and fame due to the rebrand when management changed a couple years ago.
The embezzlement scandal from before did put a damper on initial their success, but apparently the new CEO was incredibly smart and talented.
The embezzlement scandal from before did put a damper on initial their success, but apparently the new CEO was incredibly smart and talented.
Since KDJ used to be a QA tester, he’s hoping to get a job in a similar field. It’ll be easier for him to adjust to and learn then. He had a difficult time, and also literally no talent, to learn new skills, after all.
But any entry-level job was good enough for him though.
But any entry-level job was good enough for him though.
N’Gai industries was huge when he got there. The building was pristine and dark with a clean minimalistic and monochromatic theme. It screamed chic and modern.
KDJ felt a little bit out of place. His work suit was kind of shabby compared to the other employees here.
KDJ felt a little bit out of place. His work suit was kind of shabby compared to the other employees here.
Dozens of stares were boring into him as he made his way to the front desk for directions. He didn’t want to get lost and be late.
“Hi, I’m here for a job interview?” He asks the receptionist who kindly signs him in and readily gives him instructions to the interview room.
“Hi, I’m here for a job interview?” He asks the receptionist who kindly signs him in and readily gives him instructions to the interview room.
“And then just turn left, head straight down and make another left and then another right, ok?”
KDJ has already asked her to repeat once so he’ll rather die than ask her again. He nods as he makes his way over to the elevator, the instructions playing like a mantra in his head.
KDJ has already asked her to repeat once so he’ll rather die than ask her again. He nods as he makes his way over to the elevator, the instructions playing like a mantra in his head.
Ok, 3rd story first. Then it was right and straight down, followed by two lefts and then a right and… then it was… was…
Fuck. Curse his shitty goldfish memory.
KDJ is lost again. This happens every time he’s in a new location, he can only hope he makes it on time.
Fuck. Curse his shitty goldfish memory.
KDJ is lost again. This happens every time he’s in a new location, he can only hope he makes it on time.
He’s frantically trying find the interview room as the seconds tick by. There was no such luck though.
But then the friendly face of a beautiful woman with chestnut brown hair falling in waves down her shoulders greets him.
“Hello, do you need help?” She asks sweetly.
But then the friendly face of a beautiful woman with chestnut brown hair falling in waves down her shoulders greets him.
“Hello, do you need help?” She asks sweetly.
“Yes, I’m here for a job interview, but I’m a tad lost.” He responds with relief. “Could you tell me where the room is?”
She smiles. “Oh, I’m heading over there right now too. Are you who I’m interviewing today?”
Great, just his luck to run into his interviewer beforehand.
She smiles. “Oh, I’m heading over there right now too. Are you who I’m interviewing today?”
Great, just his luck to run into his interviewer beforehand.
“Yes, hello, it’s nice to meet you.” KDJ quickly tries to repair his first impression with a shaky smile back. “I’m Dokja.”
She quirks her brow a bit. “Oh, so you’re an only child?”
KDJ coughs awkwardly cause this misunderstanding always happened 9 out of 10 times.
She quirks her brow a bit. “Oh, so you’re an only child?”
KDJ coughs awkwardly cause this misunderstanding always happened 9 out of 10 times.
“Well, yes, but that’s not what I mean.”
“Oh? Then what did you mean?”
“It’s my name. I’m KDJ.”
She makes a look of understanding, mouth forming a small circle shape before smiling apologetically. “It’s nice to meet you too then. I’m YSA, the head of HR.” She introduces.
“Oh? Then what did you mean?”
“It’s my name. I’m KDJ.”
She makes a look of understanding, mouth forming a small circle shape before smiling apologetically. “It’s nice to meet you too then. I’m YSA, the head of HR.” She introduces.
Wow.
Great, his interviewer is also the HEAD of HR. Can his luck get any worse today??
He’s trying not to show any nervousness as they finish greeting each other, but he can already feel the shakiness of his composure.
“Alright, shall we get going then?” She leads.
Great, his interviewer is also the HEAD of HR. Can his luck get any worse today??
He’s trying not to show any nervousness as they finish greeting each other, but he can already feel the shakiness of his composure.
“Alright, shall we get going then?” She leads.
KDJ starts following behind her as she guides him down the long hallways. She’s talking in a serene voice, explaining some of the departments and giving a small tour of the company as they walk.
Too bad KDJ’s mental reserves are already drained cause he’s zoning out.
Too bad KDJ’s mental reserves are already drained cause he’s zoning out.
She turns the corner and makes a small noise of surprise, looking back as if to warn KDJ of something, but it was already too late.
He wasn’t paying attention to her and runs face first into a rock hard chest before stumbling back hastily, holding his nose slightly.
He wasn’t paying attention to her and runs face first into a rock hard chest before stumbling back hastily, holding his nose slightly.
“Ah, s-sorry, I didn’t see you there.” He apologizes meekly, looking up to see a face more beautiful than YSA’s.
He looks like a transcendental being. It’s inconceivable that a normal human would be blessed with such looks.
Did this company only hire hot people??
He looks like a transcendental being. It’s inconceivable that a normal human would be blessed with such looks.
Did this company only hire hot people??
That wouldn’t be very good prospects for KDJ. Well, he didn’t think he himself was ugly, but this man was on a whole different plane of existence.
A weird wave of Deja Vu makes KDJ’s eyes glaze over for a second, but then he’s shaking away the fog to bow profusely.
A weird wave of Deja Vu makes KDJ’s eyes glaze over for a second, but then he’s shaking away the fog to bow profusely.
The hot stranger was just staring at him, wide-eyed and mouth parted but unspeaking. KDJ hopes he didn’t offend him. He’s pretty sure he accidentally stepped on his shoes a bit…
He looks down, oh god there’s a mark on it. He needs to go before they ask for damage reparations.
He looks down, oh god there’s a mark on it. He needs to go before they ask for damage reparations.
“Sorry again…” He bows once more.
He quickly scurries around, trying to reach YSA. But a large hand lands firmly onto his shoulder, gripping it tightly to stop him in his tracks. He almost yelps.
“Where are you going.” The deep baritone sends a shiver down KDJ’s spine.
He quickly scurries around, trying to reach YSA. But a large hand lands firmly onto his shoulder, gripping it tightly to stop him in his tracks. He almost yelps.
“Where are you going.” The deep baritone sends a shiver down KDJ’s spine.
“I’m here for an interview.” He answers helplessly. He looks over at YSA for some help, but she’s just staring with wide eyes as if witnessing a shocking scene.
“You’re here for an interview?” The gruff voice replies incredulously.
“Y-Yes?” He says in confusion.
“You’re here for an interview?” The gruff voice replies incredulously.
“Y-Yes?” He says in confusion.
The man a head taller than him is silent as if processing those words with an indecipherable expression before suddenly grabbing his wrist.
“Come with me. I’ll handle your interview.” He pulls KDJ along.
Wait, what? He looks back as YSA. Wasn’t she the one that’s intervi—
“Come with me. I’ll handle your interview.” He pulls KDJ along.
Wait, what? He looks back as YSA. Wasn’t she the one that’s intervi—
“YSA, you can go.” YJH directs a side glance and YSA bows amicably with an almost amused expression.
“As you wish, Sajangnim.” She waves farewell.
Huh? Sajangnim? KDJ whips his head back so fast, his neck nearly snaps off, cause HUH? SAJANGNIM??
THIS MAN IS THE CEO.
“As you wish, Sajangnim.” She waves farewell.
Huh? Sajangnim? KDJ whips his head back so fast, his neck nearly snaps off, cause HUH? SAJANGNIM??
THIS MAN IS THE CEO.
And the CEO of the company is currently DRAGGING him!
Turns out, KDJ’s luck can and will get worse today.
Why does the CEO want to interview him?! Did his interview just jump 10—No, 30 whole levels in difficulty? He can kiss a job here goodbye. He’s definitely gonna fuck up.
Turns out, KDJ’s luck can and will get worse today.
Why does the CEO want to interview him?! Did his interview just jump 10—No, 30 whole levels in difficulty? He can kiss a job here goodbye. He’s definitely gonna fuck up.
KDJ is trying not to sweat bullets and make his hands clammy, but he’s sure the apprehension and panic on his face says it all.
He’s dragged into the elevators and up to the 41st story of the skyscraper. The entire time, KDJ felt blazing eyes trying to burn a HOLE into him.
He’s dragged into the elevators and up to the 41st story of the skyscraper. The entire time, KDJ felt blazing eyes trying to burn a HOLE into him.
He could do nothing but avoid the gaze anxiously, wondering if he should just forgo the entire intervi—
The CEO pulls him through a double door into what he assumes is his lavish office, Room #1864, before slamming it shut and shoving KDJ against the hard surface, cornering him.
The CEO pulls him through a double door into what he assumes is his lavish office, Room #1864, before slamming it shut and shoving KDJ against the hard surface, cornering him.
His arms block either side of his head, effectively trapping him in. KDJ does let out a yelp this time cause the CEO is incredibly close as he stares point blank into KDJ’s eyes.
“Name.” He demands.
It’s a feat he managed to push out the words without stuttering. “Kim Dokja…”
“Name.” He demands.
It’s a feat he managed to push out the words without stuttering. “Kim Dokja…”
The CEO stares with an unreadable emotion swirling in his eyes.
“Dokja…” He repeats, as if testing the name out on his tongue. No, there was a sort of reverence, as if he was reuniting with it?
Or he’s confused. There was no honorific after all, even though they’ve just met.
“Dokja…” He repeats, as if testing the name out on his tongue. No, there was a sort of reverence, as if he was reuniting with it?
Or he’s confused. There was no honorific after all, even though they’ve just met.
KDJ had expected that age-old misunderstanding to occur, ready to correct him.
“Hangul as in Reader, right?” The CEO says, not missing a beat. Turns out, he is that 1 out of 10.
KDJ’s open mouth snaps shut in surprise, eyes widening a little. He could only nod his head numbly.
“Hangul as in Reader, right?” The CEO says, not missing a beat. Turns out, he is that 1 out of 10.
KDJ’s open mouth snaps shut in surprise, eyes widening a little. He could only nod his head numbly.
The other’s eyes narrow, as if scrutinizing his very being. KDJ doesn’t know what to do as the minutes tick by in silence. Why was THE CEO glaring so intensely at him??
“S-Sajangnim?” KDJ says quietly, not wanting to upset him, but that makes the CEO’s frown deepen into a scowl.
“S-Sajangnim?” KDJ says quietly, not wanting to upset him, but that makes the CEO’s frown deepen into a scowl.
“What’s my name?” He asks harshly, with a tone that almost sounds longing?
KDJ gulps cause he was the kind of person to apply for a job at a company without knowing the boss’s name beforehand.
Was this part of the interview?? Was this a test? If so, he’s goddamn failing it.
KDJ gulps cause he was the kind of person to apply for a job at a company without knowing the boss’s name beforehand.
Was this part of the interview?? Was this a test? If so, he’s goddamn failing it.
KDJ stills his shaking breath, trying not to be intimidated but it’s useless cause he was doomed. “I-I don’t know…”
The CEO raises a brow, leaning even closer in. Their faces, their lips, are only an inch apart now. “So you applied here for a job without knowing my name?”
The CEO raises a brow, leaning even closer in. Their faces, their lips, are only an inch apart now. “So you applied here for a job without knowing my name?”
KDJ trembles in equal parts shame at being called out and equal parts embarrassment at the small distance between them.
Was this how they did interviews?! Is this even allowed? This must violate some code of ethics, right??
Was office harassment already happening to him?!
Was this how they did interviews?! Is this even allowed? This must violate some code of ethics, right??
Was office harassment already happening to him?!
“Sorry, I… I really don’t.” KDJ says regretfully. He didn’t think it would be needed.
Seconds pass in silence and only after does the CEO finally pull away, clicking his tongue in irritation.
“Tsk. You’re dismissed.” He scoffs out. “We’ll email you at a later date.”
Seconds pass in silence and only after does the CEO finally pull away, clicking his tongue in irritation.
“Tsk. You’re dismissed.” He scoffs out. “We’ll email you at a later date.”
KDJ hastily makes to leave but right before he exits, the CEO directs him a scalding dark glare. “My name is YJH. Don’t forget it.”
It was a cool name, no doubt. Like a protagonist’s. Not everyone can have such a cool name like that, but KDJ still left as fast as he could.
It was a cool name, no doubt. Like a protagonist’s. Not everyone can have such a cool name like that, but KDJ still left as fast as he could.
To say this was the worst he’s ever done in a job interview would be an understatement. That was ABSOLUTELY HORRENDOUS.
From beginning to end, KDJ fucked up every step of the way. The view of the CEO was nice, but under all that pressure, he could barely enjoy the other’s looks.
From beginning to end, KDJ fucked up every step of the way. The view of the CEO was nice, but under all that pressure, he could barely enjoy the other’s looks.
He couldn’t answer the single question asked. YJH must not have bothered asking anymore after he failed the most basic one. YOUR BOSS’S NAME.
But even if KDJ knew it, he doubts he would’ve answered it still. Their way of interviewing people was too INTIMIDATING and TERRIFYING.
But even if KDJ knew it, he doubts he would’ve answered it still. Their way of interviewing people was too INTIMIDATING and TERRIFYING.
Hopefully the next experience won’t be so scarring because he definitely did not pass and get the job there, which he had already anticipated honestly.
Or so he thought. Imagine his surprise a few days later when he gets an email stating he got the job and he starts NEXT WEEK.
Or so he thought. Imagine his surprise a few days later when he gets an email stating he got the job and he starts NEXT WEEK.
That’s not even the most shocking part. It just keeps COMING.
KDJ had been expecting an entry level job, something a beginner can do, which is all he has ever gotten before.
Except the email clearly emphasizes his new position is that of SALES MANAGER. This must be a MISTAKE.
KDJ had been expecting an entry level job, something a beginner can do, which is all he has ever gotten before.
Except the email clearly emphasizes his new position is that of SALES MANAGER. This must be a MISTAKE.
He immediately sends multiple emails back, proclaiming that he definitely is not qualified for the position of sales manager and that there must’ve been a horrible, horrible mistake somewhere.
But each one is refuted, saying that is most definitely the position he’s placed in.
But each one is refuted, saying that is most definitely the position he’s placed in.
The CEO has even personally signed and approved on it.
KDJ is fucking floored. How was this even possible? What was the probability of this?
Is this a new type of harassment?
He contemplates just denying the job offer because maybe this is a REALLY cruel elaborate joke.
KDJ is fucking floored. How was this even possible? What was the probability of this?
Is this a new type of harassment?
He contemplates just denying the job offer because maybe this is a REALLY cruel elaborate joke.
But then he thinks about the upcoming month’s rent being due soon.
And how his severance pay from Minosoft was coming to an end too since he only worked there for a year or so.
And how he has no other job interviews lined up, nor if he could even get any other job offer.
And how his severance pay from Minosoft was coming to an end too since he only worked there for a year or so.
And how he has no other job interviews lined up, nor if he could even get any other job offer.
He glances at the starting salary at the bottom of the email. There were more 0’s attached to the end than he thought possible for just a sales manager…
It was as if it was trying to entice him.
He begrudgingly accepts the job. For the time being. Until he can find another.
It was as if it was trying to entice him.
He begrudgingly accepts the job. For the time being. Until he can find another.
He would’ve requested a meeting with the CEO regarding the issue, and get switched to a lower level job instead.
But after what happened during the interview, where YJH had him pressed up and trapped against the door, just thinking about the man made KDJ sweat bullets.
But after what happened during the interview, where YJH had him pressed up and trapped against the door, just thinking about the man made KDJ sweat bullets.
CEO YJH is too intimidating. KDJ didn’t want to be stuck in a room alone with him again. He doesn’t think he can handle it.
Every time he looks at that face alone, his heart rate would increase and every hair on his body would stand on end, probably in fear and panic.
Every time he looks at that face alone, his heart rate would increase and every hair on his body would stand on end, probably in fear and panic.
So Plan B is for him to work the job until he fucks up too much, or someone notices the mistake, and he’s subsequently fired as a result.
That seems like a less confrontational method.
In the meantime, he’ll search for a new job. His time limit is the 3 month training period.
That seems like a less confrontational method.
In the meantime, he’ll search for a new job. His time limit is the 3 month training period.
So that’s how KDJ’s daily struggles started.
Sales manager had more responsibilities than any job he’s had in the past.
He had to oversee local and regional sales, direct sales representatives, coordinate sales activities, analyze sales statistics, and set discount rates.
Sales manager had more responsibilities than any job he’s had in the past.
He had to oversee local and regional sales, direct sales representatives, coordinate sales activities, analyze sales statistics, and set discount rates.
He had to figure out how to deal with some of the dwindling stats, write up a couple of plans for them and include different scenarios for each one. Prices and discounts too.
Then he had to research their competitors and other businesses to help out the sales representatives.
Then he had to research their competitors and other businesses to help out the sales representatives.
It wouldn’t have been so hard if he had someone to actually TRAIN him during his training period.
But the sales department apparently never had a manager before him??? So he couldn’t even ask the previous one for help on what to do. Who was handling all of this then before him?!
But the sales department apparently never had a manager before him??? So he couldn’t even ask the previous one for help on what to do. Who was handling all of this then before him?!
So he had to learn and do EVERYTHING by hand himself.
He’s glad that everyone is so accommodating to him at least, cause he struggled a lot to figure out the tasks he had to do. They all patiently helped him out without scolding him.
Well, almost everyone…
He’s glad that everyone is so accommodating to him at least, cause he struggled a lot to figure out the tasks he had to do. They all patiently helped him out without scolding him.
Well, almost everyone…
Within the first month, he’s been able to meet almost everyone in the department and all the other managers and department heads.
He met YSA again, JHW the head of security, and JHY the head of communications to name some.
Not HSY of marketing yet though.
He met YSA again, JHW the head of security, and JHY the head of communications to name some.
Not HSY of marketing yet though.
He was also able to meet LHS the head officer who was really nice and two interns in the customer service department who were really…honest.
“Hey, that squid-looking Ahjussi is the one master…” She whispered to some white haired teen next to her that eyed KDJ skeptically.
“Hey, that squid-looking Ahjussi is the one master…” She whispered to some white haired teen next to her that eyed KDJ skeptically.
There were probably rumors going around about him because they were questioning how he got the job. It’s ok, he’s questioning too.
But he also felt like they knew something he didn’t.
Overall though, he really liked his coworkers here surprisingly, unlike in his past jobs.
But he also felt like they knew something he didn’t.
Overall though, he really liked his coworkers here surprisingly, unlike in his past jobs.
The only one he didn’t like is the CEO YJH, who’s a TYRANNICAL SLAVE DRIVER.
“You’re late.”
KDJ stiffens up at the strict tone, having barely even entered his office. Does YJH just wait around for him to appear?!
“Only by 10 minutes…” KDJ excuses. “The train was delayed.”
“You’re late.”
KDJ stiffens up at the strict tone, having barely even entered his office. Does YJH just wait around for him to appear?!
“Only by 10 minutes…” KDJ excuses. “The train was delayed.”
“That’s a deduction from your pay.” He says harshly, a sharp glare directed at KDJ. “Email a formal apology letter by the end of your shift.”
And with that KDJ is left sputtering in indignation before he could even protest such treatment.
YJH is an unforgiving authoritarian.
And with that KDJ is left sputtering in indignation before he could even protest such treatment.
YJH is an unforgiving authoritarian.
He always piles on inane tasks for him to do that isn’t even part of his job description.
“Turn in the inventory report by today.”
“I don’t think—”
“You don’t think what?” YJH clicks his tongue coldly.
“Nothing…”
KDJ didn’t have the backbone to object. So he just did them.
“Turn in the inventory report by today.”
“I don’t think—”
“You don’t think what?” YJH clicks his tongue coldly.
“Nothing…”
KDJ didn’t have the backbone to object. So he just did them.
But every mistake and move KDJ made, YJH took note of. Every missed report, mistaken calculation, misfiled paper received him a scolding.
He tries to write down the tasks he has to do in order to not forget. But then there’s ones he’s just supposed to know without being told.
He tries to write down the tasks he has to do in order to not forget. But then there’s ones he’s just supposed to know without being told.
“The progress report is missing.”
KDJ blinks cause he’s never been told to do that. “I wasn’t inform—”
“Are you dense? This is standard. You don’t need to be told.”
YJH is demeaning and degrading, which KDJ wasn’t unused to, but for some reason he feels extra nervous with YJH.
KDJ blinks cause he’s never been told to do that. “I wasn’t inform—”
“Are you dense? This is standard. You don’t need to be told.”
YJH is demeaning and degrading, which KDJ wasn’t unused to, but for some reason he feels extra nervous with YJH.
He has been unrelentingly tormenting him the past month like this, persistently watching over him and berating him over every little thing, refusing to be told he’s mistaken in anything.
Avoiding YJH didn’t even work, he always manages to find KDJ, as if he’s stalking him?
Avoiding YJH didn’t even work, he always manages to find KDJ, as if he’s stalking him?
There’s just something about YJH that always unnerves KDJ.
He has had many shitty jobs and many shitty bosses. This sort of abusive treatment he was used to, usually reacting with detachment, having already been beaten down too much.
But that’s not how he reacts with YJH.
He has had many shitty jobs and many shitty bosses. This sort of abusive treatment he was used to, usually reacting with detachment, having already been beaten down too much.
But that’s not how he reacts with YJH.
Whenever YJH yells at him, he would actually feel a stutter in his heart, as if he’s deeply affected by it.
The way YJH also stares at him sets his body on high alert. It makes his throat dry and his hands clammy. It makes his stomach knot and chest tighten painfully.
The way YJH also stares at him sets his body on high alert. It makes his throat dry and his hands clammy. It makes his stomach knot and chest tighten painfully.
Not to mention, he gets the BIGGEST headache whenever he looks or thinks about YJH. That must be from stress, right?
What kind of red flag was it when just the mere sight of them made your mind fog up? Probably a really bad one.
[Ki m Dok ja is an id iot]
Stfu, stupid voice.
What kind of red flag was it when just the mere sight of them made your mind fog up? Probably a really bad one.
[Ki m Dok ja is an id iot]
Stfu, stupid voice.
YJH also didn’t seem to do this to any other employee. Everyone else is treated normally and respectfully.
It’s only KDJ. Was this cause he didn’t know his name during the interview? Then why hire him?!
That’s why he’s 100% CERTAIN he’s being exclusively harassed by his CEO.
It’s only KDJ. Was this cause he didn’t know his name during the interview? Then why hire him?!
That’s why he’s 100% CERTAIN he’s being exclusively harassed by his CEO.
KDJ would’ve quit already honestly, if he didn’t feel bad for abandoning his newly established coworkers turned friends…
He’s not sure why, but a deep guilt settles into his core when he thinks about disappearing on them, even though he could.
Plan B was failing spectacularly.
He’s not sure why, but a deep guilt settles into his core when he thinks about disappearing on them, even though he could.
Plan B was failing spectacularly.
It’s probably because a new game in the final stages of development is coming out soon, so he didn’t want to dump an even bigger workload on them by suddenly leaving.
He’s already being a major burden and disadvantage to its release cause of his awful shitty memory.
He’s already being a major burden and disadvantage to its release cause of his awful shitty memory.
He couldn’t afford to be the sole reason that hindered its sales, nor did he want to be. This new game is something he’s actually also excited and hopeful about when he first learned of it.
It’s called WOS, and it’s based off his favorite webnovel SSSSS-Grade Infinite Regressor!
It’s called WOS, and it’s based off his favorite webnovel SSSSS-Grade Infinite Regressor!
It’s the webnovel he found after his incident and it’s really helped him through a lot in his life.
That novel is one the only things that gave him some salvation from his fraying mind. The protagonist is just so perfect and calms him down whenever he’s sad.
He owes it a lot.
That novel is one the only things that gave him some salvation from his fraying mind. The protagonist is just so perfect and calms him down whenever he’s sad.
He owes it a lot.
So maybe he kinda wants to see it sell well… The author deserves it!
Which is why he’s enduring the stress from his CEO who seems to have a personal vendetta against him.
Hopefully, YJH will grow tired of him soon and fire him. Then him leaving everyone wouldn’t be his fault.
Which is why he’s enduring the stress from his CEO who seems to have a personal vendetta against him.
Hopefully, YJH will grow tired of him soon and fire him. Then him leaving everyone wouldn’t be his fault.
He just has to tough it out for the time being. It’s not like he’s never done overtime before.
This level of stress and distress has been a constant in his life thus far.
So why did he feel more fatigued and dizzy than usual? His mind is foggier and his body feels heavier too.
This level of stress and distress has been a constant in his life thus far.
So why did he feel more fatigued and dizzy than usual? His mind is foggier and his body feels heavier too.
KDJ blearily blinks his tired eyes. Maybe it’s just cause he’s still adjusting.
Or maybe it’s cause he’s trying too hard for a job he keeps saying he wants to get fired from.
[No ne ed to bur den y ours elf]
But he has to do this.
[Y ou d ont h ave to do an yth ing]
Or maybe it’s cause he’s trying too hard for a job he keeps saying he wants to get fired from.
[No ne ed to bur den y ours elf]
But he has to do this.
[Y ou d ont h ave to do an yth ing]
KDJ frowns. Yes, he does. He wants to get fired but not until he finds another job, so he has to work for now.
[Ki m Dok ja is a n idi ot]
No, he’s not…
[G o to sl eep]
KDJ feels his eyelids slide shut against his will, head falling to land lightly on his knees.
[Dr ea m]
[Ki m Dok ja is a n idi ot]
No, he’s not…
[G o to sl eep]
KDJ feels his eyelids slide shut against his will, head falling to land lightly on his knees.
[Dr ea m]
POV SWITCH: YJH
Ever since KDJ disappeared, YJH’s life was like a barren wasteland that he had only been able to endure cause KDJ was by his side.
YJH had been devastated. It felt like the world he knew had been ruined. He was so lost and broken.
What was he supposed to do…?
Ever since KDJ disappeared, YJH’s life was like a barren wasteland that he had only been able to endure cause KDJ was by his side.
YJH had been devastated. It felt like the world he knew had been ruined. He was so lost and broken.
What was he supposed to do…?
He had been abandoned by the other, he was alone once again. He was afraid this would happen, he was so afraid.
He had wholeheartedly confessed his feelings, bared his entire being to the other and what did KDJ do? He left him after so sweetly promising to go on a date.
He had wholeheartedly confessed his feelings, bared his entire being to the other and what did KDJ do? He left him after so sweetly promising to go on a date.
YJH would’ve preferred a normal rejection. Anything was better than the endless waiting he had to endure, hoping that KDJ would appear again. Hoping that he would see KDJ again.
The sting of betrayal and humiliation coupled with futile hoping made him nearly go insane.
The sting of betrayal and humiliation coupled with futile hoping made him nearly go insane.
Everyone seemed to notice his massive drop in mood and his increase in aggravation. He was really like a ticking time bomb now.
But this didn’t mean everyone was steering clear of him still. There were always idiots.
“YJH, what a coincidence.” A grating voice greeted him.
But this didn’t mean everyone was steering clear of him still. There were always idiots.
“YJH, what a coincidence.” A grating voice greeted him.
YJH bared his teeth threateningly. Ever since the start of middle school 2 years ago, there was this one persistent girl who kept bothering him.
“HSY. Go away.” He growled. She always wanted to talk to him, but he just wasn’t interested. Get a fucking hint already.
“HSY. Go away.” He growled. She always wanted to talk to him, but he just wasn’t interested. Get a fucking hint already.
She rolled her eyes, dropping into the seat across from the other unperturbed. “Like I said, I have a proposition for you.”
That was how she always started the conversation.
And “I said I’m not interested.” Was how YJH always ended the conversation. Then he would walk away.
That was how she always started the conversation.
And “I said I’m not interested.” Was how YJH always ended the conversation. Then he would walk away.
Well, usually he would walk away. HSY and him never shared any classes together so she could barely ever catch him.
He was never in the classroom during lunch so she could never get him then.
And as soon as school ended, he would go home to play the console KDJ had gotten him.
He was never in the classroom during lunch so she could never get him then.
And as soon as school ended, he would go home to play the console KDJ had gotten him.
But now that KDJ was gone…
YJH couldn’t even play video games anymore cause of it. Every time he looked at his handheld console, he would be reminded of KDJ.
The park also reminded him of KDJ. He had waited there everyday during the summer for him to come. But he never did.
YJH couldn’t even play video games anymore cause of it. Every time he looked at his handheld console, he would be reminded of KDJ.
The park also reminded him of KDJ. He had waited there everyday during the summer for him to come. But he never did.
So instead, YJH decided to drown himself in school to cope, since everything in his room also reminded him of KDJ.
“Would it hurt so much to hear me out? Do you know how hard it is to find you, bastard.” She sneered in exasperation, pointing a finger at him in accusation.
“Would it hurt so much to hear me out? Do you know how hard it is to find you, bastard.” She sneered in exasperation, pointing a finger at him in accusation.
“How about this? I’ll listen to you first and in return you listen to me.” She drawled. “So what happened? You’re actually staying behind in school now.”
“None of your business.” He replied harshly.
“Did your little girlfriend break up with you or something?” She mocked.
“None of your business.” He replied harshly.
“Did your little girlfriend break up with you or something?” She mocked.
YJH saw red and shot his hand out to grab her collar and hoist her over the table. “Shut. UP.”
“Oh, so I was right??” HSY just cackled with her own snarl. “I mean, it was obvious. Do you have any idea how smitten you looked?”
YJH wanted to strangle her so badly, fist clenching.
“Oh, so I was right??” HSY just cackled with her own snarl. “I mean, it was obvious. Do you have any idea how smitten you looked?”
YJH wanted to strangle her so badly, fist clenching.
“Well, it’s a look I’ve seen before so I know how it—”
“Just because I’m not seeing them anyone, doesn’t mean I’ll ever be interested enough to date you.” YJH seethed, dropping her onto the table.
He got up to leave as HSY blinked in utter shock, no doubt from his rejection—
“Just because I’m not seeing them anyone, doesn’t mean I’ll ever be interested enough to date you.” YJH seethed, dropping her onto the table.
He got up to leave as HSY blinked in utter shock, no doubt from his rejection—
“WHAT.” She screamed, taking the rejection badly. “No, you fucking IDIOT. Why the FUCK would I have a crush on you of all people?!”
Correction. So it wasn’t rejection she was taking badly. She looked repulsed??
“How goddamn vain are you?!” She screeched, shivering in disgust.
Correction. So it wasn’t rejection she was taking badly. She looked repulsed??
“How goddamn vain are you?!” She screeched, shivering in disgust.
YJH could only stop in his tracks in confusion, maybe slight embarrassment. “Why else would you have a proposition—”
An extensive amount of notebooks and stacks of paper were slapped onto the table immediately.
“A business proposition, it’s a fucking business proposition!”
An extensive amount of notebooks and stacks of paper were slapped onto the table immediately.
“A business proposition, it’s a fucking business proposition!”
Oh.
“You’re YJH, right? Heir to N’Gai Industries—”
“I’m still not interested.” He growled. So instead of it being someone who had a crush, she was just another sycophant. “I have no intention to introduce you to my parents nor will I serve as your connection to them.”
“You’re YJH, right? Heir to N’Gai Industries—”
“I’m still not interested.” He growled. So instead of it being someone who had a crush, she was just another sycophant. “I have no intention to introduce you to my parents nor will I serve as your connection to them.”
“You have the worst personality I’ve ever seen.” She glowered. “No wonder your girlfriend broke up with you.”
YJH grit his teeth and tightened his jaw.
He didn’t know why KDJ had left him. Was it his personality that made him leave YJH? Had the other had enough of him?
YJH grit his teeth and tightened his jaw.
He didn’t know why KDJ had left him. Was it his personality that made him leave YJH? Had the other had enough of him?
It’s been well over a month since he’s disappeared. Summer has come and passed, filled with YJH wondering why.
Maybe KDJ realized he didn’t like YJH afterwards and ghosted him.
Maybe he was sick of always having to look after YJH.
“Stop moping. I’m sure there’s other girls—”
Maybe KDJ realized he didn’t like YJH afterwards and ghosted him.
Maybe he was sick of always having to look after YJH.
“Stop moping. I’m sure there’s other girls—”
“There won’t be, they’ll never be anyone else.” YJH interrupted to set the record straight. “And he was a boy.” Maybe this will repel her.
“Cool, whatever, I’m gay too.” She said without missing a beat. “Now that you’ve bravely come out of the closet, it’s my turn to talk!”
“Cool, whatever, I’m gay too.” She said without missing a beat. “Now that you’ve bravely come out of the closet, it’s my turn to talk!”
YJH frowned cause that was not the issue he was dealing with. He’s about to object when HSY just barrels on without regard.
“Anyways, I need you to take over N’Gai industries.” She started.
“No.” YJH had not intention of ever becoming CEO. “I hate my parents.”
“Anyways, I need you to take over N’Gai industries.” She started.
“No.” YJH had not intention of ever becoming CEO. “I hate my parents.”
“Yeah, me too. You’re not special.” She hissed, eying him sharply. “But you are a coward.”
He felt a vein throb on his forehead.
“I bet you don’t want to be it cause your parents are forcing you to do it, right?” She clicked her tongue in annoyance. “That’s basic.”
He felt a vein throb on his forehead.
“I bet you don’t want to be it cause your parents are forcing you to do it, right?” She clicked her tongue in annoyance. “That’s basic.”
“You’re probably just gonna cut ties with them once you graduate, but do you really think your parents will let you go that easily?” She questioned.
YJH furrowed his brows. “I’ll be an adult. They wouldn’t be able to hold me.”
“Who knew you’ll be the naive one.” She scoffed.
YJH furrowed his brows. “I’ll be an adult. They wouldn’t be able to hold me.”
“Who knew you’ll be the naive one.” She scoffed.
YJH glared and HSY leveled that glare. “They can’t hold you as an adult, but they have connections as top business owners, idiot. They’ll definitely get in your way so you won’t be able to live your life freely.”
His eyes widened minutely. He had never thought about that.
His eyes widened minutely. He had never thought about that.
She smirked as if she knew she’s got him hooked now. “The way you’re rebelling is weak. They have more status and power than you. No matter where you go or what you do, they’ll always have more.”
She started flipping through all the notebooks and gesturing at the slips of paper.
She started flipping through all the notebooks and gesturing at the slips of paper.
“Why not rebel by giving them a taste of their own medicine?” Her smile was sharp and sly. “They most likely want you to be the next CEO so they can use you as their puppet, but what if you completely overthrew them?”
YJH was silent but HSY knew he was listening intently now.
YJH was silent but HSY knew he was listening intently now.
“Make them regret that the shit they put you through was what led you to be good enough to make them fall.”
“I know it’s not the profession you’re against, it’s just your parents. You’re probably good at it but hate it cause of them.”
“Come on, don’t you want to be on top?”
“I know it’s not the profession you’re against, it’s just your parents. You’re probably good at it but hate it cause of them.”
“Come on, don’t you want to be on top?”
“What’s in it for you?” He finally responded after listening to her continuously ramble more of her persuasions.
“Simple. You just need to hire a certain someone for your company for me.” She said.
He quirked a brow. “Who?”
“Y’know the school librarian? The really pretty one?”
“Simple. You just need to hire a certain someone for your company for me.” She said.
He quirked a brow. “Who?”
“Y’know the school librarian? The really pretty one?”
YJH knew no such person.
“She wants to be independent, but her family’s planning to marry her off to someone rich, unless she gets a really good job.”
“Why a businesswoman?”
“I saw her looking at different businesses already. But no way am I letting her go to shitty Minosoft.”
“She wants to be independent, but her family’s planning to marry her off to someone rich, unless she gets a really good job.”
“Why a businesswoman?”
“I saw her looking at different businesses already. But no way am I letting her go to shitty Minosoft.”
And so YJH spent the next couple of hours listening to her creepily well thought out plan of action.
They were going to expose the corruption within the company and forcibly revoke their control and authority. Then they rebuild the company better than ever before from there.
They were going to expose the corruption within the company and forcibly revoke their control and authority. Then they rebuild the company better than ever before from there.
What shocked him most wasn’t that his parents were corrupt. He never thought highly of them to begin with. It was the fact HSY had gathered all this information and thought of this, as a MIDDLE schooler.
Apparently she spent around 13 months of all nighters gathering evidence.
Apparently she spent around 13 months of all nighters gathering evidence.
It nearly ruined her mind from the sheer lack of sleep she was putting herself through.
“Trust me, my dad’s a politician and my mom’s an actress. This shit is like second nature to me.” She bragged. “All you have to do is hire her.”
“Why go so far for her?” He asked.
“Trust me, my dad’s a politician and my mom’s an actress. This shit is like second nature to me.” She bragged. “All you have to do is hire her.”
“Why go so far for her?” He asked.
Her eyes crinkled as she smiled. “I told you I recognized the look you had on your face before. Surely you can recognize it on mine too.”
Ah, YJH did recognize it. Maybe she wasn’t so bad—
“Oh wait, let me base a protagonist off of you for my novel too.”
He takes that back.
Ah, YJH did recognize it. Maybe she wasn’t so bad—
“Oh wait, let me base a protagonist off of you for my novel too.”
He takes that back.
And that’s how YJH and HSY began the grueling days of plotting a business insurgency, meticulously going through a total of 1863 different plans.
YJH channeled his bitter grudge against his parents and the sadness he felt from KDJ leaving him into accomplishing this goal.
YJH channeled his bitter grudge against his parents and the sadness he felt from KDJ leaving him into accomplishing this goal.
It was a good distraction and a good outlet for his boiling rage.
He could also use the power, status, and connections that came with the position of CEO.
He’ll be the one in control of everything now instead of being a puppet helplessly tugged along its strings by others.
He could also use the power, status, and connections that came with the position of CEO.
He’ll be the one in control of everything now instead of being a puppet helplessly tugged along its strings by others.
Maybe this will also help him forget and move on from KDJ finally…
He hoped it would at least.
But YJH had a sinking feeling that the real reason he was working so hard to become CEO now was because he was trying to remember KDJ rather than forget him actually…
He hoped it would at least.
But YJH had a sinking feeling that the real reason he was working so hard to become CEO now was because he was trying to remember KDJ rather than forget him actually…
Years later, after they’ve gone through university, they immediately put the plan into action.
The scandal it caused was huge. His parents got arrested and YJH suddenly found out they were keeping a secret little sister from him, so that was something he needed to work through.
The scandal it caused was huge. His parents got arrested and YJH suddenly found out they were keeping a secret little sister from him, so that was something he needed to work through.
But in the end, it was an all around success. YJH was finally free even though he now had to take care of YMA.
He took the position of CEO and rebranded the entire business as a video game development company. HSY took way more jobs that he had recommended while YSA took HR.
He took the position of CEO and rebranded the entire business as a video game development company. HSY took way more jobs that he had recommended while YSA took HR.
They built the company back to its former glory and even exceeded it.
But even with the newfound status and power he had now, YJH was never able to move on from his first employee.
Being the CEO and hiring other people ended up only reminding him of his time with KDJ.
But even with the newfound status and power he had now, YJH was never able to move on from his first employee.
Being the CEO and hiring other people ended up only reminding him of his time with KDJ.
But none of the potential employees were the same as KDJ. It didn’t matter if they were talented, smart, and attractive. YJH was never able to get back what he once had with KDJ.
It was so bad, HSY had to fight him to hire any salespeople. But he drew the line at sales manager.
It was so bad, HSY had to fight him to hire any salespeople. But he drew the line at sales manager.
To him, KDJ was the only one worthy of that position and he refused to hire even a temporary substitute.
KDJ was the only one. He was someone that could never be replaced.
So YJH had been the one doing all the management for the sales department in the meantime.
KDJ was the only one. He was someone that could never be replaced.
So YJH had been the one doing all the management for the sales department in the meantime.
That’s why when KDJ appeared in his life again, YJH was able to immediately hand over the sales manager position to him. He even purposefully jacked up his salary to a degree that he couldn’t refuse.
That’s not to say YJH wasn’t incredibly bitter and resentful of him though.
That’s not to say YJH wasn’t incredibly bitter and resentful of him though.
YJH felt spiteful.
KDJ had the audacity to not remember him anymore. Even though they only spent around 2 years together as kids, YJH was never able to forget about KDJ.
Just the thought that KDJ was able to move on so much easier than he had made him grind his teeth.
KDJ had the audacity to not remember him anymore. Even though they only spent around 2 years together as kids, YJH was never able to forget about KDJ.
Just the thought that KDJ was able to move on so much easier than he had made him grind his teeth.
He wasn’t sure if the other was pretending or not, but whenever he stared into KDJ’s eyes, no recognition could be seen. There was only a haze, as if he was dreaming about something.
So YJH decided to be petty. Made it harder for him than it needed to be as he watched him.
So YJH decided to be petty. Made it harder for him than it needed to be as he watched him.
YJH gave him more tasks than necessary, just to see him flounder and stumble trying to complete the workload.
He also made sure to keep track of him, in case he just went and disappeared AGAIN. YJH watched him like a strict hawk, mapping out every line on his lithe body.
He also made sure to keep track of him, in case he just went and disappeared AGAIN. YJH watched him like a strict hawk, mapping out every line on his lithe body.
KDJ looked and acted the same as he did all those years ago, right down to the way he introduced himself. But it was just a tad different from how he remembered him.
Although it had been 13 years and KDJ had forgotten about him, he was too anxious around YJH now, unlike before.
Although it had been 13 years and KDJ had forgotten about him, he was too anxious around YJH now, unlike before.
YJH’s not sure if he likes that, seeing KDJ flinch and lower his head to avoid eye contact. It was such a stark contrast to the bratty petulance he had during their childhood.
It made YJH even more bitter that KDJ was acting so avoidant and apprehensive around him.
It made YJH even more bitter that KDJ was acting so avoidant and apprehensive around him.
Yet the more YJH picked and berated the other, expecting him to bite back like he used to, the more KDJ withdrew in himself.
It was like their time as kids didn’t even exist anymore, at least not to KDJ.
A sour and bitter taste spread in YJH’s mouth at the slight difference.
It was like their time as kids didn’t even exist anymore, at least not to KDJ.
A sour and bitter taste spread in YJH’s mouth at the slight difference.
“Look, most people don’t actually stay together with their childhood best friend.” HSY chides. “You should get over it, it’s been a decade already.”
YJH grumbles. The sole reason he even chose to talk to her was cause she was the only one who knew a majority of what happened.
YJH grumbles. The sole reason he even chose to talk to her was cause she was the only one who knew a majority of what happened.
“Didn’t you stay with your friend?” YJH says unamused. HSY preens at just the mere mention of it.
“Clearly I’m charming enough to keep YSA by my side, unlike you.”
YJH growls at the low blow. Talking to her was a mistake. He’s about to retort when she continues speaking.
“Clearly I’m charming enough to keep YSA by my side, unlike you.”
YJH growls at the low blow. Talking to her was a mistake. He’s about to retort when she continues speaking.
“You should cut the new guy some slack. You’re dragging him cause you’re salty he left, right? But can you blame the guy?” She scoffs. “I would’ve done the same thing.”
YJH shoots her a scalding glare. “He’s different.” He grits out. “He was supposed to be different.”
YJH shoots her a scalding glare. “He’s different.” He grits out. “He was supposed to be different.”
“Well, all you’re doing now is proving to him that he was right to have left you back then. No wonder he forgot about you, I wouldn’t want to remember either with how you’re acting.”
YJH’s expression darkens, growling. “HSY.” He warns. This is a sensitive subject to him.
YJH’s expression darkens, growling. “HSY.” He warns. This is a sensitive subject to him.
He doesn’t know why KDJ left him. He thought they had something together, even though they were still young teens. He thought his feelings were reciprocated with how KDJ was acting.
But then again, KDJ had always been good at putting on a convincing act to lure people in.
But then again, KDJ had always been good at putting on a convincing act to lure people in.
The question still haunted him though, since he could never figure out if it had been all lies or if he did something wrong.
“Suck it up already. At this rate, he’ll leave again.” HSY breaks his depressive pondering by snapping her fingers. “What would you do if he quit, huh?”
“Suck it up already. At this rate, he’ll leave again.” HSY breaks his depressive pondering by snapping her fingers. “What would you do if he quit, huh?”
YJH is about to respond with an answer, that will most definitely qualify as illegal and unethical, when a knock is heard from the door.
“Come in.” HSY calls out, brightening up when she sees it’s YSA. “Did you come to see me?” She simpers.
YSA smiles just as sweetly. “No.”
“Come in.” HSY calls out, brightening up when she sees it’s YSA. “Did you come to see me?” She simpers.
YSA smiles just as sweetly. “No.”
HSY’s expression sours into a pout that leaves YSA chuckling. She concedes a single forehead kiss before straightening back up, coughing into her hand to regain modesty.
“Anyways, I was wondering if either of you has seen KDJ-ssi? We had a meeting, but he didn’t show up.”
“Anyways, I was wondering if either of you has seen KDJ-ssi? We had a meeting, but he didn’t show up.”
YJH stiffens up instantly, eyes narrowing. “He wasn't in his office?”
YSA shakes her head. “I checked there already.”
“Wasn't his lunch break just now?” HSY pipes in helpfully. “Maybe he's in the employee break room.”
“He does go there to get coffee a lot.” She hums.
YSA shakes her head. “I checked there already.”
“Wasn't his lunch break just now?” HSY pipes in helpfully. “Maybe he's in the employee break room.”
“He does go there to get coffee a lot.” She hums.
She bows her head gratefully. “I’ll go check then. Thank you for the help, sorry for disturbing you.”
She goes to leave when YJH suddenly rises too. “I’ll come too.”
HSY jumps up. “I’ll also come then—”
YJH halts her immediately. “No, you stay. You haven’t finished your work.”
She goes to leave when YJH suddenly rises too. “I’ll come too.”
HSY jumps up. “I’ll also come then—”
YJH halts her immediately. “No, you stay. You haven’t finished your work.”
HSY gawks. “Yah! I wouldn’t have work anymore if I wasn’t busy counseling you!” She protests, looking over to her lover for help.
YSA smiles warmly, but replies heartlessly. “You should finish it.”
HSY is left betrayed as they both leave the room without a second thought.
YSA smiles warmly, but replies heartlessly. “You should finish it.”
HSY is left betrayed as they both leave the room without a second thought.
YJH is silent the entire walk, valiantly ignoring YSA’s knowing expression. They weren’t very close, but they had an amicable acquaintanceship through both unfortunately knowing HSY.
When they get to the break room, they find that it’s also empty of people, especially KDJ.
When they get to the break room, they find that it’s also empty of people, especially KDJ.
YJH clicks his tongue in annoyance, feeling an irrational spike in anger. “Tch. That bastard must have a habit of disappearing.”
They’re about to leave when a small sound, a muffled whimper, comes from one of the bottom cupboards. YJH’s eyes dart over as YSA steps forward.
They’re about to leave when a small sound, a muffled whimper, comes from one of the bottom cupboards. YJH’s eyes dart over as YSA steps forward.
She carefully opens the cabinet doors. Inside was KDJ with his legs tucked in against his chest and his head buried in his knees.
She gasps in shock. “KDJ-ssi!” She calls in concern, crouching down. “Are you ok? Is something wrong?”
She gently shakes his shoulder.
She gasps in shock. “KDJ-ssi!” She calls in concern, crouching down. “Are you ok? Is something wrong?”
She gently shakes his shoulder.
KDJ grumbles lightly as he’s roused from sleep. He lifts his head up, blinking blearily, and YJH freezes at the sight of tears falling from those eyes.
“KDJ-ssi, what’s wrong?” YSA comforts worriedly. “Did something happen to you?”
Her voice snaps him out of his stupor.
“KDJ-ssi, what’s wrong?” YSA comforts worriedly. “Did something happen to you?”
Her voice snaps him out of his stupor.
“H-Huh?!” He chokes as the situation finally dawns on him, remnants of sleep dissipating in his panic.
He hastily clambers out of the cabinet, cleaning supplies spilling all over. “Ah, no, no! It’s not what it looks like!” He wheezes out, cheeks sparking red in embarrassment.
He hastily clambers out of the cabinet, cleaning supplies spilling all over. “Ah, no, no! It’s not what it looks like!” He wheezes out, cheeks sparking red in embarrassment.
“But you’re hiding in a cupboard and crying.” YSA frets. “Is the work stressing you out, you can always come to me for help.”
“No, no, I’m fine, I’m fine, really!” KDJ furiously scrubs his eyes and shakes his head. “T-The cupboard thing is just something I do for privacy.”
“No, no, I’m fine, I’m fine, really!” KDJ furiously scrubs his eyes and shakes his head. “T-The cupboard thing is just something I do for privacy.”
“Privacy?” She tilts her head to the side.
KDJ’s face scrunches up into a wince as he explains. “I hide so I can read on my phone. I must’ve accidentally fallen asleep.
“Oh, were you dreaming about something sad? Was it really bad? Do you want to talk about it to feel better?”
KDJ’s face scrunches up into a wince as he explains. “I hide so I can read on my phone. I must’ve accidentally fallen asleep.
“Oh, were you dreaming about something sad? Was it really bad? Do you want to talk about it to feel better?”
KDJ sucks in deep inhale through his teeth, as if the thought of talking about his feelings was utterly repulsive.
“No, no, that won’t be necessary. I’m not crying cause I’m sad, so there’s no need to go so far. This is just a normal side effect.” He flusters.
“No, no, that won’t be necessary. I’m not crying cause I’m sad, so there’s no need to go so far. This is just a normal side effect.” He flusters.
“Side effect? Of what?” YSA continues questioning.
He bites his tongue, cringing heavily. It looks like he’s muttering under his breath and cursing his sleep-addled brain for the slip up.
“KDJ.” YSA smiles pleasantly, but it felt more like a threat. KDJ immediately shivers.
He bites his tongue, cringing heavily. It looks like he’s muttering under his breath and cursing his sleep-addled brain for the slip up.
“KDJ.” YSA smiles pleasantly, but it felt more like a threat. KDJ immediately shivers.
“It’s just something that happens when I go to sleep. I don’t even remember what I dream about.” He relents. “The doctors say it’s some neurological thing since I was in an accident when I was younger.”
“An accident.” YJH repeats, finally stepping into the conversation.
“An accident.” YJH repeats, finally stepping into the conversation.
“You were in an accident.” It was not a question.
KDJ snaps his head so fast in his direction, his neck cracks, blood draining from his face cause he DID NOT notice YJH standing in the back until now.
He stumbles over his words. “Sajangnim! I, I didn’t know you were there, I—”
KDJ snaps his head so fast in his direction, his neck cracks, blood draining from his face cause he DID NOT notice YJH standing in the back until now.
He stumbles over his words. “Sajangnim! I, I didn’t know you were there, I—”
“When was the accident.” YJH’s voice is cold and biting, expression even more so.
“Like around a decade ago, I think?? I’m not too sure, my memory got kinda jumbled up from it.” KDJ wheezes out, caving in from the pressure. “But I’m not using that as an excuse for sleeping—”
“Like around a decade ago, I think?? I’m not too sure, my memory got kinda jumbled up from it.” KDJ wheezes out, caving in from the pressure. “But I’m not using that as an excuse for sleeping—”
“KDJ, go home.”
The smaller male’s mouth snaps shut, lips parting and closing anxiously. “Am, am I fired? I apologize, I won’t fall asleep anymore. I don’t usually anyways, this was just an accident. Or is this about the cupboard thing—”
“No, you’re not fired. Go home.”
The smaller male’s mouth snaps shut, lips parting and closing anxiously. “Am, am I fired? I apologize, I won’t fall asleep anymore. I don’t usually anyways, this was just an accident. Or is this about the cupboard thing—”
“No, you’re not fired. Go home.”
“But—”
“It’s with pay. Now leave. Don’t make me repeat myself again.” He growls.
With that, KDJ scurries away at the furious tone, apologizing and bowing profusely before exiting.
YJH is left standing there, unmoving as he takes in the information he just learned.
“It’s with pay. Now leave. Don’t make me repeat myself again.” He growls.
With that, KDJ scurries away at the furious tone, apologizing and bowing profusely before exiting.
YJH is left standing there, unmoving as he takes in the information he just learned.
He was in an accident. He was in an accident. He was in an accident. He was iN AN ACCIDENT. HE WAS INANACCIDENT. HEWASINANACC—
He’s brought back from his spiraling thoughts by a cup of coffee being offered to him by YSA. She must’ve made it when he had been trapped in his mind.
He’s brought back from his spiraling thoughts by a cup of coffee being offered to him by YSA. She must’ve made it when he had been trapped in his mind.
He frowns, cause he doesn’t drink or eat food made by others. He’s about to turn it down when YSA offers it again, handing it over.
YJH furrows his brows, but YSA says nothing, only gesturing for him to try the coffee.
He cautiously takes a sip and grimaces heavily.
YJH furrows his brows, but YSA says nothing, only gesturing for him to try the coffee.
He cautiously takes a sip and grimaces heavily.
It tastes like pepper.
He glances to YSA but she only continues to smile pleasantly at him, a look he was much familiar with, having seen it given to HSY on multiple occasions.
He takes another sip of the coffee without another word spoken between them.
He finishes it.
He glances to YSA but she only continues to smile pleasantly at him, a look he was much familiar with, having seen it given to HSY on multiple occasions.
He takes another sip of the coffee without another word spoken between them.
He finishes it.
POV SWITCH: KDJ
“It’s a date then!”
That was one of the last things KDJ remembered. He was saying that to someone, but he couldn’t make out their face or figure.
The next memory was him in the classroom in middle school. He remembered he was incredibly happy that day.
“It’s a date then!”
That was one of the last things KDJ remembered. He was saying that to someone, but he couldn’t make out their face or figure.
The next memory was him in the classroom in middle school. He remembered he was incredibly happy that day.
It showed in his expression, in his eyes, in his movements. He was radiating it.
His bully SMW had a problem with that. He always had a problem with KDJ. There had been a scuffle of some sorts. Punches were thrown, insults were thrown.
He said something? What did he say again?
His bully SMW had a problem with that. He always had a problem with KDJ. There had been a scuffle of some sorts. Punches were thrown, insults were thrown.
He said something? What did he say again?
“You’re just mad that I’m happy and secure and worth something! You’re so insecure that it’s pitiful!”
Right, he had said that. During lunch in the classroom. He was standing up for himself, baring his teeth despite being lifted by his collar.
What should he have done instead?
Right, he had said that. During lunch in the classroom. He was standing up for himself, baring his teeth despite being lifted by his collar.
What should he have done instead?
The window was open, a warm gentle breeze could be felt. It looked like it might rain soon.
Where did it all go wrong?
Suddenly there was a push. He was pushed. Right through that open window. Into that cloudy day. A warm gentle breeze could be felt, but his skin turned cold.
Where did it all go wrong?
Suddenly there was a push. He was pushed. Right through that open window. Into that cloudy day. A warm gentle breeze could be felt, but his skin turned cold.
Every breathe left his body as his eyes widened. Everything was in slow motion, as if time had stopped.
There was a sense of helplessness engulfing him. His life flashed before his eyes, from his birth through his childhood to this very moment.
Death was staring at him.
There was a sense of helplessness engulfing him. His life flashed before his eyes, from his birth through his childhood to this very moment.
Death was staring at him.
What was death like? What would happen to him after he’s dead?
What came after? Was it an afterlife? No, it was ■■.
Is that an endless darkness? If so, would he even have a consciousness to perceive it as such? Or was it subconsciously?
No, then it would be an endless sleep.
What came after? Was it an afterlife? No, it was ■■.
Is that an endless darkness? If so, would he even have a consciousness to perceive it as such? Or was it subconsciously?
No, then it would be an endless sleep.
Would he continue to exist somewhere then? Endlessly drifting? Endlessly dreaming? If so, it would be an endless voyage.
It would last forever, was that what awaited him?
It was all unknown.
His ■■ was staring at him.
But someone wasn’t leaving at the same stop as him…
It would last forever, was that what awaited him?
It was all unknown.
His ■■ was staring at him.
But someone wasn’t leaving at the same stop as him…
He remembered that realization hit him immediately with an overwhelming despair.
He was falling. He was falling through the air and the ledge was out of his reach. In those moments, he thought this was it.
This was his end. His conclusion.
He was going to die today.
He was falling. He was falling through the air and the ledge was out of his reach. In those moments, he thought this was it.
This was his end. His conclusion.
He was going to die today.
He remembered this feeling distinctly, as if it was engraved into his soul.
It was not the fact he was going to die that killed him on the inside. It was the fact there was someone he couldn’t be with anymore.
There was so much he wanted to say and to do with them still.
It was not the fact he was going to die that killed him on the inside. It was the fact there was someone he couldn’t be with anymore.
There was so much he wanted to say and to do with them still.
He wanted to see them one last time, to hold them.
He wanted to say goodbye.
He wanted to tell them he loved them, more than anyone in the universe.
He wanted to tell them not to mourn him, to move on.
He wanted to tell them to live a good story.
To live happily ever after.
He wanted to say goodbye.
He wanted to tell them he loved them, more than anyone in the universe.
He wanted to tell them not to mourn him, to move on.
He wanted to tell them to live a good story.
To live happily ever after.
He always hated that phrase. Cause it would never include him. However, the current him dearly wished for that phrase to become true.
He wanted it to…
But he wanted to stay too…
He didn’t want to leave. He didn’t want to leave. He dIDN’T WANT TO LEAVE. HE DIDN’TWANTTOLEA—
He wanted it to…
But he wanted to stay too…
He didn’t want to leave. He didn’t want to leave. He dIDN’T WANT TO LEAVE. HE DIDN’TWANTTOLEA—
His head met the concrete in a spectacle of red and everything went dark.
The Final Chapter of the book has been reached. He has lived a phenomenal novel.
KDJ has reached his ■■.
And with that, his endless voyage got underway.
His ■■ is Eternity.
The End.
The Final Chapter of the book has been reached. He has lived a phenomenal novel.
KDJ has reached his ■■.
And with that, his endless voyage got underway.
His ■■ is Eternity.
The End.
Or it should’ve been. But the proper conclusion had gotten messed up somehow.
As if small story fragments were floating up, forming together and fluttering away, his ■■ was changing.
And so, he alone had reached the epilogue no one had written.
The story was continuing.
As if small story fragments were floating up, forming together and fluttering away, his ■■ was changing.
And so, he alone had reached the epilogue no one had written.
The story was continuing.
EP?L■G■?:
The next thing he knew, his eyes were snapping open to the view of blinding white lights, methodical mechanical beeping, and the heavy scent of antiseptic.
His head was throbbing with a ache so visceral that his eyes immediately began blurring and welling up.
The next thing he knew, his eyes were snapping open to the view of blinding white lights, methodical mechanical beeping, and the heavy scent of antiseptic.
His head was throbbing with a ache so visceral that his eyes immediately began blurring and welling up.
The first thing he did was cry. Tears streamed down his face and wet his cheeks.
He had survived. He had lived.
No, that wasn’t entirely right. A part of him definitely didn’t make it.
Because there was this profound emptiness in him. Hollow, as if carved out.
Missing.
He had survived. He had lived.
No, that wasn’t entirely right. A part of him definitely didn’t make it.
Because there was this profound emptiness in him. Hollow, as if carved out.
Missing.
He brought up a shaky hand to clutch the side of his head, nails digging into his scalp as he gripped his dark strands tightly.
He… He doesn’t remember.
There had been someone waiting for him. There had been someone he held dear. Someone he loved. Someone that loved him.
He… He doesn’t remember.
There had been someone waiting for him. There had been someone he held dear. Someone he loved. Someone that loved him.
But he couldn’t remember them. He couldn’t remember anything about them, not the way they looked nor sounded nor felt.
He couldn’t really remember anything from the last 2 years. It was as if he was missing half of his memories.
51% of him was gone. 51% of him had died.
He couldn’t really remember anything from the last 2 years. It was as if he was missing half of his memories.
51% of him was gone. 51% of him had died.
No no no nO NO NONONO NO!!
Panic began to well inside him, his heart rate increased, the beeping increased, he was hyperventilating, but he couldn’t breathe.
Who was it? Who was he forgetting? It was someone he can’t forget, shouldn’t forget.
It was ■■■ ■■■■■■■■■.
Panic began to well inside him, his heart rate increased, the beeping increased, he was hyperventilating, but he couldn’t breathe.
Who was it? Who was he forgetting? It was someone he can’t forget, shouldn’t forget.
It was ■■■ ■■■■■■■■■.
He started clawing at his eyes and bawling. Why can’t he REMEMBER?!
Even as doctors and nurses came in to restrain him, he couldn’t stop screaming and thrashing.
He wanted to rip the skin off his face. A part of him was MISSING, A PART OF HIM WAS MISSIN—
Sleep took him again.
Even as doctors and nurses came in to restrain him, he couldn’t stop screaming and thrashing.
He wanted to rip the skin off his face. A part of him was MISSING, A PART OF HIM WAS MISSIN—
Sleep took him again.
The next time he came to, back to the land of the living, he was numb inside out.
He felt like he was being swallowed up by a wall. No, he felt like he had already shattered into a million pieces and scattered across the universes.
He felt like he wasn’t whole. Wholly KDJ.
He felt like he was being swallowed up by a wall. No, he felt like he had already shattered into a million pieces and scattered across the universes.
He felt like he wasn’t whole. Wholly KDJ.
The doctors said he’s experiencing shock and that this was trauma from the incident.
He should rest. He’s suffered a severe brain injury. He was advised not to think too hard, it would cause unwarranted stress.
He agreed unwillingly, but only so he could get out of here sooner.
He should rest. He’s suffered a severe brain injury. He was advised not to think too hard, it would cause unwarranted stress.
He agreed unwillingly, but only so he could get out of here sooner.
He found out he had been in a coma for 21 days. It had felt like 21 thousand years of drifting though. He just wanted to go back already.
Everyday here drained a bit more of his soul, he was wasting away. He needed to leave. He felt the longer he stayed, the more he’ll wither.
Everyday here drained a bit more of his soul, he was wasting away. He needed to leave. He felt the longer he stayed, the more he’ll wither.
Whenever he was by himself, he would trace out the lines and every last edge of their shape that he could still see in his mind. But it was a dark so deep and blind that KDJ could never fully see through it.
It overwhelmed him, he just couldn’t accept it. He needed to remember.
It overwhelmed him, he just couldn’t accept it. He needed to remember.
Every night, the only things he had left were the tears falling fast from his eyes.
KDJ wondered about the person he’d left behind. If they’re out there somewhere, lonely and crying too, drowning in pain.
Even now, was it still hurting them like it was hurting him?
KDJ wondered about the person he’d left behind. If they’re out there somewhere, lonely and crying too, drowning in pain.
Even now, was it still hurting them like it was hurting him?
He…hopes they forget him.
Please.
Please forget everything.
If he can’t remember anything then he prayed that the person waiting for him would forget it all too. Cause he didn’t want them to suffer like he was.
He prayed everyday with his empty heart that they did.
Please.
Please forget everything.
If he can’t remember anything then he prayed that the person waiting for him would forget it all too. Cause he didn’t want them to suffer like he was.
He prayed everyday with his empty heart that they did.
[Y ou wi ll re gret th is you wo n t ev er me et th em ag ain]
A voice could be heard in his head.
Whenever he prayed for them to forget, this voice could be heard. He hated this voice. He couldn’t make it out exactly, yet at the same time, it sounded a lot like his own voice.
A voice could be heard in his head.
Whenever he prayed for them to forget, this voice could be heard. He hated this voice. He couldn’t make it out exactly, yet at the same time, it sounded a lot like his own voice.
He hated it. It must be the manifestation of his selfishness. It was degrading, demeaning, deploring. It stated the obvious.
[Will th is re ally be o kay?]
It was definitely himself then.
Cause KDJ knew, he knew all this already. He knew he would become miserable.
[Will th is re ally be o kay?]
It was definitely himself then.
Cause KDJ knew, he knew all this already. He knew he would become miserable.
It was ironic.
He wanted them to forget him so badly, yet here he was, clinging onto whatever dredges he could in order to live.
KDJ knew the person he had forgotten was the only light in his life. That’s why he knew nothing good waited for him after he left the hospital.
He wanted them to forget him so badly, yet here he was, clinging onto whatever dredges he could in order to live.
KDJ knew the person he had forgotten was the only light in his life. That’s why he knew nothing good waited for him after he left the hospital.
Not at school, not at home, not anywhere. If he’d lost the only thing that mattered, then what was the point in him continuing the story like this?
This story could never be completed anyways. How can it when KDJ was incomplete? How can he possibly go on with its storytelling?
This story could never be completed anyways. How can it when KDJ was incomplete? How can he possibly go on with its storytelling?
He was never going to complete this story, but he just couldn’t find it in himself to stop reading it.
It’s because whenever he contemplated finishing what his bully had started, another voice, different from the other one, could be heard.
[(Don’t do it, you fool.)]
It’s because whenever he contemplated finishing what his bully had started, another voice, different from the other one, could be heard.
[(Don’t do it, you fool.)]
He loved this voice. He couldn’t make it out exactly what they sounded like, yet at the same time it was so clear. He loved it, he knew it must be theirs.
Until now, he never knew he was so in love with them. Now that they were gone, it was hard to even breathe without aching.
Until now, he never knew he was so in love with them. Now that they were gone, it was hard to even breathe without aching.
He has bawled his eyes out and banged his head against the walls countless times by now.
His hidden past had been too dark to cast away on his own. But it had started to shine when they had come into his life.
If they had never met, none of this would’ve turned into hope.
His hidden past had been too dark to cast away on his own. But it had started to shine when they had come into his life.
If they had never met, none of this would’ve turned into hope.
All the hurt and pain and heartache sunk into him deeply. It felt like he was rotting away from the inside out.
Nothing could hurt him more than what he felt now. Nothing could comfort him now. He was nothing.
If KDJ had never met them, would he have met a fate worse than this?
Nothing could hurt him more than what he felt now. Nothing could comfort him now. He was nothing.
If KDJ had never met them, would he have met a fate worse than this?
There was not a second he wasn’t thinking of them. Even at night, only they consumed his dreams.
It was always vague and blurry like a thick fog. He couldn’t make out anything, the only thing he knew was that he was happy to see them.
It was a face he would never see again.
It was always vague and blurry like a thick fog. He couldn’t make out anything, the only thing he knew was that he was happy to see them.
It was a face he would never see again.
It made those days when they had stood by him seem more and more like a dream now.
If only it had all been a dream, he would’ve been so much happier if it was. It was the fact that it had been real that made it hurt.
This was a type of happiness that would never come back.
If only it had all been a dream, he would’ve been so much happier if it was. It was the fact that it had been real that made it hurt.
This was a type of happiness that would never come back.
All of his memories that couldn’t be recorded anywhere would now be lost forever.
In that case, where would all those memories go?
Could KDJ find them again if he left the hospital? Could he find them again if he left this life and went on to the next?
He would do anything.
In that case, where would all those memories go?
Could KDJ find them again if he left the hospital? Could he find them again if he left this life and went on to the next?
He would do anything.
On his last day at the hospital before he was discharged, he had gone onto the lobby computer during recreational time.
He doesn’t remember what he typed, but he found a really good webnovel that had recently started.
SSSSS-Grade Infinite Regressor by BlackFlamesEmpress.
He doesn’t remember what he typed, but he found a really good webnovel that had recently started.
SSSSS-Grade Infinite Regressor by BlackFlamesEmpress.
When he read the prologue, the name Yoo Joonhyun made his breath still for some reason.
He didn’t remember the password to his old account anymore. So he instantly made a new one to follow it for updates.
When he went to fill in the username, the voice he loved returned.
He didn’t remember the password to his old account anymore. So he instantly made a new one to follow it for updates.
When he went to fill in the username, the voice he loved returned.
[(You’re too naive.)]
Ah, he was about to use his real name. That was a bad idea, wasn’t it?
So he typed in a different one that also fit him and wrote his first comment.
MostAncientDream:
[Dear author-nim. It was a great read. May I ask about your release schedule?]
Ah, he was about to use his real name. That was a bad idea, wasn’t it?
So he typed in a different one that also fit him and wrote his first comment.
MostAncientDream:
[Dear author-nim. It was a great read. May I ask about your release schedule?]
He used to read webnovels to escape reality once upon a time ago. But now he was using it to get back to reality.
Cause he was dreaming again. He hoped to stop once more.
But dreams only end when you’ve attained them.
He would do anything to remember his dream come true.
Cause he was dreaming again. He hoped to stop once more.
But dreams only end when you’ve attained them.
He would do anything to remember his dream come true.
When he was back in his house and away from the scent of antiseptics, the first thing he noticed was that bitter scent of lemon that remained in his mind, as if it’ll never leave, as if it was embedded in his heart.
Ah, lemonade being his favorite must’ve been because of them.
Ah, lemonade being his favorite must’ve been because of them.
So he started drinking lemonade whenever he could to see if that would help regain his memories.
He would do anything for them to come back.
But the taste of lemonade just made his heart ache. It was funny, lemonade was his favorite, but he hated every one he’d drank.
He would do anything for them to come back.
But the taste of lemonade just made his heart ache. It was funny, lemonade was his favorite, but he hated every one he’d drank.
It just didn’t taste right, didn’t feel right. But he had no idea what right was.
He was like a single piece of fruit, a single piece of lemon, that had been split in two. One half of him has rotted and withered away, leaving behind only heartache in its wake.
He was like a single piece of fruit, a single piece of lemon, that had been split in two. One half of him has rotted and withered away, leaving behind only heartache in its wake.
No matter what he did, nothing seemed to work. He couldn’t recall anything even if he spent countless days wracking his mind and countless nights dreaming.
He only felt a throbbing pain. It was like a headband was constricting around him, as if he was a prisoner.
He only felt a throbbing pain. It was like a headband was constricting around him, as if he was a prisoner.
Just like the protagonist from the [Journey to the West]. He knew he didn’t have that book set before. But even rereading all of it didn’t help.
If only he could reread his own story, maybe even reread it together with someone else. Except he had no one else.
KDJ was alone.
If only he could reread his own story, maybe even reread it together with someone else. Except he had no one else.
KDJ was alone.
He was alone when he was transferred to a different middle school to cover up the scandal.
He was alone when he was in high school.
He was alone when he was in a 3rd rate university.
He was alone when he was in military service.
And he was alone as he entered the work force.
He was alone when he was in high school.
He was alone when he was in a 3rd rate university.
He was alone when he was in military service.
And he was alone as he entered the work force.
The only thing that kept him going through all these years was that familiar voice in his head that he loved and every little thing that reminded him of the person he’d forgotten as he continued to dream.
Today was no different, KDJ woke up with a head full of nothing but fog.
Today was no different, KDJ woke up with a head full of nothing but fog.
Streaks of tears lined his cheeks again. It was always like this.
He would go to sleep and start to cry when he dreamed, but by the time he woke up, all that was left behind were the tears.
He can never remember what was in his dreams, what he was crying about in them.
He would go to sleep and start to cry when he dreamed, but by the time he woke up, all that was left behind were the tears.
He can never remember what was in his dreams, what he was crying about in them.
Maybe that’s for the better. He’s more used to the emptiness rather than to feeling emotions.
Though he wishes that one of the emotions he can dissociate from included embarrassment, because he’s still MORTIFIED by yesterday’s events.
Just thinking about it makes him red.
Though he wishes that one of the emotions he can dissociate from included embarrassment, because he’s still MORTIFIED by yesterday’s events.
Just thinking about it makes him red.
He was caught hiding in a cupboard, he was caught crying in a cupboard, he was caught crying in a cupboard by YSA, he was caught crying in a cupboard by YSA AND BY HIS BOSS YJH.
If it was just YSA, he could live with it. YSA was one of the closest friends he’s made there.
If it was just YSA, he could live with it. YSA was one of the closest friends he’s made there.
She was nice and kind to him, always talking to him and offering to help him. She’s kinda scary at times, which is why he folded so quickly to explain himself and ease her concern (threat).
However, that only applied to her. He had only meant to tell her.
NOT YJH.
However, that only applied to her. He had only meant to tell her.
NOT YJH.
He was too frazzled so he didn’t see YJH in the back when he had revealed his shameful secret to her.
What’s worse is that YJH got angry and sent him home cause of it. YJH must’ve thought he was trying to use it as an excuse to sleep on the job.
Which he definitely wasn’t!
What’s worse is that YJH got angry and sent him home cause of it. YJH must’ve thought he was trying to use it as an excuse to sleep on the job.
Which he definitely wasn’t!
He has never fallen asleep while working before, having always forced himself to stay awake until he got home to collapse completely.
This time was just a weird happenstance, an one time thing. His mind was just tired from adjusting, really!
At least he was sent home with pay.
This time was just a weird happenstance, an one time thing. His mind was just tired from adjusting, really!
At least he was sent home with pay.
Honestly, KDJ’s surprised he didn’t get outright fired. He thought for sure that’s what YJH meant with his order.
He doesn’t know why he’s so relieved to be employed at a place that tormented him.
Hadn’t he wanted to get fired? Then why was he so scared by just the idea of it.
He doesn’t know why he’s so relieved to be employed at a place that tormented him.
Hadn’t he wanted to get fired? Then why was he so scared by just the idea of it.
KDJ groans in his bed cause this doesn’t mean he wasn’t absolutely dreading going to work today. He’s not sure if he can survive the utter humiliation.
But a glance at the rent notice letter on his kitchen table has him regretfully getting dressed in his shabby suit.
But a glance at the rent notice letter on his kitchen table has him regretfully getting dressed in his shabby suit.
YJH was probably going to give him a bunch of tasks to do again, and they’re probably all going to have a short deadline too. He would have to do even more overtime now.
At least, that’s what he thought would happen. However, when he got to his desk, it was wiped clean of paper.
At least, that’s what he thought would happen. However, when he got to his desk, it was wiped clean of paper.
He blinks rapidly, thinking maybe he was actually fired and this is just a sadistic way to tell him by making him come back into the office to physically see.
Though upon closer inspection of his files, he sees all the work has already been completed and organized. But how??
Though upon closer inspection of his files, he sees all the work has already been completed and organized. But how??
KDJ knows he didn’t do it yesterday. Not to mention, there were no new assignments either.
“Uhh…” He mutters, looking around to see if it was perhaps hidden and he needs to find it?? “What happened to all my work?”
“I took care of it.” A new voice says. “Take it easy today.”
“Uhh…” He mutters, looking around to see if it was perhaps hidden and he needs to find it?? “What happened to all my work?”
“I took care of it.” A new voice says. “Take it easy today.”
KDJ nearly bangs his head against the underside of his desk from where he was looking in his haste to turn around.
“Yoo-Sajangnim!” KDJ exclaims. YJH was uncannily quiet for someone so built. This was not the first time he snuck up on KDJ, yet he still gets shocked every time.
“Yoo-Sajangnim!” KDJ exclaims. YJH was uncannily quiet for someone so built. This was not the first time he snuck up on KDJ, yet he still gets shocked every time.
“I, uh, wait, so I don’t have anything to do today?” He stammers out intelligently.
YJH gives him a deadpan look. “No. Just stay here and rest.” He says before turning around to leave without another word.
KDJ is left stunned. Was it just him or was YJH acting strangely?
YJH gives him a deadpan look. “No. Just stay here and rest.” He says before turning around to leave without another word.
KDJ is left stunned. Was it just him or was YJH acting strangely?
KDJ had expected to be yelled at and reprimanded again, then for an insurmountable level of paperwork to be thrusted into his hands.
Instead, all he got was quite possibly the most idle and stressful day he’s ever had here.
He just couldn’t relax fully. This must be a trick!
Instead, all he got was quite possibly the most idle and stressful day he’s ever had here.
He just couldn’t relax fully. This must be a trick!
YJH was actually being considerate and nice to him?! No, impossible. It must be a fluke.
Except, for the next week, the same unnaturally hospitable treatment continued.
He would go into work, have nothing to do, but be too scared to go onto his phone, cause it could be a trap??
Except, for the next week, the same unnaturally hospitable treatment continued.
He would go into work, have nothing to do, but be too scared to go onto his phone, cause it could be a trap??
KDJ wasn’t sure what he was supposed to do!
Was this like a new torture method YJH was trying? Was this like some reverse psychology tactic?? Is there some secret message KDJ was supposed to read??
KDJ didn’t know and there was no way he was figuring it out without caffeine.
Was this like a new torture method YJH was trying? Was this like some reverse psychology tactic?? Is there some secret message KDJ was supposed to read??
KDJ didn’t know and there was no way he was figuring it out without caffeine.
He was getting coffee in that same break room where the “incident” happened now. He’s contemplated never going back here but his need for coffee was stronger than his past humiliation.
So every time he enters now, he has to repress all the cringy memories from back then.
So every time he enters now, he has to repress all the cringy memories from back then.
“Should I go apologize?” He mumbles because maybe this is a thing of principle he’s missing?
“Apologize for what?” A familiar gruff voice says and KDJ yelps cause how does he KEEP sneaking up like that?! Was KDJ so deep in thought he didn’t hear the door opening??
“Apologize for what?” A familiar gruff voice says and KDJ yelps cause how does he KEEP sneaking up like that?! Was KDJ so deep in thought he didn’t hear the door opening??
The coffee he’s just brewed and poured into a mug drops from his hands, shattering on the floor. KDJ is never going to enter this break room again.
“Ah! I’m sorry, I didn’t mea—” The coffee was splattered all over YJH’s shoes, making KDJ suck in a sharp breath through his teeth.
“Ah! I’m sorry, I didn’t mea—” The coffee was splattered all over YJH’s shoes, making KDJ suck in a sharp breath through his teeth.
“I’ll clean it up.” He wheezes as he rushes to grab some napkins, but a large firm hand grips his wrist to stop him.
“It’s fine. Someone else will get it.” YJH grunts, jaw tight.
“B-But…” KDJ winces at the ruined designer brand shoes.
“Get coffee with me instead.”
“It’s fine. Someone else will get it.” YJH grunts, jaw tight.
“B-But…” KDJ winces at the ruined designer brand shoes.
“Get coffee with me instead.”
KDJ blinks at the shift in conversation. “Huh?”
YJH seems to be struggling with some inner demons as he takes a deep breathe. “I’ll treat you to coffee. Since you spilled yours.”
KDJ cannot believe what he’s hearing. “No, no, it’s ok! I’ll just make another one here.”
YJH seems to be struggling with some inner demons as he takes a deep breathe. “I’ll treat you to coffee. Since you spilled yours.”
KDJ cannot believe what he’s hearing. “No, no, it’s ok! I’ll just make another one here.”
YJH slams the coffee machine closed. “I insist.”
“Then just…a small one will do.”
So KDJ is left with no choice but to concede to the offer (threat) and accompany his boss to quite possibly the fanciest coffee shop he’s ever seen in the fanciest shopping plaza he’s ever seen.
“Then just…a small one will do.”
So KDJ is left with no choice but to concede to the offer (threat) and accompany his boss to quite possibly the fanciest coffee shop he’s ever seen in the fanciest shopping plaza he’s ever seen.
The entire walk over, people kept staring at them. Well, they kept staring at YJH cause he was as hot as a beacon, but they were also staring at KDJ in association.
KDJ sticks out here more than he did at the company. He wonders if he looks like some leech mooching off of YJH.
KDJ sticks out here more than he did at the company. He wonders if he looks like some leech mooching off of YJH.
The menu and prices alone made KDJ’s pupils tremble as he stares at the choices. He couldn’t afford any of this.
“Get anything you want. I’ll pay.” YJH says, as if he could read KDJ’s thoughts.
KDJ gulps. His eyes linger on one for a second longer than the others.
“Get anything you want. I’ll pay.” YJH says, as if he could read KDJ’s thoughts.
KDJ gulps. His eyes linger on one for a second longer than the others.
But he shouldn’t. Just because his boss was paying doesn’t mean he should be shameless.
He’ll just go with the cheapest option here out of respect and fear.
He opens his mouth to give the cashier his order, but YJH cuts in before he could, having read KDJ’s thoughts again.
He’ll just go with the cheapest option here out of respect and fear.
He opens his mouth to give the cashier his order, but YJH cuts in before he could, having read KDJ’s thoughts again.
YJH orders for him the one his eyes had lingered on, which was something not small nor simple. It was frankly atrociously priced.
“Hey, I—That wasn’t what…”
KDJ is left stuttering and protesting. But the insistent look YJH gives him left no room for argument.
“Take it.”
“Hey, I—That wasn’t what…”
KDJ is left stuttering and protesting. But the insistent look YJH gives him left no room for argument.
“Take it.”
So he bites his bottom lip and hesitantly takes a sip. As soon as the dark liquid touched his tongue, he instantly sighs contently, the corners of his mouth lifting up unconsciously.
Wow, this is the best coffee he’s ever had. It tasted amazing, rich and deep and flavorful.
Wow, this is the best coffee he’s ever had. It tasted amazing, rich and deep and flavorful.
The one back at the company was already leagues above Minosoft’s, but this is a whole new level.
His expression must’ve been truly astonished cause KDJ snaps out of his daze only when he hears a rough baritone chuckle. He looks up to see YJH’s incredibly smug smirk.
His expression must’ve been truly astonished cause KDJ snaps out of his daze only when he hears a rough baritone chuckle. He looks up to see YJH’s incredibly smug smirk.
KDJ’s face heats up red at the sight in awe. It should be illegal how hot YJH was. His face alone went against probability.
“Was it that good?”
“S-Shut up!” He sputters in embarrassment. YJH was laughing at him! “We can’t all buy expensive coffee like this, you know!”
“Was it that good?”
“S-Shut up!” He sputters in embarrassment. YJH was laughing at him! “We can’t all buy expensive coffee like this, you know!”
KDJ’s eyes widen at his sudden outburst, hand clamping over his mouth as an aborted sound of regret slips through. If he wasn’t fired before, he’s definitely fired now.
KDJ looks back up, only to be met with the sight of YJH’s smirk widening at his inappropriate behavior.
KDJ looks back up, only to be met with the sight of YJH’s smirk widening at his inappropriate behavior.
“I’ll treat you to coffee again then.” He says smoothly, leaving KDJ sputtering.
“H-Hey, wait! You didn’t get anything.” He notes, trying to distract from his embarrassment.
“YSA made me a cup earlier so I’m no longer in the mood for more.” YJH mutters with a disgruntled tone.
“H-Hey, wait! You didn’t get anything.” He notes, trying to distract from his embarrassment.
“YSA made me a cup earlier so I’m no longer in the mood for more.” YJH mutters with a disgruntled tone.
KDJ can’t stop staring. He’s in disbelief at this uncharacteristic behavior of the man responsible for all his workplace suffering.
This was the same slave driver of a CEO…who has been performing psychological warfare on him for the past week by giving him nothing to do.
This was the same slave driver of a CEO…who has been performing psychological warfare on him for the past week by giving him nothing to do.
This coffee is probably another psychological warfare tactic. Don’t be fooled, KDJ!
With that, they start to head back to the company. They couldn’t be gone for long since this was only supposed to be a short coffee break. Not that KDJ would be missing much though…
With that, they start to head back to the company. They couldn’t be gone for long since this was only supposed to be a short coffee break. Not that KDJ would be missing much though…
When they enter the office, KDJ musters up all his courage to call out. “Yoo-Sajangnim…” He starts, causing YJH to turn towards his direction. “If this is about uh, what happened, I swear I won’t fall asleep again or hide in the cupb—”
YJH puts up a hand to halt KDJ.
YJH puts up a hand to halt KDJ.
YJH’s brows were heavily creased in frustration. “Don’t apologize.” He’s silent for a moment, as if contemplating what to say. “None of it was your fault.”
KDJ’s brows furrow now. “Huh? Then why have you been making me think about what I did for the past week??”
KDJ’s brows furrow now. “Huh? Then why have you been making me think about what I did for the past week??”
YJH gives him a withering look. “Is…that how you took it?”
KDJ’s mouth falls open. “You didn’t give me anything to do! How else was I was supposed to take it?”
YJH doesn’t respond as he continues to stare at him, as if he doesn’t know what to say cause KDJ was so stupid.
KDJ’s mouth falls open. “You didn’t give me anything to do! How else was I was supposed to take it?”
YJH doesn’t respond as he continues to stare at him, as if he doesn’t know what to say cause KDJ was so stupid.
KDJ fidgets indignantly at the judgmental gaze before a dawning realization has his eyes widening. “Wait, if this wasn’t some form of punishment, then is this your way of apologizing for abusing me?!”
YJH’s face sours. “I wasn’t abusing you…”
KDJ is completely stunned.
YJH’s face sours. “I wasn’t abusing you…”
KDJ is completely stunned.
“You were! You definitely were!! You wouldn’t be doing this if you didn’t!” He accuses loudly.
There is a heavy twinge of guilt reflected in YJH’s eyes as he begins to silently sulk and brood. He looks like a kicked puppy, which has KDJ’s heart fluttering at the sight.
There is a heavy twinge of guilt reflected in YJH’s eyes as he begins to silently sulk and brood. He looks like a kicked puppy, which has KDJ’s heart fluttering at the sight.
YJH’s face is truly unfair. He must be God’s favorite or KDJ must be a face-con, because he finds his tyrant of a CEO incredibly cute right now.
He can’t help but laugh genuinely, cheeks dusting pink and eyes turning into crescents. How can someone so scary look so cute!
He can’t help but laugh genuinely, cheeks dusting pink and eyes turning into crescents. How can someone so scary look so cute!
He doesn’t know what look YJH is giving him now, because he’s too busy wiping the tears beading at the corners of his eyes, chest heaving as short puffs of air make a wheezing sound leave his lips.
But if KDJ had looked, he would’ve seen something like fondness and adoration.
But if KDJ had looked, he would’ve seen something like fondness and adoration.
“You don’t have to stop giving me work and buying me coffee to make it up to me.” He finally catches his breathe. “Just give me commission pay.”
YJH scoffs in amusement at the suggestion, but it sounded a bit nostalgic somehow. “No. I’ll take you out to lunch next time instead.”
YJH scoffs in amusement at the suggestion, but it sounded a bit nostalgic somehow. “No. I’ll take you out to lunch next time instead.”
“What?? No, that’s not necessary, just give me—”
But YJH had already gone back to his office and KDJ was left grumbling by himself at the other’s fast exit. He had to pat his cheeks a couple of times in an attempt to lessen his flush.
Hopefully he gets that commission pay.
But YJH had already gone back to his office and KDJ was left grumbling by himself at the other’s fast exit. He had to pat his cheeks a couple of times in an attempt to lessen his flush.
Hopefully he gets that commission pay.
He does not, in fact, get that commission pay. What he gets instead is YJH now occupying both his coffee breaks and now lunch breaks too.
He had dragged KDJ later that week to one of the most expensive restaurants KDJ has ever been to. Some sort of Chinese cuisine?
He had dragged KDJ later that week to one of the most expensive restaurants KDJ has ever been to. Some sort of Chinese cuisine?
Apparently YJH is some sort of VIP cause they didn’t even need a reservation. Well, it makes sense, YJH was not only extremely attractive, but also incredibly affluential.
KDJ could not stop his gawking though as they’re led to a private room just for the two of them to dine.
KDJ could not stop his gawking though as they’re led to a private room just for the two of them to dine.
KDJ shifts awkwardly as YJH doesn’t even bother looking at the menu nor does he let KDJ look at the menu either.
“You don’t need to. I know what you’ll like.” He says confidently. KDJ doubts he does, but can’t complain cause it’s not like he was paying for this meal either.
“You don’t need to. I know what you’ll like.” He says confidently. KDJ doubts he does, but can’t complain cause it’s not like he was paying for this meal either.
That’s how KDJ ends up narrowing his eyes skeptically at a simple dish of Murim dumplings with chicken broth. It’s surprisingly quaint. KDJ had expected something over the top.
“It’ll be your favorite.” There was not an ounce of hesitancy in YJH’s tone. That has KDJ frowning.
“It’ll be your favorite.” There was not an ounce of hesitancy in YJH’s tone. That has KDJ frowning.
“How would you know?” KDJ challenges. “A huge hubris is never a good sign.”
YJH’s left eyebrow twitches as he clenches his fists. KDJ wonders if he nearly avoided getting punched right then. “Try it. You’ll see.”
KDJ rolls his eyes but pops one into his mouth, chewing slowly.
YJH’s left eyebrow twitches as he clenches his fists. KDJ wonders if he nearly avoided getting punched right then. “Try it. You’ll see.”
KDJ rolls his eyes but pops one into his mouth, chewing slowly.
He freezes. Oh no, YJH is right. And YJH knows he’s right cause he’s already arching a brow as if to say, “I told you so.”
KDJ can only avert his eyes at the flagrant arrogance. “It’s…good.”
“And it’s your favorite.” YJH hums with satisfaction, leaning back in his seat.
KDJ can only avert his eyes at the flagrant arrogance. “It’s…good.”
“And it’s your favorite.” YJH hums with satisfaction, leaning back in his seat.
KDJ tries not to let that low vibration send shivers down his spine.
But in the coming days and weeks, it becomes harder and harder as YJH effectively barrels his way into KDJ’s life, more than ever before.
That cold and calculating CEO he had known was no longer here.
But in the coming days and weeks, it becomes harder and harder as YJH effectively barrels his way into KDJ’s life, more than ever before.
That cold and calculating CEO he had known was no longer here.
In his place was someone almost brand new to KDJ. Someone who’s actually considerate, thoughtful, and attentive to him.
YJH was nice to him now. He would bring him breakfast and lunch everyday after finding out all KDJ ate was convenience store kimbap and company coffee.
YJH was nice to him now. He would bring him breakfast and lunch everyday after finding out all KDJ ate was convenience store kimbap and company coffee.
The food YJH brought was always so good. The best food KDJ’s ever had. It was delicious, filling, and also nutritious.
Oh, what it must be like to be rich enough to afford a professional chef that could cook like this for you everyday. YJH sure was lucky to have one.
Oh, what it must be like to be rich enough to afford a professional chef that could cook like this for you everyday. YJH sure was lucky to have one.
But KDJ was still nagged endlessly about having such a poor diet to begin with. YJH still found many opportunities to chide KDJ, but now it was about benign things like getting enough sleep at night and eating right.
The whiplash made KDJ dizzy just thinking about it.
The whiplash made KDJ dizzy just thinking about it.
KDJ also was given actual tasks to do again. Surprisingly, only a moderate amount though, rather than the piles he used to have.
The most shocking part was how KDJ was more productive when people weren’t constantly berating him. Who would’ve known?? This was new to him too!
The most shocking part was how KDJ was more productive when people weren’t constantly berating him. Who would’ve known?? This was new to him too!
Not having to do copious levels of overtime has KDJ feeling tons of times better. But maybe that also has to do with YJH’s complete 180 behavior.
If KDJ didn’t know better, he would think YJH was courting him or something.
The thought alone has KDJ’s face flushing red.
If KDJ didn’t know better, he would think YJH was courting him or something.
The thought alone has KDJ’s face flushing red.
YJH just had that kind of affect on him. He’s not sure why, but every time he was with the other man, KDJ’s heart would race.
He felt happy when he was with YJH and when YJH paid attention to him. Wasn’t this his micromanaging CEO whom he hated?
Was KDJ’s standards so low??
He felt happy when he was with YJH and when YJH paid attention to him. Wasn’t this his micromanaging CEO whom he hated?
Was KDJ’s standards so low??
Was having a really, really, really (he cannot stress this enough) attractive face and body all you need to win over KDJ’s heart? Didn’t he forgive YJH’s transgressions with him too quickly?
Just cause YJH was nice to him now doesn’t mean he should succumb to catching feelings.
Just cause YJH was nice to him now doesn’t mean he should succumb to catching feelings.
But he just gets along with YJH so well. They were like puzzle pieces slotting together, it felt more like he was resuming his place next to the man rather than just getting to know him as a person.
When he’s with YJH, he feels happiness and joy, laughter coming naturally.
When he’s with YJH, he feels happiness and joy, laughter coming naturally.
He felt at ease with him. He could talk about anything and YJH would listen attentively and patiently.
As if he was interested, as if he enjoyed the sound of his rambling voice, as if he liked his presence, as if he actually cared about KDJ.
YJH didn’t seem to mind KDJ.
As if he was interested, as if he enjoyed the sound of his rambling voice, as if he liked his presence, as if he actually cared about KDJ.
YJH didn’t seem to mind KDJ.
He could intrude on the other and YJH wouldn’t shoo him away. He also never yelled at him anymore and helped him with whatever he needed.
He let KDJ get away with so much now, even though he always acted so annoyed. He can always poke fun at the other’s grumpy mood without fear.
He let KDJ get away with so much now, even though he always acted so annoyed. He can always poke fun at the other’s grumpy mood without fear.
Yet there was that near imperceptible upward tilt at the corner of YJH’s mouth that has KDJ internally soaring.
KDJ would watch the way YJH drags his pen across the paper whenever he was secretly happy.
How he secretly plays mobile phone games when he thinks no one’s looking.
KDJ would watch the way YJH drags his pen across the paper whenever he was secretly happy.
How he secretly plays mobile phone games when he thinks no one’s looking.
KDJ could only think about how cute YJH was.
This is not to mention all the soft looks and fond voices and kind gestures he always gave to KDJ too. He treated KDJ so gently, as if he was something precious.
He was always so mindful, as if he knew what KDJ has gone through.
This is not to mention all the soft looks and fond voices and kind gestures he always gave to KDJ too. He treated KDJ so gently, as if he was something precious.
He was always so mindful, as if he knew what KDJ has gone through.
YJH could read KDJ like no other, like he knows him best in this world.
KDJ felt so hopeful with him.
Perhaps YJH understood his heart more than anyone else. Was it because he lost his precious things when weak too?
And that’s why KDJ also felt so much despair when with him.
KDJ felt so hopeful with him.
Perhaps YJH understood his heart more than anyone else. Was it because he lost his precious things when weak too?
And that’s why KDJ also felt so much despair when with him.
Every happy moment was tainted with some form of melancholy and buried nostalgia.
KDJ could not help the deep sense of guilt that would rise within him whenever he thought about how much he wanted to be with YJH.
He could not help but think about the person he had left behind.
KDJ could not help the deep sense of guilt that would rise within him whenever he thought about how much he wanted to be with YJH.
He could not help but think about the person he had left behind.
It felt like KDJ was betraying them if he became any closer with YJH. Everyday, the conflicting emotions would surge inside him.
Remorse, happiness, sorrow, elation, shame, fulfillment.
He wanted to have this so badly, but he didn’t want to lose more than what he already had.
Remorse, happiness, sorrow, elation, shame, fulfillment.
He wanted to have this so badly, but he didn’t want to lose more than what he already had.
It’s with a sickening twist of grief in his gut when KDJ realized belatedly that the voice he loved the most could no longer be heard in his head anymore. All that’s left is the voice he hated, his own voice.
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
He was, he was, he really was.
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
He was, he was, he really was.
The person he’s forgotten was probably no longer waiting for him and has moved on by now.
Even if KDJ ever met them again, it would still be betrayal, cause KDJ could no longer remember them the same way they remembered KDJ.
It wouldn’t be the same. It was all KDJ’s fault.
Even if KDJ ever met them again, it would still be betrayal, cause KDJ could no longer remember them the same way they remembered KDJ.
It wouldn’t be the same. It was all KDJ’s fault.
He could not dream about his own happy ending. He should not be allowed to. If he did, it would make a mockery out of what KDJ had with that person, of what KDJ had lost.
Yet why was he still so selfishly wishing and seeking out YJH’s touch more and more?
He’s a monster.
Yet why was he still so selfishly wishing and seeking out YJH’s touch more and more?
He’s a monster.
POV SWITCH: YJH
YJH is overcome with guilt and shame. It’s making itself known from the way his stomach is twisting in nausea. But that could also just be from the pepper-spiked coffee he was made to drink earlier.
KDJ had been in an accident. That explained so much.
YJH is overcome with guilt and shame. It’s making itself known from the way his stomach is twisting in nausea. But that could also just be from the pepper-spiked coffee he was made to drink earlier.
KDJ had been in an accident. That explained so much.
He had thought KDJ seemed a little more absent-minded than he remembered, but after 13 years, some things were harder to tell than others.
KDJ seemed to stare off into space more, with his head in the stars and a foggy haze in his eyes. It was like he was dreaming.
KDJ seemed to stare off into space more, with his head in the stars and a foggy haze in his eyes. It was like he was dreaming.
He also forgot things often, always bringing out a notepad to make a list of the things he had to do, before misplacing the list and forgetting about that too.
YJH had chalked up his strange behavior to nervousness from being unfairly overworked and pressured from his new job.
YJH had chalked up his strange behavior to nervousness from being unfairly overworked and pressured from his new job.
But now YJH knew he’s just been distressing someone who’s suffered serious injuries in the past.
When he saw KDJ crawl out of the cabinet crying, YJH has never felt more like shit. The sight of KDJ’s tears left a bitter sour taste in YJH’s mouth. He hated seeing KDJ cry.
When he saw KDJ crawl out of the cabinet crying, YJH has never felt more like shit. The sight of KDJ’s tears left a bitter sour taste in YJH’s mouth. He hated seeing KDJ cry.
And then KDJ had let slip his accident and the resulting memory issues and it all just clicked into place for YJH.
It all made sense now. Why KDJ disappeared, why he doesn’t remember YJH. None of it was actually KDJ’s fault.
He should’ve never decided to exact petty revenge.
It all made sense now. Why KDJ disappeared, why he doesn’t remember YJH. None of it was actually KDJ’s fault.
He should’ve never decided to exact petty revenge.
“I told you so!” HSY cackles without regard to his turmoil, he deserves it though.
She was disturbingly good at prediction. Her shit-eating grin could be felt the entire time as he relayed his regrets.
“I…had no idea.” He mutters, eyes cast to the floor. This must be karma.
She was disturbingly good at prediction. Her shit-eating grin could be felt the entire time as he relayed his regrets.
“I…had no idea.” He mutters, eyes cast to the floor. This must be karma.
“I’m not saying I’m above being a little shit at work, but you never suspected anything??” She criticizes sharply. “Your childhood love story was like straight out of a drama, you should’ve seen this coming.”
HSY had this awful habit of applying fictional tropes to real life.
HSY had this awful habit of applying fictional tropes to real life.
YJH takes in a deep suffering sigh as she continues to rub salt in his wounds.
His mind wasn’t in a good place back then, so he’s not sure why he assumed the other abandoned him and stuck stubbornly to that conclusion until now.
He’s never considered a new perspective before.
His mind wasn’t in a good place back then, so he’s not sure why he assumed the other abandoned him and stuck stubbornly to that conclusion until now.
He’s never considered a new perspective before.
But that begs the question of what should he do now?
What he had with KDJ was gone. KDJ no longer liked him, no longer remembered him. KDJ no longer knew him—
“If you’re so hung up about it, why not just woo him again? You did it once, you can do it again.” HSY drawls lazily.
What he had with KDJ was gone. KDJ no longer liked him, no longer remembered him. KDJ no longer knew him—
“If you’re so hung up about it, why not just woo him again? You did it once, you can do it again.” HSY drawls lazily.
YJH frowns at having been read like an open book by her. “I’ve ruined that chance already.”
He had realized the truth too late. Any redeeming chance he had with KDJ had already been effectively destroyed by his own hands. KDJ definitely hates him now after what he’s done.
He had realized the truth too late. Any redeeming chance he had with KDJ had already been effectively destroyed by his own hands. KDJ definitely hates him now after what he’s done.
HSY rolls her eyes in exasperation at his prolonged moping. “Someone with bad taste will always have bad taste.”
“I’m not going to burden him anymore than I have.” YJH retorts, his chest tightening painfully. “He clearly doesn’t want to have anything to do with me anymore…”
“I’m not going to burden him anymore than I have.” YJH retorts, his chest tightening painfully. “He clearly doesn’t want to have anything to do with me anymore…”
“Who knows?” She whistles mockingly. “But aren’t you brave for saying that when you’re still head over heels for him.”
YJH growls at the provocation. “He’s not interested in me and I have no interest in pressuring him to be. I’ve stressed him out enough as is.”
YJH growls at the provocation. “He’s not interested in me and I have no interest in pressuring him to be. I’ve stressed him out enough as is.”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” HSY had that look again, as if she was thinking of the future once more. “Well, you should at least apologize to him after what you’ve put him through.”
That wasn’t a bad idea actually. Which is surprising cause HSY only has bad ideas.
That wasn’t a bad idea actually. Which is surprising cause HSY only has bad ideas.
YJH should try to talk to him and apologize. At the very least, they can try to be friendly acquaintances. YJH would take it if that’s all he can get.
That was his goal when he had let KDJ rest for the week by not giving him any work to do. But why did he seem anxious still?
That was his goal when he had let KDJ rest for the week by not giving him any work to do. But why did he seem anxious still?
When he spotted the other going into the break room again, YJH grew worried that he was going to crawl into a cabinet and cry again, so he had intended to just check up on him.
Then one thing led to another instead, a unforeseen coffee spill had led to a coffee outing.
Then one thing led to another instead, a unforeseen coffee spill had led to a coffee outing.
YJH watched KDJ intensely the entire time, which is why he already knew what KDJ was thinking when his eyes hesitantly flickered to and fro on the menu. So YJH had stepped in and ordered for him what he actually wanted.
When KDJ took a sip, his face morphed into one of awe.
When KDJ took a sip, his face morphed into one of awe.
It had YJH chuckling and teasing him cause the look of surprise on KDJ’s face was a spitting image to the one he saw when the other had first drank his lemonade.
It was when KDJ was embarrassedly telling him to shut up that YJH felt his heart twinge at the age-old familiarity.
It was when KDJ was embarrassedly telling him to shut up that YJH felt his heart twinge at the age-old familiarity.
So KDJ could still be a brat and talk back to him like that. The thought had YJH’s mood rising.
Then back at the office, after finally figuring out why YJH had been giving him a break, KDJ had called him out loudly.
YJH had expected a deeper scolding and more anger.
Then back at the office, after finally figuring out why YJH had been giving him a break, KDJ had called him out loudly.
YJH had expected a deeper scolding and more anger.
But KDJ started laughing instead after having only a moment of indignation. YJH’s not sure why the other was laughing but it had YJH’s heart beating fast.
He hadn’t heard such a beautiful sound in over a decade. He missed KDJ’s laughter and voice so much.
He missed KDJ.
He hadn’t heard such a beautiful sound in over a decade. He missed KDJ’s laughter and voice so much.
He missed KDJ.
“Just give me commission pay.” KDJ teased and YJH felt his heart skip a beat. Some things never change.
YJH had missed this too. This type of relationship.
Which is why he didn’t actually say sorry to KDJ. If he verbally apologized then he couldn’t keep making it up to KDJ.
YJH had missed this too. This type of relationship.
Which is why he didn’t actually say sorry to KDJ. If he verbally apologized then he couldn’t keep making it up to KDJ.
He used this as an excuse to continue seeing the other.
YJH took him to lunch at his favorite restaurant next. The way KDJ’s eyes widened upon tasting the Murim dumplings had YJH smiling fondly.
It was just like when they were younger, as if nothing has changed.
YJH took him to lunch at his favorite restaurant next. The way KDJ’s eyes widened upon tasting the Murim dumplings had YJH smiling fondly.
It was just like when they were younger, as if nothing has changed.
A lot of things was like that. KDJ’s lack of regard for personal space and the way he started to openly chide YJH.
Unfortunately, all of his bad habits stayed too. This included KDJ’s general lack of self-care with his incredibly poor diet and dismal sleep schedule.
Unfortunately, all of his bad habits stayed too. This included KDJ’s general lack of self-care with his incredibly poor diet and dismal sleep schedule.
The return of that stupid fucking convenience store kimbap had YJH gritting his teeth. YJH had to nag him relentlessly to eat more than just junk food.
As a result, YJH had started cooking and packing breakfast and lunch for him. KDJ was too thin for his own good.
As a result, YJH had started cooking and packing breakfast and lunch for him. KDJ was too thin for his own good.
He was glad KDJ liked all the same foods as before, right down to the Murim dumplings with chicken broth.
Though, he was surprised when KDJ popped a cherry tomato into his mouth. YJH had put that in his lunch as a joke. But it was nice KDJ grew out of his childhood pickiness.
Though, he was surprised when KDJ popped a cherry tomato into his mouth. YJH had put that in his lunch as a joke. But it was nice KDJ grew out of his childhood pickiness.
He was also glad to see that KDJ’s eye bags were lessening now that YJH wasn’t giving him overtime anymore.
YJH still felt immensely guilty over that, but then KDJ would press his thumb in between his scrunched brows and laugh about how YJH was going to get wrinkles.
YJH still felt immensely guilty over that, but then KDJ would press his thumb in between his scrunched brows and laugh about how YJH was going to get wrinkles.
They grew close again, seeing each other every day and spending the entire day together.
It was nostalgic and had YJH’s eyes softening whenever he looked at KDJ acting annoying as all hell.
Somewhere along the line, the pretense of apology had turned into something else.
It was nostalgic and had YJH’s eyes softening whenever he looked at KDJ acting annoying as all hell.
Somewhere along the line, the pretense of apology had turned into something else.
Like a fool, YJH had fallen in love all over again. No, correction, he had never fallen out of love to begin with.
It was more like YJH was giving in to his resolve to stay as friendly acquaintances, because YJH wanted more of KDJ, had never stopped wanting KDJ.
It was more like YJH was giving in to his resolve to stay as friendly acquaintances, because YJH wanted more of KDJ, had never stopped wanting KDJ.
There was 13 years of yearning buried inside him. Now that KDJ was back, he felt it threatening to spill over.
It’s ironic though how history repeats itself. It felt like YJH had regressed back in time to the beginning. He was once more unsure if he should tell the other.
It’s ironic though how history repeats itself. It felt like YJH had regressed back in time to the beginning. He was once more unsure if he should tell the other.
The same old fear was gripping him again. If he told KDJ his feelings, their current employer and employee relationship would be at risk.
What if KDJ didn’t feel the same. They had a rockier start this time. YJH could tell that KDJ was still hesitant around him.
What if KDJ didn’t feel the same. They had a rockier start this time. YJH could tell that KDJ was still hesitant around him.
Sometimes, KDJ would look at YJH as if staring right through him. As if he was thinking about someone else.
YJH has no idea what happened to KDJ in the years they’ve been apart, if he had seen other people.
But whenever KDJ blanked out like that, jealousy rose with YJH.
YJH has no idea what happened to KDJ in the years they’ve been apart, if he had seen other people.
But whenever KDJ blanked out like that, jealousy rose with YJH.
Who was taking KDJ’s attention away from him? Who was KDJ thinking about, dreaming about?
If he told KDJ his feelings and KDJ rejected him, he would disappear this time out of his own volition and YJH would lose KDJ.
So he kept it inside him again. What they had now wasn’t bad.
If he told KDJ his feelings and KDJ rejected him, he would disappear this time out of his own volition and YJH would lose KDJ.
So he kept it inside him again. What they had now wasn’t bad.
“Are you sure about this?” KDJ asks skeptically as he surveys himself, twirling around in front of the mirror. “Don’t you hate the color white?”
YJH hums appreciatively at the 360 view. “You look good in white.”
“I don’t think white is really my color though…”
YJH hums appreciatively at the 360 view. “You look good in white.”
“I don’t think white is really my color though…”
They were currently out shopping for a suit for KDJ to wear. The company had just completed development of the video game WOS, so there was a huge celebration in place.
YJH had used this as an opportunity to finally force KDJ to upgrade his pitifully dingy work attire.
YJH had used this as an opportunity to finally force KDJ to upgrade his pitifully dingy work attire.
He dragged KDJ here despite the other’s protests.
It was a double-edged sword though cause YJH had to muster all his self control when the tailor started taking KDJ’s measurements for the suit, the measuring tape wrapping around him.
His waist is only 25 inches…
It was a double-edged sword though cause YJH had to muster all his self control when the tailor started taking KDJ’s measurements for the suit, the measuring tape wrapping around him.
His waist is only 25 inches…
YJH is positive both his hands could fully connect—
“I still think this is too much.” KDJ objects, bringing YJH’s mind back from the gutters. “Why does it have to be tailor-made, let’s just rent one.”
YJH stands up from his seat to walk up to KDJ, hands hovering over his hips.
“I still think this is too much.” KDJ objects, bringing YJH’s mind back from the gutters. “Why does it have to be tailor-made, let’s just rent one.”
YJH stands up from his seat to walk up to KDJ, hands hovering over his hips.
But he decides against it. KDJ was a bit more skittish to touch than in the past. YJH was already treading water here.
“Think of it as a birthday gift.” YJH says.
A couple of months have passed by since KDJ and him had grown close enough to have this…undefined relationship.
“Think of it as a birthday gift.” YJH says.
A couple of months have passed by since KDJ and him had grown close enough to have this…undefined relationship.
At times, YJH wondered if he was being too obvious, but KDJ never seemed to catch on, remaining oblivious. YJH’s not sure if he liked or disliked that.
Maybe he should change his tactic and try to get KDJ to fall and confess to him first instead…
Would it be safer that way?
Maybe he should change his tactic and try to get KDJ to fall and confess to him first instead…
Would it be safer that way?
KDJ blinks in surprise. “Wait, how’d you know it’s my birthday? I never told you.”
It was the 15th now, KDJ’s birthday. KDJ had requested spending yesterday, the 14th, by himself since it was his day off, much to YJH’s chagrin. But YJH refused to let KDJ be alone today.
It was the 15th now, KDJ’s birthday. KDJ had requested spending yesterday, the 14th, by himself since it was his day off, much to YJH’s chagrin. But YJH refused to let KDJ be alone today.
“It’s on your file.” YJH lies easily. “Did you really think I wouldn’t find out?”
KDJ gapes before clicking his tongue in embarrassment. “When’s your birthday then? Since I’m not privy to these files.”
“August 3rd.” YJH answers, watching the way KDJ purses his lips in thought.
KDJ gapes before clicking his tongue in embarrassment. “When’s your birthday then? Since I’m not privy to these files.”
“August 3rd.” YJH answers, watching the way KDJ purses his lips in thought.
“Well, don’t expect anything this extravagant for your birthday cause there’s no way I can afford it.” KDJ huffs in exasperation.
YJH chuckles before he’s waving over the tailor. “We’ll take this one.” He says. “Also another pair in black and navy blue. Light Grey also is nice—”
YJH chuckles before he’s waving over the tailor. “We’ll take this one.” He says. “Also another pair in black and navy blue. Light Grey also is nice—”
“YAH!!” KDJ chokes when the words finally process in his head, slamming his hand over YJH’s mouth to cut him off. “How many are you planning to buy?! One is enough!!”
YJH contemplates licking his hand, but opts instead to just gaze at the other’s aghast expression.
YJH contemplates licking his hand, but opts instead to just gaze at the other’s aghast expression.
KDJ is red the whole drive back as he criticizes YJH’s “frivolous” spending.
“I’m a slave to capitalism too, but do you not know how to save your money??”
YJH tunes him out as he takes KDJ to the surprise birthday dinner reservation he made that the other knew nothing about.
“I’m a slave to capitalism too, but do you not know how to save your money??”
YJH tunes him out as he takes KDJ to the surprise birthday dinner reservation he made that the other knew nothing about.
The suits were worth the money spent. KDJ looked good in them. The way it hugged the curves of his body snugly and accentuated his lithe figure.
YJH thought that when KDJ first tried them on and he still thinks that a couple of days later when they’re both at the company party.
YJH thought that when KDJ first tried them on and he still thinks that a couple of days later when they’re both at the company party.
YJH originally didn’t want to go but it would be bad for his image as the CEO if he didn’t show up to congratulate the employees.
This also gives him an excuse to stake his claim on KDJ against anyone who was too chummy and also had their eyes on him.
Like right now.
This also gives him an excuse to stake his claim on KDJ against anyone who was too chummy and also had their eyes on him.
Like right now.
“YSA.” He clears his throat in warning, seeing the way she and KDJ were cheerily talking about their favorite authors.
He always thought she was TOO close for comfort to KDJ. Their distance can stand to be wider than it currently was with how they were nearly touching shoulders.
He always thought she was TOO close for comfort to KDJ. Their distance can stand to be wider than it currently was with how they were nearly touching shoulders.
YSA smiles innocuously at him as if she was doing this on purpose to unnerve him. KDJ just blinks in confusion.
“There’s not fraternization allowed in the workplace.” He states, making KDJ flush red.
“Yah! We’re just talking!” He hisses. “There’s no fraternizing going on!”
“There’s not fraternization allowed in the workplace.” He states, making KDJ flush red.
“Yah! We’re just talking!” He hisses. “There’s no fraternizing going on!”
YJH narrows his eyes incredulously as YSA chuckles at the absolute tomfoolery happening in front of her.
“There’s really nothing going on here! You need your eyes checked.” KDJ bristles in embarrassment, scowling. “Also JHW and LHS are dating—”
“They’re fired.”
“There’s really nothing going on here! You need your eyes checked.” KDJ bristles in embarrassment, scowling. “Also JHW and LHS are dating—”
“They’re fired.”
KDJ gawks. “You can’t just fire them! LJH and KNW are also—”
“They’re fired too.”
“YJH! You can’t just fire everyone!” KDJ screeches, looking over to YSA for some help. “YSA, weren’t you also already in a relationship too—”
YJH doesn’t let him finish. “She’s fired too.”
“They’re fired too.”
“YJH! You can’t just fire everyone!” KDJ screeches, looking over to YSA for some help. “YSA, weren’t you also already in a relationship too—”
YJH doesn’t let him finish. “She’s fired too.”
Before KDJ can snap at him again, a different voice beats him to it, yelling from across the room.
“Hey, you bastard!! You can’t talk to her like that!”
Speak of the devil and they shall appear. YJH clicks his tongue as the always fashionably late woman makes her entrance.
“Hey, you bastard!! You can’t talk to her like that!”
Speak of the devil and they shall appear. YJH clicks his tongue as the always fashionably late woman makes her entrance.
HSY stomps forward, a sneer on her face. “Who do you think you are?! You can’t fire her, you’re just salty you can’t get with your fuckb—”
YSA helpfully jumps in and deescalates the impending fight. “Sooyoung-ah, I’m glad you finally made it.” She says sweetly, making HSY preen.
YSA helpfully jumps in and deescalates the impending fight. “Sooyoung-ah, I’m glad you finally made it.” She says sweetly, making HSY preen.
She redirects her gaze towards YSA to greet her back and that’s when her eyes land on the person standing next to her. Her eyes widen in surprise and recognition.
“Well, well, you must be KDJ.” She smirks like a black cat. “It’s great to finally meet the new sales manager.”
“Well, well, you must be KDJ.” She smirks like a black cat. “It’s great to finally meet the new sales manager.”
KDJ blinks in surprise too but quickly regains himself. He bows slightly. “It’s nice to finally meet you too. You must be HSY of marketing, right? You were always so busy so I haven’t been able to greet you until now.
“Well, I am the only one keeping this entire company afloat.”
“Well, I am the only one keeping this entire company afloat.”
HSY’s expression becomes smug as she brags. “It should honestly be renamed HSY Corporation.”
KDJ awkwardly laughs at the boast. “Now that the game is done, we’ll most likely be meeting more to promote it properly. Contacting the game director would be good too.”
KDJ awkwardly laughs at the boast. “Now that the game is done, we’ll most likely be meeting more to promote it properly. Contacting the game director would be good too.”
She pops out the lemon lollipop sticking from her mouth. “That’s also me.” She says without missing a beat.
KDJ blinks in confusion. “Huh?”
“That’s me. I’m the game director too and the head of marketing.” HSY explains with a growing smirk. “I’m also the business writer.”
KDJ blinks in confusion. “Huh?”
“That’s me. I’m the game director too and the head of marketing.” HSY explains with a growing smirk. “I’m also the business writer.”
YJH watches as KDJ’s face morphs into one of mild horror?
“You’re all three?? Is that even possible?” He winces, as if he’s in pain.
“There’s a reason we haven’t met until now.” She throws her head back and cackles. “I’m busy, but I know how to split up my time.”
“You’re all three?? Is that even possible?” He winces, as if he’s in pain.
“There’s a reason we haven’t met until now.” She throws her head back and cackles. “I’m busy, but I know how to split up my time.”
KDJ scrunches up his face, unsatisfied with that answer. “This isn’t a matter of time management. Do…Do you have clones?” He asks genuinely, cause there could be no other explanation.
“Hah! As if. But it’s just me, myself, and I.” She says, doubling over at his baffled face.
“Hah! As if. But it’s just me, myself, and I.” She says, doubling over at his baffled face.
KDJ frowns, not enjoying his concern being laughed at. “I’m just worried for your mental well being. You could get dissociative identity disorder from all that stress.”
He turns to YJH next. “Was this your doing? You think this is humane?”
YJH gives him an unimpressed glare.
He turns to YJH next. “Was this your doing? You think this is humane?”
YJH gives him an unimpressed glare.
He knows he has a bad reputation from the overtime he put KDJ through, but did KDJ really think of him as that bad of a boss?
He’s about to deny it but HSY beats him to it. “Pfft, as if that bastard can make me do anything. Don’t worry your pretty little head, it was all me.”
He’s about to deny it but HSY beats him to it. “Pfft, as if that bastard can make me do anything. Don’t worry your pretty little head, it was all me.”
YJH couldn’t tell if KDJ was getting along with HSY or not getting along with her. He seems extremely hung up over the fact that HSY has multiple occupations.
KDJ bit his bottom lip, as if deep in thought over some conflict caused by HSY, even though they’ve only just met.
KDJ bit his bottom lip, as if deep in thought over some conflict caused by HSY, even though they’ve only just met.
“Hopefully you were able to make the game accurate to the story.” KDJ says after a long while. “It would be a shame to the author if you were too preoccupied to focus on it.”
It clicks in YJH’s head why and suddenly dread is building in his core as HSY quirks her brow.
It clicks in YJH’s head why and suddenly dread is building in his core as HSY quirks her brow.
“You don’t need to be worried about that either. I can assure you it’s accurate.” There’s a mischievous glint in her eyes. “I know the author isn’t disappointed either.
At the mention of the author, KDJ’s eyes light up. “Really? Did you meet the—”
“It’s because I’m the author.”
At the mention of the author, KDJ’s eyes light up. “Really? Did you meet the—”
“It’s because I’m the author.”
KDJ’s words cut off in an aborted sound of utter shock before he begins to choke on his own spit CAUSE SHE WAS WHAT.
“W—Wait…!” He croaks out. “You’re the author?? Black Flames Empress???”
“The one and only.” She spreads out her arms as if to bask in her own glory.
“W—Wait…!” He croaks out. “You’re the author?? Black Flames Empress???”
“The one and only.” She spreads out her arms as if to bask in her own glory.
KDJ’s mouth hangs open in disbelief. If YJH looks closely enough, he can almost read the other’s thoughts. It seems like he’s now certain HSY has dissociative identity disorder.
YJH could only agree. That woman willingly worked 4 jobs as if she was more than just one person.
YJH could only agree. That woman willingly worked 4 jobs as if she was more than just one person.
But then it starts going downhill from there.
KDJ shakes his head rapidly, as if pushing her mental state aside and resolving himself to focus on something else concerning her.
A light pink dusts his face as he instantly walks forward to be a bit closer, practically vibrating.
KDJ shakes his head rapidly, as if pushing her mental state aside and resolving himself to focus on something else concerning her.
A light pink dusts his face as he instantly walks forward to be a bit closer, practically vibrating.
“I…! I’m a huge fan of your work!” He suddenly yells. “I really loved SSSSS-Grade Infinite Regressor.”
HSY blinks in surprise, not expecting him to have been a reader. YJH on the other hand stiffens up at the news.
“You read my novel?” She asks, eying the side where YJH stood.
HSY blinks in surprise, not expecting him to have been a reader. YJH on the other hand stiffens up at the news.
“You read my novel?” She asks, eying the side where YJH stood.
“I have! Your webnovel is my favorite! It helped me through a lot.” KDJ nods his head fervently, a smile breaking out as he gushes. “Your characterization of the protagonist was amazing. I really love Yoo Joonhyun.”
“Oh, you and I are going to be BEST FRIENDS.” She wheezes.
“Oh, you and I are going to be BEST FRIENDS.” She wheezes.
“Absolutely not!” YJH immediately interrupts. It’s the first thing he’s said this entire time, making KDJ nearly jump out of his skin in fright at the look YJH gives him.
“HSY, you’re fired.” He snaps.
“Huh?! You can’t fire me!” HSY yells back between hysterical laughter.
“HSY, you’re fired.” He snaps.
“Huh?! You can’t fire me!” HSY yells back between hysterical laughter.
But YJH is already walking away from her with KDJ’s wrist tightly gripped in his hand, pulling him along.
“Hey! YJH?” KDJ gasps as he stumbles to keep up, but YJH ignores him, his mind reeling too much.
That novel was made after KDJ disappeared and he struck up a deal with HSY.
“Hey! YJH?” KDJ gasps as he stumbles to keep up, but YJH ignores him, his mind reeling too much.
That novel was made after KDJ disappeared and he struck up a deal with HSY.
That means the protagonist KDJ liked so much was based off of NONE other than YJH himself.
So KDJ liked him and at the same time he didn’t like him, because KDJ liked the fake version of him.
Was that shitty character who KDJ was thinking about all the damn time?!
So KDJ liked him and at the same time he didn’t like him, because KDJ liked the fake version of him.
Was that shitty character who KDJ was thinking about all the damn time?!
YJH’s blood is boiling. This has to be some practical joke.
“Slow down, what’s wrong?” KDJ calls out again as YJH drags him down a secluded hallway until they reach the end where the vending machines were.
YJH pushes KDJ up against the wall, blocking him in with his arms.
“Slow down, what’s wrong?” KDJ calls out again as YJH drags him down a secluded hallway until they reach the end where the vending machines were.
YJH pushes KDJ up against the wall, blocking him in with his arms.
With his head trapped in between, KDJ could only stare up with trembling eyes. YJH was also feeling Deja Vu, but he needed to confirm something.
“You…” He exhales sharply. “Why do you like that character.”
KDJ makes a weird face, having not expected that to be the question.
“You…” He exhales sharply. “Why do you like that character.”
KDJ makes a weird face, having not expected that to be the question.
“Are you seriously getting jealous over a fictional character?”
YJH growls, a vein throbbing at his temple at the jab. “Answer the question.” His hands clench into fists.
KDJ swallows thickly, a red flushing his ears at being asked that. The sight makes YJH more jealous.
YJH growls, a vein throbbing at his temple at the jab. “Answer the question.” His hands clench into fists.
KDJ swallows thickly, a red flushing his ears at being asked that. The sight makes YJH more jealous.
He always knew KDJ liked novels, but he never would’ve thought it would be to this EXTENT.
“He’s just really cool…” KDJ starts hesitantly, averting his eyes as if unsure how to truly answer the question. “The way he carries himself so confidently and endures no matter what.”
“He’s just really cool…” KDJ starts hesitantly, averting his eyes as if unsure how to truly answer the question. “The way he carries himself so confidently and endures no matter what.”
“That’s it?” YJH prompts. “You’ve read a ton of novels. That archetype alone isn’t unique. So why that book? Why him?”
KDJ pouts at the insult. “Cause it’s a really good story.”
“You and I both know that death games and sponsors and sealing stones aren’t unique.”
KDJ pouts at the insult. “Cause it’s a really good story.”
“You and I both know that death games and sponsors and sealing stones aren’t unique.”
YJH had heard enough of HSY complaining about haters and fighting off accusations of plagiarism to know this.
“HSY is a good writer! The story is well written and comple—”
YJH leans in a bit closer until their lips were nearly touching. “KDJ, what is the real reason.”
“HSY is a good writer! The story is well written and comple—”
YJH leans in a bit closer until their lips were nearly touching. “KDJ, what is the real reason.”
That actually might be the real reason, HSY was a renowned author after all. But YJH was hoping, praying, it’s something more deeper.
KDJ’s mouth snaps shut before opening and closing several times. YJH waits patiently as KDJ struggles to get the words out of his throat.
KDJ’s mouth snaps shut before opening and closing several times. YJH waits patiently as KDJ struggles to get the words out of his throat.
“I-I don’t know…! There’s just something about that novel, about that character that attracts me to him…” KDJ seems to have grown frustrated, whining a little at having all his answers shot down. “It’s not like most people are able to pick a favorite, it’s all subconscious.”
YJH takes a deep breathe, his heart in his throat, cause that was what he wanted to hear.
KDJ still liked him. Even if he had forgotten who YJH was, KDJ had always liked him still. Subconsciously.
“Can you tell me what this is about now? Why did you wanna know so badly?”
KDJ still liked him. Even if he had forgotten who YJH was, KDJ had always liked him still. Subconsciously.
“Can you tell me what this is about now? Why did you wanna know so badly?”
KDJ is shuffling anxiously, no doubt confused about the sudden interrogation, wondering if he did something wrong.
YJH’s eyes soften. “KDJ, I love you.” He says, voice barely above a whisper. YJH is so relieved.
Unlike the first time, this confession was conscious.
YJH’s eyes soften. “KDJ, I love you.” He says, voice barely above a whisper. YJH is so relieved.
Unlike the first time, this confession was conscious.
YJH was a bit more confident now, knowing that KDJ liked him, even somewhat.
But he also just never wanted to hear another man’s name come out of KDJ’s mouth. Hearing KDJ say Yoo Joonhyun made him realize there were bigger fears out there than the possibility of rejection.
But he also just never wanted to hear another man’s name come out of KDJ’s mouth. Hearing KDJ say Yoo Joonhyun made him realize there were bigger fears out there than the possibility of rejection.
He needed to claim KDJ as his now before it was too late, lest someone else takes him.
KDJ’s eyes widen and his face instantly flushes a bright red all the way down to his neck. “Wait, what? Really? D-Do you really?” He shoots out in rapid succession, voice shaking.
KDJ’s eyes widen and his face instantly flushes a bright red all the way down to his neck. “Wait, what? Really? D-Do you really?” He shoots out in rapid succession, voice shaking.
“I do.” YJH hums in amusement. “But you’re not obligated to return them.” He adds nostalgically.
KDJ bit his bottom lip as if thinking very deeply. YJH traces every action with his eyes.
“L-Like do you mean platonically? As friends?” KDJ asks, unsure. “Or like romantically?”
KDJ bit his bottom lip as if thinking very deeply. YJH traces every action with his eyes.
“L-Like do you mean platonically? As friends?” KDJ asks, unsure. “Or like romantically?”
It’s like YJH was staring straight into the past. “Romantically. KDJ, I’m in love with you.” He says fondly.
“But, why…” KDJ croaks. “Why, for someone like me?”
“Did you really not expect it? Did you really think nothing of everything I did?” YJH quirks his brow.
“But, why…” KDJ croaks. “Why, for someone like me?”
“Did you really not expect it? Did you really think nothing of everything I did?” YJH quirks his brow.
“I…! I thought you were still trying to make it up to me.” He says, trying desperately to find a way out. “Look, if this is because you’re still seeking forgiveness, I told you before that I’ve already forgiven you.”
“I’m not.” YJH replies. “I was, but not anymore, not now.”
“I’m not.” YJH replies. “I was, but not anymore, not now.”
YJH is acting solely on his selfish desires now, forgiveness be damned. He was not letting KDJ get away. “KDJ, let me date you.”
KDJ chokes at the honesty, unused to such affection. “But you’re my b-boss…”
“So?”
“What about the no fraternization policy…?” He whispers.
KDJ chokes at the honesty, unused to such affection. “But you’re my b-boss…”
“So?”
“What about the no fraternization policy…?” He whispers.
YJH rolls his eyes at the other’s futile attempts, but also cause he completely forgot he had lied about that.
“You’re an exception. You’ll always be an exception. Also, like you said, I’m the boss. I can just change it.”
“Hypocrite…” KDJ mutters underneath his breathe.
“You’re an exception. You’ll always be an exception. Also, like you said, I’m the boss. I can just change it.”
“Hypocrite…” KDJ mutters underneath his breathe.
“KDJ.” YJH says firmly, cutting to the chase. “What is your answer.”
KDJ stiffens up and a conflict could be seen brewing in his eyes, creating a storm of emotions. He trembles, bottom lip quivering. “We c-can’t…”
YJH frowns a bit, but persists. “Why not? Do you not like me?”
KDJ stiffens up and a conflict could be seen brewing in his eyes, creating a storm of emotions. He trembles, bottom lip quivering. “We c-can’t…”
YJH frowns a bit, but persists. “Why not? Do you not like me?”
KDJ swallows thickly, throat parched, evident by his raspy and shaking voice. “I-I don’t know. I, I can’t, I just—”
“What if I kissed you right now anyways?” YJH asks imploringly. KDJ was more hesitant than he was in the past, did he need a little push? A little proof?
“What if I kissed you right now anyways?” YJH asks imploringly. KDJ was more hesitant than he was in the past, did he need a little push? A little proof?
“That would be sexual h-harassment…” KDJ whines with a quivering breathe. The warmth of the air could be felt on YJH’s mouth.
“Are you going to file a formal complaint then?” YJH questions, leaning in slowly.
KDJ doesn’t respond, squeezing his eyes shut tightly instead.
“Are you going to file a formal complaint then?” YJH questions, leaning in slowly.
KDJ doesn’t respond, squeezing his eyes shut tightly instead.
YJH takes that as his cue to close the distance, lips finally meeting the other’s in a light chaste kiss.
When he pulls back, KDJ almost follows after as if wanting more, which has YJH’s chest tightening at the sight.
KDJ’s lips were slightly parted, as if in invitation.
When he pulls back, KDJ almost follows after as if wanting more, which has YJH’s chest tightening at the sight.
KDJ’s lips were slightly parted, as if in invitation.
“You’re not going to say no?” YJH prods teasingly, making KDJ flinch. “I won’t give you more unless you give me an answer.”
“I-I’ll tell you my, my answer later…” He whimpers pitifully after a moment.
YJH chuckles in amusement before leaning back in for a much deeper kiss.
“I-I’ll tell you my, my answer later…” He whimpers pitifully after a moment.
YJH chuckles in amusement before leaning back in for a much deeper kiss.
YJH massages his lips against his, tongue swiping his bottom lip to ask for entrance. When KDJ gasps, he takes that as an opportunity to dive in and explore.
He shoves his tongue deep down KDJ’s throat, the kiss starting to get more passionate and heated each passing second.
He shoves his tongue deep down KDJ’s throat, the kiss starting to get more passionate and heated each passing second.
YJH’s hands move down to finally grip that slender waist and pull KDJ closer. He’s trying to suck all the air out of KDJ and devour him, unable to get enough of the taste of his lips.
It’s something YJH has dreamed about for 13 long years, yearning to feel them once more.
It’s something YJH has dreamed about for 13 long years, yearning to feel them once more.
Even when KDJ is whimpering and helplessly tightening his fingers into the front of YJH’s shirt, YJH doesn’t relent. Not until KDJ was practically suffocating.
When they pull apart, KDJ is greedily taking huge gulps of air, panting heavily and whining pathetically.
When they pull apart, KDJ is greedily taking huge gulps of air, panting heavily and whining pathetically.
He’s flushed red with tears beading at the corner of his eyes, lips shiny and wet as a string of saliva connects his to YJH’s.
“The, the…” KDJ couldn’t catch his breathe. “The party has, has already ended.”
YJH hums in acknowledgment. Have they really been kissing that long?
“The, the…” KDJ couldn’t catch his breathe. “The party has, has already ended.”
YJH hums in acknowledgment. Have they really been kissing that long?
“Then consider this overtime again.” YJH smirks as he leans back in, letting their lips part and reconnect over and over again only so KDJ can struggle to breathe in between.
Bodies pressing tightly against each other’s, he continues to kiss KDJ for the rest of the night.
Bodies pressing tightly against each other’s, he continues to kiss KDJ for the rest of the night.
But overtime doesn’t end with just that night. It blurs into the following days, the following weeks, the following months.
If KDJ is ambivalent, then all YJH needs to do is convince him. He isn’t planning to stop until KDJ gives him his answer, whether that be a yes or a no.
If KDJ is ambivalent, then all YJH needs to do is convince him. He isn’t planning to stop until KDJ gives him his answer, whether that be a yes or a no.
So YJH would pull him daily into his office to lock lips with him for hours without rest, ignoring the growing stacks of paperwork both of them had to do.
He would pepper kisses along the sides of his face, down his jaw, and up his neck, nipping the soft skin there.
He would pepper kisses along the sides of his face, down his jaw, and up his neck, nipping the soft skin there.
He would hold him tightly within his arms, running his hands up and down the curves along KDJ’s sides until he’s shivering from the sensation.
He would pull KDJ snugly into his lap, back against his chest, to rest his chin on his shoulder and wrap his arms around his waist.
He would pull KDJ snugly into his lap, back against his chest, to rest his chin on his shoulder and wrap his arms around his waist.
Throughout all of this, KDJ never said yes. But he never said no either.
KDJ never said no.
He could’ve. At any point, he could’ve answered with a no and YJH would’ve stopped right then and there, but KDJ doesn’t.
KDJ never rejected any of his advances in the weeks since.
KDJ never said no.
He could’ve. At any point, he could’ve answered with a no and YJH would’ve stopped right then and there, but KDJ doesn’t.
KDJ never rejected any of his advances in the weeks since.
Even when YJH becomes bolder, hands traveling lower to dip behind to grope his plump ass, reveling in the way it sinks into his palms.
KDJ breaks the kiss with a shrill squeak at the sudden violation, breath hitching in his throat as he tries to push away from him to no avail.
KDJ breaks the kiss with a shrill squeak at the sudden violation, breath hitching in his throat as he tries to push away from him to no avail.
“H-Hey!!” KDJ hisses, but any angry undertones is effectively rendered null from how flushed his face was. “Where do you think you’re touching?!”
YJH hums in amusement and appreciation, giving it a firm squeeze that has KDJ yelping again. “Does that answer your question?”
YJH hums in amusement and appreciation, giving it a firm squeeze that has KDJ yelping again. “Does that answer your question?”
“Cut it out…!” KDJ emits an embarrassed cry at the crude way, his hands shooting back to tug at YJH’s wrists in a feeble attempt to get him to let go.
“Then say no.” YJH dares. “Just say no and I’ll stop.”
Of course, KDJ’s mouth snaps shut without ever uttering the word.
“Then say no.” YJH dares. “Just say no and I’ll stop.”
Of course, KDJ’s mouth snaps shut without ever uttering the word.
YJH smirks smugly at the usual lack of response. KDJ was too easy to read. He may vocally complain and object, but never did he rebuff YJH.
So KDJ could do nothing as YJH recaptures his lips to cut off any lingering protests, whining meekly as YJH continues to fondle him.
So KDJ could do nothing as YJH recaptures his lips to cut off any lingering protests, whining meekly as YJH continues to fondle him.
Eventually, it turns into YJH’s hands ghosting over the front of his shirt, fingers catching on the hardened nubs beneath the fabric’s surface.
KDJ buries his head into the crook of the other’s neck as YJH sucks another bruise onto his, marking him red and purple all over.
KDJ buries his head into the crook of the other’s neck as YJH sucks another bruise onto his, marking him red and purple all over.
“Slut.” He growls into KDJ’s ear to goad him. “I bet you secretly like this.”
KDJ trembles at the deep rough rasp of his voice and whimpers. “I don’t…”
“Liar.” YJH says, keeping a firm grip on his slender hips so he can’t bolt from his lap where he sat. “You’re hard again.”
KDJ trembles at the deep rough rasp of his voice and whimpers. “I don’t…”
“Liar.” YJH says, keeping a firm grip on his slender hips so he can’t bolt from his lap where he sat. “You’re hard again.”
KDJ jolts at the mere mention, glaring shamefully at YJH. “We can’t… We have a meeting later, we can’t be late.” He tries to reason.
YJH simply thrusts his hip up, shutting KDJ up by making him keen from the sudden onslaught of friction.
“Then we better hurry up.”
YJH simply thrusts his hip up, shutting KDJ up by making him keen from the sudden onslaught of friction.
“Then we better hurry up.”
That’s the only warning YJH gives before he’s suddenly hoisting KDJ up to pin him down on the desk in YJH’s office.
KDJ’s face heats up even more than it already was, no doubt at the more intimate position. YJH was now towering over him, in between his spread open legs.
KDJ’s face heats up even more than it already was, no doubt at the more intimate position. YJH was now towering over him, in between his spread open legs.
If they didn’t have clothes on still, this would be the position YJH would fuck him in.
YJH smirks at the way KDJ tries to close his legs before he’s grasping his thighs to pry them wide apart again.
“J-Joonghyuk-aH! Wait—!”
“Call me sir.” YJH presses down against KDJ’s body.
YJH smirks at the way KDJ tries to close his legs before he’s grasping his thighs to pry them wide apart again.
“J-Joonghyuk-aH! Wait—!”
“Call me sir.” YJH presses down against KDJ’s body.
KDJ makes a high pitched noise before weakly saying, “S-Sir, wait this position…” His voice drifts off in embarrassment.
“What’s wrong with it?” YJH plays ignorance, which makes KDJ scowl. But right when he opens his mouth to respond, YJH thrusts forward to cut him off.
“What’s wrong with it?” YJH plays ignorance, which makes KDJ scowl. But right when he opens his mouth to respond, YJH thrusts forward to cut him off.
The protest dies in KDJ’s throat, turning into a lewd moan instead as YJH begins grinding their clothed erections together in earnest.
YJH groans at the feeling of his hips meeting KDJ’s flush against his bottom, taking in the sight of the other grasping onto the table.
YJH groans at the feeling of his hips meeting KDJ’s flush against his bottom, taking in the sight of the other grasping onto the table.
KDJ is whimpering and whining, throwing his head back as another moan is ripped from his throat.
YJH bends down to suck another hickey onto his exposed neck as he continues to move.
“S—Sir, ahH, w-wait—hnNGH!” KDJ cries desperately. “W-Wait! I’m—I’m going to…!”
YJH bends down to suck another hickey onto his exposed neck as he continues to move.
“S—Sir, ahH, w-wait—hnNGH!” KDJ cries desperately. “W-Wait! I’m—I’m going to…!”
“Come for me.” YJH growls.
Maybe it’s from the position change, but KDJ is reaching his climax faster than usual. As soon as YJH said those words, KDJ’s body trembles violently before he’s stiffening up and letting out a hoarse wail.
YJH grits his teeth at the erotic image.
Maybe it’s from the position change, but KDJ is reaching his climax faster than usual. As soon as YJH said those words, KDJ’s body trembles violently before he’s stiffening up and letting out a hoarse wail.
YJH grits his teeth at the erotic image.
KDJ is panting heavily with flushed cheeks and messy hair, head falling to the side from his high. His chest is heaving, his rumpled shirt riding up to expose his abdomen.
YJH grinds down again, making KDJ jolt and shriek, hands reaching out to shove him. “Hey, s-stop! I just—!”
YJH grinds down again, making KDJ jolt and shriek, hands reaching out to shove him. “Hey, s-stop! I just—!”
YJH leans in to shove his tongue down KDJ’s throat, swallowing his moans as he ignores his pleas.
YJH doesn’t stop until KDJ comes again and YJH is finally reaching his own climax too with a load groan.
Both their pants are soaked, KDJ’s a significant amount more.
YJH doesn’t stop until KDJ comes again and YJH is finally reaching his own climax too with a load groan.
Both their pants are soaked, KDJ’s a significant amount more.
It’s wet and uncomfortable, but YJH couldn’t care less as he licks the curve of KDJ’s twitching ear.
“Want to come home with me tonight.” YJH’s gruff and husky voice has KDJ hiccuping at the sound.
He’s panting heavily, nearly hyperventilating as the implication sinks in.
“Want to come home with me tonight.” YJH’s gruff and husky voice has KDJ hiccuping at the sound.
He’s panting heavily, nearly hyperventilating as the implication sinks in.
YJH waits patiently, nuzzling against the side of his head to coax him.
After a long bout of silence. KDJ shakily nods. “Ok…” He rasps out weakly as YJH brings him up to hold him tightly.
“I’ll pick you up tonight after the meeting.” YJH croons but KDJ could only whine.
After a long bout of silence. KDJ shakily nods. “Ok…” He rasps out weakly as YJH brings him up to hold him tightly.
“I’ll pick you up tonight after the meeting.” YJH croons but KDJ could only whine.
They barely make it to the meeting on time, with KDJ stumbling in a flustered mess and YJH stepping in composed and collected, not a hair out of place on him.
YJH has to hold back his grin at the annoyed glower KDJ shoots him as he tries to fix his hair and straighten his suit.
YJH has to hold back his grin at the annoyed glower KDJ shoots him as he tries to fix his hair and straighten his suit.
If anyone notices how red and ravished KDJ looked, no one dares say a word about it with YJH glaring darkly at them.
The meeting proceeds with a tense awkwardness as a result, not that YJH cares. He could barely focus as his mind drifts to KDJ again and their plans afterwards.
The meeting proceeds with a tense awkwardness as a result, not that YJH cares. He could barely focus as his mind drifts to KDJ again and their plans afterwards.
He didn’t expect KDJ to actually reply. Usually KDJ would avoid questions like that instead of responding to them, but this time he had actually agreed. The mere thought makes YJH’s heart thump loudly at what it could mean.
They were going to go back to YJH’s apartment together.
They were going to go back to YJH’s apartment together.
YMA is sleeping over at her friend SYS’s house tonight anyways so it was perfect timing. It was going to be just the two of them alone then.
YJH wonders if KDJ has finally decided to give him his answer or did he just finally give in to let YJH fuck him stupid till morning.
YJH wonders if KDJ has finally decided to give him his answer or did he just finally give in to let YJH fuck him stupid till morning.
He hopes it’s the former even though YJH also wants the latter too. He wants both, he’s greedy like that.
While YJH likes the ambiguously physical relationship they had, he still wants more from KDJ. He wants something more concrete, something more solid and defined.
While YJH likes the ambiguously physical relationship they had, he still wants more from KDJ. He wants something more concrete, something more solid and defined.
He wants KDJ to say he likes him back.
So when the boring meeting comes to a close, YJH ushers KDJ towards his car before KDJ could change his mind and back out.
That doesn’t stop KDJ from anxiously shifting the entire drive over though, averting his eyes and biting his lips.
So when the boring meeting comes to a close, YJH ushers KDJ towards his car before KDJ could change his mind and back out.
That doesn’t stop KDJ from anxiously shifting the entire drive over though, averting his eyes and biting his lips.
The hesitance in his steps could be felt when they enter YJH’s luxurious high rise apartment.
“No need to be so nervous.” YJH says to try to calm his nerves. “I’m not going to eat you yet.”
KDJ chokes at the phrasing, muttering under his breathe. “How can you be so shameless…”
“No need to be so nervous.” YJH says to try to calm his nerves. “I’m not going to eat you yet.”
KDJ chokes at the phrasing, muttering under his breathe. “How can you be so shameless…”
YJH pretends not to hear as he slips off his blazer and undoes the top buttons of his shirt.
“We should at least eat dinner first. What do you want? I’ll cook.” He asks.
KDJ blinks in surprise. “You can cook?”
YJH pauses. “You… I’ve been packing breakfast and lunch for you.”
“We should at least eat dinner first. What do you want? I’ll cook.” He asks.
KDJ blinks in surprise. “You can cook?”
YJH pauses. “You… I’ve been packing breakfast and lunch for you.”
“You made those??” KDJ exclaims in shock, face disbelieving. “I thought they were professionally made by your, like personal chef…”
YJH scowls cause he forgot how STUPID KDJ could be. It’s amazing he’s even gotten KDJ to this point and managed to bring him back to his home.
YJH scowls cause he forgot how STUPID KDJ could be. It’s amazing he’s even gotten KDJ to this point and managed to bring him back to his home.
“I’ll try not to go too hard later, you clearly need to retain as many brain cells as possible.” YJH mumbles darkly.
“Huh? What?” KDJ calls uneasily. “Wait, I didn’t hear you, what did you say?”
“I said just tell me what you want to eat.” YJH lies to spare KDJ.
“Huh? What?” KDJ calls uneasily. “Wait, I didn’t hear you, what did you say?”
“I said just tell me what you want to eat.” YJH lies to spare KDJ.
“Oh.” KDJ looks a little suspicious, as if he doesn’t believe that’s what YJH said. “Uh…Is kimchi friend rice ok?”
YJH nods as he heads to the kitchen. “It’ll take a bit so make yourself at home.” He points KDJ towards the the living room. “Is there anything you want to drink?”
YJH nods as he heads to the kitchen. “It’ll take a bit so make yourself at home.” He points KDJ towards the the living room. “Is there anything you want to drink?”
KDJ is silent for a while.
“Do… Do you have lemonade?” He asks quietly with a wistful smile. He had an almost forlorn and morose look in his eyes that had YJH stilling.
He didn’t expect KDJ to say that. Well, it is summer and hot. School lets out for vacation soon even.
“Do… Do you have lemonade?” He asks quietly with a wistful smile. He had an almost forlorn and morose look in his eyes that had YJH stilling.
He didn’t expect KDJ to say that. Well, it is summer and hot. School lets out for vacation soon even.
“I can make some.” YJH replies carefully. “Do you like lemonade?” Did KDJ remember?
KDJ hums melancholically as he takes a seat on the couch. “It’s my favorite drink. Though I’m probably not going to drink it anymore after tonight.”
He sounded a little heartbroken.
KDJ hums melancholically as he takes a seat on the couch. “It’s my favorite drink. Though I’m probably not going to drink it anymore after tonight.”
He sounded a little heartbroken.
YJH frowns at that, unsure of what KDJ meant by it. “Why not?”
“Personal reasons.” He says cryptically, regretfully. “I guess you could say I’m trying to move on.”
YJH doesn’t respond back, not wanting to see KDJ become any more despondent when it’s supposed to be a good night.
“Personal reasons.” He says cryptically, regretfully. “I guess you could say I’m trying to move on.”
YJH doesn’t respond back, not wanting to see KDJ become any more despondent when it’s supposed to be a good night.
He chooses to focus on making the lemonade and prepping the ingredients for dinner.
YJH hasn’t drank or made lemonade ever since KDJ left, but the recipe from back then still remains clear in his mind.
Lemon, sugar, water, and a dollop of honey. That was his secret ingredient.
YJH hasn’t drank or made lemonade ever since KDJ left, but the recipe from back then still remains clear in his mind.
Lemon, sugar, water, and a dollop of honey. That was his secret ingredient.
It takes no more than 10 minutes but for some reason, it felt much longer as he performs the nostalgic actions. He should feel sentimental he’s making lemonade again for KDJ, but something didn’t feel right.
When he hands KDJ a freshly brewed cup, their fingers touch slightly.
When he hands KDJ a freshly brewed cup, their fingers touch slightly.
KDJ smiles softly as he thanks him, before bringing the rim to his pink lips and taking a small sip of the golden liquid.
KDJ pales, entire body freezing and blood draining from his face. His eyes widen, trembling with both recognition and a growing turmoil swirling in them.
KDJ pales, entire body freezing and blood draining from his face. His eyes widen, trembling with both recognition and a growing turmoil swirling in them.
He looks towards YJH with something akin to panic and fear, as if he’s seen a ghost from his past.
“KDJ?” YJH asks worriedly at the unexpected reaction, reaching a hand out but KDJ flinches away.
“No…” He whispers, voice breaking when they lock eyes. “No… It can’t… You’re…”
“KDJ?” YJH asks worriedly at the unexpected reaction, reaching a hand out but KDJ flinches away.
“No…” He whispers, voice breaking when they lock eyes. “No… It can’t… You’re…”
POV SWITCH: KDJ
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
That was what kept repeating over and over again in his head like a mantra throughout the night.
It had come out of nowhere. He had no idea what suddenly compelled YJH to interrogate him and then confess so earnestly the next second.
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
That was what kept repeating over and over again in his head like a mantra throughout the night.
It had come out of nowhere. He had no idea what suddenly compelled YJH to interrogate him and then confess so earnestly the next second.
It made KDJ’s heart race, threatening to break his ribs from how fast it was beating. A surge of elation bloomed within him cause YJH liked him!
But it also made his heart ache painfully with guilt, cause YJH liked him, but KDJ shouldn’t like him back. He can’t like him back.
But it also made his heart ache painfully with guilt, cause YJH liked him, but KDJ shouldn’t like him back. He can’t like him back.
It would be a betrayal to the one who meant so much to KDJ in his childhood. It would be a mockery of their feelings. It would render the years KDJ depended on the hope of those fragmented memories to survive.
That’s why KDJ cannot accept the confession. It wouldn’t be right.
That’s why KDJ cannot accept the confession. It wouldn’t be right.
YJH liked him but even if KDJ liked him back, KDJ could also never stop liking the one he’d forgotten. YJH didn’t deserve that, YJH deserved someone who could devote all their love to him, someone who wasn’t chasing after the past.
But it turns out KDJ is a weak, weak, weak man.
But it turns out KDJ is a weak, weak, weak man.
He could’ve openly rejected or pushed YJH away. He could’ve put up a struggle, any form of a struggle, but he didn’t.
KDJ stayed completely still, unmoving, as if he was waiting. There was not an ounce of resistance coming from his being.
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
KDJ stayed completely still, unmoving, as if he was waiting. There was not an ounce of resistance coming from his being.
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
So when YJH took his first kiss, it had felt like a dream come true, even though he’d been saving it for someone else.
His lips were warm and gentle as they softly moved against KDJ’s for only a second. When he pulled away too soon, it left KDJ traitorously yearning for more.
His lips were warm and gentle as they softly moved against KDJ’s for only a second. When he pulled away too soon, it left KDJ traitorously yearning for more.
“You’re not going to say no?”
Because KDJ could not say no to YJH. It was incredibly hard for him to deny YJH of anything. YJH just had that kind of effect on him.
He was so desperate for affection, so starved of touch. He wanted any ounce of care he could get from the other.
Because KDJ could not say no to YJH. It was incredibly hard for him to deny YJH of anything. YJH just had that kind of effect on him.
He was so desperate for affection, so starved of touch. He wanted any ounce of care he could get from the other.
KDJ let YJH pull him close against his body, let YJH kiss him again and again and again.
But the “overtime” didn’t last only that night.
In the following days, KDJ found himself helplessly tugged into YJH’s office and kissed breathless during work hours in broad daylight.
But the “overtime” didn’t last only that night.
In the following days, KDJ found himself helplessly tugged into YJH’s office and kissed breathless during work hours in broad daylight.
In the first month, YJH would constantly be kissing him at any chance he got. Whether that be in his office or in a closet or in an empty hallway.
The kissing would trail down his face and rest on his neck where dark possessive bruises were sucked all over despite his protests.
The kissing would trail down his face and rest on his neck where dark possessive bruises were sucked all over despite his protests.
YJH would nip and bite marks all over his exposed skin in places high enough that KDJ was having trouble covering them up.
They would peak from his collar and KDJ would have to cup his hands over them to keep anyone from finding out.
It was especially the worst before meetings.
They would peak from his collar and KDJ would have to cup his hands over them to keep anyone from finding out.
It was especially the worst before meetings.
It was as if YJH was trying to get found out for committing sexual harassment on his poor employee.
He even had the audacity to get mad when KDJ tried to cover them up with a higher cut collar shirt, purposefully tugging at it until the red splotches was revealed again.
He even had the audacity to get mad when KDJ tried to cover them up with a higher cut collar shirt, purposefully tugging at it until the red splotches was revealed again.
In the second month, YJH got even bolder. Now he was openly groping him.
YJH seemed to have some obsession with his ass cause he was always touching it, massaging and squeezing his cheeks, trying to pull them apart through his pants.
It was embarrassing and humiliating.
YJH seemed to have some obsession with his ass cause he was always touching it, massaging and squeezing his cheeks, trying to pull them apart through his pants.
It was embarrassing and humiliating.
KDJ would yelp and yell at YJH to stop and every time YJH would tell him he’ll only stop if he answered with a no, which promptly caused KDJ’s throat to lock up.
KDJ couldn’t say no, and he was overcome with the mortifying realization that YJH would actually stop if he said it.
KDJ couldn’t say no, and he was overcome with the mortifying realization that YJH would actually stop if he said it.
YJH has stated many times that he’ll cease if KDJ just told him no. Yet KDJ never did cause then YJH really would stop.
KDJ knew deep down he didn’t want to reject YJH or else he’ll stop. He liked the thought that someone wanted him so badly.
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
KDJ knew deep down he didn’t want to reject YJH or else he’ll stop. He liked the thought that someone wanted him so badly.
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
In the third month, YJH’s hands have migrated to other parts of his body. He was now flicking his nipples through the fabric of his shirt, amused at the way the nubs would harden and stick out.
KDJ’s breath would hitch every time he teased them by pinching and pulling til puffy.
KDJ’s breath would hitch every time he teased them by pinching and pulling til puffy.
Sometimes, his hands would untuck KDJ’s shirt and ghost under it to land on his bare skin, causing shivers and goosebumps to prick wherever he was grazed.
He was so sensitive, the sensual touches felt so good. It made a heat rise in his body and a burning build up in his core.
He was so sensitive, the sensual touches felt so good. It made a heat rise in his body and a burning build up in his core.
When YJH suddenly paused one day, he nearly whined before his surprised voice made KDJ freeze.
“…You’re hard.”
Sure enough, KDJ was sporting a tent in his pants, a wet spot prominent at the tip. The realization that he was aroused practically had KDJ jumping out of his lap.
“…You’re hard.”
Sure enough, KDJ was sporting a tent in his pants, a wet spot prominent at the tip. The realization that he was aroused practically had KDJ jumping out of his lap.
“B-Bathroom, I need to use the bathroom!” KDJ screeched before running away.
He buried his head into his palms when he was finally alone to take care of his problem. He was mortified, not only was his mind and heart betraying the one he’d forgotten but so was his body now.
He buried his head into his palms when he was finally alone to take care of his problem. He was mortified, not only was his mind and heart betraying the one he’d forgotten but so was his body now.
After he finished and returned, KDJ was glad to see YJH make no mention of it. He didn’t even make any other moves that day either.
But the next day, it happened again. YJH would play with his nipples and squeeze his ass until an erection was painfully tenting KDJ’s pants.
But the next day, it happened again. YJH would play with his nipples and squeeze his ass until an erection was painfully tenting KDJ’s pants.
Then he’ll practically rip himself from YJH’s arms to hide in the bathroom and shamefully take care of the problem. The shame only grew when he realized that he would now imagine YJH in his mind doing this.
Whenever he came back, YJH would also be out of breathe at his desk.
Whenever he came back, YJH would also be out of breathe at his desk.
In the fourth month, after forcing KDJ to be aroused everyday, YJH finally seemed to have had enough of his running off.
This time, when KDJ was about to bolt, YJH’s grip on his hips tightened before he suddenly thrusted up, making KDJ scream and crumple pathetically in his lap.
This time, when KDJ was about to bolt, YJH’s grip on his hips tightened before he suddenly thrusted up, making KDJ scream and crumple pathetically in his lap.
KDJ was panting hard and keening shrilly, face buried into YJH’s shoulder to hide the dazed look in his eyes.
“D-Don’t…” KDJ whimpers weakly.
YJH nipped his red ear in amusement, knowing KDJ still won’t say no, before he slowly started manhandling the smaller male.
“D-Don’t…” KDJ whimpers weakly.
YJH nipped his red ear in amusement, knowing KDJ still won’t say no, before he slowly started manhandling the smaller male.
KDJ could only wrap his arms around YJH’s neck, fingers digging tightly into his back, as they begin to grind against each other.
He gulped at the feeling of YJH’s clothed erection, the outline and size of the tent left only so much to the imagination to his length and girth.
He gulped at the feeling of YJH’s clothed erection, the outline and size of the tent left only so much to the imagination to his length and girth.
The continued thrusts had his thighs trembling and toes curling. KDJ could only moan helplessly as he was brought to climax, coming into his boxers and soaking them through to the front of his pants.
“Good boy.” YJH praised afterwards as KDJ was tugged into another lewd kiss.
“Good boy.” YJH praised afterwards as KDJ was tugged into another lewd kiss.
KDJ felt a shiver crawl up his spine because YJH’s erection was still very much poking into his thigh.
He really should’ve known YJH of all people would have a scary level of endurance and stamina. He swallowed thickly cause he knew this wouldn’t be the only time.
He really should’ve known YJH of all people would have a scary level of endurance and stamina. He swallowed thickly cause he knew this wouldn’t be the only time.
So KDJ wasn't surprised when it happened again the next day and then the day after that.
The sexual harassment reached an all time high at this point and KDJ felt like his body was turning weird with each depraved deed done to him. He began reciprocating it the tiniest bit.
The sexual harassment reached an all time high at this point and KDJ felt like his body was turning weird with each depraved deed done to him. He began reciprocating it the tiniest bit.
YJH still took every chance to pull him into his lap and palm firmly at his groin or push him against a wall and hoist up one of his legs, but now KDJ would grind back.
The small action had YJH smirking smugly, no doubt enjoying how debauched KDJ was slowly becoming.
The small action had YJH smirking smugly, no doubt enjoying how debauched KDJ was slowly becoming.
“Enjoying yourself?” YJH hummed teasingly. KDJ sat facing him again today, though this time YJH was leaning back in his chair without moving.
In his lap, KDJ was the only one moving his hips, seeking friction and his own gratification against one of YJH's thighs for his arousal.
In his lap, KDJ was the only one moving his hips, seeking friction and his own gratification against one of YJH's thighs for his arousal.
KDJ glared weakly at him as tears beaded at the corners of eyes and drool dropped down his chin.
“I'm not...” He muttered, but it turned into a high pitched mewl when YJH shifted his leg to meet KDJ's frantic movements.
“Then we'll have to change that, won't we?” YJH chuckled.
“I'm not...” He muttered, but it turned into a high pitched mewl when YJH shifted his leg to meet KDJ's frantic movements.
“Then we'll have to change that, won't we?” YJH chuckled.
If YJH's insatiable sexual libido and inherent perverted nature were the only issues, then KDJ wouldn't be having as much of a problem as he was now.
No, the biggest cause of KDJ's problem was how caring and tender YJH was to him, as if KDJ was something precious.
No, the biggest cause of KDJ's problem was how caring and tender YJH was to him, as if KDJ was something precious.
As much as YJH preyed on him, the parts that really made KDJ's heart stutter was the complete 180 he does after their obscenity.
He'll lightly thumb away KDJ's tears and gently stroke the sweat matted hair on his forehead.
“You ok?” He'd whisper soothingly, peppering kisses.
He'll lightly thumb away KDJ's tears and gently stroke the sweat matted hair on his forehead.
“You ok?” He'd whisper soothingly, peppering kisses.
KDJ would swallow thickly and nod, chest tightening at the way YJH's eyes softened.
Then YJH would help him clean up and look somewhat presentable again before they'll cuddle til the end of work.
That was the problem. The copious amounts of intimacy between them.
Then YJH would help him clean up and look somewhat presentable again before they'll cuddle til the end of work.
That was the problem. The copious amounts of intimacy between them.
The light pecks on his cheek and the fondness in his voice whenever KDJ complained about commission pay made his chest ache.
KDJ could tell YJH clearly loved him. He could tell through his actions even if YJH didn't tell him he did everyday with that low baritone of his.
KDJ could tell YJH clearly loved him. He could tell through his actions even if YJH didn't tell him he did everyday with that low baritone of his.
Every spoken declaration has KDJ flushing and looking away as YJH gauged his reaction.
KDJ had to bite down on his lip to keep from answering yes finally and saying it back.
YJH's expectant gaze chipped at KDJ's resolve bit by bit each time, his traitorous heart wavering.
KDJ had to bite down on his lip to keep from answering yes finally and saying it back.
YJH's expectant gaze chipped at KDJ's resolve bit by bit each time, his traitorous heart wavering.
No one has ever treated KDJ like this in his life. At least, not in the life he remembered.
He knows the person he's forgotten loved him once upon a time. He knows they made him have butterflies in his stomach.
He knows he loves them. But that past with them has been forgotten.
He knows the person he's forgotten loved him once upon a time. He knows they made him have butterflies in his stomach.
He knows he loves them. But that past with them has been forgotten.
It's been 13 years and throughout those years KDJ has tried everything to gain back his memory. But nothing ever worked.
So even if KDJ ever saw that special person again, there was no way KDJ could ever be with them. At least, not like how they used to be. There was no return.
So even if KDJ ever saw that special person again, there was no way KDJ could ever be with them. At least, not like how they used to be. There was no return.
KDJ did not remember any of the memories they shared, so they would only end up loving a version of KDJ that no longer existed.
KDJ always knew this. That if he couldn't recover his memories, it would be all over for him, for them. It's why he's cried so many times before.
KDJ always knew this. That if he couldn't recover his memories, it would be all over for him, for them. It's why he's cried so many times before.
Because he didn't want it to be over, not with the only person that ever loved KDJ. It was the only proof KDJ had that he was lovable, deserving of affection.
That's why he clung so desperately to it as his unfading guiding light. It comforts him that someone had once loved him.
That's why he clung so desperately to it as his unfading guiding light. It comforts him that someone had once loved him.
Even when years have passed and they've definitely moved on from waiting, KDJ still clung to those feelings in order to live.
By that point, it wasn't really about KDJ saving himself for them. At least, not as much as it was about KDJ using them as a futile source of hope.
By that point, it wasn't really about KDJ saving himself for them. At least, not as much as it was about KDJ using them as a futile source of hope.
It didn't matter whether KDJ would ever see them again, would ever be with them again. KDJ just wanted to not feel so horribly alone.
But now KDJ didn't need to depend on them and these forgotten feelings anymore, because he wasn't alone anymore. Someone else loves him now.
But now KDJ didn't need to depend on them and these forgotten feelings anymore, because he wasn't alone anymore. Someone else loves him now.
YJH loves him. He loves KDJ. He loves KDJ as much as that person once did. He loves KDJ unconditionally for who he is, a flawed human being.
YJH loves KDJ.
KDJ could finally stop dreaming of something that'll never happen. KDJ could move on and stop living in the past now.
YJH loves KDJ.
KDJ could finally stop dreaming of something that'll never happen. KDJ could move on and stop living in the past now.
But that didn't mean KDJ wasn't sad and guilt ridden still. He depended on the person he'd forgotten for so long that his yearning for them has become a part of KDJ's being.
Parting with them to be with YJH made KDJ feel like he was giving up a part of his soul.
Parting with them to be with YJH made KDJ feel like he was giving up a part of his soul.
KDJ supposes that's true in a way. Some part of KDJ would always belong to them, would always be with them then.
It hurt, it hurt, it hurt. It gnawed and twisted his insides, but KDJ wants to be loved again.
KDJ wants to be happy with YJH.
That’s why he has to part with them…
It hurt, it hurt, it hurt. It gnawed and twisted his insides, but KDJ wants to be loved again.
KDJ wants to be happy with YJH.
That’s why he has to part with them…
That’s why when YJH pushed KDJ down onto the desk and slid between his legs in such an intimate manner, KDJ’s heart has made up its mind.
That’s why when YJH asked to take him home, KDJ agreed.
He knew the implications behind those words. KDJ was going to become his.
That’s why when YJH asked to take him home, KDJ agreed.
He knew the implications behind those words. KDJ was going to become his.
YJH was going to take him and KDJ was going to become YJH’s completely.
With this, KDJ would be finally be able to let go of his forgotten past and give YJH his answer.
KDJ was ready to overwrite everything, bidding a final farewell to them one last time with a cup of lemonade.
With this, KDJ would be finally be able to let go of his forgotten past and give YJH his answer.
KDJ was ready to overwrite everything, bidding a final farewell to them one last time with a cup of lemonade.
At least, that’s what KDJ had expected until he took a sip and the flavor he’d always been searching for, yearning for, meets his tongue again.
It was a familiar taste reminiscent of his childhood, sour and sweet. It was one he’d never been able to find in any other lemonade.
It was a familiar taste reminiscent of his childhood, sour and sweet. It was one he’d never been able to find in any other lemonade.
Instead of moving on, he was met with a kaleidoscope of fragmented pieces flashing behind his eyes. Bits of memories, never complete, but ones he’s never been able to remember before.
KDJ should’ve never drank that lemonade.
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
He is, hE IS, HE IS—
KDJ should’ve never drank that lemonade.
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
He is, hE IS, HE IS—
His heart stops when a certain memory reappears. It was like a storm of electricity was surrounding him and burning him up.
「 “Having a weird name does not mean you’re above the law.”
“Hey! It’s not that weird! It means Reader. What’s your name then?”
“I’m Yoo Joonghyuk.”」
「 “Having a weird name does not mean you’re above the law.”
“Hey! It’s not that weird! It means Reader. What’s your name then?”
“I’m Yoo Joonghyuk.”」
That’s why YJH was so familiar…
“You’re…” KDJ’s throat locks up and he can feel the words choking him cause YJH was the person he’d forgotten. It had been YJH all along. “D-Did…we meet before…” He whispers fearfully.
YJH’s concerned face lights up at the question.
“You’re…” KDJ’s throat locks up and he can feel the words choking him cause YJH was the person he’d forgotten. It had been YJH all along. “D-Did…we meet before…” He whispers fearfully.
YJH’s concerned face lights up at the question.
“Do you finally remember?” He asks and KDJ can feel his soul wither at the hopeful undertone.
Because no. No, he doesn’t remember still. He doesn’t remember, he won’t ever remember.
But YJH remembers who KDJ is. No, he remembers who KDJ was. He remembers a different KDJ.
Because no. No, he doesn’t remember still. He doesn’t remember, he won’t ever remember.
But YJH remembers who KDJ is. No, he remembers who KDJ was. He remembers a different KDJ.
YJH is in love with a different KDJ.
When that realization hits him, KDJ feels his heart break and his soul shatter into a million little pieces.
This whole time YJH was in love with another version of KDJ. YJH had never loved him, at least not the him that still exists.
When that realization hits him, KDJ feels his heart break and his soul shatter into a million little pieces.
This whole time YJH was in love with another version of KDJ. YJH had never loved him, at least not the him that still exists.
That means everything they’ve done, everything KDJ gave him, all of YJH’s feelings—none of it was genuine, none of it was real.
It was all done under an ulterior motive, under the false belief that he would be able to get the KDJ of the past, the KDJ he loved, back.
It was all done under an ulterior motive, under the false belief that he would be able to get the KDJ of the past, the KDJ he loved, back.
But that one is gone forever and KDJ could never be him no matter how much he dreamed and prayed and wished.
Nausea builds up in the pit of his stomach and a horrible pain assaults his head.
“No…” He croaks out, tears beginning to sting his eyes. “No, I don’t remember…”
Nausea builds up in the pit of his stomach and a horrible pain assaults his head.
“No…” He croaks out, tears beginning to sting his eyes. “No, I don’t remember…”
KDJ sees the way YJH’s eyes dim a little, it feels like KDJ’s chest was being ripped open.
YJH’s brows knit together in worry when he sees the distraught expression on the other’s face.
He reaches out a hand in concern. “That’s fine. Hey, are you ok—” But KDJ slaps it away.
YJH’s brows knit together in worry when he sees the distraught expression on the other’s face.
He reaches out a hand in concern. “That’s fine. Hey, are you ok—” But KDJ slaps it away.
“No! No, it’s not fine!” KDJ cuts him off, screaming. “It’s not ok!”
The cup of lemonade drops to the ground, spilling all over the floor as he buries the palms of his hands into the socket of his eyes.
Everything hurt. Everything hurt so badly. It felt like he way dying.
The cup of lemonade drops to the ground, spilling all over the floor as he buries the palms of his hands into the socket of his eyes.
Everything hurt. Everything hurt so badly. It felt like he way dying.
He needs to leave, he needs to leave now, or he’ll start crying soon.
“I—I need to go. I, I can’t…” KDJ hurriedly gets up, staggering to his feet and nearly falling over in his haste.
YJH’s hands quickly grab his arms to steady him. That alone makes KDJ start to break down.
“I—I need to go. I, I can’t…” KDJ hurriedly gets up, staggering to his feet and nearly falling over in his haste.
YJH’s hands quickly grab his arms to steady him. That alone makes KDJ start to break down.
YJH was talking to him, saying something as he gently stroked KDJ’s trembling shoulders in an attempt to comfort him.
But KDJ couldn’t hear him. He couldn’t hear anything past the roaring torrents of blood pumping in his ears, past the throbbing in his head.
[(Dokja-yah)]
But KDJ couldn’t hear him. He couldn’t hear anything past the roaring torrents of blood pumping in his ears, past the throbbing in his head.
[(Dokja-yah)]
KDJ’s breathe hitches. His favorite voice was finally back, but… it’s not the same anymore. Because it’s YJH’s voice.
“Dokja-yah…”
“Don’t, Don’t call me that…” He chokes out, feeling tears begin to spill. “You can’t call me that anymore…”
YJH frowns deeply. “Why can’t I?”
“Dokja-yah…”
“Don’t, Don’t call me that…” He chokes out, feeling tears begin to spill. “You can’t call me that anymore…”
YJH frowns deeply. “Why can’t I?”
“Because you don’t love me.”
“What are you talking about? I do love you—”
“No, you don’t! You don’t love me! You never fucking loved me!” He cries, voice cracking at the end cause it hurt to even say it. “You love the past me, the me that you spent your childhood with.”
“What are you talking about? I do love you—”
“No, you don’t! You don’t love me! You never fucking loved me!” He cries, voice cracking at the end cause it hurt to even say it. “You love the past me, the me that you spent your childhood with.”
“KDJ, that’s you.” YJH retorts in confusion, brows knitting together.
“No, it’s not. I’m not him.” KDJ hiccups, voice breaking as he stresses each word. “That me is gone, he disappeared with my memories. YJH, I’m not the KDJ you knew nor am I the one you fell in love with.”
“No, it’s not. I’m not him.” KDJ hiccups, voice breaking as he stresses each word. “That me is gone, he disappeared with my memories. YJH, I’m not the KDJ you knew nor am I the one you fell in love with.”
“I’m not getting—”
“I have amnesia.”
“…I know.”
KDJ inhales shakily, steeling his quivering throat. “So the memories that made up that version of me are gone. I don’t have them anymore. The one you spent those days with, shared those memories with, isn’t me, YJH.”
“I have amnesia.”
“…I know.”
KDJ inhales shakily, steeling his quivering throat. “So the memories that made up that version of me are gone. I don’t have them anymore. The one you spent those days with, shared those memories with, isn’t me, YJH.”
The realization must’ve finally sunken in because YJH remains silent, as if processing everything.
KDJ can only laugh wretchedly at himself. “You didn’t know I had amnesia at first. That’s why you treated me like shit, didn’t you?”
YJH couldn’t respond. KDJ knew he couldn’t.
KDJ can only laugh wretchedly at himself. “You didn’t know I had amnesia at first. That’s why you treated me like shit, didn’t you?”
YJH couldn’t respond. KDJ knew he couldn’t.
“But as soon as you found out, you tried to pursue me again, get back what you had and pick up where we left off.” KDJ closes his eyes, he couldn’t bear to look at YJH’s face anymore. He’d want to take it all back if he did.
Because YJH looked like he was almost in pain.
Because YJH looked like he was almost in pain.
“If you never found out, you would've continued hating me. You would've never done any of this if you didn't know. It should've stayed that way. We weren't meant to be.”
KDJ shakes loose from YJH's hands, having grown slack from the shock. He walks towards the door.
KDJ shakes loose from YJH's hands, having grown slack from the shock. He walks towards the door.
“If it’s any consolation, his answer would’ve been yes.”
With those last parting words, KDJ leaves.
It was cloudy outside, as if it was about to rain. There was the bitter scent of lemons in the air.
As soon as he makes it back to his apartment, KDJ collapses by his door.
With those last parting words, KDJ leaves.
It was cloudy outside, as if it was about to rain. There was the bitter scent of lemons in the air.
As soon as he makes it back to his apartment, KDJ collapses by his door.
He was barely able to make it back, his head was hurting so badly. It felt like every neuron in his brain was being split apart.
KDJ clutches his head with his hands, nails digging into his scalp and nearly ripping out his hair.
He can’t breathe. It hurts. He’s crying again.
KDJ clutches his head with his hands, nails digging into his scalp and nearly ripping out his hair.
He can’t breathe. It hurts. He’s crying again.
But he’s not sure from which pain, the one in his mind or in his heart.
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
KDJ starts banging his head.
[(Don’t do it, you fool.)]
KDJ bangs his head harder.
Until he couldn’t hear the voices anymore, until it didn’t hurt anymore. Until it’s dark.
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
KDJ starts banging his head.
[(Don’t do it, you fool.)]
KDJ bangs his head harder.
Until he couldn’t hear the voices anymore, until it didn’t hurt anymore. Until it’s dark.
KDJ doesn’t go to work the next day nor the day after that nor the day after that.
He hasn’t quit officially yet, KDJ needs to email in his resignation letter still.
He just needs to open his laptop and type out something simple, but he’s been unable to function for days.
He hasn’t quit officially yet, KDJ needs to email in his resignation letter still.
He just needs to open his laptop and type out something simple, but he’s been unable to function for days.
Ever since he left YJH’s apartment, an excruciating migraine has been pounding against the inside of skull.
He’s already tried taking some pain relievers, but nothing works. It’s so bad, he can barely get out of bed without crumpling.
It blurs his vision and twists his stomach.
He’s already tried taking some pain relievers, but nothing works. It’s so bad, he can barely get out of bed without crumpling.
It blurs his vision and twists his stomach.
He feels dizzy, nauseous, lightheaded. He couldn’t concentrate, he couldn’t think, he couldn’t do anything.
He reasons it’s the heartbreak, cause his chest still ached and he still cried whenever he thought about YJH, about what they had and could’ve had.
If only he remembered.
He reasons it’s the heartbreak, cause his chest still ached and he still cried whenever he thought about YJH, about what they had and could’ve had.
If only he remembered.
KDJ tried. He tried to remember, again and again and again.
The bits of memories he can now recollect, he read those fragments, over and over and over.
He tried to remember his story, their story, but it kept floating away from him, leaving behind only emptiness in its wake.
The bits of memories he can now recollect, he read those fragments, over and over and over.
He tried to remember his story, their story, but it kept floating away from him, leaving behind only emptiness in its wake.
He loses track of time, putting all his residual energy into staving off his headache, into tuning out the neverending voices ringing in his head like a mantra.
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
[(Tell me, you fool)]
The days blur together.
He missed YJH. He wanted to be with him. But he couldn’t.
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
[Ki m Dok ja i s an idi ot]
[(Tell me, you fool)]
The days blur together.
He missed YJH. He wanted to be with him. But he couldn’t.
Because he didn’t remember.
It would be the best for both of them if this relationship didn’t come to fruition.
Otherwise YJH would’ve continued to hope and hope and hope for KDJ to get back his memories. Then one day, he’ll realize that’ll never happen and fall into despair…
It would be the best for both of them if this relationship didn’t come to fruition.
Otherwise YJH would’ve continued to hope and hope and hope for KDJ to get back his memories. Then one day, he’ll realize that’ll never happen and fall into despair…
While thinking of him, he repeated the cycle of crying and sleeping. The fuzzier his consciousness became, the stronger his desire grew. He wanted so badly to go back.
Even though he knew that he shouldn’t think this way, he couldn’t stop himself.
[(Kim Dokja)]
It hurts.
Even though he knew that he shouldn’t think this way, he couldn’t stop himself.
[(Kim Dokja)]
It hurts.
Even his most favorite voice only proved to hurt him now, rather than comfort.
But still, he wanted to hear his voice for a little bit longer.
He doesn’t know how long he stays cooped up in his apartment, wallowing and feeling his fingers grow numb like they’re breaking away.
But still, he wanted to hear his voice for a little bit longer.
He doesn’t know how long he stays cooped up in his apartment, wallowing and feeling his fingers grow numb like they’re breaking away.
While trying to remember their story, he blacked out several times. His reminiscing got worse and worse, and his mind was disappearing bit by bit, as well.
It was futile.
Those sentences were never coming back to him. This was how it was meant to be.
This was the proper end.
It was futile.
Those sentences were never coming back to him. This was how it was meant to be.
This was the proper end.
This was the end of his story with YJH, a story seemingly abandoned in the middle of being written.
He’s reached the end of the story that didn’t get completed.
He checks his phone for the time. It’s only been a week, making today the second to last day of school before summer.
He’s reached the end of the story that didn’t get completed.
He checks his phone for the time. It’s only been a week, making today the second to last day of school before summer.
It was then, from beyond the very last sentence of the story he’d forgotten, a certain noise came to him.
A noise that sounded like someone calling out to someone else. Or perhaps, the noise of someone knocking on the door.
A noise that sounded like someone calling out to someone else. Or perhaps, the noise of someone knocking on the door.
The phone went off with a ‘tab!’ noise, and its pitch-black screen reflects his face.
For a second, he sees himself as a child again. His former self. The one he’d lost, the half that disappeared, the version he longed to be.
But then it turns back to normal. He was crying.
For a second, he sees himself as a child again. His former self. The one he’d lost, the half that disappeared, the version he longed to be.
But then it turns back to normal. He was crying.
KDJ slowly raises his head.
He feels the faint vibration through the walls. Since when did it start?
Thud—!
Someone was pounding on the front door of his apartment.
[Do n’t o pen th e do or]
[(Open the door)]
The very last sentence arrived at his doorstep.
KDJ decides to…
He feels the faint vibration through the walls. Since when did it start?
Thud—!
Someone was pounding on the front door of his apartment.
[Do n’t o pen th e do or]
[(Open the door)]
The very last sentence arrived at his doorstep.
KDJ decides to…
POV SWITCH: YJH
KDJ had been right. The KDJ he knew right now was not the KDJ he remembered. The KDJ he remembered was no longer here.
The one he ran that lemonade stand with, the one he fell in love with, the one from his childhood. That was not the current KDJ.
KDJ had been right. The KDJ he knew right now was not the KDJ he remembered. The KDJ he remembered was no longer here.
The one he ran that lemonade stand with, the one he fell in love with, the one from his childhood. That was not the current KDJ.
The current KDJ did not remember him from their past together, and there’s a good chance he never will again.
YJH would be the only one to have those memories still.
He knew that. He knew that from the moment he found out KDJ had amnesia.
YJH would be the only one to have those memories still.
He knew that. He knew that from the moment he found out KDJ had amnesia.
He had pursued KDJ again because he wanted back what they had as kids, because he knew the KDJ from the past.
If that had not been the case, would he have even noticed KDJ?
What YJH wanted was out of his reach. The star he longed for was long gone.
YJH was chasing a dream.
If that had not been the case, would he have even noticed KDJ?
What YJH wanted was out of his reach. The star he longed for was long gone.
YJH was chasing a dream.
KDJ had a point, YJH has been looking at him through the lens of the past. The person he loved and yearned for wasn’t him.
Yet why did YJH feel so miserable still.
It has been a week since KDJ has “quit” and effectively disappeared again, leaving YJH behind once more.
Yet why did YJH feel so miserable still.
It has been a week since KDJ has “quit” and effectively disappeared again, leaving YJH behind once more.
To say YJH’s mood was bad would be a massive understatement. It was like his life was falling apart, turning into an apocalypse, and like he was its lone pilgrim.
He hasn’t felt this depressed in years. The last time would have to be…
In middle school when KDJ disappeared.
He hasn’t felt this depressed in years. The last time would have to be…
In middle school when KDJ disappeared.
YJH slams the paper down onto his desk before bringing a hand up to rub at his throbbing temples.
He hasn’t been able to concentrate at work ever since KDJ left. The piles of unfinished assignments grew larger by the day, especially with the sales department losing its manager.
He hasn’t been able to concentrate at work ever since KDJ left. The piles of unfinished assignments grew larger by the day, especially with the sales department losing its manager.
He has already tried calling and texting him, but all of his attempts are left unanswered. YJH is always left unanswered.
Except this time, KDJ has made it abundantly clear he didn’t want to see YJH again. Just the thought of it has YJH grinding his teeth and sighing heavily.
Except this time, KDJ has made it abundantly clear he didn’t want to see YJH again. Just the thought of it has YJH grinding his teeth and sighing heavily.
He hasn’t been able to do anything since KDJ left. He could barely sleep or eat, much less think about something other than KDJ.
He felt like utter shit.
It felt like his worst fear had come true. It felt like KDJ had rejected him. Except he didn’t, not technically.
He felt like utter shit.
It felt like his worst fear had come true. It felt like KDJ had rejected him. Except he didn’t, not technically.
The one YJH had been seeking an answer from wasn’t the current KDJ, but the past KDJ.
And the past KDJ would’ve said yes. The past KDJ would’ve said yes to YJH.
The past KDJ that no longer existed, would’ve said yes…
It felt like he had lost KDJ all over again.
And the past KDJ would’ve said yes. The past KDJ would’ve said yes to YJH.
The past KDJ that no longer existed, would’ve said yes…
It felt like he had lost KDJ all over again.
“Sajangnim?” A sweet voice calls out, bringing YJH back from his spiraling mind.
Ah, that’s right. YSA had wanted to talk to him about something regarding new applicants. He had zoned out and didn’t hear a single thing she had said the past 10 minutes.
“Could you repeat that?”
Ah, that’s right. YSA had wanted to talk to him about something regarding new applicants. He had zoned out and didn’t hear a single thing she had said the past 10 minutes.
“Could you repeat that?”
YSA stares at him for a second before nodding as she starts from the beginning again. But once more, YJH’s mind starts drifting, unable to care less about recruitment appli—
“So as I was suggesting, we should find a new sales manager.”
YJH snaps back, he definitely heard that.
“So as I was suggesting, we should find a new sales manager.”
YJH snaps back, he definitely heard that.
“Absolutely not.” He immediately seethes, expression twisting into a scowl.
YSA smiles her signature smile. “Oh, so you heard that part.”
YJH glares at her. He never did like YSA much. While she was a hard worker, she had also been too friendly with KDJ and now this.
YSA smiles her signature smile. “Oh, so you heard that part.”
YJH glares at her. He never did like YSA much. While she was a hard worker, she had also been too friendly with KDJ and now this.
YJH wasn’t very socially competent, but even he could read her passive aggressive undertones.
“But the sales department has been behind on its tasks. It would be good to find someone soon.”
YJH growls. “I’ll take care of it. We’re not hiring another sales manager.”
“But the sales department has been behind on its tasks. It would be good to find someone soon.”
YJH growls. “I’ll take care of it. We’re not hiring another sales manager.”
“But aren’t you too preoccupied from thinking about KDJ-ssi?”
YJH stiffens up at the mention of his name. There’s not a soul in the company that wasn’t aware of YJH’s terrible mood and the reason behind it.
He’s nearly fired several salesmen who came to him asking about KDJ.
YJH stiffens up at the mention of his name. There’s not a soul in the company that wasn’t aware of YJH’s terrible mood and the reason behind it.
He’s nearly fired several salesmen who came to him asking about KDJ.
Not to mention, his irritation has also caused spikes of rage that has him yelling and penalizing those who’ve angered him.
So everyone has been avoiding YJH and the topic of KDJ. Everyone, except apparently YSA.
“YSA.” He snarls in warning. “Watch what you say.”
So everyone has been avoiding YJH and the topic of KDJ. Everyone, except apparently YSA.
“YSA.” He snarls in warning. “Watch what you say.”
His threat did not seem to deter her.
“Did you two have a fight?” She asks. “You should go to him then.”
YJH scoffs at her ignorance. “It’s more complicated than that.”
“I’m sure he’ll come back if you just talk to him.” She reassures. “You like him still, don’t you?”
“Did you two have a fight?” She asks. “You should go to him then.”
YJH scoffs at her ignorance. “It’s more complicated than that.”
“I’m sure he’ll come back if you just talk to him.” She reassures. “You like him still, don’t you?”
YJH clicks his tongue in frustration. “YSA, I’m not interested in him.”
YSA blinks in disbelief, no doubt remembering all the times she’s caught KDJ trying to hide the numerous marks on his neck. Her lips press into a thin line. “You’re not…?”
YJH grunts in affirmation.
YSA blinks in disbelief, no doubt remembering all the times she’s caught KDJ trying to hide the numerous marks on his neck. Her lips press into a thin line. “You’re not…?”
YJH grunts in affirmation.
She stares incredulously at him. “So the reason you’re still down and unwilling to hire another sales manager is because…?” She prompts.
He remains silent. His jaw tightens, unwilling to reply.
YSA waits patiently. But his lack of a response was enough of an answer on its own.
He remains silent. His jaw tightens, unwilling to reply.
YSA waits patiently. But his lack of a response was enough of an answer on its own.
“So you do still like him.” It wasn’t a question.
YJH narrows his eyes. This woman was dangerous. “You’re mistaken. It’s not in the way you think.”
“Are you sure you’re not the one mistaken?”
“The KDJ I like is not the current one.” He stresses. It felt weird to even say it.
YJH narrows his eyes. This woman was dangerous. “You’re mistaken. It’s not in the way you think.”
“Are you sure you’re not the one mistaken?”
“The KDJ I like is not the current one.” He stresses. It felt weird to even say it.
YSA’s face contorts into confusion, clearly not understanding. “Um… There’s more than one KDJ?”
YJH swears he’s gonna fire her, HSY be damned. “You know KDJ lost his memories, right.”
She nods. “He’s told me before he has retrograde amnesia.”
“I knew KDJ when we were young.”
YJH swears he’s gonna fire her, HSY be damned. “You know KDJ lost his memories, right.”
She nods. “He’s told me before he has retrograde amnesia.”
“I knew KDJ when we were young.”
YSA also nods at that. “HSY has told me as much.”
YJH swears he’s going to fire HSY too. He stops there, expecting YSA to figure it out by herself from there.
She doesn’t.
“So what’s the problem?”
It was like she was pulling teeth to keep this conversation going with him.
YJH swears he’s going to fire HSY too. He stops there, expecting YSA to figure it out by herself from there.
She doesn’t.
“So what’s the problem?”
It was like she was pulling teeth to keep this conversation going with him.
YJH felt his temples throb. “The problem is that KDJ doesn’t remember our shared memories. The KDJ I know now is not the same as the one I knew as kids. The percent of him I like is already gone.”
That’s right. The one that he likes is already gone. He has been gone for years.
That’s right. The one that he likes is already gone. He has been gone for years.
YSA is silent for a long time with an unreadable expression before finally asking, “Is there any meaning in deciphering which one is really him?”
YJH stills. “I’m not trying to find out which one is the real deal.” They were both real, but only one of them had loved YJH.
YJH stills. “I’m not trying to find out which one is the real deal.” They were both real, but only one of them had loved YJH.
“That is just what he told me himself.”
The current KDJ is not interested in him either and he have no plans to go after someone who’s not interested.
KDJ had specifically said that the past him would’ve answered yes, which insinuates that the current him would’ve answered no—
The current KDJ is not interested in him either and he have no plans to go after someone who’s not interested.
KDJ had specifically said that the past him would’ve answered yes, which insinuates that the current him would’ve answered no—
“But that person is also KDJ-ssi. Doesn’t matter how much percentage he is made out of, there’s no doubt that he is KDJ-ssi. KDJ-ssi who journeyed together with you.”
It felt like a hand had slapped the back of his head with all the strength it had, nearly knocking him out.
It felt like a hand had slapped the back of his head with all the strength it had, nearly knocking him out.
YSA was right.
The KDJ who would’ve said yes is also the KDJ who told him he would’ve said yes. And that KDJ is the same one as the KDJ from his childhood.
KDJ would’ve said yes.
That meant that the one YJH is in love with is still KDJ. That meant that KDJ still liked him.
The KDJ who would’ve said yes is also the KDJ who told him he would’ve said yes. And that KDJ is the same one as the KDJ from his childhood.
KDJ would’ve said yes.
That meant that the one YJH is in love with is still KDJ. That meant that KDJ still liked him.
Even if KDJ lost his memories of them together doesn’t mean that he’s no longer KDJ. YJH loved him for more than just the time they spent together.
But did KDJ like him for more than just that? KDJ who’s so focused on the past…
If KDJ did, then why would KDJ leave…
But did KDJ like him for more than just that? KDJ who’s so focused on the past…
If KDJ did, then why would KDJ leave…
YSA smiles smugly as YJH’s wide eyed expression.
“If that was the choice of a man who knew you better than anyone, then…”
He hates how YSA is acting as if she’s been inside KDJ’s mind and has read his thoughts.
But she was…
YJH grits his teeth, sucking in a strained breath.
“If that was the choice of a man who knew you better than anyone, then…”
He hates how YSA is acting as if she’s been inside KDJ’s mind and has read his thoughts.
But she was…
YJH grits his teeth, sucking in a strained breath.
“I’m taking the day off.” He growls, getting up from his chair. “Tell HSY she’s in charge in the meantime.”
He doesn’t bother to look back at her as he storms out of his office. He had somewhere he needed to be.
It’s a place he should’ve gone to a long time ago.
He doesn’t bother to look back at her as he storms out of his office. He had somewhere he needed to be.
It’s a place he should’ve gone to a long time ago.
That’s how YJH found himself driving to a dingy apartment complex. The elevator was broken so he had to go up the 9 fleets of stairs to the story he knew he was on.
He stands in front of the black door of apartment #9158. This is the Final Wall that divided his and KDJ’s worlds.
He stands in front of the black door of apartment #9158. This is the Final Wall that divided his and KDJ’s worlds.
That fool is beyond that wall.
YJH reaches his hand out and starts pounding on the door as hard as he could with his fist.
“KDJ! I know you’re in there!” He shouts loudly as he continues to knock. “Open this door now, KDJ!”
But as he had expected, no one answered the door.
YJH reaches his hand out and starts pounding on the door as hard as he could with his fist.
“KDJ! I know you’re in there!” He shouts loudly as he continues to knock. “Open this door now, KDJ!”
But as he had expected, no one answered the door.
YJH scowls, gritting his teeth in fury. Of course, KDJ wouldn’t answer.
YJH ponders finding the landlord to this godforsaken place. But he has no idea where they could be.
So his hand grasps the brass handle tightly instead and instantly starts jerking it violently.
YJH ponders finding the landlord to this godforsaken place. But he has no idea where they could be.
So his hand grasps the brass handle tightly instead and instantly starts jerking it violently.
“KDJ!” He shouts again. Everyone in the entire story has probably heard him by now. There was no way KDJ didn’t, which means KDJ was purposefully ignoring him.
A vein pops on his forehead. He yanks the door handle even harder, really wrenching the rickety old metal.
A vein pops on his forehead. He yanks the door handle even harder, really wrenching the rickety old metal.
He doesn’t stop yanking at it until the metal starts to creak and grate before there’s a sudden snap and popping sound that has the handle falling off.
A crack ran down on the side of the door like a tear. It resembled a comma.
The door was open. Because YJH broke the doorknob.
A crack ran down on the side of the door like a tear. It resembled a comma.
The door was open. Because YJH broke the doorknob.
He pushes open the door and walks in to see KDJ exiting his bedroom from the other side of the apartment.
Their eyes meet and KDJ stops dead in his tracks, before his jaw drops.
“Wha…! What are you doing here?!” He yells, stumbling over to him. “Did you break my doorknob?!”
Their eyes meet and KDJ stops dead in his tracks, before his jaw drops.
“Wha…! What are you doing here?!” He yells, stumbling over to him. “Did you break my doorknob?!”
YJH ignores KDJ’s reasonable questions to breathe in a sigh of relief at finally seeing him again.
KDJ looked thinner and paler. The dark circles under his eyes were significant and his cheeks were slightly sunken in. YJH takes in the sight of his gaunt figure and frowns.
KDJ looked thinner and paler. The dark circles under his eyes were significant and his cheeks were slightly sunken in. YJH takes in the sight of his gaunt figure and frowns.
He walks forward briskly and KDJ’s eyes snap from the handle lying on the floor back to YJH.
“KDJ.”
“I…! Why…”
KDJ suddenly realizes that YJH was very much in his apartment and starts trying to back up. But YJH is faster and grabs him by the shoulders, pulling him close.
“KDJ.”
“I…! Why…”
KDJ suddenly realizes that YJH was very much in his apartment and starts trying to back up. But YJH is faster and grabs him by the shoulders, pulling him close.
KDJ flinches as a pair of large arms envelop him in a hug. YJH buries his face into the crook of KDJ’s neck, breathing in the scent of lemons from him.
KDJ is still, trembling slightly as he buries his face into YJH’s shoulder.
“W…What are you doing here… I quit already…”
KDJ is still, trembling slightly as he buries his face into YJH’s shoulder.
“W…What are you doing here… I quit already…”
YJH is silent as he tries to calm the racing of his heart. He really missed KDJ. He wants to tell him that.
“You never turned in a resignation letter.” He says instead, like a bastard.
KDJ makes a small noise at that response and YJH tightens his arms, holding him closer.
“You never turned in a resignation letter.” He says instead, like a bastard.
KDJ makes a small noise at that response and YJH tightens his arms, holding him closer.
“You could’ve just sent an email… You didn’t have to come all the way here to tell me.” KDJ whispers. YJH can feel KDJ’s lashes flutter close against his neck when KDJ leans in closer, as if seeking comfort.
“I wanted to see you again though.” YJH exhales against his skin.
“I wanted to see you again though.” YJH exhales against his skin.
KDJ’s breathe hitches, throat locking up. His slender fingers grip onto the front of YJH’s suit, twisting the fabric.
“But, why?” He sobs quietly. “Why, for someone like me?”
“Because I love you.” YJH says sincerely. “That’s why I came to get you. KDJ, I love you.”
“But, why?” He sobs quietly. “Why, for someone like me?”
“Because I love you.” YJH says sincerely. “That’s why I came to get you. KDJ, I love you.”
KDJ shakes his head against his shoulder. “No, you don’t…”
“I do. You’re the one I love.” He says resolutely.
YJH pulls back to cup KDJ’s face, thumbing away the tears on his cheeks. More fall from his eyes.
“No, you love the other me.” KDJ cries. “And I’m not him.”
“I do. You’re the one I love.” He says resolutely.
YJH pulls back to cup KDJ’s face, thumbing away the tears on his cheeks. More fall from his eyes.
“No, you love the other me.” KDJ cries. “And I’m not him.”
“You are him.” YJH’s fingers card through his hair.
“No, I’m not.” KDJ tries to break away from his hold. “I’m not the KDJ you fell in love with. I’m not the KDJ you remember.”
“No, you are. You are the KDJ I remember.” YJH says resolutely with not a single hint of hesitation.
“No, I’m not.” KDJ tries to break away from his hold. “I’m not the KDJ you fell in love with. I’m not the KDJ you remember.”
“No, you are. You are the KDJ I remember.” YJH says resolutely with not a single hint of hesitation.
This person, he’s KDJ. Without a doubt, he is the KDJ that YJH remembers.
“How can I be when we don’t share any memories.” KDJ falters, voice breaking. “YJH, I don’t remember our childhood anymore.”
“You’re still the same with or without them. You’re wholly KDJ.” YJH starts.
“How can I be when we don’t share any memories.” KDJ falters, voice breaking. “YJH, I don’t remember our childhood anymore.”
“You’re still the same with or without them. You’re wholly KDJ.” YJH starts.
“You’re still the same KDJ with the same annoying and insufferable personality.”
KDJ bristles, having not expected to be insulted. But before he could saying anything, YJH continues.
“You’re still the same KDJ who has poor taste and likes to read shitty webnovels.”
KDJ bristles, having not expected to be insulted. But before he could saying anything, YJH continues.
“You’re still the same KDJ who has poor taste and likes to read shitty webnovels.”
“You’re still the same KDJ who likes to talk back and give me a headache.”
“You’re still the same KDJ who doesn’t know how to take care of himself.”
“You’re still the same KDJ that I fell in love with.”
KDJ’s eyes have widened, wet and shiny like the stars of the night sky.
“You’re still the same KDJ who doesn’t know how to take care of himself.”
“You’re still the same KDJ that I fell in love with.”
KDJ’s eyes have widened, wet and shiny like the stars of the night sky.
“But… No, I…” He hiccups, trying not to hyperventilate, but failing as he pushes out his next words. “But I’m… I don’t mind tomatoes now.” He tries to dissuade.
YJH closes his eyes and sighs deeply. “Are you saying your hatred for tomatoes was an integral part of your being?”
YJH closes his eyes and sighs deeply. “Are you saying your hatred for tomatoes was an integral part of your being?”
“No, I… Yes…?” KDJ stutters. “I’m just trying to show you that I’m not the same—”
“You’re still the same KDJ who is a fool that does unnecessary things.” YJH cuts him off, leveling his gaze. “What is this really about.”
KDJ fidgets nervously in his arms, averting his eyes.
“You’re still the same KDJ who is a fool that does unnecessary things.” YJH cuts him off, leveling his gaze. “What is this really about.”
KDJ fidgets nervously in his arms, averting his eyes.
“I just—I don’t want you to get your hopes up…” He chokes. “My memories won’t come back, I… If you’re just pitying me beca—”
“You’re still the same KDJ that overthinks everything.”
KDJ sputters. But YJH continues.
“We can always make new memories.” YJH says earnestly.
“You’re still the same KDJ that overthinks everything.”
KDJ sputters. But YJH continues.
“We can always make new memories.” YJH says earnestly.
“We’ll make new memories.” His eyes soften as he gazes into KDJ’s. “We may have started out with those old memories, but that doesn’t mean we need to end with those old memories.”
“B-But… If you didn’t know who I was when we met, you would’ve never done any of this…”
“B-But… If you didn’t know who I was when we met, you would’ve never done any of this…”
“Even if I didn’t know who you were, I would’ve fallen in love with you anyways. I would’ve fallen in love with you every time, in every life, in every existence.”
YJH takes KDJ’s hands into his.
“There is one Kim Dokja. You’re the only one I love, that I will always love.”
YJH takes KDJ’s hands into his.
“There is one Kim Dokja. You’re the only one I love, that I will always love.”
KDJ’s breath hitches and YJH feels his own falter in his lungs as a tense silence came over them.
KDJ didn’t say anything for a long time and YJH wonders if he was able to convey his feelings properly. Was this enough to get KDJ to come back? If it wasn’t, he’ll keep going unti—
KDJ didn’t say anything for a long time and YJH wonders if he was able to convey his feelings properly. Was this enough to get KDJ to come back? If it wasn’t, he’ll keep going unti—
“Prove it to me…” He says finally, voice barely above a whisper.
The sense of Deja Vu has YJH answering immediately as he blinks. “How.”
“Any…Anyway you want.” KDJ rocks the soles of his feet back and forth, as if trying not to run away, but still itching to do so.
The sense of Deja Vu has YJH answering immediately as he blinks. “How.”
“Any…Anyway you want.” KDJ rocks the soles of his feet back and forth, as if trying not to run away, but still itching to do so.
YJH’s eyes darken. “KDJ, are you sure?” He wonders if he’s reading him wrong this time. “Anyway I want?”
KDJ gulps, as if not trusting his own voice, but nods, licking his lips. YJH tracks that movement as he takes a deep shuddering inhale.
YJH starts to lean in.
KDJ gulps, as if not trusting his own voice, but nods, licking his lips. YJH tracks that movement as he takes a deep shuddering inhale.
YJH starts to lean in.
It’s slow enough that KDJ could move away if he wants to, but the smaller male squeezes his eyes shut instead, staying still.
Even when YJH touches his forehead against KDJ’s, the other doesn’t move.
YJH closes the distance to give a chaste kiss upon those soft lips.
Even when YJH touches his forehead against KDJ’s, the other doesn’t move.
YJH closes the distance to give a chaste kiss upon those soft lips.
It lasts only for a couple of seconds before YJH is pulling back, but close enough that KDJ could still feel his hot breathe against his face.
“Was that enough proof?” YJH exhales.
KDJ’s eyes flutters open, flushing pink to his ears. “No… Y-You should give me more…”
“Was that enough proof?” YJH exhales.
KDJ’s eyes flutters open, flushing pink to his ears. “No… Y-You should give me more…”
So YJH leans in again. How could he say no to the request?
“More…”
And again.
“M-More…”
And again.
Until the light kisses evolve completely into something more desperate, full of yearning and want, as he tries to convey to KDJ just how much he truly loves him.
“More…”
And again.
“M-More…”
And again.
Until the light kisses evolve completely into something more desperate, full of yearning and want, as he tries to convey to KDJ just how much he truly loves him.
Until the light kisses have become hungry when YJH slips his tongue in, shoving it deep into KDJ’s throat as if he wants to devour him whole.
His large hands travel lower from their bruising grip on KDJ’s hips to his supple thighs, hoisting him up off the ground.
His large hands travel lower from their bruising grip on KDJ’s hips to his supple thighs, hoisting him up off the ground.
At the sudden feeling of weightlessness, KDJ breaks apart the kiss to gasp in panic. His legs and arms immediately wrap around YJH’s waist and neck for support.
YJH takes this chance to mouth at his jugular, dragging the flat of his tongue over his quivering throat.
YJH takes this chance to mouth at his jugular, dragging the flat of his tongue over his quivering throat.
KDJ shivers, small noises already leaking out of his lips, wet with saliva. YJH starts sucking on his neck, feeling the vibrations of KDJ’s voice echo.
YJH leans in towards his ear, nipping it. “I’ll show you more in the bedroom.” He whispers roughly, licking the curve.
YJH leans in towards his ear, nipping it. “I’ll show you more in the bedroom.” He whispers roughly, licking the curve.
KDJ nods meekly before yelping when YJH’s hands move to cup KDJ’s ass. He starts briskly walking over to the ajar door across the apartment.
KDJ’s breath stutters, knowing what comes next when YJH gently places him down onto the rumpled sheets of his bed before crawling on top.
KDJ’s breath stutters, knowing what comes next when YJH gently places him down onto the rumpled sheets of his bed before crawling on top.
YJH’s gazes down on him, taking in the sight. KDJ is flushed red from his ears down past the collar of his shirt. His lips are slightly parted, already panting as he looks up with dazed eyes.
His loose shirt is riding up on his waist, revealing the pale skin of his stomach.
His loose shirt is riding up on his waist, revealing the pale skin of his stomach.
YJH’s gazes down on him, taking in the sight. KDJ is flushed red from his ears down past the collar of his shirt. His lips are slightly parted, already panting as he looks up with dazed eyes.
The loose cloth is riding up on his waist, revealing the pale skin of his stomach.
The loose cloth is riding up on his waist, revealing the pale skin of his stomach.
YJH swallows thickly. It’s only been a week since he’s last seen KDJ, but has he always been this breathtaking.
YJH is already hard and straining in his pants. But he’s glad to see that KDJ is much the same rubbing his legs together and trying to get some friction.
YJH is already hard and straining in his pants. But he’s glad to see that KDJ is much the same rubbing his legs together and trying to get some friction.
The sight makes him dive in for another lewd kiss. YJH wants to get KDJ even more bothered and desperate for him.
He grips KDJ’s chin so that his mouth hangs open for YJH to lick his tongue, shoving his own down his throat and sucking all the air out of his lungs.
He grips KDJ’s chin so that his mouth hangs open for YJH to lick his tongue, shoving his own down his throat and sucking all the air out of his lungs.
YJH feels KDJ’s fingers grip tightly into the front of suit, as if trying to tug him closer. YJH eagerly follows, spreading his legs wide and sliding in between until their clothed erections are touching.
YJH groans gutturally as KDJ lets out a loud moan into his mouth.
YJH groans gutturally as KDJ lets out a loud moan into his mouth.
He pulls back to pepper kisses all over KDJ’s furiously blushing cheeks, moving down to suck at his neck while his hands move up to his chest.
KDJ keens shrilly when his fingers find his nipples, giving them a quick tug that has KDJ arching his back so sweetly into YJH’s chest.
KDJ keens shrilly when his fingers find his nipples, giving them a quick tug that has KDJ arching his back so sweetly into YJH’s chest.
“I’m glad you’re still sensitive here.” YJH croons.
KDJ shoots him a glare, but it’s weakened from the tears beading at the corner of his eyes.
“Who’s f-fault do you think that—aH!” KDJ’s complaint breaks into a gasping cry when YJH cuts him off by pinching his nipples.
KDJ shoots him a glare, but it’s weakened from the tears beading at the corner of his eyes.
“Who’s f-fault do you think that—aH!” KDJ’s complaint breaks into a gasping cry when YJH cuts him off by pinching his nipples.
YJH gives them a harsh tweak, enjoying the way KDJ’s body convulses with each pull. He’s whimpering loudly as YJH’s rubs them in between his fingers, biting down on his bottom lip to try to stifle his voice.
YJH frowns. “Don’t do that.” He says gruffly. “I want to hear you.”
YJH frowns. “Don’t do that.” He says gruffly. “I want to hear you.”
KDJ squeezes his eyes shut, shaking his head. He opens his mouth, as if wanting to say something, and YJH takes that chance to grind down with his hips.
KDJ screams, throwing his head back and exposing more of his slender neck, now healed and unblemished after a week apart.
KDJ screams, throwing his head back and exposing more of his slender neck, now healed and unblemished after a week apart.
A deep possessiveness rises in YJH at his marks being gone, making his jaw tighten. He leans down, his teeth grazing KDJ’s jugular.
“It’s, It’s too—ahH—much…!” KDJ moans, voice cracking in between. “P-Please, please…!”
YJH isn’t sure what he’s begging for exactly.
“It’s, It’s too—ahH—much…!” KDJ moans, voice cracking in between. “P-Please, please…!”
YJH isn’t sure what he’s begging for exactly.
But he continues thrusting his hips and thumbing his pink nubs, feeling the KDJ’s throat quivers with each ministration.
YJH bites down hard at the junction between his neck and shoulder, causing KDJ to jolt sharply at the sudden pain, a cry tearing itself from his open mouth.
YJH bites down hard at the junction between his neck and shoulder, causing KDJ to jolt sharply at the sudden pain, a cry tearing itself from his open mouth.
His whole body stiffens, hips and back arching into YJH as the cry draws out into a sharp moan before he’s falling limp, panting heavily.
YJH pulls back to see his handiwork. Sure enough, there’s a wet spot forming on the front of KDJ’s pants, signifying he just climaxed.
YJH pulls back to see his handiwork. Sure enough, there’s a wet spot forming on the front of KDJ’s pants, signifying he just climaxed.
A sense of pride blooms in YJH’s chest that he was able to reduce KDJ to a mass of twitching limbs this fast. Yes, only he can do this to KDJ.
“Fuck, you’re so perfect.” YJH groans, his own erection throbbing. He leans in to kiss the curve of his ear. “I love you so much.”
“Fuck, you’re so perfect.” YJH groans, his own erection throbbing. He leans in to kiss the curve of his ear. “I love you so much.”
KDJ whines pathetically at the show of affection, burying his flushed face into the side of the pillow to hide his embarrassment.
This inadvertently exposes more of his neck, where a fresh bite mark could now be seen marring his skin. Other bruising spots could be seen too.
This inadvertently exposes more of his neck, where a fresh bite mark could now be seen marring his skin. Other bruising spots could be seen too.
YJH leans back in to lick gently at the speckles of blood on the new wound, as if in apology. KDJ’s fingers dig into the shirt on YJH’s back, whimpering at the soreness.
“Here, lift your arms for me.” YJH drawls, hands moving back along KDJ’s curves under his shirt.
“Here, lift your arms for me.” YJH drawls, hands moving back along KDJ’s curves under his shirt.
KDJ falters for a moment before obediently doing so. YJH slips off his shirt and tosses it to the side.
He hisses in barely contained lust at what he sees. KDJ’s nipples were both puffy and swollen red, while shades of purple covered his neck and shoulders in contrast.
He hisses in barely contained lust at what he sees. KDJ’s nipples were both puffy and swollen red, while shades of purple covered his neck and shoulders in contrast.
This is the first time YJH is actually seeing KDJ like this. Usually KDJ would still be wearing his suit when they did it in the office.
YJH could only regret not stripping KDJ sooner, cause he’s beautiful. He looked utterly debauched already, but YJH was just getting started.
YJH could only regret not stripping KDJ sooner, cause he’s beautiful. He looked utterly debauched already, but YJH was just getting started.
His mouth dries as he moves down to remove the ruined shorts, fingers tugging the waistband.
KDJ flinches at the action, whining hesitantly and getting 10x more shy as YJH slips them off his trembling legs. He tries to close them but YJH’s body blocks him from doing so.
KDJ flinches at the action, whining hesitantly and getting 10x more shy as YJH slips them off his trembling legs. He tries to close them but YJH’s body blocks him from doing so.
YJH stares intensely, gaze darkening at the white mess coating KDJ’s semi-hard pink dick. It twitches under his eyes.
It is so incredibly cute.
“S-Stop looking…!” KDJ cries as he promptly tries to cover up. No doubt, embarrassed at being heatedly looked at for so long.
It is so incredibly cute.
“S-Stop looking…!” KDJ cries as he promptly tries to cover up. No doubt, embarrassed at being heatedly looked at for so long.
“It’s cute.” YJH says, trying to reassure him. But that makes KDJ glare pitifully at him.
“You haven’t taken your clothes off.” He mutters sulkily. “Why am I the only one naked?”
YJH grins. “Eager much?”
KDJ is about to retort but stops when YJH starts unbuttoning his suit.
“You haven’t taken your clothes off.” He mutters sulkily. “Why am I the only one naked?”
YJH grins. “Eager much?”
KDJ is about to retort but stops when YJH starts unbuttoning his suit.
YJH can feel KDJ’s expectant eyes roaming over him as he takes off his blazer, followed soon after by his button-down shirt.
YJH would be lying if he said he wasn’t preening just a little bit at the way KDJ focuses in on his physique. His eyes trail down to his pants.
YJH would be lying if he said he wasn’t preening just a little bit at the way KDJ focuses in on his physique. His eyes trail down to his pants.
YJH chuckles when KDJ bites his bottom lip, unwilling to ask. But he doesn’t need to for YJH to know what he wants.
He takes off his pants next, sighing heavily in relief at finally releasing his heavy cock from the tight restraints. It was already throbbing painfully.
He takes off his pants next, sighing heavily in relief at finally releasing his heavy cock from the tight restraints. It was already throbbing painfully.
KDJ, however, makes an audible choking sound that leads into a coughing fit.
“That…! That’s not going to fit!” He croaks out. His eyes were wide and trembling, trailing the vein that ran along the side of YJH’s length.
YJH huffs in amusement. “It’ll fit. Don’t worry.”
“That…! That’s not going to fit!” He croaks out. His eyes were wide and trembling, trailing the vein that ran along the side of YJH’s length.
YJH huffs in amusement. “It’ll fit. Don’t worry.”
KDJ’s jaw falls open in doubt. But YJH cuts off any other protests by leaning in to connect their lips again in a lewd open-mouthed kiss that has KDJ shutting up with a mewl.
Their tongues move against each other but YJH easily overpowers KDJ’s, completely dominating the kiss.
Their tongues move against each other but YJH easily overpowers KDJ’s, completely dominating the kiss.
YJH presses him down with his body, kissing him deeply, wrapping his tongue to stroke and suck on it.
KDJ whimpers, feeling his body starting to grow hot with need again. He trembles at the massive heat pressing against his thigh.
YJH’s rubs his hips soothingly.
KDJ whimpers, feeling his body starting to grow hot with need again. He trembles at the massive heat pressing against his thigh.
YJH’s rubs his hips soothingly.
One of his hands travel lower, wrapping around KDJ’s dick and giving it a long stroke.
KDJ breaks the kiss at the sudden pleasure, keening shrilly. “W-Wait—aH, hNNGH!”
The cum from his previous climax made it sticky and wet, making easier for YJH to pump him.
KDJ breaks the kiss at the sudden pleasure, keening shrilly. “W-Wait—aH, hNNGH!”
The cum from his previous climax made it sticky and wet, making easier for YJH to pump him.
YJH diverts his mouth down to KDJ’s chest, lips wrapping one of his already heavily abused nipples and giving it a harsh suck.
KDJ’s body convulses again, thrashing at the onslaught of pleasure from two of his most sensitive areas.
“Ahh—HnGH…! W-Wait, stop!” KDJ pleads.
KDJ’s body convulses again, thrashing at the onslaught of pleasure from two of his most sensitive areas.
“Ahh—HnGH…! W-Wait, stop!” KDJ pleads.
YJH ignores him, swiping his thumb over KDJ’s pretty pink glans. YJH knew he was most sensitive there, these were the two places YJH played with the most back in the office.
KDJ reaches climax again with a wail, cum shooting out in white strips. YJH catches it in his palm.
KDJ reaches climax again with a wail, cum shooting out in white strips. YJH catches it in his palm.
KDJ doesn’t get to rest this time, legs kicking out in shock when something slick touches his hole.
He would’ve sat up if YJH didn’t keep him down. “W-What are you doing!” KDJ screeches in panic.
YJH hums. “I need to prep you.”
“I-I just came, let me rest…” He stresses.
He would’ve sat up if YJH didn’t keep him down. “W-What are you doing!” KDJ screeches in panic.
YJH hums. “I need to prep you.”
“I-I just came, let me rest…” He stresses.
YJH hums again. “I know, but this part’s going to take some time, so it’s better if I start now.”
“H-Huh, why—hnN!” KDJ’s breathe catches and his body stiffens when something slick pushes through his ring of muscle, sliding slowly into him. He whimpers at the intrusion.
“H-Huh, why—hnN!” KDJ’s breathe catches and his body stiffens when something slick pushes through his ring of muscle, sliding slowly into him. He whimpers at the intrusion.
YJH pauses when his whole finger is in all the way to his knuckle.
“Does it hurt?” He asks carefully, gritting his teeth at the tight warmth clenching down and swallowing his digit whole.
He couldn’t even begin to imagine how KDJ would feel like around his cock.
“Does it hurt?” He asks carefully, gritting his teeth at the tight warmth clenching down and swallowing his digit whole.
He couldn’t even begin to imagine how KDJ would feel like around his cock.
KDJ hiccups, tears beading at the corners of his eyes again. “N-No… It just feels weird…”
YJH takes that as a good sign to start moving, slowly pulling his finger out before thrusting it back in.
KDJ yelps loudly, moans taking on a staccato rhythm with the pace set.
YJH takes that as a good sign to start moving, slowly pulling his finger out before thrusting it back in.
KDJ yelps loudly, moans taking on a staccato rhythm with the pace set.
KDJ’s hands were holding onto him as if for dear life, nails digging into YJH’s back. He was wailing, no doubt from the overstimulation.
YJH licks away the tears that have fell, peppering his red dusted cheeks with kisses. “You’re doing so good for me.” He croons soothingly.
YJH licks away the tears that have fell, peppering his red dusted cheeks with kisses. “You’re doing so good for me.” He croons soothingly.
KDJ nods, leaning towards YJH’s face to seek more comfort. YJH readily gives it to him, kissing him gently as he inserts a second finger.
He swallows the sob KDJ lets out. He starts scissoring him open, stroking his slick inner walls, looking for that one special spot.
He swallows the sob KDJ lets out. He starts scissoring him open, stroking his slick inner walls, looking for that one special spot.
He finds it when KDJ throws his head back and screams, more strings of cum shooting out from his tired dick.
“Found it.” YJH says, lightly teasing that spot again.
A high-pitched garbled cry leaves KDJ’s shiny wet lips. “S-Stop…! No more, p-please…! I can’t c-come anymore!”
“Found it.” YJH says, lightly teasing that spot again.
A high-pitched garbled cry leaves KDJ’s shiny wet lips. “S-Stop…! No more, p-please…! I can’t c-come anymore!”
YJH shushes him softly. “You’ll need to just two more times.” He tries to placate, but that makes KDJ tremble like a leaf.
“No, I c-can’t…” He sobs. “I’ll die, you’ll kill me…”
“But you need to.”
“Why…” KDJ whines. “Why can’t you let me rest—”
“Because I don’t have lube.”
“No, I c-can’t…” He sobs. “I’ll die, you’ll kill me…”
“But you need to.”
“Why…” KDJ whines. “Why can’t you let me rest—”
“Because I don’t have lube.”
KDJ chokes on his own spit, teary eyes widening. “Y, You didn’t bring lube…? Then what is…”
The sound of a wet squelch answers KDJ’s question, face turning a furious red upon the realization YJH had actually been using his own cum this entire time to stretch him out.
The sound of a wet squelch answers KDJ’s question, face turning a furious red upon the realization YJH had actually been using his own cum this entire time to stretch him out.
“W-Why don’t you have lube!” He cries. “Don’t you carry it around with you all the time!”
YJH gives him a deadpan look. Of course he didn’t bring lube when he came over to make amends.
“I didn’t think I would need it. And why do you think I just carry lube with me everywhere?”
YJH gives him a deadpan look. Of course he didn’t bring lube when he came over to make amends.
“I didn’t think I would need it. And why do you think I just carry lube with me everywhere?”
KDJ doesn’t give him his thought process, instead burying his face into his hands. “Y-You really are trying to kill me…” He weeps.
YJH rolls his eyes. “You’ll be fine. You just need to come a couple more times.”
“I already said I can’t! Why can’t you use your own?!”
YJH rolls his eyes. “You’ll be fine. You just need to come a couple more times.”
“I already said I can’t! Why can’t you use your own?!”
“You wanted proof, didn’t you?” YJH drawls. “I’m giving it to you.”
KDJ opens his mouth. YJH doesn’t know if it’s to object or reject him because he doesn’t let KDJ continue.
He pressed down hard on KDJ’s prostate, making him scream out his moans and pleas again.
KDJ opens his mouth. YJH doesn’t know if it’s to object or reject him because he doesn’t let KDJ continue.
He pressed down hard on KDJ’s prostate, making him scream out his moans and pleas again.
YJH relentlessly bullies that spot, working the third and fourth finger in gradually and thrusting hard.
KDJ’s cum slick hole swallows all of them, clenching tightly every time he rubs along his walls.
He thrashes from the overstimulation but is made to come two more times.
KDJ’s cum slick hole swallows all of them, clenching tightly every time he rubs along his walls.
He thrashes from the overstimulation but is made to come two more times.
Ropes and pools of cum cover his abdomen as YJH finally pulls his fingers out. He lies limp, panting heavily, heaving for air, at finally having some reprieve.
He shivers when he feels YJH’s cock slide against his stomach, spreading and covering the cum all over the length.
He shivers when he feels YJH’s cock slide against his stomach, spreading and covering the cum all over the length.
YJH scoops up the residual bits, giving himself a few nice strokes to make sure he’s fully lubed up. He hisses at the relief.
He has been so hard this entire time that the throbbing had become painful. KDJ’s writhing and sweet moans did not help calm him down one bit.
He has been so hard this entire time that the throbbing had become painful. KDJ’s writhing and sweet moans did not help calm him down one bit.
If anything, it spurred him on more.
He maneuvers KDJ’s legs over his shoulders, lining himself up. KDJ’s hole was now soft and slick, the puffy pink ring blinking wetly at him.
The sight alone could make him come. It was so erotic and lewd. KDJ looked utterly ravished.
He maneuvers KDJ’s legs over his shoulders, lining himself up. KDJ’s hole was now soft and slick, the puffy pink ring blinking wetly at him.
The sight alone could make him come. It was so erotic and lewd. KDJ looked utterly ravished.
The head of his cock kisses KDJ’s hole, making the smaller male hiccup desperately.
“P-Please… Please…” He cries, begging weakly as more sobs leaked out of him. “Please…!”
YJH isn’t sure for what exactly. “Are you saying you have enough proof?” YJH drawls, arching a brow.
“P-Please… Please…” He cries, begging weakly as more sobs leaked out of him. “Please…!”
YJH isn’t sure for what exactly. “Are you saying you have enough proof?” YJH drawls, arching a brow.
YJH doesn’t know if he can actually stop at this point if KDJ answered yes.
But luckily, KDJ stills at the question. YJH waits but KDJ makes neither another sound nor movement. It’s like he’s waiting patiently.
YJH inhales a shuddering breathe. KDJ sure knew how to seduce him.
But luckily, KDJ stills at the question. YJH waits but KDJ makes neither another sound nor movement. It’s like he’s waiting patiently.
YJH inhales a shuddering breathe. KDJ sure knew how to seduce him.
He slowly pushes in, gritting his teeth at the velvety hot heat coiling around his cock.
“Fuck.” He hisses. “Fuck, you feel so good.” YJH groans gutturally, having a hard time holding back.
KDJ seemed to be in a similar state, mouth hanging wide open in a soundless scream.
“Fuck.” He hisses. “Fuck, you feel so good.” YJH groans gutturally, having a hard time holding back.
KDJ seemed to be in a similar state, mouth hanging wide open in a soundless scream.
KDJ is gasping, but no sound was coming out, as if the sensation of something that thick shoving into him was overpowering all other functions.
His knuckles were white from how tightly he was gripping and twisting the bedsheets. His legs kept shaking, kicking out, toes curling.
His knuckles were white from how tightly he was gripping and twisting the bedsheets. His legs kept shaking, kicking out, toes curling.
YJH finally bottoms out and a pathetic whimper leaves KDJ as he nearly hyperventilates at the feeling of being so full.
YJH is breathing heavily too, sweat collecting on his forehead, cause it felt amazing. Like he was melting in pleasure. KDJ fit so snugly around him.
YJH is breathing heavily too, sweat collecting on his forehead, cause it felt amazing. Like he was melting in pleasure. KDJ fit so snugly around him.
YJH strokes the outline of his cock visible on KDJ’s stomach, trying to ease the heaving of his chest.
The gesture has KDJ making an incoherent squeal of a noise. His eyes were squeezed shut as he tries and fails to regulate his panting and wheezing. He was stuffed to the brim.
The gesture has KDJ making an incoherent squeal of a noise. His eyes were squeezed shut as he tries and fails to regulate his panting and wheezing. He was stuffed to the brim.
“Dokja…” YJH groans. “Fuck. You’re taking me in so well.”
The lack of honorific makes KDJ shiver. Tears streaked down his flushed face and drool dripped down his chin.
“You’re perfect. You’re so perfect for me. You’re so good.” YJH continues to praise, leaning down.
The lack of honorific makes KDJ shiver. Tears streaked down his flushed face and drool dripped down his chin.
“You’re perfect. You’re so perfect for me. You’re so good.” YJH continues to praise, leaning down.
The movement makes him go even deeper into KDJ, making him gasp. YJH kisses him when he does, moving his lips against KDJ’s and sucking lewdly on his tongue.
KDJ moans weakly, fingers threading through YJH’s hair tightly, trying to pull him closer.
KDJ moans weakly, fingers threading through YJH’s hair tightly, trying to pull him closer.
YJH follows, shoving himself even deeper. He grips KDJ’s thighs to keep his trembling legs from falling off his shoulders as he practically folds KDJ in half.
He can feel nails digging into his scalp before KDJ is breaking the kiss to sob at the position.
“AaHnGH—! Y-Yoo Joo—!”
He can feel nails digging into his scalp before KDJ is breaking the kiss to sob at the position.
“AaHnGH—! Y-Yoo Joo—!”
YJH pushes in deeper, pressing his hips flush against his bottom and grinding down on his prostate. “Say my name, just my name.”
“J-Joonghyuk-aH…” KDJ moans brokenly. “Joong, Joonghyuk…”
“Dokja. Dokja, Dokja, Dokja…” YJH repeats his name like a prayer. “Dokja, I love you.”
“J-Joonghyuk-aH…” KDJ moans brokenly. “Joong, Joonghyuk…”
“Dokja. Dokja, Dokja, Dokja…” YJH repeats his name like a prayer. “Dokja, I love you.”
He brings KDJ’s knees up to his ears, hands pushing against the back of his thighs.
From this angle, KDJ could do nothing but stare helplessly at the spot where he and YJH are intimately connected. He chokes at the sight, eyes trembling seeing the entire length inside him.
From this angle, KDJ could do nothing but stare helplessly at the spot where he and YJH are intimately connected. He chokes at the sight, eyes trembling seeing the entire length inside him.
YJH starts to pull out, dragging his cock along KDJ’s walls and reveling in the way he’s clenching down as if he doesn’t want him to go.
He stops when just his head is in, making KDJ’s breath hitch violently.
“Dokja, are you watching?” He pants gruffly, eyes gazing darkly.
He stops when just his head is in, making KDJ’s breath hitch violently.
“Dokja, are you watching?” He pants gruffly, eyes gazing darkly.
“Can you see me inside you? I’m claiming you.” He growls possessively. “Every part of you, I want every part of you.”
KDJ keens, voice cracking throughout. He barely nods his head before YJH is thrusting back in hard, making KDJ scream hoarsely when it slams into his prostate.
KDJ keens, voice cracking throughout. He barely nods his head before YJH is thrusting back in hard, making KDJ scream hoarsely when it slams into his prostate.
YJH pistons his hips, setting a harsh and fast pace. His grip on KDJ’s thighs, hips, waist are sure to leave dark bruises.
“You’re mine.” YJH groans deeply as he puts KDJ into a mating press.
KDJ sobs shrilly, crying from the pleasure. “Y-Y—aHH, haAH—Yours…! I’m yours!”
“You’re mine.” YJH groans deeply as he puts KDJ into a mating press.
KDJ sobs shrilly, crying from the pleasure. “Y-Y—aHH, haAH—Yours…! I’m yours!”
YJH starts speeding up, turning the pace brutal, fucking KDJ into the bed.
KDJ is babbling incoherently now, the only word leaving his lips is YJH’s name as he wails.
When he climaxes, the cum that shoots from his dick is clear and watery, dribbling as if it’s being pushed out.
KDJ is babbling incoherently now, the only word leaving his lips is YJH’s name as he wails.
When he climaxes, the cum that shoots from his dick is clear and watery, dribbling as if it’s being pushed out.
YJH fucks him through his orgasm, blending pleasure and pain from the overstimulation as he continues to drive into his pliant hole.
By the time YJH finally reaches his climax, he’s burying himself deeply into KDJ and coming, coating his insides in streaks of white.
By the time YJH finally reaches his climax, he’s burying himself deeply into KDJ and coming, coating his insides in streaks of white.
KDJ’s spent dick only twitches pathetically with nothing even coming out anymore, as he’s being filled up with YJH’s seed. The bulge on KDJ’s abdomen has gotten significantly bigger, looking almost like a baby bump now.
YJH strokes it gently, breathing heavily from exertion.
YJH strokes it gently, breathing heavily from exertion.
He’s not sure how long they spent fucking like that, but by the time they stopped, the sun was already beginning to set.
They’re both panting heavily, red-faced, as he leans down to pepper loving kisses across KDJ’s fucked out face.
“Was that enough?” YJH asks between breathes.
They’re both panting heavily, red-faced, as he leans down to pepper loving kisses across KDJ’s fucked out face.
“Was that enough?” YJH asks between breathes.
KDJ is gulping in air, eyes dazed with tear stains on his cheeks. “You could…at least buy m-me dinner first…”
The response catches YJH off guard before he’s laughing genuinely. Apparently he didn’t fuck KDJ hard enough if he had the energy to still make quips like that.
The response catches YJH off guard before he’s laughing genuinely. Apparently he didn’t fuck KDJ hard enough if he had the energy to still make quips like that.
“Fine.” He stresses harshly. “Tomorrow. After work. I’ll take you out.”
“I’ll g-give you my a-answer then… I promise.” KDJ rasps out quietly.
YJH smirks through gritted teeth. “It’s a date then.” He scoffs in nostalgia before snapping his hips again and starting another round.
“I’ll g-give you my a-answer then… I promise.” KDJ rasps out quietly.
YJH smirks through gritted teeth. “It’s a date then.” He scoffs in nostalgia before snapping his hips again and starting another round.
KDJ could barely make it to work the next day, his legs were so numb.
YJH had to physically carry him everywhere because he refuses to leave KDJ alone again lest he disappear once more.
KDJ just sat snugly in YJH’s lap all day, kissing softly and cuddling each other.
YJH had to physically carry him everywhere because he refuses to leave KDJ alone again lest he disappear once more.
KDJ just sat snugly in YJH’s lap all day, kissing softly and cuddling each other.
When KDJ healed a bit hours later, YJH ends the work day early and eagerly took KDJ out.
Like going back to get something they’ve forgotten, they finally had their first date on the first day of summer vacation.
The sky was clear and bright, not a rain cloud in sight.
The End?
Like going back to get something they’ve forgotten, they finally had their first date on the first day of summer vacation.
The sky was clear and bright, not a rain cloud in sight.
The End?
EPILOGUE:
“My answer is yes. It always has been. Yoo Joonghyuk, I love you too.”
YJH and KDJ finally make it official and start dating each other, a whole year after they reunited.
YJH tells KDJ his story and KDJ tells YJH his story in return, as much as he can remember.
“My answer is yes. It always has been. Yoo Joonghyuk, I love you too.”
YJH and KDJ finally make it official and start dating each other, a whole year after they reunited.
YJH tells KDJ his story and KDJ tells YJH his story in return, as much as he can remember.
Even though the prologue is missing, YJH doesn’t mind. He’s mostly just furious after learning what happened.
KDJ has to comfort and coo at YJH, lest he becomes depressed.
(“I’m sorry…”
It’s not your fault!! It’s fine, YJH! Stop sulking! Stop apologizing! I forgive you, ok?”)
KDJ has to comfort and coo at YJH, lest he becomes depressed.
(“I’m sorry…”
It’s not your fault!! It’s fine, YJH! Stop sulking! Stop apologizing! I forgive you, ok?”)
(“Why didn’t you tell me you were getting bullied? I would’ve killed them for you!”
“Yeah… That’s the reason… You would become an unemployed criminal if I let you.”
“KDJ!”
“You were already going through a lot yourself? I probably didn’t want to burden you? Idk??”
“KDJ!!”)
“Yeah… That’s the reason… You would become an unemployed criminal if I let you.”
“KDJ!”
“You were already going through a lot yourself? I probably didn’t want to burden you? Idk??”
“KDJ!!”)
YJH does bring KDJ to a doctor, not because he’s trying to get KDJ’s memory back, but to make sure KDJ is ok since he apparently hasn’t gone to one since the incident?
(“You never went to get your head checked again?”
“Well, I don’t have healthcare…”
“I’m going to kill you.”)
(“You never went to get your head checked again?”
“Well, I don’t have healthcare…”
“I’m going to kill you.”)
Doctor LSH says KDJ is malnourished and dehydrated and stressed, which are contributing factors to why KDJ’s migraines are so severe.
There’s no cure for amnesia so all KDJ can do is get good rest and nutrition.
The best treatment is always a healthy and happy lifestyle.
There’s no cure for amnesia so all KDJ can do is get good rest and nutrition.
The best treatment is always a healthy and happy lifestyle.
KDJ’s office harassment continues daily. He’s more often than not too incapacitated from the night before to go to work. He has to fight to go to work and then fight off YJH’s horny gripping at work too.
Everyone else is sick of them. Especially HSY. Guys, this is inappropriate.
Everyone else is sick of them. Especially HSY. Guys, this is inappropriate.
KDJ also moved in with YJH like immediately the day after they got together, because his landlord evicted him due to the 50 noise complaints and the broken door.
So there is not a single moment of rest for KDJ. YJH is able to harass him at work and at home now. KDJ can’t escape.
So there is not a single moment of rest for KDJ. YJH is able to harass him at work and at home now. KDJ can’t escape.
WOS eventually gets released and it’s a huge success. It is KDJ’s most favorite game and he especially loves the protagonist.
YJH gets incredibly jealous and possessive over KDJ’s adoration over a bunch of pixels BASED OFF HIMSELF. YJH hates WOS and hates the protagonist smh.
YJH gets incredibly jealous and possessive over KDJ’s adoration over a bunch of pixels BASED OFF HIMSELF. YJH hates WOS and hates the protagonist smh.
Two years after the release of WOS, a sequel is made called ORV. Ironically, this is YJH’s most favorite game and he especially loves the protagonist.
KDJ thinks it’s overrated. The protagonist isn’t even hot. Who did you base him off of? Hey, YJH? YJH? Why aren’t you answering?
KDJ thinks it’s overrated. The protagonist isn’t even hot. Who did you base him off of? Hey, YJH? YJH? Why aren’t you answering?
The company becomes very successful with both YJH and KDJ at the top. But at some point, KDJ became more like the president of the company with YJH as the vice-president instead of vice versa.
YJH eventually steps down and gives the position over to KDJ, much to his utter shock.
YJH eventually steps down and gives the position over to KDJ, much to his utter shock.
(“Hey! No, wait! I don’t want to be the CEO!
“It suits you more.”
“What the fuck are you saying?! Do I look like CEO material, huh?”
“Didn’t you say when you were little that you wouldn’t mind? I only became CEO cause of you anyways.”
“You idiot, I don’t remember that!!”)
“It suits you more.”
“What the fuck are you saying?! Do I look like CEO material, huh?”
“Didn’t you say when you were little that you wouldn’t mind? I only became CEO cause of you anyways.”
“You idiot, I don’t remember that!!”)
Against KDJ’s protests, the company is forcibly renamed KDJ Company a year after the release of ORV. KDJ is mortified.
YJH is the Vice-CEO now and is also pursuing his passion in playing video games since KDJ is finally back. He becomes a very popular streamer on the side.
YJH is the Vice-CEO now and is also pursuing his passion in playing video games since KDJ is finally back. He becomes a very popular streamer on the side.
They continue to go on many, many, many dates still throughout the years.
Just like that, three years have passed since they started dating, and four years have passed since they first reunited.
Four years that felt like a lifetime.
They lived happily ever after…?
Just like that, three years have passed since they started dating, and four years have passed since they first reunited.
Four years that felt like a lifetime.
They lived happily ever after…?
P■V SW?TC■: KDJ
Ever since KDJ was young, he has hated his parents.
His dad had abused him and his mom everyday until his mom finally snapped and killed him. That wasn’t the part that hurt the most though. It’s when his mother wrote that book that ruined his world.
Ever since KDJ was young, he has hated his parents.
His dad had abused him and his mom everyday until his mom finally snapped and killed him. That wasn’t the part that hurt the most though. It’s when his mother wrote that book that ruined his world.
Because of that book broadcasting to the world what had happened, no one was ever willing to be his friend. They all made fun of him and avoided him in fear and disgust.
They called him the son of a murderer, mocking him. They even kicked him out of the park he usually went to.
They called him the son of a murderer, mocking him. They even kicked him out of the park he usually went to.
That was probably one of the best things they could’ve done though. He ended up lost and wandered over to a completely new park far away from his neighborhood.
There he met the most important person in his life. Someone who didn’t know who he was, who wasn’t scared of him.
There he met the most important person in his life. Someone who didn’t know who he was, who wasn’t scared of him.
YJH became his first friend.
Also his grumpy tyrannical employer who won’t give him commission pay. But a “friend” nonetheless in KDJ’s lonely eyes.
YJH was KDJ’s savior. He treated KDJ like no one has ever before. With kindness and care, as if he was something precious.
Also his grumpy tyrannical employer who won’t give him commission pay. But a “friend” nonetheless in KDJ’s lonely eyes.
YJH was KDJ’s savior. He treated KDJ like no one has ever before. With kindness and care, as if he was something precious.
As their lemonade stand grew more successful, they also became more close.
KDJ fell in love the moment YJH had said he still wanted to be with KDJ even after learning his dark hidden past.
He was crying so hard into YJH’s chest but he had never been happier in his life.
KDJ fell in love the moment YJH had said he still wanted to be with KDJ even after learning his dark hidden past.
He was crying so hard into YJH’s chest but he had never been happier in his life.
But YJH looked like he was sculpted by a God’s loving hands for a thousand hours, while KDJ looked like dough made by anyone.
KDJ had always been a coward, so what they had now was enough. He wasn’t going to be greedy and selfish and force his weird feelings onto YJH.
KDJ had always been a coward, so what they had now was enough. He wasn’t going to be greedy and selfish and force his weird feelings onto YJH.
So KDJ kept it buried inside him and continued on with what they had. What they had wasn’t bad, they saw each other everyday and held each other close, just shy of kissing.
As the year passed, they realized they would soon need to part.
They were graduating soon.
As the year passed, they realized they would soon need to part.
They were graduating soon.
Valentine’s Day was the most nervewracking to KDJ. He desperately wanted to make chocolates, but YJH didn’t eat other people’s food, not that KDJ was good at cooking or baking in the first place.
YJH also didn’t like store bought chocolate either cause it tasted gross to him.
YJH also didn’t like store bought chocolate either cause it tasted gross to him.
That’s why KDJ was able to eat all the Valentine chocolate YJH had gotten from his many confessions.
KDJ was glad when YJH said he didn’t accept any of them.
YJH didn’t seem interested in romance. Maybe it was for the best KDJ didn’t give anything lest he exposed his feelings.
KDJ was glad when YJH said he didn’t accept any of them.
YJH didn’t seem interested in romance. Maybe it was for the best KDJ didn’t give anything lest he exposed his feelings.
KDJ’s birthday was one of the last happiest moments he experienced before the story started drifting towards a tragedy.
KDJ spent the day with YJH in the fancy shopping plazas. Despite KDJ pleading that the [Journey to the West] book set was enough, YJH disagreed.
KDJ spent the day with YJH in the fancy shopping plazas. Despite KDJ pleading that the [Journey to the West] book set was enough, YJH disagreed.
He was adamant on buying the other more gifts. KDJ could only helplessly smile as he tried to catch up to the other’s speed walking and persuade him not to. But YJH was stubborn.
They walked by a lone bench as KDJ complained about his noodle arms already being sore.
They walked by a lone bench as KDJ complained about his noodle arms already being sore.
The sight of YJH and KDJ bickering could be seen in the distance.
Then, the sight of YJH brightly smiling and holding onto KDJ’s hand, as well as looking up into the sky while shielding his eyes, could be seen, too.
[And I was quietly staring at that scene.]
Then, the sight of YJH brightly smiling and holding onto KDJ’s hand, as well as looking up into the sky while shielding his eyes, could be seen, too.
[And I was quietly staring at that scene.]
Right in the next second, KDJ’s figure emerges from the empty space on the bench. Accompanied by a slight case of dizziness, he blinks rapidly at the scene passing him by, as if he was on a train.
He’s sure that the percentage of memories he still currently retains is ‘49%’.
He’s sure that the percentage of memories he still currently retains is ‘49%’.
Yet here it was, playing out in front of his eyes. Right at that moment, a strange sensation assaults him. It was like the sounds of ‘Tsu-chuchuchut’ could be heard coming from somewhere inside his head.
A slow stream of blinding stars begins trickling in and glimmering.
A slow stream of blinding stars begins trickling in and glimmering.
Fragments that had vanished without a trace were now streaming towards him while following after one another.
Every single one of them were stories that had come to an end a long time ago.
Noises waver in his ears as groups of blinding letters clear the fog in his head.
Every single one of them were stories that had come to an end a long time ago.
Noises waver in his ears as groups of blinding letters clear the fog in his head.
This desire, a wish, of those who went their separate ways a long time ago to become one once more.
To grieve for someone else, to celebrate, to get angry, and to despair. And eventually, wishing to become that someone else.
KDJ’s endless dream was finally coming to an end.
To grieve for someone else, to celebrate, to get angry, and to despair. And eventually, wishing to become that someone else.
KDJ’s endless dream was finally coming to an end.
Then the memory distorts into something never before seen.
His child self, the Dreamer, was walking back over to the bench, as if he’s forgotten something. KDJ swears he’s staring at him.
He’s smiling softly with crescent eyes and rosy cheeks, full of happiness and innocence.
His child self, the Dreamer, was walking back over to the bench, as if he’s forgotten something. KDJ swears he’s staring at him.
He’s smiling softly with crescent eyes and rosy cheeks, full of happiness and innocence.
“I’m glad to be back.” He whispers to KDJ. “Now we both don’t have to dream anymore.”
Although it started off as a tragedy, KDJ had still searched for happiness. He has finally reached the terminal he always wanted to get to.
“I’m glad to have you back.” KDJ whispers in return.
Although it started off as a tragedy, KDJ had still searched for happiness. He has finally reached the terminal he always wanted to get to.
“I’m glad to have you back.” KDJ whispers in return.
The Dreamer opens his mouth, about to say something, when a voice they were both familiar with calls out.
“Dokja-yah!”
KDJ is mystified as he watches the child YJH, the Plotter, stomp over to tug at the Dreamer’s hand, fingers interlocking. Ah, had it always been that obvious?
“Dokja-yah!”
KDJ is mystified as he watches the child YJH, the Plotter, stomp over to tug at the Dreamer’s hand, fingers interlocking. Ah, had it always been that obvious?
“Come on, stop loitering around. We have to go.” He grunts. The Dreamer laughs as he’s pulled away, waving goodbye one last time.
KDJ waves back.
[Will you continue with the dream?]
The voice in his head asks. KDJ presses [No.] and gradually it could no longer be heard.
KDJ waves back.
[Will you continue with the dream?]
The voice in his head asks. KDJ presses [No.] and gradually it could no longer be heard.
“What are you staring at?” A different voice asks now, though not in his head. It was the one he loved the most.
KDJ snaps out of his reverie, blinking his daze away to see YJH frowning in exasperation. He held out the cup of lemonade he had been waiting in line for to him.
KDJ snaps out of his reverie, blinking his daze away to see YJH frowning in exasperation. He held out the cup of lemonade he had been waiting in line for to him.
KDJ takes the cup, laughing cause YJH was so moody and cute. “Nothing, just reminiscing.” He says breathily, taking a sip.
YJH hums as he sits down next to the smaller male, looping an arm around him. “About what?” He takes a sip too before grimacing deeply. “This tastes awful.”
YJH hums as he sits down next to the smaller male, looping an arm around him. “About what?” He takes a sip too before grimacing deeply. “This tastes awful.”
KDJ chuckles. “It’s not as good as ours, but it’s not that bad.”
“You’re too nice.”
“You’re too mean.” He huffs, smiling mischievously. “That’s why you needed me to be your salesman.”
YJH is about to grunt but KDJ continues.
“You never did give me commission pay back then.”
“You’re too nice.”
“You’re too mean.” He huffs, smiling mischievously. “That’s why you needed me to be your salesman.”
YJH is about to grunt but KDJ continues.
“You never did give me commission pay back then.”
YJH freezes in shock. KDJ shouldn’t know he never got commission pay.
“You still owe me for those weeks of free unpaid labor too.” KDJ snickers. “Still can’t believe you made me drink blue butterfly pee.”
YJH looks over, eyes wide. “You remember…”
KDJ grins. “I do.”
“You still owe me for those weeks of free unpaid labor too.” KDJ snickers. “Still can’t believe you made me drink blue butterfly pee.”
YJH looks over, eyes wide. “You remember…”
KDJ grins. “I do.”
YJH immediately dives in, locking their lips in a deep kiss.
KDJ yelps, their drinks spilling all over the bench, dripping to the ground. It went ignored as YJH devours him in public.
The story he didn’t get to complete, it was right here.
Sour then sweet, like lemonade.
KDJ yelps, their drinks spilling all over the bench, dripping to the ground. It went ignored as YJH devours him in public.
The story he didn’t get to complete, it was right here.
Sour then sweet, like lemonade.
The End.
They lived happily ever after!
They lived happily ever after!
AUTHOR’S NOTE:
Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed it 💕
Haha 🤡 Remember when I said I WOULDN’T do anymore really, really long threads? I lied. I lied to you, my friends, myself. I’m a liar 💀
But hopefully this makes up for my incredible inactivity on here 🙏
Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed it 💕
Haha 🤡 Remember when I said I WOULDN’T do anymore really, really long threads? I lied. I lied to you, my friends, myself. I’m a liar 💀
But hopefully this makes up for my incredible inactivity on here 🙏
This originally was meant for Reader’s Week, and I wanted to have this out before my midterms, but I was too slow so I couldn’t make it and had to study instead.
So since I missed it, I decided to make it more horny to cope with my grades. The first draft wasn’t like this.
So since I missed it, I decided to make it more horny to cope with my grades. The first draft wasn’t like this.
It was a lot shorter and sadder and my friend cried and begged me to redo it 😮💨
This one was truly so goddamn hard to write. Writer’s block had me by the throat every step of the way, felt like I was being choked out by it. I went through 50 shades of grief to finish this.
This one was truly so goddamn hard to write. Writer’s block had me by the throat every step of the way, felt like I was being choked out by it. I went through 50 shades of grief to finish this.
This is partially based from Kenshi Yonezu’s Lemon. I was listening to it while I suffered.
Also, I have no idea how a business or company is run. Literally no knowledge. I did like 3 google searches so take all the business jargon I dumped in there with a grain of salt 😮💨
Also, I have no idea how a business or company is run. Literally no knowledge. I did like 3 google searches so take all the business jargon I dumped in there with a grain of salt 😮💨
Thank you to everyone who’s liked and retweeted this and quote retweeted this! 🥺💕 Can’t believe y’all made it through 800 tweets! Sorry for the spam!
If you want to comment, please do it on the first post so it’s all in one place for me to go back to 💕 I really appreciate it!
If you want to comment, please do it on the first post so it’s all in one place for me to go back to 💕 I really appreciate it!
https://twitter.com/mostancientstar/status/1499158148065734657
Look at this art @SecwetivePwot did for me!! It’s so good! I love it so much!! Thank you so much for drawing this! They look so cute together! 😭💕💕💕
https://twitter.com/SecwetivePwot/status/1499614732726251521
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