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Chapter Text

“I like you.”

Kim Dokja at first didn't bother to look up the first time the stranger in front of him said those special words. When the stranger cleared his throat and tapped his foot impatiently was when Kim Dokja finally looked up, gawking at the handsomeness of the man before him.

Evidently, he was lying when he said that. His facial expression told him everything. Irritated, impatient, and somewhat… reluctant?

Kim Dokja had been a victim to this kind of prank before. No one wanted to associate with a “cursed one” like him, who supposedly dabbled in forbidden magics and what not. That he had been used as a laughing stock and a target for bets, and if he wasn't used for either, it was normally because they wanted something from him because of his “quirks”.

But none of them were as pretty as the man before him. The way his face was defined with a striking gaze, the way he held himself despite not wanting to, and overall, his fit features.

“I… like you.” the handsome man repeated again, as if Kim Dokja didn't hear him the first time. He folded his arms as he waited for his answer, accentuating his muscles as they pressed against his robust chest. If Kim Dokja wasn't aware of his surroundings, he probably would have wiped the nonexistent saliva drooling from his mouth.

Kim Dokja knew that accepting his confession wasn't going to turn out well. He had been hurt before by the first prank done on him and it took him a while to recover from that. He's never seen him before either, which was a red flag in of itself. Saying no was going to be the right choice.

“Okay,” Kim Dokja agreed anyway, putting away his phone as he refocused his attention. He was going to regret this choice so badly—but when would he be able to stand next to someone of this calibre again?

He might as well accept it while he could.

The stranger gave the slightest sigh of relief as he unfolded his arms. Well, that was weird. Did people like him normally react that way?

“Give me your phone so I can put in my number,” the stranger broke the fragile ambiance. His open hand laid flat out, waiting.

“At least give me your name first?” Kim Dokja inquired. He didn't have to tell the stranger his name—after all, he was fairly well known in the area.

“Yoo Joonghyuk.” The stranger finally introduced himself.

“Okay, Joonghyuk,” Kim Dokja gave his phone, “let's get along well.”

And that was how Kim Dokja gained a boyfriend.

***

Kim Dokja didn't really know what to expect. Yoo Joonghyuk texted himself once he put his number on his phone to confirm Kim Dokja’s number. Once he was satisfied, he simply told him that he would text him later and then left.

Kim Dokja blinked, somewhat flabbergasted by the sudden shift in events. Some boyfriend he was. Leaving him alone like that, as if it was a bet to get his number. That was what he thought at the time, thinking he was a jerk.

But Yoo Joonghyuk did message him later that night, asking him what his schedule was like and if he was available for the weekend. Being a random corporate slave meant that his schedule was relatively routine, so it wasn't hard to give him a date when they could meet. Besides, Kim Dokja didn't really have any friends to begin with, save for one and maybe another, so really any evening probably would have been fine.

Surprisingly, Yoo Joonghyuk chose a relatively quiet restaurant, hidden away from noisy streets. Kim Dokja thought he was going to get mugged when his shiny new boyfriend led him down an alleyway, but seeing such a small and cute restaurant made him change his opinion yet again.

“What?” Yoo Joonghyuk asked once he had done all the ordering for the two of them. Kim Dokja had been quiet up until that point, so he must have thought that his silence meant he was uncomfortable.

He sort of was, but now he was just irked by how Yoo Joonghyuk asked that. If he wasn't already aware of how people talked to him, he might not have understood the initial question.

“Nothing,” Kim Dokja leaned back, “I just wasn't expecting you to lead me down here through dark alleyways. Gave murder vibes, you know.” He joked.

Yoo Joonghyuk frowned. It looked like he wasn't expecting that kind of response, but then again, who does on a first date? “It's the most convenient route.”

“I'm sure it is,” Kim Dokja agreed, “but you could have done it when we're more established.”

That new expression on Yoo Joonghyuk's face was what he was used to seeing. A slight furl of his brow, narrowed eyes, his lips tight. Hearing the word “established” probably was too much.

“You're right,” Yoo Joonghyuk admitted, which shocked Kim Dokja to hear such a response, “I'll do that next time.”

Next time? Kim Dokja pondered. He was trying to get himself dumped in record speed, you know. There shouldn't be a next time.

Just before he could add a snarky remark to continue jabbing at the other's sides, their bowls were served. The bowl of hot soup before them billowed steam that gave an alluring scent. It looked far better than he expected. The picture reviews didn't really do it justice.

Yoo Joonghyuk started to eat right away. With how he was eating it, it seemed like he was really savouring it. Cautiously, Kim Dokja brought a spoonful of soup to his lips. He blinked in surprise—it was good. Really good. He took another spoonful, this time with tofu, and relished in how much flavour it soaked up. After he licked his lips, he looked up to see Yoo Joonghyuk staring at him.

“Don't eat too fast,” Yoo Joonghyuk commented, “it's hot.”

And that was all he really said for the entire meal, aside from asking whether Kim Dokja wanted more side dishes or if he was too full. When they finished their meal, Yoo Joonghyuk paid for both. He even led them back to the main street by following more well-lit roads. As Kim Dokja separated from Yoo Joonghyuk to go home, he couldn't help but replay that moment when he paused in his initial taste of the soup. Yoo Joonghyuk's gaze was soft. What a foreign concept.

***

“Are you not bothered by the rumours about me?” Kim Dokja dropped the bomb on their next date. On another weekend, Yoo Joonghyuk decided that they were going to hang out at another cafe for lunch, get some coffee and all that “normal and cute” dating stuff. He really should have asked this during their first date, to really end it all there. Instead, he was distracted by how Yoo Joonghyuk looked at him. It slipped his mind then; why was he so focused on that?

Yoo Joonghyuk turned to look at him. Placing his cup back down onto the table, he folded his arms and leaned back into his plush chair.

“I have,” he answered. “That you do forbidden magic like inflicting curses or diverting bad luck. And bombs.”

“Bombs?” Kim Dokja looked at him incredulously. That was new to him. Who made that rumour? And when? “I do know some things about curses though.”

“Like what?”

“Being around me,” Kim Dokja joked. He framed his face as he changed the tone of his voice to a more ridiculing one. “I'm the curse.”

Yoo Joonghyuk frowned. He did not take that joke well.

“You're not cursed.”

“What makes you so sure about that?” Kim Dokja shrugged as he sipped his iced coffee. “I do know and can use magic like any other person. Who's to say I couldn't dabble in it?”

“You don't.” Yoo Joonghyuk was swift and confident in his answer. “You don't make bombs either.”

“Oh? You watch me in your free time also?” Kim Dokja held a hand to his chest. “I'll have you know that I do have the means to make one.”

“Anyone could make one if they're dumb enough.” Yoo Joonghyuk disagreed. Being unable to control one's magic or using materials at the wrong time could create an explosion. From what he had seen, Kim Dokja never bothered to show off his magic or carry such dangerous materials.

“What magic can you use then?” Kim Dokja asked. He was curious—he hadn't seen Yoo Joonghyuk before around his workplace, so there was no way of knowing what he did. Maybe it would be related to his line of work. Most people's did.

“Light and fire magic.” Yoo Joonghyuk revealed. 

Ah, yes, Yoo Joonghyuk fit that protagonist-esque perspective very well. With that body of his and magic specialization, he probably was part of a hero organization.

“Where do you work then?” Kim Dokja asked.

“S&S.”

Yep. Hero organization. A very big and famous one at that. Most of the top heroes in that organization hid their civilian identities so as to not be bombarded during their off time, but there weren't many heroes let alone the general population who could use light magic to begin with. The rumours surrounding him accused him of using forbidden and obviously illegal magic. A light magic user would be able to counteract that. Was this why he was approached?

“I'm on paid leave,” Yoo Joonghyuk answered Kim Dokja's unspoken question. “Forced break,” he added.

That sounds like a weak excuse, Kim Dokja thought to himself, but he chose not to press on it. Maybe this was why he hadn't really seen him or heard of him before.

Normally, Kim Dokja would have been on edge after hearing that. A hero organization coming after anyone was never really a good thing unless they were looking to work together or to do a collaboration. But Yoo Joonghyuk never hid his workplace and he didn't stalk him either. He also used his free time—if it really was free time—to go out with someone like him. It almost felt like he wanted to show that he wasn't a threat. After all, capturing someone like him would have been a walk in the park. There would be no need to butter him up unless he was trying to catch him in the act.

Not that he could, anyway—Kim Dokja didn't have that kind of capability to begin with. While his magic could be used in a way that was nefarious, he has never had used it in that way before, nor did he want to. Maybe Yoo Joonghyuk should be upfront about that too.

Instead, Yoo Joonghyuk carried on with another topic. He cleanly cut into his quiche slice before taking a bite, the subtlest of scrunches of his nose before feigning indifference to the offending quiche before him. Clearly the coffee was fine, but it looked like his boyfriend had a particular pedigree of taste for food. “You can take a break as well. Is there anywhere you'd like to go?”

“You know we don't have to always be going out,” Kim Dokja raised a brow. Taking a sip, he continued, “I don't have a lot of free spending money. Staying at home is fine.”

Yoo Joonghyuk perked up when Kim Dokja said “staying at home”. Like all his other expressions, he never really gave anything away and he could probably fool the majority of people, but Kim Dokja was an expert at reading others. A survival tactic, really. Yoo Joonghyuk was shameless, taking his bait so easily.

“You can check out how decrepit my place is,” Kim Dokja hummed, finishing off his iced coffee. He stole a bite from Yoo Joonghyuk's quiche, chewing it slowly. Hm, he didn't know what was wrong with it—it tasted good to him. “I've got nothing to hide.”

Yoo Joonghyuk rolled his eyes. “I'd be there to visit, not to perform a raid.”

“Hm, sure,” Kim Dokja didn't believe him as he took Yoo Joonghyuk's plate, finishing the rest of the quiche. “Wanting to come over just to visit.”

The corner of Yoo Joonghyuk's lip twitched before he gave a deep sigh. It was obvious that he couldn't change Kim Dokja's opinion about the matter. “I can bring snacks.”

“Well come on over!” Kim Dokja could never say no to snacks or free food. Not when it seemed like Yoo Joonghyuk had a standard for quality. Unless he was secretly wanting to lace his food or something. “I'll send you my address later.”

Yoo Joonghyuk hummed his agreement. “Do you have any preferences?”

In snacks? “Not really. No tomatoes though.”

“Tomatoes are healthy for you.” Yoo Joonghyuk shook his head. Regardless, he took a mental note.

“I'll find out if you try to sneak it in.” Kim Dokja hummed. His place was tiny.

“I won't.” Yoo Joonghyuk folded his arms.

Kim Dokja shrugged. “I'll believe it when I see it.”

***

Believe it when he sees it he did. When Kim Dokja opened his front door, he was expecting Yoo Joonghyuk to bring some store bought goodies. Instead, he brought what could be seen as the bougiest pastries he's ever seen, intricately detailed and instantly mouth watering. He even brought drinks, none of them being alcoholic. Kim Dokja couldn't help but gawk, shifting his gaze between the girly pastries and the stern looking and very masculine man.

“Do you have a personal chef?” Kim Dokja couldn't help but ask.

“I am the personal chef.” Yoo Joonghyuk raised a brow.

“Hahaha you're so funny…” Kim Dokja would have finished that sentence if Yoo Joonghyuk's expression changed. When he realized that he was serious and in fact kind of offended, he cleared his throat, running away. “Let me get some plates and cups…”

It was weird, having someone over. His one closer friend, Han Sooyoung, always made him come over to her place instead, and his mother—well, that was complicated. Yoo Joonghyuk was probably his first guest in a very long while.

“I was expecting you to run off and look under my bed for anything suspicious,” Kim Dokja quipped.

As he placed the plates and cups down onto his small coffee table, Yoo Joonghyuk took out the pastries and drinks. He scoffed. “I'm not lowly enough to do that.”

True, he didn't look like the type to grovel and invade one's privacy. Not yet at least. “Then what are you looking at?”

“Your place in general. It's… small.”

“Well it certainly isn't a palace like yours,” Kim Dokja gave him a look. Most if not all heroes of his calibre would have a large home, filled with expensive things. “Normal salarymen don't get that kind of luxury.”

“I know,” Yoo Joonghyuk glared back at him.

“Then if you know, then you won't mind me eating all of these—” Kim Dokja grabbed a pastry, taking a big bite. He was going to say how appearances weren't everything just like his pastries, but the flavour that entered his mouth shut him up.

Yoo Joonghyuk watched as he chewed slowly. Kim Dokja wiped off the cream at the corner of his mouth, licking his finger. Why of all times Yoo Joonghyuk chose to focus more then, he didn't know why. “Did you really make these?”

“Who else?” He sounded offended.

“I don't see you as the type to make these things,” Kim Dokja said honestly.

“I prefer my own food over others.” stated Yoo Joonghyuk. 

“I think I get why you scrunch your nose over other people's food.” Kim Dokja grabbed for another after he cleaned off his plate. “Not that it's bad, but it could be better, matching to your own palate. I definitely prefer yours though—I don't think I could treat any other pastry the same.”

When Yoo Joonghyuk didn't say anything, Kim Dokja looked up. “What?” Why was he looking at him like he was surprised?

“No, just my facial expression.” Yoo Joonghyuk refused to elaborate further as he brought a hand to his face, rubbing his jawline methodically. He knew that his food was top tier. He took pride in that. What he was left scrambling for was Kim Dokja's other comment. He never had someone notice that before—hell, he didn't even think he was aware of it himself. Kim Dokja pointing that out was a first. 

Kim Dokja blinked a few times before a smile curled on his face. Aw, was he feeling self conscious?

“Don't worry, I won't make fun of you for that,” he nudged him gently, “now don't let me eat all your food before you do,” he pointed at the bottle that Yoo Joonghyuk brought, “Is this also something you made?”

Yoo Joonghyuk nodded, finally grabbing for one of his pastries before going on a short tirade about how he made the drink. They spent the rest of the afternoon talking about their hobbies (though it was mostly Kim Dokja raving about his novels with Yoo Joonghyuk listening) and before they knew it, dinner time had rolled around.

By the time Yoo Joonghyuk left Kim Dokja's tiny home, he was left in a bit of a stunned state. Sure, he already knew that Kim Dokja's place couldn't compare in size and quality as his, but the place was tidy and warm with a bit of a homey vibe to it. It definitely felt like a place that was lived in for a while.

Yoo Joonghyuk looked off into the distance, not really focusing on anything. Kim Dokja knew that he approached him for a reason and never questioned it. Yoo Joonghyuk on the other hand thought that it would have taken more time for Kim Dokja to ease up around him, so he was surprised when he was invited over to his home so quickly. They've only known each other for a few weeks at that point. He shouldn't be feeling whatever it was that he was feeling.

But he was. Maybe it was because he was a “hero”, but the urge to protect the other came on strong. His personality didn’t even hold a candle to other actual villains, so really he was just misunderstood this entire time. The background check told him that the salary Kim Dokja earned was more than enough to move to a new location, and, truthfully, he was expecting his home to be much larger. It didn’t look like Kim Dokja was thinking of moving either, because if he were, he’d have less things, with more things ready and packed. Despite the rumours, he kept living in the same area, subject to the same kind of mockery and stares.

What was holding him back from moving on? Was the only reason that he stayed was because “that’s what was dictated for his life”? That he wasn’t going to amount to more than some “villain” dealt with early on, like in those cheesy novels?

Yoo Joonghyuk frowned as he mulled over his thoughts. As he thought, it’d be best to get that item from Kim Dokja as soon as he could—after all, that was the whole point of Yoo Joonghyuk approaching him as soon as he did. This way, he didn’t have to see another pointless conflict. And, maybe, he could whisk Kim Dokja away from this wretched city to a place where he could actually be comfortable living in.

Yoo Joonghyuk stopped in his tracks. It was such a sudden thought that he didn’t know how it came about. He reiterated to himself: he only knew Kim Dokja for three weeks, and he knew that Kim Dokja knew that he was approached for a reason. Mingling with a target wouldn’t end well for either of them. 

Don’t overstep the line. Don’t. Overstep.

He took in a deep breath as he continued walking home. How he was going to broach the topic was going to be a problem for tomorrow-him.

***

Kim Dokja was amazed by Yoo Joonghyuk’s persistence to be and remain as his boyfriend. He cooked him meals every day, text messaged him every night before bed when he could, and overall just made an effort to be there for him despite tolerating Kim Dokja’s antics to push him away. Somewhere in his head, Kim Dokja thought, was a crazy person. This wasn’t a prank anymore; it was obvious that Yoo Joonghyuk was after something, but he didn’t understand why he had to go through all this effort.

Why was he taking so long to talk about it? He had gone past the point of reason for immediate interrogation and physical violence, and he had made no effort to use emotional manipulation either. He had heard of other heroes interrogating their targets to get what they wanted, especially if they were considered bad or on some hit list. In contrast, Yoo Joonghyuk was practically docile.

It killed him on the inside to see Yoo Joonghyuk soften up immediately when the two met up. He hated it when all he did was take and never give, and Yoo Joonghyuk didn't seem to mind it. That he felt even more worthless knowing that Yoo Joonghyuk deserved someone better, that they're ill-matched. He knew that Yoo Joonghyuk knew that their feelings were being played around, that nothing was genuine. That despite knowing such a lie, the two continued to meet up. 

Honestly, Kim Dokja wanted to end it. And yet, he couldn't muster the courage to say it. His mouth clamped shut with every attempt. He felt pathetic about it. He grew too comfortable with his presence.

It was only after almost a full year did he finally hear what Yoo Joonghyuk truly wanted.

It was a simple phone call. Yoo Joonghyuk normally took them in a separate room with a sound proofing device for security and privacy reasons. Kim Dokja didn't mind it as security was of utmost concern for a hero organization, so he never bothered to try and listen in, even if he had the means to.

But Kim Dokja had been taking a nap for a while on one of their slower days, stomach still resting from too much food. He only realized it belatedly when he heard his fake boyfriend's voice that Yoo Joonghyuk wasn't using his sound proofing device. He probably thought Kim Dokja was still asleep. Kim Dokja chastised him in his mind— you’ve gotten too soft around me, Joonghyuk-ah.

“Don't rush me,” Yoo Joonghyuk's voice was particularly harsh. His voice was low as to not wake Kim Dokja from his nap.

There was a moment of silence before Kim Dokja heard a sigh. Yoo Joonghyuk's footsteps walk across his tiny home, pacing, annoyed.

“I'm not,” Yoo Joonghyuk replied, the perk of his voice almost sounding as if he was offended. Kim Dokja wished he could hear the other side of the conversation. “If you do things your way, I'll make sure you won't ever leave the hospital.” he hissed.

Woah, Yoo Joonghyuk was pissed. Kim Dokja hadn't heard that kind of threat from him at all. Usually the kind of threats he'd give Kim Dokja were in response to Kim Dokja's teasing. They didn't actually carry much weight. He supposed this was what it means to work in an organization like that.

“Yes, I'm aware. Don't remind me.” Yoo Joonghyuk’s voice cut off Kim Dokja's thoughts. The person on the other side wasn't having it though, as the distinct sound of garbled yelling could be heard from the phone. Kim Dokja could already imagine Yoo Joonghyuk holding his phone at a distance, his usual sneer evident on his face.

“Then you try getting a functional, portable, and lightweight magic deactivator,” Yoo Joonghyuk growled. “See if he doesn’t try to write random requirements or loopholes when creating it. Do you not understand how rare of an ability that is?”

The other side of the line fell silent.

Kim Dokja’s heart was in the pit of his stomach. It wasn’t a surprise that his fake boyfriend was after something he possessed, but the part that surprised him the most was Yoo Joonghyuk’s in-depth understanding of his ability. Aside from his mother, no one else knew what he could do. Not even Han Sooyoung knew that he had to write it down for it to come alive.

“If you won’t stop nagging, I’m going to hang up.” Yoo Joonghyuk announced before he ended the call anyway. 

Kim Dokja listened intently. It took Yoo Joonghyuk a few more minutes of calming himself down before he sat down at the edge of Kim Dokja’s bed. Before Kim Dokja could wonder what Yoo Joonghyuk was going to do next, a rough hand carded softly through his hair. It took everything in him to not jump at the sudden feeling.

He thought his fake boyfriend would say something as he continued with running his fingers through his hair. Instead, Yoo Joonghyuk continued to do the same action for what felt like a half hour, silence filling in between. Maybe it was a soothing technique, he didn’t know. It did feel nice though.

When Kim Dokja finally decided to move, Yoo Joonghyuk pulled back, acting as if nothing happened.

“Let’s go for a walk.” Yoo Joonghyuk stated, not asked.

Blinking, Kim Dokja rubbed his eyes. Then, he grabbed his phone. He had only been “asleep” for the past two hours. At least the weather was nice enough.

“Sure, give me fifteen minutes to wake up though.” Kim Dokja stretched, yawning.

“Okay,” Yoo Joonhyuk’s gaze softened for a split second before returning to his nonchalant expression. He turned to the kitchen to prepare some drinks and snacks, having already decided that they were going to eat at a park.

Kim Dokja rested his chin against his hand, unbothered from getting up or out of his warm bed. Then, he pondered.

A magic deactivator, huh? He supposed heroes needed some sort of device like that with whatever villains get in their way. It sounded like it needed to be a powerful one too, not that he knew whether it was a targeted-type or a ranged-type device.

Highly functional, portable, and light. He could create something like that.

But if he made it, would Yoo Joonghyuk leave him? Would he incarcerate him after? Force him to join the hero organization? And if he didn’t make it, would he get someone to use mind-controlling abilities so he would be forced to make it?

The thought instantly soured his mood. It pulled at his heart and mind in ways that he didn’t like, but ignoring it wasn’t an option. His livelihood was at stake. No matter how much he liked Yoo Joonghyuk, he didn’t want to be caged either. Not anymore.

“Dokja?” Yoo Joonghyuk called out. He tapped his wrist, letting Kim Dokja know that his time was up.

“I’m up, I’m up.” Kim Dokja slowly got out of bed, his bones cracking as he stretched. After washing his face, he grabbed for his coat that Yoo Joonghyuk held out for him. Then, the two left for their last walk.

Chapter Text

It felt right, giving the item that Yoo Joonghyuk—and apparently his hero organization—wanted on their first year anniversary (if he could call it one) since they began their fake relationship. It was like his way of saying thanks for dealing with his bullshit up until then, and that he didn’t need to put extra effort into maintaining their relationship thereafter. He convinced himself that leaving such an item would be good enough to stop Yoo Joonghyuk (and his organization) from chasing after him. That was what it sounded like anyway, based on that one conversation Yoo Joonghyuk had to his colleague.

It took him a few weeks to think hard on how to describe the contraption, of ways to make it work with the current laws of physics and playing on the dynamics of magic. If it was too out of the ordinary—which it already was—then the device would break down too fast. If it had too many conditions, then it would never work.

Thankfully, Kim Dokja didn’t have to be an absolute genius to design such a deactivator. That was one of the greatest perks of his ability—a creation ability based on his writing—where as long as it sort of made sense, had some restrictions, and wasn’t something living, then it could exist within their world.

Satisfied with what he chose, Kim Dokja pulled out a white quill from thin air. A holographic screen popped up in front of him, and with his quill, started to write late into the night. No mistakes were allowed in his spelling. He wished this stupid screen would have a keyboard or an edit function, but he supposed he had to have some drawback when using his ability. Carefully checking what to include and where he was at was a painstaking process. The holographic screen had to be adjusted to allow for more space to fit everything he needed. When he was finally done, he stuck the quill at the bottom of the screen, which slowly got absorbed.

The screen shone brightly as it morphed into a ball, falling into his hands. Kim Dokja gasped as he could feel his strength leaving his body, his hands unwilling to separate. Slowly, as dawn arrived, the light of the shining ball decreased, morphing into the shape of what would be his new and shiny magic deactivator. 

How ironic, Kim Dokja thought as he slowly passed out, that magic would be used to create an anti-magic device. He didn’t even know if his ability would allow such a creation or not. At least he could prove that hypothesis if he ever needed to make another one.

Thankfully he chose to make the device on a day when Yoo Joonghyuk was busy with work. Staying at home all day was normal for Kim Dokja’s behaviour, and his fake boyfriend wouldn’t be back for a few more days at the least.

When he woke up, it was late into the night. Crawling over to his fridge for some much needed water, he wiped his mouth as he curled up against his cabinet.

He took a deep breath. He only needed a day to move his things out, right?

Crawling back to where he put his phone, he dialed a number before pulling it up to his ear. After a couple rings, the other person picked up.

“What?” Greeted the other. The tone of her voice had a bit of annoyance, most likely because he disrupted her flow of writing whatever novel she was on.

Kim Dokja awkwardly looked at his feet. “Hey, uhm, Sooyoung, do you still have that room for me?”

The typing in the background paused.

“That bad, huh?” Han Sooyoung knew.

“Yeah,” Kim Dokja sighed. He had kept her somewhat in the loop of his current situation. His calling now meant that he wanted to leave.

She didn’t mind being his last resort. Kim Dokja was stubborn anyway, so for him to reach out in the first place was already quite an achievement. It was reassuring to her that he did care for her opinions and offers. Better late than never.

“You need a moving company?” she asked.

“Yeah, as soon as possible. Tomorrow, maybe?” Kim Dokja scratched his chin. He felt awkward asking on such short notice, but he didn’t know what the possibility was that Yoo Joonghyuk would come back early. He still had to talk to his landlord too, but he was certain the landlord wouldn’t mind since he had been living there for a long time. He didn’t mind paying for a few extra months if it meant that he could run away.

“Sure, I’ll text you when they’re coming.” Han Sooyoung agreed.

“Thanks,” Kim Dokja appreciated her help. “I owe you one.”

“You sure as hell do,” Han Sooyoung scoffed, but left it off at that.

“Pick me up also?” Kim Dokja asked. “I’m tired.”

“Tired? Dokja, did you—” Han Sooyoung clicked her tongue. “Nevermind. You’re an idiot.”

“Yeah, but I’m your idiot.”

“Yeah yeah, I’ll come pick you up.” Kim Dokja could imagine Han Sooyoung shooing him away and his stubbornness. “Get some shut eye.”

After he ended the call, Kim Dokja grabbed for his duffel bag that sat underneath his bed. He presumed that Yoo Joonghyuk thought that he wasn’t ready enough to leave on such short notice because his things were all over the place, but he was wrong in that aspect.

Kim Dokja only cared for a few items. Some of his clothes, his electronic devices, and a few keepsakes. Everything else could be discarded if need be. He was lucky enough that he could get Han Sooyoung’s help to move everything. Transferring banks should also be easy with Han Sooyoung’s help.

It did make him feel guilty though, suddenly ghosting Yoo Joonghyuk like that. Even as a fake boyfriend, he still cared for him.

But Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t need Kim Dokja to live, and Kim Dokja didn’t need him to survive. As long as he wasn’t incarcerated, then his feelings for Yoo Joonghyuk would naturally fade away into nothingness.

He stared at the shiny new device sitting innocently on his coffee table. Maybe he could use this as a consolation gift too.

***

It had already been two weeks since Yoo Joonghyuk last saw Kim Dokja. He was forced to go away on a mission that he was pulled into at the last minute thanks to his idiotic superiors, so the sooner he could finish it, the better.

He finished a day early, much to his chagrin. He had texted his boyfriend that he was coming by with snacks, but when Kim Dokja didn’t respond within the hour, he knew something was up.

Arriving at his door, he knocked. When he received no answer then too, he punched in the door combination.

What greeted him was his worst fear: an empty, cold home, and a small device laying on the floor.

The bag of snacks fell to the floor.

As he knelt down, he picked up the small device. It fit easily between his two hands, and while it had some weight to it, was still incredibly portable. Underneath the device was a short note.

Happy anniversary! An anti-magic device, up to level 4. It’s ranged only, sorry. Instructions are on the back of this paper.

Kim Dokja was cruel, by including that first part on their anniversary. However, Yoo Joonghyuk had no right to complain, for he was equally just as cruel for leaving Kim Dokja in the dark.

This device was better than what he had originally hoped for. That made him feel worse. 

Yoo Joonghyuk instantly knew why Kim Dokja suddenly left while leaving behind one thing. Kim Dokja was not asleep during the time Yoo Joonghyuk took that call a little over two weeks ago.

His grip around the magic deactivation device increased as he continued to sit numbly, sifting through his chaotic thoughts.

S&S did need a magic deactivation device about six months from now. They knew one of the villains they had been facing for the past few years had a particularly annoying mind controlling ability that was hard to combat, so Anna Croft had peeked two years into the future to see what they could do to capture him. Instead, she found out that their problematic villain got worse. 

As a result, Yoo Joonghyuk proposed to approach Kim Dokja first versus waiting for him to get captured and used by the villain. His coworkers and superiors were breathing down his neck because it was “taking too long to get”. But how does one broach such a topic with a closed off person such as Kim Dokja?

Kim Dokja was not a villain. Yoo Joonghyuk would not treat him as such.

“He had an anti-magic device.” Anna Croft rubbed the edge of her eye. “Up to level 3. That blocks off most of our magic users except for you and Uriel.”

“How did he get such a device?” Yoo Joonghyuk questioned. While he didn’t like Anna Croft as both a work colleague and as a person, not listening to what she saw would be counterintuitive.

“He got it from someone—I couldn’t catch his name.” Anna Croft popped open a bottle of pain medication, swallowing some pills with a swish of water. The headache was getting to her. “All I remember hearing was that he was an accomplice in murdering his father from some famous case.”

“So why are you telling me?” Yoo Joonghyuk crossed his arms.

Anna Croft’s lip twitched with irritation. She laid down on the couch, motioning for Yoo Joonghyuk to turn off the lights. “Because you’re the one who catches him. The device maker writes his creations to life. He dies though. Mind control.”

“Dies.” Yoo Joonghyuk repeated.

“A pointless one.” she added. “Wrong place at the wrong time.”

“When does he get forced to make it?” Yoo Joonghyuk asked. If he died so easily, then he had no means to protect himself. He probably didn’t even want to be involved in such a situation in the first place.

“A year and a few months from now.” Anna Croft covered her eyes. “I already know how you want to act. As much as I hate to say it, I’ll back you up. Hurry up and convince our superiors. 

Just as Yoo Joonghyuk turned to leave, a plan formulating in his mind, Anna Croft spoke up again, barely a whisper. “Don’t mention his ability—just that he has it.”

He did convince them in the end, as stubborn as they were. Finding Kim Dokja wasn’t that hard either. He still had six months left.

But deep down he knew he didn’t need to spend a whole year with Kim Dokja. He simply could have asked and paid Kim Dokja handsomely to create it, shuttle him off somewhere safe, and deal with the villain in due fashion. That was his plan originally. 

Kim Dokja’s bastard personality made him change his mind though, and before he knew it, he was wrapped around Dokja’s finger.

He liked Kim Dokja. A lot more than he was willing to admit. Even his sudden realization just now gave him goosebumps, for better or for worse.

He stared at the device. He knew that Kim Dokja was doing this to protect himself. Yoo Joonghyuk had a mission to fulfill. His superiors would be happy, and the two would continue to live their lives separately. Kim Dokja would be able to live longer, his conflict and death avoided.

And yet, he knew neither of them wanted that. That he was a fool for stalling his request for the device for so long. Since when was he so painfully aware of their feelings yet forever in denial? Could they even start over?

He didn’t want things to end this way. He had to explain himself even if it meant that he had to grovel. 

Maybe Anna Croft knew he would take this long, which was why she didn’t stubbornly fight against him as she usually did, and why she told him so early on. He didn’t really question it then, but now he was wondering why she let him do what he wanted. Was there something more to Kim Dokja than he knew of?

There was one thing that he was certain of at least. If S&S chose to go after Kim Dokja despite Yoo Joonghyuk telling them that this was the only thing he had that was considered “worthy” in their eyes, he would burn them to the ground.

He slowly got up. He made up his mind.

***

Kim Dokja no longer received text messages or calls from Yoo Joonghyuk since he last mentioned he was coming to visit him. It was as if it was a sign to stop playing their game, to end their fake relationship. Thankfully, he had already moved out two days prior so he could avoid seeing Yoo Joonghuk altogether, but it would be a lie to say he didn’t feel hurt by the lack of attempts to reach out. There was bound to be a person within S&S that had a tracking ability. Did Yoo Joonghyuk not use them? Was he not worth at least saying goodbye?

Kim Dokja didn’t move very far, just into the neighbouring city. He quit his job and was almost freeloading at Han Sooyoung’s, but he was still active thanks to Yoo Sangah’s business, walking to and from the learning centre.

With things occupying his time and mind, six months passed by without much incident. The feeling of abandonment wasn’t so bad anymore.

Maybe he didn’t like me at all, Kim Dokja foolishly believed. 

A hard slap on the back rudely woke him up from his thoughts.

“Stop twiddling your thumbs and help me out.” Han Sooyoung frowned, crunching on her lollipop. She threw a lemon-flavoured candy at him before shoving another down the back of his shirt.

“You mean Sangah,” Kim Dokja corrected her. He struggled to get the candy out of his shirt. “She’s the one teaching, not you.”

“And that’s helping me out.” Han Sooyoung shrugged. “You know taking care of kids isn’t my forte.”

“Because you don’t put enough effort in the first place?” Kim Dokja unwrapped the candy, popping it into his mouth.

“I do the bare minimum,” Han Sooyoung argued back, crossing her arms across her puffed out chest. “I’m just busy today. I have to leave in a half hour to attend a meeting with the publishers.”

“Oh, good luck.” Kim Dokja cheered her on with a dull voice, earning another smack to his arm. He got up from his chair as he cracked his back. “I guess I’ll head out soon too then.”

“Head out with me then.” Han Sooyoung lifted the bag that was hanging off her shoulder. “I have to go in the same direction anyway.”

“Sure, let me grab my stuff.”

“What stuff do you need?” Han Sooyoung raised a brow as she opened the front door. “Isn’t all the stuff you need already at the learning centre?”

“Yeah, but I promised the kiddos that I’d have a little something to give them as a reward.” Kim Dokja answered as he ran up to his room. Zipping open the bag just in case, Kim Dokja confirmed that the goodies were packed away nicely.

“Using your ability again?” Han Sooyoung frowned at him as he came back down to put on his shoes. Despite her look of irritation, Kim Dokja knew well that she was really more concerned for his health than annoyance.

“It’s just a few small trinkets, nothing that takes too much magic or energy,” Kim Dokja defended himself, showing the goods as they left the house. They were little light-up globes that activated at the touch of magic, perfect for cozy nights or to be used as a night light. “Don’t worry, I’m watching myself.”

“Watching myself my ass,” Han Sooyoung clicked her tongue. “When I came over that day to pick up your things and you, you looked like you were at death’s door. Do you know how scared I was to see you as a zombie?”

Kim Dokja could only sheepishly laugh at that remark. She wasn’t wrong—he had used too much energy, far more than he normally did, to create such an item. That was a one-off, he told Han Sooyoung. It really was.

She waved it off. “Whatever, just don’t do more than this.”

“Since when did I ever listen to you?” Kim Dokja rolled his eyes.

“Practically never,” Han Sooyoung confirmed, “except when you asked to come live with me.”

A comfortable silence filled in between the two. Neither wanted to say more or give thanks, because it would have been tacky between the two to exchange that much of their personal feelings.

“Are you coming back late?” Kim Dokja asked, changing the subject.

“Yeah, around 10pm or so if I’m lucky, maybe 2am?” Han Sooyoung grumbled. She pulled out her phone to double check her schedule, sighing in the process. Ah, the woes of having to appease publishers by attending long dinner meetings that involved a lot of alcohol.

“Do you want me to get you snacks when you come back?” Kim Dokja asked. “And hangover drinks.”

“Yeah, that’d be nice.” Han Sooyoung sighed again. “Leave the hangover drinks on the counter.”

“Sure, I got it.”

“Well, I’ll see you off then,” Han Sooyoung checked the map on her phone. “Let me know if anything comes up, okay?”

“I will, don’t worry.” Kim Dokja assured her as he waved her goodbye.

The walk to the learning centre was not that far from Han Sooyoung’s place. It’d only take him another ten minutes or so before he arrived, which gave him enough time to brood but not enough time to act on it. Lately though, he hadn’t been brooding as much as he used to having come used to this new lifestyle.

The learning centre that was run by Yoo Sangah was intended for all ages, for those who had difficulty in controlling or didn’t quite understand how to use it and didn’t necessarily have the income to attend regular classes or other teaching centres. He helped out more often now after learning that Yoo Sangah was essentially a solo teacher, utilizing her library to learn about the different types of magics and their users. She didn’t mind that he sat in her library for hours on end sometimes, but did occasionally pull him out for fresh air when she felt like he was too cooped up, or in her words, “too much like a shrimp”.

He had been intending to do just that, shrimpify-ing himself at a table after he would give his little gifts to the kids at the learning centre. He already brought a thermos filled with tea and an extra sweater (just in case he got too cold or something), ready to read more on telekinesis and telepathy. 

Instead, he was stopped in his tracks by the person standing at the front gate.

It was useless, Kim Dokja thought, to run away. He wasn’t as strong or as fast as Yoo Joonghyuk, and his fight-or-flight instincts were set to fright instead. He hadn’t realized he was tightly gripping the straps of his bag to the point that his nails dug hard into his skin until Yoo Joonghyuk walked over and gently pried his hand off.

“I’ll wait for you when you’re done for today.” Yoo Joonghyuk said, his eyes staring at Kim Dokja’s hand, gingerly rubbing the indents. He probably already knew what Kim Dokja’s schedule was. He knew where he was this whole time.

And yet, he was not repulsed by his former fake boyfriend’s touch. Shit. He still liked him.

Kim Dokja uttered the first question that came to mind: “Why are you here?” Now?

“The item you gave me was needed until yesterday.” Yoo Joonghyuk explained, all too ready to answer him. “I couldn’t abandon my duty. I’m done now, permanently.”

“Permanently?” Kim Dokja parroted. What did he mean by that?

Yoo Joonghyuk’s gaze shifted to the learning centre’s entrance, as if feeling eyes beyond the tinted windows. Looking back at Kim Dokja, his grip on Kim Dokja’s hand tightened just the slightest. “Can I message you later?”

“I—” Kim Dokja tried to say before cutting himself off, peering down at his held hand. 

Yoo Joonghyuk, a top hero belonging to S&S, who had all his needs met and his personality similar to that of a rigid wall, was ever so slightly shaking. Even his hand was a little sweaty.

It came to Kim Dokja then, that Yoo Joonghyuk was afraid of his rejection. Maybe he was banking on Kim Dokja to know that.

“... Fine,” Kim Dokja relented. Yoo Joonghyuk’s subtle change in expression told him that he really was hoping for Kim Dokja to understand how he felt based on touch alone. “You can wait somewhere.” 

“Then, see you soon.” Yoo Joonghyuk let go, backing off.

Understandably, Kim Dokja walked into the building in a hurry, only turning back to look at Yoo Joonghyuk once he made it safely inside a good distance. His fake ex-boyfriend chose to lean against the gate looking over at his direction. It was likely he wasn’t going to move for the entire day, even if it rained or snowed.

“Dokja-ssi,” a voice called out from behind. Kim Dokja turned to face Yoo Sangah’s intrigued expression. “Good afternoon,” she gave a quick greeting before quickly moving onto the hot topic, “Do you want me to kick him off my property?”

Straight for the throat, Kim Dokja shuddered at the thought of being on Yoo Sangah’s bad side. “Good afternoon Sangah-ssi, I don’t think he’ll be of any harm. He knows what he can or can’t do.” He’s a hero, for goodness sake.

“Your expression says otherwise.” Yoo Sangah had already whipped out her phone by the time Kim Dokja started to speak, typing rapid fire. Most likely to warn Han Sooyoung or something. 

Kim Dokja touched his face. What expression was he making? He didn’t feel like his facial muscles were moving. His mind was a mess but he was good at hiding his feelings. “It’s fine, though I appreciate the concern.”

“Well, you know where the back door is,” Yoo Sangah said anyway before shifting her body to face one of the hallways. The quirk of her lip turning into a subtly dangerous smile made it so hard for Kim Dokja to read her properly—was she angry at him? “Yooosung-ah and Gilyoung-ah are already in the classroom, waiting to see you. Let’s go.”

***

Kim Dokja won’t lie, the thought of escaping through the back door crossed his mind multiple times for the few hours that he was there watching over the kids. Part of him wanted to make Yoo Joonghyuk wait forever to see if he would give up his resolve, but the other part of him knew that Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t deserve that much of his pettiness. Maybe he should take an extra hour or two reading books.

“Ahjussi?” Shin Yoosung gently tapped Kim Dokja’s hand for his attention.

“Hm?” Kim Dokja responded. “What is it?”

“I asked you a question three times and I didn’t get a response.” Shin Yoosung looked worried. Lee Gilyoung on the other side of Kim Dokja nodded fervently in agreement. “Are you feeling okay?”

“I’m fine—” Kim Dokja tried to explain, but the glares of the kids showed him that they were not convinced. He sheepishly scratched his chin. “Okay, maybe I’m feeling a little under the weather.”

“Then you should go home,” Lee Gilyoung stood up, pushing Kim Dokja to stand up as well. As if reading his mind, Shin Yoosung bundled up Kim Dokja’s things into his bag and shoved it into his arms. “Adults need rest too!”

Kim Dokja tried to argue back. Why were the kids being so difficult today? “But—”

“Dokja-ssi, the back door is that way.” Yoo Sangah reminded him as she gave him a polite smile, pointing in the general direction of where the back entrance was. The rest of the students within the classroom all turned towards him, curious. What was once a bustling and noisy classroom turned deathly silent.

Kim Dokja swallowed heavily. He gave into the peer pressure. “O-okay, I’ll go.”

“Goodbye ahjussi! Take care.” Shin Yoosung and Lee Gilyoung spoke up as they waved goodbye. Some of the other students joined in as well as Kim Dokja made his escape. Heading towards the front entrance, he could already feel Yoo Sangah’s scathing disappointment.

As expected, Yoo Joonghyuk was still waiting by the gate. Like a lost puppy longing for affection, he perked up immediately when Kim Dokja came outside. Looked like he didn’t need to message him or vice versa after all.

“Can we… talk somewhere private?” Kim Dokja asked.

Yoo Joonghyuk nodded before he turned around to lead the way.

The cafe he led them to was small and quaint. It was surprisingly not that busy for the hour, but when Yoo Joonghyuk gave the owner a quick nod to close the cafe, it suddenly made more sense.

“You know her?” Kim Dokja asked as the two sat down.

“Former coworker.” Yoo Joonghyuk was succinct. “I work with her now.”

“You work with her now…?” Kim Dokja was confused.

“I left S&S.” Yoo Joonghyuk dropped the bomb, leaving Kim Dokja in shock with his mouth agape.

“Why—”

“I don’t like my superiors and I don’t like them using civilians either.”

“What does the latter have to do with—”

“I quit because of you.”

Kim Dokja raised his brows so high, he felt like they could extend from the top of his head. He pointed to himself in disbelief. Never did he expect Yoo Joonghyuk to be so blunt. Maybe the situation warranted it. “Me?”

“I approached you at first to strike a deal to make that anti-magic device for a villain.” Yoo Joonghyuk quietly thanked the owner who came by with some hot drinks before continuing, “Give you money for the device and then send you away somewhere safe from villains and heroes alike. If I let fate be, you would have died to said villain, and a whole lot more civilians with you.”

“Hold on, this is too sudden,” Kim Dokja pressed some fingers to his temple. “I mean, I was sort of expecting this but for you to quit—”

“I quit because my superiors were going to force you to join S&S under the assumption you had a creation ability. My former…colleague foresaw your ability and sent me to you, and I came to like you which is why it took so long for me to act.”

“Because… you like me?” Kim Dokja flushed.

Yoo Joonghyuk looked at him squarely in the eyes, completely serious. “If you’ll let me, I’ll protect you for the rest of your life.”

“Even with my past history?” Kim Dokja cut him off. “Those aren’t rumours.” Especially when he did use his ability back then to—

“I’m aware.” Yoo Joonghyuk clasped his hands together, gripping them tightly. “You didn’t have much choice. It was your mother and you or your father. I can’t judge you for that.”

Kim Dokja shut his eyes. “But—”

“Dokja, look at me.” Yoo Joonghyuk said.

When Kim Dokja opened his eyes, Yoo Joonghyuk was staring at him with gentle eyes.

“I like you. Really. This time, I wanted to say it properly.”

When Kim Dokja didn’t speak, Yoo Joonghyuk continued. “If you’ll have me in your life, I’d like to continue where we left off, uninterrupted, and more.”

“And more…” Kim Dokja muttered, flushing again. Why was Yoo Joonghyuk being so sappy all of a sudden? This wasn’t like him at all.

“Are you sure you’re fine?” Kim Dokja questioned. He wasn’t on any sort of drugs or mind control, was he?

Before Yoo Joonghyuk could give a response, a muffled snort came from the back. The two shifted their gaze to the owner peeking out from the storage room.

“Oh, my bad.'' The owner apologized, coughing to hide her amusement and to avoid Yoo Joonghyuk’s dangerous gaze. “I never see or hear Joonghyuk grovel so I couldn’t help myself… I’ll leave you to be.” she said as she quickly disappeared into the back.

Once it was silent again, Yoo Joonghyuk sighed, bringing his hands to his face. Kim Dokja sheepishly scratched his chin. 

So he was being serious?

Cautiously, Kim Dokja reached out to tap Yoo Joonghyuk’s hand. Yoo Joonghyuk looked up towards him, following Kim Dokja’s action to give his hand.

Kim Dokja couldn’t help but be somewhat amused. His finger slid to the pulse of Yoo Joonghyuk’s wrist. Sweaty. Warm.

His heart was beating fast.

Kim Dokja knew he should think more on this. Yoo Joonghyuk had his reasons, but so did he himself. Just because the two still liked each other didn’t mean that their past and current feelings weren’t valid. To make such an important decision, on what felt like a whim rather than a venn diagram of deep contemplation, Kim Dokja did what he usually did in Kim Dokja-style.

“Okay,” Kim Dokja gave the same response as he did a year and a half ago. He licked his lips. With his other hand, he beckoned for Yoo Joonghyuk’s phone. “Give me your number? I actually deleted it.”

Yoo Joonghyuk blinked before he made a noise out of disbelief and sudden realization.

Kim Dokja was repeating what had happened the first day they met, where Yoo Joonghyuk didn't bother to ask Kim Dokja's name because he already did a background check on him.

“Tell me your name first then.” Yoo Joonghyuk asked, playing along. As he spoke, he unlocked his phone and handed it over.

For the first time in his life, Kim Dokja felt giddy. 

“I’m Kim Dokja, your boyfriend.”