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Chapter Text

#1

It was in his economic lecture when Yoo Joonghyuk first noticed this weird urge to be patted on the head, it was small. So he ignored it and focused on Professor Namgung PowerPoint.

Then he started to get more such strange desires, and as time passed by they became hard to ignore. It's not like it hampered his daily life, they just felt unnatural to him.

"You should go to the doctor," Han Sooyoung said, typing away on her phone purposefully ignoring his presence.

"Yes, Joonghyuk ," Yoo Sangah agreed smiling slightly. When she said it too, it gave me a little more assurance to go.

That's how he ended up in a clinic, with a chatty doctor in front of him. He had given some tests for secondary gender checking after Joonghyuk explained his symptoms. The test result was here in less than an hour.

"Mr. Yoo, may I first check it?" The doctor asked. Joonghyuk nodded. The result was in a neat and sealed brown envelope. "You see, Mr. Yoo, due to nowadays stressful conditions secondary genders could appear late. However, it's not much big deal, certainly not abnormal. There are times when people stop expecting them, it depends upon your family history.." Joonghyuk didn't know from which angle he looked like wasn't able to keep his shit together because the doctor added. " There is no need to panic or overthink it. "

The doctor skimmed through the report, then he gave a very professional smile and declared. "Congratulations, you are a sub."

Yoo Joonghyuk still wasn't fazed by it, acceptance was something he was familiar with. Seeing the lack of response, the doctor took out a CD and a list of books and journals.

"Whatever I say won't be enough, you have to educate yourself. Here are some recommendations for daily activities, some parts are very private so it's better to watch and understand."

Joonghyuk took the CD, List, and brown envelope, then with a 'Thank you, sir' and paid the bill at reception and left.

He shopped at the near books store, the books were very cheap considering they were for public welfare.

That night, he tucked Yoo Mia, his younger sister in bed and kissed her on the cheek and forehead.

"Good night," she whispered half asleep already. She had a PE exam today at school, it must be tiring.

Then went to the living room and watched the whole video and then read the thinnest journal.

The secondary traits were genetic, so he worried that Yoo Mia will also develop one, when old enough. He didn't remember much about their parents, so he wasn't sure what to expect of Mia.

Whatever it is, he can handle it.

#2

That was six months ago.

Yoo Joonghyuk didn't have any form of contact with any Dom. He took suitable suppressants and continued with his regular life. He had a lot to worry about as he was the sole earner for his family, which included him and his sister, Yoo Mia. When he took his suppressant in college, not caring much, it became known that Yoo Joonghyuk was a sub. People do notice such trivial things.

They gossiped about Yoo Joonghyuk who was tall, handsome, and well-built, famous all over the campus -  definitely should be a Dom, they assumed it. Some acted disappointed at such a natural thing. Bastards.

Many Dom approached him and it pissed him off. All he had to do was show his trademark scary eyes, to shoo such eye sores away.

"Thanks for the meal, Joonghyuk," Lee Hyunsung said gratefully, eating from the tiffin box which Junghyeok prepared for his lunchmates.

"It's been a while since I ate home-cooked food," Huiwon adds, as they all live in a dormitory except him.

"Hey bastard, come here let me pat your head in appreciation," Han Sooyoung said, as she pretends to extend her hand towards him.

Joonghyuk sends her a death glare and she retreats her hand. Han Sooyoung was a Dom, not a very good one according to him. On the other end, Sangah was good Dom but not his type. Hyunsung and Huiwon were already a pair.

It's not like he was looking for dating, but couldn't help but analyze the irritating person in front of him. Han Sooyoung wore a light purple hoody and jeans, and her cat-like eyes were focused on food. She looked so tiny and an eyesore.

"Don't zone out. Here let me feed you," Han Sooyoung was holding some meat in her chopsticks towards him, her face in an evil smile. " Come on," she insisted.

"Sooyoung, let's eat peacefully," Sangah whispered while giving her a very polite warning smile.

#3

Yoo Joonghyuk got out of the college building and marched towards the bus stand. He didn't have afternoon lectures. It was a cloudless sky and felt a little hot. He thought of buying ice creams for dessert for tonight.

Honk.

A very familiar car stopped in front of him, and the window rolled down. Han Sooyoung grinned from inside, " I can give you a ride. I have some work that way."

"I am perfectly capable of going home by myself. "

"I know that but for others' safety, I can give you a ride."

"I am a very civilized citizen."

Han Sooyoung opens her mouth, however, it seems she decided to swallow whatever sarcastic remark she had. "You sure?"

It sounded so unlike her, she never was persistent before. Yoo Joonghyuk stared at the empty seat, something in him felt the warmth like it was fine to go easy on himself and be with his friend.

Without him realizing he said, "I will come."

The drive was a quiet one. Han Sooyoung was focused on driving and some other thoughts. It was fine with him as he wasn't much of a chatter. There was the faded sound of horns and traffic outside, some song was playing at low volume. He looked at Han Sooyoung, he wanted to thank her for this ride, however, he looked outside and fell asleep.

"Hey, get up! Your home is here. Don't tell me I have to carry you up there!"

There goes his peace, he was woken up from his sleep,  " I would like to see you try, you fool."

"Bastard."

#4

On the weekend during his grocery shopping, he spotted Han Sooyoung in a cafe talking with a guy. Small world. They were leaving a cafe. Sooyoung leaned up and said something to the guy in his ears to which he blushed.

"Yoo Joonghyuk?" Han Sooyoung blinked at him after spotting him, then grinned. "Grocery shopping?"

"Yes, I am halfway done." He didn't know why he added that and also why were his feet glued to this very spot.

"Hmm, I see," she said, glancing at the huge bag in his arms. She wanted to give a remark like our dear mother hen or why dressed all black and emo but she didn't. Suddenly it didn't feel right in front of her date like those teasings were private things, what is she even thinking? She grinned. "Oh, this is Min Jiwoo."

The introduction was done from both sides. Min Jiwoo was taller than Han Sooyoung, fashionably dressed, and was still blushing, was a sub for the trending choker he wore.  It was obvious they were on a date, and not wanting to make things awkward, Joonghyuk took his leave first.

He felt disappointed for some reason, mostly his sub-self.  He knew it was because he saw Han Suyeong and Min Jiwoo, a Dom and a Sub, together and happy. Joonghyuk had put a full stop to his none existent dating life, but couldn't help but wonder will it be good to date a Dom.

Chapter Text

#5

Han Sooyoung silently offered him a lemon-flavored lollipop. He took it and popped it in his mouth.

"I can't believe Sangah broke that guy's nose. It was very awesome," Hyunsung confessed giving a thumbs up. Jung Heewon nodded approvingly.

"It was no big deal, he was in my mind for a while now. He also dared to catcall my ex." Sangah declared, flexing her wrist in a circular motion. The action was elegant, yet threatening.

"I can't believe that that bastard and his friends decided to attack a single person," Jang Hayoung said loudly from her seat. Somehow she was also dragged into all this. Junghyuk had no idea how.

"Wait, why did you take our side again?" Jung Heewon asked turning to her. Not that she wasn't grateful, just curious. She recalls how Jang Hayoung slapped the guy across his face while shouting about fairness in fights to his swollen face.

Jang Hayoung's eyes became wide as she declared, "I couldn't stand the disadvantage. And because that one bastard crashed into me!"

Yoo Joonghyuk closed his eyes. Just half an hour ago, Yoo Junghyuk was perfectly minding his business, when a Dom named, Park Seojun approached him intending to ask him out, in a very rude way.

Park Seojun wasn't fazed by his death glare and dared to take a seat in front of him in the cafeteria.

"Look Junghyuk, suppressant work just fine, but you do need a dom at some point, why not just go under one now? "

Joonghyuk had developed a lot of patience ever since his sub-self came to life. He decided to ignore the bullshit and wait for his friends to come rather than flipping the table in the scoundrel's face.

Park Seojun kept talking for a long time, and Yoo Joonghyuk consciously ignored his presence maybe because of that, he didn't expect the Dom to be behind his chair and towering over him, and then slipped a piece of paper, his number and his shoulder brushing against Park Seojun's arm. Was this supposed to be sexy? Disgusting.

Park Seojun's time was up, and a vein popped in Yoo Joonghyuk's head.

Park Seojun was already with his friends and one of them loudly spoke, " He can't refuse. Tough boys like them beg like a slut,  look at Hyunsung, and now Joong-"

It was the last straw, don't you dare talk about his friend like that. Yoo Joonghyuk punched that bastard, who crashed somewhere.

The rest of Park Seojun's friends watched it with stunned faces.  There was a pause. Then all of them pounced on him at once. 

"Crazy fucker!"

"A sub dares-!"

Yoo Joonghyuk punches the ones within his reach. That bastard Park Seojun dared to use Dom's voice on him, commanding him: Be still.

It flared his anger, but there are too many of them. Then he was taken down to the floor.

Within a minute or two all the kicking towards him stops. He first sees Han Sooyoung, grabbing someone and giving them hell, she was near to going feral. He sees all of his friends who at first were among the bystanders, then came forward looking confused for a second but then started kicking some ass.

Other students were running out of the way and the quarter of the cafeteria was turned upside down.  It didn't even last five minutes.

All of them were dragged away by security called by one of the cafeteria's workers. Their asses were going to the principal's office, however, Professor Namjung spotted them. She was a tall and intimating woman and towered over all of them and reprimanded them. All of their eyes were lowered to the ground. Yoo Joonghyuk didn't feel guilty though, he just felt sad that his favorite professor found out first.

Till the time she was finished with them, they all looked drained. Then without giving the bastards another glance, they left and sat on the lawn at their university. The grass was soft and trimmed.

"By the way, Joonghyuk are you okay?" Jung Huiwon asked.

"Yes, I am fine. Thanks to all of you." Joonghyuk says very softly. His gentleness surprises everyone, they can see his affection.

"If he troubles you again, please don't fight him alone, let us know," Sangah again being reasonable of us all.

Yoo  Joonghyuk glances at Han Sooyoung who was very quiet all the time. Maybe she finds this waste of time, the way she is very still by his side.

Suddenly Han Sooyoung turns to him, and their eyes meet, there was something different in her gaze, maybe the same could be said for him because he couldn't look away. Her eyes roam all over him, obviously checking for injuries. Joonghyuk became very conscious of his appearance. He didn't deny the fact that he didn't feel any anger or irritation for being stared at.

Chapter Text

#6

Han Sooyoung can't write romance well.

Not yet, she thought encouragingly.

Even though in college, she was already a writer of half-successful novels. It makes her schedule very tight, and monotonous, now however there was one more thing she looked forward to that was seeing comments on her new chapter!

It was 1 at night when she decided to sleep. One last time she checked her phone, she chuckles to herself when she finds her reader online.

Han Sooyoung had made a contract with him, to be her first reader, that's it. Weird right? A contract? However, it felt so right.

Slowly she understood why it felt so correct and perfect. They met each other many times after the contract. She vividly remembers, how he arrived late for one of their meetings because it started raining. While leaving, she didn't have an umbrella as the rain was unexpected.

"Someone's getting all wet and dirty while going home with no umbrella and all," he said in a mocking tone and
waved his umbrella in her face. She was going to retort that her rich ass had a car parked nearby. It happened quickly.

He produced one more umbrella from somewhere and shoved it in her hand.

"Cats can't stand the rain," he murmured something along those lines and left waving his hand. Does he have any idea, what it did to her? She had this small urge to follow him and kiss the fool. But it will scare him and he will run away.

Han Sooyoung just knows that man can't understand people, and none less himself.

At first, she was in denial as it was too early for her. But when she realized he wasn't conscious of the bond, she felt disappointed but sighed in relief that she was under no pressure to be in any relationship. She has seen when fated pairs meet each other, so much hurry and every moment becomes a blur.

She wanted him to understand it slowly and wanted him to stay close. So it was the only way she can keep in contact with an antisocial person.

A writer and A reader.

It should be an honor for him to get his eyes on her work before anyone, even before her editor.

GeniusWriter:
Hey, squid...

ScammerRat:
Hi...lemon head

GeniusWriter:
I have not yet completed my draft of the next chapter...will take a while

ScammerRat:
Fine as long as your lazy ass takes her time.

GeniusWriter:
Shut up conman, at least I am sincere. I know how you did one to Professor Rodgraim...

ScammerRat:
I am talentless, so I am catching at the straws.

GeniusWriter:
How annoying.

ScammerRat:
You are annoying.

You are the one who said how relationships will be professional me a reader and you a writer. However here we are having an irrelevant conversation.

GeniusWriter:
Just sleep. You won't get any after I bombast you with drafts.

ScammerRat:
If you stop chatting then I can sleep.

Han Sooyoung groaned and closed the app and tossed her phone to the side. It went fine, at least way better than Yoo Joinghyuk who was ice man.

Oh, she forgot to mention, fated mates can be more than one.

One was an emotionally detached person and another is emotionally constipated.

She had to hold back, or she scares away both of them because it felt like she was the only one who completely acknowledged the bond. After Yoo Joonghyuk presented there was a flip of the switch in her. She saw him the same, and spend the same amount of time with him but she knew, only her.

Han Sooyoung had to use her writing skills to make some progress in her life when these two haven't even met yet.

She slept too tired to think anymore.

Next day...

GeniusWriter:
Come over, I am too tired to walk to your department.

Han Sooyoung sends the message gleefully. Their university was big so there were two cafeterias. Her reader was in another part of the college, so she brought his ass over here.

She sat at their usual table already occupied by her friends, she hid her excitement and glanced at Joonghyuk, who looked handsome as always, all black, and with the same stoic neutral expression on his face, elegantly eating his meal. It was bliss to watch him...

"What are you staring at?" Joonhyuk asked. Okay, maybe one needs to overlook his personality.

"Your ugly mug, you messy eater" Just wait today you are about to get a shock for life, just let him come. Joonghyuk noticed she had that evil smile on her face. He sighs.

Han Sooyoung phone chimed.

Scammer Rat:
Hey, can you step outside?

GeniusWriter:
Come in squid. Nobody will eat you and you can have lunch with me. We need to get used to seeing each other's faces.

Han Sooyoung just typed whatever came to her mind. It was the first step of her plan! It can't go fail. There was no reply for a while. She thought writing more gibberish...

Scammer Rat:
Fine, please at least raise your hand so I can find you.

Han Sooyoung shot up so quickly that everyone at the table stared at her, she ignored them. She scanned the entrance, then spotted her target who wore a very loose shirt, tight jeans, and a backpack on his shoulder. She waved frantically at him.

"Over here!"

He walked to her, and she pushed him to a chair. Everyone was very focused on the new appearance, very skinny for his age.

"This is Kim Dokja, everyone."

Kim Dokja awkwardly looked around except directly at anyone's face. He was stunned at appearance of too many people. He must be cursing me in his mind, Han Suyeong thought ( evil smile returning)

"Hello, Dokja. I am Hyunsung."

With that, everyone made their introduction except Joonghyuk who still ate his food without much interest in the surrounding.

"May I ask something?" Sangah said politely. Dokja nodded. " Does Dokja stands for only child or reader?"

Dokja blinked the same way he did when Han Suyeong asked the same question when they first met. Usually, people assume it to be only a child.

"Reader," Dokja replied.

"That's right. He is the first reader of my works!"

"Yup, I forgot she writes stories for elementary students." Jung Heewon says in teasing.

"How do you review such things Dokja? She must give you a hard time, " Sangah added.

Dokja smiles timidly, "Well, she does give me some. But I still wish to help her out."

This rat! It was that one time Han Sooyoung did write for the elementary classroom, just for fun nothing more, until she was caught by Heewon!

"It was a one-time thing!" she glares at them. " You squid, what about the oath to not let anyone know about my work!"

"I am not spoiling any."

"It utmost importance that we don't talk about it..." Han Sooyoung rants.

Kim Dokja grins at the irked writer. Take that for not informing him about having lunch with her and her friends.

_________________

Chapter Text

#7

Yoo Junghyuk had noticed a new presence at their table, Kim Dokja. The guy was underfed and appeared to have a very less-than-ordinary dressing style. His bangs were a mess, and so were the glasses that he wore at times.

Han Sooyoung made sure Kim Dokja was at the table at least three times a week. During that period, she focused on her annoying self on him, rather than Yoo Junghyeok.

Junghyeok was very pleased with such a setting, he thought so, but, he felt odd when her attention was not on him.

Han Sooyoung and he did not share any classes, their course was different and lunch was the only time when they saw each other.

Now half her time of the week was spent on that guy, so it left him sneaking glances at the pair. Was he craving attention? From Han Suyeong? His sub-self honestly agreed to his thoughts, he felt a longing for something, anything, a small touch, a hug, a smile, maybe a pat...

Junghyeok has taken his suppressants, they can stop or manage his body's reactions but not his thoughts. He was always confident about his strong will and self-understanding, that he doesn't need a Dom right now.

Yet his thoughts were drifting away. To Han Sooyoung chatting with Kim Dokja. Her whole posture turned toward this man, intrigued by whatever he was saying, completely ignoring Joonghyuk.

He felt irritated by Kim Dokja's lifestyle even though it was not his business. Dark circles, and less interest in his outer appearance, lived more in his head.

Even his sister had a basic understanding of self-preserving and eating healthy meals. He clicked his tongue.

"Junghyuk, stop staring like that! " Jung Heewon asserted.

Then Yoo Junghyuk came to his senses, unknowingly he was throwing daggers with eyes at a boy sitting next table. The boy looked a second away from crying.

"Stop scaring people, you psycho!" Han Suyeong taunted him.

Joonghyuk noticed how Kim Dokja looked at him, then was embarrassed when their eyes met.

#8

Kim Dokja's college life was monotonous and severely lacked human contact. He always tried to fade into the background.

Usually, Kim Dokja sat alone for lunch but sometimes a girl from his course named, Lee Seollwa could be beside him, trying to start a conversation. However, it didn't get anywhere, they didn't even reach the mark of friendship, just some acquaintance.

Kim Dokja wanted a friend, but he struggled with talking. It was the first time in his life that someone approached him first, even before Han Sooyoung. He wondered, why?

Lee Seollwa was a beautiful girl, quiet and thoughtful. Despite having friends, most of the time she was found alone deeply buried in her notes, books, and whatever she had at the moment.

When she realized that she can't force a friendship out of him, she restricted herself to small talk and sometimes just having a silent lunch with Kim Dokja.

Kim Dokja appreciated it, but he felt pathetic that he just can't make a move to solidify their friendship. He wanted it, one friend.

Han Sooyoung was the second person to approach him directly with an official contract. Him being a reader of hers. They meet very casually, in the most cliched way, he bumped into her in the corridor, and her things fell.

He apologized. Instead of the usual angry face expected of a person, she stared him down with a surprised face like she discovered something big or just had an epiphany. Her vivid expression made him check out if he still had clothes on, which he had.

Then she ran away.

Without taking her fallen stuff.

Without thinking, Kim Dokja ran after her, or more like his feet gravitated after her. "Hey, miss. Take this!"

"No, no, no..." she mumbled, looking back while running.

"You dropped this!" Kim Dokja yelled. He didn't want to be burdened with finding her to return her notepad. Despite his weak physique, he outran her, and he made a forgotten promise to himself to work out.

The girl was red-faced due to running Dokja assumed, her eyes glaring, her lips in a tight line, a whole agitated look on her face. She was very beautiful, Kim Dokja thought but could not accept it, not when he was forced to physically exhaust himself.

"What?" she let out. "We are too young for this! I am only 21-"

"I have no idea what you are talking about. Just take your book, " Kim Dokja cut her off and shoved it in her hand, and he turned to move away. Why was she so dramatic? Why was he being so rude?

"Wait."

That one word. He stopped in his tracks. He felt a slow heat rise in his body, he looked at her again. She looked so different, her gaze soft, as if a switch was flipped in her head, and it made his heart pound in his chest, God he needed some exercise or he will die of a heart condition.

"What?" he asked, too coldly for his liking.

She thought for a moment, annoyed at his tone, and wanted to retort back, however, stuck with -

"Thank you very much. And sorry for running away like that. I am a writer, so inspiration struck me anytime, and I needed to write it down and I didn't have a pen."

Kim Dokja partly believed it and nodded. Writer huh? Well, Dokja might just have a weak spot for some. He handed her his pen. She stared at the pen like it was an alien object and both of their faces flared into a red hue, too late to realize his action.

She took it, opened her book, and scribbled something in excitement. With the velocity she wrote, the handwriting seemed unreadable, not that Dokja was interested in knowing.

Han Sooyoung was aware of the presence beside her, her fated partner. She just received the shock of her life and was holding very well, but couldn't help but admire why wasn't it affecting the man in front of her. How was he so good at handling such things?

For a moment Han Sooyoung believed he was very mature, only to find him avoid looking at her. Even while writing, half her attention was on him, bouncing on his feet, very awkwardly glancing everywhere. On the other hand, Han Sooyoung channelized her energy to write down gibberish, her Dom self was very pleased and howled for more.

Ten minutes later, she returned his pen. Kim Dokja wondered why he stayed around like an idiot, he should just have run away.

"I am Han Sooyoong," she introduced herself. "Thank you for the pen."

Han Sooyoung knew something was up with her fated pair, and her gut feeling told her not to drop the bomb about their bond.

"I am Kim Dokja."

That's how they met.

_______________

Chapter Text

#9

Kim Dokja stayed awake late in the night, doing his only passionate hobby: reading.

He started reading right after the so-called dinner with his uncle and aunty and their superior in every way
son. He just wished to get lost in the world of words, rather than overthinking over the crap his uncle was saying while eating.

The same bullshit about how Kim Dokja was old enough to live on his own and yet he was still in their very warm house feeling no shame whatsoever. Kim Dokja wished to retort back, but he never does that. He too wished that he could bolt out of this house, the first chance he gets, however, he lacked funds.

His relatives weren't going to pay his rent, bills, and food. The moment he says something offensive enough he was going to get kicked out, that's what he believed.

It was almost 3 am, he has been reading for 6 hours now and finally dozed off. Forgetting about the uneasy and tense dinner, his self-pity, and his anger that he couldn't say anything back...

Forgetting.

Kim Dokja couldn't keep his hands stable, he felt kept fidgeting with his shirt or doodling in his book or can't stop shaking his legs. He didn't even realize that his desk moved so much that-

"Mr. Kim, what is it? Why are you disturbing my class?" Professor Rodgraim's asked in a stern voice. Dokja apologized, ears little red. The handsome face of the professor gave him one last look and continued with the lecture.

He did not sleep well. He felt stiff, tired, and very uncomfortable with his skin. Then it was the lunch hour, he grabbed his stuff and hurried for a quick bite. He didn't eat breakfast, for two reasons first, he didn't want to stay any longer in the house. Second, he saved money.

By the time he reached the cafeteria, he was more exhausted than usual. It was as if, he crossed from one point of campus to another.

He reached the counter and bought the cheap meal box and banana milk, paid, and sat down. He was early as usual to avoid crowding. The seat in front of him was empty so no Lee Seollwa. He began with his meal.

It was a little bland, however, it was just good. He sat in a public place with noises around, yet it felt good than eating in his house with the suffocating atmosphere.

The chair in front of him was suddenly occupied, he didnt pay much attention. A minute later, a tiffin box came into his sight, well-packed with delicious food and a very rich aroma. It was the one you will see on the TV prepared by a professional chef, well decorated and appetizing.

It was gently pushed toward him. Kim Dokja looked only to choke on the bite he was munching.

He blinked in sheer confusion as to what Han Sooyoung's friend, Yoo Joonghyuk was doing in this corner of the University. The handsome man raised an eyebrow, damn that protagonist-type aura. Kim Dokja might have read too many web novels because those were his first thought when he first saw Yoo Joonghyuk.

Before he could ask the question, the man said, "They are leftovers so don't think much and eat."

"Thank you, Joonghyuk," Dokja replied and resumed his lunch. Well, he didnt want to say no to such delicious leftovers, his mouth watered just by staring at them. He ate the egg roll with his chopsticks and it melted in his mouth, he stiffed a moan. He couldn't care less as to why Yoo Joonghyuk was here.

"Dokja, you are here today," Hyunsung said. "I can seat here, right?" Dokja nodded, bewildered. Hyunsung dropped his bag on the next seat, set his food tray on the table, and sat down. The remaining people slowly started to appear except Han Sooyoung.

Only then Kim Dokja realized that he was in the other cafeteria, he walked all the way here and didnt even realize it. He was grateful that he didn't embarrass himself by asking stupid questions. All he could think was running away, before Han Sooyoung comes and declares she didnt text him to come.

Han Sooyoung and anyone at the table shouldn't feel that he forced his way here, maybe his presence must annoy them.

"Kim Dokja, can you focus on eating," Yoo Joonghyuk asked, his face very close to showing his displeasure. Kim Dokja had his hand paused, his chopsticks in the air in an awkward position.

"So what have you cooked for us today, Joonghyuk," Jung Heewon asked as a TV show host interviewing a chef in a food show.

"Nothing, these are leftovers," Yoo Joonghyuk repeated pointing with his chin at the meal. So obliviously it looked very fresh to be called leftovers.
Then his attention was on Dokja who gulped under the fierce gaze.

"Joonghyuk, even your leftovers are very fancy," Hyunsung says while helping himself to portion from the tiffin.

"Maybe I should just learn the leftover recipe, at least I won't feel so bad about my cooking," Jung Huiwon added.

"You cook just fine, Huiwon, it's just Joonghyuk is on the next level, " Sangah motivated her.

Kim Dokja swallowed his food, a little faster, naturally not taking part in the conversation around the table. The same goes for Yoo Joonghyuk. For whatever reason, Yoo Joonghyuk decided to keep an eye on him, and Kim Dokja did his best to ignore the handsome face.

According to Kim Dokja, Yoo Joonghyuk was very complicated to describe, always with a guarded face, and with a set of dark eyes that conveyed emotions. But somehow he felt he understood Yoo Joonghyuk. Even though they barely had any talk, he felt familiar with him.

Once he was done, he picked up the trash. "I will leave first"

"You are not waiting for Han Sooyoung?" Jung Huiwon asked.

"I will give her a call later."

________________

Chapter Text

#10

Kim Dokja was getting used to his new friends, he can confidently use that term. There was no time, place, or occasion when you realize something, it just happens it crashes onto you and you think back to all-time you spent together with them.

It happened to Kim Dokja, he experienced it firsthand.

"How did you get these passes again?" Jung Heewon was examining the bright-colored cards, a suspicious gaze held on them. Then she moved it to the owner of the passes, Han Sooyoung. Heewon narrows her gaze more, if it was possible.

"I am telling you my novel won a prize!"

"They hold a competition for elementary school writing too?" Hyunsung asked in surprise.

"Not for my elementary story! But my real novel! How many times I have told you? It was a one-time thing!" Han Sooyoung had labored breaths as she glared at everyone.

"But still aren't they very expensive passes?" Yoo Sangha inquires in a soft voice not wanting to agitate her writer-friend more.

"Well, it was a surprise for me too. I entered the competition thinking they will cash price or something. I won! And this was the prize. I can't believe I wrote 10,000 words for this-"

"It is a good story, Sooyoung, though it lacks the depth of character and two small plot holes, however still's better than the rest of the entries," Kim Dokja spoke looking into the soul of Han Sooyoung. He must accept, it was one hella rollercoaster, from start to end. A smart one she was.

Han Sooyoung stared back equally, as they connected spiritually, both grinning maniacally. The rest judged them hard with Sangah sighing loudly. Yoo Joonghyuk's eyebrows twitched at his time being wasted and also because these fools were standing at either side of him, too close. He could practically feel their sides touching him. His sub-self reacted to warmth their bodies emited. So, he threw the most scary-looking glare at them, fuming and took a healthy step back.

"So, you don't want to go with your family, Sooyoung?" Hyunsung changed the topic to a question in everyone's mind.

"Nope. My parents don't care they are busy. I prefer to not disturb them," Han Sooyoung said seriously, she was standing very erect and added almost nervously " I want to have fun and I thought of all of you first."

Jung Heewon smiled. She walked up to Sooyoung and patted her back, a little roughly. "Fine, friend. I am coming."

We all smiled.

"Oh, me too," Yoo Sangah tip-toed and raised her hand as if giving attendance in the lecture.

"Count me in," Hyunsung grinned.

Yoo Joonghyuk gave an approving nod too, thinking Yoo Mia did want to go on a sleepover at one of her friend's house.   

"Dokja?" Hyunsung gave him a questioning look. Kim Dokja was silent for a moment. He had expected Han Sooyoung to be the one to prompt him, but it was Lee Hyunsung, it made his heart warm to acknowledge the fact that this boy considers his opinion, a part of him wants Dokja to be on the trip. It made him realize that they were friends.

"Yes. "

"Fine, the decision is made. No one will back down now!" Han Sooyoung announced bouncing on her feet and Jung Heewon held the passes in the air waving them.

It was 2 and a half hours' travel by the company-arranged bus, and the passes included traveling costs, lunch, and dinner. And just because it was Han Sooyoung, they gave free barbeque restaurant passes too. Oh too be famous!

On the day of the trip-

For Kim Dokja this was the first-ever trip with his friends, he felt excited and his ears turned red as couldn't hold it in. Han Sooyoung noticed and pinched his ears, instead of her regular sarcastic comment she leaned in, and Kim Dokja imitated her action. They stayed like that. He had no idea what to do next, Han Sooyoung wet her lips, and his eyes lingered on them, soft and tempting, he thought. She pulled back and got on the travel bus.

Kim Dokja was left outside, confused and unsatisfied. He pushed his suitcase to the side of the bus where the rest of the members were arranging the luggage in the side compartment. 

Yoo Joonghyuk took his suitcase without him asking for permission. Kim Dokja again felt his face heat up as those biceps of the handsome guy, flexed right in front of his nose. He looked away.

On the bus, he sat beside Yoo Joonghyuk and didn't even get the window seat. The guy ignored his presence and bored a hole in the window.

In the back, the energetic Jung Heewon and Jang Hayoung (Han Sooyoung invited her too as she helped her fated- cough - Yoo Joonghyuk that one time) had already decided what games they were going to play on the journey.

Hyunsung protested about the rules to Jung Heewon, Han Sooyoung was saying she couldn't care what everyone thought about rules. Jang Hayoung kept repeating something on top of her voice and Yoo Sangah suggested changing the game but nobody listened to her. 

"The loser has to save their eyebrows," Jang Hayoung declared.

"Too harsh. How about dying their hair!"

Kim Dokja wasnt the self-exerting being, however, he couldn't stop himself as they began their fourth round during their journey.

"It will be the last one!" Jung Heewon declared as they were going to reach their destination.

The results of losers and winners were respectively: ( they cared more about the losers due to the penalty)
1st Round: Hayoung; Dokja
2n Round: Yoo Sangah; Hyunsung
3rd Round: Joonghyuk; Dokja

It seemed nobody was going to lose twice, so there won't be an ultimate loser.

Yet...

4th Round: Joonghyuk; Sangah

There was silence, everyone stared at the man of the hour himself. Yoo Joonghyuk had a surprised look on his face too which made him look more vibrant. Dokja's heart skipped a beat. Then there was a burst of shouting.

" Half green and half purple hair!"

" No white!"

"Rainbow? So weird. Everyone will think he is a creep!"

"Wait, wait, wait! " Jung Heewon took charge. " We have a winner too. Dokja will choose."

Kim Dokja sat beside the man and felt the killing intent head-on. Still, he gave one of the shit-eating grins, " I choose hot pink and a ponytail!"

Cheers erupted.

This was just the start of their journey.

Chapter Text

#11

Their whole day went in visiting various rides, three different haunted houses with different themes, even there were water rides, and eating lots of snacks. There were famous ice cream shops in the area, even small handmade gift shops.

Jung Heewon took Hyunsung away to do some private shopping and bought a matching bracelet for herself and him. He blushed as she tied it around his wrist and then kissed it gently. She was pleased that her sub loved it and used her Dom's command: Good Boy.

The party ate lunch, then tasty ice cream as dessert in the hot weather. Looking at Heewon and Hyunsung, Kim Dokja felt envious, he was happy for the couple but deep down he wanted something similar. He glanced at Han Sooyoung, maybe...

Kim Dokja got her attention and excluded them from the main group walking at the very last. He was an expert because he knew what could interest her the most.

"I think I am getting inspiration, a change," she was saying, but the words didnt reach his ears.

He blurted out, " Can I kiss you on your cheek?"

Han Sooyoung shut her mouth, blinking at him, her mouth opened and closed like a goldfish.

He stuttered, whole body trembling, "I - I mean I want to do it in appreciation for you bringing me here-"

"You can, Dokja. "

When he thought no one was looking, Dokja pecked her cheek, not too slow, not too fast.

Yoo Joonghyuk might have dropped his ice cream somewhere, as he gawked at the pair in front of him. He was left behind because his picky ass just noticed something good enough for his sister. He felt rage and wanted to walk away.

But why?

It's just a kiss, wait not even a kiss just a peck to Sooyoung by Dokja.

Why was he even thinking about this? He felt cold sticky liquid on his fingers, oh, he didnt drop it yet but might have held it too hard.

His eyes widen more, this time he dropped his cone. He was sure. Han Sooyoung smirked as she caught the Dokja who was attempting to flee. She whispered something in his ears and just like that pecked him back.

The rest of the day was fun. Kim Dokja was high on energy suddenly, Han Sooyoung was the same only that she had this stupid grin on her face. Yoo Joonghyuk bottled up his unexplainable anger, oh, he believed it was anger, not jealousy.

Left out, that's what he felt.

They were all tired by the time they sat on the bus to go back home at 7 pm. They had an early dinner at the barbeque place inside the park. He choose the big last seat all to himself, it was obvious no one will seat beside him.

As soon as he settled he closed his eyes.

"Joonghyuk?" Dokja called the man, he even slapped his cheeks, however, Joonghyuk was dead asleep. He took the liberty of getting seated beside me, it was a huge ass last seat. Han Sooyoung joined from the other side of the sleeping man.

Sleep was knocking on his eyelids, Kim Dokja entertained one thought before blackout: It was sweet to have Joonghyuk in the middle of them.

#12

" the photos came out well. I look so cool, " Jand Hayoung said, waving a picture of her in cool goggles.

They were all looking at the pictures from that day taken on so bright and sunny day, they look fresh and young.

"Look at this one, Dokja looks like a squid."

It was the picture in which Dokja had just opened his mouth too wide, to eat food, his nose appeared very big.

"Oh you guys look so cute together, I couldn't resist not taking a photo!" Sangah said placing a photo on the table. Everyone gathered around it.

Yoo Joonghyuk was sleeping, head resting on the wall of the bus, Han Sooyoung at one side, her arms enclosed around his waist her head placed on his shoulder, and her cheek was chubby. Kim Dokja occupied Joonghyuk's lap with his head, his legs stretched on the seat- a little awkwardly- yet he slept so peacefully. Yoo Joonhyuk's hand was on Sooyoung's circling arm and the other was on Dokja's back.

The scene was so comfy. Despite the squeezing they were snoozing effortlessly.

Three of the people in the picture blushed profusely.

"Yoo Joonghyuk was a free estate that day," Jang Hayoung commented.

____________________

Chapter Text

#13

"What are you doing?" Yoo Joonghyuk finally asks not able to keep his curiosity to himself. He happened to bump into Kim Dokja in the library, which made his heart pump a little faster and they sat at the same table.

They both studied, that's what Yoo Joonghyuk thought, but two hours into it and Dokja breaks into a smile while reading his notes. The smile was so genuine and bright. Joonghyuk had never seen it. Dokja took his phone out and texted someone, still having that stupid smile.

"What are you doing?" Joonghyuk asks again.

Kim Dokja looks up from the phone in surprise. "Oh, just texting Sooyoung..."

"Thinking about her makes you smile"

Kim Dokja flushes, "No, it's nothing like that."

Yoo Joonghyuk rolls his eyes, remembering how lovely dovey they got on the trip.

"Right." He says and goes back to studying. He forgot which line he was on.

"Come here, you will like this too!" Kim Dokja beckons him, patting the chair beside him.

"No thanks."

" I insist."

Kim Dokja gets up from his place and goes to Joonghyuk's side. He seats on the chair next to him, forcing the papers below the studying man's eyes.

"Look, she writes so well. I have circled his part. Too good."

"Not interested." Yoo Joonghyuk glares at him.

"Fine, I will stop being annoying then, " Kim Dokja gets up, shoulder dropped.

"You are not annoying."

"I know I am, I feel it around you. I am sorry."

Joonghyuk couldn't believe the turn the conversation just took. The way Dokja declared such a ridiculous thing so confidently. He does not reply and they go back to their work.

However, it kept bugging Joonghyuk. He secretly glances at Dokja, who is again focused on the manuscript.

"Dokja let's go home for today. "

"You go ahead please."

"I was hoping we could have dinner together."

There was no reply. Joonghyuk packs up and sighs. There were times when Joonghyuk could straight up seem to be rude, and ignorant, and might feel unapproachable, but that was his normal self. All are used to him, except Dokja. He wants to make it clear to Dokja that his presence does not bother him, instead, he craves more.
 
He decides to try one more time.

"Kim Dokja..."

"Let's go, not that I can resist your charms," Dokja sasses.

They ate at a new noodle shop near the library and Dokja walks Joonghyuk to the bus station.

"Listen, don't misunderstand me. I was not interested in the manuscripts, it had to do nothing to you," Joonghyuk says looking at the poster of a sale on the opposite side of the road, to avoid looking at the reader.

"I am sorry for reacting like that"

Kim Dokja sighs in relief, all this friendship is very new to him, and he just doesn't know what boundaries are. Dokja has grown ascumsoted to Joonghyuk and this silent man was more expressive than he could ever be.

"I will try to do better, Joon-hyuk."

"You just have to be yourself. I like it."

Kim Dokja flushes, that was smooth. Was Joonghyuk always this flattering?

Honk!

"What the hell? Did you guys go on a date or something?! Without me?" Han Sooyoung yelled rolling the window down of her car.

"No, we did not! Also, the fact that three people can't go on a date!" Dokja yells back, channeling his blushing into it.

Han Sooyoung slapped her hand to her mouth in a dramatic fashion. " what do you know about that? Huh? I will show you! First, get in."

"Like hell, you can show anyone!"

Dokja and Joonghyuk get into the car and Sooyoung began to drive.

"I can, let's fix a date. Sunday, sharp 10 am."

"Who will be the third person?" Dokja says. Of course, they are joking. He chuckles, I mean it's normal to goof around once in a while.

"I volunteer," Yoo Joonghyuk says and raises his hand halfway.

"Cool, we have three people now," Han Sooyoung gives a nod as she slows down the car at the traffic signal goes red.

"Where should we go?" Sooyoong asks.

"Hiking seems good but I don't mind Murim Shrine for the food there is very good," Joonghyuk suggests.

"Yup, Murim Shrine it is. So Sundays are okay with you, Joonghyuk? Dokja?"

Dokja might have gone through various degrees of emotional changes. He looks between Sooyoung in the driving seat and Joonghyuk in the passenger seat. The joke element is nowhere to be seen.

He stutters. " I am not sure if it will be fun with me around...I am not even sure friends do on such dates..."

"I am not going as a friend," Joonghyuk says. Sooyoung eyes go wide,  but she confesses too, " Me the same."

Dokja fumbles with the corner of his shirt. There are times when Dokja could run away from such things, as friendships, attachment, and closeness. Right, there is a way to run, to just say no. That he can't do it.

He wants it, but can't have it. It won't last, he will be the one to ruin it for them all. Like how he could never really be confined to his mother of what his relatives did to him. His mother tries to ask, but he knows it will only make her sad. He runs away by talking about the stories Sooyoong has written during their meeting sessions.

Both of them were looking ahead, Dokja is alone in the seat behind, yet he could sense that they are waiting for his answer. Will they try to change his mind? Can they please do that for him, for he can't do it himself? Can they help him without him needing to ask for it?

"Dokja?" It was Joonghyuk.

The car is stopped somewhere, and Sooyoung and Joonghyuk are turned around in their seats and watch him. He has no idea how long he was lost in his thoughts for her to stop driving. They were concerned.

"I...I will think about it."

"The answer is either yes or no, " Han Sooyoung says gently. "I don't want you to think about it, I want you to do what you feel like right now."

"Dokja, it is very simple. Yes or no. We are not labeling anything after the date, we can remain, friends, if you prefer that."

"Hey, squid, just tell us please."

Kim Dokja wets his lips and grins. "Okay. Let's go to one."

"Can you kiss me Dokja?" Yoo Joonghyuk asks.

"Me too!" Sooyoung chimes in.

"Wait, what up with you guys?!"

______

Chapter Text

#14

A few months passed away.

Kim Dokja was moving out of his relative's house to an apartment he rented with his own money made by working his ass off in part-time jobs and editing work at weekends.

It was shabby and old but very close to his university and it was his own. The moving date slipped through his lips while being with Han Sooyoung, so she was here too.

"Why are these boxes not named, you wanna go crazy looking for things?" she asked from somewhere between the boxes.

Kim Dokja didnt own many things and most of them were his mother, he didnt want to throw the stuff away, nor did want them in front of his eyes, they were dead weights. He was going to keep stuff packed away somewhere, where he didnt bother to look.

They were already at the location and the process of unloading the boxes has started. Han Sooyoung could carry two medium boxes at a time up the stairs, the same as Kim Dokja, though unlike her, he could halt on his way up, catching his breath. She could jog!!

But they were nothing compared to the monster, Yoo Joonghyuk. That man carried four boxes and ran up the stairs with ease.

Han Sooyoung claims Yoo Joonghyuk decided to tag alone after she told him her plans. It felt odd to her Yoo Joonghyuk tagging anyone.

Kim Dokja was resting on the stair when Yoo Joonghyuk passed up, throwing a disappointed look at his weakness.

While Kim Dokja looked at Joonhyuk's flexing back muscles as he moved up, broad shoulders which made him appear huge, and a small waist, he looked away with a hot face. He shouldn't just ogle the person helping him.

His Dom self was very pleased with the sight, something of Yoo Joonghyuk and Han Sooyoung helping him stirred his insides, he had some reliable people. Some things have changed since their date, they are more open with physical touches, to kisses, and even go on occasional dates.

They didnt try to define their relationship, they just went with the flow.

After an hour, all of the things were up in the apartment. Han Sooyoung and Kim Dokja were going to collapse with their backs touching each other for support-

"We are going to dust and rearrange before resting," Yoo Joonghyuk declared sensing their plan.

"What's the hurry?! We will die from exhaustion, you bastard!"

"Han Sooyoung, I know that you won't move your ass for the next 10 hours if you sat down now!"

"It does not take that long!"

"Yes, it does. " And they go off.

"We will take a -"

"No, we shouldn't sit in the dust-"

Kim Dojka wanted clear the fact that more than half of things( his mother's things) didnt need unpacking, and conditions weren't that bad because he previously came to clean up all the webs and combs as the apartment was closed for only 15 days after the last tenant left. No matter how tempting it looks to let all the work be completed by them both, Kim Dokja shouldn't think that way. They were nice enough to help him, despite being very uncooperative with him.

"I shouldn't burden you with the rest, I am grateful enough. Let's go eat something my treat, " Kim Dokja said voiced over the banter going on between the two people which was slowly turning into a physical one.

They ignored him.

Kim Dokja sighed. As Dokja had mentioned about the apartment cleaning, it took less than 2 hours to make it livable.

"I will cook," Yoo Joonghyuk declared and disappeared into the small kitchen as soon as the dusting was over. Han Sooyoung and Kim Dokja glanced at each other, they wanted to rest, but, Dokja began to set the table.

"I will get some ice cream," Sooyoung says and left.

After more than 2 hours, they were fed by Yoo Joonghyuk's excellent cooking, Sooyoung cleaned the table, the dishes were washed by Dokja, and then the ice cream was devoured. They lay beside each other on the floor, back pressed to the shaggy sofa, their tummies very full.

Dokja was in the middle. He had this urge which might get him killed. He glanced at Joonghyuk, his fluffy head with hair tousled from all the work. He wanted to touch it. His hand curled and uncurled in his lap, he was hesitating not because of fear of getting ripped in half, but of the sensation. What if it was too addicting? What if it hooks him up?

"Joonghyuk, please come here, " Han Sooyoung said, peeking up from her phone.

Joonghyuk leaned to Sooyoung, one hand on Dokja's thigh. Sooyoung raised her hand and patted Joonghyuk's head. She skimmed her hand through his hair, gently. "I enjoyed the food. "

Joonghyuk lost his cool at the unexpected gesture, he looked down, and his sub-self had never been so pleased. He had taken suppressants, however, they were no use when he liked it. His body uncharacteristically trembled, Han Sooyoung haven't even used her Dom command.

Yet it felt similar. He let his guard down. The suppressant's effect was slowly neutralized by his will. They might have realized that too, both Kim Dokja and Han Sooyoung. Yoo Joonghyuk still didnt dare to look up. It only took a head pat to make him lose all his defenses, whatever they might believe, he knew it wasnt anything negative.

The subs who lose it after just one gesture from Doms weren't highly thought off, more humiliated than anything. But what if feelings were involved? They won't think of him like that, right?

He trusted these Doms.

Kim Dokja ruffled his locks too, just new at experiencing things as a Dom as Yoo Joonghyuk as a sub. Dokja put some locks behind Joonghyuk's ear shell, then slowly slipped his fingers to his jaw, under his chin, and lifted his head. Dokja serenely took in the handsome face, the usual sharpness on the face was replaced by tender and pouting lips.

The Doms looked at each other, and an understanding passed between them.

"Joonghyuk," Dokja said his name, firmly, fingers under the chin. Then he used Dom's voice: Good Boy

This was what the sub felt when he truly was open and out in front of Dom, Joonghyuk was frozen with the overwhelming emotion of being praised and how he pleased his Doms, he felt light, he felt limp. His body was pulled into a warm hug by both.

"Thank you," his voice was low, trembling, and sincere.

"No thank you," Kim Dokja says.

Han Sooyoong could only feel relief that they managed to open to up to each other. She hugs them tighter.

They have a long way to go and there was no hurry.

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