Work Text:
Kim Dokja was always alone.
No one was willing to be around him and stick up for him when he was bullied.
There was nothing for him to look forward to as the son of a murderer.
He accepted that.
He'd allow himself to be alone for the rest of his life, and there was nothing he could do about it.
Then he met Han Sooyoung, a girl the same age as him.
Her hair was short, her eyes cat-like, and her speaking style was horrific.
"What are you doing here?" Sooyoung questioned, head tilted to the side in confusion. She held her hand for him to take, to which he did.
Dokja didn't answer; he's never been in this situation.
It felt weird to hear it from someone as if they cared for him.
"Let's go to the infirmary." Before Dokja could decline, Sooyoung grabbed his hand and pulled him up, dragging him.
Dokja flinched slightly at the sudden movement.
Everyone in the hallway looked at the two. No one commented on the odd situation as Sooyoung glared at them all.
And so, Dokja was led to the nurses' office without any trouble. The nurse herself wasn't there, which boded well for Dokja.
The nurse would always scold and treat him harshly whenever he came to the infirmary to minister his bruises and cuts.
"You don't have to do this," Dokja murmured underneath his breath as Sooyoung let go of his hand.
Sooyoung glared at Dokja, "You shouldn't say that. Look at yourself." she grabbed a couple of things from the drawers and applied alcohol onto Dokja's face.
He didn't flinch or make a sound. He was used to the pain; at this point, it was almost a daily routine.
"This is normal, though," Dokja replied; Sooyoung frowned slightly.
"I'll make sure that it's not normal then." She answered with confidence. Dokja didn't understand what her motives were.
"You shouldn't. There is no need to bother into someone else's affairs." Dokja closed his eyes. He rather not have Sooyoung deal with the same treatment he does.
"You aren't in a position to be worrying about someone else, Dokja."
Dokja stilled at her words. Then, finally, he opened his eyes, filled with confusion.
"I'm Han Sooyoung, and I'm going to be your best friend from now on," she grinned slightly, "you don't get a choice."
Dokja paused, pondering for a moment.
"I'm Kim Dokja. Nice to meet you, Han Sooyoung." He held out his hand for her to shake.
---
From then, the two became commonly known as troublemakers.
Sooyoung was always talking to Dokja in between classes, but the teachers never moved to stop her. Dokja never asked why for the sake of his heart.
Dokja was the problem child, sometimes coming to classes and sometimes not. The teachers barely gave any attention to his existence. Since he and Sooyoung became friends, it was more avoidance than anything.
Sooyoung and Dokja started to bond over their love for books.
At some point, Dokja told Sooyoung about a specific book he was reading, telling her that it was his favourite at the time. By the end of his rambling about it, Sooyoung revealed to him that she was the author of the web novel.
Dokja being himself didn't believe her one bit, so she proved herself by bringing in her laptop, showing the option to edit the chapters. To that, Dokja's jaw dropped. Instead of being uneasy about it, he started to give her suggestions on what she should do next.
Two weeks later, it became a norm for them to sit in the library and talk about her upcoming chapters. Sooyoung asked Dokja to be her beta reader; of course, Dokja agreed.
Sooyoung doubted that Dokja would take the suggestion seriously, to which Dokja proved her wrong.
Every day she would get a new suggestion or comment, telling her how she could improve or that she was doing a good job.
Her web novel slowly became more popular due to the smaller amount of plot holes and minor errors, thanks to Dokja.
The two celebrated that evening when Sooyoung hit 10k hits on her web novel.
Sooyoung took Dokja to her apartment. Although Dokja found out then that she was the daughter of a well-known CEO, it didn't change the relationship between the two.
But it made Dokja more mindful about what he communicated, realizing that she was why some of his bullies got sent to the hospital.
Two months later, Dokja told Sooyoung about the two kids he cares for, which is why he has part-time jobs to juggle around while in school.
Sooyoung immediately offered that the three of them stay at her place; Dokja declined until she met the two kids.
Lee Gilyoung and Shin Yoosung.
Gilyoung was a bright child who was oblivious to the world and his surroundings, but at the same time, he was pretty mature for a child his age.
Yoosung, on the other hand, wasn't oblivious. She carefully chose her words when she first met Sooyoung, refusing to converse when her when Sooyoung tried to make conversations.
Sooyoung noted that the two kids were very protective of Dokja, as was he of the kids.
She used that to her advantage and told the two kids that she had a massive apartment for all of them to live in; she even took them to it to prove her point.
After two days of the kids convincing Dokja, he agreed. Sooyoung's once lonely and dull apartment became a warm home for four.
Sooyoung banned Dokja from working too many part-time jobs, only one for getting groceries, nothing more.
As the days peacefully went by, there were times Dokja got bullied but kept it a secret from Sooyoung and the kids.
Besides that, everything was serene.
They all soothed into a routine that served well for the two leaving the house most of the day and the two kids learning at home by Sooyoung paying for online courses.
Of course, those relaxed days were never supposed to last.
"Did you know we're going to have a new kid joining?" Sooyoung looked over Dokja's shoulder, reading along the web novel on his new phone.
"Let me guess, a complete hot-shot?" Dokja snarked, eyes still plastered on the screen.
Sooyoung cackled at Dokja's choice of words, "Well, yes and an intimidating fellow. I hope he doesn't turn out to be a douchebag like Song Minwoo. The moron doesn't know when to piss off."
Dokja sighed. As much as he loved Sooyoung, she was a menace.
Before Dokja had a chance to reprimand Sooyoung, the sound of the door opening and chatter took his attention.
The teacher walked to the board, leaving a student at the doorframe. "Everyone, welcome your new classmate."
The teacher signalled for the student to come into the classroom, "Why don't you introduce yourself?"
His voice was lower than most of the other kids. It was rough and curt yet soothing to hear, "My name is Yoo Joonghyuk." Dokja took note that he was also a head taller than he was.
He didn't say anything else and walked to the back of the classroom, coincidentally the seat to the right of Dokja.
The chattering got louder as Joonghyuk put his bag down. Then, finally, one girl spoke, "Joonghyuk-ssi, you shouldn't sit next to that thing."
Joonghyuk didn't say anything, merely glared at the girl, making her embarrassed as she sat down.
Sooyoung and Dokja exchanged glances.
Sooyoung was worried; Dokja shared the same sentiment.
But for some odd reason, Dokja couldn't help himself. He was captivated by the boy sitting next to him, not for his looks, just by his existence.
The teacher clapped their hands and began the lesson. Dokja tore his focus away from his new seatmate to the class.
After the lesson, Sooyoung glared at Joonghyuk, "Why on earth are you here, Joonghyuk?"
Dokja narrowed his eyes and put his chin on his palm, "Do you know him, Sooyoung?"
"Yes, unfortunately, I do," Sooyoung turned around, sitting on Dokja's desk.
Dokja hummed and smiled at Joonghyuk, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Joonghyuk-ssi." it was the first but not the last interaction between the two.
Joonghyuk and Dokja met each other often, at the library, the store, and school.
With all of this, the bullying began growing once more. Dokja did as much as he could to keep it a secret.
Despite the excuses he'd feed to the kids, Sooyoung was suspicious.
Sooyoung started to cling onto Dokja more often; Joonghyuk, for some odd reason, started to feel a strange irritation to the small ministrations.
The days continued to pass that way.
Joonghyuk and Dokja started to get closer, talking without any hesitation.
Joonghyuk showed his care to Dokja in small ways, while the other did the same in a very odd yet sweet way.
Dokja never left Joonghyuk's side, no matter what he did or said, because he knew what sort of person Joonghyuk was.
---
Dokja was running as fast as he could, running back home. The bruises on his face were un-hideable.
He didn't care if Sooyoung scolded or if the kids found out he was lying.
Dokja ran for his life, quite literally.
His eyes were burning. He slowly gained speed instead of slowing down.
Song Minwoo and his lackeys followed him; the bats in their hands were metal instead of wood.
Dokja continued to run until a person grabbed him and held him tight. Then, before pushing him away, he heard a loud shout.
"Piss of Minwoo, before I make sure that you end up bedridden for the rest of your pathetic life," It was Joonghyuk. Dokja looked up to the boy's relief washing over him as he let himself lean against Joonghyuk.
"You're nothing but a wretched being. You have nothing better to do other than chase after what belongs to someone else?" Joonghyuk spat. He had enough of Minwoo.
He dares chase after Dokja after being hospitalized once. If that weren't enough for him, Joonghyuk would be more than glad to send him back there permanently.
Dokja felt his face reddening from Joonghyuk's words; what did he mean by 'belongs to someone else'?
"Joonghyuk-ah," Dokja mumbled. His voice was hoarse and more painful to talk than he initially thought.
Joonghyuk glanced down at Dokja's battered state. He clenched his jaw as he picked up Dokja and turned around to leave; he glared out the corner of his eyes. The lights made his eyes flash gold, "Minwoo, you've lived long enough."
Joonghyuk practically ran to his apartment, kicking down the door.
Yoo Mia, Joonghyuk's younger sister, was at a friend's house today. He was thankful for that.
Joonghyuk put Dokja down onto the black sofa; it was soft to the touch.
Dokja attempted to talk, only to be stopped by Joonghyuk's glare. "If you even try to make an excuse or a reason to leave Dokja, I will keep you here for the rest of the month instead."
He stiffened to those words; he clamped his mouth shut, looking down at the floor.
Joonghyuk left to get his first aid kit. Once grabbing that and a pair of clothes for the unexpected guest, he returned to Dokja.
Dokja looked at Joonghyuk, tilting his head slightly, showing a blossoming bruise on his neck.
Joonghyuk wasted no time leaving Dokja waiting; getting on his knees, he started to treat Dokja's feet, which were bleeding.
Then he moved up to his legs, his hands, his arms, his shoulder, and his face.
Dokja directed his glance elsewhere while Joonghyuk gently caressed his bruised cheek, "Dokja, you should tell people what is going on."
Joonghyuk cleaned Dokja's face, being as careful as practicable.
After he finished, the two sat in silence. Then, finally, Joonghyuk sighed and pulled Dokja onto his lap, glaring at the plasters that now covered the irritated skin.
"You're a fool. How could you endure this on your own?" He frowned at the other.
"I didn't have a choice. I don't want to be a bother," Dokja replied, turning his face to the side, only to have Joonghyuk pull it toward him.
"Kim Dokja, you are never a bother." Joonghyuk kissed the petite figure's forehead.
Dokja closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around Joonghyuk, pressing into his warmth.
"What did you mean by 'belongs to someone else'?" Joonghyuk jumped at his words. His ears slowly flushed red.
"You're mine, aren't you, Dokja?" Joonghyuk glanced at the now pink boy.
Dokja let out a soft chuckle, nodding his head slowly, trying to keep his composure.
Only to have it falter at Joonghyuk beaming at him. His eyes were full of affection and adoration that he didn't think he deserved.
"Well, it seems that your kids are going to kill me now," Joonghyuk kid as Dokja kissed him.
"I'll pray for you. But, unfortunately, I cannot help when it comes to you and the kids." Dokja grinned.
The two continued chatting for the next couple of hours.
At 10 pm, Joonghyuk picked up Dokja and took him to his room, setting Dokja down on one side of the bed.
Dokja opened his arms, laughing as Joonghyuk jumped into it, snuggling into his embrace.
They both fell asleep in each other's arms.
Thankfully Joonghyuk had remembered to let Sooyoung know that Dokja was over at his. He didn't say anything to Sooyoung about the other's condition until he dealt with Minwoo himself.
He understands that Sooyoung cares for Dokja as much as he does, if not more, but Dokja is now his.
And he would do anything that he could to keep Dokja safe.
---
Sooyoung was staring at the two sleeping figures with two kids by her side.
Gilyoung and Yoosung were shocked to see their Hyung with the person they hated.
Joonghyuk sat up slightly, Dokja still in his hold.
He smirked slightly and put his fingers to his lips. The kids complied as they saw Dokja snuggle closer to Joonghyuk, then to the plasters on his face.
Fortunately, it's been two days since Dokja settled into his house; he already got rid of Minwoo and made sure that he and his family couldn't ever have a stable life, including his future family members.
Yes, those future family members have done nothing, but being part of that bloodline that hurt his Dokja, is a sin.
Dokja sat up slightly with Joonghyuk, his eyes slowly fluttering to look at the three people at the edge of the bed staring at him with anger and confusion.
"What are you doing here?" Dokja spoke, his eyes narrowing at Sooyoung.
"We came here to visit you since you weren't at school and haven't returned home for the past two days. Why else, moron?" Sooyoung groaned, sitting at the edge of the bed.
Dokja opened his arms for the two kids to settle in them. Joonghyuk moved to sit behind Dokja, supporting him with the added weight.
Dokja sighed and started to explain what had happened. Ultimately, he discovered that Song Minwoo wouldn't ever be a problem as he and his family were in a scandal that left Minwoo immobile and his family bankrupt.
Joonghyuk grinned as he heard those words from Sooyoung. She immediately understood who had made the entire ordeal.
Sooyoung didn't comment on it, silently giving her gratitude to Joonghyuk.
The five of them moved to eat breakfast on Joonghyuk's kitchen island.
Dokja smiled as he was enveloped by the sound of Sooyoung and the kids bickering, Joonghyuk cooking and his laughter.
As Joonghyuk served breakfast, Dokja leaned against his now lover's shoulder, hoping for days to go as heartwarming as this one.
Dokja turned to Joonghyuk, a smile plastered on his face, "I love you, Joonghyuk-ah."
"And I to you, Dokja-yah." Joonghyuk grinned as he took a bite out of his breakfast.
Gilyoung yelled, "Hyung, you cannot be with a bastard like him!"
Yoosung nodded in agreement.
"Honestly, I agree with the two. You cannot be with that bastard." Sooyoung's words shocked Dokja. He started laughing as the three continued to give reasons for Dokja to not be with Joonghyuk.
Dokja wasn't paying attention to that, though. It was instead directed to the hand that held his underneath the table.
'Ah, this is how it feels to be loved...' Dokja thought.
The warmth he felt is something he'll never forget, not in this lifetime at least.
But something in his heart tells him, that his family will be the ones to show it to him again in the next many lifetimes he'll exist in.
---