Work Text:
07:23
For Kim Dokja, morning doesn't start when he opened his eyes. It starts with the feeling of soft breaths against his hair and the feeling of being enveloped by the warmth of a strong arm around his waist.
Slightly shifting his head, he found another man, eyelids laden with sleep. Black, slightly wavy hair enhances the appearance of the moderately tanned skin, and Kim Dokja's eyes couldn’t help but follow the outline of his sharp nose ridge to his strong jawline.
The world is really unfair, he mused. Something swelled in his chest, and he was not too sure whether he's being jealous, or instead proud of the man.
He leaned in closer; letting the sleeping man's lips brushed his skin. Kim Dokja realized he could sense the faint, fragrant scent of soap from him. The same scent as his.
He found it comforting, if the buzz around his stomach that turned to tightness in his chest could be described with that word. He nuzzled closer and let his lips rest on the man's neckline.
A hand gently reached out to the back of the smaller man's head. He looked up to see Yoo Joonghyuk, eyes still heavy with sleep, looking down at him.
"Good morning.” Kim Dokja whispered, his lips quirked upwards seeing the man's groggy features, having just woken up.
“…It’s not morning yet.”
“It’s already bright outside.”
“…It’s not.” Yoo Joonghyuk pulled the smaller man closer to his chest and buried his nose in the man's hair, breathing in the fragrance. His lips brushed softly against Kim Dokja's forehead.
Kim Dokja laughed quietly at the childish denial before wrapping his arms around the man’s back and closing his eyes.
They both fell asleep a second time.
.
08:12
"Breakfast," Yoo Joonghyuk mumbled, still caging the skinny man in his arms. His fingers were lazily carding through the smooth black hair. "What do you want to eat?"
"Anything is fine." Kim Dokja replied, before quickly adding, "I'm hungry."
"Okay."
After squeezing the man's waist once more and pressing a soft kiss to his temple, Yoo Joonghyuk reluctantly released his hold and got out of the bed.
Kim Dokja buried his head in the pillow as the sound of the footsteps got further. He could hear clanking noises of kitchenware from afar.
The usually gruff, stoic man is uncharacteristically sweet when it’s just the two of them. Not always, but still. Kim Dokja closed his eyes, trying not to think about how his antics were the ones responsible for the man’s rise in blood pressure from time to time. Well, most of the time.
He stayed in the bed for quite some time, motionless; one would think he's fallen back asleep.
That is, until a savory aroma wafted over to the room, and his stomach grumbled with a low sound, as if chiding him for his idleness.
Slowly, and reluctantly, he sat up. Streak of sunlight penetrating the window was more blinding than when he first woke up.
He blinked. Closed his eyes. Blinked again.
He steeled himself one last time and stood up, heading to where his lover was.
09:17
"It's good." Kim Dokja reported, as his chopsticks picked up another dumpling to his mouth. The skin is so soft, yet chewy and so—fragile, it burst easily, and deliciousness of meat juice overflowed his taste buds. Yoo Joonghyuk side-glanced the bulging cheeks as the smaller man chewed his food.
They both sat on the floor, back against the sofa, lounging around and watching random channels mindlessly as they ate their breakfast. It's a weekend privilege.
"Eat more," he remarked coolly, but Kim Dokja could hear a hint of smugness slipped in his tone.
Kim Dokja obligingly stuffed himself with the dumplings, mesmerized by each bite he takes, before realizing that Yoo Joonghyuk has long put his chopsticks down and stared openly at him. Suddenly, he felt embarrassed about the whole situation, him greedily stuffing his cheeks and the other man just sat there staring. He drank a few gulps of water to clear his throat.
"You're not eating?"
"I am."
Kim Dokja raised an eyebrow. The man in front of him clearly made no move to pick up his chopsticks. He peeked at the big plate of dumplings. The portion was strangely huge today, and no matter how much he loves them, Kim Dokja couldn’t possibly eat them all. He beheld the mountain of dumplings thoughtfully before picking one up.
"Okay, then." He brought the dumpling close to Yoo Joonghyuk's mouth. "Here."
The bigger man flinched, looking at Kim Dokja, then the dumpling, with almost flustered expression. He soon schooled it into an indifferent one, however, and opened up his mouth, swallowing the dumpling whole. He hacked a loud cough soon after, and Kim Dokja passed him a glass of water. The man quickly gulped it down.
“Why would you eat it whole?” Said Kim Dokja as he received the glass of water back. “Eat the next one by yourself, slowly this time.”
Kim Dokja grabbed the chopsticks again and continued eating his fill.
The bigger man silently stared at him.
“…What now?”
“…You won’t continue?”
“Continue what?”
“…What you were doing before.” Their eyes met briefly, and he could see Yoo Joonghyuk looked at him expectantly before turning away. Kim Dokja swore he could see an eager, wagging tail behind his boyfriend.
Was he always this cute? He tried hard to keep his facial expression neutral. He didn’t want the man to know that he got flustered at that antic, after all.
Instead, he wordlessly brought another dumpling to the man's lips, as nonchalantly as possible.
Yoo Joonghyuk took his time for this one. He bit off the dumpling, chewing it slowly before taking another bite. Though, one thing Kim Dokja noticed was that his gaze was unnaturally, stubbornly glued to wherever Kim Dokja was not.
Is the embarrassment sinking in? Kim Dokja wanted to laugh. Have he just realized now?
Now he couldn't help but tease the man.
As he brought his chopsticks closer the third time, Yoo Joonghyuk, starting to get used to the routine, opened his mouth.
Thunk.
He turned to see Kim Dokja, with mirth in his eyes, holding a portable charger. The corner was a little wet.
Kim Dokja grinned, holding up the portable charger closer and giving it a peck, before returning it back to the table.
“You should have looked closer for what you were eating. Which, I’m sure our great Yoo Joonghyuk would do.” He said unashamedly. “I don't know you have a penchant for electronics.”
His eyes twinkled with a hint of mischievousness as his lips tugged upwards, crinkling the corner of his eyes. He tilted his head innocently; an effortlessly infuriating gesture.
"So, how does it taste?"
"Kim Dokja."
Yoo Joonghyuk reached out to grab the smirking rat, but the said rat was both experienced and quick enough to dodge the grasp.
10:12
If there's similarity between them, it's their stubbornness, as neither one relented from their little game earlier.
Yoo Joonghyuk was lying down on the sofa, arms successfully caging the smaller man now lying on top of him. The rat struggled for a while, but seeing the muscular arm didn't even budge, he finally gave up and flopped down to Yoo Joonghyuk's chest.
"...Foolishness is contagious..." He muttered.
Kim Dokja looked up and peered at him, cheeks still red from all running and dodging. His breath was still a bit short. "What did you just say?"
"...I'm saying you're incurable."
Yoo Joonghyuk gripped the smaller man's shoulder tighter, saying nothing more.
11:57
“Spread it wider.”
“...I, I can't. It's too thick...”
“Of course you can. I've taught you many times already.”
"No, they won't spread anymore... Ah, Joonghyuk-ah!"
"...Turn off the stove."
The smoke was rising up, filling the kitchen with a classic burned-charcoal-smell.
"... I think I burned it." Kim Dokja looked down at the pitiful to-be-scallion pancake in the pan. Or, to be exact, a gooey mess of flour dough that's stuck there, that would definitely be quite hard to clean after.
"No, you did." Yoo Joonghyuk stopped kneading the pizza dough in his corner. He dusted his hands off before sauntered over to look at the mayhem Kim Dokja created.
"I wouldn’t think that it's possible to mess up this badly." He pondered, looking at the sad monstrosity created. “Didn’t I say to add two cups of flour? This is clearly way too much flour.”
"... It's not too bad for first try." Yet, he refused to meet the man’s gaze.
Yoo Joonghyuk turned his attention back to the pan. It was long past its limit, it might be already unsalvageable.
“I mean, I can cook simple things, but this is the first time I actually used a fry pan, so…”
“…what do you even cook.”
Kim Dokja felt like he could hear Yoo Joonghyuk’s eyebrow twitched, even though he didn’t even dare standing near him. But he’s not Kim Dokja if he easily backed down.
“Well, I admit I don’t cook as much. But don’t you know us modern people prefer to utilize the commodious establishment known as convenience store?”
“You only ever bought ramen and discounted, near-expired meals.”
“Expiry date is merely a suggestion, don’t you know that to this day there’s still no technology to accurately determine the exp—“
Yoo Joonghyuk threw him a pair of gloves. “Just shut up and wash the dishes. The kids are coming soon.”
Kim Dokja opened his mouth to retaliate after being abruptly cut off. But Yoo Joonghyuk was right, their companions were coming soon for lunch, and the dishes prepared were still a bit short for the amount of people invited.
He took the gloves and started to silently wash the dishes and made the table, while Yoo Joonghyuk, after opening the balcony window to air out the burnt smell, worked his wonders in the kitchen.
13:43
Jung Heewon, who just came, whistled at the grand feast displayed on the table before taking a seat in front of Lee Hyunsung. Everyone already took their seat and made their way through the exquisite cuisine. Their dining tables were a long one, bought to accommodate their group’s size. It was practically an unspoken consensus when the two bought their furniture, since the group almost always hung out in the couple’s house.
“Holy -- Joonghyuk-ssi, have you ever thinking about changing career once you retired? Like, opening up a restaurant, maybe?”
Han Sooyoung who’s sitting beside her, snorted. “As if. He would scare all the customers away.”
“I also don’t think Master is suited for customer service.” Lee Jihye nodded thoughtfully.
“Don’t you think it would work out if he stuck to the kitchen, not tending to customers?” Jung Heewon insisted.
“Wouldn’t that be a waste of his uselessly nice features, though?” Han Sooyoung remarked.
The debate between benefit and risks of Yoo Joonghyuk tending to potential customers quickly escalated, with the man involved keeping silent, not bothering to even take notice of the banter.
“I agree! I think Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi could definitely enslave people with his charms. That’s a strength that should definitely be utilized!”
Everyone in the room quieted down and turned to the source of the voice. Kim Dokja looked dumbfounded. Even Yoo Joonghyuk looked up from his plate. He didn’t really pay attention to the progress of the debate, so he didn’t even know what would cause such comment to be spoken. But the reason they are surprised was not because of the content of the comment, but rather the person who made them.
Lee Hyunsung, unaware of the drop in room temperature, innocently looked around the room that suddenly grew silent.
“Ehm, d-did I say anything wrong?” He asked anxiously.
The company glanced at each other in silence, until Jung Heewon grabbed Han Sooyoung by her collar.
“You are the one,” Her eyes glinted dangerously. “You are the one who ruined him.” Han Sooyoung, quick to judge how severe the situation, was desperate to defend.
“Oh God, no -- I swear it wasn’t me, wait, wait – I’m telling you the truth!”
“Then who else? You’re the only one conniving enough to mess up the innocent soul, here!”
“Why can’t you believe it’s not me? Besides, what he said is not entirely untrue, isn’t that just basic knowledge to get b—Uagghh!”
“Shut the hell up!”
The tables turned rowdy in an instant, yet this is such a usual occurrence -- except the comment by Lee Hyunsung earlier -- that the company didn’t even bat an eye as they continued eating. The children also knew better than to look at the carnage made by the two grown-ups.
Only Lee Hyunsung looked at them worriedly, and then whispered to Yoo Sangah who was sitting in his left, “Am—am I saying something wrong?”
Yoo Sangah put down her spoon and smiled gently at him. “I don’t think so, Hyunsung-ssi. It’s only natural that people should utilize what benefits they have, and for Joonghyuk-ssi, the appearance really does work great for the crowd, doesn’t it? Though the term enslave was our own personal expression, and might be unusual for others to hear.”
“Oh, I see, so that’s why.” Lee Hyunsung smiled in relief. “You are really so smart, Sangah-ssi. You’ve never been wrong in your advice. I’m always thankful for your help. I’ll be careful next time.”
Yes, this was such a usual occurrence. That’s why, Kim Dokja, who was also sitting beside Lee Hyunsung, pretended to hear nothing of the two’s conversation. No, he really didn’t hear much, did he?
In the background, a shriek resounded as Han Sooyoung was punched in the gut. He solemnly sipped the lukewarm tea.
He swore he didn’t.
15:19
When the snow first fell, they were sitting around in the living room, chattering about everything and nothing.
“Ahjussi, it’s snowing!” Shin Yoosung shouted when she looked through the windows. Her sentences were so smooth; it sounded almost automatic. “Hey, let’s go outside and make a snowman!”
“Hah, you’re so childish.” Lee Gilyoung snorted. “Aren’t you way too old to get excited over snow?”
“Then you can stay. Ahjussi, let’s go?” She hugged the clearly-reluctant-to-go-out-since-it’s-cold Kim Dokja’s arm.
“No, wait! Hyung, I’ll go if Hyung go! Just leave her here, please, Hyung?” Lee Gilyoung grabbed the other arm, and Kim Dokja felt like the escape door was slowly closing in.
“I’m not sure if the snow will pile up enough to play with it…” He tried to escape anyway.
“Nah, the forecast said it will be pretty heavy. In an hour or so there’ll be enough, no?” Jung Heewon said, almost mechanically, while stretching her limbs. Lee Jihye had long stood up since the first news of snow.
“If it’s that heavy, it won’t stop snowing in an hour...”
“Don’t worry, Dokja-ssi. We are dressed warm enough. And it just so happens that I have enough gloves for us in the trunk.” Yoo Sangah grabbed her car keys.
“Physical activity is good for keeping us healthy, Dokja-ssi! And besides, fresh snow has the best moisture for building a fort!” Lee Hyunsung added cheerfully.
Is there no hope left? Kim Dokja silently despaired as the timing to refuse seemed farther and farther. A hand tapped his shoulder from behind. “Kim Dokja.”
Right, how could he forget? There’s Yoo Joonghyuk. He surely wouldn’t want to go out in this chilly weather, making snowman while the snow kept falling, to boot. He turned around, reaching to his last hope.
Instead, some hot packs were shoved to his hands.
“Stay warm,” was the only thing he said before turning around and walking away.
Kim Dokja stood still, refusing to believe his eyes and ears. He stared absent-mindedly at Yoo Joonghyuk’s back, which has long disappeared to their room. Another hand patted his shoulder.
“Just give up.” Han Sooyoung dictated.
17.52
“I can’t believe we’re really outside right now.” Kim Dokja muttered behind his scarf. He wore his scarf high enough to bury his nose in it. It was so cold he could see his breath. The heat packs had been doing their best, but cold was cold nevertheless.
Lee Hyunsung, for some reason was almost more enthusiastic than the kids, sprinted along the park and rolling around snowballs to make the body.
Shin Yoosung found some rocks for its eyes and Lee Gilyoung stuck some long twigs for its hands, carefully breaking the smaller branches so there are five of them on the end of each of the twigs.
Yoo Sangah arranged some small rocks to add the mouth, creating a visual of almost tired smile on its face. Han Sooyoung, from God-knows-where, has found some charcoal and decided to give the snowman some black smudges below its eyes.
Jung Heewon, quick to lose interest, was now sitting beside him watching the snowman reaching its completion. She laughed upon hearing his mumbling. “Well, it’s not bad sometimes, no? It’s like an extended winter vacation, kinda exciting for me.”
“Well, for us adults, vacation means staying at home in comfort of the heater. It means lying around while browsing the web, doing absolutely nothing and everything. It is good things like that.”
Jung Heewon scrunched up her nose. “That’s just you. And aren’t that’s the exact definition of wasting time?”
“Wasting time is a privilege exclusive to adults, no?” Kim Dokja said. He turned his head back to the snowman making group.
Jung Heewon followed his line of sight to see the kids now arguing about the size ratio of the snowman’s appendages. Both tried to make their points acknowledged, so the argument didn’t stop. She glanced back to the man sitting beside her.
“Frustratingly enough, I have to admit that’s not wrong. We often go beating around the bush and overcomplicate things that are actually so easy.” She sighed.
“Perhaps that’s because we’re adults, or maybe, that’s just how we are.”
“What kind of things?” He asked.
She sighed again. “Never mind.”
And she did not elaborate further.
18.05
Days are short in winter, and the sky has already turned to bluish purple by the time Yoo Joonghyuk and Lee Jihye came back, carrying back warm Americanos and hot cocoas for the kids. While Lee Jihye distributed the drinks, Yoo Joonghyuk rummaged through the bags to produce a carrot out of it. They had been asked to buy drinks and something to complete the snowman.
He wordlessly walked over to the snowman and stabbed the carrot right in the middle of the two rocks-eyes. Kim Dokja shuddered at the terrifying speed and precision. Meanwhile, the kids’ eyes beamed up at the final touch.
“It’s finished! Hyung, look at it! Hurry, hurry!”
The kids ran towards him, pulling and urging him to get closer. Kim Dokja, now closer towards the snowman, finally realized how striking it was. Its height reached his, but that’s not his main concern. The somehow slanted placement of its eyes and the smudge under them made the impression of a tired snowman. Added with its somehow weak smile… Isn’t this snowman, somehow, eerily resembled him? At least, the key points made it seem so.
Kim Dokja wrinkled his eyebrows, a little desperate to throw the thoughts away. The snowman was not exactly ugly per snowman’s standards, but to say its appearance good-looking was also too much. He’s not sure how he felt about the inanimate object looking at him.
Despite his effort, though, his thoughts were quickly affirmed.
“Ahjussi, don’t you think I did a good job for his eyes? I tried my best finding one that looks like yours!”
“No, Hyung, look, isn’t his arms better? It is more similar to your arms! It is hard to find one that closely resembles yours, but don’t you think I did a good job finding them?”
“What do you mean? Ahjussi is not like Joonghyuk-ahjussi; his arms are so skinny they’re practically twigs! In contrast, his dog-tired eyes are way much harder to work on!” Shin Yoosung retorted.
“Practically the smudge makes up the majority of his eyes anyway! You are the one taking it easy!” Lee Gilyoung shouted back.
He’s not sure how he felt about these innocent banters either.
“Hey, but you know, it’s still missing something?” Han Sooyoung popped out of nowhere, somehow already stood beside Kim Dokja and leaning her arms on his shoulders. “Don’t you think it must be cold? These days, people are kind enough to decorate snowmen with clothes, you know?”
“As if you’re kind enough to care,” muttered Jung Heewon. Han Sooyoung chose to ignore her.
“Anyway, let’s give it some clothes.” She turned to Kim Dokja, and he could catch a shit-eating grin on her face. He felt goosebumps. “Take it off, Kim Dokja.”
If it was the usual, he would have given up his clothing. They were ones he got from a sale long time ago, and the thread’s a bit tattered here and there anyway. But today was really, really cold for him; even a thin, old coat was too precious to be given away.
“…why me?” He tried.
Han Sooyoung merely snorted at his attempt. “We’re basing this snowman off you, in case you haven’t noticed already.”
“...but I will be cold.”
“And so is this pitiful snowman we’ve worked so hard to make. By we, I mean that we are waiting for your contribution.”
“It is an object made of snow itself. Am I not the one with actual blood running through his veins?” I’m the one who will actually feel the cold, he pleaded.
“Great, so you have the mechanism to stay warm. But that’s not the case for this poor snowman.”
“Han Sooyoung.” He felt a bit light-headed, exasperated by this pointless debate.
“Enough, Kim Dokja.” Han Sooyoung must have felt the same. She ruffled her hair briskly in frustration.
“Just take it off. Quick.”
18.13
The snowman was now being clothed with a long, white coat. Each of its branches was equipped with a tattered brown glove. Lee Jihye along with the kids was busy coiling its supposed neck with Kim Dokja’s scarf and equipping its twigs with gloves.
Meanwhile, Kim Dokja was down to a grey knitted sweater and a pair of beige khaki pants. The heat packs from earlier was still plastered, one on each of his sides and three on his back, and it certainly helped the poor man. Still, he shivered a little every time wind blows his way. He brought his now cold coffee closer to his chest.
“Ahjussi, how does it seem?” Shin Yoosung beamed a smile at him, ignorant of how thin the man now dressed. She is a natural sadist, he thought silently. Perhaps it’s not a good idea to let Han Sooyoung and Yoo Sangah near the children for too long.
“It looks…very warm.” He replied. It’s true. Even though it’s made of snow, it certainly looked warmer than him right now. Did I do something wrong for them to do this?
Although the main instigator was Han Sooyoung, the others also said nothing to defend his clothing. That actually hurt a bit, more than he would like to admit. Even Yoo Joonghyuk was indifferent. Well, he did hold the smaller man’s waist and pulled him closer, but he soon let go after Lee Jihye called for him.
He tried to remember any wrongdoings he might have done this time, but his thought was stopped short when something heavy was dropped to his shoulders.
He turned to see Han Sooyoung, draping him in a thick white coat. It is of a simple design, but the materials speak of its quality. And it’s warm.
“Raise your hands.” She mumbled. Kim Dokja saw how she pinched her lips to a firm line. She didn’t look up, averting to make eye contact.
“…Didn’t you say you pity the snowman earlier? ” He tried to say it nonchalantly.
“Just to be clear, it was because Yoo Sangah just happened to have this in her car, and it was too cold for us to deal with a dead body.”
“I find that hard to believe. You looked experienced enough to have hidden at least a two-digit of them.”
“Shut up.”
“…Thank you.”
He observed the flinch of her hands, but they continued buttoning the coat soon enough, as though nothing had happened.
“I feel so stupid right now, so don’t talk to me.” She growled. Damn it, I’m not suited for this kind of cheesy shit, she sighed under her breath, but Kim Dokja pretended not to hear it.
He looked around to see Yoo Sangah carrying some cloths she definitely didn’t hold before and walked to the kids. The kids took them and went to his side, each taking one of his hands.
“Hyung, I’ll put it on for you!”
“Ahjussi, spread out your fingers a bit more?”
They put on the grey winter gloves at his hands. It was also a simple design, but high-quality nevertheless. While he surveyed them, something was wrapped around his face. He looked up to see Lee Hyunsung sheepishly coiling a scarf around him from behind. \
“You must be cold, Dokja-ssi.” He said it meekly, a hint of guilt shown on his face. The scarf is a simple black with some striped grey and white on its ends. And like the other pieces, it was also a good one.
“..No, thank you, Hyunsung-ssi.” He said, almost a whisper, behind the scarf. It was a bit overwhelming, to be honest. It was somehow embarrassing, and the awkward sincerity from him certainly didn’t help.
Lee Hyunsung’s eyes widen a bit, but his face quickly relaxed. He smiled in turn. “You’re always welcome, Dokja-ssi.” He added hastily, “Yoo Sangah-ssi is the one who chose them, though. I frankly have no idea about things like this.” The big man scratched his head. “But you look nice, Dokja-ssi.”
He felt a tug from both his hands. “It’s done, Hyung!” Lee Gilyoung looked up at him expectantly. “Does it feel nice, Ahjussi?” Shin Yoosung asked carefully.
Kim Dokja couldn’t help but smile at the two kids. “Yes, it feels nice. Thank you, both of you.” He caressed their heads gently. He couldn’t help the smile that formed at the kids who smiled back at him.
“Hey, ugly Ahjussi! Let’s take a pic with this snowman!” Lee Jihye shouted from where the snowman was. Most of the group members were already gathered around it.
“Let’s go, Ahjussi/Hyung!” The kids tugged him forward.
Kim Dokja complied willingly this time.
19.40
They ate dinner in a nearby, popular Chinese restaurant. He remembered that once, he was a bit intrigued by their pamphlet, but quickly gave up since the bookings were too long. And for a change, there was no look of disapproval or protest from Yoo Joonghyuk when they entered. Kim Dokja also didn’t ask about the reservation sign on their table.
It was a fairly peaceful, enjoyable dinner.
21.56
They took the members home by Yoo Sangah’s car. It was nice to have a car big enough for their large numbers. They safely dropped off the members one by one, and now, only four people were left in the car. Kim Dokja sat in the passenger seat, with Yoo Joonghyuk and Lee Jihye in the back. The car stopped smoothly in front of Lee Jihye’s apartment.
“I’ll see her to the door.” Yoo Joonghyuk stated briefly before getting off with Lee Jihye.
The car was filled with silence for a while.
Kim Dokja didn’t usually feel awkward with Yoo Sangah, but today the stillness was somehow deafening for him. It somehow reminded him of their first encounter, when they were not as close yet. He turned his gaze outside the car’s window.
“Dokja-ssi.” Yoo Sangah was the first to break the silence.
“I’m sorry for today.” She rested her arms on the wheel and leaned her head on them; gaze fixed on him. “It must be really cold?”
Kim Dokja laughed faintly. “It really was, but it’s okay. It lasted surprisingly short, after all.”
“Yeah, maybe that’s true. Still,” She let out a soft giggle before continuing. “I felt a bit sorry that this is the only way for us to show our endearment.”
When he didn’t show any response, she resumed.
“We're quite silly after all, and Dokja-ssi, you are unsurprisingly inept at things like this, you know?” She let out her breath on a sigh. “Somehow, seeing you today, I sensed that you wouldn’t let yourself accept what we meant if it’s not directly said.”
“…No, I understand it plenty.” He managed to pull up a weak, almost awkward smile. “Thank you, Sangah-ssi.”
That was not a lie, he understood what she meant. After all, even he was not dense enough to feel the awkward sincerity that was inside those actions. He closed his eyes, recalling them all. Despite having to say thankyous many times today, he wondered why it was still hard to say them.
But be that as it may, all of them were sincere.
He believed them to be so.
Yoo Sangah merely smiled looking at him, and neither of them said anything more.
Even when Yoo Joonghyuk came back, save for the engine’s rumbling, the car was quiet all the way to their destination, each musing on their own thoughts.
And not one of them minded the comforting silence.
22.37
The door opened with a loud Beep and the two men walked in. The cold wind burst out and Kim Dokja had to bite his lips to prevent the shiver. The hallway was equipped with heater, so the temperature difference was more agonizing for the man. “Is the heater not turned on?”
Yoo Joongyuk eyed the thermostat before pressing the ‘on’ switch. “I don’t remember turning it off. Did you?”
Kim Dokja shrugged. “I don’t either.” Then he paused. “Oh, come to think of it, Han Sooyoung said she left something when we went out earlier, so I gave her my card. She was the last person out.”
“…”
“I’m sorry. I should have known.”
Yoo Joonghyuk sighed before taking a look at the thermostat again. “Take a bath first. It will take time to warm up the room.”
“Okay.” Kim Dokja sauntered to the bathroom. He turned back when he realized Yoo Joonghyuk was following him close behind. “…why are you following me?”
The man raised his eyebrows. “And why would I sit here waiting in the cold?”
22.58
The bathroom soon warmed up as it was filled with the hot water vapor from the tub. Yoo Joonghyuk entered first to check the temperature, placing both of his arms on the side and leaning back his head. His hair was swept back, revealing his flawless, defined eyebrows more clearly. The temperature seemed to be just right.
Kim Dokja joined a short while after. He quivered a bit when his feet entered, but the warmth was accepting, and soon enough, he entered up to his chin, sitting back-to-chest towards the other occupant. He dazedly leaned back on the hard chest.
They both didn’t talk much to begin with, but everything suddenly seemed a lot quieter. Only the water dripping down from the shower's head echoed in the room.
Kim Dokja felt a bit dizzy from the vapor coming up, but he could also feel his body's ache slowly melting away. A strong arm wrapped around his waist, holding him securely and not letting him sink deeper. Another hand settled on his thigh muscles, slowly kneading away the fatigue.
The sensation calmed him down, and as the heat soaked to his skin, his eyes steadily felt heavier. In his haze, today’s memories resurfaced in bits.
Unusually large portion of his favorite food. Their visit today. Their words and approach.
To tell the truth, he’d had inkling already. He brushed the notion away at first, but Yoo Sangah’s words convinced him.
He quietly cupped his face with his hands. No, perhaps he already knew. Yoo Sangah was right. He was awkward with things like this. That’s why he pretended not to notice.
Despite that, they all accepted that kind of him, showed consideration and even tried to make it easier for him. He couldn’t hold a chuckle remembering the clumsy attempt. His hands slowly slipped away from his face.
Kim Dokja rested his eyes and shifted his head in a better position. His consciousness started to slip in and out, floating through the warm liquid.
Slow motion of long fingers carding through his hair did not help him stay awake.
Nor did the lips pressed softly against his hair.
23.56
Kim Dokja was lying on the bed, fast asleep. His hair was already dried, and he was now dressed in a clean, two-piece white pajamas. Yoo Joonghyuk had carried him out of the bath and dressed him up, as he has fallen asleep in the bath earlier.
Normally he would have woken him up, since it was not a good habit for the man to keep. But he let it slide today, since today must be tiring for Kim Dokja. He didn’t like the operation that was mostly contributed by the kids, but he didn’t have any alternative – the same as other adults in the room—since they all obligingly followed the childish plan.
The taller man sat on the edge of the bed, silently observing the sleeping man’s face. After seeing that his eyelids were closed tight enough, he took out a simple black box from the drawer near the bed. Inside was a pair of white gold rings. It is of a simple design. A diamond, the jewel which reigned supreme amongst all jewels and gems, neatly decorated the center in a blinding shine, almost resembling stars’.
He quietly placed them on the thin man’s ring finger, running a thumb over its cold, polished surface. He observed how it glittered attractively in the light.
Yoo Joonghyuk sat still beside him. He wondered what the man’s expression would be when he woke up.
Would it be joy? Confusion? Maybe, even rejection.
Even though they’re lovers—no, perhaps because they’re lovers, Yoo Joonghyuk knew very well that Kim Dokja was still not used to affection directed to him.
As he simulated each of the possible reaction, he felt a tug to his hand. He turned to see that Kim Dokja, still asleep, unconsciously took the rough, scarred hands in his smooth, pale one. His expression was so peaceful; his lips were pulled to a faint smile.
Yoo Joonghyuk observed the man again before leaning in, pressing his lips to the man’s cheek. Oh well. Tomorrow will have its own worries.
He reached out for the lights, careful not to untangle the holding hands. When the lights were off, he lied down and carefully brought the dreamer closer, embracing the thin waist in a secure hold.
“Good night, Kim Dokja.” He planted a chaste kiss on the dreamer’s forehead.
Then, almost as an afterthought, he added,
“Happy birthday.”
.
One lone ring, seated in the box, was tucked carefully inside the drawer, waiting for the time it would be worn on another’s finger.
Inside the ring, as it is with the other one, were engraved the words,
“For eternity.”