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“Where the hell am I?”
The teenager knits his eyebrows together, scanning the unfamiliar room.
His earliest memory before going blank was laying down on the cold concrete ground in a shitty dark alley. Retracing further back, he remembered brawling against a bunch of spineless bastards who thought ganging-up on him was a fucking great idea since he’ll be outnumbered.
It was a shitfest of a clusterfuck, and naturally, he was pissed that those pathetic losers thought he'll lose against them.
'Fucking cowards.' The white-haired teen curses. 'I'll kill that snotty fatass if I ever see his shitty face again.'
He swore with a vengeance, seething with rage when he recalled the lurd of tard setting-up the entire fucking bullshit.
He won, obviously.
Those bastards with their cheap tricks were no match for the great him.
He wound up battered afterwards, weary as black and blue spread all over his skin. Hell, his entire body ached with pain once the adrenaline rush left. Even so, the fact he's a walking bruise aside, going back home–if it could even be called that–would just send him to another round of hell. There was no way he can go back to the revolting house he's living in, not in his current state. That shitty old fart going to nag a nasty earful, and he's not up to handle another beating from that fucking witch.
Ugh, just picturing it already made his head throbbed.
He didn't care where, but he rather crashed somewhere else instead of damning himself to kick the bucket in the hands of those wretched people undeserving of the position of parents.
Not like anyone gonna miss him if he stays out.
...
That aside…
He did wished to be anywhere else before he blackout, but to wake up with zero recollection on how ended up in an unknown place was disturbing.
Instead of a hard gritty concrete ground, he's laid on a comfy bed with all his wounds patched up. The idea that some random nobody dragged his ass out of the alley, and bothered bandaging his wounds was… weird.
He turns around, scanning the minimalistic room, his scarlet eyes widened when his worn out bag sat innocently next to him.
"... seriously?"
He reached out to his bag, his brows furrowed deeper.
Not only was he settled in this stranger's… bedroom? He'll assume it's their room. This faceless stranger even collected his stuff. This is stepping from weird to sketchy territory.
What sort of dodgy dumbass would offer a hand to a fucking guy like him? He's aware of how he looked after a goddamn fight, no sane people gonna touch a bloodied punk passed out in a shitty alley. Hell, that dark godforsaken path wasn't a place a common mob would pass by.
Was the stranger lost? Taking a shortcut?
Still, picking an unknown punk up for no reason… sounded absurd.
In fact, now that he looked over himself, he could see how patched and bandaged his body was. Sniffing his arm, he smelt something weird, like an ointment musk around his bruise.
This weird stranger must have treated him by taking off…
...his clothes.
…
Shit!
What if it's a creepy old pervert?! His chastity is in danger!!
The while-haired teen recoiled, his mind conjuring the worst of possibilities. A pervert, peeling away his clothes, touching all over an unsuspecting passed out him. The very idea sends goosebumps all over him. His frenzied mind supplied him with continuation of this scenario, with this unknown pervert whisking him away once they had their way, like some unfortunate soul bound to be trafficked to the seedy underbelly of a black market...
Nope, nope, NOPE!
Panic surged through him like a torrent as he let his thoughts run wild. Okay, his pants are still on, check. But he'd never know where this creepy potential-kidnapper touched him- nevermind! He really doesn't want to know! If it's a legit nasty molester, then he'll beat them up, he's not as tired as before so he should be able to pull it off. Yeah, let's just get the fuck out of here, beat the shit out of that fucker, and–!
"Oh, you're awake."
His heart leapt into his throat. Snapped out of his panic, his immediate response was to summon all the defiance he could muster, glaring daggers towards the new voice. He got a totally-foolproof plan to punt the kidnapper to oblivion and escape, so everything will be fine! It's totally not just bravado at its finest!
...except, as his gaze fell upon his prime suspect, he couldn't help but felt letdown. The supposed evil kidnapper behind his abduction was... less intimidating than he had imagined. Instead of a leery ugly fat pervert, all he found was a painfully ordinary and plain-looking man holding a bottle of water.
The unknown man blinked, and the image of an average corporate while-collar continue to persist. Still, it could be a façade. A fake front to fool him. There's a saying to never judge a book by its cover, just because the other looked harmless, doesn't mean he's not hiding some hidden ill-intention. That water might be drugged, poison to weaken him. Could this pasty man be the kidnapper? Or a henchman of the actual evildoers? No, maybe he's really the mastermind!
Gripping the sheet with a vice-like grip, he kept a vigilant watch over the kidnapper. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as he locked eyes with the kidnapper, but instead of cowering in fear, the weirdo had the fucking gall to looked bored out of his mind. In fact, the kidnapper seemed more interested in inspecting his fingernails than engaging in any showdown with the way his arms folded while leaning on the wall.
'No... this sneaky clown is... trying to let my guard down by pretending he's nobody dangerous! Yeah! That must be it! Hah, you can't fool me!' He growled, believing that he had seen through the man's insidious schemes.
They stared each other down, neither willing to break the deadlock. The teen's expression was set in stone, his eyes narrowed into slits as he refused to be the first to flinch. Strangely enough, it still felt like the kidnapper was just assessing and examining him. But that's definitely all an act, and he's not falling for it!
The supposed kidnapper let out an exaggerated sigh after a solid 60 seconds of staring, then nonchalantly tossed a water bottle in his direction. He caught it instinctively, eyeing the innocuous bottle as if it had insulted his very existence before redirecting his death glare back to the supposed culprit.
"It's new." the older man remarked, gesturing towards the bottle with a casual flick of his hand.
To his utter disbelief, the other guy seemed completely unfazed by his menacing glares. Most people would've bolted with a glance, but here was this twig of a man, raising an eyebrow at him as if to say 'What?' with the most unimpressed expression. He could give credits where it's due, the kidnapper has guts but that means absolutely nothing! He was still on edge considering what transpired that afternoon, and adults tend to only grate his temper.
“Tch! Bastard, just who the fucking hell do you think you are?! I never asked for your fucking hands!”
“Ah, yes, of course," the stranger unfolded his arms casually, mouth curved into an exceptionally cordial smile. "Since you’re full of energy, you must be fine then. That’s good.”
“Bastard, what did–“
“Right, right." The stranger nodded, waving his hand dismissively. "If you want to leave, then go ahead. I won’t hold you back.”
Just like that, the bored-looking man shrugged and left him alone with easy dismissal. The white-haired teen, Kim Namwoon, left dumbfounded. He blinked several times, cocking his head at the confusing exchange.
The weird kidnapper simply left him, free to his own device, no supervision whatsoever.
…
Should he leave?
And go where?
That pasty kidnapper must have regretted helpi- abducting him, so now he's trying to get rid of him! Hah, fuck that! As if he'll let anyone order him around!
Or… maybe he's not actually a kidnapper?
That creep just looked like a boring office worker, probably picked him up out of stupid pity. No, he cannot let his guard down just yet, this might be another trap. He must be a dumb noob in this whole kidnapping business, he won't be fooled!
Deciding that he's in no impertinent danger against a scrawny-looking old man, Kim Namwoon relaxed and yawned, raised the cover and nestled himself comfortable…
"Seriously?"
The so-called kidnapper walked back to his room, only to find the distrustful and wary teen sound asleep on his bed.
"I was sure he'll leave as soon as he wakes up, guess he's more injured than I thought..." he mused under his breath, shaking his head. "He seem pretty high-spirited before, so maybe it's not that bad? Kids these days..." he added with a sigh, wondering just what his unexpected houseguest would get up to next.
The man tilted his head, stepping closer as he noticed the deep grimace etched onto the sleeping teen's face.
"...?"
Gently, he reached out and gave the kid's head a reassuring pat, fingers carding through the snowy white hair in a soothing motion. With a soft voice, he whispered comforting words until the frowns melted away from the teen's face. He waited some more until the younger one's breathing steadied, then pulled the blanket up to cover him better, ensuring he was comfortable. As he made his way out of the room, he left a bottle of pain-killer medicine on the bedside table, just in case the kid needed it.
Kim Namwoon woke up feeling oddly more refreshed than he ever had in… who knows how long. He stretched his arms with a satisfied grin, pondering how long he'd been out. It was still dark outside, so surely it was just a quick power nap, right?
He gave the comfortable bed a pat, nodding to himself in approval.
'I sleep really well, must be cause of the bed.'
Now that he's well-rested, he felt like he could think things clearer now. That kidnapper, after super careful consideration, was definitely just a weakling he could easily beat. Not that he'd let his guard down though, the weird kidnapper feels dumb and harmless, but there was still the possibility that it was all a farce. There could easily be a lurking scheming demon with diabolical ulterior motives hidden under that indifferent facade.
He wasn't about to trust a random stranger, no matter how cozy the bed was.
The water was safe though... It was new, untouched, and practically begging to be guzzled down. He may not trust the kidnapper, but he trusted the sanctity of sealed water bottles. Besides, he'd checked it thoroughly for any signs of tampering. He wasn't about to fall for some amateurish trick like poisoned water. He's awesome enough to not drink some weird pills left next to the bed, who knows if it's something to paralyze him.
...
Half an hour passed, and the strange kidnapper didn’t come back to check on him.
Did the kidnapper leave? It was too quiet.
Kim Namwoon couldn’t tell whether the kidnapper was an idiot or just THAT ignorant. He could’ve ransacked the whole apartment no matter how cheap it looked and that Kidnapper left him alone just like that? Yeah, he must be a brain-dead idiot.
Just as he was ridiculing the kidnapper and calling him names with a grumble, his stomach started to growl.
He’s starving.
With his cellphone dead and the water bottle drained, Kim Namwoon realized it was time to take matters into his own hands. Time to channel his inner thief and raid the kitchen for some much-needed sustenance.
Stepping off the bed with a newfound sense of purpose, Kim Namwoon strolled across the room like he owned the place, ready to raid the fridge and swipe any food the kidnapper had. His footsteps halted when he found the weird Kidnapper on the couch, reading something on his phone.
“Finally awake?” the other turned around to look at the teen with a knowing smile, as if he had waited for him.
“You! I thought–!” Kim Namwoon gaped, pointing at the man accusingly.
What the hell?! He’s still around?!
“I don't recommend eating this late, but I guess it’s fine." Kim Namwoon was ignored as the other stood up from his couch, completely unfazed. "I have fried rice kimchi packed by a friend of mine, wait a moment.” The man said with a neutral face.
No, seriously! What the hell is wrong with this guy?! Isn’t he way too calm?! First, he picked and patched him up like some sort of fucking stray and now he’s feeding him?! He’s no charity case, damnit! Could it be... this kidnapper is now trying to get his guard down then sell him off somewhere with poisoned food?! Damn, he can't let himself be led around by this kidnapper's pace!
“Are you planning to stand there waiting for a fly to enter your mouth?” the plain man raised an eyebrow at his guest antics.
Kim Namwoon closed his mouth shut and glared skeptically toward the odd kidnapper.
"Come on, just sit down." Seeing his guest standing all warily and tense, the suspicious man shook his head and slowly ate a bit of the meal. The man looked at the still-standing teen with a face that says, "See? Safe." as if to prove a point.
Well, he was starving. Even if the food's actually drugged, Namwoon liked to think he's made of tougher stuff. It should be fine...
Mind made up, Kim Namwoon reluctantly took a seat. He stared at the dish. The smell alone is making his mouth water, but still... he stole a glance at the kidnapper, then warily picked up the spoon. He still hesitated for a moment, steeling his nerves before finally digging in.
.... !!
Holy Shit! This wasn't just any old kimchi fried rice. It was like an explosion of flavor in his mouth, a culinary masterpiece worthy of the Food Network Hall of Fame. Kim Namwoon practically wanted to weep tears of joy at the heavenly taste. Which gourmet chef that kidnapper landed to get this kind of food!?!?
"Pretty good, right?" The kidnapper grinned proudly, his head resting on one hand as he watched Kim Namwoon devour the meal with amusement. "Slow down there. You'll choke if you keep inhaling your food like that," he chuckled, his eyes soft and warm, his tone affectionate.
Dazedly, Kim Namwoon listened to the warm voice. He hadn’t had a peaceful and warm delicious meal like this for ages. Back hom– or rather, the revolting hellhole he lives in was always cold. Full of yelling and beating, people around him always look at him like he’s a disappointment and failure.
“Hey, why did you help me?” Kim Namwoon mumbled quietly between mouthfuls.
How long has it been since anyone treated him with care? He couldn’t remember.
It's... it's not like he's over his suspicion though! Right, he's interrogating him for his intention, that's what he's doing!
This strange kidnapper had plucked him from a dark alley, a nobody in the grand scheme of things. Most people would've just ignored the situation altogether. And yet here he was, not only saving him but feeding him too! There had to be some ulterior motive, right?
“It reminded me of the past,” the man replied. He looked like he’s reminiscing a distant bitter memory. “Don't read too much about it. I mostly did it on a whim."
“...aren't ya gonna ask me anything? Questions? Nothing ya curious about?” Kim Namwoon continued, the Kidnap... Ahjussi didn’t ask his name or how he ended up in the alley yet.
“Whatever happens to you is none of my business.” The man sighed, though he already knew what happened more or less. “I doubt we’ll meet again anyhow.”
Kim Namwoon peered at the weird Ahjussi before quickly averting his eyes, "Huh, ain't that just peachy..."
In short, this stranger got no interest whatsoever in his matters.
He's not sure what to feel about that.
On one hand, he wasn't exactly thrilled to have a nobody probe and nag him about his delinquency, so no interest is good. It's not like it's any of their business, and he's not even entirely at fault. It was the other party who messed with him first, damnit.
But in another, the lack of interest annoys him. So, in the end, this really was just a passing goodwill? Even then, wouldn’t most adults at least ask whether his parents would be worried? It’s already late and he’s not even kicked out of the apartment yet. Heck, he didn’t even say ‘Thank you’ once and this Ahjussi still treats him better than most!
“You will have to leave tomorrow though.” The man continued, tapping his finger on the table. “I won’t ask you to leave right away since it’s late. I wouldn't want a student walking around at this time.”
Kim Namwoon didn't answer the other.
That...
Would they really not meet again?
Did that mean this person wouldn't come to his offer a hand next time? He hadn't exactly trusted this person before, but he couldn't deny that staying here was rather comfortable. Especially that bed. It would be a shame to leave... yeah, it's not every day you stumble this cozy of a place. That's the only reason Namwoon wanted to stick around longer.
In that case...
Kim Namwoon grinned mischievously and leaned closer to the other, “You knew that I'm a student~”
“You’re wearing Chungil High School uniform when I found you,” the older man replied calmly.
“Right, which means you also saw my nametag,” Kim Namwoon smirked, “You got my name AND school, I don’t know anything about you! How do I know you’re not gonna find me one day and make use of this information to blackmail me? The terror!” he gasped dramatically, the other man looked very much unimpressed with his theatrics.
Crossing his arm, the other man sighed, “I won’t do something so stupid.”
“Hey, come on! Ahjussi, it’s only fair for both to know each other’s names! How can I not ask the name of my benefactor?” Kim Namwoon counters again with a cheeky smile.
“Nonsen- No, it seriously doesn’t matter. Didn’t I just said before that we won’t cross each other again?”
“Eh, I can always stay and find your name on my own if you’re such a cheapskate.”
The older man's eyes twitched before massaging his temple.
For some reason, the stubborn kid sounded smug, probably meaning that he's very serious with what he just said. It’s hardly a threat and more of an annoyance, but it would still be a pain, and if a particular someone came and saw the kid plundering his apartment... yeah, let’s not let that happen.
“Dokja."
"What, you're an only child?"
"Yes, but that's not what I mean," the older man sighed again, "My name is Kim Dokja. Now stop pestering me and go to sleep.”
Seemingly satisfied, Kim Namwoon nodded and grins, "Kay~ well, you already knew, but I'm Kim Namwoon! Thanks a bunch for patching me up, by the way~"
Kim Dokja could see the pleased smile gracing Kim Namwoon's face, the kid seems more cheerful too. Seriously, how childish. It was only a few hours ago that the kid glared daggers at him. He doesn’t want to deal with another useless argument, and it’s late so he should get to sleep.
“Wait, you’re taking the bed?” The high-schooler asked in incredulity.
“It was originally mine in the first place, you go take the couch now.” Kim Dokja answered with a yawn.
"No way!! I like the bed! Are you telling a patient to sleep on the couch??!!" Kim Namwoon argued as if Kim Dokja is doing him a great disservice by stealing the bed.
"I don't see any patients, you look completely fine." Kim Dokja countered back, stifling a yawn and wondering why he had to defend his bed territory.
It ended up in another pointless argument as Kim Namwoon refused to let Kim Dokja sleep peacefully unless he lets him sleep on the bed. Dokja didn't regret picking up the cheeky brat, but god, he's infuriating! He needed to wake up early for tomorrow's meeting, at this rate, neither of them will get any sleep tonight!
Why is he so stubborn about the bed, anyway?!
Kim Dokja didn’t remember whose suggestion it was to sleep together- pretty sure it was the kid- but the bed was wide enough for two people, sharing shouldn’t be a problem.
Kim Dokja was too tired to bother, he got a job to do tomorrow, and Department Head Han wanted him to deal with that friend of his too...
The strange Ahjussi was already sleeping like the dead given by the steady rise and fall of his chest. Kim Namwoon couldn’t remember when was the last time he slept with another person before or shared a bed with anyone for that matter, but somehow, he felt inexplicably drawn to this stranger...
He snuggled closer to the other...
It's warm…
The bed was comfortable and the steady sound of the heartbeat of the person next to him made him feel at ease...
It's peaceful…
Kim Namwoon slept with a sound mind, no nightmare, no sound of his parents fighting or things crashing down...
It's quiet …
A soft smile played on his lips as he drifted into slumber, content.
Kim Dokja woke up earlier than Kim Namwoon, only to find himself stuck with the white-haired teen coiling his arm around him like some sort of body-pillow. For someone who looks like a delinquent punk, the kid sure looks soft while sleeping... and clingy.
Fortunately, Kim Dokja managed to slowly get the kid's hands off, making sure not to wake him as he left the bed.
Kid looked beaten up badly yesterday, should be fine if he lets him sleep in. He has work to do, so Kim Namwoon needs to be woken up before he leaves. Oh, let's give him some more of those leftover packages, Namwoon seems to like it, though nobody could possibly deny that person's cooking. Just in case, some painkillers too, considering the high likelihood of Namwoon getting caught up in more scuffles. He made sure to include detailed instructions on dosage, because, well, better safe than sorry, and then...
With a tired yawn, Kim Dokja organized the items into Namwoon's bag. Chuckling softly at the sight of drool on the kid's face, he placed the bag nearby, tousling Namwoon's disheveled hair before slipping out once more.
Ahjussi not only woke him up but also made sure he had breakfast and was feeling well enough to head home. What was Ahjussi even, a saint? Wasn't he a bit too nice?
Kim Namwoon went down from the apartment, actively memorizing the street and room number of the place. He idly wondered how to visit Ahjussi, or would it be better to play it cool and act like they just happened to bump into each other?
There was a light bounce on his steps, then he realized a weird rattling sound in his school bag. Come to think of it, his bag did feel heavier, but he'd been too caught up in the moment to notice. Opening his bag, Kim Namwoon's eyes widened as he discovered the package of heavenly food nestled inside. He cried and decided there and then that he likes the strangely nice Ahjussi.
“...how long have you been here?”
“Got nothing to do so I thought I’d hang out~”
“In front of my apartment’s door? All day?”
Kim Namwoon shrugged, “Well, I can wait inside instead if you want.”
The older man sighed exasperatedly yet still lets the highschooler in. Kim Namwoon expression brightened as he cheerily enters the apartment. Once he settled down, Kim Namwoon noted how despite chattering a bunch of nonsense, Kim dokja listened to his endless rambles. When he mentioned of his struggles with his studies, Kim Dokja offered to help him.
Aaah~ Ahjussi really is the best!
"Ha, lemme guess, you must've been one of those quiet loners in class." Namwoon teased while they worked on one of his homework assignments.
Kim Dokja Ahjussi did not grace him with a response, but he didn't deny it either.
"Let's take a break. Are you hungry?"
Yet another delectable savory dish came out. Kim Dokja says that his friend seems to make it a habit to cook a huge amount of food and just gave him leftovers so as to not waste it.
Kim Namwoon tilted his head at that revelation, "All the time?"
Ahjussi nodded in lieu of response.
All these were leftovers? Kim Namwoon's eyebrow shot up. There was something about it that didn't quite sit right with him. Sure, Ahjussi's friend must've been a talented chef to cook such amazing dishes in bulk so often, but it seemed a bit... excessive. He briefly entertained the thought that if it were a woman, she might be trying to win Ahjussi's heart through his stomach, but the revelation that it was a guy threw a wrench in that theory.
Well, not to say a guy can't fall for Ahjussi somehow...
...
...hm?
Nah, no way. Ahjussi himself said that they were just friends.
Kim Namwoon dismissed the thought with a shake of his head, focusing instead on the mouthwatering meal before him.
"I feel like you're coming over just to sleep on my bed nowadays." Kim Dokja sighed, finding Kim Namwoon lazing around yet again in his room.
"But it's re~ally comfortable!! The couch ain't bad, but like, it's real cozy here!" Kim Namwoon cheered, "I cleaned up though! I also make sure I'm not dirty when I'm here, so isn't it fine, Ahjussi?" He beamed brightly, comic book at hand.
"Why are you so obsessed with the bed even...? Did those guys put some charms in it or something?"
"Who?"
Huh, apparently, Ahjussi's friends collectively bought the bed, so it's a gift.
The bed is pretty big, he thought it was because Ahjussi toss and turn so they purposely made it wider, but... what if its so Ahjussi can share with others? Maybe Ahjussi's friend knew how nice he is, so in case of visitors or people Ahjussi picked up like him? Ahjussi mentioned being close to children before, for those brats?
It's not like someone bought it with the intention of being Ahjussi's partner or anything intimate... right?
Namwoon furrowed his brows slightly, a flicker of suspicion crossing his mind before he dismissed it with a shake of his head.
Ah, well, it's comfy either way! He sighed contentedly, sinking further into the soft mattress.
“So like, that girl was so AWESOME! The way she beats those guys with her sword, and she’s also a real cutie!! Look! Isn’t she just gorgeous?!?!”
“Taking photos without permission is a crime, and would make her think you’re a stalker.”
“Aaaah~ I wonder if I can meet her again! The way she looks at me makes me tremble! I wonder who’s this Master she often talks about though, is he cooler than me?”
“You’re not listening to me at all, do you?”
Kim Namwoon has a crush on Lee Jihye from Daepong Girls’ High School. He’s an awesome person himself so there should be a chance for him to strike, right? He missed how Kim Dokja mutters that the girl’s name sounds familiar.
“AAAARGH! Ahjussi! How come this YJH bastard always in first place in every game I play here?! Did he cheat or something?!”
“He’s a Pro-Gamer who’s in contract with the game company. Go back 1000 years later if you want to beat his skill.”
Kim Namwoon sulked, going back to the game. He wondered why Ahjussi sounds so proud and smug about this jerk. Perhaps because it’s a bigshot under the company’s contract?
Well, he’ll beat that bastard’s score and show Ahjussi who’s better!
Then, maybe... just maybe, Ahjussi will praise him instead?
...
No no, he's not trying to one-up this guy for praise! This is a matter of pride, Namwoon just hates losing is all!
Kim Namwoon popped into Dokja Ahjussi's place like a whirlwind, showing up at the most random times. He'd send a quick text beforehand, as if giving a courtesy warning, but if Kim Dokja couldn't entertain him or wasn't home, well, Namwoon just let himself in anyway.
Lock-picking Ahjussi’s door was way too easy for a kid with his talents~
With each passing day spent with Ahjussi, Kim Namwoon made sure to put his best foot forward—or at least what he considered his best. There was something about being around Ahjussi that just melted his worries away. Heck, maybe it wasn't even about the bed anymore; it was the calming presence of the other that soothed his nerves. He still wasn't a fan of studying, but he made a conscious effort to avoid picking fights or bothering others so he could use his time better.
"You're doing better everyday, good job." Kim Dokja praised, holding his grade card with a pleased smile.
Kim Namwoon snorted. "Well, duh! I can totally do it if I just try, I'm just that awesome!" He grinned, sniffling haughtily.
It's not like he's doing his absolute best just to get on Ahjussi's good grace, or getting compliments– though he won't stop Ahjussi from praising him, Namwoon IS impressive and awesome so Ahjussi can't help but find him admirable, right?
That's right! This is signs of leveling up, he's growing and becoming more mature!
“Who are you?”
Kim Namwoon felt every hair on his body rise from the chilly and sharp gaze coming from the overbearing adult that sounds like he's just this close to dragging him out and beating the living daylights out of him.
He was just reading comic books on the couch before he felt that intense glare that exceeds his own. The slightest feeling of fear surfaced, but it was followed by awe.
'Whoooah! He looks so cool!' that admiration quickly dissipates when he realizes that the other person is quite obviously threatening him. Hard to miss considering the guy who looks straight out of fashion model magazine is glaring murder at him.
Normally, he would be throwing punches, but... this is Ahjussi’s place.
He doesn't want to accidentally break something and upset Ahjussi.
Seriously though, who the fuck is this guy? Someone Ahjussi knows? Why is this guy sizing him up? A debt collector maybe? Ahjussi doesn't feel like the type to get scammed and fall in debt, he can actually picture the opposite with Ahjussi pulling the rugs out of people.
After a couple of minutes of what Namwoon felt like an eternity, the ominous stranger before him sighed and shook his head.
“You’re ... Kim Namwoon.”
It wasn’t a question but more of a statement. Kim Namwoon slowly nodded, still unsure on what he should do. He hopes Kim Dokja Ajussi would come home soon, whoever this person is, Ahjussi with his calm demeanor should be able to handle it.
He'd have sooner picked a fight before, but this person must be Ahjussi's friend, right?
The chillingly terrifying person groans and shocks his head, he could hear bits of him muttering something like, “That son of a... is this why the food ran out earlier than before? That fool.” it sounded more like a growl and the guy is probably cursing his Ahjussi.
The way that imposing muscled man furrows his brow in irritation pricks something in Kim Namwoon.
‘No, hold on. Is he actually a friend? What if this is someone Ahjussi can’t handle? Ahjussi's a total beanstalk so he'd definitely lose in a physical fight.’
Kim Namwoon gulped and clenched his fist. Fear and interest aside, if this is someone who will harm Ahjussi, then he’ll fight even if he might lose.
Fortunately enough, right before he tried to charge his enemy who keeps on mumbling who-knows-what...
“HEY! Yoo Joonghyuk, you jerk! Why is the door wide open?! If you’re coming then you should at least clos—oh, hey. Namwoon, you’re here too. Uh... did I interrupt something?”
Both turned their heads so fast Kim Dokja thought their necks might snap.
“Ahjussi! This guy suddenly came in and started picking a fight with me!!” Kim Namwoon shouted and pointed dangerously toward the unfairly handsome, ripped, and kinda scary stranger. Nope, he's not scared! Hah, that's nonsense!
“This is different from what you’ve told me.” Yoo Joonghyuk frowned as if he had been tricked. He had actually heard of Kim Namwoon beforehand and assumed that the student was just another child like Yoosung, Gilyoung, or Donghoon. At least, the way Kim Dokja had described him sounds as such. A kid who has so much free time, he said, this delinquent hardly looks harmless enough to hang around Kim Dokja so often!
At the same time, both scowled at one another with so much ferocity that Kim Dokja thought it looked almost hilarious, well... almost. It'll hardly be funny if they start murdering each other in his apartment.
After much explanation and excuses, both somewhat conceded to not pick a fight with each other.
Kim Namwoon was shocked to find that the grouchy-looking person that looks like he could have killed hundreds with his bare hands in another world was the one who made those delicious packaged meals. Ahjussi must have been used to those man-slaughtering glares that his own looks like child’s play.
Yoo Joonghyuk on the other hand seems to still be bitter about the many things Kim Dokja had not told him about the student.
“You fool. How many times do I- we have to tell you this?" He clicked his tongue and jabbed a thumb at the white-haired teen. "You can’t just pick up someone you don’t know to your place like this. He's not a stray cat, can't you see how careless you're being?” He grumbled in irritation over his coworker's lack of preservation.
It doesn’t look like this was the first time his Ahjussi had helped someone impulsively. Kim Namwoon knows that Kim Dokja's willingness to accommodate him is strange in and of itself. Normally, people wouldn't have just helped a random brat in an alley just like that, especially when the aforementioned brat looks like a dangerous delinquent.
Kim Dokja had done exactly that sort of stunt. Not that he's not grateful for it, of course.
Ahjussi then explained how he and Yoo Joonghyuk were co-workers, and given how long they’ve known each other, adding the facts that Yoo Joonghyuk often cooked meals (leftovers, Yoo Joonghyuk corrected) for him, Kim Dokja lets the other hold the spare key to his apartment.
"What for?" Namwoon asked with raised brow, deliberately ignoring the pro gamer pointed glare.
“He said it was in case I did something stupid or anything ever happens to me? Yeah, I don’t get it either.” Dokja shrugged his shoulder and went back to pick up his fallen comic book, handing it to the teen.
Yoo Joonghyuk didn't leave immediately and instead demanded for Kim Namwoon to leave if he has no important business with Kim Dokja.
Kim Namwoon- out of sheer pettiness -decided to stay longer and stick closer to Kim Dokja just to spite the other adult. Flipping the bird toward the other whenever Ahjussi's not looking. He felt a scorching glare behind his back when he's talking too close with Kim Dokja while they were working on his assignment.
What the fuck is that grump’s problem anyway?
Kim Namwoon watched how those two acted in the apartment when they’re together with sideways glances.
More than once, he noticed how Yoo Joonghyuk’s icy eyes soften every now and then when Kim Dokja wasn’t looking; which, yeah, really puzzling and weird. The little gesture and quiet kindness exchanged between them? Kim Namwoon had to rub his eyes, wondering if he's just imagining the tender mood.
The white-haired teen frowns, wondering why he felt irked with the whole scene. He couldn't quite put his finger on it but he felt himself wanting to gag for no reason, as if he's watching a crappy show. The two adults are frustrating to watch and he's not even sure why.
Seriously, what's up with that?
"Oh yeah, the master Jihye-ya was talking about and the one you tried to beat in the game is him by the way." Kim Dokja said off-handedly, wiping leftover rice on Namwoon's face.
...so Ahjussi's friend is awesomely good-looking, a heavenly great cook, unfairly strong and fit despite being a gamer, and was the amazing master of the love of his life?!
What the fuck!? Isn't he too perfect?!
Kim Dokja introduced Kim Namwoon to everyone in his circle. They were eccentric people, although some of them are also quite normal. He didn't expect that he would fit in perfectly.
He got along with Han Sooyoung and her friend who called himself Abbysal Black Flame Dragon (he wonders what the 15 years old kid’s real name is). The other children were great and excited to meet him, despite his mean and rough edges. The woman called Yoo Sangah had questioned him more than the others, but she was a nice person overall. He even gets to talk more with Jihye!! Oh, Jung Heewon and Lee Hyunsung seem to relate to him a lot when he had told them of how his Ahjussi helped him...
Kim Dokja said there were actually some who couldn't come to this gathering, Kim Namwoon is thoroughly flabbergasted. How many connections does this person have?! And wait, did they seriously just call this meeting as "Kim Dokja Company" gathering? What's with the stupid name?
"It was a joke at first cause half of us are here to give that idiot company since he's, you know, kinda sucks at taking care of himself? Emotionally constipated? No awareness and shit." Han Sooyoung unhelpfully offered to explain the origin of their group.
A part of Namwoon wanted to defend his nice Ahjussi, but then thought back to how they met and had to begrudgingly agree that Ahjussi lacked any sense of self-preservation.
Sometimes, he would glance at the person hogged by the two youngest of their group. The brats were fighting for the older male's attention it seems. Kim Namwoon would then look around the people who had gathered around Kim Dokja. He's not exactly the sharpest there is, but he could tell that they were all linked to that one person.
The central point within the group who would give his everything to them but wouldn’t let them help him openly. They cared so much about that one person but Kim Dokja doesn't seem to even notice how much they cared about him.
It's almost laughable.
......
It’s kind of a bummer that he's just another case that Kim Dokja saved along the way. It'll be a lie if Kim Namwoon said he didn't feel a bit jealous but at the same time, he thinks he can understand where all these people are coming from.
Suddenly, Kim Dokja meets his eyes, Kim Namwoon blinks, then snorts, looking away from the troubled office worker.
He felt a little flustered with all the mushy thoughts entering his head, was he such a sappy person before?
Damn, hanging out with Ahjussi makes him all strange.
Kim Dokja turns confused when he sees the white-haired teen reaction, wondering what the other teenager is thinking but soon gets distracted with Yoosung and Gilyoung asking him again about whether he likes animals or insects better.
"Hah, loser." Namwoon chuckled fondly, sipping on his cold lemonade upon the sight of helpless Ahjussi.
Jealous as he might be, Kim Namwoon found it hard not to like Kim Dokja.
Plus, all these people he's introduced to are real great companies! Bunch of oddballs, eccentrics, and mismatched folks, but hey! It's awesome!
Now, if only he could figure out why that friend of Ahjussi looks ready to kill him when he said he slept with Ahjussi for one night...