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A night sky adorned by the glittering array of stars.
A dark horizon gated by wild white flurries of snow.
The outside world is quite beautiful to observe… but only from the comfort of Kim Dokja's apartment, because he has absolutely no desire to step foot outside! Not into that chaotic mess of a snowstorm! If anything, this is the perfect evening for him to grab a book from that questionably tall to-read pile on his messy desk, curl up on the right side of the worn out sofa— a seat so worn out that this particular cushion sinks way deeper than the others do, and let his imagination run wild in this new world.
Unfortunately for him, though he can't do that tonight.
Or rather, he could, but that would mean failing his group project and even if Kim Dokja is not exactly an honors student, he's still a diligent student and does his best. Thankfully, that is actually possible now, since his high school days are well behind him and his university days are perfectly mundane and uneventful.
He sighs and stands from his chair. He does not want to keep his project partner, Yoo Sangah, waiting too long. Thankfully, she lives only a few blocks away from his place, so he won't have to brave the storm for long.
Thirty minutes pass and with that, Kim Dokja is showered and freshened up. He bundles himself in layers, finished off by a soft blue jacket and a light gray knit hat fully covering his ears and his hair, then grabs his backpack and resolves himself to brave the winds. He gives in to a small impulse and swing by his favorite cafe to grab a cup of hot chocolate before continuing to push through the growing storm.
He looks up and notes the tell-tale high rise in the distance.
It stands alone among other medium rise apartment buildings like his own.
It is impossible to miss it and with it in sight, even through the slowly thickening wall of snow, Kim Dokja makes a final rush for the main entrance, taking care not to trip along the way. He passes through the main entrance soon enough and nods when the doorman greets him.
The difference between his own modest, plain residence and this rather fancy and more upscale building where his college friend lives is like and night and day, and every time Kim Dokja visits the place, it feels like he's entering a brand new world— not so different from reading a novel, in truth. This fancy place is a gateway into a world with pretty, elegant people who have this natural aura that draws others in.
Namely, people like Yoo Sangah.
The total opposite of Kim Dokja.
But that's perfectly fine by him because all of this— the doorman that keeps his eye out, the luxurious lobby, the diligent concierge helping other residents out, and even the fancy elevators that will eventually take him up to her apartment? It is what Yoo Sangah is used to, given her incredibly well-off family, but it's a bit much for him.
He dismisses the thought, waves at the concierge once they spot him, and rides the elevator up to the top floor. He approaches the door and after knocking and ringing the doorbell a few times, comes to the realization that no one is inside.
Of course, just his luck.
But it's not an issue. He's fine waiting in the warm hallway.
He sits down on the bench across from the front door, leans his head back against the wall, and before he realizes it, he's dozing off as he awaits his friend's return.
"You. Kim Dokja."
The gruff voice stirs him awake. It only takes a moment for his mind to return to reality for him to realize where he is— and did he really fall asleep while sitting there?
He rubs his eyes and looks up to greet the expected figure, once the voice registers.
His friend's unfairly attractive roommate, Yoo Joonghyuk.
"Get up."
"Alright, alright, just a second…"
Kim Dokja tries to disguise his flustered state as one caused by waking up so suddenly… and it's not exactly wrong, so he leans into the act, stretches his arms and body, all while trying to keep his eyes away from this weirdly intense guy— and really, can he stop staring at him so fiercely? His heart kicks up a notch and of course that happens. All because of some stupid, fleeting crush. How is this guy his type again?
"Follow me."
"Are you only able to use two words maximum per sentence?"
"How ridiculous."
"I'll take that as a yes…?"
Kim Dokja's impulse to respond like a smartass in the face of embarrassment gets the better of him, but he figures he might as well roll with the punches. Better than that guy figuring out exactly what Kim Dokja thinks of him and how he feels.
Yoo Joonghyuk abruptly stops between him and the door and Kim Dokja nearly runs into his back (his broad, muscled back as his brain so conveniently points out to him), but he manages to stop in time. He's about to ask what the hell that guy is doing until the obvious strikes him at the sound of the lock turning and the door opening.
"Thank you…"
Kim Dokja mumbles the words beneath his breath and follows Yoo Joonghyuk into the loft apartment. He strips his outerwear with surprising efficiency, undoes his boots, stores everything in the foyer closet, and wanders into the space.
His eyes wander about, moving from the more elegant dark wooden tables and dark gray sofas, to the more nerdy, whimsical pieces like the centuries-old sword framed on the wall or the massive bookshelf housing a wide array of college textbooks and other works of literature in many languages.
The space screams Yoo Sangah's name, even when she isn't there.
As for her roommate… in truth, Kim Dokja isn't exactly sure what Yoo Joonghyuk's connection to her is. He's asked his friend on a few occasions (out of simple curiosity, of course, and nothing else!), but he still doesn't quite understand. She's wealthy enough to not need a roommate, but she wanted one anyways, which is fair.
Social connections and all that.
But if that's what she wants, then why on earth did she pick this guy?
This guy who puts off this aura of "don't bother me unless you want to die", barely talks to anyone unless it's absolutely necessary, and is just plain old weird? For crying out loud, this guy carries a goddamn sword around with him and dresses in all black most of the time, like he's some kind of edgy warrior or fighter protecting his liege!
Which is possible. In fact, he's pretty sure that Yoo Joonghyuk is employed by Yoo Sangah's family in some capacity because he can't see this guy accepting to live here otherwise. There's no way this guy would accept charity from anyone, and the market-rate rent for even his one room would be way too high for him to handle on his own.
Well, Kim Dokja supposes it doesn't matter.
His friend seems to be really happy with this weirdo as a roommate and they have a good enough understanding and get along. That's really all that matters in the end.
His wandering eyes return to the man now seated across from him. Yoo Joonghyuk sits in a matching dark gray armchair, with his right leg over his left and his head resting in his hand as he stares Kim Dokja down like he's some kind of target.
Kim Dokja shifts his body beneath that gaze and tries to look away at first, but eventually, he gives up and decides to match Yoo Joonghyuk's energy. After all, if this guy insists on being weird and stilted… well, Kim Dokja can give as good as he can get, so he crosses his own legs, leans on his own hand, and takes in the other man closely.
With his outerwear now gone, the form fitting attire Yoo Joonghyuk wears stands out quite sharply. It is black, of course, but the button down shirt follows the curvature of his muscles quite perfectly— and Kim Dokja forces himself to tear his eyes away from the sliver of skin exposed beneath that first undone button because no, he's not that thirsty, even if he can appreciate this guy a fair bit. The softer, incandescent lighting lends a warmer glow to his skin and the trace bits of snow that dusted the top of his head earlier have now melted, lending his dark, wavy hair an oddly appealing shine.
Yoo Joonghyuk might not be wealthy, but he sure belongs in Yoo Sangah's world.
That shining world filled with handsome, eye-catching people with impressive auras.
"So… she got caught up in the storm?"
Kim Dokja breaks the heavy, strangely charged silence with the obvious question.
Obvious, of course, because Yoo Sangah is a punctual person.
Truly an admirable, model student.
Yoo Joonghyuk nods his head in response and reaches into his pocket to pull out his phone. He flips through various menus and eventually hands Kim Dokja the phone.
The storm is getting worse and I don't think I can make it back to the apartment in time. If Kim Dokja-ssi is already there, can you apologize to him on my behalf? Also, please let him know that I will do my best to arrive as soon as possible.
Thanks for everything as always and I apologize for the inconvenience.
After reading the message, Kim Dokja reaches for his own phone, opens up the weather app, and notes the worsening forecast. He glances over at the tall windows gracing the north side of the apartment and, just as the app notes, the snowstorm has become bad enough that he can barely make out the lights of the neighboring high rise building.
"Well… that's rather awkward."
Awkward is beyond an understatement.
Kim Dokja just wants to go home and huddle under the covers with a good book on this cold, dark, snowy night. Or maybe, make himself another nice warm drink— perhaps even swing by that cafe again for another one. Anything that calms his racing pulse and gets him away from Yoo Joonghyuk's intense staring sounds great, really!
"What do you want to do?"
"Oh hey, you can use longer sentences after all."
Yoo Joonghyuk stares at him flatly, wholly unimpressed.
"Yes I can, you idiot."
"Haha… good to know…"
Yoo Joonghyuk now raises an eyebrow as he stares, as if asking him if he's an idiot… which is honestly fair, since Kim Dokja is asking himself the same thing at this point.
"Do you want to wait for her?"
"Might as well. Not like I want to go out there any time soon."
Kim Dokja points at the window and sighs.
"Good idea. Do you want something to drink?"
"H-huh? Oh, oh yeah. That sounds good. Thanks…"
Kim Dokja shuts himself up. Of course he's awkward and stuttering and nervous when he isn't running his mouth and that guy is being totally normal for once. Apparently he's only got those two modes and the quiet staring mode, since his eyes refuse to leave Yoo Joonghyuk's form as the other guy stands up, and heads to the kitchen.
Seriously, how in-shape is that guy?
"Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?"
"…hot chocolate is good, thanks…"
And it really is. There's a certain rich warmth he craves right now, as he watches Yoo Joonghyuk move about the kitchen with elegant, efficient movements.
Kim Dokja just might be hopeless.
Yoo Joonghyuk soon returns from the kitchen and sets the cup on the table before him before retaking his own seat with his drink— coffee, probably, in hand. Kim Dokja forces his attention away from that other guy once more and savors the drink instead.
Except, that attention goes right back to Yoo Joonghyuk with a single sip.
It might actually be the best hot chocolate he's had to date… not that he'll tell that guy.
More awkward silence falls between them as they sip at their respective drinks and… what the hell? Why is Yoo Joonghyuk still staring at him so intently from over the edge of his coffee cup? Is that guy going to die if he breaks eye contact or looks away?
At this rate, Kim Dokja might actually spontaneously combust under that gaze.
His brain runs at near light-speed, trying to figure out a way to get this guy to leave him be when the obvious occurs to him— just make the other guy feel weird too! He seems to have no problem doing that to Kim Dokja, so maybe he should get a taste of his own medicine. Suits that stupid, handsome, intense bastard just right. Damn.
He sets his cup on the table and proceeds, resolve fully made.
"Didn't know you were good in the kitchen."
"Now you do."
Kim Dokja almost splutters at the sassy (back talking?) response but catches himself.
"Yeah, now I do. I'll be sure to ask you for favors in the future."
"…that's fine, if I have the time."
Now he's accommodating? Just as Kim Dokja is certain he has a read on this guy, he seems to catch him by the other foot and trip him. And of course, because Kim Dokja and his heart are all so hopeless, this on-the-edge feeling blooms something in him.
"So. That sword."
Kim Dokja nods at the sheathed blade resting against the side of the armchair.
"Do you actually use that blade? Or do you just like to look cool?"
This time, Kim Dokja is met by a silent stare. Again.
And he runs his mouth. Again.
"Hey, I'm just asking because who would use a sword over, say, a gun in this world? Aside from sports or martial arts maybe, but that's all I can think of, in terms of using it. We don't live in a fantasy world or the past. Though it does look good, I suppose…"
Yep, he's screwed. He can't even control his tongue anymore. Cool.
Yoo Joonghyuk stands up, grabs his blade, and moves to the open area in front of the window. All so that he can… unsheathe that suspiciously sharp blade and whoa—!
"Do you really need to draw your blade here? That looks dangerous!"
"Of course it's dangerous."
"Not answering the question here!"
Though it does explain why this particular section of Yoo Sangah's loft is totally free of any furniture or other obstacle. What a thoughtful friend he has.
"Because I feel like it."
"Feel like it? Why, because you can't talk instead?"
The blade cuts through the air and is now pointed at him… even if it's several meters away and he's well outside any danger zone. Even so, that sort of aura, how fast it cuts through the air, and then the man himself standing tall as he stares Kim Dokja down... all of that is...
Another burst of indescribable heat blooms in his core.
Oh no, he might actually be screwed for real.
"Okay, okay, got it. The pointy, sharp thing makes a statement."
Yoo Joonghyuk responds by lowering his blade, though he does not break eye contact.
"…and it looks cool, okay? I can admit as much. I'm not blind, after all…"
The other man narrows his eyes, almost as if in suspicion.
"No really! I think it's a cool blade, though it is a bit unusual…"
Yoo Joonghyuk silently sheathes the sword and Kim Dokja finds himself breathing regularly again. At least until he takes a step towards him after that.
Just how overpowered is this guy's aura?
"Still cool, though! It's all so—"
"Shut up, Kim Dokja."
The audacity of this actual bastard…?!
"No, I won't? Besides, I'm not even saying anything bad?"
Though he's not wrong. He should probably shut up before his mouth runs too far.
Especially with the way this guy is looking at him.
That's what common sense would dictate… except, it might be a bit too late for him.
Because his ego's been pricked and his words flip.
"Seriously! Who even carries a sword around? Sure, it's a nice blade but it's totally impractical to take everywhere— only weirdos do that! I doubt you use it for your job, even when you're working for Yoo Sangah-ssi! Even if you need to attack someone, you'd be up against a gun and there's no way you could move faster than that!"
Yoo Joonghyuk responds by taking another step towards him.
And because he's an actual idiot with his heart pounding in his ears, he continues on.
"Hell, even my mouth can run faster than a sword can. Care to test it out?"
"What?"
"If your sword is faster or my tongue is faster, duh."
Yoo Joonghyuk closes the gap, grabs his face, and crushes their lips together.
It takes more than a few moments for Kim Dokja's brain to come back online.
And when it does, all of his senses immediately hone in on the man who decided to kiss him for some unholy, glorious reason. He reaches up, digs his fingers into that shameless bastard's hair, and tugs ever so slightly as Kim Dokja tilts his head to perfectly slot their lips together. The tip of a teasing tongue traces along his lower lip and he parts his lips.
The trace of bitter coffee. The spice of his natural taste and scent.
Together with the sensation of their tongues dancing together, the pressure of Yoo Joonghyuk's one hand tugging at his hair and his other hand wrapped tightly around the back of his neck— almost as if attempting to encircle his neck entirely and seize control (and that is another can of worms Kim Dokja refuses to touch!), and the already blossoming heat in his chest growing even hotter and blood rushes south…
It's unbelievably appealing and he wants to dive in for more, even after they break for air.
Still, he must ask—
"What do you think you're doing, Joonghyuk-ah?"
The endearment slips from his lips before he realizes it, but he's hardly upset about it.
"Answering your question."
Oh, that's smooth.
Way smoother than this bastard has any right being.
It's enough to have the corners of Kim Dokja's lips curl up in a smirk before he drags Yoo Joonghyuk back down to meet his lips again and soon, the kiss grows even deeper.
Is it the smartest thing to do? No.
But does Kim Dokja care about that? Also no.
Besides, it's not like he has anything better to do at the moment.
And maybe, just maybe, he's been thinking about doing this for a long time now.
"You seem quite into this whole thing, Joonghyuk-ah…"
Because even when he's caught up in kissing this attractive bastard, he can't stop.
"You are too, Kim Dokja."
"Pfft, not as much as you! Do you even see yourse—"
Yoo Joonghyuk cuts him off. Again.
By kissing him. Again.
Then they break and repeat. Again.
Not that Kim Dokja's complaining about this cycle.
"I'm serious, you should see yoursel—"
He's dragged into another kiss and continues seamlessly when they break.
"Hell, I should take a snap of you right now— or even better, record you. Then it should be obvious just how into this you are."
What is he even saying? That's actually ridiculous?!
"Do you even hear yourself, Kim Dokja?"
"Of course I do, you dumbass."
"And you're serious?"
Well now he is. Because he's an idiot who can't and won't back down from provocation.
"Dead serious. Unless you're too scared, Joonghyuk-ah?"
"Don't be ridiculous."
"So you're game, then?"
"Sure, if it shuts you up."
"Looks like we have a deal."
Although the snowstorm still rages outside, it is considerably weaker than it was just hours before. It makes for quite a gorgeous sight, with the snow now falling gently.
Uriel finds herself leaning back in her sofa, curling up with a warm drink when a chime sounds from her phone. She reaches across the end table and reads the text.
Good evening! I hope the storm hasn't caused you too much trouble…
She smiles at the name and moves to text back quickly.
Not at all. The power is fine and it is warm here. And you?
The telltale chime pings soon after.
I'm glad for that! Unfortunately, I'm stuck at Han Sooyoung-ssi's place for the night. Thanks to that, I was going to ask you for a favor… if that is alright?
Yoo Sangah really is a sweetheart.
Sure thing! This is about the literature presentation, yes?
That's the only major thing that comes to mind, at least. Uriel recalls several busy nights over the past month, working with Yoo Sangah on their project— and it is quite the project, entailing a formal presentation, an essay almost the length of her own dissertation despite this being for an undergraduate class, and even a video recording.
And while the project isn't due the next day, it is of utmost priority.
Yes. Since I can't go back to my place, I won't be able to get my project materials. I don't think Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi will be there either, because I asked him if he could run some errands in my stead. I told the staff to expect your arrival and I can send the pass code you need to get in— but only if you're able to travel in this weather! It's okay if you can't. I can coordinate something else if needed.
Exactly as she expected.
It's a good thing she's fond of the snow.
It is no trouble, Sangah-yah. The storm has let up and the loft is nearby.
She gets three messages next. One thanking her, one with the pass code, and one with a list of where everything they need to submit is located within the loft apartment.
Printed poster - laid out on the floor in my room
Two flash drives - drawer of my desk in the main room
Video camera - has red sticker, on a tripod in the main room
Box with props - the cardboard box near the foyer
Everything on the list seems simple enough to find.
With the storm winding down with each passing minute, things should be quick.
Things start out more or less as expected.
And just as Yoo Sangah said, her very interesting roommate is nowhere to be found.
Uriel closes the main door behind her, takes off her jacket, shoes, and backpack, and steps into the main room, looking around for the tell-tale objects. She notes the box containing the needed props by her feet. She walks through the main room, locates the flash drives, then grabs the poster from her project partner's bedroom.
The only remaining item is the video camera, which is supposed to be in the main area… except it is nowhere to be found. Uriel makes a few rounds through the main room, then revisits Yoo Sangah's room, hoping the missing camera will appear. When that fails, she decides to check all the other rooms— including Yoo Joonghyuk's.
And thankfully, the camera is just beyond the bedroom door.
Uriel spots the sticker, confirming the device is the right one.
All she needs to do, is make sure any files saved in the camera are properly backed up.
And that's simple enough to do.
Uriel connects the device to her laptop, navigates to the right folder, and spots a single video file. She hits play and at first, the screen is entirely dark. Nothing notable to see or to hear for the first few minutes, and she wonders if the tape on the camera has already been cleared. Still, she decides it is best to confirm that it is fully clear rather than assume it is, so she sets the video at 2x speed, then 4x speed.
All of a sudden, she notes images. She slows the track and spots a scenic landscape—tall grass billowing in the wind, plum blossom trees in the distance with petals fluttering about, and the glimpse of a calm creek nearby, its waters gently tumbling.
She'll have to ask Yoo Sangah where this snippet was taken.
In any case, it is a good thing she checked the device's memory to see if it contained anything important— especially since Yoo Sangah mentioned needing to clear it for their project. With that, Uriel backs up the entire file to one of the flash drives.
In that moment, though, a light trace of curiosity pokes at her.
She wonders if there's anything else like that gentle landscape in the file.
And so, she gives in to her curiosity and continues on, letting the file play at 2x speed. She notes a wooded landscape at one point and the serene view of a sea later on. Soon, she's almost at the end of the file and is ready to close out of the window when the visuals lighten up again. She squints, wondering what place she'll note next.
Except, it soon becomes apparent that this isn't some outdoor landscape.
No, it's definitely indoors, and nothing is changing.
She is about to tune the video out when suddenly, a voice catches her ear.
'Oh god, just like that. That's perfect— ah!'
The surprisingly loud moan immediately drags Uriel's attention right back to the moment and she hits the pause button because what on earth was that???
She sits upright, rubs her eyes, rewinds the video back a fair bit, sets it to 1x, and hits play again.
'You're good. You're really good, Joonghyuk-ah…'
This…
Joonghyuk-ah…?
That's definitely Yoo Joonghyuk.
But that voice… no way. That voice, it can't be—?
'You're demanding, Kim Dokja.'
What.
'Is that all you can do? Can't you do better?'
No way.
That's definitely Kim Dokja… riding Yoo Joonghyuk. Quite vigorously at that.
'You'll regret that.'
'Is that so? Bet.'
All of her thoughts scatter as the screen brightens slightly and the scene plays out in shockingly clear resolution before her disbelieving, transfixed eyes.
'O-oh, oh my god, that's— ah!'
That voice...
'Shut up, Kim Dokja!'
That expression...
'Then fuck me harder, you bastard!'
Because no matter how she dices it, this whole thing is…
'I told you you'd regret it, Dokja-yah. You're mine now.'
And moments later… yep, that's definitely Yoo Joonghyuk pounding a now speechless Kim Dokja into the mattress. It's seriously intense and, in a way, far filthier than anything she's ever thought to write in any of her fics. It's truly impressive.
As the pair on screen flush in pleasure, twist in these teasing and taunting expressions, and move in synchrony, Uriel's own face burns, unable to look away.
Because what on earth are these two glorious idiots doing?????
But also…
A strange sort of elation courses through her because AAAAAA!
She totally called it! She knew it the moment she saw them!
The way they look at each other, their back and forth, their chemistry—
It's perfect! It's way beyond perfect! And this makes it clear!
She hides her face in her hands, simultaneously shy but also happy for those two because she has always known that they'd figure it out someday and get together.
But… ah.
She has a new predicament on her hands.
Two, actually.
First— how on earth is she supposed to forget what she just saw??? That's impossible! And since she can't forget it, how is she supposed to behave normally around them???
Two— she can't just leave this file here! Not on the camera and not in that backup! For one, she and Yoo Sangah need this video camera for their project so she can't just leave this spicy clip here for them to deal with! But she can't delete it either because they made this tape on purpose!
Oh goodness, those two made an actual sex tape.
Ahem.
Well, even if they want to keep the file, she's pretty sure they wouldn't want other people to see it, right? It's awkward enough that she saw it herself— and she didn't plan for that! Sure, she was curious about the tape's contents, but she didn't walk into this expecting to find Kim Dokja and Yoo Joonghyuk straight up doing it on camera???
So she can't delete the thing… but she also can't leave in this backup either.
That leaves only one course of option at her disposal.
All she can do at this point, is to isolate the clip as its own file and send it to those two.
She has no idea what they're thinking… though she'll have to find a way to congratulate them at some point, without letting either know she saw this thing.
Except that's definitely impossible— there's no way they won't know she saw the thing since she's going to have to send this to them in the first place. Hopefully they'll understand that this is better than the alternatives and can be open about being a couple in the real world! She'll cheer them on and support them however!
But that's for the future. For now, she returns her attention to the file at hand.
She finishes with the clip and attaches it to a simple email.
Simple and to the point.
Hello you two—
I swung by the loft tonight to grab the materials for my project with Yoo Sangah, and as I was reviewing the camera, I found the attached file. I wanted to send it to you two, since we'll need to clear the camera later for our project. Sorry for the inconvenience!
It's as minimally awkward as things can get, at least. She can't do better than that.
Her face is still flushed and her mind's eye is filled with way, way too many oddly appealing images of those two in all sorts of intimate positions, opening their hearts to each other and having fun and aaaaahhhh, they're really perfect for each other.
Still, she needs to call it a night and head back soon.
The drowsiness is quickly catching up to her, so she finishes checking the file and email, quickly hits the send button, packs her backpack, and leaves the loft in time.
Unfortunately for her, in her excitement and her impatience to get back home, she fails to notice that the 'To' field carries more than just the two names in question.