Chapter Text
Chapter 6: Love is a Livable Island
In truth, after Kim Dokja and Yoo Joonghyuk started living together, there weren’t many drastic changes. Perhaps it was because Kim Dokja had already been spending more than half the week at Yoo Joonghyuk’s place, so he was long accustomed to it. It felt like their lives had simply merged—like adding Yoo Joonghyuk’s schedule to his own, their calendars blending into one. It seemed simple, but it was filled with unexpected bubbles of joy and surprise.
Kim Dokja stared intently at the computer screen, his hands never pausing on the mouse and keyboard. It was Friday, and he’d made an excuse to skip a department dinner, allowing him to get home earlier. Now, he was back at his desk.
He’d planned a week in advance what he’d do this Friday. He still had two sets of photos from Yoo Joonghyuk’s recent offline event to edit, and he needed to sort through and select photos from the first half of the year to send for printing, to add to his photo album. Kim Dokja was always meticulous about these tasks; for him, this kind of fan activity had long been a natural part of his daily life.
Yes, he had an entire thick photo album, filled with pictures of Yoo Joonghyuk he’d taken, organized by timeline. At first, Kim Dokja told himself he’d just pick one photo per event or match to document simply. But when it came to choosing, every photo felt too precious to discard. After much deliberation, he’d end up including a full nine-grid page in the album. As a result, the album kept growing thicker.
Now, he was deftly working on his computer, so focused that he barely noticed when someone approached from behind and wrapped their arms around his neck. The warm touch on his neck startled him, but the familiar scent instantly calmed him. Leaning back, he pressed against the other’s waist, tilting his head and blinking up to see Yoo Joonghyuk gazing down at him.
But as he tried to lean closer, Kim Dokja reached out and pinched Yoo Joonghyuk’s chin. The sensation was so pleasant he couldn’t resist pinching a couple more times, as if holding a puppy.
The thought made him chuckle first.
“Wait a bit, I’m not done yet.”
At those words, Yoo Joonghyuk’s brows furrowed slightly, his dark, damp eyes flashing with what could only be described as dissatisfaction and accusation, as if they could hold only Kim Dokja.
Clearly, Kim Dokja had no defense against that look. A moment of hesitation flickered across his face, quickly caught by Yoo Joonghyuk. A pro gamer’s reflexes were no joke—before Kim Dokja could react, warm lips pressed firmly against his. It was a solid, undeniable kiss.
Yoo Joonghyuk’s fingers brushed Kim Dokja’s flushed ear, the touch so vivid it seemed to spread a faint blush across that small patch of skin.
Kim Dokja looked at that flawless, unadorned face, warning himself not to give in. If he softened now, he wouldn’t finish anything he’d planned for today.
He gave Yoo Joonghyuk’s face one last pinch, ruthlessly pulling his hand back and redirecting his attention to the computer screen.
Once he resumed, Kim Dokja quickly regained his focus. The scene was almost comical: him sitting at the computer, clicking away at the mouse and keyboard, editing photos of Yoo Joonghyuk—while the man himself, fresh from a shower, changed into casual clothes, hair blow-dried, returned from the bedroom to stand by Kim Dokja’s side. Yoo Joonghyuk glanced at the time, then crouched down beside Kim Dokja’s legs. He didn’t touch him, just sat there quietly, but his gaze burned into Kim Dokja’s profile with tangible intensity.
After more than three minutes of this, Kim Dokja couldn’t take it anymore. He paused briefly, turning to look at the man crouched beside him. Yoo Joonghyuk was in dark gray loungewear, the soft fabric clinging to his broad, toned muscles. The collar was slightly open, revealing a glimpse of his sharp collarbone, with a few damp strands of hair leaving faint marks on the edge.
Kim Dokja’s hand finally left the keyboard. As he reached out, Yoo Joonghyuk lowered his head slightly, looking for all the world like a puppy tucking its ears back, ready for its owner’s touch, as if he’d slide down at the slightest pat.
Kim Dokja laughed at his own mental image, his heart swelling with a softer emotion. His fingers slipped into Yoo Joonghyuk’s hair, brushing against the fluffy, soft roots—dry and warm from the blow-dryer, mixed with the pleasant scent of shampoo. That was Yoo Joonghyuk’s scent.
Since they’d been together, all of Kim Dokja’s imaginings of “home” had transformed into Yoo Joonghyuk’s scent. His focused eyes, his broad, warm palms, his seemingly cold yet impossibly soft lips, the comforting warmth that enveloped him every morning. In his nearly thirty years of life, Kim Dokja had never dared dream he could have this.
It was as if someone had told him Santa Claus and unicorns were real—he’d never believed it, but he knew Yoo Joonghyuk would prepare a Christmas gift for him every time.
“It might take a while longer,” Kim Dokja sighed, pulling his hand back. For the first time, he was impressed with his own self-control, managing to pull away in this situation.
“You said that half an hour ago,” Yoo Joonghyuk replied, grabbing Kim Dokja’s wrist and holding his hand, playing with each finger as if solving a sudoku puzzle—childish yet endlessly fascinating. His dark eyes held a silent accusation, reminding Kim Dokja of when he’d moved in.
He’d packed his clothes and essentials to move into Yoo Joonghyuk’s place. Living together was great, but it meant saying goodbye to his room full of Yoo Joonghyuk merch—a shrine meticulously built over five years. He couldn’t bear to dismantle or move it all, fearing damage or loss, so he left it in his old apartment, a fixed property he owned, and arranged for regular cleaning.
Truthfully, he’d also had a secret worry: if they ever fought, he’d at least have a place to go instead of checking into a hotel.
But in reality, they never fought. When they were together, they could talk about anything, endlessly, without arguments. Even minor frictions from daily life never escalated into heated disputes—they weren’t the type to enjoy arguing. Since moving in together, this became even clearer. Instead of venting emotions, they both preferred solving problems.
Even when things got tense, the mood never lingered past a day. In fact, even whenerna with each other, Kim Dokja realized he never wanted to leave Yoo Joonghyuk’s side. They’d agreed that if they were mad, neither would storm off in silence. At first, Kim Dokja worried about this, but after living together, he never once entertained the thought of leaving. No matter what, he didn’t want to be apart from Yoo Joonghyuk.
That said, when he’d looked at his merch-filled room with reluctance, Yoo Joonghyuk had stood beside him, arms crossed, his eyes radiating the same silent accusation as now. He clearly couldn’t fathom why Kim Dokja was so attached to a room of merch when the real person was right there.
Kim Dokja later realized Yoo Joonghyuk was surprisingly prone to jealousy, even a bit petty. He knew Yoo Joonghyuk was possessive and stubborn, but not to this extent. The incident with the Pomeranian keychain was a prime example—Kim Dokja only realized much later that Yoo Joonghyuk had been jealous.
Mornings without a good-morning kiss would make Yoo Joonghyuk sulky. If Kim Dokja left for work without a kiss, Yoo Joonghyuk would remember it and wait until he got home to demand it at the door.
Once, Kim Dokja was in a rush, worried about hitting traffic and being late. He left without saying goodbye, thinking nothing of it. But before he’d even left the courtyard, he heard a loud bang. Startled, he turned to see Yoo Joonghyuk chasing after him, hair disheveled, brows furrowed, pajamas wrinkled, barefoot without even slippers.
Kim Dokja was genuinely alarmed, all thoughts of being late vanishing. He hurried back, touching Yoo Joonghyuk’s face and head to soothe him, worried something was wrong. Yoo Joonghyuk seemed to relax, instinctively pulling him into a tight hug. Kim Dokja couldn’t help but laugh—his suit was definitely wrinkled now.
“Joonghyuk, you okay? What’s wrong?”
Kim Dokja brushed his fingers through Yoo Joonghyuk’s soft hair.
“Woke up and couldn’t find you,” Yoo Joonghyuk mumbled, voice muffled.
“I’m just going to work.”
Kim Dokja was torn between laughter and exasperation. He’d thought it was something serious, but it was just because Yoo Joonghyuk woke up to find him gone. The night before, Yoo Joonghyuk had come home late from overseeing new trainees at the training camp with his coach. Kim Dokja hadn’t wanted to wake him, thinking he’d let him sleep in. So much for that.
But he couldn’t bring himself to say anything harsh, his heart softening impossibly. He gently lifted Yoo Joonghyuk’s head from his neck, cupping his face and kissing him several times until the furrowed brows relaxed slightly.
“Okay, I really have to go now.”
“I’m home today. I’ll make beef bone soup for dinner.”
Kim Dokja smiled, knowing it meant “come home early.” Unable to resist, he gave Yoo Joonghyuk another solid kiss before the man finally let him go.
Despite being independent and mature in their respective lives, together they were somehow so childish—and they reveled in it. The endless kisses, hugs, and countless tender words were like living on a cozy island, never tiring of each other, never satisfied.
Sometimes Kim Dokja couldn’t help but think about the five years before this. They’d never shied away from talking about it. He’d thought his feelings for Yoo Joonghyuk were purely those of a fan and admirer. He’d had moments of longing, but he could count the days until he’d see him at the next event.
For Yoo Joonghyuk, though, it seemed much harder. Kim Dokja still didn’t know how Yoo Joonghyuk had pinpointed him among the glaring flashes of cameras. He later learned that at his debut match, Yoo Joonghyuk hadn’t spotted him—understandable, given the crowd that swarmed after his first championship win, both in person and online.
Kim Dokja never imagined Yoo Joonghyuk would recognize him, so he was stunned to hear that Yoo Joonghyuk had noticed him at that first match. Yoo Joonghyuk could even describe the suit Kim Dokja wore and where he sat in the audience. Kim Dokja couldn’t describe his feelings. Later, Yoo Joonghyuk confirmed it was him because of the unique “1864” in his account ID—a number tied to the streaming room Yoo Joonghyuk used in his trainee days before switching platforms after his debut. It was their little secret, born when they crossed paths in room 1864 when Yoo Joonghyuk was seventeen.
It was as if fate and destiny had spun them in intricate orbits, only to bring them back to each other after five years. They’d never truly been apart, had they?
Still, Kim Dokja couldn’t help but wish they’d met sooner. Everything felt so perfectly timed, as if missing any moment would’ve changed it all, but human greed always wanted more.
Back then, lying in the same bed, their palms overlapping, breaths mingling, sunlight spilled through the window onto the soft sheets. Kim Dokja gazed into those deep black eyes, that face he’d traced countless times.
He’d once thought they were worlds apart, but now he was like a word held between lips, pressed impossibly close.
In the first half of Kim Dokja’s solitary life, he’d often thought the human eye was the loneliest creation. Everything in the world passed through it, yet it remained empty, nothing truly staying—until that night he saw Yoo Joonghyuk on the stage.
From then on, that seventeen-year-old boy stayed in his eyes forever, until five years later, lying beside him. Only then did Kim Dokja realize there was another pair of eyes, inches away, forever watching him back.
He couldn’t help asking Yoo Joonghyuk what he thought during those days alone—surgery, hospital stays, rehab. Did he feel lonely?
Yoo Joonghyuk never tired of answering these questions. The first time, he brushed off the pain, saying it wasn’t lonely or boring because he’d check Kim Dokja’s side account daily after rehab to see if it updated. He realized Kim Dokja’s life hadn’t gotten easier without attending events during his hiatus.
Reading Kim Dokja’s fragmented posts, Yoo Joonghyuk could almost picture his expression as he typed. It made him smile faintly, though the longing remained heavy.
During that time in the hospital, his only anticipation was for his wrist to heal and for Kim Dokja’s account to update. He’d tirelessly check, wanting to know what coffee Kim Dokja drank—still a triple-shot iced Americano?—if he was working late, if he ran into an annoying boss in the break room, or if he was arguing with haters online to defend him.
Yoo Joonghyuk often stared at his phone, saving a photo from Kim Dokja’s account as his wallpaper—a casual shot of Kim Dokja petting an orange stray cat, his pale, slender hand stroking its fluffy head. He’d open it multiple times a day, his thoughts a mystery.
Summer rains fell endlessly, the world outside irrelevant. In his hospital room, pain was like crumpled paper, sharp yet calm. But when he lit up his phone and saw Kim Dokja’s latest post—“Good thing I brought an umbrella, just caught the bus”—Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t feel lonely. Even without meeting, he tirelessly gathered fragments of Kim Dokja’s world. Before, he thought he could endure it.
He’d endured years of trials, faced everything alone. But during that time, he couldn’t lie to himself anymore. He desperately wanted to see Kim Dokja, know him more, return to his side.
It was the fourth year, and Yoo Joonghyuk held onto their promise—he’d win a fifth championship. He thought, soon, he’d bring that fulfilled promise back to Kim Dokja.
But he realized he wasn’t as patient as he’d thought. He’d planned a better way to approach Kim Dokja, to start as friends, with countless imagined scenarios. None came to fruition.
It was because Kim Dokja didn’t show up to that one match. Sitting at his computer, hands on the keyboard and mouse, the match’s tension palpable, Yoo Joonghyuk kept scanning the audience, but the miracle didn’t happen. He had to face it—Kim Dokja wasn’t there.
Despite being at every match for five years, he wasn’t there that day. An unprecedented panic and harsh reality pierced Yoo Joonghyuk’s heart. Their connection was so fragile; if Kim Dokja gave up, he might never see him again. He tried to stay calm but failed.
Like every decision he’d made, he never regretted it. He even felt grateful for acting then, despite the club’s PR team and manager losing sleep over it, too scared to blame him.
Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t care. He’d finally gotten Kim Dokja’s contact and could enact his meticulously planned approach. He just wanted to see him once, and everything that followed seemed so natural. Those five years of silence and companionship were like a distant, honest star, gazing at each other.
He knew Kim Dokja loved him, so he could give all his patience and everything for it.
“Liar.”
Kim Dokja pinched Yoo Joonghyuk’s nose tip, their closeness exactly as Yoo Joonghyuk had imagined countless times.
No matter how many times Yoo Joonghyuk said it didn’t hurt, Kim Dokja never believed him. When they talked about it again, Yoo Joonghyuk finally gave a different answer.
He hated those days—hated the pain, the rain, the endless nights in the hospital, dreaming of Kim Dokja because he couldn’t see him, hated waiting.
All Yoo Joonghyuk ever wanted was this: to reach out and touch him, feel his soft skin, warm breath, and beautiful smiling eyes.
Yoo Joonghyuk also asked Kim Dokja if he felt lonely during those red-eye flights to matches and events, carrying his camera and luggage alone to foreign lands to see him.
Kim Dokja looked at him, suddenly laughing, his eyes crinkling adorably. His laughter was half-muffled in the pillow, impossibly cute.
“What’re you talking about? That was to see you.”
“Once the trip was confirmed, knowing I’d see you at the match, I’d be happy every day for a month.”
“Before I met you, I’d never been so happy. That’s all because of you.”
Kim Dokja’s hand touched Yoo Joonghyuk’s face, his warm palm so comforting. Yoo Joonghyuk felt his heart melt. Their gazes were so focused, their faces reflected in each other’s eyes, the quiet, intimate space holding only them.
Kim Dokja opened his thick photo album again. New printed photos had arrived, and he sat on the sofa, flipping to the last blank page. His hand paused, his gaze catching on the back of the previous photo, which should’ve been blank but wasn’t.
His fingertips brushed a familiar, sharp black handwriting—Yoo Joonghyuk’s, unmistakable, with the same forceful, elegant arcs as the man himself.
It was a handwritten “I love you.”
Kim Dokja kept flipping backward, as if time rewound with the photos, tracing back through the five years he’d documented. Now, every photo’s back bore an “I love you.”
The black ink was vivid and clear, etched on the backs of five years’ worth of photos. For every shutter click Kim Dokja had made, Yoo Joonghyuk had written and said “I love you” just as many times.
Kim Dokja didn’t know when Yoo Joonghyuk had done it or how long it took to carefully remove each photo, write on it, and place it back. He couldn’t help but smile, thinking his grin must look silly, but it didn’t matter. When Yoo Joonghyuk came home and opened the door, he’d hear him say the “I love you” he’d continue writing today.
---
Clearly, Yoo Joonghyuk had chosen the timing of his post carefully—a Saturday at 3 p.m., when most people were done with lunch and actively surfing the internet.
The new post was just a photo, no caption.
It showed their intertwined hands—Yoo Joonghyuk’s larger, stronger hand gently holding Kim Dokja’s slender, pale fingers. Bright sunlight fell on their hands, the matching rings on their ring fingers glinting beautifully. On the table’s edge, two Pomeranian plush keychains sat—one black, one white.
Within seconds, the post’s engagement skyrocketed, likes, comments, and retweets climbing at a dizzying pace.
- What did I just see?! Yoo Joonghyuk posting on SNS at a normal hour…
- No way, a once-in-a-century event! Grandma, your favorite player updated!
- Haha, what’s the fuss? It’s just Yoo Joonghyuk posting after six months.
- Are you guys serious?! That’s not the point!!!
- I’m dying, has anyone actually looked at the post?!
- AAAAAAAAH, get out of the way, I’m the product sister, I’m screaming first!!!
- !!! AAAAAAAAH!!!
- Holy crap, AAAAAAAAH!!!
- Just woke up from a nap and my OTP announced?! I thought I was dreaming…
- Wake up, no dream’s this perfect! It’s real, haha, I’m laughing so hard my neighbor’s gonna come beat me up!
- I’m done… I’m so happy, I could get slapped on the street and still smile…
- Saw YJH trending again and thought something happened. Just for this? Can you share something we don’t already know?
- Let’s congratulate the happy couple! 🎉🎉🎉
- I’m done, this guy hasn’t updated SNS since his bold confession six months ago. Turns out he was busy being happy and ignoring us fans! Keep it up, don’t mind us!
- Can you post something less obvious for once, bro?
- Vanished for six months, thought something happened, turns out he was too busy being happy to care about fans. Fine, just water us occasionally, we’re easy to please. So, can we see a kissing pic?
- Haha, upstairs got me dying!
- I’m done, CP fans are raging! The core issue: if YJH and Sis are married, why’d it take so long to show up? YJH needs to admit he’s neglected CP fans and post wedding pics as an apology.
- Who’s checking on product sister’s mental state? I’m drooling from laughing, SOS.
- Sis Army’s officially top-tier now!
- Loyalty! Loyalty!
- Bro, after all these years, you finally got Sis! We’ve watched your love for her, and we’d have been upset if you didn’t end up together. Congrats, live happily with Sis, we’re thrilled!
- Heh, liking is reckless, love is restrained, and I’m just shipping, shipping, shipping!
- Exactly, YJH and 1864 Sis should just get married. They’ve known each other so long, it’s time. Not saying they have to, but they’re perfect for it. Of course, it’s their choice, but it’d be nice.
- My gosh, this comment section is a blast! Dreamgirl fans, you’ve been quiet since Mom and Dad announced. Not upset, are you? Just not a smiler, huh? 💏 I get you 🫰
- I’m dying, product sister’s walking sideways now!
- From today, product sister can step over everyone!
- Random passerby, but the shock of this comment section… If my OTP announced like this, I’d walk on my hands… Keep it coming 🙏
- Wait, am I the only one feeling something’s off? The ring…
- You’re not alone…
- Yeah, I noticed it too…
- AAAAH, why’re you guys talking in code again? Requesting Korean-to-Korean or Chinese-to-Chinese translation!
- What’s with the ring? It looks nice!
- It’s nice, but YJH’s taste is as good as his face.
- I’m dying, SOS.
- It’s nice, but the style’s a bit plain, no?
- +1111111
- Exactly, that’s the issue!!!
- Right, right, right!!!
- With this guy’s personality, a wedding ring wouldn’t be a small, plain band! He’d get a massive, eye-blinding diamond ring!!!
- AAAAAAAAH…
- I can’t, you guys know him too well, I’m dying laughing.
- Seriously, if it’s a wedding ring, he’d get a huge diamond to show the world 1864 Sis is married and he’s her husband…
- I’m done. Next scene: teammate steps into the training room.
YJH: How’d you know I proposed?
- Haha, I’m losing it, I can see it already!
- So it’s not a wedding ring? An engagement ring?
- Maybe just a couple’s ring? Not everyone gets married right away.
- Haha, you think YJH wouldn’t want to marry? If Sis nods, he’d have her in a wedding dress at the venue by morning.
- +1, this photo’s basically a marriage announcement, present or future 👋
- YJH every morning: Wanna get married? Just show up.
- It’s like him yelling at someone to log in during a stream, I’m dying!
- My gosh, calling him lovesick is an understatement, he’s desperate to marry, SOS.
- Okay, so where are they registering? Where’s the wedding? How about Seoul?
- Upstairs, you’re quick! If it’s in Seoul, paparazzi would’ve already found the venue and climbed walls for shots.
- Right! So probably abroad?
- Okay, I recommend New Zealand—beautiful scenery, romantic vibe, perfect for a wedding!
- I’m dying, I checked your profile and saw your IP’s in New Zealand, nice try!
- Here we go! I recommend the Netherlands—first country to legalize same-sex marriage, and YJH’s a 1.
- AAAAH, I’m spitting from laughing!
- Sneaky product sister, I’m done 🆘
- Alright, this is YJH’s comment section, take it to the forums, I’m dying laughing.
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In truth, Kim Dokja wasn’t surprised Yoo Joonghyuk posted the photo. He’d guessed it when Yoo Joonghyuk thought he was asleep and snuck the picture. Still, he let it slide, knowing Yoo Joonghyuk’s worries.
Likely, Yoo Joonghyuk feared he’d object to such a public move. But he’d overlooked one thing: Kim Dokja had never truly refused him, not once.
If this made Yoo Joonghyuk feel more secure, it was fine by him. He trusted Yoo Joonghyuk had planned it well, just as Yoo Joonghyuk’s presence always reassured him.
Uriel was the most dramatic, matched only by Han Sooyoung, though their reactions were polar opposites.
Uriel called immediately, not giving Kim Dokja a chance to speak before launching into a string of congratulations. “I’m so happy for you, I’m over the moon! So, where’s the wedding? Can I help plan? Can I be a bridesmaid? I’ll fly anywhere, quit my job if needed—this is huge!”
Kim Dokja, half-laughing, half-exasperated, was overwhelmed by her rapid-fire requests. He could picture her wide green eyes sparkling with excitement.
“We’re not at the wedding-planning stage yet.”
“Perfect, I’m not too late! You have to let me help, please, please, please!”
Clearly, she’d missed the point, but Kim Dokja just laughed and agreed, calming her down.
Han Sooyoung, however, was tougher. Kim Dokja preemptively messaged her.
- We’re not married yet.
- So?
Her instant reply set off alarms in his head.
- Just what it says, it’s not like what everyone online thinks.
- What’s the difference? You’re getting married eventually.
Kim Dokja nearly choked on his coffee.
- Don’t explain, Kim Dokja. You’ll never really refuse Yoo Joonghyuk.
- Every! Single! Time!
He could sense her exasperation. Reflexively, he started typing “sorry,” but her next message came.
- Don’t say those two words, or I’ll come over and punch you.
- What’s there to apologize for? I’m the one who let him in to find you, ugh…
He caught a hint of regret in her words.
- Fine! I knew this day would come, and I don’t care. But since you’re not married yet, can you be a bit more discreet?
Before he could ask, she sent a forum post link from last week. Kim Dokja clicked it, scanning the contents.
[Can someone do something about this?!]
- Late to the party, what’s up?
- I’m done, I surfed too fast and understood the title instantly, my bad…
- AAAAH, me too!
- Thank god I saw it early, the original post got deleted, SOS.
- For real, AAAAAH!
- Can I say? I secretly saved it…
- AAAH, yes, I couldn’t resist screenshotting either…
- What what what?! Stop teasing and spill!
- AAAH, it’s too much, so no direct pics since 1864 Sis is a civilian!!! The OP blurred everything, no personal info or face, just, uh, some key details…
- I’m dying, your caution and gossip energy are killing me!
- I think it’s fine to dig privately!!
- AAAH, no pics? Spill already, I’m dying here!!
- Right, YJH hasn’t touched SNS in months!! 1864 Sis faithfully attends every event and updates, but that’s it.
- I’m desperate to know what happened after that public confession!! The white Pomeranian keychain at the last match was proof, but I need more… Please, fellow fan, feed me… (crawling, hyperventilating)
- If you dig deep, there’s a lot—YJH’s clothing and behavior changes, so much to analyze, check the other thread. But this isn’t about that…
- Long story short, someone spotted 1864 Sis at the offline event the day before yesterday, snapped a blurry side profile and back shot. Sis was wearing a black mask, super discreet, nothing new. But this time, zooming in, people noticed two bite marks on Sis’s neck…
- Real bite marks! Teeth imprints! The kind from a solid bite!!! And don’t ask how we know—there were kiss marks around them, more than one. No way three mosquitoes bit Sis’s neck at once!!!
- Haha, thought it was a mosquito biting my mom, but one slap and it’s my dad?
- AAAAAAH, upstairs, you’re killing me!
- AAAAAAAAH!
- I’m done, this is too much info?! My brain’s crashing…
- I’m fainting, this is terrifying!!!
- My screams are echoing through the clouds, who gets it?!
- Gays start, gays go wild, gays explode, gay discounts begin, gay festival starts, Black Gay Day event begins, gay marching band enters, gay enrollment, gay graduation and re-enrollment, gay return, gay commencement, gay party starts, gay curse begins, gay demon appears. Thanks, I’m full today!!!
- Here’s an explanation: my OTP is real and showing off again. It happened, sorry, here’s five 0-yuan vouchers, is that okay? We meant it, didn’t realize the mistake, is this fine?
- I’m spitting from laughing!
- My gosh, it’s been quiet elsewhere, and now an atomic bomb?! Bring it on, I can handle it, hehe…
- Only I think YJH did it on purpose? He had an event the next day and left marks on Sis the night before, knowing Sis would show up. My god… his little schemes, SOS 🆘
- Warning ⚠️ This black dog’s the schemiest!
- I’m done, maybe he kept Sis up till who-knows-when the night before 🫰 He looked refreshed at the commercial match the next day…
- Can’t imagine how much YJH must’ve worn Sis out in bed…
- Ugh, upstairs, give me 50,000 words! Need an Ao3 link, you know? Their tension’s killing me!
- Got you, check the 1k-like post next door [link].
---
Kim Dokja finished reading, his face burning despite no images being shared. He remembered now—it was an offline commercial match. He’d gone, and the night before, Yoo Joonghyuk had indeed kept him up late. He’d rushed out at noon, thrown on a mask, and left without checking the mirror.
He only noticed the marks when showering that evening, hoping no one would see. Clearly, he was wrong—fans had spotted them, though they’d discussed it discreetly. Still, Kim Dokja’s cheeks burned. He stayed silent for a few seconds before replying.
- Got it, I’ll be more careful…
He wanted to dig a hole and hide. Han Sooyoung’s “typing” status lingered, signaling more was coming.
- Anything else?
Five minutes later, her message arrived.
- Go to hell, Kim Dokja. Anyway, I’m claiming chief bridesmaid!
Kim Dokja burst out laughing, loud enough that Yoo Joonghyuk, in the kitchen, leaned out to look. Kim Dokja tossed his phone onto the sofa, ran barefoot to the kitchen, and expertly jumped onto Yoo Joonghyuk’s back. Yoo Joonghyuk instinctively steadied Kim Dokja’s legs around his waist.
Kim Dokja pressed against his warm back, feeling the slight vibrations as Yoo Joonghyuk spoke. The ring on his left ring finger rested against Yoo Joonghyuk’s neck. He closed his eyes, thinking, even without the ring, it wouldn’t matter.
If Yoo Joonghyuk proposed right now, in an apron and loungewear in the kitchen, Kim Dokja would say yes instantly.
As the world knew, Kim Dokja could never truly refuse Yoo Joonghyuk.
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-FIN-
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Translator's Note:
Thank you all so much for reading and leaving kudos! 💖
Honestly, I was never a fan of AU fics, I usually couldn’t get into them at all. But ever since I got into BL in 2021, this was the very first AU fic that completely won me over. It felt so alive that I just had to share it through translation. And the original author was so sweet to give me permission to do so—再次感谢您，亲爱滴作者！！💞
Feel free to subscribe if you’d like to see more ORV fanfic translations—I’ll definitely be working on more soon (especially when I’m in the mood to procrastinate my final year degree duties 😭). I’m also open to requests!
Honestly, aren’t we all a little like Kim Dokja, escaping into novels to survive reality? See you next time!
7th October, 2025
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Updated Translator's Note:
Since this is a translated work originally written in Mandarin, some expressions, humor, and social media interactions reflect Chinese online culture and slang. I’ve tried to keep as much of that charm as possible while still making it readable in English. (I really tried my best) You might notice a few phrases or ways of communicating that feel a bit different, that’s part of the personality of how Chinese fans express themselves online🤣
and ALSO, the original author actually made a hardcopy book of this fic! (there is an extra story of their wedding in it 😭😭) there are also fan events called CP同人展 (CPSP), where fans gather to sell and exchange all kinds of fandom merch—things like printed fanfics, printed fan comics, artbooks, keychains, badges, and MORE. Sadly, I couldn’t get my hands on it since those events are usually in-person only and rarely have online sales. Even when they do, it’s mostly within China. 😭(But you can still try to find some in Taobao)
11th October, 2025