[ It's fine, Jin will just try to wrestle with Niah now.
Once he's let in, he won't hesitate or linger at the door for long. Joonghyuk isn't wrong- he is risking it by wandering at this time. Any room changes since the last time he was here?? ]
[ No… It is the same. He did not take the advice of Gemini to move the plastic models into the trash can. It’s pristine because Joonghyuk makes his bed.
The only difference is the typewriter, which Dokja can read it being mostly from yesterday during the event.
There’s also another message, though.
He… Doesn’t answer. The truth is he would rather have Dokja by his side and it’s why it pains him, but he can survive. He has gone through years without him now… Rightfully, he should continue his tantrum. Defiance wants him to keep giving Dokja the cold shoulder. ]
Why.
[ … This man is the only one with answers—to all of Joonghyuk’s questions. ]
[ You're so NOSY and WHY. Why are you smiling at him like that? It makes him want to reach out and grip his neck, to shake out all of that composure out of him. It's aggravating that they're handling this both so differently—Joonghyuk poorly and Dokja calmly. It reminds him of the distance... The one he put physically while they're here, the one that exists because of their differences.
Are they separated by years? Even if they both have their daemons, they both remember the war between angels, years of fighting alongside each other, they are different people than the one they know. Based on some signs, Dokja is from the future. They have finally met.
But that future may not be his. That worldline may not be his, either. The Dokja he knows... ]
... The train, we got there. And you...
[ His fingers flex, nails biting deep into his palm. With biting words, he casts blame. ]
[ It's in the past now, is what he could say. That right now.. it's not that important. But this Yoo Joonghyuk hasn't lived through it all. He isn't at the current time that Dokja is.
But he shouldn't share too much. Ultimately, whatever happens back home, Joonghyuk will have to make some decisions, he's certain. But he can at least explain somewhat. He debates sitting down, coming closer, moving.. somewhere. He remains where he stands. Still within reach. ]
It was either all or part of me. [ Would it have been better for him to not have gotten off that train? At least this way, part of him was still with their company. ] The world would have stopped moving, it wouldn't have continued without someone there.
[ I had to do it. If someone had to sacrifice themselves to do it, Dokja had to. It was the least he could do- after everything they've been put through. ]
[ Joonghyuk stays where he is, too. Seems like these idiots won't move or get closer. He has heard this excuse before... And he knows why it has to be done. For the worlds to keep spinning, someone has to maintain it, but they've worked so hard. They were so sure. They were going to bring him back, but now that goal seems so far.
And now Dokja has to leave him in the dark. This he also knows why. He knows he can't ask what he needs to do. Or what he has to do. He wants to ask... ]
It doesn't have to be you.
[ Whatever anger and homicidal tendencies is drowned out by the sadness he had been locking away. It shows in his expression—how it twists, eyebrows no longer furrowed, jaw loosening. ]
[ Stop. If anyone is going to here it's actually going to be Dokja (surprisingly). To see his expression twist, and with where they're at back home- how can he not? He steps closer, a hand raising to brush fingers against a cheek. ]
It wasn't going to be you. [ It's said quietly. No way would he put that on Joonghyuk's shoulders too. After everything he's gone through? This was the least Dokja could do to repay for it all. ] And it's not something I would ask our companions to do.
[ It had to be him then. He'll try to nudge their foreheads together, peering at him with a slight raise of his brow. Didn't need to come here? ]
It's hard not to. [ It's Thursday. Doesn't matter how long it's been, there's that lingering anxiety in the back of his mind. It could be Yoo Joonghyuk that shows up dead tomorrow. Maybe it'll be the same case where there's a graveyard of sorts but... it's so early on. ]
Especially when we're in this kind of situation again.
[ He doesn't move away, allowing Dokja to brush his fingers against his cheek. It has been a long time for him, considering he came from finishing the scenarios and getting to the train. He and his companions had their breaks, but it isn't the same without Dokja.
The forehead press is allowed. He's subdued, maybe due to weariness of all that plagues his mind... And all he had to experience before arrival. Once tightly wound up, he's winding down. The person who was going to save the world was Dokja, he thought once.
The world they wanted to save was Dokja, Jung Heewon said.
... The person in front of him. ]
I meant you didn't need to accept. I could have saved Biyoo and Mia on my own.
[ It may sound arrogant and haughty, but it comes from a place of protectiveness. ]
[ That's what he meant? He eyes him for a moment and huffs a little a second after. He may or may not be stopping himself from laughing. ]
I made Biyoo a promise, even if you are capable alone I wasn't just going to stay idle.
[ It could have been any one of their companions and he still would have accepted. It could have been Han Sooyoung, someone who is more than capable of getting herself out of a mess, and he would still be here.
It wasn't really a matter of trust or confidence in Yoo Joonghyuk not being strong enough. It just boils down to Kim Dokja not being able to let something like this happen. ]
In any case, we're both here now. So let's deal with it together.
[ So no point in complaining, you dumb sunfish. He's very tempted to pinch his cheek at such a haughty response but he'll just smooth out those furrows with his thumb instead. ]
[ And what it boils down to Joonghyuk is that he isn't sure if he can handle losing Dokja for the nth time. He has survived this long, but how much longer? He can say the same for the rest of their companions... How many times must they see they can't protect the person they wish to protect? What was the point of becoming stronger than the stars?
There are thoughts he keeps to himself, finding it unnecessary to be repetitive...
But he calms down too a sulking state, quiet though indignant to the very end. Smoothing out the furrow is impossible. His eyebrows begin to knit naturally yet he's without wrinkles. Simply quiet as big sad dogs are. ]
[ Why are you making me emo. I'm so sad. If I didn't know that it was a tutorial death this week I really would think you're deathflagging me.
Dokja does his best to smooth it out but Joonghyuk really is a big sad dog huh. His hand raises to brush hair for a moment until he gives him a chaste kiss. Something meant to reassure, maybe comfort.
Maybe get a grumpy reaction from his companion who knows. ] It'll be fine.
[ STOP HE'S DEPRESSED. He's allowing a lot of things today, only because it is Thursday... And he isn't sure if Dokja will be there in the morning. It takes him back to the last week of trial in chasma, but it is a fear he had long before he was dragged into these stupid murder games. He remembers the Demon Realm, waking up to find that he had been unconscious since the Demon King Selection and left his comrades to fight the Indescribable Distance alone.
And that Dokja had sacrificed himself again.
Years upon years with his companions, waking up to know that they've failed and lost. He should be numb and he tells himself that. He should continue to push Dokja away and punish him for making him and their friends suffer. Tonight, however, he can't find the ounce of resistance left in him, especially after the kiss.
His lips don't press back, but his head falls to rest on Dokja's shoulder as his arms gently wrap around him... As if this can be a cage to keep Dokja safe. ]
[ Stop depression. There have been some blips of emotions he's been feeling throughout the week, especially tonight, that do not belong to himself. He's briefly distracted by it but he's drawn back to Joonghyuk when he feels that weight on his shoulder.
Just as his companion's arms wrap around him, he returns the hold. One hand gently threading at the end of black hair soothingly. Focusing more on his presence than his thoughts.
Dokja knows there's a lot he can't really reassure. Not with the number of years that has been built upon in the past before murdergames, but this comfort for tonight is nice to have. The warmth in his arms, that holds him, at least for tonight they can relax as much as they can before the inevitable case and investigations the next few days. ]
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Guess he isn't here. Should we head back to our room, Jin?
[ Meanwhile Jin begins to try and dig under the door. It is not doing anything but in her foxy brain it is. Let! Her! In! ]
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He still doesn’t open the door. Just have Jin start high pitched fox screech and he’ll get it. ]
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[ Yeah, he already knew they are, but he is going the false surprise anyways.
At the sound of Niah barking, Jin does resort to the fox scream. Sorry neighbors. This is just how it is. ]
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Make her stop.
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[ The look of innocence... Jin stops immediately, but only because she is squeezing right on in to barrel into Niah. She Has Arrived. ]
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I don't need another check-up—why are you risking a possible curfew, going around the hallway at this hour.
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Here I thought we were going to spend curfew together like normal. [ A smile. ] Are you going to turn me away then?
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Joonghyuk doesn't look happy about it, but he doesn't close the door. Moving out of the way, he allows Dokja in. ]
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Once he's let in, he won't hesitate or linger at the door for long. Joonghyuk isn't wrong- he is risking it by wandering at this time. Any room changes since the last time he was here?? ]
Would you have preferred I not come?
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The only difference is the typewriter, which Dokja can read it being mostly from yesterday during the event.
There’s also another message, though.
He… Doesn’t answer. The truth is he would rather have Dokja by his side and it’s why it pains him, but he can survive. He has gone through years without him now… Rightfully, he should continue his tantrum. Defiance wants him to keep giving Dokja the cold shoulder. ]
Why.
[ … This man is the only one with answers—to all of Joonghyuk’s questions. ]
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He doesn't approach the typewriter. He looks back to Joonghyuk instead, observing him for a moment.
He raises a brow at the word. Not really surprised when his companion doesn't add anything else to it. That is just how he is. ]
You're going to have to elaborate.
[ He can't read your thoughts. Not right now, anyways. Even if he may have an idea where this is going. ]
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Are they separated by years? Even if they both have their daemons, they both remember the war between angels, years of fighting alongside each other, they are different people than the one they know. Based on some signs, Dokja is from the future. They have finally met.
But that future may not be his. That worldline may not be his, either. The Dokja he knows... ]
... The train, we got there. And you...
[ His fingers flex, nails biting deep into his palm. With biting words, he casts blame. ]
Why.
no subject
[ It's in the past now, is what he could say. That right now.. it's not that important. But this Yoo Joonghyuk hasn't lived through it all. He isn't at the current time that Dokja is.
But he shouldn't share too much. Ultimately, whatever happens back home, Joonghyuk will have to make some decisions, he's certain. But he can at least explain somewhat. He debates sitting down, coming closer, moving.. somewhere. He remains where he stands. Still within reach. ]
It was either all or part of me. [ Would it have been better for him to not have gotten off that train? At least this way, part of him was still with their company. ] The world would have stopped moving, it wouldn't have continued without someone there.
[ I had to do it. If someone had to sacrifice themselves to do it, Dokja had to. It was the least he could do- after everything they've been put through. ]
no subject
And now Dokja has to leave him in the dark. This he also knows why. He knows he can't ask what he needs to do. Or what he has to do. He wants to ask... ]
It doesn't have to be you.
[ Whatever anger and homicidal tendencies is drowned out by the sadness he had been locking away. It shows in his expression—how it twists, eyebrows no longer furrowed, jaw loosening. ]
You didn't need to come here, too...
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It wasn't going to be you. [ It's said quietly. No way would he put that on Joonghyuk's shoulders too. After everything he's gone through? This was the least Dokja could do to repay for it all. ] And it's not something I would ask our companions to do.
[ It had to be him then. He'll try to nudge their foreheads together, peering at him with a slight raise of his brow. Didn't need to come here? ]
It's hard not to. [ It's Thursday. Doesn't matter how long it's been, there's that lingering anxiety in the back of his mind. It could be Yoo Joonghyuk that shows up dead tomorrow. Maybe it'll be the same case where there's a graveyard of sorts but... it's so early on. ]
Especially when we're in this kind of situation again.
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The forehead press is allowed. He's subdued, maybe due to weariness of all that plagues his mind... And all he had to experience before arrival. Once tightly wound up, he's winding down. The person who was going to save the world was Dokja, he thought once.
The world they wanted to save was Dokja, Jung Heewon said.
... The person in front of him. ]
I meant you didn't need to accept. I could have saved Biyoo and Mia on my own.
[ It may sound arrogant and haughty, but it comes from a place of protectiveness. ]
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I made Biyoo a promise, even if you are capable alone I wasn't just going to stay idle.
[ It could have been any one of their companions and he still would have accepted. It could have been Han Sooyoung, someone who is more than capable of getting herself out of a mess, and he would still be here.
It wasn't really a matter of trust or confidence in Yoo Joonghyuk not being strong enough. It just boils down to Kim Dokja not being able to let something like this happen. ]
In any case, we're both here now. So let's deal with it together.
[ So no point in complaining, you dumb sunfish. He's very tempted to pinch his cheek at such a haughty response but he'll just smooth out those furrows with his thumb instead. ]
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There are thoughts he keeps to himself, finding it unnecessary to be repetitive...
But he calms down too a sulking state, quiet though indignant to the very end. Smoothing out the furrow is impossible. His eyebrows begin to knit naturally yet he's without wrinkles. Simply quiet as big sad dogs are. ]
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Dokja does his best to smooth it out but Joonghyuk really is a big sad dog huh. His hand raises to brush hair for a moment until he gives him a chaste kiss. Something meant to reassure, maybe comfort.
Maybe get a grumpy reaction from his companion who knows. ] It'll be fine.
[ Not really but.. for now, at least? ]
no subject
And that Dokja had sacrificed himself again.
Years upon years with his companions, waking up to know that they've failed and lost. He should be numb and he tells himself that. He should continue to push Dokja away and punish him for making him and their friends suffer. Tonight, however, he can't find the ounce of resistance left in him, especially after the kiss.
His lips don't press back, but his head falls to rest on Dokja's shoulder as his arms gently wrap around him... As if this can be a cage to keep Dokja safe. ]
no subject
Just as his companion's arms wrap around him, he returns the hold. One hand gently threading at the end of black hair soothingly. Focusing more on his presence than his thoughts.
Dokja knows there's a lot he can't really reassure. Not with the number of years that has been built upon in the past before murdergames, but this comfort for tonight is nice to have. The warmth in his arms, that holds him, at least for tonight they can relax as much as they can before the inevitable case and investigations the next few days. ]