Chapter Text
...o.O.o...
Summary: After the Post-Canon, Yoo Jonghyuk did not expect to regress again but he was wrong. This regression is different from others.
...o.O.o...
Yoo Jonghyuk is dumbfounded, standing still to see his companion in life and death tear streak and snot-filled standing in front of him. A sight he never wishes to witness. He tries to reach for him but he steps away making his heartfelt like a thousand needles are slowly sinking, penetrating him inch by inch.
Yoo Jonghyuk never felt like he's dying at this moment.
...o.O.o...
Yoo Jonghyuk is silently analyzing everything. First of all, he regresses, secondly, his friends remember their past lives, third, it's not the same as the world lines he regress to and lastly, Kim Dokja is nowhere.
And worse, their team name, Han Sooyoung Corporation, named after their so-called manager slash one of the representatives is an abomination than Kim Dokja company.
So, in this world, where a team of dungeon raiders called pro-gamers that fight in real-time dungeons which appear randomly and where the outer gods and wennies are using as a gate and trying to conquer this world. And the places where they appear are owned by the so-called dungeon owners who we called constellations before and were managed and streamed by the dungeon association aka the bureau and dokkabaes. What's with this world line? Han Sooyoung exasperated, looking out the windows, a lot of different beings and races are harmoniously living together. A sight she never thought she'll ever see after the world she lived in before.
The team stays silent.
Is this one of Ahjhussi's dream? Shun Yoosung asks. Han Sooyoung shakes his head no.
He won't read this kind of thing, he prefers the long boring ones. Han Sooyoung added.
Suddenly the door opens and Uriel attacks Jung Heewoon with a super tight hug.
I don't know what's happening now, but I'm glad you're alright, you do know me right, right? Metatron said I'm delusional with the words I'm saying. I'm glad the Prisoner of the Golden Headband remembers too. I brought Abyssal Black Flame dragon too. Uriel continuously berates.
Afterward, the team discusses what's their plan next. And they need to hide the 999th turns and Secretive Plotter who resides on their respective other self except for the 999th Uriel who decided to reside inside Jung Heewoon for safety measures.
Gladly Kim Namwoon is part of the team but Han Sooyoung will handle the 999th turn Kim Namwoon so they won't get busted, knowing the teen's eccentric attitude.
I checked the employee database of Mino Soft with the help of Myungsoo but there is no record about Dokja-ssi. Yoo Sangah apologetically said.
Han Donghoon and Jang Hayoung are looking in the database of the Korean Dungeon Association and the Korean PENINSULA Guild to check info. Yoo Sangah continues.
If it comes to an end, tell them to hack the government database. Han Sooyoung directed which Yoo Sangah agreed nonetheless of its injustice.
No, I'll gather data as long as we landed back in the country. I'm still a soldier in the country. Lee Hyungsung said. Han Sooyoung shakes his head in his absurdness.
We will check other pieces of information about this world and convey it to you all. Sun Wukong said which Uriel nodded furiously and Abyssal Black Flame Dragon grumbles.
Lee Soukyoung doesn't have any contacts with Dokja-ssi and she and Aileen will contact the Korean Peninsula Guild to check who remembers about the past life. We should be discreet about this. We don't know who is our real enemy in this world. Jung Heewoon said.
It seems safe to say that all involved with the Kim Dokja Company remembers everything. But by the way master... Lee Jihye starts.
Hng...
Are your memories still not syncing with the master in this world? Lee Jihye asks and looks at Yoo Jonghyuk who shakes his head no.
Eh, that'll be a problem seeing that it seems... you're ... married. Lee Jihye hesitantly pointed out and pointed at the golden ring in Yoo Jonghyuk ring finger.
Yoo Jonghyuk looks at Lee Seolhwa who shakes his head no and shows both his hands. Then he looks at Han Sooyoung and the two glared at each other.
I will never marry you. Yoo Jonghyuk spats.
Like you have the right, eww, over my dead body, bastard. Han Sooyoung gritted. And sigh out of relief when both of his hands don't have a ring. Everyone checks their hands and aside from the seemingly like engagement ring that Jung Heewoon has, everyone doesn't wear a gold band.
You cheater... Han Sooyoung starts and the group berates Yoo Jonghyuk's married life. The man walks out when others don't listen to him. He didn't even know who his spouse is and even Secretive Plotter and the other Yoo Jonghyuk is guilt-tripping him.
Whoever he marries, he'll divorce them and find Kim Dokja, the bastard scammer who should've been the one to tie the knot to.
Yoo Jonghyuk balls his fist tightly, Kim Dokja running in his mind. The guilt he felt when he can't protect him, burning his soul.
...o.O.o...
As they arrive at the airport they are bombarded with reporters, some congratulating them for the win in China's biggest Dungeon that suddenly appears. But the majority of the reporters focus on Yoo Jonghyuk and Lee Seolhwa. The allegedly broad daylight cheating and his marriage sham.
Gladly the guards handle things on their behalf. On the bus, Han Donghoon and Jang Hayoung present them about the matter at hand. The cheating rumor and the possibility of Yoo Jonghyuk and Lee Seolhwa lay off. Han Sooyoung and Yoo Sangah decided that they will be the ones to clear the misunderstanding. Proceeds to the Korean Peninsula Guild for the press conference while the others proceed to their base, where Kim Dokja's mother is waiting.
At the meeting which tackles about finding Kim Dokja and finding out anything about this world, Yoo MiAh barges in to hug his brother.
Lee Jihye is the one he inquires if he knew his brother's spouse. They need to clear this matter first.
Yoo MiAh shakes her head no and tells them that his brother lives in a different house while he lives with their parents. Saying that his brother left home because of a fight between his parents and fuel it more with the sudden marriage.
Yoo Jonghyuk was shocked to hear about this all and asks if he knows where he lives which Yoo MiAh said no. And told him off for being mysterious and detached. She even curses Yoo Jonghyuk's spouse for taking all of his attention and affection.
Yoo MiAh also didn't remember his past life.
With the help of Han Donghoon, Yoo Jonghyuk locates his address and proceeds to clear the first obstacle that destroys his supposed perfect life after they find Kim Dokja. He with the Secretive Plotter that resides inside him ventures to clear these things.
...o.O.o...
Kim Dokja watches the news with a broken heart. He keeps reassuring himself that all of it is a rumor but his confidence was shattered when a picture of his husband was shown kissing his ex-girlfriend in broad daylight.
He can see that it was a trick on the angle where it was shot but the unusual difference before he goes to China broke his resolve and the anxiety of being abandoned is looming over him.
Tears start to flow in his eyes and the opening of the door makes him stand abruptly and rush to wipe his tears.
He tries to clean his face walking to the door to greet the man who promises to be his end and eternal.
The sight of his husband kissing his ex-girlfriend ran in his mind as he met his husband's gaze.
The tears start to flow uncontrollably and snot runs in his nose. He tried to contain his sob but it was futile. He backs away from the hand reaching him because he doesn't want him to see him in this pathetic state.
I...I...Woah... Kim Dokja cries and runs to his husband's embrace, burying his face on the man's chest. He doesn't know why he runs to embrace him rather running away and hiding because of embarrassment. Even if the foreboding feeling of abandonment or the assumptions of cheating didn't hindrance him to tighten his hold in his husband. Yoo Jonghyuk's arms still felt and assured him of peace and belonging.
He is trusting his guts that no matter what his husband does, he'll never forsake the family he built. He was just so sure of it.
I...I know it's not true...it just ...hic...you're...hic... you're acting indifferent these past few days. Kim Dokja stares at the other's eyes. He's looking for confirmation if his guts are true but the man in front of him has a different reaction. His husband is almost gaping and like he didn't believe what he's seeing. With this, Kim Dokja left the embrace, feeling the emptiness of being abandoned.
You...are you...really...you. Kim Dokja's anxiety starts to whisper on him as he lowers his gaze.
His husband will leave him, it is because he acts rashly and hugs him like a child. His husband is always irritated when he does, no he despises it. He rarely acts like one, just this time again but is that the reason why. His childishness or timidness or his anti-social ness. Kim Dokja doesn't know why.
Suddenly firm arms hug him tightly.
Kim Dokja... his husband buries his face in the shoulder and tightly hugs him. Kim Dokja even pushes him a little to look if he's alright.
Wha...what are you doing? Kim Dokja shyly asks as a blush crept in his cheeks. He's husband is acting weird.
Yoo Jonghyuk hands roam around Kim Dokja's body, his arms, and settle in his face. He then pinches Kim Dokja's cheeks and presses both his palm in the tortured cheek. Kim Dokja puts his hands on top of Yoo Jonghyuk's. Yoo Jonghyuk's eyes settled in the hands that settled on top of his.
You...you're my spouse. The shock that Kim Dokja sees makes his heartache and lower his gaze but the other lifts his face and kisses him roughly. It was brief and Yoo Jonghyuk hugs him tightly.
Ugh...Jonghyuk -ah... the hugs tighten. Kim Dokja felt that something was off with his husband.
I...I can't breathe. Yoo Jonghyuk let go and grimaced at the sight of his husband, Kim Dokja, he wipes the other's face off of snots and tears using his sleeve.
I... I can clean ... my face. Dokja stutters, face red as he runs to the kitchen to clean his face.
Yoo Jonghyuk follows him, and Kim Dokja's jaw drops when he notices the snot and tear streak shirt which his husband is wearing. He rushes to fetch him a new shirt. He looks at the clock in the wall and all the drama a while ago leaves his mind.
I cook something. It's in the fridge. You should rest, the babysitter will come later. Byul will wake up after a couple of hours more. I'll see you later. Kim Dokja said, packing what it seems like school supplies. He kisses Yoo Jonghyuk in the cheek and rushes to get out of the house when he sees the clock again. And also to get out of the embarrassing moment. A sweet-stricken and lovable Yoo Jonghyuk mode is a kind thing he avoids as possible which rarely happens, cause Yoo Jonghyuk adjusted quite well with this phenomenon happening to him. That's why he loves the man.
Yoo Jonghyuk was left in the house, standing alone. Mind not working properly, he resigned to sighs and lay on the sofa to rest first before processing what just happened.
...o.O.o...
Yoo Jonghyuk is woken up by cries. A baby crying specifically. He sat up looking around and thought if this place is haunted and it's absurd if it's the neighbors because their place is huge, more like they own the whole floor in the building they're residing now.
Out of curiosity, he traces where it's coming from.
The room is bright and in its center is a crib. Yoo Jonghyuk slowly approaches the unusual thing.
The crying stops when he peeks in the crib.
Yoo Jonghyuk stares at the baby who stares backs at him. The Secretive Plotter and other Yoo Jonghyuks still.
The baby giggles and raises both his arms. Yoo Jonghyuk stands still, not moving and only snaps out of it when he sees the baby's lip trembled and his eyes got teary. The 999th Yoo Jonghyuk suddenly pops out, stopping the baby's cry.
The Secretive Plotter looks at the baby in contemplation.
The baby looks at them, seems questioning why there are a lot of his father.
He reaches for 41st turn who steps away making the baby curious and starts to giggle and reach the little Yoo Jonghyuks.
You carry him. Secretive Plotter orders. Yoo Jonghyuk glares before he picks up the baby. This is not the first time he has a child, he has previously had one with Lee Seolhwa in his first previous regressions. He shakes his head to clear his mind and tries to remember how to carry a baby.
The Yoo Jonghyuks look around the room. Various soft toys and books are around. A lot of pictures are scattered on the wall.
From the ultrasound to the everyday photo but what caught Yoo Jonghyuk's attention is the big picture of him, Kim Dokja, and the baby.
A book caught his attention next, Baby Byul is written on the cover, he opens it and his jaw slightly drops.
It's Kim Dokja with a big stomach and a written arrow is pointing on an ultrasound.
Our baby Byul in 7 months, two more months to go.
The written description.
He...he gives...give birth. Yoo Jonghyuk stuttered, his brain short-circuited at the info. To make sure that he's not imagining things. He opens the book starting on the first page. It is a picture of a pregnancy test and a little description of it. Page per page are ultrasound and description, at some page, the description included a hand wearing an engagement ring.
He proposes we're gonna be officially a family baby Byul.
The next picture is the day Byul gets born and next is the everyday photo.
Yay welcome to the world baby Yoo Eun Byul. I don't know why your father named you that but it's cool...daddy gives you a name even if it kinda means like 'killing money-making star'. Sorry bout that just being sarcastic, but know this we both love you and you'll always be our shining star.
Daddy carries baby Byul for the first time. Yay
Daddy can't change baby Byul 's nappy.
Daddy tries feeding baby Byul
Then photos of them signing a marriage certificate.
Yes, officially a family. Yoo Jonghyuk -ah, me, the greatest Dokja, and our baby Byul.
He got on a blank page next, the 100th day is written on top of it and the date today.
Yoo Jonghyuk looks at the baby who is looking at him while sucking his small hands. He's shocked that the baby is not fuzzy.
Are you hungry? The baby, baby Byul tilt his head, creasing his forehead at what his father said.
999th shove a milk bottle in his direction. Yoo Jonghyuk doesn't know when he prepared that but he gladly accepts it and sits down to feed baby Byul.
You should let him burp . 666th told him after baby Byul finished his milk.
So it seems in this world, both genders can give birth, they have this alpha, beta, omega sub gender. And it seems like Kim Dokja is a recessive alpha. Secretive Plotter said raising the book that Yoo Jonghyuk read a while ago.
Secretive Plotter has a small smile in his face as he continues to scan the book.
A phone ringing makes Yoo Jonghyuk settle baby Byul in the crib and the small Yoo Jonghyuks watch and touch baby Byul out of curiosity and awe. Baby Byul giggles in the attention he's receiving.
362nd gives Byul his pacifier when he notices that the baby starts to suck his small hand. Baby Byul happily sucks on it and 41st wipe the hands covered in saliva. Baby Byul tries to catch him but 41st evades him, it's a game of catch and evades in the crib.
Yoo Jonghyuk enters the room answering his phone.
Hey...I know you just arrive ...and you should be resting but the babysitter can't come today. Is it alright? Greeted Dokja's voice.
It's fine.
Oh...uhmm. Kim Dokja seems to contemplate if he should say what he should tell.
What is it?
You know that it's Byul 100th day and ... can you pick up the items I reserved in the cake shop and buy some of the rice cakes. I mean if you're tired. I can go by myself but...
It's alright, I'll do it.
Really? I mean thank you, I need to finish this report. I'm really sorry.
Ng... Yoo Jonghyuk, replies hating that Dokja apologizes from time to time.
I need to hang up then. I'll see you later. I'll text you the address and the things you need to pick up. Okay. Bye, see you later. Dokja said before hanging up.
The Jonghyuks in the room looks at him.
It's the baby's 100th day, and we need to pick up things. Yoo Jonghyuk said and Secretive Plotter said he'll prepare the food with the others and order 999th to follow Yoo Jonghyuk and to take Byul too in their outing.
Why would the baby be with us, he's your son too and he should stay here. Yoo Jonghyuk reasons, no matter what, Secretive Plotter is part of him, he doesn't know if he's making excuses for taking care of baby Byul.
We're cooking. Secretive Plotter deadpan not making any room for arguments. Yoo Jonghyuk glares at the man and looks at the baby in the crib who stares back at him.
Don't be mistaken, Yoo Jonghyuk is very knowledgeable that he has a child with Kim Dokja nonetheless but a baby is a fragile being. He's confident in his skills but taking care of a baby is a different topic.
The little Yoo Jonghyuks prepare for the things for the outing while he's being hesitant.
...o.O.o...
The market is in the buzz, people shamelessly stare and/or taking pictures of a man in a black coat. They didn't even bother to hide their gossiping. The handsome man with the baby carrier ignores them, glaring at the people who seem to want to approach him.
He curses the Secretive Plotter silently who conveys things to buy through 999th.
He runs his errand uneventfully because Byul is not a fuzzy baby. The awe in Byul's eyes and curiosity on the surroundings prove that the baby is not bored or sleeping.
Byul tries to reach something that catches his eyes, that's why Yoo Jonghyuk is carrying more things than what he is supposed to buy. He buys everything that catches Byul's attention.
A furball stuff toy that looks like Biyu, the toy his baby didn't let go throughout their venture.
He shops and shops until both hands are full. Yoo Jonghyuk is glad that he has a car to put all the things he buys.
Yoo Jonghyuk is in awe when Byul smiles at him. Byul pats his cheek when he settles him in his car seat. The corner of Yoo Jonghyuk's lips lifts at Byul's action. His pacifier is gone now, and he babbles non-stop. Yoo Jonghyuk's hesitation is slowly fading.
. ...o.O.o...
Kim Dokja's jaw drops at the sight. In a large table, there are various rice cakes, from the rainbow-colored to plain ones, a homemade cake and the one he asks Yoo Jonghyuk to pick, at the side are mountains of dumplings - the family's favorite, besides it, are japchae and sweet and sour pork, besides those are different kinds of fried chicken, at the other side are different kinds of fruits, the seaweed soup, and various vegetable dishes, circling the table are a mountain of new toys, clothes, and shoes, and Byul is in a gray hanbok babbling and patting Yoo Jonghyuk face.
Yoo Jonghyuk looks at him.
Ha..hi Kim Dokja greets, putting the gift and cake he buys for Byul's 100th-day celebration.
There are so many things and foods..? Kim Dokja is not sure if he's asking or not. But approaches the two to give them kisses.
The little family celebrated, Kim Dokja not forgetting to document the moment.
After the little party, he starts printing the photos he has taken and stores another back up for the videos.
He's pasting the photos on the baby book when Yoo Jonghyuk comes and sits in front of him.
Kim Dokja looks at him and continues what he's doing.
I guess... everything is alright now. I'm sorry. Kim Dokja started. Yoo Jonghyuk wanted to ask why he keeps apologizing. It seems Kim Dokja read it in his face.
You've been acting cold for almost a month, I mean you're a cold person and we're not that sweet to each other, but this is different. You acted like Byul and I didn't exist. We promise to talk with each other when something is bothering us. We promise to be a family then you suddenly acted that we're not existing then...then the cheating rumor started. You knew I'm suffering from postpartum, we just recently have Byul...you knew that I hate the feeling of abandonment, the fear that you're leaving us, that you'll take Byul away from me. I mean I know our relationship is not the lovey-dovey type but we promise... Kim Dokja can't contain the bottled up feeling this past month. Postpartum depression is something.
... Hic...my doubt is getting into me when I see that picture even if I know that it's a camera trick. But you didn't come home for almost a month. Kim Dokja mutters the last sentences barely loud enough for both of them.
Jonghyuk -ah are we okay? Kim Dokja rarely calls Yoo Jonghyuk like that, it's either when he's scamming him for allowance or pranking him but mostly when there is a brewing problem. Kim Dokja looks at Yoo Jonghyuk with tears in his eyes. Then look away.
I'm sorry for talking too much but we promise to talk and listen with each other no matter what. And I'm sorry if I'm being pathetic right now. Anxiety and depression are getting on to me. And I don't want it. I'm tired of it. What if...what if Byul will suffer because of me, because I can't handle it. What if...what if you leave me and hide Byul...what...what if... Kim Dokja buries his face with his hand, to hide his pathetic star and wipe all the tears that flow endlessly.
Yoo Jonghyuk can't stand it anymore, he approaches his Life and Death Companion and hugs him. Kim Dokja is the one who always saves him, this time he'll do his very best to protect him even if to himself or other Yoo Jonghyuks.
I didn't kiss her, she's applying ointment on my face. Yoo Jonghyuk starts. Kim Dokja nodded. He can't apologize for something he didn't know. Why did the Yoo Jonghyuk in this world become distant to him?
I don't know if I have a right to meddle but what happens when you visit your parents. Kim Dokja looks at him, knowing that it all starts from there, he tilts his head. His tears stop at a halt.
Jonghyuk -ah, don't tell me you don't remember anything. Jonghyuk looks away, making Dokja hold his face in place. Kim Dokja notices this earlier too, but there is something amiss with his husband now that he is looking at him properly.
You really don't remember. Dokja's emotion immediately. Anything about Yoo Jonghyuk makes him think about the well being of others before himself.
Don't deny it, you always look like this when you don't remember something. You're really something. I'll try my best to help you remember then. Kim Dokja worries and a small smile appears on his face after those dramas, happy to always help his husband when he is in his forget-something-frenzy-state. Yoo Jonghyuk felt guilty and dumb, he's happy that he's smiling again but he is putting him first again, throwing aside his own. Kim Dokja is caring about him again then himself and he hates it.
Are you allergic?... Yoo Jonghyuk asks suddenly.
Huh? This confused Kim Dokja, the question is out of the topic.
Did I do something wrong? Kim Dokja asks himself.
Are you allergic in affection, like you'll break in hives when I care too much about you? You always change the direction of concern to others, making not one talk about how you are doing. Yoo Jonghyuk brought out the attitude that bothers him about Kim Dokja, in this world line and the past.
Kim Dokja looks down while biting his lower lip. He didn't mean to but Yoo Jonghyuk and Byul are always his priorities and life.
I...I'm not ... Kim Dokja whispers and Yoo Jonghyuk hear it.
Kim Dokja... Yoo Jonghyuk calls, almost shouting his name.
I'm sorry ... Kim Dokja pouts. He hates it when Yoo Jonghyuk acts like his father, always reprimanding him.
Don't apologize. Kim Dokja pout making Yoo Jonghyuk wants to kiss that plump lips.
Okay...okay, and we're talking about the things you forgot. Let's discuss before we sleep so we can sleep peacefully. Kim Dokja suggested, changing the topic immediately. And told Yoo Jonghyuk the things he knew, not making any chances for the other to interrupt.
He explains first that his already sour relationship with his parents became sourer. Then the layoff rumor in his job, his raiding work. And Kim Dokja even has the assumption that he is changing hearts which Yoo Jonghyuk dismisses.
With the reason that he is a forgettable person, Yoo Jonghyuk asks how and when they meet, making Kim Dokja suspicious of him but he brushes it off like nothing.
Kim Dokja gladly told him about their incredible awesome relationship.
It's a one night stand, and because Kim Dokja just finished his military service and is going to start school. Yoo Jonghyuk takes responsibility for giving the excuse that they're dating even if Kim Dokja told him not to and uses the excuse of being in a relationship to insist. This is before they knew about the pregnancy.
Their relationship is not the lovey-dovey type, -Kim Dokja is allergic to affection taking a blow in Yoo Jonghyuk's ego but he adjusted and Kim Dokja is the sweet one, taking on learning about house chores and cooking while studying in Uni. They don't agree on things, Kim Dokja always scammed and pranked Yoo Jonghyuk while Yoo Jonghyuk ticked off Kim Dokja but even with this, it's that something is comforting in the presence of each other.
That's why there are no questions or arguments when discussing anything about the baby during pregnancy. Even the idea of marriage doesn't sound bad, it's just got sour when Yoo Jonghyuk comes home with a dark aura after they almost fail a dungeon raid, when he participated in an international raid with the US and all the people with him in that raid died, then the parent's issue happens and also the lay off rumors.
I guess that's it. You should inquire about things with your teammates seeing that you seem very close like a family with them. I see the broadcast of your recent raid and it's awesome. But I thought you're not close to them. You always act alone so it's kind of ...I don't know...amazing. You're cooler when you act together with the team. Kim Dokja continuously admires him. And Yoo Jonghyuk never wishes for anything as precious as this. Yoo Jonghyuk kisses Kim Dokja's forehead never knowing that this will happen.
Kim Dokja smiles at him. And Yoo Jonghyuk smiles back.
...o.O.o...