[He could only move forward and forge anew with each regression. The people whom he knew in the past were no longer the people he knew now. They might look the same and have the same names and mannerisms, but they weren't the same people.
Lee Seolhwa was his lover and wife and the mother of his child, but those type of things he had moved on from. Had to if he wanted to keep looking forward. Still. Could one easily forget all the people whom touched his heart?]
Of course, she wasn't the one that I remember.
Yet...
If for a moment, I wanted to believe. The woman in my memories... I wanted to believe that she was still alive.
[It was a foolish want and hope though.
He had already forsaken those people and moved to the next turn.]
[He hates writing it. His face is looking pained, but he hopes it can be passed off as the strain of running while carrying a man twice his weight on his back. At least Han Sooyoong is busy studying the effects of the terraforming, and isn't looking in his direction.
He wants her back, then. It makes sense. She really is the ideal woman for someone like Yoo Joonghyuk. It's not surprising, but the pain is still enough to overwhelm him. He feels like he can't breathe.]
She was your lover, a person like that deserves at least a chance.
You make it sound as though you've regressed before.
[It's confusing to him. How could the other possibly understand? He...He wants to believe the other understand though. The feeling of loneliness and being forgotten every turn-
Is it possible for anyone to understand him?]
What she was before doesn't matter. That turn is over for me and she's not that same person, Kim Dokja. I let my emotions get the better of me.
[His brows furrow a little. He doesn't know why her being his lover means anything.]
She wasn't amiable to conversation, so she's now an obstacle.
[It's important to say it, he thinks. He of all people knows how painful the scenarios and the endless regressions are for Yoo Joonghyk. Again and again, he's lost people he cares about, or he's betrayed by someone he'd been able to trust in the past. It's what causes him to lose his humanity.
Stronger than jealousy is the sudden desire to help, even if it's just in a small way. He doesn't like hearing the way Yoo Joonghyk gives up so easily. Sure, he also needs this man to keep fighting to reach his goals, but it's more than that.
He's not sure how to convey his sincerity, but he hopes it comes across.]
[He wants to trust and believe those words quite badly. Will it be alright?]
...
[Perhaps if it were anyone else, then he'd scoff at it. This was his soulmate though. Yoo Joonghyuk thinks that it might be alright this time. To let himself fall into those words.]
[The character 'Yoo Joonghyuk' feels a faint sense of comfort.]
I want to make it clear, by the way, I haven't forgotten about you kidnapping my sister.
[Because despite the warmth he was feeling; he was still mad about that. Of everyone that he ever traveled with, of course, the sister who was much too young to be experiencing these atrocities was who meant the most to him. He still doesn't know much about her whereabouts.]
[It's satisfying to receive that brief message, letting him know his words had effect. He hadn't been sure if Yoo Joonghyk would believe him. He's not exactly a trusting person.
And when he brings that up a second later, Kim Dokja can't even be surprised.]
I didn't kidnap her, I was protecting her! Just use Lie Detection to confirm it.
[He'd wondered if he was still mad. It was probably too much to hope for that he wouldn't be. At least he had two days before this bastard could get any sort of revenge, and he could try to get him to calm down by then.]
You better not have come to find me just to kill me over that.
Why do you think I'm going to kill you? Are you an idiot?
[This guy...]
Did you already forget the entire conversation we had in the station? Tch, I was looking for you because you seemed to be the best option to relaying information to in the first place.
[Considering the severity of the situation; that was a huge amount of trust.]
Is it a problem that I also just wished to seek you out?
[Kim Dokja was a frustrating man. He still can't really gauge just how much the other wants to be together. They said yes, but he still wonders if he might have pressured the other a little into the reply.
A thought for another time because the terraforming is getting worse and territory markings were more apparent on the ground.]
[Hearing those words sends a rush of relief through him. Having this guy wanting to kill him would have been a problem, but more than that, if Yoo Joonghyk just wanted to see him... Kim Dokja hadn't forgotten their conversation, but the whole situation still seemed so impossible. But of course once Yoo Joonghyk decides to take something seriously, he doesn't change his mind easily. He wouldn't have changed his mind just because they were apart for a few days.
He holds onto him a little tighter, and it's a moment before he replies. He feels good suddenly.]
It's good that you found me.
[He wants to say more. It's nice to be able to have an actual conversation with him. But just as he tries to think of another message, they're attacked.
He reacts quickly. He needs to fight, so no matter how much he wants to be the one to carry Yoo Joonghyk, he hands him off to Han Sooyoong. They can continue their conversation later.]
[It's really quite frustrating being incapacitated like this. Being conscious was at least a blessing because he'd probably be more frustrated to wake up during or after the events of all the Disasters. Or maybe if things went badly he'd just wake up back in the subway again. He rather be awake, but not being able to do anything other than interact with Kim Dokja.
He watches carefully though. From being attacked to Yoo Sangah's arrival and their retreat into a building to get a better view of the situation.
The room is tense though and Yoo Joonghyuk was wary and made sure the other was aware to also be. He could trust Kim Dokja, but was he to trust that woman? It's not something they can really focus on because a Sub-Scenario is given.]
Even if the 'Disaster of Questions' hatches early, it should be fine. It can still be neutralized and dealt with.
[It isn't exactly ideal if it does happen, but it isn't so bleak either. Still, he's sure the other will aim to prevent the early hatching first. It wasn't bad to aim for it, but good to have alternatives ready.]
[The message catches him off guard after he's been focused on preventing a fight between Han Sooyoong and Yoo Sangah. Once he's sure they're not about to kill each other, he glances at Yoo Joonghyuk.
And hesitates.]
What do you mean?
[He knows what he means. He'd like to pretend that he doesn't, and run off to prevent this disaster instead of actually facing this man's anger when he realizes. They only have two hours, so there's not much time. It's understandable if they can't have long conversations about strategy now.]
[He's pretty sure the other is playing stupid right now. There's no way that the other wouldn't know-]
You woke up the Guide. [Han Sooyoung mentioned leaving a wolf behind. He wasn't an idiot and knew exactly what that meant.] The skill he taught you will help with dealing with the 'Disaster of Questions' of course. I know that you must have been taught 'Way of the Wind' by him.
[A skill that he should have normally gotten, but Kim Dokja has gone through many lengths to upend his plans constantly.]
Even if we fail to stop the early hatching; you have the means to defeat it.
[He's about to die. Yoo Joonghyk is about to get up in spite of his currently weak state, through nothing but sheer force of will, so he can kill him. And he'll deserve it for dooming them all.]
I didn't learn it.
[He tries to avoid looking at him, not wanting to see the immense disappointment about to appear on his face, but he can't resist glancing back in his direction.]
[He's going to punch this man. At least once. For kidnapping his sister and for being an idiot right this moment. The other can't blame him.]
You have a plan ready at least, right?
[It's not like he can do anything right this moment and that makes this extra frustrating. He can't even do anything while relying on this idiot and two questionably, suspicious women who looked like they rather kill each other.]
Don't do anything unnecessary, Kim Dokja. [Because he seemed really good at that.]
[Not for dealing with the disaster, but Yoo Joonghyuk didn't specify, and so he won't either.]
You rest up here while I go deal with this.
[It's a low blow and he knows it, because the last thing Yoo Joonghyk wants to do is stay here and rest. But he can't resist it. Not when this bastard is judging him.]
[Why is this man so damn petty (thinks one of the pettiest man alive).]
I'm reconsidering whether to kill you or not later.
[No he's not. Maybe the other might not think that yet, but Yoo Joonghyuk is incapable of killing the other at this point. He won't be able to. Still, he can threaten the other if only to make himself feel better.]
Then you'll have to hurry up and get back on your feet.
[He doubts Yoo Joonghyk is serious. Or at least, he probably isn't. At the very least it's a problem for later, so he gives quick instructions to Yoo Sangah and Han Sooyoong, before getting ready to leave.]
[Really, now. At this point, he thinks that the other is trying to provoke him.]
Worry about yourself.
[It's true that the other worrying about him is unnecessary. One of Han Sooyoung's clones help him to the roof of the building while everything is happening. Perhaps she also understood that it'll help him get a better vantage point and to watch things as they happen. At least the woman was smart enough to know that while he couldn't actively be involved; he could still oversee what was happening.]
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[He could only move forward and forge anew with each regression. The people whom he knew in the past were no longer the people he knew now. They might look the same and have the same names and mannerisms, but they weren't the same people.
Lee Seolhwa was his lover and wife and the mother of his child, but those type of things he had moved on from. Had to if he wanted to keep looking forward. Still. Could one easily forget all the people whom touched his heart?]
Of course, she wasn't the one that I remember.
Yet...
If for a moment, I wanted to believe. The woman in my memories... I wanted to believe that she was still alive.
[It was a foolish want and hope though.
He had already forsaken those people and moved to the next turn.]
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[He hates writing it. His face is looking pained, but he hopes it can be passed off as the strain of running while carrying a man twice his weight on his back. At least Han Sooyoong is busy studying the effects of the terraforming, and isn't looking in his direction.
He wants her back, then. It makes sense. She really is the ideal woman for someone like Yoo Joonghyuk. It's not surprising, but the pain is still enough to overwhelm him. He feels like he can't breathe.]
She was your lover, a person like that deserves at least a chance.
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[It's confusing to him. How could the other possibly understand? He...He wants to believe the other understand though. The feeling of loneliness and being forgotten every turn-
Is it possible for anyone to understand him?]
What she was before doesn't matter. That turn is over for me and she's not that same person, Kim Dokja. I let my emotions get the better of me.
[His brows furrow a little. He doesn't know why her being his lover means anything.]
She wasn't amiable to conversation, so she's now an obstacle.
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[It's important to say it, he thinks. He of all people knows how painful the scenarios and the endless regressions are for Yoo Joonghyk. Again and again, he's lost people he cares about, or he's betrayed by someone he'd been able to trust in the past. It's what causes him to lose his humanity.
Stronger than jealousy is the sudden desire to help, even if it's just in a small way. He doesn't like hearing the way Yoo Joonghyk gives up so easily. Sure, he also needs this man to keep fighting to reach his goals, but it's more than that.
He's not sure how to convey his sincerity, but he hopes it comes across.]
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...
[Perhaps if it were anyone else, then he'd scoff at it. This was his soulmate though. Yoo Joonghyuk thinks that it might be alright this time. To let himself fall into those words.]
[The character 'Yoo Joonghyuk' feels a faint sense of comfort.]
I want to make it clear, by the way, I haven't forgotten about you kidnapping my sister.
[Because despite the warmth he was feeling; he was still mad about that. Of everyone that he ever traveled with, of course, the sister who was much too young to be experiencing these atrocities was who meant the most to him. He still doesn't know much about her whereabouts.]
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And when he brings that up a second later, Kim Dokja can't even be surprised.]
I didn't kidnap her, I was protecting her! Just use Lie Detection to confirm it.
[He'd wondered if he was still mad. It was probably too much to hope for that he wouldn't be. At least he had two days before this bastard could get any sort of revenge, and he could try to get him to calm down by then.]
You better not have come to find me just to kill me over that.
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[This guy...]
Did you already forget the entire conversation we had in the station? Tch, I was looking for you because you seemed to be the best option to relaying information to in the first place.
[Considering the severity of the situation; that was a huge amount of trust.]
Is it a problem that I also just wished to seek you out?
[Kim Dokja was a frustrating man. He still can't really gauge just how much the other wants to be together. They said yes, but he still wonders if he might have pressured the other a little into the reply.
A thought for another time because the terraforming is getting worse and territory markings were more apparent on the ground.]
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He holds onto him a little tighter, and it's a moment before he replies. He feels good suddenly.]
It's good that you found me.
[He wants to say more. It's nice to be able to have an actual conversation with him. But just as he tries to think of another message, they're attacked.
He reacts quickly. He needs to fight, so no matter how much he wants to be the one to carry Yoo Joonghyk, he hands him off to Han Sooyoong. They can continue their conversation later.]
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He watches carefully though. From being attacked to Yoo Sangah's arrival and their retreat into a building to get a better view of the situation.
The room is tense though and Yoo Joonghyuk was wary and made sure the other was aware to also be. He could trust Kim Dokja, but was he to trust that woman? It's not something they can really focus on because a Sub-Scenario is given.]
Even if the 'Disaster of Questions' hatches early, it should be fine. It can still be neutralized and dealt with.
[It isn't exactly ideal if it does happen, but it isn't so bleak either. Still, he's sure the other will aim to prevent the early hatching first. It wasn't bad to aim for it, but good to have alternatives ready.]
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And hesitates.]
What do you mean?
[He knows what he means. He'd like to pretend that he doesn't, and run off to prevent this disaster instead of actually facing this man's anger when he realizes. They only have two hours, so there's not much time. It's understandable if they can't have long conversations about strategy now.]
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You woke up the Guide. [Han Sooyoung mentioned leaving a wolf behind. He wasn't an idiot and knew exactly what that meant.] The skill he taught you will help with dealing with the 'Disaster of Questions' of course. I know that you must have been taught 'Way of the Wind' by him.
[A skill that he should have normally gotten, but Kim Dokja has gone through many lengths to upend his plans constantly.]
Even if we fail to stop the early hatching; you have the means to defeat it.
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I didn't learn it.
[He tries to avoid looking at him, not wanting to see the immense disappointment about to appear on his face, but he can't resist glancing back in his direction.]
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What do you mean you didn't learn it? Is it a matter of the principles?
[EXPLAIN. NOW.]
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... It's because I have no talent.
[There, feel free to be as disappointed as you like.]
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But there's nothing we can do about that, so I should go prevent this disaster from hatching.
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You have a plan ready at least, right?
[It's not like he can do anything right this moment and that makes this extra frustrating. He can't even do anything while relying on this idiot and two questionably, suspicious women who looked like they rather kill each other.]
Don't do anything unnecessary, Kim Dokja. [Because he seemed really good at that.]
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[Not for dealing with the disaster, but Yoo Joonghyuk didn't specify, and so he won't either.]
You rest up here while I go deal with this.
[It's a low blow and he knows it, because the last thing Yoo Joonghyk wants to do is stay here and rest. But he can't resist it. Not when this bastard is judging him.]
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I'm reconsidering whether to kill you or not later.
[No he's not. Maybe the other might not think that yet, but Yoo Joonghyuk is incapable of killing the other at this point. He won't be able to. Still, he can threaten the other if only to make himself feel better.]
Hurry up. You don't have a lot of time.
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[He doubts Yoo Joonghyk is serious. Or at least, he probably isn't. At the very least it's a problem for later, so he gives quick instructions to Yoo Sangah and Han Sooyoong, before getting ready to leave.]
You should be safe here while I'm gone.
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[Really, now. At this point, he thinks that the other is trying to provoke him.]
Worry about yourself.
[It's true that the other worrying about him is unnecessary. One of Han Sooyoung's clones help him to the roof of the building while everything is happening. Perhaps she also understood that it'll help him get a better vantage point and to watch things as they happen. At least the woman was smart enough to know that while he couldn't actively be involved; he could still oversee what was happening.]