[Kim Dokja instinctively puts up a hand between them when he's yanked closer. It's meant as a shield, to stop him from stumbling into the man, but he ends up with a hand pressed to the other man's chest and a desire to never stop touching. How can this man be so warm?
He's realizing just how tall he is, too. How broad his chest is. His physique isn't just bought through coin, and that has never been more clear than now. For a second he forgets to breathe.]
I--
[The awkwardness of having to tilt his head back to look at the man does help him focus, if only because it reminds him to be annoyed.]
It was the option that carried the least risk.
[He finds he doesn't want to explain himself. Explaining his plans means he stands the risk of someone ruining them, and while this particular plan has already succeeded, he might have to do something similar in the future. Not to mention that explanations will only increase Yoo Joonghyuk's anger here.]
I'm alive now. I knew I'd survive. [That's a lie, there were too many ways his plan could have gone wrong.] So -- let's move on?
It's not like I didn't feel it, too. I knew you were alive, but I wasn't sure -- I thought the bond might be lost.
[The more eloquent Yoo Joonghyuk is being, the more Kim Dokja seems to be stumbling over his words.]
[His mouth forms a thin line, but he doesn't push the topic any longer. The other obviously believed the decision he made was the right one and it was a decision that already come to past.
All it really did was leave him with a headache. It wouldn't take away the moment he felt, but at least maybe he could try to prevent it from happening again. The ache in his chest doesn't subside in anyway though. Maybe he just wanted the other to care a little more about himself instead of dismissing it all.]
What do you mean? Should I do something about it?
[He tilts his head and gives the other a curious gaze. It's not a glare or a scowl and it's even softer than his more neutral expressions. He was studying Kim Dokja.] What is there to do about it? We're soulmates and that won't change. I've accepted it. [He considers his next words before responding.] If you aren't interested though then I won't pursue it.
[Yoo Joonghyuk had always been a man who pursued his path without letting others stop him. Matters of the heart were different though. There was no reason to force such a bond if the other didn't want it. The idea left him rather displeased, but he couldn't make Kim Dokja reciprocate or to want to pursue it. If the other already had someone of interest...] What is it that you want?
[Kim Dokja is barely sure he hears those words properly. His brain fully stops working after Yoo Joonghyk says he's accepted it, and he finds himself frozen, overwhelmed by feelings he doesn't know how to describe.
His plan had been to prove himself as useful to Yoo Joonghyk, and get accepted as his companion. He was also planning for ways to clear the scenarios, thinking about the optimal path forward, not just for the current scenario but for future ones as well. He was thinking about their survival. The likelihood increased if they were working together, especially if Yoo Joonghyk trusted his knowledge of the future.
He'd been trying not to think about the soulmate thing. It was too ridiculous. Even seeing the tattoo on his arm, he couldn't believe it. The idea that Yoo Joonghyk would just accept it, when Kim Dokja still had plans for how he could prove himself to the man...
This bastard regressor was supposed to be more difficult than this.
But he knew he had to say something. He'd been staring for a while. He opened his mouth, still trying to think of the words to actually say, and the silence dragged on for a little bit longer.]
You -- You want this?!
[His voice was decidedly high-pitched from his disbelief.]
[It's said by a man who didn't like distractions and had always been someone who didn't particularly enjoy falling into one's desires. He didn't have time to pursue romances while trying to seek the end of the Scenarios.
Yet-] I do though. [It's said evenly as someone who won't forsake the bond given to him. He knows the value and importance of it in his heart. He also knew that it wasn't like he couldn't find love. He had a child and a wife at some point, so it would be hypocritical of him not to consider someone who was actually fated to him.
His feelings weren't black and white. He had issues with it, but he also wasn't going to continue to deny it either. Surely the smaller man understood that too.
Yoo Joonghyuk pulls the other closer to him so they're almost flush against each other. His expression is curious as ever. Kim Dokja has yet to say if he wanted this and he isn't sure how to take that. There is no murderous intent and his actions were a far cry from the hands that seemingly only knew how to fight. Even someone like him knew how to show care, even if his person strayed farther and farther from such notions.] Do you want this or not, Kim Dokja?
[Being pulled closer does nothing to help Kim Dokja think more clearly. His mind is fully on how it would feel to lean into him. Warmth is radiating off Yoo Joonghyuk's body, reminiscent of the power contained in this man. He's a psychopath. Kim Dokja hates him.
His mouth has gone dry.]
I've never --
[His heart is beating too hard, too fast. He's read about the kind of pull soulmates feel towards each other, but he'd never imagined it would be like this.]
I never would have imagined this as even possible, and now you're throwing it at me all of a sudden? I know you have experience with these things, but I don't!
[Now his words sound accusatory, defensive. He's forgetting himself and speaking loud enough that they can probably hear him back at the station.', but that's the last thing on his mind right now. His body is tense - he doesn't want to do the right thing here, so it's better to not do anything at all.]
[What a weird comment to make. It's also really not a great one since Yoo Joonghyuk isn't exactly a paragon of experience either. Lee Seolhwa had also been rather proactive in their relationship. It wouldn't have worked if she were not also pursuing him as he pursued her. He had a lot to learn too because a man who grew to only know how to fight barely knew how to handle matters of the heart.
He isn't so sure that he knows much of it even now.]
Give me a yes or a no. You seem to know me, so you would know that a direct answer is what I want.
[Yoo Joonghyuk was being terribly patient right now. He's not angry, but there is a hint of exasperation. He's trying though because the other seemed to need him to be patient.] I'll ask again. Do you want this or not, Kim Dokja?
[He wants to say: But you said "I don't" and "I do" in almost the same breath, and now you're expecting him to answer with just one word? That doesn't seem fair! He doesn't know how to do this, what the next step would be if he says yes. He knows he'll be a shitty soulmate. The last thing he wants is for Yoo Joonghyk to make this decision and then end up disappointed. He imagines he already is disappointed.
He doesn't say any of that, because he does know the man. Any answer other than "yes" will be taken as a no, and just the thought of saying no is so physically painful that he doesn't think he could get the word out.
Maybe the weight of having a soulmate is finally hitting him. It really is an irresistible force, stronger than gravity.]
--Yes.
[There's no confidence in his voice, but the lack of confidence isn't because of a lack of desire. It's funny, he'd never thought of himself as gay. He's pretty sure the author of ways of survival intended for Yoo Joonghyk to be straight, so this whole situation really has to be some sort of mistake.]
[Yoo Joonghyuk feels like he can suddenly breathe normally. He hadn't realized just how hard it felt to do so, but hearing that yes was like a weight lifted.
He had been worried that the other would say no and reject him. Of course, he'd still keep moving forward, but the idea that someone fated to him didn't have any intentions of wanting his company was somehow a bleak prospect. It probably didn't help that he had some really badly timed epiphanies about the other.
The man merely offers the other the smallest of smiles. Despite the small gesture, it was dazzling though. Kim Dokja might find him more or less trapped between a wall and the regressor. When it happened, who knows, but he merely lifts Kim Dokja's chin up.
Both of them must have heard plenty of indirect messages and coins being sponsored. Yoo Joonghyuk has ignored every single one of them to this point since they've been talking.] I am.
[He seems very satisfied with the answer and perhaps the other should have expected. The taller man leans down to press his mouth against Kim Dokja's own. The kiss is much like his grip on the smaller man's wrist. It's firm, but surprisingly gentle. If the other truly wanted to push him away, there was enough space for it. The hand on his chin had dropped to settle on Kim Dokja's waist and pull him closer.
He was fine with leading. If the other had no confidence or experience, then they would learn. He didn't even think of the chance that the other might disappoint him because he was already so satisfied to have them by his side.]
[That smile is enough of a distraction. It's a rare expression on Yoo Joonghyk, who spent 3000 chapters making himself miserable, even if somehow he did find moments of happiness throughout the story. It's not the first time Kim Dokja has seen a smile from him at all, but there's something genuine with this one he's not sure what to do with.
And it's his attempt at analyzing it that distracts him enough that he doesn't realize he's being moved until his back hits the wall.
He stares up at him. He is fully out of his element, and trying not to freak out.
He probably would, if that kiss hadn't shut off his brain entirely. His mind just goes blank as he tries to process the sensation of the other man's lips on his, their bodies now pressed together, the muscles of the man in front of him somehow feeling more solid right now than the rock wall behind him. His own hand, he realizes, is now on Yoo Joonghyk's shoulder.
It takes several long moments before he thinks to return some pressure into the kiss. It's not much - he really has no confidence - but it's unmistakably there. He's up on tiptoe, slightly, leaning into him, for once not thinking about anything other than how good it feels.
Like he's been waiting all his life just for this.]
The kiss felt too short yet too long and he had wanted to deepen it, but the other seemed to be overwhelmed just by this rather tame kiss. Speaking of-]
You're bad at kissing. [It's said rather bluntly, but there isn't really anything about the statement that's condescending or teasing. It's just said matter-of-factly. He doesn't seem bothered by it either. It's like he merely wanted to point out an observation he had made.
Despite insulting Kim Dokja's kissing, he leans in again to press another chase kiss before giving the other room. He apparently wanted more of it even if it was mediocre.
He already wanted more than what he had taken, but he also knew that they've been gone for a decent chunk of time and that they were still in the midst of a Scenario. Surely, the man will let him continue another time.] We can't stay here.
[He sputters, embarrassed, and trying not to be disappointed that the kiss has ended. He wishes he had a way to look up proper kissing techniques, or a skill he could buy, or -- He knows it's ridiculous, but he also knew he'd be no good at it.
Immediately several indirect messages appear with pointers for how to improve, or what he should do next. Most of them don't even make sense, and just make his embarrassment worse.]
Shut up!
[It's at the constellations, not at Yoo Joonghyk, though Yoo Joonghyk deserves to hear it, too.]
I did tell you I have no experience. You don't get to be disappointed.
[He knows they can't stay here, but now he wants to. He doesn't want to leave it like this. Maybe he'll have to find a different way to impress, one that has nothing to do with kissing.]
[The reaction was...cute. Was that the right word, he wonders, but it's the word that fits best in his head. He hadn't expected the man who so confidently told him to let go at the bridge and to claim to want to be companions in equal to become so flustered by a kiss.
There wasn't even any tongue involved.
He chuckles a little. It's soft and low, but it's a chuckle nonetheless.]
I didn't say I was disappointed. I'm not. [Why did the other think he was disappointed? Just because the other was terrible at kissing didn't mean he was disappointed. Honestly, it was one of the most pleasing kisses he had. He couldn't put a finger as to why-
Ah, wait. No experience-] Is this your first kiss? [Local Korean regressor decides that they can spend a few more minutes here so that he can ask terribly embarrassing questions about his soulmate.]
[This is getting worse by the second. The indirect messages are now a combination of sympathetic and mocking, and he can't even be happy about the amount of coin being sponsored. He wants to sink into the ground. Maybe he could buy the Recluse's Cloak to hide from the constellations and his asshole of a soulmate.
He doesn't want to answer that question.]
So what if it is?
[No, they're not doing this. He's not letting Yoo Joonghyk get his entertainment from embarrassing him, no matter how profitable.]
[The man smirks a little. He looks way too smug about this and way too pleased.
Yoo Joonghyuk was a very, very possessive man. Hopefully, the other already knew that. He grabs Kim Dokja's jaw with one of his hands as he looks at the other with eyes that looked ready to eat the other. Maybe he'll push just a little more.] Good. [The idea someone else could have had a chance with what was his made something in his stomach turn. It's something he doesn't have to worry, but he hates it all the same.] No one else can have you.
[He had let go of the smaller man's wrist only to wrap his arm around the small waist and pull him flush against him for a searing kiss. This one was far less chaste and more akin to a starving man finally being given food. Confident lips move against his soulmate's and he bites at his bottom lip to get the other to part his lips.]
[His reactions must be slowed from exhaustion. He'll blame it on that. He's still trying to process those looks Yoo Joonghyk is giving him, the tone of his voice when he makes that statement, when suddenly he's being grabbed again by those stupidly strong arms. When his own hands come up to steady himself by holding onto those biceps, they feel like rocks under his palms.
The sound that escapes him when Yoo Joonghyk presses his lips to his is one he'd like to forget ever happened. But immediately it's too intense, to the point where he can feel his own brain short-circuiting. He doesn't stand a chance at keeping up.
He flinches at the bite, lips parting as a reaction to the sudden pain. At the same time, it sends a jolt down his spine.
He's pretty sure a bite isn't supposed to feel good.]
[He doesn't hesitate at all to deepen the kiss as soon as the other parts their lips. He takes his time to explore that mouth with his tongue and paying attention to the smaller man's reactions. Commit every noise and action to memory.
It feels like just as quickly as the kiss had started that it ends. He pulls back to admire the state the smaller man was and licks his lips like he had just eaten a good meal.]
I'm leaving.
[Was that something you say to someone you just kissed the air out of???
It makes sense though. Of course, Yoo Joonghyuk would participate in the Capture the Flag Scenario. There was no way he wouldn't. The fact that he was deciding to seek his own flag instead of easily taking Kim Dokja's meant that he had made a conscious decision not to take it. He had ample opportunities and time at this point.]
[He can't stay quiet during the kiss. He tries to, but he can't focus on that while also trying to keep up, and in the end lets out little noises of frustration, of a pent-up neediness he didn't know he had in him. He's doing his best to kiss back, but it takes several moments for him to start to relax at all. Once he does, he starts to get better. Marginally.
He's still holding on when Yoo Joonghyuk ends the kiss. He'll have to break free of Kim Dokja's grip this time.]
You're--
[He's indignant. Angry. He's not sure what he is, except overwhelmed.]
Of course you are. Of course you're getting your own flag, because you can't let someone else be in charge.
[He really wants to punch the man.]
I could stop you. As the ruler of Chungmuro I could punish you.
[He tilts his head, but doesn't pull away. Honestly, the other might not be able to even support their own weight at this moment, so he just keeps his arm around Kim Dokja's waist.
He idly thinks that the other is much too thin.]
I could have taken your flag. Why are you mad? [Isn't he doing him a favor by deciding to get his own flag and walking the Ruler's Path without taking the option from the other? The other also intended to do the same, so why was the other angry that he also had no plans to follow someone else?]
Hmm? Can you though? [A careful eyebrow raised.] Last I checked, you seemed to be quite tongue tied. [What a bastard.]
[He's firm on that, at least, and he has given some thought on what to do if Yoo Joonghyk tries. Mostly he's hoping he'll be able to activate the punishment fast enough.
Though right now his head isn't exactly clear enough to go against the regressor, as the bastard is reminding him.
He can't risk losing his flag.]
Just because you have more experience, doesn't mean you get to brag about being good, you bastard. [But he has a feeling his embarrassment at the taunt is easily visible on his face.] Now I really want to punish you, even though I was going to let you leave.
[There's no real bite to his words. The regressor obviously didn't have interest in actually taking his flag even if it was convenient.]
I wasn't bragging. [He clicks his tongue in displeasure. The other really wanted to assume all these things surrounding him when he never outright said anything to imply anything that was being assumed. What a cumbersome man.] I'm leaving. You can't stop me.
[He leans in a little closer. He doesn't seem to mind if they have another round of kissing, but they're both wasting time at this point.] Are you going to try? You know we both have things to get done.
You think I don't have plans for dealing with obstinate regressors?
[Although that was before... this. He honestly isn't sure if he'll be able to fight back if Yoo Joonghyk uses kissing as a weapon. He really needs to figure out how to improve his own technique.
But Yoo Joonghyk is right, too. And if he wants to learn how to stand against the man, he should be the first to pull away here. He steps back, then winces as he accidentally steps into the tunnel wall. He'd forgotten it was right behind him.]
You can go. I don't need your help to get the throne.
All your plans have done nothing but change all of mine.
[He should sound angrier, but he doesn't. It is said with some form of fond exasperation although it was more exasperated than fond. He had no idea what was going to happen this time around, but somehow he was alright with it.]
I know you don't. [After all, the sneaky bastard seemed to have a lot of things laid out. He doesn't know what exactly. He just knows that he can trust those words. Or at least he'll try. He'll try to trust the other.]
I don't need your permission. [Except he kind of was looking for it anyways.] I need to get somewhere. [He had to conquer twenty stations in the little time they had, but he had something else to do.
He had someone to pick up. He would never forget about her, after all.] I'm going then. [He finally pulls away. His hand lingers just a little too long before he completely removes himself from Kim Dokja's body.] Don't die again, Kim Dokja.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Date: 2021-12-08 02:33 pm (UTC)He's realizing just how tall he is, too. How broad his chest is. His physique isn't just bought through coin, and that has never been more clear than now. For a second he forgets to breathe.]
I--
[The awkwardness of having to tilt his head back to look at the man does help him focus, if only because it reminds him to be annoyed.]
It was the option that carried the least risk.
[He finds he doesn't want to explain himself. Explaining his plans means he stands the risk of someone ruining them, and while this particular plan has already succeeded, he might have to do something similar in the future. Not to mention that explanations will only increase Yoo Joonghyuk's anger here.]
I'm alive now. I knew I'd survive. [That's a lie, there were too many ways his plan could have gone wrong.] So -- let's move on?
It's not like I didn't feel it, too. I knew you were alive, but I wasn't sure -- I thought the bond might be lost.
[The more eloquent Yoo Joonghyuk is being, the more Kim Dokja seems to be stumbling over his words.]
What are you going to do about having a soulmate?
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Date: 2021-12-08 03:03 pm (UTC)All it really did was leave him with a headache. It wouldn't take away the moment he felt, but at least maybe he could try to prevent it from happening again. The ache in his chest doesn't subside in anyway though. Maybe he just wanted the other to care a little more about himself instead of dismissing it all.]
What do you mean? Should I do something about it?
[He tilts his head and gives the other a curious gaze. It's not a glare or a scowl and it's even softer than his more neutral expressions. He was studying Kim Dokja.] What is there to do about it? We're soulmates and that won't change. I've accepted it. [He considers his next words before responding.] If you aren't interested though then I won't pursue it.
[Yoo Joonghyuk had always been a man who pursued his path without letting others stop him. Matters of the heart were different though. There was no reason to force such a bond if the other didn't want it. The idea left him rather displeased, but he couldn't make Kim Dokja reciprocate or to want to pursue it. If the other already had someone of interest...] What is it that you want?
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Date: 2021-12-08 03:20 pm (UTC)His plan had been to prove himself as useful to Yoo Joonghyk, and get accepted as his companion. He was also planning for ways to clear the scenarios, thinking about the optimal path forward, not just for the current scenario but for future ones as well. He was thinking about their survival. The likelihood increased if they were working together, especially if Yoo Joonghyk trusted his knowledge of the future.
He'd been trying not to think about the soulmate thing. It was too ridiculous. Even seeing the tattoo on his arm, he couldn't believe it. The idea that Yoo Joonghyk would just accept it, when Kim Dokja still had plans for how he could prove himself to the man...
This bastard regressor was supposed to be more difficult than this.
But he knew he had to say something. He'd been staring for a while. He opened his mouth, still trying to think of the words to actually say, and the silence dragged on for a little bit longer.]
You -- You want this?!
[His voice was decidedly high-pitched from his disbelief.]
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Date: 2021-12-08 03:49 pm (UTC)[It's said by a man who didn't like distractions and had always been someone who didn't particularly enjoy falling into one's desires. He didn't have time to pursue romances while trying to seek the end of the Scenarios.
Yet-] I do though. [It's said evenly as someone who won't forsake the bond given to him. He knows the value and importance of it in his heart. He also knew that it wasn't like he couldn't find love. He had a child and a wife at some point, so it would be hypocritical of him not to consider someone who was actually fated to him.
His feelings weren't black and white. He had issues with it, but he also wasn't going to continue to deny it either. Surely the smaller man understood that too.
Yoo Joonghyuk pulls the other closer to him so they're almost flush against each other. His expression is curious as ever. Kim Dokja has yet to say if he wanted this and he isn't sure how to take that. There is no murderous intent and his actions were a far cry from the hands that seemingly only knew how to fight. Even someone like him knew how to show care, even if his person strayed farther and farther from such notions.] Do you want this or not, Kim Dokja?
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Date: 2021-12-08 04:02 pm (UTC)His mouth has gone dry.]
I've never --
[His heart is beating too hard, too fast. He's read about the kind of pull soulmates feel towards each other, but he'd never imagined it would be like this.]
I never would have imagined this as even possible, and now you're throwing it at me all of a sudden? I know you have experience with these things, but I don't!
[Now his words sound accusatory, defensive. He's forgetting himself and speaking loud enough that they can probably hear him back at the station.', but that's the last thing on his mind right now. His body is tense - he doesn't want to do the right thing here, so it's better to not do anything at all.]
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Date: 2021-12-08 04:14 pm (UTC)[What a weird comment to make. It's also really not a great one since Yoo Joonghyuk isn't exactly a paragon of experience either. Lee Seolhwa had also been rather proactive in their relationship. It wouldn't have worked if she were not also pursuing him as he pursued her. He had a lot to learn too because a man who grew to only know how to fight barely knew how to handle matters of the heart.
He isn't so sure that he knows much of it even now.]
Give me a yes or a no. You seem to know me, so you would know that a direct answer is what I want.
[Yoo Joonghyuk was being terribly patient right now. He's not angry, but there is a hint of exasperation. He's trying though because the other seemed to need him to be patient.] I'll ask again. Do you want this or not, Kim Dokja?
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Date: 2021-12-08 07:47 pm (UTC)He doesn't say any of that, because he does know the man. Any answer other than "yes" will be taken as a no, and just the thought of saying no is so physically painful that he doesn't think he could get the word out.
Maybe the weight of having a soulmate is finally hitting him. It really is an irresistible force, stronger than gravity.]
--Yes.
[There's no confidence in his voice, but the lack of confidence isn't because of a lack of desire. It's funny, he'd never thought of himself as gay. He's pretty sure the author of ways of survival intended for Yoo Joonghyk to be straight, so this whole situation really has to be some sort of mistake.]
There. One word. Are you happy now?
[It's his turn to sulk.]
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Date: 2021-12-09 12:26 am (UTC)He had been worried that the other would say no and reject him. Of course, he'd still keep moving forward, but the idea that someone fated to him didn't have any intentions of wanting his company was somehow a bleak prospect. It probably didn't help that he had some really badly timed epiphanies about the other.
The man merely offers the other the smallest of smiles. Despite the small gesture, it was dazzling though. Kim Dokja might find him more or less trapped between a wall and the regressor. When it happened, who knows, but he merely lifts Kim Dokja's chin up.
Both of them must have heard plenty of indirect messages and coins being sponsored. Yoo Joonghyuk has ignored every single one of them to this point since they've been talking.] I am.
[He seems very satisfied with the answer and perhaps the other should have expected. The taller man leans down to press his mouth against Kim Dokja's own. The kiss is much like his grip on the smaller man's wrist. It's firm, but surprisingly gentle. If the other truly wanted to push him away, there was enough space for it. The hand on his chin had dropped to settle on Kim Dokja's waist and pull him closer.
He was fine with leading. If the other had no confidence or experience, then they would learn. He didn't even think of the chance that the other might disappoint him because he was already so satisfied to have them by his side.]
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Date: 2021-12-09 12:43 am (UTC)And it's his attempt at analyzing it that distracts him enough that he doesn't realize he's being moved until his back hits the wall.
He stares up at him. He is fully out of his element, and trying not to freak out.
He probably would, if that kiss hadn't shut off his brain entirely. His mind just goes blank as he tries to process the sensation of the other man's lips on his, their bodies now pressed together, the muscles of the man in front of him somehow feeling more solid right now than the rock wall behind him. His own hand, he realizes, is now on Yoo Joonghyk's shoulder.
It takes several long moments before he thinks to return some pressure into the kiss. It's not much - he really has no confidence - but it's unmistakably there. He's up on tiptoe, slightly, leaning into him, for once not thinking about anything other than how good it feels.
Like he's been waiting all his life just for this.]
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Date: 2021-12-09 01:19 am (UTC)The kiss felt too short yet too long and he had wanted to deepen it, but the other seemed to be overwhelmed just by this rather tame kiss. Speaking of-]
You're bad at kissing. [It's said rather bluntly, but there isn't really anything about the statement that's condescending or teasing. It's just said matter-of-factly. He doesn't seem bothered by it either. It's like he merely wanted to point out an observation he had made.
Despite insulting Kim Dokja's kissing, he leans in again to press another chase kiss before giving the other room. He apparently wanted more of it even if it was mediocre.
He already wanted more than what he had taken, but he also knew that they've been gone for a decent chunk of time and that they were still in the midst of a Scenario. Surely, the man will let him continue another time.] We can't stay here.
no subject
Date: 2021-12-09 01:27 am (UTC)[He sputters, embarrassed, and trying not to be disappointed that the kiss has ended. He wishes he had a way to look up proper kissing techniques, or a skill he could buy, or -- He knows it's ridiculous, but he also knew he'd be no good at it.
Immediately several indirect messages appear with pointers for how to improve, or what he should do next. Most of them don't even make sense, and just make his embarrassment worse.]
Shut up!
[It's at the constellations, not at Yoo Joonghyk, though Yoo Joonghyk deserves to hear it, too.]
I did tell you I have no experience. You don't get to be disappointed.
[He knows they can't stay here, but now he wants to. He doesn't want to leave it like this. Maybe he'll have to find a different way to impress, one that has nothing to do with kissing.]
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Date: 2021-12-09 01:33 am (UTC)[The reaction was...cute. Was that the right word, he wonders, but it's the word that fits best in his head. He hadn't expected the man who so confidently told him to let go at the bridge and to claim to want to be companions in equal to become so flustered by a kiss.
There wasn't even any tongue involved.
He chuckles a little. It's soft and low, but it's a chuckle nonetheless.]
I didn't say I was disappointed. I'm not. [Why did the other think he was disappointed? Just because the other was terrible at kissing didn't mean he was disappointed. Honestly, it was one of the most pleasing kisses he had. He couldn't put a finger as to why-
Ah, wait. No experience-] Is this your first kiss? [Local Korean regressor decides that they can spend a few more minutes here so that he can ask terribly embarrassing questions about his soulmate.]
no subject
Date: 2021-12-09 01:40 am (UTC)He doesn't want to answer that question.]
So what if it is?
[No, they're not doing this. He's not letting Yoo Joonghyk get his entertainment from embarrassing him, no matter how profitable.]
Weren't we leaving?
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Date: 2021-12-09 01:51 am (UTC)Yoo Joonghyuk was a very, very possessive man. Hopefully, the other already knew that. He grabs Kim Dokja's jaw with one of his hands as he looks at the other with eyes that looked ready to eat the other. Maybe he'll push just a little more.] Good. [The idea someone else could have had a chance with what was his made something in his stomach turn. It's something he doesn't have to worry, but he hates it all the same.] No one else can have you.
[He had let go of the smaller man's wrist only to wrap his arm around the small waist and pull him flush against him for a searing kiss. This one was far less chaste and more akin to a starving man finally being given food. Confident lips move against his soulmate's and he bites at his bottom lip to get the other to part his lips.]
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Date: 2021-12-09 02:14 am (UTC)The sound that escapes him when Yoo Joonghyk presses his lips to his is one he'd like to forget ever happened. But immediately it's too intense, to the point where he can feel his own brain short-circuiting. He doesn't stand a chance at keeping up.
He flinches at the bite, lips parting as a reaction to the sudden pain. At the same time, it sends a jolt down his spine.
He's pretty sure a bite isn't supposed to feel good.]
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Date: 2021-12-09 02:49 am (UTC)It feels like just as quickly as the kiss had started that it ends. He pulls back to admire the state the smaller man was and licks his lips like he had just eaten a good meal.]
I'm leaving.
[Was that something you say to someone you just kissed the air out of???
It makes sense though. Of course, Yoo Joonghyuk would participate in the Capture the Flag Scenario. There was no way he wouldn't. The fact that he was deciding to seek his own flag instead of easily taking Kim Dokja's meant that he had made a conscious decision not to take it. He had ample opportunities and time at this point.]
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Date: 2021-12-09 03:06 am (UTC)He's still holding on when Yoo Joonghyuk ends the kiss. He'll have to break free of Kim Dokja's grip this time.]
You're--
[He's indignant. Angry. He's not sure what he is, except overwhelmed.]
Of course you are. Of course you're getting your own flag, because you can't let someone else be in charge.
[He really wants to punch the man.]
I could stop you. As the ruler of Chungmuro I could punish you.
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Date: 2021-12-09 03:12 am (UTC)He idly thinks that the other is much too thin.]
I could have taken your flag. Why are you mad? [Isn't he doing him a favor by deciding to get his own flag and walking the Ruler's Path without taking the option from the other? The other also intended to do the same, so why was the other angry that he also had no plans to follow someone else?]
Hmm? Can you though? [A careful eyebrow raised.] Last I checked, you seemed to be quite tongue tied. [What a bastard.]
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Date: 2021-12-09 03:29 am (UTC)[He's firm on that, at least, and he has given some thought on what to do if Yoo Joonghyk tries. Mostly he's hoping he'll be able to activate the punishment fast enough.
Though right now his head isn't exactly clear enough to go against the regressor, as the bastard is reminding him.
He can't risk losing his flag.]
Just because you have more experience, doesn't mean you get to brag about being good, you bastard. [But he has a feeling his embarrassment at the taunt is easily visible on his face.] Now I really want to punish you, even though I was going to let you leave.
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Date: 2021-12-09 03:42 am (UTC)[There's no real bite to his words. The regressor obviously didn't have interest in actually taking his flag even if it was convenient.]
I wasn't bragging. [He clicks his tongue in displeasure. The other really wanted to assume all these things surrounding him when he never outright said anything to imply anything that was being assumed. What a cumbersome man.] I'm leaving. You can't stop me.
[He leans in a little closer. He doesn't seem to mind if they have another round of kissing, but they're both wasting time at this point.] Are you going to try? You know we both have things to get done.
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Date: 2021-12-09 03:50 am (UTC)[Although that was before... this. He honestly isn't sure if he'll be able to fight back if Yoo Joonghyk uses kissing as a weapon. He really needs to figure out how to improve his own technique.
But Yoo Joonghyk is right, too. And if he wants to learn how to stand against the man, he should be the first to pull away here. He steps back, then winces as he accidentally steps into the tunnel wall. He'd forgotten it was right behind him.]
You can go. I don't need your help to get the throne.
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Date: 2021-12-09 04:00 am (UTC)[He should sound angrier, but he doesn't. It is said with some form of fond exasperation although it was more exasperated than fond. He had no idea what was going to happen this time around, but somehow he was alright with it.]
I know you don't. [After all, the sneaky bastard seemed to have a lot of things laid out. He doesn't know what exactly. He just knows that he can trust those words. Or at least he'll try. He'll try to trust the other.]
I don't need your permission. [Except he kind of was looking for it anyways.] I need to get somewhere. [He had to conquer twenty stations in the little time they had, but he had something else to do.
He had someone to pick up. He would never forget about her, after all.] I'm going then. [He finally pulls away. His hand lingers just a little too long before he completely removes himself from Kim Dokja's body.] Don't die again, Kim Dokja.