1
「 "Hey, Dokja-ssi!"
"Good morning, Haemin-ssi."
She smiled and he did the same with a shy one.
"Did you remember about today?"
Kim Dokja tilted his head by that question, his face is clueless.
"Don't say that you already forget! I just reminded you last night!"
Cha Haemin pointed her finger accusingly at Kim Dokja. Her mouth subconsciously pouted.
"Pft–!"
He looked elsewhere and laughed.
"Why are you laughing? It's a serious conversation here, sir!"
"Haha I'm sorry, it's just, you look funny."
She blinked in confusion. What the hell is this boy talking about?
She moved her hands and pinched Kim Dokja's cheeks. He stopped laughing and shouted in pain. She smiled in satisfaction before she let go. He looked at her disbelief while rubbing his cheeks.
"You shouldn't laugh because of someone's face."
"No, I'm sorry. Your angry looks really funny. Don't worry, Haemin-ssi, I remember our promise."
She touched her face to feel what was strange with her face but she just brushed it off. Kim Dokja sometimes is a weird boy, not like she's not though.
"Great! Don't do that again."
"No promises."
They began their silly banter again. The students in their classroom ignored their existence after they knew about their closeness.
Don't bother anymore to befriend any of them.
×××××
They have been close friends since the moment in the infirmary. Cha Haemin got to see the different side of Kim Dokja. Since the day she managed to make him laugh, she vowed to herself to always see this side of him everyday.
She is becoming selfish day by day. From wanting to make him laugh everyday, she wanted to keep his laugh just for herself.
She is selfish, she was raised like that by her parents. Whatever she wanted, she needed to get it by any means possible.
But she knew, Kim Dokja was a person. She can't control Kim Dokja because he is not someone who could be tempted by her status.
Moreover, she can't view him as an object like others. She views him as a boy, a man.
The sense of protectiveness emerged inside of her every time she saw him getting bullied by Song Minwoo. She protected him even though he was against her from doing it cause of afraid of her getting hurt.
She disobeyed her parents when they found out she befriended someone they didn't like. She made a deal with her parents to ensure that Kim Dokja would not be harmed by her parents by promising to obey everything after she graduated high school, to live again with them and did not run away again.
She didn't know why she willingly did that for Kim Dokja. She didn't understand why she felt like that towards Kim Dokja until she needed to find a book for her 'illness'.
She searched for the cause of why she was palpitating every time she was with Kim Dokja. She searched for why she feels herself burning when he is near her. More and more until she finally gets her answer.
"No way."
The feelings that she herself didn't know she could experience, moreover towards the only person she considered her friend.
"Haemin-ssi?"
"Y..yes?!"
"Why is your face so red? Are you having a fever? Wait, are you getting sick because of me?!"
"N..no. No, I'm just feeling hot all of a sudden."
Kim Dokja raised his eyebrows. He looked at the air conditioner at each corner of this book cafe.
"Is that so?"
She nodded aggressively and hid her face behind the book.
She read the line in the book again, not an educational one because she had done her research and did not find her answer, so she changed it by reading a silly story book. She compared the character with her and she finally got her answer.
'That is why I can't find anything about my symptoms in any medical books. I should just check on the internet instead!'
"Can the internet even be trusted?"
She had tried once actually and the internet said she has a short time to live. How shocked she was when she read it and began to go make a checkup at the hospital.
"Did you want to go to an internet cafe after this?"
"Huh?"
Cha Haemin looked at Kim Dokja.
"Well, you said about the internet. Maybe you wanted to go later."
She shook her head.
"No, no need."
She avoided eye contact. Kim Dokja kept staring at her and Cha Haemin began to sweat.
"Could you not stare at me?"
She said shyly.
Kim Dokja blinked his eyes and cough shyly. He uttered a weak sorry.
Not long after, they went out from the cafe. She finally feel like she could breath. Sitting in a close space with Kim Dokja in front of her is really suffocating after she knew about her feelings.
'How should I react after this? No, just act normal, Haemin. Act normal!'
"Haemin-ssi?"
Someone is touching her shoulder. She squeaked. Kim Dokja blinked in shocked.
"Are you okay? You.. act differently since we are at the cafe. Anything bothering you?"
She looked at his concerned face. Ah now she felt bad.
"Kim Dokja, actually I...."
She stopped halfway. Should she do it now? What if he didn't have the same feelings as her? What if this is not the right time? She should do more research about this before she makes any moves right? But, but, how can she keeps her mouth shut after this? What if she blurted out that she likes him?! Oh no oh no, she is panicking.
"Haemin-ssi, wait breath! Why are you stop breathing?!"
Kim Dokja shook her shoulders. She shook her head and started breathing again.
She pushed his hands away from her shoulders and she put her hands on his shoulders instead.
'Let's just get this over with!'
"Kim Dokja-ssi! I actually have a fee—"
Boom!
It's raining. So suddenly, with a thunder. They were instantly soaked.
"It's raining. Let's go somewhere to take cover."
He grabbed her hand and began to run. Cha Haemin just followed him after her failed attempt to confess. They managed to take cover under one of the large roofs.
"We are still soaked. We should go home quickly after the rain stops."
She was dazed and did not process what Kim Dokja said.
"Haemin-ssi?"
She took a deep breath and let it out loudly. Kim Dokja flinched.
'Fine. I failed today means that this is not the right time. I should wait until I confirm my feelings and him too. Yes, I should do research first!'
"Kim Dokja!"
She looked at him and smiled brightly.
"Y..yes!"
He blushed.
"Thank you!"
"...For what?"
"Because you are becoming my friend!" When I think again, I really do want to always be with him.
He looked into her gray eyes before he slowly smiled.
"Me too." I wish we were more than that. 」
||||||||||||||||||||
Constellation Banquet.
An event arranged for the constellations in the Star Stream.
Kim Dokja followed Persephone towards the second floor after the small commotion on the first floor.
He could see the humanoid body of the constellations and it becoming hard for him to recognise the constellations based on that.
He talked with Persephone for a while when she asked him about which he would choose as a Story Succession. Of course, he rather not choose any.
Clack.
Clack.
It was just a silent clacking of the heels but it was quite loud in his ears. Kim Dokja looked around to find the source of the sound and he saw it.
[I don't know that the successor would come for this banquet.]
He looked at Persephone and now he noticed, he is not the only one who is looking at the same direction.
A person clad with black attire, a modest long dress. A chest-long dark blue hair. The blusher that was tied securely covered the lower face. There is also an eyepatch on the left eye.
'Who is this constellation? Persephone said about a successor. One constellation that I'd read in Ways of Survival is...'
[I thought you wouldn't come. Considering you just become a constellation.]
Persephone began to talk towards this newly arrived constellation. That constellation turned towards their direction. He managed to make an eye contact with that constellation.
'That eye, reminded me of someone.'
The grey eye quickly looked at Persephone. The constellation walked closer towards them.
[I come here to see someone. Besides...]
Her voice sounded nice, considering that she is a constellation. Somehow this voice managed to calm his heart.
The constellation looked around. They can't see but Kim Dokja managed to detect the curve around her eye indicated that she is currently smiling.
When she is finally near, he could see the scar underneath the eyepatch. Looks new.
[This banquet could be my welcoming party, don't you think so, Queen of Underworld?]
The tone turned cheeky. Persephone also is smiling.
[True. Well, I welcome you for the first time to the Constellation Banquet, Director of Limbo Mist, Goddess of Niflheim.]
Kim Dokja's eyes widened.
[Thank you very much.]
The other constellations are just watching the interaction from their seats. Kim Dokja saw the new ruler of Niflheim took her seat on the North side.
There are many questions arise in his head.
Who is this?
Was she is the one who send him the indirect message when he is in Peace Land before?
How did she become the successor of Niflheim?
Does she killed Nyx?
Who she is looking for here?
Why does she feel familiar?
And more. It make sense when he remembered back the one line from the Ways of Survival about the constellation Director of Limbo Mist. About the dying constellation, it make sense that a dying constellation sometimes would find a successor.
But,
'This constellation just come out once in 999th regression and at that time, this constellation didn't pass her title to someone else. So why is this happening in the 3rd round? Does my intervention changed something so drastic? No way, right?'
When Kim Dokja was contemplating about everything that happened, the dokkaebi finally make an announcement to begin the Story Succession. All incarnations are instructed to move into the Room of Secrets.
Unbeknownst to him, Cha Haemin watched him after she had taken her seat. Nervous is an understatement.
She is more nervous seeing him up close rather than coming to this banquet. Maybe it is her luck that Persephone is the one greeting her, she managed to see Kim Dokja up close after so long.
She even make time to modify herself to not been recognised. She change her hair colour just for this. This is not the time yet for him to know about her title. Even the ice giants are helping her.
'I miss him.'
No, wait. She missed to talk with him that's all, just as a friend. Same like she missed talking with Yoo Sangah. That's right. That's right.
She sat not too close with Sun Wukong. She also managed to see other constellations that she knew by name like Uriel on Eden's side.
She subconsciously touched her eyepatch, reminding her of the lose of one of her vision. Also, reminded her of a certain outer god.
'Better not wear any eyepatch if I don't want to look like him. Well, I have two scars rather than one, that's the difference between us, at least.'
[You looked familiar.]
She blinked her eye and looked beside her. Eh?
[Me?]
[Who else? Are you a human or a new constellation that the old woman choose as her successor?]
The Prisoner of Golden Headband leaned towards her. Like someone who wanted to gossip. Is this how he always behaves?
[That's a secret for me to know and for you to find out, senior.]
Sun Wukong sat straight and smirked.
[You are interesting. But better be careful when others are confronting you.]
She is silent for a moment before she chuckled. Sun Wukong raised his eyebrow slightly.
[I know how to handle myself, though, thank you for the advice.]
She is not naive. She knew she had been watched since she came here. Some looked at her with curiosity, some wanted to gain her title because she is still a newbie who suddenly rise as a constellation.
Some afraid of her. She had been exuding a cold and dark aura, maybe that is why only Persephone came to talk with her. They are from a quite similar place after all.
[I am thinking in staying in neutral side for now.]
Sun Wukong almost let out a loud laugh by the declaration. Persephone smiled wickedly. Cha Haemin purposeful said the last sentence out loud.
He did not expected this.
This is really unexpected.
"Are you here to make me inherit your story too?"
'But which story? This new ruler might have one that I don't know.'
Cha Haemin bit her lower lips. She acted with impulse.
[No.]
Kim Dokja tilted his head. So why did this constellation came to meet him.
[I said I wanted to meet someone just now.]
He blinked in surprise.
"Me?"
She nodded earnestly.
'Why?'
He wanted to ask that but it was not come out from his mouth.
There is already too much change happened. The red head, now this constellation. Shouldn't they be interested in Yoo Joonghyuk than him?
"Are you the one who send me the indirect message?"
Cha Haemin contemplated for a moment. Nyx had send an indirect message towards Kim Dokja?
[Surely not me.]
"I see."
Awkward.
[Sigh, I can't do this.]
Cha Haemin shook her head left to right.
[At first, I don't want you to know about me.]
Kim Dokja is surprised.
[But, I know you are clever enough to know who I am, right, Kim Dokja?]
Cha Haemin smiled.
[We'll meet again. I hope we could be in the same side in the future.]
"Wait a minute! Do we know each other before? Are you... an incarnation too?"
She shrugged her shoulders.
[You must be wondering why there is a change in this world now.]
She could tell everything in this room now. Even dokkaebi won't be able to know.
[I would say that I am one of a variable except you, Kim Dokja.]
One thought in his mind, the novel.
[Kim Dokja, if ever you need help, just call for me. Let's say hmm...]
Cha Haemin crossed her arms.
[... think of me as your guardian angel. I'll always stay by your side. That's my promise.]
He still has a question, why did she wanted to do this for him? Should he trust her?
[But, if you managed to know my identity, though.]
She sounded cheeky again before she ruffled his hair. He didn't expect the gesture.
[Let's meet again. I'll wait for you there.]
'You need to struggle a little more before we meet again.'
"There?"
He asked but she just smiled at him. She took his hand on hers and planted a simple kiss on the back of his hand. Kim Dokja was taken aback and blushed.
'Cute.'
He heard a low chuckle before she disappeared from his sight after that. His heart thumping hard against his rib cage by the previous act of the constellation.
"My... guardian angel."
~
The negotiation already ended. What Kim Dokja was doing is something unexpected.
Cha Haemin looked at Kim Dokja who is now with Yoo Joonghyuk with a lopsided smile.
"If you want to sell your stories to Yoo Joonghyuk and I, please make a deal with our nebula."
Her smile widened. This is what she has been waiting for. The beginning of Kim Dokja's Company. The beginning of Kim Dokja becoming a constellation.
One by one of Kim Dokja's stories were being presented on the screen.
King of Kingless World.
He Who Opposes the Miracle.
One Who Showed Contempt for a Streamer.
One Who Hunted the King of Disasters.
After that, Manu of Vedas began to open his mouth, saying that he could acknowledge incarnation Kim Dokja, but not the nebula.
About the funds and the supporter.
Of course, both won't be a problem later. All of these has been written, nothing could stop it unless an outside intervention.
[No, is there even a name for the nebula in the first place?]
Kim Dokja opened his mouth as he glanced at Yoo Joonghyuk.
"The name of our nebula is… Kim Dokja's Company…"
"There isn't a name yet. In addition, we will gain the supporters now."
Yoo Joonghyuk casually interrupted him. Cha Haemin covered her mouth from laughing.
"Are there any constellations who want to support our nebula?"
Cha Haemin wanted to be the one who supported their nebula. She wanted to be the first one and then she did as she wished by raising her hand.
[The Niflheim, will support your nebula.]
Her voice rang quite loud in the banquet hall. All eyes are on her.
[You—!]
She turned towards Manu.
[There is no problem for me to make my own decision, except if you wanted to oppose me?]
She narrowed her eyes.
[Would you?]
She looked at Kim Dokja back and she could see a shocked face of him. Yoo Joonghyuk also is looking at her with a frown.
Not long after that, starting from Persephone, Sun Wukong and Uriel, the other constellations begin to support their nebula.
After the appearance of Secretive Plotter, the Great Hole emerged from the sky. Finally, the Constellation Banquet would be over.
When the outer god speak, Uriel and Persephone quickly covered Kim Dokja and Yoo Joonghyuk's ears. Those two constellations also send them back before a terrible battle emerged here.
Cha Haemin saw their disappearing figures and focused back at the Great Hole.
'Tsk, I should've just leave immediately.'
[Constellation 'Secretive Plotter' is looking at you.]
Hm? Look here. She'd attracted someone interesting.
'Let's settle everything here and go back to Murim.'
Tbc~
2
She let out a sigh when looking around from her mini throne.
Her eyes trailed around the ice giants who are doing something she didn't ask for.
"Goddess, should we put this here or here?"
"Does this look good in your eyes, my goddess."
"You would look good in this, my lord."
"My lord, look."
They are like a bunch of children who wanted attention. Cha Haemin put her hand on her forehead.
The ice giants were making a new throne for her, they also decorated the throne. They have been doing this since she was coming back from the Constellation Banquet.
She might say that they are quite an imaginative creature. Well, they are the one who suggested her to turn her hair into dark blue and gave her the new clothes to go to the banquet.
When she woke up after passing out after her battle with Nyx, she woke up on a snow bed. It was not cold at all, the snow bed was decorated with glass flowers. Her injuries also were tended by them which she didn't know how.
But then, she saw ice gnomes. She thought that only giants existed here but her imagination about Niflheim was shattered by the appearance of ice gnomes. They are tiny and they are the ones who tend to her injuries.
They are quite cute here actually but some has grumpy expression.
They also buried Nyx's body somewhere, where the body of Hel was also being buried. Then she thought, will she be buried here too if she died?
"You guys don't need to do this."
She won't always be coming here anyway. Now, she felt bad to just leave like that. If not, she would want to leave immediately to Murim right after the Constellation Banquet.
"But, my lord–"
"I know you want me to feel welcomed. But I have work to do outside from Niflheim so I won't always be here."
The ice giants stopped their movements. The ice throne was almost done, just some decorations that needed to be added.
"Please stay for a moment, my lord."
She heard a tiny voice below her. When he looked down, she saw an ice gnome and looked up at her.
'Oh sh*t! They are so tiny that they look cute!'
"The welcoming party was not done yet."
There is another ice gnome coming at her, persuading her to stay for longer.
They must have been 'pampered' by the two previous rulers. Hel and Nyx were a real goddess and constellation, not like her which was a human to begin with.
That means Hel and Nyx were always in Niflheim. Now, Cha Haemin is the new ruler, the other inhabitant here must want her to stay.
Cha Haemin let out a sigh again when she looked up at the ice giants. Their faces were normal without expression but somehow Cha Haemin managed to feel a glimpse of upset from those expressions.
"Fine. Just a week. I'll come back once in a while."
The ice gnomes put their hands up before they ran around, looking like they were celebrating her stay. Even the ice giants let out a huff, creating a mist from just that gesture.
It looks cute and weird at the same time.
The inhabitants began their welcoming party for her again. Cha Haemin sat down quietly on her mini throne, sometimes she was approached by the ice gnomes.
'Let's just enjoy the silent peace for a moment before going back to the battlefield.'
Kim Dokja looked below him where the dokkaebi egg was on his arm. This egg will hatch soon.
He cradled the egg closely to him to give it warmth and protection. He is the one who had dropped the fate of dokkaebi onto this soul after all.
He had been striving hard to survive since he is becoming an exile in this demon world.
His body is breaking beyond an imaginable mind. But he strives to live and see the end of the scenario along with everyone.
He just needed to survive here and everything would be fine. He just needed to find the real revolutionary in this industrial complex.
Aileen and Jang Hayoung also have helped him a lot here. Kim Dokja put his hand on the dokkaebi egg in his arm before he looked at the screen.
[Number of constellations who have entered the channel: 1 person.]
It was a lonely number but the number will increase soon. He will make sure to do it. The egg shook, the temporary channel was opened and closed.
"Wait! This is a real dokkaebi egg? It's not a joke?"
"Do I look like I'm joking?"
"…The channel is open because of this egg?"
"Yes."
Kim Dokja answered Jang Hayoung truthfully. But Aileen was more serious in this matter, Kim Dokja understood that she is afraid that the next scenario will be worse.
Aileen questioned what he was seeking for. Kim Dokja said about the will of some people who wanted to see the ending before Jang Hayoung questioned him about how he managed to acquire this egg.
Han Myungoh gave him strange eyes before he said something about child birth.
"…I think you are misunderstanding something. I didn't give birth to it."
"I understand."
[The constellation 'Director of Limbo Mist' has entered the temporary channel.]
Kim Dokja's eyes widened slightly with the new notification.
"Wait, this–"
He knew that this channel would eventually have constellations who would recognise it but this is too early for that to happen.
Moreover, this constellation. This strange constellation that had been playing in his mind since the Constellation Banquet.
'How did she know about this temporary channel? Is she a constellation who likes to enter any channel because of boredom? That is a possibility.'
Kim Dokja brushed away the thought of the constellation had actually knew that he is here. That would be impossible and he shouldn't think highly of himself like that.
This constellation was not even there during the previous scenario where too much happened that made him die three times. Now he felt bad about those children and his group.
Well, this constellation did say that she would always help him if he managed to figure out her identity. But he didn't manage to think about this sort of thing because of many things that had happened.
Now, he just remembered about that. Could this constellation actually be someone he knew?
No, he actually has a hunch of the identity of this constellation.
He is just in denial.
Why? He didn't know. He didn't understand why he didn't want to agree to his intuition.
Because becoming a constellation has its risk.
He is afraid if anything happens to her.
But he shouldn't underestimate her isn't it? She had been chosen as a successor and rose as a constellation, she must be strong. Would likely be stronger than him and Yoo Joonghyuk.
If true, this constellation is her, how would he tell her that he already knew her identity? It would be bad if he just sent an indirect message because he knew no one knew of her being a constellation yet.
She would face a hated judgement like he does. A mere human rise as a constellation was a thorn on the constellation in a big nebula's pride.
[You have been sponsored 50 000 coins.]
Kim Dokja almost choked by his own saliva. Now, he knew that this constellation actually knew that he was here.
"She didn't hide her intention at all."
That's how the person she is.
She said that they will meet 'there' later, so he just needed to wait and see. They would meet again and at that time he could confront her face-to-face.
He wanted to ask so many questions. How and why?
There is also no doubt that she read the novel and knew his plan all along. But, he was also skeptical of all of this because she knew too much which couldn't be considered as a coincidence.
"Who? What are you talking about?"
Kim Dokja looked at Jang Hayoung.
"A constellation just entered the channel."
"What? Really? Who?"
"You wouldn't know her if I told you."
They wouldn't know. The ruler has been changed after all.
"But you seemed to know this constellation."
Kim Dokja looked at Aileen who was looking at him skeptically.
He just shrugged his shoulders then looked at the dokkaebi egg again. There is no more message from the constellation, she must be out of the channel currently.
This time, he would come to her. Even if she doesn't remember him anymore, he will. She was his euphoria, she has given him the will to live and the sense of comfort.
Cha Haemin has always been the one he wanted.
'Wait for me, Haemin.'
[The egg's hatching is imminent.]
The moment he has been waiting for finally came.
[The Star Stream is watching the birth of a new streamer.]
||||||||||||||||||||
「 His vision was filled with that girl. He would always glance her way when she is not looking and when she does, he could feel his cheeks rise in temperature. Moreover when she was smiling at him.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
The question was easy to answer but the answer always stuck at the tip of his tongue, unable to utter the world.
'Beautiful. It's because you are beautiful.'
He wanted to say it badly but he didn't want to risk their friendship.
"Nothing, I just noticed a mole at your nape."
Her face flashed in red colour. Oh, she is embarrassed but why though?
Cha Haemin raised her hand to cover her nape before she looked away.
"Are you a pervert who is always looking at a girl's neck or what?"
She mumbled at him and then his eyes widened in realisation.
"No! No! No! I didn't! That's not my intention!"
Now, Kim Dokja is flushed by his previous bold declaration. Da*n how did he have the guts to say something so bold like that? Cha Haemin must think of him as weird now.
"I'm sorry."
He bit his lips before he looked away, didn't want to make this girl uncomfortable around him.
"Pfft hahahaha! I'm just joking. I know Dokja is not someone like that."
Kim Dokja looked back at her who was laughing. He surpassed the urge to pinch her cheeks at that time.
"You should've not said that. I don't want to make you uncomfortable around me."
He didn't mean to sound sad but Cha Haemin stopped her laugh to look at him with wide eyes.
"Er I'm sorry. I feel fine around you so don't think negative okay? Okay? Don't avoid me after this okay? Okay?"
Kim Dokja smirked at the guilty face of Cha Haemin.
"Who knows, I'll think about it."
Kim Dokja's smirk widened when he saw the dejected look of Cha Haemin. He is liking this situation too much. Just because he is always at the receiving end of Cha Haemin's teasing, now he enjoys teasing her.
"Dokja~"
"I'll think about it. You really make me feel sad when you call me by that nickname just now."
"What? Pervert?"
"Bye."
He stood up from the couch to walk out. He is currently at Cha Haemin's house, studying of course because there will be a big exam later. This is their last year of high school after all, they needed to get a good result.
Cha Haemin offered to study together at her house because she lived alone. At first he was reluctant when he knew that they would be alone, he thought that Cha Haemin lived with her parents. She is quite secretive about her family, not like he is not doing the same.
What he knew about her relationship with her parents was not the best, much different to what he always read in the tabloid or social media.
"Dokja no!"
She caught his leg and his face met the floor. He groaned.
"Sorry sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you!"
Cha Haemin crawled around the table that was full with the opened books to meet with Kim Dokja. Kim Dokja raised his head and tilted to the side to look at Cha Haemin. A large red was spotted on his forehead.
"Are you doing this on purpose?"
"No!"
Kim Dokja groaned again, amplified his whining while touching his head. He sat up without sending a glance at her.
"My head hurts."
"Let me take a look."
She crawled towards him closer but he didn't move.
"Dokja, please. You may have a concussion. Let me take a look."
He became uncooperative, didn't even remove his hands from his face, hiding it from her view.
"Dokja."
Cha Haemin's voice was becoming slow and sad when she was ignored like this. Kim Dokja never ignored her except when they didn't officially become friends. Her sense of possessiveness arises when the boy she likes didn't give any response.
'Does he faint in this position?'
Cha Haemin didn't take long before she held his wrists to pry his hands from his face.
"Are you really fine? Response to me please. You are too quiet. I will buy you a cake if you talk to me now as an apology. Okay? Kim Dokja?"
She slowly pried his hands from his face because he wasn't becoming stubborn anymore. Cha Haemin smiled when she almost succeeded in persuading Kim Dokja.
"Good. I will buy you an ice-cream too. Hm let me look where you are hurt."
Before she managed to fully see his face, her eyes widened when suddenly her hands were grabbed and pushed up past her head.
Buk!
Two foreheads collided before the girl collapsed on her back with her hands being tightly held by Kim Dokja.
"Ha! That's how I feel. Ugh, I shouldn't do that."
Kim Dokja shook his head after his stupid action just now. He collided their heads quite hard. Stupid decision he ever made.
"Stupid, Kim Dokja!"
Kim Dokja let out a laugh when he could see the red spot on her forehead. His hold on her hands loosened, making Cha Haemin manage to release her hand to punch Kim Dokja slightly on his upper arm.
"Stop laughing. It really hurts."
She touched her forehead. Kim Dokja is stupid. What would happen if what they had been studying just now suddenly lost?! Well, that is not scientifically proven but anything could happen!
"Sorry, sorry. I just want to tease you. Is it really hurt?"
He rested one hand beside her head before he raised his other hand to see her forehead.
"Hmm it's red."
Cha Haemin blinked her eyes when she finally realised their position. Her breath hitched when Kim Dokja's fingers touched her forehead. The focus look of Kim Dokja has quickened her heartbeat.
"But you'll be fine. There, the red has gone."
Kim Dokja smiled while being oblivious of their situation. She bit her lower lips while roaming her eyes around his face.
"Check it closer. My skin is pretty sensitive."
"Hm? I'm sure it's already gone."
Kim Dokja reduced their face gap, her face becoming hot.
"Eh it's red again. Wait, your face—"
Kim Dokja blinked his eyes when he was met with a pair of gray eyes right in front of him. He was taken aback by his lack of awareness about their close proximity.
"I'm... sorry."
He said it slowly but he didn't make any attempt to move away. He swallowed the lump in his throat when their eyes met. His heartbeat was erratic.
"I should.. get up."
He wanted to stop his mouth from continuing to spit anything while didn't make any move right now. He felt like an idiot.
She looked beautiful even in this position. He never met anyone as beautiful as her or this is his bias because he had fallen for her so hard.
He didn't know when or how but he was attracted to her since her first day moved into his class. He was more interested when she offered to be his friend until they had established a really close friendship where he didn't want to break nor lose.
Kim Dokja is a coward. He didn't want to lose Cha Haemin just because of his unrequited feelings. He didn't want to ruin her life by being with someone like him.
She deserved someone who could take care of her and support her, obviously not him.
It has been two years of their friendship. The final exam is the finish line. They would pursue their own choice of profession. He is sure Cha Haemin would fly high above him and eventually shine in the eyes of the world while he is one of the people who would look up at her from below.
That is where he belonged, and never next to her.
Cha Haemin is a variable he never expected to come into his life. A euphoria he never knew he could acquire but he did.
Slowly, Kim Dokja raised his body from this awkward position. His eyes reflected his disappointment that he would never be an equal with her. He felt disappointed at himself.
But his movement halted when Cha Haemin wrapped her arms around his neck. He blinked in surprise when she pulled him forward.
"Hae—"
His voice was cut. The hand that was still planted on the floor beside Cha Haemin's head almost faltered. His eyes widened even after Cha Haemin pulled away from his face.
His mouth was moving to utter something but nothing came out. She didn't look at his face after her action just now and laid down on the floor with a bright red face.
But his eyes were trailed at her lips. The lips that had met with his just a moment ago.
".... I'm sorry."
She glanced at him.
"I can't help it."
What? She can't help it? What does that mean? Kim Dokja's head is jumbled right now.
"I... didn't feel it."
"What?"
"...I didn't feel it just now. Could you do it again?"
Kim Dokja wanted to bury himself right now after he uttered those embarrassing words. His mouth moved faster than his mind managed to process.
"...Okay."
Cha Haemin raised her head again while her hand still circling around his neck before her lips met with his again.
'Soft. Does a girl's lips always feel this soft?'
They blinked owlishly at each other after she separated their lips again.
"How about now?"
He is addicted.
"...I don't know."
He said it as a whisper before she crashed her lips onto his again, but now it is longer than before. Kim Dokja fluttered his eyes closed.
Kim Dokja pursed his lips after the separation again. He felt empty.
He can't stop. He wanted more. He raised from their awkward and strenuous position. He pulled her along without cutting eye contact.
"Again, please."
He sounded desperate but he didn't care. This is the first time he wanted something so badly. He wanted her to be his so badly. So badly that he would do anything to make her stay by his side.
"Tell me if you want to stop."
She said but he didn't know if he ever wanted this to stop. Their lips meet again. They exchanged an innocent kiss.
He is so addicted. He didn't care if this is a dream if in this dream is where she would become his.
He would want to live in this dream forever, with her as his euphoria. 」
Tbc~
3
She followed the large step of her master from behind. Though, she needed to walk fast to not get left behind while occasionally looking around.
This is not her first time going out into the market, but every time she came here she would always need to go back quickly. Her master would always set the time for her whenever she went out for grocery shopping. So, she didn't have time to look for something that might catch her interest.
She also had been spending her time at their school ground, where she had been training non-stop since she came back from Niflheim.
It was not a miscalculation but she came back after she went away for too long. She received the punishment with an open heart.
She didn't know if she can say that it is a punishment or torture because she couldn't move for days after she received the devilish training.
She thought becoming a constellation would give her more power and stamina but it looks like her master already predicted the outcome and prepared a punishment that was suited for her status.
Cha Haemin didn't know how the hell her master knew about her change.
She stopped for a while when she saw something that attracted her attention. Her eyes gleamed with anticipation when she saw the merchandise that was being parade there.
She walked towards the shop but was stopped instantly by the tug of her right wrist. She looked down and now she remembered.
"Where are you going?"
"Master, I want to buy that."
Namgung Minyoung looked at the direction pointed by her student before she walked away, dragging Cha Haemin along.
"Wait wait wait, master!"
She was dragged by the rope tied around her wrist. The end of the rope was tied around Namgung Minyoung's left wrist.
"What are you, a child? We have those at home."
"The plushie—! Since when we have a plushie at home?"
"We do."
Cha Haemin creased her forehead then an image of a certain black dog came into her mind.
"Sunbae is not a plushie!"
"Same difference."
"Masterrr!"
Her wrist was tug forward and she can't do anything but walked along if she didn't want her body being dragged on the ground. She knew her master would do that if she fell right now.
'She treated me like a pet.'
Cha Haemin pouted while looking at the disappearing figure of the shop that was selling the plushies just now.
Maybe she would come back later when she went out alone. Her master like a strict mother prevented her child from buying anything.
So cruel!
"Then, you need to buy many dumplings for me!"
"You said that you wanted to buy dumpling to your senior and friend that will come later. Why would I buy for you?"
"That's different. I buy for them and you buy for me."
"Whatever."
Namgung Minyoung ignored Cha Haemin's pestering and turned deaf over her student's complaint.
"Master, let's buy that!"
"No."
"Whyyyy?"
"Waste of money."
Their journey to buy dumplings was not a quiet one when Cha Haemin is the one who demanded everything she saw. No one can blame her because this is her first time coming here without a set of time and it has been so long for her to go shopping like this with someone.
She thought she could sight seeing right now but then it was impossible with her master around her moreover with the rope tied to their wrist.
Not like she can run away, her master was faster than her anyway. Cha Haemin shuddered when she remembered about their playing tag not too long ago.
'Scary.'
Walking around the First Murim felt different in essence. Kim Dokja accompanied by Yoo Joonghyuk, Jang Hayoung and Han Myungoh walked into the marketplace.
It was what he had expected but Han Myungoh was baffled by the way the people in Murim wore their clothes. If it was the Murim he read in novels, people would not wear jeans here but something akin to a traditional clothes.
Unfortunately it was not the norm here now. The martial arts in First Murim has changed significantly, which is why Yoo Joonghyuk could say that it is the cause of the destruction of Murim.
But he came here to look for a master of one of the old schools in First Murim, which he knew would not be here around this marketplace. That's why Kim Dokja needed Yoo Joonghyuk to show him the way.
"…Do you really intend to go there?"
"Yes. This time, the power of the Breaking the Sky Sword Saint is essential."
"I'm not going."
"Do what you want. However, can you guide me to the school?"
Yoo Joonghyuk made a grim expression and the merchant who had offered them various products about martial arts interjected.
"Are you going to find the Breaking the Sky Sword Saint?"
"That's right."
The merchant watched them with a slightly weary expression. Then he shook his head and withdrew his products.
"That's it. Give that to me. I won't sell them to you. I'm surprised that there are still friends who want to stick to the old ways. It isn't too bad to feel the change of the times in person. Good luck with your hard work."
The merchant began to drag his stall to another place to solicit another customer. But his complaints were still visible for the group to hear.
"Why am I always the one who meets people who want to learn the old way? What even my bad luck to meet with a lunatic woman."
Kim Dokja was visibly confused by the merchant's statement but he brushed it off as nothing important for him to know at this moment.
"Masterrr!"
Kim Dokja looked everywhere when he heard the voice among the voices of the people in this market. It was a faint voice that gradually slowed down but he is sure that he knew that voice.
He frowned slightly when he did not see any glimpses of the person he was looking for.
He let out a sigh and then Kim Dokja followed after Yoo Joonghyuk that has walked far beyond. The bustling marketplace died down and was replaced with a quieter one. He also could smell a faint smell of animal feces here.
How long do they walk exactly?
Yoo Joonghyuk footstep stopped and Kim Dokja could see a shabby residence. There was a small hut in the centre of the grounds. He read the small nameplate set up in front of the hut.
[Breaking the Sky Sword School.]
-Recruiting disciples at all times.
'It is here.'
Yoo Joonghyuk climbed a cherry tree nearby after he uttered that it is up to here for him. He really didn't want to meet with the Breaking the Sky Sword Saint.
"Breaking the Sky Sword Saint, are you here?"
Kim Dokja knocked on the door.
"Breaking the Sky Sword Saint! I need your help!"
There is no response from the other side and Kim Dokja acted brazenly by opening the gate before he walked in.
When he opened the gate, he couldn't see any living beings in there but there is an unexpected existence waiting for them.
A dog with black fur and reddish-brown eyes that was dressed in a dark blue uniform with its tongue stretched out.
The disciple of the Breaking the Sky Sword Saint. He told Jang Hayoung and Han Myungoh which made them confused as to why a dog was chosen as a disciple.
"It happens when people are worse than dogs. In the first place, the idea that people are better than dogs is a human ideal."
Jang Hayoung became baffled when he saw the Breaking the Sky Master stood up with two legs. Han Myungoh stepped front to deal with her but he was easily threw away in the air.
The Breaking the Sky Master began to attack Jang Hayoung next but Kim Dokja intercepted and used his Bookmark skill. Maybe he miscalculated a little by coming at this time when their school was recruiting people.
It can't be helped but Kim Dokja needed Yoo Joonghyuk's help for this matter, if not, all of their ass will get beaten by a dog.
Fortunately Yoo Joonghyuk helped him after he promised to give an item for that sunfish.
Based on what he remembered, the Breaking the Sky Sword Saint has two disciples, one which is the Breaking the Sky Master and second is Yoo Joonghyuk.
Making Yoo Joonghyuk handled the Breaking the Sky Master was a wise decision right now when both the disciples have the same skill.
After the many confrontation between Yoo Joonghyuk's sword and the Breaking the Sky Master's paw, Yoo Joonghyuk pushed the dog away and was about to pierced the dog's waist before a chilly sensation could be feel.
Someone was standing behind Kim Dokja without him noticing, even the constellations were shocked by this sudden appearance.
"The sky is noisy today. What spectacle can I see?"
Namgung Minyoung walked past Kim Dokja.
"Are you beating a dumb dog like this? You are a man without any principles."
She held Yoo Joonghyuk's sword just by using her two fingers like a toy.
Bark! Bark!
The Breaking the Sky Master laid on the floor again with her tongue stretched out.
Yoo Joonghyuk vanished and left his sword right after. Namgung Minyoung watched in awe for a moment before she moved towards Kim Dokja, Jang Hayoung and Han Myungoh one by one.
More like she inspected everyone by their face.
What Kim Dokja knew the next second is that the Breaking the Sky Sword Saint vanished and came back with Yoo Joonghyuk dangled on her back with a bruised face.
'What a sight to see.'
She was asking as to how Yoo Joonghyuk knew her technique and this protagonist urged Kim Dokja to do something.
Plop!
"Oh I forgot about you."
Huh? Kim Dokja looked behind him to find a body laid down with face first on the ground.
"Wha—"
He was speechless.
"Get up. You said they would come and I came back faster when I felt their presence, you should've move faster."
Namgung Minyoung moved Yoo Joonghyuk onto her shoulder and slapped his ass with her tobacco pipe.
"...You dragged me, master."
"What can I say, you felt like a feather. You should practise your speed more. Shingun, treat these people as friends and do whatever you want, Haemin."
Namgung Minyoung vanished from there with Yoo Joonghyuk.
Bark! Bark!
"Is she dead?"
The Breaking the Sky Master walked towards Cha Haemin. It was not a joke when she said she was dragged. Like what her master said, her master moved immediately after she sensed the presence here and subconsciously or intentionally dragged her along.
Cha Haemin can't keep up with the speed and was dragged along until the rope snapped into two. It was horrible.
Bark!
She got up and groaned, touching her right shoulder.
'I might've dislocated my shoulder. Great.'
Her clothes were thorn slightly and her face was bruised a little but nothing serious except her dislocated shoulder.
Bark!
The Breaking the Sky Master wagged her tail at Cha Haemin, circling around her.
'Here my plushie.'
"Are you okay, sunbae?"
Bark! Bark!
"That's good."
She smiled and about to stand up but a pair of shoes in front of her halted her movement.
Oh yeah. He is here now.
She slowly looked up at that face. Kim Dokja looked at her with wide and shaky eyes.
They stared at each other without uttering anything or more like they don't know what should be said at this moment.
"Hey..."
She should've just stay quiet. Her voice was shaky when she utter that one word. Is she this nervous? Why is she so nervous right now?
"...Kim Dokja."
"...Haemin."
Bark!
She looked back at her senior dog but with curiosity when her senior touched her dislocated shoulder. Her senior pushed her down on the ground suddenly.
"Hey, what are you—! Wai—!!"
Pop!
"—ahh!!"
The spectacles winched and touched their shoulder in sync.
'Vicious!'
She looked down while touching her right shoulder. No, it was not hurt anymore but she still remembered the feeling, giving her goosebump all over again.
"Are you okay?"
She looked at Kim Dokja and bit her lower lips.
"Yes, totally. You don't need to worry anymore."
Awkward.
"How are you?"
"I'm fine. How about you?"
"I'm good."
Awkward.
"You seemed fine."
"You too."
Awkward.
"How have you been doing?"
"Harsh but I can manage. How about you?"
"Bloody but everything turned out fine."
Awkward.
"You've been here long?"
"Quite long."
Awkward.
"..It is nice meeting you again."
"Yeah, I second that."
Awkward.
Fidgeting with their fingers without looking at one another. Jang Hayoung and Han Myungoh looked at those two back and forth with a bewildered expression.
"Erm your eyes..."
Cha Haemin looked up. Kim Dokja pointed at her scarred eye. She touched the scar slightly.
"Oh ah this? Something... happened."
"Is it permanent?"
"Sadly yes."
He hummed.
"...I think you know the cause."
Kim Dokja nodded stiffly.
"Yes. I've figured that out."
"Great. I think I will need to fulfill my role then."
Kim Dokja looked away and scratched his cheek.
"Ah yes. You don't need to though."
"I've promise. I should carry on with the promise I made myself, right?"
She smiled faintly. Kim Dokja pursed his lips while his eyes glinted with dejection.
"Of course. Promise should not be broken."
Cha Haemin noticed his expression and bit her lips. She should tell him the truth. Moreover when she received those visions like a broken film.
She didn't know why did she received such visions. It is not enough that she'd received Nyx's and Hel's memories? How did she want to organise her brain now?
It if fortunate that she not became crazy or having an identity confusion when she received their memories. It sucked but she is actually grateful, just a little.
Becoming a constellation's successor has its own drawback.
"Your hair looked normal now."
"Huh? Ah yes. At first, just like I said, I don't intend for you to know."
She twirled her black hair with her finger. Kim Dokja just looked but he has the urged to touch her like before. He surpassed such intention from building up even more.
'Not right now. Later. When it is the right time, I'll be honest with her and embrace her like before.'
"I like this colour more."
"...Is that so?"
He hummed, yes to her question. It just, her black her same as his. That is one thing that makes him feel connected with her because they have the same black hair.
'Da*n it! Since when did I become this impatient?'
"...Kim Dokja. I need to tell you something."
She caught his hand into hers. He was startled by that. He looked at their hands and then at her face that was full of anxiousness.
"I'm all ears."
"Actually..."
There is something will happen later here. Cha Haemin took a deep breath and let out a sigh. Not now.
'Da*n it! Such a coward.'
She created a space between them and let go of his hand. She'd need a lot more time to tell all that happened up until now, so now is not the right time.
"I'm sorry but I think now is not the time. When is the right time, I'll tell you everything, I also would answer all your curiosity sincerely. I promise."
Obviously he'd felt curious and has a lot of questions to ask her. About the novel, their meeting at Constellation Banquet, how she became the successor and more.
Those questions shouldn't be asked and answered right now when many eyes are watching.
"Haemin."
Kim Dokja frowned slightly, clenching his hand which she held before.
"I understand. You can take your time."
Bark!
Both of them looked below. Cha Haemin took the bowl of dumplings from her senior.
"Oh yeah, the dumplings. Eat up, I bought many of it. Wait, did you take Yoo Joonghyuk's dumplings too?"
Bark! Bark!
The Breaking the Sky Master wagged her tail and stretched out her tongue. That means yes.
"Well, there's plenty to share among us. You guys must be hungry. Eat too, sunbae."
"Yes, you should eat with us."
Bark! Bark!
Kim Dokja talked with the Breaking the Sky Master. No one understood except Kim Dokja so Jang Hayoung looked at him weirdly.
At one moment, the Breaking the Sky Master and Cha Haemin changed their expression. She quickly stood up when several dokkaebis came into view.
They demanded the Breaking the Sky Sword Saint to sell her martial arts technique again. Cha Haemin frowned while her senior barked and raised her magic power.
'Let's just let Kim Dokja handled this.'
~
"Who is she?"
The Breaking the Sky Sword Saint hummed in understanding at Yoo Joonghyuk's question. After looked through Yoo Joonghyuk and got his previous regression's memories, she also felt the need to ask something.
"You could say a child who was unfortunate ended up here."
Yoo Joonghyuk frowned. He remembered back the glimpse of black hair and the same energy emitted when he saw the person in Seoul. That person and this woman gave the same aura.
'They are the same person.'
There is no doubt. What he is doubting is her intention. When he looked at it, Kim Dokja knew her and she also knew him.
Her appearance in First Murim is also weird, there is not supposed to be anyone becoming the new disciple. But maybe it was different in this third round, almost everything happened in this round was different.
All of those caused by Kim Dokja with his prophet ability.
So, what if this woman is also the same as Kim Dokja? He also said to himself that he'd confronted with this woman if ever he felt her presence again.
'She looked stronger.'
It was understandable if she had been training with the Breaking the Sky Sword Saint. Looks like she has been here for a long time.
But what is important right now is, could she be trusted?
It didn't matter if Kim Dokja knew her, if he demanded her to be not trustworthy, he'd kill her immediately.
The appearance of dokkaebi halted their conversation.
Tbc~
4
"What is she to you?"
Kim Dokja was baffled by the sudden question thrown by this protagonist after he declared that he would go to the Gourmet Association.
"Who?"
"Don't act like you don't know whom I'm talking about, Kim Dokja?"
Yoo Joonghyuk gazed at the others where Jang Hayoung and Han Myungoh were sparring with each other along with the Breaking the Sky Master observing them before his gaze landed on his master with a black-haired woman.
Kim Dokja followed his gaze to meet with the same view. Cha Haemin was talking with the Breaking the Sky Sword Saint with a bright smile on her face but then got spanked by her master instead.
"Why? Is that something important for you to know?"
Kim Dokja didn't give an answer but he asked back a question he has been curious about. From the way Yoo Joonghyuk looked at Cha Haemin, this protagonist knew who she was- no, he recognised her.
Those two didn't talk at all since they were here. Yoo Joonghyuk and Cha Haemin have been sparring partners since then with the instruction from Namgung Minyoung but they never exchanged simple greetings.
Then he assumed that Cha Haemin never met with Yoo Joonghyuk but somehow Yoo Joonghyuk recognised her.
'I still don't know what she has been doing all this time. Could she have met with Yoo Joonghyuk before? Or could she be roaming around near me before?'
"Just answer my question."
The persistence of Yoo Joonghyuk confused Kim Dokja.
"We.. are friends. She was one of the sponsors in my company before and we knew each other from there."
[The character 'Yoo Joonghyuk' has used the 'Lie Detection' skill.]
[Lie Detection has confirmed that your words are false.]
'Da*n it. To this extent?'
Without uttering any words, Yoo Joonghyuk managed to intimidate him.
"Fine, we have been friends since highschool but...."
He bit his lips and looked at her who was being hit repeatedly on the head with a tobacco pipe from the Breaking the Sky Sword Saint. Her yelp could be heard from here.
"...she didn't remember any of it."
Yoo Joonghyuk raised his eyebrows.
"So I didn't lie when I said we knew each other from that point when she came to my company. The unfortunate event was something uncontrolled, Yoo Joonghyuk. I know you knew better than me."
He sent a smile at the protagonist which was a dry one. Yoo Joonghyuk frowned.
"Why didn't you tell her the truth?"
"Did you?"
"Our situation is different, Kim Dokja. Are you a fool?"
Yoo Joonghyuk turned around to continue his training.
"Before you lose your chance, better tell her the truth. Both of you are a liar."
Kim Dokja's eyes are dilated.
Yoo Joonghyuk strolled back towards his master but his eyes glued on the woman with his master.
Both of them are liars. Kim Dokja kept this secret from her but she also kept something from him. He knew there was more into this than he thought about. About her power and her identity, it was something he couldn't grasp yet.
He trusted Kim Dokja more than this woman who he just met but he can't help but be drawn towards her.
His gut was telling him that this woman is dangerous but he chose to observe for now.
She noticed his presence and sent a small smile at him which he didn't return.
'This woman is also weird like him.'
"We need to talk."
The Breaking the Sky Sword Saint glanced at her two disciples without uttering anything.
"Okay."
~
"Who are you?"
Cha Haemin pursed her lips. After they stopped behind the building, Yoo Joonghyuk threw her this question. Both of them noticed that Kim Dokja was watching them walking here just now.
"Don't you get an answer from him already?"
"And I want you to answer me."
Demanding tone from this man making her frown.
"Why would you think I would answer you honestly?"
In a blink of an eye, her throat was grabbed by a large and calloused hand, and her body was pressed against the wall. She winched.
"Answer me or die this instant."
Cha Haemin gritted her teeth. Can't they just talk like civil people. Why was this man always choking people here and there. She is not Kim Dokja!
[The constellation 'Demon King of Salvation' is looking at incarnation Yoo Joonghyuk.]
Yoo Joonghyuk frowned while looking at the message.
"Don't you dare interrupt us, Kim Dokja."
He tightened his grip on her neck, making her wheeze for the lack of way for air to go into her lungs.
"Go away."
"Yoo.. Joonghyuk."
She gritted her teeth and held his wrist to pry it off but he tightened his grip more.
[The constellation 'Demon King of Salvation' glared at incarnation Yoo Joonghyuk.]
After a moment, there is no more message from him. Yoo Joonghyuk loosened his grip, making the black-haired woman in a coughing fit.
"Answer me, Cha Haemin."
"Basta*d!"
Yoo Joonghyuk narrowed his eyes when the grip on his wrist got tighter. He released her in an instant before he took a look at his hand which has turned red.
'She could free herself from the start if she wanted. So why didn't she do it?'
When he realised this woman's intention, he clicked his tongue.
'She didn't want Kim Dokja to know what we are going to talk about.'
"If I tell you who I am, you would feel skeptical over my story."
Cha Haemin rubbed her neck, surely her neck will leave a bruise with hand imprint.
"Try me."
"I was existence which doesn't suppose to exist."
Yoo Joonghyuk frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"I'm not a prophet nor a god who knows everything. I am doing what I deemed as worthy for the sake of my goal. And to reassure you, Yoo Joonghyuk, I have no intention of harming you because..."
Yoo Joonghyuk raised an eyebrow by the sudden stop. Cha Haemin let out a sigh.
"...you are his companion. I will not do anything that will make him upset in any way. I don't intend to gain your trust or anything but I am telling you the truth."
Yoo Joonghyuk activated the lie detection and got his answer.
"Okay."
Just that and the guy walked away from her.
"I have a question, sunbae."
Yoo Joonghyuk stopped on his track. An irk mark appeared on his head by the title.
"Stop calling me that."
"I'd rather not, sunbae."
Yoo Joonghyuk let out a sigh. Just a few minutes talking with this woman but he already felt enervated.
"Would you like me to stay and join the martial art competition or..."
He turned to look at her who was smiling wryly.
"...or look after Kim Dokja?"
His eyes widened when he finally processed the meaning behind her words. He let out a murderous aura.
"Who are you?"
"Someone who has been your first supporter, Yoo Joonghyuk."
Now he knows who she is.
And not only he.
[The constellation 'Queen of The Darkest Spring' is narrowing her eyes at you.]
[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' was gaping.]
[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' declared that she is his first supporter!]
[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' dropped his glass.]
[The constellation 'Guardian of Youths and Travel' was surprised.]
[The constellation 'Horizon Theatre Misery' is looking at you.]
She also didn't intend to hide it anymore.
"Are you running away again?"
Cha Haemin grumbled after Namgung Minyoung shook her by holding her by her back collar, making her dizzy for a moment.
"Master, I'll come back."
"Oh, when is that?"
"Tomorrow. I promise! You can ask Joonghyuk sunbae!"
She pointed her finger at Yoo Joonghyuk but the man ignored her.
Kim Dokja has left to the Gourmet Association a few days ago. She was about to go but the Breaking the Sky Sword Saint was much faster this time. She needed to go back to Niflheim to get ready!
"Is she telling the truth?"
Yoo Joonghyuk shrugged.
"I just know where she wanted to go, not when will she be back."
"See."
Cha Haemin wiggles to free herself, the other just watching her being toy around.
"I am promise this time. I'll come back as soon as possible. I just need to do something."
Namgung Minyoung let out a sigh before she dropped her disciple on the ground unannounced.
"Don't come back with a missing limb, if not I'll shave your head."
She gasped in horror.
~
Kim Dokja followed the constellation Mass Production Maker through the great hall. The atmosphere here is surely different than at the Constellation Banquet.
If Constellation Banquet is a place of gathering to all nobility, Gourmet Association is a place of gathering to the upper nobility.
Persephone has helped him in coming here for his actual debut as a constellation. He comes here to get support from other constellations for his nebula so he needs to do his utmost.
'Is she not here?'
He didn't ask and she didn't tell him anything. Thus, he didn't know if Cha Haemin would come here or not but what he knew is Yoo Joonghyuk and Cha Haemin has a secret they didn't told him.
Those two were still not warming up to each other and not exchanging much words to each other, but he could feel that Yoo Joonghyuk was dropping his guard around Cha Haemin a little.
He saw the simple gesture of a distrustful gaze turned into a normal one. One thing that the protagonist didn't mind was Cha Haemin invading his private space which was something he can't avoid but notice.
'What are they talking about at that time?'
He really didn't take a look or hear over their conversation, what he knew is Cha Haemin and Yoo Joonghyuk came back together and continued to practise together. He also noticed the red mark of hand around her throat.
Everything he saw that time made him reluctant to leave inside the carriage that night.
What if they became much closer when he was not looking?
He is not paranoid, he just wanted to make sure both of them didn't kill each other during his absence. Just that. For sure.
Persephone even teasing him just now by morphing into Cha Haemin in a Chinese dress with garter belt. His face turned red in an instant.
While listening to Mass Production Maker, his eyes darted to the newcomer, and he got his answer after he saw the constellation.
'She's here.'
Like last time, she was wearing the eyepatch and the veil covering her lower face. But what changed is that she didn't change her hair colour and let it black. Also, her outfit was different than before. She was wearing a pant instead a modest dress.
Some constellations turned their attention towards her.
[I didn't expect for her to come here too. In any case, she is just like you but held much power than most constellations here.]
The Mass Production Maker told him. He saw her looking around then her eyes landed on him. He could see a slight curve of her eyes.
[If I could get to see her battle against the former ruler, I'll gladly buy it to see and taste her story.]
"Is she famous?"
[You didn't know? Every constellations are trying to figure out her identity and how she managed to kill previous ruler. They wanted her to be part of their nebula if they managed to get close to her.]
He didn't know she actually that famous.
"She is a mystery to the constellations."
That what makes these constellations must more eager to know her identity. They are sure she harbor many tasty stories or fables.
She might be in danger if they knew she was an incarnation.
'Is she coming here because of the promise?'
He didn't want to let her enter a lion den for him.
He saw her started to walk. The constellations shuffled aside to give her ways. But then, someone stood before her, making her stop on her track.
[Oh, drama. I like this.]
"Who is he?"
[Erebus.]
A chill run down his spine when the man with long black hair and clad in black turned to look at his direction after the Mass Production Maker uttered his name.
It was just a second before Erebus turned back towards the woman.
The next thing he was shocked about is Erebus grabbed her wrist and pulled her along with him outside. Kim Dokja widened his eyes but then the host suddenly emerged onto the stage to start the Gourmet Association.
'Haemin, please be safe.'
~
Cha Haemin gasped when she was pushed against the wall with a hand beside her head. She narrowed her eyes at the perpetrator.
The man with long black hair and a dark eyes along with raven clothes. She knew who he was the moment she saw him just now.
"What do you want?"
Erebus grabbed her chin and narrowed the gap of their face.
[She no longer here?]
The low yet resonant voice was heard. She could say his voice was attractive.
"She is."
[Is that so?]
"Yes."
Erebus let her go and backed away.
[How unfortunate.]
He brushed his hair back, eyes never left her.
[I'd not congratulate you.]
"I don't need it, Erebus."
[But I want something from you.]
Cha Haemin tilted her head.
[Let me visit her grave.]
Oh.
Cha Haemin has nothing to say.
According to Greek mythology, Nyx and Erebus were siblings also has a relationship of husband and wife. Yes, the normal mythology must contain this sort of thing among their families.
But the Erebus in front of her was not what she knew in those stories.
She recognised affection in his voice but he was not bore hatred that she has killed Nyx. More like he already knew the outcome.
Those two relationship must be something entirely different than she thought considering that she always saw those two constellations bickering with each other using indirect messages.
"Okay, come to Niflheim whenever you want."
Erebus let out a huff.
[Don't think I am grateful to you, human. Who would know that the cheeky declaration from a mere human during first scenario actually bore some truth.]
"I already told you. I'll be one of you."
Erebus let out a chuckle.
[Interesting.]
He touched her veil with his fingers.
[Making me excited to see what you will do next, new goddess.]
His eyes narrowed.
[Bearing the title of ruler of Niflheim was not easy.]
"Are you giving me a warning?"
[Not a warning, goddess. Just a reminder to not forget your title.]
He grabbed her hand.
[Choosing an ally would be a wise choice in this place.]
She smirked.
"Are you volunteering yourself, Erebus?"
[I'm always loyal to the ruler of Niflheim, goddess. Consider it as a long time affection to that place.]
He pulled away her eyepatch, tracing her scar gently.
[Always the way of ruler of Niflheim, leaving a permanent scar to their sucessor. Funny that Nyx left it on your pretty face.]
Cha Haemin rolled her eyes, already aware of this. Hel gave a scar to Nyx on her arm meanwhile Nyx did it to her face.
Receiving their memories has the advantages to know what they have experienced before, making it her own experiences. From that, she knew Herebus quite well.
She also has the understanding of using their powers. But what she didn't know is their existence. That is something that was lacking in her memories. She didn't know the true identity of Nyx and Hel.
So she didn't know how Nyx knew of her previous life. Cha Haemin needs to investigate about it by her own.
She get their memories from when they are the ruler of Niflheim and no more. Not the past nor their thoughts.
Quite a loophole there.
"The Gourmet Association is starting. We should go back."
[True.]
He backed away while looking at the door while she was adjusting the eyepatch.
[But you must stay with me all the time inside.]
"Wait, what? No!"
[Too late!]
He pulled her up bridal style and barge into the hall, making all eyes look on them. Even the host stopped talking. Cha Haemin covered her face with her hands.
One thing she knew about Erebus is... this constellation likes to mess around with people he felt comfortable with.
[Don't mind us and continue.]
Erebus giddily went back to his seat on the highest seats. Arriving at there, he put her down on an unexpected place.
"He..hey, let me go!"
She whispered to him while wiggling her body from his hold on his lap.
[I know you would run if I didn't do this. Sit still, goddess. Feel honoured because you are the third one who has the chance to sit on my lap except Hel and Nyx.]
He pulled her closer to his chest and tightened his arms around her waist.
[You are quite light considering your age. Are you eating well? Oh you can eat this. But I don't know if you can endure the story though.]
"Erebus–"
Before she managed to say further, she was feed the food. The story of the food replying in her mind, making her almost vomit.
Now, she felt regret for coming here. How does Hel and Nyx handled his childishness?
[Look, the first event is starting.]
She ignored the dreadfulness in her stomach and looked forward to see Anna Croft started her explanation. Oh yes, she remembered this.
[She is cheeky human, thinking her plan would work but she was just a shell of nothing interesting.]
Erebus leaned his head on her shoulder. Sometimes making a comment over everything said by Anna Croft who was trying to attract the attention of the constellations.
"I dislike her."
[Then I dislike her too.]
"Are you serious right now?"
[I never play with the ruler of Niflheim.]
Cha Haemin scoffed. Never play? Sure, everything he said is the truth only which every playful remark and declarations of his would always becoming true.
So to say, he is on her side is also the truth.
[Relax, I'm not going to make you stay too long with me. Rulers of Niflheim always have secret from me. How sad.]
A sudden chill run down her spine, making her looked around but was having difficulty by how tight Erebus held her. She concentrated on the speech given by Anna Croft instead.
Oblivious to the raging gaze from someone not too far from her.
'Calm down, Kim Dokja. Calm down. Don't let your emotion played with you. Sh*t! Why are they so close? Why is he leaning onto her like that?! Hey hey where is that hands going?!'
He frowned and distracted himself from those two, completely ignoring the view he could see from the corner of his eyes.
"I shouldn't be angry, she isn't mine to begin with."
And that makes him more irritated. The voice of Yoo Joonghyuk played in his mind when they had a talk the other day.
"Before you lose your chance, better tell her the truth..."
He clenched his hand.
'I.. wouldn't lost her again this time.'
Tbc~