Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Sucks to be him.

An intel sloppily heads towards his car. Why? His boss ordered him to sneak in a high school as a teacher. The reason for this is because they've gathered information that there was a mafia member at the school. He glanced down at the phone he was clutching on. "Tae-ho, you better not mess this up. I will kill you if you do", said a message from his boss.

Bossy dimwit.

The man sighed. Apparently, he was forced to carry out the task by his boss, Mr Han, to disguise as a teacher at a high school. And dear Lord, he did not want this at all. But if the instructions were from his superior, he clearly had no choice.

Fast forward, after arriving at the school and directed to the administration room. The staff there soon led Tae-ho to a tour through the school. Classroom to classroom, hallway to hallway. It sure was larger than expected. The lady then dropped him off at the classroom he was assigned to be in. Mathematic class. Bold of them to assume his math grades were astonishing back then.

Once Tae-ho stepped in the classroom, the former mathematic teacher at front, Mr Yang, paused whatever the hell he was yapping about, redirecting his topic, "oh, Mr Kang! Right, right, so class, since I'm going to retire sooner or later, I'll introduce your new math teacher now! You have the floor, sir!"

Tae-ho hated how enthusiastic he seemed. So bizarre. But either way, he spoke up, "so... good morning, class. I'm Kang Tae-ho, call me Mr Kang. I'll be teaching mathematics." By the time he ended his sentence, the bizarre teacher commented, "now, students, he does seem intimidating, but he's surely a friendly fella!"

Stop assuming things about myself, you simpleton. And I am NOT intimidating. You're merely offending me, at this point.

Okay, those thoughts won't be any use if he didn't say it aloud. But doing so could ruin the students' first impression, so he chose not to. Shortly after the small introduction, Mr Yang told him to sit at one of the empty desks at the back row, so that he can adapt how to teach as the teachers did in that place.

Such horrible 30 minutes of my life.

By the time the bell had rung, indicating recess, all students dashed out the door. Upon completion of teaching, Mr Yang approached the rookie. "You should get to your desk at the teacher's room. Come, I'll bring you there."

Tae-ho seemed like such a lost klutz. Mr Yang spoke way too fast for him to process. It was either that, or Tae-ho was utterly slow in the mind. He soon nodded, standing up to follow him. As they reached the teacher's room, it was like meeting bed after a long day. Peaceful. Quiet. Unlike the classroom back then. Loud. Boisterous. The room smelt like a mix of coffee and vanilla, temperature reaching about 24°C.

When Tae-ho got to the desk with his name carved on a desk plate, he sat down, letting out an exhausted exhale, as if he had been holding his breath throughout the lesson. The desk was nice, in his view. Not too wide, not too narrow. It had a tawny brown color that was calm on eyes, cleanly polished and definitely wiped with the same lavender-scented spray used for the tables back at the math classroom. It was also set along with some drawers on the lower left. By the corner of his eye, he saw one of the teachers next to him spinning their chair to turn towards him.

"Hmm, new teacher I see?" He murmured, leaning on his chair, a cup of black coffee in hand. "So? Are you not going to introduce yourself or something?"

Oh, this guy's already getting on my nerves.

"Kang Tae-ho. First and second grade's math teacher."

"Interesting."

"Are you not going to introduce yourself too?"

"What if I don't want to?"

Tae-ho scoffed, answering in a rather irritated tone, "not that I care."

"Okay, okay, geez, don't get so pissed off", the man snickered. Oh, Tae-ho had already seen this coming. Probably. "Gwon Beom-eun. First, second and third grade's religion teacher."

"Religion teacher? Seriously?"

"Is it shocking?"

"Yeah, coming from a person with that kind of attitude."

"Is that supposed to be offensive? Because I find it so."

"I mean, you don't even look religious."

"Hey, wha— you can't just make assumptions! I'm very religious! You can count to 100 decillion and I'll still be religious!"

"I doubt you. I doubt you very much", Tae-ho responded, a small smile tugging at his lips. Maybe the so-called religion teacher isn't so bad. "Even mathematically, you don't seem sacred."

"What the hell. What does math have to do with knowing how religious I am?"

"Religion would consist of nominals, such as the parable about a flock of 99 sheep and 1 missing lamb. Definitely related to math."

"Fine, I give up. Only because I'm too lazy to continue. But trust me, Tae-ho, I won't back down so easily."

"Say as you say, Beom-eun. I always win in debates."

Beom-eun mimicked his words, followed along with the same snicker he let out earlier. Their banter soon ended once a student went in, coming up to Beom-eun's desk, saying, "sir, I saw someone getting bullied near the canteen!"

Beom-eun didn't seem shocked nor surprised. "Is it Jin-woo as the culprit again?" His guess earned a nod from the girl, who was then ordered to ignore what she saw and that he'd handle it later. The moment she left, Tae-ho, out of curiosity, asked, "she didn't head to any other teacher, but to you. Why so?"

"I'm a member of the disciplinary team. Handling with delinquents and those things like that's what I do."

"I see. But why did you tell her to leave them be? Aren't you supposed to interfere or something?"

"The culprit is Jeong Jin-woo. He's the school's "gangster", basically. And I've dealt with him more times than I've even lied."

So you've lied once or so. Lying isn't so religious, Beom-eun!

"Jeong Jin-woo... isn't he the kid who was once caught vandalizing and such?"

"Oh, wow. The news has really spread, huh? Besides that, he was also caught in a bar, casino, getting in a building that was out of maintenance, and way more. He's probably going to get dropped out soon. He's treading on thin ice."

"If so, why hasn't he dropped out yet?"

"The thing is, his dad is crazy rich. He always pays extra for school fees. And if we drop his son out, he'd definitely want his money back. So we'd rather not."

"Wouldn't that be harder for all teachers here, then? Hell, his classmates and other students too?"

"That's what risks are for. Ooh, while I'm spilling, I should tell you some of the school's hottest news too." Beom-eun leaned in a tad bit closer, as if about to tell a secret. "I bet you a cup of coffee your jaw will drop."

Tae-ho raised an eyebrow. "Strange bet, but okay."

"So, Jin-woo has a girlfriend. And, boy, he treats her like shit, y'know? Possessive, manipulative, absolutely toxic. The thing is, the girl doesn't want to break up with him. In truth, I also don't know why." Beom-eun took a moment to sip on his coffee. Unnecessary break. "But the story doesn't end there. The girl has a best friend, and that friend is basically singing "Treat You Better" by Shawn Mendes. And the cherry on top? That best friend is said to be in love with the girl, and is a girl too. Crazy, right?"

It was like Tae-ho had forgetten about the bet they had made earlier, his jaw dropping ever so slightly. Such spicy gossip spilled on his first day... would that mean the following days will have even hotter tea?

Beom-eun clicked his fingers, smirking a bit before saying, "your jaw dropped. You owe me coffee."

Their banter was cut off by a finger flicking Beom-eun's forehead. He flinched visibly, whipping his head to see who would do such thing. "Ah, Da-jun! You cruel woman!"

The lady who happened to sit on the desk behind him, and with the name Da-jun scolded Beom-eun, "don't go around spreading rumors that nobody knows the truth about. Especially to Tae-ho. He's still new here."

Beom-eun grumbled, turning his attention back to him, "yeah, yeah, okay... Tae-ho, this is my cousin, Gwon Da-jun. She teaches art. So you'll probably meet her often during monthly art exhibitions."

Tae-ho gave a polite nod towards the female teacher, who returned it with a smile. When Da-jun finally left, Beom-eun leaned in again, whispering a bit more quietly, "forget about her scolding, most of what I've told you is real. I've got the information from the students themselves." He soon leaned back on his chair, crossing his arms then continuing, "anyway, go fetch me a cup of coffee. Black coffee, normal sugar."

Tae-ho let out a sound of disbelief. All that yet he was still arrogant about his coffee. But somehow, he still did so. As he went to the coffee maker, his mind still lingered on the previous conversations. A warm smile dawned on his face. But that soon faded once he remembered he was here to collect information regarding the target, not to mess around, having a casual chat with the people who might turn out to be the target themselves. But to think in this double life, one side is calm, not too tense, warm, and all...

Maybe this wasn't a bad choice, after all.

Chapter Text

To Tae-ho, it's his second day as a teacher. To Beom-eun, it's another ordinary day of school, due to being a teacher for about three to four years.

So basically, he had already known about Jin-woo from the first time that rebel entered school. If anything, he found it an absolute disgrace to even breathe the same air as somebody who always makes a fuss here and there.

And now... here he was, going through something he always prayed he never had to. Inside the Guidance and Counseling room. Lecturing the kid. If he were to be honest, he hates lectures just as much as he hates lecturing. But well, disciplinary team, out you go.

"Another day, another... you," Beom-eun said with a scowl.

"You sound childish, Beom-eun."

Curse you, rascal.

"As a student, you should call me Mr Gwon. Or just "sir", at least."

"Like hell I would."

"I might actually pray hell upon you."

"Oh, I'm so scared, have mercy." This idiot doesn't know his place, Beom-eun thought. Not that it was incorrect, though.

"Okay, shut up. What did you do this time?"

"Beat up some underclassmen. They pissed me off."

"You can't just pounce on people out of annoyance."

"And am I supposed to do as you say?"

Dear Lord, grant me patience so that I can discipline this moron.

The teacher let out an exasperated sigh, crossing his arms over his chest. "I'm your teacher, so yes. Be grateful that we haven't suspended you from school."

"You're just scared that the money you've earned from the extra's my dad gave will disappear within a blink."

"Am not. Back to topic. Is irritation the only reason you messed with your juniors?"

"They said I should break up with Seo-yul, saying things like I'm not good enough for her."

I'm going to hold your hand (no, I won't) when I say this, but I completely agree with them.

"Seo-yul? So were you triggered by them mentioning her, or...?"

"They were clearly underestimating me!"

Right, what did I expect? You're a damn red flag. Ultimately red. I was already doubting you'd get triggered if they said you and Seo-yul should break up.

"Okay, okay, so you didn't care that they mentioned it was better for Seo-yul to cut things off with you, but you only paid attention to the fact they called you a horrible boyfriend to her? Boy, you really are not good enough for her."

Jin-woo's eyebrow twitched. Him and his temper. "Watch your mouth, Beom-eun, I'll snap your neck."

"Oh, oh, that's terrifying, so horrifying!" The child's exact words, shot right back at himself.

"You're an idiot."

"You're even more of an idiot to call me one. You're the one catching on fights and all." Beom-eun leaned back in his chair, eyeing the student with slight hostility.

"Ugh, whatever. Just get this over with."

"Look, I don't know if you're going to realize this soon, but being a literal low-level criminal can influence your future. I'm not saying this for myself or others, but it's for you. Your future is in your hands, and I expect that you can do better. Drill that in your mind now, airhead."

Jin-woo let out a scoff at his last sentence, crossing his arms in a rather bitchy manner. Well, he is a bitch. "Yeah, yeah, keep talking, old man."

"You little— I'm only twenty-two!"

"That's over eighteen. So you're old."

"..."

"..."

"End of lecture, goodbye. Get out of my sight, I don't want to see you again."

A cheeky smirk toyed on the boy's lips. So maddening. He soon stood up, and before leaving, he left a pesky farewell, "see ya later, Beom-eun, next time we meet, it'll regard an even more fun problem." Then out he went.

So, so, so annoying.

Later on, Beom-eun also left the counseling room, heading to the teacher's room. He glanced at his watch. 10:27 (almost time for recess!!!). He took about thirty minutes just rant to the boy who clearly didn't put that shit in his head.

After reaching his desk, he flopped down onto his chair. Tae-ho, who happened to be on his own desk, working on his laptop, noticed that.

"You look like you've exorcised a thousand demons."

"Just one, but it has the power of all devils in hell."

"What the— a delinquent?"

"Correct. Jin-woo."

"Oh, Jin-woo..."

"Yeah, Jin-woo."

A small silence bubbled between them. It was awkward to Tae-ho. Maybe because it actually was.

Beom-eun spoke up, breaking the silence, "and you know why he got into a fight?"

Answering the unvoiced "why?", he says, "He was offended by his own junior classmates when they said that Seo-yul wasn't worthy of him."

"Seo-yul? That's his girl? I mean... I see the other kids' point."

"But what makes me dumbfounded is how Jin-woo doesn't mind the fact they're saying he should end his relationship with her, but instead the way they mock him of being not worthy, not good enough, and such! Ah, teenage problems! I might actually be too old!"

"What in the world... yet Seo-yul also doesn't want to break up? I think she should. It's for her own sake too. It's like being in a relationship with a murderer!"

"Except Jin-woo might actually be the death of me, one day." Beom-eun cracked his knuckles, heaving a sigh.

"He sounds that of a terrible student, from your perspective..."

"He is! He really is!"

Tae-ho could only glance in confusion, since he also still hasn't taught Jin-woo's class nor pass by him in the hallway, so he never really knew what he's like. He hopes Jin-woo isn't that bad. Though a part of him is doubtful of that hope.

Just then, the bell to indicate recess rang. The sound of students marching out of their classes was heard outside the teacher's room.

"Since you seem tired, I'm gonna get you some coffee, 'kay?" Tae-ho's words caught Beom-eun off guard. That was thoughtful of him.

"Yeah, yeah, okay. Black coffee, one and a half spoons of sugar."

I'm picky, okay?

"Yes, sir."

As Tae-ho went to fetch him some coffee, Beom-eun unconsciously kept on staring. He soon snapped out of his trance once he heard Da-jun calling his name.

"Earth to Beom-eun?"

"What— what?"

"Has Tae-ho teached class 2-4?"

Beom-eun shifted his chair to peek at the lesson schedule on Tae-ho's desk.

"Not yet. He's going to teach them at... oh, after this recess."

"Very well, make sure you remind him to get ready. Since, well, 2-4 has Jin-woo."

"Right. Will do."

Da-jun gave him a firm nod before leaving. Just as she did, Tae-ho came back, bringing a cup of coffee. He placed it on Beom-eun's desk, who gave him a thanking smile. He soon said, "hey, you're going to teach Jin-woo's class after this. He's from class 2-4."

"Oh, is that so? I've gotta prepare myself."

"No need, it's not like you're going to war. Ehh, maybe you should prepare some patience, though."

"Right, right, okay."

"Good luck, 'kay?"

"Yup."

About time, the bell rang, showing that recess was now over, and lessons will resume. Tae-ho grabbed his stuff and headed to the door, leaving the other man to lap up his coffee.

Good luck handling a demon I failed to exorcise, Tae-ho.

Chapter Text

Once the new teacher stepped in the classroom, all students fell silent. Not weirded out or anything. Tae-ho simply seemed scary.

So this is the rookie?

Jin-woo leaned back on the hind legs of his seat, inspecting him intently from afar. He sat way back in the corner, so it was hard to figure out where his eyes were glancing at.

"So. Good morning", Tae-ho started off, followed with "good morning, sir" by the students. Except Jin-woo. What do you expect from him? The teacher continued, "As you know, I'm going to be teaching you maths, as a replacement of Mr Yang."

After this and that, the bell rang once again, showing that the lesson for today came to an end.

"That's it for today. Make sure to do your homework on page 70-89. Tomorrow's the due date."

And with that, Tae-ho left the classroom. As he did so, he felt confused. Jin-woo wasn't like what Beom-eun described. Throughout the class, he wasn't loud, he wasn't feral. Though he definitely kept an eye on him. That was creepy.

Back at the classroom, the classmates that sat in front and beside Jin-woo turned to him, saying things like, "why were you so quiet earlier?"

"That teacher seemed like he could rip my limbs off, that's all."

I know what I'm saying. But it's not really the reason.

Jin-woo glanced at the student sitting in the front row. A girl with her long, jet-black hair tied in a messy bun. Seo-yul.

I'm only dating her for a dare, but why does she seem so pretty today?

No, you can't think like that, Jin-woo.

He soon clicked his tongue, forcing himself to look away. But when he did, Seo-yul's melodic laughter drifted into his ears. Unconsciously, he looked back at her again. Now, she was talking with her friend — no, not just a friend. A really close friend. People say that Seo-yul's friend had liked her for a long time. But rumors are not to fully trust, still.

Seo-yul soon spoke to that friend of hers."Ji-ho, what's your answer for number... thirteen?"

The girl, who's name was supposedly Ji-ho, answered, "what the heck? I'm not even there yet!"

Seo-yul was friendly to everybody. So it was hard to differentiate whether she liked a person platonically or romantically. She was the star of the school, a bright ray of sunshine that could attract the entire world, probably. She was helpful, smart, and everything nice.

By the time he had realized it, his friends have called his name 4 times. How lost was he in his head?

"Ooh, are you finally falling for Seo-yul?" His friend teased, poking fun at him.

Jin-woo scoffed, "quiet, you know nothing."

It's not like I care about that girl, but to think that even a person with the same sex as her can do better than me?

Skipping over time, the bell rang three times. It was time to go home. They had been formed into pairs for a project, and the students were allowed to stay until 16:30 to start a part of it. Due to that, most students weren't packing like the rest, including Seo-yul and Ji-ho.

Once the students barged out, all that was left in the classroom were a few pairs. The two girls decided to do their project in the school's back garden. The yard was rarely used, but there was a picnic table that was still in a good condition.

"So, which one do you want to write? This? Or this?" Seo-yul started off, pointing at the paragraphs on her textbook.

"Your choice."

"What? Why me?? I'm asking you!"

"The thing is, I don't know either."

"Okay, fine, then you'll write the first paragraph. Wait, no, third. It's the shortest."

"No, no, I'm taking the longest, which is the first."

"But you said it was my choice!"

"Then I take back my words."

Seo-yul chuckled, highlighting the first paragraph on her textbook with a light blue pen and handing it to her, saying, "you first." As Ji-ho wrote, and Seo-yul waited, the lingering silence was deafening. So Ji-ho broke the quietness by speaking, "what would you do if a girl confessed to you?"

The other girl took a moment to respond before saying, "it would depend on the girl. If we're close, I'll probably accept. If not— no, I think it'd just depend on my ideal type too."

"Wise choice. Hm." Ji-ho nodded a bit before continuing to copy the words from the paragraph onto her notebook.

The time struck 16:20, and the two girls looked up at the huge, mossy clock on the garden's wall. They soon started cleaning up. As they headed to the school's gate, Ji-ho asked, "Seo-yul, do you want to walk home together?"

Seo-yul shook her head, answering, "Jin-woo's going to pick me up, sorry."

"Oh, no problem."

"We can go home together tomorrow or someday?"

"Sure, sure."

Just as their conversation finished, the sound of a motorcycle revving was heard. Who else would it be if it wasn't the devil himself? And that smug ass look? Ji-ho could slap his life out of his body, but she's good enough to hold back.

"See you, Ji-ho!"

"See ya."

As the couple rode off, Ji-ho couldn't help but feel an unfamiliar sensation. No, Seo-yul was her best friend. Just a friend. Just... a friend...?

If so, then why did she feel so disappointed?

She soon brushed it off, heading to the bus stop. The whole thing was made of old steel, so it was really rusty to the point Ji-ho no longer wanted to sit or even lean on the thinning metal wall. It was gross, okay?

A lady seemed to be coming towards the bus stop too. But no, it wasn't any random woman. It was Da-jun, the art teacher.

"Oh, hello there, Ji-ho. Why haven't you gone home yet?"

"Good afternoon, ma'am. I've just finished my project with a friend back at school."

"I see, that's very diligent of you. But you look so drained, are you okay? Do you feel unwell? Or is it just an exasperating personal problem?"

"I feel like it might be a personal problem."

"You can tell me if you want, so that you don't have to carry a heavy weight home."

"Are you sure? I think it's a little weird..."

"Not a problem! I promise I won't be weirded out. Either way, I've seen worse."

Ji-ho hesitated. Should she be honest, or just keep it to herself? But seeing how far she's gone, she can't just go back.

"You see, ma'am... I like a person, but that person already has a lover. Yet, she—"

"It's a she??"

"Yeah, sorry..."

"No, no, it's not a big deal! Keep going, sweetheart."

"She never gives me certainty. But even if she did, I'm sure we'd never work out. I mean... even two boys who are in love get discriminated like criminals, so what makes two girls any different?"

Da-jun was at a loss for words. She had never expected a literal high school student to have such a complicated love issue.

"Ji-ho, dear.. that's quite a dilemma..."

"Mhm, I figured so."

"Here's the thing, honey. Love isn't what you fear, but it's the negative criticism you'll get. But tell me this, will you really let laws and norms hold you back?"

"..."

Now it was Ji-ho's turn to run out of things to say.

"If anybody pushes you down, just remember I'll be there to hold you back up, okay? Because I want you to remember that love is never something to blame."

Just in time, Ji-ho's bus halted with a soft screech right on the road's marking.

"Your bus us here, Ji-ho."

"R... right... thank you for listening to me, ma'am. Have a nice day."

And with that, the girl got on the bus, which soon drove away. She wasn't sure if the back rows of the lavender-scented bus had always felt this suffocating, or if it was what happened earlier. Unbeknownst, a small tear slipped down her cheek, but was wiped away just as quickly.

An average person would've thought their conversation was just a matter of words and sincerity, but to Ji-ho, it meant a lot.

Chapter Text

7 months.

Seo-yul and Jin-woo have been together for 7 months. Even if she seemed oblivious, she knew. She knew Jin-woo never really liked her for those 7 months.

In fact, she did feel bad when she left Ji-ho to walk alone, but she couldn't just break a promise she had made to her so-called boyfriend.

Once Jin-woo dropped Seo-yul off at her house, he immediately left without a word. Was there anything to hope for in this type of relationship? Geez. Going in, the house was empty, curtains closed slightly, and the tap on the sink dripping small droplets.

Mom and dad are still on their business trip? No, I'm sure they're on a honeymoon at the same time.

The girl entered her room, opening up the windows and turning on her lights. She got a set of cozy clothes and changed. After that, she got her biology books out and started learning, since there's an exam in two more days.

Opening her notebook, she found a medium-sized, hot pink sticky note in it, saying "Seo-yul world domination!!!". Under the text was Ji-ho's name. A smile made its way to Seo-yul's lips. Surely, Ji-ho wasn't the only one questioning her sexuality.

But wait, I have a reputation to withstand, I can't just go around saying "look at me, everyone, I'm a lesbian!!" No, of course I wouldn't do that, that's stupid. But maybe if I was shameless, I would. But the thing is, I DO have shame!

Seo-yul's rush of feelings made her get too distracted to even learn anymore. All words she read weren't even processed in her head. She soon pinched her hand, forcing herself to emerge from her thoughts.

But how could she seriously focus when she's hungry? That's right, another excuse to procrastinate is by taking a snack break. Lousy, but acceptable. Returning to her room, she finally made her mind to actually learn.

As time passed, the sky had turned from a golden glow to a soft dark blue. Glancing at the clock on her desk, it showed that it was 17:16.

Wow, time sure flies by. I've learnt enough, time to wash off.

In truth, she had started at 16:55.

Fast forward, she was now on the couch, watching Netflix on her television while eating the microwavable food her parents had left before leaving. While surfing through the variety of films and series to pick, Seo-yul decided to choose by eeny-meeny-miny-mo. That brought her to a movie she's unfamiliar to. After a few minutes, she came across a scene that mentioned homosexuality. Seo-yul paused immediately.

I feel like the universe is telling me to be lesbian at this point.

Moments after, she got bored of the film and turned the television off. That was when she remembered something.

Seo-yul hasn't done the assignment that Tae-ho gave. She instantly leaped off her couch and rushed to her desk. Reading just the first question, she gave up right on the spot. Then she remembered something else. Ji-ho was good at maths (not really good, but still better than Seo-yul), so she could count on her for help.

The girl fumbled on her phone, spamming Ji-ho with calls and texts until she finally replied 2 hours later.

"Ji-ho, have you done the math homework?? I'm so confused."

"We have homework??"

A blink. Twice. Thrice. When negative plus negative creates positive, those two are what makes negative plus negative equal to negative. Two idiotic minds would never make a smart duo, as we see from Ji-ho and Seo-yul.

She sighed, then closed up her books. Maybe skipping it wouldn't hurt. Just for once.

***

The next day, Tae-ho entered the classroom. To Seo-yul's misfortune, the first thing he asked was, "have you done your homework?" Luckily, Seo-yul was slick enough to answer, "not yet, sir. I had some business to do after school 'till nighttime yesterday, so I had no time to do it." It was a good thing he believed her anyway.

As the lesson was taking place, Tae-ho was called by Beom-eun, who was leaning on the classroom's doorframe. Instinctively, he headed to the door, hearing what the other teacher had to say. Seo-yul observed them from afar, occasionally snickering to herself and spreading the word to her friends. Oh, she loved spotting gays and all in public, even though they aren't really gay.

Along with time, the mathematic class had finally ended. Before exiting out the door, she said to Tae-ho, "I know what you are, sir." The math teacher was taken aback. "She knows I'm an intel?!", Tae-ho said internally.

Gaygaygayhomogay.

Seo-yul let out another giggle before finally leaving.

"What was that about?" Ji-ho's voice suddenly piped up, catching on her pace and walking beside her.

"Didn't you see when Mr Kang and Mr Gwon were talking at the door? They looked so... yeah, that!"

Surprisingly, Ji-ho understood what she meant. 15 years of friendship really didn't just go down the drain. Once after school, everything was going well. Until Jin-woo approached Seo-yul, saying what she'd never expect.

"Seo-yul, I'm breaking up with you."

Without leaving any space for her to answer, he left. As if he had no care in the world. Well, obviously. Seo-yul had an unreadable look on her face. Disappointed? No, not really. Happy? Negative. Sad? Prolly not.

"I told you so," Ji-ho spoke to Seo-yul.

"Honestly, I did expect that."

Don't believe me, Ji-ho, I never expected that.

"Mm, as you say."

A moment of quietness lingered before she added, "you know, you could've picked better options."

"Such as?"

"Byeol-gyu, me, Eun-yu, me, or me."

Seo-yul managed to let out a small laugh. That was a relief for Ji-ho. "Are there any more options other than you?"

"No, I'm afraid not."

Before they exited the school's gate, Ji-ho paused, turning her body slightly to face Seo-yul. She then said, in a softer tone, "Say, do you know who my first love is?"

"It's Min-ha, right?"

"What? Who?"

"The boy back when we were in elementary. You kept on yapping that he was your first love and all."

"Shut it! He was my first love, but you're my first love!" Ji-ho, you sweet fuckhead, blurting out things without filtering them first.

"... what...?"

That can't be real. My delusions are coming to life?! No, no, she actually said that? Wait, huh??

"You can see me as a freak as much as you want, I just wanted to get those feelings off of my chest.."

"Ji-ho, you mean it?"

"Seo-yul, you don't believe it?"

"... no, I believe it— I mean, I mean, you know how easily I trust things— ehh, that doesn't make sense, yeah?"

Great job, Seo-yul, tripping on your own words like an absolute airhead.

"Then that ends the conversation. See you tomorrow, Seo-yul."

Yet again, she was given no time to react. By the time she realized, Ji-ho had already left.

My goodness, that was crazy. YOU'RE crazy, Seo-yul.

Chapter Text

17th of June was Ji-ho's birthday. 1706 was Seo-yul's phone's password.

Not that she'll find out anyway.

Currently, Ji-ho was on her way home. Her father was running errands around that time, so she wasn't in such a hurry. As she arrived, her mind was still stuffed with what she had said to Seo-yul back then.

Was that a good choice? Was she mad? Or happy? Dammit, I left too soon, I didn't get to see her reaction.

Ji-ho spotted a bright yellow sticky note on the counter. She approached and read that it was from her father.

"Ji-ho, I'll be home late." 

So blunt, so dry, like always.

A soft ping from Ji-ho's phone snapped her out of the trance. It was a message from Seo-yul. Good Lord, she almost threw her phone.

"Ji-ho, are we still going to do our project?"

"Yeah, of course."

"When are you free?" 

"In fact, I'm free right now."

"Do you want to meet up to do it?"

"Sure."

"My place or yours?"

"Yours is preferable."

A meet-up right after the series of events earlier?? Ji-ho could probably choke her lungs out right on the spot.

What's going to happen while I'm there? What if things get rough between us? Wait, what if we make ou— no, what the fuck, Ji-ho.

***

Knocking was heard from Seo-yul's door. Her mother then called, "sweetheart, your friend's here."

Seo-yul dashed to the door, opening it up for her.

"Uh— welcome! Though you've been here multiple times as well."

"Um, yeah, thanks.. I guess..?"

That sounded more awkward than intended. Stupid, stupid.

"Okay, just head to my room. I'll get some cookies or something first."

Ji-ho nodded, climbing the stairs to Seo-yul's room. Her room hadn't changed at all since the last time she visited. (The last time she visited was a week ago.)

Soon, Seo-yul followed up, bringing a plate of fresh choco-chip cookies.

"Alrighty, that should do it. Let's get started! Hang on, I'll get the papers. Open my phone as a startup," Seo-yul said, rummaging through the shelf.

"Okay, what's the password?"

"1708."

1708 seemed so familiar to Ji-ho. Has she seen those numbers before? Her heart skipped a beat as she realized that code was her birthday. Seo-yul had set her phone password as Ji-ho's birth date. But she chose not to say anything. Yet.

Surely, Seo-yul soon cut off the silence. "Ji-ho, about what you said back at school..." 

"What about it?"

Seo-yul pondered on the words she was going to say. "Look, I reciprocate your feelings too —"

Ji-ho's face lit up with the smallest hint of hope. But she knew she wasn't finished just yet.

"— but regarding the conditions right now, I don't think we can work out. You've seen how things are going too, right?"

She's heard those words enough times. Seo-yul continued, "That's why I think it's better if we're not together. This is for your own good as well."

"Right. That's okay, I get it."

She did. She understood. She understood how cruel society could be towards the LGBTQ+ citizens. But she didn't get it either. What's wrong about liking the same gender? It's still love too, so what's different from heterosexual relationships? At some times, words formed in the head can't reach the tongue. Ji-ho refused to say anything.

She knew how religious and forward Seo-yul's parents were. She couldn't bring herself to change somebody's daughter for her own sake. They both were now standing at the entrance door. Seo-yul leaned against the doorframe. "Alrighty, when should we continue?"

"I'll check my schedule."

"Okay, no rush. See you tomorrow, then!"

"So long, Seo-yul."

Walking back home, Ji-ho rethinked Seo-yul's and her own words.

I should've debated.

She couldn't. But she can't just say "in another life?" Because life is unfair. In this life, you're both girls. In the next life, you're both boys. Continuing, you're jellyfish and starfish. Truly, once the universe decided you're not meant to be, it won't go easier in the other life. It'll be just as harsh.

She couldn't. But is she really willing to let the world's disagreements hold her back? Love is meant to be expressed, not held back. Girls loving girls or boys loving boys aren't sick people. They aren't people that deserve the words "get well soon" or "go to hell".

To imagine that one whole day fit a confession, rejection, and a hard slap of reality.

Chapter Text

"Ignore all obstacles and keep your eyes forward."

Those were the words from Da-jun's boss. But here's the thing. Surely, no kind of principal would say such suspicious thing. And that's because the boss referred was the head of the assassination group she worked with secretly. Like Tae-ho, she took the role of an undercover spy, but not quite on the same side as he was.

And here's the other thing. Da-jun wasn't the only member of the company who was at that school. In fact, she wouldn't really agree to disguise as a teacher. But she did anyway when the boss said that her own cousin, Beom-eun was going there.

Ever since they were young, Da-jun believed Beom-eun couldn't take care of himself. Not that it was false. He can't even open his own mineral water bottle on his own until now, especially if it came to undercover work. She was sure he'd "accidentally" spill the secret. As if given no other choice, Da-jun agreed to do so. It was for the company's good.

When they were both finally left alone in the teacher's room, Da-jun packed up and said to Beom-eun before leaving, "I'm going to head back to our headquarters."

"Wait, what?"

"Is it so surprising?"

In fact, it was. Da-jun rarely went to the headquarters unless she was called there.

"So you're just going to leave me here? Tch, you selfish, egoistic, stuck up bitc—"

Da-jun closed the door on him, cutting his insults off. She never had the patience to deal with him and his behavior anyway.

You sure yap nonstop for somebody with not a single thought in that brain.

Normally, a hidden community's base would be somewhere far away from crowds and all. But this group was clever. They knew those tricks, and decided to put their own somewhere in the city.

Walking through the city was torture to Da-jun. Squeezing through crowds, cars and busses honking, people walking way too close for her likings. After managing to escape the sea of people, she let out a sigh of relief. A sigh people would social anxiety would let out.

She soon passed by a cafe with huge windows and a long table faced to the sidewalk, specifically for individuals. She looked up, and her eyes met with someone's. Someone who looked awfully familiar. Was that... Han-jae?

Han-jae was Da-jun's high school sweetheart. Back in the days, they were the school's power couple. But they seperated after graduation, since Han-jae went to a boarding school 4 hours away.

Da-jun immediately stopped in her tracks, and Han-jae paused the food that was about to go in his mouth. The two maintained the eye contact for second before he went out of the cafe, standing in front of Da-jun.

"Oh my— Da-jun?"

"Yup. It's me."

"No way, when was the last time we even met?"

"Years ago." 

"No doubt. Anyway, uh, how are you doing?"

"Things are... well. I work as a high school teacher."

"I see. That's good, then."

"How's things going for you?"

"I'm an architect now, and, well, I divorced with my wife two years ago."

"Is that so? Oh, I feel terrible, I'm sorry."

"No need to apologize, Da-jun."

The atmosphere around them felt a bit tense, somehow. Han-jae cleared his throat, then said, "um, if you want, we could have lunch together sometime after you finish. Like now. Oh, wait, you must be busy, nevermind."

So silly. Just like back then.

"No, no, I'm free at the moment. I was just heading to get some food as well."

"Eh, really? So do you take the offer?"

"I don't see why not." Da-jun smiled at him. He would always recognize that smile anywhere. The smile she'd always flash, the smile that never really changed from when they were together.

Han-jae then led Da-jun to a simple BBQ restaurant close by. After taking their seats and ordering, now came the waiting. To kill off some time, Da-jun decided to make a conversation.

"So... do you have like, a son or daughter?"

"Yeah, a daughter."

"Ah. Single father, I see."

"It's as hard as being a single mother, trust me."

"I can understand why. What's her name?"

"Ji-ho. Kim Ji-ho."

"Ji-ho? The second-grade Ji-ho with two moles under her left eye?"

"Uh, yeah. You know her?"

"I teach at her school!"

"Oh? What's she like at school?"

"She's getting straight A's. She really loves art, huh?"

"Mhm. I can approve of that."

They chatted this and that until their food came. Hell, they still continued even so.

Could this be the comeback of a fallen ship?

We never know, but they're surely hoping it would be.

Chapter Text

She still liked eating beef BBQ with raspberry soda.

She still enjoyed wearing knitted cardigans.

She still shares her food with stray cats that passes by.

She still looks pretty.

Yes, Da-jun.

Normally, a divorced man wouldn't bat an eye to another woman that easily. But Han-jae? Oh, Han-jae. He's as smitten as when they were in high school.

Soon enough, the food was already finished clean (mostly by Da-jun) and a conversation sprouted again, started by Han-jae.

"You seemed like you were in a rush before. You sure I'm not interrupting your work?"

"You're not cutting through anything, really." 

"Okay, as you say."

"Forget about me, what about you? Don't you have any work?"

"I'm lucky enough to get leftover tasks."

"Leftovers?? Those kind of things exist in architecture?"

"I'm not sure if it actually does or not, but it's just a "label" at my workplace."

"Ah. I get that. Kids usually come up with things like "school shark" for strict teachers at school."

"School shark? Seriously?"

"I don't get how they come up with that either."

Han-jae was getting carried away in this conversation. A little too carried away to the point he blurted out words he didn't even filter yet.

"Do you, perchance, have a lover?"

Good going, man.

Da-jun paused at his words. How'd they go from workplace labels to... this?? Before she could answer, Han-jae spilt out again, "wait, you don't have to answer right away. I, uh, said that without thinking it through first."

"No, no, it's no biggie. At the moment, I still don't have someone who won my heart yet."

Han-jae nodded slowly, trying to act cool even though his heart was probably galloping and doing backflips. That sounds pretty idiotic for a man with a daughter.

The woman checked her phone, perking up a little before looking back up at Han-jae, then saying, "oh, dear, I've been called over to meet up with a coworker. I guess I'll take my leave first, okay?"

"No hard feelings. Take care on your way."

"I appreciate that. Thanks for the food, too."

Da-jun gave a warm smile before leaving the restaurant as the lovestruck man continued to stare until she was out of sight.

She's so pretty.

In truth, Da-jun wasn't going to meet with her coworker. She was still continuing her journey to the group's secret base. Slick enough.

Meanwhile on Han-jae's side, he's finally decided to get home by bus. As he got on, he noticed some students wearing the uniform of the school that Ji-ho went to. At first, he didn't really mind it, brushing it off easily. He sat in front of the girls.

Unintentionally, he overheard their conversation.

"Hey, hey, have you heard? I've got some really hot gossip here."

"Huh? Spill, spill!"

"Okay, so there's this girl in second grade that was rumored to like another girl."

"What the— that's strange..."

"That's not all! After school, some other students heard that she confessed to the girl!" 

"Oh my goodness, shut up, I'm getting ashamed of my own school!"

"Wait, I haven't finished."

"No, you've gotta be kidding me."

"The girl that confessed went to the other's house, and you know what happened?"

"Euhhh, what?"

"She got rejected."

The two girls broke into laughter. The other that was getting spilled on then asked, "hold up, who is this madman?"

"You won't believe it, but—"

Han-jae couldn't hear her enough. She must've been whispering. But thanks to the other girl...

"Ji-ho?!!"

He froze, the words crashing onto him like he was getting crushed by a train.

Ji-ho? As in... my daughter? That's no way. She's normal, she's not insane.

But the description they would whisper little by little really gave off Ji-ho. His Ji-ho.

"Bitch, don't say her name aloud! Who knows someone she's close with but doesn't know about this hears us!"

"Okay, okay, but... that girl? She would've been a bestseller among the boys if she wasn't a lesbian."

Without realizing it, the bus had stopped with a soft screech at Han-jae's stop. He had to talk to Ji-ho about this. He felt upset at the news he had received, but at the same time, he didn't have the heart to lash out at her. His hand was hesitant to twist the doorknob. Should he talk about it? Should he not? Either way, he still had to go inside. Maybe he'll talk about it sometime else.

Along with time, the atmosphere got even more tense as dinner came. Sitting opposite sides from each other as a hanging lamp over the table shone over them. It felt more like an interrogation session.

Approaching the end of dinner, Han-jae said, "Ji-ho, I need to talk to you."

Like any normal person, Ji-ho's stomach twisted into a knot, and her heart pounded rapidly against her chest.

"Yeah?"

"I'll make this quick. Do you like a girl?"

"No, dad, what the hell?? Who even told you that?"

"Don't lie to me."

"... if I told you the truth, won't you just end up getting more mad?"

"Yes, Ji-ho. Adding the fact that you had the audacity to not tell me the truth just makes me even more disappointed."

"But what's wrong with liking a girl?"

"It isn't right, goddammit! Girls are supposed to like boys!"

"Since when was that a rule?!"

"It's not a rule, it's the basics of life! If you don't even know logics, how are you going to live if you don't understand?!!"

"Being a father means you'll love your child whatever happens, and you're clearly not fulfilling your role."

"You really don't understand? I'm trying to get you back on the correct path, is it so hard?"

"Why the hell are you not willing to be accept?"

"You want to know why? Because homosexuality is what caused me and your mother's divorce!"

"The was reasonable, her friend loved her and gave her affection more than you! All you did was continue to chase that other girl from your past!"

"Oh, so you're making me the victim, now? You really are no different from that darned mother of yours."

"Don't you talk shit about my mother. Let me get this straight, you're the one who treated her horribly."

Han-jae scoffed, a mix of amusement and mockery. "You really should've went with her on that night."

That reminder itself was enough to make her flinch. What other night would he mention if it wasn't the night when Ji-ho's mother died in a car accident? By his words, she was sure that her own father wanted her dead. She bit her lip hard enough for it to bleed before pushing her chair back and standing up.

"I'm going."

"No. Sit down. You haven't finished your food."

"I'm full. Either way, you made me lose my appetite."

Ji-ho turned around and left to her room. Closing the door, she leaned on it for a moment before letting out a shaky exhale.

There really was no place for her and her emotions, especially if people see it as an illegality.

I should cut these feelings and myself too.

She can't do that. She wouldn't. Would she? Her gaze averted to the cutter in the stationary shelf on her desk. Her brain says she shouldn't, but her heart says otherwise.

One small cut won't harm.

Yet she remained put at her spot. Was this necessary? She's never done this. But that's exactly why she wants to do this. She's scared, but she wants to. But is this too much? She's merely upset that people won't accept how she is, including one of the only people she could lean on for support. Yet at times, emotions are able to overtake our heads and actions.

She finally decided. She extracted the blade from its base just slightly, examined if there were any rust first before holding it against her wrist hesitantly.

Ji-ho started to press the sharp end of the blade against her wrist before she dragged it against her skin. Blood drops emerged and trickled down her wrist from the spot where she cut. She winced. It hurt, but it hurts good.

Maybe another one or two..?

She shook her head. She had already promised to herself to graze the item on her once. But she only promised that for today.

She took a piece of tissue and wiped up the blood that wouldn't stop flowing until she put a bandage on it.

That's enough things for today. She sat on her bed before getting under the covers. Hopefully for her, the next day won't be as terrible.

Chapter Text

Thunder rumbled somewhere as dark clouds gathered.

Tae-ho, along with some other teachers including Beom-eun, were still at the school to prepare question papers for the final tests. He looked up from his computer to glance out the window. It looked like it was going to rain.

Shit, I forgot to bring my umbrella.

He sighed in resignation. The sound made Beom-eun perk up, spinning his chair to face Tae-ho slightly.

"You sound upset. Something wrong?"

"I didn't bring my umbrella."

"Heh. Sucks to be you."

"You're not helping, just so you know."

Beom-eun sneered at that before turning back to his own computer but continued, "what time are you going back home?" 

"Shortly, probably"

Definitely not "shortly." Not even 5 minutes later, Tae-ho started packing up. Either he was really finished or decided he just wasn't cut out to be a teacher, a math teacher out of all options.

He had intended to get home quickly so that he'd avoid rainfall during his journey, but it was like the universe said otherwise. The sky started to sprinkle soft drops one by one until it drizzled quite heavily. Darn it.

"Y'know what, I'm also done with this." Beom-eun soon stood up and cleaned up his stuff as well.

"Seriously? I doubt you're through."

"Yeah, okay, I admit I haven't finished. But I'd rather procrastinate than be left alone."

"Sure, do it your way, then.."

As they walked downstairs, Beom-eun talked, "wait, but if you didn't bring your umbrella, how are you going to head home?"

"I'll just take the bus. The stop's not too far from here, right?"

"Yeah, but that means you're still going to get wet."

"I don't mind."

"I wouldn't take the risk if I were you."

He extended his brown polyester sweater to Tae-ho. The other man stared at him confusingly.

"Hah?"

"Use it, smartass. I know it won't be good use, but it'll minimize the chances of you getting sick"

"Tch. Why do you care?"

"I don't want the students to miss their lovely, kind math teacher just because he caught a fever." Beom-eun said sarcastically. Tae-ho rolled his eyes, hesitating to take the sweater at first. But he knew it would be impolite to reject a thoughtful act, so he took it anyway. Reaching the double doors, they exchanged their farewells before Tae-ho put on the sweater and walked out into the rain.

After getting on the bus, Tae-ho pulled out his phone only to find a text from Beom-eun saying, "you don't need to return the sweater tomorrow."

"What? Are you sure?"

"Yup. Brown looks better on you."

That sounds stupid. 

And unbelievably gay.

"Okay. Sure. Thanks."

Such dry reply, yet he still found himself etching a hint of a smile.

The time Tae-ho arrived at his destination, it was still raining, but it was lighter than when he was at school. But wait, his destination wasn't his house. It was the headquarters.

Earlier at noon, he suddenly got a message from his boss, who was telling him to get to HQ after he finished his work for a weekly report on the process.

Without wasting any time, Tae-ho entered the tall building that looked like a normal office workplace. He soon stood in front of the boss' room. Before he could even knock, the door had already creaked open. Good Lord, he had already expected that would happen, but his boss never failed to creep him out. 

He entered the cold office, keeping his composure. The boss' sharp words cut through the tense atmosphere, "so? Speak up now, I don't have all day."

"Right, sir. There aren't any signs of mafia members nor assassins at the school that suit the description you gave me. I suspect it's a fake identity, but I also doubt that theory of mine."

"You seriously suspect it's a fraud? It looks real enough to me." He glanced to the computer before reading the leaked identity aloud, "Gwon Bo-ra, female, second grade high school student, 16 years old. You really haven't met any student named Bo-ra?"

"No, sir, not yet."

"Okay. Well, who are all the people you've met and had quite a conversation with? Teacher or student, I don't care."

"Uh... Gwon Beom-eun, Gwon Da-jun, Choi Seo-yul, Shin Min-ju... that's all I remember."

"There are Gwon's. Two, specifically. You should keep an eye on them. I'm starting to think this is actually a fake identity."

"Yeah, we should keep our guard up on that."

"Alright. You've done pretty decently. Keep up the good work. You're not too bad for a teacher, either, viewing the fact you're not fired yet."

"Is that a compliment or an insult?"

"I'd say it's both."

The boss cleared his throat gruffly before shifting in his chair.

"That's all for today. You can go home."

Tae-ho nodded, turning on his heels and exiting the office. He thought back on his boss' words. Suspecting Beom-eun as the disguised mafia? That sounded unbelievable.

It was either he couldn't quite wrap his head around that, or he had already grown a soft spot for him to the point he can't bring himself to think like that.

What a loser.

Chapter Text

Beom-eun's situation was no different from Tae-ho's.

He was also told to give a weekly report on how things are going. And as usual, he was an absolute whiner. Complaining and sniveling, all for him to get dragged to the leader's room by his cousin. What was he without her?

After ending up in the office, the boss went straight to the point, "Beom-eun, I'm gonna need to assign you to a mission. Not that anything big is acting up. I just feel like you never do anything."

"Wha—?! Well, that's offensive! I work everyday as the best mafia member and spy you've ever had!"

"No, you're just narcissistic. Either way, you've never had a game on the warzone, right?"

Beom-eun knew better than to groan out loud, because that was just childish. Except he was childish and did groan aloud. As much as he can protest, orders were still orders, and he had pretty much no other choice. What a bummer.

"When and where is the mission? Am I going alone? No, right?" Beom-eun asked.

"Estimation's next week, location not known yet, you're going with some others who I believe are less better than you."

The mafia's face twisted from shock, dissatisfaction, to relief. "Wait, who's the target?"

"We'll figure that out as soon as possible and inform you about it. Stay tuned." The boss soon added, "have you already got your agent number?"

"We have those?? I thought they only existed in action movies."

"Consider our community an action movie, then. You're agent 510."

"What about the others? So I just call the rest of the agents by their number?"

"Numbers are printed on the right chest of the uniform. And yes, you do."

"Huh. Cool."

Saying farewell and leaving the office, Beom-eun found himself rehearsing calling agents by their numbers, saying things like, "187, the target's upstairs," and "shoot 'em, 170!!" Then snickering to himself afterwards. He probably looked schizophrenic at that time, but oh well.

Beom-eun wondered what he should do after this but then remembered he had procrastinated making the final test sheets which was held in two more days. He inwardly groaned at that. He got too into his role as a disguised teacher. A religion teacher. In fact, he wasn't so religious either. The only time he ever prayed was when he heard noises in his kitchen at night. Like, literal, genuine praying (only for it to turn out to be a mouse (he was still scared to death anyway)). But, geez, the effort he put in the disguising was nothing compared to his laziness. But as much as he could postpone, he still had to do it either way. In the end, he worked on it.

***

The day some students feared and some others were eager for finally came. The finals. 

Each teacher is assigned to be an inspector in every exam room, either in pairs or alone. By luck or fate or whatever, Beom-eun and Tae-ho were assigned together in the geography room, which was coincidentally Seo-yul's room too. She'd giggle her ass off by this time, seeing the gays gaying.

The buzzer rang, indicating the start of the tests. Seo-yul did a speedrun, finishing the multiple choice and essays within 20 minutes. For what? Just to look at the two male teachers and create scenarios in her head. That mind is crazy as fuck.

As the exam continued, Tae-ho filled in the attendance sheet, and Beom-eun was going around inspecting (he wasn't actually inspecting, he just gave an excuse to walk around.) When he passed Seo-yul's desk, he noticed a small drawing on the corner of the test paper. It looked so much like him and Tae-ho... no, no, there's a ton of other glasses and non-glasses couples in the world. But that optimistic head of his, well, remained optimistic, thinking that it was him and Tae-ho. He's probably smitten. No, he is smitten.

Then he passed Ji-ho. She looked... off.

"Heh. You good, kid?" Beom-eun asked, keeping up his playful demeanor to not startle her.

Ji-ho looked up. No shit, she really looked beat. He knew sleepy, tired eyes when he saw them. And at the moment, he saw it in her's.

"I could drop you off at the nurse's office if you feel unwell."

"I'm okay."

"Are you sure? You don't look okay."

"I'm okay. I'm just sleepy."

At least he knew it was best to not force her. So, Beom-eun nodded, walking around a few times before going back to his seat next to Tae-ho. 

Based on the thin description given by his boss, his target was somebody around his surroundings. Thinking that the target may be a student just seemed unbelievable, so he thought it was likely that the target is one of the teachers here. Could it be the third grader's English teacher? He looks intimidating. Or is it the science teacher, since she doesn't often speak? But it could also be somebody he won't expect too, like Da-jun, or even Tae-ho. But Tae-ho? Beom-eun just refused to even think he could be the target. Because if he was... he'd have to kill him, knowing Tae-ho was who he had feelings for. Just a little bit. Maybe the "little bit" was as big as the Eiffel Tower.

Chapter Text

Well, shit.

Seo-yul had aimed for a 90+ score in arts and culture lesson, but got 84 instead. It's already not that bad, but her standards are way far off from her own ability.

But it wasn't really about expectations and realities. It was about the playful bet she had made with Ji-ho a month ago.

"If you get a score above 90 for art, I'll treat you to barbecue. If I get a higher score, you treat me," Ji-ho had said. And as expected, Seo-yul took the bet willingly. Seo-yul had been really positive she would get a high score, so she hadn't been saving up money. Like, at all.

Meanwhile, Ji-ho got 93. It was clear who'd get the treat, wasn't it? Seo-yul was practically begging for the treat to be postponed.

"Please, Ji-ho, next week! Or anytime I get money!"

"Are you seriously begging over a trivial matter? You're hopeless, Seo-yul."

"So you'll let me postpone?"

"I never said that. Just use all the money you got."

"I only have ₩1000!"

"Then use all those ₩1000." Ji-ho stifled a laugh at the tormenting.

"You're cruel, Ji-ho. So damn cruel."

"Aish, shut up and get me something already."

"Fineee, but I can only afford the snacks in the shop across the street." As annoyed as she could act, Seo-yul was still an obedient girl for her. Sore, sore loser.

They both headed to the minimarket right outside the school. As expected, Seo-yul's remaining money drained entirely just by treating Ji-ho.

She whined on the way back to the school, "Huhu... I'm freakin' broke now..."

"Your family is wealthy, you could be broke now but then get filthy rich the next day." Ji-ho said, her voice muffled because her mouth was full from munching on the food.

"Huh, you're right. Damn, even I forgot my fam's loaded."

"Yet you call yourself a loyal child. What kind of loyal child forgets about their own family?"

"Let's just say I'm an exception."

Ji-ho's soft smile shifted into a smirk as she rolled her eyes at her words.

"Whatever you say, Your Majesty."

The two girls then went up the stairs to head to the rooftop. After school like this were the only time they could access the rooftop, since it was forbidden to do so during school times.

"Are you going to hog all those snacks to yourself?" Seo-yul giggled after they sat down near the rooftop railing.

"What are you trying to imply?"

"Oh, I apologize, dear princess, please spare me a bite or two of your feast."

"Gross, what's with those words?" Ji-ho gagged playfully, handing a bar of KitKat chocolate to Seo-yul, which gleefully took the snack and ate it up.

As they both munched on the food, Seo-yul soon spoke, "do you think we'd have a chance together somewhere in the world?"

The silence that broke through was enough for her to realize that wasn't a good topic to talk about at the time. She blurted out quickly, "sorry, I didn't mean to break the mood."

"Yeah, you sort of did."

"Wow, okay, I didn't expect you to be so straightforward."

"But to answer your question... you do know there's no place for us here, right?"

Dammit, the truth really was bitter, no? Not even sugarcoating was enough to sweeten the harshness of it. Maybe things could ease up between them and the prickly world.

.

.

.

That was yesterday.

That was the only interaction Seo-yul could think of at the moment.

The last interaction.

Seo-yul had been informed by the police that Ji-ho attempted.

In an instant, she felt dizzy. The type of dizzy you feel when you hear something unbelievable.

Ji-ho and suicide in the same sentence? No way. She refused to believe such words. Such horrible words.

"When did you find her?" Was all that Seo-yul managed to speak out, voice starting to crack.

"An hour ago. From inspecting, she probably did it three hours ago," the officer said.

But why? The day before, the girl seemed so calm, so casual. 

She showed no signs.

"Did... her father say anything?"

"Unfortunately, no. After calling and letting us inspect the body, we were just told to clean her up."

"Wait— wait, wait, wait, what? "Clean her up?" So you guys already brought here away."

"Letting the body stay at the spot could make it decay."

"Did he mention anything about autopsies or funerals? Even just a small hint?"

"No words, I'm telling you, sweetheart. I'm sorry." He bowed a little at her before leaving the doorstep.

Seo-yul could only let out a breath she didn't even realize she had held, leaning in a rather fatigued manner onto the doorframe, watching the officer drive off towards Ji-ho's house.

Ji-ho's dead. She's dead. She won't come back.

Seo-yul was frustrated. Not at Ji-ho, no way. At herself. Why couldn't she tell that Ji-ho was struggling? Why didn't she at least hold onto her for a little longer? Why didn't she never ask how she's going? Seo-yul knew she could've done at least one thing as a minimal to prevent Ji-ho from unaliving herself. She could've done something, said anything — she could've stopped her from hanging on the darn ceiling.

I won't be able hear her voice again. I won't get treated by her again.

Seo-yul couldn't digest all the feelings that were surging inside her. Even by remembering that she was really, really gone made her more sick to the stomach.

Seo-yul's parents were still out. She had nobody to embrace and sob to. Not even Ji-ho, who was always there for her to lean on. It just made her realize how much of a nobody she was without the girl she loved.

Ohh, Seo-yul could've told Ji-ho how much she loved her back at the rooftop.

If only she knew this would happen.

If only she wasn't too late.

Chapter Text

One day ago.

Han-jae had already noticed something had shifted in their house. It wasn't the furniture or the house itself. It was the atmosphere.

Ji-ho talked less, and seemed more tired. Was it because of his words? Well, Han-jae stilĺ wouldn't care if she was hurt just because he denied her sexuality. "Heterosexual relationships are the only correct type of relationships," he vows to his life. "Those who aren't heterosexual are mentally ill and mustn't be considered, physically and verbally."

Either way, he didn't remember — nor try to remember — what kind of words he said to her.

But, oh, he told her she'd be better off dead.

He was sick of this (somehow). The man needed to let out some steam, so he decided to meet up with Da-jun, the same woman he'd always go to whenever he had bottled‐up irritation when they were younger.

They met up at a small cafe in town, taking the seats farthest from people, which took place at the corner of the cafe. 

While for their orders were being served, Da-jun spoke, "so, what's on your mind?"

Han-jae, who was mindlessly staring into the coffee that was served swirling in front of him, soon snapped out of his daze, looking back up at Da-jun's awfully stunning face and responding, "eh? Oh– ah... I just wanted to talk about... hm, well... it's sort of a personal problem."

"Is that so? Just take your time to talk, then. You don't have to rush yourself."

"No, no, I don't think I need to take my time. It's not that serious, either."

"Hmmm? I'm here to listen."

"It's about my daughter."

"Ji-ho?"

"Yeah, who else?"

"Well, you could've said 'Ji-ho' instead of 'my daughter.' Anyways, continue, continue."

"She's been getting pretty stubborn these days."

"Really?"

Han-jae nodded, bringing his cup to his lips and taking small sips out of it.

"Y'know, teenagers these days. They're not like us."

"Well, can't blame them, can we? Either way, what's the issue?"

"She says she likes girls."

"Oh? So she finally told you?"

"Some of her schoolmates said that. Wait, you know about this?"

"Yeah, she's told me about that some weeks ago."

"Unbelievable. She told you some devious things before me. Can you believe that? Can you believe such disobedience?"

"I... uh, well, I guess it sort of is disobedient for her to do that..."

(In truth, she was already getting bad feelings from this conversation and from him.)

Da-jun continued, "but aren't you happy about that?"

"About her... liking the same gender?"

"Yes?"

"Are you... are you insane? Of course not! It's a stain in our family now! A permanent, disgusting stain!"

"Wait, so you're saying you don't support her?"

"Obviously! What kind of madman would encourage such filth?!" 

"Okay, then I might be that madman."

"... what?"

"Yeah, surprise. I support your daughter."

"Da-jun—"

Da-jun was no longer sat back comfortably on her seat. She was on the edge of crashing ou— "no, I don't want to hear anything. I get that it might be overwhelming for you to take, but calling it a filth like it's some sort of contagious disease? That's, like, more worse than disobedience!"

"You're on her side? Seriously?! After thinking we could finally be together again?"

"Well, heads up, Han-jae, we've broke up once, and I don't want to do it twice."

"You're... you're just as infuriating." Han-jae gritted his teeth, hands gripping on the armrest until his knuckles almost turned white.

"Not as infuriating as somebody who claims to be a father even though he can't truly love who his daughter becomes. If anything, even I could be a better parent for her."

"What use is there for her to have a mother?! Her first one is already pathetic, she doesn't need any more uselessness!"

"Pardon? That's what you say to a woman? I don't care if you've divorced, but insulting her life doesn't change your fate."

"Insulting her life? Sweetheart, she isn't even alive."

Da-jun halted at that, her words stopping just at the end of her tongue.

"... you're worse than I thought. You're sick in the head, you know that? You really haven't changed since we parted ways. You're still as egoistic, disrespectful, and shitty as before."

"And insulting me isn't going to change your fate either. What is it to me even if I mock her who's six feet under? I might as well bad-mouth Ji-ho either, who knows she might catch up with her damn mother."

"You're cruel. You're cruel, Han-jae. I don't know what kind of drugs you've took, but I sure hope you'll swallow rat poison instead."

"Well, curse me a little, that won't hurt. What's right is right, and what isn't will never be right."

"All I know is love will be love, and that's surely what you'll never have nor experience."

"I don't need the love from such terrible person. She says she likes ladies, no? Her love is all for the chicks, no?"

Da-jun scoffed in disbelief and exasperation. She's had enough of this.

"That's it. We're cutting ends right here, and right now. I don't care if the whole world agrees with you, but I won't budge from my opinion."

"I'll have to thank you a lot, Da-jun, for coloring my day the color of puke."

"You're fucking welcome, Han-jae."

Da-jun pushed back her seat and walked off, a visible frown stitched on her eyebrows. The nearby cashier stammered, asking who's going to pay. Of course, she says the price's on Han-jae.

The other customers who just took small glances were now staring. Most of them had probably eavesdropped. What a drama for a sunny day.

Walking out the cafe in evident annoyance even had some people glancing. But Da-jun didn't care. Connecting the dots, she finally realized why Ji-ho had been looking so drained these days.

To some people, confrontations like that are probably trivial. But to people like Ji-ho, it wasn't a thing to make a joke out of. Being told liking the same gender is a sin was like being told your artwork is awful. It hurt. Because what's a human without love? Love defines universal meanings. And same-sex love is one of them. Da-jun understood all that. Even though she was straight, she still understood that better than stupid homophobes.

All she could do now was walk away, thinking about how Ji-ho is doing at that same moment. Da-jun just hopes she won't do anything reckless.

Chapter Text

It's been three days since Ji-ho's death.

The school has been in a gloomy since then, while another part kept making awful jokes about it.

Tae-ho had took notice of that early.

Even before the girl left, he's been hearing hurtful words about her.

Perhaps their words were too much for her to handle.

Society really is scary. One simple thing that upsets them could make them throw us into a hellfire. They tend to expect things to run smoothly with no obstacles or so. Society itself is a hellfire.

Tae-ho was back at his desk again. So was Beom-eun. Noticing Tae-ho, the religion teacher spoke to him, "have you noticed what the kids have been saying?"

"Huh? What?"

"They've been badmouthing Ji-ho ever since she left — hell, even before she left."

"Oh, yeah. I've caught that."

"It's a little scary, no? How teens can be so hateful."

"I don't think it's just hate if she wanted to die, too."

"Hate and... despise?"

"That's the same thing."

Beom-eun snickered, waving his hand dismissively.

It confused Tae-ho to the core. How could people still manage to crack a joke in such conditions? Maybe he was the one being too stiff. Growing up, he got used to maintaining a solemn atmosphere for a week when somebody died.

Yeah, he was definitely the uptight one.

Due to the final exams coming to an end, the teachers planned to eat together after school. Since Tae-ho had came to school by bus, he had to depart by bus too. The problem was, there was no busses available at the moment (somehow). So he chose to walk instead.

"You're walking?" Beom-eun asked, baffled. "Y'know, you could roll in my sister's car with me too—"

Da-jun, as if on cue, suddenly popped into the scene. "No, you're walking with him. You said you'd walk if there was a companion, right?"

"What the— what??! No, I never meant that seriously!"

Excuses, excuses. And don't call me your sister."

The woman walked ahead of them, leaving no space for Beom-eun to argue, groaning like a child.

"So... you're walking?" Tae-ho broke the tension, glancing at him with a rather judging demeanor.

"Ya, not by choice. She's scary, these days, like there's something pissing her off."

"I'm positive it's you that's pissing her off."

"Wow, thanks a lot, Prince Charming."

And so they started walking. Most teachers were still at the school, so that it wouldn't be so crowded, having the other students also disbanding.

As they walked side-by-side, Beom-eun's eyes would flicker occasionally towards Tae-ho as he wondered, "was he always this short, or am i just realizing this now?" Then he'd snicker to himself afterwards. As if the way their shoulders would brush at some times didn't fluster him.

Just then, Tae-ho's phone buzzed in his pocket. He took out his phone, and saw that his boss was ringing.

He immediately tensed up.

His boss would never call unless it was really urgent. (The last non-urgent thing he called him for was because he wanted Tae-ho to buy cat food for the boss' precious cat.)

He motioned towards Beom-eun that he was about to have a call before finally picking up.

"Hello?"

"Yes, hello, Tae-ho. I've got some news."

"What is it?"

"It's about agent 510."

"I don't have all day, what is it?"

"His name is Gwon Beom-eun. Know anybody with that name?"

The moment he heard his name being mentioned, the boss' voice was blocked out, and the world around him froze. He was hearing this wrong, right? No way Beom-eun was agent 510, let alone his target. After what felt like a one-hour halt, he responded, "I think so. When's the 'big day?'" 

"As soon as possible. Today is fine, tomorrow is fine. Just don't die before he does. Bring him back lifeless. You get my words?"

"... yes, sir."

After hanging up, he let out a long sigh, not quite loud enough for Beom-eun to hear, gratefully.

Seeing him finished with the call, curiosity got the best of him, causing him to ask, "who was that?"

"A relative. Babbling about financial matters and stuff." Tae-ho replied. Fast thinking. Almost too fast. It felt like his feet didn't touch the ground. It felt like the boss has just... sliced a half of his soul and threw it away.

"Ah, I get you. Da-jun always does that too. She's such a nag."

Once he took some time to sort out his words, Tae-ho spoke, "... you're... agent 510, aren't you?"

As expected, Beom-eun's smirk faded, while his steps slowed down. That expression clearly gave it off. Yet he still had the guts to say, "who the hell is that?"

"You're not very good at lying, aren't you?"

"But hey, you haven't realized until now."

"You're admitting it now."

"I've been caught, no?"

"Apparently, yes. Congratulations, agent 510, you were the first target to take a year and a half to search for."

"I can't lie, you're an awesome intel. I mean, signing up as a teacher just to get info about me? That's almost like you're a fan of me."

"This isn't the time to make jokes, agent 510. I'm here to kill you." As stern as he appeared, his heart was already going soft for him. He couldn't do this. He couldn't kill him. Strange, is it not? How could a professional assassin soften up for a target, better yet, a man?

"Oh? Things are getting started I see?" Without realizing, they both had walked into a secluded alley. A perfectly twisted coincidence.

"Let's make this quick. I won't call for backup, so you better not as well."

"Tch. Fine."

Tae-ho pulled out a pistol, loading the gal up with bullets that seemed rather high quality and sharp.

"But don't think I'm going to let my head on a silver platter. We're going to have to seriously combat."

"Very well. That's not an issue to me." (Lies, lies.)

Just as Beom-eun was about to prepare his own dagger, he felt a sharp pain sting through his thigh, making him wince. Tae-ho had shot already.

"And don't think I won't go easy on you just because we're acquaintances."

"Darn— that's cold of you, intel."

Though, Beom-eun was not inferior to him either. In a blink, he had stabbed Tae-ho's arm. Still warming up, I see?

"See, doc, I've already known you were an intel from the opposing group. But I just wanted you to make the first move. It wouldn't be fun if one was still on the first level while the other was on the tenth."

"What kind of logic is that?? The sooner, the better, y'know."

"Yeah, that's right." Beom-eun pressed the knife's blade onto another spot on the same arm, agonizingly slow as crimson tinted his white shirt sleeve. "The sooner... the better."

By the time Tae-ho got ready to shoot again, an unknown person shot him from the back — on his left shoulder and the lower left on his torso. Beom-eun... brought backup?

"Y–you said you wouldn't bring backu—" Tae-ho cut off his words when he looked up to see Beom-eun looking at the shooter with a shocked expression.

"Boss.. what— why are you here?" Beom-eun stumbled on his words.

"I know you'd be hesitant in fighting the intel. So I decided to do it myself."

"You gave the assignment to me! I was just playing it cool fi—"

"Are you defending him now?"

The words he said held a coldness only Beom-eun flinced to. "No, I... never said that..."

"You are a horrible liar." After stepping closer to the both of them, he swatted Beom-eun's hand from Tae-ho's arm. "I bet you didn't even notice you were holding on to him, hmm?"

Beom-eun frowned, watching as Tae-ho fell onto his knees without his grip. The boss brought the gun to the back of his head, finger already set on his trigger.

But before he could even press the trigger, Beom-eun slapped his hand away, causing him to shoot Tae-ho's shoulder again.

The boss stumbled back, cursing at him. He already had the gun pointed at Beom-eun, but he took the pistol that slipped from Tae-ho's hands and shot him first with a headshot.

Once he was sure the boss was dead, he turned back to Tae-ho, gripping his bleeding arm that he had stabbed earlier. A pool of blood was already forming below him.

"You... why?" Tae-ho mumbled, trying to even out his breath.

"What? Pardon?"

"You defended me despite being your initial target."

"No, I just didn't want him to shoot what I've been searching for years. It's my effort, anyway."

"That's a foolish reason."

"But it's still a reason, no?"

Tae-ho let out a huff, a mixture of amusement as playful exasperation. He never expected to have a playful banter during the last times of his life.

Seeing Tae-ho's situation, Beom-eun knew his time was nearly up. So he decided to man up.

"Tae-ho. Do you want to know the actual reason?"

"Surprise me."

"You've been my target for years. I've looked at glimpses of you in pictures more times than I've looked at my own boss. So many times to the point I believe I'm borderline obsessed. Not to add when we first met. My first thought wasn't 'he's the target!' No, instead, it was 'he's even more good-looking in real life.' Damn. Believe that?"

"Kind of... it's still sorta unbelievable."

Beom-eun chuckled, slowly bringing Tae-ho to lean on the wall. Just to let him have more time to hear what Beom-eun has to say. "Don't worry. I don't believe that either." He continued pressing against the wound, an empty attempt to lighten the injury.

"But you know what hurts more? It isn't really about whether you're a target I should kill. It's about who you are. You're a man. I am too. In every corner of the world, as hidden as we are, we'll surely be insulted even in hell. It's... complicated, isn't it?"

Tae-ho sighed shakily, blood continuing to pour out of his body. "Well, guess what? That pain is cut in half. If I had to admit, I feel the same. For me, what hurts more is that you told me now, when I'm bleeding the fuck out and almost seeing heaven— no, hell's gates."

"What a way to put it." Beom-eun smirked.

"You can stop putting pressure on the wound now. That won't stop me from leaving."

"Hey, now, that's not true. Well, it is, but at least it'll give some time."

"No, that's no use. It's better off... quick."

He noticed the way his body was starting to get weaker. His voice was cracking and his eyes were starting to droop. Dammit, that hurt more than the shot on his thigh.

"See you soon, then, Tae-ho."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever."

"Greet Ji-ho for me if you meet her. She should be in hell too, no offense. Suicide is a bad, bad sin."

"Why do you need to teach me that?"

"Why not?" He smiled bitterly, bringing Tae-ho's weak hand to his face, pressing the back of his hand to his forehead. "In another life, Tae-ho? Even if we're reborn as fish?"

"Fish...? Seriously...?"

"Alright, a koi fish. Better?"

"Fine. In... another life..."

Tae-ho's eyelids soon fluttered shut, and his body went cold. And as if it was a part of his body, even his glasses blurred.

He's dead. 

Beom-eun refused to believe that. He's now made a promise with a dead man, a promise to be together in their next life, even as a koi fish.

He exhaled deeply, shoulders slumping as he rested his body against the wall, next to the man he should've admitted his feelings to earlier. But even when he did, that man was covered in a beautiful red. He's seen times where he wore a black turtleneck, a burgundy scarf, and a blue hoodie, too. But this red was the most prettiest.

Tae-ho's last shade of color he'll ever wear.