Chapter Text
It was a normal day—well, it was supposed to be a normal day. His friends—who are all married, mind you, except for his best friend– asked him to babysit their children, aka his nieces and nephews, but…
“Cale/Rok Soo/Young master/human/dongsaeng?”
Upon hearing the familiar-unfamiliar name, he instinctively looked like he knew it was calling out to him and there he saw everyone looking at him.
“It is you.”
‘FUCK!! Why did my memories just have to come back only now after 38 years?!?!?!?!’
Kim Rok Soo didn’t know if he should be happy or frustrated as he slowly looked at the children surrounding him. How they looked at him further proved that they had just received their memories of a previous life.
‘This was supposed to be like any other day,’ Kim Rok Soo thought as he remembered how they got into this situation.
“Rok Soo,” a man with brown hair and brown eyes, says as Rok Soo looks up from his drink and asks, “What is it?”
“So, we have a small request,” says another man, this time with golden hair, blue eyes, and a very bright smile that Rok Soo immediately knew meant trouble.
“Haaaa,” Rok Soo said, massaged his forehead, looked at his friends, and said in a defeated tone, “Just cut to the chase.”
“Please take care of our kids for one week!” a woman interrupts, which makes Rok Soo look at the woman with crimson hair and reddish eyes.
“Please Rok Soo,” a woman whose hair was in a bun pleads while looking at Rok Soo.
“Haaaaa, do I have a say in this?”
“Nope/No”
“You guys, seriously, why am I friends with you?”
“Because you love us! Am I right Violan?”
“Yes, what Jour says,” Violan replies while drinking her tea, “Right, dear?”
“That’s right,” Deruth says as he kisses Violan.
“Aw come on guys, seriously? Can you at least do that once Shawn is here? I feel like a 3rd wheel,” Jour pouts.
“Don’t forget about me, I’m also a 4th wheel,” Zed added as he drank his beer.
“Sorry, Jour…anyways when will Shawn be here?” Deruth asked while looking at Jour, his ex-wife.
“He said he will be here in a moment, and he will be coming with Leah, Lily, and Dale,” Jour says as she looks at her phone.
A short introduction about who these people are: Shawn Barrow is Jour’s current husband, Leah is Zed’s ex-wife who is Alberu’s biological mother, Lily is Zed’s current wife and the mother of Robbit— Rok Soo is still judging Zed for his name choice for his second child —and another on the way, and finally, Dale is Leah’s current husband.
Rok Soo then looked at his friends and sighed, which didn’t go unnoticed, “Is something wrong?” Zed asked while looking worriedly at Rok Soo which also made Deruth, Jour, and Violan look towards him.
“It’s just, are you sure you are okay? With everything that has happened?” Since it was my fault, Rok Soo didn’t say the last part.
Everyone looked at him and then burst into laughs, which Rok Soo found annoying because he was being serious.
Since all of them have histories and are mostly ex-husbands/wives.
“Rok Soo, we already talked about this. We are all okay, and we have already found someone new and are happily married,” Jour says while patting Rok Soo on his back. Everyone nods with bright smiles.
Rok Soo looked at everyone to see if there were any lies, but seeing that he couldn’t find any, he decided to just let it go, “If you guys say so, anyways, back to the topic at hand.”
“Right babysitting, so will you do it?” Deruth asked again.
“I will but will I have at least someone else going with me?”
“Yes, we already informed him and he might arrive on that day, am I right Deruth?”
Deruth just nodded as Rok Soo let out another sigh and said, “Fine, I will take care of them, just make sure to bring me some souvenirs.”
“THANK YOU ROK SOO!!!”
His friends all shouted in unison as they ordered more food and drinks.
Later on, Shawn, Lily, Leah, and Dale finally arrived and joined the party.
(A/n: No need to worry, Lily didn’t drink, she only had juice since she is pregnant while also controlling Zed’s alcohol intake.)
Rok Soo was standing in front of the Henituse estate and thought, ‘Well here we go, it’s a good thing Ron is here, but where is the other one that was supposed to be with me?’
Upon the last phrase, a car just arrived in front of the house. The door opened, and the person inside came out. It is revealed to be a man with silky white hair and green eyes.
‘Why am I not surprised,’ Rok Soo thought as he went and greeted the man, who had been his best friend since high school, “Sup, Clopeh”
Clopeh looked forward and had the biggest smile while exclaiming, “Rok Soo!”
He ran and attacked Rok Soo with a hug, which Rok Soo allowed, and hugged back, “How was the trip?”
Clopeh lets go and replies, “It was okay, but man, it was TIRING I tell ya, I’m just glad that I have finally been released and have a month-long vacation.”
“I’m not surprised, your family does hold one of the biggest Construction and Interior Design Companies and as the CEO, that is to be expected,” Rok Soo says like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.
Clopeh just pouted and huffed, “I am asking you to praise me for enduring and you are also a CEO of the Kim banks and the Kim Slacker Products.”
Clopeh looked at Rok Soo and could see that he was smiling before he gave Rok Soo a light punch to the sides, “I hate you, you’re teasing me.”
“Fine, I am sorry,” Rok Soo then pat Clopeh’s head and said, “You did a great job enduring.”
Clopeh just brightens and immediately says, “Okay, let’s go and check out the kiddos, I miss my nieces and nephews.”
Rok Soo just nodded as they entered the Henituse estate.
They then went to the room where they knew all the kids were gathered and they were right because as they got nearer, they could hear the children’s voices.
“Looks like they are already having fun,” Clopeh said while smiling, Rok Soo agreed by nodding and added, “I hope you have enough energy since I’m sure the kids will drain ours.”
Clopeh shivered and said, “Of course I do, I made sure to get lots of sleep in the car, it was a good decision to sleep in the back. There was plenty of space.”
“And you might also end up with bad back pain as you grow older,” Rok Soo added with a teasing tone which Clopeh replied with a snark and a light punch, “Oh, shut up.”
“Okay, sorry, geez, so defensive.”
“Besides, if I am growing old you are also in the same boat.”
“Never said I wasn’t and I already accepted it.”
They continued to bicker until they arrived at the door where the voices of children were heard.
“We’re here, are you ready?” Rok Soo asked as he looked at Clopeh.
“Always.”
Once they entered the room, they were met with silence, worried they looked around and they could see the children staring at them. Worried that something happened Rok Soo was about to ask when a chorus of shouts resounded, “UNCLE ROK SOO/UNCLE CLOPEH!!”
The children then ran towards them and tackled them to the ground while others were asking to be carried, to which Clopeh and Rok Soo complied.
“Okay, wait let us get to the couch first, we can’t carry you all at the same time,” Clopeh said while carrying a child with black hair and blue eyes.
Rok Soo just nodded while carrying two kids, one with silver hair and golden eyes and the other with red hair and golden eyes.
Clopeh looked at him and said, “Show off”
Rok Soo just rolled his eyes as he brought all the kids to the couch and looked around until he found the boy he was looking for, he called his name, “Beacrox”
Beacrox, who was fixing the table, replies while looking at Rok Soo, “Yes, uncle?”
“Where is hyung?”
“Father? He is in the kitchen preparing snacks,” Beacrox replies while fixing the snack table.
“Okay, thank you,” Rok Soo nods while scanning everyone and mentions, “It looks like you brought your friends today. Is it a sleepover party?” Rok Soo asked.
“Yes! We told our parents about it and they said it was okay since we have no class for a week,” Cale exclaims excitedly as Rok Soo pats his head.
“That’s good to know, now let’s see, I think I recognized some of you so, let’s play a game.”
Upon the last word, the children cheered as Rok Soo smiled and waited for them to settle.
Once settled, Rok Soo continued, “Now, Clopeh and I will make our guesses and see if we got it right, okay?”
“OKAY!”
Rok Soo then looked around and his eyes landed on who he remembered as the oldest of the group, “I’ll start first, hmmm so, from left to right, we have Toonka, Bud, and Lee Soo Hyuk, am I correct?”
“Yes sir!”
Toonka then added excitedly, “Try to guess our age too!”
Rok Soo just smiled and pretended to think while saying, “Hmmm, let’s see, are you 16 years old?”
Bud and Soo Hyuk then exclaim, “That’s correct!”
Rok Soo just smiled, gave each of them a pat on the back, and said, “I’m sure you guys are taking care of the youngsters?”
A burst of laughter echoed as Alberu added, “Uncle, Soo Hyuk hyung is the only one responsible, those two are the ones causing the most chaos.”
Everyone then nodded in unison with Toonka joining in the agreements, Bud having this look of betrayal, and Soo Hyuk snickering.
Rok Soo just smiled and this time he looked at Clopeh and said, “Now is your turn.”
Clopeh stood up and scanned everyone, pretending he was having difficulty. “Hmmm, this is hard. I only met some of them a few times.”
The children were snickering among themselves as the older ones just smiled knowing that Clopeh was only acting.
Clopeh then looked at Rok Soo and pretended he needed help asking like a damsel in distress, “Rok Soo, please help me, I don’t know where to start.” He then made that dramatic post like he was about to faint from stress and the children started giggling, Rok Soo smiled and shook his head with a sigh before he replied, “Hmmm, and how, do tell should I be able to help you?”
“You can tell me an age group and I will try to name who they are,” Clopeh said while winking.
Rok Soo, understanding what he was up to, thought, ‘And here I thought I was a showoff.’
Rok Soo huffed and said, “Why not try to guess the age range?”
“That’s a great idea! Okay here we go,” Clopeh looked back at the group and looked at them one by one like he was trying to find a hidden treasure. Some of the kids were trying their best to stay quiet and do their best to hide themselves.
He then made a thinking post and after a few seconds he made the face of someone who finally solved the most difficult question, “I finally got it.”
The kids then looked toward him waiting until Clopeh said, “Since Rok Soo said the oldest is sixteen years old then the rest are in the range from five years old as the youngest and the second oldest is fifteen years old,” he then looked at the kids who show amazement, he then smirked and added, “But there are none that are in the ages of eight to ten, am I correct?”
The kids all cheered and exclaimed,
“THAT’S AMAZING!”
“ARE YOU A WIZARD?”
“HOW CAN YOU GUESS IT FROM JUST LOOKING AT US?”
“HOW DID YOU DO THAT?”
The kids all said in unison as they surrounded Clopeh while Clopeh basked in the attention and Rok Soo just sighed playfully.
The kids then start to ask Clopeh to start pointing out everyone’s ages along with Rok Soo and they’ve spent those times saying everyone’s names.
Ron, on the other hand just arrived with the snacks and started preparing the table, his son saw him and also started to help out along with the other oldest kids.
In the end, Rok Soo and Clopeh had everyone’s ages correct.
TEENS
- Toonka, Bud, Lee Soo Hyuk = 16 years old
- Glen, Harold, Whitra, Archie = 15 years old
- Choi Han, Paseton, Beacrox, Taylor, Cage = 14 years old
- Choi Jung Soo, Alberu, Rosalyn, Cale = 13 years old
CHILDREN
- Litana, Mary, Hannah, and Jack = 12 years old
- Lock, Basen, Eden = 11 years old
- Maes, Lily, On, Dodori = 7 years old
- Hong = 6 years old
- Raon = 5 years old
Everyone had finally settled and started eating the snacks that were prepared.
Rok Soo and Clopeh left the kids as they went towards Ron.
“Hey, hyung, how are you?” Rok Soo asked as he got closer.
Ron stopped his work, looked toward Rok Soo, and replied, “I think it is pretty obvious. Do you want something to drink?”
“That’s good to know and yes please,” Rok Soo replies as he sits on the nearest couch.
“So how’s Mirinda?” Clopeh asked as he took a bite of the cookie.
Ron replies as he continues to make Rok Soo’s tea, “She is still as energetic as ever and even more after she was finally discharged.”
Rok Soo, who was listening, nodded and said, “I’m glad she got her sparks back, I bet she had started her adventures?”
Ron said as he gave the cup to Rok Soo, “She is, and she said she would visit again next time and think about your offer.”
Rok Soo just nodded and sipped the tea before his face contorted.
He looked at Ron and said, “Seriously? Lemon tea? You know how I hate sour things.”
Ron gave his benign smile and said, “It is good for your health since I heard from Deruth that you had been working yourself too hard.”
‘That snitch,’ Rok Soo thought as Clopeh was snickering beside him.
Ding dong ding dong
“I will check who it is,” Ron said as he prepared to go out, not before looking back and warning Rok Soo, “Don’t you dare try to throw the drink in the plants again like last time, and you…” he looked toward Clopeh and said, “Make sure Rok Soo drinks his tea.”
Clopeh, who felt murderous intent, saluted and said, “Yes, hyung!”
When he was finally satisfied, he left to check on the door.
When he was finally out, Rok Soo and Clopeh exhaled as they said in unison, “That was scary/Hyung is scary.”
They looked at each other and burst into laughter.
“Anyways, you still have to finish that tea,” Clopeh said while wiping a tear, while Rok Soo begrudgingly drank the cursed drink.
Clopeh then asked seriously, “By the way, what job did you offer Mirinda?”
Rok Soo just gave Clopeh one look and Clopeh immediately understood and said in a low tone, “Is it the only safest choice?”
Rok Soo didn’t answer but just nodded which was all Clopeh needed before he agreed and they both basked in silence until a voice called out.
“Uncle”
Rok Soo and Clopeh then looked toward the voice and saw it was Lily that called which made both of them point at themself.
Lily then pointed at Rok Soo and said, “Can you read us a story?”
On the word “story” all the young kids looked at Rok Soo with expectations in their eyes. Rok Soo gave a small smile and said, “Okay, let’s gather on the couch!”
Clopeh then added, “Make sure to clean up your mess first!”
A chorus of ‘okays’ resounded as the children started cleaning up, the kids put away the toys while the older ones cleaned up the table and mess.
Once settled, everyone finally gathered in front of the couch where Rok Soo was sitting beside Clopeh.
“Now what story would you like to hear?” Rok Soo asked but before the kids could reply the door opened and everyone looked towards the door revealing Ron who said, “Looks like we will be having some guests.”
Rok Soo then asked, “Who was at the door?”
“Sheritte and Mila came by to check on Raon and Dodori while delivering food, saying it was for the kids along with Eruhaben and Rasheel, plus another guest who said they ‘coincidentally’ passed by.”
Rok Soo understood why Eruhaben and Rasheel came by since they work in the same place along with Sheritte and Mila, and he had a feeling he knew who this uninvited guest was, but before he could think more, Ron asked again, “Should I only let Sherrite, Mila, Eruhaben, and Rasheel in?”
Before Rok Soo could say anything Clopeh cut off and said, “Just let him in too, I have a feeling this will be very interesting.”
Ron just nodded begrudgingly, but still complied and left.
“Mom is here?” Dodori asked enthusiastically along with Raon and when Rok Soo nodded they started jumping in joy.
Not long after the door opened revealing a lady with silky hair as white as snow and beautiful blue eyes, Raon immediately shouted, “MOMMY!!”
The lady, Sheritte, looked to where the sound came from and the moment she saw Raon she gave a very warm smile as she slowly approached them.
“Hi, baby,” Sheritte said in a loving voice as she caught Raon who ran and jumped towards her the moment she arrived.
“Mommy! You’re here!”
“Yes, Mommy is here, are you having fun?”
“Yes! Story!”
“Wow, a story? And who is telling it?”
“Uncle Rok!”
“Wow, Uncle Rok, is the story already starting?”
Raon just shook his head from left to right indicating that the story hadn’t started.
“Oh, I’m sorry, looks like I’ve disturbed you,” Sheritte said as she caressed Raon’s head who leaned into her touch.
“MOM!!”
Another shout was heard as a boy ran towards the person that just entered with beige colored hair.
“My goodness, Dodori, I almost fell over,” the woman says playfully as Dodori smiles brightly and says, “Let me help!”
He then took some of the bags his mom was carrying and brought them to the kitchen.
“Hello, Mila,” Rok Soo greets as Mila greets back with a grin, “Hey Rok Soo, hope we didn’t disturb anything?”
“No, you didn’t, we were just in the process of choosing the story,” Rok Soo replied as he also took some of the bags as they walked through the kitchen, but before they could get further someone shouted, “MILA!!”
Mila then looked back and saw Clopeh waving and she greeted back, “Looks like our CEO is back, how was the trip?”
“Oh, you know meetings here and signing of contracts there, and sometimes arguing with the clients, the usual,” Clopeh says nonchalantly as he feels a tug on his hair and a childlike voice saying.
“Please don’t move Uncle.”
“Yes, because your hair will be ruined.”
Clopeh looked at the children and said, “I am so sorry, Mary and Litana, you may continue.”
He then gave Mila and Rok Soo a knowing look, and they smiled and went to the kitchen.
“Mom, where do I put this?” Dodori, who was carrying his mom’s tote bag, asked upon entering.
Mila then replied, “Just put it on the counter.”
“Okay, may I go and play with the others?”
Mila just smiled at Dodori and answered, “Sure, why not.”
With that Dodori speedily ran out leaving Mila and Rok Soo in the kitchen.
Not knowing what topic to talk about they both decided to focus on getting the snacks.
“Are you enjoying your job?” Rok Soo asked, breaking the silence.
“Yes, it’s better and I can spend more time with Dodori,” Mila said as she smiled and continued, this time looking at Rok Soo, “Thank you.”
Rok Soo just nodded and they went back to the comfortable silence.
After preparing the meal, they slowly brought the food out.
“LET ME GO!”
A shout resounded as Rok Soo looked around to find the source, and he saw Rasheel surrounded by the children, wrapped in a blanket.
“WE CAUGHT THE EVIL DRAGON!” Lily exclaimed as she stood on Rasheel and pointed out her toy sword.
“LET’S RESCUE THE PRINCESSES!”
On shouted as they went to the couch where he could see Maes and Dodori sitting down with pink bow ties clipped on their hair.
“Princess, we have come to save you!” On said as she held Maes’ hand, just like the knights do when they rescue the princess.
He saw Lily easily lifting Dodori in a princess carry— how strong is she??? —and exclaimed, “We are now married!”
Kim Rok Soo could see Maes and Dodori becoming a blushing mess as Rasheel in the background was wiggling out of the blanket.
“Okay, you saved the princesses. Please let me go!” Rasheel shouted— pleaded —but he was ignored as Lily and On brought Maes and Dodori to Toonka, who was holding a black book.
“We are ready to get married, priest Toonka!” On and Lily said as they were still holding hands with Maes and Dodori.
“BWAHAHAHA looks like you guys are very fast to get married! But I will do my part!” Toonka said as he continued, “Ahem, BY THE POWER GIVEN TO ME I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU HUSBAND AND WIFE! YOU MAY NOW KISS THE PRINCESS!”
Toonka said as he lifted both of his arms.
Lily and On then kissed Maes and Dodori on the cheek.
Lily said, “I will forever be your knight!”
On said, “You are now my wife!”
Maes then shyly asked, “But shouldn’t you be the wife?”
On replies, “Nope, I am a knight and you are a princess so I am the husband and you are my wife.”
“Okay”
Hong and Raon, who were watching everything, were just cheering for Lily and On.
Rok Soo thought, ‘Why are they already married??? Oh well, as long as they are enjoying themselves.’
Rok Soo then looked to the other group, that is in the book section which consisted mostly of the quiet kids: Basen, Eden, Mary, and Jack.
In the middle of the room, where the carpet is laid, he could see Bud, Archie, Choi Han, and Jung Soo fighting: Bud and Archie were wrestling while Jung Soo and Choi Han were playing with wooden swords.
Near the snack table, he could see: Soo Hyuk, Alberu, Glen, and Harold playing chess.
However, he could not find Witira, Paseton, Beacrox, Taylor, Cage, Rosalyn, Cale, Litana, and Hannah.
But he saw Lock looking behind the counter like he was looking for something or someone. Rok Soo concluded they were playing hide-and-seek when he saw Hannah hiding in the cabinet when he opened it to get something and she gave a ‘shush’ signal.
While the adults, except for Rasheel who was still tied up and it looked like he was being turned into a roasted pig— where did they even get the stick —were in the coffee table section, he went to it while ignoring Rasheel’s pleas.
“Where’s hyung?”
“Oh, he is still in the kitchen preparing more drinks,” Eruhaben said as he took a sip of his tea.
Rok Soo just nodded and took a seat near Clopeh.
It was such a relaxing day, but Rok Soo didn’t know why he had a feeling something was about to happen, and it was keeping him on his toes, ‘Why is this foreboding feeling.’
He had been having this feeling ever since Ron let in Sheritte, Mila, Eruhaben, Rasheel, and Fredo.
When Fredo saw him upon arriving at the table, he brightened and exclaimed, “MY DONGSAENG!!”
“I am not your dongsaeng,” Rok Soo said with an annoyed tone, he didn’t mean to say it rudely, but this headache of his had been going on for a while now. It annoyed him more because it was an on-and-off situation, and he was able to figure out that it was connected to everyone in the room. How did he come to that weird conclusion? It was because every time someone was about to come in, he could feel a headache coming, but then it would disappear the moment someone left.
‘I hope this foreboding feeling I am having will just go away,’ Rok Soo thought.
Mila finally arrived carrying the tray full of treats, set it on the table, and finally took her seat.
‘The headache is here again, is someone still missing?’
Rok Soo then looked around to see if there was someone in the group who was not in the room, Clopeh noticing his weird behavior tapped his shoulder and asked worriedly in a whisper, “Is everything alright?”
Before Rok Soo could say anything Ron—the last person—entered and then a massive headache came onto him. He felt that his brain was about to explode, and not only that he could also hear the screams of the children and some of the adults too.
He saw some of the kids collapse and how Sheritte tried to go to Raon, but also fell on her knees and never got up, he wanted to check on them but before he could check on them he fainted.
‘Damn…you…Death.’
It was dark and he remembered the last thing he thought of before he fainted, he didn’t know why he cursed Death, but it just felt right at the moment.
Until a light shone and blinded him and he was surrounded by what looked like film tapes.
Curious, he lifted his hands to touch the film but regretted it immediately as the moment he made contact with it, the film started shaking and flew toward Rok Soo, but instead of hitting him, it entered his mind.
Then a scene from a different life appeared. One where he still looked like himself, but scrawnier. After that he saw another scene, this time he looked like he was in his 30s but he was very muscular and he could see scars after scars littered over his body, he saw himself pick up a book and fall asleep.
The next time he blinked, he saw himself this time in a body of what looked like his nephew, Cale, if he grew up.
Then one by one, memory after memory came to him, some were sad, some were happy, some were chaotic, and some were filled with grief.
He could see his past self— he just knew it was him —who was once surrounded by lots of people, one by one, they all grew up, but he remained the same, and one by one they slowly faded away until only he was left alone standing.
And finally, the scene changed, he saw his past self lying down on the most luxurious bed, but he was all alone— he could feel his past’s loneliness and he hated it —his past self was whispering something, but he couldn’t hear anything, so he decided to read his lips and his eyes grew in the end.
Finally, he saw his past self closed his eyes, and took his last breath.
Then a bright light appeared and finally he opened his eyes, he was back in his present time and he realized he was lying on the floor.
‘Huh, looks like I fainted in this spot,’ he thought as he immediately sat up, which was a bad idea because he had a massive headache which caused him to curse, “Damn you Death.”
“Cale/Rok Soo/Young master/human/dongsaeng?”
Upon hearing the name, he instinctively looked like he knew it was calling out to him and there he saw everyone looking at him.
Alberu slowly walked towards him, smiling at him, and said, “Uncle, our pride and joy, how wonderful of you to have finally woken up. Did you enjoy your little rest?”
Rok Soo realized that Alberu was testing something and since he also wanted to test something out he decided to reply with a bright smile, “Not the best place I have ever slept on, but if I was able to have a chance to see my wonderful nephew first, then I am very honored.”
He saw Alberu’s smile widen, followed by everyone as Alberu stated, “It is you.”
On the statement alone, Rok Soo finally pieced everything together as he thought, ‘FUCK!! Why did my memories just have to come back now after 38 years?!?!?!?!’
So that’s how they ended up sitting in the main area, some were sitting on the floor and the others were on the couch.
If Rok Soo noticed that Clopeh was sitting further from him than usual, he thought that maybe he was just scared to pass by Ron and Beacrox— his former torturers —who were blocking the way. Rok Soo could understand it since he also remembered it was Ron who cut off Clopeh’s other limbs after Choi Han cut off his right arm and captured him.
Rok Soo shivered from the thought of it alone. Since he knows that Clopeh also received his memories, he is sure it is hitting him harder, especially the trauma, which was caused by his top 4 and top 5 favorite nephews, and Ron—his partner in breaking his peaceful moments—were the very people who tortured him. He was pretty sure it caused him great trauma.
‘We will need to talk later,’ Rok Soo thought as he looked around at everyone who was just silent, not knowing how to break the silence— he also didn’t know how to break this awkward silence —until finally someone took the initiative, “Are we just gonna stand here all night or are we gonna get this over with so that we can all go to bed because I am EXHAUSTED,” Rasheel asked— complains —while he was scratching his head in annoyance— thankfully he untangled himself from the blankets —and everyone burst into waves of laughter.
“Says the former dragon who was just struggling to escape from Lily and On who are physically seven years old and until just a few minutes ago had the minds of toddlers,” Hong says teasingly.
“Shut up,” Rasheel says as his neck turns red from embarrassment.
“Speaking of role-playing,” Raon added. Looking toward Lily and On, who were turning red, he smirked and said, “I can’t believe you are already marrying Maes and Dodori, but I commend you because you still chose to marry your former husbands.”
Lily, On, Maes, and Dodori all turn a darker shade of red, as Lily and On shout in unison from embarrassment, “SHUT UP!”
Which caused another wave of laughter.
“But remember, you can’t actually marry them yet since you are not yet legally allowed to,” Alberu joined in on the teasing which caused Maes and Dodori to cover their faces with their hands as Lily and On, ran at a speed of light— how are they so fast??? —and were right in front of Alberu and started hitting him playfully.
“This feels weird,” Mary who had been quiet all this time spoke up as everyone stopped what they were doing and looked toward her, noticing everyone’s stares she continued, “I find it weird that all of us were reincarnated to match each other age, except for Rok Soo and Clopeh who suddenly became your parents' friends instead and are now our uncles and both of them are older than all of us, except for Ron and Fredo.”
“That’s right, it is weird and very hilarious,” Lee Soo Hyuk said while snickering, he added, “At least you all know how it felt like for me to turn from being older than Rok Soo and Jung Soo to being younger than them.”
Everyone was silent, not knowing how to refute Soo Hyuk’s claims, but Jung Soo rebutted and said, “I agree, but at least it turned from ‘dongsaeng’ to ‘hyung’ in your situation, but this? We turned from calling him ‘dongsaeng/Cale-nim/young master’ to ‘uncle’ for most of us, ‘first name basis’ for the adults who are younger than him by a few years, and ‘dongsaeng’ for Ron and Fredo, which is the weirdest one of all.”
Everyone nodded furiously, agreeing with what Jung Soo said.
Rok Soo wanted to say something, but he also agreed with Jung Soo.
It turned into an awkward silence again until Taylor decided to tease, “Well, think of it on the brighter side.”
They looked at Taylor like they were trying to figure out what he meant by it when Taylor decided to spill the tea, “For example, Alberu, he can use his new status as Rok Soo’s, I mean, Uncle Rok’s nephew to get spoiled and ask for money from him instead.”
As Taylor said the last phrase, Rok Soo’s eyes widened in fear as everyone including Alberu had bright smiles and started chuckling and snickering to themselves.
‘Damn you Taylor,’ Rok Soo thought as he could feel his money flying away, ‘I mean I already spoil them enough with Clopeh, but auuggggeee, damn it, now it doesn’t feel like spoiling.’
Everyone then teasingly said in the most innocent tone, “Uncle Rok.”
‘Fuck,’ Rok Soo thought as everyone started asking him about many things, it was a very chaotic situation, but Rok Soo was happy about it.
‘I still can’t believe that we all meet again, I will only say this once, but, thank you Death for fulfilling my wish,’ Rok Soo thought as he remembered what he asked for during his final day.
Before he could remember those last days he heard his name called, “Uncle Rok!! Come on, let’s catch up!”
“Coming!”
Rok Soo then went towards the group and he was happy seeing everyone together at last, after so many years, it brought warmth to his heart as he thought, ‘Hopefully this will be a wonderful night and nothing will go wrong.’
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.
.
.
Or so he thought a few hours ago.
Now, Rok Soo was happy that everyone was catching up with each other—in fact, he was elated—and it should have stayed that way, but instead, he was filled with irritation because every time he was about to talk with Clopeh, he would always flinch and when he answered, he was talking like he was walking on eggshells around him and he thought, ‘Why is he acting like this? Did something happen? I should talk to him in private.’
He was about to pull Clopeh aside and talk to him when he heard someone shout, “WAIT!!!”
Everyone including him became silent and turned to the voice and were shocked to see it was Eden, the quietest child, that’s why they all immediately became quiet because it could be serious if the quietest kid shouted.
Basen then asked, “What is it, Eden?”
Followed by Maes, “Is something wrong?”
Everyone then started asking questions left and right, Rok Soo noticed that Eden was getting uncomfortable and was about to say something when Clopeh beat him to it, “Everyone, calm down, if you keep asking questions and not giving him a chance to speak, we will be here all night.”
Everyone was baffled not because Clopeh was right but because– he had a feeling that it was because– it WAS Clopeh who said it. He noticed that Clopeh also got to the same conclusion as he pouted and said, “Oh come on, just because I was a lunatic in the past life, doesn’t mean I am now, I have changed.”
Feeling bad for Clopeh and also wanting to defend him, he said, “I agree, so no need to trouble him.”
He finished as he ruffled Clopeh’s hair like he always did when he was trying to tell him not to worry.
He felt Clopeh flinch a bit and slowly turn his head until he was met face-to-face with Rok Soo.
He saw how Clopeh’s eyes brightened and his smile grew. In a thankful tone but with a hint of relief, he said, “Rok Soo” like he was happy when he took his place and Rok Soo wouldn’t admit it, but it hurt him as he started thinking, ‘Did he actually think I wouldn’t defend him after years of being friends with him? We are BEST FRIENDS for goodness sake. We really should talk later after this.’
As he thought the last phrase Eden then finally said like he was waiting for it, “That’s the thing!”
Everyone was looking at him this time they didn’t barrage him with questions instead they made a gesture that said they were wondering what he meant and when Eden saw they were listening he continued, “So we all received our memories right?”
Everyone nodded like it was obvious and Eden continued, “I find it weird that no one noticed it, but I noticed Rok Soo, wait, no, Uncle Rok, is still close with Clopeh after receiving his memories?”
Upon the last phrase, everyone looked at him and Clopeh and they could see that Rok Soo was leaning on Clopeh like it was the most natural thing to do, even Clopeh himself was shocked by it and Rok Soo’s mind sparked like he finally pieced the pieces together and thought, ‘Wait, is that what this is all about? They thought I would be repulsed just by being near Clopeh just because I finally received my memories. This is such an absurd situation and it’s annoying how Clopeh also seems like his world was about to shatter once he said the wrong thing.’
He then decided to break the silence, “What about it?”
Everyone was silent for a while like they were waiting for someone else to answer Rok Soo’s question like it was the hardest problem.
Eruhaben then decided to break the silence, “This is what I think everyone might have thought, but knowing your past with Clopeh and your reactions towards him, I think everyone was finding it weird or unnatural.”
Everyone then started nodding as they agreed with what Eruhaben said, Rok Soo scanned the room and gave out a big sigh when he felt Clopeh flinch again. He massaged his templates and said, “I will say this once and everyone better listen…” he then took Clopeh’s arm who was about to escape and he added, “... especially you, don’t even think of running away.”
Clopeh just nodded and everyone looked at Rok Soo waiting.
He took a deep breath and finally said, “Just because I have a horrible past with Clopeh…”
He then looked around and saw everyone listening. He noticed that Clopeh started trembling slightly while looking at the floor and it seemed like he was controlling his tears from falling, he placed his hands on Clopeh’s hands, which was in a fist form, and looked toward everyone before saying the following, “...doesn’t mean it has to affect our relationship now, we have known each other for almost 21 years. We were there during our ups and downs in life, and if you all thought that a memory from the past would destroy everything we have built throughout the years, then sorry to disappoint you, but you are wrong.”
Everyone could see that he was serious, and there was also a hint of rage, even Clopeh finally looked up.
Rok Soo could see how glassy his eyes were and he thought, ‘This is the most important part.’
He then opened his mouth and said while looking Clopeh in the eyes, “I can’t believe you thought our friendship would easily crumble just because of a past life memory, but I will say it now and you better listen.”
Clopeh slowly nodded while keeping eye contact with Rok Soo.
Rok Soo then continued, “In this life, you are my BEST FRIEND. It doesn’t matter what our relationship was like in the past or our next life, but believe me when I say this, in THIS life and until I take my last breath, you will always be MY best friend. We have had each others back our whole life. You were there when I was at my lowest, always cheering for me and you were there when I was at my highest and the same goes for you, I was there in every moment of your life, the moment you first stepped into that classroom. That’s why, don’t disregard everything that we have built together. I will only leave when I am dead or until you want me out of your life.”
“NO!” Clopeh shouted as Rok Soo said the last part and continued, “I don’t want you out of my life and I don’t dream of having you out of my life.”
Rok Soo smiled and said in a softer tone but with firmness, “And it should stay that way.”
Clopeh then gave the brightest smile and started crying, but this time not because of insecurity and fear of what he thought would break their friendship, but this time with relief and Rok Soo stayed beside him knowing it was what Clopeh needed the most now.
Everyone stayed quiet to give Clopeh space, but instead, someone stood up and went toward Clopeh, “Crazy Clopeh, no, Uncle Clo, since Uncle Rok mentioned that we should not let the past affect us, I will also not let the past affect me, most importantly I still have memories of how you care and took care of me. I may have memories of you being a person with a screw loose before, but I also have memories of the you now,” Raon says with resolve as he hugged Clopeh.
Clopeh was shocked, but he returned the hug and said, “Thank you Raon.”
“I also agree!”
“Me too!”
On and Hong say in unison as they hug Clopeh too.
Like a domino effect, everyone started coming and also encouraging Clopeh, and seeing Clopeh’s smile return to him, Rok Soo felt fulfilled.
After a few minutes when everyone was done, Clopeh’s eyes were puffy from all the crying.
“Don’t even start,” Clopeh said as he noticed Rok Soo about to say something, and Rok Soo just surrendered and backed off.
Once calm Clopeh said to everyone, “Thank you all so much for accepting me and forgiving me.”
He then looked toward Rok Soo and said, “Thank you too Rok Soo.”
Rok Soo smiled and said, “Well, we did promise each other before, I hope you remember.”
Clopeh brightened and said cheerfully, “Yes.”
“Wait, wait, wait”
Everyone looked toward Jung Soo with a questioning look and Jung Soo took that opportunity to continue, “I feel like we are missing something here.”
“And what is it, dongsaeng?” Soo Hyuk asked, followed by Choi Han, “What are we missing?”
Jung Soo smirked and Rok Soo immediately knew it was the one he had when he was about to be mischievous and he grounded himself, waiting for whatever it may be.
“Sooooo…” Jung Soo trailed before continuing, “...what is this promise you are talking about with Clopeh?”
‘Fuck, nope, among all things he had to say, it had to be that? I won’t be able to live it down if they ever found out what I did,’ Rok Soo was dreading and he was giving Clopeh the pleading look that said not to mention anything, Clopeh knowing his dilemma smirked that said— Since I am known as a lunatic maybe it’s just fair you are also called one— Rok Soo’s eyes widened. ‘Betrayer’, knowing what was in Rok Soo’s mind, Clopeh just gave him the most mischievous smile.
“I agree, what is it, dongsaeng, or should I say, ‘Uncle’,” Alver joined in the teasing when he saw how terrified Rok Soo was and thought, ‘It’s your turn to have my headaches.’
“Now that you mentioned it, you never really told us about how you and Clopeh became best friends?” Bud added as Toonka nodded along.
“That’s true, so Rok Soo, do you have anything to say?” Mila said with a smirk.
“We have all been catching up with one another, but you haven’t mentioned anything about what happened in your life,” Whitra said as she snickered along with Rosalyn and Litana.
“Yeah, like how did you meet our parents’ and since they never mentioned why they ended up the way they are now, it’s only right you tell us now,” Cale said while drinking grape juice like it was wine.
Everyone then started chiming in and giving their teasing remarks, and Clopeh said playfully like he had no idea, “Yeah, I agree, why don’t you tell?”
Rok Soo sighed and said, “You won’t stop pestering me until I say anything, will you?”
Everyone said in unison, “No”
“Even if I pleaded?”
“That will be fun to see, but sadly, no, it won’t work,” Bud said as he cowered behind Glen when Rok Soo glared at him.
Clopeh already had enough fun and decided to help Rok Soo, “Okay, why don’t we do it this way.”
Everyone looked at him excitedly while Rok Soo looked like he had been saved.
“Since your parents won’t be here for a week, Rok Soo can tell us all those stories, since the stories are all very long and it will take time to share every one of them.”
Rok Soo looked at him and mouthed ‘thank you’ and everyone just agreed.
“Well, since it’s already late, everyone should sleep, and yes, even though you are older mentally, your bodies are those of children and they need sleep,” Ron added and everyone agreed until Cage added, “Wait, before that, at least tell us what you and Clopeh are talking about, like a sneak peak.”
‘This priestess,’ Rok Soo thought annoyingly.
“That’s right, at least a sneak peek!”
Everyone also chimed in, Rok Soo was shocked that even the adults were also interested, ‘These gossipers, I swear.’
He then gave out a big sign and said, “Fine, but promise me you guys will go to bed immediately.”
A chorus of ‘okays/we promise’ resounded in the room and Rok Soo looked at Clopeh like he was telling him to say it instead.
Clopeh realized that Rok Soo was too embarrassed to say it, so he just patted him on the back and said, “Fine I will do it.”
Everyone looked toward Clopeh waiting for him, Clopeh looked at everyone in the room and said while smirking, “Well, everyone, since you all know in the past I was a ‘fanatic, lunatic’ whatever you call me right?”
Everyone nodded and Clopeh used it as a signal to continue, “But unfortunately, this time, I didn’t do anything, it was Rok Soo himself who proposed it.”
With the last phrase questions like, “What did he propose?”, came.
“What did this troublemaker get himself into?”
“Did he do something crazy like blowing an island again like before?”
“Everyone, I know we all want to know what it is, but give Clopeh a chance to speak,” Sheritte, like a savior, calmed down everyone.
“Thank you Sheritte,” Clopeh thanked as he continued.
“He did something even more unexpected that it also caught me off guard.”
Everyone then looked at him excitedly and Rok Soo cut in and said, “Just get it over with, no need to keep them on their toes.”
“You are no fun,” Clopeh said but Rok Soo just rolled his eyes and added, “Bedtime?”
“Oh, right anyways, Rok Soo in our 2nd year asked me to be his boyfriend.”
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.
The room turned silent and Rok Soo was waiting for the floor to just eat him up until a chorus of “WHAT?!?!” resounded.
He was then attacked with question after question until he had enough and said, “Remember what you guys promised?”
“No, you can’t just spill the tea like that and then ask us to sleep!” Cage said while trying to shake him.
“I agree, we won’t be able to sleep tonight!” Taylor added.
“Well, too bad, you have to keep your promise.”
A chorus of complaints was heard until Ron, Sheritte, Eruhaben, Clopeh, and even Rasheel all forced them to go to their rooms and get them to sleep.
In the living room where all the adults were gathered, Rasheel spoke up, “Sooooo….”
But Rok Soo cut him off by saying, “No, you have to wait.”
“Worth a try,” Rasheel said in a teasing tone.
The others who were planning to ask also shot down their questions seeing that no matter what they did, they wouldn’t get Rok Soo to budge, and Rok Soo was happy with the silence until Eruhaben asked, “But are you still together?”
Rok Soo and Clopeh said together, “No”
“And we are happy for it to stay that way,” Clopeh added as Rok Soo nodded along.
As they fell into a comfortable silence Rok Soo thought, ‘Today was one crazy day, but I am happy. I’m sure there will be lots of changes, but one thing I know for sure, everyone will be able to adjust. Hopefully, it will get better and this will be the last surprise I will experience.’
Rok Soo then sipped his tea.
~ A Week Passed ~
“Rok Soo, we received our memories of our previous life,” Lily said while looking at Rok Soo who was baffled and speechless, he looked at each of his friends and noticed some changes. It proved that they did remember their memories.
He had so many questions swirling in his mind but he concluded them all into one phrase.
‘Damn it.’