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Chapter Text

Finally! A certain black haired boy stood in front of the school gates that looks like its painted with real gold, opened wide. Kim Dokja couldn’t contain his happiness as he finally enrolled in the most prestigious academy. He has worked his ass off for this day and night as well as studied with his blood, sweat and tears. Getting the scholarship was difficult but it was worth it. He has been waiting to go here since he heard that their library is the best! There are books there that he hasn’t read, novels he hasn’t heard of yet…

Yes. You could say he enrolled here just for the books.

The only problem he has to face is that it’s him being a commoner. He did a little bit of research about the academy. Commoners and nobles are separated. He heard that commoners are looked down by the nobles and royals, of course. They judge about the status of everyone. He’s lucky that the academy accepts commoners.

Kim Dokja is in no way a royal nor a noble. So he’s kinda nervous for his life in here.

He took a deep breath before stepping inside the academy. Once he entered the premises, his eyes scanned around the area. He was struck by the opulence of its furnishings and decorations. It was decorated with a sense of refinement and a hint of extravagance, indicating the wealth and status of the academy. Everything looked expensive and elegant, creating a sense of demureness and sophistication.

“Wow” He gasped as he continues to look around. Dokja noticed the stark contrast between the commoner and royal students. Different uniforms. Royals wearing the black and gold colors while the Commoners wear the brown and white colors.

Students strolling about their entourages, their laughter and chatter echoing through the halls. Kim Dokja continues his stroll then he paused his steps as someone caught his eye from afar. He caught himself seeing a tall royal student near the lockers, talking to a black haired girl in a ponytail.

His arms crossed as he chats. A muscular body, a face looking like a greek god, his dark piercing eyes and an aura of a protagonist. Dokja couldn’t help but let his eyes sparkle in admiration. It’s as if he’s seeing the handsome protagonist from his favorite book in the flesh!

“He’s stunning” He whispered to himself. Before he knew it, the man made eye contact with him. Dokja quickly averted his gaze out of embarrassment from staring at a royal without permission.

Just then, a girl rudely bumped his shoulder as she passes by him. Dokja glared at her from the sudden shove.

“Ugh! Move peasant!” She clicked her tongue as she runs over to that handsome royal he was staring at.

Before he realizes, a group of girls pass by him as if it’s a stampede. Luckily, he moved out of the way and just watched the hoard of women getting to that royal’s presence.

“Prince Yoo Joonghyuk!”

“Prince Joonghyuk, good morning!”

‘Yoo Joonghuk. So that’s his name’

Squeals can be heard in the area. Dokja rubbed the back of his neck as he watches them. “Crazy” He quietly comments to himself as he continues to walk away from the scene.

He almost got lost until a girl with short hair approached her with a grin. “Hey there! You must be Kim Dokja. The scholarship student” She took her hand out for a shake.

Dokja observed her uniform. She’s a royal student. He accepted her handshake as he gave a smile. “Yes I am. And Im… kinda lost around here” He shyly admitted.

“It’s fine. You’re new. I’m Han Sooyoung, from the student council. Let me show you around” With a cool demeanor, she offered as she started to walk ahead. She began walking confidently, expecting him to follow. He follows her from behind silently.

“Sooo, met anyone yet here besides me?” She asked, starting a conversation as she unwraps a lollipop then putting it in her mouth.

Dokja shook his head “I don’t think so.. oh wait! Who’s Yoo Joonghyuk?” He takes this as an opportunity to ask about the handsome fellow. Sooyoung paused on her steps then slowly turned around, giving him a look of disbelief.

“Wow, you really are a commoner” She chuckled, teasing him. Which made Dokja furrow his brows in annoyance.

“Prince Yoo Joonghyuk. The crown prince and the president of the council. Seems to me you look like you have fallen for him already” She smirked.

“It’s not like that! I was just curious” He denies with a slight ting of blush on his cheeks. Sooyoung was obviously not buying it.

She shrugged her shoulders and continued to walk. “I can’t blame you. That guy’s a looker”

Dokja continues to think about the prince. He didn’t actually fell for him at first sight, (h̶e̶ d̶i̶d̶) he just couldn’t believe that a handsome man like him is real, it’s as if he came out from a romance novel.

As the tour ends, Sooyoung mentioned about the welcoming ceremony for the new students at the auditorium later. Dokja took note of that.

—————————————

Time passed by as he settles in the seats where the commoners are at the auditorium. Waiting for the ceremony to start, his attention switched to the stage. There he is again. The handsome protagonist in his book. As Dokja claims him to be but that’s just his imagination.

“Good morning everyone. My name is Yoo Joonghyuk and the president of the council. I’m looking forward to…” Joonghyuk’s voice is deep. It sent shivers down to Dokja’s spine. Literally the definition of a Man wanted by all. The standard they say.

Dokja definitely did not pay attention as he daydreams about the novel he’s dreaming (and yoo joonghyuk). What he remembers is that when a commoner and a royal is caught together alone, it could form a dating scandal.

After the ceremony, a party is held in another venue in the academy near the school gardens. A friendly ball where you can meet and make new friends. But for Dokja, he doesn’t want to interact with anyone. Especially in a party with so many people. He just wants to go back to his dorm and read his novels or go to the library. But it’s closed for the night because of the event.

He sighed as he sits alone at a table, finishing his meal. With some tomatoes left on the side of the plate. “So loud, I think I should go outside” He stood up and walked towards outside. As he reached the area, he’s amazed at the sight of roses. Flower bushes blooming in delight. It’s a beautiful garden. He continued his stroll as he walks around the garden.

His eyes noticed a sculpted fountain. As Dokja began to approach it to check it out, he heard someone talking. So in reflex, he quickly hid behind a bush, enough for him to see and hear the scene unfolding. He knows it’s bad to eavesdrop but hey, curiosity kills the cat.

There he sees the sight of Yoo Joonghyuk and a lady. The girl looks upset and angry as her fists are clenched. Meanwhile, the prince stood with his arms crossed, his expression blank and unreadable, as if he had experienced this kind of situation many times before. There was an air of nonchalance and lack of surprise in his demeanor, indicating that he was accustomed to such scenarios.

“How dare you! I thought I was your only woman! But I caught you with that bitch! You bastard!” She cries out.

‘Oh drama… where’s my popcorn?’

Joonghyuk did not reply instead he just sighed while rubbing his temples. He looks at the woman in front of him and finally spoke.

“You’re the one who taught we had a thing when there was never an us, Lady Dia” He casually respond with no emotion in his face.

‘How cold’ Dokja frowned at his blunt reponse.

The lady scoffed in disbelief “You’ll pay for this!” She shrieked.

Dokja immediately noticed her hand is about to slap the prince’s face. Dokja can’t have that! Such a gorgeous protagonist face can’t be tainted! Out of instincts, he shot up from his hiding spot and quickly made it in time as he grabs her hand, stopping her.

The two looked at him in surprise. Joonghyuk’s eyes widened at this sudden stranger who just showed up out of nowhere. But his eyes continued to gaze at the commoner.

“Who are you?! And how dare you interfere!” The lady snatched her hand back from the boy’s grip.

Dokja gulped. What now? He stopped her from hitting the prince’s face but at what cost? He started to come up a lie on the spot as he began to internally sweat.

“Uhm, I heard a duke is looking for you at the ball, Lady Dia. He said he wants to dance with you” Dokja explained, praying that his lie will work and convince her to leave. He knows that the ladies will not pass by the chance to dance with someone of status.

Dia calmed down for a bit as she looked back at the venue, then back at the commoner. “Fine” She fixes her uniform and glared at Joonghyuk one last time before she left.

Dokja sighed in relief. “It worked…”

“Who are you, commoner?” A commanding and deep voice coming from behind him, made him flinch. He almost forgot that the prince is still here. He turned around as he rubs the back of his head.

“I-“

His words got cut off as he felt a strong hand, gripping his neck. Dokja winced at his strength.

“Are you a spy from one of the ladies? Stalking me again?” Joonghyuk growled, threatening him to answer in haste.

Dokja held on to his arm on his neck, tapping him to let go. He tries to speak “I was about to i-introduce myself but I didn’t know the prince g-greets his guests with a choke” He scoffed, still struggling.

Joonghyuk just eyed him up and down and scans his face. Slightly impressed for a commoner to making a sass remark on a prince. He then releases his grip from his neck, causing Dokja to fall on his knees and coughing.

“Speak your name” Joonghyuk commanded as he stands on his ground, looking down at the peasant.

After Dokja clearing his throat, he looked up at his domineering gaze. “K-Kim Dokja. I’m the scholarship student…”

And that’s already a proof that he’s not a spy. He just enrolled after all. Joonghyuk lessened his intense gaze at him, allowing him to stand up again. Dokja fully recovers and is now on his feet properly. Joonghyuk crossed his arms.

“Kim Dokja. So you’re that new student with a weird name”

Dokja shrugged his shoulders. “I know. I like reading too so…”

Joonghyuk continues to question him. “Why did you interfere? Do you want my attention that badly?” He’s used to people doing ridiculous acts just to gain his attention. As the prince, he gets tired with these kind of people a lot.

Dokja shook his head “No no”

“Then what?”

Dokja looked away as he suddenly feel awkward about saying it. He can’t lie cause he can’t make up any excuses at the moment. His eyes darted back at the prince’s.

“It’s because I don’t want someone to ruin such a handsome face, your highness” He exclaimed as he looks at him in the eyes in all seriousness.

Joonghyuk raised his eyebrow. An unusual reason. Usually it’s for attention but this guy said he was just worried about his face getting slapped? Joonghyuk couldn’t help but feel slightly intrigued by this commoner.

“Such random nonsense…” He murmured as he scoffed.

“Maybe I should just kill y-“

“Wait wait! Im serious! If im being honest, you’re like a protagonist in a novel. I can’t help but admire your appearance. It’s already an honor to just be looking at you” Dokja surrenders his hands as he explains in panic.

“I don’t need your attention. Live your life, your highness. Actually, Im jealous of you. But not in a bad way. Wishing I could be as cool as you” Dokja chuckled with a grin as he compliments the man.

Joonghyuk then find the sight of Dokja smiling and laughing under the moonlight, dazzling. For a second, it felt like he got distracted there. He shook his head.

“…So, yeah. That’s it. And I think I should go now. Haha, good night your highness” Dokja bowed as he gets prepared to leave.

“Kim Dokja” Joonghyuk called out, making him stop on his tracks.

“Class number?” The prince asked, still staying in his place.

“Class 9-A”

“Year?”

“Freshman”

“Hmph” Joonghyuk huffed as he turned his back to him. Indicating him to go now.

Dokja just nodded and left, leaving him alone the fountain.

The prince held his chin as he ponders. His mind filled with Kim Dokja. A mere commoner casually talking to the crown prince is very rare. It’s the first time he experienced it and he couldn’t help but feel interested at this boy. Yoo Joonghyuk wants to know more of Kim Dokja and his actions. Looks like this school year will be exciting.

Chapter Text

What exactly is the feeling? The feeling of being watched? Those questions are filling up Kim Dokja’s mind after the welcome ceremony party.

It has been a week since he’s been studying in the academy. These past few days, he couldn’t help but think that he feels someone’s eyes on him. As if someone is watching his every move. But every time he looks around, no one was there. He felt shivers just by thinking about it.

Maybe he’s just over thinking things cause of the lack of sleep for staying up all night, reading novels. So he just brushed it off and thought of it as just him being paranoid.

On the bright side, he’s been doing okay in the academy. Despite receiving nasty glares from some of the royals, he paid no attention to them. I mean, he made a new friend! She’s a commoner like him and he sees her as one of the prettiest girls he met. Yoo Sangah is a sweet girl who’s in the same class as Kim Dokja.

“I’m so glad our meals here are at least a little decent. It’s not everyday we get to eat proper food!” Sangah sighed in relief with a smile as she readies her utensils. Dokja nodded along with her as he appreciates their lunch, today’s meal for the commoners is curry rice with mushroom soup and a small amount of veggies on the side.

“Ugh..” His face scrunched up as he sets aside the tomatoes. Sangah chuckled at his dislike for tomatoes.

“They always put them in every meal…Lucky for the royals they have a whole buffet” He bitterly said as the two glanced behind, seeing the other side with a fancy buffet and various choices of food.

“Well it’s how it is. But hey, I say ours is still a satisfying meal” Sangah lightened up the mood with a bright smile. Dokja eased up and agreed with her. As they eat their lunch together, they talk about random topics. Mostly it’s Dokja talking about his favorite novels while sangah listens.

Then he suddenly remember about the uncomfortable feeling he has been getting. So he decided to question Sangah. “Hey, have a you ever had a feeling of someone watching you? But you couldn’t figure out where its coming from or who is it”

The brown haired girl tilted her head “Hmm…not really. Why?” Then she gasped.

“Are you saying you’re being stalked?!”

“I don’t know? It’s hard to believe I’m being stalked. So maybe I’m just being paranoid and stuff” He shrugged, taking another sip of the soup.

“That could also be it too but you should still be careful. Who knows, something bad might happen. Stay on your guard okay?” She gave a concerned smile.

Then, the soft sound of a plate gently clattering against the tabletop caused the two to turn their heads towards the direction from which it came. “Sooyoung!”Sangah’s smile grew wider as soon as she sees the girl with short hair, hands in her pocket.

Oh yeah, Dokja almost forgot that sangah mentioned in their first meeting that she’s close friends with one of the student council members. He didn’t expect that it was Han Sooyoung. “Hey. How are you guys?” She asked but mostly at sangah only.

“We were just chatting. Oh and you brought one again? Thank you~” Sangah pointed at the plate that sooyoung placed. It was the food from the buffet. She always does this and gives it to sangah. Dokja wouldn’t be surprised if they turn out to be dating. Sooyoung sat beside Sangah and then shifted her gaze to him.

“You can have some too” She offered.

The reader shook his head “it’s okay, I think my stomach’s about to get full” He began to carefully look around, checking if a certain prince is around the cafeteria.

“Is prince Yoo Joonghyuk not coming to the cafeteria?” He asked.

Sooyoung raised a brow and put up a teasing smile. “Hoho, why do you ask? Looks like I’m right about you crushing on him after all” She giggled.

A slight blush crept onto his cheeks. “Like I said, I’m just curious! He’s so mysterious”

“Don’t even bother. He’s a ruthless prince who’s not afraid to kill. If a person he thinks is messing with him, he won’t hesitate to eliminate. Im not kidding” She explained as she scoffed. Dokja gulped from that information, now remembering what happened last night. Looks like he was lucky enough for Yoo Joonghyuk to let him go that night. He hopes he doesn’t think he’s offending him!

“T-Then, how do you stay safe around him?”

“Simple. Just don’t go against his orders. Don’t get in his way. And I know he’s hot but don’t get too swayed” Sooyoung explains further. Dokja nodded.

“I’ll take note of that. Thanks Sooyoung!” He lightly smiled as he assures them that he understood.

Kim Dokja is an idiot.

—————————

Classes are now dismissed. Kim Dokja decided to stop by at the school’s library again. He has claimed that place as his usual spot to chill before he goes home, reading the books there that he hasn’t read yet. It was different from his town’s library so it’s always exciting for him to come here.

He opens the large door of the library, holding some books close to his chest. The librarian already knows that Kim Dokja is a regular visitor here so she leaves early sometimes for Dokja to read alone peacefully. That’s what Dokja thought…

It should be just him at this hour. But surprisingly, there’s someone else here. As he stepped inside, his eyes met a gorgeous sight of a man standing between the shelves. A large open book on his hands as he gazes at the pages on what he’s reading.

“Your highness?” Dokja called out in surprise as he stares at Yoo Joonghyuk’s dashing posture, making him look cool in Dokja’s eyes. The prince shifted his eyes towards the commoner.

“It’s you again” He said as he closed the book in his hands in which he did not actually read in the first place. Yoo Joonghyuk wanted to look smart and elegant. Before dokja entered, he looked for a random thick book in the shelves that would make him look like he’s an invested reader. He knew that Dokja was coming.

“I didn’t know you visit the library at this hour too” Dokja gave a small smile as he slowly and hesitantly approach him but not too close. Joonghyuk noticed this so he steps closer to him instead.

“I can visit anytime I want”

“R-Right… oh! You read this novel too? I like this as well!” Dokja grinned as he eyes the book he’s holding.

“I just started, but I am interested for someone to just tell—“

“Then I can help you with that your highness! Trust me, I know a lot” Dokja proudly volunteers himself. Completely forgetting about what Sooyoung just told him about Yoo Joonghyuk.

And with that, time passed by so fast. They’re sitting beside each other as Kim Dokja got too immersed in yapping about novels he read and telling all about them to the prince. Yoo Joonghyuk did not said a single word and just kept listening to the commoner. He didn’t stop him either. It’s the first time he’s not annoyed by someone’s yapping. Dokja’s eyes were shining whenever he talks about the stuff he likes. Joonghyuk find this yet again, beautiful. Just like that time in the garden with him.

“Oh and this novel’s protagonist is the one I told you about last time. The one who looks like you, as described in the story” Dokja continued as he points at the page.

“Me? Is that why you saved me from getting slapped? Because I look like your favorite protagonist?” Joonghyuk smirked.

“That’s uh..-“

“Is he your ideal type?”

Dokja blinked for a while at the question. The prince sounds so serious too. “Uh, I think so. I like everything about him” Then he noticed something flicker in the prince’s eyes. He just couldn’t guess what it is.

Then he noticed the clock behind Joonghyuk, seeing the time. He widened his eyes as he begins to pack up. “It’s late, I need to get home before I miss the bus”

The prince stood up with him. “I’ll take you home”

“Oh it’s okay your highness. I-“

“That’s an order”

“Okay”

Before he knew it, he’s now inside the crown prince’s limousine. The two of them sat beside each other as silence fills the car. Dokja fiddled with his fingers as he keeps his gaze out the car window, cursing himself as to how did he get here in this situation.

“Kim Dokja. Are you eating well?”

The sudden question broke the ice, making Dokja jolt.

“Oh yes. I eat fine” He responded.

“You’re still skinny. It seems commoner food isn’t enough too” Joonghyuk glared at his body with his arms crossed. Dokja just brushed it off with a nervous chuckle. He doesn’t know if he’s actually concerned or just insulting him.

The whole ride was just cold and silent. When they finally arrived, Kim Dokja thought he could finally breathe properly as he’s now home.

“Thank you so much, your highness” He bowed his head but before he could leave. The prince called out his name again, stopping him.

“Kim Dokja. You like to read don’t you?” He asked.

“I do”

Yoo Joonghyuk actually knows already. After that night, he ordered someone to investigate the scholar. That boy is running through his mind everyday. He found out about his hobbies, likes, dislikes, family, etc. He could say he learned well about Kim Dokja but he wants to know him more personally. He doesn’t understand this feeling but he’s sure as hell he wants him close.

“Starting tomorrow. After classes, you should visit my palace” Yoo Joonghyuk offers. Dokja widened his eyes. He thinks this is too much. Why is the prince suddenly offering him to go to his palace? Is he planning to kill him there? Is the prince still holding a grudge against him ever since last night? Dokja starts remembering what Sooyoung told him during lunch. He starts to get anxious but remained calm.

So he politely declines. “I would love to, your highness. But I’m afraid I have to turn the offer down. I-“

“Our library is bigger and new books that are not in the academy. I can let you hang out in that place”

“I would love to go your highness!” The reader smiled, ignoring his complete switch up.

Kim Dokja you fool.