Chapter Text
Section 1. A New World - 0%
A series of bright lights flash in his face.
Choi blinks rapidly, trying to rid himself of the blurry spots that linger in his eyesight. A brief moment later, he lowers his jakdu, startled by the familiar sight in front of him.
They're back in the city.
Life bustles around them. People hurry along the streets, rushing to get to wherever their destination might be. There are cars stuck in traffic, headlights shining in the dark of the night as the traffic lights switch colors. The digital billboards in the distance blink as advertisements flash by, blinding Choi with how bright they are.
Since there are civilians around, Choi hurriedly tucks his weapon away, letting it shrink into his pocket. They'd probably be startled if someone appeared wielding a giant blade in their hand.
Oddly enough, no one seems to have noticed their presence. Choi would have thought that people appearing out of thin air would be enough to warrant some interest, but perhaps not.
Still, he keeps his guard up. He's still on edge, confused as to how they made it all the way here.
"Agent Choi."
Agent Bronze's voice is quiet. It's a relief that they weren't separated. Choi's eyes flick back and forth before he straightens his back.
"Bronze," he responds, his voice mild. "No injuries?" The disaster they were in didn't have any hostile enemies, but better to check.
"No injuries," Bronze reports. "I'm...surprisingly intact." His voice has a hint of disbelief, and Choi can't help but internally agree.
"I guess it's good that we made it out safely," Choi muses. His gaze is still fixated on the lively streets of the city. "Though how we made it out seems to be a mystery."
Bronze nods. The two of them stand in silence, observing the city. Something unfamiliar swirls in Choi's gut, an unrecognizable emotion that sits like a rock in his stomach.
What is this feeling?
Before he can properly dissect his thoughts, two girls catch sight of them. One of them stares at his face, before her eyes light up in recognition.
Choi watches, mildly fascinated, as she tugs at her friend and gestures to him. She's not being particularly subtle, so Choi just continues to watch with amusement.
Then she bravely marches up to him, and Choi's thoughts start to turn complicated. "Hello," she squeaks, a stark contrast from the way she's holding herself. "Can...can I get a picture with you?"
Choi stares.
Then he grins wide, easy going and pleasant. "Of course," he agrees. Bronze shifts from beside him, clearly confused, but the girl squeals in excitement.
In a flash, her phone is open, and Choi takes a selfie with her. He throws his fingers up in a peace sign, and her reflected smile is bright on the phone screen. "Thank you," she bows to him before scampering back to her friend. Choi watches her go, the only indication of his thoughts shown by the slight furrow of his eyebrows.
"Would you look at that?" Choi says teasingly, turning to look at Bronze. "I have fans now. I didn't realize I was getting that famous."
Bronze only gives him an exasperated look, but Choi ignores him. "We should probably figure out how to get back to the office," Choi says, his head tilting back up towards the sky.
It seems like they're about an hour out. If they take a taxi, maybe twenty five minutes. Choi reaches into his pocket to grab his wallet, but his hand comes out with nothing.
Alarmed, he hurriedly pats his other pockets. Nothing. Not even his phone. The only items left are his jakdu and his glass gun. "Bronze, do you have your wallet on you?" He asks hurriedly, and his fellow agent hurries to examine himself as well.
His hands come up with nothing, and Choi groans, placing his hand on his head. "Damn," he mutters. "I guess we lost everything inside of that disaster."
It's not the first time they've lost belongings while working, but never in a situation like this. "I guess we should ask to borrow someone's phone," Bronze suggests, and it's easy enough to see the exhaustion in his eyes.
It's been a long day for the two of them. Choi knows that they'd both like nothing more than to go home and rest, but it seems like it'll be a while before they can actually get going.
Disheartened, Choi sits forlornly on some stairs.
Something is wrong.
Choi has all the necessary phone numbers memorized. It was something he did once he realized that his job meant his phone was never going to be safe. He's gone through so many now that he's lost count, so phone numbers are something he can't afford to forget.
Not that it's particularly for him.
However, every call he's made has resulted in unsuccessful results. Either the number doesn't exist, or it's someone he doesn't recognize.
The poor civilian they had (politely) accosted had started looking nervous after the tenth call, and Choi had handed her phone back. Looking relieved, she had scurried away without looking back. Perhaps the two of them were too much for her.
Bronze is out looking for someone else that might be willing to lend their phone, but Choi's mind is running at light speed.
Perhaps they're still stuck in the disaster. It might have morphed into something they don't recognize, like a fake version of the world outside. It's rare, but Choi has seen strange mutations happen here and there. It would explain why he can't get in contact with any of his coworkers, or even the office.
Another theory has formed in the back of his mind, but Choi dismisses it for now. He doesn't have enough evidence to back it up yet. Choi suddenly has the urge to smoke, even though he's been trying to quit these days.
Can't be helped, since his cute little junior doesn't like it when he smokes. But honestly, there's nothing he wouldn't give for a cigarette right about now.
He's truly stumped. Choi isn't sure what he can do from here, since he can't get in contact with anyone. He can't access his bank account either, so they have no access to funds. He doesn't even have the tools necessary to perform a ritual, since everything in his pockets have magically disappeared. The only thing he has left is his jakdu.
What can they do now?
"Excuse me?"
Choi looks up to see a stranger standing in front of him. He's wearing a suit, so he must have just gotten off work. "Are you alright?" He asks cautiously, looking concerned.
How interesting. Something shifts in the air.
"Yes, I'm alright," Choi tells him cheerfully. "I hope I don't look that awful, if you felt the need to come all the way out here to comfort me." The stranger hurriedly shakes his head.
"You just look a little lost," he clarifies. Choi takes a moment to scan him closely.
A typical salaryman is the only thing that Choi can really see. He lacks muscle, most likely because he sits at a desk all day, and there's a bit of a slump to his shoulders. Bad posture.
His grip on his little bag is surprisingly tight, for what he's been saying to Choi this whole time. Almost like he's apprehensive. Choi supposes he might not look like the most friendly person in the world, but he only continues to smile at him.
"I am a bit stranded," he admits. If this person is willing to help, he won't turn them down. "I lost my phone and my wallet, so I don't really have a way to get home right now." Choi waits to see what this man will say in response.
The man's eyebrows furrow. "Oh," he says, frowning. "I could give you some money for the subway, if that might help."
He's strangely kind. Choi is very well aware that people in his country are not very friendly on the streets. It's more common to get strange looks or to get outright ignored, so this man in front of him is quite odd.
"Would you mind giving me enough for two?" Choi asks, feeling a little sheepish. This man has already offered to help, but he does feel a little bad for asking for a bit more. Despite what people like to say about him, Choi does have a conscience."My friend is gone right now, but he also doesn't have anything on him."
As if summoned by Choi's words, Bronze appears in the little alleyway. He looks surprised by the man in front of Choi. "This man offered to help us," Choi tells him, and Bronze immediately bows his head.
"We appreciate it a lot," Bronze tells him earnestly. Choi always finds it cute when Bronze acts like this. "We'll make sure to reimburse you."
"Speaking of which, we haven't heard your name yet," Choi adds, standing up. He's just a little bit taller than the man.
"Oh, yes," the stranger straightens up, looking a little flustered. "My name is Kim Soleum. It's nice to meet you."
Kim Soleum. Choi will remember that name. "You can call me Choi, and my friend over here likes to go by Bronze," he grins. To his surprise, he sees something flicker in Soleum's eyes.
Surprise?
"If you contact the Supernatural Disaster Management Bureau and mention our names, they'll be sure to compensate you," Choi tells him. He doesn't miss the awkward shift in Soleum's posture. "If you need their number, I can give it to you."
Choi watches carefully.
Soleum is silent for a moment. Choi can see the moment Bronze senses something is off, and the two of them wait for Soleum to speak.
Finally, his lips part, and Choi is taken aback by his next words.
"I'm sorry...I'm not sure what you're talking about," Soleum says nervously. "I've never heard of that company. I'll go ahead and look it up later."
Choi's eyes sharpen.
"I see," he hums. "No worries. Would you mind if I borrowed your phone to look up instructions to our office? I'm pretty sure I remember how to get there, but I don't want to risk getting lost."
Soleum hesitates, then he pulls his phone out of his pocket before unlocking his phone. When he hands it over to Choi, it's already open to his maps.
Choi doesn't hesitate to type in their office address. He expects the familiar building to pop up, but instead, it turns out to be some warehouse he doesn't recognize.
Choi stares at the screen. This time, he types in the name instead of the address, but there aren't any results. Just a couple of odd places that are unrelated to them. Something cold starts to settle in his gut, and his grip tightens around the phone.
"Are you alright?" Soleum's voice emerges, snapping Choi out of his thoughts. He looks up, and the man is staring at him with concern.
Choi forces a smile on his face before handing his phone back. "It's nothing," Choi says. His expression is calm. "I apologize, but could we ask for just a bit more money? It seems that we'll need to grab a hotel for the night."
Bronze's eyes go wide, but he doesn't say anything. The unease is clear to see on his expression at Choi's words. Choi can't blame him, because he's also unnerved by this situation.
Soleum's eyes are fixated on his face. Choi meets his gaze evenly. He knows that his request is impolite, because he's not just asking for a little bit of pocket change to ride the train. Choi is asking for quite a bit more than that.
If he was by himself, he'd make do somehow. But with Bronze? He's not willing to let his junior sleep on the streets. And he knows that Bronze isn't flexible enough to do whatever might be needed to get a place to stay.
Stability first.
"A hotel," Soleum finally says. There's a peculiar tone to his voice. "I guess your situation must be a little dire."
Choi doesn't respond. He only continues to watch Soleum, unwilling to give away more of their situation.
"In that case, would you two like to stay at my house?"
Choi blinks.
Section II. Adjusting to a new reality - 5%
It takes time, but Choi truly starts to believe that this isn't their world anymore.
The next morning, he wakes with swollen eyes and a foggy brain. The first thing he sees is an unfamiliar ceiling, which Choi immediately recalls belongs to their strange host.
The night before, Soleum had been nothing but helpful, and even though he was clearly tired and weary, he had been very accommodating towards the two of them.
His house had been lacking proper ingredients for a meal, but he had cooked ramen for the two of them and set up blankets in his room for them to sleep. Soleum had insisted on taking the couch in his living room, because he had to leave early for work in the morning.
It was a fight that the two of them lost, to Choi's surprise. Regardless, Choi is very grateful towards their host.
Choi washes up in bathroom before yawning as he wanders out into the kitchen. Bronze is already out, sitting at the table. He's staring down at something, and Choi peers over his shoulder.
It's a bit of cash, a phone, and a note. Choi picks it up and skims it over. It seems that he's left them a way to buy some breakfast, and he's jotted down a couple things of importance.
Like his address and phone number.
Bronze is silent. He'd been quiet all the way back yesterday, as Soleum had invited them into his home and prepared everything they might need. "Looks like he left his old phone for us," Choi says. It doesn't have a functional phone number, but it's still connected to the wifi.
It'll be enough to get around.
"Sunbae," Bronze finally says, his voice quiet. Choi puts the note down and gazes down at his junior's face. He looks a little contemplative and sad. "Is it really true?"
Bronze is smart. He can be a little inflexible with his thinking, but he's always been quick to pick things up. Choi only places a hand on his shoulder, hoping that it's somewhat reassuring.
"We can't be sure yet," Choi says quietly. "For now, we continue observing. There's not much else we can do anyways."
Bronze seems to accept his words. He must be a little more convinced because Choi isn't disagreeing with his thoughts. "For now, shall we go pick up something to eat?" Choi says, forcing his voice to sound brighter.
His head is filled with all kinds of thoughts, and he wants nothing more than to try and sort through them, but food comes first. Bronze nods his agreement, and the two of them make their way outside.
The sun peeks over the buildings, soft and gentle. The air feels fresh and clean, and Choi exhales deeply. The view here is familiar, appearing exactly like what he might see at home.
Tall apartments gathered amidst trees. A bus station right outside the exit of the area, along with children in the distance boarding a little bus.
"It feels the same, doesn't it?" Choi murmurs. Bronze doesn't say anything. And yet, something about this place soothes his frayed nerves, allowing Choi to feel like he can breathe. Together, they quietly make their way down the street.
There's a little kimbap shop down the road, which they found after a quick search. The lady there is friendly and warm, and Choi easily wins her over with a few well placed words. She sends them back with an extra roll each, which should be enough to cover their lunch as well.
It feels odd. Rarely do they get a peaceful morning like this, where they can just stroll around as if they don't have a care in the world. Choi can't recall the last time he took such a leisure walk first thing in the morning.
The weather is nice too. It's not warm enough that he needs to take off his jacket, which he has zipped up to hide his scar. Though it was still this morning, a delicate breeze has picked up. On the way back, they stop by a convenience store to pick up a small drink before heading back to Soleum's apartment.
As they exit the convenience store, Bronze's shoulders have started to relax. He's been tense since last night, which is completely understandable, but Choi is glad to see he's starting to unwind a little. Being on edge for so long will only prove detrimental to him.
"It's peaceful here," Choi comments. Bronze nods minutely. Something about the air here feels different, but Choi can't fully describe what it is. Instinctively, he knows he shouldn't let his guard down, and he's still wary.
But his body insists that something has changed.
"That man that helped us last night," Bronze starts hesitantly, his voice uncertain. Choi understands his sentiments completely. "Do you think he's alright in the head?"
Choi bursts into startled laughter. Bronze glares at him, but Choi can't help himself. It's so unlike his junior to say such a phrase, and he clutches at his stomach as he laughs himself to death.
Bronze waits with crossed arms for Choi to calm down, and he eventually wipes his tears away from his eyes. "Who knows?" He chuckles. "Maybe he thought he could take both of us if we ended up mugging him. He might secretly be an amazing fighter, you know?"
Even if he was, Choi has complete confidence that the two of them could suppress him easily enough. And based on the way Soleum carried himself, he was no fighter. Choi is pretty sure a single punch would be enough to put him down.
Bronze makes a noise of disbelief. "How could he trust two men so easily and just invite them into his house like it was nothing?" Bronze asks. He still seems stupefied, so Choi pats him on the back reassuringly.
"It's not like we had a better choice last night," Choi tells him. It really was a godsend of an offer. "We have nothing right now, and we might have starved on the streets." Choi wouldn't let them get to that point ever, but Bronze wouldn't approve of his methods, even at the point of desperation.
"Let's get back and eat, and then we can think, alright?" As if right on cue, Bronze's stomach growls, and his cheeks turn a pale pink. Choi laughs at the cute sight and slings an arm over his shoulders.
A quick search of their host's apartment reveals that he lives a very minimal lifestyle. Choi is very careful to leave no traces of his search, and he sits on the couch without an ounce of guilt.
Soleum doesn't own much. In fact, there's almost no personality to his apartment. Kim Soleum really is just an average salaryman, one who probably goes to work and then comes home and goes to work again the next morning. He probably lives like this everyday, without deviating from his schedule.
Bronze had given him a side eye while Choi was snooping through the house, but Choi is well practiced in being selective. He only sees what he wants to see.
More importantly, he had done some research on his phone. Wherever they are now, it's clear that their workplace no longer exists. Choi can't find even a trace of their existence, nor can he find any records that they might have existed.
What he does find instead...
It's a thought for another day. Choi knows better than to dig carelessly.
There's not much to do at at the apartment, so he considers going out. Then he figures they should wait for their host to come back first, so they can figure out exactly what their situation will be from now on. As gracious as he was to allow them to stay for one day, Choi's not sure that goodwill will extend for multiple days.
After a quick discussion with his partner, they both decide to remain at the apartment. Bronze hesitantly turns the television on to watch the news, and Choi joins him on the couch. It feels almost mundane, watching the events happening today.
Nothing on disasters. No missing people reports. No unexplainable deaths broadcasted all over the screen. It makes Choi feel unsettled, but he continues to listen carefully.
As such, the day passes by slowly. Since all they can really do is use the television, Choi ends up flipping through the different channels. Nothing looks super interesting, so he ends up watching some soap opera that is only mildly entertaining.
By his side, Bronze dozes. He seems tired, which Choi doesn't fault him for. When his head starts to dip, Choi gently straightens up and pushes Bronze's head down to his shoulder. His junior goes down without a word of protest, and Choi lowers the volume so he won't wake.
Really, Bronze should be honored. He's not the type to lend his shoulder out to just anyone, but he'll always make an exception for his junior. Choi continues to watch the drama as Bronze slumbers, and the clock continues to tick by slowly.
After an eternity later, Bronze wakes. He slowly stirs, his weight heavy against Choi's side. "Morning," he teases, and Bronze grumbles a bit before sitting up. His hair is a little mussed, and Choi resists the urge to run his hand over it and mess it up even more.
"What time is it?" Bronze asks, and Choi looks at the clock. It's almost eight, and he tells him so. A hint of concern enters his face.
"He's not back yet?"
Choi shakes his head. "Looks like he's running a little late today," Choi shrugs, but he can't deny the faint worry he feels as well.
Perhaps something happened on the way back? He promised he'd be back as soon as he was off work, and it's starting to get late. If Choi knew where he worked, he'd go searching after him to make sure he was safe, but he's completely in the blind right now.
Right then, he hears the familiar beeps coming from the door. "Looks like we were worried for no reason," Choi says, and the door opens to show Soleum.
He looks a little frazzled as he steps through the front door. "Sorry I'm late," he apologizes, and the door clicks shut behind him. He quickly slips his shoes off before walking over to them, a couple bags in his hands. "I had to run a couple errands."
Soleum places one of them in front of him. "I brought some dinner," he offers, and Choi peers inside. It's Chinese food, and it smells divine. He'd kill for spicy seafood noodles.
Soleum ends up pulling out a table, and he unfolds it before setting it on the ground. Bronze helps him, and Choi puts sets the food out.
Once again, Choi is struck by how odd this whole situation is. He's not sure he himself would be so kind to invite two strange men into his house.
"Thank you for the food," Bronze bows his head, and Choi copies him. Soleum nods back, and the three of them dig in.
Dinner is silent, but it's not uncomfortable. It seems their host is not a person of many words, but Choi is not bothered. Instead, he takes the time to discretely observe Soleum.
Once they're done eating, Choi clears his throat. "Would you mind if we talked after we clean up?" He asks, his voice taking on a serious tone. Soleum merely nods, but he tries to protest when Bronze tells him that the two of them will take care of the cleaning.
"It's the least we can do," Choi tells him with a light-hearted grin. Choi firmly ushers Soleum onto the couch while Bronze picks up the trash. It only takes a couple minutes to throw it out, and then they're seated in front of him.
To be completely honest, Choi's not entirely sure where to start.
The fact that they're stuck here is something that they can't change with their own power, and while Choi might have a couple avenues that he can explore, nothing is guaranteed. Choi straightens his back, facing Soleum straight on.
He's about to be shameless, but Choi has always been good at that. In fact, it's one of his special skills. Agent Haegeum has scolded him on multiple occasions, and even Bronze has tried to curb his behavior. Choi has never once let the two of them win against him.
"First, we're both very grateful you let us stay here last night," Choi starts, his voice deliberately soft. "You really helped us out."
"Yes," Bronze agrees. "We'll do what we can to repay you. It meant a lot that you were willing to let us stay here." Soleum's face is expressionless, but Choi doesn't miss the slight pink on his ears.
"So here's the thing," Choi presses on, before Soleum can say anything else. "We're a little stranded at the moment, and we can't quite get in contact with anyone. Nor do we have any money that we can use."
Bronze's head snaps up towards him. "Sunbae," he hisses, visibly alarmed by the amount of information that's starting to spill out of his mouth. Choi habitually ignores him and smiles brightly up at their host.
"Would you be willing to let us stay for a bit longer?" He asks, shameless in the way he asks. "We won't ask you for free, of course. We'll get jobs and contribute."
"Sunbae."
Bronze sounds genuinely horrified, but Choi gives him a side glance. "You know we don't have many other options," he says to him gently. Bronze's mouth snaps shut, because he knows it's true.
Choi carefully turns his gaze back towards Soleum. It's working, because he can see the man visibly hesitating, softening at their words. Choi is glad that Bronze's actions are easy to predict.
He waits patiently. He can see the cogs in Soleum's brain turning.
Slowly, his mouth opens.
"I wouldn't mind," he admits, and Choi has to hide the smile that threatens to break out. "But if you're in a difficult position, I don't mind if you take some time to work things out."
That takes Choi by surprise, and his expression does something funny before he manages to collect himself again. "That's very generous of you," he somehow manages to say in response.
And it is. Choi also starts to wonder if this person is alright in the head.
Something is definitely off. Choi has his suspicions, but he'll have time to investigate later. "Are you certain you're okay with us staying?" Bronze asks, his voice hesitant and soft.
His poor junior. Choi wants to reach over and console him, but now isn't the time. "Yes," Soleum bobs his head up and down. "It's not like I'm really at home anyways, and I don't have that many valuables."
Well. Choi can't say it's the most unusual logic he's ever heard of, but it's still an odd thought to have. Before he can say anything else, Soleum reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small plastic bag.
It's a sim card.
"I didn't have enough money to purchase another phone, so I hope you don't mind sharing for the time being," Soleum says awkwardly. Choi takes the offered gift, scrutinizing it with a sharp eye.
"It's more than enough," Bronze shakes his head. There's clear gratitude in his face, and he looks a little overwhelmed at how generous their host is being."Once we have enough, we'll be sure to cover the cost of the bill and repay you for the phone."
It really is just a sim card. Choi pulls the phone out and slides the sim card in, watching as cell bars fill the top. He opens the contacts and enters in Soleum's number, then he makes a call to him.
The sound of vibration startles Soleum, who reaches for his own phone in his bag. "That's my number," Choi grins. "Don't forget to save it."
Bronze elbows him, and Choi wheezes. His junior has sharp elbows. "Okay," Soleum says quietly. He taps on his phone before tucking it away.
"I'm pretty tired, so I'm going to head to bed," Soleum says, diverting the topic. He does look quite weary, with impressive bags under his eyes. Soleum must have had a long day at work.
Before he disappears, Soleum pulls out another envelope and places it in front of them. When Bronze gingerly picks it up, he sees that it's full of cash. "It's not a lot, but please use it for whatever you need."
Really.
This man is ridiculous.