「Those Who Seek Solace」LCF x ORV

Chapter 10 - "You Deserve The Best"

As a fifteen-year-old teenager, there is not much you can do in a world where capitalism is thriving and resources are taken for granted.

Kim Dokja, as a child who grew up in an abusive family, technically would not see the world's problem that was going on now.

He wasn't supposed to care since he has more problems to solve such as what he should do for the next day's food, but no. Instead, he gave most of his savings as a donation to the scientist who was brave enough to warn that the world doesn't have that many years left.

It left an unsettling feeling blooming in his chest, to think that the world he lives in is dying didn't give him peace of mind.

It was one of his usual morning routines. Waking up quietly and hopefully, there won't be new bruises littering his body. He would first go to the usual place to donate money to plant trees and then go to school.

It was quite the normal occurrence, people sending him smiles and some giving him pitying looks when they see his blemished skin.

"Does it make a difference?"

The only new experience was a man staring at the donation place and him, sitting rather lazily on a bench nearby where Kim Dokja is.

"What is?" He answers, seeing that the man was talking to him.

"Doing all of...this."

Kim Dokja didn't answer for a few seconds, but he sat beside the man.

"At least someone tries to make a difference. The world deserves better after all."

The man sighs forlornly, "The world deserves better, but the people don't, is that it?"

Kim Dokja, this time, didn't answer. He just stood up and started walking away to go to school.

The next day, the man was there again.

Kim Dokja eyed the man from head to toe, "...Ahjussi, what's with your clothes?"

The man was wearing a bucket hat, sunglasses, a black shirt, and trousers.

There was nothing wrong with what he was wearing, the only odd garment that was sticking out was the white coat.

"It's called a disguise, kid."

Kim Dokja was further confused at that.

"What are you, a kpop artist?" Kim Dokja asks humorously, but he squints his eyes when the man didn't answer him.

The man then smirks at him, "Why? Do you want my autograph?"

The teenager frowns, before slinging his bag on his shoulders and started walking away.

'A lunatic. He's a lunatic.'

The next day, the man was there again.

"Do you, perhaps...I don't know, enjoy annoying me?"

The man scoffs at Kim Dokja's annoyed expression and found it rather amusing, "Like I said, I'm in disguise."

"Instead of an idol, are you a wanted criminal or something?"

The man lets out a boisterous laugh.

"Do you count stealing from bad guys, blowing up an island, and scamming as illegal acts?"

Kim Dokja instantly backs away.

The man laughs again but this time, a little more softly than the first.

"Kid, I was just joking. You should have seen your face."

Kim Dokja once again, walks away.

The next day, he sees the man reading a book in his usual spot.