Chapter Text
“...Huh?”
“Huh?”
A pair of plum-blossom eyes blinked at the eerily similar face before him — albeit younger. The resemblance was uncanny.
In the corner, Tang Bo was practically dying, clutching the wall for support as he wheezed with laughter.
On a normal day, Chung Myung would have punched him over the head. But right now, that thought was pushed to the very back of his mind as he stared at the twelve year old in front of him.
To understand how they got here, let’s rewind thirty minutes.
.
.
.
Chung Myung grumbled as he was sent to the principal’s office, for the third time today. He swore the teachers were conspiring against him. It wasn’t his fault the guy had been asking to be punched!
His thoughts screeched to a halt when he heard Chung Mun — the principal — sigh for what felt like the hundredth time.
“Um… sahyung, you okay?”
If looks could kill, Chung Myung would’ve been six feet under.
A chill ran down his spine as Chung Mun smiled, though it did not reach his eyes.
“You—” Chung Mun began, his tone calm in a way that was far more terrifying than shouting. “I don’t even know what to say.”
He could already feel a headache forming. This brat was shaving years off his life.
“Come on, sahyung! It wasn’t my fault, I swear—”
One look from Chung Mun shut him up instantly.
Chung Mun pinched the bridge of his nose.
“First of all, you are getting one week of detention. In which you will study. And I repeat , study.”
“But sahyung—”
“Second, you will write a handwritten apology.”
Chung Myung crossed his arms but didn’t argue.
“Lastly, you are on newcomer duty. The new middle school students are arriving today. You’ll be showing them around.”
This time, he didn’t even try to hide the horror on his face.
“What? Sahyung, is your memory getting hazy with age? I have to babysit those brats? I’ve got club practice next period!”
Truthfully, the only reason Chung Myung hadn’t been expelled was because of the ungodly number of medals he’d won for the school (and because Chung Mun loved him dearly, though he would never admit that out loud).
He was the pride of the taekwondo club. The best they’d ever had.
But right now, Chung Mun couldn’t care less. He wanted to drag this ungrateful sajae of his by the ear and beat him up.
The only thing keeping him from doing so was that last shred of his dignity as principal.
“Oh? That reminds me,” Chung Mun said mildly. “You won’t be allowed to compete in inter-school competitions if you fail your exams.”
'…Again.' He added inwardly.
"And you brat! Have the decency to call me Principal at least in school!"
Chung Myung froze.
He didn’t even process the part about calling him “Principal”.
“I won’t be allowed to compete?” he repeated, betrayed. “Because of some stupid classes?”
“Volunteering for council work gives extra credit,” Chung Mun added coolly. “You might even pass.”
Chung Myung pouted.( It was horrifying )
“Fine,” he muttered begrudgingly.
“I expect you on time. Also, members from Tang School are here for a practice match. Inform Chung Jin you won’t be attending.”
Now that perked him up.
Tang School meant martial club members.
Which meant Tang Bo.
And if Chung Myung had to suffer through babysitting duty, then Tang Bo absolutely was too.
(What? Tang bo isn't from his school? Who cares, he was still joining him. )
—
Now, Chung Myung had prepared himself for snot-nosed, grumpy middle schoolers.
He had even decided how to whack them so as to not cause much damage.
What he had not prepared for was his own face greeting him at the entrance.
“Wow, hyung, I didn’t know you had a ki—ACK—HYUNG PUT YOUR HANDS DOWN!”
Tang Bo immediately surrendered, backing away with his hands raised, though the smug grin remained firmly in place.
But seriously.
Who was this kid?
"You. Kid. Name." Chung Myung spat out.
“Oi! Who do you think you’re calling a kid?! I’m clearly more dignified than you!”
Behind him, the kid's friends immediately sweated. This bastard just had to provoke anyone who came in front of him. But honestly, even they couldn't help but wonder about their relationship.
Tang Bo on the other hand grinned mischievously.
"Never mind him" he started. swatting his hand as if to dismiss Chung Myung.
He crouched dramatically and continued.
“Little one… how would you like unlimited snacks?”
Cheong Myeong narrowed his eyes. “What’s the catch?”
“Call him dad.”
Silence.
“…Don’t you dare.” Chyung Myung's voice dripped with death.
The little kid smirked and-
“Dad.”
Tang Bo collapsed laughing. As well as from the hit he received on his head.
_____
Chung Mun stared (yes quite literally stared-for a whole minute if I may add) with a face quite unbecoming of a Principal. But honestly, who could blame him? Even Chung-jin dropped his papers at the sight.
The second he laid eyes on innocent, chubby cheeked Cheong Myeong, nostalgia hit him like a truck.
His chest filled with warmth and his eyes threatened to overflow with tears.
“My… my sajae used to look like this…”
Before he became the devil incarnate.
Innocent, Untainted and undeniably cute.
He kneeled down gently. “What is your name?”
Cheong Myeong smiled sweetly at the Principal.
Tang bo snickered in the background as if he already knew that Chung Mun’s hopes were about to be crushed.
“I am Cheong Myeong sir.” He bowed, he actually bowed. His Chung Myu- no wait this was not him but still, in Chung Mun’s eyes, it was his sajae who was being respectful. He even called him sir!
Finally, He thought
Heaven is rewarding him for putting up with Chung Myung for so many years. Yes, This child is certainly god-send to heal his heart.
Just as Chung Mun had finished thanking the heavens-
BAM!
Cheong Myeong had punched a student for bumping into him.
Chung Mun froze.
In the pin-drop silence that followed, everyone could hear Chung Mun’s heart breaking.
“...Chung-jin, make sure to double my order of stomach pills..”
At that point Chung Mun knew with bone chilling surety– Now there would be two students frequenting the detention hall.