Choi Jung Soo and his Little Friend

by small_mew

Summary:

Choi Jung Soo was going to be someone who would catch all the rare monsters one day. His family was going to talk about him with the same awe they did about his grandpa... One day!

Those were Jung Soo's thoughts as he attempted to catch a little raccoon like monster Leeshuk who was pulling pranks on him everyday.

Notes:

This is a pokemon inspired AU! Specifically based on the art by this artist taengnya1221 o((>ω< ))o!

Please enjoy reading :3!

Chapter 1: I am going to catch him!

Choi Jung Soo was dirty.

Mud from the nearby stream completely dirtied his clothes, he was covered in soil from head to toe to the point Choi Jung Soo’s mother may have a trouble recognizing him. Well, that would be the case if he wasn’t known as the most free spirited child in the village.

There was not a single worry in his mind over dirty clothes— not when he was so close to catching Leeshuk. A tiny monster that has been terrorizing him for months. (It was, actually, him who terrorized the poor creature.) Today was finally the day he’ll catch this monster!

“Three…” Preparing a butterfly net in his hands.

All kinds of monsters appeared on Earth many years ago, nobody knew why these creatures appeared or where they came from. These animal-like monsters varied in size, shape and their demeanor. Despite their sudden appearance, it was not hard to integrate them in the society— especially the ones that were not violent. In no time they managed to fill all kinds of different roles; from assistants to companions.

“Two…” The little creature with an appearance similar to a fluffy round raccoon looked the child straight into the eyes, as if challenging him for a fight. The boy fixed his hold on the butterfly net that was too small to actually catch a monster of Leeshuk’s size.

Many people started collecting these creatures and training them for different competitions. One of those people was Choi Jung Gun— Jung Soo’s grandfather. The child grew up constantly hearing stories about his grandfather and all his amazing achievements. He was said to have caught a legendary monster with godlike powers. But Jung Soo never got to meet him as his grandfather went on a trip all around the world. Well, his mom said grandpa went on a long vacation while his dad told him he went missing. His mother never teased him so she must be correct.

“ONE!” Choi Jung Soo launched himself onto the poor animal with his butterfly net. Leeshuk, who expected this, after all this was not their first rodeo, quickly stepped to the side.

Jung Soo was going to be someone who will catch all the rare monsters one day. His family is going to talk about him with the same awe they did about his grandpa. One day! But that day was not today; He fell face first into the mud. Rude giggling could be heard for the side. Laughing like a donkey with his teeth out, the annoying sound seemed unstoppable— if Jung Soo was less pissed, he’d worry if his Leeshuk was going to choke on his own spit. Young child raised his head and gave the little monster a death glare which didn’t seem to intimidate the little creature at all. Instead, Leeshuk turned around and mockingly danced with his butt to the kid’s head.

A smirk.

Choi Jung Soo jumped quickly. “Hehehe! Got you!”

He caught the distracted monster.

The blue fluff was in his hold finally. And fierce that blue fluff was, struggling for his freedom. Yet tiny Leeshuk wasn’t successful with his tries of getting out of the child’s arms. “I’m not letting you go now!”

A bright smile appeared on Choi Jung Soo’s face. Finally! FINALLY! After months of trying to catch this one monster and suffering unimaginable losses (dirty clothes and daily baths), he finally caught it!

“I will have to show you to dad! He said I’ll never be able to catch you.” He giggled with glee.

Leeshuk tried to free himself with constant flailing, yet there was no chance of getting out of this vicious hold of a five year old.

Choi Jung Soo ran back towards the village. His father had told him to stop trying to go after his Leeshuk, how he’ll never catch it. Heh! Dad will see how wrong he was.

As the house came into view, the boy noticed his father right outside.

“Dad! look!” His excited calls got the attention of the middle aged man who grimaced as soon as he saw the state his kid was in. The kid was as clean as the bottom of the river La Seine.

The second thing that caught his attention was an extremely troubled monster in his son’s hands, raised all the way up in the air. Monsters were not toys, but his son was the type of person who liked to mess around and find out. As long as he didn’t harm the animal, there was no reason to intervene.

“You finally caught him, huh?”

“YES!” The giddy laugh came from the kid that achieved something important for the first time in his life.

“Isn’t he cute?” Kid commented.

While his father stayed quiet, there was a simple thought going through his head, ‘Well yes, because he’s at least clean.’

Jung Soo gently hugged Leeshuk with one hand. The childish urge to pet the animal in his arms, his hand moved closer to pat him—

OUCH!

His hold on Leeshuk loosened. The small blue monster used the opportunity to run away.

“No!” Choi Jung Soo cried and ran after the small creature. The punk dared to bite him right when he was about to give him the best pets of his life.

The father who observed everything from a distance couldn’t help but sigh fondly. This has been going on for months, the little monster appeared in their village out of nowhere and kept on stealing their food stash. Almost like a squirrel or a racoon. Choi Jung Soo discovered him first, and ever since then they’ve been playing cat and mouse.

Jung Soo’s dad hummed. At least their game was going to build Choi Jung Soo’s character. A determined man who wouldn’t give up easily. That’s also what he’d want for his son to grow up into.

Later that day the bath Choi Jung Soo received was the one from hell. All the dirt and grime washed off of him turned the water into ugly brown color. It tasted just as it looked— not good. If his mother asked— no, he did not take a gulp of his bath water.

He failed today a big time, but that’s okay. He finally had fluffy Leeshuk in his hands. It was some progress. Looking at his hands, the kid tried to remember how it was to hold the tiny monster. The softness and warmth that hugged his arms as he held the blue creature was unforgettable.

A fire in his eyes did not die down. He will catch Leeshuk no matter what.

“Here is your soda Jung Soo-yah.” His auntie placed a glass of lemon soda on the garden table.

“Thank you!” Replied with a bright smile before returning to what he was doing previously.

A trap. He was going to make the best trapping contraption that even someone as shrewd as Leeshuk won't be able to escape. With the black marker in his hand, he started brainstorming how this machine should look like. It must be big. Big enough to make his uncle Han awe from the sheer size of the contraption. Sturdy to not get broken as easily by the hits Leeshuk may throw at it.

 

Unbeknownst to the little kid, the furred friend was observing from the side with a great curiosity. What was he planning?

Quietly sneaking to the child, Leeshuk's eyes fell on the yellow sparkling juice. It has been a while since he had stolen something so sweet to drink. His gaze moved to the kid who was doodling something on the grass. He had his back completely turned away from the table. Leeshuk could easily take a sip or two. Silently climbing onto the table with the help of the chair— the glass of this beautiful heavenly nectar was within his reach.

Taking the straw in his hands, Leeshuk took a sip. The carbonated liquid filled his mouth- his tail curled and ears flicked. It was as heavenly as he predicted. Cold enough to keep him cool and refreshed for a while.

“This is perfect!” The yell made Leeshuk jump.

The glass slipped.

But nothing happened! The small monster managed to catch the glass before it spilled. A soft sigh left his mouth. Yet, noticing that Jung Soo was turning around, he quickly jumped off the table and hid under the chair. His presence shouldn't be noticeable thanks to the long tablecloth. A perfect hiding spot.

“Huh?” Choi Jung Soo looked at the glass confused. Didn't auntie fill it up completely? While it was still more than half full, it looked as if someone drank from it. Looking around, not a single of his cousins were around, only his uncle, Choi Han. Uncle Han was exercising swordsmanship close by as usual. Shrugging, the kid took a sip of his soda before returning to his drawings.

Leeshuk, who was finally in the clear from the dangerous gaze of the kid, returned back to the table and took the straw in his paw. He took a few small sips before letting go of the straw and burping—

 

Oh no-

 

Choi Jung Soo turned around quickly after hearing a noise behind him. It came from the table. Circling around it, he found nothing out of order. Chair was empty. Jung Soo’s eyes fell on his drink—

"Why is it already half empty?” He asked before shooting a glare to uncle Han, there was nobody else who would have drank it. Choi Jung Soo, deciding that he will keep his eyes on him, returned to his drawing.

The poor teen was unaware of death glares sent his way by the baby nephew. Instead, Choi Han was focused on the sword in his hands. Blisters were decorating his palms from the constant learning and training but it never bothered him, after all, his goal was to one day become a sword teacher and martial artist.

Yet the tiredness from the heavy wooden sword in his arms finally took its toll. After one last swing of the weapon, Choi Han let go of the sword and took a break.

Placing his weapon on the ground, Han took the towel and wiped sweat off his face. His gaze fell on his baby nephew. Jung Soo seemed to have a great time doodling whatever was on his mind. In Choi village nobody owned a fence, it was only natural to shade garden space with the family. When Jung Soo came over today claiming to need his old toys to create something his mother happily indulged him. Tons of building blocks varying in sizes and shapes were next to him.

At the edge of his vision he saw a small blue fluff ball crawling out of his hiding spot under the table. Han quietly watched the tiny monster climb up the garden chair and table, all that work only to successfully steal a few sips of Jung Soo’s drink. Choi Han looked towards the kid whose drink was just getting stolen, a smile of disbelief on his lips— two of them locked eyes.

Choi Jung Soo pouted before quickly turning around towards his soda. The little Leeshuk hid under the tablecloth. Choi Han couldn’t hold back a snort at the pure comedy happening in front of him.

“Uncle Han… Stop drinking my soda!” Jung Soo looked at him offended. “That’s not nice!”

‘Uh oh.’

“It wasn’t me.” Choi Han couldn’t remove a fond smile from his face. Doubtful glare of his baby nephew looked far too adorable. The kid returned back to drawing, keeping a watchful eye on him. The fluffy Leeshuk was climbing onto the table again, determined to finish the whole drink.

This felt like he was witnessing a whole comedy cartoon show in front of him. Just what was happening in front of Choi Han’s eyes. His nephew was so determined to catch this small Leeshuk while the monster in question often pulled pranks on him. They were quite a cute duo.

 

A burp.

 

Leeshuk, who finished the whole lemon soda, burped the excess amount of air that formed in his belly. Choi Jung Soo turned in second to see who was behind him.

“You!” The kid looked utterly shocked by the audacity the monster who drank his juice without even asking had. Leeshuk who realized he had Jung Soo’s attention on himself did a ‘ Teehe’ face and promptly ran away.

Jung Soo started sprinting right after, screaming the following: “I WILL CATCH YOU!”

Choi Han laughed as two of them got lost in the nearby grove.

He approached the garden table to bring the dirty glass in the sink— he could afford taking a bit longer break before continuing his training. With the glass in his hands, his eyes darted to the drawing left on the grass.

A smile on his face widened as he saw a drawing of a plan on how to trap Leeshuk. Some letters were inverted and completely wrong, yet the badly drawn Leeshuk trapped in a box was rather cute. Taking the paper, he turned it around and inspected the other side— a drawing of a happy Leeshuk and Choi Jung Soo holding hands.

Choi Han never considered himself to be an extremely sappy person, but he’ll keep this drawing to himself as a memory… Unless Choi Jung Soo comes back looking for it.

Judging from happy yells and screams in the distance, he doubted it’ll be the case.

Chapter 2: Choi Jung Soo, Leeshuk and a lake

Summary:

Winter wonderland with Choi Jung Soo and Leeshuk

Notes:

Ahem... have fun reading this chapter.

I am not sorry.

The bright sun and clear sun would almost make anyone think today was a summer day. However, as soon as they looked at the ground, layers of snow would tell the truth. It was winter.

Despite the cold air biting his skin, Choi Jung Soo loved the winter.

Temperatures must’ve already reached below freezing for the last few days. Ice dams have started decorating roofs of the village houses and Choi Jung Soo’s father was constantly complaining about frozen car windows and doors.

On the other hand, Jung Soo was having the best time of his life. He was finally six years old. Finally tall enough to reach kitchen table with ease nothing could stop him. And this year, he was finally going to build a proper snowman. The snow layer was pretty thick but one should not underestimate the ice that formed.

Rolling a huge ball of snow, Jung Soo finished the base. The other two layers of the snowman were just as easy to finish as the previous one. His fingers were still warm thanks to the thick new gloves he was gifted for Christmas by Santa.

The snowman was taller than him.

The snowman was also naked. Limbless. And blind. Even the child as small as him could figure out it must not feel all that nice to be naked, limbless and blind. Frankly, Choi Jung Soo wouldn’t enjoy not having hands or not being able to see things. How would he steal and play his sister’s game console otherwise? Going away, the only thing running through his mind was about how he was going to decorate the white balls of snow that looked surprisingly misshapen and half destroyed; The snowman was taller than him and Choi Jung Soo was never the one to use a ladder or stool.

He looked towards his home, and his smile brightened when he saw his older sister close to the living room window. A loud thud could be heard where the ball of snow met the window. Choi Jung Soo looked at the window. A frown deepened against his childish features. ‘Did she not hear the ball?’

He made another ball of snow and threw it towards the window—

“I’m— pfft— Sorry! HAAHAHHAHA” The laugh which the kid couldn’t keep inside ruthlessly killed whatever apology left his mouth.

“Just… ugh. What do you need?” His sister’s eyebrow twitched as the snow melting on her head made her hair into a wet mush. The only reason she didn’t run outside to give her little brother a snow bath herself is because she had to wash her hair today anyway. This gave her an excuse to jump in the shower asap.

If she knew opening the window once this little punk threw the first snowball would lead to this, she’d have ignored him.

“Hahahaha!” She observed him with an unamused expression, a frown tugging slightly on her lips. What happened earlier definitely was not funny enough for her brother to be rolling on the ground like he was in the first row of a comedy show.

“Ha…” After a minute, Jung Soo was panting from the raw strength he needed for laughing.

“Can you, pretty please, bring me a winter shawl and cap? Along with something shaped like a circle?” The six year old asked.

“Are you making a snowman?”

“YES!” The bright smile present on his face was warm enough to melt his sister’s cold heart filled with pettiness and make her forget about the freezing breeze slowly entering their home. The joyful bicker from the two summoned a small fluffy creature.

Peeking out from the tiny attic window, Leeshuk observed what was going on between two siblings. The little monster, who was currently spending his days hidden in Jung Soo’s house, has become even fluffier. The blue fur, thicker than before, was shielding him from the harsh wind and freezing temperatures. He was so round, someone could mistake him for a ball.

His curiosity reached its highest bubbling point as he saw his friend approach the huge pile of snow and start decorating it with buttons, bottle caps and clothing items. Leeshuk couldn’t stay anymore in this stuffy room. Slowly leaving through the window, the blue ball jumped off from the third floor.

It was fine though, he did it many times in the past. Finding himself on the cold ground, Leeshuk quietly approached Jung Soo. The curiosity got the better of him; What was his friend building?

Orange carrot was placed as a nose for the snowman and with that Choi Jung Soo’s hard work was finally over.

He turned around, ready to beg for his sister to come out and see a masterpiece worth more than Michelangelo's paintings decorating the roof of the Sistine Chapel when he saw the little fluffy monster! Leeshuk!

He gasped and jumped as quickly as possible in hope to catch him— needless to say, the monster masterfully escaped. Jung Soo landed face first into the snow. His reddened cheeks from the freezing air of winter got even more red. Like two small red apples.

A tiny giggling could be heard coming from behind him.

“No. You ain’t running away this time!” A bright grin on his face as he made a snowball and tried to aim it for the tiny monster while running. Leeshuk giggled as he ran towards the forest.

Without its greenery, the nearby forest looked empty, desolate and sad. Naked branches with a layer of snow on top, which was threatening to fall upon the smallest wind, were casting small shadows on the ground. The place that was usually in complete shade from dense leaves and nature fighting for the light finally got reached by the sun. Today was a sunny day with no clouds on the horizon.

Leeshuk quickly ran, but was always checking behind to see if the child was following him. A grin on his tiny face was bright, he loved playing like this.

He ran down the hill towards the frozen lake. Choi Jung Soo followed right after, laughing brightly that the dimples in his cheek were almost visible.

He was not going to let the little monster escape! He ran after him downhill.

SLIP.

 

 

 

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Choi Jung Soo slipped onto the ice that formed from melting snow. The rolling down the hill hurt- his whole body felt bruised, yet he was unable to stop himself. Every second he kept on rolling; the speed increased.

He hit something hard.

His body stopped rolling but it slipped all the way to the middle of frozen lake.

Choi Jung Soo groaned as he finally dared his eyes open. Pain coursing his whole body was quickly forgotten as he realized where he was. In the middle of frozen lake. His breath became shaky, as the memories flooded.

Last year when he visited the lake with some of his family members, an ice broke under one of the adults. The panic everyone around him felt was a distant memory that came haunting him right now.

The shouts and yells.

The break of ice that came out of nowhere.

He felt like a heart was stuck in his throat.

Last year when uncle Han’s grandpa fell into the frozen lake and got stuck in the hospital for a whole month, Choi Jung Soo learned not to trust the ice and to not get onto this frozen lake.

But he was in the middle of the lake.

What if the ice breaks under him?

It was hard to get to the air.

His vision got blurry.

Non-human sound entered Jung Soo’s ears— he moved his gaze upwards to see who was making that sound. He saw a blue fur full of worry approaching the lake. “NO!”

Leeshuk flinched at the frightened yell coming from his friend. “Do not step on the ice!”

Jung Soo’s frustrations and fears were not unfounded. What if this ice breaks under both of them?

He took a deep breath and tried to stand up. There was one thing he needed to do. Get off of the lake. Yet, as he moved his right leg up and tried to lean onto it— a sharp pain shot through. He hissed loudly.

Leeshuk’s ear twitched; He could hear every hiss Jung Soo let out. He could always hear more sounds than humans. The little monster realized the situation was serious, he should help. He tried to step on the ice.

“No! Don’t you dare Leeshuk!” Leeshuk flinched. Desperate voice laced with fear didn’t suit Choi Jung Soo at all. Looking towards the child that was breathing heavily and crying while trying to crawl towards the safety of land, Leeshuk thought quickly.

“No no— why is it cracking—!”

The little monster boosted away, he needed to find someone to help Choi Jung Soo. Leeshuk ran with the speed he never used before, adrenaline rush made his legs ten times faster.

He approached Choi Jung Soo’s house. Despite jumping on the window sill and knocking loudly; nobody noticed. Jung Soo’s sister was listening to music loudly while his mother watched TV. Leeshuk quickly jumped off and ran around the whole village trying to find someone. Jung Soo’s father was usually the one accompanying the child outside, but currently he was stuck under a car— fixing it.

Leeshuk didn’t see him.

The little monster was starting to panick, running around, creating noises in hopes someone would be there—

Gentle hands picked him up.

“Huh, aren’t you that one Leeshuk that’s constantly sneaking around and playing with Jung Soo?” A gentle smile.

Leeshuk recognized the boy immediately, Han. That’s what villagers called him. Han was a good human and someone who always gave him little treats.

“What’s going on?” Upon hearing Han’s question Leeshuk started to struggle. The little creature found himself on the cold ground in a blink of an eye. Leeshuk let out a noise and started running towards the forest.

Taking the hint, Han ran right after. This was his first time seeing this tiny Leeshuk so upset, Han wasn’t sure what to expect as he followed him.

Ten minutes. Overall trip from this part of the forest, finding Choi Han and coming back took Leeshuk ten minutes.

The teen’s heart stopped when he saw Jung Soo on the ice panicking and crying. It broke even more when Jung Soo looked up at him with a fear Han had never seen previously. “Uncle Han!”

“I— I don’t know— what to do— Ice will— I can’t get up—” His little nephew was panicking.

“Ok, Jung Soo. Take deep breaths.” Choi Han instructed calmly as he came closer to the ice.

“Did the ice break?” The teen asked calmly, the nodding was immediate. “Alright. I won’t be joining you on ice because I am too heavy. Remember taking deep breaths.”

The boy nodded and did his best to take deep breaths. With his tears slowing down and hyperventilation stopping, Han sent another set of instructions to the young boy.

“Instead of sitting down, slowly get on your tummy.” Jung Soo followed his uncle’s instructions. He couldn’t hold back a hiss.

“Good, do you hear any cracking?”

“N…no.” Jung Soo replied.

“Ok.”

“With your hands spread wide, try pushing yourself towards me. Slowly and calmly.” The teen instructed.

Keeping his voice calm was easier than stopping himself from just getting onto the ice and picking up Jung Soo. If he even attempted stepping onto the ice, it might break under his weight. The temperatures were not low enough to make this lake safe for walking; all adults in the village forbid going onto the lake this year. It was not safe enough.

Jung Soo followed instructions, despite the pain he felt in his leg he kept crawling forth. Slow and steady. The child kept his focus on deep and slow breaths even when he heard slight cracking. He was coming closer to Uncle Han.

The cracking sound got louder.

Choi Jung Soo moved one hand in front of himself and pushed his body forward.

Cracking.

He switched the hand, and pushed forward.

He was closer to Han.

The ice broke.

 

 

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Before Jung Soo could figure out what happened, he felt warmth. Gentle feeling of arms around him, a hug. Like he was in the softest mattress made out of gentlest feathers, that’s what he felt. A quick and low thud, thud, thud, thud followed by soft panting.

“I got you,” Uncle Han said softly. Jung Soo looked up and met the eyes without any scrutiny.

“Thank you…” Jung Soo felt tears come up to his eyes. “I’m sorry- I’m sorry.”

Han gently patted Jung Soo who was crying like a little child. Leeshuk wasn’t faring much better, crying like another little child next to them. The little monster's ears were dropped as fat tears poured out like a fountain. “How did you even end up there?”

“Hic— I slipped— when I ran down the hill…!” Jung Soo said in mid tears. Han sighed, that was not something either of them could control.

“Let’s go back. I will carry you.” Han slowly got up, with Jung Soo in his arms. His eyes wandered towards the little fluff ball that was still silently crying, probably eaten with guilt. “Hey Leeshuk, jump up here, you’re going as well.”

Little ears twitched upon hearing Choi Han’s ears. Tiny monster turned towards them and quickly climbed up Choi Han and settled on Jung Soo’s tummy. Not a single word of protest came from the monster who was just as frightened.

“… I thought you… left me…” Jung Soo mumbled quietly, burying his fingers into Leeshuk’s thick fur and gently massaging him. “Thank you for bringing help.”

The teen, who slowly walked towards the village, smiled upon their adorable interaction. Leeshuk let out soft purrs and whines while Jung Soo sniffed and sobbed. What a mess.

 

That winter Jung Soo received a leg cast. He fractured his leg from the fall. Along with the fracture, rolling down the hill left him heavily bruised. Choi Han still remembers drinking a warm hot chocolate made by his cousin while his wife gave heavy scolding to both Leeshuk and Jung Soo. It was the most awkward hot chocolate he ever had.

He’ll never forget its taste.

Choi Jung Soo couldn’t leave his house; he still remembers constant voice messages he sent him (whenever Leeshuk helped Jung Soo steal his sister’s phone), begging him to come over and how bored he is. Choi Han also saw little Leeshuk leave tiny candies, the one’s he gave him, and all kinds of nuts next to bedridden Jung Soo. It was the tiny monster’s way to tell him ‘Get better soon’.

Funnily enough, the monsters always avoided getting held by Jung Soo. It was their game after all.

 

Now, 10 years later, his baby nephew has grown into a teenager, 15 years old.

“Hey, sorry for keeping you waiting.” Baby fat on Jung Soo’s face was still present, but Han doubted it’ll remain that way for long. When did the high pitched voice become so deep? One thing was for certain the small child had become a tall teen. Choi Jung Soo grew up.

“It’s no problem.” Choi Han said as he patiently waited for Choi Jung Soo to place all the bags he had and properly sit in his car. Unlike Choi Han’s other nephews, who were fine with going to the nearby highschool, Choi Jung Soo wanted to go to the big city. Seoul.

Choi Han promised to drive him there, after all, he himself was going to check if there are any good places to open his dojo. He also promised his cousin to look after Jung Soo in Seoul and help him out.

Both of them dreamed of something bigger in the city, away from the Choi village. Jung Soo wanted to pursue an education while Choi Han wanted to one day become a sword teacher and open his own school.

It didn’t sound like a dream anymore.

Rough sound of the door getting shut was followed with ‘Sorry’ . Choi Han glanced at the rear-view window, the brown haired boy with a bright smile was sitting in the back seat. His attention was towards the side windows, waving goodbye to his sibling and parents. Choi Han started the vehicle.

He waved a slight goodbye to his cousin before driving off.

It was going to be a long trip.

Notes:

Complaints go into this box 🎁.

Chapter 3: Coming home...

Summary:

Choi Jung Soo returns home to a very angry Leeshuk

The constant sound of road traffic and streets bustling with livelihood was a stark difference from the natural serenity Choi Village had. It was hard for Choi Jung Soo to get used to being away from nature, the familiar sound of cicadas, birds, and family. Regardless, he was still excited for life in the new city, especially one as big as Seoul.

The major he was part of was related to the sport. He was always an athlete. Despite his family’s hope for him continuing family’s tradition by becoming a swordsman, Jung Soo liked team sports way more. He’d rather leave that to his uncle Choi Han.

After coming to Seoul together with him, uncle Han finally bought a place to open his swordsmanship school. Jung Soo had promised to help him out despite his strength lacking in comparison. There was an undoubted understanding uncle Han would never judge him over his skills.

Aside from working and helping his uncle with the kids, Jung Soo started attending classes. The opportunities to meet numerous people and make new friends led to unforgettable memories. From getting drunk at a party to receiving simple tutoring.

Another difference from the small village and big city could be seen in the way people treated the monsters. Unlike at home where the tiny monsters were part of nature not to be bothered for the most part, people in the cities dressed them up in various clothes or allowed them to help around with simple chores. To a country bumpkin like Jung Soo it was eye opening, the way people from cities treated monsters was just like in movies.

It was hard to not stand out in his university, but he had managed to turn all odds looks into something more positive.

Choi Jung Soo felt a phone buzz in his pocket. Taking it out and reading the message sent brought him joy.

Tsun dongsaeng: “I’ll be there in 20.”

Choi Jung Soo may have achieved many things in the last few months he spent in Seoul with his uncle, but nothing compared to managing to befriend his dongsaeng. On the first day of uni, he managed to utterly embarrass himself by attempting to buy a drink from a vending machine and getting it stuck on the way down. He was left with no cash and no drink, but Kim Rok Soo, who most likely saw him struggling, came and helped him out by buying himself a drink too. Ever since then they have become friends. Jung Soo even bought him a chocolate as a thanks for helping him out; two of them stuck together. (It was more Jung Soo who stuck to Rok Soo like a lost duckling.)

Today uncle Han and he were going to return to Choi village for the vacation. However, they were not coming alone, Jung Soo managed to make Kim Rok Soo come along. He knew that Rok Soo lived alone together with a tiny companion ChuJung.

At first the stoic man refused because he believed ChuJung wouldn’t be able to come along— which was not true at all. Even though Choi village was not as close to the monsters like Seoul folks, they still accepted them. Hell, Leeshuk was freeloading in their attic.

Finally done with packing, Jung Soo walked out of his bedroom. “Uncle Han, dongsaeng will be here in 15 minutes.”

Choi Han, who was in the kitchen, hummed. “Ask him if he’d like some coffee to drink before starting the trip.”

“Will do!”

Choi Jung Soo felt giddy like a child who was finally allowed to have a sleepover with their best friend. A message was sent to his shy dongsaeng in less than a minute, Jung Soo happily prepared coffee for both his uncle and best friend.

Seeing his human friend Jung Soo leave this village together with uncle Han wasn’t a rarity. They often left this part of the forest for a few days and returned with a bunch of new things, weird items, unique food and all kinds of gadgets.

That’s why Leeshuk was fine with waiting a few days for them to return.

The problem is, they did not. 

Days and nights passed by and two of them never returned, and even worse is — nobody in the village seemed worried at all! He even came out of the attic where he always hid in and bothered Jung Soo’s mom for answers. She’d always just pat him and chuckle at him not taking him seriously! Was she not worried about him?

The only one who told him something useful was Jung Soo’s older sister. (Or more like she just got annoyed at Leeshuk’s pestering and showed him a bunch of photos Jung Soo sent.)

But after learning the truth…

Leeshuk was angry.

He was angry at Jung Soo.

Especially now as he saw Choi Han’s car park in front of their house and…Jung Soo daring to exit the vehicle with a strange little monster in his hands! There was no sorrow or repentance in his eyes, but a smile! The anger was so great that if Leeshuk was a kettle the pitching noise of boiled water would be heard all around the village.

He was observing the worst betrayal of his life through his attic window. Like a cat, his fur bristled up from anger as his tiny feet thumped on the wooden floor of the attic.

Choi Jung Soo left him for months only to return with a new monster in hands?? It was an unforgivable act. Leeshuk did not want to see him at all.

He decided he won’t even show in front of him, yet the curiosity got the better of him. As both uncle Han and Jung Soo entered the house together with someone Leeshuk never saw, the tiny blue fluff left the attic and spied on them from the shade.

“So you must be the friend the kid mentioned? It’s great to meet you, I’m Jung Soo’s father.” A hand was offered to the … a bit scary looking at guy.

Upon closer inspection, the stranger’s face was stoic- no smile, cold eyes and his body tall and thin. It was completely different to the softness and kindness humans in this part of the forest carried on top of their palm. No sparkle in eyes nor warmth.

The stranger shook his hands with Jung Soo’s dad introducing himself as Kim Rok Soo.

Leeshuk’s eyes fell on the tiny brownish monster in Jung Soo’s hands. The yellowish brown fur with an extremely fluffy tail. Long ears. Smile. This tiny monster looked a bit like wolf.

Did Jung Soo prefer him because he seemed to like cuddling or because of that fluffy furr—

 

!!!

Their eyes met.

The tiny monster in Jung Soo’s hands made a sound similar to ‘woof’ . To make matters even worse the furry creature jumped out of Jung Soo’s arms and came running towards him at lightning speed.

Leeshuk couldn’t stop a hiss and bristling of his fur that came as soon as he saw the other monster run towards him at full speed. He jumped, hitting his head— knocking a flower vase to the ground. He ran off to the upper floors.

ChuJung’s fur was all wet. The knocked vase hit him, with water falling all over him.

Choi Jung Soo laughed at the scene that just happened, with Kim Rok Soo keeping quiet and sending a worried glance to Choi Han and Jung Soo’s parents. Yet as he saw neither of them mind the mess that was caused by the two monsters, he relaxed.

“That was certainly one hell of a meeting between you and- ACK!”

 

Jung Soo had to cover his eyes as ChuJung shook his round body with an unexpected strength and sent water droplets flying all around. Some of those droplets hit Jung Soo right in the face.

His mother laughed, while Kim Rok Soo did not look amused by the scene in front of him.

“Seems like this house will have a second lively monster living inside.” The mother laughed while going into the kitchen. “Please get yourself something to drink and eat, you’ve travelled a lot.”

Choi Han and Kim Rok Soo followed the older woman into the kitchen while Jung Soo was left to clean up the watery mess caused by two tiny monsters.

“So that must’ve been Leeshuk,” Kim Rok Soo commented after sitting down on the chair.

“Yes. He’s surprisingly shrewd, must’ve come down as soon as he heard Jung Soo. He decided to make his home in our attic and we have let him stay there ever since.”

“I remember when Jung Soo was a little kid, he’d constantly get dirty trying to catch him hahaha”

Kim Rok Soo took a cup of coffee and slowly drank it while listening to the woman retell every single embarrassing story Jung Soo had. It was even more entertaining when the old lady brought out a family album and started showing how lively young Choi Jung Soo was— not that it changed much in Kim Rok Soo’s mind.

Jung Soo was a guy who’d be able to bulldoze his way through the brick wall if he had to and put his mind to it. Sometimes that quirk reminded him a bit of tiny ChuJung. Doing things without thinking and causing a mess.

Speaking about two of them… After cleaning up the floor, Choi Jung Soo took ChuJung in his hands and slowly started walking towards the attic.

The smile and relaxed posture were soon gone. The moment he heard low sniffles and whines coming from the attic, Jung Soo’s smile dropped. Similar fate awaited ChuJung’s ears that dropped upon realization he made the fellow monster cry. Perhaps he shouldn’t have just jumped on him.

Now aware of how upset Leeshuk is, Jung Soo gently placed ChuJung on the ground before opening the attic door and entering. The sobs and whines stopped in seconds after hearing someone enter the hideout.

Jung Soo looked around searching for the tiny blue fluff ball. The attic looked almost exactly as he remembered it, the small toys for Leeshuk, along with some old items they stored. Ever since Leeshuk took a liking to their attic, they had to remove all the food they planned on storing there. It wasn’t much of a problem since they allowed Leeshuk to inhabit this place.

Choi Jung Soo remembers choosing the fluffiest possible bed for Leeshuk and the cutest blankets in case he ever gets cold.

His heart broke as he saw a small bundle under the blanket shake, and it broke even more as he realized Leeshuk probably wasn’t scared or angry at ChuJung but… him.

He slowly sat on the ground next to his furry friend covered in a blanket.

“Hey buddy….” Leeshuk stayed quiet and unmoving despite being called.

“It’s been a while.” Choi Jung Soo placed a hand over his neck, looking to the side. His gaze moved to the floor before taking a deep breath. He had to own up for his mistake.

“I apologize for leaving without telling you.” This is the first reaction Leeshuk gave him. A scratchy noise akin to ‘you’re an asshole’ .

“And I was even worse for going for all these months and then returning with another monster, wasn’t I?” Another sound came from the small bundle. Leeshuk was definitely agreeing with an apology Choi Jung Soo was currently spewing.

“What would I have to do to earn an apology from you?” Choi Jung Soo asked, looking at the small bundle in the blanket that finally moved. A blue fluff peeked out from it.

Leeshuk’s eyes were glossy from the spilled tears. A small regret piled up in Jung Soo’s heart when his tiny friend slowly crawled out of the comfort under the sheets and settled down on his lap. The angry creature nuzzled his face onto Jung Soo’s shirt leaving the wet patches behind.

Gentle fur was as soft as ever against his calloused hands, Choi Jung Soo’s lips moved into a small smile. No matter how much time passed, the softness was always there. The sobs have calmed down and Leeshuk’s tail even started wagging a little.

Jung Soo knew he didn’t have to ask whether or not Leeshuk would forgive him— the answer was always going to be yes. However, he himself couldn’t accept it just like that. That’s when he remembered what he kept in his pocket.

“Hey, do you want candy?” The brown haired man offered Leeshuk two candies from his pocket. The fluff ball smiled and quickly snatched it from the hands that offered.

Just as the tiny paws worked on prying it open, a sound of one specific creaky sound of someone stepping on the wrong plank came from behind them. Alerted, Leeshuk turned around quickly only to see nothing…

but…

A tiny tail peeking outside the door. 

ChuJung was there. He totally forgot about the tiny monster that woke up a feeling of envy inside of his tiny body. Yet it seems like that monster who came here today with Choi Jung Soo’s friend was quietly spying on them.

Leeshuk remembered the time when his human friend tried to sneak up on him too but he stepped on that same place and lost the whole momentum. Thoughts that run through the blue fluff’s head were simple and hopeful—perhaps being friends with this monster won’t be too troublesome.

Thus, leaving the warm, familiar comfort of his human friend was easy and approaching the puppy like a monster even easier.

The monster in question looked at him with slightly teary puppy eyes and dropped ears. ChuJung looked truly pitiful and Leeshuk had no heart in himself to be mean to someone like that. Especially considering the poor puppy felt bad over ‘ scaring’ him to the point of tears.

An idea popped up like a lightning bulb in Leeshuk’s mind. A way he could perhaps make up with his new friend— Leeshuk smiled and gave away the second candy he snatched from Choi Jung Soo as a peace treaty. The puppy-like monster stared between the candy and him for a few times before suddenly jumping on him and nuzzling him. Leeshuk sighed before promptly accepting the cuddle session. Simply to make Choi Jung Soo jealous because he almost never cuddles with him.

Needless to say, the few following days were calm in the Choi village much to everyone’s surprise. Choi Jung Soo’s mother practically adopted Kim Rok Soo, feeding him the best meals claiming he was too thin. She never missed a chance to show him some old albums and tell him embarrassing stories from her son’s childhood… much to the dislike of that said son.

His father on the other hand was far more reserved, but oftentimes explaining some interesting information about the monsters, primarily ChuJung, and behavior of them in the wilderness. ChuJung was a type of monster that was hard to domesticate. They lived in the forest and their strength made them problematic for the shepherds and farmers with livestock. They even got the name ‘ ChuJung’ because they were most common in… the forest close to Choi village. Kim Rok Soo during conversations didn’t appear all that interested, his well known cold expression was always present, but instead of seeing that as a sign to stop talking… Choi Jung Soo’s dad kept on going. The kid would tell him to stop yapping if he had enough. 

No. Kim Rok Soo would not really do that… But the stoic man did not mind the stories all that bothersome.

Choi Jung Soo’s sister was the most normal family member in Kim Rok Soo’s opinion. Well, as normal as a Choi could be. Despite being moody and more reserved, there was a memorable softness and warmness that everyone from the Choi family had. Welcomness. It was a rare thing to witness in the cold city.

Their week in the Choi village passed in the blink of an eye. Kim Rok Soo was surprised himself, there wasn’t a single moment he felt extremely uncomfortable or bored. Spending his time there was like spending time in heaven. He was fed with the best home-made meals, he had a comfortable bed to sleep in. ChuJung was also happy with his new found friend. He was happy to know that no matter where life takes his … his friend… yes friend, he’ll have a place to return to.

“Did you pack everything, kid?” Choi Jung Soo’s father approached him from behind, looking at the suitcase Kim Rok Soo placed in Choi Han’s car. “Yes, I have.”

“No you didn’t bring everything.” Choi Jung Soo’s mother yelled, rushing outside. Warm heavy tupperware was in her hands as she huffed at the young man who was about to leave without even taking the meals she prepared for them. “Choi Jung Soo said you live alone so I prepared some meals for you to eat when you get back.”

“It’s too much—”

“Nonsense. It’ll only last you for a week. Keep it.” The woman stopped him from refusing by placing the bag full of meals into the trunk of the car.

The young adult wanted to comment about them not giving away their tupperware alongside the meals but he kept his mouth shut. Free food is free food. If they wanted their precious bowls they shouldn’t have given him the food… Kim Rok Soo decided he’ll give back the dishes to Choi Jung Soo after he properly enjoyed every single meal his mother has prepared for him.

“Thank you for the food.” Kim Rok Soo at least had enough grace to thank for the hard work done for him that he didn’t deserve.

“You’re welcome.” The smile lines on the woman’s face showed how happy life she led here. Instead of making her look old, she looked ten times more beautiful in Kim Rok Soo’s mind. Perhaps, Choi Jung Soo will have them too one day considering the man was smiling more than anyone Kim Rok Soo ever saw.

Yet all the compliments were left unsaid. Instead, he quickly rushed into the car before the woman could find another excuse to give him something he absolutely didn’t need.

Choi Jung Soo on the other hand was taking ages to enter. After saying goodbye to Leeshuk — he started bickering with his sister. Kim Rok Soo, who was waiting in the car, was not amused.

Reddish brown eyes looked around the car for ChuJung only to find him in the trunk sniffing Choi Jung Soo’s suitcase.

“ChuJung…” Kim Rok Soo quickly called and his puppy friend quickly came and sat on top of his lap. No, Kim Rok Soo didn’t see Choi Jung Soo’s suitcase move a little bit. Not at all.

After a few long hours, Choi Jung Soo has finally arrived home. He was able to go home after making sure Kim Rok Soo brought everything from the car. There was a simple determination growing in his heart. Next year- no, next vacation, he will visit Choi village with Kim Rok Soo again.

“Hm?” Choi Jung Soo looked confusedly at his suitcase… wasn’t it a bit heavier than he remembers?

“What is it?” Choi Han looked at him oddly, his own hands filled with numerous boxes… Just how many things did their family manage to give them in such a short time? They were just few hours away— not on a whole different planet!

Two men quickly brought everything from the car to the inside. The whole apartment seemed like a mess right now, but it was fine. They will quickly finish this. Picking up his suitcase again, Choi Jung Soo brought it to the bedroom and slowly opened it up.

 

!!!

Choi Jung Soo’s eyes widened as something, or better, someone jumped out of the suitcase. It was no one other than Leeshuk. The blue fluff jumped out of the suitcase and ran around the room gasping. Being stuck inside the tiny suitcase sucked!

Choi Jung Soo was utterly bewildered. Not only did he get a small creature bumping into all kinds of furniture because Leeshuk was running around like a headless chicken but… his suitcase… was empty.

He looked at what was left inside from his clothes— nothing. There was nothing.

Nothing but one Leeshuk that threw everything out just to stuff himself inside and travel together with Choi Jung Soo. He was not going to be left alone.

Despite shedding the tears of sorrow over the clothes he lost, Choi Jung Soo was not angry at Leeshuk. If anything, he was happy he’ll get to be here and see his little monster friend everyday. He’ll get to show him all kinds of cool things he himself saw for the first time after coming here. Their friendship wouldn’t break over not seeing each other for a few months nor will it end over losing a few items of clothing. They were the closest of friends…

And it will stay like that for as long as Choi Jung Soo is alive.

Notes:

I am happy to have finished this fic!

I hope you've enjoyed each chapter as much as I did! <33 (❁´◡`❁)
We shall see more of this little universe in the future~!

Thank you so much for reading this story! (o゜▽゜)o☆

Notes:

This is my new fic for the Fluff vs Angst event held by LCF Café Discord ! >v< If you wanna see more chaos def join, we don't bite.

Kudos n Comments are appreciated.
(✿◡‿◡) Thank you for reading.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Polysoos & Little monsters