Series Title/AU: My Baby Brother is the Strongest Character
<<read the synopsis and content warnings first>>
Pairing/Relationship: isekaid!older sister!Reader x Gun Park, nurse!Reader x platonic! J High students
Time is fuzzy and memories are unreliable, and above all else, you needed money, so even after you realized that the high school that hired you was J High, the place where Lookism started, you couldn’t leave.
The first year was uneventful. By this world’s standards, anyway.
Even though the troublemaking and trouble-attracting protagonists were yet to attend the school, this was still Lookism. Bullying was prevalent as ever.
You tried your best to help, though maybe “help” sounded too generous. You didn’t do anything special, if anything it was a matter of not doing anything: you never sent back students who wobbled into the clinic, lying about feeling sick. You just sat around while some of them vented their life problems to you. You didn’t do anything exceptional, and yet, somehow, the school has come up with a name for you—
“It’s the Angel of J High!”
“Uwah, she’s so young, I was expecting some middle-aged hag to be our school nurse.”
“You know, my sister told me that after she complained about her cheating boyfriend to the Angel, he went down on his knees the next day and promised never to do it again. They’re both working at the same company and still going strong!”
“Oh, I’m so jealous, maybe I should ask Miss Angel for guidance…”
Angel, my ass! Okay, maybe you didn’t do “nothing” exactly, but lending an ear and giving a handful of teenagers vague life advice was far from the divine intervention that they made it up to be.
You bit your lip, ignoring the whispers but nodding to any student that greeted you.
“Good morning, nurse!”
“Hi, noona!”
“Morning, Miss Angel!”
Shut it, you brats! Stop spreading that ridiculous angel rumor and let me slack off in peace!
You longed for the days when only one or two kids would hide in the clinic. But as the years went by, you were less the school nurse and more like Freud with a full schedule—or one of those scam shamans on TV.
You picked up your pace, ears burning from the cheesiness of it all, eager to get some shut-eye before the brats filed in—
“Ow!”
Your face hit a wall, no, a person.
A student. A male student who was lean and, as you continued craning your neck, tall as hell. He had thick, shiny black hair styled in a very familiar way.
“I…I’m so sorry! Are you all right?”
“Hey, kid.”
“Y-yes?!”
“What’s your name?”
“Oh, um… It’s Park. Daniel Park.”
Thud.
Your purse hit the pavement.
You knew this day would come, but you weren’t ready to quit this job. Even with your savings, inflation’s a bitch and you just had your AC fixed. Not to mention, you were worried about leaving behind certain students…
“I like your bag charm.” Daniel patted the dust off your purse and handed it to you. “I-it’s really cute, what breed is it?”
You offered him a customer service smile. “It’s a Doberman.”
Farewell, my peaceful days.
Or so you thought.
It has been a week since the main character started attending J High but the two of you didn’t cross paths again. The number of students visiting you during breaks have doubled though.
“Excuse me.” Soft knocks on the clinic door interrupted your lunch.
With a sigh, you told them to come in.
A girl stepped inside. “Hello…”
“Stomachache? Or do you need sanitary—”
“No! No… My name is Zoe Park and I’m here because…um…”
You knew what she was here for. “Well, don’t just stand there. Come in and take a seat.”
Every newcomer was like this. They would twiddle their thumbs, hesitate and get all shy. Sometimes they would run away before you got the chance to ask them what was wrong, but you could tell that this girl has been gathering her courage for weeks now.
You just wanted to eat your sandwich.
“You look like something’s on your mind.”
“I have…a friend and she has a problem.”
Yeah, right. “Go on.”
“My friend has a crush on this guy, but she’s worried because there’s another girl in the picture. She’s…aggressive and doesn’t think twice about making the first move. She also has a job so she buys gifts for my—my friend’s crush.”
“So your friend is jealous.”
“Yes, she is. She’s worried because she really likes this boy but what if he ends up falling for someone else.”
Ah, young love. You wanted to throw up, but luckily, you’ve built up an immunity after working with teenagers for so long. “This boy must be a real player to have two girls pining for him.”
“He’s not a player!” She flinched and apologized before muttering, “He’s not like those guys who string girls along for fun. Sure, he’s handsome but he’s also sweet and thoughtful.”
“Mm~ sounds to me like your friend has another rival.”
She blushed and looked away. “A-anyway, what should she do?”
“Dear, does that boy like the other girl back?”
“I don’t know.”
“Does he know that you like him back?”
She said nothing.
“I’m not going to say ‘go and confess,’ I know it’s not that simple.”
“Then what should I do?” It seemed that she was asking herself more than you.
“...don’t overthink it.”
“Huh?”
“This guy isn’t in a relationship yet, right? Well, there’s a saying in the West: ‘all is fair in love and war.’ If you want to defeat your rivals, you need to be more proactive.”
“Y-you’re right! I’ll get a job and buy him gifts, too!”
“Wait, no–”
“I’ve been meaning to get a job anyway!”
“You mean your friend’s been meaning to get a job?”
“Ah. Ahahaha…” She rose from her chair and bowed. “Thank you for listening to me.”
“Hey, wait, before you go—”
“Yes?”
As a reader of the story, you used to hate Zoe because she was mean and superficial, but she became your favorite after she changed and became a better person. However, that change came at a price—she was stalked and almost murdered because of her future job. “...there’s been a rise of weirdos in the area so be careful when you’re out at night.”
“I will, thank you so much, unnie!”[1]
And just like that, she was gone.
As usual, people will hear what they want to hear.
You rubbed your temples. You wanted to tell her not to waste her money on something as foolish as boys, but you guess this was part of youth too.
“I hope it works out for her,” you mumbled, hoping your words won’t mess up Zoe’s development.
***
“And you are—”
“Zack! Zack Lee, ma’am!”
“There’s no need to shout, plus I already know who you are.” You fixed him up after his first fight with Daniel.
“I’m sorry, ma’am.”
“And don’t call me that. Makes me feel old.”
“R-right.”
“Well, what brings you back here, Zack? You don’t look injured to me so I’m guessing you’re here to talk.”
There was a beat before he took a few steps back away from you and then knelt down on the floor. “Please teach me how to court a girl.”
“Uh—”
“Hear me out, please! There’s this girl I’ve liked for a really long time, and I think she likes me too, and we go out together just the two of us—but it’s always as friends. I want to confess, but I don’t know how. Please help me, please!”
“Okay, fine! Just calm down!”
***
Two boys, one of them looked old enough to be a father and the other had Dumbo ears, stepped inside. You knew exactly who they were.
They bowed in unison. “Good afternoon, miss.”
“Yes, hello. Are you feeling sick?”
“Please let us introduce ourselves first. I’m Jace Park and this is my friend, Euntae Lee, but we call him Vasco.”
“Okay, why don’t you two take a seat first—”
Vasco fell to his knees and kissed the floor with his forehead. “Please, madam, teach me how to attract girls!”
Jace grabbed him by the shoulders. “Vasco, no! We talked about this, you can’t surprise her like that!”
“Please, I want to experience a sweet romance, too!”
You and me both, buddy.
Sighing, you gestured towards the monoblocks. “Come on, sit down.”
***
Jay Hong sat in front of you like he was sent to the principal’s office after doing something bad. He hasn’t said a word since he knocked at your door, or maybe he did and you didn’t have Daniel’s telepathy.
He looked troubled though.
How should you deal with this…
“Let’s see, is this about a classmate?”
His head shot up.
You were right!
“Is this about a male classmate?”
He nodded.
“Something tells me it’s not about bullying.”
He shook his head.
“Okay, hold on, lemme think… Are you struggling with certain feelings about this classmate?”
He looked down and twiddled his thumbs shyly.
Right.
You swallowed the desire to laugh, not wanting to embarrass him. “He must be a very special person.”
He raised his head again, smiling.
***
Another week passed and Zoe was back in the clinic, looking redder than before.
“Hi Zoe—”
“Good morning!”
“...anything interesting happened to you lately?”
“What? No, why would you think that!”
“It’s written all over your face, you know,” you teased her. “You got the face of a young woman in love.”
She squeaked and covered her face. “Please don’t say that!”
“Did you finally get together with your crush?”
“No, actually…there’s someone new…”
“Judging by that lovestruck expression, he must be really charming.”
“N—well, yes. He’s a little chubby, but he’s cute and brave and kind.”
“Heh~”
“Please don’t look at me like that!”
Every now and then you got a kick out of the kids’ reactions.
[1] Korean. What girls call their big sisters or older women.
Disclaimer: The image used is a screencapture from Ep. 4 of the Lookism manhwa.
⚠️ CRITICAL CONTENT WARNING: > Seongji Yuk’s section contains tragedy and themes of self-harm/suicide.Please read strictly according to your emotional comfort level.
SAMUEL SEO: Enemies to Lovers + dark romance
Starts with him hating you a lot. Lot of trash talking between the two of you until he realizes that the thought of anyone else saying those things to you makes him want to burn the city down.
Very very veryyyyy toxic relationship.
Extremely protective lover.
It's the sad truth but he'll be abusive as shit (mentally and maybe physically as well).
JOHAN SEONG: she falls first but he falls harder trope
Annoyed as hell whenever you approach him.
Slowly starts being comfortable with you but still has a wall built around him
Tries pushing you away because of his gangsta life.
Realizes he can't live without you and comes back to you and apologizes.
GUN PARK: bodyguard romance/ forbidden romance
Yes, this is inspired from gun x crystal dynamic.
Very protective of you.
Will glare daggers at any guy who talks to you (they were asking for directions 😭😭).
Will try to keep the relationship a secret for your sake.
Doesn't give a damn about anybody but you.
He will kill anybody who makes you upset.
GOO KIM: Grumpy x Sunshine
Loves you to bits.
Spoils you a looooot.
Loves showing you off to everybody.
Calls you 'darling', 'sweetheart', 'princess' (insert other endearing nicknames) loudly in public.
Becomes sad when you shove him away after he tries to kiss you in public.
But kisses you anyway.
JAMES LEE: celebrity romance (OR) fake dating
Will fake date you during his idol era for PR purposes.
Slowly warms up to you and you guys actually become good friends.
Breaks up with you after a while but you guys continue to be friends.
Meets up with you time to time and always brings small gifts like a bouquet of lilies or your favourite chocolates.
Ends with both of you falling for each other.
JAKE KIM: Childhood Friends to Lovers
It happens very naturally.
No angst or discomfort, both of you realize your feelings and talk it out.
Protective of you but just enough so he doesn't cross the line.
Will try to maintain distance from you so you don't get hurt due to his gangsta life.
Ends up getting a lecture from you.
Comes to you for advice on everything.
He is your biggest cheerleader, and he your top priority.
ELI JANG: Second Chance at Love/ single dad trope
Eli is a man healing from profound loss.
Falling for him means falling for his entire world- Yenna and Hostel.
He notices you when you were playing with Yenna.
Wonders why he keeps going to the same park each evening... was it to see you.
Disappointed if you weren't there that day.
Starts to realize his feelings but snaps out of it thinking he's bad luck for other people.
Warren convinces him to go talk to you.
You make him understand that good things can stay.
You and Yenna are his lifeline. Can't even imagine life without you both.
DANIEL PARK (OG): friends to lovers
Your friendship blooms in high school first year and somehow you guys get really close.
Daniel wonders if he has ever been this comfortable with a girl before.
Manages to find the courage and ask you out.
Very slow burn romance as you both navigate life together.
EUGENE: workplace romance
You were an employee in the Worker's HQ and were the top rank.
Your exceptional skills caught Eugene's eyes.
He took your advice to formulate various strategies.
Respected you for your skills and somehow that respect bloomed into something softer.
JACE PARK :academic rivals
Probably locked eyes during Jacedaichi arc when you both competed to find the real thief.
You figured it out before Jace but let him reveal everything first because it better suited him as Vasco's bff.
Jace respected you for that and decided to thank you with strawberry milk.
You guys started meeting up more and somewhere along the way he both fell in with each other.
SEONGJI YUK: star crossed lovers
Ill-fated romance from the start.
What can two mortals do when the fucking universe is working against them?
After you become Seongji's other half, weird things start occurring.
Shaman becomes involved with Seonji again and for the sake of his students Seongji gets hurt.
Things start to get better after Shaman's death when you decide to leave Cheonliang.
Then it happens.
Refusing to live on with the pain... you unite with him in the heavens.
・・・・・
a/n: okay so jace could also be a love at first sight kinda guy but ever since hostel happened idk. also im so sorry if seongji's trope was too harsh 😔🙏
The type to cry, sob, and be in utter disbelief that someone as angelic as you is actually marrying him of all people. He's tearing up, not just because you're breathtaking, but because after everything, you’re finally going to be together forever : Goo Kim , Daniel Park, Seongji Yuk, Jaegyeon Na , Zack Lee , Eli Jang, Vin Jin ( try hard not to but fails) , Jay Hong , Jinrang, Ryuhei , Vasco.
The type who seems calm on the outside but is totally freaking out inside. Still, he pulls himself together because today is about the both of you. He can’t take his eyes off you. And when you two slow dance, he leans in close, whispering how lucky he is, before the night turns into a celebration, neither of you will ever forget : Jake Kim , Johan Seong , Warren Chae, Jichang Kwak, Hudson Ahn , Taesoo Ma , Eugene, Jace Park.
The type who’s happy and content but lowkey wants the ceremony to be over already. You look absolutely drop-dead gorgeous, yes , but all he can think is how badly he wants to rip that dress off: Gun Park , James Lee/Diego Kang , Samuel Seo, Yujae Seon, Kitae Kim , Baek Sang.
Honestly, they wished you were afraid of them sometimes. Then maybe you could see how they weren’t good for you. But then again, they were relieved you weren't afraid. It meant you trusted them, and that trust meant everything to them.
"Ouch, sorry to disappoint. I'll try to be more terrifying next time.”
𝐒𝐄𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐉𝐈 𝐘𝐔𝐊 - 𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀 𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐈 - 𝐓𝐀𝐄𝐒𝐎𝐎 𝐌𝐀
“Sometimes.”
And could they even blame you for that? They scared themselves at times too. Their actions or words occasionally made them question their own intentions or motivations. They understand.
The pure confusion on your face makes their heart flutter with joy. The thought that you can't fathom any reason to be afraid of them softens their features into a warm smile.
warm smile "You know me better than that."
𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐄𝐋 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊 - 𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐔 𝐇𝐀𝐍 - 𝐉𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐊𝐈𝐌 - 𝐙𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐋𝐄𝐄 - 𝐉𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊 - 𝐉𝐀𝐘 𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐆 (everyone listed here is a GREEN FLAG)
“Should I be afraid?”
Good question... Should you be afraid of them? It's not an easy question to answer. They know they can be intimidating at times, even if they don't intend to be.
considers for a long moment "Sometimes I'm not sure myself."
( + the ‘yOu ShOuLd bE’ : 𝐄𝐔𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄 - 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐘𝐄𝐎𝐔𝐋 𝐁𝐀𝐄𝐊 )
“Nah. You’re a big softie.”
You're absolutely right. They don't even know why they asked such a question. Despite their attempts to come across as tough or intimidating at times, deep down they're quite gentle and kind-hearted.
Definitely. You should run for the hills when it comes to them. Their words and actions are unpredictable and even dangerous at times. Being afraid of them is a completely understandable response.
nods solemnly "Smart move. The real me is best avoided."
G/N. Run-ins with Burn Knuckles, Goddog, Allied and Big Deal. Masterlists
Being in the Fashion department, you had assumed your classmates had a passion for fashion. For god's sake, it's in the name.
But no, you're wrong.
Apart from using it as an excuse to wear designer brands from head to toe, no one really gave a shit.
No one cared about the history, about design, fabrication, construction.
No one... apart from you that is.
.
.
Your first client wasn't really someone you could say no to unless you had a death wish.
When the whole of the Architecture department shows up along with Vasco, their terrifying leader, you consider running off and screaming.
It was only Jace Park, who seemed to understand a more subtle approach and how intimidating they looked, that stopped you from wanting to flee to the teacher.
(Strange. You actually don't recall seeing your teacher for months.)
"Please," Jace murmurs to Vasco and he's practically begging. "You didn't need to turn up with everyone. Just leave this to me. Please."
If you didn't know better, you would think Vasco was giving him grateful puppy eyes. But that can't be right. He's a thug.
"Sorry," Jace turns to you, looking contrite and fiddling anxiously with his big ears when you're finally on your own. "Are you the Fashion Designer?"
It should have been a stupid question, considering you're in the Fashion Department.
Except you look around at the so-called boxer who pitifully simps after the brunette all day, the rich blonde kid who never talks to anyone, the other girl who is an aspiring streamer and you sigh to yourself.
"Yes, that's me."
.
.
All things considered, the Burn Knuckles are very easy to please.
It's a design printed on some pre-made boilersuits, not exactly avant garde.
You did touch up the logo though and provided some more clothing options than requested. Boilersuits in a small selection of colours, bomber and leather jackets.
When you hand over the boxes to Vasco and Jace, the latter shakes your hand and the former stares at you with tears in his eyes and asks how they can ever repay you.
You shrug. Because he did already pay you for your time and the materials.
"Don't worry about it." You say, giving him a polite grin.
Vasco beams and you think maybe this guy isn't so scary.
.
.
.
.
Somehow your reputation precedes you.
To be honest you didn't even realise you had any sort of reputation until a guy with a messy mop head and two dogs corners you in an alleyway.
"I heard you're the Designer," he grunts.
A part of you thinks of fleeing once again. A smaller part of you thinks damn, that nickname is kinda cool.
"I am?"
"Don't play dumb. I know who you are."
You would have found him rude and menacing if not for his dogs picking that exact moment to roll around on the floor belly-up, desperately wanting some attention.
"Fuck's sake," he mutters though he squats down anyway to pat them. "So?" he continues, trying to regain his previous threatening aura even as the pups wriggle around under his touch.
"So what?" you ask, not able to stop the smile creeping over your face at this adorable sight.
"I need some clothing."
.
.
Perhaps the Burn Knuckles gave you a false sense of bravado, thinking everyone would be as easy as them. Unfortunately, this guy is a goddamn headache.
He wants hoodies, which isn't an issue but he wants matching dog-sized ones and he wants you to design the logo from scratch too.
"But I don't do graphic design," you cry and he pretends he can't hear you.
On your twelfth iteration, he doesn't glare at it and praise the heavens; he's finally happy.
Well, happy is an overstatement. He doesn't exactly look happy but he's no longer glaring at you, so you assume in Johan Seong's world, that means he's exhilarated.
The hoodies fit, both Johan and the dogs, and the logo looks good too.
You wave goodbye to the back of all three. Your bank balance is healthier except you hope they never darken your doorstep again.
.
.
(You have no such luck. He returns, months later, requesting tracksuits.)
.
.
.
.
It's a sorry state of affairs when three of the members of Allied are part of the Fashion Department, and come to you asking for help.
"Why don't you design it yourself?" you ask Daniel Park, Zack Lee and Jay Hong.
They look at you like you've grown two heads.
.
.
You will be eternally grateful that Jay Hong is mute, that Vasco is actually the sweetest cinnamon roll, and Daniel Park is pretty easy-going because having Vin Jin and Zack Lee constantly bickering and criticising your design is bad enough.
Apparently these men are very adept fighters. Caught up in some gang shit. It didn't matter. You still wanted to ram your pen through their skulls.
Then throw in someone else called Hudson Ahn who also seems to like giving rude, overly critical comments concealed as constructive criticism -
You threatened to quit more than once.
.
.
Eventually, after staying awake for 46 hours - you all agree on a logo.
"Here." You thrust the USB drive with the files at Daniel Park.
"What do I do with this?"
"You're in the Fashion Department too." You rub at your tired eyes, patience long gone with these morons. "Find a clothing printer yourself. Search for it on the internet. You know what that is right? The internet?"
Somewhere to your right, Vin Jin bursts into laughter.
.
.
.
.
You can't decide if this guy is trying to sell you something or if you're actually falling in love with him by the second.
Hell, he could sell you some snake-oil and you're so charmed you don't mind.
"So, you'll do it?" he asks, holding your hands in his larger gloved ones and you feel yourself simpering like an idiot at the contact.
"Sure thing, Mr. Kim."
"Jake," he says, giving you a toothy grin. "I'm Jake. And this is Jerry."
"Who?"
"Jerry Kwon," A large hulking man steps up besides Jake, offering you a handshake.
What? How did you miss him? You didn't notice him at all.
"Oh. Uh. Of course. Nice to meet you too Jerry."
"Come here, guys." Jake signals for the other men hanging back to come forth. "Ths is Brad and Jerry and Lineman."
Shit. Damnit, you've been so fixated on Jake Kim that you ignored everyone else.
Hell. You didn't even realise there was anyone else.
"Hi," you say, wanting the ground to swallow you up and blushing furiously.
Jake catches your eye and gives you a wink.
.
.
Being completely honest, the Big Deal tracksuits aren't your best work.
You're not too sure on the logo design (though hey - that's not really your handiwork). The placement is a little awkward and the design is sort of plain.
You added gold elements to at least make it a bit more cohesive, and sourced extra durable fabrics with lots of movement as apparently the guys have a tendency to damage clothing during fights.
"What do you think?" Jake says, modelling your finalised version.
From the smile on his face, you could tell he's very much satisfied with your work.
"Looks great," you say and you're telling the truth. Although it's not really the tracksuit that looks great, but the man wearing it. His broad shoulders and tight waist, long muscular legs and-
Oops. You silently apologise for objectifying him.
The way your eyes rake over his form isn't subtle, though it's definitely flattering. Jake playfully throws another wink your way.
