🌙 HAKO IS ONE OF THE HARA NINE
KKAMIN ҂ MIN ҂ SEVENTY PERCENT brief mentions of child abuse, smoking and bullying
kang hako
▼
full name. kang hako, 강학오
other names.
· kuma ҂ "my little kuma," granny niko coos as she runs her fingers through his hair, gently arranging them neatly on the top of his head. hako presses his lips together into a small smile. she has been calling him kuma (bear in japanese) ever since he dyed his hair brown. coincidentally, it's also her favorite animal.
birthdate. april 10th (20)
birthplace. seoul, south korea
hometown. seoul, south korea
ethnicity. korean
uality. hasn't 'declared' his uality but he's biual, leaning towards men
face claim. lee donghyuck
stature. 174cm & 60kg
appearance. tan skin, freckles dusting his cheeks, long legs, lean build, honey brown locks, plush lips, scarred back and face, baby fat clinging to his cheekbones, slouching makes him look smaller than he actually is.
style. hako is always seen in jeans, despite the hot weather. he has his t-shirt tucked into them, layering a shirt over it (refer to picture on the right). they are colors ranging for shades of grey and deep blue. hako likes his accessories, dainty silver chain round his neck, silvers studs on his lobes and rings on his fingers. wears black converse daily.
style. hako is always seen in jeans, despite the hot weather. he has his t-shirt tucked into them, layering a shirt over it (refer to picture on the right). they are colors ranging for shades of grey and deep blue. hako likes his accessories, dainty silver chain round his neck, silvers studs on his lobes and rings on his fingers. wears black converse daily.
at seventeen i stopped flinching
before i got hurt
at seventeen i never thought i'd make it to
twenty one with all my teeth still in place and
a smile that doesn't wear trauma like a cape
i think at seventeen i knew i would always
be inflammable
z.f.
(@zanefrederickwrites on ig)
archetypes. istp, ravenclaw, choleric, choatic neutral
before i got hurt
at seventeen i never thought i'd make it to
twenty one with all my teeth still in place and
a smile that doesn't wear trauma like a cape
i think at seventeen i knew i would always
be inflammable
z.f.
(@zanefrederickwrites on ig)
archetypes. istp, ravenclaw, choleric, choatic neutral
dismissive ҂ independent ҂ resourceful
hako has lived a majority of his life being punished for not being what anyone wanted. he was unpredictable and wild with a curious mind that seeks to know everything. all that combined together continues to be too much for most; even granny niko warns hako that if he continues to speak so freely like that, one day, someone is going to beat him up. lucky for granny niko, many have, and most have failed. what granny niko is trying to point out is the way hako seems to have no filter when in actual fact, he does. he simply chooses not to use it as it's not practical. hako has always been built on being pragmatic and straightforward. he's always troubleshooting and seeking out the most efficient way to reach his goals. granny niko likes to describe hako as "no sympathy, only solutions" and she's not wrong. but these days, hako has toned it down. ever since moving to amemachi, hako is mostly hardened shell and sharp quills – a spooked wild animal that freaks out unless it's a nice old lady that feeds him everyday. hako has always been stand-offish and closed off emotionally: struggling to connect emotionally with most and get in touch with his vulnerability. some call it pride, some call it a sign of needing therapy for his emotional baggage and physical trauma. but hako likes to think he's working on it.
being a quick leaner, hako has grown to realize that some parts of him are pretty, in his own words, "ed up." his temper and lack of patience gets in the way of developing a proper relationship with anyone besides granny niko. his complex of thinking he's indestructible is also getting in the way of actually living with a healthy mindset: making him push away his signs of a god complex and need for some help. granny niko once called it toxic masculinity and hako chokes because how does she know that? he tries not to blame this all on his upbringing and his parents, as granny niko advised, but it's a difficult reality that hako has to come to terms with. before moving to amemachi, hako didn't like interacting with people: thought they were too slow and mundane for his taste, for his level of 'intelligence'. however he's matured enough to come to the realization that everyone has a story that might be worth listening to. might.
while granny niko has trained hako to help people done the steps and let others eat first, he struggles to charm people. at least, when he's actively trying to. he's always been better with observing and showing up unannounced with exactly what you wanted (i.e. you just broke up with your boyfriend and whined about craving popcorn: hako would probably put popcorn on your table). it leaves people pleasantly surprised, knowing it's hako because who else would leave unexpected gifts wordlessly? needless to say, hako has gained the attention of a few members of amemachi and hara university, but isn't a big enough social butterfly to actively reach back out to talk to them. hako isn't shy by any means, just a mix of anxiety and insecurities of being "too ed up" to interact with others. what do you expect from someone who was actively separated from his own younger brother for years for hanging with the wrong crowd and not going to mass? he wasn't even allowed to talk to him or sit next to him.
hako knows he needs help, but he isn't 'there yet'. 'there yet' meaning he isn't open about sharing his preferences and feelings without feeling like he's going to be judged or beat up. showing weakness used to mean violence, sometimes showing strength meant a broken nose. it's to the extent where hako says "i like cats, i guess." when asked what his favorite animal is, even though he would pick them over dogs any day of the week. hako has read online that it has something to do with self-preservation since he grew up around a rowdy bunch of grown men as a scrawny teenage boy.
in short, hako is a work-in-progress.
inspiration. troye sivan's discography, aries, gilbert blythe, chewing on gum, stuffing hands in pockets, brother bear's kenai, ride or die, irritating natural charm and smarts, buzzfeed unsolved's shane madej, abused animals, cracking of knuckles, nct dream's go era, "you got to know the rules to break them."
being a quick leaner, hako has grown to realize that some parts of him are pretty, in his own words, "ed up." his temper and lack of patience gets in the way of developing a proper relationship with anyone besides granny niko. his complex of thinking he's indestructible is also getting in the way of actually living with a healthy mindset: making him push away his signs of a god complex and need for some help. granny niko once called it toxic masculinity and hako chokes because how does she know that? he tries not to blame this all on his upbringing and his parents, as granny niko advised, but it's a difficult reality that hako has to come to terms with. before moving to amemachi, hako didn't like interacting with people: thought they were too slow and mundane for his taste, for his level of 'intelligence'. however he's matured enough to come to the realization that everyone has a story that might be worth listening to. might.
while granny niko has trained hako to help people done the steps and let others eat first, he struggles to charm people. at least, when he's actively trying to. he's always been better with observing and showing up unannounced with exactly what you wanted (i.e. you just broke up with your boyfriend and whined about craving popcorn: hako would probably put popcorn on your table). it leaves people pleasantly surprised, knowing it's hako because who else would leave unexpected gifts wordlessly? needless to say, hako has gained the attention of a few members of amemachi and hara university, but isn't a big enough social butterfly to actively reach back out to talk to them. hako isn't shy by any means, just a mix of anxiety and insecurities of being "too ed up" to interact with others. what do you expect from someone who was actively separated from his own younger brother for years for hanging with the wrong crowd and not going to mass? he wasn't even allowed to talk to him or sit next to him.
hako knows he needs help, but he isn't 'there yet'. 'there yet' meaning he isn't open about sharing his preferences and feelings without feeling like he's going to be judged or beat up. showing weakness used to mean violence, sometimes showing strength meant a broken nose. it's to the extent where hako says "i like cats, i guess." when asked what his favorite animal is, even though he would pick them over dogs any day of the week. hako has read online that it has something to do with self-preservation since he grew up around a rowdy bunch of grown men as a scrawny teenage boy.
in short, hako is a work-in-progress.
inspiration. troye sivan's discography, aries, gilbert blythe, chewing on gum, stuffing hands in pockets, brother bear's kenai, ride or die, irritating natural charm and smarts, buzzfeed unsolved's shane madej, abused animals, cracking of knuckles, nct dream's go era, "you got to know the rules to break them."
character. one thing's for sure: hako doesn't talk about his family. he doesn't entertain questions about why he's in amemachi because whenever he feels like maybe it's time to open up, the stale taste of bile rises from his stomach and he can feel his tongue burning. it's been nearly three years since he moved to amemachi but the stink of home still haunts him whenever someone mentions that granny niko isn't actually his grandmother, more like a old family friend that acts like a guardian. hako was thrown over to granny niko right after he graduated high school , parents disowning him after having enough of hako's defiance. to put it simply: hako wasn't a good kid. a star student with a bright academic future, yes but far from the son his parents wished for. even before he skipped weekly mass and came home in the middle of the night, hako was often punished for simple asking questions – something difficult to avoid being a curious kid at heart. seeing that his back would meet the leather regardless, hako began his daring retaliation. by the time he turned fifteen, he was actively skipping school almost everyday, smoking out of boredom and making friends with older schoolmates who weren't the best bunch. hako began to steer away from his parents' tight catholic upbringing and got father's belt nevertheless.
despite his violent nature, hake has never hit his father. definitely wanted to, but knew it was best if he didnt rile up the monster inside his father.
the tipping point for hako's parents was catching their son sitting on his bed, hands cupping the flushed cheek of another boy, wet lips locked. the boy in bed with hako was an innocent chinese exchange student who agreed to the physical touch since both of them were confused as to what they wanted and who they were. the house was filled with terrified screams: his mother locking hako's younger brother in his own room as if there were a killer on the loose and his father roughly shoving the two boys down the stairs and out of the house. hako was kicked out for a week, the week in which his parents took the time to think about what to do with their eldest son. an old family friend in japan, takada niko, was the answer.
far enough to cut off a branch in the family tree.
it's been three years of living in amemachi with granny niko in her old house equip with traditional tatami-style rooms. it took hako some time to adjust to using the japanese language daily and not sleeping in a bed with a frame. however, hako adapted to the lifestyle he was forced into by his parents, but welcomed into by granny niko. the old women was welcoming and witty enough for hako to keep up with, despite her severally hunched back and white hair. she has a way of keeping him in place. if not granny niko, then perhaps the sea breeze of amemachi, because hako has been actively attending classes and is always on time to walk granny niko home from the florist store. she actively runs a flower business, selling seeds, seasonal flowers and dried flowers for tea. so hako helps out, being the able bodied young man he is. in his spare time, he does the gardening and drying of flowers while learning how to arrange flowers. by now, hako has an extensive knowledge of flowers and how to handle them. once he's done with the heavy lifting of flower pots and sacks of fertilizer, granny niko rewards him with dinner and they chat about school and her younger days.
hako has grown into this lifestyle. he doesn't remember the last time he got into a physical fight or had to hide in the basement to avoid being hit. granny niko treats him as if he was her own grandson – feeds him all three meals, has basically groomed him to be a gentleman with the way she's molded hako to treat her. that being said, no one else really sees that side of hako: he spends most of his time studying or helping granny niko. people around his age just remind him of his time in korea where you had to watch your every move and be decisive with what you did. anxiety builds up to the point where hako's shoulders are tense and eyes avoiding meeting anyone else's. where you were always lifted to your tiptoes by the collar and questioned, corner of your lip split from being slapped.
now all hako had to worry about was being on time, because granny niko gets quite upset at tardiness.
despite his violent nature, hake has never hit his father. definitely wanted to, but knew it was best if he didnt rile up the monster inside his father.
the tipping point for hako's parents was catching their son sitting on his bed, hands cupping the flushed cheek of another boy, wet lips locked. the boy in bed with hako was an innocent chinese exchange student who agreed to the physical touch since both of them were confused as to what they wanted and who they were. the house was filled with terrified screams: his mother locking hako's younger brother in his own room as if there were a killer on the loose and his father roughly shoving the two boys down the stairs and out of the house. hako was kicked out for a week, the week in which his parents took the time to think about what to do with their eldest son. an old family friend in japan, takada niko, was the answer.
far enough to cut off a branch in the family tree.
it's been three years of living in amemachi with granny niko in her old house equip with traditional tatami-style rooms. it took hako some time to adjust to using the japanese language daily and not sleeping in a bed with a frame. however, hako adapted to the lifestyle he was forced into by his parents, but welcomed into by granny niko. the old women was welcoming and witty enough for hako to keep up with, despite her severally hunched back and white hair. she has a way of keeping him in place. if not granny niko, then perhaps the sea breeze of amemachi, because hako has been actively attending classes and is always on time to walk granny niko home from the florist store. she actively runs a flower business, selling seeds, seasonal flowers and dried flowers for tea. so hako helps out, being the able bodied young man he is. in his spare time, he does the gardening and drying of flowers while learning how to arrange flowers. by now, hako has an extensive knowledge of flowers and how to handle them. once he's done with the heavy lifting of flower pots and sacks of fertilizer, granny niko rewards him with dinner and they chat about school and her younger days.
hako has grown into this lifestyle. he doesn't remember the last time he got into a physical fight or had to hide in the basement to avoid being hit. granny niko treats him as if he was her own grandson – feeds him all three meals, has basically groomed him to be a gentleman with the way she's molded hako to treat her. that being said, no one else really sees that side of hako: he spends most of his time studying or helping granny niko. people around his age just remind him of his time in korea where you had to watch your every move and be decisive with what you did. anxiety builds up to the point where hako's shoulders are tense and eyes avoiding meeting anyone else's. where you were always lifted to your tiptoes by the collar and questioned, corner of your lip split from being slapped.
now all hako had to worry about was being on time, because granny niko gets quite upset at tardiness.
relationships.
hako once compared the eighty-three year old to the iconic marry poppins, not that she understands the reference, but he thinks it's a good comparison. takada niko has the warmth and strictness of a mother, her vanity still very much intact and her mind still as sharp as it was decades ago. age doesn't sever the close bond the two have – battle of the wits, almost. while hako has a tendency to disregard social hierarchy and doesn't have a strong respect for most, granny niko is an exception. he's very protective of her, and is dutiful as the son she lost in a miscarriage. granny niko doesn't know the full story of hako, but she knows enough. having lived in amemachi all her life, niko is no stranger to the hara nine so when hako told her about being enrolled into hara university, she had to hold herself back from asking him to pick any university besides hara. every day, niko worries about hako's safety, but chooses not to nag, knowing hako won't abide anyways.
hako was supposed to turn out good. he was supposed to be the religious son of their dreams, star student: the perfect child whipped into shape. then, it all went wrong. hako's parents don't acknowledge the fact that they had a son before their youngest. they don't talk about the way they shamed him and how the belt was more often used as a weapon than worn out. just like how hako's parents don't talk about him, hako doesn't talk about them either. he tries not to resent them and admits that seeing them frustrated was both extremely entertaining and frightening.
kang hakyul is the second atempt by hako's parents to create the perfect son. hako and hakyul have a ten year so the two have never been close. in fact, there are moments where hakyul forgets that he has an older brother somewhere out in the world because he is so sheltered; has always been ever since he was out of the womb. hako's parents refused to let hako interact with hakyul, calling him a bad influence and disgusting, telling him that he should be ashamed to even be around hakyul. hako takes hakyul as one of his main insecurities, because he was too much to even be around his brother, his own blood. what makes hako think that no one will have a problem with him in the real world?
besides giving flowers to nana at the end of one of her dance recitals after overhearing that no one has given her flowers in a while by one her dance partners, nana and hako have never sat down and have a proper conversation. at once point, some thought hako had a crush on nana after the flower incident, but soon learned that hako was just unpredictably generous in giving material things to strangers. nana thinks the gesture was very sweet and hako does think nana is very beautiful but none of these thoughts have ever pushed either of them to interact.
hako knows nothing about nell, and nell knows nothing about hako besides the fact that his sister calls him "the cute boy at the flower store that helps mdm. takada" and maybe has a small infatuation over the boy. the two have crossed paths and have interacted before when nell was forced to follow his sister to said flower store, only to see hako in a sweaty tank top lifting ceramic pots. nell grimaces every time when he hears his older sister fawn over hako because there's something off-putting about seeing your own sister freak out over the biceps (not even that noticeable, honestly) of someone that goes to your university.
hako once compared the eighty-three year old to the iconic marry poppins, not that she understands the reference, but he thinks it's a good comparison. takada niko has the warmth and strictness of a mother, her vanity still very much intact and her mind still as sharp as it was decades ago. age doesn't sever the close bond the two have – battle of the wits, almost. while hako has a tendency to disregard social hierarchy and doesn't have a strong respect for most, granny niko is an exception. he's very protective of her, and is dutiful as the son she lost in a miscarriage. granny niko doesn't know the full story of hako, but she knows enough. having lived in amemachi all her life, niko is no stranger to the hara nine so when hako told her about being enrolled into hara university, she had to hold herself back from asking him to pick any university besides hara. every day, niko worries about hako's safety, but chooses not to nag, knowing hako won't abide anyways.
hako was supposed to turn out good. he was supposed to be the religious son of their dreams, star student: the perfect child whipped into shape. then, it all went wrong. hako's parents don't acknowledge the fact that they had a son before their youngest. they don't talk about the way they shamed him and how the belt was more often used as a weapon than worn out. just like how hako's parents don't talk about him, hako doesn't talk about them either. he tries not to resent them and admits that seeing them frustrated was both extremely entertaining and frightening.
kang hakyul is the second atempt by hako's parents to create the perfect son. hako and hakyul have a ten year so the two have never been close. in fact, there are moments where hakyul forgets that he has an older brother somewhere out in the world because he is so sheltered; has always been ever since he was out of the womb. hako's parents refused to let hako interact with hakyul, calling him a bad influence and disgusting, telling him that he should be ashamed to even be around hakyul. hako takes hakyul as one of his main insecurities, because he was too much to even be around his brother, his own blood. what makes hako think that no one will have a problem with him in the real world?
besides giving flowers to nana at the end of one of her dance recitals after overhearing that no one has given her flowers in a while by one her dance partners, nana and hako have never sat down and have a proper conversation. at once point, some thought hako had a crush on nana after the flower incident, but soon learned that hako was just unpredictably generous in giving material things to strangers. nana thinks the gesture was very sweet and hako does think nana is very beautiful but none of these thoughts have ever pushed either of them to interact.
hako knows nothing about nell, and nell knows nothing about hako besides the fact that his sister calls him "the cute boy at the flower store that helps mdm. takada" and maybe has a small infatuation over the boy. the two have crossed paths and have interacted before when nell was forced to follow his sister to said flower store, only to see hako in a sweaty tank top lifting ceramic pots. nell grimaces every time when he hears his older sister fawn over hako because there's something off-putting about seeing your own sister freak out over the biceps (not even that noticeable, honestly) of someone that goes to your university.
trivia.
· becomes impulsive when he's irritated, impatient and feeling threatened plus he has a bit of a temper which results in a sharp tongue and snarky comebacks. (i.e. "stop being a wuss and just ask her out for 's sake." and "sounds like a lie but sure.")
· learned japanese as a second language ever since he was a child, so he speaks fluently. by now, his korean is a little rusty.
· belts freak him out. he tries not to show it whenever he gets flashbacks of the sharp pain and tries to forget that it's the reason why he developed the habit of sleeping on his stomach..
· since granny niko's house is a little furthur up from the main town area, hako likes to travel by bicycle. sometimes, he drives an old truck (granny niko taught him) to transport flowers to the shop. granny niko prefers to walk so hako can be seen walking home with her every evening after class, bicycle by his side.
· knows a lot about plant-care because of granny niko. he's learning how to arrange flowers, wrap bouquets and has all the meanings behind flowers and names memorised by heart.
· hates physcial contact (i.e. cuddling, hugging, arm around the shoulder, kissing, holding hands) unless he is the one to initiate (or it's from granny niko, which he will lean into her touch).
· raised in a strict catholic household and despite his history, hako still quietly prays before every meal. hako doesn't like going to mass because he doesn't see the point. he thinks he can just talk to god on his own, so why gather in a stuffy hall with a bunch of strangers to talk to a guy that is omnipresent?
· curses like a sailor, but never uses the lord's name in vain. not that he'd point it out to anyone if they were to do so, he just personally lives by that code.
· hako graduated valedictorian in his high school class.
· has been in quite a number of physical fights (70% chance of coming out as the victor), so hako doesn't mind threatening and throwing a few punches here and there. he mostly got into fights with men who picked on his uality. it would have started with a remark along the lines of, "what are you, gay?" and hako would look back with a cocky brow raised, "why, are you interested?" and a punch would be thrown at hako.
· ever since moving to amemachi, hako hasn't smoked. mostly because it's hard to get a pack and get past granny niko. he's mostly gotten over the bad habit by chewing gum; always having pack of peppermint flavored gum in his backpack.
· learned japanese as a second language ever since he was a child, so he speaks fluently. by now, his korean is a little rusty.
· belts freak him out. he tries not to show it whenever he gets flashbacks of the sharp pain and tries to forget that it's the reason why he developed the habit of sleeping on his stomach..
· since granny niko's house is a little furthur up from the main town area, hako likes to travel by bicycle. sometimes, he drives an old truck (granny niko taught him) to transport flowers to the shop. granny niko prefers to walk so hako can be seen walking home with her every evening after class, bicycle by his side.
· knows a lot about plant-care because of granny niko. he's learning how to arrange flowers, wrap bouquets and has all the meanings behind flowers and names memorised by heart.
· hates physcial contact (i.e. cuddling, hugging, arm around the shoulder, kissing, holding hands) unless he is the one to initiate (or it's from granny niko, which he will lean into her touch).
· raised in a strict catholic household and despite his history, hako still quietly prays before every meal. hako doesn't like going to mass because he doesn't see the point. he thinks he can just talk to god on his own, so why gather in a stuffy hall with a bunch of strangers to talk to a guy that is omnipresent?
· curses like a sailor, but never uses the lord's name in vain. not that he'd point it out to anyone if they were to do so, he just personally lives by that code.
· hako graduated valedictorian in his high school class.
· has been in quite a number of physical fights (70% chance of coming out as the victor), so hako doesn't mind threatening and throwing a few punches here and there. he mostly got into fights with men who picked on his uality. it would have started with a remark along the lines of, "what are you, gay?" and hako would look back with a cocky brow raised, "why, are you interested?" and a punch would be thrown at hako.
· ever since moving to amemachi, hako hasn't smoked. mostly because it's hard to get a pack and get past granny niko. he's mostly gotten over the bad habit by chewing gum; always having pack of peppermint flavored gum in his backpack.
major & year. philosophy major in his third year
class schedule.
mon. 10:00-12:00 ҂ computation and philosophy
14:00-15:30 ҂ life, the universe and everything
17:00-18:00 ҂ independant study
17:00-18:00 ҂ independant study
tues. 12:00-14:00 ҂ reason and persuasion
16:00-17:30 ҂ non-classical logic
wed. 10:00-11:30 ҂ independant study
13:00-15:00 ҂ introduction to philosopy of science
thur. 11:00-12:30 ҂ life, the universe and everything
13:00-15:00 ҂ non-classical logic
fri. 10:00-12:00 ҂ reason and persuasion
14:00-16:00 ҂ computation and philosophy
did hako have a choice in staying or leaving this summer? if so, why did he decide to stay this year?
to be frank, hako is probably going to spend the rest of his life in amemachi because of granny niko and her small florist business. he stays to help her due to her back and old age, as much as she tells him to go see the world, hako isn't leaving anytime soon.
what is hako's opinion on the kaijuu group and the hara nine?
since the kaijuu group hasn't come and attempt their voodoo on hako, he continues to stay indifferent. the people around him prefer to keep the hara nine a hush-hush topic so hako follows suit. he does think the hara nine is a little frighting, considering the fact that none of them has been found, dead or alive.
how does hako work in a team?
hako has never had to be a team player in his life. he's always been the lone wolf. it's given his success so far, so why stop now? hako is most likely to back away from responsibility, not wanting to bear the brunt of consequences when things go south. when in a group, hako only emerges as a team leader when things aren't going according to his plan, in the way he prefers.
what is hako's opinion on demons? monsters? cryptids?
hako likes to think that most of it is created by bored minds and for storytelling. and while he doesn't openly show it, some of these ideas scare him, especially ones that involve demons and ghosts (because they are too human-like to pass off as a silly tale). though it doesn't stop him from putting up a strong front and threatening the demons to "you better watch yourself."
lastly, what's hako's opinion on the ocean?
the ocean is a place of who-knows-what and hako is intrigued by it's deep unknown. so much has yet to be discovered and if hako is being honest, fish are kind of cute despite their beady little eyes.
final words. best read with troye sivan's discography on shuffle playing softly in the background. just saying the chinese exchange student i envisioned is huang renjun. kang hako started off as an : anyone who read the first draft knows how much of a one-dimensional i make hako sound. but now hako is kind of like an stray dog: needs time to warm up to humans and has lots of scars from fights (yes, granny niko adopted him. that is basically hako's story). also a big thing i missed out but hako would die for granny niko. if hako gets to know you long enough and over a long period of time, grows really attatched, he would also die for you. thought it was important.
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