Joong glanced at Fourth, who had been sitting with his arms crossed and a pout on his face, clearly sulking
Joong:
Now tell me, Fourth, why are you refusing to go to the fan meet?
Fourth slouched further into his chair, avoiding eye contact.
Fourth:
Phi, itâs simple-youâre not going.
Joong sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He knew Fourth could be stubborn, but this was pushing it.
Joong:
Itâs my compulsion, Fourth. I donât have a partner, so I canât go. Itâs not up to me.
Fourth sat up straight
Fourth:
I donât care! I want you with us. Weâve always gone together, phi. Itâs not fair
The intensity in Fourthâs voice made Dunk look up from the glass of juice he was sipping. He tilted his head, curiosity flickering in his wide eyes. Without hesitation, Dunk stood up and walked over to where Fourth was sitting.
He knelt beside Fourth, his face soft with concern. The fourth blinked in surprise as Dunkâs hands reached out gently, brushing through his hair in a comforting motion.
Dunk:
You really care about Joong, donât you?
Fourth looked at Dunk, momentarily caught off guard by the sudden affection. He nodded
Fourth:
Of course I do. Phi Joong is⦠like a big brother to me. Heâs always been there for me.
Dunk smiled warmly, his hand still lightly tousling Fourthâs hair.
Dunk:
Then you should understand, Fourth. Joong is upset too. Itâs hard for him not to go, but sometimes we have to do things we donât want to.
Joong, watching the scene, felt an warmth bloom in his chest. Dunkâs genuine care for someone he had just met was touching.
Fourth stared at Dunk for a long moment, his pout slowly fading. Then, as if a light bulb had gone off in his head, his eyes widened, and he sat up straight.
Fourth:
Wait! What if phi Dunk and phi Joong become a couple?
The room went silent.
Dunk blinked innocently, tilting his head like he hadnât quite understood the suggestion.
Dunk:
Become a couple? What does that mean?
Joongâs heart skipped a beat, his chest tightening at the mere thought of Fourthâs words. He quickly sat up straighter, trying to maintain a calm expression.
Joong:
Fourth, donât start with your nonsense
But Fourth wasnât listening. He leaned closer to Dunk, his face lighting up with excitement.
Fourth:
Yes, yes! It would be perfect. Phi Joong wonât need to stay back anymore, and we can all go together to the fan meet!
Dunk, still blinking in confusion, turned to Joong.
Dunk:
Joong, what is Fourth talking about? What does it mean to become a couple?
Joong groaned inwardly, running a hand through his hair.
Joong:
Itâs not important, Dunk. Fourth is just being silly
But Fourth wasnât ready to drop the subject. He clapped his hands together, addressing the group.
Fourth:
Think about it! Phi Dunk is so pretty, and phi Joong is so cool. Theyâd look amazing together! Itâs like a drama in real life!
Gemini chuckled, leaning back in his chair.
Gemini:
Fourth, are you trying to play matchmaker now? Be careful, or phi Joong might actually listen to you.
Pond:
Joong, if you want, we can talk to phi Tha about this idea.
Joong:
No!
His voice was sharp, and everyone blinked in surprise at his tone. Dunk, sitting beside Joong, flinched slightly, not understanding why Joong had reacted so strongly.
Pond:
Joong, relax. Itâs just an idea. Weâre not saying he has to
Joong turned to Pond
Joong:
Dunk is not made for this industry. He doesnât belong here, and I wonât let him get involved.
Phuwin, ever the peacekeeper, raised a calming hand.
Phuwin:
We understand, Joong. No oneâs forcing anything. We were just throwing it out there as an option
Joong closed his eyes for a moment, trying to steady himself. He hadnât meant to snap, but the thought of Dunk being thrust into the chaotic, world of entertainment made his chest tighten with unease.
Dunk, who had been quietly observing, tugged lightly on Joongâs sleeve.
Dunk:
Joong, why are you so upset?
Joong turned to him, his gaze softening slightly at the sight of Dunkâs wide, curious eyes.
Joong:
Dunk. Itâs just⦠this world isnât as simple as it seems. Itâs full of pressure, expectations, and criticism. You donât need to deal with all of that
Dunk frowned, tilting his head.
Dunk:
But Joong, you deal with it, right? If you can, then I can too. I want to help you.
Joong:
You donât understand, Dunk. Itâs different. You have a pure heart, and I donât want that to be ruined by this industry
Pond and Phuwin exchanged a glance, sensing Joongâs protectiveness over Dunk.
Phuwin:
Joong, you sound like a parent trying to keep their kid from leaving the house.
Pond smirked, adding fuel to the fire.
Pond:
Or a boyfriend trying to shield their partner from the big, bad world.
Joong shot them both a glare, though the faintest hint of redness touched his ears.
Joong:
Stop it. Iâm serious
Fourth, ever the troublemaker, grinned.
Fourth:
Itâs okay, phi. We get it. You want to keep phi Dunk all to yourself
Joong clenched his jaw, refusing to take the bait. Instead, he stood up abruptly, turning to Dunk.
Joong:
Dunk, come with me
Dunk blinked, a little startled by Joongâs sudden movement.
Dunk:
Ye-yes, Joong. Iâm coming
He stood up, bowing slightly to the others with a cheerful smile.
Dunk:
Bye-bye! It was nice meeting all of you!
The group waved
Pond:
Think about what we said, Joong.
Joong didnât respond, already walking toward the exit. Dunk hurried after him, glancing back at the group one last time.....