Joong and Dunk entered the apartment quietly. Joong was visibly tense, his shoulders stiff as he walked further into the space, removing his jacket and placing it on the chair. Dunk followed him closely, his expression a mix of concern and hesitation.
Dunk:
Joong-
Joong interrupted him sharply without even turning around.
Joong:
Dunk, not now. Just go to sleep
Dunk frowned, his lips pressing into a pout. He wanted to say more, to insist
Dunk:
Okay..
He nodded, turning toward his room. Joong glanced at him briefly, his gaze softening as he saw Dunk's dejected figure disappear behind the door. Joong sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair before heading to his own room.
Hours passed, but sleep eluded Joong. He lay on his bed, his mind racing with thoughts about the fan meet, Fourth's stubbornness, and the complications of Dunk being involved in his world.
Suddenly, Joong felt a pair of arms wrap gently around him from behind. He froze, his body going rigid as warmth spread across his back.
Joong:
Dunk?!
Turning around quickly, he found Dunk lying beside him, his face innocent and calm despite the bold gesture.
Joong:
Dunk, you didn't sleep?
Dunk:
How can I sleep, Joong?
Dunk snuggled closer, his arms tightening slightly as he rested his head near Joong's shoulder. Joong's heart raced, but he didn't pull away. Instead, he reached for the blanket, covering them both.
Joong:
Why aren't you sleeping? Hmm? Tell me.
Dunk:
Because you're not, Joong. How can I sleep knowing you're upset?
Joong sighed, turning his head to look at Dunk. His face was so close, his wide eyes filled with concern.
Joong:
Dunk, you don't have to worry about me. I'll figure it out
Dunk:
But I want to help, Joong
Joong frowned, his brows furrowing slightly.
Joong:
Help? How, Dunk?
Dunk:
If what Fourth was saying will solve your problem, then I'll do it. I'll help you however I can.
Joong's eyes widened slightly, and he shook his head firmly.
Joong:
No, Dunk. You don't understand. This isn't something you can just agree to. It's not that simple
Dunk propped himself up on one elbow
Dunk:
Then explain it to me, Joong. Why can't I help you? If you and others can do this, why can't I?
Joong:
Dunk, it's not just about acting or doing the things you saw in that series. It's everything that comes with it. The fans, the scrutiny, the pressure... People can be toxic. They'll criticize you, hurt you emotionally, and invade your life in ways you can't even imagine.
Dunk tilted his head slightly
Dunk:
But it's work, right? It's part of what you do. If it's for work, then why should it matter what others say?
Joong sighed again, his hand gently cup Dunk's cheek. His thumb brushed against the soft skin, and Dunk blinked at the unexpected gesture.
Joong:
It's not just work, Dunk. It's your life. And I don't want you to go through what I've had to deal with. You don't deserve that.
Dunk leaned into Joong's touch, his eyes filled with trust and innocence.
Dunk:
But you'll protect me, right, Joong? If anything happens, you'll be there.
Joong's heart skipped a beat at Dunk's words. There was something about the way Dunk said it-so trusting
Joong:
Always
Dunk smiled brightly
Dunk:
I know, Joong. That's why I'm not scared.
Joong stared at him for a long moment, his emotions swirling
Joong:
Even so, Dunk, I'm not going to agree to this. It's too much, and I won't let you put yourself through it just for my sake.
Dunk pouted slightly, his lips forming a small frown.
Dunk:
But-
Joong:
No buts, Dunk. This is final
Dunk sighed, laying his head down against Joong's shoulder.
Dunk:
You're so stubborn, Joong
Joong smiled faintly, his hand resting on Dunk's head as he closed his eyes.
Joong:
And you're too persistent. Go to sleep, Dunk
Dunk yawned softly, finally allowing himself to relax.
Dunk:
Goodnight, Joong
Joong:
Goodnight, Dunk
It was 3 a.m. when Joong jolted awake, startled by an odd noise coming from the kitchen. Groggily, he blinked and realized Dunk was no longer lying beside him. His heart raced as concern gripped him.
Joong:
Where did this boy go at this hour?
Getting out of bed, Joong walked toward the kitchen, the faint smell of something burning hitting his nose. As he stepped inside, he found Dunk standing near the stove, eating slices of fruit while a pancake sizzled and burned in the pan.
Joong:
Dunk! What are you doing?!
Dunk looked up, startled but smiling sheepishly.
Dunk:
Oh, Joong, it's not morning yet. Go back to sleep!
Joong's eyes widened as he saw the blackened pancake still on the stove. He dashed to the stove and quickly turned off the gas, shaking his head in disbelief.
Joong:
Is this really the time for eating, Dunk? It's the middle of the night!
Dunk pouted, holding a piece of fruit in his hand.
Dunk:
But I'm hungry, Joong. I couldn't sleep because my stomach kept growling.
Joong sighed heavily, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
Joong:
If you were hungry, you should've woken me up! Look at this mess-you burned the pancake!
Dunk shrugged, taking another bite of fruit.
Dunk:
It's okay. I can still eat it...
Joong shot him a disapproving look, his protective instincts flaring.
Joong:
Absolutely not. Wait what you mixed in it?
Dunk:
Last time i saw you but i didn't put the egg...
Joong went to the sink, splashed water on his face to wake up fully, and then rolled up his sleeves. He grabbed the necessary ingredients, set the stove to the right heat, and started making pancakes from scratch.
Dunk watched him in awe, leaning against the counter with a soft smile.
Dunk:
Joong, you don't have to do all this, you know. I could've managed.
Joong:
Managed? By setting the kitchen on fire? Dunk, you're not cooking anything unsupervised again. And this is your last warning
Dunk giggled, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Dunk:
You're so bossy, Joong
Joong turned his head briefly, giving Dunk a pointed look.
Joong:
And you're so careless, Dunk. What if you'd hurt yourself?
Dunk fell silent, his playful smile replaced with a soft pout.
Dunk:
I didn't mean to...
Joong:
I know you didn't. Just... next time, wake me up, okay? I'll take care of it.
Dunk nodded obediently, his lips curving back into a small smile.
Within minutes, Joong had made two golden-brown pancakes, He placed them on a plate and handed it to Dunk, who accepted it eagerly.
Dunk:
Joong, thank you so much! You're the best.
Joong yawned, pulling out a chair and sitting at the table while Dunk started eating. He rested his chin on his hand, watching Dunk with sleepy eyes as he devoured the pancakes.
Joong:
You eat like you've been starving for days
Dunk looked up, his cheeks puffed out with a mouthful of pancake.
Dunk:
I was really hungry, Joong
Joong couldn't help but chuckle at the sight, shaking his head.
Joong:
Slow down, or you'll choke
Dunk:
But these are so good, Joong! You're amazing at this.
Joong smirked, leaning back in his chair.
Joong:
Of course, I am.
Dunk:
Thank you, Joong. I really mean it
Joong's expression softened as he stood and ruffled Dunk's hair.
Joong:
You're welcome. Now, go to sleep. And no more sneaking into the kitchen at night, okay?
Dunk nodded, his face lighting up with an innocent smile.
Dunk:
Okay, Joong. Goodnight!
Joong watched Dunk leave, shaking his head with a small smile. He turned off the kitchen lights and headed back to bed.......