Chapter 13: Part 13

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Joong leaned against the doorframe of the bedroom, arms crossed, watching Dunk immersed in his phone. He had been calling him for lunch repeatedly, but Dunk hadn’t budged.

Joong:

Dunk, come here. Lunch is ready.

Dunk barely glanced up, his eyes glued to the screen.

Dunk:

Wait, Joong! This is so fun!

Joong sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair in frustration. His voice softened, muttering to himself.

Joong:

This boy will drive me crazy one day

Realizing that Dunk wouldn’t move anytime soon, Joong walked back to the kitchen. After arranging everything on a tray, he returned to the bedroom and placed it on the bed beside Dunk.

Joong:

If you’re so busy, I guess I’ll have to feed you myself

Dunk blinked in surprise, finally tearing his eyes away from the screen.

Dunk:

Huh?

Joong picked up a spoonful of food and held it out to Dunk.

Joong:

Open your mouth

Dunk hesitated but opened his mouth obediently. Joong fed him

Joong:

You know why I’m doing this?

Dunk shook his head, chewing thoughtfully.

Dunk:

No why joong?

Joong filled another spoon and sighed.

Joong:

Because I’m taking you to the office later, and I want you to have a full stomach. Otherwise, something on the street will attract your curiosity, and it’ll be trouble for me

Dunk tilted his head, his brows furrowing in confusion.

Dunk:

Am I trouble for you, Joong?

Joong froze, his hand hovering mid-air with the spoon. The innocence in Dunk’s voice...He softened his tone immediately.

Joong:

No, Dunk. Not you. It’s your curiosity that’s trouble. Always pulling you into unexpected situations

Dunk’s lips curved into a playful smile.

Dunk:

Oh, I see. So I’m not trouble, but my curiosity is?

Joong chuckled, nodding.

Joong:

Yes, Now open your mouth

Joong:

And if they ask you to audition at the office, what will you do?

Dunk paused, looking at Joong curiously.

Dunk:

What is audition?

Joong shook his head, smiling at Dunk’s innocence

Joong:

An audition is when they ask you to act out a scene to see if you’re right for the role.

Dunk’s eyes widened in realization.

Dunk:

Oh! Then I’ll do it. I’ll show them I can act.

Joong smirked, leaning back slightly as he teased.

Joong:

Let’s see. I don’t think they’ll take you, though.

Dunk gasped, setting his phone aside to glare at Joong.

Dunk:

Are you doubting me, Joong?

Joong raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes.

Joong:

Am i?

Dunk huffed, crossing his arms.

Dunk:

Fine! If you’re going to doubt me, I won’t eat anymore.

Joong blinked, startled by Dunk’s sudden sulking. He laughed softly, leaning forward to ruffle Dunk’s hair

Joong:

When did you become such a sulker, Dunk? Hmm?

Dunk pouted, refusing to look at him. Joong sighed, picking up another spoonful of food

Joong:

Alright, alright. Don’t sulk. Open your mouth

Dunk finally looked at him, as he leaned forward to take the bite.

Dunk:

You’re lucky I can’t stay mad at you, Joong.

Joong chuckled, his heart warming as he continued feeding Dunk.

Joong:

(This boy… always making my life more complicated, but somehow… I don’t mind.)

He watched him with a smile, wondering how someone could be so effortlessly endearing.......

Joong walked into the towering building, Dunk tugged tightly on his arm, his wide-eyed curiosity drawing the attention of the other actors in the room. Dunk didn’t notice the glances, but Joong did. He remained calm, walking confidently, even as whispers began to spread among the crowd

Actor 1:

Isn’t that Joong?

Actor 2:

Yeah, but who’s the boy clinging to him?

Actor 3:

No idea, but they look close.

Joong ignored the murmurs and headed straight for the meeting room, where Pond, Phuwin, Gemini, Fourth, and several producers, including phi Tha, were seated. Talking about the upcoming concert and series

Joong:

Everyone, this is Dunk. I want him to be my partner for the series.

The room fell silent for a moment as all eyes turned to Dunk, who offered a nervous smile but stayed close to Joong. Phi Tha raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms.

Tha:

Oh so you bring him huh? that’s great, Joong. But… has he acted before?

Joong hesitated for a brief moment but quickly composed himself.

Joong:

H-he will

Dunk blinked, looking up at Joong in slight confusion, but he didn’t say anything. Phi Tha exchanged glances with the producers before nodding.

Tha:

Well, it’s a good time to test him. The producers are here, so we can see if he’s suitable.

Dunk straightened up, trying to appear confident.

Tha:

Alright, Dunk. The scene is this Joong is leaving the country, and you need to stop him and show him how much you love him. Can you do that?

Dunk froze he wanted to ask questions. But Joong leaned down, whispering softly.

Joong:

You can do this. Just look at me and speak from the heart

Dunk swallowed hard, nodding

The producers settled back into their chairs, and the room grew silent. Dunk took a deep breath and stepped closer to Joong.

Dunk:

Joong, please don’t leave

His voice cracked slightly, but his gaze remained locked on Joong’s eyes. Dunk’s expression softened as if he truly believed the words he was saying.

Dunk:

Don’t you know? There’s no one else who can bear me like you do. Please, Joong. Don’t leave.

He stepped closer, his tone growing more heartfelt, his eyes glistening as he poured everything into the scene.

Dunk:

Who will feed me, Joong? Who will listen to my endless blabbering?

Joong’s breath caught in his throat as he watched Dunk. For a moment, it didn’t feel like acting at all. Dunk stepped even closer, his hands trembling as he reached out and grabbed Joong’s hands.

Dunk:

Joong, I’ve never said this before, but…

Dunk’s voice broke, his grip on Joong’s hands tightening as he whispered.

Dunk:

I love you.....

The producers leaned forward, their eyes wide. One of them motioned for an assistant to start recording.

Joong’s heart raced as he stared at Dunk. Dunk wasn’t breaking character, his eyes shining with emotion as he stepped even closer.

Dunk:

Tell me you don’t love me, Joong. Tell me if you don't...I'll leave you alone....

Dunk’s hands moved, cupping Joong’s cheeks, his thumb brushing lightly against Joong’s skin.

Dunk:

Tell me, Joong. Do you love me?

Joong froze, his throat dry as he processed Dunk’s words. His hands, almost of their own accord, reached up to cover Dunk’s hands on his face.

Joong:

I-i

He paused, his voice cracking, before finally whispering

Joong:

I love you Dunk

The room erupted into whispers and applause, but Dunk didn’t react. He stayed in character, his gaze locked with Joong’s. Joong couldn’t break away either

Tha:

That was incredible!

Producer 1:

The chemistry is unreal!

Producer 2:

This is exactly what we need for the series!

But neither Joong nor Dunk heard them. They staring at each other........