Chapter 15: Part 15

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As Dunk and Joong busied themselves preparing the apartment for the incoming guests, Dunk moved around energetically, arranging pillows and setting up blankets. His excitement was clearly visible

Dunk:

Joong, is this okay?

He held up a small stack of neatly folded blankets.

Joong:

Yes, keep that on the bed. It’s perfect.

Dunk nodded, quickly placing the blankets on the guest bed. Joong watched him for a moment, noticing the joy in Dunk’s every movement.

As Dunk returned to the kitchen area, Joong spoke up.

Joong:

Dunk, you’ve done enough. Sit down, and I’ll take care of the dinner

Dunk:

Okay, Joong!

Dunk obediently hopped onto the counter, swinging his legs as he pulled out his phone. He scrolled through his screen, completely at ease, when suddenly his phone buzzed loudly, making him jump slightly.

Dunk:

Ohhh, Joong! Look at this!

He held his phone up for Joong to see, the name "Pond" flashing on the screen.

raising an eyebrow

Joong:

Pond is calling? Did you save his number?

Dunk:

No! But he asked me for my phone earlier, and I think he saved his number himself

Joong frowned slightly, walking over to Dunk and giving him a serious look.

Joong:

Dunk, listen to me. They’re all friends, but don’t give your phone to random people, okay? Even if they’re nice.

Dunk:

Yes, Joong. I understand!

Joong:

Good. Now pick up the call

Dunk swiped to answer, putting the phone to his ear.

Dunk:

Pond?

Pond:

Hey, Dunk! Tell Joong not to bother making dinner. We’re bringing everything with us.

Dunk:

Okay, Pond! I’ll tell him

Dunk hung up and turned to Joong, his eyes wide with excitement.

Dunk:

Joong! Pond said not to make dinner. He’s bringing food with him!

Joong paused for a moment

Joong:

Let them bring their food, but I still need to make dinner

Dunk:

Why? They’re bringing enough for everyone, right?

Joong:

Because I have to make something for you. I know what you’ll eat

Dunk:

Without any animals, right?

Joong:

Yes, Dunk. No meat. For you and for me.

Dunk blinked in surprise, leaning forward slightly as he processed Joong’s words.

Dunk:

Wait, you too? You’re not eating meat tonight?

Joong glanced away for a second, rubbing the back of his neck.

Joong:

If you’re not eating it, I’m not going to eat it either

Dunk’s face lit up with a bright smile, his voice softening.

Dunk:

Are you doing this for me, Joong?

Joong stiffened slightly, his ears turning red

Joong:

N-no! I’ve been thinking about eating less meat for a while now.

Dunk tilted his head

Dunk:

Well, thank you, Joong

Joong quickly turned back to the counter, pretending to focus on preparing ingredients

Joong:

(Why does he always make me feel this way?)

The group entered Joong’s apartment,

Joong:

Come in, everyone. Let’s settle in the hall

The group followed Joong, glancing around as they made themselves comfortable.

Phuwin:

Wow, everything is so nicely arranged. Joong, you really outdid yourself this time!

Joong:

Dunk helped me with that.

Phuwin smiled at Dunk, who beamed proudly at the acknowledgment.

Fourth:

Phi Dunk, here. This is for you.

Dunk blinked in surprise, accepting the box with curiosity.

Dunk:

What is this, Fourth?

Fourth:

Open it and see!

Dunk eagerly opened the box, revealing a delicate bracelet inside. It shimmered, its intricate design catching Dunk’s eye.

Dunk:

Wow, Fourth! This is so beautiful!

He held it up, admiring the bracelet.

Dunk:

Joong, see! Isn’t it beautiful?

Joong glanced at the bracelet, his face softening as he nodded.

Joong:

Yes, it is.

The group smiled at Dunk’s excitement, and Fourth leaned back smugly, clearly pleased with his choice.

Fourth:

I knew you’d like it, Phi Dunk. It suits you perfectly!

Dunk grinned, carefully sliding the bracelet onto his wrist.

The room buzzed with lively conversation as everyone sprawled comfortably across Joong’s neatly arranged living room. The group quickly discussing their upcoming trip to Japan for the fan meet

Pond:

Alright, first things. Tokyo! We need to explore the city. There’s so much to see-Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku Street, Akihabara

Phuwin:

And don’t forget the shopping! There are so many cool stores, and the fashion in Harajuku is amazing

Fourth:

I’m going to buy so much stuff. I need souvenirs, snacks, and maybe some anime merch.

Gemini:

Anime merch? You, Fourth? Since when do you watch anime?

Fourth:

Excuse me! Just because I don’t talk about it doesn’t mean I don’t watch it. I love action-packed series!

The group laughed as Fourth pretended to act indignant. Meanwhile, Dunk sat quietly on the couch, his eyes occasionally drifting to Joong. He wasn’t entirely sure what most of the conversation was about, but he carefully noted how Joong reacted to each suggestion.

If Joong smiled or nodded, Dunk silently agreed in his mind. If Joong frowned or stayed quiet, Dunk decided he wouldn’t do whatever they were discussing.

Pond:

Oh! What about food? We need to try everything-sushi, ramen, tempura, yakitori…

hesitantly raising his hand

Dunk:

Um… I can’t eat meat, but can I try ramen without meat?

smiling at Dunk’s innocence

Phuwin:

Of course, Dunk. Japan has amazing vegetarian options too. You’ll love it.

Dunk nodded, glancing at Joong for reassurance. Joong gave him a small smile and nodded as well.

Joong:

Don’t worry, Dunk. I’ll make sure you find something you like.

Dunk’s cheeks flushed slightly, feeling relieved and reassured.

Fourth:

Phi Joong, you’re coming everywhere with us, right?

Joong:

I’ll go wherever Dunk wants to go.

Dunk’s eyes widened slightly, and he looked at Joong. He didn’t say anything but made a mental note that he would stick close to Joong the entire trip.

Gemini:

What about Disneyland? We should definitely go!

Pond: Yes! Dunk, you’d love Disneyland. The rides, the characters, the parades- it’s amazing.

Dunk’s face lit up at the mention of Disneyland even though he don't know what it is about , he quickly glanced at Joong, waiting for his reaction. Joong chuckled softly, noticing Dunk’s expectant gaze.

Joong:

If we have time, we can go to Disneyland.

Dunk immediately smiled, his excitement clear.

Dunk:

Then I’ll go, too!

Phuwin:

Dunk, you’re only agreeing because Joong said yes.

Dunk:

Well… yes. If Joong thinks it’s a good idea, then it must be.

The group burst into laughter at Dunk’s  response. Joong felt a warmth spread through his heart as he looked at Dunk, who seemed so genuinely trusting of him.

Pond:

Okay, so it’s decided. We’re doing city exploration, food adventures, Disneyland, and maybe Mount Fuji if we can fit it in.

Fourth:

And shopping!

Gemini:

Shopping is a must. Phi Dunk, are you going to buy anything?

Dunk hesitated, looking at Joong again.

Dunk:

I’ll buy whatever Joong buys.

Joong couldn’t help but shake his head, a small smile spread at his lips.

Joong:

You’re really just going to copy me, huh?

Dunk:

Yes. I don’t know anything, so I’ll just do what you do.

Joong sighed but didn’t say anything, secretly touched by Dunk’s trust in him.......