Everyone gathered around the dining table, their laughter and chatter echoing off the walls. Joong emerged from the kitchen with plates of food, setting them down with precision and care.
Joong:
Here's our dinner. Everything's ready.
Phuwin:
Wait, you're eating this too, Joong? Isn't this all vegetarian?
beaming proudly
Dunk:
Yes, Joong made this for me! It's all vegetarian because I don't eat meat.
Pond:
Wow, Chef Joong. This is a new side of you.
Excitedly reaching for his phone
Dunk:
Wait, wait! Don't start eating yet! I need to put everything in my phone first
Joong sighed, already anticipating what Dunk was about to do.
Joong:
You mean photos, don't you?
Dunk:
Yes! Photos, photos! This food looks amazing. I have to document it.
Dunk stood up from his chair, angling his phone to capture the dishes from every angle. He started making a video, narrating softly as he zoomed in on each plate.
Dunk:
Look at this! Joong made everything with so much love. Doesn't it look delicious?
Joong, noticing Dunk was too engrossed in filming to eat, sighed deeply. Without saying much, he picked up a spoon, filled it with food, and turned toward Dunk.
Joong:
Dunk, here.
Dunk, completely absorbed in his task, opened his mouth instinctively without even glancing at Joong. He continued focusing on his phone as Joong fed him a spoonful of food.
The rest of the group froze, their eyes wide as they witnessed the scene unfold.
whispering to Pond
Phuwin:
Did you just see that?
Pond:
I did. Is this... normal for them?
Fourth:
Apparently, yes. I've never seen Phi Joong behave like this before.
Joong, feeling their stares, glanced around and caught their curious expressions.
Joong:
What? Why are you all looking at me like that?
Gemini:
It's just... I didn't know you could be so caring, Phi Joong. You're like a different person.
Joong sighed, brushing off their comments as if it was no big deal.
Joong:
Dunk, now put your phone aside and eat properly.
Dunk, oblivious to the others reactions, nodded obediently.
Dunk:
Yes, Joong.
The group exchanged amused glances, their smiles growing wider.
Pond:
They're like an married couple.
Phuwin:
Joong's not even trying to deny it.
Joong shot them a warning glance but didn't say anything....
The others were sprawled across the living room, debating which movie to watch, while Dunk, looking as confused as ever, simply nodded and agreed with whatever the group decided. As expected, the majority opted for a horror movie, and Dunk followed their lead without understanding much
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Joong and Phuwin were busy cleaning up after dinner. Joong washed each dish, while Phuwin dried and stacked them on the counter.
He said breaking the silence
Phuwin:
Joong?
Joong:
Hmm?
Still not looking up from the sink
Phuwin:
Dunk is really... so pure and innocent, isn't he?
Joong paused for a second, glancing toward the living room where Dunk was nodding at something Pond said. A faint smile spread at Joong's lips as he returned to washing the dishes.
Joong:
He is. That's just who he is-honest, pure, and always himself.
Phuwin leaned against the counter, observing Joong's
Phuwin:
Are you sure he'll be okay after becoming an actor? This industry... it's not always kind, Joong.
Joong's movements slowed as he considered Phuwin's words.
Joong:
I had my doubts at first, especially about whether he could handle it. But after seeing him act today, I realized he's made for this. And as for the toxicity... I'll protect him. I won't let anyone take advantage of him or hurt him.
Phuwin studied Joong for a moment, a small smile forming on his face.
Phuwin:
He trusts you completely, you know. It's rare to see someone trust another person as blindly as Dunk trusts you.
Joong exhaled softly, drying his hands with a towel.
Joong:
I know. That's why I can't let him down. and I'll do whatever it takes to make sure he's okay
Phuwin raised an eyebrow
Phuwin:
It almost seems like... he likes you. More than just as a friend, I mean.
Joong froze for a second before quickly regaining his composure. He shook his head
Joong:
N-no. He doesn't see me that way. Dunk only thinks of me as his friend, nothing more.
Phuwin smirked knowingly, crossing his arms.
Phuwin:
And what about you? What do you think of him?
Joong turned to face him, narrowing his eyes slightly as if offended by the question.
Joong:
Me? I think of him as my friend too. That's all
Phuwin tilted his head, clearly unconvinced.
Phuwin:
Are you sure?
Joong met his gaze head-on
Joong:
Super sure
Phuwin chuckled softly
Phuwin:
Let's see
He murmured
Joong frowned
Joong:
Wait, what do you mean by that? Let's see what?
But instead of answering, Phuwin simply smiled and walked out of the kitchen, leaving Joong standing there, Joong watched him go
As he turned back to the dishes, he muttered to himself.
Joong:
What's there to see? There's nothing... right?
Everyone settled in for the movie. Pond had finally chosen a horror movie, much to the excitement of some and hesitation of others. Dunk was seated in the middle of the couch, eagerly patting the seat next to him.
Dunk:
Joong, here! Sit next to me!
Joong, who had just finished arranging a few things, immediately nodded and made his way to the spot Dunk had saved for him.
Joong:
What movie did you choose?
Pond:
Horror, of course
Joong glanced at Dunk with concern
Joong:
Dunk, are you okay with horror movies? You don't have to watch if you're not comfortable.
Dunk tilted his head in confusion, not quite understanding Joong's concern but eager to follow the group's energy.
Dunk:
Joong, let's watch it na. It'll be fun!
Joong hesitated but nodded as Pond eagerly started the movie. The room fell silent as the opening credits rolled, the eerie background music already setting the tone.
A few minutes into the movie, Dunk casually leaned his head on Joong's shoulder, his body relaxing as he settled in. Joong immediately wrapped an arm around Dunk, pulling him closer in a protective gesture. Across the room, Phuwin noticed the gesture and nudged Pond, who raised an eyebrow but chose to stay silent, exchanging knowing looks with Phuwin.
As the suspense in the movie built up, Dunk seemed engrossed, his wide eyes glued to the screen. But then, out of nowhere, a ghost appeared with a sudden loud jump scare, causing Dunk to jolt
Dunk:
Ahh!
He turned his face away from the screen, pressing himself into Joong's chest and clutching Joong's shirt tightly. His breathing quickened
Joong:
Are you okay?
Dunk:
No, no, Joong. I'm not looking at that again!
Joong gave him a reassuring squeeze and turned toward the group.
Joong:
Pond, change the movie. Dunk is scared.
Gemini:
But Phi, it's so fun! We're just getting to the good part!
Joong's voice hardened
Joong:
No means no. Change it
Pond sighed, switching the horror movie to a light-hearted rom-com. Dunk, still nestled against Joong, cautiously peeked at the screen. Seeing the cheerful opening scene, he relaxed slightly.
Dunk:
Joong, what's this movie?
Joong:
Something you'll enjoy more
Dunk nodded and began to get engrossed in the new movie, laughing softly at the humorous moments. But Joong noticed Dunk shivering slightly. Without a word, he stood up and walked to the hallway. The others watched him curiously but didn't say anything.
Moments later, Joong returned with a thick blanket. He carefully draped it over Dunk and himself, making sure Dunk was warm and comfortable. The gesture didn't go unnoticed, and everyone exchanged glances, clearly surprised by Joong's attentive behavior.
Phuwin:
Have you ever seen Joong like this?
Pond:
Never. Not once
Meanwhile, Dunk looked up at Joong with wide, grateful eyes.
Dunk:
Thank you, Joong
Joong's heart skipped a beat at Dunk's sweet expression, but he kept his composure.
Joong:
Are you okay now?
Dunk:
Yes.
Joong smiled faintly, wrapping his arm around Dunk again and holding him protectively. He could feel his heartbeat quicken at how naturally Dunk fit against him......