Chapter 17: Part 17

MOON PRINCEWords: 5171

Phuwin, always the one to stir things up, suddenly clapped his hands to grab everyone’s attention.

Phuwin:

Alright, let’s make things more fun. How about we play Truth or Dare?

Dunk looked around in confusion, his brows furrowed slightly as he tried to make sense of the new suggestion. Joong, noticing his clueless expression, leaned closer to explain softly.

Joong whispered

Joong:

It’s a game. If the bottle lands on you, they’ll ask you to choose between answering a question honestly or doing a dare. But listen to me carefully-don’t mention anything about the moon or your story. Just choose dare, okay?

Dunk nodded

The bottle was placed in the center, and everyone gathered around, eagerly anticipating the fun. Pond spun the bottle first, and it slowly stopped, pointing directly at Gemini.

Phuwin:

Okay, Gemini, truth or dare?

Gemini:

Truth

Phuwin leaned forward, with a playful smirk

Phuwin:

Alright then, tell us-do you like Fourth or not?

The room erupted into laughter, and all eyes turned to Gemini, who groaned but played along.

Gemini:

Of course, I like him. But he’s too dense to understand anything

Fourth, who had been sipping his drink, nearly choked.

Fourth:

Shut up! You’re the one who only knows how to flirt with everyone!

The teasing sent waves of laughter through the room, and Pond quickly spun the bottle again. This time, it landed on Dunk, who blinked in surprise.

smirking even wider now

Phuwin:

Okay, Dunk, truth or dare?

Dunk:

Dare.

Phuwin’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he leaned back, clearly plotting something.

Phuwin:

Alright, Dunk. Kiss Gemini on the cheek.

Joong’s voice cut through the noise sharply.

Joong:

No!

Pond:

Come on, Joong. It’s just a dare, nothing serious.

Phuwin:

Fine, then. Dunk, you can kiss anyone here on the cheek. Your choice

Joong’s jaw tightened, and he opened his mouth to object again, but Dunk surprised everyone. Before Joong could finish his protest, Dunk leaned over to him, placing a soft kiss on Joong’s cheek.

Dunk lingered there for a moment, his lips warm against Joong’s skin, before pulling away with a smile.

The room burst into cheers and teasing shouts.

Pond:

Whoa! Dunk didn’t even hesitate!

Phuwin:

Joong, are you blushing?!

Joong’s heart raced, thudding loudly in his chest as he turned to look at Dunk. Dunk was gazing at him with a warm, loving expression that made Joong forget where they were. But then his eyes caught something unusual-on Dunk’s neck, beneath his shirt, the pendant he wore seemed to emit a faint glow.

Joong’s gaze locked on the soft light.

Dunk, noticing Joong’s sudden change in expression

Dunk:

Joong? Are you okay?

Joong:

Yeah. I’m fine

The game had long since ended, Fourth and Dunk had fallen asleep on the couch, while Pond was sprawled out on the carpet, softly snoring. Gemini, noticing Fourth’s uncomfortable position, gently lifted him in his arms.

He carefully carried Fourth to the guest bedroom, tucking him in before heading back to check on the others.

Meanwhile, Joong knelt beside Dunk, who was curled up on the couch, his peaceful expression making Joong’s heart ache. Joong hesitated for a moment before sighing and slipping an arm under Dunk’s knees and another around his back. With ease, he lifted Dunk into his arms.

Joong:

You’re lighter than you look. Do you even eat properly?

Dunk stirred slightly, his head resting against Joong’s chest, but he didn’t wake up. Joong carried him to his bedroom, pushing the door open with his foot. He laid Dunk down on the bed with the utmost care, as if afraid to disturb his sleep.

Once Dunk was settled, Joong pulled the blanket over him, making sure he was comfortable. For a moment, he simply stood there, watching Dunk’s  face. His fingers instinctively reached out to brush the stray strands of hair from Dunk’s forehead.

Joong:

Why do you have to be so...pure?

He said softly, almost to himself

He couldn’t hold back anymore, leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to Dunk’s forehead, his lips lingering there for a moment.

he straightened up, his eyes were drawn to Dunk’s pendant, which was faintly glowing again. The soft light pulsed gently, almost as if it had a heartbeat of its own. Joong reached out, but then he remembered Dunk’s earlier words

He turned to leave, shaking his head to clear his thoughts, but as he reached the doorway, he froze. Standing there, leaning casually against the doorframe, was Phuwin. His arms were crossed

Phuwin:

So, kissing someone on the forehead is normal in friendship now?

Joong’s cheeks flushed, but he quickly masked it with a scowl.

Joong:

Shut up, Phuwin

Phuwin:

I’m just saying, it didn’t look very ‘friendly’ to me. Are you sure there’s nothing you’re hiding?

Joong:

I’m not denying anything, okay? But you don’t need to keep poking your nose into it. Now, go and let me sleep.

Phuwin raised his hands in mock surrender, his grin only widening.

Phuwin:

Alright, alright. I’ll let you be. For now.

Joong turned on his heel and walked into his own room, shutting the door behind him. He leaned against it for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady himself......