The peaceful morning was broken by an excited scream from Fourth, who came running into the living room
Fourth:
Here! Look at this!
Fourth yelled, his voice filled with excitement.
Fourth:
The company just posted it! JoongDunk is officially announced as a couple!
The commotion pulled everyone out of their rooms. One by one, they emerged, still rubbing the sleep from their eyes.
Pond:
Whatâs going on?
Pond asked, yawning and scratching his head.
Fourth:
The company just made it official-
Phi Joong and Phi Dunk are a couple!
Joong, who had just walked in, raised an eyebrow.
Joong:
Did they post any pictures?
His tone was calm, but there was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes.
Fourth:
No, not yet
Fourth replied, his excitement still bubbling over
Fourth:
But I bet theyâll want pictures soon
Pond:
Looks like theyâll call you guys in for a couple photoshoot today. Better get ready for some posing!
Joong shrugged.
Joong:
Letâs see
Meanwhile, Gemini had grabbed Fourthâs phone and started scrolling through the comments under the post.
Gemini:
What the hell? Look at these comments! People are saying Phi Dunk wonât last more than a week with Phi Joong
The atmosphere in the room shifted as everyone absorbed his words.
Phuwin:
Ignore that crap People like that donât know what theyâre talking about
Joongâ eyes flickered with concern as he silently processed the negativity in the comments.
Dunk, who had been quietly observing, noticed the change in Joongâs behavior. He stepped closer, tilting his head to catch Joongâs attention.
Dunk:
Whatâs wrong, Joong?
he asked softly, his innocent concern evident in his wide, searching eyes.
Joong shook his head quickly, forcing a small smile.
Joong:
Nothing. Donât worry about it
Before Dunk could press further, Joongâs phone buzzed, breaking the moment. He glanced at the screen and answered the call.
Joong:
Yes, Phi?
Okay, weâll be there on time
After hanging up, he turned to Dunk, his expression softening slightly.
Joong:
Dunk, get ready. Theyâve called us in for a photoshoot today
Dunkâs face lit up with excitement,
Dunk:
Really? Wow, Iâm so excited! Iâve never done anything like this before!
Joongâs lips curved into a small, genuine smile.
Joong:
Mmm, go get ready. Weâll have breakfast at the building.
Joong:
You guys should head out now. Donât make us late.
Pond:
Alright, alright, weâre going!
Letâs meet at the building later
Joong and Dunk arrived at the building, The moment they stepped out of the car, the crowd outside the entrance stirred. Reporters and onlookers quickly spotted the pair.
?:
Joong! Is this your new partner?
one of the reporters shouted, their tone a mix of curiosity and excitement.
Joong, keeping his expression neutral, didnât respond. He placed a protective hand on Dunkâs back and gently urged him forward. They quickened their pace,
Dunk stayed close to Joong, trusting his lead as they entered the building.
Assistants rushed back and forth, adjusting equipment and preparing for the shoot. Joong immediately spotted their manager standing by a rack of outfits.
Manager:
Here are your clothes, Go get changed quickly. Weâre on a tight schedule.
Joong nodded and handed Dunk his outfit.
Joong:
Dunk, take this and go change in that room
he said, pointing toward a smaller room off to the side.
Dunk accepted the clothes with a small smile.
Joong headed to another room to change into his outfit. Once he was ready, he returned to the main area, scanning the room for Dunk.
Joong leaned against a wall, waiting. His fingers tapped lightly against his arm, but he quickly froze when Dunk stepped out of the changing room.
Dunkâs outfit was tailored perfectly, The fabric hugged him in all the right places, and the colors complemented his complexion. His smile as he approached Joong made him even more captivating.
Dunk:
Joong is this okay?
Dunk asked hesitantly
Joongâs heart skipped a beat. For a moment, he couldnât find the words. He cleared his throat
Joong:
Umm... yeah, itâs... really good
The manager interrupted, clapping his hands to get their attention
Manager:
Alright, both of you come over here. We still need to do your makeup before the shoot
Joong and Dunk moved to the makeup station. The makeup artists worked quickly but meticulously, adding just the right touches to enhance their natural features. Joong sat quietly, his gaze drifting toward Dunk every few seconds.
Dunk was oblivious to Joongâs lingering stares, chatting with the makeup artist who complimented his glowing skin. Joongâs heart pounded in his chest as he tried to process the moment. Dunk looked stunning,
When the makeup artist finally stepped back, satisfied with her work, Joongâs gaze flickered to Dunk again.
Joong took a deep breath, attempting to steady his heart. He knew the poses would require them to be close-possibly too close for him to keep his feelings in check.
Photographer:
Alright!! Letâs get started! Joong, Dunk, come over to the set!
The photoshoot was in full swing, with Joong and Dunk changing into multiple outfits and striking various poses.
As the photographer adjusted the lights for the next set, Joong turned to Dunk, leaning slightly toward him.
Joong:
Are you enjoying this?
he asked softly, his voice barely audible over the bustling crew.
Dunk looked up at him
Dunk:
Yes, because youâre with me
Joong froze for a moment, feeling his heart skip a beat. He looked away briefly, trying to maintain his composure.
Joong:
But theyâll take your solos too
Dunk blinked at him, his smile fading slightly.
Dunk:
Means... me alone?
Joong nodded.
Joong:
Yes. Donât worry. Just be yourself.
Before Dunk could respond, the manager called out,
Manager:
Dunk, come here! Itâs time for your solo shots.
Dunk hesitated, glancing at Joong for reassurance.
Joong placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, offering an encouraging smile.
Joong:
Go. Youâll do great. All the best.
Dunk gave a small nod, He made his way toward the wardrobe section, where the staff handed him a new outfit for the solo shoot.
Moments later, Dunk emerged in his solo outfit a sleek, modern look that highlighted his youthful charm. Joongâs breath caught in his throat as he observed Dunk hesitantly walking toward the set. The soft lighting complemented Dunk perfectly
Joong stayed at the edge of the room, silently rooting for Dunk as the photographer gave instructions. He couldnât help but feel a mix of pride and protectiveness watching Dunk....