The photoshoot finally wrapped up, leaving the crew buzzing with satisfaction. The manager approached Joong and Dunk, motioning for them to come over.
Manager:
Come, both of you. Letâs look at the photos and see if you like them,
the manager said with a proud smile.
Joong and Dunk walked toward the monitor where the photographer and editor were already reviewing the captured images. The screen displayed a slideshow of their photos-Joong and Dunk in elegant poses, playful smiles, and chemistry.
Dunkâs eyes lit up as he stared at the images.
Dunk:
Wow, Joong, look! This oneâs so nice,
he exclaimed, pointing to a photo where Joong had his arm around Dunk, their gazes locked.
Joong glanced at the screen and gave a subtle nod.
Joong:
Yeah, itâs good,
he replied, though his tone was calm
Dunk:
Oh, look at this one! Joong, doesnât this look so amazing
he asked, his voice filled with awe.
Joong chuckled softly.
Joong:
It does. You look good in all of them
The manager smiled, pleased with their reactions.
Manager:
Iâm glad you both like the photos. These are going to make waves online
Dunk, still beaming, nodded eagerly.
Dunk:
I love all of them. Joong, donât you think they came out perfect?
Joong glanced at Dunkâs bright expression and couldnât help but smile.
Joong:
Yes, theyâre perfect
They were about to leave the studio, Phi Thaâs assistant approached them.
?:
Phi Tha wants to see both of you in his office now she informed them.
Joong nodded.
Joong:
Alright, weâre coming
he replied, guiding Dunk toward the elevator.
When they entered Phi Thaâs office, they were greeted by Phi Tha and the producer, both holding copies of a script. Phi Tha gestured for them to sit.
Tha:
Joong, Dunk, weâve selected a project for you two
he began, sliding the scripts across the table.
Joong picked up the script and flipped through it while Dunk stared at it
Dunk:
Whatâs this about?
Dunk asked hesitantly.
The producer leaned forward, smiling warmly.
Producer:
Itâs a soft romantic series. We believe itâs perfect for both of you, especially after seeing the chemistry youâve shown
Joong quickly scanned the first few pages, After a moment, he nodded.
Joong:
Itâs good. The story is light, relatable, and it will show a different side of us
Dunk tilted his head, still confused.
Dunk:
Whatâs the story about?
he asked, looking from Joong to Phi Tha.
Joong turned toward Dunk, his voice patient.
Joong:
Itâs about two childhood friends who meet again after years. Theyâve both changed, but the bond they shared slowly rekindles as they help each other through lifeâs struggles. Itâs a soft, heartwarming story.
Dunk blinked, trying to process.
Dunk:
Oh, okay. So, do we just act like friends?
Joong chuckled.
Joong:
Not exactly. Over time, their feelings grow into something more. Itâs a romantic story
Dunkâs confusion deepened, and he looked at the producer.
Dunk:
Do I have toâ¦like, confess or something in this?
The producer laughed.
Producers:
Yes, Dunk. But donât worry, Joong will guide you. And workshop will help you
Joong:
Yes Dunk don't worry
Dunk nodded hesitantly.
Dunk:
If Joong says itâs good, then it must be
he said with a small smile, trusting Joong completely.
Phi Tha leaned back in his chair, observing the dynamic between them.
Tha:
I knew youâd both fit this project. The shooting schedule will be finalized soon. Until then, prepare yourselves for workshop
Joong glanced at Dunk, noticing his lingering uncertainty.
Joong:
Donât worry, Dunk. Weâll go through it together. Youâll do great
Dunk smiled
Dunk:
Okay, if you say so, Joong
Phi Tha and the producer exchanged knowing looks before wrapping up the meeting
Joong and Dunk were just about to leave Phi Tha's office when Phi Tha called out to them.
Tha:
JoongDunk, wait a moment
he said, standing up from his chair. Joong and Dunk turned around, curious.
Tha:
I want you both to attend the fan meet in Japan. I want to see how the fans react to seeing you two together. Itâll give us a clear idea of your potential as a pair.
Joong nodded without hesitation.
Joong:
Understood, Phi. Weâll prepare for it
Dunk glanced at Joong, his excitement bubbling up. They left the office, and as soon as they stepped outside, they spotted their friends waiting in the lounge.
Dunk jogged toward them, his face glowing with enthusiasm.
Dunk:
Fourth, you wonât believe it! Weâre coming with you to Japan!
he exclaimed.
Fourthâs eyes widened, and he broke into a cheer.
Fourth:
Oh my God! Finally! Yes, yes, yes!
he said, grabbing Dunk by the shoulders and jumping in excitement.
Pond, Gemini, and Phuwin shared in the excitement, congratulating Joong and Dunk on their big news. Everyone was laughing and chatting when a voice interrupted.
Jim:
Well, well, well, look who we have here,
Jim sneered, stepping into the room. His sharp gaze landed on Dunk, and his lips twisted into a mocking smirk.
Jim:
Joongâs new partner, huh? Not what I expected.
Joongâs jaw clenched, but he remained silent, letting Jimâs words pass-for now.
Jim tilted his head, his eyes scanning Dunk with clear disdain.
Jim:
I heard everyone raving about how beautiful Joongâs new partner is supposed to be. Honestly? Not impressed. I mean, just look at him and then look at me Thereâs no comparison
Phuwin rolled his eyes and stepped forward, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Phuwin:
Jim, maybe you should go look in a mirror again. You might change your mind
Jim shot a glare at Phuwin.
Jim:
Shut up, Phuwin. I wasnât talking to you
he snapped, turning his attention back to Dunk.
Jim:
And you whatâs your name again? Oh, Dunk. Tell me, how did you manage to convince Joong to choose you? Itâs not like he picks his partners himself. Must be some trick, huh?
Dunk stiffened, feeling the sting of Jimâs words. But instead of backing away, he took a step closer to Joong, his posture straightening.
Before Dunk could speak
Joong:
Jim, donât you have anything better to do? Oh, wait-of course, you donât. Youâre not my partner anymore because you were more interested in crawling into my pants than doing your actual job.
Jimâs face turned red with fury.
Jim:
How dare you! Youâre acting all high and mighty just because people are hyping up your new partner. Just wait youâll see how quickly heâll leave you. Partners like him never stay.
Dunk suddenly stepped forward
Dunk:
I will not leave him!!
he said, his words echoing in the room.
Joongâs head snapped toward Dunk, his eyes wide in shock. For a moment, he was speechless, his attention drawn to Dunkâs pendant, which was glowing faintly with a black hue.
Jim raised an eyebrow
Jim:
Oh, so you can speak after all. How adorable
Joong:
Jim, stay in your lane
he growled, his voice laced with warning. He reached for Dunkâs hand and held it tightly, turning on his heel.
Joong:
Letâs go, Dunk
Without another word, Joong dragged Dunk out of the room, leaving Jim standing there fuming while their friends looked on in silent support......