Joong and Dunk were seated in the car, heading home after the tense encounter with Jim, Joong had his hands on the wheel, his eyes focused on the road ahead, while Dunk sat quietly in the passenger seat, gazing out of the window.
Joong:
What happened Dunk?
Dunk turned his head slightly, his voice soft
Dunk:
Joong, I donât like it when someone says bad things about you
Joong:
And I canât stand anyone talking bad about you, If we werenât in our building, I wouldâve already punched him
Dunkâs lips twitched, and soon, a laugh bubbled out of him.
Dunk:
He deserves that
Dunk said, his eyes lighting up with amusement.
Joong chuckled too, the corners of his mouth lifting into a genuine smile
Joong:
Yes he does
he agreed, his voice lighter now
As Dunk continued to laugh, Joong stole a quick glance at him, his expression softening. His heart swelled with a
Admiration In his mind,
Joong thought to himself
Joong:
Youâre so perfect, Dunk...
Joong and Dunk were seated at the dining table, quietly enjoying their dinner. Suddenly, Joongâs phone rang, breaking the comfortable silence. He glanced at the screen and saw Pondâs name flashing.
Joong:
Yes, Pond? ⦠Okay, hold on, let me check.
Dunk, who had been watching him curiously, tilted his head
Dunk:
What happened joong?
he asked, his tone laced with concern
Joong glanced up before focusing back on his phone
Joong:
The fan meet dates are out. Let me check the schedule
He scrolled through his notifications, scanning the message.
Joong:
Here it is..Dunk, the fan meet is scheduled for two weeks from now And tomorrow, we have an press conference
Joong explained.
Dunk blinked, his expression a mix of excitement and nerves
Dunk:
Press conference?
Joong:
Itâs more like a promotional meet-and-greet, Itâll be our first public appearance together since the announcement, so itâs important. But donât worry...Iâll teach you everything you need to know.
Dunk bit his lip, looking down at his plate.
Dunk:
Joong⦠will I be able to do everything right? What if I mess up?
Joong:
I believe in you. Youâre going to do great.
Dunk:
Really? You think so?
Joong:
I donât just think so. I know so, You have so much potential, Dunk. Just trust yourself, and if anything feels overwhelming, Iâll be right there with you
Dunk:
Thank you, Joong
he said softly.
Joong:
Now, eat. You need your energy for tomorrow
Dunk chuckled lightly and began eating again, feeling a bit more confident
Joong was arranging his bed, his thoughts occupied with the upcoming event, when Dunk walked into his room,
Dunk:
Joong, can I sleep with you tonight?
Joong paused, turning to look at Dunk.
Joong:
What happened to your room?
he asked, his brows furrowed in mild confusion.
Dunk:
Nothing⦠I just want to sleep with you.
Joong blinked, Dunkâs innocent and hopeful gaze made it impossible to refuse. Joong sighed softly and nodded.
Joong:
Alright
Dunk didnât wait for a second more. With a wide grin, he jumped onto Joongâs bed, settling himself comfortably under the blanket. His excitement was visible that Joong couldnât help but smile.
Joong:
So⦠donât you want to know more about tomorrowâs event?
Dunkâs eyes lit up.
Dunk:
Yes, yes! Tell me everything!
Joong leaned back against the headboard, watching Dunkâs enthusiasm.
Joong:
Okay, so hereâs how itâll go. First, theyâll give us outfits to wear. Once the event starts, our main task will be to answers the questions they will ask, and the photographers take our pictures.
Dunk nodded quickly, soaking in every word. Joong continued,
Joong:
But the most important part is the host. Theyâll ask questions, and since youâre new, most of them will be directed at you.
Dunk:
What if I really mess up, Joong?
Joong reached out, gently taking Dunkâs hand in his own.
Joong:
Trust me, Dunk. You wonât mess up. Just be yourself
Dunk looked at him uncertainly.
Dunk:
But⦠what if I say something wrong?
Joong squeezed his hand,
Joong:
You wonât. Youâre perfect just the way you are. Just show them how amazing you are, Dunk.
Dunk:
Am I really perfect?
he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Joong smiled softly, his heart warming
Joong:
Definitely
Dunkâs expression brightened, and without warning, he leaned forward and wrapped Joong in a warm hug.
Dunk:
Thank you, Joong. You always make me feel better
Dunk murmured, his voice muffled against Joongâs shoulder
Joongâs entire body tensed at the sudden closeness, he could hear his own heartbeat pounding in his ears. He raised his hands, placing them gently on Dunkâs back.
When Dunk pulled away, Joong noticed the pendant around Dunkâs neck was again glowing faintly in golden . His eyes lingered on it, curiosity stirring within him, but Dunk didnât seem to notice.
Dunk:
Okay, Joong. Good night!
Joong forced his gaze away from the pendant, meeting Dunkâs eyes instead.
Joong:
Good night, Dunk
he replied softly.
Dunk laid down beside him, shifting closer to Joong until their shoulders touched. Joong adjusted the blanket, making sure it covered them both. As Dunk closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, Joong found himself staring at the ceiling
The glow of the pendant, and the flutter in his chest-it was all too much.........