Chapter 21: Part 21

MOON PRINCEWords: 6284

Joong blinked his eyes open, adjusting to the morning light, and looked down slightly.

Dunk’s head was resting on his chest, his soft hair tickling Joong’s chin. His fingers were tightly gripping Joong’s shirt, clutching it as if even in sleep, he needed to hold on to him. Joong’s lips curled into a small smile, his heart skipping a beat

Joong whispered gently, his voice low and soft so as not to startle him.

Joong:

Dunk, good morning

Dunk moved slightly but didn’t open his eyes. Instead, he shifted closer, snuggling deeper into Joong’s chest. Joong couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

Raising a hand, Joong began to gently run his fingers through Dunk’s hair, his touch light and affectionate.

Joong:

Dunk, we’ll be late if you don’t wake up

Dunk groaned softly, his body unwilling to part from the comfort he found in Joong’s embrace. Slowly, he cracked one eye open, looking up at Joong with a sleepy pout. But before Joong could say anything, Dunk closed his eyes again and buried his face back into Joong’s chest.

Joong chuckled again,

Joong:

Come on, sleepyhead.We have to get up. The event won’t wait for us.

This time, Dunk’s eyes snapped open

Dunk:

Oh no! We’ll be late!

he exclaimed, sitting up abruptly. His hair was adorably tousled, and his wide eyes made him look even more endearing.

Joong couldn’t help but laugh,

Joong:

Relax, Dunk. We still have time

Dunk pouted at Joong’s teasing tone, but his pout quickly turned into a sheepish smile.

Dunk:

Let’s get ready then

Joong watched him with a fond smile, shaking his head slightly.

Joong:

You’re too cute for your own good

he muttered under his breath, his heart still fluttering

Joong and Dunk were getting ready in their dressing rooms. A makeup artist carefully worked on Dunk's face, applying light touches of foundation and highlighting his features. Joong, who was already dressed and waiting, couldn’t take his eyes off Dunk. The way Dunk sat still, his eyes slightly nervous but his lips curled in a soft smile, made Joong's heart skipped

Joong thought to himself,

Joong:

(He’s really glowing today, more than any star I’ve ever seen)

The manager stepped into the room, clapping his hands.

Manager:

Alright, you’re both done. Come on, the event is about to start

Dunk looked at Joong

Dunk:

Joong, I’m scared. What if I mess up?

Joong walked over to him, placing a reassuring hand on Dunk’s waist.

Joong:

Shhh, you’ll do great. I believe in you, Dunk. Just be yourself, and everyone will love you.

Dunk nodded, his nerves calming slightly. Together, they walked side by side toward the event hall. As they entered, everyone gasped

Dunk, in his outfit, seemed to radiate a soft glow. His presence was captivating, and fans couldn’t take their eyes off him. Even Joong’s solo fans, who initially doubted Dunk, were now shouting "JoongDunk" in unison, their excitement filling the room. Joong glanced at Dunk and smiled proudly.

The host stepped forward with a mic.

Host:

Alright, everyone, please welcome Joong and Dunk! Come here and have a seat.

Like a true gentleman, Joong pulled a chair out for Dunk.

Joong:

Here, sit

Dunk:

Thank you, Joong.

The host beamed.

Host:

So, Dunk, tell us a bit about yourself!

Dunk hesitated for a moment, then spoke into the mic.

Dunk:

Hello, everyone! My name is Dunk, and I’m Joong’s childhood friend.

The crowd murmured in surprise and delight.

The host raised an eyebrow playfully.

Host:

Wow, isn’t that interesting? Childhood friends, huh? It’s almost like the storyline of your upcoming series.

Joong interjected with a polite smile.

Joong:

Sorry, we can’t reveal too much about the series just yet

The host nodded.

Host:

Fair enough. Alright, Dunk, do you have your own Instagram account?

Dunk hesitated, glancing at Joong for guidance.

Joong nodded and answered for him.

Joong:

He doesn’t have one yet, but he will soon.

Dunk followed Joong’s lead. Even though he don't know what's that

Dunk:

Yes, I’ll have one soon

The host leaned in with a smile.

Host:

So, Dunk, how do you feel about Joong?

Dunk smiled, turning to Joong.

Dunk:

He’s my first friend- I mean, he’s my one and only friend whom I’ll believe blindly.

The crowd let out a collective “aww” at his heartfelt answer.

The host clapped his hands.

Host:

Wow!!

Dunk:

Yes, Joong is my favorite person.

The host turned to Joong, teasingly.

Host:

Joong, will we get to see some real-life romance between the two of you?

Joong:

I think it’s just the start

he replied smoothly, causing the audience to cheer loudly.

The host laughed.

Host:

Alright, alright! Now, let’s have a little snack break. Here, Dunk, try this soup.

Joong nodded at Dunk, signaling him to go ahead. Dunk smiled and began to eat, but suddenly, his expression shifted.

Dunk:

Ahhh, Joong!

Dunk exclaimed, dropping the spoon.

Joong immediately rushed to him, his chair scraping loudly against the floor.

Joong:

What happened, Dunk? Are you okay?

Host:

It looks like something got into his eye

Dunk groaned, clutching his face.

Dunk:

It’s burning, Joong! It’s burning!

Joong knelt beside him, his voice laced with worry.

Joong:

Dunk, look at me. Let me see.

Dunk:

No, Joong! It hurts too much

Dunk said, shaking his head and squeezing his eyes shut.

Joong:

Baby, show me. Please,

he said softly, that made the audience gasp.

When Dunk refused to open his eyes, Joong turned to the staff, his voice sharp

Joong:

Someone bring water! Now!

A staff member hurried over with a bottle of water. Joong gently took Dunk’s hand and helped him splash water into his eye, his movements careful and tender.

Joong:

Better now?

Joong asked, wiping Dunk’s face with a clean cloth.

Dunk nodded slowly

Dunk:

A little

Joong leaned in, cupping Dunk’s face with both hands. He softly blew air into Dunk’s eye, trying to ease his pain further.

Joong:

Don’t worry. It’ll be fine

Joong assured him, his tone soothing.

Turning to the host, Joong said firmly,

Joong:

I’m sorry, but I can’t let him continue. He needs to rest.

The host nodded understandingly.

Host:

Of course, Joong. Take him. We’ll manage the rest.

Joong wrapping an arm around his waist as they walked out. The audience murmured in awe, touched by how attentive and caring Joong was toward Dunk.