Chapter 23: Part 23

MOON PRINCEWords: 7020

Joong walked into Dunk’s room, noticing the boy sitting on the edge of the bed with a frown. His arms were crossed, and he stared at the floor, lost in thought. Joong sighed and sat beside him.

Joong:

Dunk, tell me what happened?

Dunk didn’t even look up.

Dunk:

Nothing.

Joong tilted his head, raising an eyebrow

Joong:

Okay, if nothing happened, then why don’t you want to come with me, hmm?

Dunk glanced at him but didn’t respond.

Joong:

It’s Gemini’s birthday. He called us both, and you’re just sitting here.

Dunk huffed.

Dunk:

I don’t have the mood.

Joong tapped Dunk’s shoulder lightly.

Joong:

Come on, tell me

Dunk stood up abruptly, pacing back and forth across the room and Joong, amused, stood up and began copying Dunk’s movements, mirroring every step.

Dunk:

Ahhh! Why are you copying me?

Joong grinned at him.

Joong:

Because you’re being so dramatic. Maybe this will make you laugh.

Dunk narrowed his eyes at Joong, but a small smile tugged at his lips. Joong chuckled at his reaction and sat back down on the couch.

Joong:

Now, seriously. What’s going on?

Dunk stopped pacing and looked away, his tone quieter this time.

Dunk:

I told you… nothing.

Joong reached out, grabbing Dunk’s wrist and pulling him closer. He wrapped his arms around Dunk’s waist, hugging him while sitting on the couch. Dunk stood trying to wriggle free.

Dunk:

Umm… Joong, leave me

Joong tightened his hold, resting his chin on Dunk’s stomach

Joong:

No. Not until you tell me what’s wrong

Dunk hesitated, his voice barely above a whisper.

Dunk:

I… don’t like that video

Joong’s brow furrowed as he pulled back slightly to look at Dunk’s face.

Joong:

What video?

Dunk mumbled something inaudible, and Joong tilted his head.

Joong:

Say that again?

Dunk sighed, louder this time.

Dunk:

That series. I don’t like it!!

Joong blinked, his confusion melting into a small smile.

Joong:

That? Dunk, it was just acting. Nothing more.

Joong:

Wait… why do you care so much?

Dunk fidgeted, avoiding Joong’s gaze.

Dunk:

I… I don’t know. I just didn’t like it

Joong leaned back against the couch, his smile growing.

Joong:

You mean to say you didn’t like me in that scene?

Dunk, flustered, shook his head.

Dunk:

I don’t know, Joong! I just… don’t like it, okay?

Joong tugged at Dunk’s arm, pulling him down onto his lap. Dunk didn’t resist as he snuggled into Joong’s chest, burying his face there. Joong gently stroked his back, his voice soft.

Joong:

Honestly, Dunk? I didn’t like it either. It’s not my favorite thing to remember

Dunk’s voice was muffled against Joong’s shirt.

Dunk:

Really?

Joong:

Really. Now… will you come with me to Gemini’s party?

Dunk:

Hmm… okay, I’ll come.

Joong:

Good. Then go and get ready

Dunk sat up but didn’t move. Instead, he gave Joong a mischievous smile.

Dunk:

Joong… can I just go like this?

Joong glanced at Dunk’s clothes-a cute set of mismatched nightwear, complete with fluffy slippers.

Joong:

In your night suit?

Dunk nodded enthusiastically.

Dunk:

Yes! It’s comfortable, and I’ll just sleep there anyway. No need for changing.

Joong smirked, amused.

Joong:

If you’re comfortable, then sure. But don’t blame me if Gemini makes fun of you.

Dunk:

He wouldn’t dare. I’ll just charm everyone

Joong laughed, shaking his head.

Joong:

Fine, fine. Go grab your phone, and let’s head out

Dunk jumped off Joong’s lap with an excited energy, grabbing his phone from the table. As he made his way to the door, Joong couldn’t help but chuckle to himself.

Joong:

Only Dunk could make pajamas seem like a bold fashion choice.

Gemini greeted them warmly at the door

Gemini:

Phi Dunk looks so cute today!

Joong:

Happy birthday, Gemini.

Gemini:

Thank you, Phi!

Dunk, with his signature bright smile, stepped forward.

Dunk:

Happy birthday, Gemini!

Gemini clapped his hands

Gemini:

Ohh Phi, thank you naa! Come inside, come inside!

The group entered the house, The music echoed around the room, and Pond immediately grabbed Phuwin and Joong, pulling them toward the center where others were dancing.

Pond:

Come on, Joong! Let's show them how it's done!

Joong chuckled but followed along, starting to move to the rhythm. Dunk stood near the edge of the room, clapping along and cheering for his friends. His eyes were glued to Joong, who was effortlessly graceful, his every move radiating charm.

Joong caught Dunk’s gaze briefly and smiled before his attention shifted. As he twirled with Phuwin, his eyes wandered back to Dunk-and that’s when he noticed it. Dunk’s pendant was glowing, mesmerizing light that seemed almost surreal.

Joong leaned closer to Phuwin, his brows furrowing slightly.

Joong:

Phuwin, Dunk’s pendant... it’s glowing beautifully, isn’t it?

Phuwin looked at Dunk, confused.

Phuwin:

What pendant? It looks normal to me

Joong:

But... it’s glowing. Look at it!

Phuwin shook his head, laughing.

Phuwin:

Joong, I don’t know about the pendant, but Dunk is glowing. Just look at him he’s so happy

Joong blinked, unsure of what to believe.

Joong:

(Was it just my imagination? Or was there something truly special about that pendant?)

Before he could dwell on it, Pond dashed toward Dunk and grabbed his arm.

Pond:

Dunk! You’re not just standing there. Come join us!

Dunk protested lightly, but Pond wouldn’t take no for an answer. Pond spun Dunk around and gently pushed him toward Joong.

Caught off-guard, Dunk stumbled slightly, and Joong immediately reached out, his hands landing on Dunk’s waist. Their eyes met, and for a moment

Joong’s breath hitched as he gazed into Dunk’s eyes. For a second, it felt like he was staring into an endless galaxy-a breathtaking universe filled with stars and mysteries. It reminded him of the first time dunk showed galaxies in his eyes

Joong, lost in the moment, took an step closer to Dunk, he could feel his heartbeat growing louder in his ears.

Phuwin nudged Pond from across the room.

Phuwin:

Look at them. Something is definitely happening.

Pond smirked

Joong leaned in slowly, almost mesmerized by Dunk’s presence. Dunk noticing Joong’s intent expression.

Dunk:

Joong... what’s wrong?

Joong snapped out of his trance, blinking rapidly. He shook his head and gave Dunk a small smile, reaching up to ruffle his hair playfully.

Joong:

Nothing. Just… you look really happy today.

Dunk beamed, unaware of the emotions swirling inside Joong.

Joong stepped back slightly, shaking off the moment and started dancing again. Dunk, eager to join in, began copying Joong’s moves. His steps were clumsy, his rhythm slightly off,

Joong couldn’t help but smile at Dunk’s attempts. Every awkward spin, made everything fade into the background.

Joong:

Dunk, you’re dancing like a toddler

Dunk stuck his tongue out playfully.

Dunk:

I’m trying, okay? Not all of us are born dancers like you!

Joong laughed, pulling Dunk closer and guiding him through the steps. Together, they moved to the music, their chemistry visible......