The producer clapped his hands together, signaling the end of their long and tiring workshop session.
Producer:
Thatâs it for today! JoongDunk you both are doing really well. Keep up the great work!
Joong and Dunk exchanged quick glances before bowing slightly in gratitude.
Dunk:
Am I doing good, Joong?
he asked
Joong smiled warmly, reaching out to ruffle Dunkâs hair affectionately.
Joong:
Superb! Youâre doing amazing. Iâm proud of you.
Dunkâs eyes lit up at the praise, his lips curling into a pleased smile.
As they stepped out of the workshop room, Dunk stretched his arms above his head with a sigh.
Dunk:
Ahh, Iâm so hungry now
Joong chuckled at his dramatic reaction.
Joong:
Want to eat something?
Dunkâs eyes immediately sparkled with excitement.
Dunk:
Yes! Pancakes!
he exclaimed without hesitation.
Joong raised an eyebrow
Joong:
Pancakes? This time?
Dunk nodded
Dunk:
Mmm-hmm! I love pancakes! You know that, right?
Joong shook his head with a fond smile.
Joong:
Yes, I know, pancake lover. But how about this? Iâll make pancakes for you at home later, but for now, letâs eat something delicious outside.
Dunk:
Really? Youâll cook for me later?
Joong smiled, tapping Dunkâs nose playfully.
Joong:
Of course. But first, letâs go eat something tasty now. You trust me, right?
Dunk grinned, grabbing Joongâs arm
Dunk:
Okay! Letâs go, then! Iâm starving!
Joong laughed at his enthusiasm, leading him toward a restaurant nearby, already thinking about what he could order that would make Dunk just as happy as his beloved pancakes.
The restaurant near the company was cozy and not too crowded, making it the perfect spot for a quiet lunch. Joong and Dunk had found a table near the window
Dunk took a bite of his food, his eyes lighting up with delight as he chewed.
Dunk:
Ummm, itâs so yummy, Joong!
he said, his voice full of excitement.
Joong smiled, resting his chin on his hand as he watched Dunk enjoy his meal.
Joong:
Told you
Dunk, too focused on eating, didnât realize that a bit of sauce was smeared on the corner of his lips. Joong leaned in without thinking, gently wiping it away with his thumb.
Joong:
Be careful when you eat
he murmured.
Dunk blinked in surprise but quickly smiled.
Dunk:
Thank you, Joong.
Few fans sitting nearby had noticed their interaction and discreetly snapped pictures, their hearts racing at the adorable moment.
Joong, unaware of the attention they were getting, casually picked up a piece of food with his chopsticks and held it out for Dunk.
Joong:
Here, eat this too
Dunk obediently opened his mouth, letting Joong feed him without a second thought.
As they continued eating, Joong suddenly remembered something.
Joong:
Oh, and Dunk, itâs only one week left. We have to go shopping.
Dunk tilted his head.
Dunk:
Shopping? But I have everything I need.
Joong shook his head firmly.
Joong:
No way. I wonât let my partner repeat clothes.
Before Dunk could respond, a familiar voice interrupted them.
Pond:
Really? Thatâs interesting
Joong and Dunk turned to see Pond and Phuwin standing near their table, smirking.
Pond:
But my partner repeats his clothes, right, Phuwin?
Phuwin nodded dramatically.
Phuwin:
Yes!! I think Joongâs partner must be extra special
Joong narrowed his eyes at them.
Joong:
Shut up!! And how did you two get here?
Pond:
Oops, I just happened to see someone come here with his boy- I mean, friend.
Dunk, still unaware of the teasing, smiled brightly.
Dunk:
Come eat with us!
Phuwin dramatically clutched his chest.
Phuwin:
Ohhh, my friend Dunk, youâre so sweet!
Dunk giggled.
Dunk:
Hehe, Joong, they can eat with us, right?
Joong, who was gritting his teeth, let out a forced smile.
Joong:
Ye-yes, why notâ¦
Pond and Phuwin exchanged a glance, barely holding back their laughter at Joongâs annoyed expression, while Dunk happily continued eating
Joong:
Here, Iâve already made an account for you. I'll teach you how to use it, okay?
Dunk:
Yes, Joong!
Pond:
Wait, wait, let me see your phone, Dunk. And you too, Joong!
Joong:
What? Why?
Phuwin leaned closer, peering at the phones, then gasped dramatically.
Phuwin:
Ohhh~ Ho! Matching phone covers, huh?
Dunk, completely oblivious to the teasing tone
Dunk:
Oh, this? Yes, yes! Joong himself let me choose this!
He proudly held up his phone, showing off the identical case Joong had.
Pond smirked, raising an eyebrow at Joong.
Pond:
Wow, Joong. Not bad, huh? Are you two secretly dating?
Joongâs eyes widened, and Dunk blinked, tilting his head in confusion.
Dunk:
Dating? What?
Joong felt his heartbeat quicken.
Joong:
Nothing, Dunk. Donât listen to him.
But Dunk, being his curious self, wasn't going to let it slide.
Dunk:
No, wait! Let me think... Dating means you and me are together as a couple, right?
Joong stiffened, feeling cornered. Before he could reply, Pond took the opportunity to tease him further.
Pond:
Yes, Dunk! You love him, right?
Dunk didnât hesitate for a second.
Dunk:
Yes! I love Joong. Heâs my favorite human- I mean, my favorite person!
Joongâs breath hitched. His heart skipped a beat.
Dunk had said it so easily, so innocently, without a second thought. But Joong knew Dunk didnât understand the weight of those words. He wasnât talking about that kind of love⦠was he?
Phuwin clapped his hands together, grinning.
Phuwin:
Awww, youâre so sweet, Dunk! So, Joong, donât you love Dunk too?
Joong swallowed hard, feeling his palms grow sweaty.
Joong:
Ye-yes. I love him
He quickly stood up, needing to escape before his emotions betrayed him further
Joong:
I-I'm coming, Dunk. You eat, okay?
Dunk simply nodded, unaware of the turmoil inside Joongâs heart.
Joong rushed to the washroom, shutting the door behind him. He gripped the sink, breathing heavily as he stared at his reflection. His chest felt tight
Joong:
I love him. I love him so much. But I shouldnât. I canât
His thoughts were cut short when Pond entered the washroom, closing the door behind him.
Pond:
You love him, right?
Joong turned away, his back to Pond.
Joong:
Not now, Pond. Please
Pond sighed, stepping closer.
Pond:
Iâm not forcing you to admit anything. I just know you love him. Everyone can see it. Butâ¦
he hesitated, choosing his words carefully.
Pond:
I think Dunk doesnât understand the meaning of this love yet. Yes, he loves you- thereâs no doubt about that. But I donât think he knows what heâs feeling.
Joong:
And thatâs what hurts me
His voice cracked, tears began to fall.
Joong:
Pond⦠I swear, Iâve never felt this way for anyone in my entire life. I love him so much. But I shouldnât- becauseâ¦
He stopped himself. He couldnât say it. He couldnât tell anyone that Dunk wasnât human. That Dunk wasnât like them. That he came from the moon.
Pond frowned.
Pond:
Because�
Joong wiped his tears quickly.
Joong:
Nothing. I just⦠I donât know. I just love him.
Pond sighed and pulled Joong into a comforting hug.
Pond:
He will love you back the way you want, Joong. Donât worry. Heâs just⦠not aware of his own feelings yet, okay?
Joong nodded against Pondâs shoulder