Chapter 27: Part 27

Pond saw Joong's tear-filled eyes and sighed

Pond:

Okay, don’t cry

Joong took a deep breath, nodding slightly, trying to compose himself. But the lump in his throat remained.

Pond:

Let’s go back

Joong hesitated, His heart pounded with anxiety at the thought of facing Dunk right now.

Joong:

No… I’m scared. If he sees me like this, he’ll know I was crying. And then… he won’t stay calm

Joong knew Dunk too well. The moment Dunk sensed something was wrong, he wouldn't stop asking until he got an answer. And Joong… he wasn’t ready to talk.

Pond sighed, thinking for a moment before speaking.

Pond:

Okay, don’t worry. I’ll call Phuwin and tell him to take Dunk to your apartment. That way, you can take your time, okay?

Joong simply nodded

Pond quickly pulled out his phone and dialed Phuwin.

Meanwhile

Phuwin picked up the call immediately, glancing around for Joong and Pond.

Phuwin:

Yes? What’s taking you two so long?

Pond lowered his voice.

Pond:

Take Dunk to Joong’s apartment. We’ll come later

Phuwin raised an eyebrow but didn’t question it.

Phuwin:

Okay

Phuwin hung up and turned to Dunk, who was still sitting at the restaurant table

Phuwin:

Dunk, let’s go. They’ll come later

Dunk immediately frowned, shaking his head.

Dunk:

No! I can’t go without Joong

Phuwin sighed, expecting this reaction.

Phuwin:

But we’re going to his apartment. He himself said so

Dunk:

But… where’s Joong?

Phuwin hesitated for a second before giving a casual shrug.

Phuwin:

Maybe busy with some work

Dunk didn’t want to leave without him. But eventually, he sighed and nodded, following Phuwin out.

Meanwhile, Joong and Pond had ended up at a quiet bar, far from their usual spots

Joong took a sip of his drink

Joong:

Pond… I have never loved anyone the way I love him, you know right?

His voice was hoarse, heavy with emotion.

Pond watched his friend carefully, sensing the pain behind Joong’s words.

Joong:

I don’t even know when I fell for him

He let out a laugh, as if he couldn’t believe it himself.

Joong:

But yesterday… at Gemini’s party… I realized.

He closed his eyes, memories of Dunk flashing through his mind-Dunk’s bright laughter, the way his eyes sparkled with innocence,

And today his cluelessness when he said

'I love him'

without understanding what it meant.

Joong:

His eyes, his innocence… I love him

His hands clenched into fists.

Joong:

But Pond, he doesn’t understand. He says he loves me so easily, like it’s nothing. Like it’s just… natural.

He took another sip, trying to drown the ache in his chest.

Joong:

But what he feels isn’t the same as what I feel.

Pond placed a reassuring hand on Joong’s shoulder.

Pond:

Don’t cry, Joong. It will be okay. He’ll love you back.....Just give it some time, okay?

Joong:

No, Pond. He won’t. I know he won’t

The apartment was silent, Phuwin carefully plated the dinner. He sighed, looking towards Dunk, who sat at the dining table with his arms crossed stubbornly.

Phuwin:

Dunk, eat, please

Dunk shook his head without even glancing at the plate.

Dunk:

No. Once Joong comes, I'll eat

Phuwin groaned, placing the spoon down.

Phuwin:

But Pond said they’ll be late-

Dunk:

Let him be late. I’ll wait

His eyes locked onto the entrance as if Joong would appear any second

Minutes turned into hours. Dunk remained seated, occasionally shifting in his chair, fighting the sleep that was creeping up on him. Eventually, his head drooped onto the table

Phuwin sighed again, running a hand through his hair. He carefully stood up, walked to Dunk’s side, and gently shook his shoulder.

Phuwin:

Dunk, let’s move to your bed, okay?

Phuwin helped him up and guided him to his room. Tucking him under the blanket, Phuwin watched for a second as Dunk curled up, still in his clothes from earlier.

Phuwin:

You really can’t sleep properly without him, huh?

With a small shake of his head, Phuwin turned off the lights and left the room.

Morning

The front door open, Phuwin, already awake, rushed to open the door properly. His eyes immediately fell on Joong and Pond.

Joong looked exhausted. His eyes were swollen and red, his hands slightly bruised, his whole demeanor disheveled. The faint scent of alcohol still around him.

Pond stepped inside, glancing at Phuwin, who already knew what had happened from their late-night phone call.

Joong:

Where’s he?

Phuwin:

He’s sleeping

Joong let out a breath of relief but then quickly asked,

Joong:

Did he eat?

Phuwin hesitated.

Phuwin:

No… he fell asleep waiting for you

Joong’s expression darkened. His tired eyes flashed with frustration as he clenched his jaw.

Joong:

I told you to feed him, na!

His sudden loud voice echoed in the apartment.

Before Phuwin could respond, Within seconds, Dunk came running out, his eyes still filled with sleep but instantly wide with concern when he saw Joong standing there.

Dunk:

Joong!

He didn't hesitate-he threw himself into Joong’s chest, his small sobs muffled against the fabric of Joong’s hoodie.

Dunk:

You left me yesterday… You didn’t come back

Joong stiffened for a second before his arms immediately wrapped around Dunk, holding him close.

Joong:

Nah, I had some work

Dunk suddenly pulled back, his teary eyes scanning Joong up and down.

His nose scrunched.

Dunk:

You smell bad

Joong let out a small chuckle, his gaze fell on pendant

Dunk’s pendant was glowing flickering black.

And Dunk wasn’t done. His eyes widened when he noticed Joong’s bruised hands. Gently, he took Joong’s hands in his own, his fingers lightly tracing over the bruises.

Dunk:

What happened to your hands?

He frowned, his warmth seeping into Joong’s skin. Before Joong could say anything, his bruises started to heal

Joong’s breath hitched.

Pond and Phuwin, who were standing nearby, also saw it. Their eyes widened, but before they could question it, Joong subtly shook his head at them, signaling to stay silent.

He quickly leaned down, wiping the tears off Dunk’s cheeks.

Dunk:

You left me… Why are your eyes so red? Tell me what happened

Joong forced a smile, trying to mask everything.

Joong:

Nothing happened to me. Actually, they gave me work, and I had to stay up all night without sleep. That’s all

Dunk stared at him

Dunk:

Is that so?

Joong:

Yes. Now go and freshen up. I’ll make something to eat, okay?

Dunk hesitated.

Dunk:

But-

Joong:

I’m fine. Seriously

Dunk still looked uncertain, but he nodded. Instead of moving away, though, he stepped forward again, wrapping his arms around Joong’s waist.

Joong felt Dunk’s warmth, the familiar scent of him instantly calming him

Dunk:

You’re not lying?

Joong closed his eyes, fighting back the tears. He knew Dunk didn’t fully understand everything, but he still noticed something.

Without saying anything, Joong held him tighter.

A single tear slipped from Joong’s eye, but before dunk could see, he quickly wiped it away....