Chapter 28: Part 28

Joong took a deep breath, rolling his shoulders as he focused on the batter in front of him. He needed to clear his head, even just for a moment.

Joong:

Now go. I’ll make pancakes as I promised

Dunk’s face immediately lit up with a smile.

Dunk:

Really?

Joong:

Yes, really. Now freshen up

Dunk nodded eagerly, Joong watched him disappear into his room before letting out a deep sigh. His fingers clenched around the whisk for a second before he turned back to his task.

The moment Dunk was gone, Phuwin and Pond stepped closer, their eyes full of questions.

Phuwin:

Can we ask now?

Joong didn’t stop mixing the batter but sighed.

Joong:

Ask what?

Pond:

Don’t play dumb, Joong. When Dunk touched your bruises, they healed instantly. What was that?

Joong hesitated. Could he really tell them? He trusted them, but this wasn’t just about him-this was Dunk’s truth too.

Joong:

If I tell you, you have to promise me you won’t say a word. To anyone

Phuwin and Pond exchanged a look before nodding.

Phuwin:

Promise

Pond:

Yeah, we won’t tell anyone

Joong put down the whisk, took a deep breath, and turned to face them.

Joong:

Dunk is not human

The words felt heavy as they left his mouth.

Phuwin & Pond :

WHAT???"

Joong quickly shushed them, eyes darting towards Dunk’s room.

Joong:

Lower your voices! Do you want him to hear?

Both nodded, still staring at Joong like he’d lost his mind.

Pond:

You’re joking, right?

Joong:

No, I’m serious. He’s… from the moon. He told me himself. He’s a moon prince.

Pond and Phuwin looked at each other again, still processing.

Phuwin:

Joong… be honest. Are you still drunk?

Joong huffed, running a hand through his hair.

Joong:

I knew you’d say that

Pond:

But… from the moon? That’s crazy

Joong:

I thought so too. But he showed me proof. His eyes-when he looks at me, they don’t just shine, they show galaxies. And his pendant-it always glows. Sometimes a beautiful golden color, but sometimes… black. But here’s the weird thing-I think I’m the only one who can see it.

Phuwin frowned.

Phuwin:

Wait, I’ve seen Dunk wear that pendant all the time, but I’ve never noticed any glow.

Joong nodded.

Joong:

Exactly. That day, I asked you about it, and you said you didn’t see anything. That’s when I realized-why me? Why can I see it, but no one else can?

Pond crossed his arms, thinking.

Pond:

But why you?

Joong shook his head.

Joong:

That’s the biggest question. Even Dunk doesn’t seem to notice it. I don’t think he can see it either. Every time it glows, he’s completely oblivious.

Joong turned back to the stove, pouring the pancake batter into the pan

Pond:

But Joong… you’re hurting yourself with all this.

Joong’s hands paused for a second before gripping the spatula tightly.

Joong:

I love him, Pond. I can’t change that

Phuwin let out a sigh, rubbing his temples.

Phuwin:

You do realize this is impossible, right? If he’s not from here…

Joong forced a smile.

Joong:

Impossible? Yeah, maybe. But he’s here now. And that’s all that matters to me

Phuwin went quiet.

Phuwin:

Now that I think about it… it makes sense. Dunk does have an unnatural glow to him. It’s… beautiful, almost surreal.

Joong’s lips curved into a small smile.

Joong:

I know, right? He’s beautiful

Joong didn’t even realize he had said it aloud, his voice full of admiration.

But then-

Dunk:

Who is beautiful?

All three froze.

Joong, Phuwin, and Pond immediately straightened up, trying to act normal as Dunk walked into the kitchen, hair still damp from his shower. He tilted his head, looking at them curiously.

Pond:

Uhh-Dunk! You! You’re beautiful!

Dunk blinked, then turned to Joong.

Dunk:

Me? Were you talking about me, Joong?

Joong hesitated for only a second before poking Dunk’s nose with his finger.

Joong:

Yes. You’re beautiful.

Dunk giggled, scrunching his nose at the playful touch.

Joong turned back to the stove, plating the pancakes.

Joong:

Here, your pancakes.

Dunk’s eyes sparkled as he took the plate, but then he pouted.

Dunk:

Thank you, Joong! But… feed me

Joong:

Huh?

Dunk:

It’s your punishment!

Joong chuckled, shaking his head.

Joong:

Yes, your highness

Dunk laughed, happily sitting beside Joong as Joong cut the pancakes into smaller bites and fed him.

Pond and Phuwin exchanged looks again.

Dunk leaned his head against Joong’s shoulder as he chewed, completely content.

Dunk:

You know, Joong… I was so scared. I thought my Joong left me

Joong paused, his chest pained at the words.

Phuwin and Pond watched silently.

Joong picked up another bite and gently placed it near Dunk’s lips.

Joong:

Why would I leave you, hmm?

Dunk looked up at him, his lips parting slightly as if he wanted to say something, but instead, he just shook his head.

Dunk:

I don’t know… but I was scared. But now I’m so happy.

And then-it happened again.

Dunk’s pendant, hanging from his neck, started glowing a brilliant golden color.

Joong’s breath caught in his throat.

He immediately glanced at Pond and Phuwin, subtly signaling them. Both shook their heads, their expressions confirming that they couldn’t see it.

Joong forced a smile, acting natural.

Joong:

Dunk, your pendant is pretty

Dunk looked down at it, smiling.

Dunk:

Thank you!

He said it so simply, without noticing anything unusual.

Joong:

(So it’s true. Even Dunk himself can’t see his own glow.)

Joong swallowed, his mind racing.

Joong:

But why me?

Dunk leaned against Joong, his arms lazily wrapped around Joong’s waist. Joong let out a small chuckle, ruffling Dunk’s hair.

Joong:

Dunk, today we’ll go shopping

Dunk’s head shot up in excitement.

Dunk:

Really? Yay!!

Before Dunk could say more, Pond chimed in from the couch

Pond:

Me and Phuwin will come too!

Dunk turned toward Joong with eager eyes, shaking his arms lightly.

Dunk:

Joong! Let’s go with them! It’ll be fun!

Joong glanced at Pond and Phuwin, who were already smirking at him, and sighed playfully.

Joong:

Fine, fine. But not now, Dunk. It’s still early.

Dunk pouted

Dunk:

Is that so?

Phuwin, who was taking a sip of water, nodded.

Phuwin:

Yes, Dunk. The stores aren’t even open yet.

Dunk sighed dramatically before relaxing again against Joong’s shoulder, his fingers playing with the hem of Joong’s shirt

Suddenly, Pond gasped, eyes wide as he stared at his phone screen.

Pond:

Oh my god!! Look at this-someone posted your pics from yesterday!

Joong furrowed his brows and leaned closer.

Joong:

Show me

Pond turned the phone towards them, and sure enough, the screen displayed a series of candid shots taken the night before. One particular image stood out Joong wiping Dunk’s lips gently

Dunk, unaware of the implications, just smiled.

Dunk:

Oh! It’s nice!

Joong studied the picture for a moment before shrugging.

Joong:

It’s not that bad

A small smile tugged at his lips.

Phuwin, however, scoffed, already scrolling through the comments.

Phuwin:

Yeah, well… now some people are saying it’s fanservice.

Joong rolled his eyes.

Joong:

Let them think whatever they want

Dunk tilted his head curiously.

Dunk:

What is fanservice, Joong?

Joong turned to him, rubbing his nape, thinking of a simple explanation.

Joong:

Umm… it means that what I’m doing like being sweet to you-is just to show people that I care for you and to raise my fame because of that.

Dunk frowned slightly, clearly processing the words.

Dunk:

Oh… but I know you’re doing all of this from yourself.

Joong turned to him

Joong:

Of course. I’m doing it from my heart.

Dunk smiled widely, satisfied with the answer. Without thinking, he snuggled even closer, wrapping his arms tighter around Joong’s waist, completely relaxed. His head rested against Joong’s chest

Phuwin, watching the interaction glanced at Joong with a hint of concern.

Phuwin knew-he knew how deeply Joong felt for Dunk. And as much as Dunk’s affectionate nature was pure and innocent, it also unknowingly deepened Joong’s pain.

Joong, lifted a hand and gently rubbed Dunk’s back.

Joong:

Dunk, I think you missed me a lot

Dunk mumbled against Joong’s chest, his voice muffled but clear.

Dunk:

Yes, Joong. I missed you so much. I won’t forgive you next time.

Joong chuckled, the warmth in Dunk’s voice easing something in him.

Joong:

Really? Oops, then I have to be careful around my baby boy.

The nickname slipped from Joong’s lips naturally, without hesitation.

Before he even realized what he was doing-before Phuwin and Pond could even react-Joong leaned down and placed a soft, lingering kiss on Dunk’s forehead.

Silence.

Pond and Phuwin froze on the couch, their eyes nearly bulging out of their heads.

But Dunk? Dunk simply smiled, his eyes fluttering closed at the gentle touch. He giggled softly, clearly delighted by Joong’s sweet gesture.

Joong blinked, only now realizing what he had just done.

But when he saw Dunk’s genuine happiness, he didn’t regret it.

whispering to Phuwin

Pond:

Did he just-

Phuwin:

Yes. Yes, he did.

But before they could say anything, Joong gently pinched Dunk’s cheek......