Dunk:
Finally, we're here!!
Phuwin chuckled, adjusting the bag on his shoulder.
Phuwin:
You're so excited
Dunk:
Of course, I am!! Shopping with Joong? It's the best!
Joong, walking slightly behind Dunk, shook his head with a small smile.
Joong:
Dunk, slow down
Dunk nodded, quickly tugging on Joong's arm, staying close.
As they moved through the aisles, Every time joong found something that caught his eye, he'd pick it up and add it to Dunk's growing pile of clothes.
After a while, Dunk frowned, crossing his arms as Joong picked out yet another shirt.
Dunk:
Joong, this is too much! You've bought so many clothes for me. Go and buy something for yourself too.
Joong glanced at Dunk and nodded.
Joong:
Alright, alright.
Phuwin, meanwhile, was admiring a glittery jacket on the rack. He turned to Pond with a hopeful expression.
Phuwin:
This is so beautiful! Pond, look at this!
Pond, who had been casually scrolling through his phone, glanced up and nodded.
Pond:
Yeah, you can buy it. It suits you
Before Phuwin could take it off the rack, Joong reached over and grabbed the jacket himself.
Joong:
Let me see
He examined the material before turning to Phuwin.
Joong:
Phuwin, take something else. I want this for Dunk
Phuwin blinked but then nodded, smiling.
Phuwin:
Yeah, it'll suit him more
Joong turned to Dunk, holding up the jacket.
Joong:
Dunk, keep this one too
Dunk gasped as he ran his hands over the shimmering fabric.
Dunk:
Wow, Joong! It's so glittery and beautiful!
Joong smiled, reaching out to pinch Dunk's cheek playfully.
Joong:
I know... just like you
Dunk giggled
He eagerly took the jacket and rushed off to the fitting rooms to try it on.
Dunk:
I'll go change and show you!
Joong nodded, watching as Dunk disappeared behind the curtain of the changing room.
However, a chill ran down Joong's spine when he noticed a man lingering nearby, watching Dunk with an unsettling gaze. The man hesitated for a moment before slipping into the same changing room Dunk had just entered.
Without a second thought, he bolted forward, shoving the curtain aside.
The sight before him made his blood boil.
The stranger had one hand tightly clasped over Dunk's mouth, muffling any attempt to scream. Dunk's eyes were wide with fear, his body frozen in shock.
Joong didn't hesitate.
With all the force he could muster, he kicked the man's stomach, sending him stumbling backward. Dunk immediately collapsed against the wall, panting heavily, his body trembling.
Joong's fury only intensified, landing a solid punch to the man's face. Then another. And another.
The man groaned in pain, trying to shield himself
Hearing the commotion, Pond and Phuwin rushed toward the changing area.
Pond
What the hell is going on?!
But before anyone could grab him, the man took advantage of the chaos and darted past them, disappearing into the crowd.
Joong cursed under his breath but quickly turned his attention back to Dunk.
Dunk was still against the wall, his breaths coming out in short, panicked gasps. His entire body was shaking.
Joong's eyes immediately scanned him, looking for any injuries. That's when he saw it-fingerprint marks on Dunk's soft skin, evidence of where the man had grabbed him.
And something else.
Dunk's pendant.
It was glowing.
Not the usual golden hue that Joong had seen before but a deep, ominous black.
Joong's heart clenched.
Without thinking, he pulled Dunk into his arms, holding him tightly.
Joong:
Shhh... I'm here. Don't worry. I've got you.
Dunk buried his face in Joong's chest, silent sobs shaking his frame.
Joong tightened his grip, rubbing soothing circles on Dunk's back.
Joong:
You're safe now. No one will ever hurt you again.
Phuwin and Pond stood by the doorway
Joong didn't move from the floor, cradling Dunk like he was the most precious thing in the world. He kept murmuring gentle words, his voice never wavering.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Dunk's breathing slowed. His sobs quieted.
He pulled back slightly, his teary eyes locking with Joong's. There was still fear in them, but also relief.
Joong looked at The pendant.
It had changed.
The black glow was gone.
Now, it shimmered with a soft golden hue, radiating warmth.
Joong exhaled, his hand coming up to wipe away Dunk's lingering tears.
He didn't understand it yet. The glow. The shift in color.
But one thing was clear
Joong was the reason it changed.
Joong let out a slow breath as he handed over his card at the counter, paying for all the clothes and items they had bought.
Beside him, Dunk was eerily silent, which was unusual. Normally, he'd be buzzing with excitement about his new clothes But now, he simply stood close to Joong, his head lowered, eyes distant.
After finishing up, Joong gently took Dunk's hand and led him outside where Pond and Phuwin were waiting near the car.
Phuwin glanced at Dunk and then at Joong, concern evident in his eyes.
Phuwin:
Okay, we should leave now. Take care of him, Joong.
Joong nodded, understanding the silent worry in Phuwin's voice.
But before Phuwin and Pond could turn away, Dunk immediately leaned into Joong, his grip tightening around Joong's arm.
Dunk:
Joong... please tell them to stay with us. I really enjoy being with them
Joong turned to Pond and Phuwin, his expression serious but gentle.
Joong:
Pond, Phuwin... can you both stay with us for a few days?
As he spoke, he subtly signaled to Pond, letting him know that this was for Dunk's sake.
Pond immediately caught on.
Pond:
Yeah, why not? We'd love to stay
Phuwin turned to Pond in surprise, but when he saw the silent conversation happening between Joong and Pond, he quickly nodded.
Phuwin:
Of course, we'll stay
Pond patted Phuwin's shoulder.
Pond:
You go with them first. I'll head back and bring our clothes
Phuwin:
Okay
Dunk's expression finally softened. He looked up at Joong, eyes filled with gratitude.
Dunk:
You mean it? They'll really stay?
Joong smiled, reaching out to pinch Dunk's cheek gently.
Joong:
Yes, Happy now?
Dunk nodded, but Joong immediately noticed that his usual bright smile didn't fully reach his eyes. His gaze still held traces of fear
Joong sighed internally. He understood.
Without another word, he intertwined his fingers with Dunk's, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze.
Joong:
Come on, let's go home
Dunk didn't hesitate-he immediately held onto Joong tightly, as if afraid that if he let go, Joong would disappear
Joong:
I won't leave you. I'm here