Chapter 3: Part 3

MOON PRINCEWords: 6895

The boy, sits on the couch, his gaze wandering in fascination at the cozy yet elegant surroundings

Joong returns from the kitchen, handing Dunk a glass of water

Joong:

Drink this

Dunk accepts the glass quietly, taking a few sips as Joong went again to retrieve a first-aid kit. When he returns, he sits beside Dunk, carefully dipping cotton in antiseptic.

Joong:

Hold still

Dunk doesn’t flinch as Joong begins tending to his bruised face, he watches Joong’s every move.

Joong:

What’s your name?

Finally when that boy feel safe around joong he told him

Dunk:

Dunk...

Joong:

Where did you come from?

Dunk:

Moon

Joong raised his eyebrow

Joong:

Are you joking?

Dunk shakes his head slowly, his expression sincere

Joong:

Are you trying to make a fool out of me?

Dunk:

No

Before Joong can question him further, Dunk leans in, His hands gently cup Joong’s face, drawing his gaze directly into Dunk’s eyes. Joong's breath catches, mesmerized by the depth of Dunk’s stare. For a  moment, the irises shimmer with hues of blue, as though galaxies swirl within them

Joong:

Wha-

Joong abruptly stands from the couch, running a hand through his hair, He begins pacing the room

Joong:

How-this... I mean, how is this possible?? I literally saw the universe in your eyes!

Dunk blinks innocently, his expression calm despite Joong’s frantic pacing

Joong halts, turning to face Dunk, his brow furrowed

Joong:

You came from the moon?

Dunk nods without hesitation

Joong:

How? I mean... you live there?

Dunk:

Hmm

Joong:

People like us live there?

Dunk:

Hmm

Joong:

And you can talk like us?

Dunk:

Umm... like I’m talking now

He muttered

Joong:

Why are you so beautiful-I mean, is everyone there as beautiful as you?

Dunk nods again, his voice soft yet genuine.

Dunk:

Everyone is beautiful here too, just like you... your friends-

Joong:

Wait, wait. You’re not getting it....Never mind, just forget it.

Joong finally sits back down on the couch beside Dunk, his curiosity getting the better of him. He leans slightly toward Dunk

Joong:

So, why are you here?

Dunk:

Actually, I have to be here

Joong:

Why?

Dunk:

Umm....I'm prince

Joong:

Prince? As Moon prince

Dunk:

Yes, I am. My father, who’s the king, sent me here

Joong:

Wait, wait! Why are you telling me all of this?

throwing up his hands

Dunk:

Because I trust you

Joong:

Huh?

Dunk:

The moment I came here, everyone scolded me, bullied me... Even the man who help me...he also left me there. But you... You’re the first person who stood up for me.

Joong:

I’m not as good as you think.

Dunk:

But for me, you are

Joong's eyes softened, no one said this

this. His gaze drifts to his wrist, recalling the earlier events

Joong:

Wait! You did something to my bruise earlier, right?

Dunk:

Yes

Joong:

So... why can’t you heal your own bruises?

He sigh

Dunk

Because I don’t have the power to heal myself.

Joong:

Who the hell made these rules?!

Dunk:

Hey, don’t talk like that. We’re made this way. No one can use their powers to heal themselves

Joong:

Okay, enough for today..

Rubbing his temple

Joong lying in bed, his eyes closed, trying to make sense of everything that happened. His mind races with thoughts of Dunk, Suddenly, he feels a presence, as if someone is watching him. His eyes snap open, and he’s startled to see Dunk standing near the bed, staring at him

sitting up quickly, clutching his chest

Joong:

Oh my god! You startled me! Why are you standing there like that? Go and sleep!

Dunk:

These clothes... they’re pricking me

Joong blinks, momentarily stunned by Dunk’s honesty, before letting out a soft sigh. He looks at Dunk, his irritation fading as he notices the innocent expression on his face. He gets out of bed and walks toward his wardrobe

Joong:

Unbelievable. You’re like a child

Joong opens his wardrobe, and pulls out a spare night suit. He walks back to Dunk and hands it to him

Joong:

Here. Wear this and go to sleep

Dunk takes the clothes, his eyes wide with gratitude. He smiles warmly at Joong

Dunk:

Thank you, Loong

(Loong = uncle in thai)

Joong:

It’s Joong! Not Loong!

Dunk:

But you’re grumpy like a Loong

Joong narrows his eyes at Dunk, momentarily speechless. Dunk simply tilts his head again, feigning innocence, as if he doesn’t understand why Joong looks so offended

Joong:

Grumpy, huh? You should see me when I’m really mad...

He again said but this time louder

Joong:

Just go change and sleep already!!

Dunk gives him a small bow, clutching the night suit, and walks toward the guest room. Joong watches him leave, shaking his head

Joong:

What have I gotten myself into?

Morning

Joong awake, groggy from the night before, only to hear a loud thud. Jolted, Joong sits up, scanning the room. His eyes land on Dunk standing near the nightstand, looking down at Joong’s phone, which now lies on the floor in pieces. Dunk’s face is pale, his hands trembling as he stares at the broken device

Joong:

What the hell??

Dunk flinches, his eyes wide with fear as he quickly looks up at Joong

Dunk:

I-I'm sorry! I was checking this tool, and suddenly it started making a loud sound! I didn’t mean to-

Joong’s frustration melts slightly when he notices Dunk’s trembling hands. Sighing deeply,

Joong:

Okay leave it

Dunk:

But I broke your thing!

Joong:

It's not a thing! Its a phone

Dunk:

Phone? What’s it used for?

Joong pinches the bridge of his nose, trying to stay calm. Dunk’s innocence is baffling yet oddly endearing

Joong:

It’s used to call people, text them, watch videos... you know what? Never mind

Dunk:

I will give you a new one

Joong raised his eyebrows

Joong:

Oh, really? Do you have money?

Dunk tilts his head, raising one eyebrow in genuine confusion

Dunk:

What is money?

Joong stares at him, dumbfounded, before shaking his head in disbelief. He waves a dismissive hand, deciding it’s not worth explaining

Joong:

Forget it. Don’t make that face-it’s fine. Really!!

Dunk:

Are you sure?

Joong:

Yes I'm sure

Dunk:

You’re not going to throw me out, are you?

Joong:

Wait... are you planning to stay here?

Dunk nods innocently, blinking up at Joong like a child seeking reassurance

Joong:

But I can’t let you stay here!

Dunk:

Why not? You’re a good human

Joong:

I told you I'm not good

Dunk:

You are

Before Joong can respond, Dunk suddenly climbs onto the bed and snuggles close to him, resting his head against Joong’s chest. Joong freezes, his entire body stiff with shock.

Dunk:

Please human, don’t throw me out

Joong looks down at Dunk, whose innocent, wide eyes blink up at him. Joong swallows hard, his heart pounding in his chest

Joong:

(He’s dangerous. Not for my safety... but for my heart)

Without a word, Joong abruptly stands, causing Dunk to tumble slightly on the bed. Dunk blinks in confusion as Joong hastily steps out of the room

Joong:

This boy is going to be the death of me... I can’t handle this. He’s... way too dangerous....