As they arrived at the apartment, Joong expected Dunk to let go of his hand, but he didnât. Dunkâs grip remained tight, his fingers wrapped securely around Joongâs as if he feared heâd disappear the moment he let go.
Joong glanced down at their intertwined hands and sighed softly. He didnât have the heart to pull away.
They stepped inside, and Phuwin walked toward the kitchen, already preparing to start dinner.
Joong:
Dunk, go and change into your night suit. Phuwin and I will make dinner
Dunk immediately shook his head and tightened his arms around Joongâs arm.
Dunk:
No⦠come with me
Joong hesitated.
Joong:
But Dunk-
Before he could finish, Dunkâs grip around his arm tightened even more. His body language was clear, he wasnât ready to be alone yet.
Joong sighed in surrender.
Joong:
Okay
Dunk led Joong into his room, still holding his hand
Joong sat on the bed, leaning back on his hands.
Joong:
You can change. Iâm sitting here, okay?
Dunk hummed in response and turned away, pulling off his clothes to change into his pajamas. Joong quickly looked down at his phone, scrolling through random articles just to distract himself. He knew Dunk trusted him, but still, he didnât want to make him feel uncomfortable.
After changing, Dunk turned back to Joong, his voice small.
Dunk:
Joong⦠I want to sleep
Joong immediately looked up.
Joong:
Please eat first, Dunk
Dunk shook his head, his lips forming a small pout.
Dunk:
No⦠I just want to sleep
Joong let out a frustrated sigh. He knew Dunk was shaken up, and this wasnât just about sleep he wanted comfort.
Without a second thought, Joong reached forward and grabbed Dunk by the waist, pulling him closer.
Joong:
Look at me
Dunk hesitated for a second before slowly meeting Joongâs eyes. His expression was soft
Joong:
I beat him enough that he wonât dare touch anyone again. And if he hadnât run away, I wouldâve dragged him to jail myself.
Dunk blinked, confused.
Dunk:
Jail?
Joong:
Itâs a place where bad people are punished for their crimes
Dunk tilted his head slightly, absorbing the information before shaking his head.
Dunk:
No⦠itâs okay. Butâ¦
He reached for Joongâs hand, gently pulling it towards him. Joong tried to resist, but Dunk was persistent.
As soon as Dunk turned Joongâs palm over, he saw the bruises on his knuckles. His breath hitched, and without thinking, he placed his palm over Joongâs hand, his fingers delicately tracing the wounds.
A faint golden glow emitted from Dunkâs touch, and within seconds, the bruises faded away as if they were never there.
Joong stared at his now unblemished hand before shaking his head in frustration.
Joong:
I hate that you can heal others but not yourself.
Dunk looked up at him, eyes wide.
Dunk:
Iâm fine
Joong sighed again, but instead of arguing, he pulled Dunk onto the bed beside him. He reached up, gently cupping Dunkâs cheek, his thumb brushing over the faint marks where that man's fingers had been. The reminder of what had happened made Joongâs stomach twist with anger.
His touch softened as he cradled Dunkâs face.
Joong:
I wonât let anyone touch you like that ever again. I swear⦠Iâll kill them if they even try
Dunkâs eyes widened slightly at the intensity in Joongâs voice, but before he could respond, Joong pulled him into a tight embrace.
He ran his fingers through Dunkâs soft hair, holding him close, as if trying to shield him from the world.
Joong:
Please donât be sad anymore. Youâre safe now.
Dunk felt the warmth of Joongâs arms. He nodded slowly before pulling back slightly, finally managing a small, bright smile.
Dunk:
Okay
Joong smiled too, his fingers lightly ruffling Dunkâs hair.
Phuwin stood by the slightly open door, watching them quietly. His lips curled into a small smile as he observed their interaction.
He had been worried about how shaken Dunk was, but seeing the way Joong held him, reassured him, and protected him it was clear that Dunk had found his safe place.
Phuwin let out a small sigh, shaking his head with amusement before silently walking away to give them privacy.
Pond finally arrived at the apartment, carrying a small duffel bag filled with his and Phuwinâs clothes. He shut the door behind him and stretched his arms, letting out a small yawn.
Pond:
Hey, Iâm here! Is dinner ready?
Before anyone else could respond, Dunk immediately perked up, his eyes lighting up with excitement.
Dunk:
Yes, yes!! Come quickly, Phuwin and Joong made it!
Pond raised an eyebrow and smirked as he set the bag down near the couch.
Pond:
Aww, Dunk, were you waiting for me? Thatâs so sweet of you
Before Dunk could answer, Phuwin scoffed and placed his hands on his hips.
Phuwin:
Oh, hello, mister! Donât flatter yourself. Dunk was completely ready to eat! I was the one waiting for you. If his Joong is with him, he wonât wait for anyone
Dunk immediately giggled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. Instead of answering, he quickly ran behind Joong, hiding behind his back while peeking out at Pond playfully.
Pond gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his chest as if he had just been betrayed.
Pond:
Dunk, you are so naughty! You didnât want to wait for me, huh?
Dunk only stuck his tongue out playfully before wrapping his arms around Joongâs waist from behind. Joong chuckled at Dunkâs antics before turning to Pond with a smirk.
Joong:
Hey, donât say anything to my Dunk. He was hungry, but he still didnât eat. Thatâs enough proof of his patience.
Pond rolled his eyes, crossing his arms.
Pond:
Yeah, yeah. If it werenât for you, I bet Dunk would have started eating long ago
Before anyone could argue further, Joong gently patted Dunkâs hands that were still wrapped around his waist.
Joong:
Alright, enough talking. Letâs eat together.
Dunk immediately unwrapped his arms and ran toward the dining table, plopping down onto a chair with a bright smile.
Dunk:
Come, come! Letâs eat!
Joong, Phuwin, and Pond followed, sitting around the table as warm food was served in front of them