From a distance, hidden behind the thick cover of trees, Jim watched them
His eyes narrowed as he saw the golden glitters spreading in the air around Joong, surrounding him
Jim's grip on the steering wheel tightened
Jim:
What the hell is this? Is dunk a magician or something?
The more he watched, the more suspicious he became. This wasnât normal.
He had always believed Joongâs new partner, Dunk, was just another pretty face. Someone the company paired him with to boost his career.
But now?
Now, he wasnât so sure.
Jim:
This isnât just fanservice⦠something is off.
His mind raced with questions as he started the engine.
Jim:
I have to find out whatâs going on.
With one last glance at Joong and Dunk, he sped off into the night.
Joong exhaled deeply, still mesmerized by what had just happened.
The golden glow, the way Dunk made the butterfly shine-it was unlike anything he had ever seen.
He turned to Dunk, who was still smiling, eyes twinkling like stars.
Joong:
Dunk, letâs go home
Dunk hesitated, looking around at the beautiful park once more.
Dunk:
Joong⦠this place is so beautiful. I want to stay here longer
Joong smiled gently.
Joong:
Weâll come back, okay?
Dunk turned to him, nodding excitedly.
Dunk:
Promise?
Joong chuckled, reaching out to flick Dunkâs forehead lightly.
Joong:
Promise
Dunk grinned, and with that, they headed back to the apartment.
Joong shut the apartment door behind them as Dunk immediately flopped onto the bed, sprawling out on his stomach with his phone in his hands.
Joong ruffled his own hair, stretching a bit before pulling out his phone.
Joong:
Dunk, Iâm going to order food. What do you want to eat?
Dunk, without even looking up, answered instantly.
Dunk:
Ice cream!
Joong narrowed his eyes.
Joong:
Huh? We just had ice cream in the evening. Itâs dinner time, Dunk
Dunk turned onto his back, grinning.
Dunk:
So? Ice cream can be dinner too
Joong rolled his eyes, sighing.
Joong:
No, you need real food
Dunk pouted slightly but quickly gave in.
Dunk:
Okay, anything is fine as long as thereâs no meat.
Joong nodded, opening the food app to place the order.
Meanwhile, Dunk remained on the bed, lazily scrolling through his phone.
After a few minutes, Joong finished ordering and laid down beside Dunk.
Dunk immediately looked up at him, his eyes twinkling with excitement.
Without a word, he pointed at his cheek.
Joong raised an eyebrow.
Joong:
What?
Dunk, still silent, pointed at his cheek again.
Dunk:
Here. Kiss me, Joong
Joongâs heart skipped a beat.
The way Dunk said it so innocently, so casually made Joong freeze.
Joong:
Wh-why?
Dunk turned his phone screen toward Joong.
It was a picture of Pond and Phuwin Phuwin kissing Pondâs cheek with a teasing caption underneath:
Even in our busy schedule, we make time for some sweetness â¤ï¸
Dunk pouted.
Dunk:
Look at this! Pond and Phuwin sent me their photo
Joong glanced at the image before looking back at Dunk.
Joong:
So?
Dunk:
So, I need a picture too! Kiss me, Joong!!
Joong hesitated, his heart racing.
Joong:
(This boy is going to be the death of me.)
Dunk tilted his head, blinking innocently.
Dunk:
Joong?
Joong sighed.
Slowly, he leaned in and pressed a soft peck on Dunkâs cheek.
Click!
Dunk had already clicked the selfie before Joong could pull away.
Dunk:
Yes! Now Iâll show them that I have my Joong!
Joong blinked, staring at him.
Joong:
Youâre doing this just to show them?
Dunk nodded happily.
Dunk:
Umm hmm! Yes!
Joong swallowed, looking away for a brief moment.
Just for that?
Something about that answer⦠stung.
A strange, unfamiliar ache settled in his chest.
Before he could stop himself, he asked
Joong:
Dunk⦠donât you feel anything?
Dunkâs expression turned confused.
Dunk:
Huh? Feel what?
Joong shook his head, quickly covering up his slip.
Joong:
Nothing
But Dunk wasnât satisfied.
He sat up immediately, looking down at Joong with concern.
Dunk:
No, tell me, Joong. Did I make you upset?
Joong avoided Dunkâs gaze.
Joong:
N-no, Dunk
Dunk frowned.
Without hesitation, he cupped Joongâs face in his hands, forcing him to look at him.
Dunk:
Joong, I can never see you sad. Thatâs the last thing I want in my life. Please, tell me whatâs wrong
Joong felt his throat tighten.
Joong:
(This boyâ¦
Why he's so kind?....Why he's so gentle?)
And why, why, did Joong feel like his own feelings were breaking him apart?
Joong tried to hold back his emotions, but his eyes slightly glistened with unshed tears.
Dunkâs breath hitched when he noticed.
Without a second thought, he leaned forward, resting his forehead against Joongâs.
Joongâs eyes widened at the sudden closeness.
Dunk:
Joong⦠I will do anything to make you happy. But please⦠donât cry.
Joong sucked in a shaky breath.
His hands instinctively reached up, resting on Dunkâs wrists as they held his face.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Joong closed his eyes, letting himself get lost in the warmth of Dunkâs touch.
But even as Dunk held him, whispering promises of never wanting to see him sad-
Joong knew one truth that he couldnât escape.
He loved Dunk.
More than Dunk could ever
Joong sighed, still feeling the warmth of Dunkâs hands on his face, and forced a small smile.
Joong:
Dunk, itâs okay. I'm fine now
Dunk didnât move. His eyebrows furrowed as he stared at Joong, searching his face.
Dunk:
Youâre not going to tell me?
Joong hesitated for a second before sighing. He couldnât let Dunk worry.
Joong:
I was just⦠missing my parents, thatâs all
Dunkâs expression softened.
Dunk:
Parents? Where are they?
Joong leaned back against the headboard, his gaze turning distant.
Joong:
They live in Turkey
Dunk tilted his head, thinking for a moment.
Dunk:
Turkey� Is that far?
Joong smiled slightly, nodding.
Joong:
Yes, very far. Another country
Dunk pursed his lips, deep in thought. Then, with full confidence, he said
Dunk:
Donât worry, one day we will go there together
Joong blinked, his heart skipping at Dunkâs certainty.
Joong:
Yeah?
Dunk nodded, his face full of determination.
Dunk:
Yes! I want to see where Joongâs parents live
Joong chuckled, the heaviness in his chest easing a little.
Joong:
Alright. Iâll take you there one day, okay?
Dunkâs face lit up.
Dunk:
Promise?
Joong held out his pinky.
Joong:
Promise
Dunk immediately linked his pinky with Joongâs, sealing their little deal.
But then, Dunkâs smile faltered as he looked at Joong again. His eyes softened with concern.
Dunk:
But for now⦠donât be sad, okay?
Joong nodded, but before he could say anything, Dunk added-
Dunk:
Because if you cry, Iâll cry too
Joongâs heart clenched.
Without thinking, he opened his arms.
Dunk immediately moved closer, laying his head against Joongâs chest and wrapping his arms around Joongâs waist.
Joong let out a deep breath, resting his chin lightly on Dunkâs soft hair. His arms wrapped around Dunk protectively, holding him close.
Dunk nuzzled into Joongâs warmth, his fingers lightly gripping Joongâs shirt.
Dunk:
You feel warm, Joongâ¦
Joong smiled to himself, rubbing Dunkâs back gently.
Just as Joong started to relax, thinking Dunk had fallen asleep
Ding-dong!
The sound of the doorbell, making them both jump slightly.
Joong sighed.
Joong:
That must be the food
Carefully, he unwrapped Dunkâs arms from around him and stood up.
Dunk groaned, rubbing his eyes sleepily.
Dunk:
Joong⦠you ruined the moment
Joong chuckled as he walked to the door.
Joong:
Donât be dramatic. Come and eat.
Dunk stretched on the bed, yawning.
Dunk:
Okay, coming!!
Joong opened the door, took the bags from the delivery guy, and walked back inside.
He glanced at Dunk, who was now sitting up on the bed, rubbing his eyes adorably like a sleepy child.
Joong shook his head, smiling fondly.
Joong:
Come here before I eat everything myself.
Dunkâs eyes widened, and he immediately got up, rushing to the table.
Dunk:
Nooo! Joong, donât you dare!
Joong laughed, setting the food down.
Dunk eagerly sat beside him