Chapter 35: Part 35

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The day of the long-awaited Japan trip finally arrived, and the airport buzzed with excitement. Fans, cameras, and reporters filled the departure hall, eagerly waiting for glimpses of their favorite BL actors.

However, amidst the crowd of excited celebrities, one thing was missing-

JoongDunk.

At the Airport

Pond paced back and forth, checking his phone repeatedly.

Pond:

I'm calling Joong again. He said they're coming, but where are they?

Phuwin:

I just hope they're not late. You know how strict the flight schedule is.

Gemini:

Yeah, and the fancams are already here.

Phuwin and Pond exchanged looks.

Meanwhile, in Joong's Apartment

Joong stood at the door, tapping his foot impatiently.

Joong:

Dunk, come on! We're already late!

From inside the room, Dunk's panicked voice responded.

Dunk:

Umm, coming na, Joong! Just a second!

Joong ran a hand through his hair.

Joong:

I told you to set an alarm!

Dunk peeked out from behind the door, looking guilty.

Dunk:

But... I don't know what's an alarm...

Joong froze, blinking at him

Dunk had no idea what an alarm even was.

Joong sighed, his frustration melting in an instant.

Joong :

Okay, okay... it's my fault for assuming you knew. But please, Dunk, hurry up

Dunk nodded quickly, running around the room, grabbing last-minute things.

After what felt like an eternity, Joong and Dunk rushed through the airport doors.

Joong exhaled deeply, resting his hands on his hips.

Joong:

Finally!

Dunk, on the other hand, was spinning in circles, eyes wide as he took in the massive building around him.

Dunk:

Joong... what is this place?

Joong turned to him, confused.

Joong:

Huh? This? This is the airport.

Dunk still looked lost, but he simply nodded, trusting Joong's words.

Before Joong could explain further, they heard Phuwin calling out-

Phuwin:

Hey! Finally, you both are here!

Dunk immediately stepped forward, guilt written all over his face.

Dunk:

It's my fault! I didn't set the alarm

Joong snapped his head toward Dunk

Dunk didn't even know what an alarm was, yet he was blaming himself.

Without thinking, Joong reached out and softly ruffled Dunk's hair.

Joong:

Don't worry. We're here on time

Dunk blinked up at him, his face softening.

The moment between them was interrupted by camera flashes.

Fans were all around, clicking pictures and whispering excitedly.

Dunk frowned in confusion, leaning toward Joong.

Dunk:

Joong... this isn't an event, right? Then why are they clicking pictures?

Joong chuckled.

Joong:

They're fancams, Dunk. It's their job to take photos of us

Dunk nodded, though he still seemed unsure.

Pond:

Okay, let's go! It's almost time!

As they walked toward the boarding gate, Dunk suddenly stopped in his tracks.

His eyes widened as he pointed toward the airplane.

Dunk:

OH MY GOD, JOONG! WHAT IS THAT?! IT'S LIKE A BIG BIRD!

Joong nearly choked on air, trying to contain his laughter.

Joong:

Dunk... that's an airplane

Dunk's mouth fell open slightly.

Dunk:

We're going in that?!

Joong nodded.

Joong:

Yes. That's how we'll get to Japan

Dunk's eyes flickered with excitement and nervousness.

Dunk:

Wait... we all sit on it?

Joong chuckled.

Joong:

No, inside it

Dunk's eyes widened even more.

Dunk:

Inside?! Like... inside its stomach?

Joong burst into laughter, shaking his head.

Joong:

Sort of

Dunk still looked unsure, biting his lip.

Joong stepped closer, squeezing Dunk in a side hug.

Joong:

Promise me you won't be scared

Dunk turned toward him, his innocent eyes shining with trust.

Dunk:

If I'm with you, Joong, I won't be scared of anything or anyone

Joong's breath hitched for a moment before he forced himself to breathe normally.

Phuwin, watching from the side, nudged Pond.

Phuwin:

Look at them. When will Dunk love him back?

Pond sighed with a small smile.

Pond:

He will. Just wait

Inside the Airplane

Joong led Dunk to their seats.

Joong:

Here, this is your seat

Dunk looked at it before glancing up at Joong.

Dunk:

And yours?

Joong:

Right beside you. But let me check on the others first, okay? Don't worry.

Dunk nodded, though he seemed slightly hesitant.

Jim:

Hello everyone

Phuwin:

you?? Why are you here, it's not your fan meet!!

Jim:

Come on phuwin, Japan is not yours, I'm here with my friend okay so mind your own business

Phuwin rolled his eyes

After a while, everyone was seated, and the plane began to take off.

Dunk suddenly grabbed Joong's arm, his fingers digging into Joong's sleeve.

Dunk:

Joong...

Joong turned to see Dunk shutting his eyes tightly, his face tensed in fear.

Joong's heart softened.

Joong:

It's okay, it's okay. I'm here. Nothing will happen.

Fourth, sitting nearby, leaned over.

Fourth:

Phi Dunk, don't worry! It's safe!

Dunk nodded, but his grip on Joong tightened.

As the plane lifted off the ground, Dunk's body tensed further, his breath shaky.

He immediately turned and buried his face in Joong's chest.

Dunk:

Joong, I'm scared... I've never sat in something like this before... I'm seriously scared...

His voice cracked slightly, and Joong's heart clenched.

Without thinking, he wrapped his arms around Dunk, holding him close.

Softly, Joong pressed gentle kisses on Dunk's head.

Joong:

Baby, I'm here, okay? Just hold onto me.

Dunk didn't respond, just snuggled further into Joong's chest.

Joong placed a protective hand on Dunk's back, rubbing small circles to calm him down.

Joong:

Just look at me. Focus on me. Nothing will happen

After a moment, Dunk hesitantly peeked up at Joong.

Joong smiled reassuringly.

Joong:

See? Everyone is sitting. Nothing's happening.

Dunk looked around. True enough, everyone was relaxed-some chatting, some watching movies.

Slowly, he nodded.

Joong turned Dunk slightly toward the window.

Joong:

Look at that

Dunk hesitated but finally looked.

Dunk's eyes widened in pure wonder.

His fear melted away, replaced by awe.

Dunk:

Joong... we're in the sky...

Joong smiled, watching the way Dunk's eyes reflected the clouds.

Joong:

Yes, we are

Dunk didn't say anything else-he just kept staring at the beautiful view.

And Joong?

He kept staring at him.