Two Years Later
The city lights twinkled in the distance, The sky was painted in soft shades of orange and pink, a sight Joong had once shared with someone he loved more than life itself.
Someone the world had forgotten.
Someone who, to everyone else, had never existed.
Joong sat on the balcony of his apartment, he was waiting for his friend, Khaotung.
A psychologist.
His psychologist.
Or at least, he had been for the past two years.
Joong didnât think he needed this-he never did.
Because nothing had changed.
Not in two years.
Not in his heart.
He still remembered Dunk.
Still felt Dunk.
And no amount of therapy could take that away from him.
Just then, the sound of the apartment door opening pulled Joong out of his thoughts.
Khaotung stepped in, dressed in his usual casual yet professional attire, carrying his clipboard even though he never really used it.
Khaotung:
Hey, How are you feeling today?
Joong didnât even turn his head, his gaze still fixed on the horizon.
Joong:
Same
Khaotung sighed, walking closer and pulling up a chair beside him.
Khaotung:
After two years, I can finally say⦠maybe you really donât need this
Joong let out a small chuckle, though there was no real amusement in his voice.
Joong:
Told you
Khaotung shook his head, leaning back against the chair.
Khaotung:
Still, itâs my last day, so as a final session, why donât you share something with me?
Joongâs brows furrowed slightly as he finally turned his head to look at his friend.
Joong:
Youâre saying that like you actually believe me
Khaotung smiled.
Khaotung:
Come on, I never said I donât believe you, did I?
Joong studied him for a moment before exhaling softly, shaking his head.
Joong:
What do you want to know?
Khaotung shrugged.
Khaotung:
Anything. Just⦠tell me about Dunk
Joong took a deep breath, his eyes drifting back to the sunset.
For a moment, he was quiet.
Then, a soft, bittersweet smile graced his lips.
Joong:
My Dunk⦠He was real
His voice was steady, but there was a deep ache hidden beneath his words.
Joong:
He was my soulmate. The purest, most innocent soul Iâve ever known. No one can replace him.
Joong closed his eyes briefly, allowing the memories to wash over him like waves some gentle, some suffocating.
Joong:
I still love him. And I always will
Khaotung listened
Khaotung:
He mustâve been really special.
Joong chuckled softly, nodding.
Joong:
He was. You know, my Dunk loved pancakes. He wanted to eat them every single day
Khaotung:
Thatâs adorable
Joongâs smile widened slightly as he remembered.
Joong:
Yeah⦠He was so cute. He loved ice cream, cakes everything sweet, just like a little kid. He had this way of making even the simplest things seem magical.
Joong paused, his smile turning fonder.
Joong:
Do you know what he called a phone?
Khaotung shook his head.
Khaotung:
What?
Joong let out a small laugh.
Joong:
Magic box
Khaotung chuckled along with him, but Joongâs mind was already lost in the past.
Joong:
He loved to tease me. He loved me a lot I know he did. And even though I canât see him anymoreâ¦
He placed a hand over his heart.
Joong:
I know heâs still here
Khaotung watched him for a moment
Khaotung:
Dunk mustâve been lucky to have you
Joong shook his head instantly.
Joong:
No⦠Iâm the lucky one. Because I got to love him.
Khaotung didnât argue.
Because for the first time in two years, Joong wasnât a patient.
He was just a manâ¦
A man who loved someone so deeply that not even time, reality, or the worldâs amnesia could take it away from him.
Joong's eyes fixed on the sky, lost in thoughts that had haunted him for the past two years.
Khaotung:
I wish he could see how much this is hurting
Joong let out a hollow chuckle, shaking his head.
Joong:
I donât think thatâs important. I just⦠want him to be happy. Wherever he is
Khaotung:
So, lover boy⦠what about your career? Donât you want to act again?
Joongâs lips pressed into a thin line.
Joong:
How am I supposed to act without him?
He looked down at his hands, his fingers curling slightly.
Joong:
Our series⦠the one no one remembers⦠itâs still unfinished. Itâs like the whole world forgot it ever existed, except for me.
Khaotung sighed, sensing the pain laced within Joongâs words.
Khaotung:
I just wish youâd do what makes you happy
Joong:
He made me happy
Khaotung had no response to that.
So he simply stood up, giving Joongâs shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
Khaotung:
Take care, Joong
Joong nodded wordlessly, and Khaotung left, the apartment door clicking shut behind him.
Joong continued to stare at the sky, his expression unreadable.
And then, barely above a whisper, he spoke.
Joong:
Are you watching me, Dunk?
His voice was soft, but the tremble in it was undeniable.
Joong:
Do you know how hard it is to love you from here⦠not being able to see your face?
His throat tightened.
Joong:
I miss you⦠I miss you so much, Dunk
He took a shaky breath, trying to steady himself, but the weight of his emotions was unbearable.
Joong:
Come back to me.
His voice cracked.
Joong:
I swear I'll never leave you alone again
Tears burned his eyes, spilling onto his cheeks before he could stop them.
Joong:
Do you think of me⦠at least once?
Joong:
Donât you want to eat pancakes?
A bitter laugh escaped him, but it quickly faded into sobs.
Joong:
Dunk, itâs killing me. I just want to see you once......just once.
The words came out in choked gasps, his body trembling with the weight of his sorrow.
Joong:
Baby, itâs your favorite humanâs birthday today
His lips quivered as he forced a smile through his tears.
Joong:
Donât you want to come and celebrate with me?
Silence.
No answer.
Joong buried his face in his hands, crying harder than he had in a long time.
Eventually, exhausted and emotionally drained, he pulled himself off the chair and stumbled into his bedroom.
He didnât even bother closing the door.
The emptiness felt suffocating.
Without thinking, he collapsed onto his bed, burying his face in the pillow.
His body ached from longing.
From loving someone who was no longer here. From remembering someone the world had forgotten.
And just like that⦠he cried himself to sleep. Like he had for the past two years........