Chapter 46: Part 46

MOON PRINCEWords: 5719

Morning

Joong woke up, feeling the warmth of the morning sun on his face.

He stretched lazily, reaching out to pull Dunk close.

But his hand met nothing but empty sheets.

His heart stopped.

His breath hitched.

He immediately sat up, eyes scanning the empty space beside him.

Joong:

Dunk?

No response.

His heartbeat quickened.

He threw the blanket aside and rushed out of the bedroom, his mind racing.

What if it was just a dream?

What if everything was a lie?

What if… he lost him again?

He stepped into the hall, eyes darting around.

Joong:

Dunk?! Baby?!

No response.

The silence was suffocating.

Suddenly two warm hands wrapped around his waist from behind.

Joong’s entire body relaxed instantly.

His breath hitched in relief.

And then

That soft, familiar giggle.

Dunk:

Joong.

Joong exhaled sharply.

The fear that had gripped his heart vanished in an instant.

He turned around so fast, he nearly stumbled.

And there he was.

His Dunk.

Smiling up at him like the most beautiful dream he never wanted to wake up from.

Joong pulled him into his chest, holding him tightly.

Joong:

My baby… my love… you scared me

Dunk blinked up at him, confused.

Dunk:

Why, Joong?

Joong cupped his face, his thumb brushing over Dunk’s cheek.

Joong:

You don’t know, do you?

Dunk shook his head, his innocent eyes searching Joong’s.

Joong let out a shaky breath.

Joong:

If your return was just a dream… if I woke up and you were gone… this time, Dunk, I swear I would have quit my life.

Dunk’s smile disappeared.

His grip on Joong’s waist tightened.

Dunk:

Joong! Please don’t say that again!

Joong could feel the slight tremble in Dunk’s fingers.

The fear in his voice.

Dunk:

I came back for you. I promise I'll never leave you

Joong pulled him closer.

Holding him so tight as if he was scared Dunk would slip away again.

Joong:

I waited long enough, Dunk. I can’t live without you. Please… never leave me.

Dunk buried his face into Joong’s chest, his hands clutching Joong’s shirt.

Dunk:

Joong… I’ll never leave you

Joong closed his eyes, savoring the warmth of Dunk’s body against his.

But then Dunk said something that made Joong freeze.

Dunk:

This time… I don’t have any powers. I’m just a normal human. Like you

Joong pulled back slightly, his eyes wide.

Joong:

Really? But why? How?

Dunk smiled softly.

Dunk:

I promised my dad… if he let me return to you, I didn’t want my powers anymore. I didn’t want to be a Prince

Joong’s heart clenched.

Dunk:

I only wanted one thing

Joong swallowed hard.

Joong:

What was that?

Dunk leaned up, whispering against Joong’s lips.

Dunk:

You, Joong

Joong’s eyes watered.

He tilted his forehead against Dunk’s, his fingers threading through his soft hair.

Joong:

You don’t know how much I love you

Dunk smiled against his skin.

Dunk:

Joong, you don’t have to tell me again and again

His hands cupped Joong’s cheeks.

Dunk:

I saw you every night.

Joong sucked in a sharp breath.

Dunk leaned in and kissed away the tear that escaped Joong’s eye.

Joong’s lips trembled.

But before he could say anything, Dunk suddenly pulled back with an excited glint in his eyes.

Dunk:

Now… joong i want to eat pancakes please make for me!

Joong blinked.

And then he burst out laughing.

The Dunk he loved was truly back.

Joong:

You’re unbelievable

Dunk pouted playfully.

Dunk:

Joonggg, pleaseee?

He batted his eyelashes, showing his beautiful doe eyes.

Joong’s laughter softened.

He sighed dramatically.

Joong:

Fine. Sure, my prince.

Dunk giggled, jumping slightly on his feet.

Then, before Joong could say anything else, Dunk ran towards the kitchen.

Joong watched him with a soft smile.

He took a deep breath and followed his Dunk back into the warmth of their love.......

Joong sat comfortably on the couch, his arm wrapped protectively around Dunk.

In his other hand, a fork with a piece of pancake.

Dunk was leaning completely into Joong’s side, resting his head on Joong’s shoulder just like he used to.

A feeling so familiar.

So warm.

So perfect.

Joong brought the fork to Dunk’s lips, watching as he took the bite happily.

Dunk:

Joong, I missed these pancakes so much

Joong smiled at his cuteness.

Joong:

More than me?

Dunk blinked, chewing slowly.

Then, suddenly he giggled mischievously.

Dunk:

Yes.

Joong huffed dramatically and turned to look at Dunk with a fake glare.

Joong:

You’re becoming so naughty, Dunk

Dunk smiled brightly.

He tilted his head slightly, eyes twinkling.

Dunk:

Is that so?

Joong:

Yes. You never used to tease me like this before.

Dunk stuck his tongue out.

Dunk:

Blehh!

Joong shook his head in amusement.

Joong:

You little troublemaker

Dunk giggled and snuggled even closer to Joong.

Joong stared down at him, his heart swelling with love.

He picked up another bite of pancake and held it near Dunk’s mouth.

Joong:

Here, eat this last bite

Dunk suddenly took the fork from Joong’s hand.

Dunk:

No. Now you eat

Before Joong could say anything, Dunk brought the fork to his lips.

Joong blinked in surprise but obediently opened his mouth.

As he chewed, he hummed.

Joong:

Umm, not bad. I can cook

Dunk clapped his hands slightly, giggling.

Dunk:

Yes, Joong! You are best in everything

Joong smirked slightly.

He turned his face towards Dunk and leaned in close.

So close that his breath tickled Dunk’s cheek.

His voice dropped to a whisper.

Joong:

I’m good at one more thing too… and I’ll show you.

Dunk blinked innocently.

Dunk:

Means?

Joong chuckled deeply and ruffled Dunk’s hair, pulling back slightly.

Joong:

I guess I have to wait for it, hmm?

Dunk, still completely clueless, just nodded and hid his face in Joong’s shoulder again.

Joong smiled to himself.

Holding his Dunk tighter....