Chapter 5: Part 5

MOON PRINCEWords: 6044

Joong and Dunk are in the living room. Joong is putting on his shoes while Dunk sits on the couch, watching him like an excited child. Joong sighs, glancing up at Dunk, who looks like he’s about to burst with energy.

Joong:

No, you’re staying here. I’m going out to buy a phone. I’ll be back soon

Dunk:

Please, Joong? Take me with you na, please

Joong:

Dunk, I’m telling you. I’ll come back. It’s just a quick trip to buy a phone. That’s it

Dunk:

But I’ve never been outside with you. I’ll behave, I promise. Please na, Joong

Rubbing his temple

Joong:

Oh my god. Why are you like this?

brightening, clasping his hands together

Dunk:

So, you’ll take me?

Joong:

Okay, fine. But listen-no trouble, Dunk. I mean it. You have to behave.

Dunk:

Promise! I won’t cause any trouble

Joong:

Alright then, go and get ready

Dunk paused looking down at himself, frowning

Dunk:

But Joong, my clothes...

Joong:

Fine, wear mine for now. I’ll buy you some new ones today

Dunk:

Yesssss! Thank you, human-I mean Joong

Shaking his head, muttering under his breath

Joong:

What did I just agree to?

Moments later, Dunk returns wearing Joong’s oversized shirt and pants, which make him look even smaller. He spins in front of Joong proudly

Dunk:

Look, Joong! Your clothes are so comfy!

Glancing at him, trying to hide a small smile

Joong:

You look ridiculous. But it’s fine. Let’s go.

Dunk grabs Joong’s arm excitedly as they head out the door

Dunk:

Let's GOOOO!!!!

They were in Joong’s car, driving to the store. Dunk is sitting in the passenger seat, looking around with wide-eyed curiosity,

Dunk:

Joong, I forgot to say this last time, but this riding machine of yours is amazing!

Joong:

Riding machine? You mean the car?

Dunk:

Yes, car! It’s so fast and smooth. You know what? You should teach me how to ride this one day!

Joong coughs suddenly, his mind wandering elsewhere, his ears turning slightly red.

Dunk:

What happened? Are you okay?

Joong:

Nothing. I’m fine. Just… just stop talking for a while, okay?

leaning back, looking confused but nodding

Dunk:

Okay

They arrive at the mall, and Joong parks the car. He pulls out a mask, putting it on.

Dunk:

Joong, why are you hiding your face?

Are you… shy? Don’t worry, Joong, you’re not ugly. I swear!

Joong:

Huh??? What the-no, no! I know I’m not ugly!

Dunk:

Oh, that’s good. Then why are you covering your face?

Joong:

Because I’m famous, Dunk. People recognize me, and if they see me here, it’ll cause a scene. That’s why I need to cover my face

Dunk:

Ahhh, I see. You’re hiding your famous face, Makes sense!

Joong:

Yeah, something like that. Now, stay close and don’t wander off

Dunk nods eagerly, stepping out of the car and walking beside Joong as they head toward the store

Joong and Dunk enter the mall, Dunk’s eyes widen as he takes in the grandeur around him. Despite his fascination, he keeps a firm grip on Joong’s arm, not wanting to lose him in the crowd

Dunk:

Joong, this place is… so shiny! Is this your palace?

Joong:

No, Dunk. It’s a mall. Now stop staring at the lights and follow me

Dunk staying close to Joong, occasionally pointing at random displays in wonder...Soon, they arrive at the phone shop

Seller:

Good afternoon, sir. How may I help you today?

Joong:

I need the latest version of the iPhone

Seller:

Sir. Please wait a moment

The seller brings out a sleek, sealed box and places it on the counter. Joong inspects the packaging briefly

Seller:

Here you go, sir. Would you like to check the functions?

Joong:

Yes. And actually, give me one more

Seller:

Of course, sir. I’ll prepare it right away

He carefully scrolls through the settings. Finally, he opens the camera app and turns to Dunk, who’s been watching everything like it’s a fascinating magic trick.

Joong:

Dunk, look here and smile

Dunk:

Why??

Joong:

Just do it. Trust me

Dunk hesitates but looks directly at the phone, giving a soft, innocent smile. Joong snaps the picture, lowering the phone to review the image. He gazes at the screen, a smile tugging at his lips under the mask

Joong:

Beautiful

Dunk:

What was that, Joong? What did you do?

Joong:

Shhh. Not here. I’ll explain at home

Dunk:

Okay… but I’m not forgetting

The seller, returning with the second phone

Seller:

Sir, everything is ready. Please allow me to pack this for you

Joong:

Sure, thank you

The seller packs the phones, Dunk leans closer to Joong, whispering softly

Dunk:

Joong, do I get one of those magic boxes too?

Joong:

Magic box? You mean the phone box?

Dunk:

Yes! Can I have one?

Joong:

You’ll have to wait and see

The seller hands over the bags, and Joong pays before they leave the store. Dunk clings to Joong’s arm again

They approach a nearby phone accessories store

Joong:

Come on, we need to get a phone cover now

Dunk:

A cover? You mean like clothes for the tool- i mean phone?

Suppressing his laugh joong said

Joong:

Something like that, yeah. Let’s go

Inside the shop, the shelves are lined with colorful phone covers in various designs

Seller:

Good afternoon, sir. How may I assist you?

placing the phone model on the counter

Joong:

Can you show me some covers for this model?

Seller:

Please wait a moment

The seller brings out a tray of phone covers in different colors and patterns, laying them neatly on the counter. Dunk leans in, examining them closely.

Joong:

Dunk, choose two

Dunk:

Me? I get to choose?

Joong:

Yes, you. Go ahead

Dunk’s eyes sparkle as he eagerly starts picking through the options. After a few moments, he holds up a phone cover with a cute tom and Jerry cartoon design

Dunk:

This one! It’s so cute

Joong:

You like it?

Dunk:

yess!!! Its like me and you

Joong’s expression softens as he watches Dunk’s childlike enthusiasm

Joong:

Good choice Please pack these two

Seller:

Here you go, sir

As they leave the shop, Dunk clutches the bag containing the phone covers

Dunk:

Joong, you’re the best human I’ve met.

Joong:

The only human you’ve really met

Dunk:

Still the best!

Joong looked away shaking his head.....