Chapter 7: Part 7

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Joong and Dunk are driving in the car. Dunk hugs the giant bear plushie tightly while looking out of the window, His stomach growls suddenly, making Joong glance at him from the corner of his eye.

Dunk:

Joong

Joong:

Hmm

Dunk:

Joong… people here don’t eat in the afternoon?

Joong’s hands tighten briefly on the steering wheel, realizing he hasn’t fed Dunk since breakfast.

Joong:

Ah, I forgot. Come on, I’ll take you to eat

Dunk:

Yes please

Joong parks the car in front of a small vegetarian restaurant tucked into a quiet corner of the city. Dunk steps out, holding his bear close, and looks around with curiosity as Joong leads him inside

They sit at a table in the corner of the restaurant. Joong picks up the menu and hands it to Dunk, who stares at it with wide eyes

Joong:

What do you want to eat?

Dunk:

Anything is okay, as long as it’s not an animal.

Joong suppresses a chuckle, closing the menu and signaling to the waiter. He orders a variety of vegetarian dishes, including stir-fried vegetables, tofu curry, and a fruit salad. Dunk observes everything Joong does with fascination

Dunk:

Joong, you said your face is famous. But now you’ll eat, and people will see you

Joong:

That’s why I chose this quiet place. There’s not much of a crowd here

Dunk:

You’re smart, Joong

Joong leans back in his chair, a smile tugging at his lips. Before he can reply, the waiter arrives with their food, placing the dishes neatly on the table. Dunk’s eyes light up as he looks at the colorful spread

Dunk:

It looks so good!

Joong:

Eat, and don’t make a mess

Dunk digs into the food eagerly, fumbling with the chopsticks but managing to get pieces of tofu and vegetables into his mouth. Joong eats more slowly, glancing occasionally at Dunk with an amusement and exasperation

Dunk:

Joong, this is amazing! Humans make such tasty food

Joong:

I told you

Dunk pauses for a moment, looking at Joong with a serious expression.

Dunk:

Joong, thank you for bringing me here. You’re very kind

He looked away, hiding a small smile

Joong:

Just eat

Dunk finishes his meal, he leans back in his chair with a satisfied sigh, patting his stomach. Joong glances at him and shakes his head, standing up to pay the bill

Joong:

Let’s go before you find something else to distract you.

Dunk:

Okay Joong

They leave the restaurant, Dunk skipping slightly as he follows Joong, his bear swinging happily in his arms

Joong parks the car in an empty corner of the lot and pulls out the newly purchased phone and sim card. Dunk sits in the passenger seat, holding his bear plushie tightly, his eyes curiously watching Joong’s every move

Dunk:

Joong, what are you doing?

Joong:

I’m putting this sim card in so my friends can contact me

Dunk:

Will you talk to them from this… thing?

Joong:

Yes

Dunk:

Really???

Before Joong can reply, the phone suddenly rings, the loud sound startling Dunk. He jumps in his seat, clutching the bear tightly

Dunk:

Oh! What was that?!

Joong:

Wait, Dunk. It’s just the phone

Joong answers the call, his voice steady but hurried

Joong:

Yes, Pond. I’m coming, just give me a bit more time

Dunk tilts his head, trying to make sense of Joong’s conversation. As Joong hangs up the call, Dunk looks at him intently

Dunk:

Where are you going, Joong?

Joong:

Listen, Dunk. I’m taking you to my workplace, but you have to promise me something

Dunk:

What promise??

Joong:

Behave yourself. Don’t cause any trouble. And most importantly…

he leans closer for emphasis

Joong:

Don’t tell anyone about your moon story or anything related to it

Dunk:

Okay, I promise, Joong. I’ll be good

Joong leans back with a sigh of relief and starts the car, glancing at Dunk briefly

Joong:

Let’s hope you stick to that promise

He muttered under his breath

Dunk:

Don’t worry, Joong. I’ll make you proud!

Joong shakes his head, he drive off toward his workplace

Joong and Dunk step out of the car and into the bustling parking lot of the building. Dunk clings to Joong’s arm, his innocent eyes scanning the towering structure.

Dunk:

Joong, is this your working place?

Joong:

Yes. Remember, don’t say anything strange

They enter the building, a hush falls over the lobby. Every head turns to stare at Dunk. His delicate features and natural charm seem to radiate, captivating everyone around. Dunk notices the stares and leans closer to Joong

Dunk:

Joong… why are they staring at me? Did I do something wrong?

Joong:

Don’t worry. Just stay close to me

Before Dunk can reply, Pond and Phuwin, both dressed in workout gear and chatting animatedly. Pond’s eyes widen when he spots Joong

Pond:

Hey, buddy! Phi Tha was asking for you. And wait-who’s this? Isn’t he the same boy?

Joong:

Yes, he is

Phuwin:

But how is he here?

Joong:

It’s a long story. Don’t ask right now

Dunk, oblivious to the tension, smiles warmly at them

Dunk:

Hello, I'm dunk

Dunk’s polite introduction settles, more actors step out of the gym. Force, who immediately notices the duo and approaches with a welcoming smile

Force:

Nong Joong! How are you? And who’s this pretty boy?

Dunk:

I’m Joong’s boyfriend, and I’m from the village!

The room goes silent. Everyone looks at Joong with raised eyebrows, trying to process Dunk’s words. Joong’s face turns crimson

Joong:

No! No, phi! He’s my friend. Just a friend.

He panicked

Dunk:

But Joong, you said I’m a boy and your friend. That makes me your boyfriend!

Pond bursts out laughing, clutching his stomach, while Phuwin glares at him, crossing his arms

Pond:

Joong, your new friend is hilarious. I like him already!

Hitting him

Phuwin:

Mr. Naravit, behave yourself. You’re with me. Have some shame!

Joong:

Dunk, come with me. Now.

Joong grabs Dunk’s wrist and pulls him away from the group, not wanting to leave him alone with anyone else. Dunk glances back, waving enthusiastically at Pond and the others

Dunk:

Nice to meet you all! I’ll see you later!

Joong and Dunk step into the sleek, modern office. The walls are lined with awards and photos of famous actors

Tha:

Oh Joong

Joong:

Why did you call me here?

Tha’s eyes shift to Dunk, who is standing slightly behind Joong

Tha:

Before that, tell me, who is this boy?

stepping forward with a smile

Dunk:

I'm-

Joong:

My friend!!

Tha narrows his eyes slightly, studying Dunk’s face as if trying to place him

Tha:

Hmm, okay, leave it.....I called you to inform you that you won’t be attending the fan meet with the other artists.

Joong:

What? Why not?

Tha:

It’s simple. All the artists attending are couples. You, on the other hand, don’t have a partner. So, you’re not going

Joong:

What about my fans? Have you even thought about them? They’ve been waiting for me!

Tha:

Your fans will understand. The fan meet is for promoting pairs. You’d just be out of place there

Dunk watches the exchange, his brows furrowed as he tries to piece together what’s happening.

Without waiting for a response, Joong storms out of the office, slamming the door behind him. He doesn’t realize that Dunk is still standing there, unsure of what to do

Dunk:

Umm...i should  leave

Tha:

Wait. You... have you ever thought about working in cinema?

Dunk:

Cinema? What is that?

Tha:

What? Are you serious? Movies, acting... becoming an actor?

Dunk:

Oh! But I don’t know how to do that

Before Tha can respond, the office door bursts open again. Joong strides in, his face a mix of frustration and panic. He sees Dunk standing with Tha and quickly grabs his wrist

Gritting his teeths

Joong:

You’re coming with me.

Tha:

Hey! Wait, Joong. I was just-

Joong:

Don’t even think about it

Dunk stumbles slightly as Joong pulls him out of the room

Dunk:

Joong, why are you so angry? I was just talking to him

Joong:

You don’t need to talk to him. Ever

Dunk glances back at Tha, who watches them leave with an intrigued expression.