Joong was leaning against the couch, scrolling through some messages on his phone, while Dunk sat nearby, still tinkering with his phone. A sudden knock at the door interrupted the quiet moment. Joong glanced up.
Joong
Who is it?
Gemini:
Phi, itâs me
Joong stood up and opened the door, revealing Gemini, who looked visibly upset, his arms crossed and a pout on his face.
Joong:
Nong, what happened?
Gemini walked in, throwing his hands in the air in frustration
Gemini:
Phi! I wonât talk to that Fourth anymore!
Joong blinked, confused.
Joong:
Why? What happened now?
Gemini:
He said he wonât go to Japan for the fan meet if youâre not going!
Joong sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Joong:
Thatâs wrong, Gemini. Both of you have to go. Itâs not just about you two-itâs about the fans.
Gemini:
Exactly, Phi! Thatâs what I told him! But heâs so stubborn
Hearing the conversation, Dunk walked over, tilting his head curiously.
Dunk:
What happened Joong?
Joong turned to him with a small sigh.
Joong:
Geminiâs partner, Fourth, is refusing to attend the fan meet in Japan because Iâm not going.
Dunkâs eyes lit up with curiosity, his attention fully on Gemini now.
Dunk:
Oh, so you and Fourth act like that too? Like Joong does withâ¦
Joong cleared his throat to cut the moment short
Joong:
Gemini, donât worry. Iâll meet you both this evening, and Iâll talk to him. Iâll make him understand, okay?
Gemini exhaled in relief, nodding.
Gemini:
Thank you, Phi. I knew youâd help. I really donât want to argue with him about this anymore.
Joong:
Iâll handle this. Donât stress.
Gemini checked the time on his watch and his eyes widened slightly
Gemini:
I have to go now! My shootâs about to start. Thank you so much, Phi. Youâre the best
Joong:
All the best for your shoot. Donât let this distract you
Gemini:
I wonât, Phi. Bye!
He waved at both Joong and Dunk as he left, the door clicking shut behind him.
Evening
Joong sat at the dining table, sipping his coffee and scrolling through his schedule for the day. Dunk was nearby, watching Joong with curious eyes as if debating whether to ask him something. Finally, he spoke up.
Dunk:
Joong, are you going to that big building again today?
Joong glanced up from his phone, raising an eyebrow.
Joong:
No, not today. My friends and I are meeting at another place
Dunk:
Joong, can you take me with you?
Joong shook his head immediately.
Joong:
No, Dunk
Dunkâs expression fell instantly, and he pouted. He sat on the chair across from Joong, resting his chin in his hands dramatically.
Dunk:
But Joong, Iâll be alone here
Joong sighed, trying not to give in to Dunkâs pleading gaze
Joong:
Dunk, if I take you, you have to promise not to talk about anything unusual
Dunkâs eyes lit up as he sat up straight.
Dunk:
I promise, Joong! I wonât say anything. Please take me with you.
Joong stared at him for a moment, knowing Dunkâs tendency to get excited and talkative, but the hopeful look on his face was hard to resist.
Joong:
Okay fine
The moment Joong agreed, Dunk let out an excited cheer and jumped up from his seat. Before Joong could react, Dunk flung his arms around Joongâs shoulders, hugging him tightly.
Dunk:
Thank you, Joong! Youâre the best!
Joong froze for a second, his heart skipping a beat at the unexpected hug. He blinked, his body stiff as he tried to process.
Joong:
Uh⦠youâre welcomeâ¦
Dunk pulled back, his face glowing with happiness. Joong glanced away, trying to hide the faint blush creeping onto his cheeks
Joong:
Go get ready. Weâre leaving in a while
Dunk:
Okay, Joong!
As Dunk rushed off to his room, Joong leaned back in his chair, letting out a small sigh. He rubbed the back of his neck
Joong:
What is wrong with me?
Joong and Dunk stepped out of the car, Dunk looking around curiously as they arrived at an upscale café. Joong seemed calm, but he was slightly tense, knowing how unpredictable Dunk could be in social situations.
As they walked toward the entrance, Dunk noticed a group waving enthusiastically at them.
Pond:
Buddy! Over here!
Dunk tugged at Joongâs sleeve, practically bouncing with excitement.
Dunk:
Joong, there, there! Theyâre calling us!
Joong glanced at Dunk, his lips turned into a small smile.
Before Joong could take a step, Dunk unexpectedly looped his arm through Joongâs, holding onto him tightly. Joong stiffened for a moment but let it slide, not wanting to cause a scene.
As they approached the table, Pond, Phuwin, Gemini, and Fourth greeted them with wide smiles.
Phuwin:
Hi, Dunk! Nice to see you again
Dunk gave a small wave and a polite smile, his usual cheerful energy radiating. Joong exchanged a few casual nods with the others, and they all sat down
While everyone chatted, Fourth couldnât help but study Dunk. He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand.
Fourth:
Phi Joong, your friend is so pretty
Joong, decided to tease Dunk for the first time. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms casually.
pretending to be unimpressed
Joong:
Really? I donât think so
The table went quiet for a second as everyone turned to look at Dunk. His usual bright smile faltered slightly, and he turned to Joong with a look that could only be described as hurt disbelief
Dunk looked genuinely upset
Gemini:
No, phi, really! Heâs so pretty. Iâve never seen anyone like him
Dunkâs face lit up again
Dunk:
I am pretty! Everyone on the moon says-
Before Dunk could finish, Joong leaned forward quickly, cutting him off mid-sentence.
Joong:
You are pretty, Dunk. So pretty
Dunk blinked at Joong in surprise, his cheeks turning a faint pink
Dunk:
Really??
Joong:
Yes
Dunk beamed at him, his earlier disappointment forgotten. The group exchanged knowing looks, Phuwin nudging Pond with his elbow.
Conversation continued, Dunk stayed close to Joong, occasionally tugging at his sleeve to ask questions or share his thoughts.
Pond leaned over
Pond:
Buddy, I think heâs way too attached to you.
Joong shrugged nonchalantly, but his small smile betrayed him.
Joong:
Heâs just⦠different